Proud Daughter

Tonight my daughter Tiffany and I went to the Annual Wassookeag Snowmobile Club Landowner Appreciation Dinner.
The dinner was held at the new Lido's Restaurant (formerly TJ's) and it was a full house. President John Fogerty opened the festivities with awards, one of which was Landowner of the Year.


(Picture: Secretary Lynn McKusick, Dana Wilbur, President John Fogarty)

Hence "proud daughter"! My Dad, Dana Wilbur, was honored tonight with the distinction of being the 1st to be bestowed with this title. Dad, not only donated the land upon which the Clubhouse sits, but he has supported the club since its origin.
Back in the 1960's Dad built one of the first drags out of 2x4's and hauling it behind my mother's old Ski Doo Bombardier. Some of you might remember that sled was a 'heavy' double track "tank". Slow ... steady ... stable..... Hardly ever went off the trail but when it did, it was hell getting it out!!!
Dad would go out during the day and drag the local trails, long before anyone ever heard of "groomers" for a more pleasant ride. Remember those trails in the old days? So bumpy it would either put your back out or put it back in again!


Pictured: Frank Spizuoco, Business of the Year; Ray Bailey; Volunteer of the Year; Dana Wilbur, Land ower of the Year

Snowmobiling was something I think back on with fond memories. Many of my parents friends reminisce to this day about the night sled parties that always seemed to end up at our house on Number 10, with my mother (Mackie) serving up Oyster Stew. This kept me in babysitting jobs back than, because all the adults were out sledding.

Dad doesn't snowmobile anymore, although I think there is still a skeleton of a sled and old tracks around the farm somewhere.
Dad is more the "mountain bike" type now (really) at the age of 83.
Speaking of which, Up North Magazine just did a great feature of him in this months issue. Great magazine!!!!! and great article....
So, all in all, it was a proud evening with Dad receiving his "Landowner of the Year" award. Thanks Wassookeag Snowmobile Club for recognizing my Dad!