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VAST News Club News Featured Club Real Estate Trails Report VAST Potential In Memory Marketplace Trailblazers Corner Lodgings Events Late Winter 2016 SnowmobileSnowmobile VERMONTVERMONT ASSOCIATION OF SNOW TRAVELERS VERMONTVERMONT ASSOCIATION www.vtvast.orgwww.vtvast.org VAST News Club News Featured Club Real Estate Late Winter 2016Late Winter 2016 Club Events Calcutta Snow Fest Spaghetti Dinner Dance Poker RunVintage Rendezvous More Featured Club Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Volunteer Prole Dale Allen Snow Sage Wayne Pelkey Funding for this advertisement was made possible in part with a grant from USDA Rural Development. Vermonts Premier Region for Snowmobiling ESSEX COUNTY Visit NortheastKingdom.com to find Late Winter 2016 1 Table of Contents Late Winter 2016 Features 12 Northeast Chapter 2016 Meeting of Northeast United States and Canadian members of the International Snowmobile Council 16 Vast Potential 19-year-old Joseph Berge is very involved and passionate about snowmobiling in Vermont 21 Volunteer Profile Longtime volunteer Dale Allen saysGive it a whirl you might enjoy it 22 Club Events Featuring 12 club events held around the state this season 33 Event Planning Tips for how your club can have a successful and fun event 38 Snow Sage Wayne Pekley has dedicated more than 49 years to VAST 40 Reciprocal Weekend VAST visits New Hampshire for a weekend on their trails 60 Featured Club Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas 64 In Memory Remembering Paul Letourneau Departments 2 VAST Direction Executive Directors Message 3 VAST News 4 Letters 10 Calendar of Events 14 TrailblazersCorner 18 Trails Report 42 Club News 65 Real Estate Lodgings 67 Marketplace 68 Lasting Image oN THe CoVeR 2016 Bethel Vintage Snowmobile Rendezvous David Aiken photo 60 33 16 2 Snowmobile VERMONT VAST STAFF Executive Director Coeditor Cindy Locke cindyvtvast.org Ext. 11 Trails Administrator Matt Tetreault mattvtvast.org Ext. 12 Media Manager Coeditor Designer Beth Godin bethvtvast.org Ext. 16 Office and Programs Manager Cyndy Carrier Jones cyndyvtvast.org Ext. 10 Finance and HR Manager Sheila Fenoff-Willett sheilavtvast.org Ext. 14 Trails Manager Shane Prisby shanevtvast.org Ext. 18 VAST OFFICERS President Tim Mills 802 234-5000 timmills1myfairpoint.net Vice President Jeff Fay 802 434-6633 jfayvastcomcast.net Treasurer Tom Baltrus 802 464-8211 twbaltrusgmail.com Secretary Jim Hill 802 343-4478 jh_buildershotmail.com Well there is just no way around the lousy snowmobile season we have had this winter. While there was some very limited riding in certain areas of Vermont 2016 was far different from what we enjoyed last year. I spent much of my winter readjusting the budget to forecast where the association may end the year. This is an ongoing process because TMA sales trickle into the VAST office during the course of the winter. At this point I am predicting that we end this fiscal year about 300000 in the red. While VAST has reserves that will cushion us this year we would be hard pressed to survive another winter or two like this one without more reserves or additional sources of funding. Cutbacks for this year came from the administration budget and the trails budget. At the VAST office we are having thorough meetings and conversations with staff the board of directors and committees to see how we can better operate the association with more immediate flexibility when we know we are in a low snow year. I know that many of you know and understand what it takes to run the snowmobile industry in Vermont about 3.7 million dollars a year and your membership via a TMA pass is what supports it. It also takes six full-time year-round staff and hundreds of volunteers from the club level to the county level to the state level. I sincerely thank you for all that you do to support our amazing snowmobile industry and the best trail system in the East. While I look ahead to 2017 I am working on a few ways of thanking all of you that did buy a TMA this year to ride and support our association as well as incentive to join VAST again next winter. Stay tuned. Fondest regards Snowmobile Vermont Magazine 26 Vast Lane Barre Vermont 05641 T 802 229-0005 F 802 223-4316 infovtvast.org vtvast.org Snowmobile VT Magazine ISSN 2374-5630 is published five times Fall October Early Winter December Winter January Late Winter March and Summer August by The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers Inc 26 Vast Lane Barre VT 05641. Periodicals postage paid at Barre VT and additional mailing offices POSTMASTER Send ad- dress changes to VAST 26 Vast Lane Barre VT 05641-4477 Fondest regards VAST Direction Publications Committee Chair Contributor Patty Companik Member Writer and Photographer 203 710-7358 pattyvtvast.org Late Winter 2016 3 VASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVASTVAST NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWS Late Winter 2016 BIENNIAL CONSTRUCTION SEMINAR By Matt Tetreault The Trails Team is working on a new online format for the Biennial Spring Construction Seminar which as noted in the title will take place once every two years from now on. Since there was a seminar held last year we will not be holding a seminar this spring. I will update the clubs through their County Trail Coordinators and Directors as we make progress. During years when we do not hold a seminar an informational sheet will be sent out to all clubs and grooming contractors. It will highlight any changes to Trail Policies State and local regulations and will include other relevant information to aid clubs in adhering to proper protocol when performing trail work applying for Grant-In-Aid funds or grooming. There will likely be some significant changes forthcoming in the Trail Policy Manual regarding grooming contracts and the various Grant-in- Aid Programs. The Trails Committee and Board of Directors are discussing these changes monthly and once a final decision has been made these changes will be highlighted on the informational sheets. CLUB WEBCAMS Does your club have a webcam Send the link to us and well add it to our interactive snowmobile trails map. VAST DAY UNDER THE DOME 2016 VAST set up in the Card Room of the Vermont State House on March 18 for the opportunity to chat with our legislators. Funding for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail was a big topic of discussion along with the lack of snow this year. KIDS ACTIVITY COLORING BOOK Are you artistic or like making puzzles We are seeking contest entries of snowmobile themed coloring pages word searches connect-the-dots mazes and more for a new VAST childrens activity booklet. Email your high resolution 8.5 x11-inch artwork by July 1 to editorvtvast.org or mail to 26 Vast Lane Barre VT 05641. We will announce winners and show their entries in the summer issue. In addition to being included in the booklet youll also receive a Snowmobile Vermont sweatshirt t-shirt and baseball or beanie hat. BENNINGTON COUNTY DIRECTOR VAST has an opening on our board of directors. This position covers Bennington County. In order to qualify candidates must be residents of Bennington County Vermont. Our board meetings are held monthly on the fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the VAST office in Berlin Vermont. You may request a copy of the VAST bylaws which describes the roles and responsibilities of a VAST Director. If you are interested and or have questions call or email Cindy Locke at cindyvtvast.org or call 802-229-0005 ext. 11. 4 Snowmobile VERMONT This has been a very discouraging winter. Most of us have not had the opportunity to enjoy the sport that we love so much. The volunteers work so hard to get everything ready and wait because they look forward to riding their sleds also. Businesses are having it tough because they need the snowmobile activity to help survive the long winter months. We must all remember that winters in the Northeast Kingdom can vary year to year. Remember last year Wow what a good season that was The most important thing to remember is that regardless of what this winter turns out to be your local club and VAST needs your support. Trail maintenance is a year long job and is not cheap. Clubs still need to make payments on their grooming equipment and pay all the other bills. Most of that comes from VAST. The TMA and club memberships are an investment in your riding future as well as a pass to ride the trails. Help keep the security of your favorite trails by supporting your local club and VAST. It stinks having trails ready and no snow but keep this in mind... What if we had all kinds of snow and no groomed trails because clubs lost their grooming equipment or VAST could not afford to pay them to groom Protect the future of your groomed trails by supporting your local clubs and VAST. - Raymond Rodrigue Orleans Snow Stormers Its been a tough year for everyone. We need to try to hang together and support the businesses that help to make riding in Vermont so enjoyable. If you cant get there by sled at least try to go to some of your favorite restaurants and other businesses by car. They depend on us to make it through the winter in many cases. The same applies to club activities and fundraisers. Held off on buying a TMA Many of the costs are still there. Clubs are still making groomer payments and the VAST staff is working hard to ensure future trails and increase efficiency throughout the organization. Remember were a grassroots volunteer organization. Please continue to be active. The rewards will come. - Dave Ladd Grand Isle County Director Alburg Sno Springers Letters Send your letters by email editorvtvast.org or mail to 26 Vast Lane Barre VT 05641 Got something to say Lets hear it LETTERS 26Vast Lane BarreVT 05641 editorvtvast.org facebook.comVTVAST Total snow accumulation for New England in inches Sept. - March. Courtesy NOAA 201415 201516 We all know every year when we buy our trail passes that our sport is weather dependent. Sometimes we take the great trail coverage for granted. This will just make us appreciate it that much more next season. I feel much worse for the businesses that depend on rider revenue so heavily that they will not survive a season like this. - Brian Quinn Woodford Sno-Busters Registered all three sleds this year. Zero miles on VT trails. We will register all our sleds next year also. You have to support the clubs whether there is snow or not. No clubs no trails. Regardless of snow - Thomas Perkins Upper Valley Snow Packers I have supported VAST every year since the early 80s. There have been lean years but never one where there was virtually no riding everywhere. We need to remember that the groomers that didnt turn a track will still be needed next year and the years after. The emergency grant that fixed a problem or a break in the trail network makes it possible to keep that trail open for next year and the years after. Everyone is welcome to review VASTs expenses and income at Annual Meeting to see where our money was used in the worst winter anyone can remember. - Ken Kemon Hurricane Riders I will continue to purchase an Early Bird TMA every year regardless if it snows or not. VAST and all the hard working clubs need this money to assure we all have nice trails to ride on when there is snow I put a big screen TV in my garage and invite my friends over. We park our sleds in front of the big screen watch YouTube videos and pretend were out for a trail ride. We can even drink beer and stay completely safe this way too - Fred St Onge Shrewsbury Sno-Birds We have been riding in Vermont since 1997. Even though this winter is looking like its going to be a bust it is nice to know that the money spent on three TMAs will be used to ensure that our sport keeps moving forward. Thank you we have never had a bad day of riding in Vermont We have enjoyed many wonderful seasons of riding in Vermont and it is all due to the hard work and dedication of the people who support the sport. One bad year will not change how I feel. We will be buying our TMAs again next year without hesitation. Thank you for all you do - The Gilles Family Sno-Bees of Barre Buying a TMA is the chance we all take. We are hopeful of a snow Late Winter 2016 5 A message from VAST President Tim Mills Letters Orange County Sheri Bill Bohnyak and VAST President Tim Mills discussed club and law enforcement relationships on Feb. 13 at the 6th Annual Snowmobile Safety Day event at Champlain Valley Equipment in East Randolph. To date I have ridden my sled a total of two times. Once was to unload it o from my trailer to be serviced and the second was to load it back on. When the season began we were all thinking that we were just o to a slow start.Just wait a few weekswe kept telling ourselves. There will be a big noreaster and we will be in business grooming before you know it. Who would have thought that we wouldnt receive a substantial snowstorm all winter However there were a few areas in Vermont with sections of trail open where you can put some miles on. Some clubs have made great eorts to provide a few trails for the membership to enjoy. When riding these few open trails we must heed the conditions warnings posted by VAST and the clubs. There is a reason these warnings are posted - rider safety. These early seasonconditions consisting of shallow snow cover thin ice exposed tree roots rocks water bars and other objects are hazards that riders need to be mindful of. Accidents are more prone to happen when we encounter conditions and situations that we are not prepared for or that we are unaware of. There is nothing that rocks our snowmobile community more than when we hear of someone having an accident. Some counties across the state have a day devoted towards the prevention of snowmobile related accidents. In February Orange County held a Snowmobile Safety Day sponsored by Orange County Sheris Department and Champlain Valley Equipment. In addition to being able to get your sled inspected and receive a safety sticker this event also allows people from the community to meet with local law enforcement. It gives them a chance to ask questions voice concerns and get an insight on what the local law enforcement does within the snowmobile community. A few times a year Orange County clubs invite local law enforcement to our monthly meetings. Both law enforcement and the local clubs are able to openly discuss a wide range of topics. Some of these topics include trail related accidents snowmobile violations and landowner relations. Along with law enforcement ocers another resource you have within your community are first responders. This includes firefighters rescue squads and EMTs. Building a relationship with your local first responders allows you to coordinate a more ecient response if an emergency occurs. Ride safely and smooth trails - Tim Mills VAST President I am sure everyone will express a common theme in their year-end reports that details just how crappy this season was. I wont pile onI will agree though. Instead of reliving this nightmare of a season I wanted to share with anyone reading this a particular situation our club experienced in February. Our longtime Trailmaster Ray Heath was involved in a very bad auto accident. He is recovering and will be his regular self after a period of recovery but it made me pause to think about our volunteers and landowners. Ray has been an ardent supporter of snowmobiling and has put countless hours of time labor and money into preserving the VAST trail system throughout Caledonia and Essex counties. He is also a Landowner that supports Class 1 and 3 trails across his propertiesa LOT of trails across his properties. Needless to say when we heard about the accident our clubs first concern was about Ray and his family. Once we had heard from him that he was going to be okay we all breathed a sigh of relief. Snowmobiling might be a sport to some but we think of our group as family. I am sure that all of Orange County Sheri Bill Bohnyak and Sargent Ben Herrick complete a safety inspection on Eric Kenyons snowmobile. Beth Godin photos Continued on page 6 year but were still never sure. Take a weekend and go support the businesses that make riding in Vermont a great recreation. Gas is cheap. Even if we cant ride its worth the trip. - Bob Russo Newark E-Z Riders I am more than happy to have paid my VAST fees this year for my two sleds. My son Eric and I have not been on the trails at all this season and if that ends up being the case I know that my membership fees will still go to good use. I will even make another donation if you need some additional funds. We are so very lucky to be a part of such a great organization and we know the hard work that goes into maintaining the trails. - Matt Eric Victor Side Hill Snow Cronchers 6 Snowmobile VERMONT Letters Continued from page 5 It was a dark and stormy night . . . early March not cold and frosty as it should be but warm and wet as rain fell on brown grass. It was time for the monthly snowmobile club meeting. Attendance was nine out of the usual 10 or 11. That was not bad considering that this winter has been famous for record setting high temperatures not lows. Part of the evenings conversation focused briey on the lack of snow. Several seasoned members couldnt recall a winter as odd as this. Several members had not ridden at all and others rode a small fraction of what they would in a normal season. However the core group still showed up took care of club business shared stories and looked to the future. This was not the winter any of us expected especially after the fantastic end to last season. But not having an accurate crystal ball no one could have predicted in the fall that thousands of miles of trails would not be used. Every club went through their normal pre-season routine cleared and marked trails prepped groomers planned club fundraising events contacted hundreds of landowners and sold TMAs. All clubs expected a somewhat standard Vermont winter that was cold white and long. Much to everyones surprise and disappointment winter never really showed up unlike those core club members that show regardless. The key to the success of VAST has always been the volunteers the relationships with landowners and the members that purchase TMAs regardless of the forecast. Snowmobiling has to be the only sport where money is spent in large amounts with no guarantee of a season and relies solely on good olMother Nature to deliver the key ingredient. There was snow not necessarily where most of us would have liked and not in the amounts we expect but there was snow. Those that had the opportunity to seek out the limited riding hopefully enjoyed their experience and made some great memories. For the members that werent able to ride thank you for supporting your club your association and your fellow members. Its the diehard enthusiasts that will keep this sport healthy. As stick season is quickly turning into mud season spring is just around the corner. It is time to pick up those hundreds of signs thank the landowners and figure out a more eective snow dance for November Thank you for volunteering thank you for supporting your clubs and thank you for supporting your association - Jeff Fay VAST Vice President A message from VAST Vice President Jeff Fay the club officers and directors have the same feeling. The relief I felt was replaced with reflection about how this sport came to be and where it is headed. Ray represents the core of founding fathers that share time property knowledge stories and a sense of community with everyone. VAST is very fortunate to have Ray and others like him throughout the state to build the very fabric that ties all of this together the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System. Without Ray and lots of folks like him we dont get to enjoy over 5000 miles of trails. In a scene from the movie Its a Wonderful Life I wondered what would happen if we did not have people like Ray in our lives. My anxiety rose as I pondered a landscape of closed trails and posted properties because no one was willing to share their land. In all likelihood there would be no VAST if our founders could not rally landowners from all corners to open their land for four months out of the year and let us travel night and day to every community in this great state. This particular season gave me a chance to think about winter without snowmobiling. It is a bleak and long winter with no trips to the places you cant experience from a car. Our neighborhood businesses have a tough year ahead because it started badly for them. VAST has some dire financial issues ahead. The clubs will have much to do in the upcoming year because the lack of snow did not mean the trails escaped damage from wind and rain. But it is not all bad. Ray will be back to help put together our trail system next year. And he will be joined by the resilient volunteer crew of officers and directors. Thankfully other landowners like Ray will open their arms and welcome us upon their land. What we need to consider for the upcoming season is how to express our gratitude and appreciation for the core of our existence as an organization that is made up of landowners and volunteers. We thank our landowners as best we can. I personally extend a thank you Cindy Locke photo Late Winter 2016 7 Letters to anyone that supports a trail across their property. CCSTC does send gifts and cards of thanks to all our landowners. Our club has a gathering in January to thank the officers and directors and their spouses for the time and support. But more needs to be done. Vermont benefits substantially from the sport of snowmobiling yet the state does not contribute to our private organization. Funds we receive are derived from the sale of TMAs Trail Maintenance Assessment- a name I think is WAY overdue for a change and Vermont snowmobile registrations. There is a small Federal gas tax reimbursement through the Recreational Trails Program but that source is threatened every budget cycle and it is nowhere near the amount of gas tax revenue generated by snowmobiles. Property owners that allow trails across their land in Vermont are under financial pressures that need to be addressed through incentives that provide relief. As much as a Thank You and appreciation meals are important it is imperative that the legislation begin the long overdue process of stabilizing the current Snowmobile Trail System by rewarding landowners with tax credits or relief. Additionally volunteers would be rewarded with less rerouting to do when property changes hands. Tying property tax to trails will help in keeping valuable corridors open. What can anyone do As much as it may be distasteful politics is something everyone can be involved with. Talking to local legislators will have an impact. The more participation the better the result. Find out who your representative is and write a letter send an email or give them a phone call. Even out-of- staters can be involved in this process by contacting the local Chambers of Commerce or the State Tourism Agency. Just because you dont have a vote doesnt mean you dont have a say. At the Federal level you can contact The ARRA Americans for Responsible Recreational Access and follow the alert system they have to target issues that concern motorized recreation. Volunteers are the new endangered species in the VAST organization. We are getting older and time is a resource we do not have on our side. I do deeply appreciate the generosity of a free Volunteer TMA but the other costs I incur in working on the Trail System makes me want to join the Pay and Play Club. My friend Mike Farmer and I agree that paying 250 each year to ride and never attend another meeting or spend 8 or more weekends working on trails would be a tremendous cost savings to us VAST is fast approaching the point at which the projects that need to be done will be through paid contractors. Our volunteer ranks are thinning and attracting new replacements is not happening. Simply put it needs to be easier to be a volunteer. It also needs to be rewarding for landowners to provide access. Without these two vital links VAST will continue the downward trend in membership. I will finish by thanking Ray for what he does. I will also thank his family for sharing him with us. I would urge each and every one of you to reach out to the Rays of your community and thank them as well... Before its too late. - Mike OHara Vice President Caledonia County Snowmobile Trail Club Ernie DeMatties of the Poultney Snow Devils is trying to paddle his sled toward snow. He won first place in our Snow Dancecontest. Roger Cawvey of the Glover Trail Winders entered this photo of his two beautiful granddaughters in theSnow Dancecontest. These angels are working hard praying for more snow Warning for safety and training course information see your dealer or call the SVIA 800-852-5344. ATVs UTVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety always wear a helmet eye protection protective clothing. