Old News

Out With The Old, In With The New (Regional Director)

From Steve Schopfer -

Marty,

"Captain, you have the controls!"

After 6 years as the Regional Director of the Western Appalachian Region, I am turning over the helm to Marty Silverman as of today, April 1, 2010.

It has been a pleasure to serve as your RD. It has been even more gratifying to watch the programs grow and prosper. OEC, S&T, EMM, Nordic, AVY, MTR, Alumni, YAP, Awards, ID, and all the others!!! What a great team we are blessed with.

Special thanks to Jim Blauch as Webmaster for his continued support in maintaining our site.

Section Chiefs, Guy Lombardo, Doris Rollins, and Michelle Koons continue to do an outstanding job and I know that Doris and Michelle will support Marty in every way possible.

My comrade-in-arms, Guy Lombardo, has also termed out as Western Section Chief. Bill Csikesz will be taking over that position.

The finances are strong, the programs are good, and our numbers have not fallen off too badly over the past 6 years.

Life is Good!!

Marty has asked me to stay on as the Election Committee Chairman, so I will be seeing many of you at the Annual Meeting.

- S. E. Schopfer (P), Regional Director (Retired), Western Appalachian Region

From Marty Silverman - 

Regional Director Bulletin 4-1-10

The day has finally arrived when I take on the role of Regional Director, and I have big shoes to fill. I want to thank Steve Schopfer for his well wishes. I'll be depending on Steve and Guy Lombardo as I learn the job. As Steve said, our region has a great team of administrators and advisors.

Our region is lucky to have Ken Schweinsburg, Bob Snoby, Bill Smith, Bill Cline, and many others, that make our OEC and Senior programs the best around. It is my goal to make sure our programs are as accessible as possible to all of our patrollers. And to encourage all patrollers to improve their skills and to learn new ones.

Bill Smith will be adding Patroller Enhancement Seminars to the S & T training schedule. These are not just for patrollers working toward senior level, but all patrollers wishing to improve their skiing and toboggan handling skills. The seminars will held at more locations, including non-senior level ski areas, to make them as accessible as possible to all patrollers.

Liz Hermann, our Young Adult Patroller (YAP, formerly Student patroller) Advisor is planning a regional YAP event for next winter at Blue Knob, and working to get a contingent of kids to go to the division event next year. We'll try to create a scholarship fund as well. Watch for details.

New Advisors 

Bill Smith and I have created a new position of Women's advisor. Kim Bellas of Seven Springs has volunteered to take on this role. She is a Senior patroller and is training to become a Senior TE.

I have asked John Boburchuk, patrol director of Blue Knob, to take on the role of region Lift Evac advisor. John teaches a very interesting commercial lift evac course at Blue Knob each fall. The course date is now posted on the Events page.

Steve Schopfer has agreed to become the election chair. We have an election coming up this fall for the Southern Section Chief. Doris Rollins term has reached the maximum 6 years allowed. The Southern Section includes Hidden Valley, Wisp, Canaan Valley, and Laurel Highlands Nordic (formerly Hidden Valley Nordic). Please let Steve know if you have any candidates in mind for this position.

I have plans to create several more positions. If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know.

Region Meeting 

In the past we have held the region meeting in early August. I believe that this late date does not give us enough time to get ready for the fall refresher season. I plan to hold our region meeting in May or June. I'll send you a notice as soon as the date is set.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks, 

- Marty Silverman (P), Regional Director, Western Appalachian Region

Senior Program Information

The Senior program offers a way to improve your skills and grow as a National Ski Patroller. The program includes two parts, Emergency Management Module (EMM) and Ski & Toboggan (S&T).

Overall information on the Senior program can be found on the Western New York Region Senior Program page.

For more specific information on the program in Western Appalachian Region, please contact: EMM Advisor Bob Snoby (P), 814-539-3490, and S&T Advisor Bill Smith IV, 304-788-0248.

Young Adult Patroller (YAP) Seminar

Blue Knob Ski Patrol will host a two day seminar for young adult patrollers (YAPs) the weekend of 20 and 21 February 2010. The 15-18 year old YAPs, still in high school, will have the opportunity to ski, ski and toboggan train, and practice winter first aid skills in a clinic setting to help to hone overall skills and prep for attendance at the Division YAP Seminar at Jiminy Peak, Massachusetts, from 19 to 22 March 2010; photographs from last year's division seminar are posted at http://www.nspeast.org/html/events.htm.

Any student who attends the Blue Knob seminar and then goes on to the division seminar is eligible for a "Trip Assistance Opportunity Grant." Based upon the number of participants and availability of funds, the grant to offset registration and or travel expenses could be as much as $100.00. The only requirements are to participate in both the Blue Knob seminar and the Jiminy Peak seminar and then submit a short two-to-three paragraph essay, minimum of 250 words, on experiences at the Division seminar.

For Blue Knob weekend--based upon the number of participants--the cost will be minimal, if any. Housing can be at individual expense, or there is the possibly of staying with a current Blue Knob host patroller close to the mountain. Blue Knob will supplement individual picnic lunches with chili and soda or hot cocoa. A Saturday night spaghetti dinner and evening activity is being discussed. However, many of these details cannot be finalized until we have an idea of how many YAPs and their advisors might be attending. Please share this information with young adult patrollers and get back to me by 23 December 2009 so I can continue planning. I can be reached at by email.

- Elizabeth Hermann, Region YAP Advisor

Sad News

I am sorry to report that Bob Zaccria, a former member of the Ski Sawmill Ski Patrol, passed away on 24 January 2010.

I will pass on funeral and viewing arrangements as they become available.

- Steve Schopfer, Region Director

Trainer Evaluator Refresher

Ski and Toboggan Chair Bill Smith IV provided a video and representative photographs of the 12 December 2009 Region Ski and Toboggan Trainer Evaluator Meeting and Refresher at Seven Springs.

