Feb 17 2012
VRAAnnouncements, Meeting minutes
VRA General Membership Meeting – February 16, 2012
Call to order – 7:18 pm – KC SMITH – President
Outgoing Officers’ comments:
KC Smith – You all know that there are issues going on, but we’re not going to discuss because it doesn’t matter. What we have done over the years is what matters. Truly appreciate every person here and thank you.
Charles Smith– Went back and ran 5 years of reports for multiple trips. We have served over 27,000 people on our trains, from 15 different states – gross revenue over $300k. This has gone to the Hawthorne station, the fence around the Boonton restoration yard and funds towards the restoration of the Lackawanna F3’s. Has complete faith in the upcoming board and plans to stick around.
Elections – 2 parts: One board member and 4 officers. The Director’s position was closer than all the years KC has been involved. The election had tremendous number of voters as well. Mike O’Toole got most votes for Director. The VRA Board decided that due to a Director resignation to award the second highest the remaining two years board position – Kevin Smith won that seat. Steve Gerritsen, Justin Kerstner, Andrea Rebner and Carolyn Hoffman ran unopposed.
President’s Report – Steve Gerritsen – wasn’t expecting to give one! Thank you everyone for the opportunity. Looking forward to doing a lot of good things this year, Santa & Easter Trains (Easter already started), plus complete a lot of motorcar projects and have fun doing it.
Vice President’s Report – Justin Kerstner – Finish overdue projects, namely the L&NE Railroad 40B motorcar – get that moving on its own power.
Treasurers Report – Andrea Rebner moved money back to the Joseph K. Weber fund – $6,565.36. Box for the Mother Seton railrodiana show is made; cash box set up for attendees. $2,613.87 Savings, $18,079.68 less outstanding of $7,445.64 for balance of $10,634.04 in checking.
Motion to Accept Treasurer’s Report – Made by KC Smith, Second Charles Smith – Passed unanimously.
Dues – Copy of newsletter and renewals were mailed to all.
Secretary – Matt Phalon – All minutes were sent, amendments were made and resent.
Motion to Accept Secretary’s Report – Made by Paul Trabert, Second Charles Smith – Passed unanimously.
Toys for Tots Train 2011 – Carolyn Hoffman – Over 11,000 toys collected, more than previous years. Huge thank you to all VRA volunteers who did an outstanding job and made a giant impact on the project.
Easter – Matt Phalon & Carolyn Hoffman co-chairing committee. Glen Rock approved, running to Secaucus 90 minute. Saturday is Wayne trip, hopefully to Dover. Betsy Newbury will be Crew Caller, Andrea Rebner will handle characters. Station in-person time will be Saturday 12 – 4, no weeknight this time. Will be checking voicemail daily. 50 new signs and 2 banners on order. 8 cars, 1 crew car, 2 engines. Jon Berkemeyer asks if children of volunteers will be allowed on train, KC Smith responds yes.
Hawthorne Station –
Gables – Frank Ball is looking into how we will finish. He will be contacting Glen Rock Lumber to see about pricing, will pick out a shingle close to pictures. We will paint them ourselves. (Have to clean basement) Have contractor selected and ready to go.
Pavers – Charles Smith – Thank you Andrea, check mailed to Brick Markers already. Redesigned train logo to front end of NYS&W 3000 engine, also added S-Ball, Erie Diamond and others. Artwork came out beautifully. Order should be in sometime in March. Have prices on blanks.
Yard Sale – Jon Berkemeyer volunteers to chair. KC Smith directs him to talk to Carol Smith for guidance. Will clean out basement and put out what we have. Talked about spring sale, Town Wide Sale in May, no registration fee that weekend. Will have to register but not be charged. KC Smith thinks there may only be two allowed per year; Andrea Rebner disagrees as church does every weekend. Do we want to do it same time as everyone else (Town Wide Sale) or do another weekend. Steve Gerritsen suggests doing it twice. Chris Abbood has some things to donate, would be worth taking. His sister offered us space to store things, have to pick up Saturday or Sunday.
Benches – Contractor selected, have to clean up forms. Not 100% sure, Steve Gerritsen & Justin Kerstner may handle.
Landscaping – Kevin Smith – Want to take a new look at the path, not centered and redesign will give us more room. Looking at too many bricks with current layout. Should put bricks out as we get them even before they’re ready to be permanently laid. Will have to get new layout done before delivery. Matt Phalon suggests creating path to look like railroad tracks. Matt Posthumus – Look into curb your dog signs, people are walking dogs in the station garden and not cleaning up after them.
