Clubhouse Project Nears Another Major Milestone
Another productive work session happened last Saturday, August 8th as a dedicated crew gathered to continue work on the future clubhouse and workshop project. While smaller in number than some of our recent workdays, the team made excellent progress toward preparing the containers for the next phase of construction.
The crew consisting of Wes, John, Robby, Daryl, and Grady focused their efforts inside the clubhouse and workshop area, where they successfully completed the ceiling installation and applied the first coat of primer to both the ceiling and end wall. This milestone moves the project one step closer to becoming a comfortable and functional space for members and visitors alike.
We were also pleased to have new member Gary onsite helping throughout the day. Gary quickly jumped into the action and spent part of the day making another pass cutting the grass around the property. This was no small task, even though the grounds had already been mowed earlier in the week by what has become known as our mystery lawn mower operator.
While the identity of this stealth volunteer has not been officially confirmed, our investigation has narrowed the list of suspects considerably. Current evidence strongly suggests that Dave L. may have been responsible for the mowing earlier in the week. Whether the case is officially solved or not, we certainly appreciate both Dave's possible undercover landscaping efforts and Gary's follow-up work to keep the property looking great during the peak summer growing season.
The railroad and property continue to recover from the storm damage that occupied much of our attention earlier this summer. Thanks to the hard work of many volunteers over recent months, the railroad is now approximately 90% operational. Repairs to the Outer Loop in the woods have been completed, allowing trains to once again travel through one of the most scenic sections of the railroad.
With the clubhouse ceiling now complete and primer underway, attention is turning toward the next round of work. An unplanned volunteer workday is scheduled for Saturday, August 15th, where a crew plans to finish applying primer to the ceiling and end wall before moving on to painting. The goal is to have these surfaces fully painted and ready so that lighting installation can begin during the next official workday the following weekend.
In addition to painting activities, volunteers will begin discussing and planning the next major phase of the project: the construction of the building structure that will wrap around the containers. This exciting step has been in the planning stages for some time and will transform the containers into a much more finished clubhouse and workshop facility. The crew will also review plans for painting the tops of the containers and completing other preparation work necessary before the building installation begins.
While tremendous progress has been made inside the clubhouse and workshop, there is still important work to be completed outside. We continue to need volunteers to assist with yard cleanup, storm debris removal, and remaining railroad track repairs. Leaves, sticks, and other debris still need to be cleared throughout the property, and several areas of track require additional attention before the entire railroad can be returned to full operation.
As always, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved, regardless of experience level. Whether you enjoy construction projects, track work, landscaping, cleanup activities, or simply spending time with fellow members, we can use your help. Every board installed, every coat of paint applied, every section of track repaired, and every pile of debris removed helps move the club forward.
A sincere thank you goes out to Wes, John, Robby, Daryl, Grady, Gary, and our suspected mystery mower Dave L., along with everyone else who has contributed their time and effort toward these projects. The progress being made is a direct result of our volunteers' dedication and willingness to pitch in wherever needed.
📅 Join us on Saturday, August 15th as we continue building momentum on both the clubhouse project and the railroad restoration efforts.
Bring plenty of water, your favorite tools, lunch, and your best sense of humor. We still have plenty to accomplish, and every helping hand makes a difference!
