Tag: meeting

South Mountain Division

Mid-East Region – National Model Railroad Association

Draft Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2019

There was no SMD business meeting in April because the Division hosted its annual Mini-Con.

Division members met at Bill Wilson’s home in Mt. Airy, MD.  17 or so were present.  After viewing the host’s layout and socializing, Superintendant Alex Polimeni called the business meeting to order.

19.5-1 Paymaster’s Report:  Paymaster Ray Price reported that the Division has $4357.47 in its bank account including the proceeds from the 2019 Mini-Con and the white elephant sale held at that event.  The Paymaster reported that expenses for the Mini-Con have been reimbursed.

19.5-2 Clerk’s Report (Meeting Minutes):  Clerk Harvey Heyser summarized the draft minutes (previously distributed by e-mail).  Bob Johnson made the following motion (seconded by Brian Greenawalt):

Motion:  That the draft Minutes for the March 2019 meeting be approved as submitted.  The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business:

18.10-4 2019 Mini-Con Recap:  In the absence of Chair Pete Clarke, the Superintendant thanked all who participated and reported the following.  232 attended – the most ever.  The raffle produced $220 in proceeds; the white elephant table produced $133 in proceeds.  Expenses for the SMD of $28 resulted in the Division bank account balance increasing by approximately $325.  Brian Wolfe and Pete Clarke have expressed their interest in doing another Mini-Con in 2020.

Reimbursing Mainline Hobbies for their expenses in renting the Fire Hall and publicizing the event:  There was a discussion of what to do with the proceeds.  Last year, the SMD bought a page in Mainline’s fall layout tour book.  Since the white elephant table was more successful than anticipated, concern was expressed that sales at the Mini-Con might detract from Mainline’s business.  It was suggested that the SMD take a table at a local train show instead of having the white elephant table at the Mini-Con.  It was noted that some people who placed items on the table intended some or all of the proceeds to be donated to the Division.  The discussion concluded with a consensus to get Mainline involved in the decision of what to do with the proceeds and whether to continue to have the white elephant table.

Harvey Heyser made the following motion (seconded by Tom Fedor):

Motion:  That the SMD take out a page in the Mainline fall layout tour book.

Bob Johnson proposed the following amendment:  That the discussion of profits be tabled until a future meeting.

As the amendment was acceptable to those proposing the motion, the following amended motion was discussed and voted on:

Amended Motion:  That the SMD take out a page in the Mainline fall layout tour book and that the discussion of profits be tabled until a future meeting.  The motion passed unanimously.

Before the vote, the Superintendant clarified that neither the amount nor the source of the funds (raffle or white elephant proceeds) was specified by the motion.  The Superintendant will coordinate with Pete Clarke.

19.3-4 E-mails to Members:  Superintendant Polimeni reported continuing difficulties reaching addresses from the Division’s G-mail accounts.  People can communicate with the Division, but we cannot send out e-mails to multiple addresses.  (The SMD is considered “junk mail.”)  There may be a way to fix the situation.  The Superintendant will continue trying. 

New Business:

19.5-3 Host Bill Wilson welcomed everyone to his freelanced HO 1950’s B & O layout.

19.5-4 Election of Officers:  The Superintendant distributed a statement regarding the election of officers (prepared with reference to the by-laws and with input from Tom Fedor).  Those present reviewed and discussed the statement.  It was noted that Nominations Chair Scott Schill was no longer an NMRA member, but he had indicated to the Superintendant that he had received no nominations other than for the current officers.  The current officers took responsibility for not more closely following the by-law provisions.  Postponing the election until a special meeting in June was discussed

Bob Johnson made the following motion (seconded by Jeff Adams):

Motion:  That the SMD temporarily suspend pertinent sections of the by-laws and proceed with the election.  The motion was passed unanimously with 2 abstentions (Paymaster and Clerk – conflict of interest) and with the Superintendant not voting (per Robert’s Rules of Order).

The Superintendant called for nominations from the floor.  There were none.  Dave Thalman made the following motion (seconded by Don Florwick):

Motion:  That the nominations for election of officers for the 2019-2020 year be closed.  The motion was passed unanimously with 2 abstentions (Paymaster and Clerk – conflict of interest) and with the Superintendant not voting (per Robert’s Rules of Order).

Don Florwick made the following motion (seconded by Brian Greenawalt):

Motion to cast a unanimous ballot for re-election of the current officers.  The motion was passed unanimously with 2 abstentions (Paymaster and Clerk) and with the Superintendant not voting (per Robert’s Rules of Order).

There was discussion of the need for Division members to share the load and to be willing to take elected positions.  It was also noted that the Superintendant relies on his (appointed) Advisory Committee – all members with experience as elected officers.

19.5-5 Reading Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet, September 13-15, 2019:  Flyers provided to the Division were passed out.  Information is available at www.ReadingRRMM.com.

19.5-6 SMD Yahoo group:  Since current moderator Andy Dodge has left the Division, Tom Fedor will take over that position.

19.5-7 Year end review and future plans:  The Superintendant reported the Division is active and the Mini-Con is very much appreciated not only by area modelers but also by the MER.  He still has things he has not accomplished especially related to digital exposure for the Division and to the achievement program.

19.5-8 Recruiting new NMRA and SMD members:  The need to reach out to Mini-Con attendees was brought up.  Also brought up was the desire to reach out to local clubs and museums.  Problems with the G-mail account (item #19.3-4 above) have hampered efforts to reach out by e-mail.

19.5-9 Frederick Model Railroad Club:  Tom Fedor reported the Club may have to move their 80 ft baggage car.  The land owner is contemplating sale of the property in the next couple of years.  Any ideas or leads will be appreciated.

19.5-10 Future meeting site:  Jeff Adams indicated the Western Maryland Ry. Historical society would be interested in hosting an SMD meeting.

Adjournment:  The Chair accepted a motion to adjourn.  Notice of the fall meetings will be communicated to the members.

Minutes submitted by Clerk Harvey Heyser

Following the meeting, member Bob Geldmacher, who works in association with Scenic Express, gave an extensive and detailed review and demonstration of scenery products currently available.  Not only did he have numerous samples for viewing, but he also demonstrated how those samples are applied.

Hey everyone,

Now that spring has sprung, I hope you’ve all been having a good one. I’m writing to invite you to our last membership meeting of the ’18-’19 year at Bill Wilson’s home this coming Sunday, May 19th. Doors open at 2PM to view the layout, with the business meeting and a clinic to promptly follow. Bill models an HO scale point-to-point B&O freelance set in the 1950’s, and Bob Geldmacher will be giving a clinic on scenery. For  Bill’s address, contact me at southmountaindiv@gmail.com.

In other news, the Division had another outstanding Mini-Con this past month, with the largest public turnout we’ve seen to date and an all-around great job representing the Division. Thank you.

Looking ahead, our most significant item of new business this meeting will be in regard to our annual officer’s election. While our current board of officers have all agreed to serve another term, and there have been no other nominations that we have been made aware of, the election process has broken down in a number of ways, and I would like to ask the Division’s input to help satisfactorily resolve the situation as we wrap up the year. I’ll have more info on this with my second meeting reminder this Friday.

Hope to see you all soon,

Alex Polimeni, Superintendent, SMD

South Mountain Division

Mid-East Region – National Model Railroad Association

Draft Meeting Minutes – March 9, 2019

There was no SMD meeting in February because of difficulties finding a host.

Division members met at Hobby Town USA in Frederick, MD, hosted by Richard Benjamin, proprietor.  25 or so were present.  After looking at the shop’s offerings and socializing, Superintendant Alex Polimeni called the business meeting to order.

19.3-1 Paymaster’s Report:  Paymaster Ray Price reported that the Division has $4032.75 in its bank account including a deposit from the MER.  In response to a question, the Paymaster indicated that the SMD receives $1 per year per member (in two payments).  For the most part, that revenue seems to cover Division expenses.  Other possible revenue sources include the Mini-Con and hosting Regional conventions.

19.3-2 Clerk’s Report (Meeting Minutes):  Clerk Harvey Heyser summarized the draft minutes (based on notes taken by Dave Sweeney in the Clerk’s absence and previously distributed by e-mail).  Dave Sweeney made the following motion (seconded by Andy Dodge):

Motion:  That the draft Minutes for the January 2019 meeting be approved as submitted.  The motion passed unanimously.

