Rockaway Times: July 10, 2014

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

VOL. 1, NO. 3 - THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

PAGE 1

FREE

PLEASE TAKE ONE

y t fe

a S h t i ng o r W W l l A g e r n A i ns l g i S b m a G

Photo by Ozzie

Evacuation signs point to the wrong place.

The Department of Transportation, apparently too busy installing new speed cameras, has failed to update evacuation destination signs. The evacuation center for Rockaway is John Adams High School and has been so since before Hurricane IRENE. This sign at the foot of the Marine Park Bridge is just one of several throughout the peninsula.

And while the Department of Transportation has ignored this failing, perhaps the Office Of Emergency Management

(OEM) could have stepped in and changed the signs. Then again, that agency didn’t exactly distinguish itself during and after Sandy.

Almost two years after Sandy, there are no jetties; there is no communication system in place; replenishment sand hasn’t come to the National Parks’ property and even evacuation signs are outdated.

The hurricane season began June 1st and ends November 30th.

PAGE 2

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Lisa Jackson - Lic. Broker-Owner Barbara Ferguson - Lic. Associate Broker • Nia Casilla - Lic. Associate Broker • Gail Opromalla - Lic. Associate Broker Melissa Carrington - Lic. RE Agent • Ariana David - Lic. RE Agent • Colleen Brady - Lic. RE Agent

B R O O K LY N M E M B E R

417 Beach 129th St • (718) 634-3134 • Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, 7/12, 12-3PM 221 Beach 80th St. (6D) First showing 2BR condo with terrace and ocean views. Priced to sell! $249,000

Saturday, 7/12, 1-3PM 155 Beach 120th St. (2A) Affordable and spacious, 2BR, 2 bath beach pad with private parking. $349,000

Sunday, 7/13, 1-3PM 165 Beach 128th St. Best priced condo, largest 2-3 BR, 2.5 bath in BH and parking for 3 cars. $449,000

Sunday, 7/13, 12-3PM 91-16 Shorefront Pkwy Oceanfront 3 BR, 2 bath, private terrace and parking. Only 1 left! $559,000

2ND FROM BEACH Live luxuriously in this immaculate Neponsit home with ocean views from almost EVERY room.

4+BR’S and 3.5 baths. $2,799,000

SOLID BRICK - 60x100 Magnificient Belle Harbor home with 4+ BR’s, 5 baths, fireplace, gourmet kitchen, Gunite ingroud pool, Jacuzzi and cabana. $1,350,000

BELLE HARBOR 76x100 Immense brick colonial with 8 BR’s, 5+ baths, enormous LR, FDR, fireplace, granite kitchen, home office has separate entrance. $1,299,000

NEPONSIT 80x100 Newly renovated on one of the most pristine blocks. 4 BR, 2.5 bath, fireplace, walk up attic and a 2 car garage. $1,100,000

BEACH BLOCK 80x100 A Steal of a Deal!

Create the home of your dreams or subdivide for a no brainer investment. So many possibilities. $799,000

SOLID BRICK TUTOR Spacious 4 BR, 3 bath home has slate roofing, attached garage, large bsmt and comfy front porch.

Desirable corner lot in Belle Harbor. $799,000

LEGAL 2 ďšş 40X100 Lovely 3 BR 2 bath over a 3 BR 2 bath, large finished basement with full bath, garage and private parking.

A must see! $799,000

WATERFRONT One of the largest lots in Broad Channel (55’ x 246’).

Open layout, wood burning stove, Anderson windows, skylights and fully decked out! $769,000

ROCKAWAY PARK Two family brick home on large corner lot! This 3BR 2 bath home has EIK with granite counters, FDR, LR, 1 car garage and zoned for PS114. $750,000

WATER VIEWS Beautiful 4BR, 3 bath Belle Harbor home with custom mill work, stained glass windows, FLR, fireplace, 2 car garage, pvt parking. $749,000

OCEAN VIEWS Belle Harbor Legal 2 family, white oak floors, glass tile bath and granite kitchen.

Best 2 family home on the market! Was $825,000 now $749,000

BELLE HARBOR Brick legal 2 family used as a 1, 45 x 100 with private drive and garage.

Open floor plan, a sleek kitchen with granite breakfast bar. $745,000

BELLE HARBOR LEGAL 2 Gorgeous 3BR, 2 bath, fully renovated with brand new Grantie kitchen, garage and 2 BR rental for a guaranteed income. $700,000

ONE BLOCK TO BEACH Large 2400 sq. ft.

Rockaway Park home with 4BR, 3 baths, parking for six and garage on a 60x100 lot. $599,000

ALL MINTED OUT! Completely renovated from top to bottom.

3 BR, 2 bath home.

Granite kitchen, radiant heat, C/A, terrace, paved parking pad. $569,000

MOVE RIGHT IN Beautiful 3 BR, 2 bath home with wood burning stove, HW floors, granite kitchen & SS appliances, updated baths and full basement. $549,000

SIMPLY ADORABLE This charming immaculate Belle Harbor home has 3 large BR’s, 2 baths, fantastic front porch, formal living and dining room. $499,000

BELLE HARBOR LEGAL 2 Affordable 2 family home with 4 BR’s, 2 bathrooms, enclosed front porch, lg terrace and nice backyard.

Close to all! $450,000

VACANT LAND Terrific opportunity to build your one or two family 2,000 sq ft. home. Give us a call and we will help you get started. $349,000

MOVE RIGHT IN Attractive 3BR, 2.5 bath Arverne home with LR/ DR combo, HW floors, high ceilings and cozy backyard. Priced to sell! $329,999

NEW EXCLUSIVE Completely renovated ARVERNE home with brand new kitchen, new flooring, new roof, new furnace and electrical, new windows. $299,000

NEW EXCLUSIVE Arverne home has an updated kitchen, den/ office, 3 BR, 1.5 bath, full bsmt, HW floors, decked yard and long pvt drive.

30’x100’ lot. $289,000

FAR ROCKAWAY Totally renovated 2 BR, 2 bath home with a lovely front yard. Full bsmt with 2 extra BR’s, den and bath. Great starter home. $279,900

ROCKAWAY BEACH Filled with old charm, attached 2 family is in need of restoring. Full basement, high ceilings and located close to all! $245,000

& " #$ & $ ") # ' ) " ! "$ # & ") " " $

%(%") # % $ ) " ! "$ # *# !# " ! # " " $

%" #$ # $ ''' " !" !

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

PAGE 3

Cuomo Challenger Greets Rock Repubs

By Kevin Boyle If showing up counts, guber- down by the Governor.

The candidate, who has a natorial candidate Rob Astorino is one up on Governor Cuomo background in TV and radio, who hasn’t set foot in Rockaway including a stint as a helicopter traffic reporter, said his winsince shortly after Sandy.

The long shot candidate, at ning strategy is built upon the a meeting Monday night held premise he needs to take 32 perby The Rockaway Republican cent of the City vote. He said Club, called the Cuomo – de he can win upstate and then it Blasio tandem a “blob” that will will come down to Westchester and Long Island, adding that he overtake the entire state.

Astorino said New York is likes his chances in both those “getting its clock cleaned as a counties.

Astorino spoke broadly about state” and then went on to say New York was “dead last” in the need to lower taxes, improve places to retire to, the heaviest education, and make New York a taxed, and the “most corrupt place that people “don’t want to run from.” He is fully in favor state” in the country.

Some of his State ranking of fracking, saying thirty other numbers were a bit off, however. states have approved the process He cited an AARP finding that because of its economic value. was actually a product of a web- He called Cuomo an opportunissite, Moneyrates.com, which tic fence-sitter on the issue.

The candidate said he will be listed New York as the 12th worst state to retire to. Not a running on the Republican line glowing number either, but not as well as new line to be formed: the Stop Common Core party. quite a “dead last” finisher.

When asked by a member Astorino said Cuomo leads a corrupt state government, of the audience to name three emphasizing that Preet Bharara, things he could do to specifically the U.S. attorney, is investigat- help Rockaway and Breezy Point, ing Cuomo himself as part of a he sidestepped the question broader investigation into why instead mentioning his three an anticorruption panel was shut children and their futures as the

Alan Zwirn, Rob Astorino, Harold Paez and Margaret Wagner at the Rockaway Republican meeting Monday night.

driving force of his campaign.

The Rockaway Republican Club meeting brought out party heavyweights Bob Turner, the former Congressman, Joe Lhota, the recent mayoral candidate, City Councilman Eric Ulrich, and Conservative Party leader Mike Long.

Before Astrorino’s arrival, Vice President of the club, Robbie Schwach addressed the

crowd and said he is optimistic about the future of the State’s and City’s Republican party. He said he and others are “building a farm team” so that future candidates can build name recognition and be prepared long before election dates.

More information about the Rockaway Republican Club can be found on their Facebook page.

QUIGLEY INSURANCE

The family owned and operated insurance agency has been providing flood, auto, home, condo, rental, commercial, business, motorcycle, boat and more not only to the Rockaway Peninsula but NYC, Nassau and Suffolk since 1994 – and you can be our next satisfied customer.

Top Companies Protection Your Valuable Assets Are Chubb, The Hartford, GMAC and Travelers.

If you are in need of insurance you can count on Quigley Insurance.

Competitive Pricing for comprehensive coverage and quality service

Call for details

718-474-1915 e-mail: mquig44441@aol.com

PAGE 4

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Another 4th Of July Blast On 133rd

The tradition continues. Beach 133rd Street had their annual Fourth of July parade despite an overcast day. Neighbors and friends paraded down the block, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang several patriotic songs. Refreshments, of course, were part of the fun!

Photos courtesy Larry Gray

“Regular� Drivers Become Chauffeurs

By Bianca Fortis Need a ride?

Lyft, the app that combines traditional taxi cabs with ridesharing, will officially launch in Queens and Brooklyn on Friday at 7 p.m., the company announced Tuesday.

Using Lyft is similar to riding in a cab, except the drivers are regular people who use their own cars as a way to make cash on the side. Users download the app onto a mobile device, and when they need a ride, all they need to do is press a button. A driver comes, and at the end of the ride, the driver and passenger rate each other. A rating of less than three stars means the two will never be matched again.

Payment is made by credit card via the app.

Lyft already operates in 60 other cities around the United States.

The San Francisco-based com-

Cars are easy to spot with their trademark mustache.

pany said its New York City network will have 500 drivers.

New passengers get two weeks of free rides.

To mark the occasion, Lyft is hosting a warehouse party in Brooklyn on Friday, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The 1896, 592 Johnson Ave. To get in, download the Lyft app and show it at the door.

Partygoers should be at least 21 years old.

For more information, visit www.lyft.com.

A Sample of Their Fees: Minimum: $8 Pick-up fee: $3 Per minute: $0.40 Per mile: $2.15 Trust and safety fee: $1 Cancellation fee: $10

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

By Kevin Boyle

Preserve The Language

It’s always so nice when others tell you what you are.

Rockaway is the new Brooklyn.

Rockaway is the new Hamptons.

And Rockaway is the new Cape Cod. I forget, we’re either the next this or the new that. If it was up to Build It Back we’d be the next Detroit.

Anyway, before we surrender to the next wave (is wave a bad choice of words?), let’s pledge to hang onto Rockaway heritage, like our native tongue.

