2017 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Event

BE OUR GUEST 2017 Union Station Kansas City VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT

This Commemorative Magazine is dedicated to Union Station’s Everyday Champions...

Those Past, Present and Future.

CONTENTS 2017 UNION STATION KANSAS CITY VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT

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Welcome Letter

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THE GIFT OF TIME… 2016 Volunteer Impact Report

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NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS PROGRAM The Story Behind It All

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2017 Award Recipients

And the Winners Are…

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Volunteering is a Work of Heart…

ON TRACK Magazine Highlights from Years Past

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Dear Volunteers . . .

A “Thank You” Letter from Your Volunteer Coordinator

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“We Love Our Volunteers!”

Union Station Staff Show Their Appreciation

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Photo Gallery A Trip Down Memory Lane

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Volunteer Appreciation Event Program

Cover

Courtesy of Bill Cobb SkylineScenes.com UnionStation.org/Volunteers

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Above: Courtesy: Roy Inman Photographs© (Union Station Volunteer)

Welcome to Your 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Event!

T his is OUR chance to celebrate you and your generous commitment and contributions to Union Station. And, this is YOUR chance to BE OUR GUEST as we thank you with this evening of recognition and appreciation.

Author David Thomas once wrote that “unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.”

Indeed, we count it a high privilege that your biography includes pages documenting your personal “noble actions” that happened right here in our historic home – Union Station Kansas City.

And what a home it is! History exhibits. Permanent attractions. Touring exhibitions. Community celebrations. Restaurants, retail and multiple modes of transit. The list of reasons that bring guests to our doorsteps goes on and on. And, as you know, many of those visits depend on you to give directions, answer questions, expand our story and deliver an outstanding product. What could otherwise be an intimidating visit becomes a joyful and fulfilling experience because of you. That is ENORMOUS! You breathe life into our historic halls. You add personality to our award-winning products. You are difference makers, creating positive impressions and ensuring the essence of Union Station remains a place of warm welcomes and magical memories.

For those reasons and more, we love to brag about you. You are part of the best volunteer group in Kansas City. Without you, we are simply a beautiful architectural treasure. With you, we are a favorite local and regional destination that excites the senses and inspires feelings of awe and wonder. You bring people back, and that’s what will keep us vibrant for the next 100 years and beyond. We are the best because you offer your very best to each and every guest you encounter.

You have undoubtedly heard the phrase, “there is no ‘I’ in TEAM.” We sure are glad, however, there is “U” in our VOLUNTEER family. Thank you for all you do!

With sincerest appreciation,

George Guastello President & CEO

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BE OUR GUEST • Union Station Volunteer Event 2017

Robert Regnier

Chairman of the Board

The Gift of Time . . .

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

-Helen Keller

I

t has been said one of the greatest gifts you can give is that of your time. And, as last reported by the Corporation for National & Community Service, Kansas City proves to be a pro at selflessness – ranking a remarkable 6th nationally in volunteering and civic engagement.* Reflected in those numbers are most certainly the hours Union Station Volunteers dedicate year-round to our beloved historic monument.

#

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National Facts via the Corporation for National & Community Service… Trends and Highlights Overview for Kansas City, MO/KS in 2015: • 31.1% of residents volunteer • 513,587 volunteers • 32.4 volunteer hours per capita • 62.1 million hours of service • $1.3 billion of service contributed • 59.2% of residents donate $25 or more to charity Volunteers – we are truly indebted to you. Thank you for everything you do to make the Union Station experience world-class!

*As measured most recently in 2015.

2016 Union Station KC Volunteer Facts…

201 Volunteer Hours

Active Volunteers

29,241

$623,126 $ Impact Economic

14 Full-Time

Equivalents UnionStation.org/Volunteers

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NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS PROGRAM

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ince 2013, Union Station has participated in the National Presidential Volunteer Service Awards Program (PVSA) which recognizes citizens who have achieved the required number of service hours over a 12-month time period or cumulative hours over the course of a lifetime. Award categories are delineated based on level of service, with the highest level being the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for those who volunteer 4,000+ hours.

