9044-R4_MSA_May2025_Newsletter

The Maine Snowmobiler

57 th Anniversary Season Wrap Up

An Official Publication of the Maine Snowmobile Association

2024-2025 Snowmobiler of theYear Awarded to Barry Ryan

Prior Snowmobiler of the Year recipients From Left to Right Eileen Lafland, John Monk, Ossie Stanley, Barry Ryan, Lori Hemmerdinger, Marion Pinkham, Matt Stedman, David Watson.

E ach year, the Maine Snowmobile Association recognizes an indi vidual who has made significant contributions to the sport, the asso ciation, and their local club. Since 1992, this prestigious award has been presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional ded ication, leadership, and commitment to snowmobiling.This year, the MSA is proud to announce Barry Ryan as the 2024-25 Snowmobiler of theYear. Barry was nominated for this award due to his tireless efforts to support the sport, his local club, and the MSA. With many years of active mem bership, Barry has been a constant presence at club events, meetings, and MSA functions. He can often be found volunteering at club suppers,

selling super raffle tickets, and partic ipating in Zoom calls, always asking, “What can I do to help?” His selfless dedication to the sport is inspiring, and his “free time” is spent doing whatever it takes to make snowmo biling better. As a member of multiple clubs around the state, including the Glen burn Lakeside Riders, Barry’s com mitment to the sport is evident. He serves as an Eastern Regional Direc tor, a member of the MSA Scholar

Continued on inside of this cover

An Off-Season Special Publication of the Maine Snowmobile Association May 2025 • Vol. 56 • No. 8 MSA, PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332 www.mainesnowmobileassociation.com

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United we trail, divided we fail

ship committee, and MSA Assis tant Treasurer. Despite his many responsibilities, Barry still finds time to ride with members of other clubs, exploring the state’s trails and promoting the sport he loves. Barry’s compassion for people and the sport is a shining exam ple of what it means to be a true snowmobiling enthusiast. His dedication, leadership, and kind ness have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and the MSA is lucky to have him on their team. The MSA is honored to present this award to Barry Ryan, a true champion of the sport. His con tributions have made a signifi cant impact on the snowmobiling community, and his passion and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all. Congratulations, Barry, on this well-deserved recognition. Your dedication to the sport and the MSA is truly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing your con tinued involvement in the years to come.

Snowmobiler of The Year

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Photo of TheYear By ShannaTowle

MSA Golf Scramble will be on July 13 th ANNUAL MSA GOLF SCRAMBLE

281 Billings Rd, Hermon, ME 04401 It’s time for the 9 th Annual MSA Golf Scramble! Join us June 28 th at Hermon Meadows Golf Club for a fun day of golf with all your snowmobile friends.The Open Scramble is $350 per team or $90 per golfer and Club Cup teams can compete against other clubs for $300 per team. Price includes cart, golf, sleeve of balls, lunch and golf swag.To “Top” it off, we have secured two snowmobiles, a 2025 Mahindra 1120 HST Tractor and a Vehicle from Darlings for our hole in one prizes. In addition our putting contest will outfit you with a new set of clubs, bluetooth speaker and rangefinder. Get that team together and sign up early. For more information call (207) 622-6983 or visit mainesnowmobileassociation.com.

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From The Executive Board

From the President

with. I appreciate the opportunity and hope the coming year brings more of the same. Definitely, less miles on the odometer this season, but I found the season to be very rewarding. The annual banquet was amazing, clubs and snowmobilers from across the State came out to recognize many award-winning individuals and groups who contribute all year to the sport, their club(s) and communities. It continues to amaze me all that people have to give as snowmobilers. Folks work hard all year long to retain & improve the trail network. Some really deserving awardees at the banquet please take the time to read through the articles. We are in the midst of the legislative process with LD1547, hoping that we can come out of the taxation committee with a positive outcome. At the very least, a chance to have good conversations as well as educating another group of legislators. The committee was very inquisitive during the public hearing. Please get out and attend a Maine Trail Program grant class put on by Doug Beck. This is the key to understanding this grant process and opening up a new funding source. If you feel uneasy, reach out to your local MSA director or VP and we can get your club some help with the grant. We have asked for money, voted to get the money now let’s use it! I know there are projects that need to be done, this is a way to do it without eating into your winter grant budget. I know each club has struggles and successes. I would love to hear about them both, help collect concerns to determine how the MSA & I can help or connect new or struggling clubs with ideas or people who can help them move forward. There are SO MANY new people in club positions and it can be overwhelming to determine how to best spend your volunteer hours. I am again challenging all clubs for the Even though we had an abbreviated season, the MSA, its 280 clubs, the snowmobile program through Joe Higgins office and our lobbyist at the State House all had an extremely busy year. The MSA had a very short break after the Annual Meeting last April. We picked back up in June with an informational Summit at Eastern Maine Snowmobile Club in Holden and never looked back, with the Annual Golf Scramble later that month, a number of club events, barbeques, brewfests, grass drags and a host of other club related events that were attended throughout the summer. The Fall brought on more events, more grass drags, snowmobile show in Mass as well as our own show in October, followed by the Super Raffle in December, not to mention the MSA stated Directors meetings, E-Board meetings, Steering Committee meetings, Trails Workshops as well as other various committee helping me through my first year as President as our MSA family worked its way through some tough personal challenges and to my Vice President Matt Stedman who stepped up and took care of business when I wasn’t able to. It truly amazes me just how fast time goes by. For instance, wasn’t it just yesterday that I was writing my first column for the September paper and in a blink of an eye here we are and I am writing for the Season Wrap-up. It absolutely is true that the older you get the quicker time flies and every once in a while you find yourself reflecting back on memories recent and distant ones, and it makes you realize just how precious time and these memories truly are. So cherish these moments that make the memories that make you smile and live life like there’s no tomorrow. W hat a season we had! Many challenges were met—many more to overcome. But we’ll make it happen because we’re the MSA! We have a great team of folks statewide with determination and leadership who have the snowmobiler in mind and protect the land owners. Thank you all for your hard work; many of you go above and beyond. I have an angel with me today. He’s on my right shoulder, whispering in my ear, letting me know how proud he is of us and wanting Alan Swett, 207-872-7282 234 County Rd, Waterville ME 04901 snowtraveler@roadrunner.com

