While snow athletes aren't as likely to be hit in the head as much as an ice hockey player, the following news release contains sobering information for athletes who experience repeat concussions. Derek Boogaard was only 28 when he died and the autopsy revealed an advanced degree of brain damage. Please wear a helmet this season and if you do sustain a hit, do not return to the slopes until you have been cleared by your physician.
Derek Boogaard, a former National Hockey League player, had a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma when he died in May at age 28, according to researchers.
The disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, widely known as C.T.E., is a close relative of Alzheimer’s disease and has been diagnosed in the brains of more than 20 former football players. It can be diagnosed only posthumously.
The researchers at the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy who examined Boogaard’s brain said the case was particularly sobering because Boogaard was a young, high-profile athlete, dead in midcareer, with a surprisingly advanced degree of brain damage.
“To see this amount? That’s a ‘wow’ moment,” said Ann McKee, a neuropathologist and a co-director of the center.
Boogaard was one of the sport’s most feared fighters, filling the role of enforcer for the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers. Over six seasons in the N.H.L., he accrued three goals and 589 minutes in penalties. On May 13, his brothers found him dead of an accidental overdose in his Minneapolis apartment.
The degenerative disease has been found in the brains of all four former N.H.L. players examined by the Boston University researchers. The others were Bob Probert,, who died at age 45; Reggie Fleming, 73; and Rick Martin, 59. New York Times 12/5/11
Monday, December 5, 2011
Raffle Tickets available at Wine and Cheese Depot
The Wine and Cheese Depot in Ludlow is now carrying Instant Wine Bar Raffle tickets. Stop by and fill one out. They make great stocking stuffers!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Ski Swap Thanks
Thanks to all who came and helped at Ski Swap. We made about $500 along with a good contact of someone who maybe able to get some sponsorships for some of our athletes. Think snow!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Diet, Exercise are just as important as the helmet
Getting a concussion is unfortunately common in the world of competitive snowsports. A new study, done on football players, has found that a healthy lifestyle may benefit the brain. Those who ate high-fat foods had greater difficulty with recalling information, orientation and engaging and applying ideas, compared to those who ate less fat and had healthier diets overall. The researchers also found that frequent, vigorous exercise was associated with higher physical and mental health ratings among former college football players. "While the negative effects of repeated collisions can't be completely reversed, this study suggests that former athletes can alter their lifestyle behaviors to change the progression of cognitive decline." Physician and Sportsmedicine.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Instant Wine Bar Raffle
MSF is launching its first fund raiser of the season. We are selling $5 raffle tickets for an "instant wine bar." With a minimum of 30 bottles of wine, plus accessories, this will be the perfect stocking stuffer. The drawing will be on Valentine's Day, so "Feel the Love," and purchase your tickets from:
• Okemo Ski Swap Nov 18-20 at Okemo base lodge. Look for the MSF booth
• An MSF Board Member
• Sending $5 per raffle ticket to LTC-MSF, PO Box 243, Ludlow VT 05149
• Okemo Ski Swap Nov 18-20 at Okemo base lodge. Look for the MSF booth
• An MSF Board Member
• Sending $5 per raffle ticket to LTC-MSF, PO Box 243, Ludlow VT 05149
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Helmet Safety
MSF provides ongoing information about ways to keep our athletes safe and reduce the likelihood of injuries. As part of this effort, we provide the latest information on brain injury and helmet safety.
The following study, while specific to football helmets, points out that helmet technology may not be at the level we think it is and snow athletes need to be mindful of how they ski and ride.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Modern football helmets are no more effective in protecting high school and college players from injury than the leather helmets used nearly 100 years ago, according to a new study by the Cleveland Clinic.
Researchers conducted impact tests on the latest, high-tech helmets and low-tech old ones that mimicked the hits young players routinely suffer on the field and that lead to thousands of concussions each year.
"What we tested were common, everyday hits," said lead researcher Adam Bartsch. "We didn't test the really severe NFL kill shots."
The researchers discovered that for most impacts and angles, today's polycarbonate helmets are no better at reducing injury than the "leatherheads" of old. And in some cases, the old helmets offered slightly better protection.
Bartsch called the results "really surprising." He said they raised serious questions about the effectiveness of a helmet with a hard outer shell and a fairly stiff interior padding in protecting players from the low- and medium-impact hits that, over time, could lead to head, neck and brain injuries.
The Cleveland Clinic researchers say they are not advocating a return to leather helmets. But they hope the study will prompt helmet manufacturers to re-examine design, especially of youth helmets.
Bartsch said that while those youth helmets, which are essentially scaled down-versions of pro helmets, appear to have been optimized for the high-impact hits common in the National Football League, they are not optimized for the less dramatic -- but still traumatic -- hits that occur thousands of times a day during amateur play.
The results were published online on Friday in the Journal of Neurosurgery.
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said emergency room visits by children and adolescents for brain injuries jumped 60 percent between 2001 and 2009.
Football was one of the sports the CDC said was most likely to lead to brain injuries.
(Reporting by James B. Kelleher)
The following study, while specific to football helmets, points out that helmet technology may not be at the level we think it is and snow athletes need to be mindful of how they ski and ride.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Modern football helmets are no more effective in protecting high school and college players from injury than the leather helmets used nearly 100 years ago, according to a new study by the Cleveland Clinic.
Researchers conducted impact tests on the latest, high-tech helmets and low-tech old ones that mimicked the hits young players routinely suffer on the field and that lead to thousands of concussions each year.
"What we tested were common, everyday hits," said lead researcher Adam Bartsch. "We didn't test the really severe NFL kill shots."
The researchers discovered that for most impacts and angles, today's polycarbonate helmets are no better at reducing injury than the "leatherheads" of old. And in some cases, the old helmets offered slightly better protection.
Bartsch called the results "really surprising." He said they raised serious questions about the effectiveness of a helmet with a hard outer shell and a fairly stiff interior padding in protecting players from the low- and medium-impact hits that, over time, could lead to head, neck and brain injuries.
The Cleveland Clinic researchers say they are not advocating a return to leather helmets. But they hope the study will prompt helmet manufacturers to re-examine design, especially of youth helmets.
Bartsch said that while those youth helmets, which are essentially scaled down-versions of pro helmets, appear to have been optimized for the high-impact hits common in the National Football League, they are not optimized for the less dramatic -- but still traumatic -- hits that occur thousands of times a day during amateur play.
The results were published online on Friday in the Journal of Neurosurgery.
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said emergency room visits by children and adolescents for brain injuries jumped 60 percent between 2001 and 2009.
Football was one of the sports the CDC said was most likely to lead to brain injuries.
(Reporting by James B. Kelleher)
Friday, November 4, 2011
One Way to Reduce Costs for Kids Training
As the MSF board evaluates applications for weekend/target term training scholarships, we'd like to point out one way families can help with costs. Okemo mountain provides a number of volunteer positions, which provide free season passes for your self and family members, as well as discounts on training programs, food and even equipment. If your child is a serious athlete, this is an opportunity you don't want to over look. For more information about volunteer positions, check out the Okemo website.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
MSF ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WEEKEND STUDENTS
The mission of the McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF), a project of the Ludlow Teen Center, is “To assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training.” Founded in memory of Sue and Dick McCostis, ski instructors at Okemo Mountain, four memorial scholarships have been added to MSF, starting in 2007. These include: Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship; Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship; George Shaw Ski Scholarship and Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship.
The McCostis Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for those interested in attending a weekend program or target terms for the winter 2012-13. Scholarships are awarded by the following criteria:
• A resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Enrolled in grades 5th-12th and in good academic standing
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing (including freestyle) or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
Applications can be downloaded from the MSF blog or by calling Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
All applications must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2012.
To learn more about the Fund, apply for a scholarship, or to assist us in our efforts, please contact Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
The McCostis Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for those interested in attending a weekend program or target terms for the winter 2012-13. Scholarships are awarded by the following criteria:
• A resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Enrolled in grades 5th-12th and in good academic standing
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing (including freestyle) or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
Applications can be downloaded from the MSF blog or by calling Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
All applications must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2012.
To learn more about the Fund, apply for a scholarship, or to assist us in our efforts, please contact Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Learn CPR and Thanks to Friends of Matt Fortuna
Matt Fortuna is a snowboarder and coach at Okemo Mountain. Recently he had a major health crisis, which his family has written about in the Aug. 24 edition of The Vermont Journal.
