Throughout the month of December, the ‘Angel Lights’ shine from the top of Angel Island. The lights are ‘adopted‘ by community members as a thoughtful thanks to a friend or relative, as a remembrance of a loved one, or as recognition of someone who makes this world a better place to live. In turn these ‘adoptions’ provide financial assistance for the mission of the Angel Island Conservancy in support of Angel Island State Park.

On December 1st the 6th annual Angel Lights Benefit and Countdown to the lighting of the Angel Lights took place at the Corinthian Yacht Club. Back by popular demand, the evening’s host was Doug McConnell, of Bay Area Backroads and OpenRoad.tv fame.

Guests were treated to an array of delicious fare, cocktails, raffle prizes, and entertainment by the Marian Hubler Trio and guitarist Freddy Clarke. The live auction raised funds toward implementing the Park’s recently completed Interpretive Master Plan. And, the Fund-a-Need rally brought in donations to provide dozens of children with the ability to visit the island and experience learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Angel Island Conservancy is positioning itself to help facilitate a revitalization of Angel Island State Park, starting in the gateway to the island – Ayala Cove. This transformative work would not be possible without the financial support of our community and the work of our volunteers in preserving our legacy.

Thanks to our Sponsors, Benefit guests, Angel Light donors, State Park staff, event host, volunteers & photographer, and the CYC staff for making it such an enjoyable evening!

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Event photos courtesy of David Bush.  Click on the images to view their full size.
And, check out Marin Magazine’s coverage of the Angel Lights Countdown Benefit.

‘Adopt‘ an ‘Angel Light’

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Alcatraz Island – aka “The Rock”

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Sandwiched between rainy days, the high bidder at last year’s Angel Island Conservancy’s 5th annual Angel Lights Countdown Benefit auction, got lucky once again on the selection of her day for the special tour to explore Alcatraz. It was a glorious day of sunshine and stunning views!

Angel Island Conservancy’s generous Alcatraz tour auction winner shared the experience with “friends of Angel Island” and all were delighted by the “behind the scenes” tour and stories that only someone as knowledgeable and charming as the former Alcatraz National Park Service Site Supervisor (and now happily Angel Island State Park’s Superintendent) Amy Brees could provide.

A pre-tour feast of pastries by Taste Catering energized everyone to climb behind the cage where the guards watched over prisoners, explore the hospital, laundry, and other parts of the prison the public doesn’t get to see. And later, on the boat ride back to San Francisco, the group and ships captain enjoyed scrumptious cookies also by Taste Catering.

Co-hosts and former AIC board members, Guy Lampard & Suzanne Badenhoop, had as much fun as anyone – and they thank Amy Brees, the National Park Service,  Alcatraz Docent Corny Foster, Taste Catering, and Alcatraz Cruises for making the day possible.

You, too, can experience an adventure like this and others – all you have to do is attend AIC’s 6th Annual Angel Lights Countdown Benefit (save the date – December 1st) where attendees will have the rare opportunity to bid on experiences like this one.

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Click on the below images to view their full-size. Photos by Suzanne Badenhoop.

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About Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock – gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.

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A coming together of two once-in-a-lifetime experiences . . .

An overnight stay on Angel Island “paired” with the dedication ceremony of the Immigrant Heritage Wall on the grounds of Angel Island’s United States Immigration Station (USIS).

An overnight stay at the historic Quarters 10, the beautifully restored Victorian style officer’s quarters at Angel Island’s Camp Reynolds was won last year at Angel Island Conservancy (AIC)’s 5th annual Angel Lights Benefit, by high bidders Buck Gee, Board President of Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (AIISF), and his wife, Mary Hackenbracht. This stay was made even more special by attending AIISF’s dedication ceremony of the recently installed Immigrant Heritage Wall the next day.

Buck, Mary, along with family and friends enjoyed the start of their stay with scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by Jessie et Laurent, the Bay Area’s supreme in-home dining service, along with fine wines provided by AIA’s generous vintner donors.

The group later retired to Quarters 10’s welcoming rooms and the comfort of cozy beds with the following morning offering Buck, Mary, and their guests a relaxed breakfast before heading off to the ceremony.

You, too, can experience an overnight stay on the island with friends and family – all you have to do is attend AIC’s 6th Annual Angel Lights Countdown Benefit (Save the Date December 1st) where attendees will have the rare opportunity to bid on overnight experiences like this one.

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With concern mounting over threats to the Bay Area from Confederate sympathizers and naval forces, the federal government established Camp Reynolds. The Officer’s Quarters 10, was first built and lived in on Yerba Buena Island, then later disassembled, barged over to Angel Island and reassembled, it was restored to its former glory by Dr. Robert Noyes and his wife Mary who spent months living in a tent on the grounds until they could stay in the quarters while they continued to lovingly restored it. Following are views of the upstairs rooms rarely seen by the public.