Do you speak Rock? If you want to honor the hometown roots or pass as a local now’s a good time to brush on the language.

If you don’t know what a DFD is, you’re probably a DFD. DFD is the first code word of Rock-

away. I don’t mean to insult everyone who already knows what it is but some people live under a rock, never mind speak it.

Anyway, if you’re here for the day, you’re a DFD as in Down For the Day. It’s not necessarily pejorative. If you own up to it you might get a local to nod in a nice way. But if you leave any garbage, or look sideways at residents, you’re a bad DFD. Don’t be a bad DFD. Some people realize the best time of day is when the sun softens and the crowds wane.

They decide to stay for the week.

They’re DFWs, Down For the Week.

Others realize, what am I doing, I could live here. They’re the smart ones. They’re DFGs.

Down For Good.

Once you get sand in your shoes, you learn that a lot of people here live on Rockaway Time. That means last minute or just plain late. The accepted excuse for tardiness is you got stuck enjoying the beach.

Neck ties confuse people.

The Rockaway Tuxedo, a blue shirt and khakis, is about as formal as it gets.

Rockaway is in Queens as much as Brooklyn wants to own it. But we don’t fully embrace the whole Queens thing either.

When we leave the peninsula we go to Queens, where we meet mainlanders.

It’s not used much any more but you get points for knowing Rockaway is, or at least was, the Irish Riviera.

Rock is spoken downtown and uptown (that’s east and west).

Of course, getting to Rockaway is the price of paradise. And a lot of times that means taking the dear old A Train, not-so affectionately known as The Animal. As in I gotta take The Animal. I got a job in The City, I’ll be riding The Animal.

On your way to an advanced degree in Rockology you’ll learn about the Dirty Boulevard, the strip, Channel rats, sludgies, and the Underwood Hotel. You’ll have enjoyed a frozen or two.

But for now, you just want to

PAGE 5 blend? Well, as we say, there’s the right way and there’s the Rockaway.

••••• The new Rockaway Times headquarters at 114th and Beach Channel Drive. This used to be Belle Rock Car Service.

Apparently, the new RT sign is not big enough because people walk in every day looking for a car. I tell them in a thick Russian accent it’s a now a newspaper.

Though I guess if this newspaper thing doesn’t work out I can get a chauffeur’s license.

••••• This week’s shout out goes to Carole O’Brien who, (or is it whom?) I hear, is a fan of Boyleing Points. Carole was a longtime English teacher at Grady High School. She must’ve been good.

It’s one thing teaching Shop at Grady, but English? Now that’s impressive!

Let US know what YOU think.

Love Us? Like Us? Hate Us? We want to Know!

EAT DRINK AND BE FROZEN (now serving frozen drinks) Sat and Sun Brunch 11-3 p.m. $15.95 (unlimited Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers, and Mimosas)

Congrats To Kevin Boyle -We Wish You Much Success

PAGE 6

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Officials Want Education Tax Credit Would Be Boost For Private Schools

By Bianca Fortis A piece of state legislation could help boost private schools on the peninsula that are struggling financially. Local leaders spoke in front of St. Francis de Sales School in Belle Harbor Monday to call on the state to take action to pass the Education Investment Tax Credit bill.

The legislation would allow individuals and businesses who make a donation to public or private schools to receive a dollar-fordollar state tax credit.

Donations would also go toward reimbursing teachers up to $100 for out-of-pocket expenses and providing scholarships for students, as well as encouraging more donations that can be used for extracurricular activities and classroom projects, according to the initiative’s supporters.

The state Senate version of the bill, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Addabbo passed in 2012 with a vote of 55 to 4. The State Assembly version has not passed, but has more than 100 co-sponsors, including Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also said he would support initiative.

Richard Altabe, the head of the Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance, said the bill is designed to promote in-

vestment in education. “When it comes to education, I don’t think there are any divisions,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s right to consider public versus non-public, Yeshiva versus Catholic. We’re here to serve the children – that’s the bottom line.”

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozobe Park) said families who pay to put their children into private schools pay twice: “Their tax dollars pay for a seat in the public schools that they don’t use, and on top of that, they pay tuition for the seat that they do use,” he said.

He said the bill would not discriminate against children, but can help all children, teachers and schools across the state, and would take no money out of the public school system.

“Parents deserve a choice to send their kids to whatever school they want to that they believe is going to give them the best education,” he said. “They should not be punished for making those choices when it happens to be that they don’t choose the neighborhood public school.”

John Cahill, a candidate for state Attorney General, said he would fight for the bill – a “no-brainer,” in his words – if elected. He said the

John Cahill and Eric Ulrich push for tax credits.

initiative could help save private schools that are in danger of closing due to financial reasons. “Our constitution requires the state to provide a sound education,” Cahill said. “Part of that sound education, in my opinion, is educational choice.”

The New York State Teacher’s Union, however, is adamantly opposing the initiative.

Carl Korn, a spokesperson for the union, said the parents most likely to benefit from the tax credit are the wealthy elite who put their children into the top private schools, rather than the working class families who donate a few dollars to their local booster club.

Based on the successful Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit,

Photo by Bianca Fortis

which determined that the state had not properly funded city schools, thus denying children to a sound basic education, local schools are still underfunded by about $9 billion, according to Korn.

By the union’s estimates, the tax credit would remove about $300 million from the public treasury – funds that could instead be used for public schools, Korn said. He said yet another concern is that the bill could violate the doctrine of the separation of church and state.

“Nothing would stop a parent or teacher from making a donation to a school or scholarship fund,” Korn said. “But you shouldn’t get a state tax credit for that personal choice.”

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

PAGE 7

Game Changer Or Just A Game?

City has failed to award $84 million in funds

By Bianca Fortis Several groups pitched projects The city still has not distributed the $84 million in the “Game- with the goal of helping the RockChanger” grant competition it away Peninsula, including the announced last year, which was developer Arverne by the Sea. Gerry Romski, that developer’s designed to help boost the local economies that had been most project executive, said his team damaged by Hurricane Sandy in had pitched two projects: the redevelopment of the commercial 2012.

When the program was an- corridor of Beach 116th Street nounced by the city’s Economic and a marina and hotel at Beach Development Corporation on June 80th Street that would include 25, 2013, it promised at least $18 a 44-room hotel, restaurant and million to each of the five areas catering facility, waterfront shops, that were most affected by Sandy: a community garden and public South Queens, the Brooklyn- boardwalk and esplanade. The Queens waterfront, southern boardwalk and esplanade have Brooklyn, southern Manhattan already been awarded a $1 million grant from the state. and parts of Staten Island.

The marina could be used as a The EDC has continually maintained that the RFPs are “under ferry stop should ferry service be expanded, Romski said. review.”

Arverne by the Sea asked the city for $9 million for each project.

Currently the would-be marina site is overgrown with brush and has been used as a dumping ground as of late. “This area is just crying out for some kind of development,” Romski said while at the location on Monday. “It’s a beautiful site.”

Romski said Arverne by the Sea met with EDC officials in NovemThe overgrown lot on the bayside sits ignored while EDC keeps it “under ber to give a presentation about the review.” projects. Originally he was told

Caucig

Gerry Romski says this spot would be ideal for a marina and public esplanade.

there would be a decision before the end of the year. Then he was told it would come in the spring.

Most recently, Romski said, EDC officials only say that they’re still reviewing the projects.

Romski pointed to the success Arverne by the Sea has had since it began developing Arverne more than a decade ago. “We have a proven track record,” he said.

“We’ve been here when many others thought we were out of our minds. We stayed during the depths of the Great Recession and continued to reinvest.”

Others are frustrated as well.

Jeanne Dupont of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance said her team pitched a project that would involve developing the 59th Street corridor, turning the firehouse

into an emergency response center and adding a public boat house to Marina 59.

She said that after not hearing from the EDC for several months, she met with the agency in April to discuss the projects. Dupont had been left with the impression that her projects would receive grant funds soon, but she has not heard from the EDC since then, she said.

“It’s incredibly disappointing,” she said. “This community desperately needs help and the whole intention of that money is that it was supposed to go to the communities hit hardest and establish and create businesses and business opportunities for people.

But we don’t know if we’re coming or going.”

Utilities Inc.

Est. 1945

BUILDING? RE-BUILDING? RENOVATING? Call Caucig Utilities to Design A New Ductless Mini Split Heating & AC System.

We Also Design and Install In Floor Radiant Heating Systems Need A NEW Heating Boiler?

CALL TODAY FOR A QUICK APPOINTMENT

Ask Us About a Wall Hung Direct Vent Hot Water System with Domestic Hot Water Capability (No Chimney Needed)

718-646-8800

PAGE 8

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

We Get EMail Way To Go Rock Times Dear Editor: Congratulations on your inaugural issue of The Rockaway Times and the second one, too!!

I very much enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to the next edition. It’s refreshing to have a local paper with new voices and a new perspective.

Well done!

Rosemary McGuire

It’s Not Just Speeding Dear Editor: To all the residents concerned about the DOT speed cameras and the speed warners of the Rockaways. I have some news for you, you and your children are riding your bikes on the wrong sides of the streets. You’re worried about speeders? I’m worried about hitting you with my car, pulling out of my driveway or making a turn onto a main avenue, when suddenly, your kid is speeding with four other pals on the wrong side of the street. Sure I’m looking both ways, however, during broad daylight you’re speeding around a corner I can’t see you until you’re right behind my car in the driveway or coming around a curve and you land up in front of me. Or worse yet, Five or six of your children are riding their bicycles 10:00 p.m. with no flashes on their bikes or clothing that has some sort of illumination to warn drivers.

Please do us all a favor because I can only do my part when I drive, you need to talk to your children and tell them to ride their bikes on the correct side of the street and that goes for all the adults too.

And by the way, I realize helmets are not cool but isn’t there a law about riding without helmets? In fact, I believe it’s illegal to ride a bicycle against traffic. Time for the DOT to put up cameras to catch these offenders!

Pearl Feder

Birthdays Are Worth Celebrating Dear Editor: There is ONE day in our lifetime, that we never forget, it’s our birthday. Did you ever meet someone that could not recite their birthdate?

Some of us can even tell you the hour and the minute they were born. Throughout your lifetime you will forget many dates that you were taught in school that pertain to history. You will also forget many dates that are

important to others. Examples are: Anniversaries, other people’s birthdays. Hopefully, you enjoy your birthday each year, as I do mine. Of course, some Birthdays have more significance than others---Sweet 16 {for a girl} Birthdays ending in 0---Especially the “BIG 50. The 18th, and 21st birthdays are big also for various reasons ( legal age to drink and being eligible for military service).

Some of the greatest parties you have been to, were thrown on your behalf. Plenty of cake, candles, making wishes, opening presents. Maybe a toast or a speech. Celebrating your birthday, and those of others can be some of the best times of the year!

Some of us, as we get older begin to resent our birthdays. Hopefully, you are not one of those people.

And always remember, to thank your parents on your birthday, as they are the ones that made it all possible. Always treat your birthday as a gift itself!

Bill Dickesheid

Put A Price On That Dear Editor: When are you going to charge for The Rockaway Times? You gotta charge something!