meetings each month. These are just a few of the things that the MSA and its clubs were up to BEFORE the snow came. After the Christmas and New Year’s break and the cold and snow came, this brought on a whole different set of duties if you will and we looked forward to reaping the fruits of our labor. You hear me talk about passion all the time, passion for the sport that we love and I feel that I can say this with confidence that everyone, whether it be on the club level, MSA or State level deep down has that passion and wouldn’t change it for the world. Our Lobbyist James Cody along with the MSA funding committee, in conjunction with Joe Higgins office and the State departments have had an extremely busy year over to the Statehouse creating bills, testifying on bills, and laying out the groundwork for a newly passed Trails Grant. All with one goal in mind and that is to pump more revenue into the Snowmobile program and ultimately more money back into the hands of our clubs. The season is over for now, but that’s ok because with the ending of one snowmobile season starts another one, and for a lot of us that begins right now! I am super excited to get out and see everyone in my extended snowmobile family soon at all of the Summer and Fall events that we will be attending and hosting. Again, thank you to you all and until we meet again please stay safe and don’t stop building on those memories. And remember, I am very easy to find so please reach out to me and let’s talk Snowmobiling. Yes, even if it’s July folks, I am always up for it! Mark 2025-2026 season to join forces with their local warden to set up a trailside safety check and learning session. I envision a club setting up trailside, maybe doing a hot dog roast/ membership drive, having club members and a warden (or two) there to interact with sledders. Talk with them about the importance of riding right, in control & sober. Inform them about the awesome privilege we have due to the generous PRIVATE landowners. Talk to them about how much time/effort & money the clubs and their volunteers spend all year long to make sure they can enjoy the trails. We (MSA, clubs, individuals & the Maine Warden Service) need to do more to make sure the riders understand our system, think about themselves and the others on the trails and all return home to their friends and families in the same condition they left. Please reach out to me, I want to make this happen and can help your club get it setup. Check out the summer calendar of events Statewide, there are some great club & motorsports events to attend. Check out a region you may snowmobile in the spring/summer/fall season and support the organizations hosting the events as well as local businesses. Events such as Golf Tournaments, Chicken BBQ’s, Spud Speedway events, Square Body rally, Big Woods Grass Drags are just a few of the events between now and snowfall to take part in. One last thing, Capitol Equipment grant deadline is June 15 th . There is some homework to be done before submitting so print it off and ask questions to give your club the best chance. Enjoy your summer, do your snow dances, and make sure you and your club are ready for the coming season. us to continue our journey. I miss our good friend Larry every day. He was a very special gentleman in my life. Mark and Matt have done a great job leading the way. I’m very proud of their accomplish ments. The show will go on this year, only with a new title. It’s time to shake things up a bit. The new show will be titled “The Maine Snowmobile Association Powersports Show.” We’ll invite vendors to display their products, whether snowmobiles, ATVs, side-by-sides, or motorcycles. So far, the vendors we’ve con tacted have supported our change. We’ll still have most of the show be snowmobiles, but I think the change will attract more people from Matt Stedman, Executive VP

A Heartfelt Thank You

W e would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to the landowners of Maine. Without your generosity and willingness to share your property, our vibrant snowmobiling com munity simply wouldn’t exist. This past season, thousands of riders were able to explore the breathtaking beauty of Maine thanks to your open gates and welcoming spirit. From the rolling hills of Aroostook County to the scenic trails snaking through the western moun tains, your land provided the canvas for countless memories and unforgettable experiences. We understand that allowing public access to your land is a significant com mitment, requiring trust and a willingness to work with us. We deeply appreciate your understanding as we strive to be responsible and respectful guests. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Maine Landowners. Your generosity is the cornerstone of our snowmobiling community, and we are incredibly grate ful for your support. We look forward to another wonderful season, working together to protect and preserve the beauty of our beloved state.

