The annual Palisadian-Post Football Contest, giving readers a chance to predict upcoming game winners, continues to week two.
“Every week, the Palisadian-Post will have a selection of NFL and college football games,” according to the contest rules. “Check the team you predict will win each game. The person with the most correct picks wins. In the event there is a tie, the tie-breaker will be used to determine the winner.”
There is an online submission process: Contestants can download or copy their entry form, fill in their picks, take a photo, and email it back to footballcontest@palipost.com by the 5 p.m. Friday deadline. This week’s deadline is Friday, September 20, at 5 p.m.
One entry per person per contest will be accepted. Winners will receive a $10 gift card from our contest sponsor, The Yogurt Shoppe, via email. Last week’s winner was Andrew Rhames.
Theatre Palisades celebrated the four shows of its 2023-24 season during the annual meeting and awards show on Sunday, August 11, while its latest show—“tick, tick… BOOM!”—opened soon after on the evening of Friday, September 6.
During the meeting portion of the evening on August 11, Theatre Palisades President Phil Bartolf reported that the theater is in a “renaissance,” that the prior season “surpassed expectations” with “solid audience” attendance.
The Board of Directors Election Results were announced by Hahnah Jackson, with Bartolf continuing as president, Nona Hale as VP of administration, Cynthia Wright-Banks as VP of building operations/acting treasurer, Sherman Wayne as VP of production and Rich Little as secretary.
When it comes to the awards, four shows that made up the season were up for recognition: “The Andrews Brothers,” “Towards Zero,” “Beau Jest” and “A View from the Bridge.”
The awards, hosted by Martha Hunter, Bartolf and Manfred Hofer, began with an opening number by Doug Green and Alexandra Banks, in which Green rewrites songs with lyrics about each of the shows to serve as a refresher for audience members. The program was also peppered with scenes and songs from the shows that make up the next season, which was announced by Hofer and includes “Jest A Second!” “The Wisdom of Eve,” “Deathtrap” and “Suite Surrender.”
Jeff Coppage
For the Graphic Design award, Joanne Reich won for “A View from the Bridge,” while Wayne won the Set and Lighting Design awards and Susan Stangl won Sound Design for their work on “Towards Zero.”
Hunter, Maria O’Connor and Jackson won the Costume Design award for “The Andrews Brothers.” Cate Caplin was awarded Direction, while Hunter and Wayne were awarded Production, all for “A View from the Bridge.”
When it comes to acting, Jeff Coppage won Lead Actor for “Beau Jest,” while Tasha Taylor won Lead Actress for “The Andrews Brothers.”
Coppage took the stage to say he’s “never been so grateful” in his life, while Taylor noted that hers was a “dream role” with a “dream cast.”
Jason Culp won Featured Actor for “A View from the Bridge,” and Laura Goldstein won Featured Actress for “Beau Jest.”
Supporting Actor went to Andrew Chase for “A View from the Bridge,” and Supporting Actress went to O’Connor for “Towards Zero.” Joshua Farrell won Cameo Actor for his role in “A View from the Bridge.”
“tick, tick… BOOM!”
For those interested in supporting Theatre Palisades’ next season, “tick, tick… BOOM!” opened on September 6, with performances scheduled to run through October 13.
Written by Jonathan Larson (who also wrote “Rent”), the show is a “three-chapter pop rock musical about facing the crossroads in life and holding on to your dreams,” which was first produced Off-Broadway in 2001.
“It tells the story of young Jonathan, a promising young composer on the eve of his 30th birthday,” read a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city (tick); his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue (tick); and he’s still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical before time; and life, passes him by (Boom!).”
The cast of “tick, tick… BOOM!”
Directed by Lindsey Johnson, with musical director Alexander Tovar and producers Hunter and Laura Goldstein, the cast is led by Destin Bass (Jon), with Anthony Galang in the role of his best friend (Michael) and Bimei Flores as his girlfriend (Susan). Multiple roles are taken on by Charlotte Nevins (Karessa and Female #1), Katherine Rogers (Female #2) and Ian Riegler (Male #1), who pop in and out of Jonathan’s scenes as needed.
