Almost Free To All (AFTA)
Almost Free To All, Inc. is the name of our corporation which is a tax exempt, non-profit corporation dedicated to celebrating Arts, Culture, Education and Community Events. We are excited to host events as well as offer a beautiful space at affordable prices for community events and celebrations at Branches at the Carnegie, 175 Almond St. Auburn, CA.
Our intention is to create a gracious center for the arts, culture, education and community events in the heart of Auburn, CA where adults and youth can experience art exhibits of all ages, enjoy a variety of music in an intimate venue, listen to fascinating presentations and join in multi-generational events. We offer very affordable space in the historic building built by Andrew Carnegie in 1902 that has now transformed into a center of celebration and exploration for the whole community.
Our Beliefs and Core Values
We believe that by bringing community members together through the arts creates a sense of belonging.
We believe that celebrating life through music, art, culture and education helps create passion, respect and understanding for diversity and heritage.
We believe that honoring the gifts and talents, skills and diversity of the community members brings value to the community and helps it grow into a vibrant, appreciative, unified group with a sense of admiration, sensitivity, kindness and compassion for all people of all ages and lifestyles.
We believe that creating a venue to recognize and celebrate life will create a stronger community and assist in the positive development of social and emotional wellness of individuals, children and families.
Who Are We? Meet AFTA
Why The Carnegie?
The Carnegie Library building offers a variety of spaces which provide various rental opportunities. The upper floor is a grand, elegant space with a capacity of 80 people for events such as small weddings, art exhibits, poetry readings, meetings, etc.
The lower level, with its concrete floor, is suitable for art classes and workshops. A separate room, partially below grade level, would be perfect for music lessons or a recording studio. Another downstairs space near the back door is where an enclosed lift is proposed to be installed. There is also room for a small commercial kitchen which, in addition to being useful for events, would be a separate rental space. Commercial kitchens in this area are in high demand, therefore, this improvement will fill a need and generate consistent revenue. Additionally, a small office/lobby area will be easily accessible on the lower floor near the downstairs front door.
The backyard offers additional rental space for plays, small concerts, weddings/receptions, performances, etc. The plan is to eventually add a small stage in the back corner of the yard.
It is difficult for individuals and groups in our community to find affordable space for meetings, rehearsals, lessons, etc. The primary mission of Branches at the Carnegie is to provide space at the most affordable rate possible to people who want to create, perform, teach, discuss, plan and gather to enrich our community.
Marcia Bice - Board Member
Licensed Enrolled Agent, Insurance Agent, Financial Advisor and owner/operator of a Tax and Accounting Business in Newcastle. Marcia, a Newcastle native since 1980, brings expertise in all things regarding taxes and finances, working with small businesses and impeccable organizational skills. Marcia has been involved in a multitude of community activities including Treasurer of Newcastle Business Association and founding Board member of the Mandarin Festival. Marcia received her BA in Finance from San Jose State University.
Erin Collins - Secretary
Personnel Analyst for Rocklin School District. Erin brings expertise in the skills of leadership, social responsibility, excellent communication, and integrity. Erin has been a dedicated supporter of the arts throughout the years, a novice sculptor, and is a member of the Sugar Plump Fairies, a community-based non-profit group, unique to our area. Erin received her AA degree in Liberal Arts from Sierra College.
Diane Gilbert - Community Liaison
Human Resource Manager and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of the Newcastle Elementary School District brings the expertise of an ambassador, visionary and adept anticipator. Diane has also had professional experience as an educator, aide to Mayor and City Council, Liaison to Santa Barbara Visual Art in Public Places, and assisted start-up companies to become successful. She is a member of the non-profit, community based, Sugar Plump Fairies. Diane received her BA in Liberal Arts and teaching credentials from Westmont College in Santa Barbara.
April Maynard - Treasurer
April has been practicing Law in Auburn since 1978, bringing the expertise of critical thinking, strategic planning, complex problem solving and understanding legal issues. April is also a dedicated volunteer for the Arts of Placer County from the time it was first housed in the Carnegie Library.
Alexia Retallack - President
Customer Care Manager for Pioneer Community Energy, Alexia brings expertise in the areas of communications, marketing, legislation and regulation. Alexia sits on the Placer County Fish and Games Commission, was an Editor in Chief of a newspaper, managing editor of a magazine, university instructor, and is a member of the Sugar Plump Fairies. Alexia received her BA in English and Journalism, and MA in English from CSU Sacramento.
Joli Roberts - Board Member
Joli is a retired RN who worked in Family Practice, Sports Medicine as well as a published author and volunteer school librarian. She brings to us expertise in communication skills, commitment to advocacy, problem solving and attention to detail. Joli received her BS in Nutrition Science from UC Davis.
Philip L'Amoreaux - Vice President
A native of Placer County, is a civil engineer in a consulting firm overseeing the construction management of pump stations and water treatment plants. He brings us expertise through his ability to work with project stakeholders such as architects, planners, citizens, contractors and elected officials. Phil’s
understanding of complex technical information will guide us in our decisions and timelines to accomplish the renovations we plan to implement. Phil received his BA in Civil Engineering and a MS in Civil Engineering from UC Davis.