Badgerland Season Extends Through The Summer

S-Fest Preparations Ongoing. 26th Season Approaching

Sunday May 7th, 2000
Dave Smukowski's
West Bend, WI

A. Doty, T. Garrett, K. Hypki, H. Immekus, S. Jones, D. Kloes, G. Linden, S. Lunde, J. Madden, L. Marotz, R. Meissner, B. Mosher, K. Pilon, C. Porter, G. Sarlitto, R. Schlicht, D. Smukowski, F.Vergenz, D.Westby.J. Young. (20)

a) Train Trade Show Hall Rental $732.75
b) Train Trade Show Supplies $27.20
c) Train Trade Show Journal Ad $50.86
d) S-Fest Advance Printing $61.90
e) S-Fest Expenses through July $1,174.88

Breakdown of S-Fest Expenses will be given at general meetings

Jeff Young gave the treasures report.

S-Fest 2000 was the main topic of discussion during the meeting.

I could bore you with all of the other facets of the meeting, however I have good news and bad news. I have various audio tapes of some of the past club meetings. The bad news is that someone may have accidentally taped Metallica over our last meeting. It wasn't me.

It means that I was unable to listen and transcribe the meeting into this newsletter. It means that many of the items that were discussed at this meeting, which (incidentally) were things that have been discussed at other meetings, will not appear in this newsletter. I am still searching for the missing tape. I know that it was not confiscated and placed into the Nixon Library. In the event that I somehow miraculously find the tape I'll bring it to one of the subsequent meetings and we can all listen to it "together".
As much as I am attempting to find more "bad news" reasons for the lost tape, most of the above, is good news.

There could be one other explanation. There was no tape in the recorder. But the one thing that I know for sure at our meetings, is that I "always" have to flip the tape over, and on occasion, went go to a second 90 minute tape. Inserting a second tape is, for me, the equivalent of going to the dentist for a root canal.

In the event any member who attended that meeting wants to make a full report, contact me before the upcoming meeting. That way I can give you the tape recorder, and I won't have to attend that meeting.

This, unmercifully, is only the second occurrence of this nature, as long as I have been Secretary-Editor.
As usual, come this December, I am anticipating running unopposed, that is unless the message in the bottle is returned with a positive response.

I do know that the modular layout was discussed, S-Fest, Trainfest, the Web site, club shirts, club hats and patches. Finances were beat up, etc. Most of the above have reports further along in this newsletter.

My apologies for no club roster this year. I will include one in this newsletter.

The Modular Layout Plan has been submitted for Trainfest. On one side we will have the S & S's 24 ft., the other side Art Pratt's 24 ft. and on one end there will be Glen Sarlitto's 16 ft. Casey Jones modules. The club has (2) 4 ft. sections and a 2 footer on the other end, but are looking for a few new modules for that end. We have Dick Kloes's 16 ft. in reserve for that end.
After years of looking for members to improve the club ends, to no avail, I took matters into my own hands. One set of ends have been upgraded by myself. Jim Starosta, Don Hink and myself have donated some materials for this project, the rest was done with club supplies.

The ballast and much of the scenery material are in the club's war chest. Upon club approval there will be some reimbursements, for some of the items, used to enhance the modules.
Dave Smukowski volunteered to upgrade the two other comers.

Do you ever notice that the same names always appear when work is being done for the good of the club. Then again, it's probably just a figment of my imagination.

At the picnic there was a handout with the right day but wrong date. It was corrected by, my deftly scribbling out the wrong date, and printing in the proper date. The fear is that some of yon may have picked up the flyer B.C. (Before Correction). Don't show up at any date other than Thursday September 21, 2000. Notice that I am not even mentioning the wrong date. If I did, I know of at least two members that would show up on the wrong day, one of whom, would probably be me.

September 21 - Jim Starosta
October - ???
November - No Meeting Held
December - ???
January - ???
February - ???
March-???
April - ???

Call Ron Schlicht, If you wish to host a General Meeting.
I know that some of you have already volunteered, but the list of who, and which months, is probably laying right next to the "lost tape".