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Avoid excessive speed stunt driving. Be extremely careful on difficult or unknown terrain. UTVs ATVs are offroad vehicles only they are not designed equipped or manufactured for use on public roads or highways. Never ride on public roads or carry passengers. CFMOTO recommends all offroad riders take a training course. CFMOTO ATVs recommended only for highly experienced riders 16 years older. The Slingshot is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile it does not have airbags and it does not meet automotive safety standards. Three-wheeled vehicles may handle differently than other vehicles especially in wet conditions. Always wear DOT-approved full-face helmet and fasten seat belts. Driver may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Dont drinkand drive. 2015 Polaris Industries Inc. See dealer for details. Actual retail prices are set by dealer and may vary. Taxes freight setup handling charges may be additional may vary. Models subject to limited availability. See your local dealer for limited warranty details information. Certain restrictions apply. Specifications programs are subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect dealer inventory andor unit specifications. Absolute Powersports is not responsible for any typographical errors. See dealer for details. Actual retail prices are set by dealer and may vary. Taxes freight setup handling charges may be additional may vary. Models subject to limited availability. See your local dealer for limited warranty details information. Certain restrictions apply. Specifications programs are subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect dealer inventory andor unit specifications. Absolute Powersports is not responsible for any typographical errors. 2016 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. BRP reserves the right at any time to discontinue or change specifications prices designs features models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 800-887-2997. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety always wear a helmet eye protection and other protective clothing. Never carry passengers on an ATV not specffcally designed by the manufacturer for such use. All adult model Can-Am ATVs are category G ATVs intended for recreational andor utility use by an operator age 16 or older. ATVs and SxS are for off-road use only never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always remember that riding and alcoholdrugs dont mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particulary careful on diffcult terrain. BRP urges you to TREAD LIGHTLY on public and private lands. Perserve your future riding opportunities by showing respect for the environment. Local laws and rights of others when you ride. Make sure that all laws regulations and BRPs warningsrecommendations for ATV are respected. Ride responsibly. Absolute PowerSports Isnt responsible for any typographical errors See Dealer for details. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety always wear a helmet eye protection and protective clothing and never carry passengers unless the adult ATV has been designed by the manufacturer specifically for that purpose. Polaris adult models are for riders aged 16 and older. Polaris youth models of 90cc are for riders aged 12 and older. Polaris youth models of 50cc are for riders aged 6 and older. Be sure to take a safety training course. For safety and training information in the U.S. call the SVIA at 800 887-2887. You may also contact your Polaris dealer or call Polaris at 800 324-3764. Absolute PowerSports VT is not responsible for typographical errors.324-3764. Absolute PowerSports VT is not responsible for typographical errors. 70 Industrial Park Road Wells River VT I-91 Exit 70 Route 302 www.absolutepowersportsvt.com 802-429-2500 Like us on Facebook 70 Industrial Park Road Wells River VT I-91 Exit 70 Route 302 www.absolutepowersportsvt.com 802-429-2500 Like us on Facebook 70 Industrial Park Road Wells River VT I-91 Exit 70 Route 302 www.absolutepowersportsvt.com 70 Industrial Park Road Wells River VT I-91 Exit 70 Route 302 802-429-2500 Like us on Facebook 70 Industrial Park Road Wells River VT www.absolutepowersportsvt.com 802-429-2500 Like us on Facebook North Countrys largest Polaris dealer in the area 2014 Sportsman ACE 325 4995 StockAP06398 2015 RZR 900 Sale 14399 StockXP16772 Stop in and see the ALL NEW Can-am Defender- in stock ready for delivery 70 Industrial Park Rd Wells River VT 802-429-2500 OVER 30 CAN-AM ATVs Side by Sides in stock 2015 UForce 800 Sale 9999 StockXM01347 OVER 30 UNITS IN STOCK READY FOR DELIVERY 2015 CForce 500 HO 2-up Sale 6399 StockAM02105 FINANCING AVAILABLE FINANCING AVAILABLE FINANCINGAVAILABLE LX4900 loader Retail 37995 Sale 29495 StockLY10274 StockLM90219 MAX 25 HST loader turf tires Retail 17999 Sale 15495 SAVE OVER 8500 SAVE OVER 2500 STOP IN AND SEE HERB TODAY FINANCING AVAILABLE Late Winter 2016 9 VAST News CHOKO SUIT CONTEST WINNERS Congratulations to Roger Stoddard and Cindy Smerdon of Morgan Vermont. They are members of the Drift Dusters. Roger chose the Trail Star in Athletic Heather Gray with Quatro pants and Cindy picked the Northern Flair jacket and pants. Visit www.chokodesign.com to order your gear for next season. By Patty Companik On Sunday Feb. 7 the Chester Snowmobile Club held a special celebration prior to the start of their monthly meeting for the 85th birthday of Trailmaster Dick Bigwood. Secretary Joan Choinere made an amazing cake which represented a trail with a groomer and detailed trail signage. Finding the groomer toy was a challenge. The club contacted Tucker headquarters and explained what they were trying to do. Not only did they send them the groomer toy but they also sent many gifts for Mr. Bigwood in honor of his dedication to the sport. Included with the gifts was a personal letter to Dick from the CEO of the Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation. It takes the effort dedication and knowledge of individuals like you to make the snowmobile trail grooming program work. We especially appreciate your personal interest in operating and maintaining your Tucker Sno-Cat your help makes our product look good and we thank you very much for that. - Maralee Tucker Sullivan Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation VAST Executive Director Cindy Locke and Windsor County Director Dick Jewett presented him with the Trailblazer award. A framed picture of the cover of Snowmobile Vermont magazine was also presented to Dick Bigwood. He was very surprised to see the photo of himself on the cover. Sure its a sport many enjoy. But for those who become involved with their local clubs snowmobiling is much more than a sport we become family. DICK BIGWOOD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WHO FOUND THE HELMET David Raville of Malone New York found the helmet under Jon Fosters drivers seat in the groomer photo on page 36. He wins a Snowmobile Vermont baseball hat. If you find the helmet in this issue you could win a beanie baseball hat or t-shirt. Email your answer to editor vtvast.org. We will draw the winner from all the correct submissions. ABoVe Joan Choinere presents the trail cake she made to Dick Bigwood and his wife Dolly at his 85th surprise birthday party. BeLow Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation sent Dick some of their logowear and a Matchbox Tucker Sno-Cat. Patty Companik photos 10 Snowmobile VERMONT VAST News PUBLIC RELATIONS MARKETING The past year has been whirlwind of excitement for the PR Marketing committee. We started off with the Snowmobile Vermont magazine taking root and being a huge success. Not to mention that we have the VAST logo wear available on the revamped VAST website vtvast.org. The magazine website and logowear are only a part of what has taken place. We have participated in tradeshows like the SAM show in Springfield Mass. the Yankee Sportsman Classic in Essex Jct. Vermont and we are looking at even more in the upcoming year. We are also working with local organizations like the Vermont Outdoor Women local area Chamber of Commerces and Vermont Outdoor Guide Association VOGA. We have also worked with out-of-state organizations as well like American Snowmobiler magazine. We will also continue to support other committees and as always our local clubs. It has been a busy year and we are looking at an even busier year to come. We will be participating in more tradeshows expanding the website logowear continuing our work with more local organizations a VAST sponsored snow event perhaps a snowmobile video safety campaign kids coloring book and as always promoting VAST in a positive manner. We are focusing on getting the message out about what is required to ride in Vermont. Campaigns to increase awareness about laws Meet The Committee safety classes No ice is safe ice and Zero Tolerance are being expanded. Informed riders are safe riders so we all need to do our part. We are truly looking forward to what the upcoming year has to offer and I welcome any ideas suggestions questions or concerns. We look forward to meeting and seeing you out on the trails. Thank you to all that sit on this committee for your continued support. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with all of you this past year. - Carmin Lemery Committee Chair Committee Members Carmin Lemery - Chair Jim Morrill Dave Ladd Dave Rouleau Bob Stewart Kenny Gammell Beth Godin COUNTRY RIDERS SPRING FLING DANCE April 23 7 - 11 pm North Troy American Legion Cost 10 single15 couple 802-988-2255 www.countryridersvt.com MOUNTAIN TAMERS RUMMAGE SALE FUNDRAISER April 30 7 am - 4 pm East Calais Rec. Hall 802-535-8798 cassiejomolleurgmail.com CHESTER SNOWMOBILE CLUB BBQ PIG-OUT VINTAGE SHOW July 16 Chester Festival Fairgrounds www.chestersnowmobileclub.com WINDSOR COUNTY CLUBS GOLF TOURNAMENT SCRAMBLE August 19 - Sign up by Aug. 8 Killington Green Mtn. Natl. Golf Course 95person 860-559-9334 mounthollysnowyersgmail.com CALENDAR OF EVENTSCALENDAR OF EVENTSCALENDAR OF EVENTS ELECTIONS The following officers are running for reelection Tim Mills president Jeff Fay vice president Jim Hill secretary Tom Baltrus treasurer. New nominations can be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting. Please consider making a contribution to VAST and the membership by serving at the board county or club level. The Bennington County Directors seat is currently vacant. There is always room for new officers members and ideas. Your service will be returned in many ways and will help keep moving the VAST organization forward. As you all know our volunteers are the backbone of this organization. Please contact me with questions or to submit your candidacy. Merritt Budd Rutland County Director Nominating Committee Chair 802-438-5180 mlumbuddgmail.com There may not have been enough snow in Mount Holly to ride but it doesnt stop Mount Hollys youngest Snow Flyer Mackenzie McAtee from reading up on the important VAST news with her dad Michael. Melanie McAtee photo VAST 49TH ANNUAL MEETING HOSTED BY RUTLAND COUNTY August 12 Killington Grand Hotel www.vtvast.org Late Winter 2016 11 By Sheila Feno-Willett VAST Finance HR Manager Tax Filings Low and behold tax season is upon us once again To stay compliant and not lose your filing status with the State of Vermont you must file an Annual or Biennial Report on the 15th of the third month following your clubs fiscal year end. In order to stay compliant with the IRS your club must file a 990 990EZ or a 990N also known as 990 E-Postcard. Even if your club has not recognized a financial gain you must file by the 15th of the fifth month following the fiscal year end for your club. Should you become terminated or inactive for either of these there is a process and fees associated with gaining an active status again. If you are unsure about when you must file or what you must file you should converse with a tax accountant. Compliance We have contracted with Graham Graham PC to put together a compliance packet for us to provide to the clubs to ensure that your clubs tax status is in good standing with the State of Vermont and IRS requirements. When they are finished you will have a complete packet to follow to become compliant and stay compliant. Automatic Clearing House Thanks to everyone who has completed the Automatic Clearing House ACH Debit Authorization form authorizing us to electronically deposit funds into your accounts. We have utilized this feature with our new banking provider for a couple of months now. It is going very smoothly and has taken off without a glitch The ones who have enrolled in this program are enjoying the ease of having their payments directly deposited into their checking accounts in a timely manner. We have also had a couple of clubs 800 639-6290 802 878-5052 Tuesday-Friday 9 am to 6 pm Saturday 9 am to 4 pm Sunday MondayGone RidingL A N D A I R V T . C O ML A N D A I R V T . C O M who are enjoying the simplicity of paying their invoices to VAST electronically. With a simple email from the president or secretary requesting an invoice payment we process it at this end and it comes directly out of the account. The request from the club president or secretary is mandatory and authorizes VAST to withdraw the funds. TMAs It seems that the new simplified structure for this season has made the process of selling TMAs and reconciling them easier for all involved. We have received a few suggestions for tweaking the TMA forms for FY17. Please send in all sold and unsold TMAs that you currently have. We need all of the TMAs that have been sold submitted at the end of each month. This is the only way that we can project budget numbers for the following fiscal year. AUTOMATIC CLEARING HOUSE ACH TMAS TAX FILINGS VAST News 12 Snowmobile VERMONT By Cindy Locke Executive Director Every March the Northeast Chapter of the International Snowmobile Council has a meeting. The group is made up of members and representatives from snowmobile associations throughout the Northeastern United States and Canada. This years meeting was headquartered in Gorham N.H. and riding took place in Errol and Pittsburg. The event is a time for the snowmobile association leaders including staff and volunteers to get together network and share ideas. Because of the limited snowfall and riding this winter across the board for the most part in New York New Hampshire Massachusetts Vermont and most of Maine there was a lot of conversation about what each state was working on for budget numbers and planning for 2017. We also had quite a lot of discussion led by New Hampshire regarding online trail passmembership. As some of you may know they are moving to offer an online trail pass membership system next season. In Vermont we are also building the capacity for an online TMA option to offer our members. Clubs will still be able to sell TMAs the old-fashion way as well. In New Hampshire they are setting a baseline amount regarding club dues. For instance they will charge 25 for the club dues portion and that money will be sent to the club once someone buys an online trail passmembership. If a club wants to charge more than 25 they can do that but not less than 25. When the issue came up regarding clubs feeling they may lose the personal touch with their members and therefore may lose volunteers New Brunswick Canada stated that they have been selling online trail passes since 2009 and that was a concern from their clubs too. However they have not seen a decrease of volunteers. New Hampshire also will charge another 10 per online purchase to help cover the costs associated with running the online system mailing the trail passes processing credit cards etc. Also in New Hampshire if a club does not want their trail passes offered online they simply opt out of the program. 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When thinking about this I know that Vermont has members that join their main club but then some join other clubs too based on where they ride or live. On the new Vermont site there will be an option to join more than one club at the normal dues rate set by each club. Having a primary club with the option to join a secondary will also help us with counting delegates for the VAST Annual Meeting. We have a lot to work out this spring regarding going online and what that will look like for Vermont. After April we will begin to have committee meetings to discuss options and plans. Other topics for discussion were our affiliation with other national associations and councils and whether we should join them or rejoin them. We also talked about other users of our trail systems and what constitutes a snowmobile in each of our states. Lastly we talked some about Reciprocal Weekend each year. Vermont and New Hampshire are proposing a five day long weekend instead of a three day. Everyone felt that this was a great way to get folks to enjoy riding in states they may not usually be able to ride and for longer with the hope they would come back again or buy a full season pass in that state. New York is thinking about joining Maine New Hampshire and Vermont in our Reciprocal Weekend program. Cindy Locke photos 14 Snowmobile VERMONT Howard Allen has actively volunteered for over 45 years currently as a member of the Hardwick Sno-Flake Ridge Runners and formerly of the Lamoille County Snow Packers. He continues to groom trails and is the chief mechanic for the groomer. Over the years he has helped build maintain and mark trails. Howard has served on the executive board of the Hardwick Club. He has worked hard year after year to help organize and carry out spaghetti ride-ins club fundraisers and the Lamoille County Landowners Appreciation Dinner. Over the 30 years that Marshall Bowman has been a member of the North Country Mountaineers he has relentlessly given his time and energy to blazing trails along their trail system. He was one of the members who established the original trails and before the advent of trail groomers he was out there breaking trails for riders to enjoy. Year after year he has sought landowner permissions signed trails cut brush built bridges installed culverts cleared storm damage and done trail clean-up at seasons end. Marshall actively participates in club activities and fundraisers. Hes hardly slowed down at age 76 continuing to be a great resource for his club. Don Glover has been one of the hardest working volunteers since the 1960s. He has served the Danville S-Ski-Mos and Caledonia County Club. Whenever there is work to be done Don is there from getting landowner permissions debrushing signing building bridges to building entire trails. He received a national award in 1996 for the construction of Trail 51 from Martys Quick Stop north. He supervised and worked alongside a group of young volunteers to make this happen. He has many years experience as club trails coordinator and county trails coordinator. He has brought his club from grooming the railbed with a Ski Doo Alpine to a Class 1 grooming contract. Roger Haskins has been an outstanding volunteer for the Saxon Hill Riders since the 1970s. He serves as treasurer of the club and attends county and VAST meetings. He participates in all aspects of trail work. Roger is a key member of the Groomer Maintenance and Rescue Team. His By Dave Ladd 25Years of Volunteering electrical skills have saved the day or night under the worst conditions. Roger organizes and maintains the storage shed for the club. He secures door prizes and food donations for the annual Landowners Dinner and works with the other volunteers to make it a special occasion. Paul Racine is the groomer operator for the Chittenden Dammers. To the uninitiated it sounds like a nice cushy job. Those who groom know theres a lot of hard work and Paul enjoys every minute of it. He knows the Tucker inside and out keeping it ready to groom with regular maintenance and repair. Paul has been an active volunteer for his club for 26 years. For 12 years he was the Trailmaster and continues to be a strong participant in all aspects of trail work. He has an infectious enthusiasm for snowmobiling and is a tremendous asset to his club. Riding shotgun with Paul most days is his wife Gwen Racine. She has served as a board member for the Dammers and is the clubs official photographer. You can see some of her By Dave LaddBy Dave LaddBy Dave LaddBy Dave Ladd Trailblazers Corner Gwen and Paul Racine have been active volunteers with the Chittenden Dammers for more than 26 years. Don Glover installed signs last year on the LVRT in Danville. Late Winter 2016 15 Trailblazers Corner www.centralvermontmotorcycles.comwww.centralvermontmotorcycles.comwww.centralvermontmotorcycles.com CENTRAL VERMONT MOTORCYCLES 802 773-4533 photos at www.chittendendammers. org. Gwen works alongside all the other volunteers when it comes to trail work and makes sure the crew is well fed. Whatever the clubs activities Gwen is there leading helping and encouraging. Alan Towle has over 35 years experience volunteering for the Danville S-Ski-Mos. He has served the club well as treasurer and is a groomer operator. He is always there for trail work and has participated in many trail additions and reroutes. Sandy Towle has been a constant support working alongside Alan in all club activities. She is the longtime membership chair of the Danville S-Ski-Mos. Sandy is a constant ray of sunshine with a positive outlook and always the first to volunteer to help with any endeavor the club takes on. Merle Young has served as president of the Glover Trail Winders for over 30 years. He also served Orleans County as trails coordinator for over 12 years. At age 86 Merle still signs trails and oversees all club trail projects. Dave Pastula presents Alan and Sandy Towle with their Trailblazer certificates. 