WAR News

Voulume 1, Issue 1

May 1, 1999

RD Thoughts by Guy Lombardo, WAR RD

Allow me to begin by expressing my thanks to those that had the confidence to allow me to serve as their Region Director. Taking on this position has been at times very trying and at other times very rewarding, thankfully the latter out shown the former. The Region is only as good as the people that form it. Having been associated with this Region for 36 years I know we are the best and it is because of you, our patrollers. I have been asked by a few "why I have not published the Newsletter earlier". There are many reasons that I do not have space to write but I will condense some of them. I took this position on the last week of April 1998. Every year we lose people, case in point, we went from 701 in 1998 to 641 after the 1999 registration. I felt sending out a newsletter to people that have dropped out would be an unnecessary waste of funds, also I had a problem getting dates for the OEC refreshers in advance, this problem has been solved. It has taken a year to change the direction of the Region. We now have the OEC refresher dates in advance, thanks to Bryant Hall the new OEC Administrator for the Region, keep these dates for FUTURE reference. Bryant has my complete confidence, He is a medical person and knows what is needed to run a successful refresher. You will see changes in the Region this coming season now that I have a great working team. We are also working on the Senior problem. Looking back at my career as a Patroller the thought of becoming a Senior was prime. Lately tis has been difficult to get people interested enough to go for it. I have had many talks with the Region people who run these program. This year the Division has entered into the problem to find out the reason why there has been a mark drop in candidates. John Miller is S & T and Bryant Hall OEC for the Region. They are dedicated to advance patrollers. Contact them, I know they will work with you. In the past I have heard remarks that this is "Political" this is very far from the truth. A candidate is judged on his ability not his association with the evaluators. A promise to you from me, if you try and feel you were not treated fairly contact me, I will pursue in your behalf to find an answer. I have heard many times the question asked "What will this do for me?" My answer is "what do you want it to do"? I completed the program to advance my skills, I also did it for self esteem. I'm sure other's have their reasons, but the bottom line is are you happy remaining on the bottom step? Think about it. As section chief for six years I had an "Open Door Policy". As RD I still maintain this policy. Anyone can contact me. I'm always available either through e-mail, land line or in person. I work for you not the other way around. EVERYTHING WE ARE TODAY WE ( I ) OWE TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU. thanks for making this Region one of the most outstanding in the Division. In closing my thanks to Sam Strohm, of the Seven Springs Ski Patrol, for accepting the position as editor for the Region.

- Guy

A Note from Your Ass't. RD
by Jack Winter

On Saturday evening, April 17, 1999 my wife and I were privileged to attend the Seven Springs Ski Patrol's annual banquet held in the Alpine Room at the Springs. It was a festive celebration for the patrol members and their guests. I didn't see a person who was not having a good time. The dinner was absolutely delicious. Afterwards the evening's program included remarks and award presentations. I had a most happy role of being the presenter of a well deserved award to a highly regarded Seven Springs Patroller. Yes indeed, a Yellow Merit Star Award to non other than our very own regional director, Guy Lombardo (continued on page 2)

Eastern Section

The 1998-1999 ski season had a slow start but had an outstanding finish in the Eastern Section of the Western Appalachian Region. Many area operators that I have spoken to towards the end of the year actually reported an annual increase in skier visits due to the strong month of March. The Eastern Section comprised of Denton Hill, Tussey Mtn, Blue Knob, Ski Sawmill, and this year, Cannan Valley registered about 15 Patrollers less than were registered last season. This slight decrease was also seen through-out the Eastern Division. Officer's Meetings, Instructor Refreshers, and OEC Fall Refreshers all went as planned for the ski season. After the cold weather and snow finally arrived, the injuries really began to pile up. As Section Chief, I had the opportunity to follow up on two serious head injuries this season. Both were young teenage males, one a beginner skier at Ski Sawmill, and the other a beginner snowboarder at Denton Hill. They both struck objects that rendered them non-responsive and had compromised airways. Both were transported by helicopter to Trauma Centers and both had to have sub-dural hemotomas corrected by emergency surgery. Both survived!! Way to go Denton Hill and Ski Sawmill. During the reviews of both incidents, it was obvious that what we are teaching in the new OEC Program works in the field.