Dick Barron Receives Patriot Star

Dick Barron (P), Patrol Director of the Seven Springs, was a member of the patrol on 2 January 1968 when he answered the call to report for induction into the United States Army. Dick was sent to Fort Gordon, Georgia, for 11 weeks of basic training. After the training, he was sent to Vietnam, where he served with an artillery unit in the Dau Chang area, located about 10 miles from the Cambodian border. Dick was on active duty for over 20 months, and he spent over a year in the Vietnam Theater.

A photo shows Western Section Chief Guy Lombardo (P) presenting the award. Words and image for this item are courtesy of the Eastern Division web site.

Laurel Highlands Nordic Ski Patrol

Laurel Highlands Nordic Ski Patrol, formerly the Hidden Valley Nordic Ski Patrol, is pleased to announce its new name. LHNSP retains its patrol number (E122), and will continue to serve skiers in portions of Pennsylvania's scenic Forbes State Forest and Laurel Hill State Park Complex. Together these areas offer dozens of miles of trails in what is regarded as some of the finest cross country skiing terrain in this part of the country. Hidden Valley Resort has announced that it no longer allows cross country skiing on its property.

For further information, please see the LHNSP news release.

- Fred M. Fargotstein, Assistant Director, LHNSP 

2009 Nordic On-The-Trail

Twenty patrollers (from two Nordic and three Alpine patrols) attended the event, which was held on 3 October 2009 near Laurel Summit in the Forbes State Forest. It was hosted by the Laurel Hill Nordic Patrol.

Fred Fargotstein provided some representative photographs of the in-the-woods fun.

Election Results

As the outgoing Region Director (RD), this was not a hard election to administer.

Since Marty Silverman was the only name on the ballot for RD and there were only five write-ins, Marty is declared the winner.

In the Western Section Chief election, Bill Csikesz was the only candidate on the ballot for the Western Section Patrollers and there was only one write-in. Therefore, Bill is declared the winner.

Of the 577 Patrollers on the latest Western Appalachian Region Roster, we had a total of 369 ballots cast, 63.95%.

Congratulations to both Marty and Bill. They will take office effective 1 April 2010.

My thanks go out to members of the Regional Election Committee who assisted in this election.

Steve Schopfer, Region Director, Western Appalachian Region

Candidates for Election

Marty Silverman (P) has declared his candidacy for Regional Director and Bill Csikesz has declared his candidacy for Western Section Chief. Here are their platforms and statements of qualification::

• Marty Silverman
• Bill Csikesk

Region and Section Elections

The position of Regional Director of Western Appalachian Region is up for election this fall. All active NSP members of the region are eligible to vote for this position.

The patrols of Western Appalachian Region include:

• Western Section: Boyce Park, Laurel Hill Nordic, Laurel Mountain, Mystic Mountain, Seven Springs
• Southern Section: Canaan Valley, Hidden Valley, Hidden Valley Nordic, Wisp
• Eastern Section: Blue Knob, Penn State Outing Club, Ski Sawmill, Tussey, Mountain View

Eligibility and Responsibilities for Region Director:

Regional Director Candidates must be active registered patrollers in the region that they seek to represent, have a minimum of five seasons of patrolling experience, and have achieved Senior Alpine, Senior Nordic, or Certified status. Members currently registered as Auxiliary Patrollers are qualified to become Region Director Candidates if they have met the requirements described above at some point in their patrol career. The Regional Director not only handles the responsibility of the Region, but also sits on the Eastern Division Board of Directors. The Division Board elects the Eastern Division Director. The two-year term of office for the Regional Director runs from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012.

The position of Western Section Chief is also up for election this fall. Western Section includes the patrols of Boyce Park, Laurel Mountain, Laurel Hill Nordic, Mystic Mountain, and Seven Springs. All patrollers meeting the eligibility requirement for the position of Section Chief are encouraged to run.

Eligibility for Section Chief:

Section Chief Candidates must be active registered patrollers in the section that they seek to represent and have a minimum of five seasons of patrolling experience. The two-year term of office for the Western Section Chief runs from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012.

Regional Director and Western Section Chief Elections Schedule:

15 May - announce elections

15 June - accept nominations

15 July - close nominations

15 August - announce candidates

22 August (date of first Instructor Refresher) - voting begins – to be held at each OEC Refresher (with all active patrollers within the region eligible to vote)

1 November (date of the last refresher) - voting ends 

15 November - election results announced

1 April 2010 - new Regional Director and Western Section Chief take office

Deadline for nominations for both offices is 15 July. Platforms for the candidates will be posted on this region web site by 15 August. All Western Appalachian Region patrollers will have the opportunity to vote for Regional Director and all Western Section patrollers will have the opportunity to vote for Western Section Chief at fall refreshers. Deadline for voting is 1 November, the date of the last refresher in the region. The results will be announced by 15 November.

If you have any questions, please contact your Patrol Director or the chairman of the election committee. If you are interested in running for this office, please submit a nomination, along with your patrol resume, to Steve Schopfer, the outgoing Regional Director who has served the maximum of three two-year terms; Steve will serve as the temporary Chairman of the election committee.

Nordic On the Trail 2009

Is it ever too early to start thinking about next ski season?

Maybe so, but just for planning purposes, we wanted to let everybody know the date for On the Trail, which will be Saturday, 3 October 2009. More details and RSVP info to follow, but for now, please save the date.

This is the annual skills refresher for Nordic patrols in the Western Appalachian Region. As always, On the Trail is mandatory for Nordic patrollers, but participation by Alpine patrollers, candidates, non-patrollers, and especially anybody who thinks that they may have an interest in Nordic patrolling is more than welcome.