16 Snowmobile VERMONT Snowmobiling has been a big part of my life ever since I was a little kid. What started with one sled that my father had has grown into four sleds and a whole family that rides together. It is something that we all love and something that we love doing as a family. Currently I am a sophomore at Vermont Technical College. I am a member of two clubs Ludlow Side Hill Cronchers and the Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas. I enjoy helping out where I can whether it is trail work helping my mother who is the Side Hill Cronchers public information officer writing updates for the Facebook page and the website or volunteering at the Snow Fleas Cook Shack. I plan on always being involved in the sport. It is already a big part of my life and I have a feeling it always will be What do you most love about snowmobiling It is hard for me to pinpoint one thing that I love the most about snowmobiling because I really do love it all I love being out in the woods and enjoying the ride itself but I also really enjoy being able to be out there spending time with my friends and family. If I did have to narrow it down to one thing I would have to say it would be getting out and exploring the state. Snowmobiling is and always has been something that could put a smile on my face from ear to ear no matter what we were doing or where we were going. What has it been like growing up with snowmobiling Growing up with snowmobiling is like living a childhood dream I remember being a toddler and riding around in front of my dad on his 1985 Ski-Doo Formula SS and ever since then I have been hooked. Not only has it been a lot of fun I have learned a lot too. 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Patty Companik photo Late Winter 2016 17 about how they work. I will always remember all of the good times I had being out there with my parents and my brother all of the friends we have met out on the trails and the friends that we infected with the very addictive snowmobile virus. I would not trade it for the world Do you think youll continue to stay involved in the sport as you grow older I am positive that I will stay involved in the sport.It has been such a big part of my life already that I want to make sure I can give back to the sport.I enjoy helping with trail work and working at the Cook Shack and helping in any other way possible.At this point I am addicted to snowmobiling and everything involved with it and I hope that someday when I have a family of my own I can get them just as excited about it as I have always been. I hope to be a part of this sport for a very long time. What is your most favorite trail And why I really do love them all but I would say that the trails on Shrewsbury Mountain in Shrewsbury are my fovorite. I really love being up there and being able to ride for long periods of time without being in anyones backyard and not having to cross many roads.I find it to be a very peaceful area with some beautiful scenery. There is a short hike up to the summit of the mountain which has an outstanding view. It has always been one of my favorite places to ride. What do you think VAST can do as an organization to help generate interest for people your age I think that people my age simply need a way in.I feel like it can be hard to just get your foot in the door. Making it easier to find out what is going on how to contact the people in charge of things like club rides and trail work would be a really big help.This is where social media could play a big role. We started a Facebook page for the Side Hill Cronchers about a year ago and we currently have 440 people following the page.This creates a very large outreach to the younger generations and can keep them up to date with what is going on and how they can help.I think something as simple as that can help get a lot more people involved. Joseph Berge is 19 years old and is from Sherman Conn. VAST Potential 18 Snowmobile VERMONT TRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILSTRAILS REPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORT by Matt Tetreault VAST Trails Administrator Do I have your attention yet Hopefully the title of this article grabbed your attention. I am going to work my way through some thoughts and ideas here and eventually work my way to how you can get your FREE TMA for next season As we are all well aware this winter has not lived up to the expectations that we all had after such a great season last year. A few clubs in the Northeast Kingdom and along the spine of the Green Mountains were lucky enough to get some snow here and there. As a result some clubs were able to open up trails for short periods of time between rain showers. These clubs were faced with the age-old question of whether or not to groom the trails. There is a very in- depth thought process that goes into making this decision. VAST has adopted the IASA Grooming Guidelines as well a guideline for clubs to use in setting up their grooming program. I am going to hit on a few of the basic principles outlined in the IASA Grooming Guidelines in hopes of enlightening some of the members out there who felt that clubs should have groomed more than they did. I must remind you I did not write these guidelines. These are generally accepted guidelines throughout North America. For those of you who are interested the full text the guidelines can be found here www.snowmobilers.orggroomer_ guideGroomerGuidecomplete.pdf. How to get a FREE TMA for your sled In a normal season these guidelines are pretty easy to follow but as we all know this winter was anything but normal. In areas where there was snow clubs were constantly on the phone with neighboring clubs asking Are you going out grooming What are you doing Did you get 5 of snow or less What do you think about the rain and the warm weather system that is coming in the day after tomorrow It was a constant guessing game that kept everyone on their toes and asking questions. traffic volume and patterns wind current or incoming storms. Most importantly we must consider landowner relations as well as many other various factors not mentioned here. Remember that 85 percent of the VAST trail system is on private land. Landowners typically do not want their crops roads hay fields and lawns demolished by hundreds of studs and carbides running over them during low snow conditions. The last thing they want is a groomer passing through. The amount of snow required to begin grooming operations will vary by area and is affected by the type of terrain and type of snow. Generally at least 8 to 12 inches of wet snow on smooth terrain like a road is enough to begin grooming operations. However if the snow is drier or if the terrain is rough or uneven at least 12 to 18 inches of snow or more may be required to safely begin grooming operations. In the few areas of the state that had snow this winter 8 to 12 inches of wet snow was hard to come by. In fact if you look at the snow pack map throughout the winter you will notice that there werent any areas within the state that had this amount of snow for longer than a 3-day time period. In the select areas where there was riding the base was comprised of a couple of inches of ice or bare ground in many covered by 5 to 7 inches of fluffy snow that lasted less than 48 hours in most instances. Many clubs groomed what they could and made the effort but it did cost them financially. Some of the effects of this will be felt next How Much Snow is Required to Start Grooming Operations page 57 IASA Grooming Guidelines Snowmobile trail grooming times frequencies and methods can be inuenced by many variables including temperature type and depth of snow terrain snowmobile Late Winter 2016 19 Trails Report year or the year after when major maintenance needs to be performed on their grooming equipment. So we all realize that not much grooming was done this season and we now have a basic or broad understanding of why. Because the IASA Grooming Guidelines said so The VAST grooming fleet typically grooms over 140000 miles in a given winter. This season we are well below the 10000 mile mark. Now that we all understand why there was not much grooming this winter we have additional questions like VAST should be in good shape financially right They collected all of the revenue and never had to pay the groomers to groom the trails Can I get a refund on my TMA since I did not get to use it The fact of the matter is that VAST does pay out a great deal of money to clubs even when there is no grooming done. Each fall VAST contracts with more than 100 snowmobile clubs and grooming contractors to groom 4700 miles of trail throughout the winter. The contracts are based on a set amount of mileage. These contracts are based on grooming the total mileage as needed up to two times per week. The number of weeks each club is contracted to groom is based on the average number of weeks they have groomed over the past 5 years or 16 years whichever average is higher. As you may have guessed the clubs in the higher elevations have a higher average of grooming weeks than clubs in the lower lying areas. The maximum number of weeks a club can groom is 16. The rate per mile paid to clubs is determined by the type of equipment they are using. We use these figures to come up with a grooming contract cap which is the maximum we will pay clubs for grooming as well as a base grooming contract which is the minimum we will pay them for grooming. How grooming contracts are calculated ABC Club has 50 miles of trail they are contracted to groom with a Class I piece of equipment which is paid 12 per traveled mile. Over the past five seasons winter of 2010 through the winter of 2015 they have groomed 5 weeks 9 weeks 4 weeks 6 weeks and 7 weeks. We add these up for a total of 31. We divide this by 5 years and come up with an average of 6.2 weeks which is the number used in their contract. So we take 50 miles x 12 600 then x 2 1200 and then multiple this number by 6.2 weeks which equals 7440. This number is the clubs grooming contract cap. If they groomed the full 6.2 weeks and hit their entire system twice per week for that time period we would pay them 7440. Overall the club can groom a total of 744012 620 miles for the season. The base grooming contract figure is one half of the cap figure 3720 in the example above and we guarantee that we will pay all clubs and contractors the base figure or grooming subsidy payment as we call it even if their groomer is never able to groom due to low snow conditions. Why do we do this you ask Class 1 groomers cost anywhere from roughly 80000 to 238000 for a new unit. The drags are around 10000 to 23000. In order for clubs to afford payments on these they have to have some sort of guaranteed revenue source. That is where these base contract amounts come into play. VAST also offers equipment Grant-In-Aid funding to clubs and contractors for the purchase of this equipment however our grants and the revenue generated from club membership is simply not enough for these expensive purchases so most clubs have to go to a lending institution to take out a loan. The payments on a 60000 to 100000 loan are fairly hefty especially when the loans are typically for only a 5-7 year period of time. Most people have a mortgage payment that is similar to this that is amortized over 20 to 30 years. Unfortunately the groomer wont last as long as your home will and lenders wont loan the money for a groomer for that l length of time. Clubs and contactors calculate their groomer loan payments on the base payment VAST guarantees them through these grooming contracts much like you would base your Here is an example of trails that are not groomable and not recommended to ride on. William Thomas Sr. photo 20 Snowmobile VERMONT mortgage payments on the income received from your employer. Simply put this is the only way that clubs and contractors can afford the equipment that keeps the trails in tip top shape during a good snow season. So what does this all mean It means that VAST is not sitting here on a large mountain of money we collected from the membership just waiting to do it all again next season. Instead we will be paying out 1100000 in grooming subsidies to the 113 clubs and contractors we have contracted with to groom this winter. In addition to the groomer payments clubs also have to perform pre- season maintenance on the grooming equipment purchase fuel insurance and other necessities to prepare the equipment for when the snow comes. All of these expenses happen no matter what we have for snow. For clubs who own their equipment this subsidy payment allows them to put aside funding to purchase a newer groomer down the road. Grooming is not the only expense that is paid out during a snowless or low snow winter. The 128 VAST clubs across the state have gone out and gotten the trails ready for the season and VAST has laid out the funding through various Grant-In-Aid programs in order to help the clubs complete this task. The 4700 mile trail system does not simply appear out of thin air each December. There are significant costs associated with it despite what Mother Nature has in mind. Even though there was very little riding this winter VAST and the 128 snowmobile clubs will do it all again for the 2017 snowmobile season. Clubs will again be busy working with landowners relocating trails replacing bridges that are in need of repair improving drainage and other trail tread issues at the request of landowners or simply because they are in need of repair. This is costly and is necessary to provide a sustainable trail system of such high quality each and every year. Thanks to all of you who supported VAST this winter and purchased your TMA. The money you spent will help to ensure that there is funding to construct and maintain trails next season and will also enable clubs to make their groomer payments and therefore have grooming equipment in which to groom trails next season. For those who are still a bit upset about paying for a TMA and not being able to use it here is how you can get that FREE TMA next season. Ive to all of the volunteers who put in hundreds of hours to ready the trails and yet never got the chance to ride by the 400 signs they installed or ride over the bridge they broke their thumb on while decking in late October. All of the snowmobile dealers local stores inns and mom and pop businesses who rely on revenue generated by snowmobiles to carry them through the long Vermont winters are suffering. The impact is widespread from the high school kid who shovels roofs during his winter break to make a few extra bucks to the state house in Montpelier where tough budgetary decisions are having to be made as a result of lower than expected revenue. It is disappointing for the entire northeast but there is not much we can do about it except look forward be positive and keep our fingers crossed for a better snowmobile season in 2017. The fiscal committee has been on top of the issue since the beginning of the winter and we are optimistic. We have had winters like this before I am told. I have heard that we had a few snowless but very cold winters in the early 80s. We are looking at ways to scale expenses back for next season and are hopeful that we do not have to take any drastic measures. There are a number of options that need exploring and we are not ruling anything out at this point. All we can do is scale back where we can run a little lean and hope that next years winter is better. I hope that those of you who are upset about buying the TMA and having very little snow to ride on have taken the time to read this and understand that thanks to you this winter recreation will continue. Trails Report The Royalton Ridge Climbers took their signs down in March without ever riding past one on their sleds this year. Signs go up and come down bridges are repaired groomer loan payments are made and many more tasks are completed by clubs even when there is no snow. Tim Parker photo been meaning to get to this all along but I first wanted you to have a basic understanding of how things work. VAST provides each club with eight volunteer TMAs plus one additional TMA for every 10 miles of corridor trail that they maintain. Each club has a policy on how the volunteer TMAs are distributed. If you reach out to your local club and volunteer some of your valuable time you may be able to obtain one of these volunteer TMAs The lack of snow is disappointing to all the members who paid for their TMA. It is even more disappointing Late Winter 2016 21 Im sure that Dale Allen does not know the meaning of slowing down nor does he care to. For more than 45 years Dale has dedicated numerous hours blood sweat and tears to helping create maintain and grow our trail system volunteers landowners and sport into what it is today. It is this kind of dedication and hard work that makes snowmobiling in Vermont so great. Volunteers like Dale Allen are incredibly valuable to their local clubs county and VAST as a whole. The true definition of a Vermonter Dale grew up in the small quaint town of Wolcott and enlisted in military service at 18. Upon returning from serving his country in the late 1960s he helped to establish the Hardwick Sno-Flake Ridge Runners. Thanks to friends and his faithful Husky snowmobile he took to the trails that wind through the scenic Vermont landscape. In the early 1970s he became involved at the county level. When I asked how he got involved he chuckled and replied It just happened There is more to that story however. Thanks to his friends throughout Wolcott and neighboring towns he joined a second club the Lamoille County Snow Packers. When asked why he has dedicated so many years to snowmobiling in Vermont he simply replied The people. To further explain he said it was the memories and LeFT Dale hands over the presentation check in 2003 for 500 raised for the Stowe rescue sleds. ABoVe Dale collects donations at a Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser in the early 1990s. RIGHT Dale is presented the Trailblazer Award by Lamoille County President Brian Currier. stories working on the trails with friends volunteers and landowners. For him it was about building the relationships creating the memories and leaving something for the next generation. I asked What is one of the major changes that you have seen over the years Faster than I could blink he very quickly answered Reroutes. Over the years Dale has built maintained and groomed trails working with other volunteers and landowners to create the trail system we have today. In the 1990s he worked to help raise money for the Make-A- Wish Foundation. He assisted Johnson Hardwick and Stowe clubs in raising money for the purchase of rescue sleds in 2003. Since the late 1960s he has served as president and vice president for the Hardwick Sno-Flake Ridge Runners and president of the Lamoille County Snow Packers. He has been a safety instructor and served on the Vermont Snowmobile Governors Council and Vermont Snow Trails Conservancy. For more than 25 years he served as Lamoille County trails coordinator. I am honored to say that I have been able to serve alongside him for his last two years in that role. Dales hard work paid off in the form of recognition for his efforts in 2002 when he was presented with The Patience Award now known as Trail Administrator Award for his work with volunteers local businesses and landowners. In 2005 he received the County Trail Coordinator of the Year award and in 2015 the Horizon Award. Dale as humble and honest as he is will tell you he didnt do it for the awards. It just happened he says. I had to ask that if he had it to do all over again would he He replied If my wife would let me We all chuckled at that response. My final question to him was If you could relay one message to the future of our sport what would it be He paused for a moment and thought only to reply Give it a whirl you might enjoy it I have been a part of my local club for nine years county and VAST level for four years. 