Click to see a preview of the Agenda

In between, please see a few words about our Guest Speaker…

Jody Wiggins, our Programs Chair, has arranged for Lee Jester to speak about his fascinating family history.

Lee’s father, Hollywood legend Ralph Jester, was an American costume designer, sculptor, and artist. He had worked with Edith Head and won an Academy Award for his work on Ben-Hur (1959 film). In 1948, Lee’s father and mother, Lois, bought a lot in Portuguese Bend and they commissioned Lloyd Wright Jr. to design the house which they built in 1949. The result was a striking Lloyd Wright Jr. design with angles and unique architectural elements, set on a ¾ acre lot, with an almost unimaginably enchanting view of Abalone Cove and Catalina Island. The house was a showplace of old Hollywood glamour, with examples of Jester’s work and awards on display. Guests were sometimes treated to a personal tour of the home by Ralph’s beautiful and gracious wife Lois Jester.

Lee Jester began a career in the landscape nursery business and park administration. Further studies led to a later career in residential development. Now retired, he spends time pursuing his enjoyment of music, art, and architecture. Lee has kept records that the Palos Verdes Library has helped him organize and record for the history books. The story about his father’s history with the movies will be shared with The Circle, including actual paintings and costumes from various movies.

“I would like the ladies from the Circle to be surprised by Lee Jester’s presentation. Lee’s mother was a member of the Circle for many years” - Jody Wiggins