LINDA MYERS- MONTICELLO-GOSHEN CHAPTER USHWA’S AMY BULL CRIST AWARD WINNER

There’s no question that Linda Myers is dedicated. In October of 1995 she heard of an opening in the Goshen Historic Track office and applied for the position. Little did Linda know that 17 years later she’d still be there.

For 17 prior years she was the office manager for Vince Brescia at his business, Brescia Lumber, in Montgomery NY.

Brescia, a lifelong Orange County resident, a successful businessman and a charter member of the Historic Track Board of Directors often talked about Historic Track.  Helping to preserve GHT  and the tracks legacy was very dear to him.

As Chairman of the Historic Track Board in the 1990’s and knowing Linda Myers dedication and work ethic, Brescia was helpful in bringing her aboard at the National Historic Landmark.

“Knowing Vince and working for him over the years, I couldn’t have been more pleased in joining Historic Track. I’ve heard so many exciting things about the Track from Vince and to get a chance to be part of the family there was wonderful, especially with Vince at the helm” Myers remembered.

“Vince was an absolutely wonderful person and I can’t say enough honorable things about him. He treated his employees as family and I don’t think there was a finer person to work for.”

Admittedly when Linda joined the office at Historic Track she knew very little about the industry.

“Stan Stoltz was the general manager then, but it was Kelly Young who taught me about racing and got me through my first race season” Myers said.“As you know Kelly grew up in a racing family and she was and still is my mentor.”

In time Linda, who did it all, became the go-to gal in the Historic Track office.. Among her various duties was being  secretary to the Board. That meant lining-up and attending  meetings, taking notes and writing and disseminating the minutes.

This season, with the absence of a general manger, Linda has nearly single-handedly run the track office. She’s handled many of the projects that the GM would do, including the advertising.

“It has been a daunting task but a pleasurable one at that,” Linda related. “Many of the Board members have been very helpful.”

Historic Track is open year- round as a training facility for the standardbred horses.  During the month of June there is matinee racing and the Grand Circuit Race Meet offers four days of racing around the 4^th of July..

“It gets a little crazy during the matinees and Grand Circuit week with entries being called in and horses coming in to race and then going out every day.” Linda said. “But the excitement of the racing program is wonderful and I take delight in seeing the crowds having a good time attending the races.”

Now in her 17^th year at Historic Track and with her recent change in job description this year, Linda was asked about her current duties.

“It gives me great pleasure working here and I especially like dealing with our horsemen (tenants). I’ve learned a lot over the years and I’m still learning,” she said.

Her special efforts did not go unnoticed by the local harness writers.  On November 18^th when the Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA holds its 54th Annual Awards Banquet at The Fountains on Sands Road in Middletown NY, Linda will receive this year’s Amy Bull Crist Distinguished Service Award.

When she was notified that she’d  be the 29^th recipient of the Amy Bull Crist Award she was taken aback. “I can’t believe it.  I’m shocked but also thrilled. My sincere thanks to the harness writers.”