by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Yes, it’s very steep!
OET Steering is excited to announce a diverse lineup of events across the division for the upcoming season. These events offer valuable opportunities for patrollers to learn, grow, and connect with fellow patrollers.
Patroller Schools have a rich history of providing patrollers the opportunity to learn from the best instructors, including Division Staff and Certified Patrollers. In fact, the Elk Mountain, Maine, and Killington Patroller Schools can trace their history back more than 30 years when they were founded by Certified Patrollers looking to share their expertise.
Patroller Schools are awesome opportunities for patrollers at all levels to grow their OET skills and enjoy the camaraderie of meeting fellow patrollers from outside their home mountains. Events will include Senior, Women’s, and Certified level training. Schools will also offer top level PSIA coaches to help hone your ski, snowboard, and tele technique.
In addition, instructors and TEs will have several Ski Trainer Workshops (STWs) to choose from to help maintain and grow their skill sets. We will continue our theme of “Building Great Instructors” for a second year as we provide multiple opportunities for instructor development.
Here is a tentative list of this season’s events. More details to come in the coming months in Trail Sweep and at Patrollerschool.org.
Patroller Schools
1. Timberline/Canaan Valley – Jan 10 – 11
2. Maine Region – Jan 24-25
3. Elk – Jan 24-25
4. Plattekill – Jan 31-Feb 1
5. Sugarbush (Steeps, Trees, and Bumps) – Feb 5 tentative
6. Killington – Feb 7-8
7. Gore – Feb TBD
Ski Trainer Workshops (STWs) Dates TBD
1. Jay Peak
2. Sugarbush
3. Catamount
4. Holiday Valley
5. Waterville Valley
6. Ski Liberty
7. Sugarloaf
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Brant Maley, certified #523 and Ski Roundtop patroller (a Vail Resort), and the staff of both the resort and the Certified Program delivered in August, what is being hailed as one of the best boot camps in the program’s history! The venue was outstanding; the participants were incredible, and the weather cooperated.
Activities included a ropes course, fishing, camping, cookouts, firepit discussions, and an all-around good time. We had over 60 participants over the 2.5 day event. Industry experts participated in open, town-hall-type forums talking about lift evacuation and risk management.
We spoke about the credentialing aspect of entering the Certified Program and we trained on all the modules including:
→ OEC (assessments, team OEC problems, and bystander problems)
→ Avalanche (including beacon searches and focused-probing exercises)
→ Low Angle Rescue (from fundamentals like knot tying and their applications to actually setting up systems in real-life situations)
→ Outdoor Risk Management (roundtable discussions)
→ Lift Evacuation (honing the skills needed to support our management)
Well, since we had no skiing we practiced our skills on the Onewheel Pint X.
Sunday morning things were brought together with two significant scenarios where all the skills learned were put to use!
Thank you to all the participants.
As we prep for the upcoming season, some Certified Program key dates to keep in mind are:
Credentials due – January 1, 2026
Pre-test – Killington Resort, February 6
Patroller School – Killington Resort, February 7-8
Exam – Sugarloaf Maine, March 18-22
If you have questions on our program, each reg and other events across the division this year.
by Mark Kendrick, NH Region Assistant YAP Advisor | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Program News
July 24-27, young adults, past, present, and future, Eastern Division YAP and OEC supervisors, and the New Hampshire Region YAP Advisor gathered to take on the challenge of the mountain bike craze. We all met at the Country Aire Campground, where we set up a variety of stays, everything from the good old tent setup to what some would call Glamping (I prefer to call it staying in comfort and style). That night sitting around the campfire, we discussed our plans for the next few days. It was decided we would take on the challenge of Thunder Mountain Bike Park on Friday.
After a hearty breakfast on Friday, we loaded up the trucks with our bikes and headed over to Thunder Mountain. After signing the standard waivers, we donned personal safety gear and headed to the lifts. We were led by Jason Tamulen, the Eastern Division OEC Supervisor and bike patroller, to the top and after some discussion and planning we learned the motto Pre-ride, Re-ride, Free ride. No different than doing a trail check, warm-up lap, and then letting it rip.
With nine people in the group, we had all levels from first-timer (this guy) to experienced YAPs who race and compete. With coaching from Craig Larson, Eastern Division YAP Supervisor, and Jason we learned how to ride within our abilities and coached to learn new skills and expand our boundaries for riding.
