20 | Snowmobile VERMONT The club has worked extensively on the project with engineers and others to create new plans for repairs each time something comes up. They area always upbeat and tackle the project with great pride. However, it is their patience that is getting them the award this year. Thank you all for your efforts and for keeping this major east to west connector open. Matt is sure there are probably others involved, and he appreciates all their efforts too, but these folks were have recently been involved with the bridge projects. This year’s Patience Award goes to Jamie Sheltra, Brian Boudreau, and Caleb and Kelly Ainsworth. AMBITION This award goes to a very ambitious volunteer who has once again stepped in and helped to turn his club’s trail system around. He has spearheaded the effort to install all new signs along the club’s trail system, has become the go-to guy for all of the club’s Grant-In- Aid paperwork, has worked to obtain grants and other funding to repair both of the club’s groomers, and overall has just done a great job communicating with landowners, the VAST office and others. He is quick to address any issues and does very well at keeping Matt in the loop as to what is going on. He is upfront and honest and is greatly appreciated for being so. Jim Marshia of the Cold Hollow Bearcats receives this year’s Ambition Award. PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR This person has inspected and documented over 400 snowmobilers this season, patrolling the VAST trails in his jurisdiction of northern Essex county. Ninety percent of his patrolling and inspecting is done by snowmobile, resulting in over 1,000 miles on his sled this year. These miles do not include the hours he also spends at trail heads or crossings. He is always pleasant, respectful and courteous to all snowmobilers he encounters during his patrol hours. He keeps the inspection process brief and to the point so the snowmobiler can continue on with the day’s adventure. He is also well respected by all the law enforcement agencies he works with. He has made compliance of Vermont snowmobile laws a mission in his jurisdiction year after year, making snowmobiling a safe and enjoyable passtime. This year’s Public Official award goes to Vermont Fish and Wildlife Warden Randy Hazard. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Landowners are so critical to the future of our sport. This next award is for a landowner who makes significant contributions to the VAST trail systems and his community year after year. This landowner’s family has been involved in their community for decades. Their piece of the trail system serves as a pivot point between flat riding and the more technical riding. The trail connects the Hinesburg town trail system to Huntington and ultimately Camel’s Hump State Park. In addition to using their land for trails, he donates space in his facility for the local club’s trail machines and signage. This past year, this family made a very generous donation of land to create new recreation fields for the youth in their community. The fields will be used by the youth for baseball and soccer for many years to come. The landowner also realized that this land contained an access trail to the Jiffy Mart in town. He encouraged us to create a new cut through for snowmobilers, so they can access the much-needed facilities Jiffy Mart offers. Described as one of the most approachable people in town, he is kind, generous and a pleasure to work with. Joe Bissonette and family received a VAST Award of Excellence. Annual Meeting