Hawthorne Tree Lighting & Santa – KC Smith – Went very nicely, town made up a banner on trolley saying they were going to the station. Turnout was good.
Displays – Steve Gerritsen – Changed one display, cabinet now has KC Smith’s grandfather’s collectibles. Looking for more pictures of winter scenes, any railroad. Looking for upcoming seasons as well. Charles Smith – AYA Enterprises does mirrored boxes with railroad logo, have done custom mirrored glass S-Ball in maroon for us.
Curtains – Carolyn Hoffman – Have researched lots of curtains. Can be anywhere from several hundred to several thousand. She will get estimates. Most agree on hunter green. Look into curtain for ticket booth under window. See if any friends or family would be willing to help out. Will get several estimates and report back to board.
Motorcar Trips – We need a chairman. Steve Gerritsen will chair, but would like help, Frank Ball offered to co-chair. As of right now we’re not sure what we’re doing. Have opportunity to run trips on NYS&W and M&NJ as well as others. Have to work out some details with NARCOA. Jon Berkemeyer asks if there is a chance we won’t have any trips. Steve Gerritsen responds there is that possibility; may not be a bad idea to take a year off. Plenty of projects to do with motorcars without running NARCOA excursions. Morristown & Erie Railroad has asked us to cut their Staten Island Branch for them. This is ex B&O Railroad (Cranford Junction – Arthur Kill Bridge?) We have to get our new motorcars from Middletown & New Jersey Railroad to evaluate. Discussion over whether the Staten Island Branch cutting will run into or up to the Bayway Refinery. Charles Smith has a friend who may give a tour (Howland Hook). When KC Smith said we’d cut he told them we would want something in return: i.e. a motorcar run. Cape May Seashore Line may need things cut this year, we will be in touch with Tony.
Newsletter - Matt Phalon – Newsletter was emailed to Andrea Rebner, she mailed with renewals. Mike Goralski was unable to post so Matt Phalon posted today.
JKW Fund – KC Smith – Mother Seton Sunday March 4th. Steve Gerritsen, Justin Kerstner, Carolyn Hoffman, & Matt Posthumus to attend. 2 tables paid for.
JKW Library – Paul Trabert – No change.
URHS Report – Joe Mele – URHS Shop building is under construction should be done by spring. Waiting on one container to finish. Still discussing NYC Diner swap with SC collector. KC feels it’s not going to happen. Want to run a trip on CMSL in spring. Have to talk to Tony about a date, will be photo opps along the way. Frank has some pictures available to email.
Motorcars – Woodings: KC Smith has the replacement rear-end, Dave Czerwinski has the motor car. Have to figure out when to put the car’s rear-end in. Car needs brakes; ones sent last year were not the correct ones. These new brakes already need replacing after being in use only a year and a half. 40B: all parts are now in Boonton, Dave (Shop Foreman) has offered to help with body work and paint. We will wait for the shop building to be up. We have to repaint some things as paint is wrong color. Have to have it color matched again to match body. MT19: At KC Smith’s house. Needs TLC, door curtain starting to wear. Also we have to realign the alternator & belt. A-5: Need to mount the ‘between-the-rails’ mower deck (car in Boonton container). Need new ramps built for the container as this mower will be permanently attached. The new fuel tank has been installed. M&NJ cars – We have to get to the cars there and start going over them to assess their condition. Need to check the operation of the hydraulics on the Brush car. KC Smith – The M&NJ Brush car is too wide for containers. He saw a carport for $400 with metal roof and no walls. Further discussion needed on sheltering M&NJ Brush Car. Northern Railroad of NJ motorcar – this car belongs to URHS, is presently stored in our container now.
Old Business – The ‘Member of the Year’ plaque – Carolyn Hoffman will contact Hero’s Salute for perpetual plaque.
New Business – New ticketing system: The board had a phone conference and presentation for WhistleTix to replace Ticket Turtle. Overall opinion is it seems to fit much better. KC Smith contacted Dynamic Ticket Solutions, price per ticket is less but they have a set up fee. Will set up web presentation as well. They said they can refund credit card fees which WhistleTix said they could not.
KC Smith – Signage – Who’s putting out Easter Bunny signs? Charles Smith to let Justin Kerstner know where they traditionally put them. Signs to be put out this weekend.
Motion to Adjourn: Made by Jon Berkemeyer, Seconded by KC Smith. Adjourned 8:30 pm
Feb 14 2012
VRAAnnouncements, Easter Bunny Train
The Volunteer Railroaders Association has announced the return of their very popular Easter Bunny Train Ride to be held this year on March 31st and April 1st. Ticket prices remain only $9.00 for children under 12 and $13.00 for everyone else. If you purchase your tickets on line at http://easterbunnytrain.com you’ll save 50 cents per ticket.
