State Senator James Sanders Jr. On Veterans Day

NY State Senator James Sander Jr.

On Veteran's Day, we remember the brave men and women of our armed forces who have defended our country and sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. As a proud Marine Corps veteran, I would like to thank my fellow service members for responding to the call of duty. Please know that I support you and stand in solidarity with you, not just on Veteran's Day, but every day. May God Bless Our Veterans and God Bless America.

We must separate 2 things: going to war, and serving in the military. The 1st is the province of elected officials (and often the media). The 2nd is your son's and daughters, who through patriotism or the poverty draft, serve in the armed forces.

If we feel that any particular war is unjust, then protest it, and elect politicians who uphold your will. When your sons, daughters, fathers and mothers come home, welcome them back from a man-made hell. Just one Marine talking.

Today i take a group of formerly homeless and hospitalized veterans to a great restaurant where we will break bread and talk of life. i will be listening as to how my office can aid them as they recover. As a veteran of the U.S.M.C., i understand their struggle to come home because THERE BUT THE GRACE OF GOD, GO I.

*** An added bonus, i am taking my 94 year-old veteran father, to the breakfast***

State Senator James Sanders Jr. with his 94 Year Young Dad on Veterans Day

Terryl E. De Mendonca Advocates for Community Equality

Terryl E. De Mendonca a long time youth activist, is running for New York State Assembly representing part of Southeast Queens.  She is for many a very promising candidate given her quite extensive and impressive track record advocating for the rights of community residents and young people.

De Mendonca, is running for State Assembly person representing the 29th District, comprised of Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Rosedale, Jamaica, and St. Albans.   Let's get out and vote for her September, 10th.

Let's not just complain about problems in our community. Let's support people with a proven track record on working on our behalf.  Recently Terryl is protesting a Prison like facility near residential housing in the Southeast Queens area.

"Today I had the pleasure of standing with Senator Leroy Comrie against the injustice of having the Close to Home initiative placed in Queens Village. As a member of Community Board 13 and the founder of a youth non profit, I am all for youth reform.

However, you cannot put a prison-like group home in a residential environment. As your next Assembly woman, I will fight for safer communities. I will fight for the injustice of having these facilities primarily housed in low income communities. And, I will fight for proper program structure and policies for the betterment of our youth as they transition back into mainstream society," states De Mondonca.


Close to Home is a program headed by ACS where low level felony offenders will be housed in a group home style setting close to their home environment. Theoretically, they would receive clinical service, education, life skills, etc.

"People are really open and supportive of my candidacy to run for public office. I can't say I'm surprised, but I will say it's the people I least expeced that has jumped on board to see me through the process. I feel blessed and excited! I'm ready for whatever happens next."

The Ed Jackson Quartet of Southeast Queens Travels Musically "Back 2 Brazil"

After their last riveting performance "Begin the Summer on a Jazzy Note", in June, the Ed Jackson Quartet, is musically moving to South America, ironically while yet in Southeast Queens.   The last high energy show marked their 3rd year anniversary and it was an inspiring, and invigorating performance.

It is still heart warming to see how jazz lovers in our community continue to support jazz every last Saturday, of the month at Jackson Room, in St. Albans.   They call these performances their Month's End Jazz Motivations.

The purpose of the monthly shows is to "bring world class jazz back to our community" says Ed Jackson."This time of year I am especially upbeat" says Ed Jackson, the group's namesake leader.  He also reveals "It is the time of year I get a chance to prepare to travel back to Brazil."  Therefore, Jackson's talented ensemble of jazz artists are performing for the second year in a row the - "Back 2 Brazil" show.

"In late August I will be touring and performing in Brazil and can't wait to connect to the vast musicality of the culture" also chimes in Jackson. Ed metaphorically states "you may not be able to physically travel with me but the community can certainly travel with us musically."

His "Back 2 Brazil" themed special performance will take place this Saturday July 25th. According to Ed Jackson, "it will be an exciting opportunity to experience in St. Albans, Queens, the renowned and sophisticated roots of the Brazilian jazz form of music."

