Officers and Governors at Annual Meeting. Jeffery Peterson, Michael Bell, Kristen Koontz, Greg Rider, David Mink, Howard Matson, Jim Franch, Michael Puldy.
Historic Gavel Taps in Annual Meeting
The Circumnavigators Club completed its 121st Annual Meeting last month at the Penn Club in New York. Members attended from far and wide including Oregon, California and Peru. Committee reports and Club finances were reviewed with the state of affairs in good order. The Circumnavigators Foundation also reported good standing. After the meeting, members and guests enjoyed a fascinating presentation by Malaysian Azman Mokhtar who discussed his epic circumnavigation of 77 days on 77 trains.
About the Gavel
As a bit of history, the gavel was given to the Club by celebrity member William Jennings Bryan in 1908. Mr. Bryan, having run unsuccessfully for president three times, has been described as the most famous American in the period. Here is a little update from this writer—-for last year’s meeting, president David Mink was given possession of the gavel because Executive Director Tracy Sancilio could not attend. David reports he has never been more nervous about any possession. How would it feel to by the president who lost the gavel! It spent a year in a safe deposit box at the Jersey shore and was delightfully handed back to Tracy for the meeting.
Did you get your copy of The LOG?
Our venerable Club publication has finally been published. Members should have received it in the mail. We invite you to give us feedback and comments about the issue. Also, if you don’t save your copy, please don’t throw it away. Pass it on to friends or neighbors, or give it back to your Chapter president for future use in welcoming new members. Finally, please note: No unsolicited stories will be accepted for upcoming issues. If you have a good story, please review it with the LOG staff.
Chapter Highlights
Singapore Chapter…Singapore Chapter President Mr Ang Hao Yao presenting membership certificates to new members Mr Peter Ho and Mr Allan Lim.
Bill Ashley (Washington DC Chapter) recently returned from a wonderful trip to Iraqui, Kurdistan. Not only did he see many sites that date back thousands of years, he saw sites that showed Saddam Hussein’s lifestyle and the torture he as convicted of through his gassings in several villages.
Left: Bill Ashley at the pilgrimage site of Yezidi people in Lalish; Right: Bottle Tree in Socotra, Yemen.
In February, Bill visited the island of Socotra, the island owned by Yemen. Even though it is most known for its endemic Blood Trees, there are also Bottle Trees (see above) which are also endemic to the island. When in bloom as he saw elsewhere on the island, they have beautiful pink blossoms.
The Last Shot
Thanks to Daniel Mink for this stunning night shot on the beach in Belize. Summer is Beach time!
Welcome to this beautiful time of the year. Circumnavigators are traveling extensively, and Chapters are getting together for social interaction. Make sure to send us info and photos about your trips.
Naples Chapter Monthly Meeting
The Naples Chapter held its monthly meeting on March 12th at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club. Seventy members attended to hear David Mink, Circumnavigators Club International President, tell us stories, dramatic and humorous about our historic Club, which was founded in New York City in 1902. He also shared information on our worldwide chapters. Executive Director, Tracy Sancilio, joined us from New York and presented information on the Circumnavigators Club Foundation. A very interesting presentation, and a delicious lunch was enjoyed by all. See more pictures here.
Foundation Scholar Presentations
The Chicago Chapter hosted two events featuring Northwestern University’s most recent scholars.
Vivica’s family, along with former Scholars Amanda Davis (Northwestern) and Daniel Dozier (Georgetown) joined us for the event.
Vivica Lewis presented her research project “Birth Control Bans to Contraceptive Care” at the Union League Club in Chicago. She captivated the audience with her discoveries, the implications of her research, and her passion for the field, to which she will continue to contribute. Vivica’s family, along with former Scholars Amanda Davis (Northwestern) and Daniel Dozier (Georgetown) attended the event.
Deanna Padgett and MacKenzie Gentz; Vice President of Membership, Jim Franch presented her with her official membership certificate, as well as a Chicago Circumnavigators travel journal.
Mackenzie Gentz presented her research project “Linguistic Baggage: A Global Examination of Adult Accent Training in English as a Second Language (ESL) Classrooms” at Lake Point Tower in Chicago. She provided a detailed look at the variables, and their implications, of ESL education at her 6 destinations. Vice President of Membership, Jim Franch presented her with her official membership certificate, as well as a Chicago Circumnavigators travel journal.