On the March 31st the trains will depart from the NJ Transit Rt. 23 Transit Center at 9:30 am, 12 noon and 2:30 pm. These trips will run out through scenic Morris County and back. Along the way the trains will pass by the Boonton Restoration yard, where much of the railroad equipment destined for the NJ Transportation Heritage Center is being worked on or stored.
On April 1st the trains are scheduled to depart the NJ Transit Glen Rock Boro Hall station at 9:30 am, 12 noon and 2:30 pm. These trips will run up through Bergen County and beyond. Spring will be in the air as we ride along enjoying the scenes outside the windows and the activities inside the cars.
During the one hour and 30 minute ride the Easter Bunny will hop through the train and visit each child and give them a special gift from his basket. In addition each child can have his or her picture taken with the bunny so they can always remember their ride, so bring your cameras. Also on board will be other cartoon characters to entertain the kids and make for a great day out for all on board. For more information or to order tickets visit http://easterbunnytrain.com/ or call the VRA at 973-238-0555, major credit cards are accepted.
This year’s trips are funding the restor¬ation efforts of the Hamptonburgh NY Caboose Museum and the Middletown and New Jersey Railroad’s GE 44 Ton locomotive #1. Plus the VRA’s continued effort to help preserve NJ’s rich railroad history.
So why not gather up the kids and Grandparents and join the VRA and the Easter Bunny on these fun train rides. You will not only have a great time with your family you will also be helping to preserve history for generations to come to enjoy.
Tickets for these trains usually sell out quickly so don’t delay call or visit them on-line today. The ticket office is located at 80 Royal Avenue, Hawthorne in the train station. Ticket office hours – see the website. All other times just leave a message and we will call you back.
The Volunteer Railroaders Association is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Volunteer Railroaders Association Inc.
80 Royal Avenue
Hawthorne, NJ 07506-1810
(973) 238-0555
http://www.vratrips.org/
Jan 22 2012
Mike O'TooleAnnouncements
VRA Meetings
We hold the meetings on the 3rd Thursday of the month in:
February (16-Feb-2012),
May (17-May-2012),
August (16-Aug-2012) and
November (15-Nov-2012).
Meetings start at 7:00 pm at the St Clements Church, 271 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506. We try and get a show together for each meeting and so ask people who have something to let us know so we can schedule it, this does not always work so some meetings we have an open projector night where we allow members to bring what ever they want and show it with a limit of about 15 or 20 minutes worth.
All are welcome, new members prospects as well.
Dec 07 2011
Charles SmithAnnouncements, Toys For Tots
2011 represents the third running of the US Marine Corps train in New Jersey. The Volunteer Railroaders Association has been a proud supporter of the effort every year. If anyone can make themselves available Saturday (12/10), you would be doing a service for a very special effort. For those that haven’t seen the train previously, here’s a few images from the 2009 running on the NYS&W (click images to enlarge them):
Camouflage box car Morristown & Erie RR 1775 crosses the Hackensack River.
(photo - Charles Smith)
Please visit http://www.toysfortotsnj.com/ for full schedule and drop off locations.
All volunteers will have full access to the train at all stops, including food, hot beverages, bathrooms, etc. Each person will be given an ID with their name so if you’re willing to help we need to know ASAP.
Santa and the USMC at Hawthorne. (photo - Charles Smith)
Each volunteer will also be given the 2011 ball cap to designate them as Toys for Tots Crew along with their ID.
The Military Transport Association certainly makes an impact when they arrive 
- Grand Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ. (photo - Charles Smith)
It may seem very obvious to say this but the US Marine Corps has done so much to keep our country safe and free.
Departing Wyckoff, NJ. (photo - Charles Smith)
The Toys for Tots program represents a rare opportunity for us to help them as well as making Christmas a little brighter for New Jersey’s less fortunate families.
Santa, the Marines, Wyckoff Fire Department and our engineer for the day - the VRA's first president Steve Weiss (orange gloves).
(photo - Charles Smith)
Dover & Rockaway RR (ex Central of NJ RR) Photos
Photos of the Morristown & Erie RR Toys for Tots train in 2010.