Main criteria for hosting a meeting Not on a swap meet Sunday,
Weekdays permissible.
Saturdays do not exist.

Our last meeting was hosted by Dave Smukowski. The weather was great. This afforded us the pleasure of also seeing Dave's outdoor layout . Although Dave is primarily

an S Ganger, his outdoor G Gauge layout is extremely entertaining. He has over "800" linear feet of track, that's a lot of pea gravel, which is what he uses for roadbed. It runs by the deck, winds around pine trees, through planters, in and out of his storage shed and under the riding mower ramp. Some of the structures stay out all summer, but some are only used for special occasions. I was particularly interested in the operating water tower, which could opt as a drink dispenser. (My preference would be MGD.) Dave's rather large S Gauge improves with every visit. His layout is multi-leveled and affords many diverse scenes.
Right before our very eyes, we had one of the more spectacular, model railroad, derailments that I have ever witnessed, it went from one level to another. I'm sure Dave didn't think it was all that great. But WOW, I hope someone got a photo. Along with viewing American Flyer and Dave's other collectibles, missing a trip to his home, is a real lost opportunity for those who were unable to attend the meeting.

Also thanks to Mrs. Dave for all of the culinary delights.

We had a picnic for the first time in probably twenty or more years. It was held at Roy Meissner's. Special thanks go to Roy for getting the supplies together and acting as chief cook and bottle washer. Mac McGrath originally proposed the get together and handled the mailing, among other tasks. We can't wait this long anymore. This was special event. What a great time. The total, with members and guests, was forty. Imagine that many BSG members, and "NO" meeting.

Food, beverages and desserts, food, beverages and desserts, food, beverages and desserts,
food, beverages and desserts. It would be easier to tell you what there wasn't to eat, than what there was. Each member contributed something that may have been an old family recipe. If you didn't have enough to eat, you weren't hungry. (As a side note my weight is the highest that it has been in years. I'm definitely going to have to cut down on the soda.)

If we had ordered the weather directly from the Weather Channel, we could not have had a better day.

Chuck Porter brought the full order of the club caps and shirts to the picnic and passed them out to those present. They turned out real nice and have the updated Badgerland emblem on them.

There is an opportunity for a final order before S-Fest, Contact Jeff Young at, or preferable before, the next meeting. The shirts are $26.00 the caps are $12.00. Contact Jeff Young if you want to get one, or both of these items. They are blue denim, you can order them in either long or short sleeves. If you want to have your name on it, the price is $2.00 extra.

If you wish to have the logo on a shirt, different than the one that the

club has ordered, it can be done. The charge for this would be $8.00 per shirt and there would have to be a minimum of four items at a time.

The whole idea of this project is so that when we are at public, model railroad activities, such as Trainfest & S-Fest, we will be recognizable as Badgerland club members.

On Saturday June 17th, members of our club met at the Grafton Police Department training room. The crew assembled 1,500 Fall S-Fest mailing packets. Our thanks go to those who helped out : John Heck, Gene Linden, Dick Kloes, Art Pratt, Jeff Madden, Gary Children, Dave Sengenberger, Roy Meissner, Jim Tennessen, Don Westby, Mac McGrath and Steve Jones. Dave Smukowski made the arrangements for the facility and furnished coffee & donuts, along with his assistance. The task was completed in about five hours. Fortunately there were no outstanding warrants on any of the participating members. I would have thought that John Heck might have been detained at least overnight.

Our thanks go to the Chief of Police Howard L. Thiede for allowing us to use the facility.

Most of the time our club activities end with the last meeting of the year. This year, with our hosting of Fall S-Fest, there has been plenty of work to do over the Summer months. There have been monthly meeting of the S-Fest committee and other interested members. We will need the help of many more members during the event. Don' t be afraid to volunteer.

The following newsletters will include corrections to most of my mistakes.

Hopefully subsequent membership rosters will include e-mail addresses. If you have a new e-mail address send it to me.

rschlicht@ra.rockwell.com The above is my work address. I do not have a home address.

The Badgerland S Gangers were looking for a 21st Annual Fall S Fest patch, Jim Starosta donated his.

