One’s true wealth is the good he or she does in the world. The Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team continued their philanthropic efforts this holiday season by “paying it forward” in various ways in our local community. 

We encourage everyone to do their best to donate their time, money and or efforts to do what you can to help those in your own community or other communities that are going the extra step to help others.

In November, Kecia and Kevin had a blast hanging out with the “young folks” and supporting the Group 4 youth members (Grades 6th to 8th) of the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter (MHVC) in their Shopping For A Cause Financial / Community Service activity at Primark. The children did a wonderful job shopping for their adopted family. It was a fun-filled, educational activity where the youth learned how to shop within a budget. These Santa’s helpers shopped for clothing (Christmas gifts) for a family in need during this Christmas season. 

MHVC Mother Member/Corresponding Secretary Tawana Hayes did an excellent job hosting and leading this successful Shopping For a Cause activity. Kudos to these young philanthropists! MHVC Fathers Auxiliary Chair Kevin and MHVC Historian Kecia were truly grateful to share in this exciting activity with these fiscally responsible youth. Since joining the MHVC with their sons Kendall and Kyle back in 2009, it has been an incredible enriching experience. 

Jack and Jill of America is an African-American organization of mothers who nurture future leaders by strengthening children ages 2-19 through chapter programming, community service, legislative advocacy and philanthropic giving. We believe every child, with proper guidance and opportunity can be a leader.

We are a family organization dedicated to the purpose of developing our children and fostering life-long friendships with other families In the community. We provide cultural, educational, recreational and community service opportunities aimed at enhancing and enriching the lives of our children.

To learn more about the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter, recently recognized as a 5 Star Chapter at our National Jack and Jill National Conference, visit their website: JACK AND JILL - MID HUDSON VALLEY CHAPTER.

Enjoy the brief video highlighting the history of the chapter and the good work that they have accomplished over the years. The mighty mothers of the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter, led by our phenomenal MHVC President De-Angela Watt are encouraged every day to use their Power to Make A Difference For All Children. On Mission. On Purpose.

If there is a family that you can do something positive for, just do it! You’ll be glad that you did. They will too!

Grab something yummy to eat, warm to drink, get into the holiday spirit with your family and or friends and watch Jingle Jangle this month on NetFlix. Decades after his trusted apprentice betrayed him, a once-joyful toymaker finds new hope when his kind and curious granddaughter comes into his life. Starring: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key and Hugh Bonneville.

Whether you have NetFlix or not, join in on a Behind the Scenes Talk with Jingle Jangle Director, David E. Talbert on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 4pm EST. Colgate-Palmolive Bright Smile, Bright Futures joins Hurlock Marketing Enterprises in collaboration with “It Is Done Communications” to present a behind the scenes talk back with David E. Talbert, Award-winning writer, director and producer of the hit Netflix original movie “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey”. We invite you to participate in this Behind The Scenes Talk Back and encourage you and your family to watch “Jingle Jangle” on Netflix before the discussion. 

Last week, The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce gave thanks in very special way to a few of the many HVGCC members through the Special Section insert that was included in The Northern Westchester Examiner. Deb Milone, President of the HVGCC, took the extra step to recognize their efforts of going above and beyond in 2020 to assist local businesses and people during this years global pandemic.

Kevin, Kecia and the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team were humbled to be recognized as one of those companies. We put our heart in soul in what we do every day to help our those small, minority and women owned business owners creatively adapt to this challenging year. Many have been knocked down. However, we remind them to get back up and rebuild one step at a time with a plan. We help them gain their confidence to get back in the game.  Being an entrepreneur takes “guts”!

Kecia and Kevin are also members of the Peekskill NAACP chapter that were also featured a local organization doing good in the community. The Peekskill NAACP chapter will also receive the HVGCC’s Quality of Life Award in a few months for their pivotal role in promoting effective change in the Peekskill community. We thank the HVGCC for recognizing us and the other featured HVGCC members for our philanthropic efforts in our communities. We do it from heart and souls and would do it whether our efforts are recognized or not.