PVSA was created in 1994 by the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency that engages more than 5-million Americans in results-driven service each year via 70,000 community and faith-based organizations. Their mission taps the power of citizens to improve lives, solve problems, strengthen communities and build the capacity of the non-profit sector. It’s an undertaking that perfectly aligns with that of Union Station and the key to it all is finding the right people to give a helping hand.

“We seek friendly, energetic and outgoing individuals with customer service experience, an education and/or science background, or a special interest in history,” Christy Nitsche, Director of Advancement and Community Engagement at Union Station, said. “It is critical that our volunteers have a passion for, and strong understanding of the Station (both its history and its plans for the future), our Science Center, and the wonderful community events we offer every year. In the past, recruitment efforts have focused heavily on schools, specialty clubs and retirement associations. Going forward, more focus will be placed on establishing relationships with current and retired employees from our corporate partners. Ideally, our volunteer base is - and will be maintained as - a direct reflection of the Kansas City community it serves, one that is diverse, passionate and giving.”

Union Station gave out 76 awards at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in April 2016 to honor the work of 2015. Of that total were 3 Lifetime Achievement recipients, a true testament to the compassion and generosity of our volunteers.

“Volunteering is truly one of the most selfless acts an individual can provide to his/her community,” said Nitsche. “It offers a great deal of personal and professional reward. There really isn’t anything else that allows the opportunity for individuals to both give and receive…over and over again. It is truly our staff ’s honor to recognize all awardees at this year’s Appreciation Dinner. We tip our hats to YOU – today, tomorrow, ALWAYS!”

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BE OUR GUEST • Union Station Volunteer Event 2017

“Not all of us can do great things.

But we can do small things with great love.”

– Mother Teresa Eligibility Breakdown Chart Courtesy of the Corporation for National & Community Service

Hours By Award

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Kids (5-10)

26 - 49

50 - 74

75+

Teens (11-15)

50 - 74

75 - 99

100+

Young Adults (16-25)

100 - 174

175 - 249

250+

Adults (26 and older)

100 - 249

250 - 499

500+

Families & Groups*

200 - 499

500 - 999

1,000+

President’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Individuals who have completed 4,000 or more hours in their lifetime *Two or more people, with each member contributing at least 25 hours toward the total

Lifetime Achievement Awardees receive not only the honor of presidential recognition but also a personalized certificate, official pin, and a congratulatory letter from the president of the United States. In addition, beginning in 2017, Union Station will add a personalized acrylic award.

To learn more about CNCS and their Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, visit nationalservice.gov

2017

Presidential Service AWARD RECIPIENTS

President’s Lifetime Achievement Award (4,000+ Lifetime Hours) Leonard A. Dunaway 4,050

Gold (500+ Hours in 2016) Jack O’Brien Louis O. Seibel Gil Parker Robert Crown Marcy Nelson Paul Zolotor Friedrich Gastreich Maggie Caison James E. Asplund Mike Latboi Ted Tschirhart

516 535 536 642 647 675 817 838 863 1,120 2,426

Silver (250 - 499 Hours in 2016) Thomas Williams Vern South Robert Ryan Andrew Luchen William Sanderson Lyn Bowers Michael Owens Christine Marchewka Bob Thoms Allen (Sparky) Collier Karl Bitter Roger Fisher Judith Wake Leonard A. Dunaway Jack Rosenfield Joe Thimes Bruce Wake Richard Burnett Hilda McCreadie Robert McConchie Robert Osborn

276 309 321 326 329 329 337 339 340 340 343 372 381 383 389 406 425 428 435 436 471

Past President’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients Vern South (2015) Roger Fisher (2015) Fritz Gastreich (2015) Bob Thoms (2014) Jim Asplund (2014)

Jack O'Brien (2009) Mike Laboi (2013) Nona Moss (2004) Roy Inman (1994) Ted Tschirhart (1994)

Bronze (100 - 249 Hours in 2016) Linda Lowman Roy Inman Tom Sheridan Don McCandless Dolores DeMoss Saundra Meroney David Taylor Wendy Beins Steven Lewis Rick Meroney Pedro Burciaga Neal Agnew Shawn Kelly Susan Miller Thomas Lease Robert Friedman Bob Karnes Stephanie Petty William Lane Jeneva Myers Patricia Crabtree Gene Cota

124 124 125 128 137 142 146 147 151 151 151 152 152 152 152 162 164 165 168 174 177 177

Bricks (500+ Hours) Adrian Smith Kathleen Keeton Mary Aycock William Lane Karen Chastain Karl Bitter David Briggs William Sanderson Andrew Luchen Robert Osborn Joe Thimes

502 524 534 552 556 642 695 760 789 832 849

Carol Lafaver June B. Land James Roller Ted Stolinski Donald Ferguson Frances Ferguson Elberta Young Vicki Asner Louis Asner Eileen Silverman Edward A. Conrad Hugh L. Ryon Lesley Nelson Jill Webb Richard Koch David Briggs Vera M. Doutt Nancy Plumb John DeSoto Christine Davidson Jean Rosenfield

178 185 188 194 194 194 195 197 199 221 227 228 231 232 234 236 237 241 245 247 247

OK Street Parking Garage (1000+ Hours) Sharon M. Lundy Jane Miller Christine Davidson Rick Meroney Carol Lafaver Thomas Lease Patricia Crabtree Easter Seals Midwest

1,015 1,019 1,035 1,087 1,092 1,092 1,145 1,270

Groups (200+ Hours) Easter Seals MidWest Cristo Rey Kansas City

232 672

UnionStation.org/Volunteers

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Volunteering is a Work of Heart…

A look at Union Station volunteer dedication from years past…

Volunteering at Kansas City’s Historic Home From On Track Spring 2017

E

ight years ago, retired husband and wife Saundra and Rick Meroney of Leawood made a commitment to make a difference.

Their choice of place was Union Station.

“A model train history buff acquaintance of ours asked if we would be interested in helping set up the train display for the holidays,” said Saundra Meroney, Union Station Volunteer.

“We agreed, not realizing there was a volunteer program in place. So, we applied and became official volunteers.”

The Meroneys very first exhibit experience was the Norman Rockwell Exhibition back before the massive Bank of America Gallery space was created on Union Station’s C-Level.

“The exhibitions at that time were held where the Model Rail Experience is today,” said Saundra. “We’ve since been able to volunteer for every exhibit except for Andy Warhol, so

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it’s a treat to have his Vesuvius portfolio as part of POMPEII…even if it is for a limited time.”

From exhibitions, Science City and the Information Booth to the Holiday Mini Train, Kansas City Southern Holiday Express and other special events, the Meroneys have done it all…each time clocking in together for a 4-hour shift at the beloved Union Station.

“I feel such a connection to this wonderful place,” said Saundra. “As a young child, my grandparents would come from West Virginia on the train. Also, my dad returned from World War I at the Station. And, Rick and I both remember riding the Holiday Mini Train when it was the Jones Store Train. There are so many fond memories here.”

“It’s a beautiful place to spend part of our week and we’re contributing to the preservation of one of Kansas City’s most

BE OUR GUEST • Union Station Volunteer Event 2017

ABOVE: Union Station Volunteer Veterans Rick and Saundra Meroney pose alongside longtime volunteer friends Fran and Don Ferguson after a shift at POMPEII: The Exhibition.

popular community destinations,” said Rick Meroney, Union Station Volunteer. “You’ll receive great perks, learn a lot and best of all – make new friends. We take such pride in what we do and welcome others to join us.” ■

Let’s take a tour...

and ask all the questions you’d like!

