Thank You for a Great 2022 Season
The Board of Directors of North Georgia Live Steamers want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors who made our 2022 season a success. This was our first full season since 2019 and as a non-profit organization our all-volunteer staff has worked hard to make this season one of the best yet. Our volunteers and members work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and other railroad related items. Our volunteers also work on personal trains, scale buildings, and more which are used during our train ride events.
The money raised during our train ride day event goes right back into the railroad and if you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information. We look forward to seeing you during our 2023 season. Our schedule for the 2023 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
The Board of Directors of North Georgia Live Steamers want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors who made our 2022 season a success. This was our first full season since 2019 and as a non-profit organization our all-volunteer staff has worked hard to make this season one of the best yet. Our volunteers and members work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and other railroad related items. Our volunteers also work on personal trains, scale buildings, and more which are used during our train ride events.
The money raised during our train ride day event goes right back into the railroad and if you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information. We look forward to seeing you during our 2023 season. Our schedule for the 2023 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
2023 NGLS Online Voting
Voting for the 2023 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 7, 2023, meeting. The nominees for the 2023 board were voted on during our December 3, 2022, meeting and because some positions only had a single nominee those individuals automatically are elected to the 2023 board in accordance with our bylaws.
Voting for the 2023 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 7, 2023, meeting. The nominees for the 2023 board were voted on during our December 3, 2022, meeting and because some positions only had a single nominee those individuals automatically are elected to the 2023 board in accordance with our bylaws.
As a reminder only members that have FULL membership status are eligible to vote and must have paid dues prior to the vote being taken during our January 7, 2023 meeting. Dues can be mailed to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
Dues for the 2023 season will also be taken during our January meeting.
Yearly Dues
Full Membership: $75
Associate Membership: $50
Junior Membership: $25
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot. (https://tinyurl.com/2023nglsvoting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023.
Renaming of the East Loop is now official
In 2021 the club accepted a recommendation to rename the East Loop to the Adkins Loop in honor of Wayne and Berta Adkins. Most of the panels used in the east end of the railroad were built by Wayne and Berta. The Adkins Loop is one of the first things visitors see when they pull into the property and makes up such an important part of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad.
A plaque has been installed on the newly installed signal mast which Dave Levy is installing and also plans on installing two working signal heads making them our first permanently installed signals on the railroad drawing attention to the plaque each time trains pass by.
In 2021 the club accepted a recommendation to rename the East Loop to the Adkins Loop in honor of Wayne and Berta Adkins. Most of the panels used in the east end of the railroad were built by Wayne and Berta. The Adkins Loop is one of the first things visitors see when they pull into the property and makes up such an important part of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad.
A plaque has been installed on the newly installed signal mast which Dave Levy is installing and also plans on installing two working signal heads making them our first permanently installed signals on the railroad drawing attention to the plaque each time trains pass by.
Bituminous Coal
Bituminous Coal
Buck Ice & Coal Company
2400 12th Avenue
Columbus, GA 31901
706-322-5451
Penn Keystone Coal Company
P.O. Box 5307
Johnstown, PA 15904
www.penncoal.com
sales@penncoal.com
Sailing Trip Silent Auction Benefitting North Georgia Live Steamers
We have a special opportunity to participate in a silent auction with the proceeds benefiting North Georgia Live Steamers. You are bidding on a chance to experience sailing on Lake Lanier. You will receive a four-hour sail aboard a 32-foot sailboat with a licensed captain. The experience is being offered by Lanier Sailing Academy and hosted by Bob and Ann Cummings.
We have a special opportunity to participate in a silent auction with the proceeds benefiting North Georgia Live Steamers. You are bidding on a chance to experience sailing on Lake Lanier. You will receive a four-hour sail aboard a 32-foot sailboat with a licensed captain. The experience is being offered by Lanier Sailing Academy and hosted by Bob and Ann Cummings.
