40 | Snowmobile VERMONT Drift Dusters Snowmobile Club As I write our club news, we have 89 days until the trails open. The leaves are changing, the air is cold in the morning, Walt’s Sales and Service has sleds out front and project season is in full swing! Yesterday Roger Gosselin, Brandon Phillips and Jay Catalano prepped two bridges for redecking. I want to thank all the volunteers who give up weekends to make sure that we are all able to ride safely in the winter. Please reach out if you want to get involved with our club. On Saturday, Sept. 16 we had a super successful Cancer Benefit for Amy Phillips in Derby at Paul’s Sugar House. Amy is the wife of club director, Brandon Phillips. I want to thank everyone who donated time, money and volunteer hours for this event. It is truly awesome to watch a community support one of their own. Executive Director Cindy Locke was present for the event as well and we appreciate the support from VAST. Be sure to look out for winter events in our area. March 3 is the date for the Second Annual NEK Poker Run which is co-hosted by the NEK SnowBlasters. The final stop will be at the Cow Palace in Derby. Stay tuned for further information. I would also like to congratulate Roger Gosselin on being awarded Snowmobiler of the Year at the VAST The Drift Dusters had an excellent turnout of support at their Bingo Cancer Benefit event for member Amy Phillips. Pictured here outside of the event are Drift Dusters Club President Michael Koehler, Club Director Brandon Phillips, Amy Phillips, VAST Executive Director Cindy Locke, Club Vice President and County Director Roger Gosselin and Club Director Tommy Charest .  Orleans Snowstormers Greetings from our section of the Northeast Kingdom.The foliage is in its full display of color and it can only mean that we are rapidly approaching another winter snowmobile season. We have been busy with all the pre- season preparations of our trails for the opening on Dec. 16. With bridges to repair, trails sections to be staked, junction signs, the list goes on. And don’t forget the last-minute trail changes. And of course, we have to get the grooming equipment ready too. But, when trails open and we can go for that first ride, it makes it all worthwhile. Orleans Snowstormers memberships and TMAs will be available, as in the past, from Bob’s Quick Stop in Irasburg and from our secretary. Gloria will also be a VAST Vermont registration agent again this year and can also help with your registration needs also. Call 802-334-6179 to set up an appointment. We are very flexible to suit your needs. There are also online options. You can go to our website and download the TMA form to fill out and send in. You will receive your TMAs within 10 days. You can also use the VAST online option. If you were a Snowstormer member this past season, it will automatically direct the club membership to our club again. It is easy, instant and you pay with a credit card. If you were a member this past season, you will receive a newsletter in November with all the latest info and forms to join. We are also planning TMA sale days for Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at the Village Pizza in Orleans. As in the past, time is 1 p.m.–5 p.m. You need to bring a current sled registration. We will post more info as time approaches. All Early Bird TMAs purchased through the Orleans snowstormers will be entered into a drawing for a free 2019 Early Bird TMA. Drawing will be held in January and the winner will be notified. Remember the deadline for purchase of Early Bird TMAs is Dec. 15. As we begin a new season, our club is seeking new members to become involved in the duties of club operations. The present volunteers are having way too much fun and is hard on our aging hearts. We are desperate to share all this excitement, so come join us at our regular meeting and share the fun and good friendships we have to offer. Our regular meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m. at the Rodrigue residence. Call us if you need directions. Until next time, think snow! Gloria Rodrigue, Secretary orleanssnowstormers.com Like us on Facebook RUTLAND COUNTY Chittenden Dammers Summer has come and gone and the increasingly cooler nights tell us that it time to think snowmobiling in the greater Chittenden area. We held our 2017/18 season kickoff meeting on Sept. 5. We had a great ORLEANS COUNTY Annual Meeting. The club truly appreciates all his hard work and countless volunteer hours. As a side note, please email all photos you have, new and old of the Derby area to include businesses to nekduster@ gmail.com. Thank you. Michael Koehler, President Like us on Facebook