Eastern Division NSP's News Magazine
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GOT MTR?
If you’re interested in attending an MTR course (Mountain Travel and Rescue), I recommend reaching out as soon as possible to get yourself on the list! MTR Courses are beginning to appear on the EDiv Calendar. They can also be found on EDiv’s Patroller School.
The role of the MTR Program is to provide ski patrollers and interested members of the public with knowledge and skills that:
- Enhance their effectiveness at ski patrolling.
- Build their outdoor leadership capacities.
- Enable them to serve as assets and leader in search and rescue operations, especially in winter settings and mountain environments.
Building Partnerships with Youth Cycling
When I first arrived at a Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL) race venue a few seasons ago, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew mountain biking, I knew emergency response, but I had never seen hundreds of middle and high school riders, their families, coaches, and volunteers come together to create the kind of electric, supportive atmosphere that defines NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) events. What I discovered that day changed how I think about patrolling and community involvement.
Collaborative AMN Refresher
If you were not there, you missed it! The AMN 25 instructor continuing education refresher was a huge success! It’s going to be hard to find a location that will beat Pike Glades in New Hampshire. The weather was perfect, and we had the largest attendance ever for this event. This year we had many people who only did the online portion of the refresher. This is going to become a yearly requirement, with you only needing to attend an in person refresher once every three years.
What is a Receipt?
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)
In Memoriam – Sandy Macys
Sandy was born in Schweinfurt, Germany in 1947 of Lithuanian parents who were escaping the Russians. He moved to Vermont at the age of three and then to Connecticut when he was five.
He graduated from Paier School of Art with a professional degree in Interior Design.
In 1969, Sandy started patrolling at Mt. Southington, CT. Moving to Vermont, he became a professional patroller at Killington in 1970. In the two years he was there and in 1972 he passed the Certified test and was awarded #23. He was an active member of the program, examining in all the modules. In 2009 he was recognized by his peers in the program and was awarded Lifetime status. He joined the Sugarbush Resort Patrol in 1974.
In 1972 he discovered photography. For the next five years Sandy worked as a photographer with United Press International. In 1987 he became began a 15-year stint as a staff photographer at the Barre-Montpelier, Vermont Times Argus all the while continuing to be an active ski patroller.
In Memoriam – Chris Lindberg
Chris Lindberg, of the Hidden Valley Ski Patrol, Western Appalachian Region, passed away at the age of 74, on October 13, 2025. He joined the Ski Patrol in 1996. Chris was always smiling and willing to lend a hand with anything he could. He was a long-time OEC instructor and served as a member of the Hidden Valley Ski Patrol Board of Directors. Chris was a full-time homeowner at Hidden Valley and was active in both the HOA and the Jefferson Township community.
Chris was a Major in the United States Air Force, Retired. As Chris would put it, he served in the USAF for twenty-two years, three months, and eighteen days. His military career took him to many parts of the country and the world, including the University of Nebraska, where he graduated with his master’s in physician assistant studies and obtained his medical license. He specialized in Medical Oncology and Hematology but spent time practicing in related healthcare fields during his military
service.
In Memoriam – Walter “Buck” Berdan
Walter “Buck” G. Berdan passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, surrounded by family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on July 29, 1949, to Leonard and Margaret (Bliss) Berdan.
Buck grew up hiking, camping, swimming and caving all over New York with his brothers and his many cousins and friends. He was an Eagle Scout, a certified scuba diver, enjoyed sailing his numerous boats over the years, and he was an avid winter camper.
Buck graduated from Schoharie Central School in 1967 and enrolled in Union College, Schenectady, New York. His education was interrupted when he volunteered to serve two tours in the Vietnam War. From 1970 to 1972 Buck was a cryptographic Specialist 5 with an armored cavalry unit of the 23rd “Americal” infantry division.
Avalanche Scholarship
Even though it’s been a hot summer, I’m sure many of us are already thinking about snow!
Don’t forget to save the date for the AMN refresher this September 26-28 in Pike Glades, NH. The registration will close on September 22. This is a valuable opportunity to stay current with your skills and knowledge.
As instructors, we are always striving to do better and enhance our expertise. With that in mind, I’m excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Avalanche Scholarship are now open!
Personal Reflections on an MCI
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!
Can’t Find Award Forms?
Often, patrol directors and awards advisors don’t think about awards until just before a patrol event or as an award deadline is approaching. Don’t wait until the last minute to think about awards. The time to start working on awards is now, before the snow flies. Trouble finding forms to nominate an NSP member for an award?
Division Director’s Report – September 2025
Earlier this month I instructed at a local OEC Instructor Refresher – something I’ve done in September for many years, but this one was particularly memorable.
To start the day, I was honored to present the Eastern Division and National Outstanding Alumni Awards to Roberta Fox, whose 50+ years of NSP service, and decades of leadership as an OEC Instructor, Instructor Trainer, and Senior OEC Trainer/Evaluator are legendary. Roberta continued in all these roles as an Alumni member without skipping a beat and received a Purple Merit Star for saving a life – proving the immense value of our skills and experience even when no longer actively patrolling.
Roberta and I share a special connection because 31 years ago I was lucky enough to be one of the candidates in the first OEC course she led as the Instructor of Record. At the time, I had no idea how fortunate I was to have had such an outstanding instructor!
