DATE: May 3, 2010
Join This Year's Literary Tour of Atlanta, Savannah, and Charleston, September 15 - 22, 2010
(Fairfield, CA) The Solano County Library Foundation is now taking sign-ups for the 2010 Literary Tour. This year's group of intrepid travelers will spend seven days in Georgia and South Carolina exploring the haunts of such literary giants as Margaret Mitchell, Flannery O'Conner, Alice Walker, Conrad Aiken, Joel Chandler Harris, and Pat Conroy. The tour will begin in Atlanta with a tour of Stately Oaks Plantation and lunch at Mary Mac's Tea Room. Other tour highlights will include tours of Flannery O'Connor's homes in Milledgeville and Savannah, and a visit to Mercer Williams House, made famous in John Berendt's bestselling Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Author talks, a tour of America's oldest museum in Charleston, a walking tour based on Conroy's South of Broad and dining on authentic regional cuisine will add to the overall experience and appreciation of Southern literature.
Cost of the tour (without airfare) is $1,659 per person for a tour group of 25 ($1,609 for Library Foundation members) with an additional $539 for single occupancy rate. The price of the tour includes seven nights lodging, all travel by motor coach, entry fees to all attractions, one lunch and two dinners, all taxes and baggage handling fees, annotated reading list and resource guide, and a tax-deductible contribution to the Solano County Library Foundation. If you are interested in joining this tour or need more information contact Ruth Begell at begells@aol.com or 707.592.9415 or the Library Foundation office at 707.421.8075. The complete itinerary for the tour is on the Foundation's website www.solanolibraryfoundation.org. Tour group is limited to 35 people. You may still hold your place in the tour by making a deposit of $200 is by May 15 to the Solano County Library Foundation.
• CONTACT: Dilenna Harris, Executive Director, Solano County Library Foundation, 707.421.8075, dilennaharris@solanolibraryfoundation.org
DATE: April 2, 2010
New Board Members Join Solano County Library Foundation
As county budget cuts squeeze local public library operations, the non-profit foundation that raises funds to fill the gaps has added four new directors with an array of expertise and community connections.
An engineer and landfill manager, a Realtor, a transit planner and the program manager for First 5 Solano are the newest additions to the Board of Directors of the Solano County Library Foundation.
Robert Macaulay, a former Vacaville city planner who now serves as the chief transportation projects manager for Solano Transportation Authority, joined the foundation's board. The Vacaville resident is a longtime trainer and owner of search dogs involved in disasters, such as the 911 bombings at the World Trade Center.
Carol Day of Benicia, a longtime local Realtor and business consultant, also has joined the foundation's governing board. A member of Solano Association of Realtors, she has been active in her hometown, serving as her city's representative on the area's Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Jameson Canyon Corridor Project Subcommittee.
Jim Dunbar, district manager and engineer for Potrero Hills Landfill, brings 30 years of experience in the profession to the foundation. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, his is active in the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, Twilight Rotary Club and Fairfield PAL. He began his career in 1978 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Chicago.
First 5 Solano's community program manager, Cherelyn Ellington was added recently. She worked for city government locally for 16 years and for the county for three years. She holds a business degree with concentration in technology and has extensive experience in fundraising for non-proft groups.
Solano County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the programs of the Solano County Library and the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community it serves. It provides funding for special projects that the Library cannot fund with public dollars, enabling the Library to reach those who need its services the most. It was founded in 1994 and has raised over $1.5 million in support of such programs and projects as the county-wide Reach Out and Read early pediatric literacy program, Adult Literacy programs, Solano Kids Read, Opening Day Collections for new libraries, and art installations at libraries in Vacaville and Rio Vista.
To find out more about the Solano County Library Foundation and its activities, see the website at www.solanolibraryfoundation.org.
• CONTACT: Dilenna Harris, Executive Director, Solano County Library Foundation, 707.421.8075, dilennaharris@solanolibraryfoundation.org
DATE: March 1, 2010
New Board Members Join Solano County Library Foundation
A transit planner and local Realtor are the newest members of the Board of Directors of the Solano County Library Foundation.
Robert Macaulay, a former Vacaville city planner who now serves as the chief transportation projects manager for Solano Transportation Authority, joined the foundation's board. The Vacaville resident is a longtime trainer and owner of search dogs involved in disasters, such as the 911 bombings at the World Trade Center.
The other new addition is Carol Day of Benicia, a longtime local Realtor and business consultant. A member of Solano Association of Realtors, she has been active in her hometown, serving as her city's representative on the area's Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Jameson Canyon Corridor Project Subcommittee.
