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List of Documents Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016

Submitted/ Item Attached Description

1. X Minutes 2. X Agenda 3. X Attendance Reports: 11. Achievement Program Coordinator 12. Education Department Coordinator 21. Audit Committee 22. X Clinic Clearinghouse Committee 23. X Convention Committee 24. Model Contest Subcommittee 25. Photo Contest Subcommittee 28. X Election Committee 29. X Internet Committee 30. Long Range Planning and Implementation Committee 31. X Membership Committee 32. Nominating Committee 33. Promotions and Special Projects Committee 34. Publications Committee 35. Youth Committee 41. Director-at-Large/Daniel Brewer 42. Director-at-Large/Gary Children 43. X Director-at-Large/Minton Dings 44. Director-at-Large/Jim Landwehr 45. Director-at-Large/Bert Lattan 46. Director-at-Large/Fred Robinson 47. X Director-at-Large/Paul A. Wussow 51. X Division Director/Central Indiana 52. X Division Director/DuPage 53. X Division Director/Fox Valley 54. X Division Director/Illinois Terminal 55. X Division Director/Illinois Valley 56. X Division Director/Michiana 57. Division Director/Rock River Valley 58. X Division Director/South Central Wisconsin 59. Division Director/Winnebagoland 60. X Division Director/Wisconsin Southeastern 70. Regional Advisory Council Representative 71. X Secretary 72. X Treasurer 73. X Vice President 74. Immediate Past President 75. X President 84. X 501(c)(3) Report

Item 01 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 President Paul Mangan called the meeting to order at 10:01 am at the Zor Shrine Temple in Madison, Wisconsin. The agenda for the meeting is at Item 2. Seventeen of the 23 people attending the meeting in person or by proxy were voting members of the Board of Directors, which constituted a quorum. See Item 3 for a list of all of the attendees who signed in. Paul thanked Bob McGeever and the South Central Wisconsin Division for hosting the 2016 Spring BOD Meeting. Bob McGeever reported on the post-meeting lunch plans. Minutes Moved by Bob McGeever, seconded by Fred Robinson, to approve the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on September 13, 2015 as presented. Motion carried. Reports and Comments The following reports are attached: • Clinic Clearing House Committee (Item 22) • Convention Committee (Item 23) • Election Committee (Item 28) • Internet Committee (Item 29) • Membership Committee (Item 31) • Director-at-Large Minton Dings (Item 43) • Director-at-Large Paul Wussow (Item 47) • Division Director/Central Indiana (Item 51) • Division Director/DuPage (Item 52) • Division Director/Fox Valley (Item 53) • Division Director/Illinois Terminal (Item 54) • Division Director/Illinois Valley (Item 55) • Division DirectorMichiana (Item 56) • Division Director/South Central Wisconsin (Item 58) • Division Director/Wisconsin Southeastern (Item 60) • Secretary (Item 71) • Treasurer (Item 72) • Vice President (Item 73) • President (Item 75) • 501(c)(3) Report (Item 84) Regarding the Treasurer’s Report, Item 72. See summary on the next page:

Paul Mangan advised the Board that the Audit Report remains delayed, and that, if it is not received by the May 8, 2016 Reports Deadline, he will act to remove and replace Bob Sherman as Auditor. In the absence of Don Cook, Bert Lattan presented the Election Report. The winners of the recent election:

Directors-at-Large Bob Landwehr, Fox Valley Division Jim Landwehr, Fox Valley Division Fred Robinson, South Central Wisconsin Division Paul Wussow, DuPage Division Fred Robinson reported on his and Paul Wussow’s Ad Hoc Committee on Subdivisions. They had good experience with using videos for clinics, but generally just one per meeting. It takes up too much time to run two videos, unless the second is running parallel to some other scheduled activity such as a hands-on clinic with limited openings. Streaming is the way to go. How to deal with questions: Have a local Master Model Railroader (MMR) available. Bob McGeever commented that one idea the SCWD had tried was to tie the video in with the Model Contest’s subject of the month. Paul Wussow mentioned Alan Keller’s Model Railroad Academy website. Model Railroader Magazine’s Video Plus program was also mentioned. Paul Mangan reported that the Regional Advisory Councis has had nothing going on for the past half year, but they are looking for candidates. Keith Thomsen commented on his Treasurer’s Report. We have gained in cash. We paid two times our Revenue Share to the NMRA., and our cash position is quite good. Keith indicated his opinion that the Moskal Fund and the Youth Fund are not really current liabilities, although they have been reported as such in the past. He said these items should be reported as assets: designated funds are not liabilities. Moved by Bert Lattan, seconded by Bob McGeever, that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted. Motion carried. Steve Studley mentioned that Bill Litkenhous is currently in a nursing home. Appointments President Paul Mangan appointed Gary Children as Director-at-Large to complete Reid Kahrs’ term. Moved by Minton Dings, seconded by Jim Landwehr, to ratify said appointment. Motion carried. Old Business Re: 501(c)(3) Project: Steve Studley also reported on the status of the NMRA’s 501c(3) project. A Division and a Region have sent their applications to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We are now awaiting action by the IRS.

