9359-R3_MSA_May2026_Newsletter

2026 Snowmobile Club of the Year: Jo-Mary Riders

grant, allowing the club to invest in two newer groomers—an upgrade that has directly enhanced trail quality across their system. Their forward-thinking approach doesn’t stop there. Achieving 501(c) (3) nonprofit status marked a major milestone, opening doors for future growth, including the potential for land acquisition and development of improved facilities. At the same time, the club has strengthened its connec tion with members and the broader snowmobiling community through an active social media presence and a fully refreshed website. On the trails, the Jo-Mary Riders have delivered nothing short of excel lence. Despite challenging winters with limited snowfall, their grooming efforts have been widely recognized as outstanding.They have taken on the responsibility of maintaining a signifi cant portion of the region’s high-traffic “DowntownTrail,” a critical corridor that demands both skill and consistency. Attention to detail is a hallmark of the club’s work. Their signage system stands out as one of the best in the state, including the innovative use of colored backers to improve visi bility and navigation—an approach that has since influenced neighboring clubs. Their “Adopt-A-Trail” program

is equally impressive, with members ensuring signage is properly installed, maintained, and removed each sea son. Behind the scenes, the club han dles most of its own equipment main tenance, operating out of a groomer barn that has become a model of organization and efficiency. The Jo-Mary Riders also understand that a successful club extends beyond trail work. Fundraising plays a vital role in sustaining operations, and the club has embraced this through creative efforts such as operating a food trailer at Five Lakes Lodge. Their strong membership engagement is evident not only in participation but in recognition as well—they have earned top attendance honors at regional meetings, demonstrating a deep com mitment to collaboration and leader ship within the MSA. Perhaps most impressive is the club’s willingness to support others. The Jo-Mary Riders consistently lend a hand to neighboring clubs, contrib uting trail work, equipment mainte nance, and even financial assistance when needed. Their efforts have included helping with trail systems for multiple clubs, assisting in major proj ects like bridge rebuilds, and stepping in wherever the snowmobiling com munity calls for support.

I n the vast and rugged beauty of Maine’s North Woods, where win ter defines both landscape and life style, a snowmobile club has risen to exemplify everything the sport stands for. For 2026, the Maine Snowmo bile Association proudly names the Jo-Mary Riders Snowmobile Club of Millinocket as the Snowmobile Club of the Year —a recognition earned through dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the trails and community they serve. The Jo-Mary Riders have long been known for their exceptional trail sys tem and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it, but in recent years, the club has elevated its operations to an entirely new level. Through strong leadership and renewed energy, the club has reorganized, establishing consistent, well-run meetings that have impressed not only members but also local officials. That profes sionalism helped secure a significant

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