Additional Details
Passengers: Up to three guests (life jackets required for guests 10 years of age)
Length of Sailing Trip: 4 hours and conducted by a Coast Guard Licensed Captain
Sailing Location: Lake Lanier, Lanier Sailing Academy, Holiday Marina, Buford GA
Food: Lunch on board included
Bidding: Open now until Saturday, January 7th at our club meeting
To bid on this auction item visit our Silent Auction Form (https://forms.gle/S4DqkZjKbQBEuRtG7) to submit your bid.
2023 NGLS Board Nominees have been set for a January vote
During the December 3, 2022 club meeting the nominees for the 2023 board were approved. The nominees will be voted on during our January 7, 2023 meeting. Based on the bylaws the following are automatically elected to the 2023 board.
During the December 3, 2022 club meeting the nominees for the 2023 board were approved. The nominees will be voted on during our January 7, 2023 meeting. Based on the bylaws the following are automatically elected to the 2023 board.
President: Peter Craymer
Vice President: Scott Moore
Treasurer (2023-2025): Norm Wizner
Secretary: Robby Mossman
The remaining three remaining board positions will be filled during a vote scheduled for January 7, 2023, during our regularly scheduled club meeting which starts at 1 p.m. The nominees are listed below, and the top three will fill the position as board member.
Board Members (3 Open Positions)
Calvin Abernathy
Bob Cummings
Tyler Griffin
Joan Lurwig
Wes Rogers
John Tuten
MiniRailSolutions – Automatic Signals For Ride-on Railroads
The MiniRail Solutions signal system is designed to automatically control signals in response to trains detected on sections of track.
The system is specifically designed to fulfill the demands of automatic signaling required by “Full-Time Bi-Directional” railroads where engineers are able to go “anywhere at any time” (using turnout motors and multi-headed route signals) as opposed to the less demanding signaling required by uni-directional tracks for train separation only.
The MiniRail Solutions signal system is designed to automatically control signals in response to trains detected on sections of track.
The system is specifically designed to fulfill the demands of automatic signaling required by “Full-Time Bi-Directional” railroads where engineers are able to go “anywhere at any time” (using turnout motors and multi-headed route signals) as opposed to the less demanding signaling required by uni-directional tracks for train separation only.
Update regarding our club meeting on Saturday, December 3rd
As you know our December club meeting is this Saturday and traditionally this was also our club Christmas Party. I know it is last minute but Joan Lurwig and a few others have gotten together and would like to bring back our traditional Christmas Party this year. We are encouraged to bring a dish or dessert to share with others, don’t forget to bring some drinks for yourself, and “gift” or “white elephant gift” that can be used for the raffle. Have fun with the “gift” and remember it doesn’t have to be a new item, it could be something you are simply wanting to get out of the house. Don’t forget to bring some cash to buy a few raffle tickets. I believe $20 gets you a sleeve worth of tickets and plenty of chances to take home one of the many exciting gifts.
The fun and excitement start at 1 p.m. at the railroad. If you plan to run trains before or after the party, please make sure you walk the railroad and clear any debris that may be on the railroad from the latest storms. You may also want to bring a leaf blower.
For more information regarding what to bring or do for the party please reach out to Joan Lurwig.
As you know our December club meeting is this Saturday and traditionally this was also our club Christmas Party. I know it is last minute but Joan Lurwig and a few others have gotten together and would like to bring back our traditional Christmas Party this year. We are encouraged to bring a dish or dessert to share with others, don’t forget to bring some drinks for yourself, and “gift” or “white elephant gift” that can be used for the raffle. Have fun with the “gift” and remember it doesn’t have to be a new item, it could be something you are simply wanting to get out of the house. Don’t forget to bring some cash to buy a few raffle tickets. I believe $20 gets you a sleeve worth of tickets and plenty of chances to take home one of the many exciting gifts.
The fun and excitement starts at 1 p.m. at the railroad. If you plan to run trains before or after the party please make sure you walk the railroad and clear any debris that may be on the railroad from the latest storms. You may also want to bring a leaf blower.
For more information regarding what to bring or do for the party please reach out to Joan Lurwig.
