The Rotary Club of Emmaus, PA, of which I am a member, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2025. As part of that celebration, we are looking to include some railroad themed events. As a prelude to this and to generate interest amongst the general public, we organized a special run with the Reading & Northern from Reading to Pottsville on May 20th. The purpose of this event is to build a working relationship between our organization and the Reading & Northern, create a demand for future train excursions related to the anniversary, and to raise funds for the 100th Anniversary celebration.

On this trip, we are including a short stop over in Port Clinton to tour whatever the railroad is willing to share with us and we are also including some other things that will be unique to this trip. Even if you aren't in a position to ride the trip, if any of you do the railfanning thing and are looking for something to chase that day, your willingness to post to social media, video for YouTube, etc. is appreciated as well. Anything we can do to generate buzz and interest for the 100th Anniversary is a huge help to our wonderful group.

Tickets are first come first serve. See the press release below....

Take a Ride On the Rotary Train: An Excursion Benefiting The Emmaus Rotary Club's 100th Anniversary Celebration

If you're looking for a truly unique way to experience Pottsville, Pennsylvania this May, there's no better way than hopping aboard the Reading & Northern Railroad for an excursion hosted by the Emmaus Rotary Club.

On Saturday, May 20th at 9:00 am sharp, the trip will depart from Outer Station Reading (3501 Pottsville Pike Reading, PA 19605) and begin its journey to Pottsville. Here passengers can explore and learn about the area with the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and Political Ambassadors as their guides. A trolley bus tour is available so that no sight goes unseen!

After soaking in all that Pottsville has to offer, riders will board the train again for a brief stopover in Port Clinton, PA, where they can get VIP access to tour the railroad’s headquarters and facilities. Not only will travelers have the opportunity to participate in a special Rotary-themed journey, but they'll also be giving back - all proceeds from this trip benefit the Emmaus Rotary Club's 100th Anniversary Celebration!

So don't wait - this is your one chance to join us on Saturday, May 20th, for an unforgettable adventure! Tickets are $99 each and are available for purchase at emmausrotary.org

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Emmaus Rotary is proud to present a day out by rail with the Reading & Northern Railroad. This excursion will depart from the Outer Station Reading, PA (3501 Pottsville Pike Reading, PA 19605) at 9:00am sharp for a fast run to Pottsville, PA. At Pottsville Union Station, the city's immaculate trolley bus will be available to wisk passengers around town to see the various tourist destinations. Local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and Political Ambassadors will be on hand to welcome our riders. The train will depart Pottsville later in the afternoon for a brief stopover in Port Clinton, PA to tour the railroad's headquarters & facilities. This is a rare opportunity to travel on a Rotary themed trip with VIP access. Proceeds from this journey will benefit the Emmaus Rotary Club's 100 Year Anniversary Celebration

When I was the Director of the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City, we did 4-5 trains with the local Rotary club... a beer train, a Governor's special with area clubs, and a Murder Mystery train as a social event.

Earlier in Fremont California we did Rotary events at the historic park that included the SPCRR horse drawn railroad. Two Rotary clubs did service projects on site, one restoring a water tank house, the other rebuilding fences... they also funded events.

Local Rotary clubs are a great source for smaller grants... and great for work parties... but also a conduit into the community...

Randy

At this time, the trip is being postponed. We have some exciting and creative ideas that we want to roll out that couldn't be completed in time for the event. As soon as it is back on the calendar, I'll be sure to let everyone know!

I thought you were doing a special snowplow operation a la CATS when I first saw the title, and scratching my head over the seasonal timing. Perhaps the addition of the word CLUB after ROTARY would clear things up.....