by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Paul A. Fontaine, Esq., a partner in the Rhode Island law firm of Fontaine & Croll, Ltd. has been named the recipient of the third annual Joseph A. Vaccaro Memorial Award given by the New England Harness Writers Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Assoc. (USHWA).

Fontaine, a resident of Woonsocket, R.I. has an extensive background in law, politics, and harness racing on the national and local level and served on the United States Trotting Board of Directors for more than 25 years, seven as chairman. He currently serves as a track director of District 9 (New England).

The Vaccaro award symbolizes dedication to one’s profession and extraordinary contributions to harness racing. Mr. Vaccaro showed that and much more before he passed away three years ago serving 44 years in the post of secretary-treasurer of the writers and in his post as “Colonel Joe” with the Boston Traveler newspaper and in his role as English professor at Boston State College.

When contacted Fontaine said, “I’m honored. I really appreciate it.”

Fontaine was elected to the Rhode Island State Senate from 1966-1976 serving as deputy majority leader. He also served 14 years on the Legislative Council of R.I. and is a former chairman of the board of First International Life of Danvers, Massachusetts. Fontaine is also a former president of the Standardbred Owners Association of New England and a director and vice president of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.

The Rhode Island resident is also a director and member of the executive committee of Harness Tracks of America and was elected to the New England Harness Writers Hall of Fame in 1994.

Fontaine has also owned harness horses for 40 years including No No Yankee, winner of the inaugural Woodrow Wilson in 1977, Big Eyes who had lifetime earnings of $300,000, Red B ($420,337), Career Success ($458,513) and Psychic Spirit.

Fontaine will receive his award at the chapter’s 31st Hall of Fame awards program September 6 at Plainridge Racecourse’s upstairs function room. The other two recipients of the award are Alan Prince, USHWA’s treasurer for four decades and Debbie and David Little racing staffers of the New York Post and New York Daily News.