November – December 2017 President’s Report

As we start the New Year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members and volunteers who gave their time and expertise to make the past year a success. From the positive comments we receive from visitors, we can all be proud of the job we do.

Last newsletter, I brought members up-to-date on some of the happenings going on in the yard. A lot has been going on inside the Station. This past year, an Exhibits Committee was appointed by Board Chairman Don Konen. Its first task is to come up with a master plan of how to best utilize our available space. Our operating train layouts and play area are and always will be popular, especially with children. We have new display cases donated in 2016 by Cappiello Jewelers that can be put to use and also give us additional storage space. There are a number of various exhibits we can develop. The Committee will suggest their ideas to the Board which will make any final decisions.

Through monetary donations made in the memory of Jeff Scott, lumber was purchased over a year ago with the idea of re-doing our front desk area. The lumber was milled to match the wainscoting of our walls to give a more unified appearance. Jeff manned the front desk during his time as a member and always went out of his way to make visitors welcome.

The Gift Shop keeps getting new items in – books, clothing, collectibles and toys for children. There are also a number of used books and VHS tapes priced to sell. While it is not known as a model railroad shop, there is a selection of rolling stock, buildings and locomotives that have been donated by someone clearing out his collection.

The Archives/Library continues to grow with many donations coming in on a regular basis. We were a bit handcuffed when two large collections came in taking up a lot of space. But little-by-little the piles are going down with the help of our regular volunteers and some new ones. Look for a more complete article in the next issue of the newsletter.

On behalf of the Officers and the Board of Directors, have a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!