Hobbs Family Award

THE HOBBS FAMILY AWARD

The Hobbs family award is presented each year to a member who has given over and above what is necessary to keep the tradition of what makes the Salem Willows Yacht Club the special place that it is.

“To those who give the most of themselves for the betterment of the Salem Willows Yacht Club.”

Past Commodore John Hayes accepts the 2024 Hobbs Award

Commodore Frank Harrington presents the Hobbs Award to John Hayes. Pictured with his wife Sally Hayes.

The 2024 Hobbs Family Award was presented to Past Commodore John Hayes by 2024 Commodore Frank Harrington.

John was the House chair in 1978 and the Commodore in 1979.

Three events caused major damage, resulting in the loss of the SWYC porch, half the house and half the pier.

November of 1977, the club sustained damage when the 50ft yacht Philip T. Clark broke free from it’s mooring.
February of 1978, the blizzard of 78
January of 1979, during another blizzard, construction materials broke free from repair work on the city pier.

Under John’s leadership, the club was saved and restored. John was quoted by the Salem News in February of 1979, “the club traditionally opens Memorial Day weekend and one way or another, we’ll do it.”

During the presentation, John was quick to acknowledge the work of his wife Sally and the other members of the club at the time.

Details of the events can be found in the Salem Willows Yacht Club 75th Anniversary book and the story published by the Salem News on February 24, 1979.

Two years ago John was made an honorary life member of the club.

John will be our guest speaker during our Open board meeting on May 18th.

ABOUT THE HOBBS FAMILY AWARD

Ralph Hobbs Sr. was one of the original founders of the club and served as treasurer from 1937 to 1960. Ralph’s son, Ralph Jr. (Red) served on the Board of Governors for thirty years and as Commodore in 1940.

Mr. Hobbs youngest son Everett ( Bud ) Hobbs served as treasure from 1961 to 1975.
Also, Bud could always be counted on to supply food for functions and also allowed the club to store boats and materials at the family owned store in the park.

Presently, there is Charles Hobbs, son of Everett, who served as a launch operator for three years, and still helps the club on special occasions.

HOBBS AWARD RECIPIENTS

2024 – John Hayes – PC

2023 – Tony Brooks – PC

2022 – Rich McGlynn

2021 – John Regan

2020 – Jodi Jarvis

2019 – Mike Madison – PC

2018 – Jim Garfield – PC

2017 – Kevin Neumann – PC

2016 – Bob Chadwick – PC

2015 – Sandy Luzinsky

2014 – Jean Cobb

2013- Michael Cucchi – PC

2012 – Bob & Anne Olenio – PC, PC

2011 – Paul Luzinski – PC

2010 – Don Bates – PC

2009 – Marie Gordon

2008 – Thomas McLaughlin – PC

2007 – Louis “Lou” Schoenthal – PC

2006 – Patrick O’Connor – PC

2005 – Edmond “Moe” Morneau – PC

2004 – Edward “Whitey” Plecinoga – PC

2003 – Dave Sullivan

2002 – George E. Garland

2001 – Roland F. Gauthier

2000 – John & Mary Cronin