Cheers for 2021!…

It’s a nice feeling, at least psychologically, to put 2020 in the rearview mirror and head into a new year that promises to be brighter and safer. Remember the pandemic is still with us, so continue to take the necessary precautions. We all look forward to Circumnavigator events and getting back to our travels. Best wishes for our members, friends and families.

Congratulations Photographers

The 2020 Photo Contest set a record with more than 130 photos submitted, raising $1300 for the foundation. Thanks go to our professional judges who had to wade through numerous outstanding shots. All three said the judging was very difficult with so many great photos. The judges were professional photographers Roger Weatherburn Baker (Naples, FL), Mike Johnson (Estero, FL) and Richard Senti (Arizona). Members can review all of the 2020 photos by clicking the photo tab at the top of the website. Shown below are the top winners in each category.

Happy 70th Anniversary, Al Morasso

No, not a wedding anniversary. Al celebrates his 70th year as a Circumnavigator, a record that will undoubtedly stand of a long time. Al was introduced to the Club and sponsored by his father who was a long-time Circumnavigator and Past President. Al followed in his footsteps and also served as Club President. Another Past President, Howard Matson, describes the event honoring Al:

The lines of communication were humming recently when a Zoom Cocktail Party for the Club’s current and past International Presidents was placed on the calendar.  In attendance were Executive Director Tracy Sancilio, Executive Director “emeritus” Helen Jost, International President David Mink, Second Vice President Brad Vogel, Foundation President Greg Rider, Past Presidents Bill Holm, Jeff Kelly, Howard Matson, Al Morasso and Peter Mosse, and New York Metro Program Chair, Jeffrey Peterson and his wife C. Eda Peterson. 

Besides the goal of a congenial get-together raising a glass of wine and reminiscing, was the “surprise” celebration of Past International President Al Morasso’s 70th anniversary of his membership application (November, 1950).  A Club historic record!  Al’s term was 2003 until 2006 and in another first, he became the first member to serve in the position once held by his father.  All Circumnavigators join in congratulating Al and our former first lady, Betty, who live in New Jersey – Good health to you,  Al. Luck to you!

House of Lords Dinner is on the Calendar

One of the top annual events for Circumnavigators is the holiday dinner party at the House of Lords, sponsored by the UK Chapter. Unfortunately, the 2020 dinner was canceled but UK Chapter President Helen Jenkins reports that the event has been scheduled for 2021. It will be held in London (of course) on December 9, 2021. Please contact Helen if you would like to attend. 

Scuttlebutt

Order of Magellan honoree Mark Kelly has been elected to the U.S. Senate to represent Arizona. Mark is the second Circumnavigator honoree and astronaut to serve in the Senate, following in the footsteps of John Glenn.

The Last Shot

Do you have a good photo for The Last Shot? Please send to club@circumnavigators.org.

Luck to you!

David A. Mink
International President
davidamink@me.com

Let’s Have Some Fun

We have had enough of the pandemic, cancelled trips, lockdowns and the like. It’s time to look on the bright side and find ways to have some fun while staying close to home. We are going to pass on a few recommendations and ask Circumnavigators to give us other good ideas for this forum. So here it goes—-This writer is strongly recommending a series on Netflix that should wow every Circumnavigator. It is “Somebody Feed Phil”. Phil visits cities around the world to sample their cuisine and culture. It is very informative and funny, too. Also, do you have Alexa? Everyday ask Alexa for “Geo Quiz” which is created by National Geographic. You’ll get six questions—different everyday—to test your knowledge of geography. Questions range from simple to difficult. Please send us your recommendations to share.

The Most & The Least

First VP Dan Peterson (Chicago) has passed on a link to a ranking of some of the highs and lows in world locations. It’s a fascinating look at our world.
Link to The Most & The Least (pdf)

We have our work to do

How are our students doing in geography? Watch this video. It’s only a small sample so we can assume (and hope) most students do a lot better.

Reminders

The Annual Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on October 14. Invitations and the ballot are in the mail to members. Also, if you have visited all seven continents and not received your certificate, please check to make sure you are listed as a qualifier. Go to the membership tab on this web site and check out qualifiers.

Scuttlebutt

Circumnavigator’s Book

Angela McLean (At Large, Kansas) has put out a book based on her travels, Around the World in 101 Photos. Angela made a nice tribute to the Circumnavigators Club in the acknowledgments. The book can be purchased on Amazon and a portion of the purchase price is going as a donation to the Circumnavigators Foundation. Congratulations and thank you, Angela.

It was a Zoom Party

New York Metro held a Virtual Cocktail Party which offered a fun social time along with guest speaker Eli Lewien, who shared stories from his travels around the world, including quarantine for two weeks in Sydney. Poor guy was only allowed three beers a day!

The Last Shot

Do you have a good photo for The Last Shot? Please send to club@circumnavigators.org.

Luck to you!

David A. Mink
International President
davidamink@me.com