Mark Chinnock, President 207-754-9874 544 Plains Road, Poland, ME 04274 napadude66@hotmail.com

H ello Everyone, I would first like to thank all of the MSA Clubs and their membership for taking care of business and putting out the best product possible! From Trail maintenance to securing landowner permissions, building and repairing bridges to grooming and laying down the final product as well as everything else that needed to be done, you people are second to none and I thank you for making it all happen. Secondly, I would like to thank my team for From the Executive VP

Trails Committee Report

other walks of life. Hopefully, membership will increase for all those involved. The Raffle this year will be a bit different too. We’ll have a Polaris and Ski Doo sleds along with Alcom and Nitro trailers but this year a $5000.00 gift card will give a lucky winner to use at any Maine based MSA sup porting business dealer. Another big prize will be a stay at the Shin Pond Village 3 nights for up to 14 people. A $3,500.00 value! We had a quick winter; many folks got to ride, which was great, but we still had tragedy on our trails. Too many accidents and a few fatalities always tug on the heartstrings. Thanks, Al I have already scheduled a signage workshop for September. The fall is a great time to educate your trail crews on proper signage deployment, as the info will be fresh when you start trail work. If your club would like to schedule a workshop this fall, please reach out to me. Have a great summer! Brent G reetings from Brewer, The 2024-2025 is officially wrapped up. I want to thank the entire Trail Committee for their efforts this past season. While the riding window was shortened, they still managed to get out and inspect their beats. I received just over 140 inspection reports! A very strong showing! I also want to congratulate Camille Deschene of the East Branch Sno Rovers on his Groomer of the Year award (see full write up in awards section if this edition). If you were at the annual meeting then you already know this, but the membership voted to move forward with our own MSA Trail App. I will be working with Mapgears all summer to develop a user friendly APP that we can be proud of. There will be much more news on this topic in the fall. Brent Spaulding, MSA Trails Chairman 207-944-7762 41 Madison Ave Brewer ME 04412 msatrailchair@gmail.com

Matt Stedman 207-557-1921 (call or text) PO Box 621, Ashland ME 04732 Stedman.matt@jdirving.com

I t seems like it was just yesterday that we capped off 2023-2024 and were planning the MSA E-Board summer summit to welcome new members and help folks understand new roles within the Association. Time really does fly. Another winter behind us, another one different than the last. A season where, for a few weeks, there was riding statewide. We were all very fortunate to get snow leading into February break. Locals got to ride from home, tourists had snow to ride and many folks registered sleds! Even though the length of the season may not have met our expectations I’m sure most people were able to make some sort of special winter memory be it on a trail day or time spent with family and friends. I know I was able to! Many firsts’ as I complete my 1st year as your VP. It has been an honor to meet new people, get to new clubhouses, ride new trails and expand my knowledge of what clubs across the state do well with & what you all struggle

Director of Operations

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From The Executive Board

H ello Central Maine Snowmobilers Well its over! Our season might not have been very long but it was good while it lasted. In case you haven’t been following the progress of the Trails Bond, the MSA leadership has spent countless hours in meetings and legislative hearings. So begin the process of identifying your Projects and get the application started. If you have difficulty, there will be time to get it resolved by the deadline. To all the clubs, trail masters, trail workers, Groomer operators and club supporters, Thank You for all you have done to promote the sport and maintain the trails. Without you hard working folks, the state of Maine would not be in the top three snowmobiling Destinations in the country! Thank you Again, Ron Nunes it was only the second time in all my years with MSA Larry wasn’t there with me. The only other annual meeting he missed he was too sick to attend and that was in 2012 when I received the Snowmobiler of the Year award. Congratulations to all this year’s award winners. Everyone one of you is well deserv ing of the award you won. I was honored to be a part of presenting some of these awards, especially the Lafland Legacy Award and the Snowmobiler of the Year Award. Ossie Stan ley and Barry Ryan are both near and dear to my heart and were also to Larry. Great job guys! It was also special to be able to announce a scholarship recipient in Larry’s name and be part of the Scholarship Com mittee that could award five scholarships this year!! I know this is a long one, so I will close by saying this: I am excited to see what 2025-26 season brings for us! Enjoy the short break we have, and comeback in August ready to hit the ground running. Eileen

W e had snow Statewide, and the war dens were busy in the hotspots. Loud exhaust and unregistered sleds were the main violations. The snow came late, but the cold weather was here for quite a while. Several accidents were all over the State. Unfortu nately, we lost five fellow snowmobilers. We have to keep the education going with ads and classroom training. I was asked to speak in Medway and Rangeley at the Schools there. Both places were well attended, and chatting with the students is always great. I’ve noticed quite a few safety signs up in our trail system. This is a good thing to do, and I’ll be ordering more later in the off-season. Be sure to wear your PPE while operating any thing loud, as it can damage your body, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, and good boots. Have a great summer! Al slow and looked like we were not going to get much snow to speak off, then one storm after another came in and the riding began. It didn’t last as long as we hoped but at least it seemed to cover the entire state, so peo ple could ride local if they chose. Clubs dusted off grooming equipment and trails were groomed frequently for a short period of time. It even appeared that registrations increased when the snow came, which helps the grant programs. For me it was an emotional season, and my sled didn’t leave the trailer. I had people offer to come get it and me and take me rid ing, but my heart wasn’t in it. Good news is, I don’t have to have them serviced and sum marized! Also, good news, they will be ready to go next season. Eastern Region clubs- I am TREMEN DOUSLY PROUD to be your regional VP and represent you. Your dedication and com mitment to this sport we all love goes above and beyond. You kept signing up and sending in memberships until the last minute along with all the activities you sponsored. Club meetings were held, suppers hosted, events to support MSA families in their pursuit of higher education. This year the scholarship committee is extremely excited to announce that five schol arships were awarded at the annual banquet. We did this without touching any of our CD funds, we had a good year selling 50/50 tickets at the MSA Show, we have been the recipient of funds from the Directors meeting 50/50, thanks the MSA leadership for supporting with this very generous gesture. Finally, the majority of the influx of extra money came in a bittersweet way, the New Limerick club did a fundraiser in memory of their club member T-Bone which will sponsor nearly two scholarships and the other was donations in memory of longtime MSA scholarship committee member Larry LaFland. Special thanks to everyone that sup ported either of these causes. All of us take our responsibility to score applications very seriously, this year we had 15 really good candidates that turned in applica tions. It was a very hard decision and I think I speak for all when I say we wished we could have given to all. Still, it was very heartwarm ing to know that we will be able to help support five very deserving families. Thanks to all that have helped us in the past and please consider supporting the scholarship fund in the future.

