There were nothing but rave reviews for the first annual Friends of Locomotive #35 Dinner Dance held on Saturday, March 20 at the Atlantic Steamer Fire House. There were both old and new friends attending.

President Steve Torborg said, "This is the first real event we have held in town. It is all Tim Wright's work. He had the idea and we said, go ahead and run with it. He's done a fabulous job. His family tended to the food and raffle sales. Our Show Committee was on hand selling our wares to the guests while the DJ played all the right tunes to keep things lively."

Ben Jankowski told the group the 5013-C not for profit group is working hard to create a Rail Road Museum in Oyster Bay which will encompass the former LIRR train station and turntable. He thanked New York State Senator Carl Marcellino for his help over the past five years. While the senator was not able to attend the event, he was awarded a certificate of appreciation and a framed lithograph by artist Steve Cryan called "Hooping up Orders at Locust," a picture of the Locust Valley train station in the 1930s. The senator obtained a $20,000 grant that will be used to restore the Oyster Bay turntable to operating condition later this year.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, was also awarded a certificate of appreciation and the Steve Cryan print. Mr. Jankowski thanked Supervisor Venditto, whom he met in 1999, in the group's infancy. Supervisor Venditto said, "This group has been a pleasure to work with. They are very reasonable and I'm happy to have them in the Town of Oyster Bay." He said, "Never lose sight of people like you who give unselfishly of themselves - to do the right thing. Thanks go to each and every one of you who make this town a special place."

Next on the agenda was a Locomotive #35 tradition of thanking people for spectacular service. President Steve Torborg presented "Belt Buckle Bob" Meoli, William Krushinski and Alexandra Torres with certificates of appreciation for their unwavering support and dedication.

Mr. Jankowski talked about the group's synergy with the Oyster Bay community, and thanked Oyster Bay merchants for donating raffle items: Claire Bellerjeau of Pleasant Valley Gallery & Gifts; Arlene O'Leary of Fiddleheads; Larry Nathan of Appliance World. He said, "Whether working together on the Oyster Festival, or on this event, we are part of the community and we need to help each other." Mr. