The AGM was held on January 21 at the Namao Community Hall. The minutes were taken by Stephen Yakimets. They will be published on our website when they are completed.

The luncheon was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Shannon Jackson for a superb  meal. The menu was:

• peppercorn crusted strip loin roast beef
  
• baked potatoes and all the trimmings
  
• creamed corn
  
• garden salad
  
• brownies, lemon and butter tart squares
• cheese and fruit tray

Special recognition was given to the volunteers who make the museum a significant part of Alberta's heritage preservation.
Under 50 Hours Served:
1. Norm Corness
2. Jim Munsey
3. Ken Jones
4. Dave Stokes
5. Judy Wolfe
6. Ivan Hall
7. Rosemarie Garvey
8. Amber Welk
9. Betty Huizinga
10. Dave Muma
11. Starla Sydia
12. Dave Howatt
13. Fred Pylypow
14. Brent Gauvreau
15. John Brophy
50 – 99 Hours:
1. Cathy Garvey
2. Ken Horwood
3. Sharon Fieber
4. John Crawford
5. Janet Wedman
6. Roland Wedman
7. Niale Smith
100 – 249 Hours:
1. Nathan Gauvreau
2. Ted VanGunst
3. Lukas Tyzuk
4. Stephen Yakimets
5. Barry Wolfe
6. Gloria Jackson
7. Phil Harris
250–499 Hours:
1. Dennis Pringle
2. Jim Sexsmith
3. Irene Dixon
4. Brad Rae
500 _ 750 Hours:
Hans Huizinga
1000+ Hours:
1. Barry Collis
2. Don Weymouth
3. Terry Wolfe
4. Herb Dixon
Archives Appreciation:
1. Ernie Townend
2. Gordon Barker
Namao Store: 
Keith Reed & Lois Wood
Honorable Mention:
Tim Dixon: Website, Brochure, Tech. Assistance
Community Service Volunteers:
Over 6,000 hours

Folks,

I'd like to thank all of you for another successful work party which was concluded this past Saturday with the last of the boiler jacketing and bands installed (including the cab) on the 1392.

These were the jobs that required 2 or more sets of hands at one time to complete. The team-work that developed was fantastic and the pieces fit together like a glove. There were enough volunteers on hand that we were able to form two work groups to focus on the boiler barrel and the cab interior at the same time. 

It has been a very long time since the shop has run into the situation that we actually didn't have enough hand tools for everyone!! 

At last, the tasks of installing the piping and other pieces that make up the 1392 can be completed.This and December 10th's endeavour have more than saved a months worth of labour!!  

Thanks also to Judy who whipped the Volunteer Center into shape for a pleasant, comfortable and warm place to sit and enjoy a coffee/tea, hot and meaty meal and lots of freshly baked treats. 

Thanks to all who attended and laboured long and hard:
Judy Wolfe, Barry Wolfe, Nathan Gauvreau, Lukas Tyzuk, Barry Collis, Hans Huizinga, Phil Harris, Dennis Pringle, Ken Horwood, Jim Sexsmith, Ivan Hall, Fred Pylypow, Don Weymouth, Jynx and Smoky (providing the much needed cat scans on everyone!) 

The 1392 is looking more like a locomotive again and we are that much closer to "tossing the match" this spring. Thanks again for everyone's participation and enthusiasm.

Terry Wolfe

A short board meeting was held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

Preparations were finalized for the Annual General Meeting on January 21 where we will discuss the progress made over the last year and set the stage for the new year.
Much progress has been made and the new season looks even more promising.  

The Trackmobile as arrived and is being readied for service.  The LaFarge 50 tonner will be moved by truck in the next while and the Alta Steel units are ready to be delivered. Registration of the units is still not complete which will continue to delay their move.

Please plan to attend the AGM at the Namao Community Hall on Saturday January 21.  The meeting begins at 1100, followed by lunch and an historical presentation by Norm Corness.  Norm's slide show will highlight the history of APRA from 1964 to 1980. 

In addition, Barry Collis has prepared a poster session showing before and after pictures from this summer. 

Stephen Yakimets has a display of his  promotional work with Prairie Gardens. Both Barry and Stephen will be available to discuss these projects and suggest ways for you  to become involved. 

Take the opportunity to talk to Ernie and Hans about volunteering at the archives. This is a year-round way to contribute to the mission of the APRA.

Memberships may also be paid at the AGM.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Herb