From On Track Winter 2016 8

4-year-old Union Station volunteer Leonard Dunaway knows a thing or two about the history of the Station and is happy to share his knowledge with anyone interested. On most days, finding “interested guests” is not a challenge. And that’s just the way Leonard likes it.

Leonard’s personal connection to the depot began at the age of 19, visiting the Station with his aunt who remembered the historic opening in 1914. Over the years, Leonard visited the Station many times, including during his military service. His interest in the building never faded. So, fittingly, when he was contacted in the early summer of 1996 by Friends of Union Station to help lead Hard Hat Tours, he gladly volunteered.

“We were told a bi-state tax could help rescue Union Station and fund its massive renovations,” Leonard, said. “On September 24, 1996, we began giving daily ‘Hard Hat Tours’ during lunch and on the weekends.

We started in the street describing the exterior stonework of the Station, followed by a walk thru Grand Hall which was filled with scaffolding

ABOVE: Leonard Dunaway – Always happy to greet Union Station guests.

that held up pieces of the ceiling. We then gathered in the old Harvey’s Restaurant (now the Kansas City Chamber Board Room) for a boxed lunch and a briefing on how the tax would work. The tours ended the Saturday before the November 1996 vote and the rest—as you know —is history.”

Union Station was restored to its former glory and reopened to the public on November 10, 1999. This year—celebrating 20 years since the historic bi-state vote—Leonard still provides tours, but now with a proud sense of accomplishment rather than concern.

“Images of Union Station are everywhere,” Leonard said. “Our grand monument reminds us all of what matters. The stories of the Station live on. What a privilege it is for me to share what I know and love with the next generation of supporters.” ■

Union Station Celebrates Value of Volunteers From On Track Summer 2016 A

ccording to the Corporation for National & Community Service, Kansas City ranks an impressive 8th nationally in volunteering and civic engagement*.

Non-profit organizations—like Union Station and Science City—find success largely thanks to the tremendous value our 250+ active volunteers bring to the table. Earlier this Spring—April 24th to be exact—this generous group was honored at our annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner, held in Science City. With a “Western Expansion” theme, attendees sported construction hard hats and celebrated with construction-themed favors.

“I am humbled beyond words by our volunteers,” Stacie Moody, Volunteer Coordinator of Union Station, said. “They are living history and builders of our next chapters in the Union Station story. We have some of the best volunteers in KC, and we absolutely love them!”

In 2015, Union Station volunteers gave 26,750 total service hours and awards were given for key milestones. 41 Bronze Awards for 100 249 total hours, 22 Silver Awards for 250 - 499 hours, 10 Gold Awards for 500+ hours and 3 National Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards for 4,000+ total hours.

ABOVE: Courtesy: Roy Inman Photographs ©

“Our volunteers represent the very best of who we are and what we do to ensure Union Station and Science City remain the vital place of innovation, celebration and education for our entire community,” Nale Uhl, Director of Finance and Customer Service of Union Station, said.

To our current family of volunteers—we salute YOU. Nationally ranked and recognized as a top volunteer community, Kansas City does, indeed, have a very big volunteer heart and we’re proud to be so close to that heartbeat! ■

Union Station Brick Award (500 Hours): Robert McConchie • Nancy Comtois • Linda Lowman • Lesley Nelson • Don McCandless

Union Station Lifetime Award (1,000 Hours): Robert Perszyk • Frances Wolf • Jo Lowry • Paul Zolotor • Jack Rosenfield • Judith Wake

*As measured most recently in 2014.

UnionStation.org/Volunteers

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The Heart of a Volunteer

From On Track Spring 2016 Nearly four years ago—at the age of 89—Harold Hall proudly

slipped on a Union Station volunteer vest for the very first time. After a 32-year career at VA Medical Centers and Army service during World War II, Hall had already revealed his volunteer heart hundreds of times.