Final Reminder - Submit your 2023 Board Nominees
This will serve as a final reminder that it is time to submit nominations for the 2023 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. Nominations will be taken electronic until Friday, December 2nd at 8 p.m. Nominations will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 3rd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 7, 2023, with dues paid for the 2023 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 3rd meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
To submit a nominee please Click or use the form below to submit your nominees electronically.
This will serve as a final reminder that it is time to submit nominations for the 2023 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. Nominations will be taken electronic until Friday, December 2nd at 8 p.m. Nominations will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 3rd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 7, 2023, with dues paid for the 2023 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 3rd meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
To submit a nominee please Click or use the form below to submit your nominees electronically.
For those that purchased calendars they are available for pick up at our December meeting with a cost of $16 each. We will have a few extras if anyone who did not order one can purchase at that time. Norm will be handling the collection of money for the calendars and distribution.
#GivingTuesday is Today. Please consider a donation.
Today is the day that many pause and make an end of year donation to a charitable organization. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia and has been identified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.
If you’d like to make a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers please click the link or the image below to make a donation.
Today is the day that many pause and make an end of year donation to a charitable organization. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia and has been identified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.
If you’d like to make a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers please click the link or the image below to make a donation.
Happy Thanksgiving from North Georgia Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for hours of time our members and volunteers have provided.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for hours of time our members and volunteers have provided.
#GivingTuesday is Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Each year for the past 10 years the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been identified as a day to encourage individuals to donate to a non-profit organization that you believe in. This year #GivingTuesday will be on Tuesday, November 29th and we invite you to consider making a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers as a way to continue supporting the efforts of our non-profit organization. For more details, please click the link the image below.
Each year for the past 10 years the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been identified as a day to encourage individuals to donate to a non-profit organization that you believe in. This year #GivingTuesday will be on Tuesday, November 29th and we invite you to consider making a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers as a way to continue supporting the efforts of our non-profit organization. For more details, please click the link the image below.
Leftover Turkey Fun Day 2022 - Saturday, November 26th (Private Event)
The annual Leftover Turkey Club Fun Day will be on Saturday, November 26th. Come at any time with friends and family and enjoy the day riding trains, visiting, and working off some of that leftover turkey you had on Thanksgiving.
The annual Leftover Turkey Club Fun Day will be on Saturday, November 26th. Come at any time with friends and family and enjoy the day riding trains, visiting, and working off some of that leftover turkey you had on Thanksgiving.
Don’t forget to tell you friends and family that the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is #GivingTuesday. This is an opportunity for non-profit organizations like ours to encourage others to consider an end of year donation to North Georgia Live Steamers. For more details, please click the link or image below for more details.
Next Club Fun Days Scheduled
Accu-Tie Machined #7 - 60' Radius Frogs
Accu-Tie has confirmed the machined frogs will work with the rail we use on our railroad. They currently offer #5 (32’ radius), #7 (60’ radius), and #9 (102’ radius) frogs. The picture below shows #7 frog being aligned with our rail. For the latest information here is a link to Accu-Tie: https://accu-tierailsystem.com/product/7-frog/
Accu-Tie has confirmed the machined frogs will work with the rail we use on our railroad. They currently offer #5 (32’ radius), #7 (60’ radius), and #9 (102’ radius) frogs. The picture below shows #7 frog being aligned with our rail. For the latest information here is a link to Accu-Tie: https://accu-tierailsystem.com/product/7-frog/
Club Meeting and Holiday Club Fun Day this Saturday, December 3rd
Our December Club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd at 1 p.m. We will cover normal business items along with take nominees for the 2023 board. Depending on the weather we are thinking about making the day a Club Fun Day with everyone bringing a sharable dish and playing with trains. Nothing has been finalized but we are still looking for someone to take charge of planning this event as it would be our Club Christmas Party.
For those that are not planning on attending the meeting and would like to submit nominees for the 2023 board, please use the link below to submit your nominees. Otherwise, nominations will be taken during the meeting.