Regarding Highball to Indy, the 2016 NMRA National Convention in Indianapolis, Steve Studley said that now’s the time to sign-up. Some tours are still available, but some are already sold-out. Jay Kabitzke reported on Rock River Valley Divisions plans for the 2017 Midwest Region Convention , April 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2017, at the Holiday Inn in Rockford, IL. The hotel has committed to a room rate of $99.95 per night. The tentative name for the convention is “Golden Rail Regional Convention” in honor of the Rock River Valley Division’s 50th Anniversary. It will tentatively include a Friday night barbeque, a Tour of the Illinois Railway Museum’s Steam and Trolley Car Restoration facilities, non-rail visits to the Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Nicholas Conservatory, and a Saturday Banquet. Moved by Bob McGeever, seconded by Fred Robinson, to accept Rock River Valley’s bid for the 2017 convention. Motion carried. Bert Lattan related an encapsulated history of the Midwest Region. Jim Landwehr indicated that he is available to answer questions regarding the administration of the Achievement Program (AP). He needs help finding pre-1995 records and information. He also mentioned that there is a continuing issue regarding non-payment of dues. New Business Moved by Gary Children, seconded by Minton Dings, that the 2016 Ballots be destroyed. Motion carried. Mike Vivion reported that the Nominating Committee recommends that Steve Studley be nominated for President, that Reid Kahrs be nominated for Vice President, and that Dan Brewer, Gary Children, and Minton Dings be nominated for Director-at-Large for the 2017-2019 term. Moved by Bob McGeever, seconded by Fred Robinson, that those five nominations be accepted, subject to nominations remaining open until August 18, 2016 during which period additional nominations and nominating petitions may also be received and accepted. Motion carried. Mike Vivion resigned as Nominating Committee Chairman, for health reasons. M. David Johnson relinquished his position as Nominating Committee Member in light of his present position as Region Secretary. President Paul Mangan appointed Fred Robinson as Nominating Committee Chairman, appointed Dan Brewer as Nominating Committee Member, and re-appointed Lou Venema as Nominating Committee Member. Moved by Bob McGeever, seconded by Jim Landwehr, to ratify those appointments. Motion carried. Moved by Fred Robinson, seconded by Minton Dings, to reimburse Jim Allen $220.00 for construction of the Region’s new “TimeSaver” layout.

Bob Blake said the next NMRA Edutrain Conference will be held on September 30th and October 1st 2016 at The University of Notre Dame’s Morris Inn in South Bend, Indiana. The conference will focus on developing clinics and workshops to improve modeling skills. A general discussion ensued. Installation of New Directors-at-Large President Paul Mangan installed newly elected Directors-at-Large Bob Landwehr, Jim Landwehr, Fred Robinson, and Paul Wussow for the 2016-2018 term. Announcements Paul Wussow mentioned the rule that Regions not hold a Regional Convention during years when the NMRA National Convention is being held in that Region. He asked about similar Regional rules concerning conducting Division events which conflict with the Regional Convention. Paul suggested the possibility of maintaining a Recommended Practive rather than a formal rule. A general discussion ensued. Bob Landwehr asked why we are still using the U.S. Postal Service for mailing ballots instead of using email. Bert Lattan suggested that there were too many members who don’t have email, and too few members who vote, to make going to electronic ballots worthwhile. Paul Mangan announced that the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at University of Notre Dame’s Morris Inn in South Bend, Indiana. The meeting, held following, and in conjunction with, the next Edutrain Conference, will begin at 9:00 am. Adjournment Moved by Jay Kabitzke, seconded by Minton Dings, that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:52 am. Respectfully submitted, M. David Johnson Secretary

Item 2 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 – Final Agenda Item Responsibility Call to order Paul Mangan Minutes of Last Meeting Paul Mangan Reports/Comments Committees: Audit Bob Sherman Election Don Cook Other Paul Mangan Directors-at-Large Paul Mangan Division Directors Paul Mangan Regional Advisory Council Representative Paul Mangan Secretary Dave Johnson Treasurer Keith Thomsen Immediate Past President Bill Litkenhous President Paul Mangan Old Business 501(c)(3) Project Steve Studley Highball to Indy, NMRA 2016 Convention, Indianapolis, IN Steve Studley Midwest Region 2017 & Later Conventions Reid Kahrs Other Paul Mangan New Business Destruction of 2016 Ballots Don Cook Nominations for President, Vice President, and Three Mike Vivion Directors-At-Large for the 2017-2019 Term Time-Saver Project – Reimbursement Paul Mangan Other Paul Mangan Installation of New Directors-At-Large Paul Mangan Announcements Next Meeting Date, Time & Place: Paul Mangan October 2, 2016, 9:00 a.m., The University of Notre Dame's Morris Inn in South Bend, Indiana Adjourn Paul Mangan

