Three citizens whose civic commitments have contributed greatly to the improvement of their adopted community will be inducted into the Fremont Hall of Fame in an April 29 ceremony at the Abbey Event Center, 2951 East Highway 50.
The ninth annual Fremont Hall of Fame will honor Larry Oddo, Myron “Smitty” Smith and the late Maureen Baxter.
“On behalf of the Pueblo Community College Foundation, we join with the citizens of Fremont County to congratulate Larry Oddo, Myron ‘Smitty’ Smith and the family of Maureen Baxter for their inductions into the 2016 Fremont Hall of Fame,” said foundation Executive Director Martha Simmons. “Each one represents the best that Fremont County has to offer to its community, lending the utmost of service and demonstrating the importance of higher educational endeavors. We are thrilled at their induction into this most prestigious group of community members.”
Maureen O’Shea Baxter and her husband, Dr. Bernard Baxter, moved to Canon City in 1968 and she returned to her nursing career when the youngest of her eight children entered school. Though widowed in 1980 at the age of 50, she met her family and professional challenges with determination and strength.
Mrs. Baxter joined the faculty of the Pueblo Community College Fremont Campus in its early years and was named Faculty of the Year for the 1987-88 school year. She was known for her teaching excellence, commitment to nursing and mentorship of her students.
She volunteered with numerous local organizations, including Meals on Wheels, the Fremont Center for the Arts and the Democratic Party. She was vice president for the RE-1 School Board and was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
Mrs. Baxter passed away in 2010.
Larry Oddo has made a noticeable impact on Fremont County in a relatively short period. He and his family moved to Canon City in 2005 and purchased The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Not only has Oddo built a successful business, winning dozens of awards for the wine he produces, he quickly became a hands-on member of the community and a staunch supporter of the region’s amenities and lifestyle.
Oddo has been a member of the RE-1 School Board since 2011 and currently serves as president. He is past president of the Canon City Chamber of Commerce. His other involvement includes time on the Fremont County Tourism Council and other civic and service organizations.
He was one of the leaders in the creation of the WKRP/Whitewater Park project, the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival and the Create Canon City Balloon Classic. He is a founding sponsor and supporter of the Fremont Adventure Recreation Board.
Oddo offers financial support to the Pueblo Community College Foundation, Southern Colorado Community Band, Fremont Center for the Arts, Canon City High School Fine Arts Department and other organizations.
He and his wife, Diane, have one daughter, Emily.
Myron “Smitty” Smith has been a contributor to Fremont County’s business and public service communities for more than six decades. After graduating from Florence High School, he worked at The Florence Citizen as a printer. In 1970, he purchased Master Printers. The business is now owned by a second generation of the family – his daughter, Susie.
Smith, a longtime advocate for education, has been a member of the PCC Fremont Campus Advisory Board since 1994. He also coordinated the Careers to School program for Fremont and Custer counties. He served as President and member of the Fremont Elementary RE-2 PTO.
He served as a Fremont County Commissioner and Florence City Council member and was executive director of the Fremont Economic Development Corporation. In addition to serving on other local boards, he helped develop the Airport Memorial Park and was instrumental in acquiring the F-4 jet fighter that is on display at the Veteran’s Memorial at the Fremont County Airport. He served on the original fundraising committee to convert the women’s prison into the Museum of Colorado Prisons.
Smith and his wife, Antionette Sabatino, have four children, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The induction ceremony will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 and the program at 7. Tickets are $45 per person. Corporate tables also are available.
The deadline to RSVP is April 22. For reservations, call 719-549-3303.
The Fremont Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals, living or deceased, whose extraordinary efforts have contributed to the betterment of Fremont and/or Custer County. Anyone may nominate a person for induction; recipients are selected by a panel of community members.
Proceeds from the Hall of Fame event benefit the Pueblo Community College Foundation and their efforts to provide scholarships for students from Fremont and Custer counties who will be attending college classes at the Fremont Campus of PCC.