#5180 From: phasegap
Date: Sat Jan 3, 2009 4:07 pm
Subject: VRA Speeder Trip Pics at Riverdale NJ
Guy's I took some pics when you guy were leaving Riverdale on your
first leg of your weekend trip.I believe i got all of the speeders but
if i did not sorry about that. I hope you enjoy the pics.
Pete
http://petergloistein.rrpicturearchives.net/archivethumbs.aspx?id=38958
#5181 From: Larry Ten Hoeve
Date: Tue Jan 6, 2009 9:46 am
Subject: Nice write up in the NARCOA SETOFF
Hi everyone. Craig Hartman did a nice write up in the NARCOA SETOFF about the
VRA and this past year motor car run on the Susquehanna railroad. Back page and
in color yet too. The The setoff editor did a great work in color print too. It
all looks great. Nice job everyone. See you all on the rail this year.
From Larry Ten Hoeve
#5183 From: Craig W. Hartman
Date: Thu Jan 8, 2009 1:57 am
Subject: Work Day/ Board Meeting this Saturday at 1300 hrs Hawthorne Station
Have once again shifted plans for Saturday to be there with one caveat,
if Jeff from the URHS still needs help on Saturday to move some stuff,
he was committed to first. I will try to work around this, but can only
shift so much in the tiny bag that is called life, and I'm already
behind due to the ice storm.
Craig W. Hartman
#5188 From: Charles Smith
Date: Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:56 pm
Subject: Re: Hawthorne Work Day - Rescheduled! - Update
Hello VRA,
The Hawthorne Station workday is on for tomorrow, Sunday January 11th.
We'll start at 1pm and the board meeting will begin at 4pm.
Chris, we should have all the details on the group trip ironed out
tomorrow and posted here as well. Looking forward to seeing you again.
It should be a good time for everyone.
Sincerely,
Charles
#5189 From: Charles Smith
Date: Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:11 pm
Subject: VRA Group Trip to the Baltimore and Ohio Museum
Group,
We have finalized the day for our group trip. On Saturday, February
7th 2009 the Volunteer Railroaders will be going to the Baltimore and
Ohio Museum.
The plan is for us to meet at the Hawthorne Station. We will carpool
down to the museum. Members riding in others automobiles are suggested
to share in the gas expense. We will depart no later than 7am to be at
the museum around 10am, when it opens. Some people will be staying in
Baltimore for the night. Please check with the person you intend to
carpool with to confirm your plans.
The VRA will cover the admission to the museum for members. If any
friends, family, etc who are not VRA members, the VRA will stay make
tickets available at the rate we are paying.
You are asked to please send an email to vratrips@... advising
how many people you would like to bring. Let us know how many are
members, how many are non-members, and if there are any children or
senior citizens in your group.
Please RSVP no later than January 20, 2009.
If you have any questions, please send an email to VRAtrips@...
as well.
Sincerely,
Charles
#5192 From: Craig W. Hartman
Date: Tue Jan 20, 2009 2:50 am
Subject: Super Bowl Party
Hey folks, as in years past, we will be hosting a Super Bowl Party at
our place in Kinnelonon Feb. 1st. Though I am not a fan of either
team, (I like the Patriots) we have had so much fun at the others we
are doing it again. We will be watching it on a twelve foot screen,
having home made snacks and soda from our famous soda bar (if you want
BYOB, but no drunks allowed), and having a great time. If it gets to
be a blowout or boring, we can all watch some RR videos as well.
Spouses invited, as well as any help with snacks/food. We can comfortably
seat about twenty five, so reservations are required. I need to firm
this up quickly, so please let me know. Hope to see you here.
Craig W. Hartman - Volunteer Railroaders President
#5193 From: Larry Ten Hoeve
Date: Thu Jan 22, 2009 4:59 pm
Subject: CMRR rules test 2/28/09
Hi everyone
The CMRR rules test this year will be on Feb. 28th 2009 at Phoenicia
station from 10:00am to 4:00pm. They ask that any members that like to
run motor cars on the CMRR under the CMRR rules should take this test.
Also, They are having their CMRR membership volunteer party on 1/31/09
at the Phoenicia station from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For more info go to
the CMRR site or feel free to e-mail me. From Larry Ten Hoeve
#5194 From: KC SMith
Date: Fri Jan 23, 2009 10:59 am
Subject: Joe Weber remembered
Everyone,
It is hard to believe but tomorrow, January 24th, will mark the
second anniversary of our friend Joe Weber's death. I know he is
dearly missed by those of you who knew him and that you will never
forget what he did for this organization or for you as a friend.
For those of you who never got a chance to meet Joe I can tell you
that you missed a great guy. His imprint is all over the VRA and
through our continued efforts he will never truly be gone.
To mark the day he was taken from us his Dad and I have decided
to go to his grave site to place something I got for him on his
head stone and we welcome all of you to join me. We would like
to meet at Hawthorne station at about 11am and then head over to
the cemetery. Afterward we are going out for lunch.
I hope to see you then,
KC
#5195 From: KC SMith
Date: Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:18 am
Subject: newsletter, meeting and Baltimore
Everyone,
I wanted to remind everyone that we have our newsletter deadline
coming up in a week and our meeting will follow on February 19th.
Anyone who has something for the newsletter please send it in to
Carolyn as soon as you can. Also if anyone has a show they would
like to put on at the meeting please contact Larry TenHoeve.
Both Carolyn and Larry's e-mails are listed in the Cc listing above.
As a reminder, anyone who has not already signed up to go to the
B&O Museum in Baltimore on February 7th and would like to go,
please let Carolyn or Charles know you want to go.
See you all soon,
KC
#5202 From: caboose211
Date: Mon Feb 2, 2009 6:55 pm
Subject: CMRR meeting this past weekend
Hi all
This past weekend was the CMRR volunteer meeting. They had a big turn out.
This year they have many plans. Here is some of them. More brush cutting and
clearing and opening up more of the line. Moving the cars away from the wash and
moving them to the Kingston yard. Replacement of ties, tool house repairs at
Shokan, and putting in the siding at Shokan so they can move the crane off the
main. They said if the VRA was still looking into helping them with that project
and they are also looking for a foreman for this project. There are so many more
projects they have plans for this year but this is the number one plans this
year. If this siding gets done this year, it will open up the line for MOW and
motor cars from a mile north past Phonicia all the way to mile past 6 near
Kingston. This will mean almost 24 miles one way and it will be a really great
motor car run. One other thing that is news is anyone that signed up as a CMRR
volunteer will be getting a surprise in the mail soon which is really nice of
them to do for all the CMRR volunteers. Don't forget this Feb. 28th is the CMRR
volunteers rules test and they asked me to give them a list of VRA volunteers
that think they like to go. This is needed so they have food for the volunteers.
If you like to ask me or need more info., e-mail me here.
Thanks from Larry Ten Hoeve
#5208 From: "E. Hunt"
Date: Fri Feb 6, 2009 11:57 pm
Subject: Re: CMRR meeting this past weekend
Larry,
Just wanted to let you know that Joe Marsh has volunteered to be the
foreman for the Ashokan siding project. He will be gathering
materials over the next few months, but will need some labor when he
decides to install the siding, so he may ask the VRA for help. Aim is
to get the crane off the tracks by the time of the July NARCOA meet
on the CMRR, which will extend the run another 10 miles.
Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
CMRR
#5209 From: caboose211
Date: Sat Feb 7, 2009 10:32 am
Subject: Re: Re: CMRR meeting this past weekend
Hi Ernie
Thats great news. I know some of us have been talking about this
project and are willing to help. Keep us in mind . It would be
great to get the crane out of the way.Also ,so far it looks like
there maybe 5 of us that will be coming up to take the rules test.
Talk to you soon from Larry Ten Hoeve
#5223 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sat Feb 14, 2009 10:52 am
Subject: Upcoming dates
Everyone,
These next few months are going to be busy ones and we are looking
for help at some of the listings below to make everything go smoothly,
while others are things we recommend you go to. To follow is a list
of what I know of, if anyone sees something I missed please let us all
know.
February 19th- Membership meeting at St. Clements Church in Hawthorne,
7:30PM
February 21st and 22nd- Sign and poster hanging for our upcoming Easter
Bunny Trains. Meet at Hawthorne station either day at 10 AM to get
supplies. We need as much help on these 2 days as possible. These
signs and posters are a big part of our ability to sell out our trains.
Please come out and help.
February 24th - April 2nd- Each Tuesday and Thursday night from 6 to 9
and Saturday and Sunday between noon and 4 we will need to man Hawthorne
station to answer phones and sell tickets for our Easter Bunny Trains.
We need 2 people per day to man the station. Please pick a few days
during this time and volunteer.
March 1st- Jersey Central NRHS Train Show at Mother Seton High School
in Clark. We have a sales table there to sell items from the Joe Weber
collection.
March 7th- Eastrail 2009- This is the multi-media show featuring all
types of railroad related shows. We will also have our Joe Weber
collection for sale. Visit www.urhs.org for more info.
March 21st- Black River Train show in Flemmington. We will again have
our Joe Weber Collection for sale. Visit www.brrht.org for more.
March 28th- Friends of the NJ Transportation Heritage Center annual
Symposium at Drew University. We will be putting on a show there
about our motorcar operations in NJ, plus other shows will be put on
regarding NJ transportation history. Please visit www.njthc.org for more.
April 4th and 5th- Our Easter Bunny Trains from 2 new locations. On
the 4th we will leave from the new NJT RT 23 Transit Center in Wayne
and head out to Dover. On the 5th we will leave from the new Ramsey
Rt 17 station and head to Hudson Junction. This will have our train
pass over Moodna Viaduct, the longest and highest trestle east of the
Mississippi. Please visit our web site www.easterbunnytrain.com for
all the details. We are going to need lots of help these 2 days.
People who would like to help by wearing costumes are our biggest need.
Ask around your family and friends and see who you can get to help.
As you can see we have a lot on our plate. Add to the above our efforts
to get Hawthorne station moved and preserved in the coming months and
our yet finalized motorcar trips for 2009 and we will be very busy. We
are always looking for new members so if you know of anyone who might
like to join and take part in all or some of what we do, have them visit
our main web site, www.vratrip.org and fill out an application.
Thanks,
KC
#5224 From: "TIMOTHY W STACK"
Date: Tue Feb 17, 2009 3:41 am
Subject: The Middletown & NJ was Sold Again..
East Penn-affiliated railroad buys Middletown & New Jersey
Thursday, February 12, 2009
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. - Regional Rail LLC, a creation of Pennsylvania's
East Penn Railroad family, will buy short line Middletown & New
Jersey for $450,000, the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record has
reported. It's buying the line, which runs from Middletown to
Unionville, N.Y., and the New Jersey state line, from Chartwell Inc.,
which has owned it since 2006.
Chartwell paid $2.2 million for the line, hoping to ship trash over
it. That plan fell apart amid a public outcry, and in 2008, Chartwell
scrapped the Minisink-Unionville portion of the route. Today only one
customer remains, but a growing industrial park might bring more
business in the future.
The estate of M&NJ's former owner, Harold Rasmussen, still holds a
$500,000 promissory note from Chartwell, which is yet to be repaid.
The two are still negotiating a settlement on the note.
#5227 From: "volunteerra"
Date: Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:46 am
Subject: Next weekend - Feb 28 and March 1
Hello VRA,
Next week KC will not be able to cover the Hawthorne Station from 12-4
on Saturday or Sunday. Also the Jersey Central show in Clark, NJ will
be on Sunday. As such, we're looking for volunteers to staff the
station next weekend. Please let us know if anyone is available for
either day.
Sincerely,
Charles
#5229 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sat Feb 21, 2009 1:26 pm
Subject: Station Help
Everyone,
Today we had set up as a day to go out and put up signs and posters for
the Easter Bunny Train. We had just 6 people come out to help, which is
really not enough. We will again be at the station on Sunday (February
22nd) at 10AM. Anyone who can come out and help please be there at 10,
so we can get as much doneas possible. If you can not make it Sunday but
would still like to help put out signs or posters we will be at the station
on Tuesday and Thursday night between 6 and 9PM and can have someone open
the station at almost anytime, just let us know when you can make it.
This part of the process to run these trains is not really the fun part,
but it makes it so that we have the passengers so we can do the fun part.
Thanks,
KC
#5232 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:26 am
Subject: Fw: Butler Rail Station 120th Anniversary
Everyone,
Below is an e-mail I got from one of the people who has helped us out
on past motorcar trips. He is looking for someone to put on a show
about trains in the Butler area from years past. If anyone can help
him out please let me know.
Thanks,
KC
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Alan Bird
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:02:45 PM
Subject: Butler Rail Station 120th Anniversary
Hello VRA , The Butler Museum on April 29th between 8-10pm at a local
school. Wants to put on a short presentation about the Butler station and
how the town grew up around it. We already have a person who is a recent
retiree from N.J. Transit who is going to talk about life as a station
operator/agent .Our Museum director is going to talk about local history.
A local retired trucking business owner is going to narrate some slides
for us.Bob Mohowski will assist us on a presentation that the Museum is
trying to put together. Does your group have anybody with some slides to
put a 20 minute piece together on the rails in Butler? We are going to
meet again at our Museum on Friday about 7pm to start to work on this.
If can send somebody that would be great. If not , let me know I will
work around their schedule for another meeting.
Alan Bird
#5233 From: caboose211
Date: Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:14 pm
Subject: CMRR rules test this Sat
Hi everyone
This Sat. the CMRR will have their CMRR rules test at the Phoenicia station
-10:00am to 4:00pm . Find out if you can car pool with someone if you like . You
can car pool with me if you like, I live in Wyckoff,NJ.Let me know. If you are
driving and you don't know how to get to the area we are going , please let me
know so you can follow me of or someone that knows the way there.So far there
sounds like about ten people are going. You can get a copy of the CMRR rules in
the VRA Yahoo site under CMRR items.See you all there from Larry ten Hoeve
#5235 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Mar 3, 2009 8:44 am
Subject: Easter Bunny Station and sign help
Everyone,
We have just received a shipment of signs and banners for the Easter
Train and need to get them put out. Anyone who has some time either
Saturday or Sunday is asked to go to the station at either 10AM or between
12 and 4 either day. If those times do not work for you you can stop by
on Thursday night between 6 and 9, when Charles will be at the station
selling tickets.
Speaking of selling tickets, because I will be at Eastrail on Saturday
selling items from the Joe Weber collection, I will not be able to cover
the station between 12 and 4 to answer the phones and sell tickets. If
anyone is available to take care of that for me please let me know. We
can also use a few people to help on other days as well. We have a few
dedicated people who work the station on a regular basis but they could
use a break every now and then. As I have said before we have the station
open on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 until 9 and Saturday and Sunday
from 12 noon until 4.
On a final note, I mentioned the Joe Weber collection earlier and I wanted
to let you all know that this past weekend a number of us went to the Jersey
Central Train Show and sold $1,320 worth of engines, cars and lanterns. All
of this money goes into the Joseph K. Weber Memorial Fund to be used for worthy
railroad oriented charities or projects. I want to thanks Steve, Carolyn and
Justin for joining me at the show and helping to make the day a success.
Thanks for everything you all do,
KC
#5241 From: "Mike O'Toole"
Date: Mon Mar 9, 2009 12:46 pm
Subject: An Easter Bunny Ride from another group
In searching I found an Easter Bunny Ride from another group. They appear
to have been doing this since 2007 on the Main Line (Ridgewood, NJ) with the
Pascack Line (Westwood, NJ) for '09. http://www.paskackjuniors.org/home.html
Flyer: http://www.paskackjuniors.org/images/2009_BunnyTrainFlyer.pdf
Mike O'Toole
VRA Webmaster
#5243 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Mar 11, 2009 11:05 pm
Subject: NJ motorcar trip pictures
Everyone,
I have been asked to put on a show at the upcoming Friend's Symposium
about our motorcar operations in the state of New Jersey. I need some
pictures of any of our past runs on the NYSW, BRW, Liberty State Park or
anywhere else we have had operations. If you have anything can you please
let me know so we can arrange to get me copies. The show is in just a few
weeks and so I need these pictures as soon as possible. If you would like
to attend the Symposium the information can be found in our last newsletter
or on line at www.njthc.org
Thanks,
KC
#5245 From: "dano4272"
Date: Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:09 am
Subject: West Boonton Yard Work Session - 3/14/09
Greetings all!
