b'Annual AwardsAward of ExcellenceThe next person is known locallyPresidents Award Officer of the Yearknown as the candy man, and is oneThe next award is in honor of someoneThe following award recipient has of the most enthusiastic individualswho left this world too soon. Johnbeen involved in snowmobiling for you will ever meet. He frequentlyLynds was a leader and he held severalonly 9 years.She quickly become makes the long trip from New York toofficer positions through-out the yearsinvolved with the association at the take a ride on the VAST trail system forincluding president of Green Mountainclub, county and VAST level. She has the day, often times encouraging otherRoamers, president of Bolton Valleybeen a consistent contributor to the riders to come try Vermonts trails. Mountain Climbers and director ofVAST magazine. She has supported He is always full of positive energyWashington county. several of the local clubs in her area and good nature, ready to ride,He worked at Stowe Snowmobileby being actively engaged with their basically game for anything.He isTours as the manager andfundraisers and events, whether it be supportive of clubs and will ride milessnowmobiling was in his blood. Hiswith donations, chairing or working to participate in a fundraiser. Youleadership skills and passion ran deep. the events themselves. If you attend can count on him being there withHe spearheaded the fundraising effortstradeshows, you will probably see her donations for the raffle. to purchase machines and a trailerand her husband working the VAST He acquired his nickname whilefor the Washington County Sheriffsbooth. stopping to thank every groomerDepartment and a rescue sled for theAfter being a member of the Awards, operator he meets out on the trail withWaterbury Backcounty Rescue Team. Recognition, Scholarship and a handshake, a thumbs up and a fewHe helped create and run a weeklyNomination Committee for a few pieces of candy that are always ridingtrails condition report on local radioyears, she volunteered to take on the along in his saddlebags each time hestations. Even as he faced a series ofresponsibility of chairperson for this goes out.health challenges, he always askedcommittee and has been chair for This individual is also a regularabout work projects and general VASTfour years. She is chair of the Finance and appreciated supporter of thehappenings.He loved to talk aboutCommittee.Snowmobile Vermont Magazine. snowmobiling and it brought himFor the past four years, she has held While out riding he always has hisgreat joy to share stories about thethe officer position of Windsor county candy and his camera ready forexperiences he had. Snowmobiling wassecretary.She created and administers the next groomer or great photoa big part of his life; he gave back tothe Windsor county Facebook opportunity. Each publication hethe sport in many ways. He is missedpage. She saw a need and quickly contributes some great family fun,by many. volunteered to help the Resource whether it be a word search game, anJohn Lynds family members acceptedCommittee with scheduling meetings interesting article or one of his greatthe Presidents Award on his behalf. with clubs/counties and moderating photos. On occasion he may photoshopthese sessions. This past year she took a picture or two for a laugh!on the officer role of VAST treasurer He is a true proponent of VAST andwhere she quickly became fully snowmobiling in Vermont.Hisengaged in learning about her new contributions are not unnoticed andofficer responsibilities. She is the firsthis positive, friendly attitude is wellnon-Vermont resident to hold a VAST received no matter where he goes. Heofficer position.is full of life and has steadfast supportPatty Companik receives the award of for VAST! Officer of the Year.Tom Potanovic of the Washington County Mountain Tamers club of Washington county receives an Award of ExcellenceFall 2021 | 19'