Chris Pringle
Ski Bradford Ski Patrol
What a wild year we had this year. We started off with a bang in December with a large snow storm. We got all excited at prospects for a cold snowy winter. Boy, were we in for a surprise. Mother Nature did not want to cooperate, and when the spring came in Feb/March it washed everything down the drain with the rain & warm weather. Despite the weather, we as patrollers still went out there and did our job. “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” The letter carrier “motto” should be changed to “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these patrollers from the dedicated completion of their duty shifts.” For the patroller who has endured the wet, cold, snowy, windy & warm season thank you for the hard work. We are a special group of people who have bonded together in a common goal of volunteer public service. Thanks to all of you for your dedication to supporting the skiing public. Thanks also to all the Region Staff that bring great programs to our patrollers.
The EMARI Region has had some significant changes this year too. First John Shipman was elected Eastern Division Director at the Spring Officers Meeting in Albany. Congratulations to John! I became Acting Regional Director in April ’10 with John becoming EDD. A special election was held in the late spring to elect a new Assistant Regional Director. Chuck Kornely from Bradford was elected with 2/3 vote received from the Patrol Directors. Lastly John Caron was elected Interim Alternate Regional director until the Region Fall Business Meeting in Sept ’10.
Mike Seward Assistant Regional Director has taken on Chairing the EMARI Election Committee. Mike will be coordinating the special Regional Director election at the fall refreshers this year and the ARD elections during the fall business meeting. Mike has a great group of folks working with him. Candidate information has been posted on the EMARI website.
Shelia Daley has decided to step down as Senior EMM Advisor this year. Shelia has done a fantastic job with this program with much work and support of all the EMM TE’s. Shelia, a huge THANK YOU for all the work and effort in supporting this very important program. Michelle Goldsmith is taking over the reins of the Senior EMM this year. We look forward to continued success of this program under the guidance of Michelle. Lastly, Dick Townshend who has been the A&MTR advisor has stepped down after many years. Dick received an MSA at the Wachusett Spring Banquet for his many contributions and support over the years. John Caron has taken over as advisor of the A&MTR program. John is a seasoned veteran and has already got a program planned in the Fall ’10. We look forward to John continuing a successful program serving the region patrollers.
In May ’10 I was invited by Wachusett Patrol Director Joe Greenwood to their Spring Awards Banquet. I had the opportunity to meet a number of patrollers and share a great meal. The highlight of the evening was the awards of which I gladly participated in handing out. Congratulations to Bernie Vallee Region & Division Outstanding Alpine Patroller and John Caron Region & Division Outstanding OEC Instructor. This was truly a fine evening and was glad to attend.
Stay tuned for additional changes as we embark on the OEC 5th edition. This will be a busy season as we transition to this edition. More details will be following after the Division Fall Business meeting and the Region Business meeting in Sept ’10.
It truly has been an exciting year. Thanks to the region staff for all of your support in delivering quality programs. I am looking forward to a great season for 2010/2011.
