Minutes submitted by Clerk Harvey Heyser
Division members met at the home of Jay Beckham near Berkeley Springs, WV. 24 or so were present. After viewing Jay’s layout, Superintendent Alex Polimeni called the business meeting to order.
20.3-1 Paymaster’s Report: Paymaster Ray Price reported that the Division has $3930.17 in its bank account. That balance took into consideration the $40.19 spent for two Wheel Reports. Purchase of the $150 Mainline Hobbies gift certificate for the Mini-Con raffle prize will happen soon.
20.3-2 Clerk’s Report (Meeting Minutes): Clerk Harvey Heyser summarized the draft minutes for the February meeting (previously distributed by e-mail). Jerry Skeim made the following motion (second by Ray Price):
Motion: That the draft Minutes for the January 2020 meeting be approved as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
Old Business:
19.9-7 2020 Mini-Con: [Because of the Corona virus emergency, the 2020 Mini-Con had to be cancelled. That decision was made in coordination with Brian Wolfe of Mainline Hobbies.] Chair Pete Clarke’s report from the March SMD meeting is, therefore, summarized here: Food, raffle, door prize, clinics (informal, formal, and make & take), venders, clean-up, and electrical needs were all lined-up. The Superintendent volunteered to print and bring name tags for SMD members, who do not have them.
The Corona virus situation was discussed based on the very limited information available at the date of the SMD meeting. Disinfectant would be available at the event. Members were advised not to come to the Mini-Con if they have respiratory issues. It was noted that attendance could not be predicted because of the fluid nature of the situation. It was clear that Chair Clarke and Mainline Hobbies were taking the situation seriously and had given a great deal of thought to how to respond.
20.1-7 Nominations Committee for the May Election: Committee Chair Ron Polimeni reported two members are considering running for Superintendent. Alex Polimeni indicated that he will help with the transition and that past Superintendents have been extremely helpful during his terms. Three members can also nominate someone (with the nominee’s consent).
20.2-4 SMD promotional pamphlet (tri-fold) giving specific information about Division activities: Bob Johnson reported that 400 brochures had been printed (using the graphics and text reviewed at the February meeting) for the cost authorized at the last meeting. The intention is to distribute them at the Mini-Con and to place them at Mainline Hobbies, HobbyTown – Frederick, and other hobby shops.
New Business:
20.3-3 Host Jay Beckham welcomed everyone to his home. The SMD expressed thanks for hosting the meeting.
20.3-4 Membership privileges: In answer to a question, it was pointed out that NMRA membership allows for attendance to any division meet; however voting privileges apply only for the division a member is assigned to by zip code. It was also pointed out that the NMRA has a data field for changing division assignment for members who wish to belong to a different division from the one based on their zip code.
20.3-5 East Broad Top Foundation: The news of the forming of a non-profit foundation composed of experienced railroad people (including Joseph Kovalchik and Wick Moorman) was greeted with excitement. Membership in the Friends of the East Broad Top (FEBT) was suggested for anyone who wishes to support the Foundation and its work. Tentative plans are to get the railroad operating soon using rail car M-1 and diesel switchers.
Adjournment: The Superintendent accepted a motion to adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2020 at Steve King’s home in Fayetteville, PA. [Because of the Corona virus emergency, this meeting was canceled.]
Following the meeting, host Jay Beckham presented a clinic on laser cutters for model railroading. He followed the presentation with a demonstration – cutting out an outhouse. (Yes the interior furnishings were included but, thankfully, not the smell. May Whit Towers rest in peace.) Members modeling the less advanced years of railroading got outhouse samples to take home.
The Mid-Eastern Region of the NMRA is about to hold the Board of Directors Election for 2020. Voting will begin on 1 August and end on 8 September 2020. This election will select the MER President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary as well as decide the adoption of two changes to the MER Bylaws.