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By Joanna DelBuono
Brooklyn Daily
Gerritsen Beach
Christmas bells were still ringing for Michael “Santa Claus” Sciafaffo at the Tamaqua by the Bay Club when the United States Marine Corps Reserve honored Sciafaffo for collecting lots of toys and goodies for Santa’s sleigh. Assemblywoman Pamela Harris (D–Coney Island) and Councilman Alan Maisel (D–Marine Park) were on hand to help Santa’s helper accept his certificate from the Marines at Toys for Tots.
The gifts cheered up the family victims of Superstorm Sandy.
Michael now has a Standing O to put next to that certificate.
Tamaqua by the Bay [84 Ebony Ct. at Bijou Avenue in Gerritsen Beach, (718) 646–9212].
East New York
Calendar Girl
The Police Athletic League is featuring budding, third-grade artist Deliah Montero’s depiction of Stonehenge in its 2016 calendar.
Montero attends the league’s summer program at IS 218 Beacon Center, and her art will grace the calendar’s August entry.
Stonehenge is one of the most recognizable and famous sites in the world. The league’s summer day-campers, who studied the world’s most famous landmarks and monuments while exploring the history and culture of the countries where they are located, worked together on song and dance routines and created extraordinary artwork.
“I see first-hand the great work our staff does with inner-city kids in need,” said league executive director Frederick Watts. “We offer a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow, play, learn, and be inspired to great success. The hard work and creativity of our staff was instrumental in producing our beautiful calendar.”
Deliah can add a Standing O on her wall right next to the 2016 calendar!
Police Athletic League IS 218 Beacon Center [370 Fountain Ave. and Logan Street in East New York, (718) 277–1928].
Midwood
In the pink
Brooklyn College has courses to motivate adults who really want to keep their gray matter in the pink.
“For adults who never stop experiencing life, there is a place and community that celebrates learning,” sayeth the college’s website. “We invite you to join us.”
If you want lectures, they got ’em Borough Historian Ron Schweiger recently treated students to a talk on how Brooklyn used to be. Ah, those Brooklyn memories!
If you want trips, pack your bags and get ready to roll. And if you like movies, the popcorn is ready — just store up on those Junior Mints.
The Lifelong Learning program at Brooklyn College provides the best atmosphere for adult learners who want to keep their minds alive — just like Standing O.
What you are waiting for? Classes are starting soon!
Brooklyn College Lifelong Learning [2900 Bedford Ave. at Avenue J in Midwood, (718) 951–5000].
Gravesend
Checkmate!
Two rooks and a queen to the members of the Chess team at IS 228 David A Boody Intermediate School. The team captured the first place in the New York City Chess Championship competition held at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel. This is its sixth championship win over the past seven years. Coach Bruce Fuchs leads the team.
“Chess playing has a tremendous impact with high-order thinking and enhances strategy and planning for our students,” said principal Dominick D’Angelo.
IS 228 David A. Boody Intermediate School [228 Avenue S at W. Fourth Street in Gravesend, (718) 375–7635].