Bill O’Halloran Editor’s note: It’ll be FREE as far as we can see. Just tell our advertisers you saw their ad in The Rockaway Times.

The EDC Is Mayor’s Tool Dear Editor: The EDC is a secretive organization that cannot be trusted.

Your editorial page of 7-3-14 could not have said it better. They never have a straight answer, they just play with words.

“Oh, Mister Mayor, make sure you send the EDC your list of what you want us to do!” EDC really stands for, Everything Done Correctly, Mr. Mayor.

Danny and Linda Ruscillo

City Comptroller Salutes The RT Dear Editor: Congratulations to Kevin Boyle and The Rockaway Times on your inaugural issue! The Rockaway Times is already fast on its way to becoming a valuable resource for the Rockaways.

The Rockaways are a proud and iconic community that was put to the ultimate test when Superstorm Sandy came barreling

down upon it.

In the past two months, I’ve been out to the peninsula twice to hold hearings of my office’s Sandy Oversight Unit where I and my staff heard first-hand the frustrations of residents as they dealt with maddening and inefficient government bureaucracies.

The Comptroller’s office is working with the hundreds of residents who came to these hearings and my office is conducting several audits of Build it Back and City agencies that were intended to help this and dozens of communities throughout the City.

Already, my office has made over 1,000 phone calls, half of which are directly related to Build it Back. Enough is enough. It’s time to rebuild your homes and restore this neighborhood to its former glory.

One of the best ways to do that is by keeping the community informed, and nobody does that better than the Rockaways’ local journalists like Kevin Boyle.

Independent local news is vital to the Rockaways, and we are all fortunate to have a new finger on the pulse of community. Please accept my best wishes for continued success.

Scott Stringer NYC Comptroller

Faster AND Safer Dear Editor, For the record, I have not received a speeding ticket in about

25 years, including the new speed traps on Beach Channel Drive and Rockaway Beach Blvd. It was obvious that the City took a cheap shot when they suddenly started ticketing people for driving at the same speed they have always driven. The DOT made a conscious decision NOT to inform drivers about this change in enforcement policy. Predictably the speed camera would NOT slow down a speeding motorist if they weren’t aware it was there.

Since I didn’t get a ticket I decided that I would invest fifty bucks in signs to give drivers the warning that the DOT should have provided on their own. Believe me, I would have rather been at the beach. Without signs, speed cameras are merely ATM cash cows and people drive at the same speed. I found the warning signs were quite effective at slowing down unsuspecting drivers, which of course was all the DOT cared about anyway, right?

The City is using schools to provide political cover for their money grab, it’s not about safeguarding kids. There is a already a 24 hour – 7 day a week traffic lights at Scholars and the former Beach Channel H.S. When the speed camera is automatically ticketing drivers outside, the students, assuming school is even in session, are sitting safely at their desks. I’m as concerned as much as the next guy about safety, but (Continued on page 9)

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kevin Boyle REPORTERS Bianca Fortis SALES Fred Marino • Kathleen Lalsie DESIGN AND LAYOUT Dragonfly Graphics LLC THE ROCKAWAY TIMES 114-04 Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Phone • 718-634-3030 | e-mail • news@rockawaytimes.com THE ROCKAWAY TIMES publishes every Thursday. Ad space reservations by Monday, 12 noon, preceding date of publication. Editorial submission must be made

by Monday, 3 P.M., preceding date of publication.

All letters to THE ROCKAWAY TIMES should be brief and are subject to editing.

Writers should include a full address and home / office telephone number. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request.

No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without permission of THE ROCKAWAY TIMES. The publisher will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to THE ROCKAWAY TIMES within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication.

THE ROCKAWAY TIMES assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads.

The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold THE ROCKAWAY TIMES and its employees harmless from all costs, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Editorial THE EDC AND THE CODE OF SILENCE The EDC is so shady.

In last week’s editorial we called for more scrutiny of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

That wasn’t a onetime call for action. Transparency (and an overhaul) of this quasi-governmental outfit is needed now.

One reason the EDC has enjoyed its time in the shadows is because it is technically not a City agency. The public at large has little direct contact with the City’s self-billed “economic engine.”

The EDC is a non-profit with roots that stretch back decades to the days when the City was often facing financial ruin. It’s been a power broker ever since.

It is a non-profit funded with City contracts and run by twenty-something board members largely picked by the mayor.

The Borough Presidents get to nominate some candidates but the mayor is the one who selects who he wants.

The board is full of people with real estate interests and non profit ties. Do they benefit from EDC projects? Do they steer projects that might benefit their

interests? Hard to know.

The staff is another matter.

Some business people who have dealt with EDC have described being at the mercy of “a bunch of kids.” Those kids might have Ivy League degrees but to those waiting for decisions, those kids seem like they’re on Spring Break.

Everything at EDC is “under review.” It’s a convenient catchphrase that suggests they’re giving careful thought to projects.

You hear that enough and you start to think they just can’t make decisions.

But here’s what it all boils down to. There is a shield in place that makes the EDC untouchable.

When the EDC issues an Request for Proposals (RFP), they seek bids from individuals or companies to develop economic projects. For example, the EDC issued an RFP for ferry operation, essentially asking ferry operators to make proposals about how they would run the Rockaway ferry service and what kind of subsidy might be needed.

The EDC also issued an RFP for the Game Changer competi-

tion in which bidders were vying for $18 million to spur economic growth in Rockaway.

Here’s the shield, the cover under which EDC hides itself.

In RFPs there is this clause: Upon submission representatives and agents, shall treat their Proposals and all information in connection with this RFP confidentially, and shall not discuss, publish, divulge, disclose or allow to be disclosed the Confidential Information to any other person, including press or other media WITHOUT EDC’s PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL.” (our CAPS).

An oath of secrecy is required!

The EDC has it own Omerta, the code of silence. You want to do business with the City, the EDC, you better not break the secrecy pledge.

There’s a reason you haven’t heard from other ferry operators who have submitted bids besides Seastreak.

There’s a reason you haven’t heard from those who submitted Game Changer proposals or what those proposals were.

And here’s another thing about EDC foot-dragging. People who submit bids can’t wait forever.

Bids often require partnerships and fundraising and timelines.

EDC inaction threatens the viability of bids.

The EDC is sitting on $84 million of Sandy-relief money. $18 million of that is supposed to spur economic activity in Rockaway. $18 million covers about three years of a FREE ferry.

That would be a game changer.

PAGE 9 Perhaps a ferry operator proposed exactly that.

The EDC should remove that confidentiality requirement. It may say that it allows the process to be free of lobbying and publicity campaigns run by bidders who can afford it.

Well, it really just allows the EDC to operate in the shadows.

Just the way they like it. And the hell with us.

We Get Email (Continued from Page 8) I also know that if you are going to have a viable city, people need to be able to get from point A to point B in a reasonable amount of time.

We have a right to expect more from our City and particularly from the Department of Transportation. We need to demand that they use available technology to help us get where we are going faster and safer. Instead of lowering the speed limit to a ridiculous 25 MPH citywide, let’s show some real vision and install smart traffic lights. Two intersections that are crying out for this upgrade are on BCD at Beach 104th and Beach 101st Street. These traffic control devices would allow the lights on BCD to remain green at all times unless a car or pedestrian is waiting to cross.

A recent study revealed that we are wasting over 130,000 hours annually at these two intersections alone. On school days from 7:30 – 8:30 AM and 2:00 – 3;00 PM a 30 MPH speed limit could be enforced by speed cameras (with DOT erected warning signs). I believe that these are reasonable suggestions that will keep our kids safe, help us to get to work on time and keep the City’s hands out of our pockets.

Rick Horan

We Love Getting Email or Regular Mail Write to the Editor at THE ROCKAWAY TIMES Email news@ rockawaytimes. com Address 114-04 Beach Channel Drive Rockaway Park, NY 11694 We welcome letters on any topic of interest.

Please limit them to 500 words.

We reserve the right to edit letters

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

D Piper Inn Your relaxing

get away by the Beach

Old Rockaway Charm Queen bed, WiFi, AC, all private bath -steps to the Ocean!!

The Rockaway Times

The Fishing Report

By Matt Whalen

Ahoy Rockaway!

Windy conditions last weekend held back many boats (mostly small craft under 22’) as well as surf anglers from attempting to catch some dinner. One day the wind was blowing hard from the north, and the next day the wind was blowing hard from the south.

On some other days during the week the wind was veering all over the place.

From Tom’s Wave service station (now carrying The Rockaway Times!) / bait and tackle on Beach Channel Drive in Rockaway Park: We checked in with Tom today only to find out that he was down at Atlantic Beach checking out the surf fishing scene. Tom reports that the water was very cold and with the high winds the sea was very rough and churning up a lot of sand in the surf. Tom did tell us that there were some sand sharks caught in the surf (must have been all that sand), and that the water was slowly warming up. Tom said

that when his customers ask him “What bait to use and where” ?

Tom suggests “Bunker for the bay, clams for the surf, and spearing for the fluke action.”

Bernie Matzen from Oceanside was in contact with us (actually we called him, too). Sportsman Bern reports that he drifted Reynolds Channel between B-9th St. and Jones Inlet at the end of last week but only got a lot of short fluke under 18”, so back in the bay they went.

At Big Ron’s bait and tackle on Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: We talked to Ron this morning and he tells us that the porgy action near the Marine Parkway Bridge is starting to pick up. Ron said that he saw some “Nice sized porgies” in at least the couple of pound range that were caught there. Ron also had some exciting news about a large fluke weighing in at 8-1/2 lbs. taken aboard the “CAPT. MIKE” out of Howard Beach by Angler Vinnie.

Boarders Gets Small Biz Kudos

one or two persons occupancy, reservations, only.

And

CONGRATULATIONS To

The Rockaway Times!!

--Just Just Steps Steps Away Away from from the the Beach Beach

pip158@verizon.net 718-945-183 www.dpiperinn.com

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) honored Boarders Surf Shop, a father-son homegrown local business on Beach 92nd Street as June’s Small Business of the Month. Goldfeder presented the owners, Steve Stathis and Christian Stathis, with an official New York State Assembly Proclamation. Boarders received extensive damage during Super-

storm Sandy, but through the help of their extraordinary staff and family, they reopened their doors and continue to serve our community.

To nominate a small business, please email Assemblyman Goldfeder directly at goldfederp@assembly.state.ny.us and include the reason for your nomination.

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Specialty Bikes At Riis Are Wheelie Fun

By Bianca Fortis

In need of some ideas for a wheelie fun summer?

Wheel Fun Rentals, located in Jacob Riis Park, is now open seven days a week for the summer season. The spot offers beachgoers the opportunity to rent specialty bikes, from beach cruisers to double surreys, large enough to fit six adults. Also up for grabs are deuce coupes, choppers, quad sports and standard surreys, available for hourly rental.

The Jacob Riis location opened up last summer, according to Sheena Walenta, the marketing director for the company, which is based in California. The bikes can

accommodate individual riders as well as families with children and babies. “It’s the perfect fit for families and people of all ages who want to enjoy the outdoor area,�

Walenta said.

Wheel Fun Rentals has more than 100 locations around the United States, including four other locations in New York City: two in Brooklyn, one in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and one at the World’s Fair Marina. The Jacob Riis location also offers sand toys, beach umbrellas, chairs and boogie boards, when the waves are safe to use them.

