Yesterday’s Children honors five beloved elders at 14th annual salute in Queens

Yesterday’s Children Community Salute, which shares love, honor, obedience, gratitude, and unity, was conceived by Glenda Cadogan, a writer, communications specialist, and director of Mauby Media Services. On Oct. 13, the 14th Annual event was celebrated with a vibrant presentation.

In the words of Trinidadian Calypsonian Winston “Gypsy” Peters – “we have to treat them good; we have to make them strong and help them along,” resonated at the well-attended salute at the Golden Palace Hall at 123-08 Jamaica Ave. in Queens.

The honorees are former Teacher’s Aide, Guyanese-born Norma Clarke, 94; Director of Veterans Education Center/Inmate Programming La Guardia Community College; Samuel Farrell, 79; retired Head Nurse Kings County Hospital, Elaine Granderson, 84; retired Certified Nursing Assistant, Jacqueline Ifill, 80, and retiree, Marketing Executive Duff Mitchell 84, all Trinidad & Tobago nationals.

The Gathering drumming ensemble ushered elders into the Golden Palace Banquet Hall with a riveting celebration at the 14th Annual Community Salute in Queens on Oct.13. Trinidad & Tobago writer Glenda Cadogan, at right, founded the non-profit.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The delightful seniors, dressed in their Sunday best, were ushered into the hall to a riveting African drumming salute. The elders felt the rhythm and danced energetically behind Glenda Cadogan, the Founder of the organization, in the ritualistic African tradition 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 filled their hearts. They were presented 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.

Additionally, Cadogan, a Trinidad and Tobago national, awarded the senior citizens with “You Are a Shining Star“ constellation plaques showcasing a special place in the COSMOS for the patriarchs and matriarchs.

As a living tribute, trees will be planted in the nation’s forests in honor of the honorees on behalf of Yesterday’s Children Inc.

Norma Clarke, 94, smiles as she is presented with her beautiful portrait, done by NATGEO photographer Colin “SoulBoy” Williams, left, during the 14th Annual Yesterday’s Children 14th Annual Community Salute on Oct. 13, in Queens.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Trinbago Express Shippers donated monetary gifts, while NATGEO photographer Colin “SoulBoy” Williams handed over beautiful portraits of the beaming leaders he snapped at their homes.

As part of their abundance of gifts, Caribbean nationals also enjoyed performances of dance, poetry, steelpan music, and singing, which is personally attributed to their longevity and love of the arts while sitting in a unique blue chair fit for the kings and queens they are.

N.Y. State Senator Kevin Parker applauded Cadogan for her immense talent and caring. “Her concern is always more for the people in the world than herself.”

The politician, a dedicated supporter of the salute, congratulated the honorees and thanked all who contributed to making yet another year a success.

Cadogan, who spoke at length about finding financing and on many occasions wanted to discontinue the program, said she is determined to continue to host the unique honor and lauded a team of professionals who promise to showcase the elders whose sterling contributions to planet Earth will inspire the continuation of the salute.

“God never gives you the vision without supplying the provision. Along the way, he sends the men and women who can help to make that vision plain. I couldn’t have done it without this team of friends and family who believed in the vision from its infancy and with their time, talent, treasure, and ideas,” said Cadogan.

She thanked hostesses Sonia Daly and Tracy Leacock and torchbearers Collin Winter, Shirma Cadogan, Anne Michelle Young-Holder, Gail Yvette Davie, Danella Abbey, Bianca Stephenson, Jaael Cudjoe, Mary Bishop, Jay Blessed, and many others.

Emcee Sharon Gordon attributed generous donations to the salute’s longevity, adding that 61 elders from 10 different Caribbean countries have been honored since its inception. Several others in the region received financial donations and in-kind contributions of mattresses, ceiling fans, items for recreational activities, and beautification and facility upgrades. Donations help create vital initiatives for quality of life, she said.