The club does need the 15th & 22nd Fall S-Fest patches to complete an archive set. They both happen to be State-Line patches. We do have one complete set. We will be purchasing a display frame for that set, which will be used for public display at model railroading events. We will keep one additional set in reserve. This is the set we want to complete.

Ron Schlicht is looking for a Plasticville Cape Cod house. Peach sides. Brown roof, windows and doors. Original box not required.

Ron Schlicht is also looking for a hobo music audio tape. No particular artist, harmonica or guitar. Box Car Willie or whoever. Needed before S-Fest

I only list items under "Wanted" for two or three newsletters.
Please contact me if you want a listing continued or it will be dropped.
The same goes for the "For Sale" column.
Interested in swapping, mention it.
(Train.Related .Items Only)

For individuals who may not have a complete S-Fest patch collection, we do have a supply of the 16th, 13th, 10th and never popular 7th year.

Not much else to report. Everyone is saving up for S-Fest 2000.

a) Information for our web site Help make it grow.
b) Contact S-Fest committee members about helping out.
c) More new member modules.

Most of the things that I purchase are not always S Gauge. My cars, trucks, etc. are 43rd scale. I recently received a Divco milk truck and Good Humor Ice-cream truck as gifts. I've been looking for a Divco milk truck for years. Hopefully someone will make a Brink's truck (40's or 50's era)

The main thing that I have noticed is the huge increase in l/64th vehicles. Whether you go to K-Mart (admit it, it will not be held against you) Wal-Mart, Target, Hobby Shops, Mac's Trains & Trucks o r whatever, there are tons of them out there and the quality is excellent.

The
HAWKEYE S GAUGERS
and the
STATE-LINE S GAUGERS

invite you to attend a special

FALL GET-TOGETHER

to be held on
Saturday, September 30, 2000

from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
at the
Country Junction Restaurant

Dyersville, Iowa
(northeast corner of U. S. 20 and Iowa 136)

The event will be held in the tower level of the restaurant (enter through the side entrance).
Set-up begins at 7:00 a.m. There's a Super 8 Motel next door for those who want to stay a night or two.

Besides the meet, there's lots to do in Dyersville - there's the National Farm Toy Museum, several farm toy outlet stores, the Plaza Antique Mall, the nearby "Field of Dreams" movie site, and other attractions!

We're asking for an advance family Registration Fee of $3.00 to help defray costs. We would also like to know in advance who would like tables and how many (tables may have to be limited to 2 or 3 per seller). Please complete the form below, detach, and send (by no later than September 15^th if possible) to:

Arthur Doty
97 Ida Avenue
Antioch, IL 60002

Have questions or need additional information, call Art at (847) 395-1078 (between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.).

Yes, Art, I will be attending the HSG-SLSG-sponsored FALL GET-TOGETHER
Name: __________________________________ Phone: _______________________ Street: _______________________ City: ____________________ State: ____ ZIP:_____

Do you want tables? Yes___No___ If yes, how many? One____ Two____Three____ More____ (amount, if available) Send $3.00 cash ____ or Check _____ or Money Order _____ (made payable to Arthur Doty)

Jorgen Barber
856 Ridgewood Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186

David Baule
N90 W6235 Lyonwood
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-8627

Robert Blomberg
N83 W28011 Center Oak Road
Hartland, WI 53089-9570
(262) 538-8475

Jim Brown (#)
2372 Pine Cone Dr.
Tomahawk. WI 54487
(715) 282-5232

Thomas Burdock
4443 Forest Hills Blvd.
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 754-8667

Gary Children
2135 South 95th
West Allis, WI 53227
(414) 327-1666

Robert Cronin
4036 North Richland Court
Shorewood, WI 53211
(414) 962-8081

Art Doty
97 Ida Avenue
Antioch, IL 60002
(847) 395-1408

Glenn Eisenbrandt
711 East Street
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
(920) 563-6502

Trumann Garrett
27700 41st
Salem, WI 53168-9585
(262) 537-2965

Don Goeke
II 1517 S. 16th St.
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 684-7454

Danielle Goeke (Jr. Member) 1517 S. 16th St.
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 684-7454