On July 5, 2011 we received the call that no parent ever expects to get. My son zack (23) called to tell us that his older brother Matt (26), had collapsed and was in cardiac arrest, we needed to get there fast. At the time Matt and zack were both in Block Island, Rhode Island and we did not know what hospital he would be airlifted to. We just knew it was south from Vermont, so we just got on the road and started driving. It is that moment that you hear about when time in the world stops for you. It really does happen that way. We made a few quick phone calls to our son Ryan and his wife Gretchen to come to our house and wait with our youngest son Cody. We were out of the house in less than an hour and on our way to be with our sons. We knew we would be out of phone contact for about an hour, so we told zack to make good decisions for his brother’s medical care. Bob and I are both on Ludlow Ambulance Squad and know all too well that the decisions made early are critical to possible recover. We had faith in zack and his ability to do the right thing for Matt. Then we started the long drive to Rhode Island.
Here is the story:
Matt had gotten up and worked all day as a stonemason. Nothing unusual there, he did it every day. It was a super hot day and finished up work about 5 pm. After work he went to the skate park with 2 friends, but it was just too hot to even do that, so they just stayed at the park talking. Then he suddenly collapsed. No warning, his heart just stopped. The two friends he was with at the park, reacted quickly activated the EMS System and started CPR immediately. After 20 minutes of care on scene and 2 shocks to the heart the ambulance crew got a rhythm and brought him back. He and zack were airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital. When we arrived, Matt was on a respirator and zack had signed for him to be put in the therapeutic hypothermia. Later we would discover that this coma would be part of the reason why he survived. After several days in a coma and lots of tests they tried to wake him up. To our grateful astonishment he was able to speak and recognize people. It took several more days and many more test and procedures before we knew if there was any permanent damage and miraculously there was not. Except for some short-term memory issues, some of which would improve over time, he was ok. After weeks of test, doctors from 3 hospitals called in to consult, there was still no cause determined for the event. All the doctors did agree on what had to happen next, Matt had to have an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator put in. The Doctors told us it may never happen again or it could happen in the parking lot as you are leaving the hospital. We just don’t know. This device is the safety net he now has for life. The Doctors assure Matt that he can lead a very normal life with some modifications due to the ICD. They tell us that in time he will be able to go back to doing the things he loves, being a snowboard coach at Okemo and landscaping on Block Island.
Matt is now at home where he will be spending the next several months recovering. He is spending time with his family and friends and of course, his dog Jade. Like so many people his age, Matt did not have health insurance. The medical bills and paperwork are something we will be dealing with for years. This event is something no family is ever prepared for. I cannot imagine how we would have dealt with all of this without the family, friends, and support from everyone in our community.
We are constantly asked by people, “What can we do to help.” Our answer is simple. Learn CPR. Our son is alive because 2 skate park friends got CPR going in less than a minute. If Matt had not gotten CPR so quickly, he may not have survived until the ambulance arrived and likely would have had permanent brain damage. The Fortuna Family is now on a mission of education. The goal is to teach CPR to our community. We are working with volunteer instructors from Ludlow Ambulance and our hope is to teach as many people as we can CPR. We have more than 50 people signed up for our first classes. CPR only takes a couple of hours to learn and it could save a life.
On Friday August 12, “Friends of Matt Fortuna” hosted a benefit at “The Outback” in Ludlow. We were blown away by the outpouring of support. The estimate was that more than 350 people were in attendance at the event. Outback owner Casey Crompton was very generous in his contributions and the use of the Outback, but also helped with the organization of the event. There are 2 other very special people to thank. Event organizers Cara White and Casey Hodge, these 2 very good friends of Matt’s really are the driving force behind this event. Without this group of people and their army of helpers, this event would not have happened. We very much appreciate your support for our son Matt. We are blessed to have lots of family and many friends here we have known for years. The most amazing part was that some of the people who contributed to Matt’s fundraiser did not even know our family. This benefit shows the generosity of spirit and the love and support of the people of Ludlow. When you live in a small town it is true that everyone knows your name and business. It is also true that when a local family is in crisis, Ludlow and her residents come together to support one of their own.
To the people of Ludlow, we thank you. Your generosity and support has touched our hearts and we will be forever grateful.
Bob and Terry
Ryan, Gretchen, zack and Cody Fortuna
Roy and Barbara Spaulding-grandparents
Ludlow Ambulance Service is the contact for all CPR classes-email ludlowambulance@gmail.com
Contributions to support Matt can be sent to Val Record, PO Box 635, Chester, VT 05143
On July 5, 2011 we received the call that no parent ever expects to get. My son zack (23) called to tell us that his older brother Matt (26), had collapsed and was in cardiac arrest, we needed to get there fast. At the time Matt and zack were both in Block Island, Rhode Island and we did not know what hospital he would be airlifted to. We just knew it was south from Vermont, so we just got on the road and started driving. It is that moment that you hear about when time in the world stops for you. It really does happen that way. We made a few quick phone calls to our son Ryan and his wife Gretchen to come to our house and wait with our youngest son Cody. We were out of the house in less than an hour and on our way to be with our sons. We knew we would be out of phone contact for about an hour, so we told zack to make good decisions for his brother’s medical care. Bob and I are both on Ludlow Ambulance Squad and know all too well that the decisions made early are critical to possible recover. We had faith in zack and his ability to do the right thing for Matt. Then we started the long drive to Rhode Island.
Here is the story:
Matt had gotten up and worked all day as a stonemason. Nothing unusual there, he did it every day. It was a super hot day and finished up work about 5 pm. After work he went to the skate park with 2 friends, but it was just too hot to even do that, so they just stayed at the park talking. Then he suddenly collapsed. No warning, his heart just stopped. The two friends he was with at the park, reacted quickly activated the EMS System and started CPR immediately. After 20 minutes of care on scene and 2 shocks to the heart the ambulance crew got a rhythm and brought him back. He and zack were airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital. When we arrived, Matt was on a respirator and zack had signed for him to be put in the therapeutic hypothermia. Later we would discover that this coma would be part of the reason why he survived. After several days in a coma and lots of tests they tried to wake him up. To our grateful astonishment he was able to speak and recognize people. It took several more days and many more test and procedures before we knew if there was any permanent damage and miraculously there was not. Except for some short-term memory issues, some of which would improve over time, he was ok. After weeks of test, doctors from 3 hospitals called in to consult, there was still no cause determined for the event. All the doctors did agree on what had to happen next, Matt had to have an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator put in. The Doctors told us it may never happen again or it could happen in the parking lot as you are leaving the hospital. We just don’t know. This device is the safety net he now has for life. The Doctors assure Matt that he can lead a very normal life with some modifications due to the ICD. They tell us that in time he will be able to go back to doing the things he loves, being a snowboard coach at Okemo and landscaping on Block Island.
Matt is now at home where he will be spending the next several months recovering. He is spending time with his family and friends and of course, his dog Jade. Like so many people his age, Matt did not have health insurance. The medical bills and paperwork are something we will be dealing with for years. This event is something no family is ever prepared for. I cannot imagine how we would have dealt with all of this without the family, friends, and support from everyone in our community.
We are constantly asked by people, “What can we do to help.” Our answer is simple. Learn CPR. Our son is alive because 2 skate park friends got CPR going in less than a minute. If Matt had not gotten CPR so quickly, he may not have survived until the ambulance arrived and likely would have had permanent brain damage. The Fortuna Family is now on a mission of education. The goal is to teach CPR to our community. We are working with volunteer instructors from Ludlow Ambulance and our hope is to teach as many people as we can CPR. We have more than 50 people signed up for our first classes. CPR only takes a couple of hours to learn and it could save a life.
On Friday August 12, “Friends of Matt Fortuna” hosted a benefit at “The Outback” in Ludlow. We were blown away by the outpouring of support. The estimate was that more than 350 people were in attendance at the event. Outback owner Casey Crompton was very generous in his contributions and the use of the Outback, but also helped with the organization of the event. There are 2 other very special people to thank. Event organizers Cara White and Casey Hodge, these 2 very good friends of Matt’s really are the driving force behind this event. Without this group of people and their army of helpers, this event would not have happened. We very much appreciate your support for our son Matt. We are blessed to have lots of family and many friends here we have known for years. The most amazing part was that some of the people who contributed to Matt’s fundraiser did not even know our family. This benefit shows the generosity of spirit and the love and support of the people of Ludlow. When you live in a small town it is true that everyone knows your name and business. It is also true that when a local family is in crisis, Ludlow and her residents come together to support one of their own.
To the people of Ludlow, we thank you. Your generosity and support has touched our hearts and we will be forever grateful.
