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The Maine Snowmobile Association

                 MSA News & Snowmobiling Issues

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Awards Presented at Annual Meeting






MSA Awards Presented at Annual Meeting
The following individuals, businesses and a snowmobile club were honored by the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA) at their 42nd Annual Meeting and Banquet at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston on Saturday, April 10.

President's Award: DOUG DENICO, of Madison.
Denico, a retired forester and small landowner was honored for his lifelong commitment to promoting landowner relations and the responsible use of private land for recreation. Denico was also recognized for his encyclopedic knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern the use of Maine's forestlands. Denico is currently the President of the Maine Forest Products Council and Vice-Chairman of the Governor's Landowner - Sportsman Relations Advisory Board.

Snowmobiler of the Year: DICK BONNELL, Rumford
Dick Bonnell, a long-time member of the Rumford Polar Bears Snowmobile Club, was recognized for his volunteerism and commitment to the sport. In January 2009, Bonnell was one of three people who responded to a report of a snowmobiler who had gone through the ice into the Androscoggin River. With a rope around his waist, Bonnell slid across the ice to reach the victim. Then. at great personal risk, he pulled himself into a seated position at the edge of the ice to pull the victim out of the water. The victim made a full recovery, and Bonnell was credited with saving his life.

Groomer of the Year: THOMAS FROST, Hermon
Tom Frost of Hermon was honored posthumously as the 2010 Groomer of the Year. Frost had belonged to the Penobscot Snowmobile Club since the late 1960's and could frequently be found working with landowners clearing trails and repairing equipment. When the snow arrived, Frost was always the first groomer out on the trails. Frost's reputation was well-known, making Hermon a favored destination for snowmobilers from all over the Bangor area.

Dealer of the Year: CHANDLER FARMS POLARIS, Mapleton
Chandler Farms Polaris is a family-run dealership that has been in operation for over two decades. They are known to snowmobilers throughout the Northeast for their dedication to customer service. They are open seven days a week in season, and it is not unusual for them to remain open after hours to complete repairs on a visitor's snowmobile. The Chandler family are also loyal supporters of numerous snowmobile clubs and can always be counted on to lend a hand at events.

Business of the Year: KOOB'S GARAGE, Oquossoc
Koob's Garage and owner Mike Koob were recognized for their tireless efforts on behalf of snowmobiling in the Rangeley Lakes region. Mike and the staff at Koob's Garage are key volunteers who can always be relied on to provide short-notice mechanical repairs to club equipment and to step up when mid-season trail changes require almost overnight trail work. Koob's Garage is a fine example of businesses across the state that help keep our trail system in excellent shape.

Club of the Year: PRESQUE ISLE SNOWMOBILE CLUB, Presque Isle
The Presque Isle Snowmobile Club has been a part of their community since 1968, and has played an active role in developing the extensive trail system in central Aroostook County. The area suffered a serious loss in January 2009 when the club's home burned to the ground. The club chose to rebuild, and gained the immediate support of their community in recognition of the prominent place they hold in Presque Isle activities. Their new clubhouse opened exactly one year to the day from the fire, and has once again become a center for community activities.







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