May – June 2017 President’s Report

Activities around the museum are in full swing. In the yard, work has resumed on our restoration projects. As always, there will be track work to be done. Inside the Museum, we expect another busy season with travelers stopping in, groups visiting, birthday parties and more.

One of the groups we have seen for several years are the students from Danbury’s elementary schools. This year, we expect about 300 students spread over four visits. This is a program we do in conjunction with the Danbury Historical Society. They start their day visiting there and then walk over to the DRM for an Operation Lifesaver video and talk along with a short train ride. This is just a small way we give back to the community and continue our education mission.

A big thank you goes to all our members and volunteers who help out with our annual Easter Bunny Trains. This year, we had good weather for all of the days the train ran. Overall, our attendance was slightly down, but our income was up due to increased prices for the event. Based on what I heard from visitors, the event was well received.

I recently made two appointments that the membership should be made aware of: Dave Fuller is now the new Safety Officer. John O’Hern, who held the title for many years, asked if he could step back a bit from his duties and recommended Dave to take over more of the day-to-day responsibilities. John will continue to administer our yearly safety tests and will be available to assist Dave. Secondly, I have appointed Mike Madyda as Yardmaster, a position that has been vacant for several years. While members have pitched in over the last several years doing various tasks in the yard, we really need someone who will oversee the entire yard making it safe, secure and pleasing to our visitors. Good luck Dave and Mike on your new responsibilities, and thanks John for your past and continued years of service!