MAY 2002
|
Chairman's Message
This month Conde Nast Traveler Magazine includes an interesting story covering TCC. Mark Jolly, the writer, attended our December 01 luncheon as well as phoned some of you who were not at the luncheon. We received several hundred phone requests and many, many questions. Please remember we do not solicit memberships. On March 15th, 2002 the leaders of Serbia and Montenegro agreed to abandon the name of Yugoslavia and giving Montenegro more autonomy in order to avoid a messy independence fight. March Luncheon Speakers Dr. Maclyn Somers and Gerry Somers do short term medical work in 3rd world countries with World Medical Mission, which is under Samaritan's Purse. Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son, is head of both. When tragedies happen, they are usually the first ones there. They are starting a hospital in Afghanistan and hope to repair their one in the Sudan. They have many other needs, too. If anyone would be interested in helping financially or be interested in serving part time as a physician or a nurse, you can find one that suits you perfectly. You can contact both World Medical Mission and Samaritan's Purse at 1-828-262-1980. They will send you literature. Anyone who wants to talk to the Somers may do so. They say if you really want an adventure of your life, this is it.
Wheels of Humanity Another of our March Luncheon guest speakers was David Morton, a volunteer representing "Wheels for Humanity", an organization based in North Hollywood that collects used wheelchairs. He explained how he travels to developing countries and gives wheelchairs to the disabled poor. In January David led a small distribution team into Afghanistan and worked in Spin Boldak and Khandahar dealing with land mine victims. Though they crossed many times from Pakistan into Afghanistan and back, at no time did they show their passports. David has led teams into Mongolia, Vietnam, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Following his presentation he flew to Nicaragua to work with President Bolanos's wife in the presidential palace in Managua.
|
President's
Message
For those of you at the March meeting who saw me in a wheelchair, I am now walking around with a cane. After an MRI, MRA, Neurologist and a Neurosurgeon, the cause of my infirmity still remains a mystery. However, there will be trips in our future; a little cane will not stop me. Past President, Ken Ziegler, injured his back making it to his 314th country. He is to be congratulated; (I am not sure our health problems are not related being Presidents of TCC.) Long time member
Al Giese pro-vided the board members with interesting Statistics
about TCC. We have a total membership of 1473 as of September 2001
of which 1.56% have traveled to 300+ countries; 2.79% to 250+; 9.23%
to 200+ and 70.67% to 100+.
June Lunch Wendy Winderbank, a well known lecturer, will present "The Golden Land", Old Burma, New Myanmar, a pictorial journey of slides taken during her recent trip. Chatham
Islands The isolated Chatham Islands, 490 miles east of Wellington, New Zealand are definitely a worthwhile addition to the TCC list. The main island, Chatham, with a population of 700 humans and 700,000 sheep, is green, rugged, scenic, and windy. In late February I spent three days exploring the island, staying at the comfortable Chatham Islands Lodge, very efficiently run by the Sutherland family. From the lodge there is an excellent view over the pastoral countryside. With a car and guide, I explored the coastline, volcanic hills, patches of forests with 200 year old tree carvings and visited isolated farms and rock carvings. An unusual sight was the statue of Tommy Solomon, the last full-blooded Maoriori native of the islands. On my flight back to Wellington on Chathams Air there were ten passengers and seven tons of fish. I was hoping for some sushi. Unfortunately , there was no Japanese chef on board. In Memoriam Longtime So. California member, Richard Woodard recently passed away in Palm Desert, survived by his longtime wife and several children. |
|
|
TCC
Recent Events
|
||
|
Info File Items A hearty thanks to all of you club members for sending in Info Files for our Centurian. They are enjoyed by all, so please send in your items of interest. Don't forget that these must be typewritten, single spaced and not to exceed two pages due to cost of postage. Those of you who have sent in your Info Files that have not yet been published, please be patient as they will be used in the future. Note: We do not edit or correct misspellings, since we cannot match your type. You can also send your info files to our e-mail address: tccclub3@gte.net. Please note that when you request back issues of Info Files, there is a $1.00 cost per Info File. New Engraved Name Tags We have new permanent name tags with the TCC Logo and your name engraved. Cost $7.50 including shipping. If you wish to order, send us your check and you will receive your tag in 14 to 21 days. |
New Pins! We finally received our order for Silver 150+ Countries and Gold 200+ Countries in tie-tack backing and pin back. Cost $8.00. Club Lapel Pin We are now offering (at regular $10.00 price) a new "his and hers" lapel pin with a tie-tack backing making it easier to attach. We know that you will wish to order this item to show your friends and to wear as a symbol of the world's most prestigious travel club. Available to all members and provisionals. Attention
Travel Agents: We plan to mail out in the fall a new updated list of TCC Travel Agents. Please mail us your busiess card by June 30th. Please send in a separate envelope and mark on the outside - Travel Agent Directory. Thank you. |
|
|
Officers Executive
Board Members |
Travelers'
Century Club for Area Updates |
|
Congratulations
to the 12 lucky members who visited the BIOT in February 2002. Congratulations
also to Treasurer Kevin Hughes, who spent one week in Afghanistan.
Update
end of March: The Robert Mondavi Food and Wine Center is a great
place for a meeting. Everyone seemed to have a good time and enjoyed
the meal. I enjoyed talking to a great many of you.
Copyright © 2002 The Travelers' Century Club
The Travelers' Century Club is a Member of the Better Business Bureau
