'Friends' plan luncheon
BY LELAND ACKER

The train keeps rolling for the Friends of the Texas State Railroad, who continue to plan special events for the train and look forward to assisting the Texas State Railroad Operating Authority, who will oversee the transition to a private operator beginning Sept. 1.

At the June 7 meeting, Friends' Board Member Ava Harmon explained plans for the Murder Mystery Train on July 14. Mrs. Harmon said she hoped to be able to use two cars for the special run. She said she is currently in the process of publicizing the Murder Mystery Train and details were available on the Texas State Railroad's Web site, www.texasstaterailroad. com.

The Friends of the Texas State Railroad also discussed hosting an appreciation luncheon for all state railroad employees and tried to make sense of the $12 million appropriation bill to fund the transfer of the train to American Heritage Railways.

Robert Crossman, superintendent of the Texas State Railroad, gave a report on train operations. He reported that the movie set for "The Great Debaters" was blown over by a storm at 10:55 a.m. on Sunday, June 3. He said as a result, the Sunday runs had to be cancelled.

"Most people were understanding. They could understand why you wouldn't want to drive a train through a depot," he said.

Mr. Crossman explained in such a situation, railroad staff tries to reschedule the passengers whose run is cancelled. Passengers who do not want to reschedule are given a refund, he said.

Representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department were on site at the state railroad Wednesday and Thursday to explain the transition process to the employees.

"That dropped morale," Mr. Crossman said.

Of the morale killers, Mr. Crossman said the future of the employees' retirement accounts was the biggest let-down.

"They feel like they have sacrificed in the short term for a long-term benefit - only to wind up sacrificing the longterm benefit," he said.

Mr. Crossman said state railroad employees who go to work for American Heritage will not only be unable to continue investing in state retirement, but if they choose to withdraw their retirement accounts in order to put it into another account, they will do so with a 10 percent penalty plus IRS fees. Another option is to leave their money in the account until they retire. Mr. Crossman said some of the staff is leaving to continue with the state so they can keep their retirement.

"We're doing the best we can to keep the staff we have and replace those who leave," Mr. Crossman said. "We have the power-driven revolving door in high gear."

Board Member Sarah Welch thanked Mr. Crossman for his leadership, commitment and loyalty during the uncertain times of the state railroad. After that, the meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting of the Friends of the Texas State Railroad will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 5, at the Rusk Depot.