Project Underway Community Visioning

Thursday, December 7, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Join RISE and Living City Project for a night of youth-led community visioning around Project Underway. Reimagine the space underneath the elevated A train into a safer location for the community to walk, bike, and enjoy open public space.

Featuring presentations by Shore Corps and CityGAP students, art by the Buena Onda Collective, food, raffles, prizes, and more! 

This event is free and open to all! Registration is strongly encouraged.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L6QCGK7

Chair Yoga

Tuesday, December 5, 10:30 am to 11:15 am
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Ruth Graves, certified yoga instructor, teaches a FREE chair yoga class on Tuesday mornings, 10:30 to 11:15, at RISE. Ruth has practiced all kinds of yoga (chair, mat, Shivananda) for more than twenty years. She studied with Lakshmi Voelker, worked at Rockaway YMCA, and even refined her skills at Shivananda in the Bahamas.

All are welcome--from beginners to seasoned practitioners!

Flu Shot Friday

Friday, December 1, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Protect yourself and those you love.

Come and get your FREE flu shot at RISE! It will be administered by medical professionals from St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. This service will be offered on the first Friday of every month, from December 2023 through April 2024, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Special thanks to our community partner NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

RISE Thanksgiving Feast- Waitlist

Saturday, November 18, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

RISE is hosting a special Thanksgiving meal to give thanks and to celebrate our amazing community of family, friends, and neighbors. This FREE sit-down meal is for attendees who register in advance (no more than three per household).

The meal includes all the Thanksgiving favorites, prepared by local Rockaway partners:

• Batesy's BBQ
• Cassey's Cookies & Cobblers
• Cuisine by Claudette
• Goody's BBQ Chicken & Ribs
• La Cevicheria
• Rockaway Beach Bakery
• Rockaway Food Initiative

Thanks to Summit Rock Advisors for their support! 

*RESCHEDULED* Sandy Anniversary Planting

Sunday, October 22, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 62nd Street & the Boardwalk

*This event has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 22, 2023, due to the weather.*

For the eleventh anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, RISE is bringing people of all ages together to care for our shoreline and create a natural protective barrier for the Rockaway community.

As we learned from the hurricane, the natural vegetation and dunes that exist off our shores serve as a buffer to the homes and businesses in the area. Many of these dunes are compromised by storms and shoreline erosion, and they need to be cared for to be effective.

Families, friends, and neighbors are welcome to participate in this dune planting and restoration project. Students can receive community service hours. This event is rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. Registration is encouraged, in case of changes on the day.

Special thanks to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

10th Annual Hip-Hop Halloween & Harvest Celebration

Saturday, October 14, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Join RISE for the 10th Annual Hip-Hop Halloween & Harvest Celebration, as we celebrate with family and friends in Rockaway Hip-Hop Community Garden. Come and take part in decorating pumpkins, face painting, music, dancing, festive food, and more!

This event is FREE and open to all!

Art Workshop: Printmaking

Saturday, October 14, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Kevin Sudeith will host a printmaking workshop during Rockaway Market Street @ Beach 60th. Sudeith infuses petroglyphs, an ancient art form of stone carving, with contemporary life.

We are excited to welcome Kevin back to the Rockaways! The photo depicts his petroglyph work from last year, and the boulder sits by the entrance of the Beach 60th Street subway stop.

Registration is encouraged. This is a FREE event and open to ALL!

Special thanks to National Endowment for the Arts/Artworks, Radical Imagination for Racial Justice by Hester Street and Surdna Foundation, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Cultural Development Fund.

Daffodil Giveaway

Saturday, October 7, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

It's almost planting time! Don’t miss out on New Yorkers for Parks 2023 Daffodil Project, a citywide living memorial, stewardship opportunity, and catalyst for transformative investment in our beloved parks and open spaces.

A living memorial to the victims of 9/11 and the largest civic effort in city history, the Daffodil Project gives out bulbs for free to plant in public spaces across all five boroughs. RISE will be hosting one of the Queens distribution sites.

Click here to reserve your free daffodil bulbs!

Bulb supplies will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Foraging Tour with "Wildman" Steve Brill

Saturday, October 7, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

"Wildman" Steve Brill will lead a session on plant identification, the natural habitat of the Rockaways, and all the best wild foods of the seashore.

