b'VAST NewsTRAILBLAZERA message from VAST Vice President Mark ReavesAWARDSBy Patty CompanikVAST is so fortunate to have a long history of volunteer participation. It is our volunteers who make it happen and we wouldnt be what we are today if it wasnt for the dedicated volunteers within our sport. The Trailblazer Award is presented to VAST volunteers who have served their club, county, and/or VAST for at least 25 years. There are so many volunteers who meet this criteria. We have recognized 68 Trailblazers since we introduced this award in 2015. We know there are many more deserving people though.All Trailblazer recipients also are considered for the prestigious Founders Award for outstanding volunteerism which is presented at the VAST Annual meeting. All Founders Award recipients have their nameThe holiday season is upon us andTravis Mercy Memorial Poker added to a plaque which is displayedId like to take the opportunity toRun. This is one the busiest times at the VAST office. wish all of our members a happyof year for me and I love it. My The Trailblazer Award honors theand festive season. Its a great timeguess is that you love it too or grassroots spirit and dedication ofof year to gather with friends andyou wouldnt be reading this.the many people who have madefamily to celebrate and reminisce.That brings me to this request.snowmobiling what it is today. TheyI hope you all get the chance toI am always looking for fun have given their time, hard work andspend time with your loved ones. snowmobile activities and ways resources for 25 years or more. As we recover from ourto support our clubs. If your club Trailblazer nominations can becelebrations, our minds beginhas a poker run, dinner raffle or a submitted any time of the year.to turn to the next thing on theclub ride, let me know. Id love to Any active member can send incalendar, the thing that bringsgo to as many events as possible. a nomination. Trailblazer Awardus all together: the start of theI probably cant make everything nominees meeting the 25-yearsnowmobile season. By this time,but if you give me enough notice I volunteering criteria receive a specialmost preparations are complete. will try to get there. Trailblazer name badge and aTrails have been staked, roadTowards the end of my last certificate. crossings marked and equipmentcolumn, I asked members to maintenance done. Now its timesend any questions they had Please take a moment to nominate thatto think about the plans for theabout VAST, trails or anything Trailblazer in your area. It only takesupcoming season. snowmobiling related to me at a few minutes but is a wonderful wayFor myself, I have a couple of ridesvastvicepresident@gmail.com. to say thank you to someone who hasplanned already.On Jan. 21, IllTo be honest, the response was given so much of themselves for thebe attending the VAST Military andunderwhelming. I do need to benefit of many. Law Enforcement Appreciation Dayshout out Tom Rodjenski though.You can fill out an online form on thein Morrisville.In February, I willThanks for emailing me, Tom, VAST website or download a form andbe traveling to northern Maine toand if anyone needs a Polaris 488 submit to the VAST office by mail at 26attend the International Snowmobilefanner motor, Tom has a spare Vast Lane, Barre, VT 05641 or drop off. Conferences Northeast Chapterone for you!Meeting and Ride. In between, thereUntil the next issue, buy your will be numerous loops around theTMA and think snow!local trail system, rides in different parts of Vermont and club eventsMark Reaves, VAST Vice Presidentlike the Thunder Chickens Annual Early Winter 2022 | 5'