The Rockaway Times: Aug. 14, 2014

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Keeping Rockaway’s Cars Going For 60 Years

By Katie McFadden

“Make sure her brakes are okay.

She’s going to Chicago,” owner Tommy Bulloch says to one of his workers, showing his concern for his customers who rely on Bulloch’s of Belle Harbor for their automotive needs.

If not in the shop, Bulloch can be found saying hello to friends, neighbors and customers that pass by.

“The thing that makes me happiest is to stand outside and wave to everybody that goes by,” Bulloch said.

Bulloch started helping at the family-owned car shop and gas station in 2001 along with his brother. The business has always been family-operated, ever since Tommy Bulloch’s grandfather, James Bulloch, opened shop more than 60 years ago. The business was then passed along to Tommy’s father, also named James. Tommy, who now owns and manages the business, started working full-time at the shop in 2006.

His passion for cars goes far beyond his involvement in the business. “I love cars. I can tell customers, not by their names or faces, but by the cars they drive. I love everything about cars. Fast cars, slow cars, high cars, low cars, I love them all,” Bulloch said.

Bulloch also has a love for the neighborhood. “You can’t compare Rockaway to any other place in the world. The people definitely make this place what it is and what I hope it will continue to be in the future,” he said. Bulloch’s siblings have also started their own local businesses.

His brother owns the Uncle Louie G ice cart near the car shop and his sister recently opened the juice shop, Local Liquids on Beach 116th Street. “This is definitely a place we all want to stay,” Bulloch said.

The Bullochs’ determination to stay has become apparent through the obstacles that they’ve overcome. The property took a direct hit by the engine of Flight 587 when it crashed in the neighborhood on November 12, 2001. “The impact wrecked everything, but everyone was okay. We were probably luckier than most people. We didn’t lose anybody. My friend lost his mother and brother that day,” Bulloch said.

“We made it out alright.”

The business took another hit with Sandy a decade later. “We got a lot of damage from Sandy, just as everyone else did, but we needed to provide a service because people had cars stuck around the neighborhood and everyone was in need of fuel,” Bulloch said.

With the help of local construc-

tion, plumbing, heating, electric and other companies, Bulloch’s was in operation about a month after the storm. “The neighborhood helped above and beyond. Everyone came and did whatever they needed to do so we could do what we could to help everyone else.”

With gasoline provided by FEMA, Bulloch’s was able to supply fuel to the neighborhood for free during a time in which families needed gas to run generators for their homes or for fuel in their cars so they could leave the peninsula.

Bulloch’s tendency to give back to the community goes beyond taking action during Sandy. The company sponsors a Rockaway Little League Team and often donates to fundraisers and charity golf outings. They’re also there for their customers. “We go the extra mile for our customers. We spoil them.

We pick them up. We take them to the beauty parlor, the bar, wherever they need to go if they can’t use their own car. I’ve lent people my own car. We have business calls forwarded to our house and cell phones. To me that’s good customer service,” Bulloch said.

With several car service shops in the neighborhood, why choose Bulloch’s? “Why not give to a business in the neighborhood that gives

Photo by Katie McFadden

Tommy Bulloch outside his shop on Beach 129th

back to the neighborhood and support a business that has been here as long as it has been? Do I go the extra mile for my customers? 100 percent.” Bulloch said. However he doesn’t mind if residents go elsewhere. “We’re friendly with the other mechanics in town like Nick’s and the guys on Beach 59th Street.

If they’re your guy, go to them, but if I can help in any way, come in and talk to me and I’ll gladly help you.”

Bulloch’s of Belle Harbor offers a wide variety of auto services. They do car repairs, towing and also function as a gas station. “We do anything and everything,” Bulloch said. They’re located at 445 Beach 129th St and are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

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The Rockaway Times

Page 3

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

President of Graybeards Stepping Down Poppa’s gonna have a brand new bag or a least a bag with less in it.

The only president The Graybeards have ever known, Steve Stathis, announced to members at a summer meeting last week that he’s resigning as president of the volunteer non-profit organization.

Stathis, affectionately known to many as Poppa Graybeard, says “change is good” and as things slow down after a very busy 21 months in the post-Sandy era, he says the timing is right to hand over the leadership. No details on naming or electing a successor have been announced.

This isn’t the first time Stathis talked of stepping down. On several occasions at membership meetings, he suggested letting someone else take over only to be shouted down in friendly fashion. So popular among members, he was called for “President of Life” and any suggestion about stepping away was always summarily rejected.

But this time, it’s happening. After a tenure that would have exhausted a team of leaders, no one could fairly ask him to stay on as president after 13 years.

In 2001, The Graybeards organization grew out of basketball league consisting of men 35 years of age and over. When 9/11 struck and the crash of Flight 587 occurred in Belle Harbor just two months later, the ballplayers decided they could do some good by joining together.

The mission: help neighbors in their time of need.

The Graybeards got to work right away. They had blood drives, did “spring spruce-ups” at which they did all they could to fix homes in a single day (though it was usually more than a single day). Before these mini-makeovers got underway, Steve would ask the families to leave and come back after 6 p.m.

He recalls the time The Graybeards were finished for the day and he and just another member were saying goodbye when he heard a little girl yelling.

“Daddy, my room! I love it and I love the Graybeards!”

That was the only kind of reward he and The Graybeards ever sought.

Over the years, the group hosted the Wounded Warriors, helped numerous families pay tuition, installed wheelchair ramps, and supported other groups like the WISH. All the while, the Graybeards remained unattached to any religious or political groups.

The organization grew and continues to grow and now counts more than 200 members. It has long since moved away from its basketball roots though many of its members, some well past 50 years old, still play.

In the eleven years after its incep-

tion, The Graybeards raised more than a million dollars through member dues, fundraisers, private donors, and support from other organizations. When Sandy struck, many Graybeards were like everyone else in Rockaway: in need. Still, just a few weeks after the storm, Steve called a meeting and dozens of men showed up to figure out how to help.

It might not seem particularly noteworthy that Steve called a meeting so soon after Sandy but it’s a perfect illustration of his leadership. He was rounding up the Graybeards to help others even though his house was severely damaged AND his business Boarders Surf Shop was destroyed.

And another footnote. His uncle was among the people who died the night of Sandy. Yet, he determined there was strength in numbers and if Rockaway was going to make a comeback it could use some help from the organization of volunteers he knew so well.

The Graybeards through donations from hundreds of people and organizations raised more than $1.4 million. And gave it all away. From the outset, Steve and the board decided the Graybeards would assume administrative costs and give away whatever relief money came in. The needs were deep and countless people were suffering. Tough decisions followed about whom would get help and how much help. Ultimately, the Graybeards gave assistance to more than 800 families.

Although charitable endeavors were at the heart of the mission, Steve always insisted that fun and good times be part of the culture.

Under Steve’s leadership, the Graybeards have held beach parties, card games, fishing trips, and golf outings. “It’s good to be a Graybeard,” he likes to say.

He is stepping away from the leadership spot but will remain an active member though it won’t be easy. Steve and his son, Christian (also a Graybeard) got Boarders Surf Shop running again after Sandy and now plan on opening a virtual golf business with a bar some time in the fall.