As far as a review of the show, Bass is an absolute powerhouse in the lead role, captivating the audience with his talent—which includes diving into the neurotic brain of the author in a semiautobiographical story. His energy is overflowing, which is just what the role requires.
Flores and Nevins are also dynamic in the musical—especially during a poignant rendition of “Come to Your Senses.”
Throughout the performance, each actor shines in their respective role, but when they come together for the bigger musical numbers, their voices meld together in a way that demands to be heard and appreciated. The casting for the show is A-plus work.
The show itself is an ever-green topic in terms of relatability—as most people feel an extra layer of pressure when a big birthday or anniversary looms near. The relatability of the choice added to the enjoyment of the performance, with lyrics reflecting sentiments most people have felt.
“This play it not just about a man turning 30,” Johnson wrote in the Director’s Notes. “It’s about life. It’s about artistry. It’s about relationships. It’s about wanting to leave a legacy and how desiring that so desperately can leave a path of destruction in our wake. Is it still worth it?”
Performances will take place at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. as well as Sundays at 2 p.m.
The Alternate Application Process is Now Underway Through October 6
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Pacific Palisades Community Council has announced its newly elected area and at-large representatives, while the alternate application process is now underway.
Following a two-week voting period that ended August 30, JoAnna Rodriguez will represent Area One, Steve Cron for Area Two, Julia Nilsen for Area Three, Karen Ridgley for Area Four, Kimberly Bloom for Area Five, Lorie Cudzil for Area Six, Sharon Kilbride for Area Seven, Andrew Wolfberg for Area Eight and Chris Spitz as at-large.
There were two contested seats: Area Three (with candidates Joe Layton and Nilsen) and Area Six (Cudzil and David Schwarz). All candidates—contested or not—participated in a Candidates Forum on Thursday evening, August 8, at Palisades Branch Library.
“I feel so blessed and honored to have been elected to represent Pacific Palisades and Marquez Knolls where I’ve lived and raised my kids for over 20 years,” Nilsen wrote to the Palisadian-Post after the election results. “It’s my passion that this same small town within the city of Los Angeles continues to be the ideal place for children to go to school and enjoy the parks and community without fear, where seniors feel treasured, and where just about anyone can be in the annual Fourth of July parade.”
Cudzil has lived in the Palisades for 12 years, nine in the area.
“I am honored to have been elected to be the Area Six representative for the PPCC,” Cudzil said. “I am looking forward to working with a great team of fellow Palisadians who want to keep our community a beautiful and safe place to live.”
All of the area and at-large representatives will serve a two-year term, which begins in October.
Lorie Cudzil
“The Election Committee will present its formal report on the election results at the September 12 PPCC meeting,” PPCC wrote alongside the results. “We thank all the candidates who participated in the election, the Election Committee who oversaw the election, and all the constituents and residents who took part in voting.”
Those who are interested in serving as alternates to the representatives are encouraged to apply by Sunday, October 6, at 5 p.m.
“The primary representatives are elected by the community, while the alternate representatives must apply and are elected by the board,” according to PPCC. “Up to two alternate representatives (1st and 2nd alternates) will be chosen for each seat.”
The alternates are encouraged to attend PPCC meetings and to participate in discussions about issues. They will not vote on PPCC matters, unless the primary representative is absent.
“Applicants for alternate area representative must live within the specified boundaries of the area for which they are applying,” PPCC wrote. “Applicants for alternate at-large representative must either live, own property or operate a business within Pacific Palisades.”
Those who are interested in applying can submit a statement of any length, indicating for which position they are applying (area or at-large, 1st or 2nd alternate—or both).
“The statement of each area alternate applicant shall include the number of years residing in Pacific Palisades, the number of years as a resident of the area and the number of years at the current address,” PPCC detailed. “The statement of each at-large alternate applicant shall include the number of years residing in Pacific Palisades or running a business or owning property in Pacific Palisades, and the applicant’s current residence, business or property address. All applicants’ statements shall include the position on issues the applicant believes are of importance to the community or the applicant’s area. The statement may also include a few biographical facts, including any skills that the applicant would bring to PPCC.”
Candidates will then be reviewed and nominated by the Three Chairs Committee, which consists of three former PPCC chairs. Applications can be sent to info@pacpalicc.org.