Item 3 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 Attendance Present Name Position/Term Expires/Division In Person By Proxy Paul Mangan President/2017 X Steve Studley Vice President/2017 X Dave Johnson Secretary X Keith Thomsen Treasurer X Bill Litkenhous Immediate Past President Jim Landwehr Director-at-Large/2016 X Bert Lattan Director-at-Large/2016 X Fred Robinson Director-at-Large/2016 X Paul Wussow Director-at-Large/2016 X Dan Brewer Director-at-Large/2017 X Gary Children Director-at-Large/2017 X Minton Dings Director-at-Large/2017 X Keith Clark Division Director/Central Indiana X Alan Busic Division Director/DuPage Mike Hirvela Division Director/Fox Valley X Mike Lehman Division Director/ Illinois Terminal Michael Shockley Division Director/Illinois Valley Bob Blake Division Director/Michiana X Jay Kabitzke Division Director/Rock River Valley X Bob McGeever Division Director/South Central Wisconsin X James Cruthers Division Director/Winnebagoland Reid Kahrs Division Director/Wisconsin Southeastern X Bob Sherman Audit Committee Chairman Mike Hurlburt Model Contest Subcommittee Chairman Gary Children Model Contest Subcommittee Member Ingrid Drozdak Photo Contest Subcommittee Chairman Don Cook Election Committee Chairman Jim Osborn Internet Committee Chairman X Ron Scharping Membership Committee Chairman Mike Vivion Nominating Committee Chairman X Lou Venema Nominating Committee Member Walt Herrick Photographer Capt. Al Nelson Youth Committee Chair Ken Hosnacki X Bob Landwehr X Ron Johnson X Jerry Lawler X

Item _22___ Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Paul Wussow DAL Date: April 25, 2015 Subject: Clinic Clearing House / DAL activities Report NOTE: This and Item 47 are intentional duplicates because Paul submitted a combined report. Activities since Last Board Meeting National continues to add the videos to the National Web Site and the video quality is as good as your Data Line. I believe as National continues to improve the number and the quality of on-line clinics we will need less interaction between Divisions and Region for DVD clinics. There are still a few divisions and individuals who report to me their availability to give clinics if requested. I have given my Report on the activities of the Region to the Du Page Division at their December meeting. This has become a regular activity since I have been on the board. I have worked with National on the Boy Scout program and alerted them to the Nova awards as noted in the April NMRA Magazine (which most of our club members have not received as of 4/3/16) I know of the publication of the information as I have received e-mail requests from having my name and our Three Lakes Club site published in that magazine. As noted in the Magazine (the one member who received it read it to me) I have been working on the project to produce 3D printable car frames for the 8,000 box cars that were donated to National with only plastic parts. http://www.tlmrc.org/At%20the%20Fab%20Lab%20%20NMRA%203Dprinting.html The above link shows the progress up to the National Board meeting. Planned Activities I continue to work with the folks at National on the Car frames. I am developing an ARDUINO training demonstration using RR Signals as part of a summer program with the Three Lakes Model Railroad Club, The Fab Lab Three Lakes and the Three Lakes Library. The Club modules will be a part of the program.

http://www.tlmrc.org/At%20the%20Fab%20Lab%20%20NMRA%203Dprinting.html

Item 23 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Reid Kahrs Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: Convention Committee Chairman Report Activities since Last Board Meeting I have not received any inquiries about future conventions. Planned Activities After talking with MWR President Paul Mangan, I will be working with him on the Convention Committee to continue to help with future conventions.

Item 28 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Don Cook Date: February 4, 2016 Subject: Election Committee Report The results of the election were: For Director-at-Large: Jim Landwehr 67 Votes Fred Robinson 66 Paul Wussow 65 Bob Landwehr 64 Write-Ins 2 The winners of the election were: For Director-at-Large: Jim Landwehr, Fox Valley Division Fred Robinson, South Central Wisconsin Division Paul Wussow, DuPage Division Bob Landwehr, Fox Valley Division The ballots were counted on February 4th by Election Committee members Don Cook and Bert Lattan. A total of 70 ballots were submitted. There were 67 valid ballots and three invalid ballots.

Item 29 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Jim Osborn, Internet Committee Chm. Date: April 13, 2016 Subject: Internet Committee Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting 1) Made timely updates to the MWR web site per requests from National & the membership. 2) Assisted the Secretary with the Waybill electronic publishing. 3) Posted current PDF versions of the Waybill on the web site. 4) Assisted with several miscellaneous Division web site issue and updates. 5) Managed the Constant Contact Account sharing email arrangement. 6) Website usage statistics posted on the next page. 7) Started redesigning the MWR web site using mobile friendly web pages. 3 of 18 pages are at beta stage. Planned Activities 1) Continue with the general management and maintenance of the MWR web site and internet activities as appropriate. 2) Continue to assist the Secretary with publishing electronic Waybill notices. 3) Support any division web requirements as requested. 4) Continue the redesign of the Region website.

