In celebration of Earth Day, the Beach 91st Street Community Garden is hosting a festival on April 23, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. in the garden. The theme of the event is the Rockaway Ecosystem, which will pay tribute to the biological community and the environments in which they live and we share.
The day’s events focus on ecological education, art inspired by the beauty of Jamaica Bay, created by local artists and fantastic live music!
The Earth Day guest speakers are:
Carolin Wood, NYC Parks Department Gardener. She will be speaking about Rockaway native species and pollinators in our urban gardens. The second part of her presentation will be an interactive demonstration. In addition to being a professional gardener, Carolin is an artist. Her works are inspired by nature she experiences throughout the city and being a single mother of two, living in the Rockaways (@carolin_wood).
Don Riepe, the Jamaica Bay Guardian for the American Littoral Society. Riepe retired in 2003 from the National Park Service where he worked as a naturalist ranger and manager of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. At the event, Don will discuss our beloved Jamaica Bay. He will educate us on the integral ecosystem of the bay and its inhabitants. This discussion will be followed by a Q&A. (@jamaicabayguardian).
Jill Lauri of Healing With Animals. Jill is excited to share her expertise on local animals and wildlife. She will speak about the importance of our connection to all living creatures. Jill has counseled people on their relationships with animals for over 25 years. She earned certificates from Mani Center in Spirituality and Sedona International School for Animal & Nature Communication. Jill holds an MSW from Hunter College and an MBA from Columbia Business School. (@healingwithanimals).
Art will be displayed throughout the garden space. The featured artists include: Mike Benigno (photography), Valentina Gallup (illustration), Jean Tran (sculpture), Carolin Wood, (collage), Bridget Klapinski (recycled sculpture), Jason Heuer (paint), Mercedes Gallese (paint), Clare Hilger (printmaking) and myself, Paula DiGioia (pen and ink).
Sculpture by Jean Tran
In addition to art works for sale by the above creators, there will be a shop table including smaller works, postcards, etc. and Beach 91st Street Community Garden tote bags – perfect for gathering your garden tomatoes or for a trip to the farmers market!
Photography by Mike Benigno
Expect a lively Jazz performance by Tim Otto and Simon Chardiet. Tim is an acclaimed sax, woodwind player and composer. Otto has traveled the globe performing concerts and festivals in Europe, the US, Asia, Australia and remote locations in Papua New Guinea (@timottomusic).
Simon Chardiet is a singer/songwriter. He plays a multitude of instruments but is most known for his guitar and upright bass creds. He’s stellar at performing rockabilly and jazz but is a punk at his core. Simon has been in the NYC music circuit for decades, playing everywhere – large scale venues, punk clubs, street corners on the LES and on the sand in Rockaway Beach. (@chardietsimon).
The Beach 91st Street Community Garden will be donating a portion of the proceeds of art and shop sales to the American Littoral Society (Northeast Chapter). The Littoral Society’s mission is to educate, advocate, conserve and restore bodies of water and coastlines, including Jamaica Bay.
Join the community in celebration of Earth Day and show your support for our precious ecosystem. It will be a fun and informative day for all! For updates on the Earth Day festivities, full bios of the speakers, artists, and musicians, follow @beach91communitygarden on Instagram.
I haven’t had a proper haircut since before the pandemic. I desperately needed a spring refresh and knew exactly where I wanted to go – Rock Rock Salon (88-08 Rockaway Beach Blvd.). I have several friends who had exceptional experiences there and they recommended I go for my new cut.
I booked my appointment through Rock Rock’s Instagram page – @rockrocksalon. Did you know that was even a feature?! I didn’t and it was super easy. I also received a reminder via email which, for me, is hugely helpful.
I entered the suite. Owner Patricia Silva greeted me with an animated smile. The salon is chic with an inviting twist. The walls are painted a soothing deep blue and there’s a pop of lively pink foliage wallpaper. I complimented Patricia on her oversized vintage, gold standing mirror… so my style. Honestly, I couldn’t believe I was in Rockaway five minutes from my home. The vibe felt like a trendy Brooklyn salon.
I had a picture reference to show Patricia what style I was leaning towards. What struck me is through our conversation, she mostly listened, noting my concerns and acknowledging my thoughts on the hairstyle. Also, I made her aware of the “problem area.” I’m growing out my 40th birthday midlife crisis undercut. She didn’t seem phased by it and simply said, “I will make this work.” I hopped in the chair and she explained exactly what was going to happen and how some nuanced shaping would add texture and accentuate my face.
What I didn’t expect was an educational component to my experience – tailored to my specific hair type. Patricia gave me a product recommendation and step-by-step instructions on how to apply products correctly. I mentioned how dry my hair has become and she suggested I come back for a glossing treatment, which would add smoothness and shine. I didn’t even know such a thing existed!
I can’t get over this transformation!
It’s not often you meet people that are wholeheartedly immersed in their artistry, but that is for certain Patricia Silva.
Silva earned her merits at Vidal Sassoon. She continually attends classes and workshops around the country, studying with the industry’s finest salons and top stylists. In doing so, she nurtures her creative ambitions, learning the most current techniques and trends.