National Weather Service HeatRisk map for September 5 Courtesy of NWS/NOAA
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Though fall is just a few weeks away, Pacific Palisades saw its highest temperatures of the year so far during a recent heatwave, which began on Wednesday, September 4, and extended to Tuesday, September 10.
“The Huntington Palisades saw a high temperature reading on September 6 of 95 degrees,” reported Craig Weston, who tracks weather from the neighborhood. “On September 9, some areas of the [Alphabet] Streets saw 98-degree readings.”
These readings surpassed the Palisades’ previous high for the year, which was 82 degrees on January 28. Since 2014, the highest temperature recorded in the Palisades by Weston was 107 degrees on July 6, 2018.
On September 6, areas of Northridge, North Hills and Sherman Oaks saw temperature readings of 117 degrees.
“Downtown Los Angeles recorded a temperature of 112 degrees, which marks only the third time since July 1, 1877, that a high of 112 or more has been reached there,” Weston explained. “Long Beach Airport tied a record of four consecutive days of high temperatures of 100 degrees or hotter.”
Los Angeles County Health Officers issued excessive heat warnings, including for West and East Santa Monica Mountains, for September 4 through September 10 at 8 p.m. Los Angeles County Beaches and Malibu Coast had excessive heat warnings in place from September 5 to September 9.
A number of power outages were reported by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, with 164 customers in the Palisades affected as the Palisadian-Post went to print Tuesday evening.
“High pressure over the California desert region, coupled with an offshore flow to keep the marine layer at bay, is creating conditions for temperatures to be as much as 25 degrees above normal,” Weston wrote at the start of the heatwave.
Sports across Southern California were rescheduled or moved to the early morning hours or later in the evening due to the high temperatures, Weston explained, including the Charter Bowl between Palisades Charter High School and Granada Hills, which was moved to Stadium by the Sea from the San Fernando Valley for the cooler temperatures.
“As the week progresses, the heatwave should dissipate greatly,” Weston wrote.
As the Post went to print, highs for the rest of the week were expected to be in the mid 70s, reaching 74 degrees on Thursday, September 12; 75 on Friday, September 13; 75 on Saturday, September 14; and 74 on Sunday, September 15.
The Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot Powered by Exela Technologies will return on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, to celebrate its 10th anniversary—and registration is now open.
“We are delighted to keep this amazing Palisades tradition alive, and the support has been incredible,” said David O’Connell, event co-founder and organizer. “We had hoped back in 2013 that this event would be a convenient, family-friendly way to start the holiday season here in the Palisades. It has once again exceeded all of our expectations.”
The event, O’Connell reported, is on pace to have “another record-breaking turnout,” with an anticipated field of 2,500 runners with thousands of spectators.
The trot—which has both a 5K and 10K option—will begin and finish at Palisades Charter High School at Stadium by the Sea, with a course that weaves through El Medio Bluffs.
“This year, the route will not include Temescal Canyon Road,” O’Connell explained. “The 10K runners will do a second loop through El Medio and enjoy the spectacular panoramic ocean views a second time. This decision was designed to minimize the impact on holiday travelers.”
There is also a Pacific Palisades Kids Race, which is open to participants ages 5 to 16.
Sponsors that are returning in 2024 include Exela Technologies, which is “powering the event with their corporate energy and their team of orange-clad runners,” as well as Equinox and two 76 gas stations owned by Robert Munakash.
Palisades Village will also return to host pack pick-up in the days before the event, on Monday, November 25; Tuesday, November 26; and Wednesday, November 27, in the Swarthmore Room from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Event organizers strongly urge runners to come to Palisades Village one of those days to pick up their gear early to avoid lines on Thanksgiving morning,” read the Turkey Trot website.
Each participant will receive a swag bag with an event T-shirt, a chip-timed bib and other gift items.
The event will benefit Los Angeles Fire Department Stations 23 and 69, as well as The Friendship Circle—“dedicated to enriching the lives of children of all abilities and their families,” according to organizers.
The Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot Powered by Exela Technologies will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. and end by 11 a.m.
