Disney Dreams Come True for the Tans

Around the holidays, Eugene Brennan once again hosted Stockings for a Cause, and with participation from local bars and restaurants and donations from customers, Brennan was able to gift the Tan family with not only a $35,000 check, but a fully paid dream trip to Disney World.

What better way to create memories than at the Happiest Place on Earth? The Tan family finally got their Disney trip.

U.S. Navy Veteran Teddy Tan was diagnosed with a terminal neurological disorder after serving this country for 30 years. Thanks to the money raised through Stockings, Tan, his wife and his two sons were able to take the trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Monday, April 24, will mark one year since the loss of FF Timmy Klein. Hard to believe it has been one year already. We know Rockaway will never forget Timmy, his sacrifice and everything he stood for. Next week, on Sunday, April 30, the Timmy Klein Foundation will be hosting the first annual TK Country Fest at the Rockaway Hotel to celebrate Timmy’s life and thank all those who have shown their support. For tickets, visit: FFTimmyKleinFoundation.com. *****

This Saturday is Earth Day. We are blessed to live in the greatest place on Earth.

Today, April 20, this section’s name takes on new meaning for some…

It is not too late but it sure is getting close. The Rockaway Times Summer

Guide advertising space is filling up fast! Don’t miss the boat because, unlike the Ferry, you will not have another chance until next year to get your business in the hands of thousands of people from one end of the peninsula to the other and beyond. Want in? Shoot us an email, give us a call 718-634-3030, or contact us through Facebook or Instagram.

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“This above all: to thine own self be true.” It sounds like Paddy Tubz, along with NYC Parks, is working on something pretty cool for this summer with Shakespeare on the Beach! Auditions will be held in June with the performances to take place in late August. Stay tuned for more information! *****

Come out and support the Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Sunday, April 23, as they host the 1st Annual Walk For Autism on the boardwalk and Beach 96th Street. Registration is at 10 a.m. and the walk will begin at 11 a.m. You can sign up online at www.rockawaybeachautismfamilies. org. *****

There was a ceremonial groundbreaking in December and now there's actual groundbreaking for the new middle school being built by Peninsula Prep at Arverne by the Sea. Pile driving started this week for the school that is expected to be completed in June 2024. The school will serve some 350 students. *****

Join the Rockaway Film Festival in celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, and kick off their outdoor movie season with a shoreline clean up at the Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary located at 60-3 De Costa Ave. in Far Rockaway. This will be followed by a free screening and expanded cinema performance at the Arverne Cinema.

This Sunday, April 23, New York’s finest from our local 100th and the 101st Precincts will be facing off in a softball game vs. local kids from Rockaway. The game will start at 4 p.m. and will be taking place at Bayswater Park on Beach 32nd Street. For addition- al information regarding the game, please contact PO Boamah (victor. boamah@nypd.org) of the 100th Precinct.

Congrats to Mara Valentino on her retirement! She recently sold Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor, but don’t fret. The new owners will keep serving up scoops.

The Belle Harbor Property Owners Association’s 35th Annual Beach Clean Up will be Saturday, May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the Beach 134th Street sea wall. Help get the beaches ready for the season! Bring your own rakes! *****

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for this year’s Rockaway Times Photo Contest. We received several hundred submissions! Our nine sage and prudent judges are sifting through those submissions and will soon have a top 30. Their task is not an easy one. The number of high-quality photos this year was incredible. Those top 30 will then have their photos put on posters and placed along the boardwalk and at the ferry landing.