8843-R6_MSA_September2024_Newsletter

are born – it really is where your heart lies. I get it. I really do Randy. For the record, Randy is a veteran. The Snow Gang’s history is inter esting. Incorporated in 1991, legend has it that one of the first members mortgaged his own home to allow the club to purchase a groomer. Fast for ward several years later and the club was essentially down to one active member Jim Splan. Fortunately the Club reversed its fortune to the point where they now can boast of having 123 members and these days Jim is almost viewed as a consigliere of sorts as his opinion is highly sought after by club members. As the club improved, so did its com munity involvement. These days the Snow Gang hosts a Fishing Derby on nearby Plunkett Lake. It is here I also meet up with Chris Smith – Benedicta Snow Gang mem ber and one of the key leaders respon sible for forming KAST two years ago. Chris says he started the group with support from interested clubs after realizing that while the State provides plenty of signs for the trails, there was little to no support for the businesses which support the clubs and rely on business from snowmobilers. KAST has already racked up an impressive list of accomplishments, which include publishing an area map and installing 24 informational kiosks at key trail intersections. This year’s Poker Run was conceived as a fun way to attract sledders to the area and raise some funds for the Shri ners. While the Snow Gang had a Poker Run in years past, the KAST Poker Run is perhaps unique by involving all ten snowmobile clubs in KAST as stops and having stops in both Aroostook and Penobscot Counties. Having cash prizes and other give-aways tallying more than $2,500 is also rather impressive. With a fully belly I put the Camry in gear and head towards Shin Pond . . . but not before catching a stellar view of Mt. Katahdin – or as many locals sim ply call it “The Mountain” – off Rt. 11.

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In Benedicta I meet up with the Bene dicta Snow Gang and pony up another $25 to start a second hand. I draw a card. It’s a Seven of Clubs. Not a very auspicious start. However, I still feel lucky . . . at the Parish Hall the Snow Gang has laid out enough food to feed a small army. Seeing as it is lunch time I figure this is as good a time as any to have lunch. While I have had plenty of options for places to eat today, I think I made a good decision here as long-time club member “Rina” insists I try her home made baked beans. Now I do love a good bowl of home-made baked beans, but I have to admit I can be a bit fussy about my beans – they’ve got to be soft but not mushy, flavorful and with chunks of salt pork or bacon. Mon dieu – I have struck gold here. Rina’s beans are perfect. I use chunks of a home-made yeast roll – also made by Rina – to sop up the bean juice. The two red snapper hot dogs in the grilled rolls as the main entree to this Maine five course dinner is perfect. I wash it all down with a Coke Zero. I’m stuffed, but Rina’s son insists I stuff a M & M bar, pumpkin cookie and pumpkin whoopie pie with cream cheese frost ing into my pocket for a later snack. The Snow Gang is a friendly group. I feel completely at home with the crew.Treasurer Mark Fichter strikes up a conversation with me during lunch. Originally from Philadelphia, Mark confesses he and his wife fell in love with Benedicta and the area, bought a camp and now lives here year-round. I immediately peg President Randy Bates as either a veteran, sheriff’s dep uty or game warden. Randy says this happens to him all the time. Blame it on the khaki cargo pants and super polite “Yes Sir. No Sir” speech. A Nutmegger who came to Maine as a kid, Randy said he misses his family, but could never go back to Connecticut as he has found a home and sense of belonging in this community. It’s not where you

Benedicta Snow Gang

Founded: Incorporated 1991

Members: 123

Miles of Trail: 62

Groomers: Two New Holland tracked tractors

Best Tip: ITS 83, although next year there will be a trail to the Contact Center of the National Monument which will provide the “ultimate view” of Mt. Katahdin Why volunteer? “As a retired Air Force veteran I wanted to be a part of something. Joining the Club has allowed me to help out and be a part of the community.”

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Benedicta Snow Gang