The event includes both indoor and outdoor activities, concluding with a cookout and campfire. It is guaranteed to be educational, challenging, and, of course, lots of fun.

Hope to see everybody before too long.

Fred Fargotstein

Avalanche, Mountain Travel and Rescue, and Nordic (AMN) Annual Meeting

The AMN annual meeting is coming quickly; anyone else interested in going, please let us know. We will be leaving 18 September and be back on 20 September 2009. There is always tons of new and good information to be learned at these events. This year, WAR folks will be teaching some of our skills, so come join us for the experience and fun in beautiful Northfield, Massachusetts. Contact Jerry Timcik by email  <Timcik@yahoo.com> or call Jerry at 814-445-6734.

Sad News - Ray Nylander

Ray Nylander, Patrol Director of Laurel Hill Nordic Patrol, has passed away at McKeesport Hospital. Approximately a month ago, Ray suffered a stroke and did not really come out of it. We have lost a truly good friend and National Ski Patrol has lost a dedicated, 50-year member.

Ray's funeral will be at the funeral home on Saturday, 6 June 2009, at 11:00 AM with internment at the Mount Vernon Cemetery Elizabeth Township. The viewing will be Friday, 5 June 2009, from 12.00 Noon to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at: 

Craig Funeral Home 

3000 Versailles Avenue 

McKeesport, PA 15132 

Telephone number 412-672-9636

Guy Lombardo

Election Results

The 2008 Western Appalachian Region election process has been completed. The results are as follows:

1. The referendum to approve the revised By-Laws giving patrollers the right to vote for their regional director and section chief passed.
2. Steve Schopfer was re-elected for his final term as Regional Director. 
3. Michelle Koons was elected as Eastern Section Chief. Her term will start April 1, 2009. 
4. Doris Rollins was re-elected for her final term as Southern Section Chief.

Thank you for participating in the election process. Your vote counts. We will be holding an election next fall for the office of Regional Director and Western Section Chief (includes Boyce, Laurel, Mystic, and Seven Springs). Both of the incumbents have reached their term limits and are no longer eligible to run again. If you are interested in running for either of these positions next year, please contact me or go to the region website to see the qualifications for the office.

Marty Silverman, Chairman, Election Committee

Region Newsletter

You may have noticed that Western Appalachian Region is making steady progress in using the internet to get the word out quicker to our members and other interested parties. One example is mailing the Fall 2008 Region Newsletter to patrol directors for redistribution and by posting it for download here (Adobe Acrobat .PDF, 178K). Electronic delivery also saves you dues money by avoiding a large postage bill for mailing hardcopy newsletters.

Region Elections

As provided in the By-laws of the Eastern Division of the NSP, our Regional Director election must follow the procedures outlined in the Division's By-laws. That is, the Regional Director's elections must be held by written ballot in conjunction with the fall refreshers.

In addition, the Region's By-laws provide that the members of the region have the right to vote for their Section Chief as well.

This fall, at your OEC refresher, you will receive a ballot for the positions of Regional Director, Southern Section Chief, and Eastern Section Chief. (The Western Section Chief will come up for election next year.) Please read the platforms of each of the candidates so that you are familiar with them when you vote at your refresher.

In addition, you will be given the opportunity to ratify the amended Regional By-laws. Please read the proposed By-laws as they prescribe your right to vote for your representation as a patroller. The post-region-meeting version of the by-laws you are voting on is here.

If you have any questions, you can contact me at hvskier@hotmail.com.

Thank you, Marty Silverman Chairman, Election Committee

Platforms received thus far:

• Steve Schopfer, candidate for Regional Director
• Doris Rollins, candidate for Southern Section Chief
• Michelle Koons, candidate for Eastern Section Chief
• Nancy Heller, candidate for Eastern Section Chief

CPR Guidelines

National Education Committee Chair Larry Bost and National Medical Advisor Michael Miller have provided a short, useful explanation and chart of the revised CPR guidelines for healthcare providers, including all NSP patrollers.

E-Blast Email

We have been working with NSP National Headquarters to do an E-Blast email to the region all at once, and there also is a way to do it on a patrol by patrol basis. This capability will allow us to reach Western Appalachian Region patrollers quickly with current news and events.

The whole process depends on patrollers having their email address current on their user profiles. To work correctly, each patroller must ensure his or her current email address is reflected in their online profile on the NSP site under the Member Services link.

If possible, at the Fall refreshers, get those patrollers who have not done so to get on-line (Wi-Fi,  Landline, modem, whatever) and get them signed up so they can get current e-mails.

Once the region-wide E-blast is available, I fully intend to use it, as necessary.

Steve Schopfer, Region Director

Region Director (RD) and Section Chief (SC) Elections

Elections for the Western Appalachian Region Regional Director, Eastern Section Chief, and Southern Section Chief will take place at the Outdoor Emergency Care refreshers this fall. For the first time, each active patroller will have the opportunity to vote for the RD and the SC in their section. Please see the linked Election Announcement and Request for Nominees for further information on qualifications for these positions and how to submit nominations. The deadline for nominees is 29 August 2008.

Please contact Marty Silverman, Chairman, Election Committee, by email (mjs@generalpipecleaners.com) if you have any questions.

Region Bylaw Amendment

With input from the Section Chiefs, our Legal Advisor, and others, Region Director Steve Schopfer (P) has been drafting a Bylaw amendment to be voted on at the 9 August Region meeting at Seven Springs. Among other things, the amendment involves the way the Region votes for Region Director and the Section Chiefs. The current draft is posted here with changes highlighted in yellow.

On the advice of counsel, we will have elections for all three Section Chiefs and the Region Director this year at the Fall refreshers.