We zigged and zagged, twisted and turned, up and down as we made our way down the trails. We learned about riding strategies and how to use our momentum to carry us through various obstacles along the way. After each run, we assessed our ride and talked about how to improve all while riding the lift back to the top.
After a much-needed lunch and many bottles of water and Gatorade, we went back out to try some more challenging trails. This time we met up with no-gap jumps. Newcomers could roll through if they wanted. Through the woods and along the trails, you could hear the whoop whoops, yeehaw, and ‘Hang on Snoopy’ all the way down. At the end there was a large ramp where, if you didn’t carry enough momentum, you would roll back down the hill.
One last run down a technical trail (means lots of rocks to this guy) and we were physically spent, well, at least the adults were. Fortunately, our leader treated us to some ice cream from a local food truck. It tasted way too good after the day we all had.
At a great dinner sitting at the campfire, it was decided we would try and tackle some local cross-country trails. After some research using an app, we decided the trails of Catamount State Forest would be our target. Saturday’s breakfast was eaten, we loaded trucks with as many bikes as possible so we could minimize our parking, and headed to the trailhead.
After slowly working our way up a dirt road that ended more like a 4×4 trail, we found our parking spots. Some had to park further down as their vehicle just did not have enough clearance for the trail. We met up and under the navigation of Zach Larson we headed out, then turned around and headed a different way.
Well, let me say this, these trails were not well-traveled and were quite an adventure. Some of us felt like we were just taking the bikes out for a walk (lots of hills to climb). Did I say we were all in shape? Well, maybe not enough. Anyway, we scrambled up, up, and more up and then a little down.
We came across a great little spot to dry camp back in the woods alongside a small pond. From there we kept our adventure going with everyone encouraging and cheering each other on. The YAPs would find lines to take their bikes on. The adults would just stop and watch with big smiles as they negotiated through the challenges.
Along the way, we came upon a large stone with an American flag flying over it. It stated this was the first flag raised over a public schoolhouse in 1812. Pretty amazing and odd to find that in the middle of the woods. Further up the trail we found a sign pointing to a Bear Cave; after checking things out, we continued along our way making a 5-mile loop back to the vehicles.
Loading up, we headed back to the campground and quickly changed to head to a local swimming hole we passed along our drive. We all jumped in for a refreshing and well-deserved swim. Then back to the camp for some dinner and story time. Sunday morning, we were met with some light rain while packing up camps, but all was done with big smiles from an adventurous weekend with family and friends.
To learn more about YAP programs in your area, contact your region YAP advisor, or visit the YAP page on the Eastern Division Website.
by Kathy Fitzpatrick, Safety Supervior | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Program News
The Mission: The Eastern Division Safety & Wellness Team is offering live presentations to educate all about the importance of
stress awareness.
Why: Studies have shown that first responders who are educated and aware of the signs and symptoms of stress injury fare much better than those who are not. Our job is to care for your patrol members and to help support and retain them.
How: We will send a Safety & Wellness Team member to deliver a 5-minute presentation, “Wellness for All,” followed by a brief discussion at your option.
Where: At your region with your patrol.
When: At your Annual Refresher, On-The-Hill event, and/or your OEC or OET classes.
Please email Kathy Fitzpatrick to reserve a date and time for our team to help your patrol deal with stress!
by Harriet Frawley, Memorial/Scholarship Advisor | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Program News
As students return to their studies this fall, please join me in congratulating our 2025 David J. Nelson Memorial Scholarship recipients. Your generous donations to the Memorial Fund allowed us to award seven scholarships and two honorable mentions at this year’s Spring Officer’s Meeting.
$1,250 SCHOLARSHIPS
Ian Campbell, Belleayre/SNY
A recent graduate of Xavier High School in NYC, Ian was a leader of Xavier’s Jr. ROTC Regiment, served as Vice-Captain of a competitive fitness team – the Xavier Raiders, and was VP of the Rock Climbing Club. He also volunteered at Mercy Center in the Bronx, providing one-to-one English and math tutoring to elementary school students. Academically, he’s explored his varied interests by participating in summer programs like Worldstrides Biotechnology at UCSD, the Veritas AI Scholars program and Cooper Union’s Sustainable Building Materials Program. Ian plans to study Engineering at Dartmouth where he looks forward to joining the Dartmouth Ski Patrol.
