January 21, 2025 - Meeting Summary

The San Diego S-Gaugers held the January club meeting at our clubhouse and on Zoom Attendees were: Mike Forys, Robert Graves, Alex Sibbald, Dale Minard, Raulf Polichar, Don Briggs, Paul De Laurell, Scott Lewis, Dennis Denk, Jim Sloane, Ken Sadlock, Les Smith, John Racey and Al Kiel.

Introduction of New Faces / Show and Tell:

Dale Minard brought in his collection of American Diorama figures and his collection of CHP police vehicles all in 3/16 scale. John Racey showed us the Hawk Mill building that he constructed.

Treasurer's Report:

Bob Graves reported that the club received visitor donations totaling $500.66 in Dec. $129.51 more than last month, and $1199 above the average for December with $75.64 of the donations coming from our Venmo account. In the twenty-nine months we have had Venmo Service, we have received $1991.89 in donations from 204 donors. Bob reported $216.40 in sales of donated trains this month. We have received $8879.48 from the sale of donated trains to date. Bob reported that cash contributions this year are lower than the two previous years but the Venmo donations has partially made up for it. The year-to-date donations are $528.28 less than last year Fortunately expenses have dropped more than donations so our annual profit of $4747.28 is an all, time high, $490.23 above last year. Since we have more than enough operating cash, Bob suggested that the club purchase a CD. The club members voted to purchase a $2,000 CD.

Standards Report:

Ralph Polichar received and installed a new Zoom Meeting camera and connecting cord. He discussed what is involved in replacing the crossing to prevent trains from stopping on it.

Publicity Report:

N/C

Library Report:

N/C.

SN3 Layout:

N/C.

Window Layout Success and Visitor Attendance:

Mike Forys reported that from December 14th, 2024, to Jan 18th 2025 the window buttons have been pushed 3,614 times. Windows 1= 1,642, Windows 2 = 1,972 average 103 per day over 35 days.

Grossmont total (beginning Feb, 2016) = 338,130

Day one (beginning May, 2011) total = 377,738

Visitor Total since February 1, 2016 = 101,241

3 Sundays

Visitors 216 / 111 / 79

Total 406

Donations = $148.25

2024 yearly results:

Tuesday = 67.2 visitors per day. Saturday = 116 visitors per day. Total = 10,859

Pushbuttons: Liberty Loop = 18,086, Window 2 = 16,721, Total = 34,807

Old Business:

Club Mural:

The UP logo is complete and the door hardware will be next.

Window Layouts:

The track on Liberty Loop layout needs a new crossover installed.

New Business:

Lego Days:

The next Lego Build Day is scheduled for February 22, 2025.

Future Events:

The next meetings will be on Tuesdays, February 18, 2025 and March 18, 2025 and will be held at our clubhouse and on Zoom.

Main Layout:

A circus display has been located on the S curve temporarily until the permanent town is completed.

American Flyer Clinic:

Bob Graves will be holding an American Flyer repair clinic on Tuesday, January 28 at 11AM for club members.

SDSG Layout Expansion:

Mike Forys has finished constructing two new modules to support the layout expansion to include our turntable module. One is 24 inches deep and one is 30 inches deep. Track and scenery have been installed. The modules have been installed in the layout.

250th Anniversary:

Mike Forys asked everyone to start thinking about what features we can put into our layout and or clubhouse to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary In July 2026. Suggestions received included running The Freedom Train, an army train and a navy train.

SDSG Club Elections:

Nominations and elections of club officers took place this month. Annual dues ($24) had to be paid up in order to vote. The incumbent officers were nominated and reelected. They are:

President Mike Forys

Treasurer Bob Graves

Standards Raulf Polichar

Secretary Alex Sibbald

NASG Convention:

The members discussed the possibility of hosting a NASG Convention with another club. Mike Forys will contact the Southern California S-Gauge club and the AGTTA club. Dale will get two copies of the convention guidelines.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 am.