If past performances at Jackson Room are any indication of the intense jazz heat you'll enjoy you will want to be there. So don't miss it: "Back 2 Brazil" with the Ed Jackson Quartet, Saturday, July 25th, 2015.

The cadre of world class musicans for the evening will be...

James Weidman - Piano

Marcus Mclaurine - Bass

Lionel Cordew - Drums

Ed Jackson - Sax

Come on out and experience this electrifying cultural jazz collaboration celebrating one of the worlds most enjoyable forms of jazz - Brazilian Jazz.  As usual their Brazilian Jazz performances book up really fast.  So why don't you RSVP now?  Or get more info to make your Reservation                                                                                                                                                              

"Back 2 Brazil"with the Ed Jackson Quartet

Saturday, July 25th, 2015

2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00

  

Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show) 

  

Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments

  

Make a Reservation

Or 

Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)

by calling: (718) 525-2387 

  

Jackson Room is located at:

Jackson Room

192-07 Linden Blvd

St Albans, New York 11412

(next door to Jackson Tax Service)

 www.jacksonroom.com

(718) 525-2387

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Resourceful Southeast Queens Scoop Contributor Runs for Public Office

It was nice to finally meet Terryl E. De Mendonca AKA Terry Ebony, at the 3 year anniversary of Jackson Room.  Terryl was there to support the 3rd Year Anniversary of Jackson Room and it's mission to "bring world class jazz back to our community."

Ms. De Mendonca, has been a great resource to the Southeast Queens Scoop website. She has graciously allowed us to use her informed and insightful community content in the past.

She has extended herself to the SE Queens Scoop without us having to ask her for any help.  Terryl also has a very impressive record as a community activist and advocate.

If you live in Southeast Queens in the 29th District (Laurelton, St. Albans, Jamaica, Rosedale, and Springfield Gardens) you should seriously look into supporting her in her run for NYC State Assembly.

Terryl needs about 2,000 signatures to be included on the ballot for the September election. Why should you care? I constantly see people complaining ad nauseum about how politicians and the political system is unresponsive to their or the communities needs. So what do we do about it - just complain?

How about we support those with a track record of strong advocacy for the community? Another constant complaint I see in social media is how our young people have lost their way and need guidance. In other words people lament the "lost generation."

On the other hand, for ten years Ms. De Mendonca has run a youth program called The Misunderstood Youth Development Center (MYDC). For info go to The Misunderstood Youth Development Center (MYDC).

Her organization has been able to get teenagers who plead guilty to misdemeanors to avoid incarceration and jail/prison records (which would make it almost impossible to get a job) a 2nd chance. Instead of going to jail young people go into her training program to help turn their lives around. Terryl doesn't just complain "she walks the walk" and not "just talk the talk." She also does parent training in her organization.

Terryl is also active in her church, community board and other civic activities. Terryl encouraged me early on in doing my Southeast Queens Scoop Blog, without me even asking for her help - she has been a resourceful contributor.

What I like the most about Ms. Terryl Ebony is she isn't a political insider representing the local machine. She is starting her grassroots type campaign by listening to the community.

She looks to represent and mirror the concerns of the voters by listening and then taking their issues to the state house. She wants to hear your interests and concerns to create a political platform.

She has the track record in the trenches to represent the communities interests. With her I am confident it won't be the same ole politics in our area.

I don't know about you but I'm tired of complaining about the aloof political process. It's time to get out of our comfort zones and elect local leadership with a proven track record to represent our interests.

To Support this sista inbox Ms. Terryl Ebony on facebook and ask how you can sign her petition (or sponsor an event for people to sign her petitions) to be included on the ballot. We can't afford to wait for community change.

Why not search for Terry Ebony or click one of her links above to contact her now?  My name is Kamau Austin, and I approve this message!

