MYSTIC VALLEY RAILWAY SOCIETY    

By Fannie Chung

Oops! Tempus fugit! Holidays are coming. And so is Winter. An early nor’easter surprised us New Englanders a couple of days before Halloween. We have lots of news and gossip (the spice of life). Thank you all who wrote.

From Alice C. Bray to President Russ Rylko, “On behalf of Troop #1West Roxbury Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, their families, and the Troop Committee, I thank you, Tracey, and Maryann very much for your time and effort in exhibiting your trains at our 34th Annual Pancake Breakfast on May 15, 2011. Your display, along with John and Joanne Sweeney’s made the breakfast time an enjoyable experience for all – children as well as the adults!” You’re very welcome, Alice.

John T. Bartlett of CT writes, “I have enjoyed being a member of your organization for many years. I have especially enjoyed your calendars. You have answered many questions that I have sent to Ask the Bee in past years……I am sorry to see Ask the Bee discontinued.” Please note that Ask the Bee column will be returning to the Waybill in the near future.

From Franny and Carol Emmett of East Boston, MA, ”Frannie and I really enjoyed the Cape Cod Jazz Cruise. The Jazz band was excellent. We had the greatest meal at Bailey’s Surf ‘n Turf. Everything was perfect.” Thanks for the photos you sent me, Carol. You are indeed a good friend.

Audrey Chaney of Dorchester, MA addresses the Staff and Members of Mystic Valley, “I want to thank you for an enjoyable time of the July 9, MV Mt. Sunapee II Tour. It was educational and the food was delicious. We expect to join you again.”

Former Directors Jack and Carolyn Lull of Waltham, MA were pleasantly surprised in October when entering a restaurant for what they thought was a lunch with a few friends found 50 people present including the Mayor of Waltham who presented them with a Proclamation from the City for their volunteering countless hours for the seniors. “We were overwhelmed. It was a very touching moment.” says Carolyn.

Former Director Arthur Dear - wife Dottie Dear is MVRS’ Corresponding Secretary and Editor of the Waybill – is home after a lengthy stay in the Hospital and Rehab. He was heard to say, “I’m free!”

Former Director Papa Joe Caroto took a Humpty-Dumpty fall and is recuperating and building 6’ model planes. Joe sent us a newspaper article from the local Norwood newspaper about a simulated train crash near the Norwood Depot, conducted in collaboration by the town and the MBTA with local police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services officials (EMS), all working together to save the day. Previous mock crash sites included Bowdoin and Alewife Stations. They hope that these actions will never be necessary but they are ready. 

As you see, our retired directors don’t fade away. They keep in touch.

Congratulations are in order for MVRS Director Jerry J. Gerjets on his return to work at Home Depot in Rockland, MA on September 6, 2011. He was welcomed back by all his associates and friends at the store. Mr. Home Depot got right into the swing of things and never missed a beat! WAY TO GO, JERRY!

Thank you, Paul Wajdakowski of Hyde Park, MA for sending three Scenes from Yesterday postcards of the Quincy, MA area from the Collection of City Historian Tom Galvin.

THANKS to Bruce Harrington of Newfane, VT for train photos of New England Railroad at Brattleboro, VT; to Audrey Berardino of Everett, MA for her photos of the October Foliage on the Andirondacks weekend trip; to William Atwater of Providence, RI for his photos of the MVRS Annual Business Meeting in May.

WELCOME HOME JOHN TOBIN OF ARLINGTON, MA from your year long sojourn at Rehab. Hope to see you on a trip soon!

GET WELL DAVE! Special get well wishes are in order for Dave Smith, “The Aged Gouda” at Smith’s Country Cheese, Winchendon, MA, from your friends at the Mystic Valley Railway Society, Hyde Park, MA! Sorry to hear about your recent accident, we missed seeing you and how you always step on our bus to greet us and give your little talk. Hope to see you soon!

Wishing you all wonderful Holidays from MVRS!

IN MEMORIAM: Good member Robert A. Buck at 82. Proprietor of Tucker’s Hobbies in Warren, MA, located close to his beloved former Boston & Albany Railroad. He was also the cornerstone of the Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Hobby Show.