The additional items are ideal

Mrs. Elaine’s School of Dance Thanks to the Rockaway Community for supporting us for 5 years!

We would like to offer

FREE

PAGE 11

for individuals commuting to the beach by ferry or for anyone else who doesn’t “want to lug all that stuff,� Walenta said.

Walenta said bicycles can bring about a sense of nostalgia and remind riders what it was like to be free-spirited as a child. “With the specialty bikes, you’re not just riding next to or behind friends and family,� she said. “It allows families and groups of friends into one vehicle to have the experience together. “It’s about turning off your electronics, getting away with friends and family and really appreciating the value of nature,� she continued.

Wheel Fun Rentals can also host birthday parties, corporate groups or other private events.

Specific activities can be designed based on the group, but they

can include scavenger hunts or other team-building exercises.

Darrelle Williams, 22, of Brooklyn, is working at the Rockaway location for the summer.

He said aside from accepting payment from customers, employees also clean and do basic maintenance on the bikes.

Sometimes he gets to ride them too – his favorites are the quads and choppers.

Williams said the breezy location and happy customers have him looking forward to work each morning when he wakes up. “When people come back from the ride, they never complain,� he said. “Well, sometimes they’ll complain about their legs. It’s a workout.�

For more information about rentals, visit www.wheelfunrentals.com.

dance classes for the month of

August

at our brand new location,

112-20 Beach Channel Drive Classes Will Be Starting AUGUST 5th Every Tuesday,Wednesday & Thursday ages 3 and 4 - 10:00am ages5 and 6 - 11:00am ages 7-9 - 12:00pm teen workshops - 1:00pm All ages will learn Ballet Hip Hop Jazz &More!

Call for more information 516-426-1351 www.mrselaines.com

- &"$) 2) 20&&2 & .3,% *+& . )"-+ 4&06.-& .0 !.30 -&-%*-( 3//.02

-,6 1 Pack of BOAR’S HEAD FRANKS, 1 Box of STEAK BURGERS or 3 Lbs. of GOURMET CHOP MEAT 2 Lbs. of our FAMOUS KANSAS CITY STEAK or a 2 Lb. LONDON BROIL 1 Pack of HAMBURGER ROLLS 1 Pack of HOT DOG ROLLS

*'2 &02*'*$"2&1 ,5"61 4"*,"#,& Curb Service Always Available – Please Call Your Order - .0 "12 *$+ / .5 Open Sunday 9:15 am To 1 pm Through Labor Day!

&"$) 2) 2 &,,& "0#.0 !

.0

We Accept All Major Credit Cards

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

The Rockaway Times

Between The Bridges in Broad Channel

By Peter J. Mahon

"(*/( *33&(6-"3*5*&4 *33*5"5*0/ 8F USFBU ZPVS TLJO QSPCMFNT BU UIF TPVSDF BOE HFU SFTVMUT

*OINÄ?/URÄ?3KINÄ?&ITNESSÄ?0ROGRAMÄ? " XPSLPVU GPS ZPVS GBDJBM NVTDMFT BOE NPSF $BMM GPS JOGPSNBUJPO PS WJTJU PVS XFCTJUF BU CMVFCVOHBMPXTQB DPN 8F 6TF )PMJTUJD *OOPWBUJPO /BUVSBM BOE 0SHBOJD *OHSFEJFOUT 3FTFBSDI 1SPWFO $PMMBHFO BOE %/" 3FQBJS 8F 0GGFS 'BDJBM 5SFBUNFOUT .BTTBHF 5IFSBQZ "JSCSVTI 5BOOJOH -VYVSJPVT 8BYJOH BOE -POH -BTUJOH )BJS 3FNPWBM 4LJODBSF 1SPEVDUT /VUSJUJPOBM 4VQQMFNFOUT )PMJTUJD 8FMMOFTT &RQVXOWLQJ 1VSF &TTFOUJBM 0JMT %SJOLBCMF BOE 0SHBOJD 4VOTDSFFO

$&-&#3*5*&4 '"703*5& 8F TQFDJBMJ[F JO UIF *OUSBDFVUJDBMT 0YZHFO 'BDJBM 'JSTU 5SFBUNFOU

'3&&

0''

"SPNBUIFSBQZ

&YQJSFT

X .BTTBHF 5IJT 4VNNFS

#FBDI UI 4USFFU OE 'MPPS 3PDLBXBZ 1BSL

I received a call from a neighbor early last Thursday morning (6:50 am!) asking why copies of the Rockaway Times were not available in the Channel Market.

I advised my friend that Kevin Boyle ran into some last minute problems publishing last week’s July 3rd edition and had to run out to CostCo to pick up some additional Crayola “burnt umbra� crayons to finish the paper’s photo-tinting process but worry not, the paper would be delivered shortly – and it was!

To paraphrase Sherlock Holmes, “The 2014 Atlantic Basin Hurricane season is afoot!� “Arthur� is the first hurricane to make landfall in the United States since “Sandy� hit our coast back in October of 2012. Unlike “Sandy�, a truly psychotic confluence of meteorological oddities, “Arthur� did not make a quick left into the coast dragging a 15+ foot storm tide into town. “Arthur� did hit North Carolina as a Category 2 Hurricane but then quickly tracked northeastward with nary an impact to our community here in Broad Channel as it passed us by, well out to sea, on July 4th.

As far as I am concerned, clouds, wind and rain aside, “Arthur’s� wide berth of the Broad Channel community made for a truly memorable 4th of July celebration of our nation’s 238th birthday!

Sad to say but several of our Broad Channel neighbors who, 19 months after Sandy, are still displaced or living out of a damaged residence while they continue their odyssey of navigating the never-ending and unresponsive bureaucracy of New York City in the hopes of receiving some “real� assistance are now beginning to seriously explore the feasibility of giving up and moving elsewhere.

As one neighbor put it, “We have a Mayor, never seen here in the Channel, who says he can find millions to fund and provide legal documentation for illegal immigrants but not a penny to help me get back into my home, this is a disgrace!�

I can find no fault with my neighbor’s logic. Note to Mayor de Blasio – People are hurting, please get your priorities straight!

**School is out for the summer! How do I know? Because I miss seeing our favorite Broad Channel School Crossing Guard Helen Henglein’s smiling visage each school day as she safely escorts our children across the boulevard on 9th Road, rain or shine, to their classes at P.S. 47.

If you run into Helen while you are out and about in the Channel, give her a big thank you for all her hard work!

Speaking of P.S. 47, there has been a lot of concern among some school parents regarding the “possibility� of P.S. 47 ending its middle school program in the near future. I have been told that the Scholars Academy has accepted the transfer of almost three quarters of next year’s 6th grade class as part of the middle school transfer process and that has placed P.S. 47’s enrollment viability in a tenuous position. If the middle school is terminated, our youngsters will have no other option than to travel out of town and that does not bode well for the long term community demographics and socio-economic viability of Broad Channel. Parents of small children will think long and hard prior to investing in a community where their small ones will have to travel out of community for their middle schools. After all, it’s not like the Brooklyn ArchDiocese still has the St. Virgilius Parish School to kick around anymore!

In closing, a big apology to my better half, the lovely GraceAnne Arnemann, for forgetting our 20th Anniversary on July 4th. My two daughters chided me, “Dad, are you kidding me? No dinner, No flowers? You should be ashamed of yourself.� I told my girls not to worry and that I would slip Mom’s name and an apology into the paper next week and this time there would be no mention of an accompanying arrest or bail conditions set by the court! (Yikes - that one is gonna come back to bite me...) Love ya Little Red! Broad Channel – Why would anyone want to live anywhere else? See y’all next week.

Comments: rtbetweenthebridges@gmail.com

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Saturday Is City Of Water Day

Both amateur and experienced water enthusiasts alike will have an opportunity to sail, canoe and row through Jamaica Bay on Saturday, July 12.

City of Water Day, which is hosted by the Sebago Canoe Club, the National Park Service and the Regional Plan Association, will take place at the Sebago

Canoe Club, 1400 Paerdegat Ave. N, in Brooklyn. Sebago members will act as guides for participants.

The free event will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information about the Sebago Canoe Club is available at sebagocanoeclub.org or by calling 718-241-3683.

PAGE 13

Back In The Day Do You Know This Guy?

“Suntan Dan�

You might know him as one of the finest basketball coaches St. Francis de Sales ahs ever known. You might know him as the regular Fedex Man west of Beach 116th. But did you know Suntan Dan Edwards when he played the ukulele?

RYTF Farmers Market Starts Saturday Photo by Bonnie Aldinger

Kindly Patronize Our Advertisers

Like fresh food and affordable produce? This Saturday, July 12th will be the official opening of the Rockaway Beach Youth Market.

Every Saturday through November 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Rockaway Youth Task Force (RYTF) will be partnering with Grow NYC and regional farmers to open the market which debuted last summer. Where to find the good stuff? Beach 58th Street, off Beach Channel Drive.

According to Silaka Cox of the RYTF, the market is youth run and operated, giving young adults between the ages of 15-25 the ability to learn management, entrepreneurial and customer service skills.

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

The Rockaway Times

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

PAGE 15

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MODERNIZATION IN PROGRESS New Temporary Walk-In Entrance

by Hospital Front Entrance

Emergency Department interior rendering

Featuring: 23,000

sq. ft., Doubling in Size 19 Private Treatment Rooms 21 Results Waiting Positions 6 Rapid Evaluation Beds Discrete Psychiatric Emergency Department with 14 Private Areas Entrance on Beach 20th Street rendering

Dedication. Experience. Caring.

327 Beach 19th Street, Far Rockaway, New York 11691

718-869-7000 • www.ehs.org

PAGE 16

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

WALSH Properties, Inc.

Between The Groins

ROCKAWAY – THE HAMPTONS OF NEW YORK CITY

177 Beach 116th St. – 2nd Floor Phone (718) 945-5512 or (347) 731-0285 Fax (718) 945-5370 www.walshproperties.com www.facebook.com/WalshPropertiesInc

FOR SALE BELLE HARBOR LOT – BEACH 131 ST 60 x 100 and ready to build $490K. Make an offer!