For more information or to register, visit paliturkeytrot.com. Prices are set to increase after October 20.
Attendees were invited to “dive into the new school year” with the Palisades Charter High School Booster Club, which celebrated during a Kick-Off Party on Wednesday, August 21, at Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club.
The evening, with the theme “Dive into Pali Spirit,” was hosted by the Booster Club and Paul family—Jamee Natella, Steven Paul and Sammy Paul.
Festivities included music, a photobooth, pizza, cocktails, sushi and more. Booths were also set up, focusing on the school’s athletics and awards they had received for football, basketball and other sports.
The team that made this year’s event possible includes Molly Sigworth, Johanna Minassian, Bronwyn Major, Rene Rodman, Sepi Nazarian, Melissa Anna, Erika Feresten, Sue Selzer, Dr. Stefanus Hadi, Dorothianne Carr, Dick Held, Alissa Bartle, Mariam Engel, Ramani Andreas, Shalane Respondek, Daryn Simons, Patricia Chang, Tania Greenberg, Emma Klein, Caitlin Colvin, JoAnna Rodriguez and Julie Ephraim.
Bita Alishahi was in charge of the event’s centerpieces and “captured the Pali spirit” with its signature colors of white and blue, according to Natella.
Natella reported a “massive success,” that the event was able to raise well over its goal for the night.
Funds raised by the Booster Club help sponsor and go toward a number of things at Pali High, including Model United Nations, girls and boys lacrosse, the Robotics Club, Junior State of America Conference, field trips, competitions, a dolphin costume replacement, a projector for Mercer Hall, the senior class picnic, and more.
This event’s donors include Natella, Steven Paul, Feresten, Sigworth, Loanna Bouris, Shadi Amiri, Held, Sarah Brower, Andre Ulloa, Alana Ulloa, Niki Yadegar, Nika Ghiyasi, Niki Azema, Naghmeh Nikki Farzadmehr, Wendy Lang-Uygur and Jan Le Chang.
“Although we haven’t met our financial goals for the year,” Natella shared with the Palisadian-Post, “it was a great way to dive back into the Pali Spirit and hit our financial goals for the evening.”
Pictured, from left: Amster, Ly and Wharton Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
The community was invited to attend and provide feedback on the Pacific Palisades Pedestrian Trail Project during an open forum at Palisades Branch Library on Wednesday evening, August 21.
Presentations were made by City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering Project Manager Kristen Ly and Project Consultant Goodwin Wharton of Geosyntec Consultants—which is charged with completing the feasibility study. Michael Amster, field deputy for Councilmember Traci Park, also attended the meeting.
“This was a preliminary meeting to inform the Palisades community that this project is underway and to obtain community feedback,” Pacific Palisades Community Council wrote in a bulletin following the meeting.
When complete, the trail—formerly known as the Lateral Trail—will extend from the bottom of George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon along Pacific Coast Highway to the Temescal Canyon Road crosswalk light, “in order to provide safe passage from the park to the beach,” according to PPCC.
“Trail alignment [is] needed for land use agreements with Caltrans,” read a slideshow during the meeting. Caltrans owns a portion of the land the trail would be constructed on. The preliminary study would narrow down alternatives, with Ly stating they “want to be final, but we need something to get the ball rolling.”
The current scope of work includes community outreach, a topographic study (which is in progress) and feasibility analysis for alternative trail locations.
Feasibility considerations include route directness, user experience (including views and traffic noise), pedestrian safety (including traffic), slope stability and rock fall hazard, trail longevity and maintenance requirements, and protected trees and habitat, Wharton explained. They are also considering potential environmental contamination, stormwater drainage, constructability and the integration with the Pedestrian Bridge Project.
Hypothetical trail alternatives Courtesy of Geosyntec Consultants
The Pacific Palisades Pedestrian Trail project is separate from the Potrero Canyon Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge project, which is currently in its public outreach phase and would develop a bridge that connects Will Rogers State Beach to the park.
“We are aware of each other, we’re all sharing the same space,” Ly described during a PPCC meeting on June 13. “So the [project manager] for the bridge project and myself are working pretty closely to make sure that we’re working together on this.”
