Charmian’s Circle’s “Spring Fling” luncheon and fashion show

Charmian’s Circle, which raises funds to support educational programs at Jack London State Historic Park, will present the second annual “Charmian’s Spring Fling” on Sunday, April 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Elen. The highlight of the seasonal celebration will be a fashion show with local models and designs from Bossa Nova, Half-Pint, The Loop, and Perle. Charmian herself (as portrayed by Lynne Lancaster) will be in attendance. The State Parks District Historian will display a collection of Charmian's own accessories, jewelry, and personal items, curated specially for this event.

Live music will be performed by Shameless, a locally-based, all-female band.

Attendees will enjoy lunch by Park Avenue Catering, paired with wines from B.R. Cohn.

Charmian’s Circle was formed in 2016 to honor Charmian London’s legacy at Jack London State Historic Park and highlight her life and contributions before, during and after her life with husband Jack London.

The group’s first effort funded the renovation of the second floor of the House of Happy Walls Museum to make it an interactive learning center and to include Charmian’s life and accomplishments. The renovation was completed in 2018. The house was built by Charmian after Jack’s death and she lived there for many years, always intending for it to become a museum of their lives after her passing.

Today, the Circle seeks to extend Charmian’s legacy by expanding and enhancing educational programs at Jack London State Historic Park for the children of Sonoma Valley and beyond – teaching them about her life, the park, and the beauty that nature provides.

"Inspired by Charmian's trailblazing talents and attributes, we established Charmian's Circle to unite the women of Sonoma Valley and create exciting and compelling events that help underwrite the park’s annual education programs,” said Charmian’s Circle Co-Chair Diana Bugg, one of the five original founders.

“We honor Charmian London’s legacy by promoting her accomplishments as a trailblazer, author and adventurer and hope that future generations see her as an inspiration,” added Co-Chair Laura Stanfield.

This year, the Circle’s ongoing efforts will support the creative "Adventures in Writing" for fourth and fifth grade students and the innovative “Nature’s Design,” a Benziger Family Environmental Education Program for seventh graders, culminating in the “ReWild My School” design challenge. These and other educational programs at the park reach more than 1,600 Sonoma County students annually.

The Charmian’s Circle Committee is also led by Nancy Bundschu, Laura Elmore, Liz Fisher, Sandy Leonard, Barbara Morrison, and Elisa Stancil Levine.