Artist Needed

National Ski Patrol has a memorial award for patrollers who die in the line of duty and needs art work for this award. If you are an artist who would like to submit a design for the new award, please contact Bill Boulter.

Region Director Election

Region Election Chair Marty Silverman (P) announced the upcoming RD election to be held in February and March 2008. For further information, see Marty's announcement.

In Memoriam - Tom Hillegas

Tom Hillegas was patrolling at Blue Knob on Saturday afternoon, 26 January 2008, and collapsed on the runout. He was worked on by  fellow patrollers, transported to the top of the hill, and turned over to the ambulance. Tom was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Tom was on duty this busy weekend, helped open Extrovert, and handled two accidents in the morning. He was out front, leading by example. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tom's family: Nancy, Zach, Michaela, Kelsey, and Brady.

Tom's funeral will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, 31 January 2008, at Bridgeport United Methodist Church, 251 Worthington Drive, Bridgeport, WV 26330. There will be a viewing Wednesday from 12:00 noon until 8:00 PM, and again on Thursday from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM. Blue Knob Ski Patrol recommends that all patrol members or former members wear their NSP patrol pin in honor of Tom and his dedication to the National Ski Patrol and Blue Knob.

Blue Knob Ski Patrol has sent a flower arrangement on behalf of the whole patrol. In lieu of further flowers, donations are requested to: HILLIGAS CHILDREN EDUCATION FUND, C/O Huntington Bank, 1226 West Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330.

Tom will be sorely missed by his many skiing friends and fellow patrollers.

Professional Ski Patroller Association (PSPA)

PSPA recently sent emails to patrollers in our region. In response to an inquiry from Western Appalachian Region Director Steve Schopfer, Eastern Division Director Rick Hamlin replied: 

"At the National level, officially we have no relationship with the PSPA. (See Chapter 2 of Policies and Procedures.) At the Division level, we always seek to have a cordial relationship with the PSPA and work cooperatively with them. We have a good number of Patrollers who are dual registered with both NSP and PSPA. At the Division level we also work with the PSPA in the Certified Program through reciprocity related to testing and re-certifications. Their President Marc Abend is a second generation NSP Patroller and a current member of the NSP Pro Division."

In Memoriam - Tyler Davis

Tyler Davis, a long time patroller at Seven Springs and a driving force behind National Ski Patrol in this region, passed away Saturday, 26 August 2006. Tyler will be missed by his many ski patrol friends.

On 6 September 2006 there was a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome for the Pennsylvania Ski and Winter Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in care of Mark Schroetel, 101 Doe Mountain Lane, Macungie, PA 18062.

On 23 September 2006, beginning at 1:00 PM, there will be a "Celebration of Life" luncheon at Seven Springs to honor their most respected member, Tyler Davis. After the luncheon, anyone can get up and say anything they want to about Tyler; there will be plenty of time for all.  If you are coming to the luncheon, please make a reservation by 15 September 2006 by calling Alicia Thompson at 800-452-2223, extension 7676.

New Seven Springs Owner

Seven Springs Mountain Resort, gracious host of many of our region events, is getting a new owner. Detailed information is posted on the Seven Springs site.

NSP National Issues

As some are aware, there are ongoing discussions on changes in National Ski Patrol. The Eastern Division NSP National Issues page provides updates of interest to division patrollers.

Ski Sawmill Patrol Receives Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant

The Lycoming/Tioga/Sullivan (LTS) County EMS Council has announced that the Ski Sawmill patrol received an AED as part of the 2005 Rural AED Grant Program. In the presentation photo are Michael F. Richardson (Left), Ski Sawmill Patrol Director; Wendy Hastings (Center), EMS Program Manager, LTS County EMS Council, and William Flather (Right), Ski Sawmill Patroller and the one who applied for the Grant. Congratulations to Ski Sawmill Patrol for obtaining this vital lifesaving device.

WAR Outstanding Patroller Award

The outstanding patroller award nomination is now posted and available in Microsoft Word format for download (31K, .DOC).

Region Newsletter

The 2004 WAR Newsletter is now available for download in Microsoft Word (.DOC, 155K) and Adobe Acrobat (166K, .PDF) formats. The lead article contains information on Southern and Eastern Section Chief elections.

Region Newsletter

The Summer 2003 edition of the WAR Newsletter, edited by Lael Simmons, is now available for on-line viewing. The newsletter contains schedules of upcoming events and reports from each of the section chiefs and region program chairs.

Nordic On The Trail Refresher and Course

The region nordic on the trail refresher will be at Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, 5 October 2002, beginning at 8:30 AM. This will also include an NSP Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR) Level 1 course (formerly called Circle M).

If you want credit for the NSP MTR course, the cost is $35.00 for textbooks. Otherwise, the refresher is free. However, you must register with Jerry Timcik, 814-445-6734, no later than 27 September 2002 using the downloadable registration form in Microsoft Word (25K, .DOC) format.

Nordic Recruiting Tri-Fold

Jerry Timcik has provided a great nordic patroller tri-fold recruiting brochure. You can download it in Microsoft Word (621K, .DOC) or Adobe Acrobat (135K, .PDF) format.

Baltimore Instructor Refresher

On Sunday, 15 September 2002, Ann Rahn put on an outstanding-as-usual instructor refresher in Baltimore. We tagged along and took some pictures.

Region Meeting

The annual Western Appalachian Region (WAR) meeting was held on Saturday, 10 August 2002. In addition to WAR patrol representatives, section chiefs, and region staff, Region Director Guy Lombardo welcomed the following members of the Eastern Division staff:

• Jerry Sherman, Division Director
• Pamm Ferguson, Assistant Division Director and NSP Board Member
• Gerit Lewisch, Assistant Division Director and NSP Board Member
• Bill Boulter, Awards
• Ellie Jessumn, Historian
• Robert Scarlett, Legal

During the meeting, Marty Silverman was presented with an outstanding section chief award and Ken Schweinsburg received a NSP national number. We also have posted some other pictures of the region meeting, along with an e-mail from Guy Lombardo.