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In a matter of a few weeks these dedicated groups of folks planned communicated organized and conducted a successful event to help their friend Karson Lewis. Karson is a lifelong resident of Weathersfield and considered an extended member of the Weathersfield Pathfinders snowmobile family. His brothers Devin groomer operator and Cole are active club members. While Karson hasnt been on a sled in a while he has helped with trail maintenance in the past. You can also count on Karson to be at the shop when the Tucker is in for routine maintenance helping out and contributing his two cents. When Pathfinders Vice President Seth Kimball was trying to find a location that would allow for a large volume of people he thought of club member Mike Barrups relationship with the Fire Department. Mike was able to obtain approval to utilize the firehouse and he also recruited five volunteers from the firehouse to help with the event. Several neighboring snowmobile clubs came out and supported the event including the Andover Mountaineer Snow Riders Chester Snowmobile Club Ludlow Side Hill Cronchers Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas and the Derry Sled Dogs Snowmobile Club. John Murphy president of the Cronchers could be found in the kitchen washing dishes and the Cronchers also made a monetary donation. Both the AMSR and Chester Snowmobile clubs brought donations for the raffle. The event raised 6100 from donations for the 135 dinners that were served during the two hour length of the event. Food was donated by Black River Produce West Weathersfield Fire Department Womens Auxiliary and club members. A 5050 raffle yielded 816 and the winner donated half of her winnings back to the fundraiser. Seth Kimball said it best Without the tremendous support of the small local community we live in we wouldnt have been able to accomplish this great feat and help Karson in his time of need. Weathersfield PathfindersWeathersfield Pathfinders Over 20 club members and fire department volunteers worked to raise 6100 to help Karson Lewis left front row kneeling. Patty Companik photos Stacia Anderson and Portia Ballard sell tickets for rae prizes donated by Bennys Powersports Deep River Snacks Perkinsville Maple Products Bibens Home Center Two Neanderthals Smokin BBQ Route 106 Deli Andover Mountaineer Snow Riders Bond Auto Parts Chester Snowmobile Club and Simon Pearce Glass. Chow line volunteers are Pam Kimball Meagan Keith Heather Olsen Sam McMillian Levi Parker Tracey Dauphin and Natoshya Spaulding. Volunteers Vice President Seth Kimball organized the event greeted patrons ran refills to the servers and collected donations. Je Gilcris Sr. and Secretary Mike Coleman made the homemade sauce for the event. President Je Strong and Assistant Trailmaster Jordan Kimball cooked the pasta. Servers included Heather Olsen WPF Meagan Keith WPF Pam Kimball WPF Sam McMillian WPF Levi Parker WWFD Ed Barrup kept the coee full WWF Tracey Dauphin WWFD Josh Dauphin WWFD Mychael Spaulding WWFD John Cassidy WWFD Natoshya Spaulding WWFD Cheryl Watson WWFD Richard Watson WWFD. Table clearers where Kathy Kimball WPF Lisa Varney WPF Club treasurer. Setup and clean up was done by Chris Olsen WPF and Bob Blair WPF. Ricky Nadeau WPF handled trac control. Dishes were washed by John Murphy President Ludlow Side Hill Cronchers. Greeters were Stacia Anderson WPF Jake Wilson WPF and Portia Ballard WPF. Late Winter 2016 23 snow fest 2016 Photos by Patty Companik and Beth Godin 24 Snowmobile VERMONT Danville S-Ski-Mos 17th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Danville S-Ski-Mos 17th AnnualDanville S-Ski-Mos 17th Annual Spaghetti DinnerSpaghetti Dinner Danville S-Ski-Mo Roland Bigelow generously donates the use of a large storage building and heated garage for the clubs equipment maintenance and repair. Club Secretary Heather Lytle and club member Je Newman sell 5050 tickets club logo hats sweatshirts stickers and rae tickets for items donated by local businesses. Dexter and Lucille Wilson from the St. Johnsbury Sno-Blazers Club are longtime VAST members and have attened many fundraiser dinners together over the years. Gully Jumpers Carole Picard and Kevin Hudson buy their dinner tickets from S-Ski-Mosmembership chair Sandy Towle and her husband Alan treasurer. Club member Rebecca Newman has been helping with this annual event since she was a little girl.As long as I can remembershe said. Trail Master Don Glover is served his meal by past club president Lori Vogel and her son Tom Vogel groomer operator and club director. Spaghetti DinnerSpaghetti DinnerSpaghetti DinnerSpaghetti Dinner On Jan. 16 Danville S-Ski-Mos served 71 complete dinners and raised more than 300. This is not just a fundraiser. stated Alan Towle club treasurer. This is how we show our appreciation to all the landowners. At this event all the landowners and their families eat free. Photos by Beth Godin Members of the Buckaroos of 302 Dean and Barbara Edson Dave and Nancy Spencer drove over to enjoy a meal and support their friends the Danville S-Ski-Mos. Photos by Carson Calkins 3 years old rode into the event by snowmobile with his grandfather Dana Calkins. Late Winter 2016 25 schools kitchen was alive with activity. A dozen crock pots were lined up in proud order. Nearby was a variety of tasty desserts for guests that had room to spare. A cadre of cooks and helpers put the finishing touches on all the selections. Members turned the school gymnasium into a cafeteria using rows of tables with plenty of seating for all. Club signs were on display and the constant buzz of snowmobiling stories were heard. Sharing some tales at the event were VAST Executive Director Cindy Locke and Essex County Coordinator and VAST Director Dave Page. There are countless examples of how Vermont landowners continue to support VAST snowmobiling. Like so many VAST clubs the focus of the Polar Bears Hot Dish Buffet always remains the same. It combines comradery fundraising and a gesture of sincere appreciation. Landowners eat free and other guests leave a small donation. A portion of collected schools kitchen was alive with activity. gymnasium into a cafeteria using rows money is donated to student activity funds for the local schools. The remainder is used to cover expenses for club projects. Even during this difficult season the strength of VAST is evident in clubs continuing their traditions of hosting and attending events and serves as an important reminder of our commitment. It is this determination that will fill the VAST events calendar again next year. LUNENBURG POLAR BEARS HOT DISH BUFFETSaturday Feb. 6 in Lunenburg Vt. schools kitchen was alive with activity. A dozen crock pots were lined up in proud order. Nearby was a variety of tasty desserts for guests that had room to spare. A cadre of cooks and helpers put the finishing touches on all the selections. Members turned the school gymnasium into a cafeteria using rows of tables with plenty of seating for all. Club signs were on display and the constant buzz of snowmobiling stories were heard. Sharing some tales at the event were VAST Executive Director Cindy Locke and Essex County Coordinator and VAST Director Dave Saturday Feb. 6 in Lunenburg Vt. By Mike Mutascio It was crock pots galore at the Lunenburg Elementary School located on the Town Common off Route 2. A smile a handshake and an offering of home-cooked meals has always been the endless standard for this Essex County town. The Polar Bears keep this tradition alive each winter. The event started many years ago as the Polar Bears Landowner Appreciation Picnic. It was later changed to a winter event at the school and is open to everyone. For snowmobilers there is convenient access from VAST 102F2. Unfortunately like so many club events this year we were also disrupted by lack of snow. That did not stop club member Todd Colby and his 1966 twin-track Alpine snowmobile. Determined to ride to the buffet he made his way using a thin base of frozen snow and ice. Perhaps a flashback for some the Brenda Santaw and Lynda Silsby are food coordinators for the event. Cindy Locke photos Lunenburg Town Clerk Pat Scott left enjoys the buet with residents from the town. She is a regular at club events. Mariah Fryman daughter of club member Sean Fryman welcomes guests and handles donations for the 5050 rae. Al and Pasty Kovacs are friends of the club and support them in many ways from attending their events to purchasing merchandise. Patty is wearing a Lunenburg Polar Bears sweatshit. 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Avery Spalding 3 years old shows o his VAST keychain to his mom Katelyn Bowen. He is the clubs president in trainingand never misses a meeting. Sue Shermans rae ticket was chosen to win a Snowmobile Vermont beanie hat. She is fromVermont beanie hat. She is fromVermont Rochester and is with the Route 100 Snow Travelers club. Barry Wilson is from Ratham N.Y. and has been a member of the E.A.S.T. Snowmobile Club since 1973. He frequently rides in the Rochester area and wanted to come support the Route 100 Snow Travelers. Michelle Buchino club webmaster kept score throughout the day. She and her husband Mike drove up from Hamden Conn. to volunteer at the poker run. Beth Godin photos Dana Spalding one of the clubs trailmasters manned the hot dog station and helped serve all the other delicious food that was brought to share. VAST President Tim Mills has been showing up at events all over the state this year. We caught him at the poker run enjoying the potluck and chatting with Trailmaster Tom Patterson. Mark Ciraldo chooses his cards for the drive-in version of the clubs Poker Run. He lives in Hebron Conn. and is a member of the Tweed Valley Travelers club. Secretary Emma Patterson received entry fees and Mike Grin was the appointed shuer and keeper of the deck. One-year-old Conner Shulman is learning at a young age that being in a snowmobile club is all about sharing. Here he oers a toy to Maureen Kay from the Tweed Valley Travelers. Jim Parrish and his sister Joyce Gendron attended the event with their father Bill Parrish. The poker run was dedicated this year as the Annual AlicePeteParrish Memorial Poker Ride to honor Bills late wife who was a founding member of the club. 26 Snowmobile VERMONT Late Winter 2016 27 By Patty Companik Like many other clubs the Ludlow Side Hill Crochers had to get creative with their events this season due to lack of snow. It was negative 21 degrees that morning as we drove up to the road to the Warming Hut. On this very cold and windy day we could see a large bonfire burning. This was a free event paid for by the club or a give- back to the snowmobile community membership. There were hot dogs cookies chips and warm drinks for everyone to enjoy. A few club officers were there and several dozen people came and went during the course of the event. It was great having the warming hut available and the woodstove was working overtime this day. A family with four sleds made the short trip from their home just down the road to the Warming Hut. The daughter had just completed her safety class and this was her first venture out driving her own sled It may have only been a few miles but it was worth it to her. Landowner Rick Yuris said of event organizers Tina and Kevin Berge They deserve all the credit on this one. LUDLOW SIDE HILL CRONCHERS HOT DOG COOKOUT By Patty Companik ABoVe One family rode in from their home down the road. LeFT Kevin Berge grills the dogs to perfection. BeLow Doug Peabody John Murphy and Kibby Champlin hang out in the Warming Hut. Patty Companik photos Todd Colby his daughter Amanda and granddaughter Rebecca enjoy this 1966 Ski-Doo Alpine every year. Todds father bought it in 1969 and it has a long history of bringing kids sledding. Todd is a groomer operator for the Lunenburg Polar Bears and he sometimes brings this old double track sled out to debrush and groom narrow portions of their clubs trail system. Rowan Nichols thinks that this 1970 Little Skipper is just the right size. His father Bruce grew up riding snowmobiles in South Royalton. Sylvia Burroughs of Braintree brought her late husband Bobs racing suit with competition patches to give to Dennis Kovalesky. Dennis a member of the White River Valley Ramblers is the current owner of the 1970 Puma Mod that Bob used to race all over New England with. Bob Burroughs originally bought the sled in the 1970s from Dennis father Rod Hughes. Rod owned and operated Rodco the Northeast Arctic Cat distributor at the time in Randolph. Sylvia says she has known Dennissince he was riding a Kitty Cat. Al Parranto won the prize for furthest traveledall the way from Ham Lake Minnesota. He trailered in a few of his Boa- Ski sleds and this 1970 Rolo- Flex Wild One. TheBoa-Ski Brotherhoodhad their annual meeting here this year. Al is Boa Brother 4. Jodi Tice of Derby and Douglas Gray of Rutland ride with the Shrewsbury Sno Birds. Douglas brought his two 1976 Panthers to exhibit. Zephyr McDermott 3 years old follows in his father Uriahs footsteps should we say sled tracks with his love for having fun on old snowmobiles. Uriah is co-organizer of the Rendezvous along with Alex Riesterer. VINTAGE SNOWMOBILE RENDEZVOUS was held Feb. 27 at the Athletic Fields in Bethel. Over 350 people attended this fifth annual event to see sleds brought in from over 11 states and two Canadian provinces. The White River Valley Ramblers provided food and Bethel Youth Sports coordinated a rae. Photos by Beth Godin Cindy Locke and David Aiken 28 Snowmobile VERMONT Winter 2016 29 By Patty Companik The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas are a small club that has not had a destination ride for many years. At their first meeting of the season they decided to finally peruse this type of event at The Ravens Den a local restaurant located on the VAST trail system that is welcoming to snowmobilers. It is approximately a three to four hour sled ride from the Cavendish Cook Shack at WR 43 onto Corridor 12 then Corridor 127 to Corridor 7 and ending at the Ravens Den. Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Chester Snowmobile Club and The Green Mountain Trail Blazers shared stories had lunch and lots of laughs at the Ravens Den on Jan. 16 in Manchester Center. Patty Companik photos Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate that day and what was supposed to be a ride-in unfortunately became a drive-in event. Many clubs have had to be flexible with their plans due to the lack of snow throughout the state this year. We all know that many of the local restaurants rely on the business of the snowmobile community. The club decided that still having the event was the right thing to do to help support the local economy. The Snow Fleas commented The club has responsibility to two groups our members and landowners. We understand that our members want to get out and ride. But we also need to protect the land where the trails are located and our landowners. Our decision to open trails or not is based on trail conditions and how grooming and riding the trails will affect the land. Planning is already underway for the ride-in next year so be sure to keep an eye on the Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Facebook page for details. Join the group at the starting location along the route or at the final destination. The club welcomes everyone with open arms. Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Ride-In Becomes Drive-In 30 Snowmobile VERMONT The Barre Town Thunder Chickens Snowmobile Club and the Mercy family hosted the 16th Annual Travis Mercy Skatepark Fundraiser on Saturday Feb. 6. The event usually consists of a snowmobile poker run silent auction quilt raffle and meal which had to be tweaked a bit for lack of snow this year. For the second year we held the event at Barre Town School which adjoins the Town of Barre Recreation Facility where the Skatepark is located. This venue gives us plenty of room to accommodate the attendees and silent auction items on display. At age 15 Travis was taken from us in a car accident and he and his family were actively involved with our club. The skatepark was in the works and was another favorite pastime of Travis and his friends in East Barre. The park was named in his memory and the Barre Town Thunder Chickens have hosted yearly events to raise money for it. Monies raised to date have allowed the park to be self-sustaining and not require a line item in the town budget. We work in conjunction with the Mercy family specifically his mother Linda who coordinates events at the park and works with the town to keep the park fresh and in ship shape Im told she is currently working with the park designer to construct more ramps and is organizing a summer camp and learn to skate days in June. Thanks to all that came out this year in support of our event and to the many local and Vermont businesses that donated items to our silent auction. Without your continued support our efforts would not allow us to provide this great community event. We look forward to seeing you next season for the 17th Annual Travis Mercy Skatepark Fundraiser A variety of food including barbequed chicken was served by the Racing Chefs. Randy Henry center has donated the catering for three years now in tribute to Travis.Greg Sabins left and Snapper Henry right helped deliver a great meal. Thunder Chickens President Dave Rouleau presents poker winner Raymond Gingras with his cash prize. He donated half it of back to the fundraiser. Many thanks to great Vermont companies for donations Cabot Ben Jerrys Vermont Teddy Bear Alchemist as well as the many local business that always support our club including Bond Auto Barre Electric Lowell McLeods Chasis Allen Lumber and many others. Travis Mercys grandmother Lulah Lavery sold rae tickets for a quilt donated by the Montgomery Quilting Circle. Peggy Henry records Bob Stewarts poker hand information for the scorecard. A total of 55 poker hands were sold throughout the day. TRAVIS MERCY Over 70 people purchased meal tickets for the 16th annual event which was held at the Barre Town school cafeteria. They raised 4500 for the skatepark. TRAVIS MERCYTRAVIS MERCYTRAVIS MERCY Linda Mercy proudly wears her Travis Mercy Skatepark shirt which memorializes her son doing what he loved best. Photos by Beth Godin Cindy Locke By David Rouleau Thunder Chickens Vinny Covino Kevin Collins Alex Lessard and Emily Lamson enjoyed the meal and bid on silent auction items. Vinny and Kevin are groomer operators and Alex is in training to become one. Skatepark Fundraiser Barre Town Thunder chickens About 75 people came to boogie and socialize on Jan. 9. The Ridge Climbers will be having this event again next year and hope that even more people will come out and join the party. Beth Godin photos Mike Maxhams ticket was drawn by Judy Lyman for a door prize of a Snowmobile Vermont beanie. He chose a pink one to give to his granddaughter but he also enjoyed modeling it himself for the rest of the night on the dance oor. The Steve Wentworth Bands mix of blues rock and country music kept dancers on their feet and even inspired some line dancing. Judy and Dave Lyman pulled several folks aside into the hallway to tell some jokes which had everyone just about rolling on the oor with laughter. Apologies that they can not be repeated in this family magazine. Judy and Dave have been active club members since 1972. Check out Daves vintageVAST Windsor Countycap Danny Ricker and Dave Small worked in the kitchen serving hot dogs soft pretzels and baked goods. Cabin Fever DANCE President Demetra Small challenged Vice President Tim Parker to a dance-o. Ridge Climbers We are looking to have it next year in hopes for an even bigger turnout. There were a lot of compliments about the whole event It was a blast - Club President Demetra Small Late Winter 2016 31 32 Snowmobile VERMONT By Je Fay This annual fundraiser has been held for the last several years at the American Legion in Colchester. Club members cooked the food for the evening and provided some light snacks before dinner. Dinner included a fine selection of Italian favorites such as lasagna ziti Boves World Famous Meatballs and all the extras. The final four decided to do a progressive split of the 1000 grand prize with fourth place taking home 100 third 200 second 300 and the last man standing received a nice 400 payday. The Lakers held a 5050 rafe alongside the Calcutta which netted another lucky winner over 200 MalletTs Bay Lakers CalcuttaMarch 12 Colchester RIGHT Austin Bacon and Dave Ulman turn the chicken at the Upper Valley Snow Packers45th Annual Chicken BBQ. BoTToM RIGHT VAST President Tim Mills joined club members Stuart Bacon Austin Bacon Chris Bacon Mike Mann Dave Ulman Andrew Godfrey Mike Ewashchuk Richard Acheson at the BBQ on Feb. 5. BeLow Ryan and Bryson Hatch enjoyed the sunshine and had a great meal at the BBQ. Upper Valley Snow PackerS 45th Annual Chicken BBQ Late Winter 2016 33 If you fail to plan you are planning to fail - Benjamin Franklin EVENT PLANNING Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance By Patty Companik Beth Godin and William Thomas Sr. Now that you have seen all the fun club events in this issue and hopefully attended a few of them you may be asking yourself Can our club have events like those Yes you can and it does not have to be difficult stressful or costly The most important component to a successful event is planning. Whether its a small social meet-up and hot dog roast at the groomer shed to a full blown public event with hundreds of attendees vendors and entertainment over the course of several days at a large venue they all have one thing in common A solid plan with committed follow-through. Continued on page 36 A Leader Have one person identified who will be the event coordinator and responsible for all team communication documentation and oversight of other members or sub-committees. This person needs to be organized a strong communicator and willing to accept different styles of getting things accomplished. The coordinator should be polite diplomatic and remember that they are working with volunteers who are giving their time and talents for free. Volunteering many hours can interfere with work family and ones spare time. The coordinator needs to delegate fairly what each person can reasonably handle and remember that the same rule applies to themselves as well. The Vision Start a conversation at your next regular club meeting. Sometimes the biggest challenge is simply deciding to have an event at all and pinning down one idea to focus on. Encourage your club to be open to new people ideas and different styles of accomplishing things. Often others want to see details before they commit to big-picture ideas and might resist new and unfamiliar things. Try to keep your group focused on the main goals of having an event. Once ideas begin to come together and members can get a clearer picture the support should follow. When you stay focused and bring solid ideas and partners to the table others will be happy to join in and share your vision. 