Old News

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