b'Annual Meetingseparate each trail into sections so they can focus on one section at a time until there are no issues with it. This method takes time but has eliminated revisits and has proven to be a productive approach. This club now maintains, signs, and grooms a trail system of more than 55 miles.This years award for Snowmobile Club of the year goes to the Grafton Outing Club of Windham County.2020 Snowmobile Familyof the YearThis family has been active as club members for over 30 years. The nomination describes them2020 Snowmobile Club of the Yearas enthusiastic, tireless and true volunteers who are always willing toThe following club understands go above and beyond. It called themthe need for consolidation of clubs worker bees willing to pitch inunder certain circumstances - which, for any event or task and said theyemotionally speaking, is not an easy are considered the dynamic duo ofdecision. snowmobiling! They have been an organized multi- Horizon AwardBelow are a few highlights of thetrail use snowmobile club since 1993.This volunteer exemplifies all the things they have done: They have gone through changescriteria for receipt of the Horizon Approximately 2,000 hours annuallywithin their trail system over theAward. He has been a snowmobiler riding with the head groomer to groomyearsgrowing from class 4 (4 wide)for more than 25 years, covering their clubs 45 miles of trail system; to Class 3 (6 wide) for the 18 miles ofthousands of miles on the trails of Trail maintenancedonating time andtrails they maintain. Vermont and parts of Canada.equipmentincluding the removal ofLast year, they merged with anotherHe served as a very active and efficient trees, debrushing, and tree trimming; club in their county, and both clubsofficer and volunteer for his local have experienced the benefits of thatsnowmobile club in the last 90s and Installation, repair, resurfacing andmerger: early 2000s and even had a successful replacement of bridges; A more efficient and profitablestint on the VAST Board of Directors Active participation in all club eventsgrooming contract; during that time.and meetings; Multiple trail masters, to help withA commitment to his growing family Serving as club liaison to the County; signing, meetings, brush cutting,and to hockey pulled this volunteer Formerly held the position of Boardbridge construction, and other trailaway from snowmobiling for a decade, Member in the club and Assistantprojects; but his passion was never lost. County Director. Increased membership, which, in turnWith the family grown, he was quick They are committed to their club,created more volunteers; to rise to the occasion when his local the county, VAST, and the sport ofThe consolidation of all grooming andclub was struggling. With his historical snowmobiling. trail related equipment; knowledge, leadership ability, business sense, connections in the community, Thats why this years award asThe ability to get the best market rateand a passion for snowmobiling, he is Snowmobile Family of the Year goesfor fuel; helping the club maintain its status as a to Marty Zipf and Mark OldenburgStoring all grooming equipment, fuels,prominent club in the Central Vermont from the Chittenden Dammers ofoils and parts in one location. Area.Rutland County. Thanks to his leadership, meetings The club has shared that they stillare organized, volunteerism is have a lot of work to do with bridge,increasing, and trails are improving. culvert, and trail bed improvements.His dedication is once again lifting the Their method of approach was to 10 | Snowmobile VERMONT'