Steve has led more than the Graybeards. For all the talk of the Rockaway Beach revival that has occurred in recent years it’s often overlooked that Steve and his surf shop which opened in 2004 helped ignite the new energy.

He leads and that’s why he’ll be missed by The Graybeards. Board member Brian King said, “Whoever steps into Steve’s shoes better learn how to clone himself because Steve’s been everywhere and doing everything for the last 13 years.”

On his way out, Steve can’t help but look back. “The greatest ac-

Photo courtesy of Lou Pastina

complishment is not a specific thing we did to help someone. For me it’s that we created an organization, which has grown to be recognized and respected by the people in our communities. It is the go-to organization when someone needs help. I truly believe that our mission statement: ‘To help our neighbor in their time of need’ says it all.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined we would have come this far and accomplished so much. I have said it before and I will say it again. I have been blessed to have been surrounded by some of the best people on earth. The members all joined because they wanted to give back to their community and give back they did. And we always had fun doing whatever we were doing. Seems like almost every time we would do anything we’d end the day with pizza and a

cold beer. I guess it is our way of celebrating helping others.

“I hope this thing of ours goes on forever. Oh, and by the way, none of this would have been possible if I didn’t have the support of my family, especially my wife of 42 years, Kathy. Thank you, babe!

“I’m getting long winded here and if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s “shorter is better”, but how do I summarize 13 years at the helm of the Graybeards? I laughed, cried, made new friends, lost friends, helped others, had lots of fun and survived terrible tragedies all thanks to a wonderful group of people, who I have had the pleasure of being their President - The Graybeards.”

The Graybeards know there’ll be another president. There just won’t be another Poppa.

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By Kevin Boyle

Page 4

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

The Rockaway Times

One Year Later Science and Resilience Institute Sees Progress

By Bianca Fortis

A year after the formal announcement of its creation, the Science and Resilience Institute is moving toward its goal of becoming a top-tier research facility. The SRI comprises a consortium of several different educational and research institutions, which will research resiliency in an urban ecosystem.

Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg made the announcement a year ago at a press conference at Riis Landing overlooking Jamaica Bay, while standing alongside United States Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and former Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.

The SRI will provide lab facilities for researchers and students, as well as hold events and host visiting scientists.

“From my perspective, this is a foundational approach to looking at the question of resilience in a sub-regional and community or neighborhood context,” Bill Solecki, the SRI’s interim executive director, said. “I think the work we’re doing here will provide

tremendous insight, not only for opportunities for resilience in Jamaica Bay, but that can also be transferred to other communities in the city and other locations across the U.S.” The Institute will be temporarily hosted at Brooklyn College while stakeholders look at possible locations throughout Jamaica Bay for a new facility.“We’re looking to see if an existing building could be retrofitted to fit our needs or if there are resources to build a new building,” Solecki said.

Solecki said the international search for a permanent executive director is underway; they hope to choose someone by the fall and have him or her start this year, he said.

Bloomberg had allocated $3 million for the SRI, but each of the consortium organizations was tasked with fundraising; the funds will be used for operations, the new facility and research projects.

Within the last few weeks the SRI secured more than $10 million.

At the end of July Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the first round of winners of the CUNY 2020 pro-

gram, which gave $55 million to innovative academic programs.

The SRI won $7 million which will go toward constructing the new center.

“The Institute is projected to create more than 784 jobs related to research and construction along with revitalization, increased use and expanded access to Jamaica Bay,” according to a release issued by the Governor’s office.

Recently the SRI was awarded $3.6 million from the Department of the Interior’s Hurricane Sandy Mitigation Funding, which will be used for research. Projects will focus specifically on climate change and resilient ecosystems, water quality, restoration science and storm damage reduction.

According to the National Park Service, two councils have been established to work with the SRI. One is the Public Agencies Council, which is made up of the city, state and federal agencies that work on and near Jamaica Bay,” Mindi Rambo, an NPS representative, said in an email. “The other is the Stakeholders Council, which is made up of organizations that

have an interest in Jamaica Bay.” The SRI has hosted a lecture series throughout the summer.

Solecki said the community has been enthusiastic about the lectures.

The next lecture will be by Larry Swanson of Stony Brook University. It will take place this Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center in Broad Channel.

Swanson is the Associate Dean of the university’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and the Director of the Waste Reduction and Management Institute.

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Name Game rally and plea to keep the ferry but that stuff goes into a vacuum. Ah, but the mere mention that Weiner is thinking about opening a restaurant in Rockaway snaps the media awake. Even those across the pond.

The London-based newspaper, The Daily Mail picked up our story and asked in a headline: “Has Weiner swapped politics for chef’s whites? Mayor candidate linked to restaurant project that will train drug addicts and convicts to be

cooks.”

And, of course, there’s nothing like an Anthony Weiner story to turn everyone into jokester. The New York Post asked, What’s on the menu, wiener schnitzel and humble pie?

Meanwhile locals chimed in on our Facebook page and at RockawayTimes.com with suggestions about what to name the new venture. Somebody said, too bad Breezy Dog is already taken. How about Weiner’s World? Another suggested Rockaway Weiner just in case tacos ever go out of style. Anthony’s Weiners was a simple suggestion. Another one recalled the alleged alter ego that was exposed during his mayoral campaign. The suggestion? Danger Dogs.

That’s a reference, of course, to Carlos Danger the name Weiner used for online shenanigans. And that prompted Matt Walsh to suggest a sad truth: If Weiner were mayor, we’d keep the ferry. Carlos Danger may have stolen the ferry.

And someone else was just tired of Weiner. Would somebody just show this guy the Bronx? **Boyleing Over: It pretty much went without notice but last Sunday, August 10, marked 37 years since David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam, was arrested. Because it seemed he was targeting “lovers’ lanes,” those places were empty for many months. The night after

he was arrested, couples were back in cars watching submarine races as they were cornily called. If you were born in the spring of 1978 you might ask your parents where they were on August 11, 1977.

And what’s the Rockaway connection here? Back then on Thursday nights, bands played at the Silver Gull and hundreds of young people came to party. After his arrest, Berkowitz said he was going to do a mass shooting and go out in “blaze of glory.” He mentioned doing it at Hamptons nightclub but that was translated into imagine if he did it at Silver Gull. ***Speaking of nine months later and offspring, the piping plovers had a baby boom, producing five times more fledglings than last year. Just what we needed. More birds, less beach. Anthony Weiner won’t be serving them for lunch by any chance? ***The annual question must be asked: why is the Night Out Against Crime held in the day time?

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Of course, Anthony Weiner is a lightning rod. Most people loved our cover showing the former congressman in a chef’s hat; some people got skeeved out.

Needless to say, all things considered – and I do mean all things considered—I thought it was pretty tame.

The Rockaway Times’ scoop – at least that’s what others called it – got picked up by all sorts of media outlets. Figures. We can decry the sorry state of the boardwalk and

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

By Alex Karinsky

Parks Puts Stop To Boogie Boards For the first time in history, an ocean facing international city has banned the outright use of boogie boards.