Website Usage Report: Metric Oct-

Mar 2014

April- Sept 2014

Oct-March 2015

April-Sept 2015

Oct-March 2016

Sessions 3446 2705 4556 2510 3090 Users 2492 1893 3384 1823 2292 Page Views 5616 4588 7156 4181 4996 Content Viewed Home Page 1653 1936 2622 1722 1651 Waybill 1207 1190 1317 1039 916 Divisions 546 513 737 520 666 Conventions 347 281 89 372 204 DuPage Div. 1353 323 1495 241 1293 Contest Photos 127 127 126 29 32 Secretary’s Page 66 86 72 61 47 AP Page 33 35 56 30 28 Referrals From: Direct Entry 914 939 965 816 946 Nmra.org 666 740 1167 727 708 Google 854 319 949 303 766 Michiana 2 19 31 33 22 CID.Railfan.net 124 84 85 47 61 Mrtrains 136 10 56 2 3 Fox Valley Div. 207 108 155 65 78 Bing/Yahoo 91 91 191 74 171 RRVD 6 8 19 4 17

Item 31 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Ron Scharping Date: April 16, 2016 Subject: Membership Coordinator’s Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting Continued to provide membership information to Division membership coordinators on a monthly basis. Began a process to eliminate printed reports. Printed reports will continue to be sent to those coordinators requesting them. A Division roster, which now contains all of the information on the printed reports, is emailed to those coordinators with email accounts. Provided an interface to National in the updating of membership records; address, phone, zip code, and email address changes. Maintained a table of Region members who have “opted-out” of a printed Waybill. Worked with the Region Secretary in trying to provide corrected email addresses for those email addresses which are determined to be bad. This is done via a postcard to the member. Continued working with the Region Secretary to synchronize the Region Constant Contact list and the National database email addresses. Provided the Waybill editor with mailing addresses for those members receiving a printed copy of the Waybill. Managed a “postage due” account with the Post Office to facilitate handling of undeliverable Waybills. Planned Activities Continue the above.

Region Membership Data

Division

NMRA Region NMRA Region NMRA Region NMRA Region Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total (3/31/11) (3/31/11) (8/31/11) (8/31/11) (1/31/12) (1/31/12) (8/31/12) (8/31/12)

1 298 114 279 102 267 101 253 84 2 154 44 149 42 151 45 146 44 3 179 57 169 56 163 53 157 45 5 100 31 100 31 89 35 97 35 6 236 82 233 75 236 76 231 81 7 32 10 32 10 31 13 27 8 9 262 87 251 85 248 82 244 77 10 111 37 103 39 99 40 93 33 11 240 88 239 92 233 93 244 97 15 90 29 86 29 85 34 89 35 Out of Reg. 47 47 53 53 57 57 62 62 Grand Total 1749 626 1694 614 1659 629 1643 601

Region Membership Data (Con’t)

Division



Division



Item 43

Item _47___ Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Paul Wussow DAL Date: April 25, 2015 Subject: Clinic Clearing House / DAL activities Report NOTE: This and Item 22 are intentional duplicates because Paul submitted a combined report. Activities since Last Board Meeting National continues to add the videos to the National Web Site and the video quality is as good as your Data Line. I believe as National continues to improve the number and the quality of on-line clinics we will need less interaction between Divisions and Region for DVD clinics. There are still a few divisions and individuals who report to me their availability to give clinics if requested. I have given my Report on the activities of the Region to the Du Page Division at their December meeting. This has become a regular activity since I have been on the board. I have worked with National on the Boy Scout program and alerted them to the Nova awards as noted in the April NMRA Magazine (which most of our club members have not received as of 4/3/16) I know of the publication of the information as I have received e-mail requests from having my name and our Three Lakes Club site published in that magazine. As noted in the Magazine (the one member who received it read it to me) I have been working on the project to produce 3D printable car frames for the 8,000 box cars that were donated to National with only plastic parts. http://www.tlmrc.org/At%20the%20Fab%20Lab%20%20NMRA%203Dprinting.html The above link shows the progress up to the National Board meeting. Planned Activities I continue to work with the folks at National on the Car frames. I am developing an ARDUINO training demonstration using RR Signals as part of a summer program with the Three Lakes Model Railroad Club, The Fab Lab Three Lakes and the Three Lakes Library. The Club modules will be a part of the program.

http://www.tlmrc.org/At%20the%20Fab%20Lab%20%20NMRA%203Dprinting.html

Item 51 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Keith Clark Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: Central Indiana Division Report Activities since Last Board Meeting October 10, 2015 ̶ Fall CID Modelers Meet – Ellettsville, IN Modelers Meets are educational for modelers and are open to NMRA members only. We had display space and time for individuals to comment on their modeling. This meet will be held in Ellettsville, Indiana at the First United Methodist Church. October 11, 2015 ̶ October CID Board Meeting Location was Indianapolis at the Wayne Branch of the Marion County Public Library with a start time of 1:30pm. November 7, 2015 – Carmel Library Show This show is a display of layouts only and is a promotion of the hobby in conjunction with Model Railroad Month. This is always a popular day for the library patrons and draws upwards of 800 children and parents. November 21, 2015 – CID Danville Meet The meet was held at the Hendricks County Fair Grounds in Danville, Indiana. We had operating layouts, vendors, door prizes, contests, food and free parking. Time was 10am to 3pm and cost was $3.00 per person/$5.00 per family. 130 dealer tables were sold at $16.00 each (8’ table) and we had a total of 419 attendees. It was a great show. December 6, 2015 ̶ December Board Meeting Location was Indianapolis at the Wayne Branch of the Marion County Public Library with a start time of 1:30pm. January 9-10, 2016 – World’s Greatest Hobby Show – Indianapolis We had our CID booth set up at the show to provide information about the NMRA and the CID. This includes displays, operating layouts, handouts, our display of the difference model railroad scales, modelers working on projects and the Inglenook switching layout for kids. We try and get people to join the NMRA either through a 6 month Rail Pass or regular membership.

