by Grant Fullman, Division Director | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Spotlight Articles
Webster’s dictionary says a receipt is, “a writing acknowledging the receiving of goods or money.” The first item in the Eastern Division Expense Reimbursement Policy says, “Receipts for expense, including meals, lodging, travel and miscellaneous expenses, must accompany all reimbursement request. The receipts must show the items purchased.” We need receipts since we are accountable for how we spend member funds. Simple, at least so far…
Every receipt should include four elements that answer these questions:
1. What? (say what was purchased)
2. When? (when it was purchased)
3. How much? (dollar amount spent)
4. Who? (who bought it)
If any of these items are missing, reimbursement can be problematic or at least delayed. So, it’s best to check any receipt to make sure these items are covered – and do that before you leave the point of sale, since there’s no better time to get any missing information than while you are still with the person who issued the receipt. A credit card receipt is not sufficient because it usually doesn’t show what was purchased. Taking a picture with your smartphone is an easy way to preserve the receipt.
One other thought: if the item is unusual, a few words of explanation on the reimbursement request form will go a long way towards a timely and successful outcome. Simple!
by Linda Clifford, Asst. Eastern Division OEC Supervisor | Sep 16, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
While I was editing the current Instructor Guide I thought back at my own various exposures to MCI events over the course of my experience beginning in the mid-70s as a young ski patroller at one of the first half dozen major US ski lift accidents. I have worked in both ski patrol and EMS since 1973.
I recall that first incident with feelings of sheer panic. I was 18 years old and assigned to gather and deliver equipment to the scene where a dozen skiers were injured and more trapped. My role was clear and within my capability, a quite necessary role. Nonetheless, I was left with a feeling of inadequacy and achievement. Reflect on that for a moment!
Since then, I have attended training for large scale MCIs—airplane crashes, shootings, bus accidents, hazmat incidents, and more. All these exercises were chaotic events, each a learning experience. Even when the outcome is positive, the event is frenzied.
These are the “Dress Rehearsals.” I have been involved in real-life, smaller-scale MCIs—multiple vehicle accidents, bus accidents, chemical spills, a nursing home fire, and a small explosion. The results continue to be controlled chaos with productive outcomes.
The thought of a major event still leaves me with a feeling of trepidation. The point was and is, even in an exercise, expect the chaos, expect the trepidation. It is going to happen!
by Dave McCoy, Snowbound Program Advisor | Sep 13, 2025 | Ski Industry News, Spotlight Articles
Winter is almost here — and we’re kicking it off in a big way at the Snowbound Expo in Boston, November 14-16. The National Ski Patrol will once again be front and center as an exhibitor, and we want you to be part of the action.
Snowbound isn’t just another trade show — it’s the ultimate preseason celebration of skiing and riding in New England. More than 20,000 snow lovers will pack the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center to meet their favorite athletes, check out the latest gear, and dream about the season ahead.
The lineup this year is stacked: Olympic champion Hannah Kearney, World Cup racer Alice Merryweather, snowboard legend Todd Richards, and the always-entertaining Donny Pelletier are just a few of the names drawing crowds. Add big brands like Nordica, Rossignol, K2, Salomon, and Fischer, plus resorts from Killington to Sugarloaf, and the excitement is nonstop.
And right in the middle of it all is our NSP booth — a place where people can discover what our patrol is all about. It’s where kids and parents, skiers and riders, beginners and experts, all stop to hear our stories, learn how patrol makes the mountain safer, and maybe even imagine themselves joining our ranks someday.
That’s where you come in. Your energy, your stories, and your passion for patrol are what make our presence unforgettable.
For now, all we ask is that you save the date and start picturing yourself in the middle of this high-energy weekend. In the weeks ahead, we’ll share details about booth schedules and how you can get involved.
Snowbound is always a blast — part ski show, part reunion, part recruitment rally—and it’s one of the best chances we have all year to connect with the winter community. Let’s show everyone what the National Ski Patrol is all about.
See you at Snowbound!
