First, let me say Thank You. Thank You for your vote of confidence. As I stated at the October 2010 meeting, after being nominated, “Remember, I can be out spoken sometimes”! I often am and I will be. But please understand that my outspoken nature comes from a desire to move forward or to improve something. I do not think that I speak out against something but rather speak out in favor of something. Perhaps too harshly at times. If I speak out and someone does not agree or like it…TELL ME!

Second. I title this as Rick’s Reply’s because; I searched the definition of President: One who presides, sits in leadership… How can one lead or preside over something that has zero input. How can I lead a group of rail enthusiast if I do not listen to them or have some idea of their likes, dislikes and objectives? The way I see it, I can not “lead” if I do not “reply” to You, NRHS Members!

Rich Hane led our group for, I believe Five Years. His easy going, kind nature gave our Chapter a “gentlemanly” feel. Even when disrupted, he held his composure, dealing with our objections as he did our combined positive ness. As the gentleman he is.

Rich followed Bob McCracken whom led us in much the same manor for many years.

I am afraid the Chapter will find me to be a bit different. I would like to see our Chapter set and achieve a few goals, to retain the “gentlemanly” nature, but with a forward moving posture. I will put ideas and goals “on the table” so to speak, but the membership will ultimately decide our Chapter’s direction.

One of my customers at the Airport told me that our U. S. President can not make or change law in this Country. He is the face of a nation, he “SETS THE TONE” of this country.  That is true as research shows. This customer is a native of The Netherlands, a legal U.S. Citizen.

As Chapter President, I hope to set a tone, a positive tone. I hope we can combine our knowledge and energy’s to accomplish something, to move forward. Whether one is laying floor tile for the first time or making a photo archive available to several people, positive movement is needed. Even if we make a mistake, moving is always much better than standing still and looking at something.

I look forward to seeing you and hearing from you as we attend the first meeting of 2011 on January 24th at The L&N RR Station, Down town Madisonville at 7:00PM.

Again, Thank You.

Rick Bivins