Region Meeting Minutes
Marcia Mundrick has written unofficial minutes from the 2008 Eastern Division Spring officers' Meeting in Albany. You can read them HERE. The official minutes are in the Members area on the Eastern Division web site at http://www.nspeast.org/.
Genesee Valley Region Meeting Minutes
3/12/08
The Valley Inn, Honeoye
Attendance: Bob André, Bonnie André, Jeff Baker, Cathy Bentzoni, Bill Gamble, Tony Imperato, John Lawson, Eric Leinberg, Mike Long, Mike Lord, Marcia Mundrick, Scott Mundrick, Jim Mussgnug, Nick Schiavetti, Bob Smith, Henry Williams, Pam Thompson
Treasurer’s Report
Cathy Bentzoni:
Cathy submitted the Schedule of Income and Expenses as of February 29, 2008. Mike Lord questioned whether the Fundraising monies should be in a Money Market or a CD. Bob Smith made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report, and Marcia Mundrick seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Cathy stated that if you add in the statement for March, 2008, you will have your budget for 4/1/2008 – 3/31/2009. She needs all 2007/2008 income and expenses by 4/5/08.
Regarding reimbursement for Expenses:
Please use the same form for submission of income.
There was a discussion of meal reimbursement and meeting/conference expenses. We will vote in May to formalize this.
There was a discussion of Budget and overages on budget.
We will think about this for next year.
Mike Lord mentioned that the candidates generated $700 from CPR that was already taken. They will get their CPR paid next year. Programs should break even, not be used as fundraisers. Cathy said we need to redefine some of the budget categories.
Fundraising
Marcia Mundrick, representing her committee, led a discussion on the proposed “Procedure for Disbursement of Donations and Funds-Raising monies.” In Proposal I the system remains the same. Under Proposal II “disbursement of funds should be based upon the merit of the request in relation to the needs of the region,” whether they are for individuals or programs. Applications will be reviewed at the first fall meeting, and at the mid-winter meeting, if funds remain. Under Proposal III “At the spring region meeting, the directors will identify the needs the region has to promote or sustain its professional growth.” The funds will then be disbursed to projects based upon these needs. “A region committee will be formed to promote and oversee these projects.”
John Lawson felt Proposal III would be more proactive by having a strategic plan for improvement and then deciding how to spend the monies. The idea would be that if the region decides to promote a specific program, then money for that program gets granted. Under Proposal III no monies go to an individual, only to a program. The question we should ask is “what do we need to do to make the region better?”
Several members suggested that the fundraising monies simply go back into the general fund.
In trying to come to closure, Henry Williams asked how we wanted to change the document. The board agreed it can be changed at any time. Mike Lord asked everyone, especially the Patrol Representatives, to look the document over for a vote at the May meeting.
Programs
OEC -
Mike Long
There are three new IT’s.
Mike Lord
The candidate class will start next August. The first Monday of August is the first class. The class then decides the days they will meet. We have budgeted for 20 people.
S & T – Jeff Baker
There may be a few new IT’s. The program came in under budget.
Avalanche – Jim Mussgnug
There will be an Avalanche, MTR and Nordic Spring Instructors' meeting on April 19, 2008. Next season there will be a combined Avalanche / Mountaineering program.
Legal and Risk Management - Henry Williams
During a Division phone conference releases were discussed, but nothing was determined. There was also a discussion of moving up the standard of care to EMT, which might introduce medical malpractice. Most area owners are not in favor of this.
Senior EMM – Bonnie André
Watch for a questionnaire on the new OEC book.
There were 6 candidates that started, including two repeats. Two candidates dropped out. Chris Hellems (Bristol) passed and went on to become a full advocate. Jeff Crawford (Hunt Hollow) also passed. Greg Kott (Hunt Hollow) and Andrea Carr (Holiday Valley) went on to Eastern Division and passed. Many thanks to Marcia Waite and Brantling.
