b'VAST NEWS$2,500 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ESSAYSMake a Difference between snowmobile clubs and smallsignboards that advertise for local businesses throughout the state. Ibusinesses such as those mentioned believe this is something unique toabove. In return, the club gets money Nominate SomeoneVermont that we should preserve. Notto help maintain the trails. The local only does this type of relationshipbusinesses easily make their money between clubs and businesses provideback from this advertising.NOMINATIONS AREDUEMay 1, 2025economic support, but it also createsOne of the annual events that the Snow positive memories of Vermont that willCruisers put on is our poker ride, keep younger generations here. Whenin which around fifteen businesses VAST volunteers and clubs are dedicated andI was finally able to drive my own snowmobile instead of riding on theparticipate. They do so either by being committed all year long. Please take the time to back with my dad, as I had for most ofa stop on the ride or by donating prizes for the winners. The Wildflower has nominate someone who deserves recognition.my life, he took me to the Coles Pondhosted the reception for the poker Lydia Gillespie Cook Shack, and I almost ran into theride for the past several years. The Horizon VolunteerTrailblazerSnowmobiler of the Year building. I thought I had it in reverse,Wildflower is one of many local but I was wrong. I have countlessSnowmobile Family of the YearLydia Gillespie is from West Burkememories like that of restaurants wevebusinesses that have seen the business and is a member of the Lyndon Snowstopped at, including the Essex House,the snowmobile club brings in duringJr. Snowmobiler of the Year (age limit 15)this event. In a small community Cruisers snowmobile club of Caledonia Dealer of the Year Snowmobile Club of the Yearcounty. She plans to attend UVM andAprils Maple, and the Mooselook,like the Northeast Kingdom, small study biochemistry. all of which will continue to keep mebusinesses are the heart and soul of the Awards for ClubsTrail Related connected to this state for years to Lydias Essay come. community, and when they supportMost Improved Trails Best Signed Trails local recreation, the local recreation Another example of this symbioticsupports them. This is why events like Supporting local businesses, such as Best Groomed Trails Trail Project of the Yearthe 27-room inn where I work, is onerelationship is that on the Lyndonthese are so crucial to the success of Snow Cruisers trails, they utilize fourVermonts economy and community.of the biggest ways snowmobilingTo obtain nomination forms go to vtvast.org/awards.htmlstimulates the economy in Vermont. Throughout high school, I worked part-time at the Wildflower Inn, andTwo $2500 the Lyndon Snow Cruisers have been frequent customers of our restaurant. The Snow Cruisers have many of their monthly meetings at the WildflowerSCHOLARSHIPSor Estellas, and people come early to order food and drinks. Snowmobilers are frequent guests of the Wildflower, and in the winter months, the trails are a significant attraction. TheAPPLICATIONS AREDUEMARCH 1, 2025Wildflowers success is in part due to the proximity to the VAST trails.VAST awards two $2,500 scholarships annually.VAST Snowmobiling also attracts guestsScholarship Awards are open to VAST members, their spouses and/or to the inn during the winter months,dependents of all ages to help you further your education in any post which are typically slower.Some of my favorite memoriessecondary school, including vocational/technical education.of snowmobiling with my familyTwo Chances to Win!The applications of the top five finalists will members are of all the places we atealso be submitted for consideration to the Northeast Chapter of on the trail. The Coles Pond Cookthe International Snowmobile Councils (NEISC) Scholarship Awards Shack is a perfect example of a smallprogram. The NEISC awards two $500 scholarship awards annually.business supporting the local clubs. They would allow clubs to come inAll applications must be postmarked or faxed NO later than March 1, 2025. and cook for other snowmobilers,For application go to: vtvast.org/scholarships.html or call (802) 229-0005with some of the profits going to thatPlease send all applications to:club as a fundraiser. It is amazing26 Vast Lane, Barre, VT 05641|fax: 802-223-4316| email: office@vtvast.orgto see this symbiotic relationship 2 | Snowmobile VERMONT'