(P.S. If you click on the links on people's names above you can see what they look like. We have also added pictures to some other names that appear elsewhere in the WAR presentation--just look for the (P) link by their name.)

OEC Instructor Activity Report Form

Region Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) chair Bryant Hall has requested that each OEC instructor submit an instructor activity record form no later than the upcoming  instructor refresher to remain an active instructor. Here is the form in Microsoft Word (.DOC, 33K) and Adobe Acrobat (.PDF, 54K) formats.

Annual Region Meeting

The annual region meeting is scheduled for 10 August 2002 at the Best Western in Indiana, Pennsylvania. At the Mid Winter Meeting in January 2002, the NSP Board of Directors discussed a number of changes that will affect all of us. Eastern Division representatives (Jerry Sherman, Division Director; Bill Boulter, Division Awards; and Bob Scarlett, Division Legal) will explain what will happen in the near future.

If you plan to stay the night before, please contact Amy Blair at 888-299-9620 and identify yourself as a member of the ski patrol to reserve a room. For further information, see the MEMO MEMO MEMO MEMO MEMO MEMO MEMO from Region Director Guy Lombardo.

Election Results

Election chair Robert Harlan reports the following results for the Western Appalachian Region election:

• Guy Lombardo was re-elected as Region Director; 14 of 20 ballots sent were returned.
• Jim Jacobs was re-elected as Western Section Chief; 7 of 7 ballots sent were returned.

Congratulations Guy and Jim and thanks for continuing to serve Western Appalachian Region.

Board Prepares for Changes

The National Ski Patrol Board of Directors is planning major changes in their functions that will ripple throughout NSP. See article by Bob McLaughlin, Eastern Division Assistant Division Director, for further information. You can find additional information on the NSP site or on the Eastern Division Reorganization News page..

Congratulations Tyler

Veteran Western Appalachian Region and Seven Springs patroller Tyler Davis (59K, JPG) will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Ski Hall of Fame in May. Tyler, who turned four score and ten (that's 90 for most of us) on 17 January 2002, is a true founding father of the ski patrol in Pennsylvania. Still an active patroller, he has held a variety of ski patrol offices including membership on the national board of directors. Tyler recently received further recognition in two articles in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 3 and 10 March 2002. Next time you see Tyler on the slopes or at a refresher, congratulate him and wish him happy birthday. Well done, Tyler! 

Special Olympics

On 27 and 28 February 2002, Blue Knob Four Seasons Resort will be hosting the Pennsylvania Winter Special Olympics. They are looking for student volunteers. This is an excellent opportunity for students to fulfill a community services day and have fun doing it.

For further information, please contact  Bob Marlett, Region Student Advsior.

Toboggan Enhancement Seminar

Want to really impress your fellow patrollers with your toboggan handling skills, break out of your old mold ? Now that we've enhanced your skiing skills with the Skiing Enhancement Seminars let's but it all together by adding the toboggan, push you over the top!

Eastern Division is sponsoring a Toboggan Enhancement Seminar at Wisp on 23 February 2002 at 8:30 AM; cost is $25. Division trainers will be running the show and if it's anything like last year's it will be GREAT!. It's open to all patrollers; a fun-filled, no- pressure learning environment. Last year's twenty four attendees had a blast and gave it very high marks. You'll be surprised what you didn't know about toboggan handling but can learn in this type of environment.

Make your reservation early because we have are limited to fifteen slots this year. To reserve your spot or for further information, contact John Toth, 703 437-0597, or Randy McNeal.

Advanced Mountain Travel and Rescue

An Advanced Mountain Travel and Rescue course is scheduled for weekend of 9-10 February 2002 in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, on Cabin Mountain. The $35.00 registration fee refundable if no snow. Advance registration by 31 January 2002 is required; please fill out the registration form and return it with your check. For further information, e-mail Dave Shaeffer or call him at 304-242-3062.

Special Olympics at Laurel Mountain

On 30 and 31 January 2002,  Laurel Mountain.will be hosting the Special Olympics Games. There has been a request for help at the Nordic and other events. For further information or to volunteer, contact  Jim Darr, 724-238-9860.

Nordicfest 2002

Nordicfest 2002 will be held Saturday and Sunday, 26-27 January 2002, at Highland Forest in Fabius, New York. It is open to all Nordic and Alpine patrollers. On Saturday you will have the option of a Nordic Skier Enhancement Seminar combined with a session on Back Country Evacuation, or a Nordic Senior S&T Evaluation. Sunday will be a session on down hill skills at a local down hill area.

Cost for the weekend including all instruction, evaluation, lifts on Sunday AM, bunk space, Saturday evening dinner, and the opportunity to bond with fellow patrollers is only $40. Registration is required by 19 January 2002. For further information and the registration form, see the Nordicfest 2002 announcement on the Eastern Division web site.

Contact Jerry Timcik, 814-445-6734, Western Appalachian Region Nordic Advisor, to set up carpool arrangements.

Upcoming Courses

A Basic Mountain Travel and Rescue Course will be held at Wisp, Maryland (map), on Saturday, 8 December 8 2001; course cost is $35.00. A Basic Avalanche Course will be held at Wisp, Maryland, on Sunday, 9 December 2001; course cost is $20.00. Course costs include textbooks. Registration cutoff is 24 November 2001.A registration form in hypertext and Microsoft Word (12K, .DOC) formats is attached. For further information on both courses, contact Dave Shaeffer, 304-242-3062

A Phase I Instructor Development Course will be given at Laurel Mountain, Ligonier Pennsylvania (near Somerset) on  Sunday, 21 October 2001, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The cost is $20.00 and registration deadline 5 October 2001. This course is required prior to becoming an instructor in any ski patrol discipline, such as outdoor emergency care. To register for the course and for further information, contact Kim Metheny, 412- 322-4524. Kim also is looking for teaching help from those wanting to become a Phase I instructor.