February 7, 2016 – Board Meeting Location was Indianapolis at the Wayne Branch of the Marion County Public Library with a start time of 1:30pm. March 12, 2016 ̶ Spring CID Modelers Meet – Indianapolis, IN Modelers Meets are educational for modelers and are open to NMRA members only. We had display space and time for individuals to comment on their modeling. This meet was held in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Allisonville Christian Church. April 3, 2016 – Board Meeting Location was Indianapolis at the Wayne Branch of the Marion County Public Library with a start time of 1:30pm. April 23, 2016 – Spring Layout Tour Our Spring Layout Tour took place in the Anderson, Indiana and surrounding area. Five layouts were featured and was somewhat of a dry run for a bus tour at the upcoming national convention. Planned Activities July 3-10, 2016 – Highball to Indy, NMRA National Convention Work continues. We are almost there. If you haven’t signed up to attend you need to do so now. It is a National Convention you don’t want to miss! August 14, 2016 – CID Board Meeting This is a closed meeting for board members only and includes a picnic with spouses attending. September 24, 2016 – Fall CID Modelers Meet This meet will be hosted by the Columbus Area Model Railroad Club at their facility at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indiana. October 9, 2016 – CID Board Meeting Location is to be in Indianapolis at the Wayne Branch of the Marion County Public Library with a start time of 1:30pm. October 16, 2016 – Carmel Library Show As time for this show nears, arrangements will be made with the portable layout owners so ensure we have enough layouts on display. This is always a popular day for the library patrons and draws upwards to 800 kids and parents. November 19, 2016 – CID Danville Meet The meet will be held at the Hendricks County Fair Grounds in Danville, Indiana.

Item _52___

Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Alan Busic Date: April 25, 2015 Subject: Du Page Division Superintendent Report Activities since Last Board Meeting September 13, 2015 Program: Railroad Forensics – By Patrick Golden – A presentation on finding and locating former railroad structures and facilities. Contest: Locomotives built for and normally assigned to switching duties. October 4, 2015 Program: Weathering Models by John Drozdak Contest: Billboard refrigerator cars – sort of a colorful and “cool” beauty pageant November 1, 2015 Program: A Fireman’s Story – Jack Wheelihan (fireman on SP GS4 and UP Heritage Steam Program) Contest: Open Contest: Bring something from a favorite MR category to celebrate National Model Railroad Month. December 6, 2015 Program: Annual Christmas Party – DAL Paul Wussow will report on the Region and National Activities Contest: Annual Photo Contest – models or prototype, color or black & white, in all formats. January 3, 2016 Program: Tips on kitbash building for the February Model Contest Contest: Maintenance of Way – any equipment used to keep the railroad operational and safe. February 7, 2016 Program and Contest: Results of the Division wide Kitbashing Contest February 2016, 1 to 5 pm Model Railroading 101 – Learn the Basics of Layout Construction. Presentation is at St. Paul’s UCC in Downers Grove. March 6, 2016 Program: DCC Talk by Bill Drzal and friends Contest: All categories – cars, buildings, vistas and such. Bring it all!

March 2016 – The All American Railroad Show at Lyons Township High School – 35th Annual 9am to 5pm April 3, 2016 Program: Division Layout Tours March-April 2016 Lost NMRA Magazine During the month of April it was brought to my attention that the April edition had not arrived in our Division area. DAL Paul Wussow who was mentioned in an article in the April edition had received e-mails asking questions and he had not received the magazine. A quick check of our board of directors proved that zip codes in a least the 605xx and 604xx had not received the April edition. Mr. Wussow worked with an impressive group of NMRA national officers and employees to insure that the April edition was sent to the members. Many thanks to all who helped to make this work for our members. Planned Activities May 1, 2016 Programs: Railroading and Circus Models by Ray Gerlich; Techniques for building and scenery on HO modules by Andrew Bobis Contest: Thumbz – bringing back an oldie but goody (based on a popular model railroading cartoon). Bring something that will provide some “pun”ishment… Note: This is a joint meeting with the Venture Crew 57 modeling railroad group June 5, 2016 Programs: AP Awards presentation of certificates earned by members in Volunteer and Official and submitted thru Region and National after proactive evaluation of member’s time in office or volunteer position.