Senior Program: During the Eastern Division Fall Officer's Meeting, a committee was formed to survey, review, and finally come up with alternate recomendations for the present Senior Program. I was placed on this committee in the early Spring of 1999. I have had a chance to review the results of the survey and pass along some recomendations that I have put together after talking to many Patrollers over the past years concerning the present Senior Program. Hopefully, there will be more to report on any proposed changes in the Fall Newsletter.

- S. E. Schopfer
Eastern Section Chief/
OEC Instructor Trainer

A Note (contd. from Page 1)

This award is only given to a patroller who has performed an outstanding act or service to/for the National Ski Patrol. It can be given to a patroller for a variety of outstanding accomplishments including administrative accomplishments. Over his years of service to the NSP Guy has continuously performed in an exemplary manner. He is extremely dedicated and conscientious and performs every task to the best of his ability. In doing so he is successful in whatever he undertakes. This award specifically cites his commendable work this past year as our regional director. To sum it all up in a concise way, let me say on behalf of the Region's patrollers - Guy, Thank You For A Job Well Done.

There were many other presenters on the program who recognized deserving people for the excellent work they did over the past year at Seven Springs. Congratulations to all those receiving awards!! You deserve to be recognized and we are all fortunate to have you as members of the National Ski Patrol System.v

- Jack Winter

Nordic Happenings

It was a quiet season for the nordics in 1998/99. We had a regional "on-the-trail" session at Laurel Mt. on Nov. 7, `98. About a dozen patrollers attended from the four regional nordic patrols. Each patrol was represented. The senior program was highlighted and explained by myself with the help of Dave Schmidt and Ann Rahn. Patrollers were urged to attend regional clinics - particularly the first aid clinics. In the afternoon we did first aid "trail" problems.

In January `99, with the aid of Jerry Timcik, I held a senior s&t clinic at Blue Knob. Participation was good but mainly Shenendoah (Southern Div.) patrollers. The snow was typical Pennsylvania powder - tabletop conditions.

A second s&t clinic scheduled for White Grass touring area in Canaan Valley on Feb, 6 had to be cancelled for lack of snow.

Timcik and I participated in a combination advanced mountaineering course and senior nordic test with Pete Snyder, our divisional nordic adviser. The test was near Sugarloaf Mt. in Maine. Of three nordic senior candidates, one was advanced on the sking portion.

My plans for next season include running some s&t clinics to explore the problems of running alpine toboggans with telemark skis. I will also continue to push the senior program and will work to make the first aid portion of the program more user-freindly to the nordic patrollers.

This years basic A & M courses were cancelled for lack of registrations.

- M. David Shaeffer
Regional A, M & Nordic Adviser

WAR on the Web

Western Appalachian Region has an Internet presence at http://www.patrol.org/war/index.htm. The WAR presentation includes region news and announcements, events (such as meetings, clinics, and courses), section and patrol information and links, and region staff points of contact. News and events are updated on the presentation at the same patrol representatives get the word, so this presentation a place everyone can check for the most current information on WAR happenings.

WAR Webmaster, Jim Blauch <webmaster@patrol.org> hosts the WAR presentation without cost on The Patrol Pages (http://www.patrol.org). Three region patrols (Canaan Valley, Hidden Valley, and Seven Springs) also have presentations on The Patrol Pages, and space is available for additional region sections or patrols who want a Web presence. Please contact Jim with requests for space or other suggestions for the WAR Web presentation.

NSP Instructor Web

NSP has a new Instructor Web on the Internet at http://www.patrol.org/instructor/index.htm. This official NSP site has a home page and a variety of instructor tips and other items for each NSP discipline (avalanche, instructor development, leadership development, mountaineering, nordic, outdoor emergency care, and ski and toboggan). The presentation also includes an open Instructor Forum for all NSP members. All material on NSP Instructor Web is approved by the respective NSP programs, so it is the official stuff from the national organization.