Greta Marino, Swain/Genesee Valley
Greta is a sophomore BSN Nursing Student at Binghamton University. A third-generation patroller, she patrols at Swain along with 
her mother and grandfather. Named Genessee Valley’s Outstanding Young Adult Patroller in 2023, Greta’s completed the training necessary to become an OEC Instructor. At Binghamton University, she’s a member of the Student Nursing Association, the Outdoors Club and the Ski Club. Greta has a deep personal connection to pediatric oncology nursing, having lost a close friend to childhood cancer. Greta feels that drawing on experiences as a children’s softball coach throughout high school and as a patroller will help her develop skills to provide attentive and compassionate care. Her long-term goal is to become a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner.
Emma Watermann, Oak Mountain/ENY
Emma graduated from Broadalbin Perth Jr./Sr. High School where she participated in the A/V Club, Drama Club, Track & Field, New 
Visions Health Careers club and as captain of the ski team. It was through ski racing that she first learned of the opportunity to become a patroller. With a passion for STEM, she is the recipient of the RIT Women in Stem and Howard E. Reese Alumni of the Year scholarships. Recently, as she’s learned more about biology and life sciences, Emma became intrigued in medicine, leading her to take OEC and become a patroller. She says, “Even though this was my first year on patrol, I don’t think I have ever been so happy about a choice I made for myself.” Emma is attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute as a Biology Major on their Pre-Med Track, seeking to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
Katherine Tedesco, Holimont/WNY
Kate is a sophomore at Bonaventure University, double majoring in Health Sciences and Philosophy, with a minor in Finance. She 
was inspired by her mother to follow in her footsteps and become a patroller. Kate has completed Sr. OEC, is an OEC Instructor and a secondary on Holimont’s Bike Patrol. In 2024, she received WNY’s George Pfister Memorial Award for OEC Instruction. Initially planning to pursue a career in finance, she says that changed after her first ski patrol incident. While in high school, she attended classes at Buffalo General Hospital, observing surgeries in the OR and spending time in patient care areas. She says, “Seeing healthcare professionals in action and witnessing the impact they had on patients solidified my decision to pursue a medical career. My studies are providing me with a well-rounded perspective on healthcare, the human experience, and the practical aspects of financial decision-making in the field.” She seeks to become a Doctor or Physician Assistant.
Selina Guendel, Belleayre/SNY
Selina is enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Marist University. She began patrolling as a YAP in 2008, completed Sr. OEC and OET in 2016, and plans to become an OET Instructor and T/E. Selina’s volunteer activities include a Cognitive Loss 
Exercise Group, Diabetic Foot & Footwear Screenings, a Falls Prevention & Group Exercise class, Parkinson’s Stretch Clinic, and athlete fitness screenings for Special Olympics. In her own words, “My growing understanding of the human body and its movement aligns perfectly with my aspiration to become an OET instructor and T/E. I never imagined that my interests in ski patrol and physical therapy would intertwine so seamlessly—beyond addressing injuries! I envision hosting pre-season workouts and hip mobility classes specifically for patrollers and creating a series of educational videos on hip flexibility for sled skills, which I’d love to one day distribute through the NSP.
$500 HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nathaniel Kowaleski, Elk Mountain/EPA
Nate is a sophomore at York College of Pennsylvania studying Civil Engineering. He is joined at Elk by his father, uncle and younger brother. Nate has completed Senior OET. In high school, he was the captain of the Freehold Boro Varsity Swim Team and an NHS member. Nate held various jobs during school breaks, including lifeguarding. Last winter, he worked at the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex in Lake Placid on the hill maintenance team. Tasks included snowmaking, event preparations, building venue features such as aerials jumps and preparing the landing hill, and working FIS World Cup events.
Audrey Chagnon, Bousquet/WMASS
Audrey is a 2025 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School. There, she was involved with the school paper and yearbook, was a 
WMASS finalist in varsity track and field and joined the ski team specifically to improve her ski skills for patrolling. Audrey was also president of a club named “No Place for Hate,” which identifies problems in the school and community and explores way to resolve them, offering a safe place for students to reach out to. She also volunteered with the Berkshire Humane Society. She says “I started shadowing ski patrollers during my first season skiing ever. I fell in love and since then it’s been my winter priority.” Audrey is majoring in Finance at Keene State College.
by John Beach, Historian | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Spotlight Articles
MOUNTAINFEST
On June 26, 2025, the Eastern Division participated for the fifth consecutive year in Mountainfest at Fort Drum. Each year, the 10th Mountain Division opens to the public for an all-day open house on Division Hill and, on average, 10,000 people attend.
