Explorers celebrate 30th anniversary
By Warner M. Montgomery
Warner@TheColumbiaStar.com

Chairs of the Greater Piedmont Chapter of The Explorers Club since 1976 at the Gala are (l-r) Dr. Bruce Rippeteau, Dr. Billy Moore, Dr. John Vernberg, Dr. Bill Vartorella, Dr. Winona Vernberg, Alan Shoemaker, Jim Welch, Dr. Steve Stancyk, and Dr. Warner M. Montgomery.

It was a typical Explorers Club event - exotic appetizers, pipes and drums, native costumes, gourmet food, prizes, awards, and lots of adventurous fun. Over a hundred nattily-attired Explorers and their guests celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Greater Piedmont Chapter October 27 at the Marriott Hotel.

Dr. Warner M. Montgomery, chair of the Greater Piedmont Chapter, served as master of ceremonies. Dr. Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at USC, recognized officers from the world headquarters of the 102-year-old Explorers Club in New York City: Dan Bennett, president; Brian Hanson, vice president; Catherine Cooke, secretary; and Dr. Scott Winters, a member of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Fitzpatrick honored the founders of the chapter:

Ceille Welch touches up her lipstick before entering the ballroom.

+ Horace Byrne, represented by his daughter, Deborah Babel;

+ Dr. George Fulton, represented by his son, George Fulton Jr.; and

+ Jim Jackson, represented by his widow, Jackie Reynolds, and his step-daughter, Beth Maurer.

Max Gallimore, an early member of the club from Atlanta, and Drs. John and Winona Vernberg, former chairs of the chapter were also honored.

Dr. Donna Richter, dean of the Arnold School of Public Health at USC, presented awards to scholarship winners Graham Van Schaik of Spring Valley High School and Melissa Sims of the College of Charleston.

Medallions were presented to participants in the Young Explorers Challenge:

+ A.C. Flora (sponsored by The Columbia Star ): Coach Tom Sunday, Sydney Kornegay, Milenko Fadic, Amy Betenbaugh, and Greg Balaam;

Dr. John Safko, USC astrophysicist, wears an African boubou gown and cap.

+ Dreher (Boozer Lumber Co.): Coach Debra Kinder, Jessica Grant, Mary Francis Cely, Job Grant, and Stan Adkins;

+ Hammond ( The Columbia Star ): Coach Matt Ramsby, Hannah Ugarte, Ella Hyatt, Ree Lightsey, and Wilson McWilliams;

+ Heathwood Hall (PEAK Outdoor Center): Coach Stan Woods, Eric Reeves, Katie McInnis, Frances Ellerbe, and Christine Parham.

The competition (sponsored by River Runner, City of Columbia Parks Department, and the SC State Museum) consisted of a kayak relay race on the Columbia Canal, a chariot race from the canal to the State Museum, and a quiz on exhibits in the State Museum. The winner was Heathwood Hall.

Dr. Jonathan Leader, SC State Archaeologist, gave a multi-media presentation on the recovery of the CSS Hunley.

The finale of the evening was a presentation by Howard Burnham who impersonated Squire Waterton, an eccentric British explorer who rode a caiman in South American in the 19th century.

Dr. Bruce and Sandy Rippeteau celebrate in their yak hats.

Heathwood Hall, winners of the Young Explorers Challenge received medallions and a trophy. Team members are (l-r) Coach Stan Wood, Frances Ellerbe, Christine Parham, Eric Reeves, and Katie McInnis. Janet Ciegler and Col. Carroll Furman are stylish in their Indian and military attire. Drummer Danny Skinner and piper Cameron Kloot prepare to lead the procession into the ballroom. Sandra and Howard Burnham enjoy the Southern Exotics. Dr. Donna Richter, dean of the Arnold School of Public Health at USC, presents scholarship awards.