Chairperson's Message

It’s hard to believe the 2007 Chairman’s Cruise is history! My wife, Nancy, and I want to thank all the folks who joined us. We made memories we will cherish for the rest of our lives. It was wonderful to share the amazing ports of call with our group of travelers as we cruised on Holland America’s Westerdam through the Mediterranean.

Our adventure began as we flew from Philadelphia to Paris and then to Rome. Saturday, our first free day, was in Rome where we enjoyed the many beautiful sights of the city including The Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum and more. We all agreed we would like to have had another day there, but were thrilled to be treated to a wonderful Italian dinner that evening with lots of food and fine wines.

On Sunday we were driven to the port of Civitavecchia where we boarded our beautiful floating hotel, the Westerdam. We were all happy to unpack just one time and make the ship headquarters for our journey. Our first stop was Monte Carlo where preparations were in full swing for the Grand Prix to be held later that week. Our ports of call included Livorno (Tuscany) Italy. The city has been rebuilt after extensive damage during WWII and is now the second largest Italian port and gateway to Tuscany’s magnificent artistic and architectural wealth. Pisa, with its well-known leaning tower, is just a short distance from the city. After a day at sea we made port in Barcelona, Spain. Some of this city’s treasures include 70 museums, three universities and 16 parks, but the true treasures of the area are the friendly people. Mallorca, largest of the Balearic Islands, was our next stop. This spot, with its wonderful beaches, is a favorite of European tourists trying to escape the summer heat. After visiting La Goulette in Tunisia, Palermo, Sicily, and Naples, Italy, we returned to Civitavecchia where we boarded our flight for home.

Each year the Travel Agency offers a wonderful opportunity to travel on the Chairman’s Cruise. The 2008 Chairman’s Cruise will be October 1-16 to the Panama Canal. Nancy and I would love to have you aboard!

Our magazine cover story is an important one. Our most valuable asset, our children, have begun another year of school. It is not a waste of time or print to remind us all that these youngsters will be waiting for buses, walking and biking to school - some will be driving cars. It is critical that we remind them of safety factors; we should be cognizant of their presence and be vigilant in our vehicles.

We read with great pride of Alexander Hernandez, a school patroller from Maytown Elementary School, and his bravery in saving a kindergartener’s life. Our most sincere thanks and congratulations to Alexander, our inductees to the Hall of Fame and to the patrollers who see their fellow classmates safely to and from school each day. Well done!

Wilson L. Aungst
Chairperson of the Board
AAA Central Penn