But he had more to give. By early January 2016, he had clocked nearly 1,800 volunteer hours at Union Station and become a well-known fixture to guests of all ages.

“Harold had a pep in his step unlike any elder I’ve ever met,” Nale Uhl, Director of Finance and Customer Service of Union Station, said.

“Even with a cane in tow, he stayed on his feet greeting Union Station guests with a smile from ear to ear and a fascinating story to share.”

On January 19, Hall passed away unexpectedly. He did, however, leave behind a gift . . . an enduring reminder of the spirit of a Union Station volunteer—grace, charm, and genuine passion to care for others.

“To know Harold was to love him. Within the first minute of meeting him, Harold drew you in with his personality, wit, and most notably—his energy,” Stacie Moody, Volunteer Coordinator of Union Station, said. “He was always in high spirits no matter how he felt or what was going on. It takes a village to help manage Union Station and without volunteers, it would be impossible to do. Making a weekly contribution of his time was a highlight for Harold—as it is for all of our volunteers—and in return, he gained the satisfaction of purpose and contribution. Harold made himself part of the Union Station family, and is now forever part of our powerful history.”

“Harold’s most joyous time was when he was at Union Station,” Mary Hall, Wife of Harold Hall, said.

In 2015, 243 volunteers gave a total of 26,750 hours of their time to Union Station. Among those volunteers, 108 are over the age of 55.

Research suggests that many seniors benefit tremendously by staying mentally active thru volunteerism. What we know for sure is Union Station—and organizations across our community—couldn’t deliver high-quality guest experiences without the wisdom, patience and dedication of these remarkable individuals.

“As a retired high school educator, helping others is truly

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BE OUR GUEST • Union Station Volunteer Event 2017

helping me. I wake up every day and feel privileged to come to the

ABOVE: Harold Hall—holding a certificate of appreciation

Station,” Bill Sanderson, 64-year-old Union Station Volunteer, said.

“I view volunteering as a job and absolutely love it! I have extremely bad arthritis in both knees and the constant movement has been a tremendous improvement—it’s my daily workout. It’s true what they say—feel younger, live younger.”

April is “National Volunteer Month” and as we prepare to honor our tremendous family of volunteers, we also look forward to welcoming new members to the family! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteer opportunities at Union Station, go to unionstation.org/volunteers to gather more information and sign up.

Union Station is indebted to our volunteers. We cherish you. You are the heart of the Station. As for Harold Hall and those who have left their legacies before him, we salute your service and honor your volunteer heart. You are among the finest and are forever part of our rich history. ■

Union Station had 243 volunteers in 2015 who gave roughly 26,750 hours of their time.

Private Volunteer Appreciation Dinner: April 24, 2016 Do you want to volunteer?

Go to unionstation.org/volunteers to gather more information and start the process.

Decorating Memories

Transforming the Station for the holidays is truly magical.

From On Track Winter 2015

From sparkling tinsel & twinkling lights to rows of garlands and awe-inspiring music, the holidays truly come alive at Union Station—making the merriment of the season an unforgettable experience for all visitors. But how many lights are strung? Who makes all the one-of-a-kind decorations? Here’s a behind-the-scene glimpse of how some very special elves transform Union Station into a holiday wonderland.

Director of Building & Technical Operations, Duane Erickson, has worked at Union Station for 15 years. He started as a building engineer, then was Chief engineer and has been in his current position for seven years. Each year on November 1, Erickson and approximately a dozen employees and another dozen volunteers work tirelessly to decorate for the holiday season. And every year, the team is intent on outdoing themselves.

“Working in the vast, historic setting of Union Station requires real imagination and planning. Everything we do has to be on a grand scale. That means we have to be very focused on time and expense. It all adds up fast, but as it comes together, it’s absolutely magical,” Erickson said.

Work takes place during the first three weeks in November, unless a new display is created, in which planning and production happens weeks in advance of that. The decorations remain in place

into the first week of January, when the team spends three more weeks carefully taking down and storing them.