To much is given, much is required. Let’s all keep paying it forward!  Enjoy reading all of our stories. We hope that it inspires you to support the cause of your choice!

Come join Kecia, Kevin and others for a night of entertainment, celebration and smooth jazz, R&B, classical and more “virtually” in the comfort of your home.

Richie Goods

International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 each year is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The day aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.

Around 15% of the world's population, or one billion people, live with disabilities. People are often unaware of the great number of persons living with disabilities around the world and the challenges they face. Persons with disabilities, "the world's largest minority", often face barriers to participation in all aspects of society. Barriers can take a variety of forms, including those relating to the physical environment or to information and communications technology (ICT), or those resulting from legislation or policy, or from societal attitudes or discrimination. The result is that persons with disabilities do not have equal access to society or services, including education, employment, health care, transportation, political participation or justice. The day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life. When hiring for your business needs, products or services, please consider business owners and or employees with disabilities and or special needs. You’ll be glad that you did! A diverse, inclusive workforce is a powerful workforce.

Kecia’s father became disabled from an on the job leg injury working as a NYC Sanitation worker when she was in the 6th grade. Her family’s life changed as her father went from being the major breadwinner in the household to becoming a stay at home dad. Her mother went back to the workforce and worked the night shift as a Nurse’s Aide to supplement the household’s income since her father’s salary was cut in half due to his disability. Her middle class dad of four fought for over 20 years to get the full benefits that he deserved. Kecia’s family like so many families advocate daily for their families and friends to obtain access to the services for a better quality of life for those with disabilities and special needs.

One of Kecia and Kevin’s favorite advocates for children with Disabilities and Special Needs is their beautiful niece Yvonne Palmer. She has been an advocate for children with Disabilities and Special Needs for years since graduating as a Theatre Major from Howard University. She has a huge heart and has been a great asset to many Special Needs educational programs in the NYC, Westchester County, Dutchess County and Catskills School Districts. Join us in congratulating Yvonne on her recent career move as Catskill’s Assistant to the Superintendent for Special Education, overseeing the District’s Special Education Department.

Posted on September 25, 2020 by Catskill CSD

Meet Ms. Yvonne Palmer, the newest member of Catskill Central School District’s administrative team. As Catskill’s Assistant to the Superintendent for Special Education, Ms. Palmer oversees our District’s Special Education Department.

“I’m very excited to be here in a capacity where I can support Catskill’s special education program and further our District’s mission in supporting all children to reach their true academic potential,” Ms. Palmer said.

She comes to Catskill from the New Rochelle City School District, where she was the Assistant Director of Special Education. Prior to that, Ms. Palmer served as the Director of Instructional Support Services and as an Assistant Principal for the Poughkeepsie City School District, where she also worked as a high school special education teacher. She began her teaching career as a special education teacher for the New York City Department of Education serving the elementary and middle school grade levels.

Ms. Palmer says special education has been her true calling ever since the day that, as a theatre artist looking to make ends meet, she took a job as a substitute teacher. “My first assignment was to a special education class. On day one I knew that this is what I needed to be doing,” she said. “I enjoy collaborating with teachers, families, and students to meet the needs of diverse learners. What I find most rewarding is helping them realize their abilities, rather than their disabilities, and seeing them overcome challenges to grow as individuals.”

Along with pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership from the Sage Colleges (expected date of completion December, 2021), Ms. Palmer has earned a master’s in administration education from the College of St. Rose and a master’s in special education from Mercy College. She holds NYS certifications as both a school district and school building leader, and as a special education teacher.

The Board of Education appointed Ms. Palmer on August 19, 2020 and she officially took the reins of our Special Education Department on September 21. Please join us in welcoming her to the District.

Let’s continue to love and support each other through this challenging 2020! Live each day with purpose! Faith is knowing that life can be unpredictable but trusting that it will all work out for good!

Kecia, Kevin and the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. family thank everyone for their continued support! We truly appreciate it as we continue to motivate and collaborate with MWBEs to project completion! Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. believes in fitness for everyone’s mind, body and soul!

You can also visit our website at www.aerobasoul.com or email Kecia at kecia@aerobasoul.com.