Model Railroad Charter Club receives support for outdoor train display

Kishwaukee Valley & Eakin Creek Model Railroad Club Charter Club has a lot to give thanks for this year.

Larry Rostis, at a Charter Club’s Presidents Meeting earlier in the year, had asked what avenues were available to help with rebuilding and maintain the club’s outdoor G-scale train display.

Rostis said, “I was told that there were three options available to the club. One, a grant which was not granted by the Sun City board, a raffle, and donations. The community and residents overwhelmingly supported us through donating items for the raffle, buying tickets, and donations.”

Duane Fontana, President of the Tennis Club, spoke to Rostis after that meeting and offered financial support. On June 12, the Tennis Club hosted the Pro-Am, and proceeds from that event were donated to the Railroad Club. That started the train moving and help was on its way.

The Sew n Sews Charter Club donated a beautiful quilt made by Victoria Heiberger. The proceeds from the quilt raffle surpassed expectations. Sheila Fehrenbach was the lucky winner. Fehrenbach said, “The quilt was stunning and I agonized on how to display it. I soon realized that there was a limited number of people that would be able to see and appreciate the quilt. I wanted everyone to be able to enjoy this quilt.”

Fehrenbach decided that the quilt should be displayed in the Train Club. She permanently loaned the quilt to the Railroad Club.

Rostis said, “It will be on display during these open houses.” The Model Railroad Charter Club will be hosting open houses on the four Sundays before Christmas: November 27 and December 4, 11, and 18.”

Ultimately, clubs, neighborhoods, and residents in Sun City worked to help the railroad club cope with their difficult challenges, working together to solve problems. Rostis gives his thanks to all who gave generous donations to the Garden Railroad Rebuild. Rostis said, “A big thank you go to the Sew’n Sews Club, Quilt, Pencil & Palette Club, Watercolor Painting, Richard Kallstrom, Railroad Theme Painting, and for the monetary contributions from Tall Oaks Tennis Club, Pickleball Club, McHenry Park Neighborhood 12, Neighborhood 37, Sunflower Garden Club, Bridge Club, Cycle Path Bicycle Club, Cue Club, Sportsmen’s Club, Solo Social Club, and many more.”

Before you pull up to the table to enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving feast, consider important values of Thanksgiving, such as thankfulness, gratitude, and community.

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