34 Snowmobile VERMONT Late Winter 2016 35 ver snowmobiles were present at the Granite ity ide-In The Sno-Bees of Barre planned this event quite well. This is just one example of many successful events that snowmobile clubs have organized over the years. Photo and patch courtesy of Wayne Pelkey 36 Snowmobile VERMONT Teamwork Recruit subcommittee members who will be key to the overall success of your event. First determine what kind of subcommittees you will need and then identify a leader for each. Remember that each person has a gift talent or something they can offer to help. The event leader needs to be willing to step in and help any subcommittee as needed. Follow up with all sub-teams to ensure they are on track and communicating the progress of all sub-committees to the larger team is critical. What starts out small can sometimes grow much bigger as the event starts coming together. Working with your neighboring clubs is highly recommended for support and attendance before during and after an event. This organization has a long history of clubs supporting each other Budget Trying to find money for an event can be easier than you think once you start looking. In most cases you are trying to raise money not spend it. Your members and local community are your biggest resources. Some of your club members may be business owners and be willing to donate something or they may have strong local ties to a potential sponsor in your area. These sponsors could donate anything from the venue food marketing materials or raffle prizes. Sponsors and partners that are willing to add value to your event can turn into dollars for the club. For example if you are serving food ask your local restaurant or grocery store if they would be willing to donate it. That food has now become revenue for the event instead of expenditure. You would be surprised at how many businesses will help you if you ask. Make sure there is an added value for them to be involved as well. Donated raffle prizes such as gift certificates to local businesses not only raise money for the club with the sale of the tickets but also give that business some advertising and potential new customers. Where As your realtor would say location location location is everything. The ideal event space is easily accessible by both sled and car. It should be large enough for the attendance that you expect and a little extra just in case many more show up. If the event is during snowmobile season take into consideration truck trailer and sled parking areas. Remember that our trail system is made up of 85 percent landowners. These are the wonderful folks that help us year in and year out. If they have a location that fits the needs of your plan do not be afraid to ask. Your local school community center or even a restaurant might be a good location. It can also be mutually beneficial. When Choosing an event date can have you sometimes wishing for a crystal ball. Once you pick the date try and stick with it. Many plan their weekends in advance and look forward to attending club events. Research if there are other major events in the area that might draw additional attendance or possibly take away attendance from your event. Make sure you have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Some clubs during this past low snow season decided to stick with their plans and have their ride-in events as drive-in events. Many were rewarded with the overwhelming support of the snowmobile community and had good turnouts regardless of the weather. Continued from page 33 Late Winter 2016 37 Post-Event Send thank you notes and make follow-up calls to your volunteers and sponsors. If you plan to make it an annual event this is also a good opportunity to solicit participation for the following year. Review with your club and document what worked and what didnt work what lessons were learned and what needs to be done differently for future events. Finally write about your event and send in photos and captions to be published in Snowmobile Vermont When planning any event it can be somewhat challenging but it should also be fun and rewarding for your club. Hopefully this article will be helpful in the planning and success of your upcoming event. Once the dust has settled and everyone has had a good time you will all be glad you had the event and looking forward to the next one. Entertainment Entertainment can range from games to live music to snowmobile related activities. Some clubs hold a Calcutta auction which is entertainment all by itself Vendors can be considered an entertainment of sorts. If you have a nearby snowmobile dealer it does not hurt to ask if they would be willing to show up with their latest models for people to check out and other merchandise. See if they will offer an event discount on sales to your attendees. In this event setting the salespeople get a chance to really talk with and spend time with people addressing their questions. This is a huge value to the vendor to generate business for them now and later down the road. This is also a means to draw people to your event if they know they might be able to get some deals. If you are holding any sort of riding related activities make sure you have appropriate insurance paperwork for participants and have discussed everything with the owner of the location and made formal agreements regarding liability. People respond to music and even if it is in the background. It can be as simple as a stereo playing or maybe a local band. Perhaps someone in your club is musically inclined and would like to perform. Event Planning Publicity Remember that VAST is here to help you Your first step should be to add the event to the calendar through your club page on the VAST website. This is the central location where VAST collects their calendar of upcoming events to attend donate to and help publicize in the magazine and on VAST social media. Your own clubs social media accounts also play a vital role in allowing others to share it and help spread the message even further. Not everyone uses the internet so printed marketing materials are also needed. Flyers are a great affordable way to start getting the word out and should be placed throughout the area where the event will be held. Think of all the places you go and see them grocery stores post offices gas stations restaurants community centers store fronts trail junctions snowmobile dealers and repair shops. Anywhere that there is a bulletin board or a business that will allow you to display the flyer is a chance for people to find out about your event. Many radio stations have discounted advertising rates for non- profits and this also is worth looking into. Snowmobile Vermont magazine also offers discounted advertising rates for clubs. That old saying a picture is worth a thousand words also holds true for your event. Make sure you take plenty of pictures. Dont assume that someone will take pictures during the event. Have one or two volunteers assigned to this. Instruct them to take notes about the photos they are taking including the names of people in the photos. Most Importantly. . . Have Fun 38 Snowmobile VERMONT I started snowmobiling in October 1967 after watching a neighbor riding around the neighborhood on a 1967 Ski-Doo Olympic. He had problems keeping it upright and after being thrown off a few times he called it quits and put a For Sale sign on it. I offered him 125 and he quickly accepted. That 1967 Ski Doo Olympic with 18 HP bogie wheels was fast for the time and could now be considered a vibratory aid for arthritis. It was very dependable but a challenge to pull start with a clutch that needed a disassembly after a few rides to apply Never Seize to lubricate the engaging dogs. Soon after purchasing the Ski-Doo another neighbor Gus Gosselin invited me to go for a short ride in Windy Wood area. We headed out and soon arrived at a small brook. Gus gunned his Moto Ski lifting the front skis and jumped clearing to the opposite side. I tried to duplicate his feat but let go of the throttle while in the air and crash-landed with the skis stuck in the opposite bank. This lesson of being a novice and Gus having more experience taught me that I had a lot to learn about snowmobiling. After riding more with Gus we decided to form a club and the Barre Sno-Bees was born the same year as VAST. We both became charter members. I served the Sno-Bees as Trailmaster Secretary and Treasurer from 1967 to 1995. I groomed trails with a Wayne variety of equipment including my own sled with homemade drag Ski-Doo Alpine 1968 Tucker with our custom made drag 1980 Tucker and a 1989 PistenBully with a 10-foot drag. Over the years I have owned 28 different sleds of Ski Doo Arctic Cat Kawasaki Yamaha and even one Wankel. With my wife Rene a rider and later my sons Paul Mike it meant that I was the mechanic fueler and chief starter before each ride needless to say with the cranky Tillotson Walbro carburetors I was already pooped before the four of us were dressed and ready to ride My favorite sled was the Arctic Cat Panther. It was my first sled with slide suspension after riding so many years of rough riding bogie wheels. In later years the Ski- Doo long track and Arctic Cat were my dependable machines. My all time favorite Snow Sage neighborhood on a 1967 Ski-Doo quickly accepted. That 1967 Ski Doo wheels was fast for the time and could now be considered Tucker with our custom made drag 1980 Tucker and a 1989 PistenBully with a 10-foot drag. Over the years I have owned 28 different sleds of Ski Doo Arctic Cat Kawasaki Yamaha and even one Wankel. With my wife Rene a rider and later my sons Paul Mike it meant that I was the mechanic fueler and chief starter before each ride needless to say with the cranky Tillotson Walbro carburetors I was already pooped before the Pelkey Grooming with our new 28000 1980 Tucker. I always installed needed trail signs and cut trail imposing branches. Other groomers said I was slow but I never left a broken groomer on the trail It was minus 20 degrees at the 1970 Ride-in at Lake Morey. My new 1970 Ski Doo Nordic cost 725 and my 1969 Walls snowmobile suit was 60. Late Winter 2016 39 was a 583 Ski-Doo MRX furnished courtesy of Bombardier. Currently my only sled ride for short rides is a 1997 Arctic Cat Puma with electric start reverse that my youngest son rescued from an overgrown weed patch where it was being used as a condo for field mice In June 1987 I became VAST Trails Coordinator Administrator and retired in 1997. One of my best memories is of my retirement party at the VAST office in June 1997 when member Perry Armstong erected a circus tent behind the office. I was so surprised and elated to have over 200 snowmobilers attend including Vermont Forest and Parks and officials from Maine and New Hampshire. The Commissioner of Forest and Parks made the statement During the first six months with Wayne pushing us I did not think we could coexist any longer but then I changed my mind to wonder how we could coexist without him Wayne has been a member of the Barre Sno-Bees VAST since 1967. He is 84 and lives in Barre. Awards Sno-Bees of Barre Groomer of the Year Lifetime Member VAST Dedication Perseverance Leadership IASA Outstanding Leadership Iron Dog Association Inducted 1991 Legacy Maps - I spent hundreds of hours hand drawing the routes and coordinating with National Survey plus all of the informational blocks and safety tips. Came up with the intersection numbering system. Spent three years working to repeal VAST reciprocity and implement trail pass system As a legislative lobbyist I pushed to get 100 percent of snowmobile registration monies collected to VAST previously 85 percent I became an associate member of the VNRC. It is better to be a part of it than an outside resistor Was successful in securing and agreement made with New York to access services at Lake Champlain and use the Corridor 4 rail trail My name etched in the granite sign beside the VAST office Awards Snow Sage Sno-Bees mascotBambigiving me a kiss. My well-known gold 1969 Wall snowmobile suit was displayed during my Sno- Bees retirement party in September of 1997 after 30 years of service. My buddies Dick Jensen and John Black were there to help celebrate. 1994 dedication ride on 335 foot Winooski Wonder. I supervised the plans materials and construction of 14 suspension bridges. 40 Snowmobile VERMONT By Cindy Locke Executive Director Last year and this season a group from VAST went to other states for Reciprocal Weekend to check out other trail systems. With those involved pitching to pay their way our groups consisted of Directors other club members and VAST staff. In 2015 our trip took us to Rangeley Maine. Our headquarters were near the village and right on the trail system. Last years weather was beyond cold but we had good snow. Our days of riding were spent navigating a trail system many of us did not know and trying to get away from the population that also decided to head to Rangeley that weekend. On the second day we went east and up in high elevation. Although cold we found empty trails and good riding. This season many of the same folks headed to Pittsburg New Hampshire. With such a low snow year across the Northeast Pittsburg was even more populated than usual. The network of trails in that area were heavily traveled but the local clubs did their best to get out and groom. There had to be thousands of riders this year in the area. On both of these trips our evenings are spent with communal meals talking about the day we just had and the trails we rode on. We also spoke a lot about the signing systems that both states use including corner signs junction ahead signs stop ahead signs and of course the junctions themselves. If youre interested in future plans for Reciprocal Weekend read my other article in this issue about the North East Chapter Meeting. Reciprocal Weekend By Carmin Lemery It all began before I even left the borders of Vermont. Packed and ready to go I headed towards the VAST office to meet Cindy Locke to travel to our cabin Serenity in Pittsburgh N.H. I was super excited to just get away and hope that Mother Nature would be kind to us for the weekend. I met up with Cindy and we headed out for Pittsburgh. The road twisted and turned us toward our ultimate destination. Cindy took the lead in her truck and I followed as we moved closer to our Serenity. Just when I thought it was going to be an uneventful trip I heard a loud thump. I slowed as I watched Cindy turn a corner and realized that my trailer was no longer attached to the truck. I moved to the side of the road as far off as I could. It ripped the wiring from lights and was barely hanging on by the safety chains. Breathe Carmin think Carmin 1. Call Cindy and advise her that I am no longer in her review mirror. 2. Figure out how to lift trailer and hook back up to truck. 3. Fix lights. 4. Breathe. After getting off the phone with Cindy I heard doors closing and people running toward me and there appeared three men to my rescue. Im fine.Yes I need help in so many ways In all the confusion and flurry I managed to remove the chains from the truck and pull forward away from the trailer to better evaluate the situation. What a Weekend I waited for Cindy to appear so that I could get a jack to get the hitch up off the ground and hooked back up to the truck but these gentlemen had a different plan Do you have something to put in front of the tire for the trailer one of the men asked. Yup and Ill get the jack for the trailer I replied. Nope just something to put in front of the tire. was the reply I received. I grabbed a piece of wood from Cindys truck and put under the trailer tire. Can you back up the truck I was asked. Yup but how are you going to lift the trailer I asked. Pick it up was the response. WHAT No I can get the jack I replied. Nope just backup the truck. I jumped in the truck and slowly began to back up.Slam The trailer successfully reconnected to truck. To be honest I will be lucky if I can get it off Not only did these gentlemen reattach my trailer but also spliced my lights and made sure that I was safe to continue on my adventure. I can not express how grateful I am to those guys for helping out. Successfully locked and loaded again Cindy and I hit the road. We twisted and turned until we reached our Serenity which I desperately needed by this point. We settled into camp and prepared for the remainder of our group to arrive. They trickled in over the next few hours and before long we were all assembled in one cabin for dinner. Day One The trails had been well- ridden and were a bit washboard. Oh an intersection I think that it is an intersection well it is an intersection just not sure exactly where we are. We twisted and wound through the woods throughout the course of the day finally making it back to camp. I am relieved to say that we made it back. The intersections were just not marked as well as in our home state. Day Two We assembled in the morning and our fearless leaders came up with a game plan to head for higher elevations and hope for better trails. We begin to climb in elevation and to our delight we found that the trails were a little better due to snow that fell overnight. There was laughter stories and camaraderie amongst all. How could the day be better We were adults that were kids again if even for a brief period of time. Final Thoughts The trail system in Vermont is run by an overwhelming amount of volunteers and we definitely have a much better groomed trail system than New Late Winter 2016 41 Cindy you did a great job organizing this reciprocal weekend. I know it was a lot of work but it was great. It is always nice going to different areas to see how they do things differently. When riding in groups it is hard to fit things together but you did it and kept it going. We learned how important it is to have great signed trails. We should always look for physical landmarks to show our way back. Thanks again - Maurice Barnes Hampshire. Without a doubt Vermont trails are much better marked. Saying Thank You to all those volunteers will never seem to be enough. I am truly proud to say that I belong to VAST and appreciate our volunteers and landowners much more than I could have imagined. Without the volunteers and landowners we would not have the amazing trail system that we do in our great state of Vermont. Thanks Cindy for posting the whole reciprocal outing together and allowing my friend Maurice Barnes and Rich a friend of Maurices. We found the trails very good in spite of very thin cover. Feeding the Canadian jays was fun and captured on film. The turkey club dinner at Pittsburg was very very good and followed by fireworks on Saturday night. New Hampshire could take a lesson on trail signing from Vermont. I will reserve judgment on grooming as after all it was reciprocal weekend and I think every sled in New England and beyond was in Pittsburg. - Gordon Holmes Reciprocal Weekend ADDISON COUNTY Lewis Barnes 802.453.3816 barneschamplain.edu BENNINGTON COUNTY Vacant CALEDONIA COUNTY Ken Gammell 802.535.4688 CHITTENDEN COUNTY Pat Poulin 802.878.5648 polaris70comcast.net ESSEX COUNTY Dave Page 802.723.5041 dkp_handyhotmail.com FRANKLIN COUNTY Michael E. Burns 802.527-9471 meburns2013myfairpoint.net GRAND ISLE COUNTY Dave Ladd 802.372.5709 snospringerdavecomcast.net LAMOILLE COUNTY Carmin Lemery 802.760.8121 stowesnowmobileclubgmail.com ORANGE COUNTY Ron Garvin 802.439-3550 rongarvinaol.com ORLEANS COUNTY Roger Gosselin 802.274.4502 vtsnowmobilergmail.com RUTLAND COUNTY Merritt Budd 802.438.5180 mlumbuddgmail.com WASHINGTON COUNTY Mark Reaves 802.595.7602 802.595.5614 mreaves68gmail.com WINDHAM COUNTY Roone Gibbs 802.843.2486 westfallvermontel.net WINDSOR COUNTY Dick Jewett 802.875.3063 rgjewettvermontel.net 42 Snowmobile VERMONT VAST Board of Directors ADDISON COUNTY Foote of the Mountain Sno-Travelers The Foote of the Mountain Sno- Travelers want to thank everyone once again for making our 9th Annual Calcutta another successful event. Congrats to the big winners Butch and Deb Crandall for winning the 2500 grand prize. Our snowmobile season has been a big disappointment. We can all hope for a better year next year. Thanks to all the club members for putting in many hours and getting the trails ready for the season even though Mother Nature wasnt good to us. Mary Wright Secretary Like us on Facebook BENNINGTON COUNTY Woodford SnoBusters Im sure many Vermont snowmobilers are disappointed with the 2015- 2016 season. Sadly the Woodford SnoBusters got in just a few grooming runs yet I would like to mention the positive events the WSB participated in this season rather than our epic lack of snow. The Better Bennington Corporation hosted Fallapalooza at the end of October in Bennington and though it is not a snowmobile related event the Woodford SnoBusters were delighted to participate and join our local community in games entertainment and trick-or-treating for the kids. Thank you to Denise Ames Laurie Late Winter 2016 43 CLUB NEWSCLUB NEWSCLUB NEWSCLUB NEWSCLUB NEWSCLUB NEWS Conditions on the Danville S-Ski-Mossection of the LVRT allowed for some limited riding early in the season. Cindy Locke photo The Woodford SnoBusters with the help of local police departments rescue services and Vermont Fish and Game held their annual Very Special People Ride on Feb. 13. Over 100 people attended including 45 participants. Levesque Caitlin Tilley and Bob Vicari for hosting the WSB booth. We offer huge thanks to the McKenna family for hosting another fabulous Very Special People Ride on Feb. 13. This is one of the Woodford SnoBusters favorite events where we treat persons with special needs to a day of snowmobile rides and lunch. Despite record breaking low temperatures we had nearly 100 people including 45 participants turn out to enjoy the fun Unfortunately I have a word limit for this submission so I am unable to thank all the volunteers by name. We very much appreciate the members of local police departments rescue services and Vermont Fish and Game who share their time to make sure this event runs safely. This year Miss Vermont International Maddi Shaw stopped by to join the fun. Though he wishes to remain anonymous the guy who got her sled stuck says he is sorry Feb. 27-28 was a very exciting 44 Snowmobile VERMONT Club News weekend in Bennington. East Coast Snocross brought snocross racing to Willow Park. I hope you stopped by the SnoBuster trailer to say Hi and buy a WSB t-shirt. Bob Vicari deserves a special thank you for coordinating a group of WSB volunteers to help organizers with event operations. Thanks to volunteers Mary Beth and Scott Daniels Larry Gates April and Brian LaCroix Joe and Lisa Michaud and Austin Wosleger. By all accounts it was a huge success and we hope that this will continue to be an annual event The SnoBusters would like to thank the Deerfield Valley Stump Jumpers for graciously rescheduling their Annual Pig Roast to avoid conflict with our Hot Dog Roast. We all appreciate being able to attend both events and value our continued friendship with our fellow snowmobile clubs. The WSB Annual Hot Dog Roast was unfortunately canceled due to lack of snow. The Hot Dog Roast has been a SnoBuster tradition for well over 20 years and we have only had to cancel one other time. I guess all we can do now is to figure out how to get back in Mother Natures good graces for next season Stacey Bleile Hospitality Director www.snobusters.com Like us on Facebook CALEDONIA COUNTY ToP LeFT Carole Picard and Kevin Hudson of the East Montpelier Gully Jumpers club won a helmet that was donated by Gillies of East Montpelier. ToP RIGHT Club President Milt Lamberton and Dick Pages brother Deane Page hand out dinner tickets. BoTToM Gail McDonnell Barbara Edson and Juelle Lamberton get to-go meals ready. Buckaroos of 302 Its been a dreary and disappointing winter so far to say the least. Little snow and above average temperatures have been the downfall to the 2016 season. Nonetheless the Buckaroos were still able to have a productive and successful year. We set a record in Early-Bird TMA sales and were able to add on to our trail system with the addition of the Sprocket Trail. Despite the lack of snow the Dick Page Ride-In was a success. We sold out and even had two riders show up on snowmobiles. The Ride-In has always been a landowner appreciation dinner for the Buckaroos and we had 18 landowners come for a total of 36 free meals. We have plans to redeck the Sucker Brook Bridge and possibly the bridge on the 2004 trail. Well continue to work on improving our newer trails as well as the never-ending cycle of clearing brush and trees from the trail system. The Buckaroos are looking to put together a list of volunteers that we can contact when we plan on doing trail maintenance projects. If anyone is interested in being put on our list please contact any of the officers. We award 13 Volunteer TMAs every fall so if anyone is interested in earning one wed love to have you on board for one of our trail projects. Have any suggestions comments or questions Feel free to contact the club we love to hear feedback from riders. Thank you everyone who purchased a TMA from us this season. Were sorry that it wasnt a better season but hopefully next year will be better As always be safe respect the landowners property and please dont litter our beautiful trails. Taylor Lamberton Secretary www.buckaroosof302.com Like us on Facebook Lyndon Sno-Cruisers What can any of us say Our Northeast Kingdom snowmobiling relies completely on the weather that comes along. The Lyndon Sno- Cruisers were able to hold the annual Poker Run fundraiser and we showed a profit from the event but it takes that core of local TMA members to Late Winter 2016 45 Club News be successful. These funds are what are needed to repair chainsaws for debrushing or repairs on the groomer. These types of expenses are not covered in the TMA expense. These are the behind-the-scenes expenses that clubs are responsible for to keep the equipment ready to go and out on the trails when conditions allow. This money had to come from fundraisers that clubs hold and it is vital that members understand this need. Area clubs should be supporting each other by attending their neighboring clubs events. This is different than my usual Mike Bickford was accidentally omitted from this photo caption last issue. The Lyndon Sno-Cruisers wish to thank him for his hard work on the Trail 522 bridges. writings but necessary for all snowmobilers to understand what clubs must plan and budget for. Call your club and offer support. Most clubs are listed on the VAST website and you can easily find contact information there. On to the Poker Run which had the support of the VAST executive director Cindy Locke and the Lamoille County director Carmin Lemery. The Lyndon Sno- Cruisers also want to thank the support that the Orleans Snow Stormers gave especially in a year when we could not snowmobile to participate. Congratulations to the first place winner Luke Before who received 400 cash. A total of 11 people shared in the prizes that were generously donated by area businesses. We thank them for showing so much support. With the weather challenges it tests our resolve to make the most out of a poor situation. The shiny blue sleds have been out for a ride once. Larry Dwyer Secretary www.lyndonsnocruisers.com Like us on Facebook Lyndon Sno-Crusiers Poker Run organizer Larry Dwyer presents Luke Before with first prize. He participated in the event with his father Gene Before. Sno-Flake Ridge Runners We saved the groomer from the flooding in downtown Hardwick. We know its been a hard year for the sport but we just want everyone to remember its takes an army to keep this going. We need year round support no matter how good the season is. We are hopeful for a better year next year but in the mean time take care of your sleds save up your vacation time next winter will be one to take off and hug a landowner Thank you everyone that contributes to VAST through the good and bad Randi Hall Secretary Like us on Facebook The Sno-Flake Ridge Runnersgroomer had to be rescued from ooding in Hardwick on Feb. 25. 