Safety Committee

Central Region VP

Alan Swett 207-872-7282 234 County Rd, Waterville ME 04901 snowtraveler@roadrunner.com

Ron Nunes, 401-527-5370 260 Last Round Up Rd, Lexington Twp, ME 04961 Thelastroundup2018@gmail.com planned and so much more. Thank you to all the hard-working volunteers in this region and across the state in every region for ALL YOU DO! I want to thank my regional directors: Craig Lemieux, Gary Dowling, Paul Bolstridge, Charlie Hannington, Barry Ryan and Larry for all their hard work this year. If I needed a go to person in their area, I knew they would step in and get the job done. Special thanks to Paul who has decided not to return next sea son for all the years he has been there. Also thank you to the MSA Officers: Mark Chin nock, Matt Stedman, Lori Hemmerdinger and Betsy Watson for the past year. I also need to thank Al Swett for all he does in the office and out in the field and Liz Mahaleris for all her efforts in the office. Another thank you to the MSA Steering Committee for the work they do. The biggest thank you goes to ALL MSA clubs, members, volunteers, business members and everyone that does what they do to make Maine a destination spot. By now, the MSA annual meeting has come and gone and awards have been presented. Another emotional day for me personally, as

Eastern Region VP

Eileen Lafland 207-843-7813 PO Box 733, Holden ME 04429 L.andE.lafland525476@gmail.com

H ello Everyone! Another season is in the books and here we are saying good bye to 2024-25 and get ting ready for 2025-26!! The season started

DACF – Joe Higgins

Scholarship Committee

G ood afternoon fellow sledders and club members, As I sit here on April 1 st thinking about our 2024-25 snowmobile season, we actually had a better season than last year. Registrations will end at about 73,500 (I think). The 23-24 season ended at about 68,000, so it was a little better and when we had snow, the conditions that I got to experience were perfect. Well-groomed trails, the weather was great and the events I got to be a part of were a lot of fun with good people helping other orga nizations like Make-A-Wish. We didn’t get on all the projects I would have liked too, which will make for a very busy summer. We still have many bridge projects and trail work ahead of us, from all the storm damage last year. This brings up the conversation on the Maine Trails Bond and the process of being able to apply for the funding and how to get the much-needed trail work done over the next four years. As the details of the applications and reimbursements start coming together, we’ll be posting information on our website and sending out mass e-mails to keep all you informed. I’ll be asking for the MSA to help with this as well. The ORV office has been revisiting the Capital Equipment Grant program to meet the ever-increasing costs of equipment. Any rule change we make must go through a process of approvals which can be very time-consum ing, but worth it in the long run. I’ve been communicating with the Snow mobile Advisory Council a lot about this and feel we have a corrected the confusion on the $200,000 limit. Keep my fingers crossed we get this in and completed by next season round of funding. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to implement this for this year’s equipment grants. If you are looking to upgrade or purchase grooming equipment, be sure to let our office know and the deadline for the CEG grant applications is June 15th 2025. Lastly, I think I can speak for all of us here at the State of Maine Snow mobile Program in saying thank you to all the landowners who allow us to have trails on their land and to the many volunteer trail workers and groomer operators that put 10’s of thousands of hours getting the trails ready and safe. Hope you all have a fun filled and safe summer.

Harvey Chesley, 207-314-0637 25 Hillcrest Dr, Clinton ME 04927 harv.chesley@gmail.com

The scholarship committee is always excited about the annual MSA meeting in April because we get to announce the winners of the scholar ship contest. The past couple of years we have been fortunate to be able to award two-$1,500 prizes. As a committee, we have wanted to give as much as we can to as many as we can. With the cost of education continuing to increase, we feel like we need to do everything in our power

Larry Lafland Celebration of Life and Building Dedication

Saturday, May 24 th , 2025 at 2:00 PM Eastern Maine Snowmobile Club 263 Levenseller Road, Holden

Please come join Larry’s family and friends as we celebrate his life. We ask everyone to come with a story or two to share with all.

Joe Higgins 207-287-4957 Snowmobile Supervisor Snowmobile Program

Pot Luck with Light refreshments will be served.