Chicago, which is a landlocked city, had banned them only to lift the ban when they legalized surfing. So why is our city going in reverse after we legalized surfing in 2007?

While most peninsula people know that technically it has been frowned upon to boogie board, it has been at the determination of area lifeguards to allow it or not. Not this time, it is BANNED! With little explanation and certainly no response to official emails, the NYC Parks Department has banned their use across all of NYC’s beaches. One PEP employee said on Wednesday, Aug. 6, that the official directive came from Jill Weber, Parks Department Rockaways Administrator On Monday Aug. 4. When Photo by Alex Karinsky

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The High Tide A little of this and that The bacterial bug MRSA has struck some probies at the FDNY academy. At least one of them is a Rockaway resident. Details were scant as we went to press. ***** Just in case you haven’t had it with tickets, here comes another blitz. Police say they will be targeting cyclists that do not stop at red lights, do not follow traffic signals or signs, ride against traffic or on the sidewalk, and fail to yield to pedestrians. “Operation Safe Cycle” runs through August 26. ***** Seemed sensible. Rockaway Times contributor Jules Verdone asked: Will people with family in Rockaway--and individuals and families displaced because of Sandy--have any priority in placement at the homeless shelter? Please see page 12 for the answer.

Page 7

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

***** Power of the press? After we published our story about gas prices, Mobile lowed its regular gas from $4.11 to $4.05. Anthony Weiner had a lot of people talking but the gas price story came in a strong second. ***** Save The Date. The 17th Annual Richie Knott Sr. Memorial Golf Outing is Friday, September 19th. ***** If you’ve not gotten to Rockaway! the art exhibit at Fort Tilden make an extra effort to go this weekend. The sound-art piece by Janet Cardiff currently in the chapel will close on Sunday. Many have remarked how moving this installation is. *****

Danny Ruscillo, president of the 100 Precinct Communiy Council, is warning people not to fall for an E-Zpass email scam. An email that looks like it comes from E-Zpass saying : “You have not paid for driving on a toll road” is just an attempt by thieves to steal your personal info. ***** Since ticket agents have been relentless it might be a good time to put down the paper and go check your inspection and registration stickers! ***** Congressman Meeks will have a challenger. Allen Steinhardt of Rockaway Park tells us that he has received confirmation from the NYS Board of Elections that he will appear on the ballot November 4th for a seat in Congress. ***** With a honeyfest scheduled for September, the buzz is about bees.

We just heard a beehive has found a home in Rockaway Park. Bee and honey folks say local honey is the best way to treat a number of allergies. Many have found allergy relief from taking a teaspoon of honey everyday. Local honey works best.

As far as stinging bees and other concerns – well, will have more in a Pot Luck column soon. ***** Our story about the Belle Harbor Property Owners Association having their meeting on the ferry was tweeted by Anthony Weiner who apparently is still paying attention to the ferry issue. ***** So a pleased as punch Parks person told us there’s been a baby boom among Rockaway’s piping plovers. Twelve nesting pairs of the endangered birds successfully raised about 25 fledglings this year — five times the 2013 amount. ***** There’s not a boardwalk but there are some good things happening at the concessions. Big Squid will be playing at CARACAS, Beach 106 and The Beach, this Friday, August 15th from 6-9 pm.

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The Rockaway Times

Page 8

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Editorial Beach Déjà vu All Over Again Is history repeating itself? In the summer of 2003, beachgoers in Rockaway got fed up with the enforcement of beach rules and the tickets that came with the enforcement. More than a thousand people showed for a “Take Back the Beach” rally which drew enough attention that the Parks and Police Departments seemed to get the message that exercising common sense was better than a strict interpretation of every rule. And believe us, there are rules that restrict everything.

Did you hear about the supermoon a few days ago? If you walked up to the beach for a look you were subject to a fine. People are not allowed on the beach past 9 p.m.

Good thing sunrise is now a few minutes after 6 a.m. For the past couple of months you risked a ticket if you walked on the beach to see the sun rise. Nobody on the beach before 6 a.m. is a rule as well.

If we had a boardwalk, bike riding between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends wouldn’t be allowed. Of course, there are no dogs allowed on the sand from May 1 to October 1.

And there’s this rule: Snorkels, fins, rafts, unauthorized watercraft, and other flotation devices are prohibited.

Tell the kids to leave the boogie boards at home. You might get a ticket. Tell others to leave the stand-up paddle boards at home, too. They are “unauthorized watercraft.”

Liam Kavanagh, Deputy Commissioner of Parks, said he was the one who called for the crackdown.

“Boogie boards are considered flotation devices and are prohibited under our rules. It’s on all of our consolidated rules signs. Lifeguards had to rescue two boogie boarders from a closed section of beach a week ago and I directed PEP to be more vigilant about enforcement.”

First off, maybe the PEP officers should have kept them out of a closed section. Maybe Kavanagh should have demanded PEP to be more vigilant about that – not the boogie boards.

In any case, Kavanagh should know that excessive and uneven enforcement rankles. He was at the rally in 2003.

Boogie boards are part of the Rockaway culture. Boogies boards are used by people of all ages. If someone is using them recklessly, that’s one thing. People drive cars.

If someone operates recklessly they are pulled over. The same kind of common sense enforcement could be used for watercraft and flotation devices. Most people use common sense; most people just want to enjoy the surf.

Of course, we’re going to hear the same old baloney – it’s about safety, it’s about children. Well, Parks, just go all the way then.

Make going in the ocean illegal.

Look at all the lives you’d save; all the accidents you’d prevent.

It would be for our own good.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kevin Boyle

A Fair Critique Dear Editor: Congratulations to the craft fair organizers and vendors that was held on the boardwalk last weekend. In a way it was bittersweet because it was a reminder how much the boardwalk is missed west of Beach 88th street. When we will get our boardwalk?!

I hope this craft fair becomes a tradition and that other fairs like it come to the boardwalk as well.

I have one suggestion that I think would make them even better. I think the operating hours of the fair was from 10 until 6. It would make more sense if the hours were more like 2-8 pm.

If people are going to the beach for the day they don’t want to buy something at 10 in the morning and then hold it on the beach all day. And the mid-day sun can be really strong. Shoppers don’t want to bake as they look at items for sale.

REPORTER Bianca Fortis A later start for these kind of fairs make sense. It’s great that it was held but just a little tweak and it could be perfect!

Alex Whitcomb

A Different Approach Dear Editor, Your article about “Coastal Protection Money for Breezy Point” is a eye opener. For years we were told rock jetties would not work on Rockaway beaches. Then you article states that Breezy Point and Roxbury will be getting bay walls and rock groins AKA jetties, paid for by the federal government. So I suggest we change the name of Rockaway rock jetties to GROINS. I’m sure the Feds won’t pick up on it and our flooding problem will be solved.

Dennis Brady

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Page 9

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Rockaway

By Magritte Steiglitz

The Rockaway Food Movement: Locally Grown

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nities such as Atlantic Beach, Long Beach and the Five Towns.

