6 | Snowmobile VERMONT VAST News A message from VAST Vice President Jeff Fay The colors of autumn are beginning to appear along the ridges of the mountains. VAST Annual Meeting is in the books and trail project pictures are filling up Facebookpages of clubs from across the state. That means it’s about time to think about closing the pool, dry docking the boat and prepping the sleds for another season. As the work begins, or continues in some cases, all clubs are looking for extra hands to get trails ready, organize and staff events, meet land owners to get permission forms signed and many more tasks that happen before snow actually hits the ground. One of the topics that came up during the Annual Meeting was gaining and retaining volunteers. Clubs aren’t expecting experts but are looking for members willing to offer up a few hours of their time. A half day of throwing brush, clipping branches (yup, those same ones that whack you in the $400 helmet and scratch your $150 heated shield), pounding sign stakes or helping sell TMAs goes a long way in easing the work load on the usual group of four to 12 die-hards. The work may not be glorious, but it will bring a sense of satisfaction as you ride those trails you’ve helped create. You may surprise yourself, make a few new friends and actually have some fun. Oh, most clubs will feed you too! There’s a saying I’ve heard, “It’s all about the food.” For those that don’t have time in the fall or are from out of state, many clubs hold events during the season. Reach out and offer a hand setting up, cleaning up, selling raffle tickets, cooking dogs and burgers or handing out cards during the annual poker run. It doesn’t take much and a lot isn’t expected, but a little help is always appreciated. You can find club contact information at vtvast.org, in the VAST Snow Traveler’s Guide or search Facebook for your local club or a club where you ride. On another note and getting back to the 50th Annual Meeting, I want to thank Director Carmin Lemery and the clubs of Lamoille county for hosting an outstanding event, all of the award winners, the members that took the day to represent their clubs and the VAST staff. It’s an honor to work with you all. A thank you and best wishes to outgoing treasurer Tom Baltrus. He has been a great asset to the association over the years. Welcome to newly- elected treasurer, Sonia Koehler, from the Northeast Kingdom Snow Blasters. It’s shaping up to be a great season. Early forecasts are optimistic, leaning towards good snowfall all winter. Rememberto save a few bucks and buy your Early Bird or Family TMAs before Dec.15. Respect, ride safe and ride right! – Jeff Fay, VAST Vice President FIND THE HELMET Laurie Hunniford of Hebron, Conn. was the lucky winner in the “Find the Helmet” contest from last issue. When she was asked what prize she wanted, she said, “I would like the pink beanie hat. I am a breast cancer survivor and early detection through routine mammograms provided a more likely positive prognosis for me. I will wear my new pink beanie with both pride of being a cancer survivor and a VAST member!” We had some great responses to the contest to share. We love reading your comments and puns! Edward J. Hebebrand shared the following poem: “What a wonderful time of year it is. What a wonderful time of day it is. What a wonderful time to find the helmet. What a wonderful time piece on Amos’ arm. What a wonderful time to look back fifty years. I hope everyone enjoyed the fifty years of riding. I hope I have the time to ride another fifty years.” Rich Moore joked, “I guess it might be time for a new helmet?” Can you find the helmet in this issue? If you spot it, send an email to editor@vtvast.org. We will randomly select one person from the correct submissions to win a VAST beanie or baseball hat!