VOLUNTEERISM WITH AAO CHAPTERS CREATES CONNECTED COMMUNITIES

The momentum of our organization is undeniable. We have experienced state-wide successes in our advocacy for improved passenger rail services. But just as exciting is the growth we are seeing at a grassroots level in regions across Ohio. AAO has active chapters in Southwest, Central, Northeast and Northwest Ohio. Across the state, we have meetings, social events and grassroots opportunities for our members to get involved!

Over the past six months, I have had the pleasure of helping to lead the Southwest Ohio chapter of AAO. After a covid hiatus, we brought back in person meetings to our region. As our community has grown, new opportunities for impact have presented themselves.

Last month, our chapter took a tour of Union Terminal, the Amtrak station in Cincinnati. After our tour, members of the chapter brainstormed needed improvements for ridership experience. We decided it would be valuable to improve signage, provide ticketing solutions and improve the website. Following our brainstorm, chapter leaders met with Amtrak representatives to discuss these recommendations. The activity of our members is leading directly to achieving our AAO mission: To advocate for the establishment, improvement and maintenance of a robust transportation system focusing on passenger rail.

As we turn the page into 2024, more opportunities will arise. We have an exciting year ahead of us, with the potential for significant movement on the Corridor ID and Long-Distance programs. We will need the involvement of our members to achieve our goals. You can help by educating your neighbors, elected officials and community leaders. You can help us build our organization, attend chapter meetings and social events, participate in discussions, and help to plan events. Finally, you can share your specific talents with the organization. If you have a skill that you think could help AAO, please reach out to your regional director. We would love to get you more involved!

Exclusive Preview This Saturday!

Join us for our Statewide meeting on Saturday, November 11th for a sneak peek at our economic impact study that will detail the impact that the 3C&D will have on the local and state economies.

You MUST REGISTER by clicking here to receive the Zoom link!

AAO Regional Chapter Meetings:

NORTHWEST CHAPTER: Friday, November 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Toledo Amtrak Station (3rd Floor, 415 Emerald Ave, Toledo, OH) No RSVP is necessary.

CENTRAL OHIO CHAPTER: Saturday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the Grandview Heights Public Library (1685 W. First Ave, Columbus, OH). No RSVP is necessary.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER: Wednesday, November 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the Walnut Hills Library (2533 Kemper Ln, Cincinnati, OH) AND via Zoom. Please click here to RSVP.

NORTHEAST CHAPTER: Cleveland RTA Rail Maintenance Facility Tour Friday, December 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the RTA Facility, 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland OH. Click here to register.

To see future meeting dates and other events, please visit allaboardohio.org/meetings-events.

Meet Bill Gill, Toledo Chapter Leader

I think the history of Bill Gill and railroads must have begun with a Christmas present I received from my parents when I was 6 years old. It was a model Union Pacific streamliner and a circle of track. So, I guess we can blame the UP. Not long after that, my dad - after supper – would often drive us out to a good vantage point to observe several of the famed NYC passenger fleet on their approach to Toledo's Central Union Terminal. Wow!

Later, during college years I had almost a year in Death Valley as resident minister and Ranger. Part of my work was to research the Death Valley RR, the Tonopah & Tidewater RR and the Bullfrog-Goldfield RR. (I learned a lot about "20 Mule Team" Borax!) While involved in post-graduate work in Nashville TN, I worked as the all-night Ticket Agent for the Louisville & Nashville RR. Much later, after a return to Toledo, I was a switchman for the C&O in Walbridge, OH. I also took time to volunteer with the Waterfront Electric

RR and Toledo Angola & Western RR. I helped out in the Rail Travel Center, then with an office in the NYC Terminal. That's when I heard about the Ohio Assoc. of RR Passengers. Thanks to Bill Hutchison (!) I soon became active in the local group. When I retired from my work with NPR/PBS in Toledo, I offered to do more. Bill appointed me "Regional Coordinator." Several people really helped me direct my endeavors: along with Bill, Tom Pulsifer, Howard Harding, Ed DAmato, Mark Carlson, Ken Prendergast, Stu Nicholson, and Tom Galloway. Friends outside of AAO: Frank Stoy, Bob Grogan, Derrick James, and Dave Kuhn from Amtrak, Rob Greenlese from the Toledo – Lucas County Port Authority, Diane Reamer-Evans from TMACOG. Steve Rathke (NS), Jerry Wicks (BGSU) and others were also influential in this time of my life. My mentors taught me that we all needed to be a reasonable, accurate/truthful voice (advocate) for more and better rail passenger service - and connecting services. Fortunately, my wife, Beth, was agreeable to be my helpmate in all this!

During much of this time, I served as a member of the Board of the NRHS and appointed as a member of the Council of the RPA (NARP) from Ohio.

A major project loomed on the horizon with Amtrak's plan for a "National Train Day." I got interested in how it could be mutually beneficial if we could partner with them. I approached Diane and she agreed. I Chaired the local effort for 13 years. The rest is history with TMACOG and the Port active supporters. Other AAO activities I promoted include rail excursions to Cleveland, Bryan and Chicago. I volunteered as a speaker – often with Tim Porter, Chair of NOPRA - at numerous organizations’ meetings - frequently in cooperation with Amtrak or TMACOG. I asked and received help in securing work/meeting space from TMACOG and later the Port. We've been blessed to work cooperatively with NOPRA, MARP, the Toledo-Lucas County Library, Toledo History Museum, the city (Council) and Commissioners, the BLE&T Union and other Union organizations.

I hope to continue to encourage and give an opportunity locally to members to express opinions and suggestions and take part in local, state and national endeavors relative to our mission.

I DO look forward to ease into retirement from what at times is a hectic life. Together with my wife, I’ve continued to be involved with special devotional services at area retirement and nursing homes. But, slowing down is on my agenda.