Christmas cheers bring joy around the boroughs
By Tangerine Clarke
Organizations in Brooklyn and
Queens, gave back in great ways
to celebrate the Christmas season,
putting smiles on the faces
of children, and sharing enjoyment
to the elderly, during three
separate functions, all, complete
with music, dance performances,
and gift giving.
Travel Span Vacations, Inc.,
commemorated its 25th anniversary
by welcoming children to its
office on Church Avenue, Brooklyn,
on Dec. 13, for an afternoon
of gift-giving that benefited many,
who stopped for a picture with
Santa Claus, during the season of
goodwill and joy.
The travel agency, which plans
cruises, package tours, and had
provided its Travel Span B77
charter service from JFK to GEO
for a short period, also engaged
community kids at its Queens
location, where Jolly Old Saint
Nick granted many children their
Christmas wish.
Saturday, Dec. 14, was also
a special day for NOW Production
and team, which collaborated
with the Southern Queens
Park Association, for a festive
hang, that attracted more than
300 children at a second Annual
Christmas Party, in Roy Wilkins
Park on Baisley Blvd.
This year, NOW Production
CEO, Natasha Wilson, dedicated
the “Candy Land,” to her late
sister Valerie Hector, who in the
past, was instrumental in designing
Caribbean L 28 ife, January 3, 2020
the table with hundreds of
sweet treats, and cotton candy.
Sonia Dance Group, the
Untouchable Dancers and the
Glass House Dancers, put on a
wonderful show. The little ones,
filled the afternoon with exciting
choreography, kicking up their
heels much to the delight of the
audience of tots, teens, and parents,
who applauded loudly.
In addition to raffle prizes,
gifts from Santa Claus, and food
galore, the kids were entertained
by deejay music.
“I would like to thank my staff,
Councilmember Adrienne Adams,
and Jacqueline Boyce, for their
continued support,” said Wilson,
adding, “I am very lucky to have
the support of everyone. I am here
to give back to my community.”
Celebrating its 17th Annual
Senior Citizen Christmas Luncheon,
the Inter Civic Community
Association, (ICCA) Richmond
Hill, Queens, on Dec. 15, feted
over 400 elders at Villa Russo Restaurant
on Lefferts Blvd., with a
lavish cuisine.
The function, organized, by
Founder and President, Dr. Taj,
Co-founder, Ralph Tamesh, Vice
President, Kay Ramdat, Secretary,
Mala Dasrat, and members,
Frank Singh, Ann Persaud,
Tampa, and Sohan Seavcharran,
Fort Lauderdale, brought festively
to the well-dressed ladies and
gentlemen.
Assemblyman Michael Miller
who stopped by to extended
greetings, reminded the organization
of the millions of dollars
spent by the city to ensure seniors
receive the best services available
to them, and pledged continued
support for family services.
Former head of the Sikhi
organization, Harpreet Toor, as
well as District Leader Richard
David, and Dimple Willabus, candidate
for New York City Council,
District 46, also extended Christmas
wishes to the seniors, who
danced and fellowship during the
hours-long holiday soiree.
The organization, that began
with a monthly food hamper distribution
by Kay Ramdat in the
80s, to give back to the community,
has progressed to include
hundreds of residents who look
forward to the Annual Christmas
Luncheon.
Natasha Wilson, CEO, NOW Production, left, with children, around the “Candy Land” dedicated
to her late sister, Valerie Hector during the organization’s 2nd Annual Christmas
party at Roy Wilkins Park on Dec. 14. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Santa Claus, Russel Saroo, puts a smile on the faces of the
little ones who stopped by Travel Span Vacations, Inc. offi ce,
on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, on Dec. 13, during Christmas
giveaway and 25th Anniversary Celebration.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Members of the ICCA, joined by politicians, at its 17th Annual Senior Citizens Luncheon at
Villa Russo in Richmond Hill, Queens, on Dec. 15. From left, District Leader, Richard David,
Mala Dasrat, Harpreet Toor, Kay Ramdat, Frank Singh, and Dimple Willabus, candidate for
New York City Council District 46, Brooklyn. Photo by Tangerine Clarke