Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 6428 | Snowmobile VERMONT monitor their trails so the two neighboring clubs can groom them without difficulty. At the awards committee meeting, while discussing what club should receive this award, VAST President Tim Mills, who lives in a neighboring town, said that this club has made huge strides in all areas of improving the club, especially in the area of improving their trails. This year, it gives me great pleasure to present the “Most Improved Trails” award to the Ridge Climbers Snowmobile Club of Windsor county. Would Demetra Small please come forward to receive this award. Best Signed Trails (Presented by Merritt Budd) The Chittenden Dammers have over 50 miles of groomed trails. This year, the club designed and installed all new signage, which was a tremendous undertaking for their volunteers. The project encompassed the design of almost 50 trail signs. All new pressure treated wood posts were built and installed. The new signs have food, gas and mileage information, which ensures the safety of all snowmobilers using their trails. Trail Project of the Year (Presented by Ken Gammell) The Lyndon Sno Cruisers were faced with an emergency reroute which affected a large portion of trail. The reroute was about one and a half miles, but it affected close to eight miles of grooming and access to other trails. The project turned out to cost much more money and take more time than initially projected. The equipment and time was donated by longtime VAST member, groomer, past trailmaster, landowner and snowmobile enthusiast, John Gould – Thank you! The project took about 20 days, with an average of eight volunteers per day, with a complete list of 22 who worked on the project. This new trail has become a beautiful and smooth addition to the Lyndon Sno-Cruisers trail system. Thank you to the landowners who agreed under emergency situation to allow us access and transformation to their property and to the volunteers (some from other clubs and states) who helped make it happen! Annual Meeting Nomination Committee Awards Horizon Award (Presented by Patty Companik) Both of these folks took on leadership roles when the prior leadership decided it was time to step down due to family obligations. These folks recently retired to Vermont and were looking forward to a nice quiet retirement. Little did they know the Windsor County community had some big plans for them. The nomination submission for them read, “passionate and strong communicators.” I couldn’t agree more. This club does a monthly newsletter to their membership and for those members who may not have a computer/internet. They use good old-fashioned snail-mail to make sure that all of their members are current on club and VAST happenings. Dedication is another word that comes to mind. They are fully engaged at the club and county level and have grown their membership and built community relationships. They feel it is important to treat others with respect and kindness. They are building strong alliances with their neighboring clubs and encourage their members to attend all local snowmobiling club events. They have created a trusted environment within their club and are greatly respected by their members and officers. They discuss everything and everyone has the opportunity to vote on every decision: true transparency. They refer to their club members as extended family. Not only do they say it, but you feel it, and it is truly genuine. Please join me in recognizing Joe and Karen Marini from the Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas! Snowmobiler of the Year (Presented by Roger Gosselin) Larry has been a trustee with the Orleans Snow Stormers for 10 years and secretary with the Lyndon Sno-Cruisers since 2010. This past year he took over as the club’s TMA agent for the Lyndon Sno-Cruisers. He has served as a delegate to the VAST conventions since 2005. Larry also is a certified snowmobile safety instructor since 2007.