BELLE HARBOR – NEW TO THE MARKET One family on 60 x 100. Center hall with four bedrooms. LR, FDR, EIK, basement, enclosed porch, beautiful yard. Close to all and very convenient. $700's NEW TO THE MARKET - BELLE HARBOR Let the house pay for itself! Three bedrooms two baths over the same. Each apartment is almost 1,500 square feet. Plus a fabulous finished basement with kitchenette and bathroom. Double car garage and driveway. Great investment. $700's NEPONSIT – NEW TO THE MARKET Split-level ranch on 50 x 100 in good condition. Three bedrooms, two baths, basement and family room. Spacious backyard and outdoor shower. Perfect pool area. Tons of parking. $700's BELLE HARBOR – NEW TO THE MARKET Two family with three bedrooms over walk-in two bedrooms. Pvt drive and lovely yard. Convenient to all. Perfect mother/daughter or extended family. $785K

CONDO FOR SALE Ocean Grand – Two bedrooms, two baths w/terrace ……………...............…. $475K CO-OP FOR SALE Beach 118 St – Oceanfront – Hampton House – One bedroom w/terrace ....$235K APARTMENTS FOR RENT Beach 66 St – Three bedroom ………......................................................... $1,500 Beach 97 St and SFP – Two bedrooms, terrace overlooking beach.............. $1,850 Beach 118 St – Duplex two bedroom …….................................................. $1,500 Beach 121 St – Studio ……….......................................................................$900 Beach 121 St – Three bdrom duples, 2 terraces …….........................$1,800 no fee Beach 121 St - One bdrm ……………….............................................$1,300 no fee Beach 123 St – Walk-in one bedroom ………..............................................$1,250 Beach 123 St – Oceanviews – Fabulous one bedroom w/office …..............$1,500 Beach 124 St – One bdrm …………............................................................... $950 Beach 124 St – All new one bedroom, CAC, walk-in, pkg ………………......….$1,400 COMMERCIAL SPACE – FOR SALE Rockaway Beach – Two buildings back to back. Store plus apartment plus four additional units. Each unit has its own boiler and hot water heater. Great investment…...........................................................................................$800's Beach 100 St – 110 x 100. Perfect for residential development.

All offers considered.

Beach 116 St area – 800 ft……................................................................ $300K SUMMER RENTALS BUNGALOW – Beach 109 St …………....….............................. $5,000 for season Beach 97 St – Three bedrooms, two baths, parking ...….............…$20,000 season Beach 97 St – Two bedrooms, terrace……………........................…$14,000 season

WALSH MANAGEMENT CORP. Prayer for our troops.

Lord, hold our troops in your hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.

Amen.

By John Cori Recently, I had the good fortunate of having two weeks off from my job working at the transit hub at the New York Trade Center in lower Manhattan. My first week of “vacation” was spent, as many of us do here on the Peninsula, working on my house. Not that mind of course, I actually love to work on my house! I love making sure things are done properly.

I’m working against the clock before the next big storm casts an ugly grip on our community.

I’ve taken steps to make our home a little more resilient than before. My driveway retaining walls are no longer six inches above grade – they have been replaced with a retaining wall 16 inches above grade.That first week of vacation I spent seven straight days, working fourteen hour days to get as much done so I might have actual free time the second week.

My second week I had the good fortune of touring my cousin John from Kansas City and his amazing family around The City.

Of course prior to his arrival I could not wait to get John and his family onto the pride and joy of our peninsula, Rockaway Beach. Once at our house, John was impressed at the progress we made on the house as he had seen dozens of pictures of the hole the boardwalk made to the front of our house. I was flattered by his appreciation of our hard work in bringing our home back from the mess it was.

What I was not prepared for was his reaction when we stepped onto Shore Front Parkway and he had his first chance to see for the first time what so many of us saw

for the first time on October 30th 2012 or should I say, what we did not see. Our boardwalk Gone.

As with our house, he had seen pictures of the devastation of our boardwalk, but his shock was not so much in the fact that it was gone. It was the fact that it was STILL GONE! Now I have to admit I was a little surprised at his reaction.

I guess like many others I have been lulled to sleep at NYC Parks and EDC’s snails’ pace of reconstructing our boardwalk.

I’ve gotten somewhat used to walking though chain link fences to get to the beach, I’ve gotten used to walking on the southern lane of Shore Front Parkway instead of a boardwalk. I’ve gotten used to NOT riding my bike up to Beach 126!

After John and his family headed back to Kansas City I spent two days riding my bike around our great peninsula and I came to the conclusion John’s reaction to our boardwalk would be the same for our bay wall, for our unplanted dunes, our wooden poles holding up our street lights, our lack of jetties (groins), our lack of protection along the bay in Arverne to Far Rockaway. And the shuttered library and dozens of other issues waiting repair for the past 20 months.

After we recharge our batteries from this summer’s sun, we need to wake ourselves from this slumber, or as some would say this nightmare, that our the City, State and Federal Governments have cast us under!

We can’t stay asleep – even though those in charge are counting on just that.

Sign Up For Fam Fun Run

The 12th annual Graybeards Family Run will kick off on Friday July 25, at 6:30 PM at St. Francis de Sales. The night will begin with the Kids Races. These will vary in distance according to age, and will start and finish at Beach 127 Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard.

The Rockaway Special Olympians will follow with their always-inspiring Quarter Mile Run. The 1 Mile Run will begin at 7:00 PM. The races will be capped by the 5K Run. Post-race activities will follow immediately in the St. Francis Schoolyard and will include music by the Grayriders along with the awards presentations, raffles, children’s rides, and

plenty of food and beverages.

Advance registration will be at St. Francis de Sales on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., July 20 from 10 a.m- 1 p.m. and July 24 from 6- 9 p.m.

Day of Race registration is from 4-6 p.m. You may also contact the Graybeards office and website, www.graybeards. com.

If you just want to take part in the festivities, a $10 contribution will be accepted as you enter the yard. Race directors Keith Goldberg and Joe Featherston say “Come One, Come All” for an evening of fun for the entire family.

A large turnout is anticipated so please register early.

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

The High Tide

A Little of This And That Rockaway Times Radio coming soon. A podcast - kind of like a radio show available on Itunes - will be launched oh so soon And here’s the fun part: YOU’re invited to be a host.

We will establish time slots so you can host your own show.

Some local celebs have already been penciled in. The show will broadcast right inside the windows in our little headquarters – “kind of poor man’sâ€? Good Morning America Show. ••••• John Edwards sends word that the Rockaway Running Series continues with The Firecracker 10 Miler this Saturday with an 8:30 a.m. start on the boardwalk and Beach 17th street. The Rockapulco 5K kicks off on Friday 7/18 at 7 p.m. on the boardwalk at Beach 85th Street. Check out rockapulcorun.com ••••• We ’ r e N u m b e r 3 ! We ’ r e Number 3! Mike Schramm of The Rockaway Point News (The

Pointer) who has been extraordinarily generous to our efforts rightly pointed out in a recent column that the Rockaway Times is the third printed newspaper on the peninsula. True!

True! We only hope to be as good as the Pointer one day. ••••• Check out the Knights of Columbus of Rockaway on Facebook for social happenings. In the next couple of weeks The Knights is running a fishing trip and a country western music night. Oh, those are two different events. ••••• Want to get mad? Make a trip to Long Beach and bike or walk on the boardwalk. It’s as smooth as a pool table and buzzing with people just enjoying the brand new boards. You might have also seen news reports that all the boardwalks in various seaside New Jersey towns are back. ••••• Should we start taking Depart-

ment of Transportation issues personally? The roads are a mess; speed cameras without speed limit signs or warnings keep popping up and now meters on Beach 116th are often broken. This is the group spearheading the mayor’s Vision Zero plan. Sheesh. ••••• Rockaway Pot Luck is a new column being jumpstarted by John Sica, known for directing and producing the film 7 Miles To Shore, the Dylan Smith story. We’ll look to do gardening, business, humor, oh, just about anything. We’ll just change it up every week. Got one column in you? Send an email with your idea to news@rockawaytimes. com. By the way, John will eventually write some movie and entertainment reviews but this week he wants to know why the music was stopped. ••••• Rob Astorino, challenging Governor Cuomo, seemed to win the crowd at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club on Monday night but he kind of whiffed when a

PAGE 17 woman asked him to list three specific things he would do for Breezy Point and Rockaway. ••••• At the meeting, a bumper sticker was handed to Kevin Boyle. It read: Don’t Blame Me, I Voted For Joe Lhota. The bumper sticker was funny enough.

But even funnier because it was handed to him by ‌.Joe Lhota. ••••• For those of you wondering what’s become of longtime Wave editor, Howie Schwach, you can find him at most civic meetings and events and if you can’t find him there you can stop by his online newspaper site, onrockaway.com ••••• A couple of little birdies told us that they’ve heard that all $84 million dollars of Game Changer Competition money that EDC has been sitting on for more than a year will be shifted to affordable housing initiatives.

Such a shift should require public notice and HUD approval but we’re nervous.

Say You Saw It In The Rockaway Times

Sattler & Company

‡ ,V D SURIHVVLRQDO IXOO VHUYLFH DFFRXQWLQJ ILUP ‡ :H VHUYH ZLGHO\ GLYHUVLILHG EXVLQHVVHV DQG LQGLYLGXDOV ‡ :H WDLORU VHUYLFHV WR PHHW LQGLYLGXDO DQG EXVLQHVV QHHGV

2XU IUHVK LGHDV QHZ SHUVSHFWLYHV DQG WHFKQLFDO H[SHUWLVH VDYH RXU FOLHQWV WKRXVDQGV RI GROODUV DQG D ORW RI ZRUU\ $OO FOLHQW PDWWHUV DUH KDQGOHG LQ VWULFWHVW FRQILGHQWLDOLW\ ZLWK WKH KLJKHVW HWKLFDO VWDQGDUGV

SERVICES OFFERED

‡ $FFRXQWLQJ DQG $XGLWLQJ ‡ 0DQDJHPHQW &RQVXOWLQJ ‡ 5HWLUHPHQW 3ODQQLQJ ‡ /LIHWLPH 3ODQQLQJ ‡ 7D[ 3UHSDUDWLRQ DQG &RQVXOWLQJ ‡ &ROOHJH 3ODQQLQJ

7HOHSKRQH ‡ )D[

PAGE 18

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Have You Seen Fred?

Maybe More Cans Are Needed Photos by Kelly Kelley and John Cori

Fred Marino, longtime resident and friend to many, has been making the rounds as The Rockaway Times sales rep. Don’t be surprised if he enters your business with a smile on his face: he’s got something good to offer! Frankly, we’re sold on Fred!

Even when people want to put garbage in cans they don’t have much of a choice on the beach. The overflow of garbage is limited to one beach. These pictures are from Belle Harbor and Rockaway Beach.

Let US know what YOU think.

Love Us? Like Us? Hate Us? We want to Know!

Please Join me by signing our petition and send a strong message to City Hall KeepRockawayFerry.com

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder 214 Beach 96th Street Rockaway Beach, NY 11693

(718) 945-9550 Twitter @YPGoldfeder Facebook.com/PhilGoldfeder

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

PAGE 19

Be Well, Be Happy

By Helen Kilgallen

“Meditation Might Be Key” To meditate is to listen and go within your body to your higher self. If you took a few minutes out of your day to close your eyes, listen, and follow your breath, you will create so much more time and space for yourself and others.

In meditation, the mind becomes clear, relaxed, and inwardly focused. When you meditate, you are fully awake and alert, but your mind is not focused on the external world or on the events taking place around you. Meditation requires an inner state that is still and one-pointed so that the mind becomes silent. When the mind is silent and no longer distracts you, meditation deepens.

Perhaps you could simply start by sitting quietly, focusing on the breath, silently saying I am breathing in, I am breathing out.

Then you could progress to inhale, exhale and finally just follow the breath. Some people like to use a mantra, breathing in I am calm, breathing out I am at peace. Any mantra at all, whenever works for

your practice. The idea is to sit, become a witness to all the chatter in your brain and don’t fight, change or try to fix anything. Just notice and come back to your breath. The more you practice the more you will be drawn to sit quietly.