Solano County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the programs of the Solano County Library and the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community it serves. It provides funding for special projects that the Library cannot fund with public dollars, enabling the Library to reach those who need its services the most. It was founded in 1994 and has raised over $1.5 million in support of such programs and projects as the county-wide Reach Out and Read early pediatric literacy program, Adult Literacy programs, Solano Kids Read, Opening Day Collections for new libraries, and art installations at libraries in Vacaville and Rio Vista.
DATE: December 2, 2009
Solano County Library Foundation looking forward to 2010 as new executive director Dilenna Harris takes the helm
(Fairfield, CA) Following a two-month search, Solano County Library Foundation has chosen a new leader to replace Executive Director Ruth Gardner Begell, who is retiring after guiding the Foundation for the past four years.
Dilenna Harris takes the reins of the nonprofit group on December 22 in time to assist the Board of Directors in planning their annual retreat in January.
A recently elected member of the Vacaville City Council, Ms. Harris has more than 30 years of business and nonprofit experience in Solano County. Following a successful career as an entrepreneur in the building industry, Ms. Harris took on the challenge of establishing a successful fund development program for Vacaville Christian Schools. After serving as Director of Development from 2001 until 2007, she became Director of External Relations for Vacaville Christian Schools from 2007 to 2008, playing a critical role in spearheading the fund drive for the new state-of-the-art high school which opened in 2008.
Active in her community, Ms. Harris has served on the boards of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce, Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee and the Vacaville Ministerial Association. She is enthusiastic about working with the Solano County Library Foundation Board. "I have been very impressed with the passion and commitment of this Board and Ruth Gardner Begell," says Ms. Harris. "Our county is fortunate to have such a broad professional group dedicated to funding literacy programs throughout our communities. I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to building on their substantial success."
Jennifer Barton, President of the Library Foundation's Board of Directors, said the field of candidates was a strong one. "We were extremely fortunate to have choices, to have such qualified individuals. It was not an easy choice."
But she added, "Dilenna's experience in constructing a fund-raising plan, both short and long range, made her the perfect fit for us. The county budget crunch will have a serious impact on libraries for some time. If the Foundation fails to continue to find the financial support, some programs will disappear."
Ms. Begell, who was director of the Vacaville Museum and the founding director of Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa prior to directing the Library Foundation, said she will now have more time to spend with family and friends.
"It's called retirement, but I'm staying involved in causes that I'm passionate about," she explained, " like Slow Food Solano, the local chapter of the international organization that promotes 'good, clean and fair food' and the preservation of local agriculture."
Most of all, she will tackle some deferred projects like gardening, traveling, cooking, writing, and spending more time with grandchildren - many of the interests she's put on hold for over 20 years. "I have way too much planned. My husband is already nervous."
Solano County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the programs of the Solano County Library and the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community it serves. It provides funding for special projects that the Library cannot fund with public dollars, enabling the Library to reach those who need its services the most. It was founded in 1994 and has raised over $1.5 million in support of such programs and projects as the county-wide Reach Out and Read early pediatric literacy program, Adult Literacy programs, Solano Kids Read, Opening Day Collections for new libraries, and art installations at libraries in Vacaville and Rio Vista.
To find out more about the Solano County Library Foundation and its activities, see the website at www.solanolibraryfoundation.org.
DATE: October 14, 2009
New author added to Solano County Library Foundation Authors Luncheon 2009 on November 1
(Fairfield, CA) A new author has been added to Authors Luncheon 2009,
sponsored by the Solano County Library Foundation. Peter Grandbois, Davis author and professor of creative writing and contemporary literature at California State University in Sacramento has joined the slate of authors for this year's event after Andrew Sean Greer had to bow out at the last minute.
This popular annual fundraiser will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at the Clubhouse at Rancho Solano in Fairfield. Tickets are $80 and may be purchased through the Solano County Library Foundation (707.421.8075, beth.libraryfoundation@yahoo.com, 601 Kentucky Street, Fairfield, 94533) or at Bounty Books (857 Merchant St., Vacaville). There are still a limited number of tickets available and the event is expected to sell out, so people are advised to purchase their tickets early.
There are six authors again this year and their works cover a wide range of topics and genres.
Peter Grandbois is the author of The Gravedigger, a work of magic realism that was selected for both the Barnes and Noble "Discover Great New Writers" and the Borders "Original Voices" programs. His newest work The Arsenic Lobster: A Hybrid Memoir has been called a "hilarious and poignant tour-de force" and an" innovative and lyrically stunning memoir."
Bestselling cookbook author and founding chef of Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, Deborah Madison has a new cookbook out, adding to her delicious repertoire of vegetable cookbooks. What We Eat When We Eat Alone includes recipes, stories, and the charming artwork of her partner Patrick McFarlin.
