Columbus, OH — With a deadline of Friday, Dec. 20, there are only a few days left to submit nominations for the 2019 Caretaker of the Year. The award, sponsored by Fair Island Farm in conjunction with the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), recognizes the unsung heroes of the sport—the caretakers who maintain the health and welfare of the horses on a daily basis.

With the deadline looming, nominations should be made by email (by Dec. 20) to Committee chairman Tim Bojarski at a159star@gmail.com. Any caretaker working for any stable or farm in North America is eligible to win the Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year Award. All that is needed to nominate is an email, 200 words minimum, from an individual or group detailing the skills and special qualities of the caretaker.

The Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year will receive a cash prize of $500, a trophy, and transportation costs to the USHWA Dan Patch Awards banquet in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday evening, Feb. 23, 2020, where he or she will be recognized. The winner will also enjoy a two-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, host hotel for the USHWA activities, as well as two complimentary dinner tickets.

The winner will be chosen by a seven-person selection committee comprised of USHWA members, all of whom are former caretakers: Tim Bojarski (chair), Tom Charters, Moira Fanning, Dean Hoffman, Rob Pennington, Kim Rinker and Shawn Wiles.