Pacific Southwest Event
Arthur Hammons, George Beebe, Larry Branton, Ken Mink, JJ Mink, JaNell McCullough, Virginia Foster, Kathleen Beebe, Lynn Payette and Caroline Parrish
Members and guests gathered for a delicious brunch on March 24. George Beebe presented “Round the World Trip #14 with a quick look at Singapore, Bangkok, and Jeddah.”
Communications
Michael Puldy, our Communications Committee Chair, has asked us to post the following info:
Join our LinkedInGroup. LinkedIn users can search for “Circumnavigators Club” or send a LinkedIn message to either Michael Puldy or Josh Datko for an invitation to join our group. Our LinkedIn group is a great place to share stories, photographs, or ask questions about an upcoming destination. Our members have literally been everywhere.
Instagram users can follow our club here… DM your photos with a brief caption or use the hashtag #circumnavigatorsclub in your post. You can also email pictures and stories directly to Michael at mpuldy@gmail.com. Please include “Circumnavigators Club” in the subject line.
Circumnavigator Suzanne Frye (New York Metro) enjoyed the sights and tastes of Dubai. She sampled the tasting menu at Tresind Studio, one of the hottest restaurants in Dubai.
Circumnavigators Bill & Connie Kleinfelter are half way through their six-month circumnavigation. They made it to the West Coast of Australia.
Trip to Antarctica…Jeneane and Donald Blom, from the Chicago Chapter, went on a month-long trip to Antarctica in February (Auckland New Zealand to Ushuaia Argentina) on the National Geographic Endurance.
The Last Shot
Thanks to Circumnavigator Brian Baum (Pacific NW Chapter) for this recent, stunning sunset in Suva, Fiji.
On March 25, George Beebe presented “Round the World Trip #14 with a quick look at Singapore, Bangkok, and Jeddah.” He also explained how he and Kathleen paid for the flights using mostly miles from credit cards. They served a very chic, very Euro, very elegant brunch.
Arthur Hammons, George Beebe, Larry Branton, Ken Mink, JJ Mink, JaNell McCullough, Virginia Foster, Kathleen Beebe, Lynn Payette and Caroline Parrish
The BlogComments Off on Naples Chapter Monthly Meeting – March 12th, 2023
Apr012023
Seventy members attended to hear David Mink, Circumnavigators International President, tell us stories, dramatic and humorous about our historic Club, which was founded in New York City in 1902. He also shared information on our worldwide chapters. Executive Director, Tracy Sancilio, joined us from New York and presented information on the Circumnavigators Club Foundation. A very interesting presentation, and a delicious lunch was enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Roger Weatherburn Baker (Naples Chapter) for the beautiful shot of blossoms blooming in Washington DC.
Springing into March
Best wishes to our members, family, and friends for a wonderful month of March as we eagerly look forward to the Spring season. Circumnavigators have been busy with meetings and travel, and the club has important news to share.
Magellan Event on Tap
Past President Howard Matson reports, “the Circumnavigators Club is thrilled to announce that the 2023 recipients of the prestigious “Order of Magellan” will be the wife and husband team of Maureen and Tony Wheeler.” The memorable black-tie dinner, in their honor, will be held in New York City, Friday, October 6th. Tony and Maureen are considered tycoons in the travel publishing field. As founders of the acclaimed LONELY PLANET series of books, one measure of their success is the sales of over 150 million copies of their myriad of guidebooks. Our Magellan awardees have included a father/son (Sir Edmund and Peter Hillary) and twin brothers (Scott and Mark Kelly). This event will be the Club’s first spouses as honorees. Make your plans for this not to be missed event!
1973 Georgetown Scholar Rick Stephan recently made a second substantial donation to the Foundation and consented to a half-hour interview about his Foundation-sponsored circumnavigation fifty years ago, as well as the impact that his trip has had on his life. Watch Rick’s interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqYsccfQzDw
Link to an excerpt from Rick’s interview in which he provides an eyewitness account of the revolution that overthrew the Afghan monarchy in 1973: https://youtu.be/UQvdDRelsfM
Chapter News
The DC Chapter met recently at Panda Gourmet in Washington DC with 17 attendees. Foundation grantee Sophia Doroshenko gave a presentation on her planned circumnavigation this coming summer. The group talked about their travels and topics to address membership, and a planned polo event in June.
