260227 (Feb 27, 2026)

Story #1

45^th Annual Educator of the Year

Honors Nine PVP Teachers

The Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula once again honored nine outstanding educators from public and private schools on the Peninsula at the 45^th Annual Educator of the Year event. Held at the Palos Verdes Golf Club on February 19, 2026, this event was led by Rotarian Co-Chairs Joan E. Behrens and Rick Humphrey, along with David Rowe who stepped in on the last day as the program’s Co-MC.

Each educator selected by their school was honored at this event with letters of commendation from local governmental entities, a name-engraved clock, a day certificate to Terranea Spa, a check of $500 from a local foundation, and other awards and honors. Following their principals' or heads' of school introduction, the heart of the program centered on each teacher's shared thoughts and experiences from their earliest childhood memories of teaching to their latest classroom lessons. They spoke meaningfully of the influences leading them to the teaching profession and their philosophy of education, while also expressing deep gratitude to all those who inspired and continue to assist them.

In conjunction with this Educator of the Year event, the Rotary Club of PVP also expresses its focus on education by raising funds from its members, foundations, and sponsors to support the Rotary Scholarship Program that offers college scholarships each year to local high school seniors.

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Thank you Co-Chair Joan for another great EOTY! We missed Co-Chair Rick Humphrey who was out sick. The Prez stepped in for him to help with the presentations.

Virginia, Allen, Daniel and Audrey enjoyed the night

And so did Sanjay, Donna, Greg S. and Minal

Suzy and Julia helped the event go smoothly with the organization of the registrations and check-in

Story # 2

District 5280

Rotary Workshop

Learn More About Rotary!

New to Rotary? Curious how Rotary really works? Ready to get more involved?
Join Rotarians from across the district for an interactive, in-person Rotary 101 Workshop designed to inform, connect, and inspire.

This is not a lecture—it’s a hands-on, relationship-driven experience. Through guided conversations with District Leaders and small-group activities, you’ll learn Rotary essentials, connect with fellow Rotarians, discover service and leadership opportunities, and leave energized and confident about your Rotary journey.

Highly recommended for new members and valuable for any Rotarian looking to re-engage.

Check-in & continental breakfast: 8:30am-9:00am | Workshop: 9:00am-12:00pm

Registration fee: $25

Go to:

https://rotary5280.org/events/district-wide-rotary-101-workshop/

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Story # 3

What are the Forecasters

Forecasting for the Local Economy?

Sign Up and Find Out

Thursday, March 5, 2026
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Reception: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Innovation & Instruction Building
1000 E. Victoria Ave. Carson, CA 90747
Contact: University Events at universityevents@csudh.edu

11th Annual South Bay Economic Forecast

The South Bay Economic Forecast, hosted by the South Bay Economics Institute, is Southern California’s premier source for in-depth economic information and analysis on the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, convening senior leaders from business, government, education, and civic organizations.

This year’s theme reflects the region’s role in numerous major events in the coming years such as the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as its growing reputation as an innovation hub across numerous industries.

Faculty from the CSUDH South Bay Economics Institute and industry leaders will discuss the region’s core strengths—its skilled workforce, strategic location, and concentration of high-tech and logistics industries. Discussions this year will also explore how the South Bay has responded to major recent disruptions—from federal policy changes to local wildfires, weathered economic shifts over the past decade while preparing for the next wave of change driven by AI, robotics, and automation. Looking ahead, panelists will highlight pathways to innovation, education, infrastructure development, and public-private collaboration to advance regional competitiveness.

Emcee & Moderator, Frank Mottek, Business News Anchor, 790 KABC

Economics Panel

Dr. Jose N. Martinez, Co-Director, South Bay Economics Institute; Professor and Chair, Accounting, Finance, and Economics, CSUDH
Dr. Fynnwin Prager, Co-Director, South Bay Economics Institute; Professor of Public Administration, CSUDH

New Applicant for Membership

Doug Devereaux of Rancho Palos Verdes has submitted his application for membership. He is Project Manager of National Instituted of Standards & Technolocy. He is married with two children. He is interested in supporting initiatives related to education, skills development for individuals, and more. This is the 1st of two notices.

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Nancy was a beloved member of our club from 2007 to 2016.

ClubRunner Mobile App now Available!

Download ClubRunner Mobile App

Jun 12, 2026

Cindy Keefer

Celestial Globe Sculpture

Cindy Ingraham Keefer is the artist who created the Celestial Globe, a massive and monumental bronze sculpture installed permanently in Gravity's Stairway at Griffith Observatory in January 2026. The 800-pound bronze sphere that is over 4 foot in diameter draws inspiration from the Farnese Atlas, a second-century Roman sculpture, and features 46 classical constellations cast in bronze. The work offers visitors a striking encounter with the ancient origins of astronomy and the enduring human effort to understand the sky, and rotates to allow viewers to observe how the ancients imagined the heavens turning in Atlas's grip. Realized in close collaboration with structural engineers, fabricators, and Observatory leadership, the Celestial Globe stands as Griffith Observatory's first major new exhibit in nearly two decades and will be experienced by more than 1.5 million annual visitors.

Cindy has been working in bronze for over 15 years working upon commission creating mostly dedication sculptures. She is a multi-disciplinary artist who also supports fashion designers in downtown LA. The Portuguese Bend is her home that she shares with her 2 doodles, dozens of peacocks and her husband, Tom Keefer.

View entire list

Member Birthdays

Jim Hartman

June 2

Greg Sparkman

June 15

Greg O'Brien

June 22

Anniversaries

Carol Levi

Sami Levi

June 5

David Rowe

Carole Rowe

June 13

John Schuricht

Kix Schuricht

June 24

Bulletin Editor