Just a little reminder to anyone who's interested, there will be a work
session in Boonton Yard this coming Saturday and all are welcome to attend.
Justin, Carolyn, and Steve are already on the schedule for continued work on our
100T switcher, but there are many other tasks that need a few extra hands as
well.
We're in the process of re-decking 2 MOW carts. One of our coaches needs to have
the remainder of the diesel drained from the tank of its on-board generator so
that we can eventually get it serviced and running. If the weather and volunteer
turnout are favorable, we may even begin to surface prep the 2 E-8's in the yard
for paint. The PRR flatcar that we will soon be re-decking also needs a bit more
scraping and priming.
Its very important to get a good head start on all this work in preparation for
the URHS West Boonton Yard Open House scheduled for MAY 23rd, 2009, to which ALL
the URHS member groups are invited and URGED to contribute to. I'm hoping to see
a table or display presented by EVERY member organization on May 23rd.
In addition to this coming Saturday's work session, we'll be out in Boonton Yard
on every Saturday between now and the Open House in order to get everything done
in time.
The gates officially open at 8AM, but I'll probably be there before then for all
the die-hards who like an early start.
Hope to see YOU there.
Jeff Kociban
URHS Volunteer Group Foreman
#5247 From: bosh
Date: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:58 pm
Subject: Re: NJ motorcar trip pictures
KC -
Feel free to nab anything on my Flickr NYS&W set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/endless__mike/sets/72157608522117336/
There isn't a lot on there, but I'll try to upload some more for you.
-Mike Goralski
On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:52:13 -0700 (PDT), VRA Inc wrote:
> Craig,
>
> I want and need whatever you think is good. I will then look at them and
> see what will fit into the show versus what other people can get me. If
> you can burn a CD that would be the best, no sense trying to send them via
> e-mail. I would like them at the best quality so they look good on screen.
>
> Thanks,
> KC
>
#5255 From: VRA Inc
Date: Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:41 pm
Subject: Easter Bunny Train
Everyone,
First I want to let you all know that so far our ticket sales are going
very well. We have almost 2200 tickets sold but with as good as that is
we still have almost 1600 tickets left to sell. The good news is we have
well passed our break-even point, so everything we do is money that will
help us pay the bill to move the station.
Speaking of the station, for the next 2 weeks I have other commitments for
the VRA (BRRHT Train show this Saturday and the Friends Symposium the next).
This means that I will not be able to man the station either Saturday and we
need someone else to do it. Is anyone available either or both Saturday's to help?
Let me know,
Thanks,
KC
#5257 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:40 pm
Subject: Easter Train
Everyone,
Well it has come that time again when we are looking to fill out our train
staff and characters for our Easter Train. This years trains will run on
April 4th from Wayne and April 5th from Ramsey. We already have 2 bunnies,
1 Snoopy and 1 Sylvester for each day. This means we need 1 more Bunny and
1 Tweety for each day. If you, anyone in your family or friends can help out,
please let me know. If we get an extra person each day we can get another
costume and make the kids on the train even happier.
As far as car hosts and station platform go, we have a few people who have
expressed an interest in helping but we need lots more help. This year we
have added an extra car to each train, we now will run with 7 cars, so we are
going to need extra help as well. So, if you are a veteran of our train rides
or a rookie why not come out and help. These trains are always a good time
for not only our passengers but also for our crew. Anyone who can help is
asked to let me know which day or days and whether you want to work on the
train or on the platform. Young, old and anywhere in-between are welcome
to volunteer.
These trains are our biggest fund raisers and if we sell them out we will
raise enough money to move the station. Please pick at least one day to
come out and help.
Thanks,
KC
#5264 From: "dano4272"
Date: Fri Mar 20, 2009 3:59 pm
Subject: West Boonton Yard Work Session - Saturday, March 21, 2009
Greetings all! Just a reminder:
We'll be out in Boonton again this Saturday. For those who weren't there last
Saturday, it was a GREAT day. Perhaps the best West Boonton Yard Work Session
EVER! Lots of volunteers. An operating switcher. Equipment relocations that
included moving GG-1 4879. It was a railfan's dream.
See and read all about it by visiting the thread I maintain over at Railroad.net:
http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=127&t=58031&p=652083#p652083
Full details on last Saturday's session, the upcoming URHS Open House, and this
Saturday's work session, complete with many great photos can also be found at
the link above.
Hope to see you in Boonton!
Jeff
URHS Volunteer Group Foreman
#5268 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Tue Mar 24, 2009 4:00 am
Subject: Help with the Easter Bunny Train
Well gang, with about 500 seats left to sell for a sell out, we NEED YOU
to commit to helping on the E.B. train! We are in need of station/platform
help, train crew help, and character help, so there is room for all! I need
as of now 1 more Easter Bunny and several characters, so please let me know
of your availability!!! This is what will allow us to move the station, so
let's all get on board and make it happen! Thanks to all who have made this
possible, and those of you who will help. Please e-mail me or call me at
973-838-4456 or contact KC with your availability. Thanks,
Craig W. Hartman President VRA
#5269 From: "volunteerra"
Date: Thu Mar 26, 2009 11:12 pm
Subject: Saturday help at the station is very much needed!
Hello VRA,
KC will be making a presentation at the New Jersey
Transportation Heritage Center Symposium at Drew University this Saturday. I'm
going to help by pressing the button to advance to the next slide (I hope I can
find this "any key" I keep reading about).
Unfortunately, that means neither of us will be available to staff the Hawthorne
Station from 12noon to 4 pm this Saturday. We urgently need someone to be at the
station to answer the phone and take whatever orders come in. If anyone can help
out, please let us know. It would be greatly appreciated.
Some more good news - as I write this message, we have 218 tickets available
and, after they go, we will be completely sold out for all 6 trips. That means
we will see 3,780 people on the weekend of April 4th and 5th. I know you've seen
Craig and KC's messages asking for help on the trains. Believe me, your
participation is key to making this trips go smoothly. If you haven't already,
please think about helping out.
Sincerely,
Charles
#5273 From: "hartindinc"
Date: Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:41 pm
Subject: Help Needed Tuesday Evening
Great news, we just sold the last tickets out for our Easter Bunny Trips, that's
3800 tickets SOLD!!!!! What a great effort from the team that put this together!
Now I need some more help from our great membership -- on This Tuesday evening
starting at seven O'clock at Hawthorne Station, we need a bunch of us to put all
the "stuff" together to make the rest of it come together. We need to pack
bunnies, candy, coloring books and more! Many hands make it that the rest of us
aren't here 'till midnight. Please come and be a part of the team that makes it
happen. See you here Tuesday.
Craig, President VRA
#5274 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:16 am
Subject: Easter Train
Everyone,
As you know we have again sold out our Easter Bunny Trains, thanks go out
to everyone who helped to make that happen. Over the past 5 weeks we have
been putting out signs and banners to let the public know about the trips
and now they need to be taken down. So if you see a sign or banner, please
pick it up and note where you took it from, you can then bring them to the
station. We need to do this as soon as possible so that people do not think
we still have tickets available.
Also we are still in need of train staff for both days. If you can hep please
let me know. Right now Saturday looks like it needs the most help. I will be
posting meeting times and places for each day later this afternoon.
Thanks, see you on the trains,
KC
#5275 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:16 pm
Subject: Easter Train staff assignments
Everyone,
To follow is a break down on who I have heard from regarding working on next
weekends Easter Bunny Trains. If you see your name somewhere that it should
not be or your name is missing please let me know. Right now we do not need
any more help on Sunday but could use a few more people for Saturday. You
will see that the character all need help as well as extra people needed for
Car Attendants
Saturday April 4th- Wayne Rt. 23 All Volunteers should meet at the Wayne
Rt. 23 station by 8 AM for a meeting and decoration of the train.
Easter Bunnies: Shirley Hartman, Tina Smith, Robin Whipple
Easter Bunny Helpers: Open, Open, Mike Whipple
Tweety: Open Helper:Open
Sylvester: Andrea Rebner Helper:Open
Snoopy: Jason Helper:Open
Car Hosts: Joe Weber Sr., John and Giesel Drennan, Mary and Jeff Hookway,
Carolyn Hoffman, Justin Kerstner, Mike O'Toole, Jim Scheuering, Ken and
Nadine Ciparis, Dave Czerwinski, Joe Mele, Jon Berkemeyer, Craig Hartman, KC Smith
Platform / Station: Charles Smith, Bill Derringer
Sunday April 5th- Ramsey Rt. 17
All on train volunteers are to meet at the Radburn Station in Fair Lawn at
8:45 AM for a meeting and preparation to load the train when it arrives
from Hoboken. Please park on the station side of the tracks, the owners of
the shopping center on the other side do not want us parked there. When the
train arrives we will load up our supplies and then on the ride up to Ramsey
we will get everything set on the train. We should have the same train as
we had the day before so we should not need to decorate, but may need to
fix some of the decorations that were disturbed on Saturday.
Easter Bunnies: Shirley Hartman, Tina Smith, Dawn Shevac
Esater Bunny Helpers: Robin Whipple, Diana Abbood, Ed Shevac
Tweety: Shawn Helper: Kaitlyn
Sylvester: Andrea Rebner Helper: Open
Snoopy: Ken Smith Helper: Carolann
Car Hosts: Robert Rebner, Ron Boscia, Joe Weber Sr., John Kroll, Mary and
Jeff Hookway, Chris and John Henry Vitz, Carolyn Hoffman, Justin Kerstner,
Mike O'Toole, Ken Ciparis, Dave Czerwinski, Jon Berkemeyer, Craig Hartman,
Mike Whipple, Chris Abbood, KC Smith
Parking / Platform: Charles Smith, Bill Derringer, Steve Gerritsen
All car attendants should wear dark slacks, light shirt and either a vest or
sport jacket, the ladies are welcome to wear an appropriate dress. If you
have a VRA hat you can wear that as well. Everyone should wear shoes with
non-slip soles. We are going to try and get the Crew Handbook out to everyone
via e-mail before the day of the trip so you can read it over.
Please let me know of any additions or subtractions that need to be made
to the above. Any help on Saturday will be greatly appreciated,
Thanks,
KC
#5280 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:13 am
Subject: Saturday help needed
Everyone,
We are still a few people short for Saturday. We really need people to help
the Bunny's and Characters as they work the train. This is a good job for
younger people, men or woman. If you have anyone in your families that might
want to help let me know. We are trying to get all the crew set by Wednesday
afternoon so we can get the Crew Handbook made up and sent out before the trips.
Thanks,
KC
#5281 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Apr 1, 2009 7:24 pm
Subject: We need a Tweety! And preliminary crew assignments update
Everyone,
We are still shy someone to play Tweety on both days this weekend. These
characters are a big part of the show we put on for our passengers and I
would hate to see us go without every one we can. So please ask your friends,
relatives and neighbors if they would like to help. I may have someone for
Saturday but will not know that until Thursday morning. We definatly need
someone for Sunday.
Crew assignments will be out Thursday afternoon or evening, so please
watch your e-mail. Below is a list of how we tentitively have it set up
for now. Please let me know if you see any problems or omissions.
Thanks,
KC
Saturday April 4th- Wayne Rt. 23
All Volunteers should meet at the Wayne Rt. 23 station by 8 AM for a meeting
and decoration of the train.
Easter Bunnies: Shirley Hartman, Tina Smith, Robin Whipple
Easter Bunny Helpers: Nadine Ciparis, Jon Berkemeyer, Mike Whipple
Tweety: Open Helper:Open
Sylvester: Andrea Rebner Helper: Open
Snoopy: Jason Helper: Open
Car Hosts:
Car 1: Joe Weber Sr. & Joe Mele
Car 2: John and Giesel Drennan
Car 3: Dave Czerwinski & Ken Ciparis
Car 4: Mary and Jeff Hookway
Car 5: Shannon Ross & Matt Phalon
Car 6: Justin Kerstner & Mike O'Toole
Car 7: Jim Scheuering & Bill McKelvey
Cars 1 thru 3 Section Chief: Craig Hartman
Cars 4 thru 7 Section Chief: KC Smith Trainee: Carolyn Hoffman
Platform / Station: Charles Smith, Bill Derringer
Sunday April 5th- Ramsey Rt. 17
All on train volunteers are to meet at the Radburn Station in Fair Lawn at
9 AM for a meeting and preparation to load the train when it arrives from
Hoboken. Please park on the station side of the tracks; the owners of the
shopping center on the other side do not want us parked there. When the
train arrives we will load up our supplies and then on the ride up to Ramsey
we will get everything set on the train. We should have the same train as
we had the day before so we should not need to decorate, but may need to fix
some of the decorations that were disturbed on Saturday.
Easter Bunnies: Shirley Hartman, Tina Smith, Dawn Shevac
Easter Bunny Helpers: Robin Whipple, Diana Abbood, Ed Shevac
Tweety: Open Helper: Open
Sylvester: Andrea Rebner Helper: Mike Whipple
Snoopy: Ken Smith Helper: Carolann
#5282 From: Carolyn Hoffman
Date: Thu Apr 2, 2009 2:40 pm
Subject: 1 Month Reminder! Newsletter Articles Due May 1st
Hi Everyone! I know I am way ahead of schedule here, but I wanted to get a
newsletter reminder out early this time. Hopefully I don't send anyone into
a state of shock... ;-) Anyone with articles, ideas, pictures etc can start
sending them to me whenever they like!
Thank you,
Carolyn
#5283 From: VRA Inc
Date: Thu Apr 2, 2009 10:49 pm
Subject: Easter Train Crew Hand Book
Everyone who is working the Easter Train this weekend,
Attached please find a copy of the Easter Train Crew Hand Book. It contains
most of the information you should need to know for the day. Please read
it over and, if you have legal sized paper, print it out and bring it with
you. Please look over the assignments for the day and make sure you are
listed and that where you are assigned is where you are comfortable with
being, changes can be made if needed.
On Saturday we will have our crew meeting on the platform at the Wayne Rt. 23
station starting at 8AM, donuts and coffee will be supplied. Immediately
following the meeting we will board the train and get right to decorating it.
We will need to get all the work done before 9:30, so that we can board
passengers starting just after that. Please make sure that all door windows
on the ends of the cars are covered, all streamers are put up so that they go
across from one side of the car to the other and that all the cut outs are
hung is good places. If any of the advertisements that NJT has up on the
ends of the cars is not appropriate for our young passengers, put the Easter
wrapping paper over them.
On Sunday we will meet at 9 AM at the NJT Fair Lawn / Radburn station located
on Fair Lawn Ave. We will have our crew meeting and then stage all of our
stuff on the East Bound platform and await the train. NJT has informed me that
they will be bringing our train in on the East bound track so that it does not
interfere with revenue traffic. When the train arrives we will need to get
the containers, costumes and everything else on the train as quickly as possible.
Please make sure that you get all the materials you need to your car. If you
need help ask a crew chief to get someone to help you. We should be getting
the same train as we used on Saturday, so we should not have to decorate the
cars, but you will need to check your cars decorations and fix or replace
them as needed. It should take us less than 20 minutes to get to Ramsey, so
do your work as quickly and safely as possible. All 3 trains should depart
and arrive from the Eastbound track at Ramsey. This means the doors should
open on the left side of the train. The first train of the day will be
traveling only as far as Harriman due to track work going on. This means we
will not be going over Moodna Viaduct of this first train only. We have sent
an e-mail to all of the 10:45 customers so they should be aware of this change.