Instructor Development – Nick Schiavetti
We need more instructors. Go to the web site for more information.
Awards – John Lawson
We have a good list. Patrol Representatives - think of recognizing instructors on your Patrol, possibly by fall. Bill Gamble now has a complete list of instructors. There should be a reward for 6 or more years.
Alumni – Bill Gamble
Alumni Day was held February 29 at Hunt Hollow. Eight out of 13 showed up – 7 lift tickets and 8 lunches were purchased. For a cost of $219. If all 13 had showed it would have cost more than $500, so they were on budget this year, but need more money for next year, or the alumni should pay for part of their ticket. Benefits of becoming an alumnus include receiving the Ski Patrol magazine and catalogue, attending the Pro Night, and skiing at Hunt Hollow. Annual dues are $27. He will request the same amount as last year.
Bill suggested that when a patroller retires, the P.R. should suggest that they join the Alumni. Bob Smith suggested that retirees not eligible should get thank you letters for instructing, etc.
Member Communications (“Valley Views”) – Bill Gamble
The renewal of the web site is due in April - $251.35.
Patrol Representatives
Nordic (Tony Imperato):
They have four new candidates. There is new equipment, and it is being put into protocol. The hot dog sale was successful.
Powder Mills (Erik Leinberg):
They have been fully open since December 25. They will close March 15.
Bristol (Scott Mundrick):
There are done with night skiing. The spring Carnival is March 22 – 23.
Hunt Hollow (Bob Smith for Peter Parker):
There are still open nights. They may revise their OEC class.
Swain (Mike Lord):
There are 100% open, and it is the last week of nights. They will be open until April 5, with night skiing on week-ends.
Northampton:
There is still lots of snow and talk of staying open until March 23.
Other
Mike Lord:
Patrol Representatives should look at their radio licenses. National did renew all licenses.
Bob Smith:
The Special Olympics groups should start organizing now. The contract for the Alpine event is for two years. Ellison Park was inappropriate for other events.
Mike Lord:
The 2nd Annual Dick Doyle Golf Day will be Friday, June 6, 2008.
Marcia Mundrick:
The inventory for the summer has been signed off.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 14 (after the Division meeting).
Submitted,
Pam Thompson
4/10/08
Genesee Valley Region Meeting Minutes
1/13/08
Brantling
Attendance: Mike Lord, Tim Cassidy, Mike Long, Skip Millor, Eric Leinberg, Bill Gottermeier, Bob Smith, Marcia Mundrick, Marie Osypien, Tony Imperato, Peter Parker, Marsha Wait, Bill Gamble, Stephen Hellems, Dick Taylor, John Lawson, John Topping, Pam Thompson
Programs
OEC - Mike Long:
All 19 candidates passed with Brantling, Bristol, Nordic, and Swain gaining new patrollers. The Region Refresher Cycle C, concluded with the recertification of 65 instructors by the OEC Region Staff in September followed by the recertification of almost 300 patrollers by the Region OEC Instructors. The clear favorite station at the region refreshers this year was the “screaming triage” station.
Mary Emmighausen of Swain, Bill Teamerson of Bristol, and Gina Wyffels of Bristol and Nordic have agreed to join the Region OEC staff as ITs In-Training. Many thanks to Jeff Baker and Joe Menichino for many years of great instruction and challenging scenarios as they move on to other activities. The Senior EMM program will start soon with at least five aspirants lead by Bonnie Andre.
Mike Lord
It was a good candidate class. Mike and Mary Emmighausen are beginning to work on next year’s schedule. They will again ask us to provide a gift of $200 to Avon Central School in appreciation of the use of their facilities. Mike and Mary will continue as Instr4uctors. The class will again run from early August to Thanksgiving, 2008. There will be a planning meeting in July. They need the list of candidates by the end of June, 2008. Please make sure the candidates are aware of the huge time commitment.
S & T – John Topping:
There are nine Senior candidates. Three sessions have been held so far. The final evaluation will be held the seek-end of February 23 and 24. There is a good chance it will be a one-day evaluation.
