Fall 2018 | 17 GROOMER OF THE YEAR It is not often that the Groomer of the Year is given to a grooming contractor, but this year will be an exception. To exemplify his love of grooming we have to note that prior to grooming for VAST this contractor had his own personal Tucker Sno-Cat to groom trails around the farm property he owns. He also groomed for a ski area for a while with his own machine. He took over grooming in the Central Vermont area approximately five years ago and has done an exemplary job creating smooth trails for all to enjoy. In doing so he has worked closely with the local club, getting club officers into the groomer seat to experience the trails from a different perspective. This has enabled the club to see where trail improvements were necessary, and the overall results have been fantastic! He takes the mechanics of snow grooming seriously and is not afraid to make the equipment do its job. He’s pretty good at repairing the equipment, too! Most recently, he has taken on yet another grooming contract for the neighboring club and we expect he will continue to impress us there. In recognition of his countless hours and willingness to do anything necessary to get the job done, please welcome this year’s Groomer of the Year recipient, Jesse Lambert. We do expect that this new jacket will not be covered in grease from working under a Tucker in the wee hours of the morning! TRAIL PROJECT OF THE YEAR This club’s trail system covers over 60 miles of VAST trail network which encompasses three towns. They have a very dedicated and hard-working group of volunteers with the same goal in mind: “Provide the best trails we can.” Due to property sales this year, they had to reroute a very large core section of their overall trail system. This reroute turned out to be a blessing by removing a very nasty section of swamp they had to cross and then navigating up a very steep and winding hill. Their trailmaster took it upon himself to walk the area, talk to landowners and find an enhanced alternate route. Not only was the reroute better for the club to maintain, but it offered a much safer route for the riders and still allowed riders to view the scenic mountain section, which was a requirement for the club when designing the reroute. The alternate trail coordinator for the county commented, “What they have done is really nice. It is one of the best trials around now.” This project, which included tree cutting, installation of bridges and excavator work, was done and ready for riders to enjoy on opening day! This year’s 2018 Trail Project of the Year goes to the Weathersfield Pathfinders. COUNTY TRAILS COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR This gentleman was involved with snowmobiling here in Vermont before Matt was even born, and if that wasn’t enough, he has remained an integral part of VAST since Matt began working here in 2002. He has provided hours upon hours of time for his local club, his county and VAST. He regularly attends trails committee meetings and other VAST meetings to offer ideas and frequently offers intelligent additions to the subject at hand. He is always complimentary of a job well done but not afraid to thoroughly critique an idea! Without him, VAST, his county and his local club would be lost. We do have to add that his wife stands there right beside him and is also a tremendous help. The 2018 County Trail Coordinator of the year is Raymond Rodrigue of Orleans County. Annual Meeting