Bob and Terry
Ryan, Gretchen, zack and Cody Fortuna
Roy and Barbara Spaulding-grandparents
Ludlow Ambulance Service is the contact for all CPR classes-email ludlowambulance@gmail.com
Contributions to support Matt can be sent to Val Record, PO Box 635, Chester, VT 05143
Monday, July 18, 2011
New Research Shows that Concussion can Lead to Dementia
This information is being posted to remind our skiers and snowboarders that brain injury is a risk in snow sports. However, this risk can be reduced by following some precautionary measures, such as wearing a helmet, following the rules of the mountain and being proactive in the event of an injury. For more information on this topic, go to Snow Safety: Protect Your Head.
Two new studies, one in veterans and the other in pro-football players, find that brain injury, be it a minor concussion or a very serious brain injury can lead to dementia. With each concussion, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia later in life increases. The studies, reported Monday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France, challenge the current view that only moderate or severe brain injuries predispose people to dementia.
Don't panic – this doesn't mean that every soldier or student athlete who has had a concussion is in danger. Pro-football players and boxers "are almost a different species from us" in terms of the repeated blows they take to the head, said William Thies, the Alzheimer's Association's scientific director. It does mean you should try to avoid one, by fall-proofing your home and wearing helmets and seat belts, he said. About 1.7 million brain injuries occur each year in the U.S.
"What the people who have had a head injury and read this should do is to exercise and eat right and take their medicines and take their aspirin and do meditation to reduce stress – reduce risk factors that are modifiable," he said. The new study is "a great start," but limitations in its methods mean that it can't prove a brain injury-dementia link, he said. More definitive studies are starting now but will take many years to give results.
To read more about these studies, go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/18/brain-injury-dementia-risk_n_901512.html
Two new studies, one in veterans and the other in pro-football players, find that brain injury, be it a minor concussion or a very serious brain injury can lead to dementia. With each concussion, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia later in life increases. The studies, reported Monday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France, challenge the current view that only moderate or severe brain injuries predispose people to dementia.
Don't panic – this doesn't mean that every soldier or student athlete who has had a concussion is in danger. Pro-football players and boxers "are almost a different species from us" in terms of the repeated blows they take to the head, said William Thies, the Alzheimer's Association's scientific director. It does mean you should try to avoid one, by fall-proofing your home and wearing helmets and seat belts, he said. About 1.7 million brain injuries occur each year in the U.S.
"What the people who have had a head injury and read this should do is to exercise and eat right and take their medicines and take their aspirin and do meditation to reduce stress – reduce risk factors that are modifiable," he said. The new study is "a great start," but limitations in its methods mean that it can't prove a brain injury-dementia link, he said. More definitive studies are starting now but will take many years to give results.
To read more about these studies, go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/18/brain-injury-dementia-risk_n_901512.html
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Applications due for Students Attending Snow Academies
For students wishing to attend a snow academy, e.g. Okemo Mountain School, for five months or longer, applications are due June 30. Please download forms and mail accordingly.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Snow Academy Applications for McCostis Scholarship Fund Now Being Accepted
The McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF), a part of the Ludlow Teen Center (LTC), was established in 2004, to provide Okemo Valley youth an opportunity to pursue excellence through skiing and snowboard training. Started by Sue McCostis, an LTC Board member and an Okemo Mountain ski instructor, the fund was continued by her husband Dick McCostis, Safety Ambassador and ski instructor at Okemo Mountain, and head of the Windsor County Court Diversion Program. With his passing in July 2007, the MSF has continued through the support of friends and the Okemo community. The Fund has added additional scholarships-The Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship, Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship, Peter Noyes Skiing Scholarship and the George Shaw Skiing Scholarship.
Applications for scholarships for athletes who wish to attend snow academies, such as Okemo Mountain School (OMS), are now being accepted until June 30. Applications for weekend programs and target terms will be accepted from September 1-Oct. 31.
Applicants for the Academy Snow Scholarships must:
• Be a full time resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Be enrolled in grades 7th-12th and in good academic standing
• Have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
• Plan to attend a snow academy full time for at least five months during the 12-13 winter season
The size of scholarships will be based on need and available funds. Academy scholarship recipients, and their families, are required to assist with fundraising. Recipients can increase the amount of their scholarship through participation in fundraising activities.
Those interested in applying must submit a completed application by June 30, 2012. Award notifications will be made by July 15, 2012. Please note: An application is not considered complete until the tax information and letter from the coach/teacher has been received.
Applications for scholarships for athletes who wish to attend snow academies, such as Okemo Mountain School (OMS), are now being accepted until June 30. Applications for weekend programs and target terms will be accepted from September 1-Oct. 31.
Applicants for the Academy Snow Scholarships must:
• Be a full time resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Be enrolled in grades 7th-12th and in good academic standing
• Have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
• Plan to attend a snow academy full time for at least five months during the 12-13 winter season
The size of scholarships will be based on need and available funds. Academy scholarship recipients, and their families, are required to assist with fundraising. Recipients can increase the amount of their scholarship through participation in fundraising activities.
Those interested in applying must submit a completed application by June 30, 2012. Award notifications will be made by July 15, 2012. Please note: An application is not considered complete until the tax information and letter from the coach/teacher has been received.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Two MSF Snowboarders Compete at US Open
At the recent US Open Junior Jam, there were 80 competitors (13 and under) from all over the country plus several from Ireland and Japan. MSF snowboarders Taylor Spaulding and Austin Rebetz finished really well, 23rd and 26th respectively.
Watch Taylor’s tricks at Okemo.
A special note of thanks to Than Durgin's family and friends. The funds help to send both boys to a week of training just before this event.
Watch Taylor’s tricks at Okemo.
A special note of thanks to Than Durgin's family and friends. The funds help to send both boys to a week of training just before this event.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship
Kevin grew up in Mount Holly, VT and was a member of the first Black River High School snowboard team. An avid fisherman and skateboarder, as well as snowboarder, it was a shock to the community when Kevin died at 25, due to complications from diabetes. Much loved by his family and friends, his mother Sue said, “We would have liked to have sent Kevin to OMS but we couldn’t afford it. Maybe now other kids can have that advantage through this scholarship.”
This scholarship has been specifically designed to help our local snowboarders make it to national and international competitions.
Donations can be made to the Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship by sending a check payable to LTC-MSF and mailed to LTC-MSF, 106 Main Street, Ludlow, VT 05149. Be sure to specify that the money is for the Stillwell scholarship.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thank You
A very special thank you from the board of the MSF to all of those who made Saturday night's fundraiser such a success:
Killarney's and Mark Grieco and his Fabulous Band GMP
Blue Sky Trading Company
Boot Pro
Hunter Lea Gallery
Sweet Surrender Bakery
Brewfest Beverage Company
Wine and Cheese Depot
Killarney’s
Stratton Mountain
Okemo Mountain
Magic Mountain
Stowe Mountain
Meditrina
A Catered Affair
Joe Jones
Tuckernut Shoals
Chrisandras’s Interior Design
Dozen Eggs
Old Cavendish Fruitcake
Maker of Quilted Table Runner
Summit Soapworks
Alicia Tietsma
Joan Noyes
Rainy Hughes
Joy Patterson
Margo Caulfield
Martha Moriarty
Maria Tomaselli
Heather and Jerry Tucker
Jane Hart
Chris Marks
Bill Champion
Mary Lou Shaw
Ruth Anne Howgate
The Durgin Family
Killarney's and Mark Grieco and his Fabulous Band GMP
Blue Sky Trading Company
Boot Pro
Hunter Lea Gallery
Sweet Surrender Bakery
Brewfest Beverage Company
Wine and Cheese Depot
Killarney’s
Stratton Mountain
Okemo Mountain
Magic Mountain
Stowe Mountain
Meditrina
A Catered Affair
Joe Jones
Tuckernut Shoals
Chrisandras’s Interior Design
Dozen Eggs
Old Cavendish Fruitcake
Maker of Quilted Table Runner
Summit Soapworks
Alicia Tietsma
Joan Noyes
Rainy Hughes
Joy Patterson
Margo Caulfield
Martha Moriarty
Maria Tomaselli
Heather and Jerry Tucker
Jane Hart
Chris Marks
Bill Champion
Mary Lou Shaw
Ruth Anne Howgate
The Durgin Family
Monday, March 21, 2011
Raffle winners
Thanks to Killarney's, the many people and businesses that donated items for the silent auction, our fabulous band, and the many people who came and helped us raise much needed funds at our "Snow Bank Party." In fact, the response was so good, sufficient funds were raised to help our snowboarders attend a special snowboard camp this week. While three of the four boarders made Nationals, only Taylor Spaulding will be competing at Copper Mountain.