The Toys For Tots train comes into Dover on the ex-CNJ. Morristown & Erie business car OHIO RIVER (ex-L&N), camouflager boxcar, and two cabooses follow. photo - Gary R. Kazin
The Toys For Tots train comes into Dover on the ex-CNJ. Morristown & Erie business car OHIO RIVER (ex-L&N), camouflager boxcar, and two cabooses follow, with Santa on the rear platform. photo - Gary R. Kazin
Toys For Tots train receives donations in Dover on the ex-CNJ. photo - Gary R. Kazin
Carolyn Hoffman of the Volunteer Railroaders Association is an elf. photo - Gary R. Kazin
Santa hob-nobs while donations are loaded into the boxcar and Marines chat. photo - Gary R. Kazin
The Marines continue to visit with Santa. photo - Gary R. Kazin
Returning west, Santa and Carolyn from the VRA in the cupola. photo - Gary R. Kazin
More Toys For Tots Train Photos
More Toys For Tots train pictures (from 2010) Link leads to The Military Transport Association (MTA) website.
Even more photos http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20626
The rear of the Toys for Tots Train in Hawthorne, while its crew gets ready to take gifts for the needy.
A former Erie Caboose was part of the consist for the 2010 Toys for Tots Train.
Santa Clause sits on one of the upper berths of the Whippany Railway Museum owned caboose.
Nov 19 2011
Paul TrabertNewsletters, November 2011
Binding of Diesel Era magazines is complete. Binding of Model Railroader magazines is complete.
I will be taking inventory of some magazines which were donated to the VRA recently to see if there are any which can be used to expand our collection.
I have ordered binders from Railpace . I will be putting Railpace magazines in binders next.
Nov 18 2011
Matt PhalonMeeting minutes, Newsletters, November 2011
Date: November 17, 2011 Location: Saint Clement's Church, Hawthorne, NJ Call to order: 7:17pm Minutes Recorded by: Matt Phalon, Secretary
President's report: (KC Smith) Full slate of officers to vote for. Change is good. Move in a new direction, or where ever the new board decides to move. We are still here, can always be reached.
Vice President's Report: Charles Smith: No report.
Treasurer: Voted to move $5k back to JKW at October Board Meeting. Savings $2600, checking $6000. Not counting Santa train income. Motion made by Charles Smith to accept report, seconded by Carolyn Hoffman.
Secretary: August 2011 minutes distributed. Motion by Paul Trabert to accept report, seconded by Steve Gerritsen.
Santa Train – Matt Phalon Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Wayne-Route 23 Transit Center Times: 9:30am, 12 noon, 2:3pm
Committee: Chairman: Matt Phalon Crew Caller: Betsy Newbury Character Coordinator: Kevin Rebner Signs/Banners/Ticketing: Charles Smith Internet Advertising: KC Smith Other Assistants: Frank Ball, Carolyn Hoffman, Justin Kerstner, Steve Gerritsen and Andre Rebner.
Update: All train crew and parking lot crew is filled as well as all characters and helpers thanks to the hard work of Kevin Rebner and Betsy Newbury. At time of meeting, we are still in need of two Santas. Please contact Kevin Rebner or Matt Phalon if you know of someone to play Santa. Station office hours for ticketing at Tuesday from 6-8pm and Sunday from 12-2pm. Please contact Matt Phalon or Charles Smith if you are able to be at the station on either of those days. Matt is usually there on Tuesdays and Charles on Sundays, and Justin and Carolyn have also assisted in covering station hours. To those interested in learning what it takes to run excursions, please come and work with us during office hours at the station. Any and all are welcomed to do so, and the extra help is greatly appreciated.
Hawthorne Station – Frank Ball: Roof is on the top of the building. Gables/end pieces haven't been done yet. Going to get price for cedar shake shingle. Asked contractor to deliver material a few days in advance so we can paint it. Gingerbread is going to be replaced. Look at gutters in the spring.
Pavers – Charles Smith: Place order on Monday for bricks and pavers after double checking all orders for spelling.
Yard Sale - Carol Smith: Thanks to everyone who helped. Raised ~$1700. Still have a few things to sell (eBay?) Got a lot of donations from VRA members and Hawthorne community. And we sold the dragon head!!
Benches – Frank Ball: Price tomorrow (11/18). Go ahead to get three benches made. Benches are going to be 6 feet wide.
Landscaping - Kevin Smith: Fertilized grass. Mulch in the spring. Fertilize shrubs now and again in March. Replace mulch by street side of station with rock from the paths on the former station site. Kevin will look at different suppliers for pricings and possible donation.