Naples welcomed two new members, Tim Devitt and Irene Thompson, with Chapter officers Tina Nicholson and Karen Schneider.
The Naples Chapter held an event at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club in February. Ninety members and guests attended, and enjoyed the fascinating presentation given by Bo and Terrilynne Boling. They sailed for three and a half weeks on the Crystal Endeavor, crossing the Antarctic Circle, and making several stops in Argentina, and on the Antarctic Continent. Attendees enjoyed immensely their professional video, and their lively commentary.
Ethiopia…You never know where you will find prolific adventurer Suzanne Frye (New York Metro). Here is Suzanne in Ethiopia with her marvelous photos of Gelada baboons at the Simien Mountains National Park.
Southern Ocean…Circumnavigator Mark Pross (Washington DC Chapter) unfurls the Circumnavigators Club flag at the gravesite of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at Whalers’ Cemetery in Grytviken on South Georgia Island. Mark spent nearly six weeks traveling through Panama, Colombia, Chile, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, the South Orkney Islands, the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, and Paraguay. Along the way, Mark met with Circumnavigator Governor Steven Barnett and his wife Karen in Panama City.
Pitcairn Island…Circumnavigators Bill & Connie Kleinfelter (Naples Chapter) continued their five-month circumnavigation with a visit to legendary Pitcairn Island. Only about 50 people reside on the island, half of whom are descendants of Fletcher Christian of Mutiny on the Bounty fame. Only about ten ships visit the island each year. Islanders visited their ship for a meet and greet.
Egypt…Circumnavigators Dan & Melanie Peterson (Chicago Chapter) are currently enjoying a long exploration of Egypt. Here they are aboard the express train from Cairo to Alexandria)
Caribbean…Circumnavigator Fred Mink (At Large, Delaware) and wife Jan enjoyed island hopping in the Caribbean. They sailed on a small ship with a group of friends.
Antarctica…Circumnavigator Michael Puldy (Pacific Southwest Chapter) made it to his seventh continent. His itinerary was altered when a passenger was injured in South Georgia. Nonetheless, he reported an exciting adventure.
Abu Dhabi…Circumnavigators Norm & Susan Dailey (Washington DC Chapter) kept on the move as usual with visits to Mumbai, the Maldives and shown here dining in Abu Dhabi.
New Zealand…Circumnavigators Jon & Melody Dill (Naples Chapter) and Circumnavigator Halyna Traversa (Naples Chapter) and husband Bill Young cruised the South Pacific Ocean including a visit to New Zealand.
The Last Shot
Thanks to Gwendolyn Sutton (Washington DC Chapter) for another magnificent photo of cherry blossoms. Happy March!!
Best wishes to Circumnavigators, family and friends for an enjoyable month, the gateway to Spring! Members have been traveling and Chapters have been meeting as happy days are here again.
Foundation Names Grantees
The past couple of years have been a rocky time for the Circumnavigators Foundation with the restrictions and complications on travel caused by the pandemic. We are happy to report two grantees circumnavigated last summer and Northwestern University and Georgetown University selected two grantees to travel this year. They are:
Both students are from Texas and will begin their separate round-the-world trips this summer. Best wishes to both outstanding scholars.
Save the Dates
The always fabulous House of Lords dinner is confirmed in London for December 14, 2023. This event sells out quickly, so book your reservation. You can contact headquarters for more information. Our Annual Meeting will be held in New York City on Friday, May 19 with an outstanding speaker: Azman Mokhtar who circumnavigated the globe on 77 trains one 77 days. All members are welcome and guests are invited to the presentation. More details to follow.
Chapter News
Chapter President Ang Hao Yao presided over a successful Singapore Chapter meeting followed by a sumptuous dinner. The event was held at the prestigious Tower Club which sits at the top of one of Singapore’s tallest buildings with panoramic views over Marina Bay. Guests looked forward to the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit as they ate beautiful Chinese food accompanied with fine wines and sang along with the excellent band.
The pending Northeast Florida chapter had its second organizational meeting last month with 17 attending at a Jacksonville restaurant. Three more applications are in the approval process and the chapter now has double-digit membership with several more expected soon. The next meeting will be in the Spring and chapter organizer Fred Seely asks Circumnavigators to contact him if they know potential candidates for membership who live in the area. The Chapter covers the entire Northeast Florida area including Ponte Vedra, Amelia Island, St. Augustine and Jacksonville, as well as the southern area of Georgia including Sea Island and St. Simon’s Island.
