TCC Newsletter - The Centurion

NY Coordinator Lynn Margaret Simmons receives a certificate of
appreciation from TCC Chairman Klaus Billip for arranging the NY
lunch during the 50th celebration

TCC Treasurer Christopher Hudson, Malibu, CA (right), welcomes two
members from England – Paul Hurwood and Brian Hanks -- at the New
York 50th Anniversary luncheon.

At the New York 50th Anniversary lunch, Margot Cortell, New York
and Jeanne Hoskins, Sumner, WA, were introduced as senior TCC members

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND A DETAILED REPORT
ON OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON IN NEW YORK

To tie in with the 50th celebration in New York, USA Today’s April 16 issue carried an article in the Travel Section on TCC, titled “Centurians celebrate 50 years of wanderlust.” The article begins, “The Travelers Century Club convenes in New York this weekend, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a guided tour of the United Nations, a Broadway show and plenty of raised glasses to the joys of collecting countries the way mere mortals collect postage stamps.”

Another article in the international magazine, Lounge, titled “Been There, Done That,” also mentions the 50th and includes interviews with several TCC members. The Club continues to receive publicity in publications throughout the world.

In a letter dated July 21, 2004, London-based Guinness World Records Limited certified Lani Shea, daughter of TCC members Jeff and Novita Shea, as the "Youngest person to travel to all seven continents."

A formal certificate the Shea's received along with the letter specifies that Lani was just 2 years and 307 days old on December 28, 2003, when she set foot oon King George Island off the coast of Antarctica – her seventh continent.

In the March 2004 Centurion, we reported that Lani had already reached her 100th country when she visited San Marino in October 2003 at the age of 2 years and 8 months.

Though TCC Headquarters has received 439 Info Files as of this publication date, in the current Info File Directory we have only included the most recent Files if more than one was submitted.

You will note that there is a blank space alongside some of the 317 TCC countries. That means we have not received an Info File for the destination. Therefore, if you have visited one of these countries in recent years, we would welcome an Info File from you. Remember, these reports are non-commercial and are not meant to publicize a tour operator, hotel or cruise line.

The Info Files are written by members for members. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and not the Travelers’ Century Club. Files must be typewritten, single spaced and not to exceed two pages.

A feature story about the 60 years of travel by Robert and Dorothy Pine of Boulder, CO, is expected to appear in a Denver paper this summer. They have traveled to 305 and 302 countries, respectively.

Robert began his travels as a naval aviator in the South Pacific and then switched to flying transport aircraft for M.A.T.S. in the North Atlantic, Arctic and European areas.

“When I retired from the Navy in 1963, I was well on my way to having visited 100 ‘countries,’ he explains. “I had never heard of the Travelers’ Century Club at that time, but being a farm boy from Kansas, I knew then that I wanted to see the rest of the world.”

The Pines have since taken over 100 ship cruises and foreign land tours and Dorothy has been able to catch up on the countries she missed while Robert was in the Navy. Although they have traveled much on their own, they have used over 50 different tour companies. Their daughter, Judith Young, travels with them on most trips and she has reached the Silver level.

They say they have attempted to really see the world by staying in places days or weeks, or making multiple visits. “For the most part, traveling is routine and pleasant,” Robert says. “There are times, however, when unusual situations occur which can be humorous, interesting, exciting or even frightening.”

The Pines state that they have enjoyed being members of the TCC and have especially enjoyed their travels with other members

Note: this section will appear from time to time. If you wouldlike your travel escapades or accomplishments/honors mentioned (subject to available space and the editor’s discretion),send your information to TCC Headquarters. Humorous incidents and letters to the editor are also welcome.