by john manzi for
Monticello-Goshen USHWA
The Monticello Goshen Chapter began in 1959 and is currently
one of 13 chapters that constitute the United States Harness Writers
Association (USHWA), a national organization, now with Canadian members, whose
main business is to help promote the sport of harness racing.
Members of ‘Mon-Go’ are extremely proud that the Harness
Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, as well as Historic Track, are in its
jurisdiction. The fact that the sport of harness racing was weaned in—and
around--Goshen, NY in the late 1830’s and still continues today, explains why
Goshen has always been known as the “Cradle of the Trotter”, although it was
often referred to as Trot Town-USA. That also is the reason why the
chapter goes out of its way to make annual donations to help perpetuate both
venues.
On November 16 the 56th Annual Awards Banquet of
the Monticello Goshen Chapter USHWA will be held at The Fountains at the
Wallkill Golf Club on Sands Road in Middletown, NY and once again promises to
be an outstanding gathering of great people in our sport.
Besides honoring the exploits of our local horses and
horsemen the chapter will also cite prominent industry people. This year the
main honoree will be longtime horse owner, Ted Gewertz, who’ll receive the
chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other prominent awards will be presented to the New York
State breeding operation at the Crawford Farms (Excelsior Award) and to the
U.S. Trotting Association’s great writer and publicist, Ken Weingartner (Phil
Pines Award). Harness racing’s Mr. Everything and one of the sports true rising
stars, Jason Settlemoir will receive the John Gilmour Good Guy Award.
The major award from Goshen Historic Track, the Amy Bull
Crist Distinguished Service Award, will be presented to the Historic Track
Board of Director’s vice president, George Casale. Geri Schwarz, Monticello
Raceway and Historic Track’s award winning photographer, will receive an Award
of Appreciation for her expertise behind the camera.
At earlier banquets the chapter has cited many outstanding
individuals some who have gone on to be elected the Harness Racing Hall of
Fame. Those Hall of Famers include: Phil Tully, Cat Manzi, Bill Brown, Hal
Jones, John Cashman, Harry Harvey, and most recently Joe Thomson, who’ll be
inducted this coming summer.
However the chapter’s strong support also has helped Joe
DeFrank, Tommy Thomson, Ron Gurfein, Jim Doherty, John Simpson Jr., Wally
Hennessey, Phil Langley, Clint Galbraith and Buddy Gilmour to reach the
hallowed Hall.
Chapter members, both past and present, who are now
enshrined in the Communicators Hall of Fame (and their year of induction)
include: Jim Harrison (1986), Al DeSantis (1989) Phil Pines (1990) Allen
Finkelson (1992), Wesley “Bo” Gill (1999), John Bradley (2000), Ed Palladino
(2001), John Manzi (2006) and Joe Hartmann (2010).
Many Monticello-Goshen Chapter members have also gone on to
become the USHWA National President. It began with Allen Finkelson and followed
over the years by Phil Pines, John Manzi, Ed Palladino and currently Chris Tully.
And last year at the national meetings Shawn Wiles was elected second vice
president and he will work his way up the chairs and become the sixth member of
Monticello-Goshen who has risen to national USHWA prominence.
The Banquet is open to the public and anyone can attend. The
ticket price of $65 includes a one-hour open bar, a full course dinner and door
prizes. Congratulatory ads, ranging from $100- $300, can be purchased by
calling 845.794.4100ext.455 or emailing jmanzi@empireresorts.com.
Oh, I almost forgot--but maybe on purpose. I serve as master
of ceremonies and after the presentation of awards, four or five of my friends
who may end-up being ex-friends, will ‘roast’ me, gently I hope, since they
know that I will have the microphone last.