We don’t know if Circumnavigators Norm & Susan Dailey (Washington DC Chapter) ever stay home. They sent us a photo of their visit to Lokobe National Park in Nosy Be Madagascar. Norm reported, “They didn’t tell us that when the tide went out we would have to walk several hundred yards to get to our dugout boat made from the fiberglass tree.” They are sailing on Oceania Nautica from Cape Town to Mumbai.
Circumnavigators Pam & Bill Girtman and Elaine Christian ( all Naples Chapter) visited Curacao where in this photo they stood in front of a rock formation called Boca de la Pistola or “Mouth of the Pistol”. The sea water has made a channel in the rock so that when a wave crashes, it makes a load noise and explodes in impressive sprays of water. This is just one of the fabulous sites they saw during a recent three-week cruise of the Caribbean.
Circumnavigator Steven Carmichael (At Large)and his wife, Susan Stoddard, set sail on “Treasures of the Arabian Sea” cruise and visited several interesting sites. They took the opportunity to “fly the flag” at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman and at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the UAE. They loved their first visit to this part of the world.
Round the World Again…Circumnavigators Bill & Connie Kleinfelter (Naples Chapter)have embarked on an ambitious circumnavigation. A five-month cruise will take them to 61 ports, 32 countries, and six continents, including fly-away off ship to Galapagos and Serengeti. They have reported a great time on the first legs of the adventure with visits to Belize, Guatemala, Columbia, Panama and the Galapagos. Luck to you, Bill and Connie!
Circumnavigators Steve & Henna Fuller (At Large) spent the holidays in Romania shown here at the magical Bran Castle.
Scuttlebutt
Circumnavigator Paulette Cooper Noble, President of the Palm Beach Chapter, is a prolific author. She gave a speech at the Palm Beach Yacht Club on how to write and sell your novel or memoir. The presentation was well received. She is shown here with husband Paul and friend Debbie Merrion.
Circumnavigators Donna Suddeth and Pam Girtman (both Naples Chapter) gave a talk on the Circumnavigators Club and Travelers Century Club for the Pelican Bay Women’s League 2023 Speaker Series in Naples. Approximately 150 women attended with some prospects for membership in the Circumnavigators.
Two Circumnavigator Club members have been busy organizing world travel tours. The information is below. The trips are private and not sponsored by the Circumnavigators Club.
Circumnavigator Henna Fuller (At Large) is organizing a round-the-world trip through her organization Cultural Wanderer. She says, “Discover fascinating places firsthand as we circle the globe for 30 days to six countries and five continents- a small group, with seasoned local guides.”
Circumnavigator Eric Oborski (New York Metro) is known for his Santa Goodwill Tours, spreading job across the world. The information for the 2023 Santa Goodwill Tours is up the website www.incontra.com.
The Last Shot
Thanks to Circumnavigator Brian Baum (Pacific Northwest Chapter) for this brilliant shot in Kilkenny, Ireland during the holidays.
The Circumnavigators Club is the only organization devoted to bringing together those men and women who have circumnavigated the globe. The Club's purpose is to encourage global fellowship and understanding. It strives to inspire people to see and absorb as much as they can about the world in which we live. It is devoted to providing those who have circumnavigated the globe with a forum for intellectual exchange.
Our Goal
Through Friendship, To Leave This World A Little Better Than We Found It.
The Club’s magazine, The Log, has been published since 1910. Now anyone can read The Log on our website, not just Club members. Take a look at previous issues here.
Search this Site
Circumnavigators Blog Posts
Translate this Page
Follow Circumnavigators Online
By signing up above to receive emails and follow Circumnavigators Club, you agree to The Hippie Boutique Cookies and Privacy Policy.
Want to Help with This Website?
Have you taken a trip that's of interest to the Circumnavigators Club and others? Do you want to share your travel photos, let people know about an out-of-the-way place you've discovered, or advise members of something not to be missed while on the road? Do you have an idea for a Mystery Photo? Let us know about your ideas for items on the Circumnavigators Blog! Use this link to Contact Us to volunteer to help with posting, writing, recruiting stories.
