Region Director
Report – July 1, 2018
I figured some
introductions should be in order for my first report so here goes. My
candidate season was way back in 1981-82 at Laurel Mountain in PA, an area
with only one very old chairlift but we did have almost a 900 ft vertical
and the challenging Lower Wildcat slope. We typically had only 2-3
patrollers on our weeknight shifts so I figured it wise to get my EMT
certification since at that time, first aid training was only ARC Advanced
First Aid. For fun, I took the Advanced Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche
courses in 1985 at the Dolly Sods Wilderness, WV and Pinkham Notch, NH,
enjoying both expeditions thoroughly. I went to a bunch of clinics in 1988
and earned my senior that year.
My family moved to Western New York in 1990 and the Holiday Valley
Ski Patrol accepted me as a transfer. I’ve served on membership,
lift evacuation and awards committees and as hill chief, OEC & CPR/AED
instructor and patrol director from 2007-11. Region responsibilities
include OEC trainer/evaluator since 2012, one of your two region
representatives since 2013 and awards banquet co-chair for the past 3
years.
Enough of my history and on to news of interest:
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The Cockaigne area
is being redeveloped with a new lodge under construction and many
other improvements underway. Former Cockaigne patroller, Karen
Gollnitz, was asked by the new owners to be the ski patrol director
and she is actively recruiting candidates.
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I represented our
region at the ED Spring Meeting as RD this past April instead of as a
region representative for the previous five years. In addition to all
the interesting program reports, there was much discussion on recent
sexual harassment in the news and how to convey expectations for
proper conduct within the NSP. Consequently, a motion was passed to
form a Training Program Committee to raise awareness regarding the
various forms of harassment. The YAP event at Holiday Valley received
many accolades; the patrollers and ED Staff/Officers who came to our
region indicated it was very well worth the long trip. The video
highlights can be found on YouTube/YAP Tube. New NSP Executive
Director, Meeghan Moszynski, and seven of the 13 National Board
members were present for the weekend meeting with each addressing the
gathering. A summary of the National Board election was presented
showing an ED voting percentage of 49.7%, the highest of any division.
Our Region had a 53.7% turnout, 4th highest in the ED. Thank-you
for voting!
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The Ride for
Roswell NSP WNY Region Team, captained by Gary Morog and Denice Kaus,
consisting of 20 patrollers and spouses raised $14, 396 as of the June
23 ride. Outstanding!!!
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All areas were
represented at the Region’s awards banquet at the Clarion Hotel
Marina & Conference Center in Dunkirk although participation was a
slim 57. Check out the award winners on the web site link. We had 13
of us on the wine tasting tour beforehand and discovered that tasting
local micro-brews was available as well, and in one case, local
spirits.
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Everyone should
have received their OEC refresher workbook with the summer edition of
Ski Patrol Magazine. New spinal assessment and protection
information is included in the workbook and will be covered in all
refreshers.
I look forward to
working with all the great program leads to serve our patrollers, the
patrols and their areas, as well maintain the Region’s outstanding
reputation.
Have a great summer!
Dan
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