Eastern Division NSP's News Magazine
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Stressed Out – Why is My Stomach in a Knot?
Let me start by introducing myself: I have been an NSP patroller for 42 years. I have patrolled at three different ski areas, one small and two larger ones, all in the New England area. I was also an EMT with the local fire department for 35 years and am still an OEC instructor.
I have been to many first aid scenes, including doing CPR on a 17-year-old on the side of a ski trail. In years past, I have felt confident about my skills; however, I am just too stressed about first aid to want to continue patrolling. Here is what it is in my head when I am patrolling now:
“Injured adult reported on Tom’s Thumb, possibly halfway down the trail.” The report comes in via the area radio, and I instantly jump up as it is my turn to take the call. My stomach turns into jelly as I grab my patrol jacket and fanny pack to head out. My head is going around and around, ‘Where is that exactly?’, ‘Why is my stomach in a knot?’, ‘What if I miss it?’, ‘What if I screw up?’’?
Nordic Fest
Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecast for Cascade Lake, NY, the Nordic Fest course was relocated to a “warmer” location at Highland Forest, Fabius, NY.
The team of Andrew “Lebo” Lebowitz, Erik Winarski, Jacob Dunnohew, James Wolff, John Ghidiu, and Ryan Schuyler, led by IOR Dave Martel and Nick Kreilach exhibited their proficiency in backcountry mountain rescue.
Battling the winds and below zero temperatures, these rescuers…
Avalanche Program Update
This winter has been cold and snowy for the Avalanche Program. The first course of the season at Whiteface Mountain, NY, saw 16 students successfully complete their Level 1 Avalanche Certification. Over three days spent outdoors in the backcountry and on the mountain, students learned how to evaluate the snowpack and execute avalanche rescues.
Students plan to use their newly found knowledge to venture onto bigger terrain out west, pursue backcountry skiing in the east, and continue on toward the Certified Program.
In Memoriam – Walter “Rudy” Carlson
Walter R. Carlson, age 91, died peacefully at his home on January 4, 2026. 
Rudy was a lifelong skier and Charter Member #3 of the National Ski Patrol’s Certified Program. The program was initiated in 1958 by:
• Harry Pollard, National Ski Patrol (NSP) Representative
• Ray Amiro, American Red Cross
• Ralph Woods, First Aid Instructor, Professional Ski Patrol Association (PSPA)
• George Wesson, NSP/PSPA
• Dexter Galusha, American Red Cross
• Wayne Doss, Springfield College
• Sunny McCawley, Cannon Mountain Ski Area
• Casey Rowley, Stratton Mountain Ski Area
• Rudy Carlson, NSP/PSPA
In notes he made at one of the group’s earliest meetings, Rudy wrote that they wanted to improve training and professionalism for the “many World War II and Korean corpsmen who wanted to tighten up the NSP system.”
In Memoriam – Lloyd Alexander
Lloyd Alexander, age 95, of North Tonawanda, NY, entered into rest on January 1, 2026. He was born on December 3, 1930, and was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Eva Alexander.
Lloyd was married for 67 years to his devoted wife, the late Dolly Alexander, with whom he built a life centered on family, adventure, and service to others.
A proud veteran of the Korean War, Lloyd carried his sense of duty and discipline throughout his life. He devoted his professional career to education, serving as a teacher and Assistant Principal at Lewiston-Porter Junior High, where he impacted generations of students.
An avid skier for more than 80 years, Lloyd was a lifetime member of the National Ski Patrol and a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America for over 40 years at Kissing Bridge.
In Memoriam – J. David Oakley
David Coakley passed away on February 12, 2026. He was the son of Joseph H. Coakley (1908-1976) and Florence M. Coakley (1910-2000) . He grew up in North Dartmouth and New Bedford, MA, where he was an accomplished scholar athlete. He went on to attend Southern Massachusetts University (now UMASS) where he played college soccer and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
David was very proud of his New Bedford, MA roots. He was an avid sailor since a young age and sailed all around Buzzards Bay, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, MA his entire life. He was particularly proud of the New Bedford Whaling History as David was a direct descendant of Captain John T. Coakley, a Whaling Captain out of New Bedford, MA.
Dave Coakley is the type of patroller we all aspire to be. He joined NSP in 1974 as a member of the Mohawk Ski Patrol and threw himself into his ski patrol career with energy and enthusiasm.
In Memoriam – Ralph Cook
Ralph Cooke of Glenwood, NJ passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 77. An avid reader with a keen intellect who loved games, Ralph warmed many lives with his good humor and insight. He was always ready to listen to others’ perspectives and share a kind word. He loved the outdoors, and spent his free time hiking, swimming, camping, and white-water rafting.
Throughout his life, Ralph was known for his generous heart, sage wit, and indominable spirit. Ralph grew up in Pompton Plains, where he served as a Boy Scout and played football as a teen. He graduated from Alfred University with a degree in English.
In Memoriam – Russell Adams King
Russ King, 96, of Manlius, NY, died at home on April 25, 2025. He was born in Syracuse, NY, on April 22, 1929, to Harry and Gladys (Adams) King. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Sarah Anne King in 1987 and the love of his life, his best friend, and wife of 60 years, Joan (Jiggy) in 2012.
At age 17, he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve while a student at Nottingham High School. This would lead to a four-year service as a Naval officer from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War.
Russ pursued a career in architecture inspired by his father, Harry, and grandfather, Melvin King, principals of King + King Architects. Russ graduated from Syracuse University School of Architecture in 1952. Russ and Jiggy met at Syracuse University in 1950 and were married in June 1952.
In Memoriam – Jerry Leff
Jerry Leff, a 57-year patroller at Seven Springs Ski Patrol in Western Pennsylvania passed away on January 21, 2026. An avid skier, Jerry will always be remembered as a loving, giving person who was always willing to help anyone. He was very generous behind the scenes helping those in need. He was also known for bringing Kosher bar-b-que baloney to the patrol’s annual Beast Feast.
Jerry was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner for over 50 years. In the summer, nothing gave him more pleasure than riding in the motorcycle motorcade with the Shiners and community parades. He also loved entertaining on his boat – the “Just Leff.”
Division Director’s Report – January 2026
I attended the annual face-to-face meeting of the National Board/Division Director/National Program Directors in Denver, January 23 and 24. The Board had a full agenda that included election of the National Chair. After two years of outstanding leadership, Rich Pietrafesa chose not to run for a third term. The Board elected Myron Allen as our new National Chair. Rich was just elected to a second three-year term and will continue to serve on the Board.Backcountry Patroller School
Are you an alpine patroller on skis? or split board? who has skins and have been doing uphill laps for fitness at your mountain? Are you a Nordic/Backcountry Patroller wishing to Improve your ski skills? Or are you any patroller wishing to learn backcountry rescue techniques? If so, then the Backcountry Patroller School at Pike Glades in Haverhill, New Hampshire is the event for you!