The sandy soil limits tree and grass growth, but it benefits other species that can take advantage of the sun and nutrient-poor soil. Wild greens and dozens of species thrive here.

This event is FREE and will happen rain or shine. If the weather is bad, we will move indoors. Registration is required.

Art Workshop: Buena Onda Collective

Saturday, October 7, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
RISE Center- 5803 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway, NY 11692

Oneiromancy, divination through dreams, is an animated augmented reality community world-building experience that transforms a multiblock path beneath the A train in Far Rockaway, New York.

This 2 part workshop series, led by the Buena Onda Collective will teach residents and visitors, alike, how to build 3D models that explore their personal histories, dreams, and ecological relationships to the Rockaways.

Registration is encouraged. This is a FREE event and open to ALL! 

Special thanks to NEA Artworks, Radical Imagination for Racial Justice by Hester Street and Surdna Foundation, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs - Cultural Development Fund. 

*CANCELLED* Community Dune Planting

Saturday, September 30, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 62nd Street & the Boardwalk

**This event is cancelled due to weather conditions.**

Join RISE for a dune planting to help establish a natural protective buffer to protect the Rockaway community against flooding and storm surge.

This event is part of “Greater Rockaway" Community & Shoreline Enhancement Plan. People of all ages are welcome to participate. Students seeking community service hours are encouraged to attend. Dress accordingly for outdoor conditions. Registration is encouraged.

Special thanks to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

*POSTPONED* A-Train Serpent Sculpture Unveiling

Saturday, September 30, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 60th Street & Rockaway Freeway

**This event is postponed due to weather conditions.**

Join RISE for the unveiling of Zaq Landsberg's A-Train Serpent Sculpture! (The photo is only a rendition of the project, not a final.)

The A train is an integral part of the Rockaways, and waiting on the platform for that glowing blue “A” is a unifying experience for all residents. This project takes a universally recognized object and twists it, to put it in a new context.

Landsberg is a New York City-based artist, who specializes in site-specific, large scale sculptures.

Special thanks to National Endowment for the Arts/Artworks, Radical Imagination for Racial Justice by Hester Street and Surdna Foundation, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Cultural Development Fund.

*POSTPONED* Art Workshop: Buena Onda Collective

Saturday, September 30, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 60th Street & Rockaway Freeway, under the elevated A-train tracks

**This event is postponed due to weather conditions.**

Oneiromancy, divination through dreams, is an installation and animated augmented reality community world-building experience that transforms a multiblock path beneath the A train in Far Rockway (Queens), New York.

The first of a three-workshop series, Buena Onda Collective will teach residents and visitors, alike, how to build 3D models that explore their personal histories, dreams, and ecological
relationships to the Rockaways.

Registration is encouraged. This is a FREE event and open to ALL! 

Special thanks to National Endowment for the Arts/Artworks, Radical Imagination for Racial Justice by Hester Street and Surdna Foundation, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Cultural Development Fund. 

Community Dune Preserve Planting

Saturday, September 23, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 62nd Street & the Boardwalk

Rockaway residents of all ages are encouraged to participate in this community planting to establish Rockaway Dune Preserve at Beach 62nd Street, as part of the "Greater Rockaway" Coastal Plan.

Please dress accordingly for outdoor conditions. Students seeking community service hours are encouraged to attend. This event will take place rain or shine! Registration is encouraged.

Special thanks to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Art Workshop: Paper-cutting

Saturday, September 23, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 60th Street & Rockaway Freeway, under the elevated A-train tracks

Amelia Marzec will host a paper-cutting workshop during Rockaway Market Street @ Beach 60th. Marzec is an artist focused on rebuilding and engaging with local communications infrastructure to prepare for an uncertain future.

Paper-cutting is a Slavic form of decorative folk art common in eastern Europe, and we are excited to share this art form to the Rockaway community!

Registration is encouraged. This is a FREE event and open to ALL!

Special thanks to National Endowment for the Arts/Artworks, Radical Imagination for Racial Justice by Hester Street and Surdna Foundation, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Cultural Development Fund.

