School’s Back for Teachers 2024 | September | No. 52
New Book Captures Richness Beyond the Classroom
PVGC Director of Golf Jim Gormley Around Town
palosverdesmagazine.com
IN THIS ISSUE Issue No. 52
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pv youth
19 Peninsula Student Studies in Taiwan Peninsula High School Student Sean Pellicciarini’s great opportunity
Around town
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21 Kicking for Kenya PVHS student Peter Chang’s project impacts young lives thousands of miles away
19 28 New Gala Raises Money for Cancer Support Community South Bay
PV PROFILES 12 Capturing the Essense of Educators Teacher and photographer James Stiles shows another side of educators through beautiful photograpy
29 Destination: Art Celebrates 10th Anniversary New Palos Verdes location for Family Connect Care
22 PVGC Director of Golf Jim Gormley The long-time resident and Director of Golf reflects on why PVGC and our community is so special
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30 PBNHS Honors Volunteers & Guests 31 Walk With Sally
34 Father, Husband, Adventurer Chuck Brill tells why family and globetrotting go hand-in-hand
32 Partners for Pediatric Vision & Vistas for Children Annual Event Coffee with a Cop
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33 USC Send Off & 50th Anniversary Rolling Hills High School Reunion
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11 September Highlights Peninsula fun for everyone
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Don Grazier, History Teacher
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For more information about James Stiles and his work, visit www. stilesphotography.com and explore his educational resources at www. mrstilesphotographyclass.com School’s Out for Teachers is available for purchase on Amazon.
Top: Jazz Thompson, Spanish & French Language Teacher; bottom left: Brent Kuykendall, Principal; bottom right: John Wheeler, Psychology Teacher
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The journey of School’s Out for Teachers began in the first half of the 2019-20 school year, only to be abruptly interrupted by the pandemic. Stiles resumed the project in the 2022-23 school year, capturing staff members without masks. “My objective was to reveal the depth and richness of these individuals beyond their professional roles, providing a glimpse into their personal worlds,” says Stiles. Stiles invited PVPHS staff to bring personal items-whimsical, self-defining, or related to their hobbies and passions—for their portrait sessions. This creative approach allowed him to explore and highlight the diverse interests and personalities of the staff. The result is a collection of portraits that not only showcases the staff but also fosters a sense of community, as colleagues get to know each other better through these images and the accompanying quotes. In addition to his book, James Stiles will be showcasing his work at The Hive Gallery in their group show “Rising Stars of L.A.” this September. Stiles will have his own wall of photos in the exhibit, further establishing his reputation as a prominent photographer in the Los Angeles art scene.
Awarded for providing world-class care.
Providence.org/Southbay
—Jim Gormley, sharing his thoughts about Paolos Verdes Golf Club
Megan Gormley: Megan Gormley, following in the footsteps of her golf pro father Jim, continues to focus on golf. Megan graduated from Georgetown University in May with a major in political science and minor in theology. As the captain of the Georgetown University Women’s Golf Team, she was named Big East Player of the Year in 2024. This fall, Megan will begin her Master’s in Sports Management at Georgetown while using her final year of eligibility to continue playing for the women’s golf team. She is excited to return to the place, where her dedication to both academics and athletics will undoubtedly continue to shine. Gormley at the Nissan LA Open at Riviera Country Club, 2006
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“ It’s about the history, the people, and the love for the game.”
schools and activities,” Melinda says. “Jim and I met at PV Golf Club after my dad arranged a golf lesson for my sister and I and we are celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary this August, so PVGC holds a special place in our life.” As he walks the course today, Gormley sees more than just fairways and greens; he sees a tapestry of memories, friendships, and the spirit of a family and community that has grown stronger over the years. His influence at the Club is seen not just in the programs he’s initiated but in the very culture that defines Palos Verdes Golf Club. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Club, Gormley stands as a symbol of its enduring legacy. His story is a reminder of the passion and dedication that keep the spirit of golf alive and thriving at Palos Verdes. As the Club looks to the future, Gormley’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of golfers to carry forward the rich traditions and values that make Palos Verdes Golf Club a cherished institution. In Gormley’s own words, “It’s about the history, the people, and the love for the game. That’s what makes Palos Verdes Golf Club so special.” And as the Club embarks on its next century, it does so with the promise of continuing the legacy that Gormley and others have so passionately built.