Dan Millman, former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor has written 14 books that have been published in 29 languages. His autobiographical novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior was the basis of Peaceful Warrior, a feature film starring Nick Nolte.
Patricia Turner is professor of African American and African studies and the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies at UC Davis. Her newest book, Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters, examines the powerful bonds between generations of African American quilt makers.
Ayelet Waldman is the author of the bestselling Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities and Occasional Moments of Grace. Among her other books is Love and Other Impossible Pursuits which is currently in film post-production with Natalie Portman in the lead role.
Artist Belle Yang is the author of 4 beautifully illustrated children's books, including her latest Foo the Flying Frog of Washtub Pond, and two adult fiction books. Amy Tan describes Belle's writing as feeling Chinese, "It is as though we, the readers of English, can now miraculously read Chinese."
Those who are familiar with the Authors Luncheon know that the authors are available to sign their books before and after the luncheon and give short, entertaining presentations about their work and careers. The always popular Live Auction features experiences and getaways that often include one of the participating authors. Returning this year as the emcee will be Edie Lambert from KCRA-TV Channel 3 Sacramento.
The annual Authors Luncheon is the Solano County Library Foundation's major fundraiser for its Reach Out and Read pediatric literacy program and other literacy programs. The Solano County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the programs of the Solano County Library and the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community it serves. It provides funding for special projects that the Library cannot fund with public dollars, enabling the Library to reach those who need its services the most.
Authors Luncheon 2009 will be held on Sunday, November 1 from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at The Clubhouse at Rancho Solano in Fairfield. Table sponsorships are still available. For information about tickets or sponsorships for the event, beth.libraryfoundation@yahoo.com or call 707.421.8075.
DATE: September 16, 2009
Tickets now available for Solano County Library Foundation Authors Luncheon 2009 on November 1
(Fairfield, CA) Tickets are now available for Authors Luncheon 2009 sponsored by the Solano County Library Foundation. This popular annual fundraiser will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at the Clubhouse at Rancho Solano in Fairfield. Tickets are $80 and may be purchased through the Solano County Library Foundation (707.421.8075, beth.libraryfoundation@yahoo.com, 601 Kentucky Street, Fairfield, 94533) or at Bounty Books (857 Merchant St., Vacaville). There are a limited number of tickets available and the event is expected to sell out, so people are advised to purchase their tickets early.
There are six authors again this year and their works cover a wide range of topics and genres.
Andrew Sean Greer is the author of the national bestseller The Confessions of Max Tivoli. His most recent novel, The Story of a Marriage, "a love story of secrets and astonishments" was a Today Show Summer Reads Pick and an NPR Critics' List Pick for Summer 2008.
Bestselling cookbook author and founding chef of Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, Deborah Madison has a new cookbook out, adding to her delicious repertoire of vegetable cookbooks. What We Eat When We Eat Alone includes recipes, stories, and the charming artwork of her partner Patrick McFarlin.
Dan Millman, former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor has written 14 books that have been published in 29 languages. His autobiographical novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior was the basis of Peaceful Warrior, a feature film starring Nick Nolte.
Patricia Turner is professor of African American and African studies and the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies at UC Davis. Her newest book, Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters, examines the powerful bonds between generations of African American quilt makers.
Ayelet Waldman is the author of the bestselling Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities and Occasional Moments of Grace. Among her other books is Love and Other Impossible Pursuits which is currently in film post-production with Natalie Portman in the lead role.
Artist Belle Yang is the author of 4 beautifully illustrated children's books, including her latest Foo the Flying Frog of Washtub Pond, and two adult fiction books. Amy Tan describes Belle's writing as feeling Chinese, "It is as though we, the readers of English, can now miraculously read Chinese."
Those who are familiar with the Authors Luncheon know that the authors are available to sign their books before and after the luncheon and give short, entertaining presentations about their work and careers. The always popular Live Auction features experiences and getaways that often include one of the participating authors. Returning this year as the emcee will be Edie Lambert from KCRA-TV Channel 3 Sacramento.
The annual Authors Luncheon is the Solano County Library Foundation's major fundraiser for its Reach Out and Read pediatric literacy program and other literacy programs. The Solano County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the programs of the Solano County Library and the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community it serves. It provides funding for special projects that the Library cannot fund with public dollars, enabling the Library to reach those who need its services the most.
Authors Luncheon 2009 will be held on Sunday, November 1 from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at The Clubhouse at Rancho Solano in Fairfield. Table sponsorships are still available. For information about tickets or sponsorships for the event, see wwwsolanolibraryfoundation.org , beth.libraryfoundation@yahoo.com or call 707.421.8075.