A little further down the way you’ll find Whitney Aycock of Whit’s End preparing freshly made pizzas- sold by the pie -in a custom wood fired oven he arranged to have shipped from Italy. Known just as much for his way with words as his classically-trained culinary skill, this local Shakespeare and captivating orator charms his guests as they watch him prepare their food to order choosing from mix of sea to table menu items caught by local fisherman, and array of authentically made pizzas.

Representing the more Western end of Rockaway’s newly coined “Restaurant Row”, Whitney works long, hard hours in order to successfully operate his business on his own terms. He does things his way, and to his credit it has paid off. Stop by on any night of the week and you will find the place busy with people, waiting however long it may take for their personal favorites. His commitment to using only the finest and freshest of ingredients and cult following is beginning garner him attention, and in this way he is helping Rockaway to be taken seriously as a community on the cusp of becoming foodie destination that can attract visitors year round.

Curious as to what was going on over at Riis Park, it seemed a like a good idea to find out more about Pura Vida Foods. Colleen O’Rourke and Melanie Dowd are the proud owners of the food truck which serves up delicious and healthy foods and smoothies. Along with their Manager, Kieran Mulvanerty, these self-described locals who

love Rockaway, first opened last year by Bay 9 as Colleen had just had given birth to her baby girl.

More recently Melanie gave birth to a baby boy on Sunday, and this year the truck can be found near the Clock Tower on the boardwalk.

Speaking on behalf of Pura Vida, Kieran said “We try to offer our customers good, fresh and healthy food, which is hard to come by in Riis, but we also try and accommodate our menu to the diversity of all palates. Our biggest sellers are our Chicken Salad Wrap and our Summer Smoothie.” She expressed their hopes to draw a more local crowd but stated that they cater mostly to visitors here for the day.

Elaborating further, she said that Pura Vida Foods aims to create a vibe that will resonate good energy, karma and positivity and that their food is “made not only with fresh and high quality ingredients but most importantly, with love.”

With the recent re-opening of The Bayhouse and Kennedy’s soon to follow, plus construction to start on Harbor Light, there is only more to look forward to. And apologies to long-time establishments, I’m covering you next! (Let’s see, Pico, Bungalow Bar, Dalton’s PasaTiempo, the Concessions, Jamesons, Thai Kitchen By the Sea, The Wharf, who’d I miss?!) I’ve run out of room but I know new things are happening at old places, too.

From one end of the peninsula to the other, there most definitely is a food movement to be celebrated here. Make no mistake- this movement is Rockaway authentic. It’s organic, locally owned and as Conrad Karl would say “homegrown from within.”

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I am by no means a foodie, pos- relax, park their surfboards, bikes sess very little talent in the kitchen and strollers. Popular dishes inand continually get teased about clude the Turkey Burger Sliders managing to burn rice. But what and my personal favorite - the I can say is that I am person who Cheese plate with green salad and watches what is happening in that cranberry sauce. Rashida also dearena as it pertains to the poten- scribed an atmosphere that is tial of the peninsula, and what I bringing both sides of the peninsee as inevitable change. It is for sula together over a glass of wine in these reasons that I try to keep a the backyard, one that is fostering close eye on the way a collaborative spirit, that Rockaway is being particularly amongst portrayed to rest of the 25-30 year olds who are ard work and getting back to their world and new business openings because long hours of res- roots, returning home I have a great interest to Rockaway as entrein watching these de- taurant life jugpreneurs to be part of velopments unfold in gled with a family a transformation that real time. still maintains the arIs Williamsburg re- have been an ea’s authenticity. ally taking over? Is the adjustment but The Rock NYC wine peninsula really being bar was closed begroomed as the next that the rewards cause a new sidewalk outpost for the hip- of having his own was being cemented ster food movement? on the night I passed For that matter, what business have by. I know it’s open is it that we would like been well beyond now and I’ve heard to represent about great reports and will the “Real Rockaway” worth it. be back. anyway? I decided to Just nearby, Uma’s find out the answers serves up authentic for myself by heading out into the Central Asian Cuisine to Rockafield, starting with Edgemere Farm way’s ever expanding palate for on 45th Street and making my way new tastes. Open since July 2013, West. It seemed only fitting that but an idea that had been in the my quest begins among the kale, works for quite some time before, corn and tomatoes where I found Conrad said that one of the iniDavid Selig, co-owner of Rocka- tial challenges he faced was comway Taco. He spoke while point- mitting to the decision to take ing out sections being farmed to the leap, while still fighting to reprovide fresh produce for local cover his home in Belle Harbor businesses like UMA’s and Cui- from damage due to Sandy. He sine by Claudette. As we talked I conceded that the hard work and watched a continuous stream of long hours of restaurant life jugpeople arrive to pick up all man- gled with a family have been an ner of fresh vegetables, herbs, and adjustment but that the rewards edible flowers being offered at the of having his own business have Saturday farm stand. Farm Grower been well beyond worth it. Initially Heidi Woolever peppered me with wishing mainly to provide a place numerous suggestions on ways to for him and his friends to eat and serve kale as she picked two fresh relax after surf sessions, he points bunches for me. out that it ended up being much Next I hit Sayra’s on Rockaway more. With its proximity to public Beach Boulevard and 91st, where transportation and the beach it is I found Rashida Jackson, co-owner no surprise Uma’s “Urban Surfer of the wine bar with Patrick Fli- Beachgoer-Friendly vibe” attracts botte. Jackson, who grew up here those coming off the train from described a dream she held for Brooklyn and Manhattan, but years, to return home and open a Conrad points out more imporplace offering healthy food alter- tantly that the restaurant receives natives along with wines that rep- the hometown crowd from “Breezy resent international surf regions Point to Far Rockaway and everyaround the world. Sayra’s provides thing in between” for best sellers a flip-flop friendly vibe with live like the Uma’s Salad. In fact they music on Thursday, Friday and are now beginning see people Saturday nights where people can come from neighboring commu-

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partment of Transportation.

The signals and street lights are standard, but have raised bases to help protect them in case another large storm strikes. The work should be done by July 2015, the DOT said.

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clares Arverne Views (Ocean Village) as the place he’ll call home.

Before breaking last week’s story Weiner cautioned The Rockaway Times saying, “don’t get over your skis” about dispensing too much information because so much was still in planning stages. His caution, however, belied what he had posted on his website.

Since the story came out, Weiner has said that he is looking at other locations besides Arverne Views. He told media outlets that Rockaway remains a hard hit place and that he’d like to open some kind of eatery in which people down on their look could learn culinary skills.

Weiner has been working with Janet Davas of New Orleans and cofounder of Liberty’s Kitchen which descries itself as “a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of New Orleans youth by providing a path to self-sufficiency through food service-based training, leadership and work-readiness programs.”

Weiner and Davas were spotted in Rockaway just a couple of weeks ago.

They were on a fact-finding mission and speaking to locals about possible locations.

DHS Meets Committee About Homeless Shelter

By Bianca Fortis A homeless shelter that recently opened in Rockaway is getting pushback from area residents, despite city officials’ attempts to ease their concerns. Representatives from the New York City Department of Homeless Services and Housing Bridge, the organization operating the facility, met with the Health and Social Services Committee of Community Board 14 Tuesday night.