Joan Noye's quilts are so incredible, that everyone wants to know, who won. So the winners of the raffle were as follows:
Handmade quilt made from Batiks by Joan Noyes: Nancy Humlicek of Windsor, CT
Table Runner made by Ruthanne Howgate: Claude Marie Barthelmes of Southington, Ct
Gift Certificate Sweet Surrender Bakery: Leigh Griswold
Gift Certificate Brewfest: Nancy Humlicek Windsor, CT
Gift Certificate Wine & Cheese Depot: Donna Cahill Ludlow, Vt
Gift Certificate Wine & Cheese Depot: Lorraine Hughes Cromwell, Ct
Gift Certificate Wine & Cheese Depot: Nancy Lever Ludlow, Vt
Joan Noye's quilts are so incredible, that everyone wants to know, who won. So the winners of the raffle were as follows:
Handmade quilt made from Batiks by Joan Noyes: Nancy Humlicek of Windsor, CT
Table Runner made by Ruthanne Howgate: Claude Marie Barthelmes of Southington, Ct
Gift Certificate Sweet Surrender Bakery: Leigh Griswold
Gift Certificate Brewfest: Nancy Humlicek Windsor, CT
Gift Certificate Wine & Cheese Depot: Donna Cahill Ludlow, Vt
Gift Certificate Wine & Cheese Depot: Lorraine Hughes Cromwell, Ct
Gift Certificate Wine & Cheese Depot: Nancy Lever Ludlow, Vt
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
George Shaw Ski Scholarship
George Shaw was a life long skier beginning at Seven Springs Resort near Pittsburgh, PA in the1950's. He taught his three daughters, wife and many friends the sport. After retirement from Westinghouse Advanced Reactors in 1990, he began visiting Okemo and became a ski instructor in 1999. He taught with Dick and Sue McCostis at Jackson Gore and enjoyed their annual Christmas Eve parties. In order to pursue his love of golf in the summer and skiing in the winter at Okemo, he moved to Ludlow permanently in 2007.
George became a ski instructor at Okemo. After his diagnosis with cancer, he continued to teach, and when that was no longer possible, because, he loved the mountain the people so much, he worked in the ski check at Jackson Gore.
As one of his fellow ski instructors’s said, “he had a great attitude of just keeping going. He wanted to be with people and they wanted to be with him. He gave great hugs.”
After a long battle with cancer, George died in 2009. His wife, Marylou started the ski scholarship in 2010.
Hug one for George.
Donations can be made to the George Shaw Ski Scholarship by sending a check payable to LTC-MSF and mailed to LTC-MSF, PO Box 243 Ludlow, VT 05149. Be sure to specify that your donation is for the Shaw scholarship.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship
Nathaniel (Than) Roberts Durgin was born and raised in Connecticut, but spent a large part of his winters snowboarding at Okemo Mountain, where his Dad Carl is on Ski Patrol and Mom, Dorothy, a nurse, worked in the First Aid Room. He and his sister Bonnie, both became snowboard instructors for Okemo. Graduating from Castleton State College, he was pursuing a career in digital design.
Having been diagnosed in college with brain cancer, Than lived for 13 more years. He became a world traveler, avid water skier and snowboarder, even snowboarding the Alps.
A member of the Castleton Snowboarding Team, one of his former teammates wrote, “ If I close my eyes I can just picture him saying – “Don’t worry, everything’s going to be fine.” – whether it was a jammed copier, a tough deadline, or facing cancer, Than had this unsinkable positive attitude, that fueled his infectious smile. I think there’s a lot to learn from Than’s smile for all of us. We’ll miss you Than. See you on the hill this winter, I know you’ll be there.”
His colleague at Ditto Design posted the following about Than, “Today we recognize Nathaniel Durgin's contribution to the Ditto brand. Than became the face of Ditto by greeting customers with his broad and sunny smile. Nothing—and no one— could deflate his enthusiasm for Ditto! and his willingness to provide whatever service was required under whatever circumstances. Than was a loyal and dedicated employee– a colleague–unlike anyone I have ever known. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
Than’s parents, sister Bonnie, and girlfriend Tamara, started the snowboarding scholarship March 2011.
Donations can be made to the Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship by sending a check payable to LTC-MSF and mailed to LTC-MSF, PO Box 243 Ludlow, VT 05149. Be sure to specify that the money is for the Durgin scholarship
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Snow Bank Party to Benefit McCostis Scholarship Fund
In 2004, when Sue McCostis set up a scholarship fund to help local youth obtain training in snow sports, she had no idea how many teens would benefit from the program or how much it would grow in the coming years.
The McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF), a program of the Ludlow Teen Center, not only recognizes Sue and Dick’s interest in skiing, but also their commitment to helping teens. In addition to the respective scholarships in Sue and Dick’s memory, there are also three additional memorial scholarships: Pete Noyes Skiing Scholarship, George Shaw Skiing Scholarship; and the Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship.
Recipients of a MSF scholarship must meet a set criteria: permanent residence of the Black River Valley; recommendations from school, coach and community; and financial need. In the first few years of the scholarship fund, only one scholarship was given per year. It varies from year to year, based on applications received, but we are now averaging about six scholarships a season. Funds have been used to pay for weekend programs, snow academies, as well as assistance with national and international competitions.
The Mission of MSF is “To assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training.” We believe that the fifteen students funded to date are doing just that. The three free style skiers funded, a special interest of Sue’s, are now all in college. Of the five snowboarders funded, one is in college and the rest are in junior high and high school. This year, two of our four snowboarders have qualified for nationals, one is excelling on the high school circuit and the fourth is still in contention for a slot for Nationals. Our Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship recipient, Rainie Hill qualified for J2 Nationals, only one of 15 girls in the east to do so. Not only do our students excel on the hill, but many are on the honor role in their respective schools.
On March 19, Saturday, the MSF will be holding a “Snow Bank Party” to help raise funds for winter 11-12. The Killarney’s, who has been a generous host to MSF benefits in the last several years, is once again opening its doors for a fun filled evening. There is a special raffle, as well as a silent auction. The band GMB will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. MSF recipients for the 10-11 season will be in attendance. Activities start getting underway about 6:00 pm.
If you can’t make it to Killarney’s, stop by Berkshire Bank and purchase a raffle ticket for the gorgeous quilt made by Joan Noyes.
The McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF), a program of the Ludlow Teen Center, not only recognizes Sue and Dick’s interest in skiing, but also their commitment to helping teens. In addition to the respective scholarships in Sue and Dick’s memory, there are also three additional memorial scholarships: Pete Noyes Skiing Scholarship, George Shaw Skiing Scholarship; and the Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship.
Recipients of a MSF scholarship must meet a set criteria: permanent residence of the Black River Valley; recommendations from school, coach and community; and financial need. In the first few years of the scholarship fund, only one scholarship was given per year. It varies from year to year, based on applications received, but we are now averaging about six scholarships a season. Funds have been used to pay for weekend programs, snow academies, as well as assistance with national and international competitions.
The Mission of MSF is “To assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training.” We believe that the fifteen students funded to date are doing just that. The three free style skiers funded, a special interest of Sue’s, are now all in college. Of the five snowboarders funded, one is in college and the rest are in junior high and high school. This year, two of our four snowboarders have qualified for nationals, one is excelling on the high school circuit and the fourth is still in contention for a slot for Nationals. Our Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship recipient, Rainie Hill qualified for J2 Nationals, only one of 15 girls in the east to do so. Not only do our students excel on the hill, but many are on the honor role in their respective schools.
On March 19, Saturday, the MSF will be holding a “Snow Bank Party” to help raise funds for winter 11-12. The Killarney’s, who has been a generous host to MSF benefits in the last several years, is once again opening its doors for a fun filled evening. There is a special raffle, as well as a silent auction. The band GMB will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. MSF recipients for the 10-11 season will be in attendance. Activities start getting underway about 6:00 pm.
If you can’t make it to Killarney’s, stop by Berkshire Bank and purchase a raffle ticket for the gorgeous quilt made by Joan Noyes.
MSF Snowboarder Results 3/12/11
Below are the latest results for our MSF Snowboarders, all of whom are part of the Okemo Mountain Snowboard Team and train on the weekends. Look for videos and photographs of Taylor Spaulding, Ginger Brown (the first female snowboarder sponsored by MSF), Austin Rebetz and Kai Lichtensteiger at the OMARA website.
• Light Night Rail Jam: Taylor Spaulding took 1st place in the 16 and under division, while Ginger Brown placed third in the Women’s 16 and under division.
• USASA Superpipe and Slopestyle at Mount Snow,
- Superpipe: Taylor Spaulding took 7th place while Austin Rebetz took 8th place. Both boys are in the 12-13 age division
Slopestyle: Ginger Brown took 6th place (12-13 year olds) and Taylor Spaulding took 10 and Austin Rebetz 16th.
