Events Wrap-Up

Changes for Falkirk: Jane Lange Retiring; Program Reductions Falkirk Supervisor Jane Lange is retiring after 12 years of service to Falkirk and the City of San Rafael. We'll miss her terribly! In addition to overseeing Falkirk's cultural offerings and the care and maintenance of the historic estate, Jane initiated the Parlor Conservation Project returning the parlor to it's original Victorian splendor and spearheaded the Falkirk Grounds Project which included renovation of the wedding garden and the 1927 Greenhouse, as well as establishing three new gardens through partnership with the Marin Master Gardeners. A Falkirk Open House will be held July 23rd from 2:00 - 6:30 PM. Please stop in to say good bye to Jane. No gifts, please. Join us at your leisure for refreshments and reflections. Unfortunately, with the budget issues the City is facing, Jane's position will not be re-filled. This means Falkirk will have to make do with less than 35 hours of staff time each week. What does Falkirk look like with less than half the staff time it currently has? Fewer public programs and art programs will take place. The Victorian Holiday and Spring Faire will be discontinued. Exhibitions and other programming will have to be scaled back and streamlined. Less time will be available to coordinate activities and volunteers will be more important than ever. Falkirk will need the support of the community in order to continue as a Cultural Center, as established by charter in 1974. How can you help? Become a member. It doesn't cost much and it will help ensure that Falkirk keeps its doors open to the public. We'll be announcing a new membership drive with a fun incentive soon. Keep your eyes out for future emails. Oh, and volunteer! We'll need people to step up for 2 hour shifts covering the front door so we can focus on development programs. It's a fun and casual meet and greet opportunity once a week in an incredible setting. Easy parking, nice people, and you'll know you are making a difference.

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Femme Fatale Friday Singer Showcase - FRIDAY - Featuring Four Vivacious Vocalists - Lauralee Brown, Debra Clawson, Connie Ducey and Joan Getz team up to fill the historic mansion with music, complete with a live band and fabulous victuals. All for just $20! These four have been lighting up the Bay Area with their stylish vocals and promise to bring the house down. This event takes place in our elegant and historic parlor, which was built for acoustic music. The aural and visual experience is nothing short of stunning. So get your tickets by calling 485-3333 or 485-3436 with a credit card. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door - call to find out the day before.

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CHAMBER GLADIATORS CLASSICAL CONCERT TONITE! - Friday, February 18, 7pm - showcasing Marin Academy's finest talent. Marin Academy grows amazing young talent and this year marks the Return of the Chamber Gladiators to Falkirk! This wonderful group of young musicians will be performing classical works in preparation for Junior Bach and other competitions. The evening will comprise of quartets, duos and solo work, featuring pieces by Chopin, Hayden and others. Come hear the professional musicians of the future and get blown away! $10 adults, $5 youth; cookies and drinks available. Click here to learn more. This is a great way to expose young people to the world of classical music, or inspire younger children through exposure to amazing high school talent.

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Haunted Pirate Manor Dead Pirates! Rise Up from Davy Jones’ locker & tour the Haunted Pirate Manor Oct. 28-31, 2010! This is 2010 information. Join us late October 2011 as we set sail again! Presented by the Sea Dogs and Stark Ravens Historical Players, in conjunction with Friends of San Rafael, and including “The Undead Music Review” October 28-31 at the landmark Falkirk Cultural Center in downtown San Rafael. Blood-curdling pirate ghouls will reign in full piratical terror and bring a creep-filled night of ghastly scenes, music and free Undead Entertainments to this venerable Victorian haunted mansion. Unlike anything Marin has ever experienced before, this family friendly event is sure to establish a new Halloween tradition. It's not just a haunt; it's a Pirate Party featuring local bands performing ghostly music for free at The Pirates Barrel Inn. Come have pirates brew and a Tarot Reading, with plenty of pirate goodies, popcorn and scurvy-reducing snacks for little pirates. The Haunted Pirate Manor at Falkirk with The Undead Music Review will run October 28, 29, 30 and 31 from 6:30 p.m. until Midnight! (Oct. 28 closure 10:30 p.m.) Tickets for the Haunt are $10 at the door, but patrons may visit The Pirates Barrel Inn and listen to Undead Entertainments for Free! All ages welcome. For full information and to buy discount tickets in advance on line, visit Haunted Pirate Manor Falkirk Mansion is located at 1408 Mission Avenue at E Street. This haunt is a benefit for Falkirk Cultural Center, and is sponsored in part by Friends of San Rafael, Marin Artists International Network, The Pacific Sun, and River Rock Casino.

