Changes

The Rockaway Mall used to be my teenage self's dream spot, where stores like Spencer's Gifts and Orange Julius were located just around the corner from the County Seat, all great spots to waste time.

In high school, I rebelled and took a job at The Gap, loving everything my 40% discount could get me (that would be fun to have now). As a mom I brought my kids to this mall; when my daughters were toddlers, they would run to Stride Rite with glee, knowing a Baskin-Robbins ice cream came after new shoes. As they grew older, The Limited Two and Hot Topic became their stomping grounds.

Yearly birthday pictures happened either at The Picture People or JCPenny's. Both of these stores closed a while ago, and now in their place is a state-based COVID Vaccine site where healthcare workers, volunteers, and the National Guard welcome all who are eligible to get their Pfizer shots. Sixteen-year-olds are now eligible.

It's a curious thing to go to the mall to fight off a pandemic when what you'd really like to do is munch an Auntie Anne’s pretzel while trying on Nike Air Jordan's at The Foot Locker. First things first, that pretzel is coming.

@Bethbacall

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