If any passenger asks you why this happened, please be polite and let them know
that Metro-North is doing track work to upgrade the track which will prevent
us from making it to the viaduct. The 12:45 and 2:45 trains should make it up
and over the viaduct because we will have a window in the work and revenue trains.
If anyone has any questions please let me know. If you need to reach me please
call my cell phone, 201-787-4770.
Thanks,
KC
PS, some of you might get this e-mail twice because I am sending it from my
personal e-mail to some and VRA Yahoo to most everyone. I will be posting
these instructions on the Yahoo Group just in case you can not open the
file from this e-mail. I will place them in the "files" section under the
name Easter Bunny Crew Hand Book.
#5288 From: "Carolyn"
Date: Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:35 pm
Subject: National Train Day 2009
For those who may not know, National Train Day 2009 is Saturday May 9. Last
year turned out to be a very successful event, and I think we would be foolish
not to host another. The committee as it stands is Justin Kerstner, Steve
Gerritsen, and myself as Chair. We could use at least one more active committee
member as we have only 3 short weeks to make this happen.
This year's events should focus on our plans to move the station. We are
looking for input and ideas from everyone out there, whether you're local and
can be here on the 9th or you're 3 states away! Perhaps we can lay out where
the foundation will be to illustrate the move? What other move-related things
can we come up with?
We are going to bring back some of the things we did last year, such as the Hobo
Hieroglyphics and the coloring pages (or books if we have them) for Operation
Lifesaver. The Hobo Stew seemed to go over well if Craig & Shirley Hartman would
like to do that again. Of course, the station will be open and the Library
available, but we really need FRESH IDEAS! I can do some patching on Snoopy,
Tweety & Sylvester and we could have characters for some of the time. Whatever we
all think would draw people in.
Over the course of the next few days I will be gathering ideas and drafting a
flier. By Wednesday April 22 I would like the committee to have a solid idea
of what we'll be doing. Please let me know of your availability for May 9 and
what you may like to do for the event.
Again, we have 3 weeks to make this happen and I know we can! Send me any sugges-
tions at all, you never know what will be a huge hit! You can find all the committee
members' emails at www.vratrips.org
Look forward to hearing from everyone soon!
Carolyn
#5290 From: Michael O'Toole
Date: Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:58 pm
Subject: Re: National Train Day 2009
All,
Hamlet, North Carolina - http://www.bytrain.org/istation/ihamlet.html
and http://www.bytrain.org/istation/hamlet/timeline.html
(photos at this link are a bit smallish)
They moved their's 210 feet, rotated it 90 degrees and crossed a busy main
track. It looks to be over five times bigger than the Hawthorne station too.
VRA's Hawthorne station website: http://www.hawthornestation.info/
Craig, this was the station move I was trying to recall where it was during
the Sunday EB trip.
Mike O'Toole
#5291 From: John Sanders
Date: Tue Apr 21, 2009 4:35 pm
Subject: Another Station Moved..
Greetings,
Regarding another moved station in North Carolina...
The Pollocksville Atlantic Coast Line Station was moved even further
from the line that once ran from New Bern to Wilmington, the ACL's one
time headquarters. Not only was it moved, it was then rotated 90 degress
from its original position along the route. The station was then restored
and currently houses the Pollocksville Municipal Offices. This station was
both for freight and passenger service. The station sign is on the building
and this is clearly visible from the street.
Pollocksville is located in Jones County, which still has a tremendous
amount of farming. Cotton, soybeans and corn are the main crops. I have seen
this station firsthand and would say that a respectful restoration
took place, except for the missing signal blades. New Bern is in Craven
County and not far from Pamlico Sound. This is the large body of water that
separates the Outer Banks from the mainland. North Carolina has three major
inlets off the Pamlico and New Bern is on the Neuse River, which is the one
closest to South Carolina. I am familiar with this area as I am doing research
for a presentation regarding the New Bern Union Station. Pollocksvile is south
east of New Bern.
-The Porter
#5293 From: "Carolyn"
Date: Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:33 pm
Subject: Spring 2009 Newsletter
VRA Members,
Our upcoming newsletter deadline is MAY 1!
I have a few articles but I really would rather avoid the usually 3 day rush
to get it compiled, printed and mailed. If you mentioned something to me,
please go ahead and send it.
Thanks everyone!
Carolyn
#5295 From: "dano4272"
Date: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:10 am
Subject: Boonton Work Session - Sat., April 25th
Greetings All,
I'm sure Rich Copeland will be e-mailing everyone shortly with work session
details, but I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that we will be
working in Boonton this coming Saturday and every Saturday from now until the
May 23rd Open House.
With only FOUR Saturdays left before the Open House and a long list of things
that need to get done before the event, we URGENTLY need as many volunteers as
we can get. There are several painting, cleaning, and maintenance projects that
NEED to be finished before May 23rd, and a good volunteer turn-out is the only
thing that will help get it all
completed.
So, if you can, come on out to Boonton Yard this Saturday where I can see your
smiling face! I'll certainly smile back!
Also; I've only received THREE confirmed volunteer responses to my previously
e-mailed Open House Event Staff list: One to host in NJT-1 / Blue Comet DeVico.
One to host the speeder ride car, and one border guard. We need MANY more
responses. Please look over the list again and considering volunteering for one
of the positions.
Your help will make for an Open House we can all be proud of.
Hope to see you Saturday,
Regards,
Jeff Kociban
URHS Volunteer Group Foreman
#5296 From: dano4272
Date: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:27 am
Subject: West Boonton Yard Open House Event Staff Positions
Greetings everyone,
Well, here it is: The list of very important positions that need to be staffed
for the May 23rd Open House.
Borrowing from K.C. Smith's Santa and Easter Train model, I've come up with a
good list of positions that, once filled, will make for a less hectic day for
all of us as well as a more pleasant, memorable, and informative day for all our
visitors.
Please look over the list carefully and decide which position you'd be
interested in. Instructions for applying and other pertinent information are
contained within the attached Word document.
If you know of anyway who isn't among the e-mail addresses listed above who'd
like to help and would be capable, please forward this e-mail to them.
As we start to fill positions, I'll regularly update the list so we all know
who's doing what and which positions still need to be filled.
Here's to a successful, enjoyable, fun-filled, SAFE, and PROFITABLE Open House.
I look forward to working with all of you to make this one of the most memorable
days for the URHS in many years. It is the success of events like this that will
gain the public support we need to achieve our goal of a proper NJ
Transportation Heritage Center.
Hope to hear from you all real soon,
Regards,
Jeff Kociban
URHS Volunteer Group Foreman
#5299 From: "Carolyn"
Date: Tue Apr 28, 2009 11:23 am
Subject: Re: National Train Day 2009
Thank you to everyone who has said they will be in attendance!
THIS SUNDAY:
We need to have volunteers at the station for cleaning and preparation.
I plan to be there by 9 and stay as long as needed.
Whether you can stay an hour or two or all day, please stop by and lend a hand.
There will be fliers printed out to go out to local businesses, clean up work, etc.
So far we have:
- A maintenance display with tools from Ken Ciparis and a motorcar from Craig
Hartman.
- Craig & Shirley will also be supplying some Hobo Stew (thought not quite as
much as last year!)
- Justin and I will bring a bell and maybe a horn or two, but the bell was a
popular one last year.
- Charles has an easel-type poster board for a display of the station plans
as well as pictures, etc.
- I am working with Mike O'Toole to update the VRA web page
- I would like to try to mark off the future footprint of the building to
show the scope of the move
- We may have the G-scale layout again courtesy of Billy Smith depending on
his work schedule
For Saturday May 9th, we'll need staff at the station all day. Plan on arriving
by 8, "doors open" at 10 am, and we will need cleanup. More than likely this
will be a 10 hour day.
Thank you all for your help and please let me know your availability for the
9th by the end of this week!
Carolyn Hoffman
#5302 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:40 am
Subject: Re: Re: National Train Day 2009
Carolyn,
First as you know I will be there and will do what ever you need to have done.
Great idea about lining out where the station will go, I will be happy to take
care of that.
Last year Frank lined up permission for us to have a motorcar on display on the
tracks, maybe he can do that again. Heck maybe he can get them to allow us to
run it. I will see you this Sunday and again next Saturday.
Thanks for your work in putting this all together,
KC
#5305 From: "hartindinc"
Date: Sun May 3, 2009 8:02 am
Subject: Work Day Today at Station
Hey guys and gals, we are having a work session at the station to get rewady
for National Train Day, and this is an all hands request. Come down for an
hour, or whatever you can give, as we want to be ready. I'm heading over in
a few minutes, so hope to see you there!
Craig W. Hartman VRA President
#5310 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 12:41 am
Subject: National Train Day Today
It's 4:30AM and I am up cooking the Hobo stew for today's National Train Day.
Some of the workers will be showing up at the station at about 8:00, I should
be there by 9. Hopefully the rain lets up and we have a nice day.
The "festivities" start at 10 AM, so come on out and lend a hand.
Craig W. Hartman
#5314 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sun May 10, 2009 11:21 am
Subject: NYSW Motorcar trip
Everyone,
We have changed the time of year we running our NYSW Southern Division Motorcar
trip this year, it will take place on June 27th and 28th this year. With the
date fast approaching we are asking that anyone who plans to bring a car to the
trip sign up either via our web site or by mail. We are trying to get a handle
on how many people will be coming so we can start to make plans.
As always we are also going to need flaggers to help get the motorcar parade
over crossings safely. If you would like to sign up to help out or if you have
never flaged before and would like more information about what you will be doing
send me an e-mail at rft2786@... . It takes about 12 flaggers each day to make
this event work, so if you would like to ask friends or family to join you we
would welcome their help. The only limitations are that everyone be over 18
and be able to physically do the job. We will have a training class on how
to properly flag the morning of the trips.
Thank you,
KC Smith
#5322 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Fri May 15, 2009 3:26 am
Subject: Work Dat at Boonton Yard Tomorrow
Just a reminder, tomorrow is a workday at Boonton Yard with the URHS to get
ready for the huge open house on the next Saturday, the 23rd. All help is
appreciated as we go forward to our commitment with the URHS to making a
railroad museum in this state a reality. It is the last Saturday before the
open house, where hopefully we can have a great turnout of VRA members as
well to help with this event. Gates open at 8 AM, if not earlier. See you
there!!!
Craig W. Hartman VRA President
#5323 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sat May 16, 2009 8:47 pm
Subject: Various items
Everyone,
I have a few reminders and few questions.
The reminders are that this Thursday, May 21st, is our next membership
meeting. As usual it will be held at St. Clements church in Hawthorne and
will start at 7:30PM sharp. We have a great show for the night and a lot
to talk about, so please be there by 7:30.
Next Saturday, May 23rd, is the URHS open house at their Boonton Restoration
yard. We will be displaying our cars and giving people rides through the yard.
We are looking for people who can help with staffing during the day. The day
starts at 9 am and will conclude at 5. If you can help all or part of the day
please let me know and I will let you know what help is needed. I preparation
for the Open House, we may be asked to go to the yard after work 1 or 2 nights
this week. I will post the dates and times if help is requested.
If you know of anyone who would enjoy visiting Boonton Yard during the Open
House please have them visit the URHS web site at the following address.
http://www.urhs.org/other_pages/boonton_open_house.html
The 1st question is that with our NYSW southern division motorcar trips just
over a month away (June 27 and 28) is anyone looking to barrow the clubs MT-19
to use? I think someone had asked me about it recently, but I do not really
remember. Also is anyone looking to use that car on the Northern Division
run in September?
The second question is a follow up from a week or so ago. We are in need of
people to flag during the June 27th and 28th trips so that we can be sure to
safely make the run in the time allotted. I have heard from a few people but
we need many more to fill our needs. If you or anyone you know is interested
in helping please contact me at my personal e-mail address, rft2786@... .
We have copies of our flagging rules posted in our Yahoo Group if you would
like to see what the flaggers do.
See you all soon, I hope,
KC
#5327 From: Carolyn Hoffman
Date: Mon May 18, 2009 7:53 am
Subject: Newsletter
Hi Everyone,
Attached is the latest Newsletter. I will post it to the Yahoo group,
as well as ask Mike to put it on the website for us (Thanks Mike! ).
It is in Adobe format. If you don't have Adobe Reader yet, you can
download it for free here: "CLICK"
I apologize for the delay, and will have printed copies available at the meeting
on Thursday. If anyone knows of someone who is not part of the Yahoo group and
should be emailed or sent a hard copy please let me know and I will get them out
ASAP. Next Newsletter won't be such a problem.
Thanks!
Carolyn
#5329 From: Christopher Vitz
Date: Mon May 18, 2009 9:08 am
Subject: Re: Newsletter [1 Attachment]
Carolyn,
Great job, I like the color photographs too!
John B., I enjoyed your story. Its contributions from members like you
that make the VRA events so enjoyable. Thanks.
Chris
On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 7:53 AM, Carolyn Hoffman wrote:
Hi Everyone,
Attached is the latest Newsletter. I will post it to the Yahoo group, as
well as ask Mike to put it on the website for us (Thanks Mike! ). It is
in Adobe format. If you don't have Adobe Reader yet, you can download it
for free here: "CLICK"
I apologize for the delay, and will have printed copies available at the
meeting on Thursday. If anyone knows of someone who is not part of the
Yahoo group and should be emailed or sent a hard copy please let me know
and I will get them out ASAP. Next Newsletter won't be such a problem.
Thanks!
Carolyn
#5333 From: Michael O'Toole
Date: Mon May 18, 2009 3:53 pm
Subject: Re: Newsletter
Posted to Newsletter page on website. (May 2009) http://www.vratrips.org/newsletters.html
Or directly http://www.vratrips.org/May2009VRAnewsletter.pdf
Mike O'Toole
VRA Webmaster
http://www.vratrips.org/
Carolyn Hoffman wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
> Attached is the latest Newsletter. I will post it to the Yahoo group,
> as well as ask Mike to put it on the website for us (Thanks Mike! ).
> It is in Adobe format. If you don't have Adobe Reader yet, you can
> download it for free here: "CLICK"
>
> I apologize for the delay, and will have printed copies available at
> the meeting on Thursday. If anyone knows of someone who is not part of
> the Yahoo group and should be emailed or sent a hard copy please let me
> know and I will get them out ASAP.
>
> Next Newsletter won't be such a problem.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Carolyn
#5335 From: "berkemeyerjj"
Date: Sat May 23, 2009 11:05 am
Subject: VRA on Facebook
Hi everyone. As discussed at the meeting on Thursday, I have launched the VRA's
facebook page. The idea is that we will be able to update people as to events we
are involved in quickly. Several members are already facebook users. However
this is targeted at getting our name out to the general public. In future public
handouts we can add the new facebook page so people can follow our doings
easily.
I'm still tweaking it. It will be unleashed on the public in a few days.
#5338 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue May 26, 2009 9:24 am
Subject: Boonton
Everyone,
For those who came out and helped this past weekend at the URHS Boonton
Yard Open House, Thanks, you helped make the day a big success. Hundreds
of people visited the site and most of them took a ride on the motorcars.
We all should be proud of our efforts, we again showed everyone what a class
operation we have and how we can think on our feet. By the way, we got the
URHS motorcar, a Northern Railroad of NJ Sheffield 52B, out of the box car
and it is now in the container ready to be worked on.
On June 6th the URHS is going to open the yard as part of a Boonton
Historical Society event and we have been asked if anyone would be willing
to go over and give rides. I am not sure of the exact time, but if anyone
is interested let me know and I will put you in touch with the right people.
Thanks,
KC
#5341 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Sat May 30, 2009 3:35 am
Subject: Garage Sale to Benefit Hawthorne Station?
Hey gang, just had a thought. We all have enough extra crap? in our lives
and homes that is stored, taking up space and doing nothing (at least I do),
how about having a garage sale at the station to benefit the station? We
could also have the station open for visitors to give us more exposure.