46 Snowmobile VERMONT CHITTENDEN COUNTY Iroquois Snow Beavers This was the winter that never was. As VAST clubs we dont ever stop thinking about snowmobiling. The summer can be spent on landowner relations rebuilding damaged infrastructure getting necessary permits for trail construction and seeking reroutes. The fall is when we put out our trail flags install signs and distribute TMAs. We run our fundraising event in December. Then we wait for snow. And wait... And wait... A great deal of time and effort goes into ensuring the trails can open when Mother Nature decides to deal us an opportunity. This year the opportunity never came. It can be deflating to know that all of the flags that are waving in the breeze will not see a single snowmobile ride between them. All the effort and manpower that went into building new bridges and repairing the old and not a single snowmobile will ride over them. Seeing the trail get used brings us satisfaction in knowing all of our ESSEX COUNTY ABoVe The Brighton Snowmobile Clubs Annual Snowmobile Rae-Dinner Dance was sold out and very successful. LeFT George King was the grand prize winner of a brand new Ski-Doo at the Rae-Dinner Dance. efforts are at least getting utilized. We ride the trails we work on. This year we will pick up our flags return our TMAs and thank our landowners. Well start again next year hoping that history doesnt repeat itself. Thank you to all of our landowners businesses and volunteers that make riding in HinesburgHuntington Chittenden County possible. We couldnt do it without you Erik Engstrom President Like us on Facebook Brighton Snowmobile Club With the unusual winter snowmobile season coming to an end in the Northeast Kingdom we were luckier than most. We did get in a few good weeks of decent riding including some in early March. Our year began with a very successful fundraiser in mid-January. Our Annual Snowmobile Raffle-Dinner Dance was sold out and well attended. We would like to thank all the volunteers that made it such a great event. The lucky winner was George King a long time supporter and member of the Brighton Snowmobile Club. He took a little ribbing as he is an avid Arctic Cat man and his new sled is a Ski-doo from Walts Sales and Service. We think George looks pretty good on his new machine. Although we werent able to do our normal amount of grooming this year we would like to thank our numerous groomer operators for their dedication and the long hours they did spend making the trails some of the best in the state. We did have several incidents where snowmobilers were less than courteous when they met one of our groomers. For safety reasons we primarily groom at night so there is less traffic and we wont interfere with snowmobiles. On occasion we do have to groom during the day depending on the weather. We ask that riders please be considerate and pull over if they meet the groomer or be patient if they come upon one from behind. Remember that although the riding may be over our work never ends. Be a volunteer and contact your local club to see what you can do to help in the off-season. Also remember to support your local club and VAST next year with your early membership so that we may continue to offer you some great riding. Even when the season is closed we still have expenses such as groomer payments and trail work and their expenses. We wish you all a wonderful spring and summer. Homer Selby Club Reporter www.brightonsnowmobile.org Like us on Facebook Late Winter 2016 47 Club News Canaan Border Riders It sure has been a tough winter on us all. Do we groom or not Mother Nature seems to have the last laugh every time. We do however continue to have some club events planned for the months ahead. We will still be having a cookout at Aprils Maple to celebrate the end of the season. I guess this season well celebrate the season that wasnt. Either way come join us for burgers and dogs at the beautiful facility that the Lemays open to us every year for this get-together. With any luck sugar season will be in full swing which adds to the fun. May brings the Annual Landowner Steak Feed at the Time Out Tavern Northland Restaurant. It will be on May 7 at 530 for happy hour and dinner will be served at 630. We welcome all our landowners and volunteers to thank you for all you do to keep us alive and well. To finish Id like to announce that 2016 is the 50th anniversary of this wonderful club. Thank you to all the people who over the years contributed in any way to our clubs longevity and success. It speaks volumes to know that we were around even before VAST and from what the original members tell me we are very much responsible for helping start our state organization. With that Ill say lets hope we get a few good storms before the seasons end and get to enjoy what we have left of winter. Mike Daley President www.canaanborderriders.org Like us on Facebook Lunenburg Polar Bears A small whisk of winter and it was done. Thats what happened during the 2015-16 season. It was the worst in recent memory for the entire northeast United States. Yet it was encouraging to see VAST clubs up to the challenge and doing everything they could to drum up some fun for the VAST community. We added a nifty LED strobe pack to our Mogul Master drag to improve safety and visibility. A large portion of Polar Bear Country received packing and assessment runs in early January. Sleds were out enjoying what they could mostly in the Granby area but we did not recover from the repeated rain and thaws. The Polar Bears rolled forward with a Hot Dish Buffet in February. Among the guests in attendance our landowners ate for free. The setup crew and numerous helpers worked hard to ensure it was a success. Special thanks to Lynda Silsby and Brenda and Dick Santaw for coordinating the event. You can find photos of the Buffet on page 25 in this issue of Snowmobile Vermont. During recent meetings there were discussions related to future club 48 Snowmobile VERMONT High Technology Garments Accessories NO SWEAT BREATHABLE WATERPROOF WINDPROOF Complete Line of Snowmobile and ATV Clothing and Accessories For the Whole Family Club News events for next season. This includes preparations for our 50th Anniversary Celebration. Stay tuned to the club Facebook page and website for more information. We continue to look at a graphics package for our Class I groomer. The next time the PistenBully heads out on the trails it will have a Polar Bear look. Similarly new club decals have arrived. You do not want to miss out on these high-gloss 5-inch color logos. They are perfect for any vehicle trailer snowmobile and much more. Decals are available at the Lunenburg Variety Store and at club events. We are asking for a 3 donation to cover expenses. It was nice to see new members amongst our VAST Early Bird TMAs. Thanks to everyone that supported the Lunenburg Polar Bears during the 2015-16 season We are looking forward to a memorable season next year Mike Mutascio Secretary sites.google.comsite lunenburgpolarbears Like us on Facebook New intersection signs were installed this season on Lunenburg Polar Bear trails. Northeast Kingdom Snow Blasters Sure everyone is talking about the lack of snow this winter So we will talk about the snow that we did have. As I write this we went five weeks without measureable snow to groom. Then Mother Nature finally gave us something to work with in the form of two storms totaling 14 inches in a one week period. We were able to get out there and groom for you and open most of our trail system for your enjoyment. That weekend our trails were groomed and as busy as ever Friday through Sunday. It was so nice to see smiling faces everywhere. It is looking like we are approaching an early end to the season as warmer temps are headed here again. I will never give up hope Late Winter 2016 49 Club News I took the picture that accompanies this article on top of Green Mountain. I was able to enjoy a sunrise and moonset at the same time Thank You for enjoying our trail system David Diminico Trailmaster northeastkingdomsnowblasters.com Like us on Facebook Northeast Kingdom Snow Blasters Trailmaster David Diminico took this photo of a sunset and moonrise while out grooming. FRANKLIN COUNTY Franklin County Snow Raiders The following changes in officers are as follows President vacant Vice President Kevin Mitchell Secretary Saundra Badger Treasurer Ken Stockwell Saundra Badger will assume treasurer in 2017-2018 Trailmaster Kevin Badger Assistant Trailmaster Mike Clark. Many of the current officers have held their positions for many years and have opted for changes and to begin new ventures. Hopefully the membership will continue to support the club and help out in any way possible. Because of the complexity of the treasurer position I hold I am staying on another year so I can show the new treasurer the ropes. It has been a disappointing season for snowmobiling with little to no snow in many areas of the state of Vermont. Our club purchased a new drag for the groomer and unfortunately it didnt see snow At least it will be all ready for next season. Membership is down this year. I guess that goes with the fact we havent had any snow to ride on. I know many people who have bought VAST memberships are wondering if their membership will carry over but unfortunately it doesnt work that way. The club thanks the many landowners who have graciously given the club permission to access their property for our trail system. Without them we would go nowhere. I wish everyone a great summer. Ive enjoyed the past couple months in Florida. Ken Stockwell Treasurer Like us of Facebook ORANGE COUNTY Corinth Sno-Scramblers Usually at this point in the season we are over waist deep in snow the Tucker has many hours of grooming time logged and all of our snowmobiles have quite a few more miles on them than when they had their pre-season tune ups. Unfortunately that is not the case for this winter. We havent gotten up to our knees in snow the Tucker hasnt left the yard and many of our sleds have about the same mileage as they did in December. Its been quite a few years since we had a winter where our trails didnt open. El Nio could be a snowmobilers archnemesis. However not all is lost with this winter. Our time not riding the trails has allowed us extra time to continue working on projects to improve our trail system. Our project list currently includes making some minor repairs to the bridge on 25A that leads to Maplewood and filling in culverts on trail 5. Thank you to Mr. Haney for volunteering to work on that project. We also must trench out the section of trail on the top of Bear Notch to allow for better drainage. In the off-season we will be working to change out some of our trail signs. At our March club meeting we elected to keep all of our officers the same for this coming year. While our Early Bird TMA sales were down this season we are hopeful that next season will bring us more favorable weather. We are still very thankful for all of the hardworking volunteers and our landowners that continue to make this sport possible. Our Annual Landowners Appreciation Breakfast RONNIES CYCLE SALES OF PITTSF 501 WAHCONAH STREET PITTSFIELD MA 01201 STOP BY TODAY FOR INCREDIBLE OFFERS AND UNBEATABLE SERVICE. Add your ow Dealer Mess AddUpload by selecting EditChange information RONNIES CYCLE SALES OF PITTSF 501 WAHCONAH STREET PITTSFIELD MA 01201 STOP BY TODAY FOR INCREDIBLE OFFERS AND UNBEATABLE SERVICE. Add your ow Dealer Mess AddUpload by selecting EditChange information 501 Wahconah Street Pittsfield MA 413 443-0638 ronniesharleydavidson.com Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-4pm R The Way Out. SPRING ORDER Lowest Pricing Around on 2017 sleds Ends April 12th 50 Snowmobile VERMONT was on April 2. Due to the fact that many of our club members didnt get much use out of their TMAs this season we invited all Corinth Sno- Scramblers Club members to attend the breakfast as well. As the season comes to a close its never too late to think snow or start your snow dances for next season Kim Thody-Davis Webmaster www.snoscramblers.org Like us on Facebook Club News Topsham Ridge Runners Well this stinks These were the words running through my mind when I saw the latest forecast hoping to get in another weekend of riding with my friends. I instantly became grumpy over the idea that I still wouldnt be able to ride to my favorite spots from my house. Grumpy that I wouldnt be able to get in even a fraction of the number of miles I had ridden last year. Grumpy that I had waited eight months for a season that wouldnt come. Walking around in a frump it slowly occurred to me that these were not the reasons I was upset. I was upset because no one has had the chance to enjoy our trails and our new signs. Most of all I was upset that the hard work dedication and generosity of our volunteers and landowners would go greatly unnoticed. The truth is that we wont let this winter get us down. Even when we cant ride our club is still striving to improve. The free time has allowed us to reconsider projects that were put off last year and to evaluate what had worked well for us this year and what hadnt. We had time to think about how we could further improve our trails and show appreciation to our landowners. Years like this make us even more thankful for all of our members that keep coming back the local businesses that sell our TMAs and our local community for supporting us. The Topsham Ridge Runners exists because of all of you Whether it be carrying a chainsaw or on a sled we hope to see you out on the trails Thank you for all of your support. To us ALL of the contributions have been noticed Andrew Connell Vice President www.topshamridgerunnersvt.org Like us on Facebook Where Service is Part of our Name 1972 US Route 5 Derby Vermont 05829 Where Service is Part of our Name 1972 US Route 5 Derby Vermont 058291972 US Route 5 Derby Vermont 05829 Topsham Ridge Runners installed new signs this past fall. Late Winter 2016 51 Upper Valley Snow Packers Spring greetings As we reflect on our snowless winter season one that none of us snow- goers ever want to experience we have to remain in good spirits and think that next season will be that much better. We were lucky enough to still manage to get a lot done with the lack of snow. President Stuart Bacon was able to give our new cutter bar a try towards the beginning of the season. Its going to save us a lot of time and hard labor he said. Friend club member and landowner Ben Tilden volunteered the use of his shop and we were able to attach the cutter bar to the PistenBully. Our 45th Annual Chicken BBQ was held at the Westshire Elementary School on Feb. 5. We were fortunate enough to have a huge amount of volunteers this year which made it such a success. Thank you all To our surprise and the lack of snow our turnout was great There were a lot of familiar faces and many new ones as well. Our raffle table was chock full of donations from many local businesses. Thank you to Mike Ewashchuk for setting up our online TMA sales this year. The whole process went very smooth for the first time out and we look forward to this in the coming seasons. The Route 113 trail to Thetford has been closed and our club is going to be working hard this summer to get it opened back up along with the Thetford Snow Coasters. We are always looking for volunteers to help out. Our club would like to take this moment to remember the loss of a dear friend Gary Ulman. Gary had a huge impact on our club throughout the years. He was always willing to donate the use of his equipment and garage without question. We will always remember his generous nature loving smile and contagious laugh. Club News ORLEANS COUNTY Drift Dusters Snowmobile Club If you were to ask a snowmobiler if the glass is half full or half empty I think most would say half full. We are a bunch of very optimistic people. From Dec. 15 through March most of us kept saying it will come it has to snow eventually. Even though we did get snow here and there it was negated by the heavy rains and warm Hosted by the Rutland County Snowmobile ClubsHosted by the Rutland County Snowmobile ClubsHosted by the Rutland County Snowmobile Clubs Saturday Aug. 20Saturday Aug. 20Saturday Aug. 20Saturday Aug. 20Saturday Aug. 20Saturday Aug. 20Saturday Aug. 20Saturday Aug. 20Saturday Aug. 20 Save The DateSave The DateSave The Date Green Mountain National Golf Course Killington VT Friday Aug. 19 - Sign up deadline Aug. 8 Registration at Noon - 130 pm Shotgun Start 95 per person teams of 4 or we will pair you Reservations 860-559-9334 or mounthollysnowflyersgmail.com includes green fees cart and meal Hosted by the Rutland County Snowmobile ClubsHosted by the Rutland County Snowmobile ClubsHosted by the Rutland County Snowmobile Clubs 49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting49th Annual Meeting Golf Tournament ScrambleGolf Tournament ScrambleGolf Tournament Scramble Gary will be dearly missed by all of us. Our sincere condolences to the Ulman family. Jillian B. Hatch News Correspondent www.uppervalleysnowpackers.com Like us on Facebook Club News White River Valley Ramblers Derek Aldrighetti Howard Southworth and Tim Aldrighetti grilled the dogs and burgers as a club fundraiser at the Vintage Snowmobile Rendezvous in Bethel on Feb. 27. temperatures. Some started to give up by February while many began searching for snow out of state and even the country. I am still baffled when I think about how many trails never even saw a snowmobiler this winter after all the hard work that went into creating them. Im sure I echo all of the other club news reports in here when I say this season will go down in history as being one of the worst in years. Contrary to popular belief even though our groomer didnt go out much it was not an easy winter. We were constantly battling a quickly diminishing base and would often struggle to determine on whether or not we should send the groomer out. Most of our members and riders understood when we didnt send the groomer out knowing that warm temperatures and rain were on the horizon. To those members who will continue to purchase a trail pass next year even after suffering a bad season we thank you. Every trail pass counts towards keeping the doors open at VAST and at the local level. Even though we didnt groom much this year we will still have plenty of construction projects throughout the summer. The branches still grow and the rain still erodes regardless of the previous winter. On Feb. 20 we held our 17th Annual Winter Bash. Congratulations to Tom and Shelley DAmato who held the winning raffle ticket for the 2016 Ski-Doo MXZ Sport This years turnout was excellent and a lot of people attended the after party at the Cow Palace which was a great time. Thanks to Missy Nelson and the Cow Palace for hosting the after party. Director Phil Cargill who recently resigned was presented with a 14 years of service plaque. Thank you for your service Phil Thank you to the landowners who allow us to use their land. Thank you to the volunteers that create the winter highway every season and last but not least thank you to our members for supporting us and allowing us to provide you a small but important piece of the VAST trail system. Have a great spring and summer Roger Gosselin Vice President www.driftdusters.com Like us on Facebook 52 Snowmobile VERMONT Vice President Roger Gosselin presents Tom and Shelley DAmato with their prize of a 2016 Ski-Doo MXZ Sport at the Drift DustersAnnual Winter Bash in late February. Orleans Snowstormers Greetings from the Northeast Kingdom. Well I guess the slow start to the snowmobile season I mentioned in the last news release never came. Anyway we held the 21st Annual Nicholas Gage Poker Run on Jan. 30. Congratulations to Larry Reynolds winner of the 500 cash first prize. Congratulations also to second prize winner Carmen Columbia third place Josh Choiniere and fourth place Roberta Jaworski. James Laberge was the winner of the 5050 raffle. We would like to thank everyone who took part for their support and also to the businesses who donated and participated as stops on the ride. We give special thanks to the Gap Pub Grill in Westmore for a very generous donation and for allowing us to have our last stop there. We would also like to thank all the landowners who allow us to maintain the VAST trail system on their property. Without their generosity there would be no trail system. Our next event will be the 22nd Annual Snowmobile Giveaway to be held in October. Watch the VAST events and news and our website for upcoming info about this great event as the time approaches. This has been a very disappointing season. Many of us were excited after last season for a repeat this season. Mother Nature robbed us of that. 