Like many of us, Patricia was drawn to Rockaway to be near the ocean. She’s been surfing the waves for 7 years. Patricia moved to the peninsula four years ago. During the pandemic she had an opportunity to reflect on the structure of her life. She desired to further commit to Rockaway, sharing her talents with the community she lives in. Patricia found a great location in The Wave Building and opened the salon this past October. And as it turned out, everyone after lockdown was in need of haircuts!
Get ready for summer and book your new look at Rock Rock Salon. Schedule an appointment online easily via Instagram or through rockrocknyc.com. Other haircare services offered include: blowouts and style, deep conditioning, root touchup, gloss treatment, barber haircuts, coloring, kids cuts, and more.
For the scoop around town, follow me on IG @theglorifiedtomato.
On Saturday, May 14, walking your dog can take on a whole new meaning. Join the community in celebration of our beloved four-legged friends by participating with your pup, in the Inaugural Rockaway Pups on Parade Event! The festivities begin at Beach 108th Street and the boardwalk (near the hockey rink). The parade will start at noon heading east, finishing at Beach 92nd Street and the boardwalk.
Judges, Enchantress Shane and Cooper.
After the parade, the judging will commence. Enchantress Shane and her dog Cooper, Claire Van Winkle and her cat PHU and Jerry Rea and his dogs Demi and Patches in spirit, will judge the following categories: overall best dressed, most energetic dog, best trick/most obedient dog, funniest dog, best matching. The winners will receive prizes from Happy Bond (grooming supplies), The Pupper Cup (ice cream for dogs), Bow Wow Labs (dog treats) and for the humans, treats from Fat Cardinal Bakery!
I learned of this fantastic event via Instagram. I reached out to organizer Dana Humphrey, aka “The Pet Lady,” to learn how the idea for the parade came about. She shared, “A few months ago, I was introduced to Florence Chong, through my favorite yoga teacher, Christine Walker. Florence is the owner of the new doggie daycare and dog skincare business, Pawlacio Pets, [located at 11406 Rockaway Beach Boulevard]. I thought it would be fun to celebrate her new location with a dog party. I shared the idea with Casey Brouder, Max Powers and Jerry Rae over a pint at the Rockaway Beach Brewery. We applied for a permit with the NYC Parks Department and are now organizing Pups on Parade.” Also lending a hand is Rob Montemarano, “Disco Tree Rob” – handling production and sound logistics.
Judges, Claire Van Winkle and her Cat PHU.
(Left to Right) Carolin Wood, Rachel Maki, Rachel Krieger-Garone, Jason Heuer
With a little nudge from a friend, I signed up for the Connection Through Creativity Class at Avoid The Day. All winter I’ve been attempting to get back to the drawing table but admittedly, I’ve had trouble focusing and finding inspiration. I felt this event was the ideal opportunity to reignite my passion for art. It did just that and more.
Community organizers Rachel Krieger-Garone and Rachel Maki presented the concept of Connection Through Creativity to Jianna and Jason Heuer, owners of Avoid The Day Bookstore & Cafe. They were happily on board and excited to partner and host these community bonding workshops.
Each class is taught by a local, guest artist. For the class I attended, collage creator Carolin Wood (carolinwoodart.com / @carolin_wood) shared her craft and background with us.
Participants of the Connection Through Creativity will have an opportunity to display their artwork in an art show at Avoid The Day in October!
Carolin began collaging as a young child. Her grandmother inspired her creativity in this medium and nurtured her talent. Carolin received a Masters in Fine Arts in Sculpture from Queens College. With a deep urge to be connected to nature and the ocean, Carolin settled in Rockaway 7 years ago. Her artwork is a search and exploration for personal growth. Which is deeply connected to being a woman, navigating single parenthood, and hardships she’s endured and overcome. The process of creating is therapy for her. Carolin gravitates towards the absurdity of imagery which taps into her subconscious.
“One rule when it comes to collaging is, there are known rules. Wave your freak flag!” She told us, as she began her tutorial. She instructed to choose imagery that spoke to us – consider color and play with scale. Rachel Krieger added, “This is a mindful activity, be in the moment and create without a sense of pressure.”
Artwork by Elizabeth Sacks
We got to work using LIFE magazines from the 1970s which were dug up from Carolin’s Grandmother’s basement! As we worked, we had the opportunity to meet and talk to other like-minded community members. Which for me, was so inspiring and fun. We were bouncing ideas off of each other and laughing at some of the photographs in the old magazines. It was interesting to see how different each person’s college developed, despite all having the same instruction. I’m very much anticipating the next class!
Avoid The Day is open in full force for the high season, hosting educational, creative and community-focused programming including, open mic night, crochet classes, board game night, and connection through creative guided art classes / open studio and more. Visit avoidtheday.org and view the events calendar for the schedule. Happenings are also regularly posted on their instagram – @atdbookbar.
And certainly be sure to peruse the curated selection of used and new books at Avoid The Day Bookstore & Cafe, open Wed-Fri 2-8 pm, Sat 1-8pm, Sun 1-7pm. Enjoy wine, beer, coffee, tea and small bites with a book in hand… and avoid the day.
Avoid The Day Bookstore & Cafe
9904A Rockaway Beach Blvd
718-682-4399
For more on community happenings, follow Paula around town on Instagram – @theglorifiedtomato.