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Membership Awards Reported by: Eileen Lafland

Top 30 MSA Clubs 2024/2025 Season

Club Name

Town(s) Rangeley Washburn Rockwood Greenville Madawaska Portage Lake

Members

Club Name

Town(s) Island Falls

Members

#1 Rangeley Lakes SC

659 323 202 177 160 160 158 150 142 138 126 121 115 113 112 111

#17 Big Valley Sno-Club

110 106

#2 Washburn Trail Runners

#18 Fryeburg Area

Fryeburg

Snowmobile Association

#3 Blue Ridge Riders

#19 Jo-Mary Riders #20 Arnold Trail SC

Millinocket

106 101

#4 Moosehead Riders SC

Eustis, Stratton

#5 Madawaska SC

#21 Turner Ridge Riders

Turner

97

#6 Portage Lakers SC

#22 Presque Isle SC

Presque Isle

95 95 94 93

#7 Northern Timber Cruisers

Millinocket

#23 Slippery Sliders SC

Roxbury, Byron

#8 Pleasant Mountain SC Inc Bridgton

#24 Poodunck SC

Dixfield

#9 Caribou SC

Caribou

#25 Benedicta Snowgang SC

Benedicta

#10 Border Riders #11 Red Arrow SC

Jackman

#26 Town & Country Trailriders Inc Clinton 93 #27 Lexington Highlanders SC Lexington, Highland, Concord, 92 Pleasant Ridge #28 Piscataquis Valley SC Dover-Foxcroft 87 #29 Quad County SC Inc Springfield 86 #20 Pine Tree SC Milford 85

St Agatha

#12 Rockabema Snow Rangers Patten

#13 Linneus Sno-Sports #14 Windham Drifters SC #15 East Branch Sno-Rovers

Linneus

Windham

East Millinocket, Medway

#16 Penobscot SC

Hermon

2024/2025 Season MSA Membership Figures

MembershipTotals By Region Total Clubs & Its Members as of 4/24/2025

Family & Business Members Total Family & Business Memberships of 4/21/2025

Region

Total Clubs

Members

MSA Family Memberships:

8,911 2,128

Central Region Coastal Region Eastern Region Northern Region Western Region

57 Clubs 57 Clubs 75 Clubs 34 Clubs 62 Clubs

1,709 1,312 2,722 2,373 2,916

MSA Business Memberships:

Total Memberships:

11,039 15,574

Number of Reported Family Members:

Number of MSA Clubs:

285

Club Totals

11,032

Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club Awarded 2025 MSA #1 Club Presented by Eileen Lafland F or the sixth consecutive year, the Rangeley Lakes Snowmo bile Club has earned the prestigious title of MSA #1 Club! Boasting a strong membership of 659 snowmobile enthusiasts, the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club has solidified its position as a premier destination for riders in the state. The Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club has become a vital pillar of the local winter economy with over 140 miles of me ticulously groomed trails; Rangeley provides an unparalleled snowmobiling experience. Congratulations to the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club on this well-deserved recognition as the 2025 MSA #1 Club!

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Membership Awards Reported & Presented by: Eileen Lafland

Benedicta Snowgang

Caribou Snowmobile Club

East Branch Sno-Rovers

Lexington Highlanders

Northern Timber Cruisers

Penobscot Snowmobile Club

Pooduck Snowmobile Club

Presque Isle Snowmobile Club

Slipery Sliders Snowmobile Club

Washburn Trail Runners

Town & Country Trailriders

Madawaska Snowmobile Club

Jo-Mary Riders

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2025 - 2026 MSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & STAFF CONTACT INFO

OFFICERS: President

Mark Chinnock, PO Box 66, Mechanic Falls, ME 04256 207-754-9874 napadude66@hotmail.com Matt Stedman, PO Box 621, Ashland ME 04732 207-557-1921 stedman.matt@jdirving.com Lori Hemmerdinger, 544 Plains Rd, Poland ME 04274 207-890-5455 lhemmerdinger@gmail.com Barry Ryan, 207 Lancaster Brook Rd, Glenburn ME 04401 207-945-6809 skidoo6000ber@gmail.com ShannaTowle, 878 Main St, Palmyra, ME 04965 207-341-1747 shanna.towle@gmail.com Eileen Lafland, PO Box 733, Holden ME 04429 207-843-7813 L.andE.lafland525476@gmail.com Ron Nunes, 260 Last Round Up Rd, LexingtonTWP, ME 04961 401-527-5370 Thelastroundup2018@gmail.com Nick Morrill, 406 Main Street, Stockholm ME 04783 207-554-0074 landscaper9791@gmail.com David Watson 412 Roberts Ridge Rd, East Waterboro ME 04030

Executive VP

Treasurer

Assistant Treasurer

Secretary

Eastern VP

Central VP

Northern VP

Coastal VP

Cell: 207-205-1558 dwatson6841@gmail.com Jerry Major, 137 Morrill Rd, Norway ME 04268 Cell: 207-838-0892 mrfun101jem@gmail.com

Western VP

REGIONAL DIRECTORS: Eastern Region

Gary Dowling, PO Box 235, East Machias ME 04630 207-255-8902 garyd245@yahoo.com Craig Lemieux, 55 Harlow Pond Rd, Guilford ME 04443 207-232-0294 cplemieux@hwpuritan.com Barry Ryan, 207 Lancaster Brook Rd, Glenburn, ME 04401 207-945-6809 skidoo6000ber@gmail.com Charlie Huntington, 78 Lynes Rd, Newcastle, ME 04553 207 563-5824 badgoat@tidewater.net Northern Region: Jeff Brooks, PO Box 96, Island Falls ME 04747 207-752-1027 jeffbrooks@markerman.com Denise Duperre, 195 Dufour Rd, Madawaska ME 04756 207-316-9118 advertising04756@gmail.com Western Region: Paul Gallant, 18 Drift Rd, Fryeburg ME 04037 207-935-2878 paulyg71@hotmail.com Paul Kennedy, 58 Bray Hill Rd, Phillips, ME 04966 pkennedy1@aol.com Coastal Region: Joe Walsh, 65 Emery Corner Rd, Limerick, ME 04048 207-590-4706 jwalsh207@yahoo.com Matthew Baron, 92 Emergy Corner Rd, Limerick, ME 04048 207-608-3737 msacoastalregion@gmail.com Central Region David Cogley, 113 Woods Rd, West Gardiner ME 04345 207-724-7041 davcog@aol.com Alan Dugas, 77 Woodland Drive,Yarmouth ME 04096 207-232-9577 alan@royalriverboat.com MSA STAFF: Office Manager Elizabeth (Liz) Mahaleris, PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332 Phone: 207-622-6983 Email: office@mesnow.com Director of Operations Alan Swett, PO Box 80, Augusta, ME 04332, Phone: 207-872-7282 Email: msa@mesnow.com