According to LaToneya Burwell, a representative of the Department of Homeless Services, the city is facing a crisis of homelessness, leading to the need to open new shelters – sometimes under an emergency declaration, such as in the case of the Rockaway shelter. She said that there are over 54,000 individuals in the DHS system. There are 1,900 families, she said. Approximately 21 percent of individuals have left their homes because of domestic violence situations.

The facility, located at 316 beach 65th Street, contains 155 units and will likely house between 310 and 335 people, according to Harry Fried, a representative of Housing Bridge. The shelter is for adult families, which can include a couple’s children over the age of 18.

The individual units do not have kitchens, so there is one major kitchen and a dining hall at which Housing Bridge provides meals.

Residents have a 10 p.m. curfew and there are no guests allowed, Fried said. There are security cameras as well as security guards.

Housing Bridge has four contracts with DHS throughout the city, except for in Staten Island, Fried said. “When we move in, there are complaints,” he said about the organization’s other shelters. “But come back 6 months, 9 months, 18 months later, there are no complaints anymore.”

Seven individuals have already been hired from Rockaway to work as residential aids for $11 an hour – an added benefit of having the

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Rockaway As Canvas

facility in the community, Fried said.

The current Housing Bridge and DHS contract is for 6 months. Once it is completed, the city has the option whether or not to keep the facility open, according to Fried.

According to Burwell, the average facility costs the city $120 per unit per day. Using that figure, a facility of 155 units would amount to about $18,600 a day.

Committee members had several concerns, including panhandling by the train station and nearby shopping plaza as well as an increase in crime in the area. “As incognito as you would like to believe you are in the community, you’re not really that incognito,” Felicia Johnson, the co-chair of the committee, said.

Community members also voiced their own concerns, including the fact that Rockaway has no jobs, only one hospital and limited transportation opportunities. Additionally, both committee and community members expressed Street art is proliferating in canvases. Rockawayist (of rockaconcerns that space in the facil- Rockaway, turning drab and some- wayist.com) caught some good ity should be reserved for Rocka- times graffiti-scarred walls into ones here. way residents already in homeless shelters, especially those who lost their homes as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

DHS representatives said that members of the Rockaway community who currently reside in shelter system throughout the city were approached and asked if they would like to return to the new shelter. Many said no. However, those that said yes were given first priority and were among the first families placed at the shelter.

Edwin Williams, a community member at the meeting, said neighborhood residents are worried about their safety and their property values.

“If you don’t think we will mobilize from one end of the peninsula to the next, you can go and tell the mayor that in four years when we go to the voting booth, you’ll see what we do,” he said.

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The Rockaway Times

Page 13

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Volleyball – A Great Rockaway Tradition

By John Sica

When the games end many linger on the beach for hours, talking and enjoying nature and a cold beverage. Others head back to one of the local restaurants/bars that sponsor our teams. Each week one of our sponsors supply a buffet of their great food for league members to enjoy and let the party continue.

There are good natured rivalries that have developed over the decades — the league was started in 1990. Many of the early players now have their kids playing on the top teams in the league, and another generation is right behind.

Because of the RBVL many of the local high schools in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens are fighting for the city championship every year with our Rockaway youth as the top players. Dozens of Rockaway kids have played and

excelled in college as well.

With so many divisions though, even the unexperienced, unatheletic players have a great time. It is as social as it is competitive. I believe without the league hundreds of old friends would go years with-

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This article is more for those readers of the Rockaway Times who have never seen the Rockaway Beach Volleyball League in action. Saturday, August 9th was the playoffs/championship of the league at Riis Park, ending another wonderful season. If you have never seen it let me tell you about it.

The league is comprised of 74 teams, over 800 Rockaway residents who get together every Wednesday from late May to the second Saturday in August. The beauty of that is, on Wednesday nights during the summer you are on the beach from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, getting some exercise, seeing old friends, making new ones, running into neighbors (sometimes literally on the court). Whether you are a beginner, or an “open” player there is a team for you amongst the nine different divisions. The players range in age from 15 to 65, and every age in between. It is a coed league, with the minimum of two women playing at all times.

If you stand on the boardwalk on a Wednesday summer night there are volleyball nets set up as far as the eye can see. 37 matches being played simultaneously across the sands of Riis.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

The Rockaway Times

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The Rockaway Times

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

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The Rockaway Times

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

The Rockaway Times

Lava Girl Is On – Women Surfers Rule

By Bianca Fortis

Surfing culture in and around New York is exploding – and women have a lot to do with it, according to Brandon D’Leo and Davina Grincevicius, the brains behind Lava Girl Surf, an organization devoted to empowering women surfers.

The idea for Lava Girl started when started when D’Leo, who also owns the Rockaway Beach Surf Club, had several female surfers ask him for help repairing their surfboards.

“I was sick of fixing boards,” D’Leo said.

So he, Grincevicius and several instructors set out to create a oneday, comprehensive workshop with the goal of educating surfers on various aspects of wave riding, including safety, etiquette and board maintenance.

That evolved into Lava Girl Surf, which continues to hold workshops and surfing lessons. This week the organization is hosting its second film festival, aptly titled “Women of the Seven Seas,” which will feature films from around the world on the subject of women surfers. The festival will be held at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club on Saturday evening.

About 300 people attended last year’s event.

D’Leo said the film festival offers an honest perspective of real women surfers, rather than the “glamour shots” used in advertising for

big-name brands, which often use women as a marketing tool.

Grincevicius curated the films.

While setting out to find enough films about such a specific task may seem like a daunting task, Grincevicius said having a network of surfers helps.

“Almost everyone could recommend someone else that I should speak to,” she said.

Grincevicius will show her own short film, “Something About Mary,” which was shot in Puerto Rico, and features North Carolina surfer Mary Schmader.

The two actually met while surfing – and Grincevicius immediately knew she wanted to create a film about her new friend. “She was so bubbly and warm,” Grincevicius said. “I met her and I said I’m going to do something about her.”

Grincevicius and D’Leo said the films are each unique in their own right, and the locations, which may leave viewers as if they’ve been transported to another location, are inspiring.

There will be several raffle prizes, including a surfboard, surf lessons, gift certificates, apparel and more.

The Rockaway Beach Surf Club is located at 302 Beach 87th Street.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and films begin around 8:30 p.m.

For more information, visit lavagirlsurf.com.

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Between the Bridges in Broad Channel

By Peter J. Mahon

“Drink is the curse of the land. It makes you shoot at your landlord and miss!”

We now have one less empty store along the west side business strip of our town. Broad Channel Wines and Liquors, Inc., opened for business last week at 909 Cross Bay Boulevard. It’s nice to see long unused retail space finally rented, cleaned up and conducting a local business. We wish the owner(s) all the luck in the world to make a go of it. As an aside, when I told my 97 year old mother, who hails from Galway, about the new store in town she offered these words of wisdom… “Always remember, drink is the curse of the land. It makes you shoot at your landlord and miss!”