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Jackson Room Looks to Bring the Heat ON Their 3rd Year Anniversary

It's been almost 3 years since the Ed Jackson Quartet has been performing to growing number of warm receptive audiences at Jackson Room. Ed Jackson and his cadre of musicians and jazz masters have been "bringing world class jazz back to our community" every month going on 3 years. Ed Jackson, and his name sake quartet have been doing jazz performances the last Saturday, every month called "Month's End Jazz Motivations."  Jackson is tapping into the tremendous tradition of Jazz innovators in St. Albans and Southeast Queens.  Some of the top jazz artists have lived in Southeast Queens at one time or another. Jazz luminaries like John Coltrane, Fats Waller, Lena Horn, Ella Fitzgerald, Mercer Ellington, Billie Holiday, and many others have lived in the area.  Ed Jackson is also happy for the support the community have given him in the past and present.   "I sincerely thank supportive people like you for making this anniversary possible.  Without you achieving a milestone like 3 years of performances at Jackson Room wouldn't be possible" says Jackson.   On that note the Summer heat is also slowly but surely beginning to warm things up.  Although the cooler temperatures seem to want to linger with us the warming trend cannot be denied much longer. What better time to come out and support jazz and positive culture in our community. Consistent with the unstoppable seasonal heating trends the Ed Jackson Quartet, and events at Jackson Room, have been rising in warmth and intensity.  The summer is a great time to experience the invigorating soulful spark of jazz. Why not come out this month and bask in the uplifting glow of our community enlivened with irresistible music and support Jackson Room? What better time than the initial summer season to get out and enjoy jazz with friends, family, and loved ones? Ed Jackson, Jackson Room, and his quartet would like to personally invite you and others in the community to "Begin the Summer on a Jazzy Note," June 27th, 2015, with the Ed Jackson Quartet.  As always his goal is to continue to "bring world class jazz back to our community. They have put together choice selections and a world class ensemble of jazz artists to entertain you Saturday, June 27th, 2015.     This special 3 Year Anniversary Celebration with the Ed Jackson Quartet will feature this quartet of fine musicians: Carlton Holmes - Piano Marcus Mclaurine - Bass Steve Johns - Drums Yours Truly, Ed Jackson - Sax Let's support the cultural heritage of music at the 3 year Anniversary at Jackson Room! Come on out and experience this important occasion made possible only due to your invaluable patronage of people like you in the community. Make your Reservation now.                                                                                                                                                           "Begin Summer On A Jazzy Note"  Saturday, June 27th, 2015 2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00    Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show)     Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments    Make a Reservation  Or  Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm) by calling: (718) 525-2387        You can now follow them on Facebook     Support Jazz in Queens by sharing this blog post with someone you know.

Jackson Room 192-07 Linden Blvd St Albans, New York 11412 (next door to Jackson Tax Service)  www.jacksonroom.com (718) 525-2387

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Attorney and Activist Isa Abdur-Rahman, Gets Real about Life in Southeast Queens

Folks, let’s get real.  There are many people in southeast Queens who are struggling to afford a quality life.  There are many people who are working long hours, two & three jobs, borrowing against their homes or their retirement in order to have cash for immediate debts and expenses, borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, and sometimes worse.

Former Assemblyman Scarborough’s fiscal misconduct was inexcusable and he has owned it.  Yet those of us who have read or heard his reflection have heard the frustrations of a hardworking man from southeast Queens who, despite his compassion for and dedicated service to his community, was not able honestly to afford the quality of life commonly called “middle class.”

So where does that leave the rest of us?  Sure, you might be able to afford a decent life in southeast Queens while you’re 20-something, single, childless, and living at home with your parents rent-free.  But what happens when you have to get your own place?  What happens when you’re 30-something and you have a young child or children?  What happens when you want to buy a house or need to pay for childcare?  What happens when you’re 50- or 60-something and you need to take time away from work to care for your aging parents … while also trying to see your kids through college or subsidize them living at home with you rent-free?  What happens when you’re ready to retire, can you?  What happens in your golden years if you need medical care or home care, how will it be paid for?  Can you afford a comfortable quality of life at each of these life stages?  What about your friends, your siblings, your church members, your neighbors?  How are they doing?