Instructor Development - Mike Lord for Nick Schiavetti:
The Instructor Development course will be held in May this year. Keep looking for potential instructors. Instructing is a good way to get involved in Region work.
Mountain Travel and Rescue - Skip Millor:
If there is no snow locally they will travel to it, instead of postponing the course until the following year. Skip requested an additional $150 in his budget, in case this happens.
Avalanche – Skip Millor for Jim Mussgnug:
Next year there will be a combined MTR and Avalanche course.
Certified – Mike Lord for Joe Menichino:
There are no candidates yet. The program will be at Hunter Mountain. Contact Joe as soon as possible if you are interested.
Physicians - Steve Hellems:
Nothing to report.
Student Venturing – Marie Osypian:
There are 12 students. In November, 2007, they had an evacuation course. March 7 there will be a Scout Jamboree at Swain, and the students will work at that. The Student Seminar is March 14 at Killington. The advisors are requesting an additional $500 to participate in this event. $200 would be for four students ($50 each) from Swain who worked at the Stuart Horse Trials last summer. $295 is to help defray conference fees and gas costs for Brian Walsh, co-advisor. In the recent Patrol magazine there are three articles about other possible student programs.
Awards – John Lawson:
P.D.’s will be invited to the first meeting. They will start with outstanding awards. The February meeting will be devoted to other awards, such as National.
Member Communications and Alumni – Bill Gamble:
Bill is still looking for Valley Views articles from some of the areas, like Swain, Brantling and Bristol. Alumni Day is set for February 29 at Hunt Hollow, and invitations have gone out.
RD Mike Lord:
Mike thanked us for our support in his National bid. There are now two people from Eastern Division on National. Some new National business includes a 5th Edition of the OEC book, and having NSP oversee lift evacuations.
The last week-end in April is the Spring Division Officers’ meeting in Albany, NY.
Mike thanked Marcia Wait for providing the great breakfast.
Patrol Representatives:
Brantling (Marsha Wait):
Asked to confirm that the EMM final is at Brantling on Saturday, March 1, 2008, with at least five candidates.
Nordic(Tony Imperato):
Their equipment is in a state of flux, as they try to go lighter and remain within the OEC requirements. They have a candidate.
Powder Mill (Eric Leinberg):
They are 100% open!
Northampton (Dick Taylor):
They have had two days of skiing so far this season. They hope to have a First Responder course, an 8 hour course for $30, as an introduction to Ski Patrol. They will hold the course in conjunction with Swain. It will be Jan 30, Feb. 6, and Feb. 13 from 6 – 9p.m. at Northampton. Lord said to be sure to coordinate it w/ Long. It needs to be registered. It is similar to the Mountain Host program and Ventures. Participants will receive no credit for OEC.
Swain (Tim Cassidy):
The new Risk Manager is catching up on much overdue work. The new Visiting Patroller policy requires a letter of Introduction from the P.D. – the Patroller will get a 50% discount.
Hunt Hollow (Peter Parker):
Their Visiting Patroller policy currently states that patrollers will receive 50% off the current price of a lift ticket. A proposal is being taken to the Hunt Hollow Board which states that Seniors and OEC Instructors who show their cards will get a free lift ticket. We are awaiting word on the Board's decision. They have nine candidates who are in S & T now and will take OEC in the fall, which seems to be the trend.
Bristol (Bill Gottermeier):
Bristol has several new candidates Some started with S & T, and some started with OEC.
Other
Bob Smith:
Special Olympics are in Rochester Feb. 8 – 10, 2008, with alpine skiing at Swain and nordic skiing and snow showing scheduled for Ellison Park (with Mendon Ponds as another option) on Sat., Feb. 9. There should be up to 1,000 athletes, with 2,500 altogether, including participants, coaches, and spectators with a variety of winter sports. Check the website for information. We need to recruit volunteers to work. Spectators are needed, too. It is a great chance for the public to see many red jackets with white crosses.
