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Volunteers / Re: February 2025 work reports
« on: February 11, 2025, 06:06:03 PM »
See you Friday! Hopefully we can rouse up some others as well!
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Volunteers / Re: January 2025 work reports
« on: January 19, 2025, 10:12:44 AM »
Storage of the vast number of things we’ve accumulated over the years to support activities at Alna Center- patio heaters, games, Christmas decorations, extra seating, etc.
Currently these are temporarily stored in Alna Center - which is nearly full!
Best,
Steve
Currently these are temporarily stored in Alna Center - which is nearly full!
Best,
Steve
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Volunteers / 2025 Amherst Railroad Hobby Show - Volunteers Needed *SIGN UP HERE*
« on: December 13, 2024, 11:13:28 PM »
Hello All!
The volunteer sign-up for the Amherst Railroad Society's Railroad Hobby Show at the 'Big E' in West Springfield, MA is now live!
The show is being held on Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26. Setup happens afternoon/night of Friday the 24th and takedown is immediately following the show at 5PM on Sunday. I've made an attempt to split the days up so people could still help the WW&F at our display and also enjoy the show, but if you need more specific hours or can only give part of a day, we are beggars not choosers, so we'll take whatever you can give.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CAFAF2DA3F9CF8-54039025-railroad
Some of you have already reached out to me (thank you!)
If you've never been, the show is a really fun way to meet folks interested in all-things railroad from around the Northeast, and really, the entire country. If you've already been, you know what I'm talking about!
Thanks for helping get this crewed so we can all go down, spread the good word about the WW&F, see old friends and make new ones and welcome some folks who don't yet know what we're up to in Alna
Best,
Steve
The volunteer sign-up for the Amherst Railroad Society's Railroad Hobby Show at the 'Big E' in West Springfield, MA is now live!
The show is being held on Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26. Setup happens afternoon/night of Friday the 24th and takedown is immediately following the show at 5PM on Sunday. I've made an attempt to split the days up so people could still help the WW&F at our display and also enjoy the show, but if you need more specific hours or can only give part of a day, we are beggars not choosers, so we'll take whatever you can give.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CAFAF2DA3F9CF8-54039025-railroad
Some of you have already reached out to me (thank you!)
If you've never been, the show is a really fun way to meet folks interested in all-things railroad from around the Northeast, and really, the entire country. If you've already been, you know what I'm talking about!
Thanks for helping get this crewed so we can all go down, spread the good word about the WW&F, see old friends and make new ones and welcome some folks who don't yet know what we're up to in Alna
Best,
Steve
4
Work and Events / Re: So. African Hoppers 2806 and 2807 - Official Work Thread
« on: November 10, 2024, 11:23:39 AM »
As I understand it, the hopper doors are always manually operated by the large, centrally mounted wheel. I believe only the brakes use the vacuum.
Best,
Steve
Best,
Steve
5
Volunteers / John Seigars' Fire Fundraiser Train
« on: October 24, 2024, 11:06:04 PM »
For those of you who haven't heard, our Cross Road neighbor (not directly next door- rather at the west end of Cross Rd.) John Seigars suffered a tragic house fire earlier this week. His home was a total loss and he lost a great deal of his possessions in the fire as well. John is 83 years old and has often been a good friend to the WW&F and others in town when they needed 'something' as John ran our local scapyard/fix-it shop/mend and repair lot out of his property. He held on to all kinds of things waiting for the right person to come along who needed it.
This Sunday, October 27, we are running a special train as a benefit for John- all proceeds from the train will go to John to help with his recovery from the fire and basic immediate needs.
You can find out more here:
https://wwfry.org/all-activities/fundraising-special/
This Sunday, October 27, we are running a special train as a benefit for John- all proceeds from the train will go to John to help with his recovery from the fire and basic immediate needs.
You can find out more here:
https://wwfry.org/all-activities/fundraising-special/
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Volunteers / Re: Volunteer Recruitment Day, September 14th
« on: September 15, 2024, 02:28:03 PM »
Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday to make our volunteer recruitment day a success! We had lots of interest from a variety of folks who I expect we will see again. A special thanks for recruiting folks to come- personal connection is great and a big motivator for people to get involved.
It was also a really good time (with great food) and yet another day that reminds me of the best things about the WW&F.
We’ll take a break for the winter, but hold two similar volunteer recruitment days next year. If you connected with someone at the event, try to keep them in the loop on stuff happening at the WW&F.