Any thoughts or comments? My wife said she will help organize the event.
Craig W. Hartman
#5343 From: VRA Inc
Date: Thu Jun 4, 2009 10:00 am
Subject: Boonton Saturday
Everyone,
The URHS will be holding a work session at Boonton yard on Saturday
starting at about 8AM and running through the early afternoon. Anyone
who is interested in working on any of the equipment is encouraged to go.
Also, as I announced a few weeks ago the Boonton Historical Society will be
visiting the yard this Saturday and we have been asked if we will give rides
to some of the people. Ken Ciparis has volunteered to run one of the clubs
cars and I was wondering if anyone else would like to help as well? This is
not a NARCOA event but only experienced operators should run the cars. The
event is set to start at 11:30 but we should be ready by 11. They do not
expect a lot of people and the day should only last a few hours at most.
Please let me know if you would like to help.
Thanks,
KC
#5345 From: VRA Inc
Date: Mon Jun 8, 2009 7:24 pm
Subject: Flaggers needed
Everyone,
We are in need of more volunteers to come out and flag for our June 27th and
28th motorcar trip on the NYSW' southern division. If you do not already know,
as a benefit depending on space we offer flaggers the chance to ride the
motorcars on the day they are not flagging. If you, a family member or friend
would like to hep please let me know. Do to railroad requirements we can not
allow anyone under 18 to flag and all flaggers will have to sign a release and
attend a safety/ training meeting on the morning of the trip. If you would
like to find out more write to me at rft2786@....
Thanks,
KC
#5352 From: VRA Inc
Date: Mon Jun 15, 2009 3:51 pm
Subject: BRW Railroad days
Everyone,
This Saturday and Sunday, June 20th and 21st, is the annual Railroad Days
at the Black River and Western in Ringoes. As I have written recently, we
have been asked to bring motorcars down each day to display and run. We will
be able to run a little further this year then in the past now totalling about
1 mile round trip. We need people for both days who are qualified motorcar
operators to help make the days a success. This is NOT a NARCOA event. If
you are able to go please let me know. If you would like to bring your own
car you can or you can use one of the clubs cars. For those who need to be
mentored in preparation for our NYSW trips this will be your last chance before
the trips to get that done.
Please let me know by Wednesday if you are able to spend one or both days in
Ringoes. For more information on the weekend send me an e-mail to rft2786@...
Thanks,
KC
#5356 From: "berkemeyerjj"
Date: Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:24 pm
Subject: Newsletter
Hello Everyone,
This morning Carolyn asked me if I'd like to assume the duties of the news
letter editor. I have accepted. From now on, please send all articles for
the newsletter to me at my email address. berkemeyerjj@....
As a reminder, the next newsletter is going to be released on August 1st.
Please have all submissions to me by July 29th. Luckily this is my vacation
week, so I'll have free time to dedicate to the newsletter. Also, anyone
wishing to receive a paper copy, please let me know and I'll get it out to
you.
#5368 From: VRA Inc
Date: Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:31 pm
Subject: BRW weekend postponed
Everyone,
I just spoke to Scott down at the BRW and he tells me that due too all the
bad weather they are postponing the Railroad Days event this weekend. They
are looking to reschedule it to later this summer when their steam engine
#60 is back out running. They will let us know when and if we can make it
they would like us to come down. We will announce the date as soon as we know.
Please remember that next weekend is our NYSW southern division motorcar trip.
We still need some flaggers to fill in some gaps. If you or anyone you know
can help please let me know. If you have already signed up to flag I will be
sending out your assigned crossings later next week so you can look over the
direction and let me know if you have any questions.
See you next weekend,
KC
#5371 From: Jonathan Berkemeyer
Date: Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:42 am
Subject: Re: NYSW motorcar trip help
KC,
Can you also give me the information regarding the NORAC test for Friday night.
I'd like to update the facebook page with this information and put out a
reminder for flaggers.
And everyone, speaking of the facebook page, If you have photos of this motor
car trip after next weekend, please send them to me, I'd like to upload them
for people to see.
#5374 From: "Gary R. Kazin"
Date: Sun Jun 21, 2009 11:04 am
Subject: Railroad motorcars roll through Delavan, Easton, Minnesota
Motorcar news from Minnesota
Railroad motorcars roll through Delavan, Easton
by Kevin Mertens, Special to the Register
POSTED: June 21, 2009
You might say it was a family reunion of sorts.
Railroad motorcars from as far away as California and Florida as well as one
province in Canada were brought back by their owners to the place where they
were manufactured in Fairmont, Minnesota.
Fairmont Railway Motors, Inc. (now Harsco Rail) celebrated their 100th
anniversary last weekend with events that included a display of restored
Fairmont motorcars and a 120-mile motorcar excursion on the Dakota, Minnesota,
& Eastern Railroad (now Canadian Pacific owned) between Fairmont and Albert Lea.
Complete story:
http://www.faribaultcountyregister.com/page/content.detail/id/501175/Railroad-mo\
torcars-roll-through-Delavan--Easton.html?nav=5002
Gary R. Kazin
DL&W Milepost R35.7
Rockaway, New Jersey
#5378 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:02 pm
Subject: Motorcar trip this weekend
Everyone,
This posting is about our motorcar trip this weekend. Others may have the
same question so here is the short answer. We will be meeting at the Pompton
train station on Hamburg Turnpike in Riverdale at about 8am. Flaggers will
meet for a safety meeting at about 8:15. I will be sending out crossing assign-
ments and directions to each crossing by Thursday to everyone who will be flagging.
If anyone would like to flag who has not already signed up please let me know
before Wednesday night so I can put together the teams and directions to meet
our available volunteers.
Anyone who is bringing a motor car can arrive as early as 7:30am and set on
when instructed to do so.
See you this weekend,
KC
#5379 From: William Hookway
Date: Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:38 am
Subject: NYS&W Souther Division
All,
Thank You for another great run. I enjoyed bringing Rob Nicholson along and
he had a great time. Thanks to Steve, Chris, KC, Craig and all others that
help make this happen. In particular I would like to thank the flaggers.
Rob was impressed at the logistics and recognized how important it was to
have flaggers on an excursion with this number of grade crossings. I think
as a group it was representative of the "Safety First" and that without the
flaggers this trip would be very difficult if not impossible to run.
Certainly would not be able to cover the distance that we do. Rob through
his business and personal interests is an avid rail enthusiast. His parti-
cipation can only continue to help our good relationship with the railroad.
Rob gave me a very nice book and a NYS&W old style keyed padlock for inviting
him along. I have an idea for a special guest next year.
Thanks All,
Will Hookway
#5380 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 4:10 am
Subject: NYSW Southern Division Trip Thanks
I would just like to thank everybody that helped make the trip a great suc-
cess. To our pilot, Steve Weiss, to the ECs, Chris Vitz and KC, to the flagg-
ing teams who help speed us on our way. Also thank you to those who contributed
to the success and full bellies at the Hobo party. Judging by the empty pot of
Hobo Stew, I guess everybody liked it as well as the rest of the food being
mostly gone. My thanks go to my wife, Shirley in all of her efforts and work
and putting up with us, to Ken and Nadine Ciparis for their Eggplant Parm and
Sausage and Meatballs, to Justina Eichenlaub for her pasta salad, Dawn Shevac
for dessert, your help in making this great was really appreciated. Also to
any I forgot that helped, a BIG thank you. Also congrats go to Billy Smith on
his first run with his TMC2 with no problems, and to Justin and Carolyn on
their completed run with their car as well. Well done folks!!!
Craig W. Hartman President, VRA
#5381 From: caboose211
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 7:07 pm
Subject: Volunteerrailroaders] NYSW Southern Division Trip Thanks
Hi everyone
I enclosed some photos of the run this past weekend . Hope you like them.
They are in the attached file. Also did anyone see that old trolley car or
street car rail laying down by the Edgewater tunnel. WOW. Wish I could find
out where it came from and what line it was from. Something like that should
be in a Museum or something. From Larry Ten Hoeve
10 of 10 Photo(s)
Untitled-9.jpg Untitled-9.jpg Untitled-11.jpg Untitled-11.jpg Untitled-6.jpg
Untitled-6.jpg Untitled-8.jpg Untitled-8.jpg Untitled-2.jpg Untitled-2.jpg
Untitled-10.jpg Untitled-10.jpg Untitled-12.jpg Untitled-12.jpg Untitled-1.jpg
Untitled-1.jpg Untitled-14.jpg Untitled-14.jpg Untitled-4.jpg Untitled-4.jpg
#5382 From: M Goralski
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 10:58 pm
Subject: NYSW Southern Division NARCOA Trip
All
It’s always a pleasure to flag and ride on these trips – the experience is so very
unique and enjoyable. Thanks for inviting the flaggers along for a ride, and thanks
for a great overall experience. I know my father, John, sends the same regards.
I know that it’s emphasized how the trips can’t be run without the flaggers, but I
always feel like we end up with the really great end of this deal – chasing the
line one day and riding it the next.
Right now I’m weighing the decision of whether to move back to New Jersey or stay
up here in Boston. It means the decision between railfanning the MBTA and PanAm
versus the NYS&W – among other things. Not an easy choice to make, but I think
there’s a good chance I come back to my native NJ. If I do, I’d love to help out
more with the VRA and work to preserve the rail history of the area.
Many thanks,
Mike Goralski
#5387 From: Christopher Vitz
Date: Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:12 am
Subject: RE: NYS&W Southern Division Trip
Will,
You are very welcome. I personally really enjoyed the trip this year even
though I just flagged crossings. Seeing the smiles on the operator's and
passenger's faces is well worth the effort in setting up these trips. We
have more trips to come this year, so I hope we see you on the rails. Your
special guests are welcome any time!
Chris
To: Volunteerrailroaders@yahoogroups.com
From: hookwayw@...
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 08:52:39 -0400
Subject: [Volunteerrailroaders] NYS&W Southern Division Trip
All,
Thank You for another great run. I enjoyed bringing Rob Nicholson along
and he had a great time. Thanks to Steve, Chris, KC, Craig and all others
that help make this happen. In particular I would like to thank the flaggers.
Rob was impressed at the logistics and recognized how important it was to
have flaggers on an excursion with this number of grade crossings. I think
as a group it was representative of the "Safety First" and that without the
flaggers this trip would be very difficult if not impossible to run. Certainly
would not be able to cover the distance that we do. Rob through his business
and personal interests is an avid rail enthusiast. His participation can only
continue to help our good relationship with the railroad. Rob gave me a very
nice book and a NYS&W old style keyed padlock for inviting him along. I have
an idea for a special guest next year.
Thanks All,
Will Hookway
#5388 From: "healer333506"
Date: Fri Jul 3, 2009 1:33 am
Subject: NYS&W Southern Division Motorcar Trip
Hi All, Anthony & I just wanted to thank everyone for the opportunity to
participate in the motorcar trip this weekend. It was a good time. We enjoyed
meeting new people and getting to know everyone else better. Anthony said he
enjoyed flagging as much as he did riding. It was a lot of fun and we hope to do
it again some time in the future. Thanks to Al for the experience of riding in
his car and all the tidbits of knowledge he shared. A special shout out to Billy
for the honor of riding in the Tamper and to KC and Allyson for setting that up.
Hopefully I will be able to get the video from Sunday online in the near future
for all to enjoy. Thanks Again Everyone.
Debbie Mandell & Anthony Basic
#5389 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Tue Jul 7, 2009 4:47 am
Subject: Work night tomorrow on the 40B
Work night on the 40B tomorrow night at 34 North Road Kinnelon. Start time 6:30.
I've got another motorcar coming in so I have to make room, and this has languished
too long. Let's get her done so we can display her as she should be. See you here.
Craig W. Hartman
#5390 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Jul 7, 2009 11:00 am
Subject: Re: Work night tomorrow on the 40B
Everyone,
The gentlemen who we purchased the car from will be coming in from Minnesota
in August and will be coming to our meeting. He makes the trip each year and
last year we told him we would have the car done by the time he came this year.
Since then we have done very little to get the car back together. I hope we can
get a good crew to Craig's on Wednesday ( I have a URHS meeting so will not be
able to attend) and would ask that we find a number of days and nights to get the
work done before our next meeting on August 20th.
Thanks,
KC
#5393 From: VRA Inc
Date: Thu Jul 9, 2009 12:18 pm
Subject: Boonton work day Saturday
Everyone,
I received the following from the URHS today. If anyone has some time and would
like to help please stop down to Boonton on Saturday. Make sure you talk with
Jeff before doing any work and under no circumstances should you go outside the
area where the equipment is in the yard. The NJT main line next to the yard is
a high speed line that could have a train at any time.
Thanks,
KC
Greetings all,
We've been asked by our good president to get some stuff done in Boonton.
If you are available, even if its only for an hour or two, please consider
joining us on Saturday.
First order of business is graffiti removal. We've been asked by the author-
ities to paint over any graffiti that is found in the yard. Currently, the
box cars, the E-60, the Reading RS-3, and the remaining URHS coaches at the
west end of the yard have graffiti that needs to be painted over. With a good
sized crew, we should be able to complete this quickly.
I'd also like to ask that all those who've worked on the PRR flat car and
Reading caboose attend if they can. The caboose needs a bit more interior
painting and exterior prep. The flat car needs many more planks installed.
We're going to start needing folks who are skilled in welding and woodworking.
If you know anyone, please let them know about us.
I am going to begin installing the first 6 alarm devices that were purchased
for the yard. I could use a hand with that and afterward, we'll have a little
class on how they work.
I would also like to put this challenge out there to everyone: Once the
graffiti is painted over, the only thing that remains to be done is the
graffiti removal on the NJT Comet 1's. They can't be painted and the delicate
brushed aluminum car bodies make paint removal a challenge. If anyone out
there can suggest or implement a means of removing the graffiti from the cars
without damaging the aluminum, I'd love to hear it.
I'll be there by 7:30AM. I'll have ice water in the cooler for everyone, but
I'd recommend bringing plenty of liquids on your own if its going to be hot.
Spread the word. Bring your friends. Come out and have some fun.
See you Saturday,
JEFF
#5394 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Mon Jul 13, 2009 3:30 am
Subject: Fwd: Appointment to VRA Newsletter Editor
As we have had several problems with previous issues of the Newsletter going out on
time, problems, etc. due to various reasons, I have accepted the gracious offer of
Jon Berkemeyer to assume the editor's position, and have appointed him as editor as
per our by-laws. I would like to have the following issue out on time, so please
submit your articles to him in a timely fashion. Thanks Jon.
Craig W. Hartman
#5395 From: "berkemeyerjj"
Date: Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:01 am
Subject: Re: Fwd: Appointment to VRA Newsletter Editor
Thank you Craig. I hope to have the newsletter out in a timely fashion.
That being said, I would like all articles submitted to me by July 28th so I
can have time to assemble the news letter and have it ready for digital distri-
bution by August 1st. Paper copies will be avalible at the meeting on August
20th, or if you'd like a copy earlier than that, please email me directly
with your address and I'll send a copy to you.
#5396 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Wed Jul 15, 2009 3:22 am
Subject: 40B Worknight Tonight
I have a call in to Jeff Hookway to see if we can pick up the engine this
evening, and then bring it back and install it. I also have pictures from
another 40B to help us as well, so we can go forward with this. Also, I could
possibly use a hand to remove the pump and motor from my own Beavercar, so
come on over if you like starting about 6:30. We can order Pizza out or some-
thing else if we want as well. See you here.