Web: www.mainesnowmobileassociation.com , Facebook: MaineSnowmobileAssociation

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Joe Walsh Awarded Youth Snowmobiler of the Year

J oe Walsh has been named Youth Snowmobiler of the Year, a title richly deserved for his exceptional dedication and contributions to the snowmobiling community. His involvement goes far beyond simply enjoying the sport; Joe has consis tently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to trail maintenance, community support, and fostering the future of snowmobiling. His journey began in 2016, when he first joined the club. From those early days of clearing trails by hand, Joe’s involvement has steadily grown. He quickly became an invaluable asset, assisting with grooming trails, help ing to extricate stuck groomers, and consistently attending club meetings. His contributions extended to fund raising events, where he diligently sold tickets, and to the annual MSA snowmobile show, which this year included a memorable two-day stay

and dinner with fellow participants. This past season saw Joe’s contri butions reach new heights. He was instrumental in building six new bridges along the trail system, and he spent countless hours, throughout the summer, cleaning up the aftermath of a major April storm. His volunteer hours for trail work this season alone are estimated to be close to 100. But Joe’s involvement didn’t stop there.This year, he took his passion to the next level by obtaining his snow mobile safety certification and getting behind the wheel (or rather, the han dlebars!) of his own sled. He started slowly, practicing in the yard and on a pond before graduating to trail pack ing duties using a Sacopee Valley pat ented Pack-O-Matic. His skills quickly progressed, and he soon took on the challenging task of operating a pipe drag, grooming miles of trails—from his home all the way to the P trail on

Hasty Road, a demanding route that included grooming to New Dam and up Hozak Mountain, sometimes work ing until 1:30 in the morning! His 55 hours of grooming this season sig nificantly improved trail conditions. Joe spends time sharing his knowl edge and experience with other kids, educating them about grooming techniques and the importance of trail maintenance. His understanding extends to the broader snowmobiling landscape, from the grassroots level of trail work to the Maine Snowmo bile Association, demonstrating an appreciation for the entire network and the vital role of landowners. Joe Walsh’s dedication, enthusi asm, and significant contributions to the sport make him a truly deserving recipient of theYouth Snowmobiler of theYear award. Congratulations Joe!

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Camille Deschene Awarded the MSA’s 2025 “Barney Robichaud” Groomer of the Year C amille Deschene has been named the recipient of the prestigious

In the early days with a demanding 4-day workweek, Deschene consis tently dedicated his three days off to grooming trails. He tirelessly carved paths north and south of the club house, reaching as far as the Bowlin Camp lookout, and consistently per formed essential trail maintenance. His reliability extended to covering for other groomer operators when ever needed, ensuring uninterrupted trail access for everyone. Now retired, Deschene continues to volunteer his time, primarily focusing on the ITS 83 to Whetstone trail sec tion, which he considers his personal domain. His commitment to excel lence is evident in his meticulous work. He’s known to return and redo

sections he deems unsatisfactory, even on his return leg. During peak season, he dedicates three or four nights a week to his passion, con sistently striving for perfection. He’s even stated that winning the lottery would allow him to purchase his own Tucker groomer – a testament to his unwavering love for the sport. For his decades of unwavering dedication and countless hours spent behind the wheel, improving and maintaining the trails, Camille Deschene is a truly deserving recipient of the “Barney Robichaud” Groomer of theYear award. His commitment to the East Branch Sno-Rovers and ATV Club and the broader snowmobiling community is an inspiration to all.

2025 “Barney Robichaud” Groomer of the Year award, presented by the MSA. Selected from a strong pool of nominees, Deschene’s dedication to the East Branch Sno-Rovers and ATV Club over four decades solidified his position as a clear standout. Nominated by his own club, Deschene’s contributions span far beyond the typical volunteer. His involvement began long before the club acquired its first Tucker groomer in 1987. As a “trail grunt,” he played a crucial role in expanding and improv ing the trails and bridges, laying the groundwork for the future grooming operations.

