Early Winter 2018 | 9 VAST News MEET YOUR COUNTY DIRECTORS/VAST BOARD MEMBERS Essex County Director Stewart Ahearn I was born in upstate New York, just outside of New York City, and lived there until I graduated college. I moved south and lived in South Florida for 30 years. In preparation for retirement, I purchased property in Norton, Vermont in 2004. My goal was to spend time in Vermont ATV’ing and snowmobiling. I started snowmobiling for the first time on vacation to Norton in 2005. I retired as a police officer in 2007 and moved to Vermont also maintaining my property in Florida. In 2008, I joined the Canaan Border Riders Snowmobile Club and became a member of the board of directors. Shortly after, I became the alternate director for Essex county. In 2012, I organized (with the help of others) and became the first president of the Northeast Kingdom Snow Blasters. After running the club for three years, I stepped down to concentrate on Essex county and VAST. After the tragic loss of Dave Page, I decided to carry on his legacy and moved up from alternate county director to county director. I have thoroughly enjoyed my last 14 years serving several snowmobile clubs and VAST. Windham County Director Drew Fraser I am lucky enough to live in Londonderry, and I started riding sleds at an early age. My first sled was a 72 Arctic Cat 399 Cheetah. Needless to say, I have been riding a long, long time! I have been president of the Derry sled dogs for five years now. I usually ride about 1,000 miles each year. I am also a groomer for my club and I groomed 900 miles last year. Both positions keep me very busy. I love the sport of snowmobiling. I have fun and meet some great people. I hope everyone has a great season! Bennington County Director Scott Westlake As a kid growing up, my family and I had to move about every 2-2 ½ years due to my father’s job, but we always came back to West Rupert, Vt. Although I was not born here in Vermont, I have always felt it is the one place that I have some roots with. For several years while my family lived out of the country. I went to an all-boys school in New Hampshire and on school breaks and over the summer months would return to West Rupert and worked on the Lourie farm. That is where I first started snowmobiling. In the beginning, I would ride with Wilson Lourie and was able to see firsthand just how beautiful Vermont truly is. I can’t think of a better way to gain a much better appreciation and respect for the beauty and wonders Vermont has to offer than on a snowmobile. Three years ago, I made a great decision and moved back to Vermont. One of the first things I did was buy a snowmobile, and I just love getting out on the trails and riding. Over the holidays last year, a good friend, Mark Lourie, told me that he heard VAST was looking for someone to help out with Bennington county. My first thought was that it would be a great way to meet some new folks who love to snowmobile also. Last December, I contacted VAST and expressed my interest in joining the team and doing what I can to promote fun and safe snowmobiling while having fun riding. I am looking forward to getting involved, learning the ropes, and helping the clubs in Bennington county and VAST the best way I possibly can.