Moving Ahead

After many months of writing about the pandemic, we see a light at the end of the tunnel. As you will see in some of the items below, Circumnavigators are slowly returning to normal times. Many members are fully vaccinated and planning to take off to see more of the world. Best wishes to Circumnavigators who venture abroad.

Live from Naples

In April, the Naples Chapter held the first “live” event since Covid put the brakes on in-person Club events. It was a “hybrid” meeting with Circumnavigators attending either in person or by Zoom to hear a presentation on Iceland by Chapter historian Sophie Classen. Surprisingly, more than 60 members attended for cocktails, brunch and social interaction. Only ten members elected to use Zoom. It was great to get together.

Reminder – Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 19 at 5:00 pm (EDT). After the formal meeting, members and guests will be invited to watch a presentation by Photographer Gunther Winkler and his wife Maria (Naples Chapter). Great photos from around the world will be shown. A reminder Zoom link will be emailed closer to the meeting. We hope you can join us.

On the Road Again

Circumnavigators are beginning to travel internationally. If you have made a foreign trip, please let us know about it. It is important to share this information with members.

Hawaii

Although it is not technically international for Americans, Hawaii is a long distance away. Pacific Southwest President Virginia Foster and her husband Arthur Hammons visited the far-flung islands and are able to share the technical issues of traveling there. You can contact Virginia by getting her email address from Tracy at headquarters. Circumnavigator Ken Mink also visited Hawaii, hitting several of the islands.

Egypt

The land of pyramids is turning out to be a popular destination for Circumnavigators. Several Club members have gone there and report that the pyramids, The Sphinx and other ancient sites are virtually empty of tourists, making for a delightful experience. Circumnavigator Melanie Peterson (Chicago Chapter) has recently visited Egypt, and Washington DC Chapter members Norman and Susan Dailey are in Aswan now and are attempting to get to Jordan. We will hear more from the Daileys next month.

Scuttlebutt

Two Circumnavigators and Order of Magellan honorees were in the news. The late astronaut Sally Ride will be honored on a coin. The U.S. Mint announced that late La Jolla resident and astronaut Sally Ride and late writer Maya Angelou will be the first two women honored on coins issued under the American Women Quarters Program.

“Sally would be so moved by this great honor,” said Tam O’Shaughnessy, Ride’s life partner and co-founder of Sally Ride Science at UC San Diego Extension. “It’s especially fitting that it comes during the 20th-anniversary celebration for Sally Ride Science. This tribute reflects Sally’s legacy not only as a trailblazing astronaut but also as a champion of diversity and inclusion in STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] fields.” Sally was a member of the Circumnavigators Pacific Southwest Chapter.

Explorer and adventurer Bertrand Piccard was honored by the Circumnavigators after he circumnavigated in a balloon in 1999. Later he developed the Solar Impulse, a plane that could fly without a drop of fuel. His co-pilot on that circumnavigation, Andre Borschberg, was also awarded the Order of Magellan. Now Bertrand has announced that he has fulfilled his promise, made in 2019, to come up with 1000 solutions to improve the environment. He wrote a letter to his friend and Circumnavigator Helen Jenkins which said, “Feel free to spread the word about this #beyond1000solutions campaign. The video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yHfGj6lpVw explains our action in a simple and succinct way.”

Around the World with Albert

Legendary traveler and author Albert Podell wowed Circumnavigators with a fast-paced, witty travel presentation via Zoom. About 70 members and guests were treated to this fascinating travelog. 

Calling all Collectors

Is there something special that you collect from each place you visit? Let us know! You could be featured in our “Collectors Corner” column of an upcoming edition of The LOG. Past collections have included beer bottles, keys, mugs and masks. Email Katie Koontz at katherinenkoontz@gmail.com if interested.

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

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