More than 60 trees are erected throughout the Station, the tallest reaching 45 ft. Using equipment in Science City’s Maker Studio like 3D printers to bring the team’s design and vision to reality, staff member Laird Lindsey creates ornaments that grace many of the trees. The strings of lights that brighten the Station stretch for an amazing three miles.

After many hundreds of installation hours, the finished result is something families from near and far come to see year after year... a timeless tradition captured in countless photos and permanently etched in the hearts of Kansas City and beyond. ■

Roy Inman Photographs©

Model Train Experience From On Track Winter 2015 2015 marks Ted Tschirhart’s 10th anniversary as a Union Station volunteer, president of the Union Station Model Railroad Society, and mastermind behind the design of the Holiday Model Train Exhibit. Plotting out ideas a year in advance, Ted, Mike Laboi and all of the model rail volunteers take great pride in creating the perfect holiday ambiance.

“12 to 15 volunteers spend two-and-ahalf weeks constructing the display with the assistance of key Union Station staff members. It takes a lot of hours but is

completely worth it, especially when seeing the reaction of visitors,” Tschirhart said.

With 800 feet of track, the Holiday Model Train Exhibit has grown even larger this year, bringing it to 78 feet by 20 feet.

The display also now has more than 25 consecutively running trains - nearly double years past. And visitors can’t miss a 15-foot, lighted Kansas City Southern Rudy train engine that extends out of the wall for them to walk under and through a tunnel leading from Sprint Festival Plaza into the Model Railroad Experience. ■

UnionStation.org/Volunteers

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Nona Moss with Union Station staff and volunteers.

Meet Nona, A Remarkable Volunteer From On Track Fall 2015

Union Station volunteers comprise a diverse and knowledgeable community of essential resource who enthusiastically give their time, and in doing so week after week, support the Station in an immeasurable way. Union Station relies on these dedicated volunteers to make this historic landmark even more remarkable.

“The rich history of this building brings together both Kansas City and railway history passionates who teach us something new every day, and who love to share their knowledge with our guests! The infectious personalities, passions, and interests of our volunteers bring so much character to the Station, and truly make it a unique experience for everyone who steps through the doors,” said Stacie Moody, Volunteer Coordinator at Union Station.

One dedicated volunteer, Nona Moss, has donated her time and energy to the Station since 1990 and clocked more than 15,000 hours of service.

“Nona is an amazing person; she’s strong, caring, funny and energetic! She represents Union Station in an inspiring way.”

– Nale Uhl, Director of Finance and Customer Service at Union Station “Nona is a smart, witty, dedicated, wonderful woman who truly cares about this Station,” Moody said. “Everyone here loves her, and we are grateful for all of her work over the years. She is a tremendous asset to the Station and volunteer community.”

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BE OUR GUEST • Union Station Volunteer Event 2017

Nona assisted with the Hard Hat Tours during the construction in the 90s and has been part of countless touring exhibitions over the years including Real Pirates, Titanic, and The Discovery of King Tut. She is also a tremendous help in the administrative and volunteer offices.

Nona is also a breast cancer survivor! After being diagnosed in 2014, her volunteering paused as she received treatment. Now in remission, Nona is back at the Station loving every minute of it. You just can’t keep a person like Nona down.

“I don’t need to be congratulated. I just want to do it.” -Nona Moss Born in Wathena, Kansas, Nona moved to Kansas City as a young adult and worked for Western Union for 30 years until the Kansas City office closed.

“I wanted to do something different,” she said. “I was too young to settle into retirement so I decided to volunteer.”

Nona enjoys the hustle and bustle within the Station. From watching children unload from school buses to visit Science City, to helping little ones on and off the holiday train, Nona loves the energy of the building and all the people in it.

“Everyone here has always been so nice to me,” she said. “I don’t need to be congratulated. I just want to do it.”

