On Friday, March 9, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio
welcomed longtime friends, Dr. Wayne Clough, the 12th Secretary of
the Smithsonian Institution, and his wife Anne, aboard the Lady Kathryn V. Under
a blanket of clouds and a full moon, some 80 guests gathered to help welcome the
Secretary to Palm Beach. Guests included an exciting array of Smithsonian board
members from the Treasure Coast, along with members, patrons, and those
interested in knowing more about the Smithsonian’s work in research, education,
and scientific discovery.
Understanding and safeguarding our ocean was a
theme of the event with Dr. Cristián Samper, Director of the Smithsonian’s
National Museum of Natural History, and World renowned oceanographer and Sant
Chair for Marine Science, Dr. Nancy Knowlton, joining Dr. Clough in brief
program remarks.
Guests include Ambassador Mary Ourisman who served
on the Smithsonian National Board, Alex and Renate Dreyfoos, Ed and Margie
Allinson among others. Longtime patron of the Smithsonian, John Firestone of
Washington, DC and Palm Beach attended along with Marsha Wilson.