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14 September 2020 Maine Snowmobiler bile as his award. As stated in his obituary, “he had a hard time picking an Arctic Cat because he was a Polaris guy.” Linwood and his wife Frances were regular attendees at the MSA Directors meetings for many years. Here they told stories of grooming trails, places they had been and people they had met. He was a club director and was also nominated and accepted the posi- (Continued from Page 11)

in MSA including a booth at the MSA show and dedication to trail safety with new signposts, Kiosks, implementing color-coded stakes so people know whose trail they are riding as well as installing sat- ellite radios in the groomers. Supporting Business Located in Presque Isle WAGM has been a true supporter of the snowmobiling in Maine. With their debut of “Sledding the County” in 2018 WAGM has helped to educate the public and promote Maine Snowmobiling. With weekly segments, they ded- icate reporters and resources in the field to do on location inter- views during the season. These segments highlight events and raise awareness of what the sport of snowmobiling means to Aroos- took County and rural communi- ties throughout the state. As seg- ments are also shared with their sister station in Bangor and posted as part of their social media pres- ence. WAGM has been valuable resource to the MSA, helping to promote the sport both near and far. of the Year: WAGM-TV

tion of Eastern Regional Director for MSA, a volunteer position he served proudly in for many years. Linwood and Frances were dearly missed after he decided to “retire” from grooming and from his posi- tions in MSA. This winter as you ride the Pitt- ston Farm trails, find a quiet place to stop and look out. Surely you will hear Linwood saying,” How are the trails?” Rest in Peace Linwood. You will be missed.

(Continued from Cover) 2019 – 2020 MSA Awards Recognitions The Maine snowmobile Asso- ciation honored a number of snowmobiling volunteers and supporters last May. Although we were unable to hold our Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet members of the Steer- ing Committee created tribute videos which can be found on our website.

Dealer of the Year: Chase Toys in Unity

Back in the late 1960’s this dealership started in a small cen- tral Maine community. It was a husband, wife, and son operation working out of a tiny workshop. Ten years later, they moved into a larger building and new loca- tion selling and servicing small engines, lawnmowers, and took on product lines like Moto-Ski, Ariens and Sthil. After another expansion and leadership change, the parents retired and the business was taken over by their son. More inventory was brought in like Polaris Atv’s, Husquvana outdoor power equip- ment and Ski-Doo snowmobiles. The business took off; the service department was being recognized by the manufactures with awards and sales ignited. The little deal- ership is a little giant! MSA Executive VP Al Swett said this ... “Now, after nearly 50 years the Chase name can add Maine Snowmobile Association’s Dealer of the year to its award wall. New owners Brain Leary and Josh Miville are continuing to accommodate their new and old customers with down home ser- vice and price.” Everyone wants to succeed, but your first few years in business has showed all of Maine, your dedication has a destination and that’s success! Hall of Fame:

The Recipients of awards are:

Groomer of the Year: Traci Hartmann of the

Ebeemee Snowmobile Club Our first female Groomer of the Year Traci has been a long- time member and backbone of the club for a number of years, tak- ing numerous projects head on and never backing down from a challenge. She is truly respected by her fellow club members, the testimonies and letters of support from her friends and peers that came with her nomination were heartwarming to say the least. Club of the Year: Ebeemee Snowmobile Club of Ebeemee Township This year’s award goes to a club with just under seventy members. It began in 1977 with only a small number of members and like all clubs; they have had their ups and downs and lately ups again. How could they not with a club motto- “It’s not about the mileage, it’s about the Smileage”. Over the years their trail sys- tem has grown and now includes club trails and an ITS Connec- tor trail. They work closely with their neighboring clubs, helping to clear areas to open new trails. Trail grooming began with mem- bers using their own equipment to now owning a BR275 groomer. That shows their growth! This club has also shown growth with their involvement

President’s Award: Alan Dugas of Yarmouth President Mike Grass Jr. selected Alan Dugus as the 2019- 2020 recipient of the President’s Award. Alan is a longtime mem- ber of the Jackman Border Riders and the MSA Trails Committee. An excerpt from Mike’s online dedication reads, “Alan spends his spare time in the Jackman area either working on trails, grooming trails, fundraisers, planning new loops or trail reroutes, working at the clubhouse, planning the snow cross track, talking to landowners and brainstorming the next club fundraiser. Occasionally, he takes time out to ride his sled.” “Alan is a hard worker and humble vol- unteer and mostly he is a Maine Snowmobiler at heart.”

Warren Emery of West Paris Warren was nominated by the Mollyocket Sportsman’s Club and their nomination said it best. “Warren is a founding member Continued on Page 23