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 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 Trail Sweep Staff | Jul 4, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
-
OET Steering Committee Meeting – The Hermitage, VT – August 2-3, 2025- Certified Boot Camp – Ski Roundtop, PA – August 15-17, 2025
- Eastern Division Fall Officers’ Meeting – via Zoom – September 5, 2025
- Enhanced Patroller School – Swain Mountain, NY – September 12-14, 2025
- Bike Patrol Event – ENY or WMASS – September 13-24, 2025
- AMN Instructor Refresher – Pike Glades, NH – September 27-28, 2025
- Snowbound Expo 2025 – Boston Convention & Exhibition Center – November 14-16, 2025
- Eastern Snow & Avalanche Workshop – Fryeburg, ME – Late Fall 2025
- MTR Level 1 – Highland Forest, NY – December 12, 13, 14, 2025
- NSP/PSPA Certified Pretest – Killington, VT – February 6, 2026
- Killington Patroller School – Killington, VT – February 7-8, 2026
- Level 2 Avalanche Class – Whiteface, NY – Early March 2026
- Division YAP Event – Location TBD – March 2026
- Certified Weekend – Sugarloaf, ME – March 13-15, 2026
- Spring Officers’ Meeting – The Desmond, Albany, NY – May 1-3, 202
by Tim Franz, Bike Supervisor | Jul 4, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
Some updates from the bike program, where our season is in full swing across the Division.
- The Bike Program advisors and a select group of patrol representatives are meeting on the first Wednesday of each month to continue to build the program across the Eastern Division. If you are a regional bike advisor or patrol rep and would like to be included, let me know.
- John Wolf of Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol has been appointed as the Assistant Bike Program Supervisor for the Division.
- We have rolled out the bike program ITs and instructors across NY and MA. We’re still looking for ITs and instructors in many other regions.
- Judy Valachovic writes that “The Genesee Valley Region proudly hosted its fourth annual Women’s Mountain Bike Enhancement Seminar on Sunday, May 18. This collaborative effort between the Women’s Program and the Bike Program brought together female riders of all skill levels for a day focused on growth, connection, and fun.
- The event kicked off with a hands-on bike tech session led by local rider and bike shop owner Jamie Gruttadauira. Beth Barrese, a GVR patroller and bike instructor, taught some of the Bike 1 skills, including a thorough safety check.
- The heart of the day was a two-hour instructional ride, led by a trio of local mountain biking experts, including Case Hamilton, a bike patroller, skills instructor, and ski patroller; Anne Schweighardt, a well-known member of the local mountain bike community; and Alexa Harding, an athlete and racer.
- To close the day, Kaitlyn Vittozzi led a calming yoga session, helping riders stretch, recover, and ground themselves after a rewarding morning on the trails.”
- Watch for information about a weekend program on September 14-15 where we’ll be working to plan for the next 2-3 years, ride together on some trails, meet with other bike patrollers (and potential bike patrollers!), and learn together.
For information, contact me at bike@easterndivisionnsp.org or John at john.wolf@libertyskipatrol.org.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Jul 4, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
Hello everyone, 
I’m Rob West, your new Division Avalanche Supervisor. I’ve been involved with the program for the past 10 years and currently patrol in Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington. Though the ski season is over, our amazing team of instructors is already planning for next season!
We have six events coming up, starting in September. The AMN Refresher will be held in New Hampshire this year from September 26-28. This is a great event to refresh some of your skills and learn new ones. The Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop will be held in late fall in Fryeburg, Maine.
Next winter, we will be running three Level 1 Avalanche courses at the usual venues. We’ll also be running a Level 2 class at Whiteface in early March. This is a great class to enhance your understanding of the snowpack, making observations, and developing higher-level avalanche rescue skills. Stay tuned for final dates, which will be posted late summer.
Feel free to reach out if I can help you in any way.
by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Jul 4, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
Yes, it’s very steep!
The OET Steering Committee will meet during the 1st weekend in August to plan for the upcoming season. We expect another busy year with a continued focus on “Building Great Instructors,” ensuring an excellent Senior OET program, movement analysis training, and a video course related to our OET skills and toboggan work.
We anticipate patroller schools at the following locations: Timberline/Canaan Valley (a three-division school in collaboration with Southern and Central), Elk Mountain, Killington, Gore, Plattekill, and a northern location TBD.
We’re working on some new options, such as skiing the steeps, trees, and bumps for those looking to enhance their personal skiing.
As soon as the details are in place, the information will be available on the Patroller School website, the division calendar, and published in Trail Sweep.
