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Presidents Message FALL 2011
After
the great snowy winter that we had last year expectations for more of
the same for this coming season were running high. Members of the Chester Snowmobile Club attended the VAST annual meeting on September 24th and as could be expected the topic of trail damage was the focus of the meeting. Between the flooding in the northern part of the state this spring and the flooding caused by Irene in the south there is an overwhelming amount of damage to trail beds and bridges. Fortunately snowmobilers are a tough and determined group and I am happy to report that most clubs are already out repairing trails to assure the membership that there will be a trail system ready for snow and the December 16th season opener. VAST has limited funds to pay for these repairs so the clubs are taking on the expense on their own and will settle for whatever, if any, reimbursement comes from VAST. So it is more important now than maybe ever to keep with the spirit of VAST and volunteering your time to make these repairs. If every VAST member donated 1 day of work that would be some 256,000 man hours, imagine the work that could be completed in that time. If you can’t put in the time consider making a donation to your local club to help pay for the equipment rental that will be needed to perform the heavy jobs. What I promise to you from the Chester Snowmobile Club is that our trail system will be repaired and ready for you when the season opens and, from what I heard at the annual meeting so will the majority of the state. I’m sure there will be areas that will have some closures but you will be able to get anywhere in the state, North South and East West, you just may have to ride a few more miles to get there and isn’t that what it’s all about anyway, riding as many miles as possible. Get your TMA early, VAST and the clubs will need the influx of cash to get this work done. Our website is up and running and ready to take your order for your TMA. The Early Bird discount is available until December 15th but why wait, get it now. I know several people who put it off and forgot about the deadline and ended up buying them at full price a day or two past the 15th GET IT TODAY There is an increase this year, and to be honest it’s not big enough to cover any of the repairs that are needed, it’s only big enough to balance the budget without the flood repairs. There should have been an increase last year but it was felt that the economy would not allow for the increase so reserve funds were spent to operate the shortfall last season, and with the nearly record grooming the reserve took a hit. If there had been a small increase last year we would have the funds for the repairs that we are now faced with. Your volunteer labor and if you have any equipment that you can offer will help keeping membership cost down. So in closing I want to stress that we will have a snowmobile season this year and if Mother Nature cooperates it will be a great season. You can help by getting your TMA early and by giving some time to trail repair and general maintenance. Check our website chestersnowmobileclub.com and the VAST website for updates and trail work requests. Nonresident Early Bird can be purchased on our web site today. After
November 1st TMA’s can be purchased at I hope to see you at our club events and remember all members are welcome at our monthly meetings, see the our website for a schedule Have a safe and enjoyable season Stan
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