July 2021 Circumbits

Jul 022021

Celebrating Freedom

The challenging days of the pandemic have made Circumnavigators reflect on the value of freedom—speech, worship, travel. Most members live in places where these values are cherished. As we get back to international travel, let’s remember the importance of freedom.

Over the Horizon

Circum Legend Alfred (Al) Morasso, Jr. passed away in June at the age of 94 in Somerset, NJ. Al was a member of the Circumnavigators Club for a remarkable 70 years. His father, who was the sole survivor of a tragic ship sinking in Scandinavia, was President of the Circumnavigators and sponsored his son at an early age. Al later became President of the Club from 2004 to 2006. Al’s son (third generation Alfred Morasso) is also a member of the Club for 18 years and is a Life Member.

Always a colorful individual with a fascinating history, including service in the Korean War, he will be missed. The Club offers its sympathy to wife Betty and the whole Morasso clan.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, July 10, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 414 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ with internment in The Garth. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., Kings Point, NY or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Friends of Music, Westfield, NJ in his memory would be appreciated.

Honorary President

The Board of Governors has bestowed a special honor to long-time Circumnavigator Lois Kahan. Lois, who joined the Club in 1994, was named Honorary President of which she remarked, “I’ll tell my family to make sure it is on my gravestone.” Lois has a great sense of humor and is adored by all. She has served the Club in many capacities and rarely misses an event in New York. Congratulations to our Honorary President!

Scuttlebutt

Circumnavigator Sir Clive Banfield, who lives in Saint Thomas, called our attention to the recent recognition by the National Geographic Society of a fifth ocean. The Southern Ocean now joins the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic and Indian Oceans. Clive has sailed all five oceans; how many other Circumnavigators have accomplished this?