Folks, let’s get real.  Your quality of life depends on what you can honestly afford.  That is why Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corp. is raising this issue at our upcoming health fair on June 13^th.  As a community we must talk openly about affordability in all of the facets that bear on the quality of our lives:

• Affording retirement
• Affording comfortable housing
• Affording health insurance, good nutrition and fitness
• Developing and maintaining “affordable relationships”

A flyer is attached.  The event is free.  Please spread the word.  Email me if you have questions.  We hope to see you there, and we hope that our community and its stewards will discuss more frequently and publicly this topic of Affordable Wellness.  Thank you, and enjoy your weekend.

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

State Senator James Saunders Hosts Breakfast with Pastor Floyd Flake

Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake Speaks at Clergy Breakfast

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) hosted a Community Clergy Breakfast on May 29 at New Haven Ministries in Jamaica, featuring special guest speaker the Rev. Floyd H. Flake, pastor of Greater Allen AME Cathedral, who shared his expertise on economic development and expanding one's church and congregation.

"Church is not merely what you do on Sunday morning," Rev. Flake said. "It is an understanding that everything that surrounds the church, that is a part of the church, is part of the community. You have a responsibility to help and make changes so that it is a better place for people to live."

During Rev. Flake's years with Greater Allen AME, its congregation has grown to 23,000 members and it is ranked as one of the nation’s top faith-based and urban development institutions. Allen oversees large commercial and residential properties, a 750-student private school and various business and social service enterprises. It is also one of the largest private sector job providers in Queens. In addition to his work with the church, Rev. Flake served as Congress Member for the 6th District in Queens from 1986 to 1997.

"This is not just a clergy breakfast, this is a training session," Senator Sanders said. "If a man is able to be blessed to build an incredible institution, as the Rev. Floyd Flake has done, then we should not let him walk out the door without asking him some questions and learning his secrets to success."

Senator Sanders holds a Community Clergy Breakfast once a month, bringing together faith-based leaders of different denominations from across the district to share information and discuss ways they can help their congregations, each time highlighting a new topic of importance for the faith-based community.

State Senator James Saunders (left) Rev. Floyd Flake (right)

Rev. Floyd Flake probably one of the greatest Pastors of community development in US history. He doesn't just talk about proselyting, going to heaven, and castigating people with a holier than thou attitude. He actually helps people change their community for the better now.

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Swing and Groove to Jazz in Southeast Queens

After the great support they received from patrons and residents in the community, at their last performance, "Tribute to the Jazz Legends of Queens," the Ed Jackson Quartet is poised to bring in some more jazz heat to the area.  Ed Jackson the founder of Jackson Room is dedicated to "bringing world class jazz back to our community."  

Jackson states '"it was such an honor & privilege to perform with the legendary George Cables who tore the house down. Again I want to sincerely thank patrons and residents in the community for their overwhelming support last month coming out to give "Tribute to the Jazz Legends of Queens."

Ed suggests that Jackson Room supporters and the community continue to move forward together in increasingly popular performances with further intensity?  In his next performance he aims to springboard off the last legends event. "We will be bringing more jazz heat especially now that warmer weather is beginning to embrace us" says Ed Jackson.

In the next performance Jackson plans to inspire supporters to move and groove to captivating and exhilarating entertainment.  The Quartet's music is riveting so why don't you plan and come on out

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 for "Swing & Groove with the Ed Jackson Quartet."

Meet Jackson and the quartet this Saturday and enjoy what promises to be an invigorating performance. According to Jackson "this event will inspire you to move and groove to intoxicating jazz interpretations."

His outstanding cadre of talented performers for the night will be:

Carlton Holmes - Piano

Marcus Mclaurine - Bass

George Schuller - Drums

Yours Truly, Ed Jackson - Sax

Don't miss this upbeat rejuvenating performance.  Well what are you waiting for? Why don't you book your Reservation?                                                                                                                                                           

" Swing & Groove with the Ed Jackson Quartet" 

Saturday, May 30th, 2015

2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00

  

Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show) 

  

Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments

  

Make a Reservation 

Or 

Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)

by calling: (718) 525-2387

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here 

  

Terryl Ebony and Women Authors Honored in St. Albans

Highly respected author and youth community activist Terryl Ebony, was honored along with 11 other women for being authors at Thomasina's, May 16th, 2015.  Ms. Ebony is the author of "Losing Love, Having Faith, & Finding Hope." Terryl is also a tireless advocate for young people and runs the Misunderstood Youth Development Center (MYDC) program in Queens.  She is a great resource for the Southeast Queens Scoop.

