by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — The New England Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association will hold the largest awards dinner program in its 50-year history this fall.

Scores of harness greats from bygone and present times will be cited at the chapter’s 33rd celebration October 23 at the Courtyard Marriott in Marlborough, Mass.

Six longtime contributors to harness racing and six past horse racing greats have been named to the chapter’s Hall of Fame board. Special awards will be given to the sport’s 50-year career horsemen. Other awards will be presented to achievers and special recognition contributors.

The Awards:

Hall of Fame: Del Cameron, William Ellis, Stan Gutkowski, Freeman Parker, Diann Perkins, Ronald Ralph

Horse Hall of Fame: Best Jeffrey, Charmax, Farbro Wave, Lively Anne, Manhelm, Slim Down

Don Marean, President’s Award; William Faucher, Joseph A. Vaccaro Memorial Award; James Doherty, Iron Man honoree; and Jack Ginnetti (fifty years in harness racing).

Fifty-year catagory: Elmer Ballard, Paul Battis, Leroy Copeland, the Antonacci, Beckwith and Nason families, James Doherty, Barrie Farrar, Roger Farrar, William Faucher, Leigh Fitch, Paul A. Fontaine, esq., Walter Hight, John Hogan, Dave McDuffee, Don Richards, Roger Slobody, Elmer Smith, Robert Tisbert and Ted Wing.

Recognition honorees: Ralph T. Grasso, Charles Kelley, Clayton Smith, Wally Cryan, Ralph English, Tom Kyle and Greg Sewell.

Achievers: Kim Brooks, Judy Cameron, Bob Constantino, DiAntonio family, Fryeberg Fair, William MacDonald, Stephen Quinn, Richard Sebeika, Ralph Seymour, Sheridan Smith, Jim Winske & family.

The event opens with a cocktail hour at 4 p.m. followed by a full course meal of meat, chicken or veggie dish. Tickets at $37.50 can be purchased from Bob Lieberman, dinner chairman, 60 Neponset St., Norwood, MA 02062, 781.762.2639, or e-mail lieberman1121@verizon.net.

Bob will also accept ad journal copy. Journal ads at $75 (half page), $150 (full), inside and back cover, $200, can be sent to Bill Ellis, williamdellis@aol.com. Checks should by made to N.E.H.W.A.

For those requiring room reservations, a rate of $89 is available at the hotel, 75 Felton St., Marlborough, MA, by calling 508.480.0015. The hotel is conveniently located off I-495, exit 24B, and is minutes away from Marlborough’s hundred-million mall, and five miles from historic Wayside Inn.

Those who have items they wish to donate for the chapter raffle to offset expenses should contact Bob Lieberman.