Craig W. Hartman
#5400 From: caboose211
Date: Mon Jul 27, 2009 6:48 pm
Subject: New from the CMRR from Larry
Hi all
I just got some good news from the CMRR today. They finally determined the
location of the new switch at Shokan. The switch points will be 270 feet east of
the DEC crossing. Work will start this Sat with tree clearing. Once that is done
and the area is graded they will start switch construction. They have the switch
at Shokan already and the ties were de;ivered there last Friday. This is really
great news and when this is do it will open up the railroad for 27 or more miles
one way . This is a very beautiful railroad to see . If you never been on this
railroad yet let me know . We could got out with a motor car and show the
railroad you. I will keep everyone updated on this switch construction. I maybe
going up to help this Sat.. From Larry Ten Hoeve
#5401 From: "berkemeyerjj"
Date: Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:10 pm
Subject: News letter reminder
I just wanted to remind everyone that any articles that you want added to the
August addition to the newsletter need to be in to me by Saturday August 1st.
I hope to have it completed within a few days after the 1st.
#5403 From: caboose211
Date: Tue Jul 28, 2009 6:34 pm
Subject: Re: New from the CMRR from Larry
Hi all
The CMRR has ask if we can help them with this construction at Shokan NY.
I will let the group know as I find more information about the days and
the times to meet there. I was told it will start this Saturday with tree
clearing. Once that is done they plan to do the grading and then install
the new switch and siding. They already have all the ties, switch and
everything laying at that area. I was thinking of working up another
MOW mow weekend. I will let everyone know soon about one if a plan can
be worked out. Thank you from Larry Ten Hoeve
--- On Tue, 7/28/09, VRA Inc wrote:
From: VRA Inc
Subject: Re: [Volunteerrailroaders] New from the CMRR from Larry
To: Volunteerrailroaders@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 9:38 AM
Larry,
Does the CMRR need any help with the project? Also will they be looking
for us to bring up the brush hog anytime soon? We should try and make
plans if they need the help.
KC
#5404 From: caboose211
Date: Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:13 pm
Subject: CMRR swith construction work
Hello group
This Saturday the CMRR will be starting work for the new switch siding at Shokan
NY. They will start at around 9:00 am at Shokan. The first work on that day will
be cutting down trees. If any VRA CMRR members would like to help, you can
meet at Shokan. I will keep the group posted on the next work day there. I
will be going there and I should get there around 9:00 or 10:00 am. If you like
to find out more information please feel free to e-mail me or the VRA group.
Thank you from Larry Ten Hoeve
#5405 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:02 pm
Subject: Re: CMRR swith construction work
Everyone,
The work on this siding will open up operations on almost the entire railroad.
We are in the beginning stages of talking with the railroad about doing a NARCOA
run on the line the day before we are set to run the Stourbridge Line in Pa.
Any help we can give them to complete this project will be greatly appreciated
by them and it is a great way for us to show our support of the railroad.
While I am unable to make it Saturday if anyone else can go and would like to car
pool up, please let everyone else know by answering this e-mail on the Yahoo group.
Thank you,
KC
#5406 From: caboose211
Date: Wed Aug 5, 2009 5:16 pm
Subject: CMRR work report
Hi group
This past Saturday I joined the CMRR in starting the first part of the new
construction of the siding at Shokan. Yes I know, I know, my name did not get
on the CMRR work report, LOL. Everyone been saying that to me, LOL. I got there at
9:00 am. There was a fairly large crew there. With in an hour a call was put
out that a crew was badly needed at Cold Brook. So most everyone went to Cold
brook leaving just five of us to cut all the trees down. We were able to cut
almost all the trees down leaving just some left because we ran out of gas for
our chain saws, LOL. At about 5:00 pm we rode motor cars down east to clear the
railroad of trees. There was many trees down. WE got back 8:00 pm and loaded the
cars and was off the rails around 8:30 pm. It was a long, long day but some how
we had fun. I will post when I hear of the next work day at the Shokan siding.
From Larry Ten Hoeve
#5407 From: "berkemeyerjj"
Date: Thu Aug 6, 2009 3:54 pm
Subject: News Letter
Hello everyone. The news letter is complete and has been sent out to people
who's email address I had handy. If you would like a paper copy please email
me your address and I will send it out. For those of you wishing for a digital
copy (thus color pictures) please email me and I will respond with a copy.
Additionally it should be on the group website shortly.
I'm very pleased with how this edition came out. There are many pictures of the
motor car trip from June. In fact, I have dubbed this "The Motor Car Edition".
I hope you all enjoy.
Jon
#5408 From: caboose211
Date: Thu Aug 6, 2009 4:46 pm
Subject: Next work day at SShokan siding, NY
Hello group
This Saturday will be the next work day on the CMRR at Shokan. They are planing to
put a siding in at Shokan.The plan will be to continuing cutting what is left of
the trees we didn't get last week. There will be a chipper in use there this
weekend too. Time they will be meeting will be 9:00 am. If you like more
information you can contact me or the VRA board. I will not be able to make it
this weekend. I will post when more work days come up.
Thank you, From Larry Ten Hoeve
#5409 From: "sschevyss03"
Date: Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:53 pm
Subject: URHS work session at boonton
Hey everyone,
I'll be having a work session at Boonton yard this saturday the 15th starting at
1 pm. The yard needs weed wacking so that will be the main focus. Could take an
hour, could take less. If there are enough people we can do some work on the
PRR flatcar and/or grafiti removal on the NJT comet coaches.
Plenty to do so come on out.
thanks,
Steve Gerritsen
#5411 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:08 am
Subject: Fall motorcar trips
Everyone,
We are trying to get a count on who will be signing up for our 2 weekends of
Fall motorcar trips. If you plan on bringing a car to either or both trips
please let me know. As you probably know already if we do not have at least 22
cars for the Stourbridge trip we will have to cancel the run, and we do not want
to have to do that. It is a very pretty ride and has not been done for many years.
Thanks,
KC
#5412 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:51 am
Subject: 40B work session Wednesday night
Everyone,
I just got off the phone with Craig and he asked me to post a work session on
the 40B for Wednesday night, August 19th, as he is having problems with his
e-mail. The gentleman who sold us the car is back east this week and would
like to see what we are up to. We have not gotten a lot of work done on the
car in a while and we really should be finishing this project this year.
So if you are available please come by Craig's after work and lend a hand.
If you need directions let Craig or I know.
Thanks,
KC
#5418 From: VRA Inc
Date: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:16 am
Subject: Fw: Cars keep working on the railroad
Everyone,
Below is a link to a story about the VRA that ran in the August 20th edition
of the Suburban News. The story, which ran on the front page, is very positive
and was along side a story about the trains that run through the area, which
was also very positive. Larry, Craig and I are quoted in the story.
By the way, we should also be featured in a story in the next issue of Railpace.
The story was written by Allison Smith (Billy's wife) with input from Charles,
Billy, Carolyn, Jon, me and probably a few others as well. With us getting all
this good press I hope we get lots of new members to help us to what we do.
KC
*This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address
below into your web browser.
http://www.northjersey.com/community/Cars_keep_working_on_the_railroad_.html
#5419 From: M Goralski
Date: Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:18 am
Subject: NYS&W SD speeder video on YouTube
Hi everybody, thought you might want to take a look at the 2009 Southern Division
speeder video I posted on YouTube. I upconverted to HD for the first time, and
I’m pretty pleased with how it came out – especially considering I shot
everything on a cellphone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4rMc6Ay7OM
Thanks again for a great weekend,
Mike Goralski
#5420 From: "spartastation"
Date: Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:37 pm
Subject: Caboose Hop this Sunday!
Hello VRA!
We have a unique opportunity coming our way this weekend. Our URHS sister
organization, the Tri-State Railway Historical Society, is operating a caboose
hop in Dover, NJ this Sunday, August 30th. They have asked if any VRA members
would be interested in serving as car hosts (hack hosts?) for the trips. They
will be operating short shuttle trains from Sussex St crossing on the Dover &
Rockaway in downtown Dover, NJ beginning about 10AM. They will end the day with
a photographers' special running all the way to the Rockaway River bridge seen
in the movie The Station Agent; departing around 1:30 PM.
Crew call for the trip is 8AM at the Morristown & Erie's shops in Morristown,
NJ. It is located directly behind the Staples office supply store located at 30
Lafayette Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960-4178. This is also a short walk from NJ
Transit's Morristown Station.
Once at Morristown, volunteers will board the cabooses for a ride over NJT from
Morristown to Dover where we'll switch off to the Dover and Rockaway. This will
be a fun day and a great chance to work with one of our sister NJ railroad
preservation groups.
If you are interested in volunteering for the trips, please contact me (Charles
Smith) via email at cws3@....
One important note, please supply me with a phone number where I can reach you
either Saturday evening or Sunday morning. The trip is being run in conjunction
with the Dover Flea Market. There are no pre-sold tickets for the train rides.
If the hurricane Danny should wash out the Flea Market, the trip will be
annulled. This will be a last minute decision depending on the hurricane's
path/forecast. If we are scrubbed, I'll call you myself.
Finally, if you want to start the trip in Dover instead of Morristown or need a
ride in t he Dover/Morristown area, drop me a note. I have 3 seats in my car and
we should be able to work something out if needed.
Thanks for reading and I hope to see you on the rails!
Sincerely,
Charles
#5421 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Sep 1, 2009 10:30 am
Subject: 40B work sessions
Everyone,
In an effort to try and finish our restoration of our Lehigh and New England 40B
motorcar we have decided to have a work session every Wednesday night starting
at 6:30pm. In the event of any changes in start time or if we need to cancel
the session for any reason an announcement will be posted by the morning of the
session, so if you plan to come please check your e-mail before you leave.
The work session take place at Craig Hartman's house/ shop located at 34 North
Road, Kinnelon, NJ 07405. His house is in the private community of Smoke Rise
and the easiest way to get there is through the north gate entrance, which is
just off Rt. 23 south. You will come to a security gate and when the guard
comes on the speaker tell him or her you are there to see Craig. When you get
through the gate go to the stop sign and make a left, Craigs house is just up
the road after the church, he has an American flag on a tree at the bottom of
his driveway. All are welcome to attend, we recommend old clothes and gloves
as we do get dirty. If you have any questions please let me know.
Hope to see you there,
KC
#5423 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Sep 1, 2009 6:28 pm
Subject: NARCOA calendar
If you have the 2009 NARCOA calendar take a look at Septembers photo, it is of
our motorcar trip on the Syracue line last September and features a number of
our clubs members cars (and a few of our members as well). As a reminder this
years trip is coming up in 11 days and if you have not already registered to
bring a car you still have time. On line registration is available via our
web site, www.vratrips.org
Unlike when we run on the southern division we do not normally have flaggers on
the northern division. If anyone would like to come up and flag you are welcome
to do so, but we do not set up assigned crossings, so it is more of a situation
of just flagging where you can.
See you all track-side,
KC
From: VRA Inc
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2009 6:43:50 PM
Subject: [Volunteerrailroaders] NYSW motorcar trip
Everyone,
I just found out that we have an extra room reserved for both nights next weekend
because one of the people who were coming up from NC for the run had some minor
surgery (and no it's not Chris) and had to drop out. If anyone could use a room
please let Chris or I know in the next few days. If not he will cancel the rooms.
Also if you are planning on coming and have not signed up please do so in the next
few days so we can line up lunch and such.
Thanks,
KC
#5431 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Sep 16, 2009 12:17 am
Subject: CMSL fall train
Everyone,
The URHS, West Jersey Chapter and the VRA have teamed up to run a train on
the Cape May Seashore Lines on November 7th. Attached is a copy of the flier
for the train along with a copy of a news release about the train. Please
pass along the flier to anyone who you think might want to go and post the press
release on any railfan type web site or family web site you know. The on-line
order page should be live in the next 2 days so you or those you know can order
your tickets. If you have any questions or have any problems opening the attach-
ments the info about the trip is already on our web site, www.vratrips.org or you
can write me directly. The files for the flier will also be posted in the Yahoogroup.
Thanks,
KC
2 of 2 File(s) CMSL fliers updated.zip Seashore Lines Ramble press release.doc
#5435 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Sep 16, 2009 7:23 pm
Subject: CMSL train minor changes
Everyone,
There are 2 changes we have made to the CMSL train press releases, first the CMSL
does not want people to eat lunch in the coach cars so we have removed that language
and also the price for lunch has been determined to be $7. I am attaching a copy of
the newsletter release as well as the general press release to this e-mail. The
change to the flier has not yet been done but when it is I will send it to you all
as well. I will be changing the files in the Yahoo group as well
Thanks,
KC
Seashore Lines Ramble newsletter release.doc Seashore Lines Ramble press release.doc
#5438 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Sep 18, 2009 11:52 am
Subject: CMSL flier Revised
Everyone,
Attached is the latest revision of the flier for the CMSL train. As before I
have included 3 versions of the flier because some of you may not be able to
open the PPT file and the JPG files are black and white and color. Please
pass it around to any railfans, railfan web sites or anyone else that might
be interested. We may be looking for on-board help for the train, I will let
everyone know what is needed when I find out. This should be a fun train.
I want to thank Charles Smith and Jon Berkemeyer for their help in getting
the fliers made.
Thanks,
KC
Seashore1_color.jpg Seashore1_color.jpg Seashore2_blackandwhite.jpg
Seashore2_blackandwhite.jpg Seashore.ppt
#5439 From: Carolyn Hoffman
Date: Fri Sep 18, 2009 12:06 pm
Subject: 40B Work Session
Good Afternoon All,
Craig asked that a work session be announced for tomorrow, Saturday September 19,
at 10 am. As usual work will be done at Craig's shop at 34 North Rd, Kinnelon NJ.
If you have any questions, please contact Craig at 973-838-3628 this evening, or
email him at hartindinc@...
Thanks!
Carolyn
#5440 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Sep 18, 2009 1:50 pm
Subject: Re: 40B Work Session
Everyone,
Our plans for the day are to get the wood parts painted and get as much of the
rest of the car put together as we can. I need to go to Boonton in the morning
but should be at Craigs shortly after that. I hope to see many of you there.
KC
#5441 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Sun Sep 20, 2009 4:39 am
Subject: Work Session Yesterday
Greetings and felicitations to all! With the short notice sent for a work ses-
sion, we had KC, Charles and myself present for a beautiful day of work. LOTS
of work accomplished on the 40B as the photos attest. We cleaned and prepped
and painted the wood panels with the paint, touched up the frame where needed,
and had a great time of work together. Next work session on Wednesday will be
to get the wood installed on the car so as we can have to this point a runnable
car. Thanks to the previous work done by Dick Ray and Charles Roselius, the paint-
ing went well, with minor prep time, as the finish did not burn off the primer
that was applied. Whew! The brake rigging will be put back on as well on
Wednesday, so come on out and help! If you are available today, I will be around
most of the day and could use help on the 40B as well as on my Tamper, as now
I am behind the curve to have her ready for Stourbridge. Give me a call at 973-
838-3628 and let me know you are coming. Keep trying as I intend to go to the
beach for breakfast somewhere between 10-12, so come for breakfast if you want!
If you come later, there is pasta night at the inn, great food and such, for a
minimal charge, so bring a change of clothes for that if you desire and join us.
Craig W. Hartman
#5444 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Sep 23, 2009 12:20 pm
Subject: 40B work night
Everyone,
I just heard from Craig and he said he will be home early tonight so anyone who
is planning to join us at the 40B work session can go as early as 3:30. We will
be continuing the reassembly of the car in hopes to have it ready for display
at our Stourbridge run on October 4th. With hard work we can meet that goal.
I hope to see you there,
KC
#5445 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Thu Sep 24, 2009 3:43 pm
Subject: Workday this Saturday
Weather forecast as of now looks good as of now for Saturday, so if anybody is
available, I will be here and plan to work on my Tamper as well as the 40B with
any who show up. Plan a picnic lunch on the grill, and bring some food to share.
See you here!
Craig W. Hartman
#5446 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:07 pm
Subject: Seashore Rambles train update
Everyone,
As of a few hours ago the Seashore Rambles train is now available for
ticket purchases on-line. We already have 4 sold in the Parlor car and
1 in the tavern lounge. Now that people can buy tickets on line I ask
that everyone spread the word and have those interested visit vratrips.org
Also if you have any contacts with media outlets see if you can get the
press release run that I have sent out in the past. If you have a website
you can post to you can use the attached which include hot links for easy
access to many of the things we will see and ride on or behind during the run.
