|
||||||||
|
|
Newsletter Issue
#80 |
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Join us for
an exhilarating day of athleticism and camaraderie at our Sesame Flyers
International Annual Sports Day! This event promises to be a celebration
of teamwork, determination, and healthy competition. Whether you're a
seasoned athlete or simply eager to cheer on your friends and
colleagues, there's something for everyone. From relay races to
tug-of-war, our lineup of events is designed to inspire friendly
competition and foster a sense of community. So lace up your sneakers,
bring your cheering spirit, and join us as we come together to make
memories and showcase our sporting prowess. Let's make this Sports Day
one to remember!.
|
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
This month, we proudly launched the theme for Carnival 2024: Carnival Renaissance - The Awakening. This theme signifies a rebirth and a renewed commitment to our cultural traditions. Over the next three years, we will celebrate and reimagine the essence of Carnival, beginning with this year’s focus on The Awakening. It’s a call to all to join us in this transformative journey, as we honor our past and boldly step into the future. In keeping with the spirit of renewal, our recent Spring Into Health event at the Winthrop Beacon was a tremendous success. It was heartwarming to see so many community members come together to engage in activities that promote holistic well-being. Events like these remind us of the strength and unity within our community, and our collective commitment to health and wellness. Looking ahead, I am excited to announce that next month is Caribbean Heritage Month, a key time for us to celebrate our rich Caribbean culture. Our annual Caribbean Essence Awards Showcase on June 30th will be a highlight, culminating a month long sharing of our vibrant culture. It’s an event you want to make sure you attend, and I look forward to seeing you there as we honor and celebrate the people who contribute to our community.
Thank you for
your continued support and involvement. Together, let’s make this season
one of growth, renewal, and rich celebration. |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
On Saturday, May 11, the Winthrop Beacon participated in DYCDs annual
Spring into Health Campaign. The Winthrop Beacon once again joined
forces with Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman to bring forth a
successful event. With over 20 vendors ranging from financial literacy
to mental health to recruitment, the community was blessed with an
abundance of information and resources. Everyone was also given an
opportunity to join in a yoga demonstration presented by Ms. Undine
Grant, as well as a Socacize demonstration led by Program Director, Ms.
Simone. The Winthrop Beacon wishes to extend great appreciation to the
staff, Assemblymember Chandler-Waterman and her taskforce, Urban
Photography Studio, and our community for helping to make this year’s
event such a great success. We definitely look forward to next year. |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Our blessed organization, Sesame Flyers International, Incorporated,
celebrated our 41st anniversary at 3510 Church Avenue, fondly known as
"The Clubhouse," now called the Cultural Center. It was a beautiful day
with a wonderful turnout of members, staff, friends, and our Pastor,
Stenrick Adams, who faithfully blessed us with an appropriate message.
Our celebration encompassed breakfast, an in-house prayer service,
musical selections streaming from MadMan Maddy, our MC Janet Cummings, a
delicious lunch, dessert, and refreshments, an afternoon DJ, Calypso
entertainment, and lots of laughter and fun. As President of the
membership, I was given the opportunity to speak. I shared that in this
41st year, I believe it is a year of Rebirth and Rejuvenation. It's
always freeing to start on a fresh page, especially from a membership
standpoint, bringing in nine new SFI members. New ideas and new energy
with the focus still on our motto, "Love a Kid today and Every Day,"
which our founder, Joseph Charles, created. Cheers to many more years of
Sesame Flyers International anniversaries. |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day! At Sesame Flyers, we deeply appreciate and honor all the mothers and mother figures who play an integral role in our community. Our organization is built on the strength, dedication, and love of these incredible women. They are the foundation upon which we continue to grow and thrive. The nurturing spirit of our mothers is reflected in how we value and care for our youth. They guide us with wisdom, patience, and support, helping to shape the lives of many who have grown up within the Sesame Flyers family.
They are the
unsung heroes who quietly and steadfastly contribute to the success and
well-being of our organization. We express our deepest gratitude to all
the mothers. Your contributions are invaluable, and your love and care
are the bedrock of our success. We hope your Mother’s Day was filled
with joy, love, and the recognition you so richly deserve. |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
We proudly announce the theme for Carnival 2024: The roots of Labor Day Carnival trace back to Caribbean immigrant communities in Harlem in the 1920s. What started as small indoor gatherings has blossomed into the massive celebration we know today over 100 years later. As cultural pioneers, Sesame Flyers International honors this legacy while pushing it boldly forward. For the next three years, we announce our theme: Carnival Renaissance - a rebirth and revitalization of our beloved cultural tradition. In 2024, we embrace The Awakening, the first year's focus. It's a new era dawning, calling all to join this transformative Carnival experience. Whether you're a lifelong Mas player or newly discovering Carnival's magic, we will celebrate Carnival's roots while forging its future over the next three years.
Get ready for the Carnival Renaissance - let the awakening begin. We are
jumping things off on June 22nd with our Band Launch. We hope to see you
there! |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues. It's crucial to focus on youth mental health, as many mental health issues begin in childhood and adolescence, often progressing into adulthood if not addressed. Statistics reveal that mental health issues are prevalent among youth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Moreover, half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24. These early-onset mental health issues can have a profound impact on an individual's development, education, and overall quality of life. It is important to emphasize that mental health issues in youth are common and treatable. By addressing these issues early, we can help our young people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Best practices for supporting youth mental health include:
Remember,
mental health is just as important as physical health. By working
together to raise awareness and provide support, we can help reduce the
stigma associated with mental health issues and ensure that everyone has
the opportunity to thrive. For more information and resources, visit the
National Institute of Mental Health and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Let's continue the conversation and support each other
in this journey toward better mental health. |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
As
we welcome the month of May, a time synonymous with renewal and growth,
I am happy to share this edition of our newsletter with you. This
season, we are embracing new beginnings and revitalizing our community
in exciting ways. 
