Yesterday’s Kids on the 14th Annual Salute, from left are Norma Clarke, Guyana, Samuel Farrell, Jacqueline Ifill, Elaine Granderson, and Duff Mitchell, Trinidad & Tobago, photographed with the Founding father of Yesterday’s Kids Inc. Glenda Cadogan, and Senator Kevin Parker standing.
Picture by Tangerine Clarke
Yesterday’s Kids Group Salute, which shares love, honor, obedience, gratitude, and unity, was conceived by Glenda Cadogan, a author, communications specialist, and director of Mauby Media Providers. On Oct. 13, the 14th Annual occasion was celebrated with a vibrant presentation.
Within the phrases of Trinidadian Calypsonian Winston “Gypsy” Peters – “we have now to deal with them good; we have now to make them robust and assist them alongside,” resonated on the well-attended salute on the Golden Palace Corridor at 123-08 Jamaica Ave. in Queens.
The honorees are former Trainer’s Aide, Guyanese-born Norma Clarke, 94; Director of Veterans Training Heart/Inmate Programming La Guardia Group School; Samuel Farrell, 79; retired Head Nurse Kings County Hospital, Elaine Granderson, 84; retired Licensed Nursing Assistant, Jacqueline Ifill, 80, and retiree, Advertising Government Duff Mitchell 84, all Trinidad & Tobago nationals.
The pleasant seniors, dressed of their Sunday finest, had been ushered into the corridor to a riveting African drumming salute. The elders felt the rhythm and danced energetically behind Glenda Cadogan, the Founding father of the group, within the ritualistic African custom to thank the ancestors. Dashaun “Sangodoyin” Simmons poured a libation, and Bianca Stephenson (Nandi) prayed, commencing the afternoon of honors.
The elders’ expressive admiration and gratitude stuffed their hearts. They had been introduced with bouquets, Certificates from U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Citations from Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham and Monique Chandler-Waterman, and Proclamations from Senator Kevin S. Parker.
Moreover, Cadogan, a Trinidad and Tobago nationwide, awarded the senior residents with “You Are a Shining Star“ constellation plaques showcasing a particular place within the COSMOS for the patriarchs and matriarchs.
As a dwelling tribute, bushes shall be planted within the nation’s forests in honor of the honorees on behalf of Yesterday’s Kids Inc.
Trinbago Categorical Shippers donated financial presents, whereas NATGEO photographer Colin “SoulBoy” Williams handed over lovely portraits of the beaming leaders he snapped at their properties.
As a part of their abundance of presents, Caribbean nationals additionally loved performances of dance, poetry, steelpan music, and singing, which is personally attributed to their longevity and love of the humanities whereas sitting in a singular blue chair match for the kings and queens they’re.
N.Y. State Senator Kevin Parker applauded Cadogan for her immense expertise and caring. “Her concern is at all times extra for the folks on the planet than herself.”
The politician, a devoted supporter of the salute, congratulated the honorees and thanked all who contributed to creating yet one more 12 months a hit.
Cadogan, who spoke at size about discovering financing and on many events wished to discontinue this system, mentioned she is set to proceed to host the distinctive honor and lauded a crew of execs who promise to showcase the elders whose sterling contributions to planet Earth will encourage the continuation of the salute.
“God by no means offers you the imaginative and prescient with out supplying the supply. Alongside the way in which, he sends the women and men who will help to make that imaginative and prescient plain. I couldn’t have executed it with out this crew of family and friends who believed within the imaginative and prescient from its infancy and with their time, expertise, treasure, and concepts,” mentioned Cadogan.
She thanked hostesses Sonia Daly and Tracy Leacock and torchbearers Collin Winter, Shirma Cadogan, Anne Michelle Younger-Holder, Gail Yvette Davie, Danella Abbey, Bianca Stephenson, Jaael Cudjoe, Mary Bishop, Jay Blessed, and many others.
Emcee Sharon Gordon attributed beneficiant donations to the salute’s longevity, including that 61 elders from 10 totally different Caribbean nations have been honored since its inception. A number of others within the area obtained monetary donations and in-kind contributions of mattresses, ceiling followers, gadgets for leisure actions, and beautification and facility upgrades. Donations assist create very important initiatives for high quality of life, she mentioned.
