New Volunteer Work Day
Saturday, August 21, 1999
SPCRR Hosts "New Volunteer" Work Day
On Saturday, August 21, SPCRR will host a slightly different kind of work day. Recognizing that Rail Fair ’99 allowed nearly a quarter million people to see or hear about SPCRR’s preservation and restoration work, the organization would like to focus its next work day on giving new volunteers (or volunteers who haven’t been to the park in awhile) a chance to get acquainted.
The idea is to offer a "sampler" of many different kinds of SPCRR activities, ranging from car restoration to track work, participation in the horse program, pre-certification to operate trains, and even a look at the computer-based collections inventory. The day will provide a chance for volunteers to switch between activities, get to know members who routinely perform these tasks, ride our railroad, and experience the agrarian setting of Ardenwood Park. Lunch is available for a $2 donation.
The activities are geared for folks of all ages and interests (children under 12 should plan on being accompanied by an adult). The following table will provide a planning guide to times, activities, and the names of crew leaders:
PLANNED SCHEDULE
| Start Time | Activity | What Happens | Where | Leader(s) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-11 AM | Welcome/check in | New volunteers sign in, and get directions to the activities of their choice | Depot breezeway, Ardenwood Regional Park | Di Schwartz, Barbara Anderson, Kim Hill |
Personal greeting, offer memberships, letting people know what’s available |
| 10 AM | 1010 restoration | Cleanup, paint, work on car 1010; Computer archive |
Front yards | Rich Hill, Randy Hees |
|
| Horse basics | Bathe, groom, harness and handle draft horses | SPCRR Corrals | Mary Jane Gendreau | ||
| Track repair | Tie replacements, track basics | Deer Park Area | John Theberge | Horse pulls ties after 2 pm | |
| Store | Help set up store | Boxcar 472 | Trudy Frank | Move extra stock to new container | |
| 11:45 AM | Train ride (horse) | Train ride with interpretation | Departs depot for Deer Park | Mary Jane Gendreau | |
| 12:15 PM | Lunch | $2 per person donation lunch | Deer Park picnic area | Bruce, Kathy MacGregor | Polish dogs, baked beans, salad, soft drinks |
| 1:30 PM | All activities resume | ||||
| 3 PM | Certification for braking, locomotive | Provisional certifications | Front yards | Randy Hees, Bob Tupper |
First stage of training to become brakeman or locomotive engineer |
| 4:30 PM | Ride in 1010 | Day ends with ride in 1010 | depot | Randy Hees, Bob Tupper |
SPCRR’s Mission The SPCRR is a non-profit, 501c organization that restores, and operates, railroad equipment from the l9th century era in which historic narrow gauge lines in California- thrived. Our collection contains 13 cars from the 1870’s and 1880’s. The Carter Brothers (a railway car manufacturer that operated in Newark) built most of the cars in our collection. In addition, the SPCRR maintains and operates a mile of track, recreating the historic Centerville Branch once owned and operated by the South Pacific Coast Railroad. The Centerville Branch was truly unique, even among early narrow gauge railroads, for it routinely hauled full-size narrow gauge cars behind draft horses between Centerville and Newark, just three miles apart. Our group emphasizes volunteer, hands-on participation in its restoration and operation activities.
What to bring to an SPCRR workday:
SPCRR workdays emphasize hands-on activities usually done in outdoor settings. We recommend comfortable work clothes and "layers" for warmth. Some activities, like track work, could be performed anywhere along the nearly mile length of track. Bringing water and a snack along is highly recommended.
In addition, work gloves (preferably leather), stout shoes or boots, and a hat offer additional protection.
Normally we all bring lunch with us, but for the August 21 event, lunch will be provided to those who participate.
A few tips about safety:
SPCRR sometimes works with heavy tools (like large wrenches), on large and heavy objects (like railroad cars or track). Many of these tools are exactly the tools used on railroads a hundred years ago. A few tips about how to safely participate:
*Ask your team leader about any special safety issues or practices you should be aware of.
*Make sure there is ample distance between people using tools (for example when swinging a hammer).
* Ask about how heavy something is before lifting it.
Parking is on-site, and free.
A few other handy things to know: SPCRR has a WEB site at: http://www.spcrr.orgA membership mail-in is included in the WEB site, or an individual can become a contributing member by mailing $20, and your name, address and phone number to SPCRR, P.O. Box 783, Newark, CA 94560
Memberships include a new member packet, one year’s subscription to the newsletter, and free admission to Ardenwood Park when participating as a volunteer in one of the group’s activities