A majority of the hour-long meeting was dedicated to allowing members of the community voice their concerns and provide feedback about the trail. Attendees were also invited to fill out a questionnaire.
Stakeholders expressed concerns over community safety, slope stability and the longevity of the trail, and examining the drainage in the area, which gets runoff from Pacific Coast Highway. Regarding public safety, one speaker suggested the installation of a fence along the trail.
At the time of the open forum, a timeline and budget were not available—as construction time and costs vary depending on what trail route is selected and developed, but a completion date was expected to be in 2027.
“We urge the city, BOE and Geosyntec to expedite this project and proceed swiftly in order to meet the 2027 target date for completion,” the PPCC Executive Committee wrote in an August 27 letter sent to area officials. “PPCC supports the trail—which was recommended by the former Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee in 2008, and has been a requirement of the Potrero Canyon Park Coastal Development Permit since 2014, yet 10 years later has not been constructed.”
Following the meeting, community stakeholders were invited to share their additional thoughts on the project in an online survey, which closed on Friday, August 30, at 5 p.m. The city said that an additional community meeting will be scheduled in the months ahead.
George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon is a 46-acre passive park that spans from Palisades Recreation Center to Pacific Coast Highway. It opened, after decades of planning and construction, on December 10, 2022.
A link to a recording of the August 21 meeting is available via the PPCC website: pacpalicc.org.
Marquez Charter Elementary School Photo courtesy of Caitlin Machol
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
With school back in swing for the 2024-25 academic year, fundraising efforts to support charter schools across Pacific Palisades are now underway.
Fiesta Photo by Rieko Takagi
Canyon Charter Elementary School
Friends of Canyon Charter Elementary School
When it comes to supporting programming at Canyon Charter Elementary School, the community is invited to give back through Friends of Canyon Charter Elementary School.
“With dramatic cuts in our state education budget and the global pandemic forcing the closure of our campus and hindering our ability to hold fundraising events, Canyon seeks contributions from generous families, community members, local businesses and grants to help raise much-needed funds for instructional and enrichment programs,” read the Friends of Canyon website.
Contributions help fund 60% of instructional aides for each classroom, as well as 100% of the P.E. program (including instructor’s salary and equipment); art, music and drama instructors; digital learning instructor and 1:1 Chromebooks for each student; reading specialist; science teacher and dedicated science lab; and one full-time upper-grade teacher, which helps reduce class size.
Throughout the year, Canyon hosts fundraising events, like the annual Canyon Fiesta on May 18, 2025, with games, food and entertainment, which dates back decades to help support the school.
Other events include the Party Book launch event at Golden Bull on September 27, where parents will purchase tickets to attend and sign up for parties that will take place over the 2024-25 academic year, with proceeds supporting Canyon.
The school’s annual Olympics Day is scheduled for November 22.
“We greatly appreciate your financial support,” the website read, “and please know that 100% of funds raised by Canyon Booster go right back to our students.”
Friends of Marquez is a nonprofit run by parents “to fund supplemental educational programs to enrich the curriculum of basic education” at Marquez Charter Elementary School.
Some of the programming supported by FOM includes additional teachers—two full-time classroom teachers, including a dedicated science teacher.
“The majority of the FOM budget goes towards additional teachers and staff,” read the FOM website. “This reduces class sizes and lowers our teacher-student ratio. It also helps us to avoid combining grade levels.”
Funding also supports hourly in-class aides; P.E. and karate; art and music; gardening with EnrichLA; robotics; and fifth-grade musicals. Marquez added a third kindergarten class for the 2024-25 academic year.
In November 2023, Marquez revealed a renovated garden space, which was accomplished through a partnership with EnrichLA, which builds, cares for and teaches in “organic regenerative” school gardens throughout the area. FOM said the garden has been “a huge hit,” and that it “grew an incredible amount of vegetables over the summer.”
FOM is planning a Halloween Festival with a haunted house, carnival games, pumpkins and prizes on Sunday, October 20, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the campus, as well as several other events throughout the year.
“Let’s work together to build this amazing Marquez community,” the FOM website—which was recently redesigned—read.
Palisades Charter Elementary School is supported by the efforts of PEP—Palisades Enrichment Programs, a parent-run organization.
