8 | Snowmobile VERMONT VAST News FAREWELL SHANE! Shane Prisby, former Trails Manager and LVRT Project Manager has left his position at VAST. He shared the following farewell message: “It is with excitement and sadness I inform you all that I have taken a position in North Carolina so that my wife, son, and I can be close to family. This opportunity fell into our lap unexpectedly and we decided that we couldn’t pass it up. This change happened suddenly, as things often seem to do, and I am saddened that I won’t be able to say goodbye to every one of you in person. I wanted to take the time to say thank you. I have been so fortunate to work for such an incredible organization. The kindness and generosity of the VAST community is overwhelming and unparalleled anywhere. What you have all been able to build and what you accomplish every year is astounding. I felt pride every time I introduced myself as “Shane from VAST” and never missed an opportunity to speak about the hard work and passion of our volunteers. Please know that I have been humbled by the kindness of the people of VAST who welcomed me with open hearts. My family is excited about the adventures that lay ahead but our departure is bittersweet as we leave behind the communities that we have been a part of for the past seven years. I leave knowing that VAST is in great hands and I wish you all the best in the next 50 years.” Former Vermont State Police Education Marine and Snowmobile Division Education Coordinator Jere Johnson has retired and left the snowbelt for warmer weather down south. He was awarded a VAST President’s Award for outstanding contribution to snowmobile safety before his departure in July. Jere was the Vermont State Police Marine and Snowmobile Division Education Coordinator for 22 years Thank you for your years of service, Jere! Best luck to you and your family in your new southern home. STATE POLICE SNOWMOBILE EDUCATION COORDINATOR JERE JOHNSON RETIRES RETIRING DIRECTORS AND OFFICER EARN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS (Photo courtesy Vermont State Police) Carmin Lemery has been the Lamoille county director for five years. She was secretary of the Stowe Snowmobile club for 10 years. She has served on numerous committees over the years and will continue as PR and Marketing Committee chair and alternate director for Lamoille county. Tom Baltrus has been an active snowmobiler since purchasing a Vermont vacation home in the early 1990s. He joined the Deerfield Valley Stump Jumpers and participated in the expansion of their trail system in order to purchase their first large-scale groomer. His election to the club’s board of directors soon followed. He also served as the club’s membership chair for many years. In the early 2000s, he became the trail coordinator for Windham county, followed by election as the county director. Most recently he has served as VAST treasurer. Current plans include spending winters in Arizona. Roone Gibbs came on board as Windham county alternate director in 1993. In 1995, he became director and the Windham county trail coordinator. Several years later he stepped down as director, but came back again in 2012. He was a founder of the Grafton Outing Club and its first president and trailmaster. He served four years as president and resigned as trailmaster this past spring. He has also been a groomer since 1995. He is still grooming for his club.