Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
Page 30
Page 31
Page 32
Page 33
Page 34
Page 35
Page 36
Page 37
Page 38
Page 39
Page 40
Page 41
Page 42
Page 43
Page 44
Page 45
Page 46
Page 47
Page 48
Page 49
Page 50
Page 51
Page 52
Page 53
Page 54
Page 55
Page 56
Page 57
Page 58
Page 59
Page 60
Page 61
Page 62
Page 63
Page 64
Page 65
Page 66
Page 67
Page 68
Page 69
Page 70
Page 71
Page 72
Page 73
Page 74
Page 75
Page 76
Page 77
Page 78
Page 79
Page 80
Winter 2016 5 A message from VAST President Tim Mills VAST News On Nov. 18 Rutland County made a donation of 3000 to The Vermont Achievement Center VAC. The Vermont Achievement Center Inc. a 501c3 charitable organization has been serving the needs of children and families throughout the Rutland region and Vermont since 1937. VAC continues to offer innovative and responsive programs in special education early education and child care family social services and intervention as well as water safety and aqua therapy. The programs provided by VAC touch the lives of more than 7000 children and families throughout our region each year. - courtesy VAC website at www.vacvt.org. Becky Wisell VAC Development Director commented that their specially equipped indoor rehabilitation and physical therapy pool was on the brink of being closed several years ago. Donations from Rutland county snowmobile clubs bolstered the operations fund and gave them the ability to keep it open. Some county club members also donated their time in the past to give these children many of whom are handicapped the chance to have a snowmobile ride. Mitch Golub VAC President CEO Becky Wisel VAC Development Director Merritt Budd VAST Rutland County Director and Ann Hunt VAC Pool Director celebrate the donation of 3000 from Rutland County clubs. RUTLAND COUNTY DONATES 3K By Patty Companik Ridge Climbers member Allison Riker stamps Tims hand at their 1st annual Cabin Fever Dance held this January in Royalton. I am looking out the window patiently waiting for the white gold to start falling from the skies in measureable amounts. The cruel simplistic reality of Mother Nature not cooperating this snowmobile season has been extremely frustrating. To date we have had a total of two snowstorms. Well two snowstorms and a half of a day of steady pouring rain. The anticipation for me personally starts during hunting season after the leaves have fallen and the air starts to turn crisp. As snowmobilers we always believe that the upcoming snowmobile season is going to be second to none with an endless bounty of snow for us to ride on but this winter has been a disappointment. The opening of the season on Dec. 16 has come and gone with not a track made behind my sled to date in mid-January. Living in the Northeast as we do you wouldnt think a slow snow start to the season is possible. In reality it is more common then we realize. Historically this happens to us about once every four to six years. You may feel that this is the end of the story but it is far from over. Just because the weather isnt cooperating doesnt mean that everything comes to a stop. The lack of snow has given us an opportunity to continue working on our grooming equipment and fuss with other items we didnt have time to work on before the season started. Across the state safety classes were still being held. I know for a fact that clubs statewide have planned and toiled over fundraising events.The lack of snow only means you cant ride your snowmobile there but you are still able to attend by car or truck. In January I attended one of our neighboring clubs rst annual dances with a live band and a 5050 rae. My local club is going to be cooking food at the Vintage Snowmobile Rendezvous on Feb. 27. We are also planning our big dinner and rae which we hold in April every year. These events are very important to our local clubs. They depend on these fundraisers every year. This is also an excellent opportunity to keep from getting cabin fever. Just grab your latest Snowmobile Vermont magazine and look through the events section to see what is going on. Another good place to look for events being held by snowmobile clubs is on the VAST website and also on social media. Facebook is an excellent source for clubs to post events riding conditions and other interesting tidbits. With everything that is going on this winter there is no reason for anyone of us to be bored while we wait for the snow to arrive. Ride Safely and Smooth Trails Tim Mills VAST President