b'Annual Meetingand his contributions reached farhelp maintain trail access for the across the snowmobiling community.entire snowmobile community. And In the 1980s and 1990s, he becamerememberhes a full-time dairy known as the trails guy, takingfarmer. There are no days off in that responsibility for keeping his clubsworld, yet he still finds time for trails ready and accessible. Beginningtrail work. He never says, I dont around 2005, he served as vicehave time. He makes the time. He president and continued to lead withalso preserves the sports history by energy and commitment. collecting and restoring vintage sleds, He also embraced the VASTensuring these pieces of snowmobiling Ambassador Program withheritage live on.enthusiasm. Riders visiting Vermont, especially those new to the area, often Trailblazer: Ronald Bixby met him first. He shared his knowledge This honoree had been a dedicatedof where to ride, where to park and member of his snowmobile clubsometimes even offered to guide them. since the 1970s. Over the decades, heHis enthusiasm for snowmobiling served in several key roles, includingnever faded. Whether meeting riders treasurer and safety officer for moreat intersections, attending meetings, than 25 years. His leadership helpedparticipating in ambassador trainings shape the club into the community- or connecting with VAST leadership, centered organization it is today. Ashe brought consistent positivity to the treasurer, he ensured the club stayedsport.on budget while still supporting projects, fundraisers and events. His behind-the-scenes work was central to the clubs success.As safety officer, he was equally influential. Since the clubs first VAST Snowmobile Safety Course on Dec. 7,Trailblazer Award: Ed Hebebrand2002, he made sure the training was offered every year except 2020, whenToday we honor someone whose COVID prevented it. Through hisdedication to snowmobiling and efforts, more than 520 students wereto VAST spans more than 40 years. certified, strengthening safety andHe has been a steady presence at education throughout the community.VAST Board meetings for over three Soft-spoken, focused and dedicated,decades and has served as his countys he was known for his integrity andalternate director for the last four. willingness to listen, provide guidanceTrailblazer Award: Jim Choiniere He is also a past president of the St. and help wherever needed. Johnsbury Snow Blazers. He played Our next honoree fell in love witha key role in launching the Vermont snowmobiling at just four years old,Snow Trails Conservancy, a project that and that passion has stayed with himtook nearly two years of determination ever since. Snowmobiling runs deepto complete. For his local club, he has in his family, and when you hear hisbeen an invaluable resourcedonating name, many of you will recognize it.materials and countless hours of labor. He started with the Mt. Abe SnowFor more than 45 years, he has helped Sports and has been a dedicatedmaintain and improve the trails, doing contributor to trail work acrossthe behind-the-scenes work that many multiple clubs throughout the county.never see but every rider benefits from. Hes not just involved. Hes invested.And even as the heavy labor winds Each year, he donates hundreds ofdown, his support remains strong. trail stakes through his small sawmillAs his County Director says, he will operation, offering them to any clubdo anything for anyone, anytime. He that needs them. He brings his ownnever says no. His passion for the Trailblazer: Jim Dwinell equipment to trail projects and neversport and for the VAST community is This honoree had been involved inhesitates to help. Just as importantly,unmistakable.snowmobiling for nearly his entire life.he uses the strong relationships he His love for the sport was constant,has built with local landowners to Early Winter 2025 | 11'