• At the USASA Slopestyle and Pipe Finals this past weekend at Okemo,
- Slopestyle: Ginger Brown 5th place girls 12-13; Taylor Spaulding 6th place boys 12-13; Austin Rebetz 11 th place 12-13 year old boys; Kai Lichtensteiger 15th Youth boys (14-15)
- Halfpipe: Taylor Spaulding 6th place; Austin Rebetz 7th place; Kai Lichtensteiger 13th place.
Taylor and Ginger have both qualified for USASA Nationals at Copper Mountain in Colorado. Austin is still in contention for a slot.
• Light Night Rail Jam: Taylor Spaulding took 1st place in the 16 and under division, while Ginger Brown placed third in the Women’s 16 and under division.
• USASA Superpipe and Slopestyle at Mount Snow,
- Superpipe: Taylor Spaulding took 7th place while Austin Rebetz took 8th place. Both boys are in the 12-13 age division
Slopestyle: Ginger Brown took 6th place (12-13 year olds) and Taylor Spaulding took 10 and Austin Rebetz 16th.
• At the USASA Slopestyle and Pipe Finals this past weekend at Okemo,
- Slopestyle: Ginger Brown 5th place girls 12-13; Taylor Spaulding 6th place boys 12-13; Austin Rebetz 11 th place 12-13 year old boys; Kai Lichtensteiger 15th Youth boys (14-15)
- Halfpipe: Taylor Spaulding 6th place; Austin Rebetz 7th place; Kai Lichtensteiger 13th place.
Taylor and Ginger have both qualified for USASA Nationals at Copper Mountain in Colorado. Austin is still in contention for a slot.
Friday, March 11, 2011
OKEMO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL NAMES NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL
The Okemo Mountain School (OMS) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mariel Meringolo, who has been serving as the interim head of school has been named head of school. Last fall, Meringolo replaced Wendy Neal who had worked at the school since its inception 19 years ago.
Meringolo graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University. She has been a member of the OMS staff since 2004 and she has served in a number of different capacities: mathematics department head, development coordinator, special programs coordinator and admissions assistant.
"I am excited to have been given the opportunity to continue to serve Okemo Mountain School as the permanent Head of School,” said Meringolo. “This past winter I enjoyed the challenge of the new position and know that with continued hard work and dedication I can continue to meet the challenges ahead. I feel that we have so much potential for growth as a school and look forward to realizing that potential."
“The board is thrilled to have Mariel continue as the leader of the school,” said OMS Board President Diane Mueller. “She has provided stability during this time of transition and now is bringing ideas to the directors to move the school forward.”
Many successful athletes have trained on the slopes of Okemo Mountain Resort as students at Okemo Mountain School. OMS students are highly motivated individuals and the school addresses the needs of these talented skiers and snowboarders, grades 7 through 12, by providing them with an opportunity to train daily and work toward their competitive athletic goals while maintaining high academic standards.
Academics are a priority during the intense, full-time training and competition schedule. Instructional time is designed with a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to excel at subjects they might otherwise find challenging. The coaching that OMS students receive is unparalleled. An experienced staff of alpine, freeride and snowboard coaches sees to it that each student athlete reaches his or her own personal competitive potential. For athletic training, Okemo Mountain Resort provides on-hill time to the school.
The opportunities for personal growth at OMS are endless. Students at OMS are immersed in an atmosphere encouraging respect for self, peers, and community as well as perseverance and responsibility. For more information about Okemo Mountain School, visit http://www.okemomountainschool.org/.
Meringolo graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University. She has been a member of the OMS staff since 2004 and she has served in a number of different capacities: mathematics department head, development coordinator, special programs coordinator and admissions assistant.
"I am excited to have been given the opportunity to continue to serve Okemo Mountain School as the permanent Head of School,” said Meringolo. “This past winter I enjoyed the challenge of the new position and know that with continued hard work and dedication I can continue to meet the challenges ahead. I feel that we have so much potential for growth as a school and look forward to realizing that potential."
“The board is thrilled to have Mariel continue as the leader of the school,” said OMS Board President Diane Mueller. “She has provided stability during this time of transition and now is bringing ideas to the directors to move the school forward.”
Many successful athletes have trained on the slopes of Okemo Mountain Resort as students at Okemo Mountain School. OMS students are highly motivated individuals and the school addresses the needs of these talented skiers and snowboarders, grades 7 through 12, by providing them with an opportunity to train daily and work toward their competitive athletic goals while maintaining high academic standards.
Academics are a priority during the intense, full-time training and competition schedule. Instructional time is designed with a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to excel at subjects they might otherwise find challenging. The coaching that OMS students receive is unparalleled. An experienced staff of alpine, freeride and snowboard coaches sees to it that each student athlete reaches his or her own personal competitive potential. For athletic training, Okemo Mountain Resort provides on-hill time to the school.
The opportunities for personal growth at OMS are endless. Students at OMS are immersed in an atmosphere encouraging respect for self, peers, and community as well as perseverance and responsibility. For more information about Okemo Mountain School, visit http://www.okemomountainschool.org/.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
MSF Board Members
The following are the board members for MSF 2012/2013
Leigh Griswold
Rainy Hughes
Tara Lichetensteiger
Alex Provance
Mary Lou Shaw
Joan Noyes
Sue Stillwell
Alicia Tietsma
Maria Tomaselli
Heather Tucker
Leigh Griswold
Rainy Hughes
Tara Lichetensteiger
Alex Provance
Mary Lou Shaw
Joan Noyes
Sue Stillwell
Alicia Tietsma
Maria Tomaselli
Heather Tucker
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Sue and Dick McCostis
Sue, a former fashion model, and Vice President for Ann Klein, was a ski instructor at Jackson Gore, Okemo Mountain. In addition, she was a board member of the Ludlow Teen Center as well as the Court Diversion Board for the area. Through these various positions, she recognized the importance of having activities to support local kids, who often didn’t have the means to receive training in snow sports. As she wrote to a friend in 2004, “The Snow Sports Scholarship was established in this past year because we realized that many of the Black River Valley kids were left out of competitive mountain programs due to the high cost
Securing boots, goggles and other ski related attire for the Teen Center kids; Sue thought that a freestyle ski team should be established. “It’s the hot new sport,” she said.
In 2003, Sue started a fund, providing one scholarship for a local boy to participate in the Okemo weekend alpine racing program. At the time of her death in 2005, she made her husband and a friend promise to keep the scholarship fund going.
Dick was raised in Nashua, NH and graduated from Dartmouth College, the Air Force Academy (?) and the University of Virginia Law School. The majority of his law career was in private practice in New York City, specializing in international corporate law. He was a self described “David amongst the Goliath’s of Gotham City.” He was appointed to the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations, the Connecticut State Employees’ Review Board, and served as a skilled arbiter for the NASD until his death in 2007.
After giving up his law practice in 1997 he moved to Ludlow, VT with his wife Susan. Living his dream of sailing around the world, they spent the next two years sailing to the Caribbean across the North Atlantic and cruising the islands. Returning to land in 1999, Richard became a substitute teacher in the local public schools and renewed his law practice. He was President and Trustee for the Windsor County Court Diversion Program, Inc, as well as taught law in Tula, Russia and participated in numerous arbitrations.
During the winters Dick worked at Okemo Mountain, first as a Safety Ambassador and then as a ski instructor at Jackson Gore.
Snow Bank Party-Fundraiser for MSF
SNOW BANK PARTY
MARCH 19 (SATURDAY) 6-10 PM AT KILLARNEY’S
BAND: GMB
RAFFLE: 1ST PRIZE, A FABULOUS JOAN NOYES’S QUILT
SILENT AUCTION
LOTS OF FUN
WE WANT YOU THERE!
BENEFITS MCCOSTIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
To assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training.”
MSF is a non-profit organization, providing scholarships for snow sports to Okemo Valley youth. FMI 802-226-7807
www.mccostisscholarshipfund.blogspot.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship
Retired from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Pete Noyes was an avid outdoorsman. He loved golf, tennis, hiking, biking, kayaking and camping, but skiing was his passion; he lived from ski season to ski season. Pete had many other interests, he was a licensed ham radio operator, a sports car enthusiast, with the honor of longest membership in the Porsche Club of America, and maintained many memberships to sports clubs in the area. Living in Southington, CT area, he and his wife Joan were active members of the Newington Ski Club.
