by Tim Franz, Bike Supervisor | Dec 18, 2024 | Division News, Program News
Say “Alumni Patroller,” many NSP members picture a grey-haired patroller who moves slowly and has little left to contribute because their knees have given out. On the other hand, say the phrase “Bike Patroller,” and many members picture someone young speeding down a black diamond, dodging trees, and launching off gap jumps.
These images are drastically different! But here’s where these trails cross: bike patrolling allows an alumni patroller to stay active and involved. How can that be? Both images described are ridiculously outdated stereotypes. Read more to see how this relationship helps bike patrols and alumni members.
There are many ways in which bike patrols operate. Some support the typical lift-served, downhill mountain bike parks, functioning like any traditional alpine patrol. Others serve gravel paths or cross-country mountain bike trails, like Nordic or backcountry. Some patrols serve on paved bike paths that meander along rivers or lakes, offering a different experience from winter patrols. Finally, some bike patrols only provide medical support for events such as bike races.
The slower speeds when riding roads, gravel, or cross-country trails make it a perfect fit for many alums who might already be doing these activities to stay fit and active. Some bike units even allow members to use pedal-assist e-bikes, making the experience more accessible and enjoyable.
You can become a bike host as an alumni patroller with a paid NSP membership. Your alumni status remains your primary unit, while your bike host unit becomes your secondary. To become an alumni bike host, the unit you want to join must have a host program. You must also have the bike skills relevant for that unit, take the hybrid courses for your patrol (such as Bike 1), be up to date with medical, and refresh your CPR. In host units, Outdoor First Care (OFC) is sufficient medical training. If your OEC has expired, you can take NSP’s much shorter OFC course. Once you’ve met these requirements and become part of the bike patrol, your education record is updated.
Our personal experience shows how this can work. Our trails crossed when we met through our local bike unit, GROC Mountain Bike Patrol, and we’ve since become good friends. Our patrol supports cross-country mountain bike trails and events and has OEC-trained and OFC-trained host members. Skip, a retired patroller with over 50 years of experience, is our region’s alumni advisor who keeps his OEC/CPR current. Before joining, he rode his bike for his health, like many people do. Tim, an active bike and ski patroller, is a testament that you don’t need to be a daredevil to be part of a bike patrol. We often patrol together and sometimes even ski during Tim’s winter patrol shifts (though Skip is retired from alpine work).
Skip Millor (Alum!) & Tim Franz (not Alum!) patrolling together as part of the GROC Mountain Bike Unit. Image credit: Tim Franz
by Allan Miller, Alumni Supervisor | Nov 18, 2024 | Spotlight Articles
Roberta Fox’s heroic actions were celebrated with a Purple Merit Star presentation at the Royal Mountain refresher on October 24, 2024. She has retired from active patrolling but remains an OEC Instructor and Instructor Trainer. Her 50+ years of patrolling spanned five patrols in three regions. I am pleased and proud to be able to share her summary of the event with everyone.
“On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, I attended an event at The Highlands Community Center in Johnson City, NY, that ended at 6:30 p.m. We were waiting for our weekly walking group activity. At about 6:45 p.m. a resident came back and yelled at me to get the bag. I asked, “What bag–the AED?” She replied “Yes” and I grabbed the bag and headed to the parking lot. I asked if 911 had been called 911 and she replied, “Yes.”
“I went to the parking lot and found Raymond Bayer mostly in the passenger seat of his Subaru, slightly leaning toward the driver’s seat, where his wife was seated. He was not responding to her and had shallow breathing, a weak pulse, and ashen color. I opened the AED and got the pads asking someone to hold the AED. Ray is a large man; there was no way to get him out of the car and onto the pavement. I was concerned that I would not be able to do CPR and hoped the AED would properly function with positive results. At 76 I was the youngest there and the only one with CPR/AED training.
“Exposing his chest, I applied the pads and had my helper press the AED button. The analysis said that no shock was warranted. I did a sternum rub, with no response. I continued to monitor his breathing and pulse, which varied from strong to weak to unable to detect and back. The pulse varied from very fast to slow. I made certain that the pads had good contact.
“Another resident was on the phone with 911 relaying information and answering questions for the dispatcher who remained on the phone until the ambulance arrived.
“A second AED analysis advised shock and to stand clear. Shock was given with virtually no response. I did another sternum rub and continued to monitor his breathing and pulse. Again, no improvements. At times I was unable to detect a pulse or breathing. I checked to make certain the pads still had good contact. I was very concerned that I could not do CPR if necessary.
