by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — John Flynn, the raceway’s longtime program director, has been named Employee of the Year at Monticello Casino and Raceway. In late December a special dinner was held for the nominees and their guests and Flynn, of Wolf Lake, N.Y., was chosen over 11 other worthy candidates.

Earning this honor was astonishing to Flynn.

Eileen Cavanaugh photo

John Flynn is flanked by his immediate superior, Eric Warner (left) and by Assistant General Manager, Shawn Wiles (right).

“I was surprised when I was named Employee of the Month a while back and being named Employee of the Year was totally unexpected,” he said. “Everybody works hard and to be selected over the other employees (of the months) was certainly a total surprise. I don’t look for accolades. I just like doing my job.”

Over the years Flynn has seen many changes in his department.

“When I started out there were eight people in the program department and now I’m the only one,” he said.

Flynn, has been working in the program department since 1973 and is responsible for gathering the information that is printed in the racetrack’s official program. He is also the track’s odds-maker and is responsible for charting the races.

On racing days, John climbs to the “Crow’s Nest” atop the grandstand where he charts each race which produces the past performance lines that are vital to race goers.

“Those (performance) lines are what patrons use to determine how each horse raced in their previous starts and how they will possibly do in the next race,” Flynn explained. “The charts are then transmitted after each race to the United States Trotting Association and become available to everyone in the industry.”

“John is extremely vital to our racing program,” noted Eric Warner, the track’s Director of Racing, who is Flynn’s immediate superior. “If the sun comes up, or even if it doesn’t, John will be here on the job. He’s hard working, dedicated and can always be counted on.”

As Employee of the Year Flynn was presented with a plaque honoring his accomplishment, and he also received a check for $1,000 and a parking space for a year.