We have had a busy week.
Since my last email Update on 2/16:
1. I met with Tom Gilsdorf at the storefront Friday AM for a quick
remeasure
2. I represented the club (with our treasurer Dexter) Friday
afternoon at a meeting with the VTC to explore options of a union wherein our
insurance and nonprofit needs can be met
3. I attended the meeting of the Station Module committee Saturday
morning as they hashed around ideas for their future plans.
The meeting with Tom was the preliminary to a Monday (the 22nd) AM meeting of
the Benchwork, Electrical & Track Committee (Tom, Ken & Rick). This will occur
Monday 0830 at the Storefront. I will be attending in my ex officio capacity. I
will be in the gallery as these gentlemen discuss the planned deployment,
proposed electrical repairs and construct a work schedule for the upgrade of
the 20x42 layout.
Anyone who wants to join me in the gallery is welcome.
Wednesday morning (the 24th) at 0830 the ad hoc Inventory Committee is meeting
at the Storefront to continue the fantastic job of documenting the club
inventory of donated equipment. All are welcome. We are usually there about 3
hrs.
Saturday the 27th at 0800…..at the Storefront. Set up the 20x42 layout……and see
how far we get with it.
The Meeting with the VTC:
As everyone knows (or has at least heard at least once), that our Bob Buehler
is president of the VTC. The VTC is a 501c3 nonprofit as is the RF&P. They have
liability insurance. The meeting was a 1st meeting to consider bringing both
groups together under the VTC umbrella.
Bob put together an agenda which was as follows:
1. WELCOME – REASON FOR MEETING - BOB BUEHLER
2. BACKGROUND OF RC3RAILERS & AFFILIATION WITH THE RF&P – Dr. PETER CONDRO
I gave a history of the RC3R club and describe our current affiliation
with the RF&P.
3. “POSITIVE AFFECTS OF VTCA/RC3RAILERS AFFILIATION”
Russell discussed ways the group could come together. We would become
members of the VTC. The VTC members would only become full-fledged members of
the RC3R if they pay the RC3R dues. However, since there is an affiliation, the
VTC members would be entitled to specific run days at the storefront layouts on
a schedule agreed in advance…..likely no more than every other month, and under
RC3R full member supervision.
4. FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THE AFFILIATION
Our dues would change a little bit…..from 24+60=$84 to 30+60=$90.
We keep our own donations.
In addition, if we were asked by the RF&P to attend the SMV show, we
could negotiate with them for a piece of the action.
5. VISIT STORE IN WESTCHESTER COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER – Dr PETER CONDRO
They were WIDE-EYED……
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So what does this mean for us? Nothing is set in stone this is just a 1st
meeting to test the waters. Nothing is happening soon……..we are committed to
the RF&P for all of 2021.
This was only one of the propositions put forward at our meeting in late
January when a committee was formed and charged with reporting to the club
about exploring our relationship with the RF&P.
By way of review, the options are:
a) do nothing and continue
b) go out on our own
c) going with the VTC as our parent organization.
What are the potential advantages of a VTC association?
501c3
Liability insurance
A monthly newsletter which adds to our exposure…..we would get a page to
contribute to each month.
A decent website that to exploit for a better online presence
Possibility of more members…….by exposure to the larger group and allowing
supervised running on our club layouts will probably attract a crowd of younger
model railroaders who are operators…….for the added $60, they may see value in
joining up.
Disadvantages:
You tell me. I see one……not being in the RF&P may mean that we are not asked to
join the SMV show. I personally think that is a mistake if they (the RF&P)
don’t ask us.
As I write this, I think that maybe we’ll take about 15-30 minutes to discuss
this next Saturday.
See many of you this coming week…..Monday, Wednesday, Saturday…..
Peter