DATE: September 10, 2009
Monday Evening at the Winterhawk Winery with Author Georgeanne Brennan on October 26, 2009
The Solano County Library Foundation's is pleased to present award-winning cookbook author, teacher and gastronomy journalist Georgeanne Brennan in a program at the Winterhawk Winery, 4537 Abernathy Road, Suisun Valley, on Monday, October 26 from 5 p.m. - 7:30. Georgeanne will be talking about her newest book Gather: Memorable Menus for Entertaining Throughout the Seasons as well as her many culinary adventures in Provence and "the other Provence" her sun-dappled farm in Yolo County. Her current book as well as other recent favorites will be available for sale and Georgeanne will be signing her books before and after the program. Winterhawk Winery will be serving wine and KATZ & Co. will be serving foccacia and salad with their olive oils and vinegars for $15 from 5 - 6:15 p.m. The charge for the program, which will begin at 6:15, is $10 ($5 for Foundation members).
Georgeanne Brennan is the author of more than 30 books on food and gardening, most with a focus on Provencal food, customs or culture. Her classic 1997 book The Food and Flavors of Haute Provence won the James Beard Award. Georgeanne's work has appeared in the New York Times, Metropolitan Home Magazine and Bon Appetit in addition to being featured often in the San Francisco Chronicle's Food Section. Since 1971, Georgeanne has maintained a home in Provence where she spends as much time as possible and has run a cooking school. Recently she has been offering weekend culinary adventures at her small farm in Yolo County in addition to working on her many writing projects.
More information about Georgeanne Brennan and her publications is available at www.georgeannebrennan.com.
More information about Winterhawk Winery is available at www.winterhawkwinery.com.
More information about KATZ olive oil is available at www.katzandco.com
DATE: May 27, 2009
Cordelia Rotary Club donates $1,000 to Solano County Library Foundation
(Fairfield, CA) At its May 13 meeting, The Cordelia Rotary Club presented Solano County Library Foundation Board President Jennifer Barton with a check for $1,000 in support of the Foundation's Literacy programs. The Cordelia Rotary Club supports literacy and Reach Out and Read, a pediatric literacy program that is funded by the Foundation, is a great avenue for the club to support local literacy efforts.
The Solano County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the programs of the Solano County Library and the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community it serves. It provides funding for special projects that the Library cannot fund with public dollars, enabling the Library to reach those who need its services the most. For more information about Reach Out And Read and the Library Foundation and how you can help fund books for the pediatric clinics, see www.solanolibraryfoundation.org, call 707.421.8075, or email libraryfoundation@sbcglobal.net.
Cordelia Rotary donates $500 to Solano County Library Foundation in support of the Solano Kids Read Project
(Fairfield, CA) On March 4, President Thomas Kawazoe of the Rotary Club of Cordelia presented a check for $500 to fellow Rotarian and Solano County Library Foundation Board Member Patty Jansen in support of the Solano Kids Read Program. The Solano County Library Foundation has been a financial supporter of this popular Library program since its first year in 2007. Solano Kids Read is a countywide reading program that seeks to motivate children to read and experience a book together in unique ways. It provides the opportunity for students in grades 4 - 8 in all the schools in the Solano County to participate in reading the same book during the same time period and to participate in related activities at their local libraries that reinforce the book's themes and information.
Last year, 2700 copies of Letters from Wolfie, the book selected for that year's program, were distributed to participating classrooms. In addition to other special book-related programs, the author Patti Sherlock appeared at libraries near the participating schools to give talks to the students, parents, and teachers. The Solano County Library Foundation provided the funding for the books and the author visits. The Library Foundation has pledged to support the purchase of this year's book Schooled by the popular author Gordon Korman and is seeking $10,000 in donations towards that end.
The donation from the Rotary Club of Cordelia is a significant donation toward that goal. It was also an especially meaningful gift for the Rotary Club because it was made in honor of past Rotary International President Bill Boyd (2006 - 2007) who was a special guest at the March 4 meeting. Hailing from New Zealand, it was Bill Boyd and his passion for literacy that has helped focus Rotary on this important need. This international service organization once again turns its eyes on literacy in the month of March with the conviction that through literacy many of the world's issues can not only be addressed, but overcome.
The Solano County Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1994 to support the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community by providing funds for needed materials and services for the County Library. During that time the foundation has raised over $1.5 million in support of such programs as Solano Kids Read, the county-wide Reach Out and Read early pediatric literacy program, new libraries' Opening Day Collections, Adult Literacy and ESL programs, Sunday Afternoon Concerts at the Library in Vallejo and art installations at Rio Vista and Vacaville Libraries.
For more information about the Solano County Library Foundation and its programs, see the website www.solanolibraryfoundation.org , email libraryfoundation@sbcglobal.net, or phone 707.421.8075.
-->