Region Nordic Refresher

The region nordic on trail refresher will be held at Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania (map), on 6 October 2001. Be at the Hidden Valley patrol room  no later then 8:30 AM for registration. There is no cost for this outing but please bring any climbing equipment you may have as this will be an exercise in low angle rescue. For further information, contact  Jerry Timcik, 814-445-6734.

Upcoming Season OEC Refreshers

Bryant Hall provided the following advanced look at OEC refreshers for the upcoming season:

Saturday, July 14, 2001, Hidden Valley, OEC Instructor Trainer Refresher
Saturday, August 25, 2001, Seven Springs, OEC Instructor Refresher
Saturday, September 8, 2001, Laurel Mountain, OEC Refresher
Sunday, September 16, 2001, Boyce Park, OEC Refresher
Sunday, September 23, 2001, Blue Knob, OEC Refresher
Saturday, September 29, 2001, Canaan Valley, OEC Refresher
Sunday, September 30, 2001, Ski Sawmill, OEC Instructor Refresher
Sunday, October 14, 2001, Hidden Valley, OEC Refresher
Sunday, October 21, 2001, Ski Sawmill, OEC Refresher
Saturday, October 27, 2001, Seven Springs, OEC Refresher
Sunday, November 4, 2001, Wisp, OEC Refresher

Mountainview will be combining with Peak n Peak in New York again this year,
date to be announced.

There will be an Instructor refresher in the DC area, September 16, 2001, Contact is Ann Rahn, 703-241-1587, site TBA.

OEC Instructor Trainer Refresher

Knox Walk has contributed photos of the OEC Instructor Trainer refresher on 14 July 2001 at Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania.

We'll be happy to post and credit other photos of Western Appalachian Region events; just e-mail them with a suggested caption for each picture to webmaster@patrol.org.

Region Meeting

The annual Western Appalachian Region meeting is scheduled for 11 August 2001 beginning at 9:30 AM at the Best Western in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Region Director Guy Lombardo has provided a meeting reminder with further information.

If you are planning to get a room at the hotel the night before, please dial 888-299-9620, ask for Amy Blair, and identify yourself as with the ski patrol.

Thanks to Jim Darr of Laurel Mountain and Carl Beltram of Boyce Park who have volunteered to provide lunch.

Region Newsletter

The Spring WAR Newsletter has been posted in Microsoft Word (DOC, 376K) and Adobe Acrobat (PDF, 604K) formats. It also was mailed to all region patrollers.

Phase II OEC Instructor Course

A Phase II OEC instructor course will be held at Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, (near Boyce Park ski area) on Saturday, 19 May 2001, from 9:00 AM through 4:30 PM. The course will cost $25. Students also must buy the OEC Instructor's Manual. However, buying the Study Guide is optional.

Class size might be limited, depending on how may instructor trainers are available. For further information or to sign up for the course, contact Cathy Setzer via e-mail (spiritk@usaor.net) or at 724-458-5451.

Senior OEC Evaluation Cancelled

The Senior OEC final evaluation to be held at Canaan Valley on 18 March 2001 is now cancelled. For further information, e-mail Cathy Setzer or call her at 724 458-5451.

Senior OEC Clinics Cancelled and Moved

The Senior Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) clinic scheduled for Sunday, 28 January 2001, at Denton Hill, Pennsylvania, has been cancelled.

The Senior OEC clinic scheduled for Sunday, 28 January 2001, at Mystic Mountain, Pennsylvania, has been moved to Boyce Park, Pennsylvania, with a 9:00 AM start time.

For further information, e-mail Cathy Setzer or call her at 724 458-5451.

Senior Ski and Toboggan Trainer/Evaluator Clinic

Eastern Division is sponsoring a Senior Ski and Toboggan (S&T) Trainer/Evaluator Clinic at Wisp, Maryland, on 27 and 28 January 2001.  This is for Seniors aspiring to become Senior S&T examiners. 

At this point we are very short of examiners in our region; we have only nine. Please encourage qualified and motivated Seniors to attend this clinic. To sign up or for further information, contact John Toth, 703- 437-0597.

Toboggan Enhancement Clinic

A toboggan enhancement clinic has been scheduled for 8:00 AM on 3 February 2001 at Seven Springs, Pennsylvania. It is open to registered patrollers of any level. The focus is totally on toboggan handling skills, with instruction geared to help you advance your sled skills. Come learn from the some of the best instructors in the division!

The $10 clinic cost includes lift pass, lunch, and day-end reception. Attendance is limited to the first 18 patrollers who sign up. To register, download and return the sign-up flyer (4K, .DOC) or contact Bill Cline.

Denton Hill Ski Patrol Receives Citation

The Denton Hill Ski Patrol has received a citation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives, in recognition of their quick and decisive actions in saving the life of a ski accident victim. The rescue victim and his family attended the 5 November 2000 presentation. It was very rewarding to meet with him and his family and to see the remarkable recovery that he made after his double skull fracture.

Six Denton Hill patrollers received National Ski Patrol merit stars for this outstanding work. Congratulations for a great job from your fellow WAR patrollers!

Senior OEC

Ever wondered how to earn the Senior  OEC certification? Western Appalachian Region has provided a checklist to follow, along with a registration form in Microsoft Word format (39K, .DOC) for the various Senior OEC events in the region. For further information, e-mail Cathy Setzer or call her at 724 458-5451.