Motor Car Trips - KC Smith: Successful run on Stourbridge and M&NJ. Southern Division trip only ran to Snufftown Road. Chris Vitz got into an accident and totaled his car while trying to deliver sandwiches to Sparta. VRA offered to pay 25% to NYSW (due to only running 25% of the trip) and the NYSW waived the fee completely.
Newsletter – Matt Phalon & Mike Goralski: More pictures, more article submissions MUST be sent in. All articles are due on the 1st of the month (February, May, August, November).
JKW Fund – KC Smith: Scranton train show-did not go due to snow storm. Jersey Central show is Sunday, March 4th at Mother Seton High School. Frank proposes to use one of the new display cases as a consignment case to sell stuff from members and have 10% of sale donated to VRA.
JKW Library - Paul Trabert: See report sent to Newsletter.
URHS Report - KC Smith: Building foundation has begun. Star Trak hopes to have the building up by the end of 2011. Swap Reading trucks with roller bearing trucks and donate current trucks under RDG to Whippany. CMSL is working to expand to Winslow Jct. URHS has been offered the first trip down to Winslow Jct. EastRAIL may return in 2012 in a substantial auditorium in north Jersey. URHS has come to the conclusion that a single site for a state museum will not happen, and take existing museums and tourist operations and make an umbrella group that cross promotes all of the museums and the places in the URHS. It is currently a work in progress. Equipment owned by URHS would be turned over to individual museums but still under the umbrella of the Heritage Museum.
Motor Cars - Steve Gerritsen: URHS car has nothing going on. MT-19 is getting new fuel filter and fuel lines. Woodings may have slight issues. Dave is keeping it for the winter and working on it. Brush car, A5, has a fuel tank on it and a fuel line. Mower deck needs to be retro fit for it. 40B is getting done this spring; getting prepped for paint during the winter and painted in the spring. Two cars bought from the M&NJ; A car needs a strip down and and rebuild. Bruch car is friken awesome; hand pump hydraulics, huge sickle bars, reporting marks were found, motor needs to be rebuild, sickle bar needs to be redone, has hydraulic turntable. Containers will be rearranged in Boonton for better access.
Election Nominations - KC Smith:
President: Steve Gerritsen Vice President: Charles Smith, Justin Kerstner Treasuerer: Andrea Rebner Secretary: Carolyn Hoffman Director: Mike O'Toole, Matt Phalon, Kevin Smith
Each nominee must write a paragraph about why they feel they are fit for the position.
Displays – Steve Gerritsen: Come up with schedule for displays and open houses. Come up with themes for displays.
Andrea – VRA joined Chamber of Commerce. Proposing to have banner made with VRA name on it.
——NEW BUSINESS—–
Hawthorne Tree Lighting: VRA is going to be part of the Trolley bus tour around Hawthorne on December 2nd. Mrs. Claus and and Elf will be at the station for it. Carolyn Hoffman will be down on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to decorate more and is looking for people to help. Frank brought lights and a tree to put in the station. Frank Ball has also brought a train set to setup. Tree lighting is at 6:00pm preceded by a parade. Give away coloring books and mini candy canes. Start setting up at 4pm.
Easter Train - KC Smith: Hamptonburg Caboose Museum is looking to raise money to restore the caboose and the Middletown & New Jersey is looking for help to put M&NJ 44-tonner, #1 back in service. Sunday trip will run out of Middletown, NY and run east over Moodna Viaduct and back. This is a completely new market and both M&NJ and Hamtonburg have agreed to put out signs and banners–including one on an M&NJ locomotive. The profits from the Sunday train will be split between the two. For the volunteers, we will get picked up around Hawthorne/Radburn and ride up to Middletown.
Toys 4 Tots – Carolyn Hoffman: new site http://toysfortotsnj.com/ Running Saturday on NYS&W and Sunday on Morristown & Erie. Kevin Phalon agreed to be official photographer. Two teams of 3 or 4 people to work the ground on Saturday.
Adjournment: 9:03pm (Entertainment start)
Nov 15 2011
Matt PhalonNewsletters, November 2011, Santa Train
This year’s Santa train will take place on December 3rd out of the Wayne-Route 23 Transit Center with an 8-car train and will run, like in year’s past, at 9:30am, 12 noon, and 2:30pm and run west to Dover and back. Along the way, we will be passing the West Boonton Yard, the restoration site for the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey.
This year’s committee consists of myself as the Chairman working along side with Charles Smith, KC Smith, Frank Ball, Steve Gerritsen, Betsy Newbury as our Crew Caller and Kevin Rebner as our Character Coordinator being assisted by Andrea Rebner.
