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