Best,
Steve
It was also a really good time (with great food) and yet another day that reminds me of the best things about the WW&F.
We’ll take a break for the winter, but hold two similar volunteer recruitment days next year. If you connected with someone at the event, try to keep them in the loop on stuff happening at the WW&F.
Best,
Steve
7
Volunteers / Volunteer Recruitment Day, September 14th
« on: September 07, 2024, 09:29:49 PM »
Hope you are all well.
I'm reaching out because we have our second and final Volunteer Recruitment Day of the year next Saturday September 14th. Our hope is to encourage prospective volunteers to get involved in our activities at the railroad and show them the kinds of work we do and the fun we have while doing it.
The plan is for the day to be split into three segments. It will span from roughly 10AM until 2:30PM
Our timeline for the day is as follows:
10 to 11 a.m.: Small group tours of Sheepscot, to learn about our campus from the volunteer perspective (like where to sign in, get personal safety equipment, eat lunch, etc) Tours will begin at the Percival House with sign-in and depart from there.
11 to 11:30 a.m.: Lunch in the Percival House
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Mixed train round trip to experience the restored railway, with a volunteer project along the way.
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Volunteer opportunity information sessions. Prospective volunteers can meet with department heads to discuss work in which they are interested.
2:30 p.m.: A raffle to close out the day.
To make a good showing for the railway, I hope that you can make it down to help share what we do. Word will be going out in the form of press releases to local news outlets this week, and also on social media and other similar ways. Perhaps most importantly, if you are comfortable, I'd suggest reaching out to a friend, coworker, or others who you think might be interested in what we do and personally inviting them- that sort of recruitment usually pays the highest dividends.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for things we may have missed.
Best,
Steve Piwowarski
I'm reaching out because we have our second and final Volunteer Recruitment Day of the year next Saturday September 14th. Our hope is to encourage prospective volunteers to get involved in our activities at the railroad and show them the kinds of work we do and the fun we have while doing it.
The plan is for the day to be split into three segments. It will span from roughly 10AM until 2:30PM
Our timeline for the day is as follows:
10 to 11 a.m.: Small group tours of Sheepscot, to learn about our campus from the volunteer perspective (like where to sign in, get personal safety equipment, eat lunch, etc) Tours will begin at the Percival House with sign-in and depart from there.
11 to 11:30 a.m.: Lunch in the Percival House
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Mixed train round trip to experience the restored railway, with a volunteer project along the way.
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Volunteer opportunity information sessions. Prospective volunteers can meet with department heads to discuss work in which they are interested.
2:30 p.m.: A raffle to close out the day.
To make a good showing for the railway, I hope that you can make it down to help share what we do. Word will be going out in the form of press releases to local news outlets this week, and also on social media and other similar ways. Perhaps most importantly, if you are comfortable, I'd suggest reaching out to a friend, coworker, or others who you think might be interested in what we do and personally inviting them- that sort of recruitment usually pays the highest dividends.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for things we may have missed.
Best,
Steve Piwowarski
8
Museum Discussion / Re: Sheepscot Station platform shelter
« on: September 05, 2024, 10:04:01 PM »
I just want to point out that, based on the photos given from their own page, the one of the roof structure is clearly not part of the Wiscasset station nor was it apparently part of the renovated building in Edgecomb.
From the photo of the building as it’s currently situated, you can see that the south facing wall of the current building (with the bay window) was the track facing side. So the long wall of the original rectangular building was incorporated as the short wall of the renovated, larger rectangular structure. That’s supported by the matching fenestration and door orientation of the current west wall in comparison to what was originally the south wall as situated in Wiscasset. The reconstruction is approximately twice the size of the original station.
From the photo of the building as it’s currently situated, you can see that the south facing wall of the current building (with the bay window) was the track facing side. So the long wall of the original rectangular building was incorporated as the short wall of the renovated, larger rectangular structure. That’s supported by the matching fenestration and door orientation of the current west wall in comparison to what was originally the south wall as situated in Wiscasset. The reconstruction is approximately twice the size of the original station.
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Volunteers / Re: Windsor Fair: August 24th through September 2nd *volunteers needed*
« on: September 02, 2024, 11:41:53 PM »
Well, we wrapped it up for this year’s Windsor Fair today. Throughout the fair, we probably reached over 1,000 individuals and shared information about what we are doing and how people can get involved. A huge thanks to everyone who made our presence at the fair a success this year including Dave Buczkowski, Bob Holmes, Ed Lecuyer, Dan Malkowski, Stewart Rhine, Nick Simoneau, and Bruce Wilson who all gave time to ensure that our exhibit was attended throughout the fair. As with most things we do, there are already ideas afloat for how we can enhance the exhibit for next years fair and some even bigger, exciting possibilities for what we might do in the future that I’m sure will surface at the appropriate time.