Bet you didn’t know this: Recently I was sitting comfortably in my recliner watching the Godfather III. At one point during the film I was joined by our Sandy displaced Broad Channel neighbor Lenny DeVirgilio who asked me “Has Vinny Mancini killed Joey Zasa yet?” I replied that the street fair scene where Zasa gets “whacked” was coming up soon.

Lenny told me “Good, keep a close eye out because I’m in the scene.”

Sure enough, a few minutes later Mancini’s henchmen open up on Joey Zasa’s goons and lo and behold, Lenny is right there behind Zasa looking every bit the thug portraying one of Joey’s bodyguards. Lenny’s character is last seen stoically backing up towards the sidewalk amidst all the chaos and bloodshed and firing his pistol, his ultimate fate forever unknown, even to Lenny. Turns out Lenny, in addition to being a retired school teacher and homeless

by Sandy, also has a long history of credits as an “extra” in motion pictures as well as popular television series.

One of the ways our wonderful neighbors up at the Broad Channel VFW Post fund their continual service to the veterans of St. Albans Hospital is, you guessed it,

a good old fashion community barbeque. This Saturday, August 16th, the VFW will host another of their summertime BBQ’s from 2-6 pm and everyone is welcome.

There will be lots of ice cold draft beer and soft drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings, a big backyard lush with neatly trimmed bright green grass, a view of Jamaica Bay and the Manhattan skyline to die for and some great conversation with your neighbors and friends. A nominal charge of $20 for adults and $10 for children will guarantee you a great afternoon out of the house and the proceeds all go to benefit our veterans!

The Broad Channel Historical Society’s website [http://www. broadchannelhistoricalsociety. org] now has a link to a recent Ph.d. dissertation on Jamaica Bay entitled “The Wild Lands of Gotham: City and Nature in Jamaica Bay, New York, 1880-1994”

by Eric Fauss. It is an informative and very interesting read and our community of Broad Channel is mentioned several times.

Labor Day is coming fast and marks the unofficial end of the summer season. Enjoy what’s left of our remaining Broad Channel lazy, hazy days of summer!

A special mention to Dorothy on W14th Road. Sorry about the “difficulties” you encountered in obtaining your copy of the Rockaway Times last week. Be assured, it will be in your mailbox this week along with (at last count) 94 of your neighbors! Any resident of Broad Channel who would like a weekly delivery of the Rockaway Times need only drop me an email or call/text using the contact information below with your address and you can avoid a walk to the local stores looking for it.

Broad Channel – Why would anyone want to live anywhere else? See y’all next week.

The Rockaway Times

Page 19

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Be Well.

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My Passion is being a Life Coach tening, observing, and asking empowering questions. They reflect on what they see and hear to help the client clarify their feelings and values, which leads to insight and actions. Coaches question their clients about their way of thinking, assumptions, beliefs, values, needs and wants. This helps the client explore beyond their current way of thinking to new or expanded ways of thinking about themselves or their situation.

As a Life Coach I identify what the client wants to accomplish in each session and what is truly important and meaningful to him or her. I acknowledge and respect the

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

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Rockaway transit activists had an opportunity last week to voice their concerns about the lack of transportation on the peninsula.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) partnered with the New York State Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions on Thursday to hold a public oversight hearing and address transportation needs of communities throughout the city.

A recurring subject – brought up by both Queens residents and nonresidents alike – is the proposed reactivation of the Rockaway Beach Branch of the Long Island Railroad. Service on the rail line was discontinued in 1961. A large group of Queens residents, many from Rockaway, are pushing to reactivate the line, saying it would help speed up travel time and could be an economic boost to the peninsula.

However, a group called Friends of the QueensWay has set plans in motion to turn part of the rail line into a linear park, similar to Manhattan’s High Line, which would be called the QueensWay. And finally a third group, primarily those who live right along the rail line in Woodhaven, want the tracks to be left completely alone out of concern for their safety and property values.

John Rozankowski, who attended the hearing as a representative of the Queens Public Transit Committee, said reactivating the rail line would help deal with the problem of traveling within the borough of Queens.

“Forest Park and its adjoining

cemeteries create the equivalent of the Great Wall of China: splitting central Queens in half” – the consequences of which are dire, he said.

John Fazio, who attended the meeting to represent Community Board 10 – which encompasses the neighborhoods of Howard Beach, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Tudor Village and Lindenwood – said reactivating service would mean needing fewer buses on the streets, meaning less congestion on Woodhaven Blvd.

And while several Rockaway stakeholders pressed the Committee on the need for the Rockaway ferry, they found an ally in the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance. Jose Soegaard, a representative of the Alliance, said New York City has the second largest ferry system in the world, only behind Istanbul, but it’s the only ferry system whose schedules and routes are not integrated into a broader public transit network. He said waterfront communities around the city are especially starved for public transportation.

“At the end of the day, the MTA is in the business of moving people and ferries are one part of that whole system,” he said. “They must be part of the region’s transportation solution.”

Goldfeder said projects like the Rockaway Beach Rail line can benefit every resident of the city. “No more excuses, every family should get the transit resources they deserve,” he said. “In today’s difficult economy, we need more affordable and reliable transportation that will allow our city to grow and prepare for the future.”

The Rockaway Times

Page 21

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Continued from page 6

Boogie Boards Get Banned

Jill was asked privately by one of our friends on Saturday, during the Craft Fair, she stated “There has been an increased use of them and we have to ban them for people’s safety.”

For the last month, when coming home from work and asking my two surfing groms how their day went at the beach, both were dejected and complained that they couldn’t boogie board. I surely thought they were confused.

But sure enough when having a summer Friday, I took them to the beach at the end of my block, as soon as they hit the water with their boogie boards a 20 year old lifeguard was harassing them to get out of the water. I walked over and said they’ve been boogie boarding since they were a year old at this same stretch of sand. “No flotation devices! You can thank Bill de Blasio for that” he barked at me. I said you’re absurd, that means “pool inflatables.”

I was a part of the legalization of the surfing beach and we wanted the “definition” of flotation devices to mean pool inflatables as it was too broad a meaning.

Google “flotation devices” and you get life preservers. Even Wikipedia states “A personal flotation device (abbreviated as PFD; also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy aid or flotation suit)”.

Surfing has its factionalism, short boarders generally hate all other forms of surfing. They rag on about SUPs, long boarders, but mostly

boogie boarders have long time gotten the heat. But what this message the city sends now is complete DISCRIMINATION against a singular type of surfing.

Tom Morey invented the boogie board in 1971 and it has gone through radical changes since then. He was even recently an advisory to a company called Catch Surf who developed a short soft top surfboard called the “Beater.”

These boards were invented so they could be used in swimming areas of California to “beat” the Black Ball zoning, an area defined for swimmers only. And guess what else gets the love in the swimming areas? Boogie boards!

Back to the beach, after dealing with the lifeguard, I asked to see his boss. Lieutenant Robert Huerta came down and I asked “Why is there no boogie boarding?

“No boogie boarding!”

Me, “But why? My kids have been boogie boarding this beach for 11 years!”

