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W. A. R. Nordic News

Jerry Timcik

Old news (but still exciting) was the fantastic snow that brought cross-country skiers out of everywhere to sample everything from the Laurel Highland of PA to Canaan Valley of WV. Touring and back country skiing was at it's best this year. Nordic Patrol Events started the first Saturday in October with the "On the Trail" held at Hidden Valley. This year was also a M. T. R. Fundamental Course and Level I for those who stayed on the over night and camped in the North Woods Area. It was a great success. Special thanks to Ed Callahan, Bureau of Forestry, and Guy Lombardo, Regional Director, for their help on this events. Other Events throughout the season were a Nordic Skills Seminar held at Laurel Mt. and Nordic Senior Clinic and Evaluation held at Highland Forrest near Syracuse, NY New news- Both Laurel and H.V. increased their patrol size this year and I have several folks interested in joining us next season as candidates. The "On the Trail Refresher" will be held as usual, on the first Saturday (10-4-03) of October, so please mark your calendars now. This is open to all patrollers, not just Nordic; who are interested in life outside a lift service area. Other events to follow throughout the season - we will keep you posted.

The Senior Emergency Management Module (OEC) in the Western APPS is alive and well. This past season (2003) the class had a 100% pass rate. Which reflects the hard work and dedication of the twelve senior candidates who attended the clinics each Sunday in some of the nastiest weather we've had in a long time.

The Senior EMM is designed to advance the patroller's skills in Decision Making, Problem Management and Leadership. Yes, good basic OEC skills are a must but are not the entire focus of Senior EMM. We will work on developing you as a leader, being able to step back and manage a group of patrollers during an incident.

Space is limited and classes are now forming. For an application or information about the program, please contact:

Bob Snoby-Senior EMM

Regional Director- 814-539-3490

snobees@charter.net

Tentative Schedule for 2004 Senior EMM training:

Sunday Jan 11th @ Seven Springs

Sunday Jan 18th @ Hidden Valley

Sunday Jan 25th @ Laurel Mt.

Sunday Feb 1st @ WISP

Sunday Feb 8th @ Seven Springs

Sunday Feb 15th @ Hidden Valley

Sunday Feb 22nd @ Laurel Mt.

Sunday Feb 29th Final Eval @ WISP

All locations are subject to change due to number of candidates that are signed up for each location and date.