Minutes from the October 14, 2019 meeting President Bernie Hanmore called the membership meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room of the U.S. Bronze Foundry & Machine, Inc., located at 18649 Brake Shoe Road, Meadville, PA. Attending the meeting were Bernie Hanmore, Ed Cronin, Bill McComas, Jack Sheets, Stan Niwa, Ron Stafford, Nick Ozorak, Jim Saulsbery, Terry and Maryann Martin, Arden Hibbard, Rich Roberts, Dennis Mead, John Howell, Ken, Adam, and Jacob Novosel, Charles Webber, and new members Norm and Patti M'Sadoques. The minutes were recorded by Ed Cronin in absence of the secretary, Carl Timko. The minutes of September 9, 2019 were reviewed and approved. Treasurer's Report Treasurer Ed Cronin presented the minutes to the board and the attending membership and approved. Committee Reports Budget/Finance/ Insurance/Compliance Maryann Martin reported the amount donated to the organization as part of the oneday Crawford Gives program should be around $6,700. The FCVRRHS placed seventh in the amount of donations out of 80 registered non-profit organizations. Beginning November 1 and continuing through the month of November, Palmiero Toyota of Meadville is hosting the Palmiero Give Back program. At least 30 non-profit organizations are registered to receive votes as the charity of choice. Members are asked to visit Palmiero Toyota, in person, every day to register their votes for the FCVRRHS. Members are encouraged to bring friends and neighbors and ask others to cast their ballots for the organization. If the French Creek Valley Railroad Historical Society receives enough votes, the Society could receive $2,500. Maryann Martin is still looking for grants opportunities through this year. A fundraising dinner and show at the Italian Civic Club was discussed. It is expected to be scheduled during the winter months. More will be known by the next membership meeting. Nick Ozorak suggested the FCVRRHS enter the Meadville's Grand Leprechaun contest early next year. The most likely candidate is Jack Sheets. Last year's winner raised $15,000. Model Railroading A new format for the Meadville Model Railroad Club is touring Crawford County area model railroad layouts to help with all aspects of building a model railroad layout. The other activity would be to operate over the visited layout. Any member that wishes to host a tour in the program should contact Nick. Museum President Hanmore updated the attending membership of the progress of the renovation of the Meadville Railroad Depot. The major project at this time is leveling the floor and enclosing the lower exterior of the building. Work sessions are Thursdays and Saturdays starting at 10 a.m. Work sessions can last into the early afternoon. Only members and contracted businesses are permitted to work at the depot. Members must fill out a workman's compensation exemption, then take it to Brad Roae's office at the Downtown Mall to have it notarized (no charge). The form then must be returned to the depot before starting any work. Bernie also discussed the unwanted traffic on the former Bessemer St. that is adjacent to the depot. The FCVRRHS now owns the property. The new signs for the depot are expected to be installed before the November meeting. The signs were being done by Roche Graphics Signs of Cochranton, PA. Property / Equipment Stan Niwa had several stumps ground down near the Conrail snowplow to enhance the appearance of the display. The Russell snowplow can be seen along Water St. Extension, across from the main railroad display in Pomona Park, Meadville, PA. Public Relations/Education The model railroad layout display that the Society usually has between Thanksgiving and Christmas, will not be in the depot. The Phase One renovation is not far enough along to permit visitors. The FCVRRHS must find an alternate location if we plan on having the layouts displayed along with our merchandise sale. Dennis Mead unveiled the new 2020 FCVRRHS calendar at the meeting. The Meadville Railroad Depot is featured throughout the calendar. It will be available at the Erie Train Show on November 3, where the FCVRRHS will have two tables of merchandise to sell. Jack Sheets informed the membership that Mr. and Mrs. John Leone donated his collection of O gauge model trains. He says they are in pristine condition. Special Events / Programs Several trains shows may interest the membership. October 27, 2019 - Castle Shannon Train Show & Rail Event at the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department, located at 3600 Liberty Road, Pittsburgh, PA. The fire department is located 4 miles north of downtown Pittsburgh; 3 lights south of Route 5 1 (Route 88 and Grove). Admission is $7; the hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 3, 2019 - Erie Train Show at Rainbow Gardens, Waldameer Park, Erie, PA. Iron Spike Productions is the new promoter since the previous promoter, Carl Amidon, passed away in August. The FCVRRHS is set to have two fourteen foot tables at the show for its merchandise. Members are asked to help if coming to the show. Admission is $5 and the hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 9, 2019 - North East Train Society Train Show at the Highland Heights Community Center, located at 5827 Highland Road, Highland Heights, OH (off I-90). Admission is $5; hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 9, 10. 2019 - Greenberg's Great Train Show at the Monroeville Convention Center, located at 209 Mall Blvd., Monroeville, PA. Admission is $10 on Saturday, and $9 on Sunday. The Saturday ticket is good for both days. On-site tickets are to be paid with cash only. A ticket purchased online will be discounted by $1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. November 24, 2019 - Rochester Thanksgiving Train Show at the Radisson Hotel, Rochester Airport, located at 175 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission fee is unknown. November 30, 2019 - TCA Lake Erie Chapter Thanksgiving Train Show at the UAW Hall, located at 5615 Chevrolet Blvd., Parma, OH. Admission is $6; hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. One rail event of note is the East Broad Top Railroad will be conducting a Photo Event on November 2. East Broad Top 2 - 8 - 0 #17 and gas - electric railcar #M - 1 will be positioned for 30 photographers. Reservations only; the cost is $149. Next Meeting: The next membership meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2019 in the conference room of the U.S. Bronze Foundry & Machine, Inc., located at 18649 Brake Shoe Road, Meadville, PA.