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Richardson OwnerBroker have heard many comments from people who question buying their TMAs early and others stating they were glad they didnt. We have even heard of some who want their money back. Folks the trail system you enjoyed last season doesnt magically appear a lot of time and money goes into it. Even though clubs have done little grooming they still face most of the same financial responsibilities. There will always be groomer payments insurance maintenance and storage cost bridges to redeck washouts to repair and more. Revenue is way down from club and VAST memberships. If you dont understand how your club and VAST memberships provide the funding for the trail system dont complain because we have no snow. Please talk to someone who knows how it works. Get involved with your club Gloria Rodrigue Secretary www.orleanssnowstormers.com Like us on Facebook RUTLAND COUNTY Chittenden Dammers Well folks it just isnt happening. I had hoped by this date I would have something more positive to report in the way of snowmobiling. It is what it is and it has been one of the worst snow years on record. Enough of that Lets move forward. In spite of it all the Chittenden Dammers snowmobile club remains alive and well. We will recoup half of our grooming payments as a no snow insurance policy provided by VAST to all the clubs on a year such as this. This is a great example of how your TMA dollars will help perpetuate the sport. Its going to be tight next season but we will continue to Ride Smooth. The groomer received minimal wear and tear and will be all ready to run next season. 54 Snowmobile VERMONT Club News Speaking of next season dont skimp on off-season sled preparation. Since most of us did not put on many miles unless you were riding in the Burg or Quebec the sleds will have some old funky gas that should be mostly drained and used in less important vehicles like cars or lawn mowers. Leave just enough gas to keep the fuel pump wet. Clean it up grease the skid check it over and make a wish list for fall. Store in a nice clean and dry place cover and put em to bed. Now get the summer toys out and ready to rip. See our friends at Central Vermont Motorcycles for some incredible deals on in-stock sleds. You may never again see prices on new sleds this reasonable. While youre down there check out the stock of awesome ATVs. Chittenden Dammers Club meetings are the first Tuesday of the month Sept. through May at 7 p.m. at the Mountain Top Inn. Also keep in touch through our Facebook page or website www.chittendendammers.org. Feel free to add some of your own pictures to the picture area. Lets all hope and pray for a better season. Whatever youre riding Ride It Smoothand thanks for being a Chittenden Dammer Charlie Robbins Treasurer www.chittendendammers.org Like us on Facebook Chittenden Dammers presented Groomer Operator Paul Racine with this framed copy of the article about him in last issuesWhos In The Groomer feature. He was also recently awarded the Trailblazer Award. Mount Holly Snow Flyers As we all know it has been a tough year for snowmobiling. Many of you have purchased your TMAs and not been able to ride. The club appreciates the dedication and support that all of our members have given us. We had our appreciation BBQ for members and landowners on March 26 at Odd Fellows in Belmont. Burgers and hotdogs with all the fixings were served and 5050 and TMA raffles were held. New club shirts and sweatshirts are now available for purchase. If you were not able to make it to the BBQ to New longsleeve T-shirts and sweatshirts are available on the Mount Holly Snow Flyerswebsite. get yours you can purchase them on our website. We will be glad to ship them to you. Thanks again for all the support from the landowners and club members. You are what make this sport possible. We will hope for a snowier winter next year. Think snow Steve Forrest President mounthollysnowyers.org Like us on Facebook Shrewsbury Sno-Birds When we had our March meeting the temps were in the 60s and then in the 70s the next day. It did not feel like a mid-winter meeting. Most of our members have not even taken out their sleds. The ones that I have talked to say it is very uncommon to not be able to ride at least some in our area during the winter. Dad and I had our Tucker out once for over 16 hours of smoothing the trails winching and removing trees and opening the last of the gates. One week later I locked one of the gates back up and never opened it again. We are in the process of locking the rest of the road access gates. This is unheard of in my more than 30 years of grooming Usually by April 15 we are having a hard time with the snow The Sno-Birds Tucker and David Markowskis skid steer with a soil conditioner made an area for people of all ages to enjoy for a few hours during a sliding party on Center Street in Rutland. Dave Fucci headed up the volunteer portion of the event. Late Winter 2016 55 Club News to be able to close the gates. Next year will be better We want to thank every one that joined the Sno-Birds VAST and all the other clubs in the state this year. We know that it has been a really bad year. Your memberships keep the trails open for this year and for years to come. We hope that every one joins again next year as it is like buying insurance that we will have trails to ride in the future Two groups of VAST members enjoyed dinner at Ral Mass in Saint Znon Quebec. Sno-Bird club officers Mike Stewart Bill Lohsen Dave Fucci and Scott Ballard were just returning from a six-day 1500 mile bagging trip which included stops in Roberval Chibougamau Val-dOr and Mont Laurier. Also Chris Doc Kapusta and Duane English rounded out the group of six on the 1500 mile adventure. The Sno-Birds Tucker and David Markowskis skid steer with a soil conditioner and Dave Fucci heading up the volunteer part of the sliding party on Center Street in Rutland made an area for people of all ages to slide for a few hours when there was no snow in sight A fun time was had by all Roy Arthur Trailmaster www.shrewsburysnobirds.org Like us on Facebook WASHINGTON COUNTY Sno-Bees of Barre As the winter that wasnt comes to a close it is time to get out and pick up our signs survey for any winter damage and put the trails to sleep for now. If we look back on all the preparation we did for the season and then look at the end result it is pretty depressing. We need to put this year behind us and look ahead to next year. If we start with the snow dance now we may have enough snow for next December and right through next winter. We still need to give a big thanks to all the volunteers who worked on trails did fundraising sold TMAs prepared our groomer for the season and all the other little jobs that seem to get forgotten. Above all we need to thank the landowners that graciously let us travel across their property during the winter months. Have a happy and healthy summer and we will see you in the fall. Mike Perrigo President www.snobees.com Like us on Facebook Worcester Rangers Worcester Rangers look forward to a snow-filled 2017 season. During the upcoming off-season the club is planning trail and bridge improvements. Extensive trail work between Macey and Story Roads is our first priority. Bridge abutment work is planned for trail bridges on Minister Brook Road and Calais Road. Fortunately no decking or structural work will be necessary this summer. Additional tree removal and pruning is planned for all trails. Planning has begun for Worcesters annual July 4th parade fireworks and Rangers Raffle. The July 4th prize-laden Rangers Raffle is the clubs major fundraising event. As a community-based club the Rangers appreciate the support of their neighbors and especially the landowners. Monthly meetings are held in the annex of the Worcester United Methodist Church 35 Worcester Village Road at 630 p.m. on the first Wednesday following the first Sunday of every month. Bob Stewart Communications www.vtvast.orgworcester-rangers 56 Snowmobile VERMONT Club News WINDHAM COUNTY Deerfield Valley Stump Jumpers We want to thank you for supporting our trails this year even though there was no riding. There is always next year We also want to thank you for supporting our Annual Pig Roast which was hosted at the Matterhorn Inn. Joe and Wanda were once again most generous with their donations. The highlight of the Pig Roast was a presentation to our former president Fred March who served for over 14 years. His wife Trish was also acknowledged for her years of dedication as the club secretary. Gail S Kotowski Media Director www.dvsj.com Like us on Facebook Jacksonville E-Z Riders Like most clubs around the state we lacked the needed snow to get our trail system open this season. The beginning of January showed promise with a solid base of four inches and things started to look promising. Our hard-working volunteers were able to get several needed work related items completed during the month of January even with the limited snow cover. During the late fall and early winter our two drag sleds and drags were completely gone through by our chief mechanic Ray who always seems to have a fix for whatever needs fixing. Several improvements were also made to our groomer shed and we thank Craig and Carl for taking the time to do so. Our club event SNOWFEST was a huge success even though Mother Nature did not bring us the snow to be able to provide all we had planned. We would like to give a very special thanks to all our sponsors for all their efforts and great raffle prizes Landmark Trust USA Mount Snow Winnelson Cherry Creek Sales Diva Snow Gear Jacksonville General Store Southside Sales Hunters Recreational Big Y Supermarket Shaws Applebees 99 Restaurants Fat City Motor Works A to Z Snowmobiles WW Building Supply 1st Stop Gas Station Spoonwood Cabins and Jacksonville EZ Riders Snowmobile Club. We are already looking forward to SNOWFEST 2017. With spring around the corner we are still looking for that big storm that might yield enough snow for some late season riding. We would also like to thank all our volunteers for their efforts help and time along with our wonderful landowners that provide the land our trail system runs through. Our new club president Jackie Bemis has settled into her new position and our core club members have been happy to support her efforts. In many ways it was a very good season for us even without the main ingredient of snow being in the forecast on a regular basis. As a club we were able to accomplish many things that were definitely needed and well received by all. An E-Z Rider www.ezriders.org Like us on Facebook President Don Yanke right presents the clubs past president Fred March an award for his many years of service to the Deerfield Valley Stump Jumpers. Jacksonville E-Z Riders briey opened their trails on Jan. 1 only to have to shut them again soon after due to no snow. Late Winter 2016 57 WINDSOR COUNTY Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Like everyone else we are really disappointed with Mother Nature and the way this season turned out. Our Ride-In to Ravens Den Steakhouse on Jan. 23 in Manchester ended up as a drive-in. Club members Dave Berry Karen and Joe Marini Deb and Joe Nardini Tim and Adam Rowe Dan Tiernan Jean and Russ Walsh Karen and Jared Wilson our friends from the Chester Snowmobile Club JoJo and Jim Chlebogiannis Patty and Frank Companik Lee Whiting and Heather Abbott from Green Mountain Trail Andover Mountaineer Snow Riders We held our third Annual Pasta Dinner and Blind Auction on Saturday Jan. 9 at the Weston Rod and Gun Club in Weston. The evening was a great success filled with great food good conversation and a lively auction We also had a guest speaker VAST Executive Director Cindy Locke. We appreciate the time and travel she made for our small club and we enjoyed the opportunity to speak with her candidly during our meeting that followed the dinner and auction. However the biggest thanks and gratitude goes to those who really made the evening possible the local businesses and individuals who generously donated items for our auction. Our club kept the majority of the auction items local in attempts to help our community businesses. With great appreciation wed like to acknowledge the following businesses and individuals Barre Pinske Bennys Power Bibens Ace Hardware Deep River Snacks Donna Shoemaker Edgar May Health Recreation Center Enfield Motor Sports F. W. Webb Heritage Deli Bakery Kelley Powersports Lisais Chester Market MacLaomainns Scottish Pub Meditrina Wine Beer Cheese Misty Valley Books Nortrax Springfield Nothin Fancy Old Cavendish Products Rockingham Hill Maple Farm Robbins Powersports Rusty and Liz Baker Salon 2000 Springfield Automart Stacey Hill Stone Hearth Inn Susan Leader The Free Range and VAST. We look forward to another great experience with our 2017 event and hope to see you there Steffanie Baker Secretary Like us on Facebook Blazers enjoyed a delicious meal and lots of laughs. Thanks to Patty Companik for taking the photos. You can see them a few of them in this issue on page 29. We highly recommend Ravens Den and hope next year to go back on our sleds. Businesses are feeling the effects of the lack of snow just as much as the snowmobile clubs. We hosted a Please Snow Luncheon at The Chop House in Ludlow on March 12 to thank owner Mark Williams for his support of our club. Twenty-six folks from the Snow Fleas and the Ludlow Side Hill Cronchers enjoyed the special menu Mark put together for us. As always there were lots of laughs. Thank you to everyone who joined us for lunch Our Cook Shack chef Jared Wilson missed seeing his snowmobile friends this season so he has decided to host Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Cheeseburger at our Cook Shack on Twenty Mile Stream Rd. in Proctorsville on April 23 from 1130 to 230. We will be serving our regular menu of burgers hot dogs chips and bottled water as well as selling club clothing. Come support our club and see why our patrons have named us Home of the Best Cheeseburgers on the Trails. For more info please check our website and Facebook page. Keep calm snowmobile season is just eight months away. Karen Marini SecretaryMembership www.Cavendishsnoweas.com Like us on Facebook Andover Mountaineer Snow Riders President Nick Baker and Secretary Steanie Baker helped organize their clubs Annual Pasta Dinner and Blind Auction. Mike Coleman of the Weathersfield Pathfinders JoJo and Jim Chlebogiannis of the Chester Snowmobile Club and Daniel Griswold vice president of the Andover Mountaineer Snow Riders attended the Pasta Dinner on Jan. 9 in Weston. Cindy Locke photos 58 Snowmobile VERMONT Club News Ludlow Side Hill Cronchers While we were waiting and waiting for the snow we decided to have our own fun. We needed to clean up some brush piles and old wood near the Warming Hut and had to make sure the grill was still working. It was the perfect excuse to host a bonfire workWarming Hut party on Feb. 13. That was the one cold weekend where it felt like minus 30 degrees outside so we were wondering if anyone would show up. They did We had a great time roasting hot dogs building a bonfire and hanging out with snowmobiling friends. Even Patty Companik came to join us and took photos see page 27. When you want to see what the Chester Snowmobile Club enjoyed a delicious drive-in brunch at the home of members JoJo and Jim Chlebogiannis. Patty Companik photo Chester Snowmobile Club It looks like 2016 is going to be the Winter that wasnt. Most of the state had little snow at least as of early March when I am writing this and warm temperatures. Sad to say we like most had to cancel so many events. For our Valentine Day bonfire we had record -15 degree temps but no snow and our poker run would have been a mud fest. Several members have driven rather than ridden to some events such as Andovers Pasta Dinner and Weatherfields Spaghetti Dinner. Both were well-attended as snowmobilers want to get together see each other and help raise funds to support everyone even if we cant ride. The highlight of our winter has been the celebration of Trailmaster Dick Bigwood as he received VASTs first ever Trailblazer Award and turned 85 during our February meeting. We want to extend a big thank you to VAST Executive Director Cindy Locke for coming to Chester to share in this special day. For our March meeting members JoJo and Jim Chlebogiannis hosted a brunch at their home followed by our meeting. This too was supposed to be a ride-in event. JoJo had planned to serve brunch out of her garage for everyone riding in that day. But again Long Hill Snowmobile Club Its been a brown season for the Long Hill Snowmobile Club. This rough season was the topic of discussion at our potluck dinner and monthly meeting in March. We also held the drawing for our Annual Fundraiser Gun Raffle at that meeting. One hundred tickets were sold and the winner was Bob Farnham of Burlington Vermont. Thank you everyone for your support Trailmaster Greg Fullerton and second we had no snow. For the 20 folks who came we started with mimosas and coffee followed by a buffet full of yummies including the traditional bacon and eggs bagels with cream cheese and salmon fruit yogurt an array of breads muffins and delicious grilled tomatoes. Winter was a bust and since we had to cancel our pig roast we are planning a special summer event. Watch for more details but for now be sure to save Saturday July 17 when we will host a vintage snowmobile and motorcycle show. This will include a BBQ Pig-Out and bake sale. Lets hope that Mother Nature provides us with a nice day since she did not deliver snow. Joan Choiniere Club Secretary www.chestersnowmobileclub.com Like us on Facebook Trailmaster Jeff Holmes reported that our groomer only went out once this season. The fall crew of volunteers had done a great job of tree clearing and bridge repair but few riders got out to appreciate their efforts Purchasing the groomer is the topic for the next riding season and the club is exploring their options. As with most clubs a few do the work for all to enjoy the benefits We want to give a shout-out to a few of our loyal workers for all their hard work for the club Stephanie Fullerton Shane Barrows Corey Barrows Greg Fullerton Bill Stetson Mario Maura Shawn Audsley Jennifer Kirkman Jeff Holmes Tracey White Dick Schultz Gordon Holmes President Wallace Chamberlain and many more who have made an effort for the great riding in South Woodstock and areas beyond Windsor County has great riding spectacular views some of the best accommodations and the tastiest meals you will find trailside. Come visit us next season you wont be disappointed -J. Maura vtvast.orglong-hill-snowmobile- club.html Late Winter 2016 59 weather looks like at the Warming Hut dont forget to go to the website www.sidehillcronchers.com for our webcam. We also post news and events there and on Facebook. Once the new season starts you can get trail conditions there too. Important medical alert There is a serious affliction reaching epic proportions in the Northeast. If you see a snowmobiler walking around with drooped shoulders kind of grumpy and has an overall sad demeanor because they didnt get their snowmobiling fix this year and has to wait another whole year before theres even hope again... it is imperative that you give them a hug to help them through the warm months. You know who they are. Thank you landowners businesses and members for sticking with us and for supporting the club during the dry times. Enjoy the summer Tina Berge Information Ofcer www.sidehillcronchers.com Like us on Facebook Ludlow Side Hill Cronchers Vice President Steve Kondracki Assistant Vice President Scott Grover Secretary Doug Peabody and President John Murphy Jr. all enjoyed their clubs Hot Dog Cookout. Patty Companik photo Weathersfield Pathfinders Greetings everyone I dont really have a lot to report in this issue as we havent received any snow at all since late January. Its pretty much been a brown winter on our part of the the use of the firehouse and their help to make the event run smoothly. We also thank all of the volunteers that showed up to help us serve. This event couldnt have been the success that it was without the help of all the volunteers Jeff Strong Mike Coleman Lisa Varney Jordan Kimball Kathy Kimball Meagan Keith Chris and Heather Olsen Bob Blair Ricky Nadeau Stacia Anderson Jake Wilson Portia Ballard The Gilcris family Jeff Jeff Sr. Jeff Jr. and Gretchen Mike Barrup Ed Barrup Josh Dauphin Tracey Dauphin Mychael Spaulding John Cassidy Natoshya Spaulding Richard Watson Cheryl Watson and Levi Parker We appreciate the generosity of area businesses that donated many great prizes. The 5050 raffle raised 816 and the winner donated half back. At the end of the night after everything was picked up we had a chance to count all of the donations that were generously given. We were able to donate 6100 to help this young man get back and forth to all of his treatments. Seth Kimball Vice President weathersfieldpathfinderssnow- mobileclub.webs.com Like us on Facebook Weathersfield Pathfinders present Karson Lewis with a check for funds they raised by holding a spaghetti dinner to help oset his medical expenses. Patty Companik photo VAST trail system. Trailmaster Kevin took the groomer out on its one and only voyage in late January to pack down a good base for possible future snowstorms. Unfortunately that base is now gone now and we have lots of green grass showing. Our one big event so far this season was held on the evening of Feb. 27. The Weathersfield Pathfinders in conjunction with the West Weathersfield Fire Department held a benefit spaghetti dinner to help raise money for a member of our small community that has recently been faced with a stay at the hospital and a long road that follows. Every last dollar that was donated went to help out this young man get down the long road that is ahead of him. A group of more than 25 volunteers served over 130 meals to the attendees of the function. Jeff Gilcris and