International Coastal Cleanup

Saturday, September 16, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 59th Street & the Boardwalk

Join RISE for the annual International Coastal Cleanup in partnership with the American Littoral Society. People of every age are encouraged to participate. All trash collected will be entered into the national database, which goes to help establish legislation to reduce trash along our shores.

Students can receive community service hours for their efforts.

This event will take place rain or shine!

Special thanks to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Plants As Medicine Workshop

Saturday, September 16, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 60th Street & Rockaway Freeway, under the elevated A-train tracks

Nicole Brooks from Pure Earth Magic will host a workshop on how to use plants as medicine.  In this case, mugwort! There will be two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This workshop is free and open to all!

Registration is required.

Rockaway Honeyworks at NYC Honey Fest

Saturday, September 9, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Boardwalk at Beach 106th Street

Rockaway Honeyworks, a RISE initiative, will make its first appearance at the fourteenth annual NYC Honey Fest! Student interns from Shore Corps and Environmentor helped to raise and care for the bees and to extract honey, which will be on sale in eight-ounce, four-ounce, and 1.5-ounce containers. Bee the Change T-shirts, tote bags, lapel pins, and lip balm also will be for sale. All proceeds will support RISE's youth programs, including Living Classroom.

Decorate Your Own Cupcake!

Saturday, September 2, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beach 60th Street & Rockaway Freeway, under the elevated A-train tracks

Stop by the Rockaway Market Street @ Beach 60th to decorate your own cupcake for FREE! We are partnering up with Cassey's Cookies and Cobblers to bring a little bit of creativity and a little bit of sweetness to the farmer's market. 

Bring your friends and family and create a memory that will last a lifetime! 

*This will run from 10am-1pm or until the supplies run out.*

Art Workshop: Blob-Flying Insects and More!

Saturday, August 5, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Beach 60th Street & Rockaway Freeway, under the elevated A-train tracks

The Rockaways' very own Norma Allende is hosting the first ever Art Workshop of Rockaway Market Street! Start your weekend on the right note, and create watercolor insects and animals with your family and friends.

There are two one-hour sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Registration is suggested but not required. This is a FREE event and open to ALL. Spread the word!

Special thanks to National Endowment for the Arts/Artworks, Radical Imagination for Racial Justice by Hester Street and Surdna Foundation, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Development Fund.

Greater Rockaway Coastal Plan Exhibition Reception

Tuesday, June 13, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

**UPDATE** Due to the smoke and poor air quality, the event has been rescheduled from June 8 to Tuesday, June 13. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter.

Join us in celebrating the hard work of all who have contributed to Greater Rockaway Community & Shoreline Enhancement Plan.

We will have a short presentation of the plan by RISE, eDesign Dynamics, and W X Y architecture + urban design, as well as an exhibition of the project followed by a reception for all the gardeners, school groups, local community partners, and stakeholders to celebrate the incredible work accomplished this year!

Light food and refreshments will be served. RSVP is appreciated.

Rockaway Stop 'N' Swap

Saturday, June 3, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Beach 60th Street & Rockaway Freeway

It's free! Give away items you no longer need or take home something new-to-you! You don't have to bring something to take something.

What to Bring

YES: Clean, reusable, portable items such as clothing, housewares, electronics, books, and toys.

NO: Furniture, large items, expired or open food, unsealed personal care products, medicine, dirty or ripped clothing, fabric scraps, incomplete toys and games, nonworking electronics, tube TVs, magazines, or sharp objects.

This event is brought to you by GrowNYC. Stop 'N' Swap is funded by New York City Sanitation.

Mother's Day Foraging Tour with "Wildman" Steve Brill

Sunday, May 14, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

For Mother's Day, RISE will be hosting a foraging tour with America's go-to guy for foraging, "Wildman" Steve Brill.

The sandy soil of the Rockaways is poor, limiting tree and grass growth, but it benefits other species that can take advantage of the sun and nutrient-poor soil. Wild greens grow great here, and there are dozens of species that thrive. Field garlic is a very tasty relative of onions and garlic.

Registration is required, first come, first served.

Visit to Sang Lee Farms & Briermere Farms

Saturday, May 13, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Join us for an exciting all-day tour of Sang Lee Farms in Peconic, New York, in the North Fork of Long Island.

