Summer 2018 | 9 ronniesmailorder.com | 800-253-7667 43 INGRAHAM ROAD | NEW ASHFORD, MA 01237 | MON-TUES 9-8 | WED-FRI 9-6 | SAT 9-4 LARGEST IN-STOCK SELECTION OF OEM PARTS AND ACCESSORIES IN THE NORTHEAST RONNIESMAILORDER.COM Selling Fun Since 1956! Dylan Holmes Sponsored Ronnie’s Rider R The Way Out. R Loyalty Rewards Program ORDER ONLINE TODAY By Mike Mutascio Amongst a backdrop of an ice-covered Island Pond, club representatives from Essex county already gathered in preparation for the 2018-19 snowmobile season. Cindy Locke, Matt Tetreault and Ken Brown from the VAST office were present at the Welcome Center on April 21. Managing trails, equipment and future projects were the topics of the day. The Island Pond Welcome Center is a must-see venue. It highlights the best of what the area has to offer. There is no surprise that snowmobiling literature and memorabilia is on display. As an added bonus, the Brighton Snowmobile Club offers a variety of club clothing for purchase. The indoor cardboard groomer is awe-inspiring and the touching tribute to the legacy ESSEX COUNTY TRAILS MEETING of Bill and Mitzi Oakes is simply magnificent. Matt led the group discussions while attendees shared ideas. Everyone agreed that communication and accountability remains paramount. Of interest was when successful practices were presented, Dave Page was a consistent name in nearly every example. Requirements and expectations for grants, construction, contracts and documentation were explained. Current interest to fund and possibly even share debrushing equipment was impressive. Grooming power units are not getting cheaper, so affordable alternatives are being investigated. There was consistent input related to focusing efforts and expense towards areas of consistent snowfall, coupled with park and ride options. The day wrapped up with Ken Brown answering questions about the new online trail conditions module. Vermont snowmobilers should have every reason to believe as long as there’s snow, we’re ready to go. VAST News (Mike Mutascio photo)