1 post tagged “kingston station”
It rained for three days, including on our long planned event. But the Friends did not cancel! As always we go on!
All the outdoor events that were planned had to be scuttled, with the exception that we did have our awards ceremony
under the eves at the front of our lovely Kingston Station.
Because of the tragic events on Wall Street, and the financial emergencies facing our country, our Congressmen were held in Washington DC and were not able to make their planned visit to our event.
Apologies from the offices of Senator Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jim Langevin, as well as from Amtrak for not having an Acela available on this date. ( Amtrak is currently scheduling the Acela sets for overhauls ).
Accolades from our Rhode Island Governor Carcieri came in the way of lovely commendation award.
Operation Lifesaver sent their Vice President of Communications, Marmie Edwards, to present a plaque to the Amtrak Boston Division commemorating A Decade of Safety, no fatalities or injuries at Kingston Station for the past ten years. All of the Friends board members were on hand to great the public as well as Amtrak passengers. Members of the South Kingstown Town Council were on hand and enjoyed a guided tour by our Chairman Dr. Frank Heppner.
Local citizens came by and one boy set up his own "O" scale train board which was a big hit with the youngsters.
Seniors as well as toddlers loved seeing the miniature trains but the greatest moments were standing on the high level platform as it was transformed to a reviewing stand for the passing of Amtrak high speed Acela Express! Blowing on her horn as she whisked past at the speed of 150 miles per hour, it was surely impressive as it blew by!
Amtrak police protected to platforms, and local boy scouts from troop 1 Kingston presented the colors under the guidance of long time scout leader Neil Ross. The West Kingston volunteer fire department had a team of young men come by with one of their sparkling clean pump trucks to display, and the boys got a big kick out of the day.
It was a slightly windy and wet day, but the weather did not dampen the spirits of over 200 persons who managed to be at Kingston Station this past September 27th!