AROUND TOWN
Partners for Pediatric Vision & Vistas for Children Notes Bring Hope
Partners for Pediatric Vision (PPV) and Vistas for Children partnered up once again for their annual event, “Notes Bring Hope” free ukulele lessons and “Touch Tour “ at the Western Museum of Flight on July 28, 2024, at the Torrance Airport. Volunteer musician Mark Fitchett of Fitchett Guitar School in Torrance shared his enthusiasm for playing ukulele with children who receive vision education and support services from the nonprofit, Partners for Vision. Vistas for Children coordinated the sighted buddies from Junior Vistas who were paired with a visually impaired child. The ukuleles were gifted to the children, thanks to the generosity of Shari and Craig Sunada. A short walk away, the Western Museum of Flight welcomed the children and families for an upclose experience with aircraft and space exploration.. Children who receive services from Partners for Pediatric Vision learn by hands-on interactive experiences because of their vision loss For more information about Partners for Pediatric Vision, visit partnersforpediatricvision.org or email partnersforpediatricvison@gmail.com.
Volunteers with knowledge of aeronautics led the children with visual impairment through exhibits and hands on experiences
Ukulele lessons were provided by volunteer musician Mark Fitchett of Fitchett Guitar School in Torrance
Coffee With a Cop
On Friday September 6th, on the patio at Lunada Bay Market, the community was invited to meet recently appointed Chief of Police for PVEPD, Luke Hellinga, along with several other officers to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about important community safety topics. To learn more about the Palos Verdes Estate Police Department, visit: pvestates.org/services/police
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The Western Museum of Flight welcomed the children and families for an up-close experience with aircraft and space exploration
A particant learns to strum the ukulele. The ukuleles were gifted to the children, thanks to the generosity of Shari and Craig Sunada
_A visually impaired child enjoys a hands on activity at the Western Museum of Flight with her sighted buddy from Junior Vistas
AROUND TOWN
To see more photos of any of these events, scan the QR code!
Trojan League South Bay Annual USC Send Off & 50th Anniversary
On August 12, 2024, The Trojan League of the South Bay (TLSB) held its annual Send Off event at the at the beautiful home of Dan and Marnie Gruen on Sunday August 4th. The event, which took place on a sunny afternoon, brought together over 100 USC parents and incoming and transfer students for a delightful meet and greet hosted by the local Trojan League. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for new students and their families to connect with the USC community. Returning scholarship students and Board Members shared their experiences and insights, offering guidance and support to the newcomers. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students mingled and made new friends, while parents exchanged stories and built connections with one another. This year’s event holds special significance as the Trojan League of South Bay celebrates its 50th Anniversary. The organization has been a pillar of support for the USC community in the South Bay area, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and tradition. To commemorate this milestone, TLSB will host a gala on November 14th, 2024. The event promises to be a memorable evening, honoring the League’s rich history and contributions over the past five decades. For more information about the Trojan League of South Bay and upcoming events, please contact President Sylvia Mehl at Sylviaannmehl@gmail.com
Incoming USC Students
Incoming USC Freshmen and Transfer Students
Lily Tsau, Heather Kline, USC student Tristan WattsonTLSB Board Members
TLSB Board Members: Host Marnie Gruen, Rosie Chia, Tricia Hawkins, Sharon Oda, President Sylvia Mehl, Heather Kline, Allison Phillips
Charlene Riofrio, Tricia Hawkins, Sylvia Mehl
Parents with their incoming USC students
Tricia Hawkins, Sharon Oda, Hosts Marnie and Dan Gruen
Sabrina Ishak, Keira Ishak, Ramses Ishak
Eli Fast, Miles Katz Facher, Robert Logan
Incoming USC fathers at meet and greet
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