b'Annual Meetingencouraging a culture of quality,from riding, he never let that stop him.by improving the Bethel section and, reliability, and pride in the work. HisHe still worked on the grooming sledfollowing summer flood damage and strong organizational skills allow himand remained active, engaged, andthe neighboring clubs dissolution, to manage multiple projects, keepapproachable at every meeting. began addressing those areas as well. timelines on track, and coordinateAnd did we mention he is doing all ofMany riders have noticed a dramatic team efforts with precision. He isthis at 72 years young? His age mightdifference, especially behind and reliable, accountable, and a teammatesay one thing, but his ambition saysacross from Village Pizza, where once-everyone can count on. another. Nothing, not even personalproblematic spots are now dependable.Through his leadership, highhealth challenges, has slowed himThis is not one massive project. It is the standards, and dedication, he hasdown. story of many smaller, strategic efforts made a lasting impact on his club andthat have had a big impact on trail everyone who works alongside him. quality and the rider experience. From better snow retention to smoother rides and faster freeze-ups, the improvement to their trails has been noticeable and appreciated.Most Improved Trails: White River Valley RamblersThe recipient of this years Most Improved Trails Award is a club that has truly gone above and beyond,Best Groomed Trails:rising to the challenge of expandedBrighton Snowmobile ClubAmbition Award: George Haesaert responsibilities and showing whatThis years Best Groomed Trails a dedicated group of volunteers canAward goes to a club that set the bar The recipient of this years Ambitionaccomplish with vision, effort, andexceptionally high. Covering the Island Award is someone whose energy,heart. This club grooms approximatelyPond area, including Trails 114 and determination, and wholehearted50 miles of trails, and over the past142, this club faced one of the busiest, commitment to his club and totwo years, they have taken on evenmost heavily trafficked areas on our VAST are nothing short of inspiring.more responsibility by merging withtrail system. And yet, from start to Although he has been volunteering fora neighboring club. That meant takingfinish, these trails were outstanding all nearly 20 years, his involvement trulyfull responsibility for trail maintenanceseason long.skyrocketed after retirement. He is anacross both territories.all or nothing kind of guy, and luckyWith a small but determined group ofAs noted in the nomination, this for us, he chose to be all in. volunteers, they have worked tirelesslywas hands down the best experience From bridge building and trail clearingto improve every mile under their care.on the trail system this year, thanks to repairing the clubs grooming sled,They are actively engaged at countyentirely to the hard work, precision, if there is a project underway, he ismeetings and transitioned back toand dedication of the clubs grooming there. Even more remarkable is hisWindsor County from Orange Countyteam. In a place where rider traffic is consistency and dedication. He drivesin 2023, a move praised by leadershipnonstop, the grooming crew seemed an hour each way, on his own dime,from both counties. Their approachnever to sleep. It takes a coordinated, every time there is work to be done. Heto trail improvement has beencommitted team to maintain trails does not complain. He shows up withthoughtful and strategic. They focusedat this level, and this club not only a positive attitude. He leads not withon improving the trail base, addingmet that challenge, they exceeded words, but by example. ditching, water bars, culverts, andexpectations at every turn.A proud Eagle Scout, it is clear that hisremoving rocks, to help retain snow inTheir efforts did not go unnoticed, core values of service, integrity, andwinter and reduce washouts. and their trails became a highlight for perseverance are simply part of whoWith funds raised from theirriders across the region. For excellence he is. He is the kind of volunteer yousignboard, they rented a mini- in consistency, quality, and rider dont need to call, because he is alreadyexcavator and targeted the worstexperience, we recognize them.calling you, asking what needs to besections first, including persistent done and how he can help. Despitemud holes and wet areas that are now a recent health setback that kept himsolid and dependable. They started Early Winter 2025 | 17'