Highlights of the day included live demonstrations by the soldiers firing 155mm Howitzers, deploying the cannons by Blackhawk helicopters, mock firefights in both cold and warm weather gear, a live rock band, many vendors, and a multitude of food trucks.
Every year, the Eastern Division has staffed a booth with leaders from different programs to help explain the shared history of the 10th and NSP – and how this relationship continues to grow. We provided abbreviated CPR demos, knot tying demos, and handed out NSP promotional items.
This year, the booth crew included Kathy Fitzpatrick, Division Safety Advisor; Frey Aarnio, former SVT Region Director; Sue-Ellen Helmacy, Division Awards Advisor; and Scott Launt, CNY Region Alumni Advisor.
10th MOUNTAIN ALPINE CLUB
On June 25th, the evening before Mountainfest, the Eastern Division was honored to be invited to the 2nd annual 10th Mountain Alpine Club reunion. The 10th Mountain Alpine Club promotes a broad mix of alpine activities for its members – both soldiers and civilians. The Alpine Club was created by 1st Sergeant Dan Fields, Watertown Ski Patrol at Dry Hill, and LtCol (Ret) Marc Cleveland, president and vice president respectively.
The reunion was held at the Cleveland’s beautiful century-old farm in LaFargeville, NY. The Eastern Division was well represented by Rick Hamlin (National Historian), Kathy Fitzpatrick, Frey Aarnio, Scott Launt, Sue-Ellen Helmacy, and me, all current members of
the 10th Mountain Alpine Club.
Along with us were members of the 10th Mountain Association, a long-established veterans’ organization, as well as current soldiers from the 10th including Dan Fields. There was plenty of food and drink, but best of all great conversation.
I would strongly recommend that Eastern Division members do a search for the 10th Mountain Alpine Club. You should find their website and explanation of the two levels of membership and how to join. I would be glad to answer any questions.
by Linda Clifford, Asst. Eastern Division OEC Supervisor | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Many of you have heard of the ‘newly revived’ OEC Senior Aid Room Management Module. This program was initiated in 2018 but was never effectively launched in the Eastern Division. It is hoped that the information here will dispel some of the questions and concerns surrounding the course and promote momentum to establish a quality program in our division.
The Aid Room Management Module of the Senior Program (AR-MSP) was initially designed to offer a path to obtain NSP Senior for those individuals who would not be completing the OET portion of the Senior Program.
The Senior Aid Room Management Module is not a requirement to become an Alpine or Nordic/Backcountry Senior. It is, however, a requirement to become a Senior Patroller along with the OEC Module of the Senior Program (OECMSP) and four additional Senior Electives. Much, if not all, of the AR-MSP can potentially be completed virtually.
The goal of the AR-MSP is to enhance the Senior Patroller Candidate’s skills and knowledge of aid room procedures and related area policies. The training emphasizes further development of skills in leadership, decision making and problem management while enhancing existing OEC aid room skills. It is intended to follow the policies of a candidate’s local patrol and includes written responses, scenario discussions, and hands-on scenarios.
Topics include:
• Aid Room triage and resource management
• Medical interventions and treatment within the aid room environment
• Conflict Resolution
• Interaction with EMS, medical personnel, police, etc.
• Interfacing/communication with patrollers on scene and in the aid room, and area management.
To teach any NSP course, one must have first completed the course. Since the program is relatively new to our division, the first stage will be to train AR-MSP instructors and evaluators. This involves appointing a Senior Training Coordinator or STC for the AR-MSP in each region. This should be an individual, other than the OEC-MSP STC, who is enthusiastic and has strong OEC and leadership qualities and skills.
Once a region has a trained staff qualified to implement the program, it can be offered to local patrollers at large. It is the hope of the Eastern Division that this program can be launched for all in the very near future.
If this program appeals to you, please reach out to your local ROA, Asst. OEC Division Supervisor, or OEC Eastern Division Supervisor.
by Grant Fullman, Division Director | Jul 4, 2025 | Division News, Spotlight Articles
Although the run-up to winter is probably the last thing on our minds during July heat, each passing day is a little bit shorter, and this will continue until mid-December. I’ve been back driving the car the past four weeks, after ten weeks of “home confinement” following injury in March and ankle surgery on April 1. With lots of physical therapy, I’m seeing slow progress toward where I’ll need to be when the snow flies. Getting my swollen right foot back into a ski boot might remain the biggest challenge
We often hear the term “patrol family,” but I doubt many of us ever fully grasp the concept until we see it in action. The commitment of that “family” was positively proven during my confinement since I couldn’t drive and my wife hasn’t driven in years due to low vision. Patrollers brought me to doctor’s appointments and to the hospital for surgery.