There are many benefits to meditation. It helps to ease anxiety, decrease stress in your body and mind. Many people who suffer from migranes have been known to be helped by meditating. It clears your mind and you are more likely to be calm, more productive and happy. We are said to feel a peaceful, blissful, happy state of mind when sitting quietly and going within to our higher conscious.

In our very busy world of electronics and social networking, we are constantly focusing on the external. If we were to go within, let go of the external, we would discover a beautiful landscape within our bodies. In yoga the goal is to be able to sit quietly and meditate, ultimately reaching a

higher consciousness. Teaching yoga we always sit quietly in the beginning of class and sometimes at the end of class after our deep rest. It is easier for me to meditate with a group of people for support and guidance.

There are many forms of meditation. Breathing in, I am calm, Breathing out, I am peace.

Here is a basic guide to start a meditation practice. Some people like guided, visual meditation, others like just to sit quietly listening to the breath. Sit in a comfortable seat, either on the floor or in a chair. Take a deep breath in and exhale fully. Notice the breath as it enters your nostrils and exits.

Begin to visual the breath as in goes into your body, rising up your spine on the inhale, as you exhale allow the breath to go down your spine all the way to your tailbone.

Listen to your breath and become so quiet that you hear the sound of your breathing. When the mind starts to think just observe and let then float by like the clouds in the

sky. Don’t fight the thoughts, just notice and come back to breath.

Remember this is a practice, no right or wrong way.

“If you want the truth, I’ll tell you the truth: Listen to the secret sound, the real sound, which is inside you….” - Kabir.

Headshot and photo by Michael Schor.

$PVWHO AUTO BODY & TOWING WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN...

Lease Return Specialists SERVING THE ROCKAWAY PENINSULA Lease Return 25 YEARS FOR MORE THANSpecialist EEnterprise ntterpriise & H Hertz erttz R Rental enttall C Cars ars A Available vaiilabble

Watch for the

G GRAND OPENIN! p

of our 2nd sho

WE’RE THERE Craftsmanship at its best! ...or nothing at all

718.634.0651

COMING SOON!

NO N O JOB TOO BIG O OR TOO SMALL We take care of them all!

71-10 BEACH CHANNEL DRIVE, ARVERNE

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Rockaway Times Readership Trends Younger

Things To Do Music & Arts ROCKAWAY! EXHIBIT MOMA PS1 Multi-artist and multi-media art Fort Tilden Thursdays through Sundays until September 1 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“A WATERCOLOR FEAST” Paintings from the Brooklyn Watercolor Society Cuisine by Claudette 143 Beach 116th Tuesdays through Sundays July 1 through September 6 Opening reception July 5, 7 p.m.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT: WOW ROCKAWAY: STORIES TO REMEMBER Victoria Barber’s photos documenting the aftermath of Sandy YANA 112-34 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Weekdays July 3 through September 1 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Community

We’re not sure if the young girls are battling over who is going to read The Rockaway Times first but we’re thrilled to see we’ve got such young fans!

Photo sent by Kelly-Ann McMullan-Preiss

JANET REDMOND HOGAN Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

BREEZY POINT + ROCKAWAY POINT + ROXBURY 917-559-8646 + e-mail:janet@breezypointhouses.com www.breezypointhouses.com + /janetredmondhogan NEW TO MARKET! Roxbury, 3 bedrooms with basement, modern kitchen and baths. Beautiful views. Asking $595,000 Roxbury, 2 bedrooms, bay view. No water on first floor.

Asking $360,000 Rockaway Point, Parking behind and two screened porches!

Asking $399,000 Rockaway Point, 2 bedrooms, large lot, great block, large deck.

Asking $340,000 Vacant Lot, 40 x 100. Great Location! Asking $495,000 Rockaway Point, 3 bedrooms, new kitchen, new boiler, new electric.

Needs TLC. Asking $340,000 Rockaway Point, oceanside, beautifully renovated! Asking $340,000

Breezy Point, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, gorgeous and modern home. Asking $950,000 Breezy Point, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, season parking and much more! Asking $789,000 Rockaway Park, 1 bedroom, co-op apartment, steps to beach.

Price lowered. Asking $150,000

Two New York State Certified Residential Appraisers on Staff.

Find out what your home is worth today!

Carolyn Redmond, Broker 718-474-6722

The Rockaway Times

GOOD GOVERNMENT REGULAR DEMOCRATIC CLUB Ocean Promenade Rehab 140 Beach 113th St. Thursdays 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

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

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 646-662-232 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 209 Cross Bay Blvd.

Every Thursday, 12:30 p.m.

THE WOUNDED WARRIORS PROJECT July 11 and 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Surfing, stand up paddle and kayaking for disabled vets (Continued on page 23)

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Civics Corner

By Noreen Ellis

RCA An Out Of The Box Association Growing up, block associations, community groups and other civic involvements were a significant part of our lives. I guess I can honestly say that is where my civic conscience was instilled in me. My parents taught us many values and one that appears to be lost in this day and age – there are many more but let’s stick with civics - is that your home goes beyond property lines.

Your neighborhood, community or whatever term you want to use is also your home and should be treated no differently.

Since 2007 I have been involved with the Rockaway Civic Association (RCA). The philosophy of RCA is to view the Rockaway Peninsula with a holistic perspective. Representation from one organization for the entire Peninsula is not our goal or realistic.

I am proud that Rockaway Civic is not a cookie cutter association. Nor do we believe in a go along to get along philosophy.

Our members are a critical component to who we are and what we do; working together we strive to enrich our community.

Some out of the box accomplishments include: the bay wall beautification, tree giveaways,

Court Case Against LIPA and Nat’l Grid Moves Forward Sullivan & Galleshaw sued LIPA and National Grid on behalf of homeowners whose homes burned in Breezy Point and Rockaway during Sandy.

In response, LIPA and National Grid made motions to dismiss claiming Governmental Immunity.

The following decision was Filed TODAY by Judge Siegal: DENIED LIPA and National Grid’s Motions to dismiss DENIED. The case proceeds on.

Beach Flix (free summer film series - www.beachflix.com) and the Rockaway Tool Library (member based tool lending library - www.

RockawayToolLibrary.com). Realizing that not everything has to be cutting edge we still focus on everyday items which make any community a beautiful place such as greenscapes, sanitation and safety.

Speaking of Beach Flix – we are set to begin our third season of free movies on the beach. Kick off will be Friday July 11th on the sand at 67th Street. Movies begin at sundown.

Anyone can look around and see the shift in dynamics that is happening in Rockaway. Yes, we still have a bumpy road ahead of us but, our blocks once plagued and riddled with SRO’s are being replaced with owner-occupied homes. Yet, as the renaissance Rockaway is experiencing continues there appears to be a lack of civic involvement.

As a civic leader I personally have seen fewer people becoming members of civic associations or volunteering for projects to benefit our communities; is it that our neighbors are too busy, or do not care?

Civics are comprised of volunteers looking to enhance the quality of life for all, with dimin-

PAGE 21

ished members and volunteers our association has to exert ever greater effort trying to maintain our vibrant community with less neighborhood support. I encourage each and every person to rethink YOUR investment in OUR community. Making Rockaway better place requires more than just a few people. How does that saying go? “It takes a village to raise a child”. Well my fellow vil-

lagers I say to you - get involved!

Rockaway needs you.

On behalf of Rockaway Civic I want thank to those who support the association each year; and encourage you to enlist a neighbor who is not a supporter to join as well.

You can find out more about Rockaway Civic Association on our website – www.RockawayCivic.com

6$/(6 5(3$,56 5(17$/6

Paul’s Bicycle Shop

RZ :H $UH 1 G RUL]H $Q $XWK HDOHU 5DOHLJK '

)DW 7LUH

%HDFK & UXLVHU 5HQWDOV

29(5 <($56 (;3(5,(1&(

3DUWV $FFHVVRULHV IRU DOO W\SHV RI ELNHV )DVW )ULHQGO\ 6HUYLFH )ODWV À[HG ZKLOH \RX ZDLW

5RFNDZD\ %HDFK %LF\FOH &R %HDFK &UXLVHUV $UH %DFN Great Selection of Cruisers, Hybrids, BMX, Mountain, Folding, Unicycles, Adult Tricycles, Child Seats & Trailors, Cargo Trailers

718-318-2000 163 Beach 116th St. Rockaway Beach Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 7pm Saturday - 10am - 5pm Sunday - 10am-5pm *Must provide valid drivers licence & credit card for all rentals

Cuisine by

te t e d u a l C Specialty

Food Store & Cafe Home Cooked, Fresh Food, Baked Goods, Pastries Coming Soon.....Crepes

Find us on Cuisine by Claudette @Cuisine by Claudette Yelp

718-945-5511 • 143 Beach 116TH Street • Rockaway Park, NY 11694

Best Coffee in Rockaway

First Juice Bar in Rockaway with Fresh Green Juices

WiFi

PAGE 22

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

New Book By New Author The Battle For Breezy Point

7KH %HHI &KLS ZLWK 7HDP &\FORSV

The Rant Returns

Sean Danese, an NYPD police officer in the 63rd precinct and a member of the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Department in Breezy Point has authored his first book, The Battle For Breezy Point. Danese was a Captain in Point Breeze and continues to reside in Breezy Point.

Welcome Back To Rockaway!

We Salute The Wounded Warriors

Everyone has an opinion.

Me, you, and everyone else you know has their own opinion. It’s your basic human right. Your constitutional rights protect your right to an opinion and allow you to vocalize it. and That is a what makes America the finest nation in the world. This week, We at BeefChip & Team Cyclops offer no opinion about anything, except about people who have an opinion.

We are living in fast times, we need more access to more information and we need it faster than a speeding bullet. The use of smart phones, and tablets has only accelerated how fast information is transmitted. Chip, we know, why are you telling me this?

Well, despite all efforts, we over in the hospitality “biz” are subject to more scrutiny and ridicule than most Fortune 500 companies. Websites such as Tripadvisor.com and Yelp.com are specifically targeted towards the Hospitality industry and generate revenue from the companies that their users openly, proudly, and anonymously bash. Those sites are also protected under our constitution. But to what length can our government go to protect businesses from fake reviews, from the pessimistic self appointed experts?

On Yelp.com it states, “Your trust is our top concern, so businesses can’t pay to alter or remove reviews.” This statement is suspect as I have been witness to the direct opposite. It is widely known that sales reps often lead their pitch with “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” approach. In other words, if you advertise with them they are more inclined to remove a less than favorable review of your business. Hmm, sounds like another entrant into the extortion trade!

Bottom line, the sites in question go to great lengths protecting their anonymous users, while livelihoods are at stake. And while they both claim they have algorithms in place to decipher whether a review is fake, they have done nothing to

protect the people they generate revenue from.

Ask any industry veteran what their opinion is and they will tell you they want to go back to the dark ages when Zagat Survey ruled the world, and they have every right to think that way.

So where and who do we turn to for help? Businesses are now suing aforementioned websites in the highest courts in the country and I for one stand right behind them. Most recently a Virginia court forced Yelp to reveal the names of anonymous users after they posted negative reviews that cost Hadeed Carpet Cleaners untold losses. I say Bravo to the owners of that business. At what cost to their bottom line and what hurdles did they have to climb to protect themselves from someone that condemned their business with the click on a button?