A year after his passing in 2006, Joan decided to have a named scholarship as part of the McCostis Scholarship Fund. In remembering her husband, Joan wrote A year ago I lost my best friend and husband. It’s been a difficult year, but with the help of God and the support of my family and friends, I was able to meet the challenge.
We will never forget Pete and the special guy that he was. He was loved by everyone, and lived life his way to the fullest. He leaves us to treasure the fond memories we shared and gives us his strength to keep us going.
To keep his passion of skiing alive, I am involved with the McCostis Scholarship Fund, which supports young skiers from the Ludlow area. As you know, Pete loved Okemo and Ludlow, and with the help of last year’s donations, many kids from Ludlow are able to fill their dreams. …. We can keep his passion alive through this initiative, so if you would like to make a small donation to the fund, or buy a raffle ticket, it would be greatly appreciated. …..
The first Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship was given, for the Winter 2008, to Rainey Hill. Rainie was an 8th grade honor student at Green Mountain Union High School. Growing up in Cavendish, Vermont, Rainie has been part of the Okemo racing program for a very long time. Today, Rainie, who is again the Pete Noyes Scholarship recipient, is now a junior attending Okemo Mountain School. She has recently qualified for the J2 Nationals, only one of 15 girls in the East to do so. She will be competing in the Junior Nationals at Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine during the week of March 7th.
You can make a donation to the Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship by sending a check, payable to the McCostis Scholarship Fund, noting Pete Noyes Fund on the check, and mail to LTC-MSF, PO Box 243 Ludlow, VT 05149.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Snow Safety: Protect Your Head
Snow sports are fun and help build strong bodies and minds. They also come with risks. While no one wants a pulled muscle or a broken leg, these will heal. A blow to the head, “ringing your bell,” is a different matter. Research is finding that concussions and brain injury, particularly repeated concussions, can lead to dementia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s Disease.
The McCostis Scholarship Fund is providing this fact sheet to help prevent and/or reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in our athletes and for the many people in their lives who love to ski and snowboard.
Prevent Slope Injuries :
• Wear a helmet that fits. Studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by 50-80%.
• Don’t use alcohol or drugs, including any over the counter or prescription medications that have warnings about use when driving or operating equipment
• Obey the safety rules of the mountain, including terrain parks and racing programs
• Have your equipment checked regularly
• Don’t borrow your friends equipment as this increases your risk for an injury
• Recognize when you need a break. Many injuries occur when you are tired.
• Don’t attempt tricks or slopes that are beyond your ability.
• Don’t ski or ride alone
If You Hit Your Head:
• Stop. Do not try to ski or snow board
• Get immediate medical assistance. This will often be available by the mountain’s ski patrol/first aid staff.
• Follow the recommendations made by mountain first aid personal for further evaluation at a hospital or with a medical provider
• Follow the directions of your treating medical provider
Concussions Basics: Your brain has the consistency of gelatin, which floats in a sea of cerebrospinal fluid. A blow to the head can cause your brain to slam into the wall of your skull . Ouch! This can result in bleeding in or around your brain and the tearing of nerve fibers. Regardless of how mild or severe it may be, brain injuries all share one thing in common-they alter how your brain works. This can affect memory, speech, judgment, balance and coordination.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Some symptoms are immediately apparent, such as loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or slurred speech, while others are not apparent until hours or even days later. If any of the following symptoms occur, in the days or weeks following the accident seek medical attention:
• Prolong headache or dizziness
• Vision or eye disturbances, including pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Impaired balance
• Prolonged memory loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Loss of smell or taste
• Seizure (convulsion)
• Changes in behavior, including irritability
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Blood or fluid discharge from the nose or ears
• A cut that won’t stop bleeding after you’ve applied pressure for 10 minutes.
Post Concussion Syndrome: A complex disorder in which concussion symptoms last for weeks and sometimes months after injury. Such symptoms include: Headaches, Dizziness, Fatigue, Irritability, Anxiety, Insomnia, Loss of concentration and memory, or Noise and light sensitivity
Second Impact Syndrome: If a second concussion occurs before the first one has resolved, the second impact is more likely to cause brain swelling and other widespread damage, and can be fatal. The second injury may occur from days to weeks following the first concussion. Loss of consciousness is not required.
Repeated Concussions: Repeated concussions significantly worsen long-term outcomes. They can increase the risk for post concussion syndrome. The more concussions, the greater the risk of long-term cognitive dysfunction.
What Coaches Need to Know
• Lead by example, where a helmet. Your athlete looks up to you.
• Have current First Aid and CPR certification
• Obtain a copy of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) free Tool Kit on Concussion for High School Coaches
• If an athlete sustains a head injury, follow the protocol outlined in the CDC kit, call for Ski Patrol
• Do not let an athlete back on snow without a written note from the treating medical provider, which outlines when an athlete can return to training and competition.
• Encourage competitive athletes to have a preseason baseline cognitive test
What Parents Need to Know
• Lead by example and wear a helmet if you are a skier or snowboarder. You are the primary role model for your child.
• Know your child’s coach(s). Ask to see appropriate certification for CPR, First Aid and concussion management guidelines.
• If your child sustains a head injury, seek medical attention.
• Follow directions outlined by the medical provider. Regardless of how well they say they feel, or how much they plead, do not let your child return to training or sport until they are free of symptoms and the doctor says it is safe for them to return to sport.
• Observe your child for signs of post concussion syndrome. Do not let them back on snow if they are exhibiting any symptoms.
• Let the coach know of your child’s injury and when it is safe for them to return to train or compete.
What Athletes Need to Know
• If you hit your head, tell the coach and your parents
• Pay attention to physical changes and how you think.
• Follow the doctor’s orders about when it is safe to return to your sport.
• If a teammate has a head injury, support them in following the doctor’s directions and know the signs of post concussion syndrome. You may be in the best position to know if your friend needs help.
For More Information
• The Vermont Brain Injury Association 1-877-856-1772
• Concussion Information from the Mayo Clinic
The McCostis Scholarship Fund is providing this fact sheet to help prevent and/or reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in our athletes and for the many people in their lives who love to ski and snowboard.
Prevent Slope Injuries :
• Wear a helmet that fits. Studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by 50-80%.
• Don’t use alcohol or drugs, including any over the counter or prescription medications that have warnings about use when driving or operating equipment
• Obey the safety rules of the mountain, including terrain parks and racing programs
• Have your equipment checked regularly
• Don’t borrow your friends equipment as this increases your risk for an injury
• Recognize when you need a break. Many injuries occur when you are tired.
• Don’t attempt tricks or slopes that are beyond your ability.
• Don’t ski or ride alone
If You Hit Your Head:
• Stop. Do not try to ski or snow board
• Get immediate medical assistance. This will often be available by the mountain’s ski patrol/first aid staff.
• Follow the recommendations made by mountain first aid personal for further evaluation at a hospital or with a medical provider
• Follow the directions of your treating medical provider
Concussions Basics: Your brain has the consistency of gelatin, which floats in a sea of cerebrospinal fluid. A blow to the head can cause your brain to slam into the wall of your skull . Ouch! This can result in bleeding in or around your brain and the tearing of nerve fibers. Regardless of how mild or severe it may be, brain injuries all share one thing in common-they alter how your brain works. This can affect memory, speech, judgment, balance and coordination.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Some symptoms are immediately apparent, such as loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or slurred speech, while others are not apparent until hours or even days later. If any of the following symptoms occur, in the days or weeks following the accident seek medical attention:
• Prolong headache or dizziness
• Vision or eye disturbances, including pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Impaired balance
• Prolonged memory loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Loss of smell or taste
• Seizure (convulsion)
• Changes in behavior, including irritability
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Blood or fluid discharge from the nose or ears
• A cut that won’t stop bleeding after you’ve applied pressure for 10 minutes.
Post Concussion Syndrome: A complex disorder in which concussion symptoms last for weeks and sometimes months after injury. Such symptoms include: Headaches, Dizziness, Fatigue, Irritability, Anxiety, Insomnia, Loss of concentration and memory, or Noise and light sensitivity
Second Impact Syndrome: If a second concussion occurs before the first one has resolved, the second impact is more likely to cause brain swelling and other widespread damage, and can be fatal. The second injury may occur from days to weeks following the first concussion. Loss of consciousness is not required.
Repeated Concussions: Repeated concussions significantly worsen long-term outcomes. They can increase the risk for post concussion syndrome. The more concussions, the greater the risk of long-term cognitive dysfunction.
What Coaches Need to Know
• Lead by example, where a helmet. Your athlete looks up to you.