Thanks,
KC
Railroad Excursion to Help the Hungry Press Release September 14th, 2009
A very special and unique train will be operated on Saturday, November 7
using historic Central Railroad of NJ and Lehigh Valley RR engines pulling
vintage and fully restored coaches built in 1950, a tavern lounge car built
in 1947 and a full parlor car. Capture it all on film or digital at photo
stops at Richland, Tuckahoe and Woodbine where the Reading Railroad once
crossed over the Pennsylvania RR (The PRR line is now a paved walking and
bike path.). Three different photo stops provided during the day.
As a way to help feed the hungry in South Jersey all passengers are encour-
aged to bring non-perishable food items to the train, which will be donated
to local food banks in Ocean and Cape May counties. The sponsors of the train
believe that with the holidays just around the corner it is up to us all to
help feed those who are having trouble in these trying times. So while you are
out enjoying a day on the rails with your family you can also be doing some-
thing good for someone else.
This unique train will depart from the Tuckahoe railroad station at 10 am, run
north to Richland, then south to Woodbine, and return to Tuckahoe about 4 pm.
(From Garden State Parkway exit 20 take Route 50 to County Route. 557, the
station is at the railroad crossing.)
At Tuckahoe the beautifully restored Reading RR station, now a railroad museum,
and the old switch tower will be open for all to enjoy (tower levers). Free
admission to both! Also at Tuckahoe is a great variety of old locomotives and
many old passenger cars. Some of this equipment operates and some awaits restor-
ation. Most are owned by the United Railroad Historical Society (URHS), who is
sponsoring these trains in conjunction with the West Jersey Chapter NRHS and the
Volunteer Railroaders Association.
The proceeds of the trip will go to the URHS to assist in restoration of its
collection of nearly 70 locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and work cars.
So please come out for this unique trip! You'll have a great day traveling through
the Pinelands, riding Americas most unusual train, and seeing railroad buildings
and artifacts from the golden days of railroading in New Jersey!
There are three fares for this trip. Standard coach is $25 adults and $15 for child-
ren under 12. In the Tavern Lounge Car (from the world famous Commodore Vanderbilt)
the fare for everyone including children is $35. The fare in the deluxe parlor car
is $50 for everyone including children. In the Parlor Car passengers will be offered
complimentary continental breakfast and beverages with snacks later in the day.
Seating on the train is very limited and is sure to sell fast, so order your tickets
today. Box lunches consisting of a deluxe deli sandwich (your choice of type), chips,
cookie and beverage (diet or regular soda or water) may be purchased for $7.00 each
when you order your ticket(s).
To purchase tickets or for more information go on-line to: http://www.vratrips.org/
and scroll down to Family Trips. Click on the CMSL Nov. 7 trip to order tickets.
Additional information is also available on-line at the URHS website: http://URHS.org/
or by calling 973-238-0555
Volunteer Railroaders Association Inc. 80 Royal Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506-1810 USA
Phone: 973-238-0555 All content copyright 2009 Volunteer Railroaders Association
Last updated Wednesday, September 23, 2009
#5450 From: "spartastation"
Date: Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:24 am
Subject: Southern Division trip in the October issue of Railpace!
Check out the front page of Railpace' website:
http://www.railpace.com/
Looks like Allyson Smith's story on our Southern Division motorcar trip not
only made it into the magazine but is featured on the cover. Great work Allyson!
#5454 From: VRA Inc
Date: Mon Oct 5, 2009 9:16 am
Subject: Brush cutting the Stewartstown
Everyone,
We have been asked by the guys from the Northern Central motorcar group to
bring our brush car down to the Stewartstown Railroad (which is just south
of York Pa) and cut the railroad in preparation for a trip they are running
on Halloween. I am thinking of trying to do it next Sunday but need to know
if we can get a crew (4 or 5 people) to get the job done. We may be able to
run part of the Northern Central line (which connects with the Stewartstown at
New Freedom) with our motorcars after we have completed the cutting on the
Stewartstown, but that has yet to be determined for sure.
Please let me know if you are interested in helping and if next weekend works
for you. If we can not get a crew for the 11th we will try and see if can go
on the following weekend.
Thanks,
KC
#5459 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Oct 6, 2009 4:01 pm
Subject: Stewartstown mowing
Everyone,
I wanted to let you all know that we are pushing back the planned trip to cut
the brush on the Stewartstown RR until Saturday October 17th. We have done
this for a number of reasons first by making the main work day a Saturday it
gives us some room to finish the job on Sunday if we need too. Also the guys
from the railroad will all be around that weekend and they would rather have
us there when they are. I am going to try and nail down the offer that was
made to maybe run the Northern Central line after we have completed the mowing.
If the weekend works like I hope we will be able to cut the Stewartstown on Sat-
urday and then run down the Stewartstown and onto the Northern Central on Sunday.
We need about 5 or 6 people to do the job properly and if I can work it out those
who come and help will be able to run their cars on Sunday. I will take volunteers
on a first come first served basis so let me know right away if you would like to come.
Thanks,
KC
#5463 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Oct 6, 2009 10:59 pm
Subject: Seashore Lines train
Everyone,
I am happy to say that all the tickets on the tavern lounge have been sold
out and all but 1 ticket has been sold on the parlor car for the Seashore
Lines Ramble on November 7th. Tickets are still available in coach and at
just $25 for adults and $15 for kids you might want to take this opportunity
to not only take a ride on the Cape May Seashore Line but also help out the
URHS and the hungry of South Jersey at the same time. I am attaching an
announcement about the trip so you have all the details and for you to pass
along to your family, friends and neighbors.
I know that some of our members are planning to make a weekend out of the trip
and stay down in the area on Friday and maybe even Saturday night, let me know
if you are interested in joining in on that end of the weekend as well.
Thanks,
KC
#5464 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Oct 6, 2009 11:11 pm
Subject: Stewartstown weekend
Everyone,
I just got off the phone with Gary Shrey from the Northern Central motorcar
group and can confirm that we will be going down with our brush car on October
17th and 18th to cut the brush on the Stewartstown Railroad in Pa. As I men-
tioned in my earlier e-mails, as a bonus we will indeed be able to run our
motorcars on the Northern Central RR after we are done cutting the Stewarts-
town RR. This will probably take place on Sunday as we have about 7 miles of
railroad to cut on Saturday, which will most likely take all day. The plan is
to head down to the area on Friday night and be at Stewartstown ready to start
cutting on Saturday morning by 9am. There are multiple hotels in the area if
you need a room, plus I might be able to get us free lodging at a friends house,
but I do not know that yet. If you would like to join us for some fun and work
please let me know. We will need only about 5 or 6 people to help so let me
know as soon as you can if you want to help.
Thanks,
KC
#5466 From: InStitches4U@...
Date: Wed Oct 7, 2009 4:50 am
Subject: CNJ caboose stove
we have a HUGE CNJ caboose stove (remember ANTHRACITE) in a basement on
Staten Island would like to DONATE it to a GROUP........the caveat get it
out of there! its not light!
Walt
B.C. Junction
#5467 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Oct 9, 2009 5:25 pm
Subject: Stewartstown weekend
Everyone,
The other day when I wrote about going down to cut the brush on the Stewartstown
Railroad I mentioned that I might be able to get us a place to stay at no charge.
Well I have worked out for us to stay at my friends house so those who can make
it have a free place to stay. My friend as a few beds and a number of couches
so we should be able to handle the 5 people we need to run the car.
The plan is to go down on Friday night (October 16th) after work, leaving around 6pm.
On Saturday morning we plan on being over to the railroad, which is only a mile or
so away, by 9am. We will cut from downtown Stewartstown to New Freedom, a distance
of about 7 miles. With any luck we will get all the work done on Saturday. I would
like to have a couple of people follow the brush hog in another motorcar and use our
weed whackers and hedge trimmers to do the spots that the brush hog misses. If we do
not finish before dark we can complete the work on Sunday morning. We will then be
able to take our motorcars out on at least the Northern Central line as a thank you
for the work we have done. I will tow down the brush hog and anyone else who goes
can bring their own car or one of the clubs cars. Members of the Northern Central
group will be helping cut and I am sure will join us on the ride on Sunday
If you would like to help but can not stay over night that will be OK, you will just
need to be to Stewartstown by 9am on Saturday.
So far I have only heard from 1 person to say they can go and it takes at least
4 to run the car, so if you are available for a weekend of fun and work please let
me know.
Thanks,
KC
#5468 From: Michael O'Toole
Date: Sun Oct 11, 2009 1:54 pm
Subject: Fwd: [SJRA] Re: Freight in Cape May!
Pictures taken Thursday, October 08, 2009
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [SJRA] Re: Freight in Cape May!
Date: Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:27:12 -0000
From: Anton S
Here are some pictures I took. Not the best.
Passing Cold Spring Village
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/nscalenut/IMG_8336_filtered.jpg
Cape May Canal Bridge
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/nscalenut/IMG_8350_filtered.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/nscalenut/IMG_8352_filtered.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/nscalenut/IMG_8363_filtered.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/nscalenut/IMG_8365_filtered.jpg
Enjoy!
Anton
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SJRA/
Mike O'Toole
#5470 From: Michael O'Toole
Date: Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:20 pm
Subject: Re: Fwd: [SJRA] Re: Freight in Cape May!
Here is the story in the local newspaper.
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/55665-what+was+train
Be sure to click the enlarge button (far right) on the picture box!
Mike
#5476 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:44 am
Subject: Stewartstown update
Everyone,
With the bad weather this weekend we are postponing our trip down to cut the
Stewartstown railroad. We still need to take care of our commitment and get
down and cut the brush so I am rescheduling everything until next weekend,
October 24th and 25th. I already know that at least one of the members who
was going to help can not make it so I am looking to get at least one replace-
ment. We need at least 4 people to run the brush car and if we have a support
car following us we can use a few more.
So if you can make it please let me know ASAP. I will be looking to leave Friday
the 23rd after work and cut the railroad on Saturday. Sunday we can take a motor-
car ride on the Northern Central for those who want to and then head home.
Lodging can most likely still take place for free in my friends classic farm house
in Stewartstown.
Thanks,
KC
#5477 From: VRA Inc
Date: Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:20 am
Subject: This weekend
Everyone,
Once again I need to alter the plans for our scheduled trip down to cut the
brush on the Stewartstown Railroad. Due to the death of a close friends Father
I will not be able to leave on Friday night or Saturday. At this time we plan
on getting up early Sunday morning and leave NJ around 5am. With any luck we
will be able to get down to Stewartstown and get cutting by about 9. Right
now it looks like we probably have 3 confirmed people going but could use a
few more. If someone wants to bring there motorcar and follow behind the
brush car cutting stuff we miss that would be great as well. We plan on being
off the rails by 5 and home by 9PM. I know this means a long day but the
weather looks like it will be great and we can have some fun together riding
and cutting a line none of us have ridden before. Please let me know if you
would like to join us.
Thanks,
KC
#5478 From: "JonathanB"
Date: Thu Oct 22, 2009 11:47 am
Subject: Newsletter Articles
It's that time again. The deadline for articles for The Digest is coming up.
November 1st is the date.
Please email me any articles you'd like to see published, including pictures.
I am aiming to have the digital version out by 11/6. The paper version will
go out the week of 11/9.
Jon
#5479 From: caboose211
Date: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:41 am
Subject: Work party & motor car ride on CMRR
Hello Group
I am trying to see if any people would like to go up to the CMRR on Nov. 14th
and help put about two or more ties in at a switch in the out of service track.
After we are done we can take a tour of the out of service track and this time
of the year the scenery should be great. So if you have a motor car and would
like to ride it on this line or just come up and help and ride in a motor car
with someone now would be the time to do so.Please let me know. The time and
place is still being worked out but I was thinking 10:00 am for the time and
the set on maybe at Shokan or West Herly. Feel free to e-mail me or call me at
201-891-3841. All you need to come up and help is a CMRR ID which is free to
get from the CMRR. Let me know and it should be a fun day out on the rails.
From Larry Ten Hoeve
#5483 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:26 am
Subject: This Past Sundays Work Session at the Stewartstown Railroad
I think that to all who attended the brushcutting at ythe Stewartstown Rail-
road, it can be said we all had a good time. Many thanks to Ken Ciparis, KC
Smith, Charles Smith, and Tim Stack for their sacrifice in the long day we
all put in. I know I left my home at 4:15 AM and returned just after midnight,
a long day to be sure. The Stewartstown is the oldest railroad still operating
under its original charter in the U.S. and has seven miles of what looks to be
70 lb. rail, with the most interesting switches and smallest frogs I've witness-
ed to date. The scenery was incredible, the temperature perfect, and the A5
performed well with only a few problems. We managed to cut all seven miles, and
the track is ready for the Halloween Excursion next Saturday and the RR has
invited us to ride their line anytime. We also were joined by the Shreys, Dean,
and members of the RR for the work. Again, thanks to those who helped, now about
that "so close, only the paycheck is missing"?????
Craig W. Hartman
#5484 From: caboose211
Date: Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:13 pm
Subject: Work party & motor car ride on CMRR update
Hello everyone
Here is an update. I just got new info from Ernie and the railroad. We maybe
putting in the switch at Shokan if they can get a backhoe in on that day. It is
still being work out yet on the plans for this day but it should be an
interesting day and after we will be going for a motorcar ride up and down the
out of service line and this should be great to see this railroad this time of
the year . The scenery should be great.So if you have a motorcar and would like
to ride it on this railroad now would be a great time to do so and if you like
to come up and join us and ride with us in a motor car come on up too.The plan
is to do some work and then ride our cars. From Larry Ten Hoeve
> > Hello Group
> > I am trying to see if any people would like to go up to
> > the CMRR on Nov. 14th and help put about two or more ties in
> > at a switch in the out of service track. After we are done
> > we can take a tour of the out of service track and this time
> > of the year the scenery should be great. So if you have a
> > motor car and would like to ride it on this line or just
> > come up and help and ride in a motor car with someone now
> > would be the time to do so.Please let me know. The time and
> > place is still being worked out but I was thinking 10:00 am
> > for the time and the set on maybe at Shokan or West Herly.
> > Feel free to e-mail me or call me at 201-891-3841. All
> > you need to come up and help is a CMRR ID which is free to
> > get from the CMRR..LEt me know and it should be a fun day
> > out on the rails From Larry Ten Hoeve
> >
#5486 From: "JonathanB"
Date: Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:22 am
Subject: Newsletter articles
Hello everyone! I just wanted to remind you all that articles are due by 11/1
(this Sunday) The digital PDF version will be out by 11/5 with the mailed
version following right behind it.
#5487 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Oct 30, 2009 6:20 pm
Subject: Sunday help needed
Everyone,
We need to get the brush car back into the container at Boonton and I was looking
to do it on Sunday morning at about 10 am or so. It should only take a half hour
or so to get it done. This is not a 1 or 2 man job it takes at least 3 people
to get the job done so anyone who can help please let me know.
Thanks ,
KC
#5488 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Nov 4, 2009 9:03 pm
Subject: Santa Train
In just over 4 weeks on December 5th we will be running our annual Santa Trains.
This year we are only running one day with the trips being run from the Route 23
Transit Center in Wayne. We will have trips at 9:30am, 12 noon and 2:30pm. The
train will be 9 cars long which means we will need more people to run the train
and that means we need more of you to volunteer if you can. We will need car
hosts, parking lot and platform attendants, 4 Santa's, 4 Mrs. Santa's, 4 Elves
and at least 4 other people to wear costumes.
So, please mark down December 5th on your calendars and come out and volunteer.
Also please ask your friends, family and relatives if they would like to help.