My interpretation of the First Amendment is that your right to free speech should be protected, just not anonymously. I don’t think our Fore Fathers intended to protect the rights of cowards that rip others to shreds.

Beefchip is not saying you shouldn’t have an opinion, but didn’t your Mom tell you, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I want to publicly thank my Mom for instilling that mantra in me, it’s made me better at what I do everyday. Even though Elite Yelper Chad H doesn’t think too much of me. Come out from the protection of your iPad and tell me how the weak Long Island Iced Tea I made ruined your girlfriend’s weekend.

And if you’re scratching your head asking “hey Beefchip, but who are you?” Keep scratching!

I’m simply bringing what every employee in every business is thinking. My First Amendment protects my right to have an anonymous opinion about people who have negative anonymous opinions. And for that I give the Rockaway Times and The United States of America, a 5 Star review.

Kindly Patronize Our Advertisers and Say You Saw it In The Rockaway Times

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

PAGE 23

Tubular Views

By Alex Karinsky

Time Vs. Space Time is a precious thing. Although infinite, we only have a finite moment of it to ourselves.

One of the unique essences of surfing is when all the elements come together; the right wind direction, the right wave direction, swell height + period and the best tide for all those conditions. The amount of time we wait for all the above while we pour over forecast sites and web cams sniffing out the fore-runners of the next swell, like Hurricane Arthur last weekend, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insane! And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the paradox, while we waste the time waiting we only have a finite moment of when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like golf or tennis where you book your time and just show up hoping it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rain. But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a kink to this. Imagine you did book your four ball to T-off at 7am, only to get there prepared by

6:45am and there are 10 four-ball groups in front of you. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be like â&#x20AC;&#x153;What the hell is going on?

My day is ruined! Who did this?â&#x20AC;?

Perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a golf course that does little to control whoever turns up and lets it happen as a first-come, first-served attitude. Which ever way it happened, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not desirable and needs to be addressed.

Well, this is a little like what happened when they opened up a second surf beach because the main surf beach at 90th got insanely crowded and was too dangerous to surf there. Now this second surf beach is too crowded with not one surf school, but count FIVE! With each surf school hosting anywhere between 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30 beginners a day, while well managed, there is simply too many people in such a finite space.

I have seen an increase in surf

Crom Raising Funds To Send Fighters To Italy Crom Martial Training is raising funds to bring two of their fighters, along with their trainer to Tuscany, Italy. Craig Young and Mark Anthony Marrero of CROM Martial Training, were invited by the World Kickboxing Association to compete in the 2014 Unified World Champions Tournament to represent Team USA on October 26th, 2014.

Professional Muay Thai Champion, Christopher Romulo had a dream of bringing Muay Thai to the Rockaways four years ago and now is attempting to bring Rockaway Beach to

THINGS TO DO (Continued from Page 20) Volunteers are needed Call John, 917-734-8711

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

represent USA in Tuscany, Italy.

After losing his gym and home in Hurricane Sandy he has trained his members on the beach, in his dining room or on whatever piece of boardwalk that was left. CROM Martial Trainingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motto â&#x20AC;&#x153;All it takes is heartâ&#x20AC;? is a testament to the tenacity he and his wife, Sarah, have displayed with staying committed to the community.

Members of CROM have started a GoFundMe page to get Team CROM to Italy to be part of the US National Team.

Please visit: gofundme.com/ awy9do 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 (Continued on page 24)

related injuries with the exponential popularity of surfing in Rockaway over 2 decades, St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only up marginally. More uptick in injuries from jet-skis than anything else they said. The most probable excuse for less surf injuries in this insanely packed space is that they predominantly use soft-tops, surfboards that have a softer foamy surface that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t crack your skull.

However, there may be a light at the end of this tunnel. A group of surfers and surf school owners approached Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder about creating more surf beaches. Thankfully he was very receptive and said he would approach the Parks Department about it. One of the updates is that they may expand the current zone where the surf schools are in and around the area of 67th to 69th St, or, open up an area further down

in the 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Now if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a surfer with any merit, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d know right away that really isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a good option in the 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, with most swells getting shadowed by Silver Point.

At any rate, the positive is that there is discussion to expand the surfing space. Affording us more room to not be clamoring over each other in the finite time we get to attack the waves when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on.

If you have any recommendation please speak up of where the surf beaches should go, please write in to the paper or myself at tubularviews@gmail.com.

The next MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR EVENT #6 JUL 10 - 21, 2014 at Jeffries Bay, South Africa. Check it online at aspworldtour.com. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pretty much upside down to our time, so when you get up the heats might be finished. But make sure you check out the heats on the ASP site or YouTube.com.

Rockaway Beach Surf Camp Rockaway Beach Surf Camp Prices: Week long surf camp $379.00 Half week (3 days) $250.00 Summer Full day surf camp $100.00 Camp runs from 9AM to 1PM Monday thru Friday

!!

is Here

Check website schedule ZZZ VXUĂ&#x20AC;HVVRQVQHZ\RUN FRP Two hour lesson schedule 9-11 a.m. and 11a.m.-1 p.m.

7 Days A Week; Board/wetsuit included

Text/Call Frank

1<6XUIVFKRRO#$2/ FRP RII all packages w/ mention of Ad We are located on the beach $W %HDFK WK 6WUHHW Rockaway Beach, NYC

WE OFFER: Â&#x2021; 3ULYDWH /HVVRQV Â&#x2021; *URXS /HVVRQV Â&#x2021; %LUWKGD\ 3DUWLHV Â&#x2021; 6SHFLDOW\ (YHQWV Â&#x2021; KU OHVVRQ Â&#x2021; KU OHVVRQ Â&#x2021; 'D\ ORQJ VXUÂżQJ yoga retreat $159.00

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Surfing. A Healthy Addictionâ&#x20AC;?

PAGE 24

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

The Rockaway Times

Lacrosse Club Of Rockaway Makes Its Debut Boys and Girls Clinics Scheduled The Lacrosse Club of Rockaway (LCR) made its Rockaway debut at Fort Tilden by offering a lacrosse clinic for boys ranging in Grades 1 through 8.

The club is spearheaded by Mickey Blum, a Rockaway resident, former Notre Dame Lacrosse player and current coach. Blum enlisted several of his former players to help run the clinic.

Lacrosse Club of Rockaway is a non-profit youth sports organization dedicated to promoting the sport of Lacrosse for youth, boys and girls, through teaching and competition, Clinic and exhibition information is available at LacrosseClubOfRockaway.com

THINGS TO DO (Continued from Page 23) Beach 19th Saturdays through August 30, 8 a.m.

Gateway Events H.A.R.P. Visit the volunteers of the Historic Aircraft Restoration Program, as they restore aircraft from Floyd Bennett Fieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aviation history.

Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, Hanger B Every Thursday and Saturday through August 30, 2 p.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 (Continued on page 25)

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Knights of Columbus Buckeyes Take Division

PAGE 25

BUSINESS DIRECTORY )PNF 3FNPEFMJOH

$POTUSVDUJPO

)-5 +RPH 5HPRGHOLQJ )UDQN - 5LQDOGL *HQHUDO &RQWUDFWRUV

+)-"!,,Dz#/.3425#4)/.DzDz #/-0!.9Dz).# Dz /LFHQVHG *HQHUDO &RQWUDFWRUV

/LFHQVHG ,QVXUHG %RQGHG /LFHQVH 1R

%XLOGLQJ $OWHUDWLRQ 5HSDLUV

.LWFKHQV %DWKURRPV %DVHPHQWV :LQGRZV 'RRUV 'HFNV &RQFUHWH 6WXFFR 3DLQWLQJ 0ROG 3UHYHQWLRQ 5HPHGLDWLRQ (OHFWULFDO ZZZ )-5+RPH 5HPRGHOLQJ FRP &$// )25 )5(( (67,0$7(

%HDFK 6W %HOOH +DUERU 1<

The Buckeyes, in the Major Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Softball Championship Games roled to an 11-1 victory over The Gators, securing the division championship! Coaches, Bill Murray, Charlie Brady and Jim Hurley salute a terrific team of young girls and their families who worked very hard to get them here!

Summer Classic Gets Underway

THINGS TO DO (Continued from Page 24) 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.

BEACH FLIX Rockaway Civicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach Flix is Back First Movie this Friday, July 11th Endless Summer 2 On the sand at Beach 67th Movie begins at sundown

on Court 1. T. Moriarty and Son is coached by Joe Keenan; Storage Place by Anthony Scotto and Ryan Hoffman. The Wharf is helmed by Jack Bender and Ryan Moran. Boarders Surf Shop has oJo Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grady in charge. Walsh Management has Anthony Markle, Blue Bear Risk Management is lead by Frank Walker. Denis S. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor gets the Rudy Johnson touch and BRS is run by Matt Linares.

Boys High School is on Court 2 under the auspices of Dan Edwards, Joe Kenel, and Tom Morgan. The Girls High School and 2nd Grade divisions will start shortly. Commissioner Keith Goldberg says: See you at the schoolyard!

Saturday July 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Firehouse 59, Rockaway Beach Blvd at Beach 58th St. â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘

Call us at (718) 634-3030 or email us at news@ rockawaytimes.com to list your Community Event

Celebrating 38 Years Of Serving The Community

Dr. Jay Rogoff â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Allan Simon â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Susan Whittred â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Clifford Mardinger â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Andrew Baker â&#x20AC;˘ Complete Surgical Suite with full monitoring of your pet on site. â&#x20AC;˘ Digital Radiographs taken on premises. â&#x20AC;˘ The most modern dental equipment used in our dental suite. â&#x20AC;˘ Expert grooming by a fully licensed professional. â&#x20AC;˘ Specialized Treatments:Chemotherapy, Stem Cell Therapy, Acupuncture. â&#x20AC;˘ Fun and clean separate boarding facilities for dogs and cats.

The cats get to watch â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cat TVâ&#x20AC;? and play on their gym.

Dogs are walked several times a day and given lots of love and hugs Monday through Friday 10-1 and 2-4 â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday 10-3 Tuesday and Thursday Evenings 5-7

114-10 Beach Channel Drive â&#x20AC;˘ Rockaway Park, NY â&#x20AC;˘ 718-474-0500 FREE PARKING IN REAR OF OUR HOSPITAL

:H UH *RLQJ &ODVVLILHG 7KH 5RFNDZD\ 7LPHV LV ORRNLQJ WR VHUYH \RX EHWWHU 6WDUWLQJ VRRQ RXU FODVVLILHG VHUYLFHV ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH

23(1,1* 63(&,$/

15 WORDS OR LESS ONLY EACH ADDITIONAL WORD .25

:( 5( $/62 67$57,1* 285 6(59,&( ',5(&725< Start now and save big.

Single box for as little as $20 per week!

(5 Â&#x2021; -81( 92/ Â&#x2021; 180% 21( ( 7$.( 21/< $5< Âą 3/($6 &203/,0(17

&DOO 1RZ )RU 0RUH ,QIRUPDWLRQ

ROCKAWAY BIKE BONANZA With Rockaway Waterfront Alliance, NYCDOT, Recycle-aBicycle, BikeNY, RPA

www.animalhospitaloftherockaways.com

RU HPDLO DGV#URFNDZD\WLPHV FRP

,7 6 7,0(: $<

+(//2 52&. $

6HH SDJH

the

Beautiful weather greeted opening night for the youth divisions of the St. Francis Summer Classic on Monday July 7th.