Those present agreed that the sense of the motion made at the January meeting was that a summary of draft minutes for approval will be sufficient (rather than reading).

Old Business:

18.10-4 2019 Mini-Con:  Date:  Saturday, April 13, 2019.  Location: Blue Ridge Fire Company, Blue Ridge, PA.  Chair Pete Clarke (ebtmx5@aol.com) summarized arrangements to date and indicated arrangements were in good shape generally:

a. Registration and set up: Volunteers lined up.

b. Informal clinics:  Lined up.  Chair Clarke reviewed presenters and topics.

c. Hands-on clinics (make & take):  Lined up.  There will be a lot of preparation required.

d. Formal clinics (afternoon):  1) Philadelphia MER Convention Committee – brief convention announcement,  2) Jeff Grove – laser technology in modeling, 3) Ira Silverman, author of The Canadian, Last of the Great Streamliners, and 4) Alex Polimeni – model railroad operations as game design.  Superintendant Polimeni will bring the projector and screen.

e. Dealer and vendor tables:  1) Larry Nyce – railroadiana, 2) Grant Berry, 3) Jeff Grove – Carolina Craftsman Kits, 4) Mark Scheirer – Foggy Mountain Models – O scale craftsman kits, 5) Dave Sweeney, 6) Bob VanZant, and Michael Groves – Darwin fiber optic system of lights..  Vendors have agreed to make a $10 donation.  Chair Clarke requested notification of any specific vendor needs.

f. Modular layouts:  George Saar – dead rail layout and (Mr. Saar was unable to attend.)  Andy Van Slyke – F scale (large scale) live steamer on rollers.  Chair Clarke will coordinate proper safety measures.

g. Raffle – $150 gift certificate to Mainline Hobbies – $10 ticket price.

h. Door prizes – $50 gift certificate to Hobby Town USA, Frederick, an HOn3 MDC kit loco from Andy Dodge and a Classic Miniatures craftsman kit from Bob Johnson.

i. SMD brochure to hand out – not discussed.

j. Participation by other clubs and groups:  Hagerstown and Frederick Railroad Historic Society, the Four County Society of Model Engineers, and the Hagerstown Model Railroad Museum at Antietam Station will be there.

k. Publicity – not discussed specifically.

l. Video record:  HO Scale Customs, who taped last year’s Mini-Con, will be present taping this year’s and requested some comments from informal clinic presenters (with permission only).

m. Manufacturer’s displays:  See item e. above.

n. White elephant table:  Those present discussed their desire for one and reviewed the effect on Mainline Hobbies..  Frank Benenati volunteered to set up a tally sheet, get change, and make other arrangements for the table.  The Division will accept donations rather than charge a set fee for items sold.

o. Food:  The Boy Scout group confirmed their participation after Chair Clarke managed to contact them.

p. Equipment needed form SMD members:  Chair Clarke requested extension cords and surge protectors, and coolers. (Coolers were not required because the Boy Scouts were confirmed for food.)

New Business:

19.3-3 Richard Benjamin, proprietor, welcomed everyone to Hobby Town USA of Frederick, MD.  Those present thanked him for making space available for the meeting.

19.3-4 E-mails to Members:  Superintendent Polimeni reported some difficulties reaching some addresses from the Division’s G-mail accounts.  To minimize chances of being confused with junk mail, it was suggested breaking up the membership list (reducing the number of addresses) and making multiple mailings.

19.3-5 Future hosts:  The officers met to discuss this issue.  A host for the May meeting has been found.

19.3-6 Nominations for the Election (May meeting):  Submit names to Scott Schill, Nominations Chair.

19.3-7 Andy Dodge thanked the SMD for the opportunity to participate in SMD activities and indicated he has transferred his membership to the Potomac Division, where he will be serving as Assistant Superintendent.

19.3-8 Winchester Club Layout:  Andy Arnold reported that CSX has accepted an offer from the battered women’s shelter to purchase the building the Club currently occupies.  The Club is fundraising to build a new building and layout (estimated funding needed – $60,000).  In the mean time they have to tear their existing layout down.  Documenting that task offers someone interested in AP author credits an opportunity to write about the process of tearing a layout down.

19.3-9 Talking about Our Hobby with Lay People:  There is a wide interest in learning about model railroading.  How do we communicate with the general public?  This was suggested as a round table topic for next year’s Mini-Con.