At 83 years young, Nona said she has loved helping with the touring exhibits and is hopeful someday she’ll be able to help in Science City— that is her goal. ■

Volunteers Vital to

Union Station Success From On Track Summer 2015

It takes many hands to support this 100-year-old treasure.

Whether they’re assisting at the information booth, in Science City and the model rail experience, or at traveling exhibits and special events, more than 200 volunteers consistently give their time to Union Station.

Their dedication is just one more reason Kansas City’s beloved landmark becomes and remains a cherished memory for newcomers and veteran visitors alike.

As a way of saying “thank you” to all of the wonderful volunteers, Union Station hosted an appreciation dinner on April 12, 2015, in Science City. Volunteers met and were entertained by the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Team, and recipients were recognized with various awards.

Union Station has participated in the National Presidential Service Awards Program for the past two years. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes citizens who have achieved the required number of service hours over a 12-month period, or cumulative hours over the course of a lifetime.

Union Station had roughly 29,222 volunteer hours and 245 volunteers in 2014.

The awards are offered in multiple levels and are designed to recognize each milestone of service achievement. Levels include bronze, silver, gold and the highest honor – the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.

Union Station had one volunteer who received that award this year, Jim Asplund.

Asplund is a native Kansas Citian with a love for everything trains.

With a family history of railroad workers, and an avid train traveler himself, Asplund took his first train out of Union Station in 1947. Since then, he has ridden on a train in every state (except Maine) and in several Canadian provinces. He said it is amazing how his hobby of railroading has led him to a lifelong commitment of volunteering and working at the Station.

In 1996, Asplund participated in the “hard hat tours” during the bistate campaign. He recalled spending every Saturday afternoon until bistate passed giving tours that enabled people to see the building’s condition and potential.

“The hard hat tours gave people an opportunity to see the disarray of the building – they could see how badly it had deteriorated, which in turn hopefully inspired them to help in its restoration,” Asplund said.

From the information booth to the model train display, Asplund has volunteered in multiple capacities since the Station reopened in 1999. He was also employed as a greeter and theater usher for periods in the 2000’s.

“I am here for the building. I just love it,” Asplund said. “It’s a cathedral for transportation and a monument to the city.”

Union Station runs on creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and – without a doubt – the great energy of our amazing volunteers. On your next visit, join us in thanking them. And, if you’re interested in volunteer opportunities at Union Station, sign up on our website at unionstation.

Jim Asplund with Bob Regnier.

Roy Inman Photographs©

In addition to national government-recognized awards, Union Station also gave out its own awards.

“Volunteers who have completed 500 hours in their lifetime at Union Station get a brick with their name on it, and we place it in the sidewalk outside. Those who have completed 1,000 hours in their lifetime get a certificate and designated parking,” said Stacie Moody, Volunteer Coordinator at Union Station.

500 Hours: • • • • • • • • •

Bob Agne Tim Allison Allen Collier Christine Davidson Daniel Fecht Carol Lafaver Kristen Nondorf Mike Owens Gil Parker

1,000 Hours: • • • • •

Richard Burnett Maggie Caison John DeSoto Vera Doutt Bob Jefferis

org/volunteers! We’d love to welcome you to the Union Station family. ■ UnionStation.org/Volunteers

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VOLUNTEERS KEEP THE STATION MOVING VETERAN VOLUNTEER TED TSCHIRHART DEVOTES HOURS TO THE STATION’S MODEL TRAINS. From On Track Summer 2014 Each year, more than 300,000 visitors come to enjoy the 8,000-square-foot model rail layout located in the Kansas City Power and Light Gallery at Union Station. From tiny N-scale model trains to the big G-scale giants of the model train world, visitors can experience these miniature locomotives at no cost.

The Model Railroad Experience grew out of many years of building and operating an enormous holiday display in the Grand Hall – a project that had to be taken down and rebuilt each holiday season. The current operation, built entirely by volunteers, allows for operating more than forty trains on one large layout and four smaller layouts.

