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By Joanna DelBuono
Brooklyn Daily
East Flatbush
“We are a generation of lines; We would stand on line for hours for $900 sneakers…”
So goes Ashley August’s poem “Lines,” which got her named the 2013 Youth Poet Laureate by the Youth Poet Laureate Program, which is a partner of Urban Word NYC and NYC Votes. The Standing O pal speaks volumes of truth, and pushes the boundaries of the spoken word.
But she’s more than a poet, and Standing O knows it. This Mercy College sophomore is a singer, performer, and an advocate for the Brooklyn Special Olympics, the NYC Kidney Walk, and is currently collaborating with Hip Hop Soul Project on “Aztec Gold.” She is also working on a one-woman performance entitled “Sea.”
Ashley is a board member of the Youth Leadership committee, has competed in several competitions including the 2010 Urban World Slam Finals, the 2011 Knicks Poetry Slam, and in 2012 landed a spot on the Urban Word Youth Slam team.
It’s no wonder she’s the new Laureate. Standing O will be standing on line to see Ashley on Broadway!
Bay Ridge
Answering the call of charity
Ho, ho, ho to the tweens and teens at Xaverian. The do-gooding students collected, organized, packaged, and processed care packages for those hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy.
Soon after the storm, a uniform drive was started to help fellow students get back into the swing of things, faculty members aided in clean-up projects each weekend, and then middle school students in the Genesis program organized a drive to create customized care packages containing every-day stuff that families lost. But the Christmas season is now upon us and again the Xaverian clan is continuing its do-gooding deeds. Members of the Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Verrazano, is hosting a bake sale and raffle to raise money for the Graybeards in Rockaway, (a charitable organization), and a Toys for Tots donation drive.
Xaverian High School [7100 Shore Rd. at 71st Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 836–7100].
Gravesend
Paying tribute to heroes
Three cheers to Assemblyman William Colton (D–Gravesend) and Mark Treyger, president of the United Progressive Democratic Club, for hosting a Veteran’s Appreciation night.
“Our country sends these brave men and women to the most dangerous parts of the world. Therefore, we in government have an obligation to fight and stand up for them,” the venerable rep told Standing O.
Especially since so many vets helped the community in recovering from Hurricane Sandy.
“Many vets put aside festivities during Veteran’s Day to help assist Hurricane Sandy victims,” said Mark. “The spirit of service to our country never dies in these heroes.”
The patriotic pair presented a flag cake to Marine Manuel Marin, who recently returned from serving two tours of duty in Iraq.
Borough Wide
‘Tis the season for toy
Bring a gift-wrapped toy or two and enjoy hot cocoa, Santa, and carols at the Dyker Beach Golf Course on Dec. 15 from Noon to 3 pm
[1030 86th St. at 10th Avenue; (718) 836–9722].
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Hosted by Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R–Bay Ridge), drop off an unwrapped toy to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox church at 8401 Ridge Blvd. or Salam Arabic Lutheran Church, 345 Ovington Ave., now through Dec. 20. If you have any questions, call her office at (718) 987–0197.
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State Sen. Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge) is again kicking off his Toys for Tots campaign to brighten the smiles of military children. New toys can be dropped off at the his district offices now through Dec. 14.
District Offices [7408 Fifth Ave. or 3605 Quentin Rd; (718) 238–6044].
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Bring a new unwrapped toy to the Prospect Park Zoo or the New York Aquarium now through Dec. 31 and get a ticket to visit the Bronx Zoo for free.
This year, the drive benefits military families, as well as those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
The Prospect Park Zoo, (450 Flatbush Ave.; Aquarium drop off location is Tom’s Diner, 1229 Boardwalk West in Coney Island; www.wcs.org/donation).
Read Standing O every Thursday on BrooklynDaily.com!