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Falkirk Volunteers Making a Difference What’s Happening at Falkirk These Days? Volunteers are busy making things happen! Ever wonder about the life and family of Captain Robert Dollar, Falkirk's historic figure? Who was he and what's happened with his family? Thanks to volunteer Jenni Monnier, you'll soon be able to find out online. Jenni has been compiling the Dollar Family Tree and will soon be posting information online to augment what's already there. In addition, Jenni has learned how to conduct tours and is helping with database functions for our fundraising efforts. For more information on Robert Dollar, visit the History section of our web site. Interested in taking a video tour of Falkirk online some day to see it from home or show your friends that live out of the area? How about to suggest it to someone you think might like to have their party or get married here? Ariel Sinelnikoff is working on a video this summer that we can post online so you can see this elegant Queen Anne Victorian in all her glory. More information coming soon. Do you often think: why doesn't Falkirk get some grants to help fund the building and operations? We do! But grants are hard to come by. Falkirk has seen a reduction in grants over the past 2 years just like the majority of nonprofits in Marin and elsewhere. Plus grants don't often pay for general operating expenses, which are our most cash intensive functions. However, in the next several months you'll see Falkirk get an exterior makeover thanks to a grant to pay for some long overdue painting. And, we have a stellar volunteer working on grants for operating expenses as well. Jim Davenport has been applying his history expertise and learning the ins and outs of grant hunting to find us some funds to begin a living history program and help us market Falkirk far and wide. Speaking of marketing, volunteer Mary Nealon has been using her marketing and PR skills to develop a marketing plan for Falkirk complete with web enhancements, new wedding rental brochure designs, targeted marketing procedures, personal outreach and fundraising suggestions. Our new wedding brochure has been a tremendous asset and has already gone out to dozens of people. And Mary has been personally reaching out to find new renters and connections to increase Falkirk's revenue. Falkirk's future rests in revenue generation through wedding and event rentals. Mary's service has been critical in getting us positioned to increase our rental revenues. Another way we are attempting to enhance our revenues as well as our position in the community is through a planned art auction fundraiser in the early winter. Who has time to do that, you ask? Once again, volunteers to the rescue! Ventana Amico, Susan Bercu, Geraldine Ganun-Owens, Enrique Goldenberg, Pattie Grey, Cynthia Jensen, Sherrie Rice, and other artists and Falkirk supporters have been meeting with our Curator, Beth Goldberg to design and implement a new annual event for Falkirk with the intention of raising funds and spotlighting our important place in the local art scene. Hundreds and hundreds of local artists have shown their work at Falkirk over the years. This auction is a way all artists can support Falkirk and get their work shown in a prestigious event. Falkirk Volunteer and Master Gardener Jessica Wasserman leads a tour of the succulent garden

