Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 568 | Snowmobile VERMONT 2016 VAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Congratulations to the 2016 VAST Scholarship winners. The following two young snowmobilers have each received a $1,500 scholarship to assist them in their college studies. Austin J. Weed, of Middlesex, Vt. is a student in the Automotive Technology program at Vermont Technical College. His winning essay printed below focuses on the topic of landowner relations. “The relationship between landowners and snowmobiling in Vermont is the most important component to a successful trail system. The VAST trail system relies on a large percentage of private landowners for permission to maintain a trail on their property. Without this permission, a trail system such as the VAST trails would not exist. The VAST trail system is a pivotal part of Vermont life during the winter, as it not only provides an enjoyable recreation sport, but boosts the economy of countless towns throughout Vermont. I personally understand the importance of the VAST trail system after being appointed Membership Chairman of the Track Makers Snowmobile Club in my hometown of Middlesex. As the membership chairman, I am responsible for VAST TMA distributions to local businesses and the filing of all paperwork associated, as well as seeking landowner permission for our trails system. Every year before the beginning of the snowmobile season I head out to knock on doors of private landowners. I greet landowners with a block of Seriously Sharp Cabot cheese to thank them for the use of the trail the previous year and seek permission to continue to use the trail for the upcoming season. It is very rewarding to see the trail groomed for the first time and it makes all the hard work of clearing the trails and filing landowner permission forms worthwhile. I am very proud to be a part of the VAST snowmobile system and the Track Makers Snowmobile Club. I have spent countless hours since I was able to walk working with my father on our local trail system and have had a passion for snowmobiling all my life. Without private landowners VAST would not be what it is today and we would not have the beautiful trail system we have today.” Emily Vosburg, a member of the Franklin County Snow Raiders, is a student at Ithaca College where she is studying Clinical Exercise Science. Emily grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Saint Albans, Vt. Her essay also discussed the importance of good relationships with landowners. --- Congratulations, Austin and Emily! Left: Austin Weed replaces the headliner and windshield in the Track Makers’ Tucker. Right: Aaron Weed and his son Austin have worked on and enjoyed VAST trails together since Austin was very young. Parents who involve their children in trail work and bring them riding instill a lifelong love of snowmobiling and a deep respect for the hard work that goes into being good stewards of our trail system and productive members of our communities. VAST News Scholarship Award Program The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. (VAST) Scholarship Awards are limited to members of the association, their spouses and/or dependents. VAST awards two $1,500 scholarships annually and are intended to help further education in any postsecondary school, including vocational/ technical education. Applications are available online at vtvast.org or through the VAST office. Applications are due by March 1, 2017. Emily Vosburg