Elves are great when played by girls, and obviously Santa and his Mrs need to
be men and woman respectivly. Without all these people we can not run these
train and we can not raise the funds we need to restore the station.
Please let us know if you can help and who else you can get to lend a hand.
Thanks,
KC
#5490 From: VRA Inc
Date: Thu Nov 5, 2009 9:05 am
Subject: Saturday sign party
Everyone,
Those of you who are not going to South Jersey this weekend we need some help
to get the signs for the Santa Train put out. The station will be open from
about noon on Saturday until about 4 so if you have a few hours please stop
down, grab some signs and get them put out. There will be a list on the white
board next to the bathroom listing the towns that need signs. Please pick a
town or towns listed and cross them out. The best place for signs is at busy
intersections where cars back up at lights. Try and place the signs so that
the most people will see them. Please note there are towns that do not allow
signs to be placed on public and sometime private property. Those towns will
not be listed on the board and you should not put signs out in those towns.
We should also have paper fliers / posters and they can go in any town and in
any store that allows you to put them up in. Again try and place the fliers
in places that have heavy traffic for best exposure.
We will need to get all the signs and posters out this week, so if Saturday
is no good for you let me know. The station will be open on Tuesday and Thurs-
day night from 6 to 9 for ticket sales so you can always stop down then. Also
Charles and I (and hopefully others as well) will be there at other times so
just write and ask when that might be and I will let you know.
Thanks for your help,
KC
#5491 From: Jonathan Berkemeyer
Date: Thu Nov 5, 2009 9:21 am
Subject: Re: Saturday sign party
As KC said the station will be open at noon to a little after 4. I will be
there the entire time. I had an idea for people that live in the Butler/
Kinnelon/West Milford area that can't make it down to the station this weekend.
I can take additional signs and fliers with me Saturday night and Sunday I can
meet whoever would like additional signs to put up in their area. If there is
any intrest in this, please email me privatly off list so I can get a count.
Jon
#5493 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Sun Nov 8, 2009 6:32 am
Subject: Let's Get the Signs OUT!!!!!!
Good morning. This morning at 6:30 AM my wife and I were at the Hawthorne
Station to pick up signs for the Santa train, and then proceeded to get almost
twenty of them out. Also met Charles in Jefferson getting signs out, but we
can't do it alone!! Folks, in four weeks we have the Santa Train on December
5th, and we need to sell out, and this is where you come in. We need to get all
the signs and flyers out ASAP so as to let people know that it is happening,
The station is manned Tuesday and Thursday Evenings, and Saturday afternoon as
well to pick up signs. If you want, let me know and I'll bring some home for you
to pick up. Let's all work together to finish this and sell out once again.
Craig W. Hartman, President, VRA
#5494 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Sun Nov 8, 2009 6:37 am
Subject: Characters and help needed for Dec. 5ht Sanata Train
An appeal goes out to all in our Club-Help is urgently needed now for characters
(Santa, Mrs. Clause, Snoopy, etc.) and train and platform help. We need to know
now of your availability and talents for this great event. Please let me or KC
know of what you can do, so we don't worry and sweat this out to the last minute
as we usually do! Come be part of us on this great endeavor.
Craig W. Hartman, President, VRA
#5495 From: Michael O'Toole
Date: Sun Nov 8, 2009 1:15 pm
Subject: Fwd: [SJRA] CMSL charter Saturday
FYI
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [SJRA] CMSL charter Saturday
Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:52:05 -0000
From: chuchubob
The West Jersey Chapter-NRHS celebrated its 65th anniversary by setting
up a chartered CMSL trip. The URHS and Volunteer Railroaders Association
were co-organizers with the WJC. The train departed Tuckahoe shortly after
10 AM and remained at Richland for 90 minutes, providing the passengers an
opportunity to visit the Patcong Valley Model Railroad Club.
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822897
The train returned to Tuckahoe and stayed for 30 minutes for a rest stop, then
proceeded to Woodbine, where stored construction debris cars were seen.
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822908
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822910
Passengers who so desired detrained at Frederickstadt Ave and walked to
County Road 550 to photograph the train on the trestle.
The consist was as follows:
PRR 7000
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822911
LIRR parlor car "Good Vibrations"
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822917
NYC 37
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822913
M-407 and M-410
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822914
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822915
and "LV" 576
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1822916
A number of non-railfans were on M-410, and they kept repeating over
and over what a great trip it was.
Bob
#5496 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:25 am
Subject: Nominations and Nominating Committee
The time is short, and I have been remiss in my duties in forming a nominating
committee, and have asked several of you to assist to no avail. I need at least
two people, preferably three to contact interested members to serve as the President,
VP, Treasurer and Secretary for the next year, as well as one Board member. I would
like this done in time for the Dember meeting, so time is short. Also we need
interested candidates, so please forward your name and position desire to me and
I will pass them on to the Nominating Committee when formed. Many thanks,
Craig W. Hartman President, VRA
#5497 From: caboose211
Date: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:09 pm
Subject: Re: Work party & motor car ride on CMRR update
Hello Group
Here is yet another up date for this Sat.11/14/09 work party motor car ride.
We will meet at West Hurley. Time will be 10am. George Peck will be giving
us a job briefing before we get started.. We will be going up to the CMRR
and meet at West Hurley off of RT28. When you get onto RT 28 going west from
Kingston head to West Hurley. You will see signs for this town.The drive way
to the area we will meet is on your left off Rt 28 . Look for the post office
opposite the drit drive way. Drive into the area and go all the way . The drive
in is about 200 or so feet and you will see us there.You can't see us in there
from the RT 28 rode. For those who would like to follow me there,we can meet at
the rest stop that is on the way up on the New York Thruway that is after Harriman
and before exit 19 for Kingston. Sorry I don't know the name of that rest stop
but its very ,very easy to see. I will meet anyone there at around 9:00 am.
Things you will need to do if you think you are coming. I need to know who is
bring their motor car,If you like to meet me at the rest,please let me know and
who would like to go and would like to ride in someones motor car. Some members
have offered car pooling too so please let me know now or before Firday.So far
there sounds like 5 motor cars will be there and sound like we will be meeting
some CMRR volunteers with motor cars that will be with us .This is a great way
to see this beautiful railroad and with out leaves on the trees now the scenery
should be great. As always feel free to call me at 201-891-3841 Best time to get
a hold of me at this number is 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm
From Larry ten Hoeve
#5501 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:18 am
Subject: photos and meeting
Everyone,
First a reminder that our next membership meeting will be Thursday November 19th at
St Clements Church in Hawthorne. Your newsletter you just got shows the meeting
starting at 7:30 but traditionaly the November meeting is our Holiday Meeting and
we usually have pizza and cake and start the meeting a half hour ealier at 7PM.
So please come hungry and at 7PM and then sit back and watch some old slides I
found at Joe Weber's house that are sure to entertain.
My second thing is a request for a photo taken on one of our Santa Trains that
we can use in a press release. I need this photo ASAP so if you have one please
send it to me. It should show Santa and either a child or another character with
him.
One last thing we are still in need of characters on the train. Please ask around
and see if anyone you know would like to help, the train is on December 5th.
Thanks,
KC
#5502 From: caboose211
Date: Fri Nov 13, 2009 4:05 pm
Subject: CMRR motorcar work day
Hello group
Do to all the rain coming up tonight and this Sat. I am sorry to say I am
canceling the motor car wook day trip on 11/14/09. I hope you get this e-mail in
time. Please let anyone you know about the trip being canceled if you think they
were going. With this storm coming up we really do not know if we will be
getting all the rian or not but I feel at this time it will be for the best to
not go. . Sorry and hope this didn't become a problem.
From Larry Ten Hoeve
#5503 From: Curt S
Date: Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:56 am
Subject: WC Tower In Waldwick Site Clean up Paint Touch Up
On Sat Nov 21 from 9AM to 12 PM a few of us will be doing a bit of brush and debris
clean up on the site to prepare for some grading work that is being done near the
tower. If the weather permits we may also do some scraping and priming of some
peeling paint areas. If anyone has a chain saw that would be handy to deal with
some tree stumps that were left very tall by a previous effort and also to trim
some branches that have annoyed photographers.
If you have not been to the tower before just plug 1 Bohnert Place, Waldwick NJ
into your GPS or mapping tool for directions.
Curt Springstead
#5504 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:52 am
Subject: LETS GET THE SIGNS OUT!!!!
Sunday morning, Shirley and I again headed out to put out more signs and flyers,
Charles Smith did likewise, Jon Berkeymeyer manned the station, and KC put up
signs and banners (a great one at NJT Transit center in Wayne, you can't miss it
on the SB side of Rt. 23). How about you? Are you doing your part for the VRA? We
have three trains on Saturday Dec. 5th to sell, and that's it! Our Sales stand at
1050 right now, so we have to sell another 1400 to sell out. Please get on board
with this effort and make another successful year. Many hands make the rest of us
breath easier, so help do YOUR part! Don't like to sound like a nudge, but I guess
I am, but I am counting on full participation from all! Have a great day!
Craig
#5505 From: hartindinc@...
Date: Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:55 am
Subject: Fwd: Santa Train
Here is an e-mail from one of our customers that evidences what talking to customers
and friends and business contacts can do. We always talk about our excursions to our
contacts, and this shows the result. Let's all do our part to fill the train.
Craig
Hello,
It's Henry from Wayne. Our dryer is working GREAT! Thank you very
much for your super-fast service.
I also wanted to let you know that I just purchased three tickets for
myself and my family for the Santa Train, departing from Wayne.
My daughter is SUPER EXCITED about the ride. She is both a Santa and
Railfan (because of daddy). I would give anything for a ride in the
leading, or following, locomotive of the Santa Train.
I recently bought a Cannon Digital SLR XTi (used) that I have been using
to photograph rail-associated subjects, much like the photos I showed you
while you and your wife were at our house. I would be more than happy to
take photos for your organization for an up-close-and-personal look at the
Santa Train ride.
Let me know and Thank You again!!!
Henry
#5507 From: "Mike O'Toole"
Date: Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:54 pm
Subject: Re: Newsletter articles
November 2009 Volume 14 Issue 4 DIGEST newsletter has been posted to VRA
website. A small reorg was done on the newsletters page to make the naming
uniform. Volume and Issue are now identified.
Mike
--- In Volunteerrailroaders@yahoogroups.com, "JonathanB" wrote:
>
> Hello everyone! I just wanted to remind you all that articles are
> due by 11/1 (this Sunday) The digital PDF version will be out by
> 11/5 with the mailed version following right behind it.
>
#5510 From: "Gary R. Kazin"
Date: Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:24 pm
Subject: Guess who's on google maps?
I was very pleasantly surprised today when I checked my route to the meeting!
Look in Google maps for Hawthorne, NJ, and zoom in. You'll find the old
Susquehanna Volunteers Association just south of Diamond Bridge Road...
Close enough on two counts!
I've notified Google Maps of the two errors and hope they fix them soon.
Gary R. Kazin
DL&W Milepost R35.7
Rockaway, New Jersey
#5511 From: Jonathan Berkemeyer
Date: Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:27 pm
Subject: Re: Guess who's on google maps?
That makes 2 of us. I had notified them about 2 weeks ago. Hopefully they'll fix it.
From: Gary R. Kazin
To: volunteerrailroaders@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, November 19, 2009 1:24:54 PM
Subject: [Volunteerrailroaders] Guess who's on google maps?
I was very pleasantly surprised today when I checked my route to the meeting!
Look in Google maps for Hawthorne, NJ, and zoom in. You'll find the old Susquehanna
Volunteers Association just south of Diamond Bridge Road...
Close enough on two counts!
I've notified Google Maps of the two errors and hope they fix them soon.
Gary R. Kazin
DL&W Milepost R35.7
Rockaway, New Jersey
#5512 From: Michael O'Toole
Date: Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:57 pm
Subject: Re: Guess who's on google maps?
I had tried to 'claim' the Google Local listing a few months ago.
They were supposed to postal mail a card to the station with an ID key
number on it. Haven't seen it...... 8-(
Mike
#5514 From: Michael O'Toole
Date: Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:12 pm
Subject: Re: Guess who's on google maps?
That is the second reason I needed to 'claim' the 'Susquehanna' listing.
They do not allow two listings at the same address. With the phone
manned intermittently the postcard method was the only other choice they
offer to verify location listing 'ownership'.
Mike
trabert@... wrote:
> Maybe, if we change our address after the station move, google will
> then show our location as being NORTH of Diamond Bridge Road.
>
> Paul Trabert
>
> -------------- Original message from "Gary R. Kazin"
> I was very pleasantly surprised today when I checked my route to
> the meeting!
>
> Look in Google maps for Hawthorne, NJ, and zoom in. You'll find
> the old Susquehanna Volunteers Association just south of Diamond
> Bridge Road...
>
> Close enough on two counts!
>
> I've notified Google Maps of the two errors and hope they fix them
> soon.
>
> Gary R. Kazin
> DL&W Milepost R35.7
> Rockaway, New Jersey
>
#5515 From: "spartastation"
Date: Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:54 pm
Subject: Need for Santas for our upcoming excursion
Hello VRA,
Last evening, we learned that two of our previous Santas will not be able to
join us on the Dec 5th trip from Wayne. We also have 9 cars on the train as
opposed to the 6 we had last year. Anyone who knows of a Santa or might want to
be a Santa themselves is asked to contact KC or me at the VRA's email
volunteerra@... as soon as possible. We really could use the help of our
members to ensure this trip is successful.
Sincerely,
Charles
#5516 From: VRA Inc
Date: Mon Nov 23, 2009 11:12 am
Subject: Santa update
Everyone,
I am very happy to report that as of this morning we only have 645 seats available
on our Santa Train. If past history repeats itself we should have no trouble
selling the trains out well before the day of the trips. So we will once again meet
our goal and raise the much needed funds for the station restoration.
The bad news is that we are still short 1 Santa and 2 Mrs. Santa's. Without these
characters we can not properly run the train. I know you have been asked this
multiple times so far but I am going to ask again. If you or anyone you know can
help us out please let me know.
We are also looking for train and platform staff so if you are not into dressing up
you can help in other ways as well.
Please let me know what you can do to help make the trains a success.
Thanks,
KC
#5519 From: VRA Inc
Date: Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:46 pm
Subject: Santa Train- Please Read
Everyone,
As of this minute I have the following list of volunteers for the Santa Train.
If you don't see your name and you volunteered to help please let me know.
If you see your name an it is in the wrong place or should not be there please
let me know. You will see that we are still missing 1 Santa, 1 Mrs. Clauss,
1 Elf, 4 Character helpers, at least 3 people for the platform / Parking lot
attendants and up to 4 car attendants. If you or anyone you know can help us
fill in these opening please let me know. You will see that it is going to
take about 50 volunteers to make this day a success but in the end we will
be raising probably about $16 to 18 thousand dollars for the work we need
to do the Hawthorne Station.
Santa's: Craig Hartman, Jason ?, and John Smith
Elves: Kevin Rebner, Carolyn Hoffman and Diane Smith
Mrs. Clauss: Shirley Hartman, Carol Smith and Tina Smith
Ernie: Jon Berkemeyer
Burt: John Pinho
Elmo: Andrea Rebner
Cookie: Vanessa Trapona
Rudolph: Betsy Newberry
Platform / Parking Attendants:
John Kroll (Crew Chief), Steve Geritsen, Kevin Smith, Anthony Basic
Car attendants: K.C. Smith and Charles Smith (Crew Chiefs) Fern and Bob,
Joe Mele, Deb Mandell, Gary Kazin, Jeff and Mary Hookway, Robert Rebner,
Alex ? , Justin Kerstner, Kevin Phalon, Chris Abbood, Matt Phalon,
Shannon Ross and Tim Stack.
I would like to thank all of you who have already volunteered and would like to
encourage any of you who have not yet to come out and help us make the trips a success.
