b'VAST NewsA message from VAST President Tim Mills MEMBER VAST SURVEYregistration, and insuranceBy Cindy Lockeis not an issue. FuelingWe put together a member survey up your snowmobile andin early summer. The survey was going out riding on theopen for two weeks and we got 697 trails? No worries on that.members to participate. Some of the The problem surroundinganswers are below.snowmobiling and social distancing is theWhen asked how many years they gatherings and fundraisershave been riding in Vermont, 56% that we all enjoy attendingof the respondents said more than for both the social aspect17 years. We then asked if their and to support our clubssnowmobiles were registered in around the state.Vermont, 69% said they were. When VAST meetings are beingheld via Zoom during theAt this point, it looksasked how many sleds they typically COVID-19 pandemic.like there will not be anyregister each winter, 42% said they clubs hosting any in- registered two snowmobiles and 81% person fundraising eventssaid they joined only one club each As the old saying goes, we are inunless the governor reduces theyear.the dog days of summer. The hotrestrictions on social gatherings.Interestingly enough, when we asked summer days have been plentifulThis may seem like a small thing,folks if they knew that they could as we (somewhat!) patiently waitno big deal, and something that wejoin additional clubs without buying for our favorite season to begin.could certainly live without. However,another TMA to support those clubs, This past season didnt end themost snowmobile clubs utilize these45% said that they did not know way we are all used to, betweenevents as fundraisers that play anthat. That speaks volumes about our the COVID epidemic and the earlyextremely important role in a clubsmembers having the ability to join snow melt. Unfortunately, we havefinancials. They help support the clubadditional clubs when they buy their all had to make adjustments inwhere there are funding gaps, andTMA and now moving online through nearly every aspect of our lives withthis helps the club pay for anythingVAST will make this so easy for them the COVID-19 pandemic. I am suresnowmobile-related that cannot beto do.that everyone has heard enoughobtained through a grant or grooming about this topic and would just likecontract. All snowmobile clubs needWe were very interested too to find out to get on with their lives. I get it. I dothese fundraisers. They are anmore about peoples volunteer habits. not plan to get my soap box out forintegral part of the financial puzzleWhen we asked if they volunteer for a this one, but there are some thingsfor keeping a club in the black. Weclub, 29% said that they do, 32% said that we should go over. First, this isas human beings also need thethey do not and do not have the time not about politics or opinions. It issocial aspect of these gatherings.to do so. We were very surprised that about working within the guidelinesIt is an opportunity to communicate9% said that they would like to, but we have all been given, informedand relate with others who share thedo not know who to contact. We will by the science as we know it tosame passion as we do.be following up with each of those date. If there was ever a time torespondents so we can put them in be supporting your local club andCan we be creative and find work- touch with their club(s).county, it is right now.arounds? I am sure we could toAnother interesting result of the survey The work around operating asome extent, but the best thing wewas when we asked them if they snowmobile organization nevercan do is wait and see what this fallattend club meetings. 22% responded goes away, and if we all plan onbrings us. In the meantime, supportthat they did, 13% said they did not riding next season, we need to beyour club with time working on theand 28% said that they do not because proactive. With a little planning andtrails in small groups. Take on tasksthey live too far away, but if the club preparation, you can still supportthat do not involve much in-personheld virtual meetings sometimes or your club, volunteer when you can,interaction. Be prepared for the newalways then they may attend them. be prepared for the new norm, andnorm. Be there for your local club,That is a large amount of respondents. practice needed social distancing.and practice better social distancing until this is over.We would like to thank all those that I think the hardest part about allRide safely and smooth trails! took the time to answer the survey. of this for most of us is the socialTwo lucky winners will be sent a TMA distancing. At face value, it would notTim Mills, VAST President this fall and will get notification soon seem to be much of an issue, butfrom VAST.it is. Maintaining your snowmobile, 4 | Snowmobile VERMONT'