Nordic Seminar

A Nordic Seminar is scheduled for 3-4 February 2001 at White Grass Touring Center, West Virginia. This is your chance to sharpen all Nordic ski patrol skills, improve and enjoy cross-country and telemark techniques, build and drag toboggans, and find lost treasure with compasses. The $15 cost covers trail fees and administrative fees. To sign up or for further information, see the seminar flyer.

Phase I Courses

A Phase I Instructor Development course will be offered by Barb Sindler on Saturday, 2 December 2000, at Wisp Ski Area, Maryland. (The course originally scheduled for Saturday, 21 October 2000, at Ski Sawmill, Pennsylvania, has been cancelled due to lack of participation.)

The course fee of $20.00 covers purchase and mailing of the new course text book, lunch, and light refreshments.

Registration and payment deadline for the Wisp course it is 13 November 2000. For mailing instructions, contact Barb Sindler. To ensure the course is held and that you can attend, the money must be in the hands of the instructor by the dates shown.

Annual Region Meeting

Region Director Guy Lombardo summarized the 19 August 2000 annual region meeting in an e-mail sent to region leaders and patrollers.

Region Staff Changes

John Toth is the new Region Ski and Toboggan advisor. Louise Waszak remains as the Leadership Development advisor (renamed from Auxiliary advisor).

Laurel Mountain Ski Patrol Site

Check out the new Laurel Mountain Ski Patrol site.

Region Officers Meeting

The annual region officers meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM on 19 August 2000 at the Best Western, Indiana, Pennsylvania (888-299-9620). For further information, contact Guy Lombardo.

National Board Meeting

The NSP national site has posted information on the 22-24 June 2000 Board of Directors meeting and the $8.00 dues increase.

The former Eastern Division Director, Bill Sachs, was elected National Chairman. Jerry Sherman will act as Eastern Division Director until an election.

Election Results

Guy Lombardo has been re-elected as Region Director. Jim Jacobs has been elected as Western Section Chief. See Guy Lombardo's e-mail on election results for more information.

Ski Patrol Confirmation (corrected)

Attention all patrol officers of Western Appalachian Region. If you have not already done so, please complete the four copy "Ski Patrol Conformation for 2001" that has been sent by your Section Chief. Correct anything that needs correcting and mail the completed original and second copy to Donna, Eastern Division Administration. The third copy goes to your Section Chief the Region Director. In the alternative, you may send the first three copies to your Section Chief for forwarding. In either case, Please retain the last (fourth) copy for your records. Thank you, Guy Lombardo

Phase One Instructor Course

A Phase I instructor course will be hosted at Boyce Park, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, 26 March 2000, starting at 8:00 AM. Cost of the course is $20.00; this includes textbook, course materials, and lunch. To register, send your check to Kim Metheny before 18 March 2000; include your name, mailing address, home and work telephone numbers, and e-mail address. If you need Kim's mailing address, e-mail her.

Senior OEC Location Change

The location of the senior OEC evaluation scheduled for 19 March 2000 has been changed to Seven Springs, Pennsylvania. For further information, contact Cathy Setzer.

Attention Senior Candidates!

This year's Senior Ski and Toboggan Clinic / Evaluation is scheduled for the weekend of 11 and 12 March 2000 at Blue Knob, Pennsylvania.. In our region, candidates are expected to attend at least one Senior S & T clinic before signing up for the final two day Clinic / Evaluation.

At the S & T clinic your should receive enough feedback to know if you are ready to try the final clinic / evaluation. If you have attended one of the S & T clinics and intend to participate in the two day Clinic / Evaluation, you must pre-register by 27 Februarcy 2000.

To pre-register, see your Patrol Director or any Senior S & T Trainer / Evaluator for the appropriate form. The form along with a $35.00 registration fee must be received by 27 February 2000. Late registrations will be accepted at the discretion of the Senior S & T Advisor. NO registration will be accepted the day of the Clinic / Evaluation.

Check with your Patrol Director or any Senior S & T TE or call John Miller at home (724-226-3570) for lodging options at Blue Knob. Due to weather conditions, if appropriate "senior terrain" is not available at Blue Knob we will be using Wisp Resort in Maryland as a back up. All properly Pre-registered candidates will be notified of any change of location.

Please call John Miller with any questions at 724-226-3570 (home) or 724-274-3021 (work) or e-mail him at themillers@icubed.com.

Proposals for the 2000 Mid-Winter Meeting of the NSP BOD

Eastern Division Director Bill Sachs, a member of the National Ski Patrol Board of Directors, fowarded an e-mail from the NSP National Office with board proposals for the upcoming mid-winter meeting.

Senior Outdoor Emergency Care Training Changes

A Senior OEC clinic has been scheduled for 12 December 1999 at Seven Springs, Pennsylvania. This clinic will be an orientation and introduction to the Senior OEC program. All interested patrollers are invited to begin. We will meet at the Seven Springs Ski Patrol room at 1:00 PM. If time permits, we will begin to do work out on the hill. Patrollers will be informed as to all of the requirements for participating in the Senior Program. If interested in attending, contact Cathy Setzer, OEC Senior Training Coordinator, at  724 458-5451.

The Senior OEC final evaluation originally scheduled for 27 February 2000 at Blue Knob, Pennsylvania, will be a regional OEC clinic, instead of a final evaluation   (The date and place remain the same, but the event changes.)

The date for the Senior OEC final evaluation at Mystic Mountain (Nemacolin), Pennsylvania, (originally scheduled for 26 March) has been changed to 19 March 2000. Boyce Mountain, Pennsylvania, is the backup location.