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Falkirk Celebrates 30 Years with Historic Lawn Party On Saturday, June 26 over 800 of Falkirk’s closest friends came by to celebrate the history that is Falkirk. "1888 - Falkirk's 30th Anniversary Victorian Lawn Party" was an exercise in gratitude for the City of San Rafael. This event was a community celebration, spotlighting the folks who saved Falkirk thirty years ago and featuring many of the organizations that have partnered with and supported Falkirk throughout the years. This was a volunteer driven event with over 40 volunteers, many in costume thanks to D' Lynne's Dancewear on 4th Street. The turn-of-the century event featured historic characters and displays, entertainment, poetry readings, flower arranging, carriage rides, period games and crafts, a children's area and more! During a ceremony midway through Saturday's event Vice Mayor Cyr Miller, dressed in full Victorian attire, presented official Certificates of Appreciation to several of the people who originally saved Falkirk in 1974. The ceremony began with the ringing of the bells at the Presbyterian Church across the street. The church and the bells are significant in Falkirk's history; the land for the church was donated by Ella Nichols Park who built Falkirk in 1888, and the bells were donated by Captain Robert Dollar who lived at Falkirk from 1906 until his death in 1932. Eloise Jonas, grandniece of Ella Nichols Park, came in a dress and parasol that belonged to her grandmother, Ella's sister. Curt and Rosa Maria Hayden, Kim Haney and Melville Dickson represented the Dollar family. And former mayor, Lawrence Mulrany bore witness to the City's acquisition of the house while he was on the City Council. One of the highlights of the event was the celebrity dunk tank. Celebrants got the chance to dunk parking enforcement officer Vicki Dennis and the Director of Community Development, Bob Brown. County Supervisor Susan Adams couldn't get her money out fast enough to try to dunk Bob Brown to the delight of all who witnessed it. Other highlights included a wonderful crew of pirates, the Sea Dogs, who caroused around the grounds singing songs and performing pirate skits as well as the magic of Tobias the Adequate (Matthew Legare). It was a magical day of Victoriana, with over 40 actors in costume singing songs, performing magic tricks, offering photo opportunities and picnicking on the lawn. There was even a Victorian Toy and Candy Shoppe courtesy of Cheshire and Co., as well as an historic hair-braiding booth by Vallejo Music Theater. The Mall at Northgate sponsored the Children's Stage lead by Little Productions' Barbara Davis and including Desert Dave's Exotic Reptiles and Storyteller David Ponkey among others. The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored the carriage rides, which were a big hit all day long. The emcee for the event was none-other than Marin County's local historian du jour, Lionel Ashcroft, acting as Andrew Carnegie. What a delight! Especially when he introduced actors Robert and Dianna Young portraying the historic figures of the house, Robert and Margaret Dollar. Marin Poetry Center, the longest tenants of the house, had a poetry booth and recited poetry from the main stage as well. And the event closed with a last minute addition and special treat: opera singer Geraldine Reicher sang two closing songs a cappella. The Cultural Affairs Service League, Falkirk's longstanding volunteer auxiliary group, ran the food and beverage booth which included deluxe box lunches donated by Falkirk's finest caterers, as well as watermelon, lemonade and pie slices sold after the pie contest was finished. The pie contest was a big hit and was judged by the Marin Independent Journal's Leslie Harlib and PJ Bremier as well as Upper Crust Pie's Chris Milne. Double Rainbow had the best seller that day: root beer floats. And the San Rafael Fire Association ran the barbecue and donated profits to Falkirk as well. This was a fine compliment to the antique fire carriages, fire truck and police vehicle that adorned the grounds. It was a lovely afternoon and a fitting tribute to this startling Victorian beauty, Falkirk Cultural Center. Special thanks to sponsors: D' Lynne's Dancewear, Double Rainbow Ice Cream, Mall at Northgate, Marin Independent Journal, North Bay Portables, Republic Electric, Safeway, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, United Markets, and all the wonderful caterers who donated box lunches to the event.

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Facebook Fans Free Rental Opportunity! - Like Falkirk on Facebook and join as a Member by December 31 and get a chance to win a free Friday night rental at Falkirk! Join Falkirk by December 31st (postmarked) and be entered in a chance to win a free Friday night rental between January 7th and March 31st 2011! It's simple: send in your membership by sending us your full contact information and a check in the amount of the level you prefer by mail, postmarked no later than December 31 and mention you learned about it on Facebook. You must also be a Fan or Like Falkirk via Facebook to be eligible for the promotion. Then we'll enter your name into a free rental drawing. On or about January 5th, we'll draw the name of the lucky winner and notify you by phone or email (so be sure to fill out all the information correctly and legibly!). Then you call us to schedule, based on availability of course. Use your free rental to host a social event, impress your associates with a business meeting, or to surprise a friend with a birthday party: A $400 value! Subject to all normal terms and conditions and renter obligations for rental of Falkirk. Note: a Tuesday or Thursday night may be substituted for a Friday night depending on availability. Rentals must be used by March 31st. And whether you win or not, you'll get great benefits for being a Member: early bird discounts and notices, meet the artist reception invitations, docent tours, etc. So join now, become a Facebook Fan - and get your tax write off as well! More information about Member levels and how to join can be found here: Membership Information Page Like us on Facebook here: Facebook