Item _53___

Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Jeffrey Jarr, Director, FVD Date: May 1st, 2016 Subject: Fox Valley Division Report Activities since Last Board Meeting • Sept through April (with the exception of March), conducted monthly division meets that included a clinic and model contest. Our monthly average attendance at our meets is between 33 and 38 members (35 average). • September 20th, 2015, held our division meeting at Sun City, Huntley, IL. Event featured a tour of 5 excellent model railroad layouts of different scales. • January 2016, The FVD filled a display case of model trains at the Mount Prospect Library to help promote the hobby, the FVD Division, and the High Wheeler Train Show. • January 16-17, 2016, FVD Members participated in the World’s Greatest Hobby Show held

at the Schaumburg Renaissance Center with a booth space showcasing our display board, Jim Allen’s Action-Reaction RR, and a train set give-away.

• February 2016, The FVD filled a display case of model trains at the Arlington Heights Library to help promote the hobby, the FVD Division, and the High Wheeler Train Show. • March 5th 7 6th, 2016. We held our 38th annual High Wheeler Train Show at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. The show was very well organized and executed flawlessly; attendance was higher than last year resulting in a gain of revenue this year. Discussions are ongoing with the BOD to determine if we are going to continue hosting the show in the future. It is not certain at this time if we will have access to our usual venue for future shows. The college gym may be undergoing a renovation project that would close the facility temporarily next year. We may decide to just skip the train show for a year and see how thing settle out. • April 17th, 2016, held the annual division business meeting and election of Superintendent and Chief Clerk. The incumbent Superintendent Jeff Jarr did not run for another term and stepped down after 4 years allowing other members to step forward for the position and bring in some fresh ideas.

• The FVD participated in Woodstock Elementary School’s World of Wonder Day event on

May 8 at the school. We had Jim Allen’s Action – Reaction on display and it formed the basis of discussions with the students on the scientific principle behind the circular display, the technology that made it work, the engineering it took to build it, and the math as we quizzed the students to figure how far the train runs in a minute, hour and for the 6 hours of the display for that day. In case you’re wondering, the answers are: approx. 8 ft in circumference x 7 rpm = 56 feet x 60 minutes = 3,360 feet x 6 hours = 20,160 feet; or 3.8 actual miles. We will be doing this event again in 2016.

• The FVD had our display items and Jim Allen’s Action-Reaction RR in a booth at the

Village of Franklin Park, IL’s Railroad Daze event. Jim’s RR always draws the curious. • We conducted monthly BoD meetings. The BoD is currently at 9 members. The Trainmaster position for “Clinics and Programs” has been filled again by David Leider. Jeff Jarr coordinated the clinics and programs for the last two years while trying to find a volunteer for the position. The Ways and Means Trainmaster position is now vacant. Jeff Jarr has resigned from that position after serving in it for the last 4 years. • We Published electronic and print versions of our monthly newsletter – The Semaphore. • The FVD continued our joint venture with the DuPage Division to staff a regular NMRA table at the monthly DuPage train show. The table focuses on the recruitment of new NMRA members. Planned Activities • June – August, Break for summer, no regular meetings scheduled. Resume regular meetings in September. • August 2016, FVD is planning a summer outing for the group. Details are still TBD. Members will provide their own transportation. • Continue evaluation of potential future FVD High Wheeler Train Shows. Our current venue may not be available in the future to host the show. We have been evaluating other potential venues. Determine if the FVD membership is still interested in running the shows. Member participation and manpower to run the show has been dwindling over the years, • Continue the monthly promotion of the NMRA and the division at the DuPage Train Show. • Continue the monthly meet format and activities. Division elections will be held for Assistant Superintendent and Paymaster positions April 2017.

Item 54 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: __Illinois Terminal Division_______________________ Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: ________Annual ITD________________________________ Report Activities since Last Board Meeting Meeting monthly, including field trip to live steam outdoor railroad (Decatur) New location/layout added to monthly meeting venue rotation Held table at annual Lincoln Square (Urbana) Train Show Hosted Minton Dings, MMR for discussion of AP development in ITD Held annual divisional business meeting and potluck in May Planned Activities Develop divisional AP program In preliminary discussion with current sponsors of Lincoln Square Train Show organizers to support future of this show Planning public participation activity for train show Continue monthly meeting ops session rotation

Item 55 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2015 To: Board of Directors From: _Michael Shockley___ _ Date: April 12, 2016 Subject: Illinois Valley Division Report Activities since Last Board Meeting November 8, 2015 Meet at McLean, IL hands-on clinic and presentation of Scenery powerpoint created by NMRA EduTrain. January 10, 2016 meet at Quincy IL at Good Samaritan home—20 people despite icy weather. March 13, 2016 meet at Peoria ReMax Center. Elections—all incumbents were re-elected April 2,3 2016 Had a booth at Trains in the Heartland at Heartland College, Bloomington IL. Had many meaningful conversations with people who plan to sign up for NMRA. Minton Dings and Trainmaster Jeff Trimble came to volunteer at the table. Planned Activities May 15, 2016 Meet at Spring Valley, IL June 25, 26-2016 Table at Galesburg RR Days in new location. September 11, 2016 Meet in District 4