Advanced Mountaineering Course

An advanced mountaineering (M patch) course is scheduled at the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area of West Virginia for 28-30 January 2000. The minimum requirements are a Basic M course and some prior camping experience The cutoff date for registration is 14 January 2000 and the cost is $25.00. Contact Dave Shaeffer, Box 240A, Dement Rd., Triadelphia, WV 26059, 304-232-4123 (work), 304-242-3062 (home), or 304-232-4127 (fax), or e-mail Dave at saminc@ovnet.com to obtain a registration form.

Clinic Sign-Ups

For the 8 January 2000 Senior ski and toboggan clinic at Seven Spings, Pennslyvania, please call John Miller, Region Ski and Toboggan, at 724-226-3570, no later than a week before the clinic for information.

For the 9 January 2000 Senior outdoor emergency care clinic at Canaan Valley, West Virginia, please call Cathy Setzer, OEC Senior Training Coordinator, at 724-458-5451, no later than a week before the clinic.

Advance sign-ups are required to plan for both clinics:

• No people signed up in advance equals no clinic; and
• Too many people showing up without notice equals not enough instuctors to run a good clinic.

Instructor Courses

A Phase I instructor course will be hosted at Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, 23 October 1999, starting at 8:00 AM. Cost of the course is $20.00; this includes textbook, course materials, and lunch. To register, send your check to Jim Blauch before 9 October 1999; include your name, mailing address, home and work telephone numbers, and e-mail address. If you need Jim's mailing address, e-mail him.

Please send Ann Rahn, 703-241-1587, the name and address of your patrol newsletter editor so she can add him or her to the mailing list for announcements of future Phase I courses.

A Phase II OEC instructor course will be conducted at Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania, on 20 November 1999. For further information, contact Bryant Hall.

More Sad News

I'm very sorry to report more sad news: Region Ski and Tobaggan Coordinator John Miller's father has just passed away. For those who may want to send a card, John's address is 475 Martin Road, Tarentum, Pennsylvania 15084.

Guy Lombardo

Sad News

I very sorry to pass on this sad news. Former Region Director Mike Lancet's mother passed away on Thursday, 5 August 1999. Her funeral was on 9 August. For those who would want to send a condolence, Mike's address is: 2254 Clairmont Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241.

Guy Lombardo

Refresher Date Changes

Region Outdoor Emergency Care instructor refreshers will be at Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, on 21 August 1999, in the Washington, D.C., area on 18 September 1999 (this is a new date), and at Ski Sawmill on 3 October 1999. All these refreshers start at 8:00 AM. For further information on the Washington refresher, contact Ann Rahn, 703-241-1587. For information on other instructor refreshers, contact Byant Hall.

The Ski Sawmill, Denton Hill, and Penn State Outing Club three-patrol OEC refresher has been changed to 24 October 1999. For further information, contact Steve Schopfer, 800-326-9571.

Annual Region Meeting

The Western Appalachian Region annual meeting is scheduled for 7 August 1999 at the Best Western University Inn, 1545 Wayne Avenue, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701. This is the same motel we had our meeting in 1998. The meeting will start promptly at 9:30 AM.To reserve a room, call 888-299-9620 and identifiy your self as with Western Appalachian Region.

Region Director Guy Lombardo provided further details on the meeting in an e-mail sent on 29 July 1999 to all Region Officers. We also added links to a map of the meeting location, custom driving directions, and a list of nearby motels.

Region Newsletter

The Region Newsletter was mailed to all region patrollers (660 copies) on 7 June 1999. The refresher schedule is on the last page. Please save this schedule for reference and check first with the respective Patrol Director if you plan to attend a refresher for another patrol.

A copy of the newsletter is posted on-line, along with a downloadable version in Adobe Acrobat format (114K, .PDF).

Refresher Study Guide

The annual refresher study guide will be mailed as an insert with the Spring issue of Ski Patroller Magazine. For further information, see the e-mail the national office sent to board members.

Phase Two OEC Courses

A Phase Two Outdoor Emergency Care Instructor course is scheduled for Boyce Park Lodge on 23 May 1999. It will be hosted by Jim Jacobs, Boyce Park Patrol Director and presented by Cathy Setzer. If you are interested, you must contact Cathy <spiritk@usaor.net> by 9 May 1999 for your practice teaching assignment and to register for the course. There may be a small charge for materials.

A second Phase II couse is planned for July 1999, with date and place to be determined. For further information on the second course, contact Byant Hall.

Exchange of Ideas Meeting

Region Director Guy Lombardo summarized the 1 May 1999 meeting at Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, in an e-mail to section chiefs, patrol directors, and region staffs.

Web Pages

Web page space is available for WAR sections and patrols without a current home page. If interested, please contact the Webmaster for details.

Judy Ziengenfuss

Judy Ziengenfuss, wife of Ed Ziengenfuss, died on the morning of 17 February 1999 after a long illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ed and Judy's family in this time of sadness. Guy Lombardo

Southern Section Chief Nominee

Marty Silverman of Hidden Valley Ski Patrol has been nominated for a full term as Southern Section Chief. He has provided a candidate platform for review.

Southern Section Chief Appointed

Marty Silverman of Hidden Valley Ski Patrol has been appointed Southern Section Chief. See the 24 December 1998 Region Director e-mail for further details.

New NSP Instructor Web

The new National Ski Patrol Instructor Web is up and running as of 22 December 1998. The presentation is designed to hold NSP approved materials for all instructor disciplines. A companion Instructor Forum is an on-line resource for both instructors and NSP members to exchange ideas and comments.

Other Items

• Section Chief and Patrol Director Meeting, 1 May 1999, Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, E-Mail Summary
• Student Patroller Weekend, 23 and 24 January 1999, Tussey Mountain Fun Center, Pennsylvania, Further Information
• Annual Region Officers Meeting, 15 August 1998, Best Western, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Region Newsletter with Meeting Summary
• Section Chief and Patrol Director Meeting, 16 May 1998, Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, E-Mail Summary