The trips are on December 5th from the Rt. 23 Transit Center in Wayne. I have
still not been told where the train will be coming from so I am not sure yet where
to tell everyone they will need to meet. But worst case we will just meet the train
in Wayne at 7:30am to decorate it and get ready for our passengers.
Thank you,
KC
You can contact me via this e-mail address or at rft2786@...
#5522 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Nov 27, 2009 11:53 am
Subject: Re: Santa Train- Please Read
Deb and Everyone else,
If you have a line on any help please let me know. While Tim did indeed offer
to be Santa my brother is one of the others and he is doing it just because I
asked him, not because he wants to. Also we still need a Mrs. and some other
help as well.
Thanks to everyone who has offered or helped find someone to help, we still
need a few more people so everyone please keep asking,
KC
#5523 From: erie3319@...
Date: Fri Nov 27, 2009 1:16 pm
Subject: Re: Santa Train- Please Read
PA1,
Add to the foregoing:
Ed Boxill, Ray Lipps, and Jacob Lipps: Car Attendents
John & Giselle Drennan: ditto
Fern Deconcilio and Bob Barton: ditto
-PA2
#5525 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sat Nov 28, 2009 7:28 pm
Subject: Santa update
Everyone,
As of now we have just 33 tickets left to sell on our Santa Trains, congrats and
thank you to everyone who helped get the word out about the trains.
Now the hard work of running the train is all that is left to do, except we still
do need a Mrs. Santa, an elf and 1 person to help one of our characters (Ernie) as
he works his way through the train. So I ask you all 1 more time to see if you
know anyone who can help and let me know if you do.
I will be putting together the crew assignments and instruction sheet over the next
day or 2 and will send it out to everyone so you have it before the day of the ride.
I ask that everyone who is working that day to read it over carefully, there will be
a number of changes and some very important instructions and suggestions contained in it.
Thanks to everyone who has or will be helping, without you all we could never achieve
this or any other goal.
KC
#5526 From: VRA Inc
Date: Sun Nov 29, 2009 11:50 am
Subject: Santa Assignments PLEASE READ
First I would like to thank everyone who has in any way been involved in helping
make our Santa Trains a success. We have sold the trains out which means we will
have our hands full making sure we do all we can to make sure the passengers enjoy
their ride. If you have someone in your family or a friend who has volunteered please
make sure they get to see this before Saturday. Dress code for all car attendants
and helpers is as follows: For the gentlemen dark pants a light shirt, tie and either
vest (a limited supply of VRA vests are now available) or jacket. For the ladies you
can do the same or an appropriate dress. Everyone should have shoes that are not
slippery on the bottom.
Attached is a copy of our Special Instructions and Crew Assignment sheet. Please
print it out and bring it with you to the train. (Please note it is designed to
be printed on 8½ X 14 paper.) This contains most all the instructions and, details
you will need to know plus a complete list of who is assigned to what position and
a description of what is expected of each position on the train. I ask that you
look it over and let me know if something is wrong with how you are assigned or
if your name is missing or misspelled. Please read the whole thing so you are
aware what will be going on around you. Also you will see that we are still
missing 1 Mrs. Claus, 1 Elf and 1 Character helper, if you know of anyone who
can help us in those positions, please let me know. I will also be placing a
copy of the Special Instructions in the files section of our Yahoo Group in case
you have a problem opening it here.
We have been told that the train will be 9 cars long and we have sold tickets in
all 9 cars, but we are hoping we will have an extra car that we can use as a
crew car. If this is the case this is where we will have our character meeting,
lunch, where extra supplies will be kept and where we can take a break.
We will be getting on the train right at the Wayne Route 23 Transit Center Station
for directions please click on the following link
http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=DirectionsTo&atisid=39635
The train crew and safety meeting will take place at 7:30 AM at the station with
the train due to arrive at about 8:00. When the train gets there we will all get
on and decorate the train and put up Christmas paper on all windows between the
cars, this will keep the children from seeing something they should not see, like
another Santa or a character with there head off. The character meeting will take
place at 8:00 on the train. Because the train will be sitting right in the station
we are loading from we need to be aware that people will probably start showing up
to ride the train at about 9:00 or so. We need to do everything we can to make
sure the train is decorated by that time. Also please make sure that any characters
are out of site while sitting in the station. We will probably start boarding the
first train at about 9:10 AM with a scheduled 9:30 AM departure.
PLEASE NOTE: We will be loading and unloading the train in 2 sections. First we
will load cars 1 thru 5, then move the train and load cars 6 thru 9. To accomplish
this we will be holding passengers from cars 6 thru 9 on the lower platform and
allowing them on the boarding platform only after cars 1 thru 5 are loaded. We will
have balloons with numbers on them set up to designate where passengers should wait
to board the train. When the train returns we will unload cars 6 thru 9 first and
then 1 thru 5.
Like last year the train will head west to Denville, this offers passengers
better scenery a and most importantly it will have the train pass right by the
URHS equipment at Boonton Yard. I am going to request that the train slow as we
pass the yard so that the passengers on board can see the equipment being restored
or waiting restoration. Car hosts please make sure the passengers receive the hand
out about the URHS (if available) before we get to Boonton.
Santas: Each Santa will have 2 cars each to cover (except 1 who will cover 3 cars).
They will meet and greet each child, asking what they want for Christmas and
giving each child a plush stuffed toy, please note that infants (under 1) should
not be given this gift as the item is not appropriate for them. Try and time your-
self so that you are through 1 car by the time we get to the point where we will
head back to where we started from, this should be about 40 minutes. The Santa
covering 3 cars will need to be half way through the second car by that time.
Mrs. Claus: They will meet and greet everyone in their 2 cars and give each child
a coloring book. They should try and be in the car that Santa is not in so that
they can be entertaining the kids who are waiting for or just saw Santa. Unlike in
past years we will not be asking the Mrs, to lead a sing along. Instead we are
going to try and have Christmas music piped in over the PA system if at all possible.
Elves:Will be assigned to a Santa and be his helper. You will be carrying Santas bag
with a supply of Reindeer for Santa to hand out as he is greeting the kids, this will
keep his hands are free. The car hosts give you the supply as you enter the car and
make sure you are kept stocked.
Costumed Characters: These characters are the only ones who need to try and visit all
9 cars, you are also the only characters that DO NOT TALK. Because you need to get
through all 9 cars you need to keep up a good pace and do not spend too much time with
each child, you should be part way through 5 cars in about 40 minutes to make sure you
get to see each child, your indication of half way is when we stop to go back to where
we started from. We will have someone assigned to you to help you (if available) as
you walk through the train.
MAKE SURE YOU DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Do not let your self get dehydrated!
ALL CHARACTERS should stop and take pictures with any child or parent who wants you to.
Please remember that you are whom everyone has come to see. Be nice to everyone and
if you think it is taking too long politely say or motion that you need to get to get
to see everyone else. If you have a speaking part be sure to say Merry Christmas.
Car Hosts: The car hosts job is to greet everyone as they get on the car, make sure
they are getting on the correct car, make sure everyone finds a seat and is not occupy-
ing more seats then they need. We have sold 90 seats per car in cars that hold 117
people, so as long as people do not spread out to far we should have plenty of seats
available. Let people know as they get on the train to occupy only enough seats to
accommodate their family or group. Also make sure all parents are aware that their
children should not be standing on the seats at any time. To help make this easier
please try and seat people as they enter the car. Most cars will have doors at both
ends open so you will need to have a car attendant at either end taking care of this.
The platform staff and crew chiefs will handle getting people onto the correct cars.
Take the tickets and check the name and admission code on every ticket against your
master list and then initial the ticket to show you saw it and give it back to the
customer. If something seems wrong call a crew chief on the radio. Make sure Santa
has all the stuffed toys that he needs and that Mrs. Santa has the coloring books
she needs. You will hand out 1 candy cane to each child over 1 year old near the
end of the trip; this will keep the sticky mess on the train to a minimum. We may
have a number of hand outs to give 1 per family too, one of the crew chiefs will
make sure you have the supply you need. Make sure everyone is satisfied and pick
up garbage from the passengers and from the floors and seats after the passengers
get off the train. VERY IMPORTANT, because we have multiple Santa’s on the train,
please ask parents not to have the kids leave their cars unless absolutely necessary,
do not let the kids hear you say that.
Also with the concerns over the flu and other airborne illnesses we will have a supply
of anti-bacterial lotion for everyones use on board. In addition we will have an anti-
bacterial spray that should be used in the cars after each trains passengers depart.
On the attached you will see the letters TBD next to some positions. This is because
as I write this, those positions still need to be filled. If you know of anyone who
can fill those positions please let me know ASAP.
The NJT crew is in charge of the train and any emergency or any issue pertaining to
the operation of the train is their responsibility.
Everyone: First rule is to be safe. Second is that everyone who paid to come on the
train is our customer and should be treated with total respect. While we get to come
out and enjoy ourselves running these trains if it were not for our passengers we
would not be able to do it. We are running these trains as a way to raise the funds
needed to help restore Hawthorne Station and to preserve railroad history in New Jersey
and we want our passengers to come back again in the future so we can keep doing that.
Thanks for volunteering,
KC Smith Cell Phone 201-787-4770 VRA Special Instructions 2009 Santa.doc
#5529 From: "spartastation"
Date: Tue Dec 1, 2009 8:23 pm
Subject: Notice to all Santa Train character
This is a note to anyone who has graciously volunteered to be a costumed
character on the weekend's Santa Train. First, thank you! Second, your costume
will be at the Hawthorne Station on Thursday evening (December 3rd). The station
will be open from 6pm to 9pm. If you would like to try on your costume before
the morning of the trip, this is your chance to do so. Also, with 9 cars this
year, we will have a lot of items to bring to the train. If you could pick up
your costume on Thursday evening, it would certainly be appreciated as it will
free up much needed space for other volunteers to haul all the stuffed animals,
coloring books, et al. to the train. Again, thank you for your help. The train
wouldn't be possible without your efforts!
#5530 From: Carolyn Hoffman
Date: Thu Dec 3, 2009 2:36 pm
Subject: USMC Toys for Tots "Operation Toy Train"
Hello everyone! For those of you not aware, The VRA has been asked to lend some
hands to a new effort this year. The Military Transportation Association, a non-
profit membership organization for people interested in collecting, restoring,
and operating historic military vehicles has coordinated an effort with NJ Transit,
Norfolk Southern, Morristown & Erie RR and NYS&W to run "Operation Toy Train".
http://njoperationtoytrain.com/ This train is being run in conjunction with the
US Marine Corps Toys for Tots foundation out of Picatinny Arsenal.
On December 12th and 13th a special train will run with Santa Claus on board, along
with the Marine Corps to collect toys and spread some holiday cheer. Please see the
link above for the full schedule and all stops we will be making.
The final piece to make this whole thing come together will come from the VRA. We are
looking for 5 or so people on Saturday and 8 to 10 people Sunday to act as on-the-
ground support. You will be at the station stops prior to the train's arrival to
provide direction to members of the community waiting to see the train, as well as a
measure of safety in keeping onlookers away from the tracks and equipment when it
arrives. Once the train departs, we need to make sure the general area is in the
same shape we found it upon arrival to insure we are allowed back next year.
Please let me know either via email ch2112@... or feel free to call 862-763-0508
if you can volunteer either or both days. I would like to have a head count by
early next week and plan on having a briefing of sorts at the station on Thursday
December 10th at 6:30 pm. If you are interested but cannot be there Thursday
evening for any reason just let me know.
Thanks to the entire group and I look forward to hearing from anyone who can lend
a hand!
Carolyn
#5535 From: VRA Inc
Date: Fri Dec 4, 2009 8:13 pm
Subject: Santa update (please read)
Everyone,
Attached is a revised file of instructions for tomorrow. It has some minor changes
to cars the Mrs. Santa's will cover, plus it has an added elf. If you have not
already printed out the instructions please print this out and make sure you read
it over so you know what we will be doing. I will also post this on the Yahoo group
in case you can not access it here.
NJT has told me the train will be at Wayne by 7:40 which will allow us extra time
to decorate the train. We will have coffee and donuts at the station by about 7:15
for those who arrive early. If you are a car attendant please be to the Wayne Rt.
23 Station by 7:30am. Characters can get there by 8 am
Thanks,
KC
1 of 1 File(s) VRA Special Instructions 2009 Santa.doc
#5538 From: Christopher Vitz
Date: Tue Dec 8, 2009 4:32 pm
Subject: Santa Train - Any summary?
Guys,
How did you make out the other day? I have not heard anything yet...
Chris
#5540 From: "Gary R. Kazin"
Date: Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:31 am
Subject: Santa, Marines hit the rails, travel through Morris to collect toys
Santa, Marines hit the rails, travel through Morris to collect toys
By TEHANI SCHNEIDER STAFF WRITER December 13, 2009
MOUNT OLIVE -- Santa Claus made his annual visit to the Flanders firehouse on
Saturday morning, but instead of bearing a bag full of toys, the jolly old elf
came to collect them.
Full article about Saturday's Toys For Tots train:
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20091213/COMMUNITIES/91212018/1005/NEWS01/San\
ta--Marines-hit-the-rails--travel-through-Morris-to-collect-toys
Gary R. Kazin
DL&W Milepost R35.7
Rockaway, New Jersey
#5541 From: gkazin@...
Date: Sun Dec 13, 2009 9:20 pm
Subject: VRA Santa Train
If you can't see the pictures in this email, click here to see it in a web browser:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=498167816805%3A1356830228
Click to view my photos Gary's album 2009-12-05 Gary has shared photos with you.
You are invited to view my online photos at the KODAK Gallery. Enjoy!
Reminder: You can save these photos after viewing them by creating a free
Kodak Gallery account. Questions? Visit http://www.kodakgallery.com/A/help.html.
#5542 From: VRA Inc
Date: Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:47 am
Subject: Fw: North Jersey donors turn out for special Toys for Tots train
Everyone,
Below is a link to one of the stories written about the Toys for Tots Train we
helped make happen this past weekend. Those that came out and helped got wet
and cold but the piles of presents and the smiles on the kids faces who were
donating made the day very worthwhile. Thanks to Jim, Andrea, Charles, Tina,
Joe, Jon, John, Carolyn, Matt and Frank. If I missed anyone, thanks to you too.
That being said and taking nothing away from what we did, I would just like to
add that we could have had a better turn out of volunteers. If this train is
run again next year it would be great if we could have more members out. This
is a very worthwhile project and if we have the time we should all be proud
to come out and help.
Thanks,
KC
*This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address
below into your web browser.
http://www.northjersey..com/news/121309_North_Jersey_donors_turn_out_for_special
_Toys_for_Tots_train.html
#5543 From: Carolyn Hoffman
Date: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:53 pm
Subject: Re: Fw: North Jersey donors turn out for special Toys for Tots train
KC - Thank you for sharing that link, and a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came
out Saturday and Sunday to help out. Now that we have a better idea of what to
expect we can plan a little better for next year.
Our final count Sunday evening was 6850 toys collected over the two days. That
filled a 50 ft boxcar and some of the caboose! Over the coming weeks those toys
are going to make the holidays a little brighter for some families who would not
otherwise have had gifts for their children.
Thank you again, and if this train does run again next year I hope to see more
people out!
Carolyn
#5546 From: Christopher Vitz
Date: Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:55 am
Subject: Nominations for Officers Positions Still being accepted
Group,
Are you interested in the future of the Volunteer Railroaders Association? If
so, would you be interested in holding an officer or director position in the VRA?
Nominations are still being accepted for the following positions for 2010;
President (1 year) Vice President (1 year)
Treasurer (1 year) Secretary (1 year) Director (3 years)
Several members have already contacted me with interest in a position, but we always
have room for more. If interested, please send me an email. Nominations will be a
ccepted through December 31st, 2009. Ballots will go out in January of 2010 along with
the membership renewal notices.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all.
Sincerely,
Chris Vitz
Nominations Committee
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