Secretary Mike Coleman took on the task of making all of the sauce from scratch. The total process took over 14 hours to cook the seven gallons of sauce to perfection. President Jeff Strong and Assistant Trailmaster Jordan Kimball cooked 24 pounds of pasta that was needed to make the perfect spaghetti dinner. Meagan Keith and Sweet Surrender Bakery made all of the baguettes that were turned into perfectly toasted garlic bread. Black River Produce donated all of the salad mix and club members donated the fixings for the salad. The fire departments womens auxiliary cooked 12 dozen brownies for the brownie la mode that was served for desert. A big thank you goes out to the Weathersfield Fire Department for 60 Snowmobile VERMONT FOUNDING MEMBERS The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Snowmobile Club was started by Leon Woodie and Gail Woods Deryl and Jennifer Stowell Stu and Jackie Schmidt Jim and Sandy Peplau and David and Jackie Hubbard in the mid 1970s. Woodie and Gail Woods were the backbone of the club for over 40 years. Their love of snowmobiling kept not only the club going but included involvement with VAST Windsor County and the Ludlow Side Hill Cronchers. At one point Woodie served as vice president of the Cronchers while also serving as the Snow Fleas president. Gail served as Windsor County treasurer and held several positions on the VAST Board. Woodie and Gail retired from the day-to-day activities of the club in the summer of 2014. When they retired Gail had a Lifetime TMA and the club wanted Woodie to have one as well which he was awarded in fall of 2014. Woodie continues to help the club taking care of all of the signage for their secondary trails. Deryl Stowell was a logger so most of the original trails in town were logging roads and many were on property he owned. When Deryl sold property that contained a trail he had it written into the deed that the snowmobile trail was to remain on the property whenever the land changed owners. Deryl passed away in September of 2014 at the age of 82. At the time of his death he was the clubs vice president and still snowmobiling. TRAILS The club cares for 43 miles of corridor trails and 12 miles of secondary trails. The Snow Fleas are located in Southeast Vermont where there are many meadows and forests with views of the Green Mountains and the Black River. A portion of their corridor miles go through the Arthur Davis Wildlife Sanctuary and a portion of their secondary trail goes through the Proctor Piper State Forest. It is so critical to the trail system future that riders remember to stay on the trails and respect the landowners and their privacy. Unfortunately that is not always the case and this club has had to close a major route due to riders not doing that. It takes MANY to get a trail open CLUB By Patty Companik CAVENDISH GREEN MOUNTAIN FEATURED SNOW FLEAS Their love of snowmobiling kept not only ToP oF PAGe Founding members Arden Peplau Jennifer Stowell Debbie Peplau Mary Peplau and Dave Hubbard packed up for a long ride in 1977. ABoVe Deryl Jennifer and Sara Stowell and Dave Hubbard in 1979 take a break out on the trails. Club was started by Leon Woodie and Gail while also serving as the Snow Fleas president. Gail served as Windsor County treasurer and held several positions on the VAST Board. Woodie and Gail retired from the day-to-day activities of the club in the summer of 2014. When they retired Gail had a Lifetime TMA and the club wanted Woodie to have one as well which he was awarded in fall of 2014. Woodie continues to help the club taking care of all of the signage for their secondary trails. while also serving as the Snow Fleas president. Gail served as Windsor County treasurer and held secondary trails. Club was started by Leon Woodie and Gail while also serving as the Snow Fleas president. Gail served as Windsor County treasurer and heldserved as Windsor County treasurer and held the club taking care of all of the signage for their secondary trails. served as Windsor County treasurer and held Late Winter 2016 61 cleared and maintained. It takes only ONE abuser to close it all down and MANY are impacted by that. Rerouting this trail is going to be a major expense. The club is also fortunate to have a Cook Shack on their trail system. Jared Wilson operates the shack and it was very obvious when I met with him that he takes a lot of pride in running it. He buys local including fresh meat from the local butcher. He hand makes the burgers every weekend and he only uses Cabot Cheese. It has been said that the Cook Shack has The Best Cheeseburgers on the Trail. GROOMERS EQUIPMENT The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas currently have three groomer operators. Joe Marini Dan Stowell and Dan Tiernan operate a 2011 Tucker Sno-Cat 2005 AMFI drag and a 2008 Mogul Master drag. A VAST grant helped the club purchase their Tucker in 20102011. VAST grants have allowed them to replace bridges on the trails over the years including many after Hurricane Irene. The club was also fortunate to be able to obtain a 3-year interest-free loan from Windsor County in 2014 to purchase new tracks for the Tucker when they needed to be replaced. This is a direct result of their TMA and County dues at work. The club contracts with Dennis Allen of the Little Ascutney club to groom their secondary trail using their Mule and a small drag. COUNTY BENEFITS Having the County as a resource has been very positive. Paying the 10 Windsor County dues gives member clubs the ability to obtain non-interest loans without any red Over the years the Snow Fleas have lost valued members that they considered family. As you ride their trails you may see one of the their memorial signs honoring volunteers Deryl Stowell Corridor 12 in the area of WR 43 John Bellino Corridor 12 Bypass north of WR 44 Vaino Manner Corridor 12 at WR 44 and George Wyman Corridor 127 at Twenty Mile Stream Road. Need Snow Club members gather in front of their Cook Shack at the intersection of Route 126 C and Corridor 12 NS WR 43 adjacent to Twenty Mile Stream Road. Patrons have voted the Shack as thehome of the best cheeseburgers on the trails Front Row Pete Ramsdell Dot Ramsdell Treasurer Russ Walsh Trail Signage Coordinator Jean Walsh Vice President Dan Tiernan Secretary Karen Marini and Frank Companik. Back Row Cook Shack Coordinator Jared Wilson Karen Wilson Dan Stowell and President Joe Marini. 62 Snowmobile VERMONT Featured Club tape. The Canvendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas have utilized this option and they are very grateful to have had the ability to do so. Larger clubs within the county may also help smaller clubs. This is true with the Ludlow Sidehill Cronchers and their support with providing the option of a promissory note that is interest-free for 3 years for the Tucker that the Snow Fleas currently have. The collaboration and networking with other clubs at the county meetings is very valuable. Everyone is helpful Joe Marini said. Having the county and its key members available has been very helpful to Joe who is new to his leadership role in the club. THE CLUB TODAY Meetings are held the Thursday after the Windsor County meeting on either the second or third Thursday of the month. Meetings are held at the homes of club officers and all members are welcome to attend. The majority of club officers were new to taking on these officer positions in the fall 2014 with the exception of JP. JP had served as president for two years before moving to the vice president position in 2014. OFFICERS President - Joe Marini Vice Presidents - JP Carlisle and Dan Tiernan Treasurer - Dot Ramsdel Secretary - Karen Marini VOLUNTEERS The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas have a core group of about 20 members who always show up to help with trail cleanup bridge building Cook Shack staffing food donations and anything and everything that needs to be done. The club really appreciates the commitment and dedication of their volunteers Secretary Karen Marini says of the volunteers We think it is very important to acknowledge and thank volunteers. Each trail cleanup ends at our Cook Shack with lunch provided by the club. After each project we include the names of all volunteers in their newsletter and in VAST Club News. We also reward our volunteers. Each time they help with a project or event their name is put into Building a groomer barn has been the clubs main fundraising goal in the past year. So far they have 5000 out of the needed 25000. Displaying the sign for theirhomeless Tucker are Dan Stowell Jared Wilson Joe Marini Dan Tiernan Karen Wilson Dot Ramsdell Pete Ramsdell Karen Marini Frank Companik Jean Walsh and Russ Walsh. Late Winter 2016 63 Featured Club an annual drawing to receive a Volunteer TMA. The more they volunteer the more chances they have to win a TMA. Russ Walsh is their trail sign coordinator and is assisted by his wife Jean. Jared Wilson is the Cook Shack coordinator assisted by his wife Karen. Dan Stowell runs the groomer along with Joe Marini and Dan Tiernan. Anthony and Denise Scricca are the co-chairs of the annual Pig Roast. Stacey Burkhardt designed and updates their website. Tim and Adam Rowe created the Facebook page and Tim Rowe Clay Sides and Karen Marini administer the page. Karen also writes their newsletter and works with Vermont Ts in Chester to order club clothing. Jeff Stearns and Willie Arnow lend their equipment for bridge and trail work. Since the fall of 2014 Snow Country Snowmobile Rentals in Proctorsville has been a huge supporter of their club playing a significant role in helping them increase their membership and in raising funds for their groomer barn. They sell TMAs and 3-day passes for the club and let them use the land next to their building for their annual Pig Roast. CLUB EVENTS During the July annual town-wide tag sale the club puts their Tucker on display at the town green and invites folks to Touch A Tucker. They host an annual Pig Roast in October and plan to include their landowners at the next event. Last year they held it on Columbus Day weekend. They had music an auction and great food. Be sure to pencil it in on your calendars for 2016 They try to schedule at least one annual Ride-In each season. Lack of snow this year turned their Ride-In into a Drive-In. They also like to make plans to attend neighboring club events. Jared Wilson commented We all need to support each other. We are all working for the same goal. There shouldnt be competition between clubs. We should promote collaboration. LACK OF SNOW IMPACT Like many other clubs this season the lack of snow will have a negative impact on financials. The clubs will still receive half the contract value for grooming which will help pay for equipment loans and insurance. The Cook Shack has not opened so the revenue the club normally receives from this wont be available to them this year. Club logo clothing that is sold at the Cook Shack was not sold also due to the Shack being closed. Overall membership is down as well. Not having the club dues from those members who did not sign up this year is also a hit to their budget. The County will also be impacted by this decline so limited money will be available to support local county clubs. CLUB FOCUS When the current officers were elected they decided to focus on three areas. Communication Their website was updated a Facebook page was created and the club newsletter is now sent out monthly. They have an incentive program where existing members who bring 5 new members or sleds to the club receive a 25 gift certificate to a local restaurant. One member has received two gift certificates this year. Even with a lack of snow they have 20 new members this year. Support The club now sponsors the month of January in the Cavendish Community Conservation Associations annual calendar donates to Cavendish Connects a blog that reports news and events of interest to Cavendish residents. They also donate club clothing to the Proctorsville Fire Departments Silent Auction the Ludlow Rotary club Penny Auction and various fundraising events for the Ballard-Hobart Post 36 American Legion Family in Ludlow. Grooming A lot of effort was put into grooming and the club received the 2015 VAST Award for Best Groomed Trails. THE FUTURE Their biggest initiative is to secure a location for a barn to house the groomer and related trail equipment. They will be planning fundraising events throughout the coming year. They also have a goal of replacing all of their old trail signs with VAST standardized signs. They are a family oriented club that encourages families to have their children take the Safety Course and take part in club activities. The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas is a club but also a family. You can be sure you will be welcomed with open arms. Want to know whats happening Want to be a part of the decision process Want to help make the trails better This is a group of people that you will Want to do that with Club members Fred and Cam Burkhardt Noah Fisher Mike and Nick Klassner build the deck on a new bridge on Corridor 106. 64 Snowmobile VERMONT On December 16 2015 the Northeast Kingdom lost a legend. Born and raised in the Derby area Paul Joseph Letourneau was known by many as the man with the big heart. As a person who has always taken pride in taking care of his section of the earth Paul spent many years farming. In 1972 his dream of building a sugarhouse came true and the iconic Pauls Sugarhouse and Dance Hall was born. Located on 75 acres in the heart of Derby Pauls sugarbush where he harvested all of the sap for his delicious syrup is home to a hilly and scenic portion of VAST Trail 5. Spanning across the side of Nelson Hill his parcel of land is the gateway for snowmobilers entering the Town of Derby to access services. Drift Dusters Snowmobile Club has been fortunate to have a landowner like Paul. He was always cutting up trees that fell over and trees that were dead. His woods are so clean we always knew there would be no work needed on that portion of the trail. Paul found peace and serenity in his woods while he was working in themwhich reflected on his personality. He was a peaceful man who always had a large smile on his face when any club representative met with him. When approached by the PAUL LETOURNEAUPAUL LETOURNEAUPAUL LETOURNEAU By Roger Gosselin club for permission every year he kindly said You dont have to ask. You will always have a place here. His sugarhouse and dance hall was the unofficial Drift Dusters club house because the Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner as well as the Annual Winter Bash is held there. Paul and his family always treated the club and its members as family. A big hit at the club events were Pauls maple baked beans which were cooked with the syrup harvested in the woods surrounding Trail 5. He was always quick to remind us that the beans really do work as he winked and smiled. Paul left behind a legacy that his family promises to continue. It will not be the same around the area with Paul gone but he will always be remembered especially as we traverse through his sugar woods on snowmobile. In Loving Memory Paul Joseph Letourneau March 6 1927 Dec. 16 2015 Pauls sugarbush on VAST Trail 5 in Derby is a serene section of the Drift Dusterstrail system. The Drift Dusters hold their Annual Winter Bash at Pauls Sugarhouse. In Memory Late Winter 2016 65 Lodgings Fairbanks Inn was designed with classic Vermont charm and bed and breakfast style amenities for fun romantic or relaxing retreats. 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Mike Mutascio photo Northeast Kingdom Snowblasters Trails in Norton. Karen Nelson photo 66 Snowmobile VERMONT Real Estate Lodgings 5043 Rte 5 Derby Road Derby VT Near OS 9 234 VT Rte 114 East Burke VT Near CA 85 800.273.5371 TF 802.334.1200 Derby 802.626.4222 Burke Island Pond Ride secondary trail from this 3BR2BA home in town. Many updates room for guests storage workshop in basement. Detached garage. Walk to village amenities. 87000. Emma Gunn. 4467220 Derby Ranch attached garage with apartment above 10.34A access to Trail 5. Good home for the outdoorsy near lakes golf etc. Priced well below assessment 155000. Dave Kennison. 4460024 Norton Development of four 2A lots with 2 brand new log cabin shells permits in place. Access Trail 105 near EX142. Great recreational area. Cabins offered separately. 135000. Brandy or Michelene 4464002 5043 Rte 5 Derby Road Derby VT Near OS 9 234 VT Rte 114 East Burke VT Near CA 85 5043 Rte 5 Derby Road Derby VT Near OS 9 Leading the way in the Northeast Kingdom www.FarmAndForest.com infoFarmAndForest.com Visit our site to see our entire inventory online. Contact the Professionals HAPPY SLEDDING 183 Route 100 West Dover VT 05356 Office 802-464-3055 Fax 802-464-2069 InfoHermitageDVRE.com Local Camps Under 100K Marlboro-29900 Remote and primitive hunters camp set on 1 acre. Great hunting spot. Close to the Hogback Wilderness area a short hike in from the north end of Lake Raponda. Priced to sell readsboro - 74000 Hunters Cabin in a remote location high on hill. Build your own sugar house on this maple rich lot. Plentiful with wildlife apple trees and mature beech trees. Nice south east views. Wardsboro - 70000 Great starter home located between Mount Snow and Stratton. Open living with vaulted ceiling woodstove insert metal roof gas hot air heating system with open yard. readsboro - 89000 Amish Log Cabin. 1 room cabin is fully finished with a generator covered front porch and local mountain views. 10X10 shed. Vermont Waste water permit so this property is ready to be cleared. The Hermitage Deerfield Valley Real Estate BRIGHTONVT-Classic Cape-style log home overlooks Island Pond Rights to Blueberry Beach. Enjoy swimming boating sailing snowmobiling more. Burke Mtn. just minutes away. Hardwood floors cathedral ceiling 3 BR 2 BA. Potential for 3-level living space. Garage for 4 vehicles snowmobiles boats etc. MLS 4453360 279000 NEWPORT CENTER VT - Contemporarychalet in the woods on 10 acres. Lake Memphremagog deeded access via shared right of way views of the lake from decks privacy. 2700 sq ft finished living space in-ground pool patio area. Close to town amenities 20 min. to skiing access to snowmobiling more. MLS 4431698 293000 Two Office Locations 802 334-3400 601 E. Main St. Newport VT 05855 802 988-4000 1100 VT Rte. 242 Jay VT 05859 We also have perfect Snowmobile Rentals with direct access to VAST trails. Comfortable homes fully furnished including internet and cable. www.jimcampbellrealestate.com CANAAN VT This home has recent up- grades great views and deeded access to Lake Wallace. 3 bedrooms 2 baths 9.72 acres 2-car garage with radiant floor heat. Access the snowmobile trails from here. Great place for home or Northeast Kingdom hideaway. 195000 CANAAN VT Convenient location and easy to maintain. 3 bedrooms den large kitchen. Beautiful hardwood and tile floors. Town utilities landscaped corner lot detached garage and paved driveway. Dead-end quiet street where you can snowmobile and ATV. 102900 www.thibeaultrealestate.com 802 266-8602 59 christian hill canaan vt 05903 Late Winter 2016 67 Welcome to the Courtyard by Marriott Middlebury and Bistro Direct Trail Access to VAST Trail 800-388-7775 US Route 7 South Middlebury VT Special VAST Rate 115night Indoor heated pool and whirlpool. Suites available withfireplacesandjacuzzitubs. Breakfast and dinner open to the public. Starbucks available daily. www.middleburycourtyard.com Charleston 10.2 acres with efficient updated 2 bedroom mobile home. Barn for storage or could house animals. Clyde River borders the property for swimming and fishing. 79900 MLS 4458642 Troy Beautifully restored village colonial close to Jay Peak Resort. Large detached garage with heated workshop. Easy access and excellent rental income opportunity. 169000 MLS 4464769 Morgan More than meets the eye Great 4 season getaway or home in sportsmans paradise. Hunting nearby fishing boating VAST. Great detached garage. 98000 MLS 4467423 Lyndonville 802 626-4343 NORTHEAST KINGDOM REAL ESTATE EXPERTS NEK Snowmobile Country by REMAX WWW.ALLSEASONSRE.COMWWW.ALLSEASONSRE.COMWWW.ALLSEASONSRE.COMWWW.ALLSEASONSRE.COMWWW.ALLSEASONSRE.COMWWW.ALLSEASONSRE.COM Morgan Unique 4 bedroom 2 bath home close to Lake Seymour and Island Pond. Walking trails throughout the 15 acre property. 2 car garage and heated workshop. 199500 MLS 4353084 Newport 802 334-7277 Morgan More than meets the eye Great 4 season getaway or home in sportsmans paradise. Hunting nearby fishing boating HAWK ROCK CABINS www.hawkrockcabins.com hawkrockcabinsgmail.com 802 745 8944 Five fully furnished cabins in the heain the heart of the Northeast Kingdom Enjoy snowmobiling mountain biking and hiking right from the front door. Just nine miles from Burke Mountain. DiDirect access to the VAST trail network. Email call or visit our website to reserve a cabin VRBO 719877 Search airbnb.com for cottage with great views Info mollydavies120gmail.com Charming NEK Cottage Rental 200night 1000week Beautiful views from Chandler Pond Farm Ride out the door 1 mile to connect to VAST trails VAST Trail LE 20 in Morrisville sunsetmotorinn.com 802 888-4956 Real Estate Marketplace On VAST Trail Corridor 5 in Kirby VT 2 bedroom home on 12 acres Close to Burke Mtn. 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Here is a really nice scene just below Mt. Abraham in Lincoln. Before my husband died nine years ago we rode a lot every winter. This was taken in February of 2005 and the very next day my son arrived home from Iraq He my husband and I had many fun rides and little cookouts along the trail. Those were the days - Joanne Rose Lincoln VT As a member of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers you could receive exclusive savings on auto and home insurance from Liberty Mutual.1 Discounted RatesYou could save up to 519.52 a year3 on auto insurance and receive additional discounts on home insurance. Exceptional ServiceWhether youre in an accident or just need some advice know well always be on call for you. 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FINANCE RATES SPECIAL DELIVERY GUARANTEED LIMITED-BUILD JACKET FREE ORDER A and take advantage of limited time offers. Place a 500 deposit before April 16 2016 in order to qualify. YAMAHA SNOWMOBILE2017 3-YEAR WARRANTY UP TO 670 RETAIL VALUE FREE ACCESSORY CREDIT UPTO 600 LE SPECIAL SPRING-ONLY MODELS PLUS YOU GET Prototype Sidewinder B-TX LE shown. Final production may be different.Sidewinder B-TX LE features Genesis Turbo engine YAMAHA-SNOWMOBILES.COM The warranty is a three year factory limited warranty. See dealer for details. On approved credit. See dealer for details. 500 customer deposit required before April 16 2016 which will be applied to down payment. Some conditions apply. See your participating Yamaha dealer for complete details or visit Yamaha-motor. com. 2016 Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. All rights reserved.