Thank you to Charles for heading up our Marketing with putting out a majority of our road signs and banners, KC for taking care of our newspaper and internet advertising, Betsy for getting our crew roster filled up weeks in advance, Kevin for getting our characters in line, and Mike O’Toole for getting our website updated and running. This year, our ticketing office hours are Tuesday 6-8pm and Sunday 12noon-2pm. I encourage you all to join in and help doing our office hours.
This train is shaping up to a great success. At the time of this writing, we are still short two Santa’s. Each Santa will be in charge of two cars in the train, for a total of four Santa’s on the train, and without the Santa’s, we have no Santa train! Please help ask everyone and anyone you know if they would like to be Santa and help put smiles on the faces of over 2,000 people and help make their Christmas a little more special. This train will be here before we know it!
Nov 14 2011
KC SmithNewsletters, November 2011
We have had one heck of a busy 2011 and don’t see any let up for the remaining two months. Yet to be done are our Santa Train on December 3rd out of Wayne and on December 2nd we have a new addition when we take part in the Borough of Hawthorne’s Santa Parade and Tree Lighting. Both of these projects will be covered in detail elsewhere in this issue.
As for what we have accomplished these last three months I would like to thank and congratulate Chris Vitz and Craig Hartman for running two successful weekends of motorcar trips over the NYSW’s Syracuse line and also on the Stourbridge RR and new trackage now operated by the Middletown and NJ RR out of Campbell Hall NY. Unfortunately the freak snowstorm that hit on October 29th cut short our NYS&W Southern Division trip, which we will reschedule for spring of next year.
Next I want to give a big thank you to everyone who helped make our two-day yard sale to benefit the station a huge success. I want to especially thank my wife, Carol, who took on the chairmanship and did an outstanding job of organizing, publicizing, pricing and overseeing all aspects of the project. We grossed about $1700 in two days and immediately put that money to work by signing a contract to put a new roof on the station.
Speaking of roofs, thanks to Frank Ball’s leadership just three weeks after the yard sale the new roof went on the station and it looks great. We now need to get the wood clapboard and trim on the ends of the building between the upper and lower roof sections replaced. Frank has already reached out to our old friend Ed Newman to get us an estimate. We have decided that a professional should do this work due to the very steep pitch of the roof and the danger in putting volunteers up there to do the work.
Now on to the future. I am happy to report that we are working on a deal that will hopefully see us be able to expand our passenger train operations into New York State. All the details are not yet in place but we are meeting with two groups who want to work with us to run Easter Trains out of the Middletown NY area. We would most likely be giving the profits to two separate railroad preservation projects in that area and hopefully be making some new friends and customers.
As most of you know when I ran for President two years ago I said I would only do it for two years because I personally think it is a bad idea to have the same person in charge for any longer than that. I also said that I would not run for any office after my time as President was up because I am convinced that new blood in leadership roles is very important to allow for the continued existence of any organization. I have been helping to lead the VRA since we started back in 1993 and I think that now is my time to step aside. I want to thank everyone who has helped make the VRA what it is today; if it were not for all of you we could never have done what we have.
Nov 14 2011
KC SmithAnnouncements, Newsletters, November 2011
October 1st was the date set for the 2011 version of Hawthorne Day and it looked like Mother Nature was not going to be kind. Not only had it rained for days before which saturated the group, but more rain showers were forecast for the day. But because it was just showers, the town moved forward with the plans and with tents over most of the vendors most would stay dry. As it happened the crowd turned out, and other than lots of mud under our feet the day went pretty well. We brought a motorcar for display, which was a big hit with the kids and kids at heart. We set up our table with our photo board, fliers on the station, motorcars, our group and one highlighting our yard sale the following weekend.
We had lots of very nice comments on the work we did at the station and a few questions on when the pavers would be installed. We also had a number of offers for donations to our yard sale, all of which by the way came through. It was nice to see how many people recognized the work we have done to make the downtown area a little nicer. Andrea, Frank, Matt, Charles and I manned the table and the car and while we did not set out to make any money, we did get a few donations and lots of good will.
Easter Thank You Picnic
Long-delayed because of all the work we have been doing, our Easter Bunny train Thank You Picnic finally happened on Saturday September 10th at the station. We had a very good turnout of people who had volunteered on the train and we had a very good time. We had burgers, dogs and even shrimp on the barbecue, along with assorted salads, drinks, chips, candy, cookies and oh yes, marshmallows, which we found out work very well as projectiles. It’s been a while since we had the chance to just sit back, enjoy each other’s company, have some fun and laugh as hard as we did. Thanks to everyone who came out and a special thanks to everyone who helped set up, cook and make the day a good time.
