Category: Ricky’s Replies

by President, Ricky Bivins

Hello Western Kentucky Chapter members.

Well, it is time once again for our monthly Chapter meeting of the National Railway Historical Society. I was about to allow the meeting to “sneak up on me” when Chuck Hinrichs dropped me an email asking about the March program and refreshments so he could send the information to the Hopkinsville News Paper. Thank You Chuck for taking time to do so and for having the desire as well. I have contacted the Madisonville Messenger so as to post an announcement in the Town Crier section of our paper. These are free community services offered by these publications. If anyone else knows of such an opportunity to “spread the word” feel free to take up the effort and contact same.

I hope those present for the February meeting enjoyed them selves. I know I did. Of course I am just slightly biased toward anything New York Central. Not to mention just about any Herron Rail presentation. As an aside, sign up for a program and/or refreshment this month. These meetings are “for the chapter, by the chapter”. Everyone has something to share. If not a program, bring a “show and tell” item instead. Get Involved.

It is funny odd how things come about sometimes. I have been “searching” for an employee to work opposite me at the airport since December of last year. Several have interviewed most of which I said “no” too. Then, Ted walks in. Retired Army, dressed for an interview as opposed to a rock concert as some of the others were. We stroll around the grounds of the Airport when he spots one of my Lionel Trains on a shelf. I comment about same and he says, “We are going to get along just fine”. As it turns out, Ted has model trains, trains he bought in Germany while stationed there. LGB Trains that is. Not to mention a few Lionel’s as well. The man served our Nation, seven tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and he likes Trains. God I love this Country.

As everyone is well aware, many people are hurting in Japan. Ted has a brother there; the Tsunami snatched his brother’s five year old son right out of his hands. That is the last they saw of him. My point here, the events in Japan can be a lot closer to someone here than we might expect. Carry any conversation about the events there with respect. We just never know how “close” world events can be.

I hope to see “you” at the March meeting. We will gather in the former L&N RR Station on West Arch Street, right behind City Hall. Join in and bring a guest. – Rick Bivins

First, let me say Thank You. Thank You for your vote of confidence. As I stated at the October 2010 meeting, after being nominated, “Remember, I can be out spoken sometimes”! I often am and I will be. But please understand that my outspoken nature comes from a desire to move forward or to improve something. I do not think that I speak out against something but rather speak out in favor of something. Perhaps too harshly at times. If I speak out and someone does not agree or like it…TELL ME!

Second. I title this as Rick’s Reply’s because; I searched the definition of President: One who presides, sits in leadership… How can one lead or preside over something that has zero input. How can I lead a group of rail enthusiast if I do not listen to them or have some idea of their likes, dislikes and objectives? The way I see it, I can not “lead” if I do not “reply” to You, NRHS Members!

Rich Hane led our group for, I believe Five Years. His easy going, kind nature gave our Chapter a “gentlemanly” feel. Even when disrupted, he held his composure, dealing with our objections as he did our combined positive ness. As the gentleman he is.

Rich followed Bob McCracken whom led us in much the same manor for many years.

I am afraid the Chapter will find me to be a bit different. I would like to see our Chapter set and achieve a few goals, to retain the “gentlemanly” nature, but with a forward moving posture. I will put ideas and goals “on the table” so to speak, but the membership will ultimately decide our Chapter’s direction.

One of my customers at the Airport told me that our U. S. President can not make or change law in this Country. He is the face of a nation, he “SETS THE TONE” of this country.  That is true as research shows. This customer is a native of The Netherlands, a legal U.S. Citizen.

As Chapter President, I hope to set a tone, a positive tone. I hope we can combine our knowledge and energy’s to accomplish something, to move forward. Whether one is laying floor tile for the first time or making a photo archive available to several people, positive movement is needed. Even if we make a mistake, moving is always much better than standing still and looking at something.

I look forward to seeing you and hearing from you as we attend the first meeting of 2011 on January 24th at The L&N RR Station, Down town Madisonville at 7:00PM.

Again, Thank You.

Rick Bivins