HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD Citizen of the Year 2010; Margie BelroseAgenda Item No:
Meeting Date: March 15, 2010
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community Development
Prepared by: Linda M. Jackson City Manager Approval:
Principal Planner
SUBJECT: Resolution of Appreciation to Recipient of the Richard P. O'Brien and
Marry Ferrario O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award (CD)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution.
BACKGROUND: In March, 2001, J. Michael Mahoney established an endowment in honor of former
Planning Commissioner Dick O'Brien and his wife, Mary Ferrario O'Brien, to fund an annual "Citizen of
the Year" award. The intent of the award is to recognize an individual in the San Rafael community who
has made exceptional contributions to the City, making it a better place to live or work. In addition to
public recognition, the endowment also provides for a cash award.
At its meeting of September 4, 2001, the City Council approved procedures for the awards program,
including appointment of a Selection Committee to review nominations from the public and recommend
an award recipient to the Council. The Selection Committee includes two Council members, two Planning
Commissioners, a member of the O'Brien family, and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce
and the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods.
Thirteen nominations were considered for this year's award; the Selection Committee recommends
Margie Belrose as the ninth recipient of the award.
Margie has contributed to the arts of the San Rafael community for the past fifty-six years. While Margie's
passion for the theater and entertainment have made her a beloved instructor of San Rafael's children,
it's her generosity with her theatre for fundraising events, her many scholarships ("Just ask!'), and her
appreciation of diversity that mark her lasting contribution to the spirit of San Rafael.
In 1954, Margie and her husband David opened their business to teach students the art of acting, singing
and dancing. They moved their school to the former Trinity Lutheran Church at 1415 Fifth Avenue in
1962. They re -designed the historic building into a theatre where students could study and perform as
well as learn the crafts of set design, producing, directing and writing. Over the years, Margie added a
costume shop and live dinner theatre to complement her school. On Thursday evenings, she hosts what
the San Francisco Chronicle calls "the best open mic in the County" — no small feat in a music -rich place
like Marin. She is also an enthusiastic supporter of Renaissance festivals throughout the west, and what
they offer us as an experience of another place in another time.
After David's untimely death in 1971, Margie raised their two children David and Dea in the apartment
behind the Belrose stage. They and thousands of San Rafael students aged 10 to 80 learned from Margie
a positive and humane world view. As the nominator wrote, "Whether attending a class or a production,
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SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
one comes away from this historic building with a positive attitude about the life -affirming joy of live
performance, the value of hard work and discipline, a belief in self, and a sense that anything is possible if
you are willing to work hard enough for it."
At "Belrose," Margie offers an opportunity for self-expression and growth for local performers.
Experienced and novice performers are welcome to audition and perform in a wide variety of productions
that celebrate and explore the human condition. From time-honored musicals such as Oliver and Peter
Pan to classics such as the Miracle Worker and The Lion in Winter, Margie has entertained three
generations of San Rafael residents and visitors. Especially delightful are her original contemporary
spoofs on Marin such as Hello Marin Hello. The critically acclaimed and thought-provoking productions
not only increase the community's enjoyment of theatrical arts, they also strengthen our understanding
and appreciation of diverse points of view and visions.
Most importantly in terms of contributing to the spirit of San Rafael, over the years, Margie has generously
opened her doors to the community by offering donations to worthy organizations and granting
scholarships to deserving and underprivileged students of all ages, races and backgrounds.
Margie has been honored as a 1996 inductee into the Marin Women's Hall of Fame.
If approved by Council, Ms. Belrose will be recognized at this year's State of the City dinner.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to the City since the award program was privately funded.
OPTIONS:
• Approve the resolution conferring the Citizen of the Year award to Margie Belrose,
• Return the recommendation to the Selection Committee for reconsideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Nomination for Margie Belrose
February 3, 2009
Richard P. O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award Nomination for:
MARGIE BELROSE
Community Development Department, City of San Rafael:
I am writing to nominate Margie Belrose for the Richard P. O'Brien Citizen of the Year
Award for her extraordinary contribution through the arts to the community of San
Rafael for the past fifty-five years.
I first walked through the magical doors of 1415 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael in 1963.
Along with so many other students and patrons, I can say that the lessons learned while
studying and participating in all aspects of the performing arts at "The Belrose" have
been the single biggest influence in nay life. it is impossible to separate the
accomplishments of this non-profit organization from those of its founder and director,
Margie Belrose. Margie's lifelong passion for the arts, and her dedication to her students
and patrons are the driving force behind the unique and far-reaching contributions of
Margie's school and theatre to the community.