Treasurer – Mike Lord for Cathy Bentzoni:
As of 12/31/07 we have total income of $11,360, total expenses of $6,824.70, and total assets of $15,344.50 Large income items are $3,00 from the Horse Trials,$3,810 from Region dues (our operating expenses, and OEC monies of $3,895. Treasurer's Report as PDF file is HERE.
Bob Smith asked for $250 for S & T, because they have no budget.
Skip Millor asked for $%00 for MRT in case they need to travel for snow. A motion was made by Bob Smith to allot this money. Bill Gottermeier seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Marie Osypian requested up to $500 from the Horse Trial money for the Student Seminar. Dick Taylor moved to grant the money. Peter Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Lori Kloesz sent an email request to Mike Lord asking to get reimbursed for some of her expenses when attending the PSIA Pro Snow Jam in December, 2007. After much discussion the Board agreed that they must table this request until they can formulate some guidelines for granting of the Horse Trial monies, so that these grants will be fair and objective to all. A committee was formed consisting of Marcia Mundrick, Marcia Wait, John Larson, John Topping, and Bob Smith. Marcia Mundrick requested that all ideas and concerns about the grants should be emailed to her.
Cathy wants all budget requests by April 1, 2008.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 12, at the Valley Inn in Honeoye at 6:30 p.m.
Submitted,
Pam Thompson
1-13-08
Revised 1/28/08 - W. L. Gamble
Genesee Valley Region Meeting Minutes
11/14/07
The Valley Inn
Attendance: Mike Lord, Bob Andre, Bonnie Andre, Skip Millor, Eric Leinberg, Scott Mundrick, Bob Smith, Marcia Mundrick, Marie Osypien, Nick Schiavetti, Peter Parker, Cathy Bentzoni, Marsha Wait, Bill Gamble, Pam Thompson
RD Mike Lord:
- Marcia Mundrick is appointed as Alternate Region Director.
- Pam Thompson has accepted the position of Secretary.
Bob Smith:
Special Olympics at Swain Feb. 3 – 10, 2008. There will be 1,000 participants and coaches with a variety of winter sports. Check the website for information. We need to recruit volunteers to work.
RD Mike Lord:
- Please remember to vote but be judicious in “reminding” your Patrollers. Only 6 % have voted (not-for-profit – 20 % “on the line” is a lot).
- PR's – Please send Mike input about on the best / worst of the voting process.
- Grant writers – getting away from educational organizations. Patrollers and Management communication with FIPS, CRREL
Discussion of Budget Policies and Procedures:
Dues should equal ? of programs and ?
Cathy Bentzoni – Dues in so far are -only from Bristol and North Hampton.
Programs should be close to neutral.
Mike – A patroller with a need who did not help raise funds needs to give back to the Region.
Skip – Instructing is another way of giving back.
Mike - apologized for not having a plan before we got the “windfall” (Horse Trial money). As we get more people involved, more will want to get reimbursed. Most agreed that we don’t get reimbursed for all our mileage.
Mike – What do we want to put into our Budget Policies and Procedures? Remember that they are NOT by-laws.
Cathy – We need to be clear, more specific, when we refer to Operating Expenses. Two years of Operation Expenses is a lot. Maybe it should be two times the Annual Dues.
There was a discussion of the budget approval process, including its history. Marsha Wait asked what happens to money budget that is unused. Cathy said it goes back into the fund balance.
Mike – While we have this much money, we need to be strict. Anyone in need of monies should go to their PR first.
Treasurer Cathy Bentzoni:
- Presented schedule of income and expenses as by October 31, 2007. The PDF file is HERE.
Patrol Representatives:
Powder Mill (Eric Leinberg):
They had a good turn-out at their Refresher, including more non-Powder Mill Patrollers than Powder Mill. Their schedule for the year is done. Eric will email it to the Board.