“The police department arrived and saw that I had applied the AED pads and did not interfere.
“The third AED analysis advised shock; stand clear. Shock was given and he immediately opened his eyes, raised his hands, and moved his head. He looked around and spoke. His pulse was strong.
“The fire department arrived with at least two people—one came to the vehicle with his bag, and I told him what I had done. He was surprised that the AED had shocked Ray twice but seemed very pleased that Ray was alert. I told him that I let the AED “do its thing.” He talked to Ray, who correctly answered all his questions, including his name. He repeatedly asked Ray if he had any heart, stroke, or diabetic history. Ray said no and his wife confirmed it. During the transfer of care, the town’s medical car arrived followed by the ambulance. After further checking and talking with Ray, including checking a pulse oximeter, they brought the gurney to the car. They helped Ray stand and had him sit on the gurney. I could see that his facial color was back to normal.
“I was asked how many times Ray was shocked. I repeated three analyses and two shocks. I was asked how much time was between the shocks—30 seconds or two minutes. I said the AED did the timing, so it was two minutes. Several of the responders said I had saved his life; I said it was the AED that did. The ambulance took the AED to the hospital so that they could try to download information. It was returned on Thursday.
“Before the ambulance left, I learned that Ray had the car and apartment keys in his pocket and his wife needed them. I asked one of the ambulance crew if he could get Ray’s keys. He opened the rear door and asked the person beside Ray to get his keys. Ray told the attendant they were in his right pocket.
“On Wednesday night, Thursday, and Friday, I had conversations with Ray’s daughter and his wife and was told that many of the doctors and nurses at the hospital said that without the AED, Ray would not be alive. Thursday morning his daughter told me that Ray did not have any incidents during the night, and they were continuing to do tests including echocardiograms and catheterization.
“During my Friday morning conversation with his wife, I asked her why she was in the driver’s seat since Ray always drives. She said that during the activity, he began to have a strange feeling in his left arm and some mild chest discomfort, but didn’t think anything of it. He checked his watch which monitors things and told her nothing was unusual. In the parking lot, he got in the driver’s seat. He told her he didn’t feel good and wanted to go to his doctor’s office. They switched seats. She said he was having trouble getting in. He slumped over and she yelled to a resident to call 911. That person came into the building telling me that I was needed.
“His wife said that the echocardiograms showed no muscle damage and that they were waiting for the catheterization. The medical team was leaning toward some kind of electrical incident.
“Friday evening, Ray’s wife told me that the catheterization showed his arteries were clear. He is in good spirits and eating well. Ray is 89 years young! His wife told me that he has apnea and has been told not to sleep for more than 15 minutes without his CPAP machine.”
“A defibrillator was implanted on Wednesday, July 24. Ray returned home on Thursday, July 25. Ray called on Tuesday, July 30, to thank me for everything.
“On Wednesday, July 31, Jim Morris with the Town of Union Ambulance, called for additional information about the incident. He said that he ran a printout from the AED that showed that two shocks were given. He said that the hospital staff and cardiologists could not believe that Ray had been shocked. He told them that he had the tape to prove it. The ambulance service had four other CPR calls that day but mine was the only one successful.”
by Allan Miller, Alumni Supervisor | Oct 14, 2024 | Division News
As patrollers, we know situations can change very quickly. Our training prepares us to act and resolve the challenges presented to us. When we become patrollers, we do not spend time thinking that circumstances may interrupt our patrolling commitment. The reality is there are a bunch of circumstances that can cause us to consider interrupting patrolling or leaving it altogether. If this happens to you or another patroller you know, we are your parachute. We are the Alumni Program.
Call us, your Patrol and Region Alumni Advisors, and learn how to stay connected to patrolling or return to patrolling when appropriate. Visit the Alumni page on the Eastern Division website. Or, if you’re not sure who to call…call me, Allan Miller, Division Alumni Advisor, 518-441-3899.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jun 24, 2024 | Division News, In Memoriam, Spotlight Articles
Florence ‘Floss’ KirknerFlorence A. Kirkner of Orchard Park, NY, passed away on May 1, 2024, at the age of 99. We all knew her as an inveterate volunteer, not just for NSP but on multiple levels as is shown by the awards she received from numerous organizations.
