Thanks to all who attended and contributed to the recent 6th annual Summer Solstice Celebration of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum (obrm.org). Notwithstanding the 90-plus degree heat (!), it was a great night.
Particularly, our thanks to our generous benefactors and donors, including Marcella and John Specce, State Farm Insurance- John Specce Agency, Lorie and Roger Bahnik, the Bahnik Foundation, Carmela and Phil Baldino, Sandy and Nelson DeMille, Debra and Claudio DelVecchio, Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, the Morenberg / Karlson Family, Eileen and Thomas Pulling, Robin and Enrique Senior, Kevin Stansberry, Marty Ulman, Susan Gordon and John Grocki, Susan and Donald Zoeller, Jacque and Phil Blocklyn, Susan and Tom Egan, Ada and Frank Flower, Louise and Joe Paruolo, John Voelpel, and Weintraub and Traub, CPAs.
Thanks also to the individuals and merchants who generously donated to the evening’s many auction prizes. Please support those who routinely support the many events and organizations in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich community, particularly our local merchants below, including Buckingham’s Variety Store, Canterbury Ales, Chrison & Bellina, Christina’s Epicure, Coach Grill & Tavern, Diageo Chateau & Estates, Dodds & Eder, Anthony Fabricante, Gary Farkash, 4 U Nail Spa, Gathering Time Trio, Lauren Godoy, Jack Halyards American Bar and Grill, J & B Auto Repair, Luce Restaurant, Martha Clara Vineyards, Martin Viette Nurseries, Michael C. Fina, Mill Creek Tavern, Mim’s Restaurant, Moet-Hennessy USA, Sagamore Graphics, Sagamore Yacht Club, Dottie Simons, Alex Torres and Bill Krushinksi, and Judy Wasilchuk.
While we have your attention, a reminder that the museum recently opened the historic train station at the north end of Audrey Avenue (where the OBRM will be permanently located) for weekend visits. Our station committee has been hard at work seeking to secure funding for the station’s renovation, and we are confident that we will be moving forward with that in the near future. We are also nearly ready to see the fruition of another long-desired goal – the relocation of the alternate entrance to TR Park from its existing “hidden” location at the north end of Maxwell Avenue to a point directly adjacent to the historic station and directly north of the bandstand. With such improved sight lines to this alternate entrance to our treasured TR Park, we will finally merge our downtown with our valued waterfront, in turn leading to an improved streetscape in the surrounding area.
We are also poised to begin the long awaited renovation of Steam Locomotive #35, with a substantial portion of the locomotive to be shipped out to a nationally renowned steam locomotive mechanic for the first stages of its renovation. The turntable restoration is almost complete (near the eastern entrance to TR Park- at the boat basin) and our collection of rolling stock continues to grow and improve. We welcome your visitation to all of our sites, including our Visitor Center located just north of the bandstand on Audrey Avenue.
In partnership with the Long Island Railroad and many of our local merchants, we are continuing this year with our local tourism package- “Spend A Day In Oyster Bay”- which will run on weekends now through Labor Day. Whether arriving by rail, boat, or car, visitors to Oyster Bay will have the opportunity to explore area sites and attractions and to frequent area merchants, starting at our visitors center, where Oyster Rides will transport visitors in a historic trolley on a loop tour of our downtown and other valued area attractions. As part of the package, visitors will receive information and discount coupons in connection with local restaurants and shops, as well as that for our many historic and cultural sites. A self-guided walking tour is also part of the package.
As we continue to grow and make additional improvements, we are confident that our local community will also continue to benefit from the museum’s efforts – residents and merchants alike.
Thanks once again to all for your continued support of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum. Please visit us at obrm.org. Have a great Summer.
Dottie Simons, Judy Wasilchuk, and Rob Brusca
Summer Solstice Event Committee
