| 2003 Board of Directors Meeting
In 2003, the Twin Forks Chapter hosted the 2003 Fall Board of Directors Meeting of the NRHS. We Based the Board of directors Meeting in Ronkonkoma, and we hosted the meeting at The Ronkonkoma Holiday Inn on Vets Highway. This spot was chosen because it is a centrally located spot near major roadways, the Ronkonkoma LIRR Station, and Islip Mac Arthur Airport.
View of the Ronkonkoma Station area, looking East.
Chapter members Art Christian and Rich Gorddard waiting for Directors to sign in at the Hospitality Room.
We provided the National Directors of the other NRHS Chapters with several trips and activities while they were here on Long Island. The NRHS officers also attended our activities
We hosted a trip on the LIRR from Ronkonkoma to the massive Hillside Maintenance Facility, where we were given a tour of the complex. Among the various departments we visited was the Signal Lab, were we learned about the signals and what the department does. We then went to the Audio/Visual Studio, where training videos and such are produced. Some of the participants were given a script and a short video production was shot while we all looked on. This is just an example of the tour we had, it wasn't just your regular shop tour.
Leaving Ronkonkoma in a M-1.
Arriving at the Hillside Facility.
M-1's. M-3's. M-7's and a diesel powered alcohol train all at the Hillside Facility.
Signal Lab.
We had lunch at the LIRR Hillside cafeteria, and after Lunch we went to many other parts of the Complex. Most note worthy was the LIRR train simulator, where each attendee was given the opportunity to run both a DE-30, or a M-7 on the mainline. We were shown how robots work to run the car shops in an efficient manner, by retrieving parts and such via a request placed by the person performing work on the trains.
After a fantastic tour of this interesting complex, we left the HMF on a LIRR Train bound for Ronkonkoma. There was to be meetings by NRHS Staff, Regional Vive Presidents and officers all day till evening, when we hosted a Buffet Dinner and slide show presentation.
The Slide Presentation was presented by Chapter members and guests, including an NRHS member from England who lived a short time in the U.S. A. and show us photos of the LIRR in the 40's and 50's. It was a very historic look at the LIRR from an outsiders perspective.
The following day, we boarded the LIRR again, this time we headed East to Riverhead. At Riverhead, we were treated to a tour by many members of the Railroad Museum of Long Island. Some guests stayed on the train and went to Greenport for the day and visited the RMLI Greenport location. Still others who attended the BOD meeting by car, visited both locations.
Upon returning to the Ronkonkoma Holiday Inn, we all got ready for the nights big event, the BANQUET. We invited former LIRR President Ken Bauer, who was our key note speaker. Mr. Bauer gave a great speech and everyone enjoyed the food as well.
Banquet table.
Water Zullig, Vice President of The Metropolitan Region, address the banquet guests.
Mr. Bauer explained what he did as President of the LIRR and was proud of the M-7 development and his in put into it. Mr. Bauer also told us how under his leadership LIRR performance, cleanliness and on time percentage rose during his presidency. Mr. Bauer's speech and presentation was very informative, and delivered in a very entertaining manner.
After the Banquet, we were all tired from the days activities.
LIRR President Ken Bauer addressing the Banquet and presenting his power point presentation as well.
Banquet group from Left to Right:
Chapter Members Phil Salice, John Rooney, Frank Mastandrea, Joe Joe Lupinacci, LIRR President Ken Bauer, Chapter President Richard Gorddard, and RMLI President and Chapter member Dennis Harrington.
From Left to Right: Former LIRR President Ken Bauer, Meeting Chairman Joe Joe Lupinacci, RVP Walter Zullig and Chapter President Richard Gorddard.
Left to Right: Presidents Bauer, Harrington & Gorddard.
Then bright and early the next morning, we hosted the Fall Board of Directors meeting. NRHS President Greg Molly presided over the meeting.
Many issues were discussed, and many NRHS officials gave their respective presentations. We had Directors from all over the United States representing all sections of the country.
After a few very hectic days, Tired Chapter members attend the Board of Directors meeting early Sunday morning.
After the meeting, it was time to say our good byes as everyone headed back home.
After the Sunday BOD Meetings, the NRHS members, Officers and Directors say good bye as we all head for home. It was a great weekend for all!
From all the positive comments we had, we feel we presented the NRHS, its Board of Directors and its officers a pleasant and enjoyable experience on Long Island as our guests during the four day event. It took an enormous amount of work, time, and energy by many Chapter members who took on the awesome task of putting this meeting together. A special thanks goes to BOD Meeting Chairman Joe Lupinnaci, who was going crazy to insure everything was just right. Joe was able to bring it all together and we believe we put on a first class show for the NRHS.
Maybe someday we will offer to host a BOD Meeting again in the future, but for now we can be proud of the work we did as hosts of the Fall 2003 NRHS Board of Directors meeting!
All photos courtesy Joe Lupinacci.
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