Generous sponsors and volunteer coaches help make the The Girls Grammar Junior division led off with Randy Neiswenter in charge. Teams are Walsh Properties coached by Ed Murray, Belle Harbor Chemists (Rich McDade), DJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s@Work (James Tubridy), Ram Abstract â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (Marty McManus and James Agoglia), Plum Tomatoes (Bill Erhard) (John Carlin) St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Hospital and Matt Stack for Harbor Optics.

For the evening slots, John Moran and Michael Friedman lead the Boys Grammar Senior

Rockaway Times Â&#x2021; Jun

e 26, 2014 _

PAGE 26

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

Rockaway Nancy J. Brady, R.N., Esq. Linda Faith Marshak, Esq. Alexander Sam Bader, Esq. Dierdre Maeve Baker, Esq. Estate Planning & Elderlaw Wills, Trusts, Probate Medicaid Planning, Medicaid Applications Guardianship, Real Estate Matters

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Planning in Advance is the Key to Protecting the Value of Your Home and Savingsâ&#x20AC;?

156-36 Crossbay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414 Â&#x2021; ZZZ EUDG\DQGPDUVKDN FRP 7KH DWWRUQH\V DUH FXUUHQWO\ PHPEHUV RI 7KH 1HZ <RUN 6WDWH %DU $VVRFLDWLRQ¡V (OGHUODZ 7UXVWV (VWDWHV 5HDO (VWDWH 6HFWLRQV 1$(/$ 1DWLRQDO $FDGHP\ RI (OGHUODZ $WWRUQH\V

$WWRUQH\ $GYHUWLVHPHQW

By John Sica

So Out Of Tune In the inaugural Pot Luck column this week I was all set to sing the glories of Rockaway on the great Fourth of July weekend. The weekend kicked off with Indaculture playing to a good crowd at Low Tides Bar despite the bad weather on the Fourth. Saturday brought perfect weather and a beach volleyball fours tournament on beach 119th street. With the wind coming out of the north, the ocean and the air were calm on the beach. There were block parties throughout the neighborhood. More music filled the air Saturday night at the concession stands, but then Sunday came, the day the music died.

Squid, a local band which plays blues music, were performing at Caracas at the 106th street concession stand. A nice mixture of community members and other DFDs beachgoers were enjoying the mellow blues songs such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hesitation Blues, Statesboro Blues and I See the Light.â&#x20AC;? The owner of Caracus, Maribel, has been struggling to

Special Thanks to the Parks Department of Rockaway Beach, especially Jack and Jill, who have been dedicated to helping our Wounded Warriors for the past 10 years!

We appreciate the support and hard work of all the Parks Dept. workers assigned to our beautiful Rockaway Beach!

Thank you for getting our beaches ready for a terrific summer season.

keep her business alive through many challenges since Sandy.

The dredging, the beach closings, and the lack of boardwalk connected to her concession has made running a successful restaurant near impossible in that location. Having a Sunday afternoon band was a good drawing card to her restaurant.

After the fourth song though, the police entered and told her and the band that the music had to stop. You will not believe the reason. According to the parks department, specifically Javier Rodriguez, borough coordinator for lifeguards, the lifeguards could not hear their whistles over the music. Now as anyone who lives, works or visits Rockaway knows, when the wind is coming off the ocean it carries the sound with it. The winds that afternoon were a steady 20 mph coming off the ocean and blowing the sounds toward the bay. As I stood on the boardwalk locking my bike as the show began I could hardly hear the (Continued on page 27)

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

PAGE 27

Neponsit Realty: A Tradition of Integrity

By Janine Ganas

I interviewed Geri Lipsman, who founded her company, Neponsit Realty in 1986, here in the Rockaway peninsula. Throughout her career, Geri helped her clients buy and sell hundreds of properties in the area, and has grossed over $100 million in sales over the years.

Before starting in real estate, she owned a health food store in Rockaway Park called “Bright Angel” named after a trail she hiked in The Grand Canyon. Geri has been a Rockaway resident for 40 years and lives in Belle Harbor with her husband Richard where they raised their children, Eric and Dara.

Richard thought that she had a knack for client service and would be a particularly good fit in real state. It so happens, Richard is not just a husband – he’s a lawyer and is a great resource with helpful advice and support.

Geri is first and foremost, a “people person” and treats her clients with genuine care while conducting business. She assists clients in finding homes through many different channels, whether through her own exclusive listings, open listings, or other brokers. After 28 years in the business, Geri says “Every deal is different, and circumstances arise, so you must get through difficult situations in order to close the deal for both the buyer and the seller.”

Geri uses networking, referrals, and also employs people who have the same strong work ethics and are also high-level performers. She believes in having respect and courtesy towards other brokers in the community.

She humbly stated, “There is enough work for all of us in the field. It’s not the quantity of work, but the quality of the work that counts.”

She prides herself in her work, and expects her team members

Rockaway Pot Luck (Continued from Page 26) music over the sounds of the ocean, wind and beach activity.

And I was on the boardwalk! Mr. Rodriguez made the determination from his office which by the way is in the same building as Caracus. Is it possible that the only life guard who was affected by the music was Mr. Rodriguez?

Perhaps on a hot Sunday during the Fourth of July weekend he should actually be out on our six miles of beaches instead of in his office.

When the confusion ended and the music stopped I went down to the beach and asked some beachgoers whom were

to do the same. She is sensitive and caring but is confident and can be aggressive if the situation calls for it to fulfill the client’s needs. Providing comparative analysis sales and guidance, Neponsit Realty “has the client’s best interest at heart.”

Geri is grateful for the business and the opportunity it affords her to meet the people she has met. When asked about the future, she said if the work comes in steadily, she would be happy to continue helping her neighbors find and sell their homes here in Rockaway. She believes in divine intervention and that she has been guided to where she is meant to be.

I met with Susan Lavin, a realtor that works closely with Geri, and has been employed

with her twelve years. She also works with people’s best interest in mind. She moved into Belle Harbor with her husband Mike and children, Kelly and Jeffrey, and has worked in real estate there since 2002. She likes the area so much; she continuously brings more people in. She uses the personal touch when conducting business through a positive, energetic approach. Through her connections in the neighborhood, she provides an all service type of sale.

Susan is an active board member in the Belle Harbor Yacht Club, and works with a network of neighbors that includes plumbers, electricians, contractors, and legal professionals. When showing a property, she gets to know the clients and their pref-

erences. She takes the time to give referrals and introductions when additional business needs are required for a sale.

Susan is also an event coordinator and works with seniors at Kingsborough Community College. Through these contacts and resources, she provides advice and guidance that is truly tailor made. She is an all-around nice person and a gift to the company and the community.

I also interviewed Kate Patterson, another realtor who is a lifetime local resident that came into the business because of her love of the Rockaways and the people who live there. Initially, she served as a personal secretary for several chiefs of the NYPD. After retirement, she sought to continue working. In hindsight, she recalls a chief commenting she should pursue a career in real estate because of her personality. She called Neponsit Realty one day with a question, got a call back from Geri, noted her interest in realty, and ended up working there when the opportunity arose.

When asked about her colleagues at Neponsit, she said they were knowledgeable and easy to work with. They embraced her, taught her, and continually conduct business kindly and honestly. She lives in Belle Harbor, has been married to her husband, Walter for 25 years, and raised two children, Matt and Laura.

She is a Eucharistic Minister and teaches CCD in Saint Francis De Sales. She said, “My heart and life belong to Rockaway.” Her realty perspective is that every house is unique, and lends Rockaway its’ charm. She left me with one final thought. “It is my hope that more people will come to appreciate a life by the sea and the serenity it offers.”

Janine Ganis is a freelance writer.

sitting around the closest lifeguard stand, what they thought of the music coming from the boardwalk, not one knew what I was talking about.

There was no way that the lifeguards could have been affected by the music. Music has been played on the boardwalk for years during summer beach hours. As a matter of fact MCU park in Coney Island has professional bands that play open air concerts at decibels that would make our local bands sound like a twig breaking in the forest. If you don’t believe me go sit on the beach opposite MCU park on August 9th when it hosts the MAD DECENT BLOCK PARTY featuring such acts as Diplo,

Dillon Frances and many more at 3pm in the afternoon.

So the question is why would two high ranking officials of the Parks Department want to shut down a community event, and an attraction to one of their economic partners? Are they familiar with the mission statement of the New York City Parks Department which states their three guiding principles include, “increased access to recreational opportunities, and using parks as a vehicle for community and economic development?” I kid you not that is right out of their mission statement. However it always seems in Rockaway that the Parks Department is working against the community and

against the vendors that they host.

It may seem like a trivial matter, my life must be good if all I have to worry about is if a band gets shut down on a Sunday afternoon. But that is just a symptom of a bigger problem in our town and our country. The government and its bureaucracy are imposing themselves more and more in our lives, slowly taking away our freedoms.

Anyway Squid was awesome for four songs. The band includes Guy and Karen Nevers, (guitar and tambourine), Kenny Franklin on dobro, and Caitlin McMullen on canine. As always the food at Caracas was unique and wonderful.

Linda, Geri, and Kate.

PAGE 28

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014

The Rockaway Times

Finally! A Manhattan Medical Spa in Rockaway

E

C;1=519/1 >:;45>?5/-?5:9 -90 ;-8;1=593 -? %:/6-B-DE> 25=>? 8105/-7 >;- !5/:71 =:9?1=- 1-@?D =:8 :?:CI ?: )-9<@5>4H 9:9 >@=35/-7 2-? =10@/?5:9 -90 8105/-7 B-C593 D:@E77 >B1-= .D :@= 9@8.593 /=1-8 D:@ /-9 259-77D 1C;1=519/1 ?41 .1>? .1-@?D >1=A5/1> ?4-? -94-??-9 4-> ?: :221= =534? 41=1 59 %:/6-B-D #-=6

Summer is heating up - enjoy these hot deals to look your best this season! ! receive 30% off !

! !

Call Now! 718.945.1100

%:/6-B-D 1-/4 :@71A-=0 %:/6-B-D #-=6 !1B ,:=6

!5/:71 !5/:71 =:9?1=- 1-@?D /:8 !5/:71 =:9?1=- 1-@?D /:8 :9 '@1> '4@=> -8 F ;8 *10 7:>10 =5 -8 F ;8 &-? -8 F ;8 &@9 -8 F ;8 ! ' & % %& G # "'" G & % ! '% ' !' G & % ) ! ' % #, G ) !$( & H & ! '(% G % " % $( ! , & ! ' ' ! ! G "% ! G # & G %" % % & "! ' "+, ! G ' # G & &'% ' ' % #, H G && & G * + ! G & % % % ") &;1/5-7 ;=:8:?5:9 A-750 ?4=:@34 :97D -90 8-D 9:? .1 /:8.5910 @>? 819?5:9 ?45> -0 ?: =1/15A1 >;1/5-7> 905A50@-7 =1>@7?> A-=D "?41= =1>?=5/?5:9> 8-D -;;7D