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Jim Shepherd, the high bidder at the Angel Island Association’s (AIA) 5th Annual Angel Lights Countdown Benefit “had an experience we will never forget“ 4th of July  weekend at Angel Island State Park’s (AISP) Civil War era Camp Reynolds. Jim was joined by guests; Aileen Howard, Tom & Martha Chiurco, Pat & Peggy Duggan.

It was a rare combination of staying overnight at the historic “Quarters 10″, a VIP tour with celebrity television personality Doug McConnell, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres  and a gourmet 8-course East Indian dinner prepared by AIA Board member and international designer, Sudha Pennathur with the assistance of her husband, Ed Messerly.  After dessert, guests were taken to a strategic spot on the island to watch fireworks exploding around the Bay. Following this spectacle, guests retired to the comfort of cozy beds for an overnight stay in “Quarters 10”, the beautifully restored Victorian style officer’s quarters at Camp Reynolds.

Guests Tom & Martha Chiruco related “A good life is made of happy memories and our stay on Angel Island will be with us forever.”  Aileen Howard shares, “I have been telling everyone about the most fantastic July 4th I have ever had. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.”  Pat & Peggy Duggan chimed in with “best 4th of July ever!”

Special thanks to AISP Superintendent, Amy Brees, who greeted the group; AIA Board member and AISP Docent Linda Moore for her input during the tour; Pam Starr of Crocker & Starr wine for her informative talk and delicious wines; AIA Operations Manager, Jacquie Klose the master coordinator of the event; Joy Spicer, Corrine McDonald and Kathy Taft, who assisted Sudha with “kitchen and clean up detail.”

There are only three ways that you might be lucky enough to spend the night at AISP’s Quarters 10 . . . you are AISP staff or their visiting family, you earn the privilege by volunteering on the island, or you attend AIA’s 6th Annual Angel Lights Countdown Benefit where attendees will have the rare opportunity to bid on next year’s overnight experience. It’s not too late to mark your calendar!

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Photos by Joy Spicer

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This spring, two lucky groups of donors and their guests were treated to unforgettable kayaking adventures on the bay with Sea Trek – exploring Angel Island from a rarely seen vantage point – sea level.

The groups, fortunate enough to visit the island during a rare break in this year’s never-ending winter, were amongst bidders at AIA’s annual Angel Lights Countdown Benefit.  Donor Deni Chambers hosted a group of adults and kids celebrating a very special birthday for a very special eight year old.  And, Annie Notthoff and Leslie Friedman-Johnson, whose trip was made possible due to their own generosity and the generosity of Donna Huggins, one of the high bidders at AIA’s Countdown Benefit , came out with friends and family to celebrate Mother’s Day in a very unique fashion.

The day started with a cruise to the island on the  Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry followed by a lesson in the physics of kayak management from the Sea Trek guides. Everyone then headed into the water to explore Ayala Cove and the beauty of the surrounding shores of Angel Island. Upon returning to the island the groups enjoyed unparalleled views of Ayala Cove and a delicious alfresco lunch prepared by chefs Joe Gozzi and Betsy Clendenen along with fine wines provided by AIA’s vintner donors.

If this sounds like a special day you would like to share with friends and family, don’t miss our 6th annual Angel Lights Countdown Benefit where you will have the rare opportunity to bid on special one-of-a-kind experiences, just like this one. This year’s Countdown Benefit will be held on December 1, 2011 at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon.  It’s not too early to mark your calendar!

Our auction bidders are fantastic, but we don’t want to overlook the generous sponsors whose donations made these excursions possible.  Our good friends at Sea Trek, Steve Hayward and Mitch Powers, who organized the trips and staff to make these events so special. It’s not an easy feat to tow kayaks across Raccoon Strait, so we really appreciate their expertise and enthusiasm! Joe Gozzi from Village Harvest and fabulous pastry chef Betsy Clendenen complimented the special day by catering the delicious lunch in the Cove.  And, of course, Maggie McDonogh, owner of the Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of our generous donors!

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Looking for the perfect day trip where the journey there rivals the experience for sheer relaxation and beauty? Then you’ll want to make plans to visit Angel Island State Park, the largest Island in San Francisco Bay, located one mile south of the Tiburon Peninsula.

Discover Angel Island, the hidden gem of the Bay Area as written by Tracy Dunham of the Marin IJ.

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The new CalParks mobile apps, available for iPhone and Android, marks an exciting new time for visitors who want to explore California’s many parks while also addressing some long-held frustrations. 