Camille Deschene & Brent Spaulding

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Chase Toys: MSA’s 2025 Dealer of the Year Presented by Al Swett

service and fair pricing, the shop quickly gained a loyal following in rural central Maine. In 1998, Dick and his wife retired, passing the torch to their son, Ron. Under his leadership, Chase Toys experienced remarkable growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing dealerships in the area. Then, in 2021, Ron sold the business to friends Brian Leary and Josh Millville, who immediately embarked on a modernization project. Their renovation and expansion of the showroom transformed the shop into a modern and welcoming space. Beyond their business sense, Leary and Millville have shown a deep commitment to supporting the MSA. They are active participants in the MSA’s golf tournament, Super raffle, and snowmobile show, consistently demonstrating their dedication to the snowmobiling community. Today, Chase Toys continues to offer a comprehensive selection of products and services. From snowmobiles like Ski-Doo and

Polaris ATVs to Husqvarna outdoor power equipment, Kohler and Ego equipment, they provide a one stop shop for all outdoor power needs. Their commitment to excellent service, readily available parts, a substantial inventory, and a welcoming atmosphere ensures that customers receive the best possible experience. The MSA Dealer of theYear award is a testament to Chase Toys’ enduring legacy of quality service and community involvement. Their fifty-plus years of operation reflect a dedication to both their customers and the wider snowmobiling community, making them a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

For 50 years, Chase Toys of Unity Maine has been a cornerstone of the snowmobile community, providing exceptional service and a friendly face to snowmobilers and outdoor equipment enthusiasts alike. This long-standing commitment to customer satisfaction recently earned them the prestigious Maine Snowmobile Association Dealer of theYear award for 2025. The story of Chase Toys began in 1967, when a man, his wife, and their son opened a small engine repair shop. Founded by a former MSA President, what started as a hobby quickly blossomed into a thriving business, servicing a wide range of equipment including Moto, Ski, Ariens, Gilson, Toro, and STIHL. Known for its honest

Congratulations to ChaseToys the 2024-25 MSA Dealer of theYear!

MSA Scholarship Winners Announced T he MSA Scholarship Committee has awarded five deserving students $1,500 scholarships this year. These scholarships represent a significant investment in the future of Maine’s youth.This year’s recipients demonstrate a wide range of academic interests and community involvement. T-Bone Scholarship Recipients: • Emma Byers: Hailing from Kenduskeag and attending Central High School in Corinth, Emma is a member of the Big Valley Snowmobile Club in Island Falls. She plans to attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle, majoring in psychology. Her ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree and become a therapist or counselor. • Madisyn Niles: Madisyn, a resident of Benton and a student at Lawrence High School, is involved with the Forks Area Trail Club. She will be attending Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, where she plans to pursue a degree in either business or nursing. Larry Lafland Scholarship Recipient: • Leah Snyder: From Hope, Maine, and a student at Camden Hills Regional High School, Leah is a member of the Hatchet Mountain Sno-Riders. She has chosen to attend Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, to study Nuclear Medicine. General Scholarship Recipients: • Maddox King: Maddox, from Mount Chase, attends Katahdin High School and is a member of the Bowlin, Matagamon, and Shin Pond Snowmobile Clubs. She plans to attend Georgia Southern University to study Public Relations. Maddox hopes to secure a summer internship with Polaris during her sophomore or junior year of college. • Emily O’Donnell: A Bangor High School student and member of the Eastern Maine Snowmobile Club in Holden, Emily plans to attend Eastern Maine Community College to pursue a degree in Early Education. The MSA’s commitment to supporting these students reflects a dedication to fostering future leaders within the community. We congratulate all the scholarship recipients on their achievements and wish them the best in their academic pursuits.

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The Wheeler Brothers Awarded the 2025 BRP 100+ Acre Landowner of the Year

H igh above the charming town of Bethel, Maine, lies a sanctuary that is not only a testament to the state’s rich history but also a shining example of the power of kindness and generosity. The Wheeler Broth ers, owners of the treasured Wheeler Brother’s Mine, have been recognized as the 2025 BRP 100+ Acre Land owner of the Year for their outstand ing commitment to the snowmobiling community. For years, the Wheeler Brothers have graciously opened their land to snowmobilers, providing access to their stunning property and fostering a spirit of hospitality that has made Bethel a premier snowmobiling des tination. However, their dedication extends far beyond simply opening a gate. They are passionate supporters of the Wild River Riders Snowmobile Club in Gilead, generously allowing the club to hold fundraising events on their property and working closely

with them to ensure that the trails are impeccably maintained throughout the winter season. This collaborative spirit has enabled snowmobilers to experience the magic of the Mines, witness the breathtaking icicle formations, and take in the unparalleled panoramic views of the Androscoggin River Val ley. The Wheeler Brothers’ generosity and the Wild River Riders’ hard work have elevated the entire snowmobil ing experience in the region, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. But what truly sets the Wheeler Brothers apart is their passion for sharing the rich history of their land. John Wheeler, one of the brothers, is often found at his cabin atop the mountain, where he warmly wel comes snowmobilers and delights them with stories of the past. His deep passion for the area and his will ingness to share his knowledge have

created a unique and unforgettable experience for those who visit. The Wheeler Brothers embody responsible land stewardship, under standing the importance of providing outdoor recreational opportunities that benefit the community. Their dedication to sharing the beauty of their land has created something truly special, and their commitment to the snowmobiling community is a shining example of the impact that kindness and generosity can have. In recognition of their unwavering commitment, remarkable generosity, and dedication to sharing the beauty of their land, the Wheeler Brothers have been awarded the 2025 BRP Landowner of theYear. This award is a testament to their hard work and ded ication, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible land stewardship and community engagement.