• Have current First Aid and CPR certification
• Obtain a copy of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) free Tool Kit on Concussion for High School Coaches
• If an athlete sustains a head injury, follow the protocol outlined in the CDC kit, call for Ski Patrol
• Do not let an athlete back on snow without a written note from the treating medical provider, which outlines when an athlete can return to training and competition.
• Encourage competitive athletes to have a preseason baseline cognitive test
What Parents Need to Know
• Lead by example and wear a helmet if you are a skier or snowboarder. You are the primary role model for your child.
• Know your child’s coach(s). Ask to see appropriate certification for CPR, First Aid and concussion management guidelines.
• If your child sustains a head injury, seek medical attention.
• Follow directions outlined by the medical provider. Regardless of how well they say they feel, or how much they plead, do not let your child return to training or sport until they are free of symptoms and the doctor says it is safe for them to return to sport.
• Observe your child for signs of post concussion syndrome. Do not let them back on snow if they are exhibiting any symptoms.
• Let the coach know of your child’s injury and when it is safe for them to return to train or compete.
What Athletes Need to Know
• If you hit your head, tell the coach and your parents
• Pay attention to physical changes and how you think.
• Follow the doctor’s orders about when it is safe to return to your sport.
• If a teammate has a head injury, support them in following the doctor’s directions and know the signs of post concussion syndrome. You may be in the best position to know if your friend needs help.
For More Information
• The Vermont Brain Injury Association 1-877-856-1772
• Concussion Information from the Mayo Clinic
Supporting Your Okemo Valley Snow Sport Athlete
Whether your child is having their first or 50th snow sport’s competition, expenses are high. It can also be very confusing trying to understand what organizations are responsible for what and who to go to for help.
The following resources have been compiled by the McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF) to assist Okemo Valley parents and athletes. If you have information you can add to this list, please e-mail it to margoc@tds.net
Types of Training
Based on age and experience and desire to train, Okemo Mountain offers a variety of private lessons along with the following competitive training programs:
Alpine Racing (skiing)
• Hopefuls 7-12 years old
• Development/Council 8-12 years old
• J 1 & 2 15-19 years old
• J3: 13-14 years old
• Snowboarding (freestyle only): 8-18 years old
• Freestyle skiing: 8-18 years old
Snow academies offer both academic and sports training. Okemo Mountain School offers a variety of programs including five month (Nov-March) as well as intensive target terms, of a week to a month. Applications are required for admission.
Other eastern snow academies
Burke Mountain Academy
Carrabassett Valley Academy
Green Mountain Valley School
Killington Mountain School
MT Mansfield Winter Academy
Mt. Snow Academy
Stratton Mountain School
Waterville Valley Academy
Local Organizations
Ludlow Teen Center- McCostis Scholarship Fund
Scholarships are awarded for winter training, which can be at Okemo or in other parts of the country. Limited funding is available for those that qualify for late season national or international competitions. Scholarships are awarded by the following criteria:
• A resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Enrolled in grades 5th-12th and in good academic standing
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing (including freestyle) or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
Applications required.
OMARA (Okemo Mountain Alpine Racing Association): A non profit organization, OMARA acts as a “booster” program funding athletes in the Alpine, Snowboard, and Freestyle Competition Programs at Okemo Mountain Resort. Funds are available for equipment, competitor aid, as well as scholarships to OMS.
Okemo Alpine Competition Center: Responsible for all competitions that take place on Okemo Mountain.
Snow Sports Organizations (including funding)
Statewide
Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA): A non profit organization to promote and organize all levels of alpine ski racing in Vermont. VARA is also involved with education, fund raising and sponsorship. Funding is designated for athlete aid and development.
Regionally
EASEF Freestyle Scholarships/Grants Fall is the best time to request assistance for freestyle competitors. Eastern Amateur Ski Educational Foundation (EASEF) has two groups of scholarships available. Older competitors (Seniors, J1's and J2's) should apply to the EASEF “SteveK Freestyle Endowment Fund” while J3-J5’s should apply for funding from the “Philip T. Holmes Freestyle Fund”.
All support is based on need not success.
Steve K Freestyle Endowment Fund, formerly the Freestyle Endowment Fund was renamed in memory of Steve Kenney a long time supporter of Eastern Freestyle, a Past President of Eastern Freestyle Competition Committee, a coach at Stratton Mountain and a friend and supporter to all Freestyle activities until his untimely death.
Philip T. Holmes Freestyle Fund is named in memory of a combined freestyle competitor from Waterville Valley. His family and friends wanted to ensure that his memory and his love for Freestyle and competition would be remembered and that the sport would be enriched by his memory. This scholarship is specifically designated to junior athletes and to encourage families to be involved and to support their local programs.
In addition to scholarships, grants are available from EASEF.
To apply to either fund, please write to Dick Holmes at dick@HolmesELP.com
National
• Ross Powers Foundation
Many of these organizations offer scholarships and other support
• United States Ski and Snowboard Association
• Unites States of America Snowboard Association
• USSA Eastern Freestyle
• United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association
Sponsorship
Equipment and gear is costly. A lot of people think that sponsorships are the answer. For starters, it depends on your sport.
OMARA does help with equipment costs. Being an OMARA member, part of the tuition for OMS and Okemo Mountain programs, you are entitled to discounts at the local shops. In addition, some of the ski/snowboard shops do provide sponsorships by either giving product outright or provide in-kind help with tuning boards or skies. You will need to contact the stores directly for more information
Snow academies will often have companies that send product and/or ask the school to select one or two athletes, which they will sponsor by providing equipment or gear. Particularly in snowboarding, coaches often know people in the industry and can help with sponsorship.
Many competitions provide skis, snowboards and gear as prizes. The more competitions you do, the more opportunities you have to be noticed.
There is a difference between the sponsorship of skiers, freestylers and snowboarders. When asked about how to get sponsored, one professional snowboarder wrote If you are good enough people will notice. The best way to get noticed is to compete. Another way to get noticed is to make a video and send it in to companies you'd like to sponsor you. Another way is to rule it so much that photographers start taken pictures of you and those pics make it into magazines.
When a similar question was asked of a freestyle skier coach, the following response was given, Sponsorship is an elusive recipe in skiing. While skiing is expensive and sponsorship can take some burden off of families, kids (especially young ones) should not get their hopes up too high. I find that only the top 7-10% or so actually get free product. Unfortunately, it is a little more complicated than just telling someone how they can go about getting sponsored. It depends on the individual. So I would tell whomever is curious to just speak with me [the coach], since for some it may be a possibility whereas for others, a complete long shot.
The following resources have been compiled by the McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF) to assist Okemo Valley parents and athletes. If you have information you can add to this list, please e-mail it to margoc@tds.net
Types of Training
Based on age and experience and desire to train, Okemo Mountain offers a variety of private lessons along with the following competitive training programs:
Alpine Racing (skiing)
• Hopefuls 7-12 years old
• Development/Council 8-12 years old
• J 1 & 2 15-19 years old
• J3: 13-14 years old
• Snowboarding (freestyle only): 8-18 years old
• Freestyle skiing: 8-18 years old
Snow academies offer both academic and sports training. Okemo Mountain School offers a variety of programs including five month (Nov-March) as well as intensive target terms, of a week to a month. Applications are required for admission.
Other eastern snow academies
Burke Mountain Academy
Carrabassett Valley Academy
Green Mountain Valley School
Killington Mountain School
MT Mansfield Winter Academy
Mt. Snow Academy
Stratton Mountain School
Waterville Valley Academy
Local Organizations
Ludlow Teen Center- McCostis Scholarship Fund
Scholarships are awarded for winter training, which can be at Okemo or in other parts of the country. Limited funding is available for those that qualify for late season national or international competitions. Scholarships are awarded by the following criteria:
• A resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Enrolled in grades 5th-12th and in good academic standing
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing (including freestyle) or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
Applications required.
OMARA (Okemo Mountain Alpine Racing Association): A non profit organization, OMARA acts as a “booster” program funding athletes in the Alpine, Snowboard, and Freestyle Competition Programs at Okemo Mountain Resort. Funds are available for equipment, competitor aid, as well as scholarships to OMS.
Okemo Alpine Competition Center: Responsible for all competitions that take place on Okemo Mountain.
Snow Sports Organizations (including funding)
Statewide
Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA): A non profit organization to promote and organize all levels of alpine ski racing in Vermont. VARA is also involved with education, fund raising and sponsorship. Funding is designated for athlete aid and development.
Regionally
EASEF Freestyle Scholarships/Grants Fall is the best time to request assistance for freestyle competitors. Eastern Amateur Ski Educational Foundation (EASEF) has two groups of scholarships available. Older competitors (Seniors, J1's and J2's) should apply to the EASEF “SteveK Freestyle Endowment Fund” while J3-J5’s should apply for funding from the “Philip T. Holmes Freestyle Fund”.
