Historical Highlights
In October, 1946, Newington Ski Club (NSC) was founded in the kitchen of Merrill and Fannie Louks with the late Bill Badger and Harold “Bitsey” Grant who was the Club’s first president.
The charter membership was 14 and membership increased to 25 by the end of the first year. Enthusiasm for skiing has increased over the years and today the Club membership is at approximately 750 members.
In 1948, the Club’s Junior Program began and continued into the mid 1970’s, whereby the Club would instruct youngsters in the basic fundamentals of skiing at the Indian Hill Country Club. NSC has sponsored several juniors in state and regional racing events. This year we have encouraged a family membership, hoping to promote our junior membership again.
NSC is active in organized skiing on a council and regional level. Our Club has chaired many events for the CT Ski Council including several snow balls, council weekends, races, and outings. Three NSC members, the late John Ogle, and active members, Conrad Manville and Ed Stokarski, served as Council Presidents. Joe Bascetta served as Council Treasurer for many years. The Newington Ski Club is proud of all our members that race and have helped us to several first place finishes in the Monday Night Racing Series as well as the On Snow Carnival races.
In the early 1950’s, NSC joined the now dissolved United States Eastern Amateur Ski Association (USEASA) and the Club’s influence could be felt throughout this organization. Several of the Club’s members served on USEASA committees and Conrad Manville was treasurer and an Eastern Board member for many years.
In 1970, NSC celebrated its 25th anniversary at which time the Louks Award was established to honor Merrill and Fannie Louks, two founders of the club. Annually, this award is given to an outstanding Club member or couple.
From 1970 to present, many members has enjoyed many western and European ski trips along with many weekend trips. Skiing Tuckerman’s Ravine on Mt. Washington is still a popular weekend trip.
While NSC was founded primarily as a ski club, we have over the years become involved in a variety of other recreational, social and civic activities.
Hiking. Members have hiked all the CT. Blue Trails, Appalachian Trail in MA and their goal is to hike all trails in New England.
Biking. On Monday evenings, during the summer, members meet at various locations throughout CT and road bike. On weekends, several members bike century trips which include Tiverton and Vernon to Vernon, Mad River Glen, and Bike Along the Sound. Several members meet and mountain bike on various CT trails.
Golf. Groups are organized during the year with many members participating at all levels of play, along with an Annual Tournament.
Walk America. Since 1979, members have been walking in the annual March of Dimes walk-a-thon and have raised over $95,000.00.
Skiers Unlimited. We hold an annual fundraiser to benefit the children of Connecticut Children’s Medical Hospital. This worthwhile program enables children with special needs to learn to ski, some with the use of adaptive ski equipment.