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JR Nunes & Sons Excavation Inc Awarded The 2025 Polaris Landowner of the Year Award

JR Nunes & Sons Excavation Inc, is a company that has consis tently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service and support. Led by Joshua Nunes and his dedicated crew, the company has been awarded the 2025 Polaris Landowner of the Year award, a tes tament to their tireless efforts to give back to the community. Joshua Nunes and his team have been instrumental in various initia tives that have greatly benefited the snowmobile club and the commu nity at large. Their contributions have included reconstructing bridges, pro viding and installing swamp mats, clearing and excavating new trails, and supplying essential materi als such as sand, gravel, and other necessities for trail restoration. These efforts have been invaluable to the club’s operations and have helped to ensure the safety and accessibility of

the trails. One notable example of the com pany’s generosity is the allowance of approximately one mile of their land to be used as part of the Lexington Highlanders Snowmobile Club trail system. This includes a critical inter section of the ITS 115 connector trail, which has greatly enhanced the club’s trail network. Joshua, along with his family members Kristen, Jasper, and Jaxson, have been instrumental in supporting the club’s fundraising ini tiatives, with Joshua always willing to donate his time, money, and efforts to help the club achieve its goals. Joshua’s contributions extend far beyond his work on the trails. He serves as the Maintenance Supervi sor for all grooming equipment and is a vital member of the club’s board of directors. His dedication has been instrumental in the organization and execution of the club’s annual 4th of

July celebration, which he and his family play a significant role in every year. Joshua’s consistent willingness to help is evident in his ever-present “YES” when approached for assis tance, making him a valued and respected member of the community. Furthermore, Joshua has allowed the creation of a Life Flight landing area on his land, a resource that ben efits not only the snowmobile club but the entire community. His efforts were also pivotal in the construction of the club’s new clubhouse, a project that has greatly enhanced the club’s facilities and provided a welcoming space for members and visitors alike. The unwavering support, dedica tion, and community spirit demon strated by JR Nunes & Sons Excava tion Inc and the Nunes family make them highly deserving of the 2025 Polaris Landowner of theYear award.

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Cobbosseecontee Snowmobile Club Named MSA Club of the Year

T he roar of snowmobiles isn’t the only sound ema nating from the Cobbossee contee Snowmobile Club.The sound of teamwork, dedica tion, and community spirit is just as loud, and it’s why this Central Region club has been awarded the prestigious title of 2025 MSA Snowmobile Club of theYear. This award recognizes the club’s unwavering commit ment to community involve ment, meticulous trail maintenance, innovative safety initiatives, successful fundraising efforts, and the strong sense of camarade rie that binds its members together. More than just a hub for snowmobile enthusi asts, the Cobbosseecontee Snowmobile Club’s cen trally located clubhouse serves as a true community building. Hosting dinners, meetings, and activities for various organizations, it’s a vital resource for the region. The club itself holds meetings twice a month throughout the exhilarating snowmobiling season. Adjacent to the clubhouse, a well-organized “groomer shed” protects the club’s snowmobiles, drags, and a newly acquired Honda side by-side, secured through a Capital Equipment Grant. This remarkable addition has been outfitted with a

Raffle tickets. They also sell MSA Super Raffle tickets at the Town Hall during elec tions. A truly unique initia tive involves placing a trailer at various locations, includ ing the town dump, to collect returnable bottles and cans, generating hundreds of dol lars each month. However, what truly sets the Cobbosseecontee Snowmobile Club apart and solidifies its title as MSA Club of the Year is the remarkable sense of cama raderie among its mem bers. In addition to regular meetings during the snow season, members gather monthly at each other’s houses for barbecues, cook outs, or dinners, strength ening their bonds. The club also organizes an annual week-long camping trip during the summer, foster ing lasting friendships and a shared love for working, socializing, and, of course, snowmobiling together. The Cobbosseecontee Snowmobile Club embod ies the spirit of snowmo biling in Maine: hard work, dedication to community, and a passion for the out doors. Their achievements are well-deserving of the 2025 MSA Snowmobile Club of the Year award, and their example will undoubt edly inspire other clubs for years to come.

track system, transform ing it into a year-round workhorse for off-season trail maintenance. A dedi cated crew of at least four members uses this vehi cle to transport equipment and materials, minimizing their environmental impact on even the most delicate trail sections. During the snow season, the vehicle seamlessly transitions into grooming and maintaining the trails. The Cobbosseecontee Snowmobile Club has also distinguished itself through its ambitious bridge con struction and renovation projects. Incorporating inno vative ideas and technolo gies, they’ve created a trail system that is the envy of the region. Their trail crew is recognized as “best in class” at regional meetings, a testa ment to their hard work and expertise. Dedicated mem bers work diligently with landowners and businesses to maintain approximately 20 miles of pristine trails. Safety is paramount in all

the club’s activities. Mem bers meticulously plan and execute tasks, ensur ing everyone returns home safely to their families. This includes strict adherence to proper PPE protocols, such as wearing safety goggles, hearing protection, safety ropes, chains, and appro priate hand and footwear. Landowner approval is always obtained, and job sites are thoroughly cleaned up after each project. Showing appreciation for the landowners who gen erously allow trails to cross their property, the club has moved beyond tradi tional landowner suppers. Instead, they conduct raffle drawings, awarding valu able gift cards to deserving landowners each year, fos tering a strong and mutu ally beneficial relationship. To support their efforts, the club actively engages in diverse fundraising activi ties. They volunteer at the MSA Show in Augusta, sell ing tickets at various booths and promoting MSA Super

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