Floss joined the ski patrol in 1949 in the Far West Division where she served for 10 years. She was the co-patrol leader at Donner Ski Ranch, Soda Springs, CA from 1956-1960 and served as the first aid chair in the North Bay Region from 1950-1960. She was one of the first women in the NSP to take Monty Atwater’s Avalanche Patch course earning Patch #82. She felt the information contained in the Atwater Avalanche Patch course was so important that she began to teach other patrollers the basics of avalanche rescue at fall freshers.
She was a schoolteacher with curriculum development skills and along with other Atwater trained patrollers, began the development of a basic avalanche course to extend to all NSP patrollers. The basic course would become the NSP Circle A course and would be a steppingstone to the Atwater Avalanche Patch course which was more advanced and dangerous.
In around 1964 Floss took the Avalanche Instructor Course becoming National Avalanche Instructor #224. Having moved east she immediately became the Western New York Avalanche Advisor. For the next 36 years she maintained her certification teaching Circle A, Basic Avalanche, and Level 1 Avalanche. From 1999 through 2005 she was an Avalanche Instructor Trainer.
Floss tirelessly planned and conducted courses on ski slopes in New York State and on the Lake Erie sand dunes in Canada. Her innovation in using the dunes allowed courses to be taught at all times of year. The dunes proved remarkably well suited for probe lines and burial of simulated victims. She incorporated into her courses, dramatic films of various avalanche types, pre-course assignments, written training materials, and homework assignments. Probe lines were an integral part of her courses. In later years, she added transceiver work. Floss always included an optional overnight camping component for added learning and camaraderie among the patrollers taking the course who came from various patrols. Not only did this create a unity among the patrollers from the various ski areas but also a standardization of skills, such that these avalanche-trained patrollers could be called on to help if needed anywhere in a region or a division.
From 1976 through 1987, Florence Kirkner became involved with at the time a program called “Junior Patroller,” the program, now known as the “Young Alpine Patroller.” She understood that the future of the NSP was in recruitment of new members. A great source of new members could be found in the children of current members. The children would have most likely been at the ski area when their parent or parents were on duty, so why not create a program for these young people. As a schoolteacher it was only natural for her to get involved. She taught and helped develop 11 Division “Junior Seminars” and five National “Junior Seminars’ during her 11 years involved with the program.
Floss was very involved with her Town of Orchard Park, its YMCA, Girl Scouts of America, and the American Red Cross. She received a special award from the Canadian Ski Patrol, a Girl Scout Green Angel Award, a Volunteer of the Year from the YMCA, and a Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year from Orchard Park, NY.
Floss was the recipient of numerous awards from NSP including National Appointment #84, Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service Awards, three Yellow Merit Stars, a Purple Merit Star, and an Orange Merit Star for training military personnel. She was inducted into the NSP Hall of Fame and received proclamations from President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, United States Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman Langworth, and NYS Governor Kathy Hochul.
Floss was the beloved wife of the late Bruce F. Kirkner; dearest mother of Nancy L. Kirkner and the late Robin D. Kirkner; grandmother of Jessica (Jeff) Meadors, Jacob (Jamie) Hill, Sara (James) McCarty, and Traci (Ty) Douthirt; great-grandmother of 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held Saturday, May 11 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Orchard Park, NY. Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 6595 East Quaker St., Orchard Park, NY 14127 or to Kissing Bridge Ski Patrol, Rte. 240, Glenwood, NY 14069.
by Allan Miller, Alumni Supervisor | Mar 24, 2024 | Division News, Spotlight Articles
The First Ever Celebration Patroller and Alumni Celebration was held from February 11-16, 2024. A total of 32 people attended the event including active patrollers, alumni, partners, and family. Many who participated for more than one day stayed at the Grand Summit Hotel slopeside. Some participated for a day and others commuted. Mount Snow’s central location because of its central location. We had attendees from throughout the division.
We got the opportunity to tour the Summit Patrol station and meet some of the on-duty patrollers. On Monday we got together after dinner a
t the American Flatbread with a group of their patrollers and got to see their contributions of patrol equipment they have used to help decorate the restaurant including a very early transport sled.
The event was fortunate to have three special events, two planned and one last moment. On Tuesday evening, Scott Launt, a dedicated patroller who has been working with the 10th Mountain Division team talked about the growing relationship between our organizations and how NSP’s expertise in winter skills is helping the army build their skills.
Division Safety Supervisor Kathy Fitzpatrick and members of her team and the Critical Incident Stress Team led by Melinda Mingus joined us on Tuesday afternoon for discussion with both the general sliding public and our participants on Mountain Safety and Incident Stress Management.