Adjournment:  The Chair accepted a motion to adjourn.  Notice of the May SMD meeting and annual election will be communicated to the members.

Minutes submitted by Clerk Harvey Heyser

Following the meeting, Dr. Michael Groves from Darwin Enterprises spoke on ‘A Revolutionary Way to Light Your Hobby” using low cost fiber optics rather than the complicated wiring required for numerous LEDs.

South Mountain Division

Mid-East Region – National Model Railroad Association

Draft Meeting Minutes – January 13, 2019

Division members met at Pete and Jane Clarke’s home.  10 or so were present because of impending weather.  After viewing the layout and socializing, Superintendent Alex Polimeni called the business meeting to order.

19.1-1 Paymaster’s Report:  As the Paymaster was not present (because of weather), the Superintendent presented the report (received by e-mail) with a balance of $4032.75.

19.1-2 Clerk’s Report (Meeting Minutes):  As the Clerk was not present (because of weather), the Superintendent read the draft December minutes, which had been distributed by e-mail to the members.  Pete Clarke made the following motion (seconded by ?):

Motion:  That the draft minutes not be read at future meetings if they have been distributed by e-mail.  The motion passed unanimously.

Tom Fedor made the following motion (seconded by Pete Clarke):

Motion:  That the draft Minutes for the December 2018 meeting be approved as submitted.  The motion passed unanimously.

Former Clerk David Sweeney volunteered to take minutes in the present Clerk’s absence.

Old Business:

18.10-4 2019 Mini-Con:  Date:  Saturday, April 13, 2019.  Location: Blue Ridge Fire Company, Blue Ridge, PA.  Chair Pete Clarke (ebtmx5@aol.com) summarized arrangements to date:

b. Informal clinics:  Approximately nine spaces are still available.  (One suggestion:  working on a model has gotten very positive response in the past.)

k. Publicity:  Use of e-mail addresses received at past Mini-Cons for publicizing the up-coming Mini-Con was discussed.  The proposed use of the list is for a short (3 sentence) notice of the upcoming Mini-Con and for a late summer notice of up-coming SMD activities to promote interest in NMRA (and SMD) membership.  The Superintendent has not yet assembled the list.

18.10-5 Web Site:  Tom Fedor reported he is not able to modify the current web site and, consequently, has been tasked with developing a new web site.  He requested direction for what the SMD wanted the new site to be.  What should be kept and what discarded?

He advocated for choosing the Word Press Blog, which is easy for him to edit and up-date.  It will keep the site more active.  He suggested keeping the old web site as an archive/link to the new site for old Wheel Reports, by-laws, and achievement program information.  The Superintendent concurred.

Consensus:  Tom Fedor should proceed with revising the web site on his own and should keep the Superintendent informed.  The membership does not need to be directly involved.

18.12-4 MER Convention Registrar:  A volunteer is still needed immediately.  Other MER volunteer positions are also open (per Bob Charles, Susquehanna Division Superintendent).

18.12-6 Contacting Mini-Con attendees:  See discussion in 18.10-4-k above.

New Business:

19.1-3 Hosts Pete and Jane Clarke welcomed everyone to their HOn3 East Broad Top Railroad.

19.1-4 Jack Fritz reported that the widow of the proprietor of Grand Dad’s Hobbies has old magazines, kits, and other model railroading materials she wishes to dispose of.  The members suggested forwarding information about auctioneers, including the one Andy Arnold has had good experiences with.

19.1-5 Meeting hosts:  The superintendent reported difficulty getting commitments to host future meetings.  He has been trying to arrange meetings at layouts the SMD has not been to recently (the last year or two).  He asked for ideas and suggestions, especially for the March and May meetings.  Members present encouraged Jack Fritz (also present) to volunteer.

19.1-6 Future Meeting agendas:  To make meetings more interesting, Andy Dodge has suggested the following to Jane Clarke:

– Show and tell sessions for both models and techniques,

– Themed meetings (for instance, everybody bring a caboose), and

– Discussion of the Achievement Program.

Adjournment:  The Chair accepted a motion to adjourn.  Notice of the next SMD meeting will be communicated to the members.

Minutes taken by Former Clerk David Sweeney and compiled by Clerk Harvey Heyser