10 | Snowmobile VERMONT VAST News By Patty Companik As the season was coming to an end, there were several clubs who hosted trailside events. The West Windsor Moonlighters held a club-sponsored ride and trailside lunch on Sunday, March 25.. This is the fifth year the club has hosted this event. Trail conditions in the area were just starting to thin out, but they got their ride in. The 12-mile ride was led by Dennis Lemire, club and county president, with about a dozen people participating. Part of their ride was to stop at a place the locals refer to “The top of the world.” It is almost a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. The lunch was cooked and served right along the side of the corridor trail at the home of Ralph and Linda Stone. Grillmaster, Tim Stone, cooked burgers and dogs for everyone who stopped by for lunch. If the group ride and lunch wasn’t enough, they also let people drive the groomer around the field with one of the club groomer operators. It was an experience that will never be forgotten by those who tried it, including me. The members of the club coordinated the event. Special thanks go to the following people: Dennis and Tammy Conley, Ralph and Linda Stone and Gerry and Shirley Ouelette. This club maintains close to 30 miles which consists of corridor and mostly secondary trails. It is events like this which help them pay for their grooming equipment. This club hosts three fundraisers a year, specifically selling food and beverages at several town events, including Friday night fireworks the night before the Fourth of July at an event sponsored by the Brownsville Independence Committee, the Fourth of July town parade, and the club’s ride and trailside lunch event. The West Windsor Moonlighters purchased a new SnowRabbit groomer this year which cost the club $90,380. They applied and received a federal grant for a small portion of that cost, utilized generous donations and are currently paying off loans for the remaining balance. When you attend these types of club events and see a donation bucket, remember the $5, $10, or $20 you drop in the bucket goes toward paying off equipment loans or supports ongoing equipment maintenance. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! WEST WINDSOR MOONLIGHTERS HOLD CLUB RIDE & LUNCH The author, Patty Companik, goes for a spin in the club’s new SnowRabbit with Club and County President Dennis Lemire. Tim Stone was grillmaster for the event, cooking up burgers and hot dogs for all to enjoy. (Patty Companik photos)