Thanks to our CNY Alumni Advisor Scott Launt we had the new National Board Chair, Richard Pietrafesa, join us for dinner. Wendy Aarnio, a 
recent national board member, also joined us. We took the opportunity to have a conversation with them about the latest news from the national office. Getting more insight into headquarters operations was very well received and appreciated by all.
The weather treated us to four very good days on the snow with all areas open on the mountain. We received great service from all the Vail Corp people including the hotel staff, the restaurant team, and all the people on the mountain. We all agreed the event was a great start to what will now be an annual event in the division.
Many thanks to Alumnus Doug Reddy from Tussey Mountain in the Western Appalachia Region who is now on the Mt. Snow School Staff, for the incredible help making this event happen and to all the Division Alumni Advisors who added their thoughts and suggestions to make the week a success.
by Tom Hughes, CNY RD | Mar 24, 2024 | Division News, Spotlight Articles
National Chair Richard Pietrafesa (red sweater) and Executive Direxctor Stephanie Cox talking with CNY members
The CNY Region held a “Meet and Greet” at Song Mountain on February 8, 2024, with NSP CEO Stephanie Cox and National Chair Richard Pietrafesa. Overall, Stephanie and Rich have a positive outlook about the past and future of NSP but also know we face the constant challenges of recruitment of new, and the retention of, patrollers. Stephanie spent well over three hours talking to our members about their current take on the direction we’re heading. She had one-on-one time with local members and discussed in detail what their thoughts and concerns are regarding this new route. Everyone in attendance at the meeting was impressed with Stephanie’s poise and clarity of vision for the National Ski Patrol.
During this meeting the CNY Region had a prime opportunity to recognize Dave Malone, a 50-year hero! Stephanie had the honor of presenting Dave his Eastern Division 50-year pin. A huge congratulations and thank you to Dave for his service and dedication as the legal advisor to the CNY Region for the last 40 years. Thank you to Rich and Tom Hughes for the coordination and great success of this event.
The following day Stephanie and Rich proceeded to Watertown, New York to meet with the 10th Mountain Division. Included were DD Cal Goldsmith and Division Historian John Beach along with First Sergeant Dan Fields (Light Fighter School 1SG and Watertown Ski Patroller) and Dave Martel (10th Mountain LNO and Watertown Ski Patrol Director). They had an office call with 10th Mountain Division’s top leaders Brigadier General Matt Braman (Deputy Commanding General, Support) and Command Sergeant Major Nema Mobar discussing the continued relationship and ongoing training between NSP and the 10th Mountain.
The culminating training event will be held in Colorado between 10th Mountain soldiers, the Colorado National Guard, and Eastern and Rocky Mountain Division patrollers. As part of 10th Mountain’s Legacy Day they will ski from Camp Hale to Vail Mountain. CNY patrollers have been critical in assisting the soldiers to be ready for this challenge.
by Allan Miller, Alumni Supervisor | Jan 14, 2024 | Division News
Excitement is building for the first Eastern Division Alumni and Patroller Celebration at Mount Snow Ski Resort, February 11-16, 2024. The Eastern Division Alumni Advisors have announced the schedule of events for the week, as well as updated information about lodging and lift tickets.
There is no fee to attend the celebration. However, all costs are the participant’s responsibility.
Registration
If you are planning to join us for any part of the week, please provide the following:
Your Name
Others with you
Arrival date
How long you are staying
Former/present Patrol/Region
Cell phone
Email
Email to: Allan Miller
Questions/ideas/suggestions? Allan’s phone 518-441-3899.
Lodging
Lodging at a preferred rate has been arranged for us from February 11-16. To reserve rooms at the group rate, call Group Reservations at (855) 948-0698. Reference Group Code: SSNSKI24 or the group name (Ski Patrol Alumni Ski Event). The reservation line is open Monday-Friday from 9 am-7 pm EST and Saturday/Sunday from 10 am-7 pm EST. We have a 20% discount on all rooms at the Grand Summit.
Lift Tickets
The best lift ticket prices are available by purchasing Epic Day Passes prior to the event.
Here’s the link: https://www.epicpass.com/Passes/Epic-Day-Pass. Also, there is a senior rate.
