John Baxter was a member of the Cresthaven Ski Club in the 1960’s and was quite active in the Club. Although he had a handicap of a withered arm, it did not deter him. His enthusiasm and attitude toward life was infectious. He was a firm believer of keeping in shape even before it was fashionable. In the spring and summer, while some members drove to the courts to play tennis, John would join them, having ridden his bicycle from his home in the downtown area of Brooklyn.
John started the Club’s Shelter Island bike outings on weekends. Many also joined him every weekend for bike rides in Central Park. In the fall, he helped us get ready for the ski season by leading our ice skating outings every Thursday.
When ski season came, John was well prepared and went on many weekend trips and organized trips to Gray rocks in Canada. On these trips, John was always the life of the party. He loved to welcome new members to the Club and make them feel comfortable at our meetings.
John was Vice President during the 1969-70 year. Unfortunately, on the eve of the ski fantasy in 1970, John passed away suddenly.
The Club decided to honor John Baxter by making his Vice President Trophy a “Revolving Trophy”. It is awarded each year to a member who is neither on the executive board nor holds an appointed office, but who has devoted his or her time and energy working for the betterment of the Club. This is the Club’s highest appreciation award. It’s just a small way of saying ‘Thank You’ for all the help unselfishly rendered.
By Fran Melanson
Past John Baxter Award Recipients:
1971 Tony Gurgui
1972 Barbara Masterson O'Keefe
1973 Richard Vitkay
1974 Fran O'Loughlin
1975 Peter Jansky
1976 Neal O'Keefe
1977 Lucia O'Laughlin
1978 Kathleen Nezalsky
1979 Andy Bourbigot
1980 Ed Vogel
1981 Genevieve Jansky
1982 Joseph Hartdegan
1983 Myrna Bourbigot
1984 Anthony Percivalle
1985 Ed Bopp
1986 Catherine Kane Hartdegan
1987 Aldo Spetti
1988 Bob Martellucci
1989 Al Magliano
1990 Pat Dolan
1991 George Reyels
1992 Aileen Martellucci
1993 Fran Melanson
1994 Charlie Marrara
1995 Ralph LaMoglia
1996 Jaclin Gitter
1997 Dorothy Sellitto
1998 Lois Katz
1999 Clarice Mormando
2000 Audrey Schlau
2001 Gwen Morris Davis
2002 Marge Mulkeen
2003 Ed Podlesny
2004 Diano Lindo
2008 Frank Majerle
Additional Club Awards: The Dorothy Sellitto Spirit Award
Profiles of Past Recipients:
2008 - Frank Majerle
- The year’s recipient has been a member of the board for many years.
- After the meetings are over, his work is just beginning. Long after everyone else has left or gone to the bar, he is busy working away on his laptop.
- If visibility is bad on the slopes, his colorful outfits and pink ski poles are like a beacon leading us all home.