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Bi-Annual Juried Exhibition in Galleries through November 13 Falkirk's first Bi-Annual Exhibition of Marin and Bay Area artists opens Friday, September 10th. Come meet the artists! Admission is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be on view in the galleries through November 13th. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 1-5pm, and Saturdays from 10am-1pm. Falkirk's goal is to show as many Marin and Bay Area artists as possible, and presenting this second annual juried exhibit allows us to do that! Work in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and mixed media, is featured in this lively exhibit which includes work by over forty fine artists. PARTICIPATING ARTISTS Patricia Ancona, Bob Aufuldish, Bonnie Beyer, Molly Blauvelt, Harry Cohen, Joan Corrigan, Michael R. Davis, Olivia Eielson, Bill Heiderich, David Hewitt, Peter Horn, Stephanie Jucker, Katy Kuhn, Linda Larsen, Michael Leonard, Linda Masotti, Elizabeth Medrano, Gail Morrison, Monica Oggero, Kathy Pallie, Maash Pascal, Cindy Pavlinac, Alan Plisskin, Samuelle Richardson, Emily Riddell, Bill Russell, Kay Russell, Sally Seymour, Cathy Shine, Michi Sloan, Mel Solomon, Karen Strolia, Kathleen Swart, Nelcy Tarics, Lynne Todaro, John Torrey, Ann Curran Turner, Katherine Warinner, Lucy Autrey Wilson "Crazy Love #3," by Lynne Todaro

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Mad Hatter's Spring Tea Party The Mad Hatter's Tea Party took place Saturday and Sunday April 30 and May 1. THANK YOU FOR COMING AND MAKING THIS YEAR SUCH A SUCCESS! SIGN UP FOR FUTURE TEA NOTIFICATIONS BY SCROLLING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. There are always 2 sittings, Noon and 3pm each day. Make a date for tea with Alice, the March Hare, Door Mouse and Mad Hatter for a decidedly unique and unorthodox tea complete with tea sandwiches, hot chocolate, and desserts. Enjoy the theatrical company of characters in original costumes from the Stark Ravens Historical Players, as they entertain and cause smiles and giggles in Falkirk's elegant Victorian setting. This event sells out; please make your reservations early! COST: $27.50 for adults, $22.50 for children. Includes goodie bag for child. Bring your camera for great photos! RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY CALLING 485-3333.          Sign up for email notifications for future family events and teas by emailing cory.bytof@ci.san-rafael.ca.us or calling 415-485-3436 and leaving your name and email address slowly and clearly twice for accuracy.

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Talk, Tour and Plant Sale, Saturday, May 7 - Join the Master Gardeners for a Talk and Tour, then enjoy Falkirk's first plant sale of the year! PAST EVENT - Sustainable Gardening in Marin County: A Talk and Tour by the Marin Master Gardeners takes place from 10am-noon at the San Rafael Public Library, 1100 E. Street at 5th, downtown San Rafael. Immediately following is the Falkirk Succulent Dish Garden Sale from Noon-1pm at Falkirk Cultural Center. This is a Free Event.

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Eco-Friendly Garden Tour, May 14 Come see what's blooming this spring at Falkirk and select gardens county-wide! The Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program and others are offering a self-guided tour of over 25 Marin gardens that demonstrate eco-friendly principles. In its fifth year, the Tour will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 10 am to 4 pm. It will highlight such features as rainwater catchment, edible landscapes, lawn conversions, urban hens, drought tolerant plants, smart controllers, and pesticide free gardens. Registration is required and can be made by contacting Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/162533. Checks are also accepted - made payable to the County of Marin. Mail to Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, Box 4186, San Rafael CA 94913-4186. Cost of the Tour is $10. Falkirk is one of the stops! Come see what's blooming this spring!

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Dickens Family Holiday - Celebrate the Holidays at our annual Victorian open house decorated just for you December 3! Join the Cultural Affairs Service League and Dickens Fair characters for our annual Victorian holiday event on Friday, December 3 from 6:30 to 9pm.      The evening spotlights live holiday performances, hosted by Mr. Charles Dickens himself with characters in Victorian attire, Victorian parlor games and an authentic Father Christmas. Storytelling will take place for kids of all ages. In addition to the entertainment, hot cider and cookies will warm cold tummies and hands, and this year Origami crafts and Victorian dance lessons round out the evening. The Queen Anne style mansion, decorated in her winter holiday finest, is the perfect setting to enjoy a nostalgic holiday dream of music, food, stories, and crafts. We invite you to step back in time and experience an authentic Christmas Carol in Victorian grandeur.     Admission $7-10, discounts Falkirk Members. No reservations - purchase your entry at the door.

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