Schedule
Sunday, Feb 11
Welcome Get Together at Harriman’s Pub, 5 pm
Dinner at Harriman’s Pub, 6 pm
Monday, Feb 12
Breakfast at Grand Country Deli, Main Base Lodge, 8 am
Skiing and riding at mountain tour at base of Grand Summit Express, 9 am
Lunch at Main Base Lodge, 11:30 am
Meet-up at Harriman’s Pub and Kitchen, 5 pm
Dinner at Harriman’s Pub and Kitchen, 6 pm
Tuesday, Feb 13
Breakfast at Grand Country Deli, Ground Floor, Grand Summit Resort, 8 am
Skiing and Riding & Mountain Tour at base of Bluebird Lift, 9 am
Lunch at Main Base Lodge, 11:30 am
Yoga 4:30 Grand Summit, 1 hr. $20
Meet at Harriman’s Pub, 5 pm
Dinner at Harriman’s Pub, 6:00 pm
Discussion: NSP and the 10th Mtn. Division led by Scott Launt, Grand Summit, 8 pm
Wednesday, Feb 14
Breakfast at Grand Country Deli, Ground Floor, Grand Summit Resort, 8:00 am
Skiing and Riding at base of Bluebird Lift, 9 am
Lunch at Main Base Lodge, 11:30 am
Meet at Harriman’s Pub, 5 pm
Dinner at American Flatbread, 6:30 pm
Thursday, Feb 15
Breakfast at Grand Country Deli, Ground Floor, Grand Summit Resort, 8:00 am
Skiing and Riding at base of Bluebird Lift, 9:00 am
Lunch break at Main Base Lodge, 11:30 am
Yoga 4:30 Grand Summit, 1 hr. $20
Meet at Harriman’s Pub, 5 pm
Dinner at Local restaurant TBD, 6:30 pm
Activities
We are not specifically scheduling these. If you are interested, please let us know the day and your time preference, and we will work to get the groups coordinated.
- Yoga, 4:30, Tuesday and Thursday at the Grand Summit, $20/participant
- Snowmobiling at Snowmobile Vt. A 25 min drive from the mountain. 2-hour tour, 1 rider rate $241, Tours at 10,12 & 2 PM.
- XC skiing and snow shoeing is available at Grafton Trails and Outdoor center, about a 45-minute drive
- Vermont Distillers, Hogback Mountain Tasting Room and Country Store, 21 minute drive
Please print this flyer and post it.Contact
If you plan to advise please let Allan Miller, the Eastern Division Alumni Advisor, know including your name(s), planned arrival date, old/present patrol/division, cell phone number, and email. If you plan to stay offsite, please let Allan know what meals and/or events you will be participating in.
You will receive additional updates about planned activities during the week. For questions, contact Allan Miller at 518-441-3899. Mark your calendars and be part of this unforgettable gathering. We can’t wait to see you there!
Help us promote this event!
The Alumni Regional Committee would like your help promoting this Patroller Celebration event. Please click the poster link below to print and post in your patrol room.
by Allan Miller, Alumni Supervisor | Jan 14, 2024 | Region News
Nearly every region conducts at least one alumni day each season. These include a free or reduced price lift ticket, skiing or riding together and some kind of social time like a lunch or post skiing refreshments. Below is the latest list of the region Alumni events scheduled for the 2024 season. Please register for the event before you attend. Contact your region Alumni advisor for more information about an event in your region. See the article “What Every Patroller Needs to Know About Alumni” to find the contact information for your region Alumni advisor.
Genesee Valley Region
Friday January 26, 2024
Hunt Hollow Ski Club
Information and Sign up
Eastern NY Region
Saturday, January 28, 2024
Royal Mountain
Contact: Dan Crandall
Connecticut Region
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Ski Sundown
Contact: Bob Cassello
Western Mass Region
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Ski Butternut
Contact: Ann Migliaccio
Are circumstances causing you to take a break from patrolling?
Contact your Region Alumni Advisor and learn the alternatives you have to maintain your OEC certification and return to active patrolling.
by Allan Miller, Alumni Supervisor | Dec 10, 2023 | Division News
Occasionally, life and circumstances get in the way of the things we love to do. When this happens, you have those who can provide information to help you stay connected to patrolling and make decisions that leave you options for returning to patrolling when appropriate.
Every region in the division has an Alumni Advisor who can help you. Contact them to start a conversation, or contact me, Allan Miller, Eastern Division’s Alumni Advisor, and we will guide you. Our goal is to help all NSP members stay patrolling or get back into patrolling without losing the certifications earned over the years.
