Bits & Pieces

PLAINRIDGE CHEF NEARING GOAL

BY JACK GINNETTI

MARLBOROUGH, MA. -- Tucked away in a corner of Plainridge Racecourse's plush upstairs simulcasting facility is Jay Spavold, a short order cook who's on a mission.

Despite seven giant television screens and 172 TV monitors well within his view, Jay is an intricate part of the staff that runs the Best Bet Cafe.

But none of the above is a distraction for the 41 year-old resident of Hope Valley, R.I. who performs his job well and is nearing a goal which gets closer every day.

Born in Central Falls, R.I., he is a graduate of Davies Vocational School in Lincoln, R.I., and received training in culinary arts .He also ran his own catering business for about 12 years. And when that business tailed off he framed houses for six years.

In addition to a vigorous work schedule, Jay has had custody of his three children aged 14, 15 and 16 for the past 11 years.

Come September the Plainridge cook will reach his final year of studies to obtain an English degree in elementary education.

Soon Jay's goal is to move from out of the kitchen into the classroom, a feat he's been striving for under trying circumstances for the past several years. For this he's earned an A Plus and the title of Mr. Spavold is well within his reach.

CHARITY TAKES CENTER STAGE AT PLAINRIDGE

BY JACK GINNETTI

MARLBOROUGH, MA. --Charity was the winner Tuesday (April 29) as Plainridge Racecourse staged its ninth annual Kentucky Derby charity give-away raffle.

Eleven non-profit organizations sold a combined total of 16,625 dollar raffle tickets and earned a percentage on sold tickets that will be wagered on the 'derby.

In addition three lucky individuals won the give away drawing to wager on the 'run for the roses Saturday, May 3. The top prize of a $4,000 wager went to a resident of North Attleboro, Mass. The second and third place winners won $1,500 and $500 wagers. These wagers are provided by the track

Four new charities took part in this year's fund raiser. They included the Active Force Foundation; New England Harness Writers Assoc.; Paws of Plainville; and Phoenix Rising Equine Rescue.

The other charities represented were the Alzheimer's Foundation; American Credit Counseling; Harness Horse Youth Foundation; Plainville Athletic League; Plainville Lions Club and Standardbred Pleasure Horse; and Harness Horse Museum and Hall of Fame.

The project was directed by Donna Merrick who began preparations as far back as January. Others taking part in the gala affair held near the tracks 'grandstand 'Wall of Fame' were John DeFiore, Gary Piontkowski,  and Stephen O'Toole. Plainville Police Chief Edward M. Merrick Jr. was among the invited guests.

If as the saying goes."charity begins at home." it got a  headstart yesterday at Plainridge.

Plainridge Racecourse 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA 02762 508-643-2500