Briefly In Education

Galleries feature donate works to auction

Townley and DeBilzan Galleries in Laguna Beach opened their exhibition spaces on First Thursday’s Art Walk on Jan. 6 to include works of art donated for the 26th Annual SchoolPower Dinner Dance, Diamonds in the Sand, to be held Jan. 29 at the Montage Laguna Beach.

Featured artists included selected auction donors Brian Allan, Jacobus Baas, William DeBilzan, Jorge Fernandez, Amy Eidt Jackson, Christine Kunkel, Sherrie Larsen, Louis Longi, Lu Martin, Laurel Meister, Greg O’Laughlin, Deborah Paswaters, Marina Pavlovoch, Skip Roma, Caleb Seimon, Dawn Spurlock, Gerard Stripling and Annette Wimmer. Despite suffering devastating losses relating to his art, art-making tools and personal belongings due to the recent floods, artist Louis Longi turned out to support the cause. His piece, “Allure,” valued at $4,000, will be included in the Live Auction at the Dinner Dance event.

Tickets are still available for the Diamonds in the Sand event at $500 per person. All proceeds from will benefit the schoolchildren of Laguna Beach. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit https://www.lbschoolpower.org.

PTA Coffee Break set

The next PTA Coffee Break will offer a panel discussion on navigating the college admissions process. “Getting In Without Freaking Out” will feature the perspective of professional college admissions counselors, Lisa McLaughlin and Kristen Thomas, several parents who have launched children into colleges, Regional Occupational Program specialist Susie Speirs and staff from Laguna Beach High School. The event will take place from 8:15 to 10 a.m. Wed. at the Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach. Cost is $5 and includes coffee, pastries, fellowship and enlightenment.

Charity League honors 16 at Ball

The Laguna Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc. recently hosted its annual Debutante Ball at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, where it presented 16 young women into society. “Classic Elegance” was the theme of the ball, which recognized the members of the Class of 2010, who’ve contributed 5,500 volunteer hours during their six years of commitment and philanthropic service with NCL.

Girls from Laguna Beach High School who were honored were Chelsea Wain Donenfeld, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Alan Donenfeld; Frances Marie Lydon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph John Lydon; McKenna Catherine Nokes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Paul Nokes; Bryn Lindsay Valaika, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Clarence Valaika; and Katherine Hamilton Winn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dempsey Winn.

Each debutante was presented the traditional Gold Crown Medallion on a white ribbon, which symbolizes six years of service, volunteerism and philanthropic work. Personal tributes written by the debutante’s mothers were read after the presentation of each debutante, a tradition since 1964. These statements were reflections on how their daughters have been positively impacted and transformed into the young woman there are today.

NCL, Inc. is a nonprofit, mother-daughter, organization that has supported local community agencies and charities for more than 50 years. Its mission is to foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. For more information about the Debutante Ball or the Laguna Chapter of NCL, Inc., call Brenda Porrazzo at (949) 690-7643.

Senate Fellowship applications due Feb. 23

Sen. Tom Harman (R-Huntington Beach) has announced the availability of applications to the Senate Fellows Program, which provides 18 college graduates an opportunity to become full-time Senate staff members at the state Capitol for 11 months beginning in November. In addition to being assigned to the personal or committee staff of a Senator, the Fellows participate in seminars with professionals working in all aspects of the Capitol including, Senators, journalists, lobbyists and state government officials.

Jointly operated by the California Senate and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento, the program is an opportunity to become involved in public service and experience the legislative process first-hand. Fellows will experience a broad range of Senate activities including research, writing, staffing legislative proposals and constituent casework. The skills used in this hands-on learning environment transfer well to a career in either the private or public sector. Former fellows include members of Congress, the Legislature, judges and numerous other elected state and local officials.

The Fellowship program is open to anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college by Sept. 1. There is no preferred major and individuals with advanced degrees or those in mid-career are also encouraged to apply. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $1,972, health and dental benefits, and units of graduate credit from the Sacramento State Government Dept. For more information or an application, call the district office at (714) 957-4555, Capitol office at (916) 651-4035, or Senate Fellows program at (916) 278-6906, or visit https://www.csus.edu/calst/senate_fellows_program.html. The deadline is Feb. 23.