Volunteers Make a Difference

Rolling along with hot cocoa 

Last weekend, we rolled through the Texas Hill Country via an historic steam-engine passenger train out of Austin. In January, Texans never know. Temperatures may rise to 80 balmy degrees or---as it did on Saturday---fall to 30 shivering degrees, with a wicked wind-chill factor to boot.

Arriving on time, we joined about 150 passengers waiting in line, and we watched as the train cars switched tracks. With pre-purchased tickets in shaking hands, we impatiently waited for the train conductors to shout “All Aboooooard!” Sensing that track-switching would take awhile, I left the line to find the ticket office. I wanted to upgrade our “no-heat,” coach fare tickets to the more expensive, “with heat,” coach fare tickets. My family eagerly awaited my return, but they could tell by the look on my face: All sold out.

Thankfully, I brought a warm blanket to wrap around us; and, the train had plenty of hot cocoa.

They could be home by a fire

As we boarded, I noticed that all the train attendants and conductors appeared to be 60 or older. On this frigid day, they wore layers of clothing.  They also proudly wore Austin Steam Train Association caps, buttons and jackets. As evidenced by their rosy cheeks and gloved hands rubbing back and forth, they, too, were cold. Even so, they warmly welcomed us and remained consistently attentive, helpful and entertaining for nearly eight straight hours. I thought to myself, "They could be home by a fire."

We found our seats and huddled together under the blanket. Like sunflowers, we leaned towards the bright morning sunlight that beamed through the train windows. As the train left the station, a senior announcer greeted us over the public address system. 

He began by explaining a few policies, such as wandering children have to be accompanied by an adult at all times. He further explained that all the train personnel were volunteers, and they are always looking for more volunteers. One volunteer was a biomedical engineer, another---an orthopedic surgeon, another---a real estate agent. I was impressed, but after spending an entire day with them, I was also amazed and inspired. 

Their rocking chairs must be idle

As it turns out, these elderly Austin Steam Train Association volunteers dedicate entire days to welcoming, helping, entertaining and educating train passengers. They led us in songs, and they pointed out interesting sights and shared trivia. 

• The train passes the 10th tallest structure (a cellular phone tower) on the planet near Burnet, Texas.
• The train crosses the oldest, operational river-crossing railroad bridge in Texas, crossing the San Gabriel River near Leander. 

To entertain the children, they changed into costumes (hopefully, in the heated coach car!), passed around balloons and measured heads, in order to shape and sculpt customized balloon hats. They also readily posed for pictures.

At sunset, the train rolled back into the station.  The volunteers thanked us for joining them. They reminded passengers that they are always looking for more volunteers. We hugged and thanked them for making our train experience a memorable one.  I don’t see any rocking chairs in their future; if there are, they will be idle. This experience also reminded me of how proud I am to work for a company that is an ardent supporter of community volunteering.

P.S.  These dedicated train association volunteers also serve passengers on 100+ degree Texas summer days, and some cars are not air conditioned! 

Austin Steam Train Association volunteers dedicate entire days to welcoming, helping, entertaining and educating train passengers.