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ATTACHMENT 1
<br /> SANDRA HARRISON KAY
<br /> APPLICATION FOR ADULT POET LAUREATE
<br /> CITY OF PLEASANTON
<br /> Pleasanton Resident: Yes, I've been living in Pleasanton for nearly 17 years now.
<br /> Published Poet: Yes, A list of my publications is available on my website:V/riteousMom.com
<br /> Affiliations: I am a freelance, indie poet and have participated as a workshop designer/teacher
<br /> in the Pleasanton Poetry, Prose & Arts Festival; California Writers of Northern California, 4th
<br /> Street Saturday Salons, and a candidate member of Pen Women.
<br /> Jim Ott first introduced me to the world of poetry in Pleasanton, and "Poet Laureates" -which
<br /> at the time was a term and position that were both new to me, despite the fact I had been
<br /> enjoying poems authored by others and writing my own poems sporadically my entire life. In
<br /> fact, I had the great pleasure, thank you to the Pleasanton Poetry, Prose &Arts Festival, of
<br /> meeting not only our local poets, Kirk Ridgeway, Jim Ott, Deborah Grossman, Cynthia Bryant,
<br /> Connie Post, among others, but also nationally recognized poets, like Billy Collins, Jane
<br /> Hirschfield and Al Young. How could I not be impressed with the variety of human expression
<br /> tucked inside a variety of poetic styles. As time allowed, I attended local poetry readings at the
<br /> Century House, in Livermore at Ravenswood and other venues, sometimes just
<br /> listening/learning, other times participating in the open mic sessions, and on a few occasions
<br /> was invited to be a featured poet/speaker; the Laugh out Loud, Poetry event at Century
<br /> House hosted by Deborah Grossman, one of them.
<br /> So I have been the direct beneficiary of the time, talent and effort other Pleasanton Poet
<br /> Laureates have generously provided for our community, and have in fact, always considered
<br /> maybe one day applying for the position myself. As it is an unpaid position which does require
<br /> dedication and commitment, time and talent, etc. I have put off applying due to a fairly full
<br /> schedule. I was re-inspired to apply when I read in the Pleasanton Weekly that you were
<br /> searching for both an adult and teen poet laureate. My daughter Taryn is a poet, and she is a
<br /> teen... I spoke with her about being Pleasanton's very first, Mother/Daughter, poet laureates,
<br /> and she was also game, despite having a full school schedule (she is a 4.0 student at Amador
<br /> High School), but, then I read the teen needed to be a Junior, and she is a sophmore, so I put
<br /> off applying until next year.
<br /> I realize you cannot guarantee the opportunity for Mother/Daughter poet laureates, but I hope
<br /> to sell you on the idea.. For me, the opportunity for her to participate with me; collaborate on
<br /> workshops for both teens/adults, parents/children, is an awesome and fun opportunity. To
<br /> watch her grow in this area, -this would make the unpaid time, effort, dedication, commitment,
<br /> etc. more worthwhile than if it's just me. The idea alone, fills me with an energy and
<br /> enthusiasm that just isn't there if it's only me. So I do hope you will give it consideration.
<br /> Taryn demonstrates enormous artistic and humanitarian spirit in her literary work, I'm excited
<br /> for you to see her poetry, literary and leadership skills.
<br /> Thank you,
<br />
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