Item 56 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Robert Blake Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: Michiana Division Director Report Michiana Division has continued to grow. Our fall conference was a strong success and we hosted the fall meeting of the regional BOD. A copy of our program is attached to this report and it shows our strong focus on teaching model railroading skills. We have begun planning our 2016 Conference which will be held September 30 and October 1 at the Robert Morris Inn on the Notre Dame campus in South Bend and our initial list of clinicians and workshop leaders is excellent. We look forward to hosting the regional BOD meeting again this year. This year marked a concerted attempt to have monthly meetings and to make those meetings accessible to members from across the region by shifting times and locations to make different meetings more convenient to members in different areas of our region. Most meetings have been held on Saturday morning or early afternoon at one of several libraries around the region. Meetings have focused on entry level activities. We’ve discussed layout planning and design, operations, weathering and tuning of rolling stock for best performance. Meeting attendance is slowly growing. Michiana Division explored the idea of working with local Boy Scout troops to develop several Free-Mo modules which would be owned by the division and would help the Boy Scouts earn their Railroading merit badge. Unfortunately, this project has been placed on hold because we did not feel that we had sufficient resources to work with the Boy Scouts while simultaneously carrying on other division activity. We did develop a preliminary Bill of Materials for the project and found a source to develop basic modules which would then be completed with trackwork, wiring, scenery, structures and rolling stock. Once complete, the modules would be available for assembly and operation at area train shows and Boy Scout events. If and when we find we have additional resources we would like to revisit this project. Michiana Division continues to lead the development of the national EduTRAIN program for the national BOD. Sixteen of these clinics are currently available to all NMRA members on the national web site and more are in review. We have used several of these clinics to lead our own divisional meetings.

Item 58 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Bob McGeever SCWD Superintendent Date: April 25, 2015 Subject: South Central Wisconsin Report Activities since Last Board Meeting November 2015 through April 2016

• The Division held its Regular meetings in November, December, February, March, and April with clinics, model contest, photo contest, door prizes, and layout tours afterwards.

• The Division held its annual meeting of the membership in April 2016. • The Annual Modeling Project judging took place at Regular Division Meeting in April. • The annual Rail School was held in January 2016. Attendance was about 140. • The 49th Annual Mad City Rail Show was held on February 20 and 21. Paid attendance

was about 7,500. • The Division has been promoting attendance at the July 2016 National Convention in

Indianapolis. Planned Activities

• Joint Division meeting with RRVD in May at Madison. • The Division is planning a tour of the Galesburg BNSF yard as part of the spring rail fan

trip May 21-22. • Annual Awards Banquet on May 13. • Annual Sumer Picnic on July 23. • Regular Division meetings on summer hiatus. • January 2017 Rail School. • The 50th Annual Mad City Rail Show February 18-19. • Promote SCWD attendance at the July 2016 National Convention in Indianapolis. • Construct a new HO layout for the Youth Group.

Item 60 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Reid Kahrs Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: WISE Division Superintendents Report Activities since Last Board Meeting Trainfest was held November 14 and 15 WISE Division meets were held December 13, January 17, March 20 and April 17 A WISE Division bus trip to the Mad City train show was held on February 20, we did hold a meet in February due to the conflict will the Mad City Train show. WISEop was held on April 29 and 30, at 16 member layouts with over 90 attendees Planned Activities Bob Sherman’s many years serving as WISE Division Paymaster/Treasurer ends May 31, 2016. The new Paymaster/Treasurer will be Dave Evans starting June 1, 2016. The next WISE meet will be held on September 18, 2016 at the MLES Park. We will spend the day riding trains. The date and site for the October meet to be determined. Trainfest 2016 will be held on November 12 and 13, 2016 We will not hold a December, due to the holiday season. The date and site for the January meet, TBA

Item 71 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: M. David Johnson Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: Secretary’s Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting

• Prepared and distributed minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on September 13, 2016.

• Prepared and distributed an agenda for the Annual Meeting of Members to be held on May 1, 2016.

• Prepared and distributed an agenda for the Board of Directors meeting to be held on May 1, 2016.

• Maintained the Secretary’s Page. • Maintained lists of key personnel. • Obtained updated lists of Division officers and directors from the Divisions. • Collected Conflict of Interest Statements. • Collected Region and Division Certification of Membership Forms and transmitted them

to NMRA National Headquarters. Planned Activities

• Prepare and distribute minutes of the Annual Meeting of Members held on May 1, 2016. • Prepare and distribute minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on May 1, 2016. • Prepare and distribute an agenda for the Board of Directors meeting to be held on

October 2, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. • Maintain the Secretary’s page. • Maintain lists of key personnel. One list includes Region Officers, Directors-at-Large,

Division Directors, and Committee/Subcommittee Chairmen/Members. The other list includes Division Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Chief Clerks, and Paymasters. Please send additions, deletions, revisions, and corrections to these lists to [email protected]. Also, Division Superintendents should establish procedures to ensure that Division officers and directors keep their NMRA memberships current. An officer or director with an expired membership may not serve a Division in any capacity. Please note that the membership date in the monthly member list and onan individual’s membership card is an expiration of membership date. It is not a renewal date.

mailto:[email protected]

Item 72 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Keith A.Thomsen Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: Treasurer’s Report

Income statement and balance sheet information for calendar 2015 and March 2016 year-to- date are attached for your information.

