Geldert medal goes to Nino Chiovelli
George Pepall, President of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC), has
announced that Nino Chiovelli of Edmonton, Alberta has been awarded the Geldert
Medal for 2010. The Geldert Medal is given annually for the best article or
series of articles in The Canadian Philatelist, journal of the society.
Chiovelli was chosen the Geldert winner for his article “Canadian Food Mail
Program” which was published in the March-April 2010 issue. It was one of 20
eligible items. The jury chose Chiovelli’s article for its originality and the
emphasis placed on a little known area of philately.
On hearing of his success, Nino Chiovelli said, “I was totally surprised and was
completely unaware that the Geldert Medal existed.” When he was asked why he
chose to write such a story, he said “I am a retired postal clerk and have been
familiar with the program for many years.” He admitted articles “have been
written about the program,” but this is an “important piece of information for
air mail collectors and generalists” that may have been missed.
Unfortunately, Chiovelli does “not have any original CFMP material. He said his
goal was “to inform the philatelic arena of the program” which the Geldert Medal
Selection Committee considered he did with informed expertise.
Nino Chiovelli collected stamps when he was a youngster, but “then dropped out”
until he started piloting hot air balloons in the 1970s and 1980s when people
asked him to carry covers on various flights. “That started me on the highly
specialized trail of collecting Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific, and
around-the-world ‘carried-on-board flight covers.’” He has also helped the
Aerophilatelic Society and some balloon clubs in producing covers.
On the importance of collectors sharing their hobby with others, he said “it is
that research that supplies both the vocal and printed information that gives
vibrancy to the hobby.” He added “sharing research is a magnet that will draw
people to the hobby as it does open the door to adventure.”
George Pepall said “it is important to congratulate Geldert Medal winners
because they are an inspiration to others and a wonderful example for the
hobby.” He said “the 2010 winner has presented an little known area for the
collectors, and it should motivate aerophilatelists especially.” He added
“because Nino Chiovelli was prepared to share his expertise with collectors, it
is an immense benefit to The Canadian Philatelist and other philatelic
publications.” Pepall hopes to make arrangements to have the medal presented to
Chiovelli at the ROYALE*2011*ROYAL IN Dorval, Quebec in May.
The Geldert Medal was established in 1967 by Phyllis Geldert in memory of her
husband Dr. George M. “Mac” Geldert, FRPSC and RPSC president (1958-1967).
The Geldert Medal selection committee consists of RPSC members Michael O. Nowlan,
Chair; Cimon Morin and Kevin O’Reilly.
Information on The RPSC can be had by e-mail at info@rpsc.org
or by visiting the Society's
website at www.rpsc.org, or by calling
416-979-8874, toll free 1-888-285-4143.
For more information contact:
Michael O. Nowlan 506-357-2698
Margaret Schulzke 1 888-285-4143
