Gesture surprises longtime trail groomer

Caribou's Northern Skiers Club and friends recently presented trail groomer Curtis Richards with new gear to honor his years of service. From left are Brian Powers, Jordan Powers, Evan Graves, Lydia Streinz, Sam Erskine, Dave Wakana, Curtis Richards, Carl Soderberg, Brent Jepson, Jeff Dubis and Dave Belyea. (Courtesy of Bob Sprague)

CARIBOU, Maine — Curtis Richards has groomed the ski trails at Caribou High School for more than 15 years. 

These trails are lit and are designed for citizens to use and enjoy for both recreation and ski races. 

In addition, the sites are used by both Caribou Middle School and Caribou High School students, who hold ski races there, as well as some competitions with collegiate and national team racers.

Many users say without Richards, none of these events would have happened. 

When Richards recently came to the CHS Ski Building to teach some others how to run the grooming machine, he was surprised by members of the Northern Skiers Club and friends. 

They presented Curtis with completely new grooming gear and gloves and thanked him for his unselfish service.