CHIP FAULTER FUND- CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

 CHIP FAULTER FUND- CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS by Peter McKenney

At the request of Chip Faulter’s family, the Seacoast Division NMRA has created a fund in Chip’s name for the purpose of assisting youngsters in enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby.  President Erickson has asked me to form a committee of interested members to consider the various ways to accomplish this purpose and make a proposal to the Board of Directors for its consideration and approval.  I invite anyone who has an interest in participating in this organizing process, or knows of another person who should be recruited by the committee, to contact me by phone (207-776-2033) or by email (). 

Chip was a dear friend of mine and I am honored to be able to play a part in organizing this project to keep his memory alive.  Chip and many of us in the division often talked about the importance of attracting younger modelers into our hobby.  Only in a few instances did action ensue. For instance, Bill Gaver initiated a very popular BSA Railroading Merit Badge program in New Hampshire a few years ago. Now is our latest, greatest opportunity to make a difference. 

For those who worry that volunteering for this committee will automatically result in their being tasked with a long-term obligation, please rest assured that our task will be limited.   We will identify ways in which the Chip Faulter Fund can support youth enjoying the hobby.  For example, supporting the Boy Scouts’ Railroading merit badge program or the Youth in Model Railroad Organization may be practical avenues for part or all of the program.  Ideally, the program will involve cooperating with other existing organizations that serve youth.  Once the Board makes its final determination on how to proceed, however, it will be up to others to implement the program. 

I understand that substantial amounts of money have already been received by the division to fund this program.  I would like to start our deliberations by mid-January using a free conference calling service and hopefully conclude our work in time to issue our recommendations to the Board in advance of its meeting in April. Please join in this worthwhile endeavor in Chip’s memory as well as to enhance the future of our wonderful hobby.

Help the Seacoast Division Grow by Lou Champagne

The Seacoast Division currently has 178 individual members and 5 Club members. Our membership is comprised of diverse and talented model railroad enthusiasts. The range of expertise represented by our members covers all areas of our multi-faceted hobby and this is always evident in our Quarterly Events. For all of us, that’s a real benefit … because, individually, we are all very good at some things, OK at other things and downright scared to try some things … but because of our talent pool, you can always find the support you need with whatever it is that you’re working on or would like to work on. That puts the Seacoast Division in a good position to fulfill its Mission: To promote model railroading throughout Maine & New Hampshire through education, promotion of model railroading activities, serving as local resources for individual model railroaders, and supporting local model railroad groups.

But … your help is needed to keep the Division strong and vibrant ! We are strong at 178 individual members, but would be much stronger and healthier if we had 200+ members. If you’ve not noticed, the average age of our group is not low …

Here’s how you can help the Division grow … when speaking with others in the hobby, whether they be friends, acquaintances or strangers, ask if they belong to the NMRA and ,if not, …

Talk to them about the benefits of membership in the NMRA and specifically, the Seacoast Division. For great talking points, see pages 38-39 in the current August issue of the NMRA Magazine.

• Visit our website with them & also the NER & NMRA websites.
• Show, give or let them borrow copies of The Switch Tower, The Coupler and the NMRA Magazine.
• Show (or forward to) them the NMRA Turntable that comes via email.
• Invite them to come with you as a guest to the next quarterly event, Derry Fun Night or other Seacoast function.
• Invite them as a guest to a local operating session if available.
• Have other current members talk to a potential new member.

Let them know that a big discount is available for the first 9 months of NMRA membership through the Rail Pass program (plus the Division will cover part of that cost). The initial 9 months ends up being only ten dollars.

If you need materials to work with, let me know & I will email or send them to you.    (  // 207-229-5475 )

Together, we can increase our membership … THANK YOU in advance for your help in recruiting new members to the Seacoast Division !!