Sang Lee Farms is the partner for RISE Farm Share. They provide low-cost, seasonal, certified-organic produce that is distributed at RISE every Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., from June 7 through November 15, 2023.

The general public is welcome to join us for this special tour!

The bus departs from RISE at 8:45 a.m. and will return by 6:30 p.m. The tour and bus ride are free of charge, but you must register in advance because seating is limited. Registration is limited to two (2) individuals.

17th Annual Earth Day Rockaway

Saturday, May 6, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Enjoy a day of fun in Rockaway with free environmental activities and programs for families and kids of all ages.

This year's event will include live music as well as a mock dolphin rescue, plantings, composting, face painting, water testing, fire safety, and art-related booths to learn how to appreciate and conserve the earth's resources.

All activities are free and intended to raise awareness of the natural resources along the Rockaway shoreline. No registration required.

Local organizations interested in participating or tabling at this event are encouraged to contact Alana Danieu, RISE Community Programs Coordinator, at adanieu@riserockaway.org.

Community Plant Swap

Saturday, April 29, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Join plant enthusiasts from the Rockaway community to swap and share--plants, tools, pots, soil, tips, and more!

No registration required.

Tree and Compost Giveaway

Saturday, April 29, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

RISE is excited to partner with New York City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers and New York Restoration Project to host a FREE tree giveaway! DSNY will also be handing out free one-pound bags of Big Apple Compost. Stop by RISE to pick up your free tree and compost.

Use this link to fill out the required registration.

Rockaway Spring Cycle Fest

Saturday, April 22, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Rockaway Freeway between Beach 56th Place & Beach 59th Street

Join RISE & Bike New York for a day of fun-filled bike-related activities, including a free bike helmet giveaway/fitting and a bike swap (trade in your old bike for one that is tuned up and adjusted for you). Register here for free bike-riding lessons, open to kids and adults!

Supplies are limited on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Youngsters still on training wheels can pedal our smoothie bike to make their own fruit drink.

This event is hosted across the street from RISE, on a closed roadway, so there is lots of room for new riders to practice!

Special thanks to Bike New York, Recycle-A-Bicycle, NYC Department of Transportation, and NYC Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers.

Community Dune Planting

Saturday, April 1, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Beach 60th Street & Beach Front Road

Join RISE for our first community planting of the Greater Rockaway Community & Shoreline Enhancement Plan. To strengthen our natural protective buffer of dunes, we are planting native grasses and shrubs along the east end of the Rockaways. Adults and kids are welcome to participate in this event. Please dress accordingly.

Students who would like to do community service hours are encouraged to bring paperwork from their schools.

Registration is encouraged!

Special thanks to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Rockaway Bird Outing

Sunday, March 26, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
RISE, 58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692

Join us for a spring birding tour, led by RISE's and NYC Plover Project's knowledgeable and experienced staff. Come see plovers, oystercatchers, terns, and more as they arrive to nest on the Rockaway shoreline. Whether you are an expert or just starting out, all levels of birders are welcome!

This event is FREE. We will meet at RISE at 11:00 a.m. to begin the tour. Please dress for the weather with warm layers and bring a water bottle. Binoculars will be provided, on a limited basis, and you are welcome to bring your own.

Photo courtesy of NYC Plover Project.

Raffle to Support RISE Youth Programs!

Monday, March 20, to Thursday, April 27, 2023

100 percent of all proceeds from the raffle will support RISE youth programs, including sending high school students to UIA World Congress of Architects Conference in Denmark this summer!

RAFFLE TICKETS: $100.00 each

DRAWING: Friday, April 28, 2023, 10:00 a.m. (EDT)

PRIZES:

1. JetBlue 2 Round-Trip Travel Certificates to Any City
2. Kennedy’s $100 Gift Card
3. The Rockaway Hotel 2-Bedroom Bungalow 2-Night Stay
4. Skudin Surf Rockaway Beach 5-Day Kids Surf Camp

Many thanks to these businesses for donating such fabulous prizes to support this incredible worthy cause.

Visit www.riserockaway.org/donate. Enter the amount you want to donate. Type RAFFLE in the field "In Honor Of."