Our December Club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd at 1 p.m. We will cover normal business items along with take nominees for the 2023 board. Depending on the weather we are thinking about making the day a Club Fun Day with everyone bringing a sharable dish and playing with trains. Nothing has been finalized but we are still looking for someone to take charge of planning this event as it would be our Club Christmas Party.
For those that are not planning on attending the meeting and would like to submit nominees for the 2023 board, please use the link below to submit your nominees. Otherwise, nominations will be taken during the meeting. Voting on the 2023 board will take place during our January 7th meeting.
https://us9.list-manage.com/survey?u=22f5b9585e7729d6e90c345de&id=dea343dadb&attribution=false
Don’t forget member dues are due by our January 7th meeting. For those that are full member or a nominee for a 2023 board position your dues are due before voting takes place during our January 7th meeting.
Midweek workday this past Wednesday, November 9th
This past Wednesday a small crew go together to install the signal mast that Dave Levy is working on restoring along with moving the mill that Ethel Nicol’s donated to the club. The group consisted of Ben, Rick, Norm, Wes, Gene, “Bob 2”, Dave L. and Robby. While Ben, Rick, and Norm loaded up the mill at Norm’s shop the crew waiting at the site, Wes, Dave L, Gene, and Robby, worked on the signal mast, and spreading some dirt and gravel for the member container project.
This past Wednesday a small crew go together to install the signal mast that Dave Levy is working on restoring along with moving the mill that Ethel Nicol’s donated to the club. The group consisted of Ben, Rick, Norm, Wes, Gene, “Bob 2”, Dave L. and Robby. While Ben, Rick, and Norm loaded up the mill at Norm’s shop the crew waiting at the site, Wes, Dave L, Gene, and Robby, worked on the signal mast, and spreading some dirt and gravel for the member container project.
Once the crew arrived with the mill it was time to get the mill off the trailer and set inside the shop container. The team made it look easy with the help of Rick, Ben, Gene, and “Bob 2”. Now that the mill is in place it’s time to start working on welding the containers together and convert the containers into shop space.
While Gene and “Bob 2” were at the site they took time to clean up the driveway and the new drain that was installed earlier this year. Now the water should flow nicely into the drain and into the east field and the member container has some needed dirt and crusher run. Next step is to start building switches and track panels so the container can get completed during the off season.
Did you know that your purchases on Amazon could also help raise money for North Georgia Live Steamers?
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
How do you select NGLS when you shop on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you need to select NGLS to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will then remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
November 5th Run Day Recap
What an incredible way to end the 2022 season with our last run day of the season on Saturday, November 5th. The railroad came alive with several steam engines, diesels, and battery-operated locomotives trains pulling passengers around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The day would not have been possible without the all-volunteer staff of North Georgia Live Steamers and for that we thank each and every one of them. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in April. The list of dates for our 2023 run days will be announced in January.
What an incredible way to end the 2022 season with our last run day of the season on Saturday, November 5th. The railroad came alive with several steam engines, diesels, and battery-operated locomotives trains pulling passengers around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The day would not have been possible without the all-volunteer staff of North Georgia Live Steamers and for that we thank each and every one of them. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in April. The list of dates for our 2023 run days will be announced in January.
Do You Shop at Kroger's? You Could Be Raising Money For North Georgia Live Steamers
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
How do you register your card? Simply click on the link below and login to your account. Under the Community Rewards program you will find a button that says, "re-Enroll Now". Type in North Georgia Live Steamers and you are in business. Make sure you tell all your friends about this great opportunity.
Here is the link to the reward program: Kroger Community Rewards program.
Remember spread the word to your friends and family and make sure they register North Georgia Live Steamers as a Kroger Community Reward recipient. If you have a hard time getting your Kroger Plus card associated with North Georgia Live Steamers you may also use this reference number which will also pull up North Georgia Live Steamers on the Kroger site.
If you have any questions regarding how the program works please visit Kroger Community Rewards for additional information.
Our organization number is: NX755