Swain (Marie Osypien):
She mentioned the new General Manager- Eric Stern, that the old Zigzag has been made into a new trail Twister. They would like to open the day after Thanksgiving. There is lots of new equipment, rentals, and energy. Swain hopes to get the Monroe Co. Parks contract again. Northampton could use some more Patrollers. If you know of any on the west side of Rochester, please call Dick Taylor.
Bristol (Scott Mundrick):
Bristol now has lights and snowmaking on Lower Galaxy. There is a new 4,000 sq.ft. building at the top. 1.5 K of Nordic trails will be at the top of area with lights and snow-making. The first of two black-out evacs. was held Nov. 3, and they tested out the new generator (“nice”). There is another on order for the top of Morningstar.
Hunt Hollow (Peter Parker):
The Club membership is the highest ever. They will extend their week-end hours to start at 8:00 a.m. There is a new General Manager. They have tested their snow guns.
Brantling (Marsha Wait):
If outside Patrollers come to their On Hill Marcia will notify PR’s.
There is a new owner, Kevin Speer. Fifi will work closely with him this year. Their will be major improvements in the next 3 – 5 years. Marsha is discouraged with the number of Patrollers who did not attend the Region OEC Refresher, but Mike said that 2/3 of these are no longer Patrollers.
Submitted,
Marcia Mundrick
11-15-07
Genesee Valley Region Meeting Minutes
9/12/07
The Valley Inn
Attendance: Mike Lord, John Lawson, Bob Andre, Skip Millor, Eric Leinberg, Bob Smith, Marcia Mundrick, Nick Schiavetti, Jim Mussgnug, Cathy Bentzoni, Marsha Wait, Steve Shelley, Stephen Hellems, Brian Walsh, Bill Gamble, Tony Imperato
RD Mike Lord:
-The region is looking for recommendations for secretary. Mike asked that recommendations be sent to him
-Registration forms were distributed. Late fees are SIGNIFICANT- $20.00 per patroller, forms need to be to Division by December 31
-National news: national voting will be done ONLY by email therefore all patrollers are encourage to update the email address at the national level. Mike will be running for a board seat. If patrollers want to listen to board meetings held through conference calling, they may contact Carol Hudson at the national office for a log-in #; there will be no dues increase at the national level this year- probably next year; the 5th edition of the OEC book is being planned for 2009, discussions are being held as to whether to continue with the current publisher.
-Region Elections- we need at least one more committee member to work with Marcia Mundrick and Henry Williams. John Bolonda volunteered. One ARD seat is up for election this year plus a by-law change. Patrol Reps- please talk to your patrols about the region elections. Nominees must be sent to Henry Williams by 10/12. Marcia will put the notice on the webpage.
-Region breakfast will be at Brantling, tentative date of Jan 13th
-a note to PRs- please let other PRs know when one of their patrollers will be attending another patrols on-hill; also, no patroller may attend the instructor refreshers without a note from their PR- they will be sent home!!
- Mike mentioned a new rule from National- Course Completion Records MUST be sent in within 90 DAYS of the completed course or NO ONE will receive credit for taking the course!!
Treasurer Cathy Bentzoni:
-Presented schedule of income and expenses as by Aug 31, 2007. The PDF file is HERE.
-Advisors and officer need to send Cathy a budget or funds will be reduced by 15%! She can provide assistance if needed.
ARD Marcia Mundrick:
-There is now a webpage for OEC lessons/activities on the region site. Thanks to Bill Gamble for helping set it up. Please encourage instructors to make additions through Bill.
-the Elections news on the web has also been updated
-no program inventories have yet been submitted. Please submit them to Marcia at the same time you submit your budgets to Cathy (one week before next meeting)
-The mentoring program was evaluated this year. Thanks to Nick Schiavetti for co-chairing this process. One item we needed to expand upon was how to administer the program in the region. Each program advisor will be in charge of their own instructor trainees. A handout for the mentoring program, which included guidelines and other instructional information, was presented to PRs and advisors. At this point these sheets are on the ID website. We will discuss whether to create a mentoring site for this info on the region website.