Background
In 1954 Margie and her husband, David, opened their business to teach students the art of
acting, singing, and dancing. Over the years they grew and changed with the times --
moving their school to an old church building which they re -designed into a theatre
where their students could now study and perform as well as learn the crafts of set design,
producing, directing and writing. After David's premature death, Margie forged ahead,
alone, and created a costume shop and live dinner theatre to complement her school.
While many schools and theatres teach and showcase the performing arts, there has
always been something special about "The Belrose" that goes beyond the craft of the
theatre. I think it can be summed up best in this quote from a Belrose brochure produced
in the early sixties:
OUR CONCERN—THE STUDENT
The Belrose Studio Theatre School is dedicated to the growth of its pupils. We emphasize the
individual growth of each pupil, seeking to match the level of attainment of each pupil with that
pupil's capacities and talents. We seek not only to challenge and reward the talented and
average student, but to bring out the fullest in the shy, or perhaps limited pupil.
Changing Lives Through the Arts: The School
As a school, "The Belrose" is dedicated to the growth of its students. In time, one learns
more than theatrical skills under Margie's guidance and example. Classes are conducted
in the inspirational atmosphere of the theatre allowing students to absorb with each lesson
the type of discipline, dignity and sense of responsibility that the theatre demands of its
aspirants. Each student is treated as an individual with unique talents and skills. Lives are
changed as Margie instills a genuine sense of self-esteem and confidence that affects all
aspects of her students' lives. Students are given every opportunity for creative
expression and are then challenged to grow as performers on the theatre's and on life's
stage.
Over the years, Margie has generously opened her doors to the community by offering
donations to worthy organizations, and granting scholarships to deserving and
underprivileged students of all ages, races and backgrounds. "The Belrose" also bestows
commendations with accompanying scholarships such as Dancer of the Year and
Professional of the Year. I was the well -deserving winner of the Most Cooperative
Student award in 1963!
Margie has always been a reliable source for donations to the community in terms of
time, lessons, costumes, performances — any worthy cause related to the growth and
appreciation of the performing arts in Marin has the support of Margie's school and
theatre.
Contributing to the Community through the Arts
At her theater, the community -oriented " Belrose", Margie offers an opportunity for self-
expression and growth for local performers. Experienced performers as well as
newcomers to the theatre are welcome to audition and perform in a wide variety of
productions that celebrate and explore the human condition. From time-honored musicals
such as Oliver and Peter Pan to classics such as A Lion in Winter and The Miracle
Worker and original, contemporary spoofs on Marin such as Hello Marin Hello, Margie
offers her performers and audience a venue in which to come together as a community to
celebrate the theatre and life. These critically acclaimed productions not only increase
the community's enjoyment of theatrical arts but, more importantly, strengthen our
understanding and appreciation of diverse points of view and visions through Margie's
choice of thought-provoking material.
Enhancing the Quality of Life for the Community of San Rafael
Through her school and theatre, Margie has enhanced the quality of life in San Rafael for
thousands of students and theatre -lovers. Margie is now teaching and entertaining her
third generation of Marinites. Carrying on the tradition by being actively involved in the
school and theatre are Margie's children, David and Dea, who grew up playing as well as
performing on the theatre's stage.
Shows are chosen and produced at Margie's theatre which promote a positive and
humane world view. Whether attending a class or a production, one comes away from
this historic building with a positive attitude about the life -affirming joy of live
performance, the value of hard work and discipline, a belief in self, and a sense that
anything is possible if you are willing to work hard enough for it. The show must go on!
These are the lessons Margie Belrose has imparted to her students and audiences for over
half a century that have inspired and changed so many lives and made a true difference in
the quality of life in San Rafael and Marin.
Recognition
For her selfless contribution to the arts in Marin, Margie was inducted into the Marin
Women's Hall of Fame in 1996.
Fifty -Five Years of Service to the City of San Rafael
Who else can claim that? Margie is worthy of being named Citizen of the Last 50 Years!
As one student put it, "I will never forget the lessons learned backstage and onstage at
the Behose Theatre from Margie Belrose". Now that's a contribution!
Sincerely,
Sue Finegan
PO Box 10415
South Lake Tahoe, California 96158
(530) 573-0560