Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Sponsor Letter, March 14th 2017

Hi All,

I'm sorry that this note is so late but I've been really busy working on a Big Thing.  Can't talk about it right now but you can expect another note from me in the next week or so about it.  So, I'm going to get right back to it now and I'll write something longer and more informative soon.

All Best,
Alan

PS  But let me add an enthusiastic welcome to our new sponsors.  Folks are continuing to sign up (which is great) and we've had a number of additions.  Thank you all for the support.

Upcoming Sponsor Events

Single espresso version:
Private Reception with Steven Brust and Skylar White, Sunday, March 19th, 5:30 pm - We'll be hosting a brief private reception for a small group of sponsors.  If you would like to be in the drawing to attend the private event, please reply to this email and say so (and, do look at the details in the next section of this note).

Roller Skating at The Church of 8 Wheels, Friday, March 24th at 7 PM - Roller Disco at the one and only non-profit church for skaters.  554 Fillmore Street at Fell in San Francisco.

Sponsor General Meeting, Friday March 31st, 7 PM - Our annual meeting and discussion about how the sponsor program is going.

Museum Mechanique/San Francisco Dungeon/Buena Vista Cafe, Sunday, April 9th from 2 PM to 7 PM - An afternoon strolling around Fisherman's Wharf and enjoying some of the unique features of San Francisco.

Sponsor Social, Saturday, May 13th, 7 pm - Details in April's note.

Quadruple extra-large caramel frappachino version:

Private Reception with Steven Brust and Skylar White, Sunday, March 19th at 5:30 PM -
As a special treat for our sponsors, Steven Brust and Skylar White, authors of the INCREMENTALIST books, will be attending a private reception for a small group of you after their public event at the store.  To make this an intimate gathering, rather than just a smaller version of the signing at the store, the number of people attending is sharply limited.  If you would like to come, please reply to this email and let me know.  The deadline to express interest is 6 pm Friday, March 16th.

After the deadline, I'll draw names out of a "hat" to determine who will be attending.  The private event is at 5:30 pm on March 19th, will run just about an hour, and is walking distance from Borderlands.  Drinks will be available to purchase at the site.  Regrettably, it will not be possible to bring any guests.  I will be notifying the winners Saturday, March 18th, and giving them further details.

Of course, the event at the store is open to the public and, as a sponsor, you can reserve a seat for yourself and one guest, if you like.  Just email sponsors@borderlands-books.com to reserve a seat.

Roller Skating at The Church of 8 Wheels, Friday, March 24th, 2017, at 7:00 PM
Housed in the 118-year-old former location of Sacred Heart Church (554 Fillmore Street at Fell Street in San Francisco) The Church of 8 Wheels welcomes anyone over the age of 18 to Friday night disco.  Admission is $10.00 and skate rentals are an additional $5.00.  Personal skates and roller blades are allowed and should weather dictate layering, there is a coat check at the door.  It's been years since I've been rollerskating and I'm really looking forward to it.  Look for the Borderlands T-shirts and hoodies, we shouldn't be hard to find.  http://www.churchof8wheels.com/

Sponsors' General Meeting, Friday March 31st, 2017, at 7:00 PM at Borderlands Cafe (870 Valencia St., SF CA 94110)
I'd really like to have a chance to talk with you about how things have gone through our second year as a sponsored store.  I want to know what we've done right, what we've done wrong, and what we can do better -- as well as answering any questions you have.  Also, this is where I talk about my ideas and plans for the future, especially the upcoming year.  It's sort of like a cross between a share-holders meeting and a big advisory board meeting.  I'll outline where we're at and then ask for comments, opinions and ideas.  I hope to see as many of you there as possible because this is where I get my guidance on where we should go with the sponsor program, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.  If you can't attend in person, feel free to email me with your comments (we'll email a report on the meeting a week or two afterwards).

Three-Part Trip through San Francisco History, Sunday, April 9th, 2017, 2 PM to 7 PM
Feel free to catch up with us at any point during our ramble around Fisherman's Wharf.

Part 1: Musee Mechanique - Fun and Games, 2 PM to 4 PM
We'll gather at the coolest collection of arcade games on the planet, and tremble at the horror that is Laughing Sal.   All coin-operated games are available to play.  Prices range from 1¢ (it's true!) to $1.  Most games cost 25¢ to 50¢.  (No need to bring your own quarters, they have change machines throughout the building!).  http://museemecaniquesf.com/index.php

Part 2: San Francisco Dungeon - An immersive tour of San Francisco history, 4 PM to 5 PM
At around 3:45 we'll meet up right outside the Musee Mechanique and then head over to the SF Dungeon.  (From their website) The San Francisco Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages and scenes in a truly unique and exciting walk-through experience that you see, hear, touch, smell and feel. It’s hilarious, fun and it’s sometimes a bit scary.  https://sanfrancisco.thedungeons.com/en/san-francisco/Explore/What-is-the-Dungeon/

Part 3: Buena Vista Cafe - Irish Coffee and Snacks 5 PM (or there abouts) to 7 PM
After we finish at the SF Dungeon, we'll stroll down Fisherman's Wharf to The Buena Vista for a drink and a snack (they have a full menu).  (From their website)  The original building where the Buena Vista sits today was a boardinghouse until 1916 when the landlord converted the first floor into a saloon. That saloon was named the Buena Vista. ("Good View" in Spanish) The view was good indeed and it served as a warm meeting place for hundreds of fishermen and handlers who worked for the nearby Sardine Cannery. There they could take in a whiskey while scouting the bay for incoming fishing boats which would mean, "Quick! Finish your drink and back to meet the boats!"  In 1952, with the help of a Pulitzer-Prize winning writer, the Buena Vista introduced to the world its now-famous Irish Coffee. The recipe has never changed and the view is still quite good.  http://www.thebuenavista.com/home/home.html

Sponsor Social, Saturday, May 13th, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Details coming in April's newsletter