All support is based on need not success.
Steve K Freestyle Endowment Fund, formerly the Freestyle Endowment Fund was renamed in memory of Steve Kenney a long time supporter of Eastern Freestyle, a Past President of Eastern Freestyle Competition Committee, a coach at Stratton Mountain and a friend and supporter to all Freestyle activities until his untimely death.
Philip T. Holmes Freestyle Fund is named in memory of a combined freestyle competitor from Waterville Valley. His family and friends wanted to ensure that his memory and his love for Freestyle and competition would be remembered and that the sport would be enriched by his memory. This scholarship is specifically designated to junior athletes and to encourage families to be involved and to support their local programs.
In addition to scholarships, grants are available from EASEF.
To apply to either fund, please write to Dick Holmes at dick@HolmesELP.com
National
• Ross Powers Foundation
Many of these organizations offer scholarships and other support
• United States Ski and Snowboard Association
• Unites States of America Snowboard Association
• USSA Eastern Freestyle
• United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association
Sponsorship
Equipment and gear is costly. A lot of people think that sponsorships are the answer. For starters, it depends on your sport.
OMARA does help with equipment costs. Being an OMARA member, part of the tuition for OMS and Okemo Mountain programs, you are entitled to discounts at the local shops. In addition, some of the ski/snowboard shops do provide sponsorships by either giving product outright or provide in-kind help with tuning boards or skies. You will need to contact the stores directly for more information
Snow academies will often have companies that send product and/or ask the school to select one or two athletes, which they will sponsor by providing equipment or gear. Particularly in snowboarding, coaches often know people in the industry and can help with sponsorship.
Many competitions provide skis, snowboards and gear as prizes. The more competitions you do, the more opportunities you have to be noticed.
There is a difference between the sponsorship of skiers, freestylers and snowboarders. When asked about how to get sponsored, one professional snowboarder wrote If you are good enough people will notice. The best way to get noticed is to compete. Another way to get noticed is to make a video and send it in to companies you'd like to sponsor you. Another way is to rule it so much that photographers start taken pictures of you and those pics make it into magazines.
When a similar question was asked of a freestyle skier coach, the following response was given, Sponsorship is an elusive recipe in skiing. While skiing is expensive and sponsorship can take some burden off of families, kids (especially young ones) should not get their hopes up too high. I find that only the top 7-10% or so actually get free product. Unfortunately, it is a little more complicated than just telling someone how they can go about getting sponsored. It depends on the individual. So I would tell whomever is curious to just speak with me [the coach], since for some it may be a possibility whereas for others, a complete long shot.
Scholarship Application Process
Applications for the McCostis Scholarship Fund take place at two times during the year:
• For snow academies, such as Okemo Mountain School, applications are accepted starting May 1 and must be received by June 30. Notification of awards will be made on or before August 15.
• For weekend and term programs, applications are accepted starting September 1 and must be received by October 31. Notification of awards will be made on or before November 15.
To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Full time resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Enrolled in grades 7th-12th and in good academic standing
• Demonstrate interest in and commitment to skiing or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
The size of scholarships will be based on need and available funds. Scholarship recipients, and their families, are required to assist with fundraising.
APPLICATION FORM
Completed applications should be sent, according to the schedule above to:
LTC: McCostis Scholarship Fund
PO Box 243
Ludlow, VT 05149
In addition to completing the information below, all applications must include a copy of the most recent year's Vermont Tax Return, as well as a letter of recommendation from a coach or teacher. Letters of recommendation can be e-mailed to lance@tds.net
Name of Applicant: ______________________________________________________
Home Address:______________________________________________________
Grade and Name of School: ______________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________ E-mail: _____________________________
Snow Program or Academy & Sport (skier, snowboarder, freestyle) _____________________
Cost: _____________________________ (All awards are made directly to the program.)
Applicant Signature: ____________ Parent Signature: _________
An application is not considered complete until the tax information and letter from the coach/teacher has been received. For more information, call Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-3687 or lance@tds.net
• For snow academies, such as Okemo Mountain School, applications are accepted starting May 1 and must be received by June 30. Notification of awards will be made on or before August 15.
• For weekend and term programs, applications are accepted starting September 1 and must be received by October 31. Notification of awards will be made on or before November 15.
To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Full time resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Enrolled in grades 7th-12th and in good academic standing
• Demonstrate interest in and commitment to skiing or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
The size of scholarships will be based on need and available funds. Scholarship recipients, and their families, are required to assist with fundraising.
APPLICATION FORM
Completed applications should be sent, according to the schedule above to:
LTC: McCostis Scholarship Fund
PO Box 243
Ludlow, VT 05149
In addition to completing the information below, all applications must include a copy of the most recent year's Vermont Tax Return, as well as a letter of recommendation from a coach or teacher. Letters of recommendation can be e-mailed to lance@tds.net
Name of Applicant: ______________________________________________________
Home Address:______________________________________________________
Grade and Name of School: ______________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________ E-mail: _____________________________
Snow Program or Academy & Sport (skier, snowboarder, freestyle) _____________________
Cost: _____________________________ (All awards are made directly to the program.)
Applicant Signature: ____________ Parent Signature: _________
An application is not considered complete until the tax information and letter from the coach/teacher has been received. For more information, call Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-3687 or lance@tds.net
About McCostis Scholarship Fund
As Susan McCostis, an Okemo ski instructor, wrote to a friend in 2004, “The Snow Sports Scholarship was established in this past year because we realized that many of the Black River Valley kids were left out of competitive mountain programs due to the high cost… Sue and her husband Dick, a ski instructor and Safety Ambassador at Okemo Mountain and director of court diversion for Windsor County, have left a legacy for area youth through the McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF). The fund is part of the Ludlow Teen Center, a 501 © 3 non-profit organization-030365776.
To honor a family member’s passion for snow sports, four memorial scholarships have been added to MSF, starting in 2007. These include: Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship; Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship; George Shaw Ski Scholarship and Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship.
The mission of the MSF is “To assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training.” As such, the board of MSF believes the following:
• Through snow sports, Okemo Valley youth gain knowledge and experience to help them become successful adults.
• Training is a responsibility shared by the athlete, home, school, coach and community.
• Treating people with dignity and respect is essential to a healthy and productive environment. MSF recipients need to respect all those involved in snow sports, their teammates, mountain personnel, and coaches.
• As involving people in decisions that impact their lives promotes ownership, commitment, action, a sense of value and pride, MSF expects families and athletes to help in fundraising and other activities to ensure that the fund is available for athletes in the coming years.
• Okemo Valley youth should not be limited in their pursuit of snow sport excellence by lack of funds.
Scholarships are awarded by the following criteria: A resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT; Enrolled in grades 5-12 and in good academic standing; Demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing (including freestyle) or snowboarding; and Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
Scholarships are awarded for winter training. Limited funding is available for summer training and those that qualify for late season national or international competitions
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Fund, send a check, payable to LTC-Scholarship Fund to PO Box 243 Ludlow, VT 05159. Specify if you would like funds to be used for one of the memorial scholarships.
To learn more about the Fund, apply for a scholarship, or to assist us in our efforts, please contact Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
To honor a family member’s passion for snow sports, four memorial scholarships have been added to MSF, starting in 2007. These include: Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship; Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship; George Shaw Ski Scholarship and Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship.
The mission of the MSF is “To assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training.” As such, the board of MSF believes the following:
• Through snow sports, Okemo Valley youth gain knowledge and experience to help them become successful adults.
• Training is a responsibility shared by the athlete, home, school, coach and community.
• Treating people with dignity and respect is essential to a healthy and productive environment. MSF recipients need to respect all those involved in snow sports, their teammates, mountain personnel, and coaches.
• As involving people in decisions that impact their lives promotes ownership, commitment, action, a sense of value and pride, MSF expects families and athletes to help in fundraising and other activities to ensure that the fund is available for athletes in the coming years.
• Okemo Valley youth should not be limited in their pursuit of snow sport excellence by lack of funds.
Scholarships are awarded by the following criteria: A resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT; Enrolled in grades 5-12 and in good academic standing; Demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing (including freestyle) or snowboarding; and Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
Scholarships are awarded for winter training. Limited funding is available for summer training and those that qualify for late season national or international competitions
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Fund, send a check, payable to LTC-Scholarship Fund to PO Box 243 Ludlow, VT 05159. Specify if you would like funds to be used for one of the memorial scholarships.
To learn more about the Fund, apply for a scholarship, or to assist us in our efforts, please contact Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
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