7306-R3_SS_Sep2020_MESnowmobiler

While I don’t know how accurate it is, the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a brutally cold and snowy winter. I say, bring it on. The snowmobile clubs and groomers know how to handle whatever is thrown at them. Clubs are already gearing up. I’ve seen notices for meetings starting up, following social distancing rules and such. A lot of clubs posting pictures of bush hogging, bridge decking and brush cutting too. It has begun. MSA is hoping for a banner season with high registration numbers. Remember, the Canadian border is closed, so many of those riders that normally cross into Canada to ride, may find themselves enjoying the trails of Maine. We can only hope that mother nature cooperates too. I for one, am super excited for this season. After all this Covid stuff we’ve been adhering to, I need some quality time with my snowmobile, which, by the way, counts as social distancing. The fall road trip season has From the President going on. He’s all Maine although he still sounds like a New Yorker! The Eastern VP is Eileen Lafland ,she has a very large area and tagging along with her all the way is husband Larry, This dynamic duo are a piece of the MSA foundation. They will travel anywhere in this large state because of their passion for our sport. Thanks for all you do! Up north Matt Stedman is quite a young man with lots of intelligent ideas The Northern region is well represented by Matt and we are very fortunate to have him with us. He has a strong work ethic and gets involved with many other organizations to promote outdoor activities in Maine. The County has lots of land and Matt gets it done while riding a Polaris! Thanks Matt The Central region is represented by Paul McCarty he has the heart of Maine’s trails and is available for you needs. Well there you have the area VPs if you need help call them or email them. The MSA website will help you find your way. We have nearly 300 clubs and over 14,000 miles of trails; we have From the Executive VP

September 2020 Maine Snowmobiler 5

Scholarship Committee

H ey Maine Snowmobilers, the 2020-2021 snowmobile season is almost here. This is the first official newspaper for the upcoming season and you’re receiving it because you registered a snowmobile in Maine last season. A lot going on in the MSA office to get ready for the “record breaking” seasonwe are expecting. Club packets have been sent out. Super raffle tickets are being sold as I type and Susie is taking a ton of phone calls from snowmobilers from all over the northeast. To say we are excited would be an understatement. A big USDA grant announcement last week by Senator Collins saying $411,365 in new groomer grants for Ft. Kent, St. Agatha, Portage, Roxbury, and Dexter. Can you say “Wow.” Now let’s add about $430,000 in grants from the Capital Equipment Fund. All 33 CEG applicants were funded this year! Lots of new grooming equipment for this year to make the white ribbon that much better.

This money makes a huge difference to the well deserving recipients, the cost of a college education continues to soar and has become nearly impossible for families to fund without help from programs like the MSA scholarship. The committee likes to award two or more $1,000 each year from a combination of interest on our fund and fundraisers like 50/50 at the annual MSA Show. Well as you know the Show has been cancelled this year and we can really use your help. Every bit helps, many of our clubs do their own scholarships for much deserving students in their areas but this year more than ever we could use your support too. Each year many clubs send in donations of $25, $50 or $100 makes a difference. If you are interested in hearing more about this great program, we are happy to provide it or even visit your club to share with all your members. On behalf of myself and all of the MSA, thanks for your interest and support. Sincerely Harvey Chesley, Chair MSA Scholarship Committee

Mike Grass, 207-368-2316 249 Condon Rd, Plymouth ME 04969 mgrassjr@gmail.com officially started as the MSA Steering Committee has already been to Rangeley and Brownville to honor some really deserving people of our snowmobiling family. Many more trips on the itinerary before snow flies. Looking forward to seeing you all out on the trails this winter. I’m getting my snow dance shoes shined up. Until next month… Think Snow! Mike Grass, MSA President many supporting businesses that we can’t do without. Please join a club. We have the best trails in the Northeast. I’m proud to say that. Our sport brought over $606 million into this state in one year. All on the hard work and determination of volunteers they make it happen!

H ello fellow snowmobilers and welcome back, what a long, strange summer it has been since COVID 19 took over our lives in March. I hope this publication finds everyone in good spirit and health. The September edition of theMSA paper is the best opportunity for the scholarship committee to get our message out about the scholarship program. For more than 30 years the MSA has offered scholarships to any family member in good standing going on to any post high school education program, over that time this awesome program has given out almost $100,00 in scholarship awards. Harvey Chesley, Scholarship Trustee 207-426-9051 25 Hillcrest Dr, Clinton ME 04927 harv.chesley@gmail.com

Ride Right Ride Safe Thanks, AL

W I’d like to introduce you to the area Vice Presidents. In the Coastal region Dave Watson, he’s been a great VP for many years and has quite an area that stretches from Kittery up the Maine Coast. Dave is always involved and has great ideas that keep his region in tiptop shape! And, he has a Cushman EZ GO, black in color! Thanks Dave Let’s go West, Jim Boyce is a new VP with a strong passion for the sport. A hard worker, he puts in long days and nights. The Western region has some of the larger clubs in the state and Jim keeps them up to date with what’s Alan Swett, 207-872-7282 234 County Rd, Waterville ME 04901 snowtraveler@roadrunner.com

Treasurer’s Report

Dated August 18, 2020

Monthly Income Monthly Expense

$ 9,591.92 $ 9,970.30 $(378.38) $ 22,800.72 $ 18,265.31 $ 53,601.06 $ 1,284.71 $ -

Net Revenue

Checking (7/31/20)

Dedicated Account (7/31/20) Credit Line (7/31/20) Building Fund (7/31/20) Brian Wass Safety Fund (7/31/20)

Lori Hemmerdinger (207) 890-5455 544 Plains Road Poland, ME 04274 Treasurer@mesnow.com

Respectfully Submitted, Lori Hemmerdinger, Treasurer