by Jack Ginnetti
Marlborough, MA — Before a packed house on Sunday (Oct. 23) the New England harness writers paid homage to many recipients who have been responsible for the sport’s growth.
From racing’s smallest owner to those with bigger stables, the sport has prospered by their caring efforts and contributions. A color theme of red, white and blue greeted the more than 240 awardees and guests as they entered the Courtyard Marriott Marlborough Ballroom. This was the work of Marcia and Bob Lieberman.
Featured speakers Don Marean and Mike Tanner gave the festive and attentive crowd an update on what’s happing in the industry.
Tanner, the USTA vice-president and CEO, was right to the point on issues and flashed a pleasing smile as he spoke. He was presented a Patriots t-shirt by this writer, noting he was in “Patriot Country,” not Buckeye land.
Marean updated the audience on the status of more casinos and a track in Biddleford, Maine. Councillor Don Landeers and Arthur Vigent, president of the Marlborough City Council, were also among the speakers.
Driver-trainer George Brennan had some nice words to say about his longtime friends, the Ron Ralph family. Brennan at last look was in a race with Tim Tetrick for leading driver in the U.S. in purse earnings won.
Bill Ellis provided harness contributors and attendees with a slide show during dinner with memories of the sport’s glorious past. Bob Temple’s memorabilia board captured the past, present and future of the sport and it was viewed by many throughout the evening.
This writer was honored by the chapter for 50 years of coverage to the sport. The chapter donated a brick on Goshen’s walkway which reads below one already in place: Pres Jack Ginneti Jr., NEHWA-CHAPTER.”
Named to the writers’ Hall of Fame were Del Cameron, Freeman Parker, Diann Perkins, William Ellis, Stan Gutkowski and Ron Ralph. That brings the numer of Hall entrants to the chapter’s honor board to 70 in 50 years.
Horse Hall of Fame inductees were Best Jeffrey. Charmax, Farbro Wave, Lively Anne, Manhelm and Slim Down.
Special awards went to Don Marean, president’s award; James Doherty, Iron Man award; William Faucher, Joseph A. Vaccaro Memorial Award, presented by Mrs. Edith Vaccaro and son Joseph.
In introducing Mrs. Perkins to the chapter Hall, Mrs. Jean Emerson noted that she is the second women to be so honored by the writers. Emerson is a 1994 inductee to the Hall, a member of the Florida chapter’s Hall and was named a finalist to USHWA’s Communicators Corner.
Among other chapter Hall of Famers attending this milestone event with Ellis as MC were David McDuffee, Paul Fontaine, Faucher, Lieberman, Doherty, Marean, Temple and Bill McDonald.
The 56 award presentations included recogition, achiever and golden era recipients.
The evening was packed with excitement and included the presence of Mrs. Janice Lieberman, mother of dinner chairman, Bob, soon to celebrate her 100th birthday, and Ellis’ mother, Cathrine, and U.S. Army son, who received a standing and prolonged ovation.
It marked an extraordinary night in harness racing with all focused on one thing: Promote the past and preserve its glorious history.