While there is no shortage of park information available in print or online, it can be difficult to take that information along without cumbersome workarounds such as printing, emailing web pages, and lugging paperwork. In contrast, this new app by CSPF and EveryTrail offers visitors a detailed, media-rich, interactive, and location-aware experience, complete with Guides to over 45 parks. It is light-weight and always up-to-date with the latest park information.

iPhone users can download the app in the App Store today or find it on iTunes

Android users can download the app in the Android Market

 

Just some of the features of the CalParks app:

• Find parks near you, and read about their highlights and history
• Easily find the best hikes in each park
• Navigate hiking trails using detailed maps, descriptions points of interest, photos, and audio.
• Share your own experience by tracking your hikes, taking pictures and uploading to EveryTrail, Facebook and Twitter

 

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Article from California State Parks Foundation

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Each year April 22nd, marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement called Earth Day, a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.” Celebrated in over 175 countries each year, the work toward a clean environment continues.

Last year, in celebratation of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) in partnership with Angel Island State Park (AISP), organized a group of 150 volunteers from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Oracle and National Charities League (NCL) for restoration and environmental improvement projects at the park.

In addition to organizing volunteers for cleanup, California State Parks Foundation awarded Angel Island State Park with a $3,000 Earth Day grant to purchase supplies needed to carry out the day’s work. This generous grant was made possible due to a donation from PG&E.

California state parks currently face a $1.2 billion maintenance backlog that cannot be addressed due to extensive staff and funding shortages. Thanks to the support of organizations like CSPF, Angel Island Association, and other generous donors who provide supplemental funding, expertise, in-kind contributions and volunteers, the community will be able to enjoy state parks for generations to come.

To participate in this year’s Earth Day, visit Earth Day Network for information and registration.

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Photos from 2010 Earth Day

Earth Day check-in staff from: National Charities League, Pacific Gas & Electric and California State Parks Foundation.

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Volunteer Paul Gurian flanked by Angel Island State Park Volunteer Coordinators Jen Rogers and Robin Joseph.

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Volunteers aboard the Tiburon Ferry in route to Angel Island State Park.

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Earth Day – volunteer orientation.

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Earth Day volunteers, team members from the “Pothole” gang, filling in potholes along a main path.

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Earth Day volunteers, the “Pothole” gang, with team leader Jacquie Klose (front-center), Angel Island Association’s Operations Manager.

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Pacific Gas & Electric Earth Day volunteers and Angel Island State Park staff.

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Each year April 22nd, marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement called Earth Day, a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.” Celebrated in over 175 countries each year, the work toward a clean environment continues.

Last year, in celebratation of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) in partnership with Angel Island State Park (AISP), organized a group of 150 volunteers from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Oracle and National Charities League (NCL) for restoration and environmental improvement projects at the park.

In addition to organizing volunteers for cleanup, California State Parks Foundation awarded Angel Island State Park with a $3,000 Earth Day grant to purchase supplies needed to carry out the day’s work. This generous grant was made possible due to a donation from PG&E.

California state parks currently face a $1.2 billion maintenance backlog that cannot be addressed due to extensive staff and funding shortages. Thanks to the support of organizations like CSPF, Angel Island Association, and other generous donors who provide supplemental funding, expertise, in-kind contributions and volunteers, the community will be able to enjoy state parks for generations to come.  

To participate in this year’s Earth Day, visit Earth Day Network for information and registration.

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 Photos from 2010 Earth Day

Earth Day check-in staff from: National Charities League, Pacific Gas & Electric and California State Parks Foundation.

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Volunteer Paul Gurian flanked by Angel Island State Park Volunteer Coordinators Jen Rogers and Robin Joseph.

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Volunteers aboard the Tiburon Ferry in route to Angel Island State Park.

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Earth Day – volunteer orientation.

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Earth Day volunteers, team members from the “Pothole” gang, filling in potholes along a main path.

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Earth Day volunteers, the “Pothole” gang, with team leader Jacquie Klose (front-center), Angel Island Association’s Operations Manager.

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Pacific Gas & Electric Earth Day volunteers and Angel Island State Park staff.
 

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With concern mounting over threats to the Bay Area from Confederate sympathizers and naval forces, the Federal Government established Camp Reynolds (later known as the West Garrison when the whole island was Fort McDowell) on Angel Island in 1863.

Every year for just one weekend cannons and muskets boom out on Angel Island reenacting the life and times of the common soldiers of the Civil War, the culture that helped to shape an era.

This year commemorates the approaching 150th Anniversary (2011 – 2015) of the Civil War.  Living history demonstrations included;  hourly cannon firings, infantry drills, baked goods fresh from the brick oven at the historic Bake House and tours of  Quarters 10 – the one time residence of an Officer and his family.

The event is free, runs Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday, 10:00pm to 3:00pm. For information call: (415) 435-3522 or email.

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Photos below are from last year’s Civil War Days…

 

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