John Heck
11710 N. Westchester Ct. 73W.
Mequon, WI 53092
(262) 238-1885

DonHink
2006 South 98th Street
West Allis, WI 53227
(414) 327-4932

Ken Hypki
1746 E. Hawthorne Drive
Fredonia, WI 53021
(262) 692-2541 Harold Immeklis (#)
108 High Forrest Drive
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 375-3775

Steve Jones
6203 N. Bay Ridge Ave.
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
(414) 332-6395

Richard Kloes (#)
9735 West Morgan Ave Milwaukee, WI 53228
(414) 543-8839

David F. Koehier (#)
N66W24076 Champeny Rd.
Sussex, WI 53089
(262) 246-6305

Jerome Konicek
9017 Durand Ave.
Strudevant, WI 53177
(262) 886-4939

KenKrahn
823 South 120th Street
West Allis.WI 53214
(414) 771-7586

Joel Lebovitz
1340 W. Greenleaf
Chicago IL 60626
(773) 262-5668

Larry Lechner
4716 Cedar Creek Road
Grafton, WI 53024
262) 377-8016

Gene Linden
2424 Hillcrest Rd.
Saukville, WI 53080
(262) 284-0464

Steve Lunde
2601 Aberdeen Ct.
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 574-5873

Jeff Madden
438 Bron Derw Ct.
Wales, WI 53183
(262) 968-3729

Leiand Marotz
432618th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140

Jim Maslowski (*)
1541 S. 73rd St.
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 258-2363

Mac McGrath
238 Lincolnshire Drive
Crystal Lake IL 60014
(815) 455-7571

Roy Meissner (#)
N6459 Highland Court Box I
Merton, WI 53056
(262) 538-4325 Reginald (Bud) Mosher
2926 Brentwood Drive
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 554-8286

Paul Murphy
2230 South 108th Street
West Allis, WI 53227
(414) 546-3787

Brad Nelson (#)
S47W24775 Lawnsdale Rd
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 547-9425

Gary Otto
N31W23808 Rough Hill Rd.
Pewaukee, WI 53072-5705
(262) 691-3778

Ross Otto (Junior Member)
N31W23808 Rough Hill Rd.
Peewaukee, WI 53072-5705
(262) 691-3778

Kathy Pilon
North 8980 E Miramar Drive
East Troy, Wl 53120
(262) 642-9668

Jerry Poniewaz (*)
4226 South 84th Street
Greenfield, WI 53220
(414) 545-5023

Charles Porter (#)
4775 Gifford Road
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 567-7320

Art Pratt
3634 So. 91st
Milwaukee, WI 53228
(414) 321-2139

RayPuls
W334 So.5262 Red Fox Way
North Prairie, WI 53153
(262) 392-9629

Alan Ruffolo (*)
7721 Fifth Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 654-4748

Norm Rutkowski
N882 County Hwy I
Random Lake WI 53075
(920) 994-2708

Glen Sarlitto
1708 E. Park Pl.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 962-5454

Ronald Schlicht (#)
5274 South 49th Street
Greenfield,WI 53220
(414) 421-8512

Dave Sengenberger
2736 E. Bonniebrook La.
Waukegan, IL 60087
(847) 623-5604 Roger Shimon
783 Old Tower Road
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 567-9686

Dave Smukowski
159 Cortland La.
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 675-2664

Jim Starosta
4957 South 81st Street
Greenfield, WI 53220
(414) 282-7692

Rudy Stemplinger (*)
426 S. 92nd
Milwaukee, WI 53214
(414) 453-9064

Ed Stetzenbach
753 Oxford Dr.
Hartland, WI 53029
(262) 367-8305

Jim Tennessen
2604 Hilcrest Road
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-5115