Rebekah Canales, Volunteer Coordinator for Union Station, said the model train workers are “some of our most dedicated volunteers.” One of whom is Ted Tschirhart, President of the Model Railroad Group and Station volunteer since 2005.

Tschirhart, a retiree of the computer industry, logs hundreds of volunteer hours each year and comes to “work” nearly every day. He enjoys the ever-changing energy from the Station’s ongoing events, much like the trains he works on – always moving.

“We have six different sizes of trains all running at all times,” he said. “I fix them and work on all of them.”

Tschirhart recalls fond childhood memories of the place he now helps to keep alive and moving. He used to frequent the drug stores in Union Station and liked that they were open all day and night.

“I remember my uncles returning on the trains from the War, and when we came to pick them up, I thought every yellow cab

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BE OUR GUEST • Union Station Volunteer Event 2017

in the world must be there parked out front,” he said. “Also, my brother and grandfather worked at Union Station,” Tschirhart continued. “My grandfather unloaded milk from the trains and later patented a container to keep the milk from spilling.”

Memories aside, this dedicated volunteer values the current vibrancy of the Station and appreciates the hustle and bustle that still happens here, even if it is different from times gone by.

Tschirhart’s favorite view is through the plexiglass in the train room where he sees the future.

“I love to look up and see the kids smile,” he said. “That’s why we [the volunteers] are here. It’s all for the kids.”

Union Station has 300 active volunteers that donated over 26,000 hours last year. To learn more about volunteering, visit UnionStation.org/volunteers. ■

Dear Volunteers, “No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.�

The author of that quote is unknown, but they were spot on! The amount of hard work and dedication all of the Union Station volunteers give is a huge contribution to our success as an organization. The Station would not be able to function without the passionate volunteer team we have, and we certainly would not be as successful. We owe so much to our volunteers.

This will be the third Volunteer Appreciation Dinner I have had the pleasure of being involved with, and I am so delighted to be surrounded by these amazing people! When I started this job, I had never managed volunteers on such a grand scale, and I was not sure what to expect. My first few months were stressful, confusing, and eye opening – including getting everything straight regarding the program itself. I was also faced with learning over 300 names and putting them to faces. It was a bit overwhelming; however, during this time, the volunteers were welcoming, warm and incredibly helpful while I learned.

I could not believe the energy of these strangers willing to do anything they could to make me feel at home. Nearly three years later, I have a (giant) extended family whom I love dearly! Although this job is still stressful, confusing, and eye-opening at times, it is much easier to cope because of the wonderfully strong support I have from my family here.

As volunteers, you often receive the brunt of complaints and frustrations from guests and get blamed for things that are far beyond your control, but you do not let that wear on you. You do not let the bad outshine the good. There is always a smile on your face and a pep in your step. Because of this, and so many other reasons, I am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. You have brought an entirely new shine to my life, and I am forever indebted to your generosity.

Thank you so much for being here tonight, being here every week, and being in my life. As far as I am concerned, you are the most important people in this building at any given time! I, and the entire Union Station staff, appreciate you more than we can begin to explain. Thank you for another great year, and cheers to the next!

Stacie Moody

Volunteer Coordinator

From the Union Station Staff

Be Our Guest 2017 UNION STATION KANSAS CITY VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT 5:30pm

Cocktails

5:45pm

Welcome George Guastello, USKC President & CEO

6:00pm

Dinner

6:45pm

Program / Awards Presentation: • • • • •

2016 USKC Volunteer Program Statistics Presidential Service Award USKC Brick Awards USKC Lifetime Award Past Volunteers

George Guastello, USKC President & CEO Bob Regnier, USKC Board Chairman Christy Nitsche, USKC Director of Advancement & Community Engagement Stacie Moody, USKC Volunteer Coordinator

7:45pm

Group Photo & Event Conclusion