“No boogie boarding!”

“Why no boogie boarding?”

“No boogie boarding!”

That was pretty intelligent!

What truly kills me about this, boogie boarding on our peninsula is basically a birth right.

And here is the Parks Department ripping that away from our kids.

As of this being published, the Friends of Rockaway, RB Civic Assoc. and the newly formed Rockaway Beach Surfers Association

have sent letters demanding the lifting of this ridiculous ban and discrimination against users of this equipment. If by Friday 8/15 we have not heard from the authorities on the lifting of this ban, we will be protesting en masse with our boogie boards on the weekend and alerting the international media what a farce this Parks Department is and the rules they love to make up where no rules exist.

On a lighter note, make sure you head to the Rockaway Beach Surf Club this Saturday 16th for the Women of the Seven Seas Surf Film Festival (doors open at 7pm, films begin at twilight around 8:30pm). The New York Women’s Surf Film festival celebrates the filmmakers and female wave riders who live to surf, highlighting their sense of adventure, connection to the ocean and love for their own communities and those they discover. Go along for a night of surf films, raffle prizes, music and summertime drinks and food. Free Admission!

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Between the groins

By John Cori

Not Accepting The Usual Is it a shock to anyone here on the Rockaway Peninsula how Mayor de Blasio has treated us on the peninsula? Did anyone buy this crap about the tale of two cities?

In his first seven months, de Blasio has pooped more on the Rockaway Peninsula than former Mayor Bloomberg did in twelve years!

First the mayor came out to the peninsula and said he was going to fix the mess the previous administration had left him with Build it Back! Build it Back is no better during the seven months under de Blasio’s tenure than it was under Bloomberg’s five!

He has dumped a massive homeless shelter in our laps under the guise of an emergency order so we had no way to prevent it from opening, HA! He has allowed our library to sit in shambles. He has ripped our Rockaway ferry out from under our collective feet, HA!

He claims it’s, “TOO EXPENSIVE!!!�

Really? With 11 neighborhoods on the Rockaway Peninsula, the cost of the Rockaway Ferry is $450,000 per neighborhood!

His Latest “pooping� has come in the form of messing with The Culture of Rockaway Beach. He and his current Parks administration are attempting to clamp down on one of The Rockaway Peninsula’s most valued cultural experiences by banning the use of Boogie boards on swimming beaches.

Telling people in Rockaway they cannot Boogie board is like telling people in Coney Island, they cannot eat Nathan’s hot dogs anymore!

The Mayor’s seven month assault on Rockaway’s culture, economy and struggle to rebuild is hardly coincidental. We all know The Rockaway Peninsula has long been the “go to� place for the City

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of New York to hide away its “social ills.� With one of the largest per capita low income housing units, mental health nursing homes, heavy concentration of recently released sexual predators and failing schools. One can only ask, is this coincidental or by design?

Here is a bit of history: Roosevelt Island, in the east river was once called Welfare Island. It was called Welfare Island when it was the “go to� place for the City of New York to hide away its “social ills.� The Peninsula of Rockaway was purchased from Nassau County over 100 years ago with one intention, to relocate “Welfare Island.�

The de Blasio administration is keenly aware of why Rockaway came to be the property of the city of New York and they will not let us forget it. The last thing this administration wants if for Rockaway to take off economically. If it did, de Blasio would have nowhere to tell his tales or should I say hide his tails!!!

On August 21st at 5 p.m. please join your fellow Rockaway residents and business owners at City Hall as we join with residents from Brooklyn to voice our displeasure at Mayor de Blasio’s decision to rip the Rockaway/Brooklyn Ferry from under our feet!

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

The Beef Chip with Team Cyclops

I Am In The Cult This past Saturday the RBVL Finals kicked off at around 10 a.m. under cloudless skies, a warm summer breeze, with a refreshing cold surf to take a dip in after each of your sets. I have to admit, this was my first year as an “athlete” at the finals. I came down to the event once or twice in years’ past but just to say hello to some old friends. I always thought my friends and family who never missed a Wednesday were in a cult. But as each hour passed, I came to a realization based on the conversations that I took part in and overheard. “This is my favorite day of the year,” “I’ve been waiting for this all summer,” “Wish it happened every weekend.” This quite possibly could now be one of my favorite days of the year.

For all the excitement Finals Day brings, at around 10:30 am, friendships are put aside as cut-throat competition abruptly makes it way into the cove of Riis Park. On my

side of the net, I admittedly threw some taunts at the opposition all in an effort to mentally defeat my opponent as my skill is indeed inferior to most on the beach. It’s all in good fun of course for me, but after hearing some other competitors shoot fire, I fear I may be in the minority with my sentiment.

I’d like to think not.

Later on Saturday night I saw an opponent that told me he directed his team to taunt me on every play, no matter good or bad, which is much of what our team was doing to him. I found that hysterical but it’s just another RBVL story to be told. Despite some bruised egos, competitive differences are immediately put aside when you leave the field of play, and you can share a laugh over a beer.

I’ve always considered Marathon Sunday my favorite day of the year, camaraderie, sportsmanship and “a few coldies” are the by-products that make it such. But

the RBVL Finals provides it all, a lot closer to home and with a lot more friends by your side. Everywhere you turn, it was an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile. There were also friends you were expecting to see, they were there but you just couldn’t find them.

For Saturday Beach-goers, they walked into a beach that looked like a carnival was taking place and they wanted in. On a few occasions I saw people ask how they can get involved, unfortunately for them, there is a list as long as the beach itself. But for us, therei n lies

Page 23 the beauty of such a day. It’s Rockaway’s little secret and what makes this neighborhood such a great place to live.

I commend the organizers of the league, Rocky, Joe and Patty for keeping it strong all these years and for providing the mid-week stress release many of us seek. I am pumped, I am now a part of the cult!

Page 24

sj_wave_ed_reno_ad_rd2_Layout 1 6/24/14 4:44 PM Page 1

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

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The Rockaway Times

Music & Arts Rockaway aRtists alliance Sunday Night Music RAA T7 Fort Tilden Every Sunday night, 6 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

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106th Street and the Beach Friday August 15, 6-9 p.m.

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Paintings from the Brooklyn Watercolor Society Cuisine by Claudette 143 Beach 116th Tuesdays through Sundays July 1 through September 6

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Page 25

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

THINGS TO DO Beach flix

Free outdoor movies on the beach. Films begin at sundown Beach 97th St. August 15- PeeWee’s Big Adventure Beach 126th St. August 22- Cats and Dogs Revenge of Kitty Galore

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Beginner Hatha yoga class Bring mat, large towel, or blanket Beach 108th St. Saturdays through September 6, 8:00 a.m.

fRee ZUMBa

Get in shape with this popular form of exercise and dance that combines Latin and African dance steps.

Beach 108th: Wednesdays through August 27, 7:30 p.m.

Beach 17th: Tuesdays through August 19, 7 p.m.

