by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — William (Bill) Ellis, a veteran harness racing announcer in New England and upstate New York, is the recipient of the 2010 Joseph A. Vaccaro Memorial Award.

Given by the New England chapter of harness writers, the award recognizes longtime contributions to the industry and longevity in the sport.

Ellis’ race calls have been heard at Foxboro Raceway, Rockingham Park, Bangor Historic Track, Maine’s Cumberland, Scarborough and Blue Hill Fair, the Rochester Fair, Goshen Historic Track and several New York fairs.

The Dedham, Mass., resident is a longtime member of the New England chapter and is chairing this year’s 32nd Hall of Fame awards program on October 16 at Bangor Historic Track.

Past recipients of the award are Alan Prince, USHWA national treasurer; Debbie and Dave Little of the New York Post and Daily News; and Paul Fontaine, the chapter’s candidate for living Hall of Fame honors.

Tickets to the chapter’s awards program are available by contacting Robert Lieberman at lieberman1121@verizon.net.