Number Four

At this year's PNR Convention, mom and dad were presented the President's Award by PNR President Walt Huston (that's Al Lowe lurking behind dad in the back). This is the highest service award presented by the PNR. The citation for the award read as follows:

"One of the recipients has been a member of NMRA for over 50 years, and has attended every National Convention since Portland 1994 as well as volunteered his services to the convention committee to serve in any capacity needed at each convention.
- Served as a primary member of the PSX 2004 Convention Committee working facilities and clinics.
- Attended National Conventions in Ft. Lauderdale, Toronto, and St. Louis for the primary purpose of selling the Seattle convention and working the PSX 2004 registration desk.
- Has been a frequent clinician at the national level.

"The other member of this team has been a member of NMRA for many years.
- She has attended every National Convention since Portland 1994 and has volunteered her services to the convention committee to serve in any capacity needed at each convention.
- Served as a primary member of the PSX 2004 Convention Committee working as the Convention Secretary and non-rail/hospitality Chair.
- Attended National Conventions in Ft. Lauderdale, Toronto, and St. Louis for the primary purpose of selling the Seattle convention and working the PSX 2004 registration desk.

"One has a solid record of service to PNR as Region Secretary for 5 years and Education Chair.
- PNR Convention attendance and active participation Kennewick (1998) through Edmonton (2009)
- Clinician at PNR Conventions
- PNR contest Judge
- PNR AP Judge
- PNR AP participant

"The other also has an exemplary record of PNR service
- Switchlist editor for 4 years
- PNR Office Manager
- PNR Convention attendance and active participation Kennewick (1998) through Edmonton (2009)
- AP program participant (Volunteer certificate)

"Together they have become the heart of PNR 4D operations and activities. There is little that goes on in the Division that does not have their fingerprints on the planning and execution.
- He served as 4D Secretary for a number of years and has been a constant attendee and contributor to the Tacoma clinic.
- He has served with distinction on numerous Division mini-meet committees.
- He has been a principle clinician for 4D train shows, introducing basic model railroading concepts and skills to the public and prospective members.
She also attended and was a primary player in Tacoma clinic for a number of years.
- She has served as a host for out of state clinicians in town to support 4D events.
- She has provided room and board as well as transportation services for many.
- With all her involvement, she has also found time to foster a love for railroading and the hobby in her sons who are also very active in NMRA and their home regions and division.

"Together they have not only served but have provided the best possible example of what volunteerism is for all members of the Region and Division.

"They have dedicated their efforts toward National, Region, and Division activities. They have been extremely supportive of the various 4D module groups and have frequently assisted those groups at shows and events. They have frequently brought their Time Saver module to events and provided a singularly effective opportunity for youngsters and those considering the hobby to experience and enjoy realistic train operations.

"Both are walking, talking recruiting stations for NMRA. At every opportunity they are busy selling the positives of the hobby and the advantages and benefits of NMRA membership. They really “get it” and try to make existing and prospective members understand what the hobby and NMRA are all about. Both can frequently be found working with kids to teach them about “trains” and to encourage their participation in the hobby. With respect to service to the hobby, this couple set the standard.

"Both are constantly in the public view at events and gatherings from the national level down to the local train show level. They are consummate salespeople for our hobby and NMRA. They are ready to offer assistance to any who need it and advice to any who ask. We could not have a better “public face” for model railroading and NMRA.

"I could go on for several more pages about this couple’s contributions to the hobby elsewhere, out side the PNR, but I’m sure you get the idea how these active volunteers are serving the hobby.

"Please come forward for your well-deserved recognition – Ed and Gay Liesse, from our President Walt Huston."

This comes on the heals of dad winning the 4th Division Golden Grab Iron in 2009 and mom winning it this year. Nice to see them get recognition for the work they've done in their hobby. All they need now is a national service award. Way to go mom & dad!

The convention itself was a great experience and I had a lot of fun. My poor brother was stuck in the Contest Room pretty much the whole time, so he didn't get to partake of any of the other activities. Bob Sample gave an excellent clinic on making furniture, and I've already asked him if I can steal it when he gets it written up. Not bad for a throw together clinic!

Despite my slung arm, I was also able to learn some weathering techniques from Walt Huston. That was fun, and since Walt uses dad's cars for the HO parts, I'll see the car again. Dennis Hill showed a nifty way to find and make period signs and my brother (in his only forray out of the Contest Room) gave a clinic on developing an operating system. MMR Jack Hamilton (WAD NMRA) came ready for anything and stepped in several times to fill holes in the clinic schedule,two of which I attended.

Friday afternoon was given to AP judging and I was glad to lend a hand. We had over 40 models in the contest, most of which were assessed for AP. 22 Merit Awards were given and my friend, David Faussett, earned his Structure Certificate on his first try at the AP. I love being a judge for AP because even though I don't do a lot of modeling myself, through the AP I'm learning what makes a good model great. One of these days...

P.S. I would have posted a photo of the award presentation, but this idiot Blogger program won't let me!