Patrollers brought us home-cooked meals, picked up our mail at the post office, hauled our trash, checked our other house 90 miles away, delivered groceries that we ordered online, replaced the dead battery in our car, helped take the plow off my truck, picked up milk at the local convenience store, and just stopped to visit and help us keep our sanity. Some traveled 50 to 100 miles each way, just to get to our house in North Creek so they could help us out, and then covered the same distance on their way home. And some did this repeatedly after a long day’s work.
Many more just called to check on us and wish us well. I’ve done my best to thank them, but the debt will never be fully repaid – and I suppose that’s just how it goes with “family” such as this! You all have my eternal gratitude!
July 1 marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for NSP and the Eastern Division. Every patrol will need to complete a Form 990 and submit these to their Region Treasurer by July 15 for the fiscal year just ended. And, every Region Treasurer will need to forward a consolidated Region 990 to Dallas Coffman, our Division Treasurer, by August 1. Dallas sent an email to the Region Treasurers with further details on June 29; please help get this done on time, so Dallas won’t have to ask your RD (or me) to chase after you!
July is also when program activities for the coming year start to pick up. OEC refresher materials are now available from National for OEC instructors, beginning the refresher process that will take us through the fall. Certified Boot Camp is coming to Ski Roundtop in the EPA Region in August, and the Enhanced Patroller School will be at Swain in the Genesee Valley Region in September. Please check the Eastern Division calendar and don’t wait too long, since these events fill up fast!
Stay strong and enjoy every day!
by Grant Fullman, Division Director | Jun 5, 2025 | Division News
May came to the Adirondacks, and we all know what that means: bug season! June arrived, and spring skiing is done, but there’s biking, rafting, hiking, and yard work a-plenty! Unfortunately for me, none of those are on my list of possibilities as I continue to recover from a late March on-duty injury – still confined to our basement in North Creek, with no weight bearing and no driving!
Our leadership team showcased their accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities at the annual Spring Officers’ Meeting in Albany, the first weekend in May. We reconnected with old friends and made some new ones, had lively discussions about important issues, and had some fun, including a reunion of the previous four Eastern Division Directors (John Kane, Cal Goldsmith, John Shipman, Rick Hamlin). I only wish I could have been in the group photo with them!
Many thanks to Kate Tornese, Nancy Mayberry, Orest Ohar, and Chuck Dunn for their efforts to make the SOM very successful. Kate and Nancy ensured the venue was ready and delivered our event as planned. Orest applied considerable technological resources to every aspect of the meeting. This was key to my ability to attend most phases remotely by Zoom. Chuck Dunn became our Assistant Division Director in early April, replacing Carl Chaplin, who served with dedication and distinction until terming out on March 31. Chuck chaired the in-person meetings, while I joined via Zoom. I doubt that any new ADD has ever worked harder in their first month on the job!
Every year brings changes on the National Board, and this election cycle will fill four seats. Four current Board members are from the Eastern Division; three have terms ending this year, and two are terming out (Paul Kelly and Bob Scarlett). National Board Chair Rich Pietrafesa has done an outstanding job and will be running for re-election. Division Directors Mike Schons (Central) and Shelley Urben (Pacific Northwest) are running this year, and I invited them to join us at the SOM so we could get to know them better.
During the SOM, Sharon Freidel and Bill Cline also announced plans to run for the National Board. I am encouraged to see so many highly qualified candidates this early in the election cycle, given that the filing deadline has passed. The best candidates will represent the interests of all members, regardless of their origin, but we need to increase voter participation. Last election cycle, the Eastern Division had just under 10% voter turnout; we can and must do better, and you’ll hear more on that in the months ahead.
Please don’t think of summer as the “off season.” Yes, most of us will be off the snow – but bike patrol is “on,” and this is also a great time to have fun improving and maintaining our fitness for the next on-snow season. I’m looking forward to my doctor’s clearance to bear weight, lots of physical therapy, walking, and driving a car again!
Enjoy every day!
Grant