Like the non-official Instructor Resources page (http://www.patrol.org/resource/index.htm), NSP Instructor Web depends on contributions from NSP instructors and patrollers. Please e-mail lesson slides, teaching tips, and other items you would like to share to webmaster@patrol.org or contact Jim Blauch for hardcopy mailing address. NSP Instructor Web is hosted without cost to NSP on The Patrol Pages (http://www.patrol.org/index.htm).

A word from Lois Dupre

May I say a few words before the benediction. I've written them down, because they come…. Not from the top of my head, but from the bottom of my heart.

The future is unknown to all of us - so, I want to take this opportunity to express my pride, my faith, my love and my respect for the members of the Seven Springs Ski Patrol.

In 1954, Phillip Dupre and Tyler Davis made a commitment to the idea of a Seven Spring's Patrol. I'm certain their vision did not imagine the awesome patrol building, the state of the art equipment or the expanded ski area. What their vision did include however, was a group of caring, dedicated, knowledgeable, and well trained men and women - and this has never changed.

Avalanche!!!
by Tyler Davis

A few patrollers have expressed disappointment that we did not have a basic Avalanche course. Dave Sheaffer and I usually set the tentative dates well before the fall refreshers. We try to find a site different from the previous years location. We publicize the information and have a registration sheet to sign. There is sufficient information on these sheets to allow people to register. Many patrollers will verbalize an interest but will not sign the sheet.

Instructors must have assurance of the number of student as an appropriate class room will be needed. Will there be enough participants to have a good probe line exercise? It is not possible to put a course together in a short time nor is it practical to have several classes in the same general vicinity. To be fair Patroller's must be willing to do some travel to different sites The Basic Avalanche course is a prerequisite for the Advance course. It is interesting, informative and may be a life saver if you ski in in avalanche country, so please sign up EARLY and join us when we have our next course.

"Let us bow our heads in prayer:
Oh God, we celebrate the ending of another successful ski season. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to enjoy our recreation while being mindful of those who need our help. We thank you for the physical and emotional benefits we enjoy as we renew our spirits on this mountain. We especially thank you for the close personal friendships we have developed throughout the years. We ask you to watch over and protect us and our loved ones during the summer, and that we may come together again next winter in Thy service.
Amen."

- Speech given by Lois Dupre at Seven Springs Ski Patrol season ending banquet. Provided by Jack Winters.

Instructor Info
by Bryant Hall

Instructor Refresher Participation

It is extremely important that all OEC instructors attend a refresher before assisting in instructing a refresher. Attending a refresher allows the instructor to become more familiar with the material to be covered.

It also allows new techniques and information to be communicated to the instructor prior to instructing at a refresher. As with patrollers, some instructors do not remain active in the off season. The instructor refreshers are an excellent way to begin the preparation for the ski season.

Remember, the OEC program will be only as good as we make it. This past year, several instructors were allowed to instruct without attending a refresher. This will not be allowed this year. An effort will be made to ensure that the instructor of record will receive a list of refreshed instructors.

I will enforce the regional requirement this year that all instructors instruct at least two refreshers in addition to their own refresher. Refresher courses are very intensive with regard to staffing. Remember, this is an excellent way to pick up new techniques for your personal use and to bring back to your patrol.

The regional IT staff will be reviewing candidates for additional IT positions. I will be contacting the division to set up an IT orientation class. The date and time will be announced as soon as things are firmed up.

Just a reminder, it is the individual instructor's responsibility to maintain a log of his/her activities. As the regional OEC Administator, I need information to access the individual instructors, for making recommendations for renewal of individual instructor recertification.

