Posts Tagged ‘community’

It didn’t feel right to write about anything else this week after the heartbreaking news that Mike Honan passed away. I’ve known The Honans for 22 years. Their family welcomed me into Rockaway and were some of the first people I met here. They treated me like family. Mike Honan, an Irishman, married Fran Chiodo, an Italian, and I remember how comforting it felt to be with them, like I wasn’t the only Italian on the peninsula. If I needed to name an example of a beautiful marriage and a […]

The faces of the children when the potato piñata exploded were worth everything! I’m happy no one got clocked on the head with a potato. Yes, I put small fingerling potatoes in the piñata, along with, obviously, a bunch of chocolate, Twizzlers, gummy bears, and potato stickers. And then there was the edible potato diorama, brought by Tom, complete with bear and wolf figures drinking from a serene BBQ sauce river. Herbs from the Beach 91st Street Community completed the culinary piece, bringing color and texture to the landscape. At […]

Breadth, strength, presence. Notice the monarchs drifting by, the sea breeze carrying a hint of lavender, and the sound of the leaves rustling. Finally, have your uncovered feet on the earth. Yoga in the Beach 91st Community Garden is happening this weekend, Sunday, Oct 5 at 11:30 a.m. Bring a mat, bring a friend, leave the stress at the gate. I met our instructor, Diana Treglia, when I was asked to present at the Belle Harbor Garden Club—such a treat. I met so many wonderful experienced gardener ladies who love […]

Why do we let our kids beat up cute-faced avocados and pink unicorn piñatas with a bat? Think about it, it’s really deranged. This came up as I was preparing for our upcoming community garden event. I want to make a themed piñata (no spoiler alert). Talking with my friends, I said, “Well, it has to have a face—otherwise it will be boring.” After a few minutes of debate, I switched sides. Yeah… this is totally wrong. It basically promotes the subconscious idea that violence toward humans and animals is […]

Potato Fest 2025 is Saturday, Oct. 11, 12–4 pm, at the Beach 91st Street Community Garden. This community event is a joyful celebration of the beloved root vegetable—and a chance to get together with friends and neighbors in the garden to share a meal of (mostly) potatoes. The dishes are home-cooked by community volunteers—thank you to everyone cooking!! Expect hands-on, potato-inspired fun and activities: a hot potato showdown, a potato art craft, a Mr. and Ms. Potato Head play corner, and an education station to explore the fascinating journey of […]

The unexpected outcome of helping to organize the Food Drive for the Beach 91st St.Community Garden was how much I learned about the food and hygiene needs of people in Rockaway – our community members. When the project started, I called the rectory to confirm that St. Rose of Lima was accepting food pantry donations. Father Rodriguez said, “Absolutely, yes.” I began naively listing items I thought we should collect. I can’t believe I said cat food, soooo embarrassing. The Father politely thanked me but added, “We need on-the-go foods.” I paused, taken aback thinking in my […]

The Beach 91st Street Community Garden is organizing a Thanksgiving food drive to support families and individuals in need. Food insecurity affects many and often it goes unseen. During the upcoming holiday season, it’s more important than ever to come together and help our neighbors. And with this, the members of the garden hope to build solidarity and care within Rockaway. A wide range of donations will be accepted, including non-perishable food, (canned and boxed, etc.) baby food, prenatal vitamins, senior vitamins, essential toiletries, women’s care products, diapers, and pet […]

The warm colors and intricate textures of an autumn garden are often overlooked, but not by nature enthusiasts, earth lovers, mystics, and our witches. We see the world in a different way. We see the big beauty in the small bits. We know the less popular and tainted hold more wonders. Just the other week, while puttering around the Beach 91st Street Garden, I spotted a songbird feeding on a spent sunflower, its seeds neatly tucked into their own little compartments. How is that even possible? A sleepy grasshopper rested […]

Domingo World, a monthly event held at Edgemere Farm showcasing live music, performances, and visual art exhibits, will commence on Sunday, June 2nd, running from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Now in its second year, this series is curated by musician Giovanni Fernandez-Kincade and artist  m i c c a. Domingo World brings together the diverse people of Rockaway and mainland visitors who share a passion for the arts and community. This Sunday the featured musicians are Agua de Gio, Vera Kahn and Jeff Tobias. There will be a performance of “Green Man” by Luxury Bones, and an art installation, “When Triangles Becomes […]

The off-season cafe, Others, located at the Beach 97th Street concession wrapped up last weekend until next year. Others brought us the combined culinary talents of Washed Up Beach Cafe (washedup.nyc) and Brothers (@brothersrockaway) eatery. We were fed otherworldly offerings, the strongest steaming hot coffees, breakfast burritos infused with tater tots, creamy ricotta toast delicately topped with sweet carrots, warm pesto eggs sandwiches, so many sweet treats, Zak Daddy smash burgers, and pop-up specials featuring mouthwater foods from guest chefs. A beautiful, etched glass memento of the LOG was gifted […]