Hawthorne Tree Lighting – December 2nd
We have been asked to participate in this year Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Visit in Hawthorne on December 2nd, which is the day before our Santa Trains. The plan is to decorate the station inside and out and open it to the public. Inside we will have Mrs. Santa, who will read Christmas stories to the kids and have an elf hand out candy. In addition we will offer free pictures with the Mrs., which we can e-mail to the parents. We will have an NScale layout inside and a G-Scale layout outside, weather permitting of course. The town will be running a trolley bus which will stop by the station along its route, dropping people off to see what we have to offer. The night will begin for us at about 6 and end around 8:30 and to make it a success we will need a few volunteers to play Mrs. Claus and be an elf. Plus we need people to be there to show people around and run the train sets.
To get the station ready we are going to need to decorate it including a tree inside and icicle lights outside. Who knows, maybe we can even get a tree set up outside. But all that is going to take volunteers. We hope to have it all done by the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so if you would like to help please call the station at 973-238-0555 or write an e-mail and say you want to help.
Nov 14 2011
Mike GoralskiMotorcar Trips, Newsletters, November 2011
It’s putting things mildly that the fall VRA NYS&W Southern Division speeder run didn’t go quite as planned. With that said, all involved worked in extraordinary circumstances to ensure the safety of all NARCOA participants. I’m proud to have been a part of that team in the capacity as a flagger, and while I hope we don’t have to test our safety skills quite so much next time, I stand behind the work we did that day to get everyone down Sparta Mountain safely.
The first detour train of the day pulls through Sparta Junction as the VRA group waits on a siding before proceeding. This westbound would be the first Metro North detour train of the day, running over the NYS&W from PC Junction to Campbell Hall, NY.
Between directing automobile traffic and helping out in any way possible, the volunteer flaggers, Chris Vitz, Steve Weiss, and Craig Hoffman all made sure things proceeded as best they could. It’s in the thick of it when the truly talented shine, and this was no exception.
Here now, are some photographs that I managed to take on the day of the run.
After taking hours to make it up Sparta Mountain, the decision came over the radio: 'we’re calling the run.' The call was made to turn the cars at Snufftown Road, since it’s the least busy crossing in the area. Here we see trip pilot Steve Weiss look on as a car is turned.
In stark contrast to the photo taken earlier that morning, the second Metro-North detour train (an eastbound this time) moves through a very wintry-looking Sparta Junction area. The motorcars again yield to the train, and are on the Eastern Propane siding waiting for the main to clear and the Form D to be issued.
With everyone safely back down the mountain, Metro North detour trains cleared, and the switches lined and locked, the motorcars make their final move of the day back onto the main. Everyone was eager to get into a warm automobile, if not so eager to drive in the foot of snow Mother Nature graced us with.
Nov 14 2011
VRAAnnouncements, Newsletters, November 2011
Nominations for VRA officers will now be accepted for the upcoming election. Please submit nominations to VRA President KC Smith via email at volunteerra@yahoo.com. If necessary, nominations from the floor will be entertained at the November VRA meeting as well.
Nov 14 2011
Carol SmithNewsletters, November 2011
The VRA Yard Sale raised nearly $1700 for the new station roof.
On October 8th and 9th, the VRA ran its first ever yard sale, inside and outside of the station. During the week before myself, Charles, Andrea, Tina, Carolyn, Frank, KC, John, Matt and Paul helped organize all of the donated items into piles by category and price them. What a huge job, but many hands make little work. Charles also helped by putting up flyers and KC put up signs. Between those, the classified ad and the flyers that were passed out the prior weekend during Hawthorne Day – and the fact that we had great weather – we had a huge turnout. Thanks to all that worked and the many that came to browse our treasures and also to buy, buy, buy (including ourselves).
We made close to $1700! We still have some valuable items such as a set of Mikasa china, a silver tea set, and an antique caned rocking chair that we hope to sell on eBay in the near future. If anyone has experience on selling on eBay, please give me a call. During the clean up, we put many of the leftover items in the basement of the station for a future yard sale, donated stuffed animals to the fire department, some treasures to Andrea’s church for a sale and leftover books to the library.
Thanks aplenty to everyone who stepped up. Please forgive me if I forget anyone. To non-VRA members, thanks to my sister, Patti, for helping display items in the station, making displays for the jewelry and her and her family for making signs.
Thanks to Denise Griffin, a former high school classmate of KC’s and Hawthorne resident, who donated items, also helped spread out things in the station and spent her hard earned cash a number of times during Saturday and Sunday.
