To echo what Allan said...
I heard this at Sheepscot the other day:
"The discussion forum is nice, but the decision forum meets once a month in the Percival house."
The BOD does read this forum and the ideas are shared. However, the forum is not the place where official announcements, etc. are normally disseminated. Not everyone on the BOD has computer access, either. We also have to remember that the BOD is privy to information that can not be shared publicly, but has a major impact on what decisions are made and how they are carried out.
It would be great to get a bucket of money and rebuild to 218 and/or Head Tide, or south to Wiscasset. But then what? The operation and maintenance would exceed our current capabilities. We have to grow slowly - and not make a classic mistake of getting too big, too soon.
When I did a limited amount of railroad modeling, the fun part didn't come when the layout was "done", it came in the building of the track, models, trains, etc. We're effectively doing the same thing.
I guess the best thing to do if one feels strongly about a particular issue is to find one of the BOD members and ask them directly. I also understand that BOD meetings are open to the membership.
Overall, I think we're doing an amazing job following the Long Range Plan that has laid out our growth strategy since 2005. We've been steadily increasing the mainline, continuing to maintain our locomotives, cars, and track. Car 103 was restored - although work still needs to be done on the roof. #9's restoration is entering its final stages, the water tank is operational, and we have a new flat car. Planning for the restrooms and new parking facilities is done, with land clearing underway and grading anticipated for early this fall. We extended our shop, allowing more space for indoor storage.
Also, many of the minor projects have been completed (or are well underway.) We've cleared Averill Road and now can store stone at Alna Center. We've started to improve volunteer intercommunication (in part, through this forum.) I can't speak for accounting, financial development, or marketing, but I do know we have had some action (and success) in securing grants that have contributed to the completion of many projects. Sheepscot Mills is assembled, ready for use; and the Model T will be finished within a handful of weeks.
And that's just what I know off the top of my head as a non-BOD member "from away."
Let's be proud of what we've accomplished in the last 5 years, and look forward to the next.