Total 2015 revenues were $8,352.24,an increase of $1,479.52 over prior year as a result of convention related items. Net income was $3,106.26 vs. $75.90 prior year,due to net convention profit and lower expenses. December 31, 2015 year-end cash balance was $46,027.24 vs. $44,954.66 prior year.

Year-to-date March 2016 revenues totaled $2,164.47 vs. $2,253.49 prior year, a result of lower NMRA revenue sharing partially offset by increased subscription revenue. Net income of $955.87 was slightly less than prior year of $1,039.14 primarily a result of the lower revenue. Divisional revenue sharing payments,totaling $345.75,were included in first quarter expense, but were paid out in April. March 31,2016 cash balance was $47,328.86 vs.$44,304.62 prior year.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Regards,

Keith A. Thomsen Treasurer

Item 73 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Steve Studley Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: Vice President’s Report Activities since Last Board Meeting Sept. 13, 2015 Attended MWR Board Meeting, South Bend, IN. Sept. 27, 2015 Attended Monon Historical Society Swap Meet, Noblesville, IN

Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Oct. 10, 2015 Attended CID Modelers Meet, Ellettsville, IN

Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2015 Attended NCR, Div. 3 Regional Convention, Fort Wayne, IN

Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention; presented HTI 2016 clinic

Nov. 7-8, 2015 Attended Dayton Train Show, Div. 3, MCR, Dayton, OH

Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Nov. 21, 2015 Attended CID Danville Meet, Danville, IN

Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Jan. 9-10, 2016 Attended World’s Greatest Hobby Show, Indianapolis, IN Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Jan. 31, 2016 Attended CID Noblesville Meet, Noblesville, IN Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Mar. 5, 2016 Attended Naptown and White River Swap Meet, Indianapolis, IN Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention

Mar. 12, 2016 Attended CID Modelers Meet, Indianapolis, IN Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Apr. 2, 2016 Attended CID Martinsville Train Show and CID Annual Business

Meeting, Martinsville, IN Advertised Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention

Planned Activities May 1, 2016 Attend MWR Board Meeting and Annual Meeting of Members,

Madison, WI. Advertise Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention

July 3 – 10, 2016 Attend Highball to Indy 2016 NMRA National Convention and

National Train Show July 30, 2016 Attend Terre Haute Children’s Museum Train Show, Terre Haute, IN Sept. 24, 2016 Attend CID, Modelers Meet Oct. 1 - 2, 2016 Attend Michiana E&T Conference, South Bend, IN. Oct. 2, 2016 Attend Midwest Region Board Meeting, South Bend, IN.

Item 75 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Paul Mangan Date: April 25, 2015 Subject: MWR President’s Report Activities since Last Board Meeting 2015 November 13, 14 &15 Displayed and operated with Madison HoTrak at Trainfest 2015 in Milwaukee. November 14 Attended the grand opening celebration of Scalestrains.com while attending Trainfest. December 11 & 12 Worked with the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society at Janesville WI’s Rotary Botanical Gardens. This involved setting up and running G scale trains while promoting the NMRA and the Mad City Rail Show. December 20 Hosted the SCWD Youth Group for their annual field trip to Olbrich Gardens in Madison WI at Olbrich’s Holiday Trains display. 2016 January 10 Attended South Central Wisconsin Division annual Rail School giving demonstrations of Large Scale Trains. February 19, 20 & 21 Worked on the committee for the SCWD Mad City Model Railroad

Show and Sale (show # 49) as Volunteer coordinator. March 5th Attended the High Wheeler train show at Harper College. March 11, 12 & 13 Displayed with Madison HoTrak at the LaCrosse & Three Rivers Model Rail Show. March 18, 19 & 20 Displayed With Madison HoTrak at the Rock River Valley Division Model Train Show. Planned Activities May 13th SCWD Banquet

July 3 – 9 Attending the NMRA Convention Highball to Indy. July 23 Attending the SCWD Summer Picnic Sept. 30 – Oct 2 EduTrain conference in Notre Dame IN

Item 84 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, May 1, 2016 To: Board of Directors From: Steve Studley Date: May 1, 2016 Subject: 501(c)(3) Committee Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting From the previous 501(c)(3) report: When the IRS okays the NMRA procedure, the process for those Divisions and Regions desiring to gain 501(c)(3) status may begin. The procedure to gain tax exempt status will involve a simplified filing with the IRS. It will not require a complete application process, as in the past. The simplified filing will be allowed because all the Divisions and Regions are also part of the NMRA. And currently: News received from the NMRA Board of Directors Winter meeting in Atlanta, GA, on February 19-21, 2016. Vertical integration and the ability for all Divisions to be part of the NMRA National 501(c)3 status is now in the hands of the IRS. The test Divisions and Regions have been submitted and we are now waiting for a response. This would give Divisions a tax advantage but they would not lose any control of their assets. Planned Activities Continue to monitor the process and initiate MWR’s application for tax exempt status when allowed.