b'VAST Newsdaily worries and challenges. I hadBARNARD MOUNTAINVIEWERS POKER RUNno real desire to be reckless and take jumps or fly as fast as I can on theBy Patty Companik Biddy Bidlack were taking care of snowmobile. The more I rode and gotThe Barnard Mountainviewersbusiness. Biddy was manning the back into snowmobiling with my wifeSnowmobile Club of Windsor countygrill and made the awesome mac n Janet, I thought about starting a non- held their annual poker run on Jan.cheese.profit for active military and veterans.27. The lower elevations were, as oneI personally had the privilege of I saw that there where many militaryrider described, mashed potatoes.meeting a father son duo, Chris men and women who loved the sportHowever, once you got into the higherZifchak and Matt Zifchak, who came of snowmobiling. So, I decided lastelevations, the trails were great! from New Hampshire to attend the summer to organize and start formingThe poker run is a little over a 40-milePoker Run. They did the 40-mile a non-profit which will be called Fiveloop. Riders had several stops alongloop twice and Matt did some video Star Sanctuary.the way. From some of the photos Iverecording of their adventure.On Jan. 27 we had our first Veteransseen, they were a special gathering ofThe former club president also Appreciation Snowmobile Ride intheir own. Members were happy to beattended. As club leadership changes, Island Pond, Vermont. We had 20out riding and socializing with fellowit is great to see everyone working veterans with family who attendedsledders. together and supporting activities for this event. With over 40 businessesA total of 158 hands were sold. Thethe benefit of the club and sport.and personal donations, and lotsfirst place winner was Eli Chynoweth of planning, the event was a truefrom Woodstock and Eric JohnstonIts these types of events that create success. We partnered with thewas the second place winner. The clubfamily and friend memories. Clubs Wounded Warrior Project, VAST,also held a 50/50 raffle which Dominicput a lot of time and energy into American Legion Post Brighton PostCraven won. hosting them. It was great to see so #80, the Essex House and Tavern,many member participants! Great job, Brighton Snowmobile Club, NEKIn the kitchen, Lynne Tracy and Ryanvolunteers!Roots & Limbs Massage Therapy. I want to thank Sean Selby for leading our ride on the VAST trail, and all the Safety Ambassadors for making it a safe ride. Thank you, Judy, for taking all the pictures and helping with the ride. There are many other people who helped make this event a success, like all the future board members of Five Star Sanctuary.In closing, all my experience and feelings of being a veteran, and snowmobiling I can say, relates to many of our US soldiers and veterans. The love for our country USA, and snowmobiling will always be part of me. We are looking forward to having a Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride every winter, but even better. Having an avenue for military personal and veterans to forget about their issues and problems, pains, and injuries is truly mind healing. Snowmobiling is not a cure or a fix to solders injuries, PTSD, or daily lifes issues but it is a way to cope and deal and have a moment of peace and happiness. Our website for our future non-profit is Fivestarsanctuary.org. Any help with donations or volunteering for future events for military or veterans and family will always be appreciated. Winter 2024 | 7'