Frank Ball and Matt Phalon work the hot dog cart at the VRA yard sale.
To VRA members, Matt, Kevin, Charles, KC, Justin, Steve, Frank, John Kroll for putting up with my ordering them around and lugging many,many boxes of items up and down into the basement and in and out of the station and hauling heavy tables here, there and everywhere. Many thanks to Andrea, for helping sort and price, donating items, asking her church and coordinating the movement of the many tables we used for the sale and being there with suggestions when I needed them. Thanks always to Charles and Frank who are constant helping hands with anything needed.
Thanks to all the helpers who maintained the money table and helped during the sale hours: Joan, Frank, Joe Weber, Andrea, Charles, Craig, KC, John Kroll, Carolyn, Paul, Shirley. And last but not least, thanks to my husband, KC, for keeping me on track and helping me figure out all the stuff I didn’t know and picking up the ‘things’ I dropped. You’re the man.
Nov 14 2011
Joe MeleNewsletters, November 2011, United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
Star Trak is continuing to work on our equipment at the Boonton Yard.
The shop building permits have been approved, and the URHS can move forward with construction of the maintenance building.
The URHS is negotiating a swap with the owner of twin NYC dining cars. The cars are currently located in South Carolina. Robert Franzen, the owner of these two dining cars, is looking to swap his two cars for four of the URHS’ green coaches. URHS will be further negotiating during the next couple of weeks.
Nov 12 2011
Frank BallAnnouncements, Hawthorne Station, Newsletters, November 2011
Well, it finally happened. On Monday, October 31, 2011, (Halloween) a crew descended bright and early on our beloved station, and began ripping the heck out of the roof. They hacked and pounded, and tore until there was nothing left of it.
Surprise, surprise, upon totally removing the existing shingles, it was discovered that the existing substrate (that’s wood to the uninitiated) was mostly in excellent condition. We needed to replace about twenty square feet of board, but the major portion of the roof was in great shape (and didn’t need any work – hooray!). Not bad for a 117-year-young building. An old unused stack was removed as part of the work, thereby eliminating a potential future leak site. The ‘gingerbread molding’, and spire on the East end were removed and saved for future consideration.
Any future penetrations in the roof could void our warranty! The new work started with nine feet of water and ice shield, followed by a layer (on all other surfaces) of fifteen pound felt. (If anyone wants to know specifics on materials used, feel free to ask me.) Then, new period-style shingles were installed. Of course, during the installation, the railroad which – we had closed – had to be reopened briefly to allow a local, staffed by our own Steve Geritsen, to use the runaround located west of the station and return thru our work area (some guys will do anything for attention) which had a tremendous impact on our work (just kidding, we still love you Steve).
A visit to the station will reveal that the ends of the roof have been left exposed. The original station had clapboard in this area, and in the interest of maintaining a degree of historical accuracy, we will be installing matching clapboard in these areas. All in all, another great day at the station preserving the history of the NYS&W. We can all take pride in the work that we have all worked so hard to accomplish!
All photos by Frank Ball.
Oct 25 2011
Matt PhalonAnnouncements, Santa Train
Everyone,
I would like to add to what Matt said regarding the road side signs. We need to keep in mind when putting them out that this is political campaign season and so there are countless signs out there for that purpose. We need to make sure that we do not put our signs in places where they will get lost in the mass of other signs. Traditionally we put our signs at or very near railroad crossings, which not only keeps them away from most other signs it also helps them stay around longer because of the railroad theme. Also there are many towns that do not allow signs to be put up in their towns, Charles and Matt will post those towns on the white board at the station along with the towns we need to hit.
Over the years I have put out a majority of the road side signs and banners but with my new job in PA that is not going to be the case this year. So please come out and help get the signs out and make up for the gap I left behind.
Thanks,
KC
________________________________
From: volunteerra
To: Volunteerrailroaders@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 9:32 AM
Subject: [Volunteerrailroaders] Santa Signs
Everyone,
We must start putting signs out to start advertising our train. Next Tuesday, November 1, will be the “Signage” night during the regular ticketing hours (6-8pm) where you may come to pick up road and paper signs. If you would like to pick up signs tonight or this weekend, please contact me by email and we will make arrangements.
These signs are critical to our success, and we need everyone to pitch in and put some out. I will be at the station tonight from 6-8pm and on Sunday from 12-2pm.
Thanks,
Matt Phalon
Volunteer Railroader’s Association
Santa Train Chairman
msp48@njit.edu
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