“Pali Elementary is a California Distinguished School and one of LAUSD’s top schools due in large part to parental involvement and generous donations,” read the PEP website. “Please help our school maintain this status and support our children in their educational journey.”
The parent-led Pali Giving Fundraising Campaign kicked off in August with community, business and alumni sponsorship opportunities.
PEP uses the funds it raises to “hire additional teachers and teacher’s aides,” “effectively reducing class size, providing teachers with critical support in class, and enabling core enrichment classes,” according to its website. Some of these “core enrichments” are music, tech, a garden and P.E.
PEP is planning its annual Yee Haw Fall Festival, which will take place on September 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the school. The fundraising afternoon will have food vendors, game and craft booths, an obstacle course, corn maze, and more. There will be a photo booth, balloon twist, and performances by Fancy Feet and Palisades Studio.
“Our goal through Yee Haw Day is to connect with our community on a personal level and create supportive partnerships with local businesses and organizations,” read the Yee Haw Day website. “The Palisades is made up of so many families, and we take pride in knowing that many have or will attend our school.”
The school’s annual Gala and Auction will take place on February 7, 2025.
The PCHS Fund and Palisades High School Booster Club
Palisades Charter High School is supported by The PCHS Fund and Palisades High School Booster Club.
“The PCHS Fund supports the annual budget of PCHS and directly impacts students, faculty and staff,” according to Pali High. “This ensures the sustainability of our important core programs where state and federal funding fall short and gives each student every opportunity to succeed.”
This includes academic counseling, the College Center, team competition transportation (athletics and clubs), math aides, tutoring and technology.
“The Palisades High School Booster Club focuses on the immediate needs of our students not covered by the school’s budget,” read the Pali High website. “These include innovative academic programs, field trips, visual and performing arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities.”
Some of the programs supported by the booster club are the Robotics Club (equipment and materials for Vex Robotics Competition), Drama (supplementing three productions) and Gymnasium (championship banners). In the past year, the club supported a projector/screen for Mercer Hall, Model UN, girls and boys lacrosse, the Senior Class Picnic, and more.
There is an annual auction/gala fundraising event that takes place in spring.
Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center
PRIDE Booster Club
PRIDE Booster Club—the parent-teacher organization that supports Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center—stands for Parent Resources for Individual Development and Enrichment.
“Our school offerings, curriculum and technology are all geared to give our kids a solid foundation for future success,” read the PRIDE website. “These include exceptional programs in orchestra, band and choir; journalism, yearbook and photography; first-rate physical education and athletic teams; lunch clubs; and even a working farm.”
Some of the programming supported by PRIDE includes a pending renovation of the school auditorium, the annual Literary Anthology, Reflections Art Contest and Student Film Festival, and campus beautification projects.
In addition to collecting funds, PRIDE also hosts fundraising events during the year, like an auction event in spring.
“Your support is crucial to maintain all the wonderful programs that PRMS offers,” read a flyer about PRIDE, which has a goal of raising 50% of its total annual ask by Thanksgiving.
The Palisadian-Post presents an homage to Will Rogers’ column, “Will Rogers Says,” with a column by Palisadian Jimmy Dunne—on life in the “greatest town in America.”
Holding Court for a Moment in Time
Labor Day.
A stunning day at the beach.
So many folks at Bel-Air Bay Club were snuggled up courtside to the paddle tennis courts—glued to the drama of the Mixed Doubles Club Championships.
I was off to the side, kind of rocking and cuddling a treasure of my life, my grandson Whit.
Even though Whit only knows how to say “balls” and “score!” and “momma” and a couple more goodies, I was explaining the importance of what he was watching.
A Labor Day tradition for 85 years.
The revered club championship matches—right here on this very court. Creating generations of memories.
Watching the finals—some were young parents, some holding their babies, many having lunch and sipping on a cold beer or summer drink.
Everybody cheering on somebody in this club’s mini-me “Wimbledon.”
I misspoke. Bigger than Wimbledon.
Only the prize is just a little different. Forever bragging rights, a pic in the club newsletter—and a couple of drink tokens.
…………..
