8944-R1_MSA_January2025_Newsletter

To this Incredibly Supportive MSA Family,

home staff were amazed at the “family” support from all of you in the snowmobile community as well as blood family and neighbors. As I said to many people, we had four incredible “families: blood, MSA, Eastern ME SC and the neighbor hood. Without all of you, I am not sure I could have made it through this. I know I will miss someone if I try to list every one that has been beside me, so consider this let ter a BIGTHANKYOU to ALL of you. Larry was so proud of the direction and path MSA has been on and continues to be on in these past few years. He thought many times of walking away, but stayed with it because of all of you. He has been involved in many aspects of MSA for the past 35 plus/ minus years, met many people, done so much he wouldn’t have done otherwise, but stayed because he believed in the organization. I do not know what the future holds for me, but I do know MSA will always be a part of me as well. I have not had such an amazing support group sur round me and hold me up as you all have been. If this unimaginable event in my life has taught me something it is this: hold tight the ones you love, tell them how much they mean to you every day, say the words, “I LoveYou” to them and never take for granted everything will stay the same because it can change in a matter of minutes. patiently, taking detailed notes, and assuring them she’ll address the issue with the club board. She understands that maintaining positive relationships with landowners is essential for the sustainability of the trails. After the call, she drafts an email to the trail committee, highlighting the need for clearer signage in that area. Afternoon brings a different set of tasks. Sarah might be working on updating the club’s website, posting trail updates, or creating flyers for upcoming events like safety workshops. She understands the importance of clear com munication to keep members informed and engaged. While she may not be out on the trails, Sarah’s contribu tions are invaluable. She’s the glue that holds the admin istrative side of the club together, ensuring that the hard work of the trail groomers, safety chairs, and event orga nizers can proceed without a hitch. As the day winds down, she feels a quiet sense of satisfaction, knowing that her efforts, though less glamorous, play a vital role in allow ing others to enjoy the winter wonderland. So, next time you’re out riding through fresh powder, remember the dedicated volunteers behind the scenes, like Sarah, who keep the wheels turning (or the tracks spinning) for the entire snowmobiling community. Their work, often unseen, is the heartbeat that helps keep the club, and the joy of winter, alive.

A s many of you know or have heard on Decem ber 8 th I lost my soulmate, companion and rock, Larry, very unexpectantly. These past few weeks have been the most difficult ones in my life. Beside me all the way has been you, my MSA family. You have sent me messages, cards, made donations, and offered to help in any way. The days of his services, the Pastor and the funeral

My deepest thanks and appreciation to you, my MSA family. Eileen Lafland

Behind theTrails

T he roar of a snowmobile engine, the crisp winter air, the thrill of a powder run – these are the images that often come to mind when you think of a snowmobile club. But behind the scenes, away from the trails, there’s a dedicated group of volunteers working tirelessly to keep things running smoothly. This isn’t always about revving engines; for some, it’s about spreadsheets and phone calls. Today, we’re catching a glimpse into the day of one such volunteer – the vital link between the trails and the club’s administrative backbone. For Sarah, a retired teacher and passionate snowmo biler, her days volunteering at the local Snowmobile Club are a little less adrenaline-fueled and a lot more organized. Her day usually starts with a steaming mug of coffee and a check of the club’s email inbox.This morning, it’s a mix of membership renewals, inquiries about upcoming trail con ditions, and a plea for volunteers. Sarah diligently answers each email, her fingers flying across the keyboard. Next, she dives into the club’s membership database. It’s a delicate dance of updating contact information and pro cessing payments. Sarah knows that accurate records are crucial for the club’s smooth operation and potential grant applications. She meticulously enters data, always with a focus on detail and organization. The phone rings. It’s a local landowner, concerned about snowmobilers trespassing on their property. Sarah listens

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