John Tews (*)
W231N7134 Waukesha Av.
Sussex, WI 53089
(262) 246-6249

Fred Vergenz
North 8980 E Miramar Drive
East Troy, WI 53120
(262) 642-9668

Donald Westby
1416 Cedarton Pkwy
|Grafton, WI 53024
(262) 375-0952

Chuck Westerman (*)
P.O. Box 340631
Milwaukee, WI 53234-0631
(414) 383-8444

Kelvin White(*)
16 Brogden Close
North Hinksey
Oxford 0X2 9DS England

Dennis Young
26819 Denoon Rd.
Windlake, WI 53185
(262) 679-1341

Jeffrey Young
W 150 N8329 Saxony Drive
Menomenee Falls, WI 53051
(262) 250-0618

(*) Associate member
(#) Charter Member

Directors: Fred Vergenz (2000) - Chuck Porter (01) - Mac McGrath (02) - Trumann Garrett
Modular Layout Committee: Ron Schlicht - Chairman
Dick Kloes, Art Pratt, Jim Starosta, Jeff Young.

( VASG )

MODEL TRAIN PROJECT

We would like to tell you of a project of the Veterans Amputee Support Group (VASG) that serves thee needs of the elderly and disabled veterans: the VASG Model Train project. Through the Model Train Project we seek to provide disabled and elderly veterans an opportunity to work cooperatively to overcome physical challenges, as well as provide them a vehicle to reach out to intergenerational family and friends.

We seek cooperative sponsorship for this project from businesses, foundations, and individuals. This letter of inquiry includes a description of VASG's mission. A full proposal and detailed budget will be forwarded upon request.

ABOUT VASG: Organized in December of 1989 as an informal group comprised of veterans helping veterans at the Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA Medical Center), VASG became a recognized veterans service organization in 1997. A private, unincorporated, nonprofit volunteer organization committed to serving those needs of disabled and elderly veterans that are not attended to by the VA. VASG filed an application for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on April 13, 2000.

VASG's mission is to educate, inform, and give moral support to fellow members and all disabled veterans. With personal experience of disability and amputation, VASG members meet twice monthly to provide information and camaraderie to fellow disabled veterans, their spouses, families and caregivers. We help amputees overcome and live with their disabilities by providing services that are not provided by the Veteran's Administration (VA) such as:

- purchasing of handicapped equipped wheelchairs
- preparation of Advanced Directives, Living Wills, and Durable Power of Attorney
- transportation assistance.

About the MODEL TRAIN PROJECT: Model trains have been part of American history since the invention of the modern railroad. For veterans, disabled by amputation, other physical impairment, or the natural aging process construction and operation of a model train is an opportunity to adapt to and become proficient in the use of protheses and the reality of impaired limbs. For those disabled for quite some time, participation in the Model Train Project provides an opportunity to shepherd fellow veterans as they learn to live with physical limitations. The model's displays will be operated by foot or hand controls so that all veterans, regardless of disability, will be able to operate the model. Maintenance and guidance will be provided by Model Train Clubs, They will be there to instruct and help the veterans.

In addition to the physical engagement with the Model Train Project, disabled veterans' minds will be challenged both by creation and ongoing maintenance of the model trains and by engagement of their imaginations as they enjoy use of the model with family, friends and fellow veterans. Due to its intergenerational attraction, we expect veterans will be eager to share the model train experience with grandchildren and other young visitors to VA medical institutions.

The Model Train Project will be housed at the following VA medical institutions; VA Hospital, Wood, WI (Milwaukee), the VA Hospital, Tomah, WI, and the Veterans' Home, King, WI. However, other than the provision of space for the project, it is not supported financially in any way by the VA or any other Government agency. The Model Train Project will be customized to Wisconsin and will feature scenes depicting the general area, including local landmarks, area businesses, and tourist attractions. Acknowledgement of Model Train project sponsors' support will be prominently displayed and incorporated into the model itself.

Our Request: We are requested on behalf of VASG to bring this project to realization. To that end, we would like to discuss with you, via telephone or in person, the appropriateness of a formal request for support.

You see, we are confident that residents of Wisconsin respect the sacrifices made by veterans of all of this nation's wars and that through teamwork by businesses, foundations, and individual philanthropists, the Model Train Project will become a reality for disabled veterans and will be serviced by the VASG.

Thank you for the consideration that may to extend to this project.

Very truly yours,

JJF/TMcG/vr
A:VA-Train.001