The program was put on by State Senator Leroy Comrie and hosted by Adrienne Adams.  The event was put on "in celebration of Mother's Day."

Ms. Ebony expressed her appreciation by stating "It was an honor to be in such great company and amongst other esteemed women writers and entrepreneurs."

Other women authors honored were: Beverly Burchett, Toni Coleman Brown, Delicia Davis, Eva Duzant, Rev. Simone Lord, Melissa E. Morgan, Julia Shaw, Rosanna Small Morgan, Vicki Schneps, Ashley Taylor, and Faye Thompson. 

Event at Thomasina's Honors Women

Ms. Ebony with Senator Leroy Comrie

A Touching Moment Terryl Ebony Reads the
Poem "Side by Side" to her Mother from
her book "Losing Love, Having Faith, & Finding Hope"

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Do You Know Your Southeast Queens Neighbors?

Kamau's Kultural Corner



Southeast Queens has had some great and super successful residents. Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, James Brown, WEB Dubois, Babe Ruth, and the list goings on and on.

You could be living next door to a future or living legend in our community and not even know it. So it is important to cut off the cable TV or Internet sometime and get out and meet or greet neighbors.  You may be surprised at the caliber of person you meet in Southeast Queens.

If I had the authority to add commandments to the 10 Commandments the 12th one would be "Know Thy Neighbor." My 11th Commandment "Love Thy Sista" is a topic for another day. I think we should learn from history and add to our religious and spiritual narratives.

When I was growing up in my community most of the people on the block knew each other. The block's children usually played together and even protected each other. I would often hear people in my youth say something like "don't mess with that guy he's from that tough block. They stick together."

Today people really have very little interaction beyond their personal household on the block. The kids have selected play dates these days and you need an appointment and to be screened by neighbors for kids to play with each other these days. Play dates?

What the hell was a play date back in the day? You just went outside and played. We're so reluctant to interact with other people in the hood we don't know in NYC at least. I hope this isn't the case everywhere.

With the rise of the Internet, social media, and mobile apps I fear we are spending far too much time with virtual friends than people in our community and neighborhoods. My new digital publication the Southeast Queens Scoop is forcing me to get out and meet people in the area.

Last week I decided to bypass Amazon, and went to buy a cell phone from a local merchant. Unbelievably, I found out this cell phone dealer had a doctorate in psychology with a passion to help abused children and women. Also he had high tech equipment in his store that helped children with ADD, ADHD, and autism without drugs.

In other words he was an excellent person to know to help me with my daughter's issues. Also I got him to consider hosting group meetings for parents with autistic children in our neighborhood since all these meetings tend to happen on the "other side of town" - if you know what I mean. But I would have never meet him without venturing out to meet people in the area.

At other meetings I was asked to volunteer with economic development and become a director of a nonprofit. All within a weeks time. At a celebration of jazz legends in my community I met a NY State Senator who's been reading my community news and events site. Plus as my daughter and I were listening to jazz a nice gentleman asked us if we wanted to share some of his fried chicken.

I haven't had fried chicken in months and didn't want to offend the gentleman so I ate some of his fried chicken and thanked him. We began to talk about all the great jazz talent who came or lived at one time in our community like Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Fat's Waller, Mercedes Ellington, Lena Horne, and many more the lists keeps on going.

It was obvious this gentleman was someone who really knew jazz history in the area and someone I should know. I asked the gentlemen "for his card if he had one." Guess what? He turned out to be a Judge.

In other words - you could be missing out on important connections.

Word to the wise. Step out of your enclaves, off the Internet, and your comfort zones more often and - Know thy Neighbor! Dig for treasure in your own community - you may strike gold.

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here