Program Reports:
Fund-raising:
-Andre and Lawson presented a report from their meeting regarding spending of fund-raising money. It will be posted on the web. Discussion comments: use of funds should be equitable having all programs be considered, perhaps have contingency account to help with dues or used to help keep program costs under control. Brian Walsh agreed with comments, however he requested that a decision be made ASAP so his students would know how to plan their funding for their seminar. Last year chaperones and students received $125 if they worked at the horse trials. Wait suggested 10-15% be set aside as a contingency budget. For a PDF file of the full funding proposal, click HERE.
-this year there may be a Honeoye school group that may want to take over the refresher breakfast and lunch. Again, please let Brian W know ASAP as the student patrollers are interested in running this again as part of their fund-raising.
Horse Trials:
-Bob Andre says funds are still in the budgeting process. Thanks to PRs for their help in getting volunteers. The parking situation greatly improved, OEC team did a great job. This may be an article for NSP magazine.
Student (Brian Walsh):
-There are a total of 11 students in the program, 4 are taking OEC this fall ( 20% of the total OEC class!!))
-They will offer to do the food at the refreshers if the school group does not want to; Mike Lord will provide notes on what was purchased and made the previous year
-The Swain students will again sell wreaths at the refresher
-The seminar is at Killington this year –cost will possibly increase to $295
OEC and EMM (Bob Andre):
OEC: the QA program for OEC instructors will be implemented this year. ITs McManus and Haefner are coordinating the program for Long;
-PRs- please remember to give Mike Long your OEC refresher roster.
EMM:
PRs – reminder to please be judicial when signing senior application forms. A suggested 1-year experience would be a good guideline. The skill review held early in the process will be a good evaluation of candidates’ skills
Webpage (Bill Gamble):
-things are busy this time of year, please allow 1 to 3 days for updating; Ski shops were given Pro Night mailing labels and information
Alumni (Bill Gamble):
-the Alumni funds have been requested by Cathy from division
Instructor Development (Nick Schiavetti):
- the course was cancelled last year as were several other ID courses in regions around the division due to lack of enrollment; a discussion ensued as to the drop in volunteering perhaps due to job commitments and patrollers not being encouraged enough - a personal approach by PRs and advisors can be effective in recruitment and will be tried this year
S&T:
senior was not held last year; hopefully we’ll have good snow this year
Avalanche (Jim Mussgnug):
Avalanche is held every other year so there is no course this year. Patrollers wanting this class should check the website for offerings in other regions.
MTR (Skip Millor):
MTR 2 will be held this year. Dates and application forms will be put on the website. Dennis Whitney will be IOR. Apply early as the class limit is 8. MTR has 3 new instructor trainees in the program- John Topping, Dave DuBreck and Pat Saeva
Lift Evac (Steve Shelley):
the Lift Evac clinic may be late November
Awards (John Lawson):
-as awards are still being distributed, the report will be at the next meeting. John is looking for an assistant to work with him; please send him recommendations
Patrol Representatives:
Nordic (Tony Imperato):
has decided to go with packable sleds; will be setting up new protocols
Powder Mill (Eric Leinberg):
PR Doug Bennett has found a new job in MA and will be leaving the area (thanks Doug for your time and dedication)
Brantling (Marsha Wait):
the Senior EMM will be at Brantling March 1
Bristol (John Bolonda):
Bristol now has lights and snowmaking on Lower Galaxy; 1.5 K of Nordic trails will be at the top of area
Hunt Hollow:
Hunt has a new lodge addition on the south side, membership has increased, the member survey say the patrol is doing very well, the area has 2 new managers- Rick Roxin, general manager,and Greg Sherman, mountain manager (both are ski patrollers!)
Swain:
has a new manager- Eric Stern, the old Zigzag has been made into a new trail Twister, buildings have been re-painted
Submitted,
Marcia Mundrick
9-15-07