Again, huge thanks to all who gave your time and energy
Steve P.
Again, huge thanks to all who gave your time and energy
Steve P.
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Volunteers / Re: August 2024 work reports
« on: August 31, 2024, 07:14:52 PM »
Bruce Wilson and I continued to attend the WW&F table at the Windsor Fair; the fair will continue for the next 2 days, during which time you can come visit us adjacent to the sawmill that the railway used to serve.
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Volunteers / Re: Windsor Fair: August 24th through September 2nd *volunteers needed*
« on: August 31, 2024, 08:17:20 AM »
Hi All,
We need a volunteer who is willing to help out Sunday afternoon at the fair. We've had good luck on getting folks for every other slot, but that one is a bit tough, so if you are able to help out, let me know and I will send you the information.
Meanwhile, our presence at the fair has been a tremendous success. By the end of the Fair we probably will have had well over 1,000 people stop by our display to learn about the WW&F, its history, and our current offerings. Several of us are already planning ahead for next year and how we can plan an even more interactive, exciting display.
Best,
Steve Piwowarski
We need a volunteer who is willing to help out Sunday afternoon at the fair. We've had good luck on getting folks for every other slot, but that one is a bit tough, so if you are able to help out, let me know and I will send you the information.
Meanwhile, our presence at the fair has been a tremendous success. By the end of the Fair we probably will have had well over 1,000 people stop by our display to learn about the WW&F, its history, and our current offerings. Several of us are already planning ahead for next year and how we can plan an even more interactive, exciting display.
Best,
Steve Piwowarski
12
Work and Events / Re: Sheepscot Passenger Platform Reconstruction - Official Work Thread
« on: August 26, 2024, 09:17:01 PM »
I suppose if we like them, we could buy 1 at $45 and use it as a pattern to make many more for less.
13
Volunteers / Re: Windsor Fair: August 24th through September 4th *volunteers needed*
« on: August 16, 2024, 06:16:39 AM »
Hello All,
This week I received some more information regarding the upcoming Windsor Fair. First of all, I (and anyone else willing to lend a hand) will be setting up the exhibit at the fairgrounds on Friday August 23, in advance of the fair opening on Saturday.
According to Laurie Thomas from the Windsor Historical Society volunteers do not need to pay admission on the days they are working and we also provide breakfast and lunch during certain hours, along with coffee and bottles water.
So far Bruce and I will be helping; if there are others who are interested, even if it is only for one day, that would be a huge help in spreading out the burden of responsibility for our displays there. Plus- it's a great fair! If you've never been, I feel it is one of the best around.
Email me at stephen.piwowarski@wwfry.org if you would like to help, or respond here!
Thanks and take care,
Steve
This week I received some more information regarding the upcoming Windsor Fair. First of all, I (and anyone else willing to lend a hand) will be setting up the exhibit at the fairgrounds on Friday August 23, in advance of the fair opening on Saturday.
According to Laurie Thomas from the Windsor Historical Society volunteers do not need to pay admission on the days they are working and we also provide breakfast and lunch during certain hours, along with coffee and bottles water.
So far Bruce and I will be helping; if there are others who are interested, even if it is only for one day, that would be a huge help in spreading out the burden of responsibility for our displays there. Plus- it's a great fair! If you've never been, I feel it is one of the best around.
Email me at stephen.piwowarski@wwfry.org if you would like to help, or respond here!
Thanks and take care,
Steve
14
Volunteers / Re: August 2024 work reports
« on: August 14, 2024, 06:29:53 AM »
Also, one of the handcars will be traveling to Ellsworth with Dave and I for New England Steam Cos. Touch a Train event. We will leave the other car accessible for Handcar rides on Saturday.
Best,
Steve
Best,
Steve
15
Work and Events / Re: New roadside sign
« on: August 08, 2024, 06:12:04 PM »
Hi All, the sign was made by museum member Peter Knight of Danville, VT. He is a sign-maker and woodworker and offered to make the sign for us at cost of materials and donated the labor to build the sign. He delivered the sign about a month ago, then Joe kindly took on building the frame and the result is what you see here!
Thanks to all who made this happen!
Steve
Thanks to all who made this happen!
Steve