b'2025 VAST AnnualMeeting & AwardsHosted By Addison CountyAward write-ups by Patty CompanikTrailblazer:Robert & Patricia LambertThis award recognizes individuals who have actively volunteered with aTrailblazer:Kevin Berge Trailblazer: Brent Jergerclub, county or VAST for 25 years or more, and ten people were recognizedHe began snowmobiling in Vermont inThis award recognizes someone whose this year for meeting that milestone.the early 1990s and shared his love forquiet dedication and steady support The first Trailblazer Award honoredthe sport with his young family. Frommade a lasting impact on his club a couple whose dedication to thethe start, he didnt just participate. Heand the snowmobiling community. sport of snowmobiling spanned morebecame involved. He quickly becameFor more than 37 years, he was an than 30 years. Together, they werea dedicated volunteer who was alwaysactive volunteer and landowner who the backbone of their local clubsamong the first to step forward forconsistently offered his time, energy trail-signing efforts. As assistant trailstrail work, equipment repairs and cluband resources to keep the trails open coordinator, he faithfully volunteeredactivities. He was someone the cluband maintained. He stepped up for each year to put up and take down thecould always rely on. trail work, grooming, equipment care clubs trail signs, always supported byThis past year, he volunteeredand club paperwork whenever needed.his wife. many hours to help build the clubsHis club operated one of the oldest Their commitment extended farnew groomer barn, a project thatgrooming machines in the state, a beyond the trails. They spent countlessbenefited from his wide range of1974 model that required constant hours organizing and maintainingskills. He contributed mechanicalattention. He was a key part of the an inventory of trail stakes, markerswork, plumbing, electrical work andeffort that kept it working. As a and signage each season. Their workcarpentry as needed. As a teacher,landowner, he welcomed riders across helped keep the trails safe, accessiblehe also volunteered as an instructorhis property and took as much joy and well marked for riders in theirfor the club-sponsored VAST safetyin watching others enjoy the trails as area. For more than two decades,course. His teaching ability andhe did in riding them himself. His they also opened their personal campcommitment to the sport madecommitment to the sport extended to to host monthly summer workdayhim a strong fit for the role. He wasthe county and state levels, where he lunches, offering food, hospitality andhardworking, dependable and alwaysremained involved as an advocate. a sense of community. As landowners,kept the best interests of the club inHis dedication made him a deserving they welcomed riders across themind. honoree.fields in front of their home in the backwoods of Plymouth, which reflects the heart of snowmobiling in Vermont.10 | Snowmobile Vermont'