Rockaway walks

Adult fitness walking program Meet at the boardwalk at Beach 19th

Bring a mat or large towel Beach 104th Street Monday-Friday thru Labor Day, 8 a.m.

caMp Gateway

Ranger Adventure Nature Walk and exploration for children from 6 to 12 years old. Reservations required; call 718-338-3799.

Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Wiley Post Group Campfire Ring

awesoMe ospRey

Observe a South Marsh osprey pair, hear stories of their migrations and their recovery in the U.S. Spotting scope provided for up-close views.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Every day through August 31, 10 a.m.

alanon MeetinG

First Congregational Church 320 Beach 94th St. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Rockaway Park

101st pRecinct coMMUnity coUncil Beth Abraham Health Services 1821 Cornaga Ave. Every third Wednesday of month, 6:30 p.m.

ancient oRDeR of hiBeRnians Division 21

Call 646-662-2329 for more information Knights of Columbus 333 Beach 90th Last Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m.

Things To Do in Broad Channel st. viRGiliUs GolDen aGe MeetinG American Legion Hall

S li c e s & I ce s

Pizzeria Owned and Operated by a Graybeard

ry e v i l e D • t u O e k a T • n I s d t r a Ea C t i d e r ! y C r t e v p i e l c e c D A e e e W Fr 208 Beach 116 th Street Rockaway Park, Ny 11694

718.474.0020 • 718.474.1266

The26 Rockaway Times Page

ThuRsday, july 14, 17, 2014 2014 THURSDAY, AUGUST

PaGE 19 The Rockaway Times

Back In The Day

The Beef Chip The Fishing with Team Cyclops Report

By Matt Whalen Reviews On The Side A Shot Of Movie

We know you have been waiting. The anticipation is palpable, the emotion is ground shaking, and the people are about to get exactly what they want. The ill-fated, dreaded! and despised Ahoy Rockaway Countdown List.

We start this weekend off with You know you are from Blah some great weather!

We have Blah Blah, 37 things to do while in warm days, and with over night Blah Blah Blah or 17 sayings people temperatures in the upper 60’s, ofsayaccompanied while Blah Blah ten withBlahing. cool ocean This week, we at or Beefchip & breezes. The window attic fan Team Cyclops have compiled a list can do the job of cooling off the of motion that are often house over pictures night (hopefully) lowoverlooked, and hardly given ering your electric bill. We havethe a credit theyon areSunday due. WeAug. do not offull moon 10th, ferthere a rank these movies top so is aoflarge tidal rangeonwith 3 or top 5 as with all other lists a LOT of water moving in and out because, a waste of time of the areawell withit’s very fast currents, and like our hipster friends, very low, and very high tides. WE WANT Beach TO 19thBE St.DIFFERENT! and east: The movies yesteryear ofPauly T. has hisof boat back in the fered pop culture references many water and is the first one out of of the of morning our generation the gate people Saturday to fish could relate to on a personal basis, the incoming tide. Paul drifted beand often sent a deeper message tween B-19th St. and just east of on Atlantic the rights and wrongs, the the beach bridge inand Reyndo’s and do not’s of this game we olds channel using spearing and call life. smelt (spearing producing more The and Shawshank Redemption results) caught between 40 for example is a movie that by all

rights should have won multiple Academy Awards. Paltry box office sales that barely recouped the films original budget and a face-to-face showdown with blockbuster Forrestwith Gump and 50 fluke film in 5 hours his were contributing factors that left party of three anglers. Most of the Shawshank collecting the fluke that they caught dust wereforvery next several years. close to 18” except for three of Though rethem at 21” Morgan 18.5” andFreeman 19.5”, they ceived an Academy nomination for are headed for the dinner table afBest Malemeasured Actor it was notthe until the ter being (over legal film made it to VHS and 24-hour 18” length) and put on ice. Paul TNT reruns thatout it received the atsaid that he was at the “Coney tention it was due.

Not to mention Island” flats, and the “Ambrose” the film has been #1 on IMDB’s area earlier but, it only produced top 250 since 2008.

Be that as it one fluke because, the full moon may, as I am sure many can relate, (Aug. 10th) had the tide moving Shawshank instantaneous too fast to set is up an a good drift. click on the ‘OK’ button while Don’t forget that the bay is the channel surfing.

All outside activnursery for the ocean. It is very caity ceases and nothing elsefish exists pable of producing many as while to Andy tell fish.

Red, well as listening holding VERY LARGE “Remember Red, have hope you is a seen good How many times thing, maybe the best of things, something unusual in the bay and and no good thing ever“Idies.” thought to yourself, thought Though the life way of anout amateur that only happened in the turned? professional poker ocean” Some years ago oneplayer sumis a roller coaster ride statistimer Rockaway had a that friendly 10’ cally may often lead to the up depths Beluga whale that showed evof bankruptcy, ‘Rounders’ provided

ery morning at the Atlantic Beach en by Capt. Bud’s son “Ryan”. Some bridge and it would feed along the other local anglers stopped by “Big sand bar at B-19th St. well inside of Ron’s” to show the larger fish that Deb’s inlet, and even further east they caught and that are moving into the Rockaway area. Photos up Reynolds channel.

Some small blue fish that were were provided courtesy of “Dawn” a little bit too big for the snapper at Big Ron’s bait and tackle in Howspoon that Chris Whalen was us- ard Beach.

Tom’s Wave service station/bait ing on Sunday made their way across the flooded tidal flats. The & tackle on B.C.D. in Rockaway mini monsters showed up in the Park. some bittersweet memories in this great shot of Ruggers at a 7s tourney. Not We called and he back bays and creeks necessarily in order are: of TimReynolds Tubridy; Kevin Griffith; RickTom Sternberg Petereports Brady; that the fluke fishing is still going channel forTommy a surprise attack Joe Moore; greaney (RIP);on Timmy stackpole (RIP) Pat savage; Kevin Callaghan. some small bait fish. Chris hooked strong. Tom said that the surprisup on two hungry mini blue fish ing thing this year is that the fluke a platform on which to make that are of Texas Hold’em on the map usually all moved out of and the but, they spit the lure out when dream a reality.

Matt Damon’s notethe movie ‘Rounders’ started all. bay by mid August. He hasitalso they reached the boat. worthy performance of a seemingly Since his win, no “professional” has heard no reports of “spots” (VirHoward Beach/Jamaica Bay: relatable postbait grad and student turned ever won the Much to the spot) inWSOP. the bay.

There are Big Ron’s tackle on ginia poker pro, gave a young accountant chagrin of pros like Phil Helmuth, Cross bay Blvd., Captain Joey Bud some striped bass on the outside namedus Chris Moneymaker push of who their theberate inlet.amateurs Tom saidfor that thestyle fish shows “How it’s done”, the AGAIN! to accomplish what “only happens of play, the game itself would not Joe keeps slamming some BIG Fish in the bay are on an unusual cycle in the movies.” attain the popularity without an out there. The Captain nailed this this year, and we agree.

In what has been called “The ordinary person such as MoneyTil next time... huge 6.0 lb Sea Bass on the “Bud” Moneymaker Effect”, his win at the maker accomplishing this feat. It Monday Morning. Photo was tak(Continued on page 20) World Series of Poker put the game

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