by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Senator Debra Plowman will be a featured speaker at the 32nd New England Harness Writers awards program on Saturday (Oct. 16) at the Hollywwood Slots & Hotel Raceway.

Senator Plowman is serving her second term in the state senate and is seeking re-election.

Among the committees she serves on is one to insure integrity in the harness racing industry and the committee to study the taxation of slot facilities.

She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 when she represented Maine’s Hampden, Newburg and Dixmont. She was re-elected to the House for three more terms and served eight years on the legislature’s judiciary committee.

The awards program gets underway with a cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by a casino style buffet and the awards program honoring six Hall of Fame inductees, as well as recognition and achievement award winners.

The keynote address will be given by Don Marean, former state representative and chairman of the USTA’s District 9.

The Saturday festivities will open with a barn dedication at 12 noon for Fred Nichols who was instrumental in the preservation of Bangor’s Historic Track and Maine’s harness racing industry.

Corey Smith, Hollywood Slots & Hotel Raceway’s director of racing, will deliver the welcoming address and Mike Andrew, President of the Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owneres Association, will make the formal dedication.