At the HRA Spring Conference

[Wayne Laepple]

On Saturday afternoon, Steve Piwowarski and I were taking a break between sessions at the Heritage Rail Alliance Spring Conference at Strasburg, Pa. We were standing in front of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania looking across the road at the Strasburg Rail Road, when we saw a person wearing an orange T-shirt and a WW&F hat. We looked at one another and said "That looks like Bryce (Weeks)." So what was he doing here? Turns out he and his grandmother, Nancy, had traveled to Pennsylvania to visit relatives and stopped by the Strasburg for a little broad gauge therapy. One just never knows when another WW&F member will show up.

The conference sessions were quite worthwhile, as was the networking, and Steve and I will have a report for the Board at its next meeting.

[Stephen Piwowarski]

Indeed, while riding the trolley's yesterday at Rockhill Trolley Museum, I looked around and counted 5 or so WW&F members sitting around us. It's pretty amazing to see the amount of support we receive from others in the industry. From employees at our host, the Strasburg Rail Road, to visitors from across the country, people are watching our progress- and are very aware of and enthusiastic about the work we do.

The conference was excellent, with many fresh perspectives on some of the challenges and opportunities within heritage railroading. One nice feature was that every seminar that I attended included not only a question and answer time, but also a period for open discussion so that people could formulate ideas and share what has (and has not) worked for them.

Our hosts were incredibly generous with their time and resources and put on a great event. Thanks to all of those who hosted us for doing a great job and helping us feel welcomed.

[Mike Fox]

Thanks for doing the convention

[Rick Rowlands]

It was good to meet you Steve, and to see Wayne again.