The Senior Program
by Cathy Setzer

Many of you reading this have vivid imaginations. Let's put that imagination to work for a moment or two. Imagine that you just got a call into your patrol room that your largest chairlift is down, several chairs have swung and tossed customers to the ground. There are scared people in the chairs and on the ground; there are injured people in the chairs and on the ground. Chaos is beginning to ensue. Who do you call? Forget about mass casualty and all that complicated stuff for a minute, and put away your emergency response protocol. You have to call patrollers to come help you with this scene. Let's suppose that you may call any 10 patrollers to come help you, only 10. Write down their names.

Okay, why did you list those particular people?

Now write down 5 reasons why you would call those people first? (Now, be serious, please!)

My hope is that your 5 reasons match some of the ones on my list of what I think a Senior Patroller should be.

These include the following:

• Above average decision maker
• Great at problem management
• Strong leaderships skills
• Very strong emergency care skills
• Strong skiing skills
• I trust this person
• This person can care for me if I am ever injured

The goal of the Senior Program is to help you become one of those 10 people on the list. Granted, some patrollers are not destined for greatness, but I don't know one of you who doesn't have the desire to do the best you can in any situation.

"The Senior Program is designed to provide a forum in which patrollers can enhance personal skiing/snowboarding and toboggan handling proficiency, improve their ability to handle OEC-related problems, and expand their overall patrolling knowledge and skills. In addition, the program prepares patrollers for leadership roles within the NSP." (Ski Patroller's Manual I look forward to each and every patrol clinic I attend. Why? Because I know that I will learn something new--no matter what the subject. I look forward to Senior clinics especially because I often learn new ideas from other patrollers who I don't normally ski with, and learn how they do things at their areas. And, most of these folks are pretty decent people, besides that, they clinic because they, too, want to be better at what they do.

Ask your Patrol Director for the list of clinics in the region. We're there to help you--to offer learning experiences which are enjoyable and informa

Awards and Recognition
by Carl Rebele

Thanks very much for acknowledgment of your patrollers. Yellow, Blue and Purple Merit Stars nominations have been approved by Eastern Division and NSP in Lakewood and are being received.

National Appointments and Leadership Commendation Appointment are in process. Good Job. I always look forward to meeting with you, so please call.

This is the second opportunity that I have to be your Awards Coordinator and am available by e-mail cred@mail2.gcnet.net. Jack Winter, Asst RD is also helping with the awards, so don't hesitate to get him involved. His e-mail is jwkw1@juno.com.

Always keep in mind that it usually takes 45 days to process any nomination. The National appointments and Outstanding Awards require a good deal of research, so if you miss this year lets get started for the year of 2000.

Senior S&T
by John Miller

When many patrollers see the title Regional Ski & Toboggan Advisor, they may think to themselves ·that"s the person who runs the Senior Program._ While overseeing the Senior Ski and Toboggan training and evaluation in the region is one of the important roles of the job, there is more.

The Senior Program is actually an Eastern Division sponsored training program. It is one of 6 Division ski and toboggan training programs available for regions, local patrols or individuals to use. The other 5 programs are:

• Senior Continuing Education Clinic - For the existing senior to brush up on skills. We usually wrap this into our regular senior candidate clinics in the Western Appalachian Region.
• Phase 2 Toboggan Instructor"s course - Open to any patroller interested in improving skills. Recommended for any patroller involved in toboggan training at the local patrol.
• Skier/Snowboard/Telemark Enhancement Seminar - Two day clinic/lesson staffed by specially selected PSIA instructors. A good opportunity for any patroller to improve general skiing/boarding skills.
• Ski Trainers Workshop - Designed to help ski trainers improve their evaluative skills and to teach trainers basic exercises to use in training patrollers.

Some of the programs are offered at various areas around the division a few times a season. The schedule and locations are usually set by early December. Interested patrols and/or patrollers can get schedules from the S & T Advisor, or any Division Staff member.Other programs can be scheduled in our region on an as needed basis. Again interested parties should contact their Regional S & T Advisor or the Regional Director.

The Senior Program is a good opportunity for motivated Patrollers to improve their skills as patrollers, but it obviously isn"t for everyone.

"Skiing is not a way of life.
Rather, skiing is life."
- Kent Kreitler