Next to the ice machine against the wall, I spotted in the back of the crowd—a woman sitting by herself in her early 90s.
Patty Burns.
Always right at her side, her walker that she needs to get around these days.
I’ve known Patty for a long, long time.
Everybody loved her husband George, an absolute gem of a man—before he passed away about 15 years ago.
Bel-Air Bay Club has always been the lifelong second home of best friends for Patty and George. Now, with her hubby and the love of her life gone, it gets harder with each passing year.
And less and less and less of her “besties” are still alive.
…………..
My eyes weren’t drawn to the players. They were to her.
I was imagining what she was seeing on that court.
Not just another club’s championships.
On the court was her daughter, Suzy, and her grandson, Chase.
Competing against a spectacularly talented and competitive Merrie Mac Bleeker and Tim Gerlach.
But I could see in Patty’s eyes that she was watching something else.
Something wonderful that was playing in her mind.
Kind of Patty’s own movie version of “Somewhere in Time.”
Her eyes said the noise and chatter of the courts just disappeared … she drifted back in time to the late ’70s—with George and her four fabulous kids.
Probably imagining how she ran the old-fashioned “Fourth of July” Day at the club. The crazy “Cake Eating Contests.” And the sing-a-longs with the Tommy Dorsey knock-off large “dance bands.”
Or running the “South Sea Island” party with the humungous plastic pool dug right in the sand.
The music of the day. The cocktails. The happy. The simplicity …
All with the “Belles of the Ball,” her pals Dallas Price, Marion Niles, Gail Didden, Sharon Browning, Dottie Henkle and so many other cherished pals.
Maybe Patty was taken back exactly 40 years ago to the day …
Winning with Bob Bennett in Mixed Doubles and then again with Rick Beckendorf. And winning the Ladies’ Legends with Price to a dazzled crowd of fans and pals.
Or maybe Patty was flashing back to some of Suzy’s many club championships. Or the “Husband & Wife” Championship Suzy won with her hubby Jeff, who Patty knows is the greatest son-in-law ever. Or Singles and Doubles titles her grandson Chase has captured on this hallowed court.
…………..
With the match on the line, Chase made the “gentlemanly” call—giving a key point to their opponents.
I could see in Patty’s eyes what that meant to her. So much more than winning anything at all.
With the crowd cheering wildly, Chase and Suzy took the crown.
There Patty sat. Didn’t even clap. Just watched everyone else.
She took a deep breath to hold it all in.
Holding in maybe the greatest memory, winning the Women’s Doubles with her daughter Suzy—three decades ago.
And here was Patty, watching her daughter having the same moment with her son.
The athletic director took the pictures on the court and handed out the awards.
But here’s what I know.
No one won more, felt more or lived more than Patty that day.
Patty won.
Life.
I suppose if you’re fortunate enough to still be above ground in your 80s and 90s, the prize is … emotionally cashing in.
Knowing you did good. Knowing you put a smile on the world.
Knowing you “held court” for a moment in time—with your head up.
And knowing, more than anything, you were loved, and they loved you back.
Cheers to you, Patty Burns.
How the world loves you back.
Jimmy Dunne is a modern-day Renaissance Man; a hit songwriter (28 million hit records), screenwriter/producer of hit television series, award-winning author, an entrepreneur—and a Palisadian “Citizen of the Year.” You can reach him at j@jimmydunne.com or jimmydunne.substack.com.
Kudos to Gelson’s for switching to compostable produce bags!
Coffee Continued
So curious who the person was who posted in opposition to the Marquez Coffee Movement. Must be a good cause if we have dissenters! #Marquoffee2024
Trash Cans
Why put your dog’s poop in your own trash can, especially when it is only a few feet away? Because I doo!
Miles
Pali High and UCLA alum, Olympian Miles Partain, won the AVP Chicago beach volleyball. Looked real smooth by the banks of Lake Michigan. I saw it on TV.
Dog Response I
Aren’t there more important issues to complain about than dogs at the Farmers Market?
Dog Response II
Is it really that big of an issue? Maybe you just feel that way because you DON’T have a dog. If you did, you’d feel differently.
Dog Response III
Just try shopping at CVS for much more Entitled Palisadian shenanigans.
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