b'VAST NewsNEW GROOMER FOR THE WATERFORD RIDGE RUNNERS By Mike OHaraThe Waterford Ridge Runners celebrated an event that will transform the snowmobile trails throughout our system. On Feb. 4, we took delivery on a 2022 Can-Am Defender 10 as our power unit for grooming the over 30 miles of corridor trails. Our system connects the Waterford area to the Moose River Rock Dodgers and the Caledonia County Snowmobile Trail Club. This year, we completed a trail that connects us to the Baily Hazen club and the Danville S-Ski-Mos. TheHerb Ziter, Vice President Ryan Lowell, President Trent Lowell and Trailmaster Jordan Colby purchase was made possible by a granttake delivery of the clubs new Can-Am Defender. from VAST and financing through the Passumpsic Bank. Mated to our newit was ordered. Supply chain issuesseason was not particularly great in Can-Am is a nearly new drag that wasforced the delay but Herb Ziter ofthe eastern edge of Caledonia county, purchased from the Lunenburg PolarAll Around Power was relentless init was a silver lining to the Ridge Bears. Some of the improvementsmaking sure we received our unit asRunners as we waited on delivery we made included installing twosoon as it was humanly possible. Onceuntil snow could arrive. Now that we actuators, new cutting blades, a brandwe got the Defender to its new home,are fully up to speed, we welcome new steel pan and a fresh coat of paint. we had a mad rush to outfit it with theeveryone to come and enjoy the Taking delivery of the Can Am twoneeded safety equipment and readiedspectacular beauty of the Waterford days before the largest snowfall of theit for the first successful run. area. We could always use a hand on New Year was the culmination of aAlthough the 2022 snowmobileprojects, but joining our club would waiting period from September whenhelp keep the machinery moving too.TRAILBLAZER AWARD - JARED WILSONBy Patty CompanikThis VAST award recognizes those individuals who have actively served for 25 years or more. It celebrates all long-term volunteers, not only those involved in trail work, but in all aspects of organized snowmobiling such as club, county and VAST officers.The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas nominated Jared Wilson for this award as an acknowledgment of his years of dedication and volunteering to the club and to the snowmobiling community. He is their favorite chef, and the man who made the SnowCavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas President Joe Marini presents the Trailblazer award Fleas famous for their cheeseburgers.to Jared Wilson.Jared started out with volunteeringAs the Cook Shack coordinator, Jareda warm smile. Locally sourcing the with trail work like many people,manages the clubs Cook Shack everyingredients, he ensures everyone but when the opportunity came forweekend during the riding seasonreceives the best cheeseburger on the him to get involved with the Cook(weather permitting). He also makestrail! His volunteering every weekend Shack, he jumped right on it. His lovesure the clubs trail work volunteersat the Cook Shack for many years of cooking combined with his desireare fed well after all work parties.is truly appreciated by the club and to volunteer and contribute to themany members of the snowmobile community made this decision anJared is a quiet individual, whocommunity. easy one for him. greets all Cook Shack patrons with 6 | Snowmobile VERMONT'