Affectionate seniors of United Adult Care, in collaboration with members of the Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF), celebrated Valentine’s Day with a big bash that featured live entertainment, infectious Bollywood music, mouth-watering cuisine, and dancing into the afternoon at the hours-long non-profit’s 5th Annual extravaganza.

Despite last Saturday’s frigid weather, it was obvious that warmth and love were in the air, as seen by the scores of celebrants in the Queens Liberty Palace Banquet Hall, decked out in their finest red attire.

President of ICF Ralph Tamesh welcomed the gathering and thanked them for their continued support of the V-Day celebration. He encouraged them to have a good time while warming up their bodies and expressed gratitude to the committee members for hosting the event.

“We are so privileged to host this program for the past seven years to bring love, peace, and happiness to you folks. The Indo-Caribbean Federation has been around for several years. We focus on helping our seniors, the people who are in need. As you have seen, the executive body of this organization is very dedicated. They extend love to each of you in this community,’ said Vice President Dr. Vijay Lilliah.

Committee and board members in no order. Ralph Tamesh, President Dr. Vijay Lilliah VP, Radika Olarte, Asst. Secretary, Pamela Persaud, Treasurer, Ronald Chetani, Asst. Treasurer, John Aaron, Stanley Raj. Jasonda Thakordeen, Shanta Sookram, Son-Son Persaud, Vanessa Matura, and Yvonne Singh. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

“Under the leadership of Mr. Ralph Tamesh, we keep this organization alive. It is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in this community. We seek to help and guide each of you in the right way. ICF is the only organization that provides this service and programs, not only in the U.S., but also in Guyana,” he told the gathering.

“Today is the day of love, let me share it with all of you. Happy Valentine’s, expressed VP Lilliah.

Dressed in a red and white floral gown, Assistant Secretary Radika Olarte delighted the gathering by saying, “Today we are celebrating love & friendship, not just the young, flashy kind of love, but the real love. The kind that lasts through wrinkles, memories, stories, and still says, “I choose you even when you hid the remote control.”

“ICF is family. We are about culture, community connection, and making sure nobody feels left out,” she said before outlining a robust program to engage the seniors, like the Annual Phagwah parade on March 29, Mother’s Day celebration, East Indian Arrival Day observance, a casino trip, and a Guyana Day Bus trip to Schenectady, among many others.

Olarte, a talented artist who wrote, produced, directed, and later acted with fellow members in a Skit – “Ode to Love”- memories of attraction that led to marriage, and a long life together – said ICF has overflowing love for community seniors.

“May your hearts stay warm, your friendships stay strong, and your laughter stay loud. Thank you for being here. ICF loves you,’ she said.

Cast members from a Skin “Ode to Love” written, produced, and directed by Radika Olarte, also an actor, going through their lines on stage at the 5th Annual Valentine’s Day celebration on February 7, at the elegant Liberty Palace in Richmond Hill, Queens. The presentation was hosted by the Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF) in collaboration with United Adult Care. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

During the festivities, expertly helmed by emcee John Aaron, ICF honored the exceptional work of Sherry Algredo, who was described as someone with Grace, Grit, and Pure Indo-Caribbean fire.

Algredo, who made history as the first female chairperson of Community Board 9, has been called a community firecracker and a wonder woman.

The lovely lady who was presented with a “timepiece-award” for her excellent community engagement skills has also received numerous accolades from elected officials.

The seniors were treated to a medley of Indian songs by duet Son-Son and Jasodra Thakordeen. Singing sensation and entertainer Ervin Appadu, in turn, dressed in a red blazer and matching shoes, got the elderly on their feet with a round of Soca and Indian mixed tunes.

Vanessa Matura finished out the afternoon with a stirring performance, while enticing the retirees to join her in the merriment.

Ashmita Singh, Miss Indo-Caribbean Federation Queen 2024-2026, left join Chairperson of Community Board 9, Sherry Algredo, center, and President of ICF Ralph Tamesh, during the 5th Annual Valentine’s Day soiree, on Feb. 7. ICF in collaboration with the United Adult Care hosted the event at the Liberty Palace in Richmond Hill, Queens.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Also in attendance was Ashmita Singh, Miss Indo-Caribbean Federation Queen 2024-2026. The beauty, a student at Hofstra University studying health sciences, said it is an honor to wear the sash as the current queen, noting that it was fun to compete in the pageant.

“I made a lot of friends who have become my sisters. I have given back to our community, and will continue to do so in the future, after my reign has ended,” said Singh.

Other ICF executives are Treasurer Pamela Persaud and Assistant Treasurer Ronald Chetana. Board members John Aaron and Stanley Raj. Committee members include Jasonda Thakordeen, Shanta Sookram, Yvonne Singh, and Ronald Garib.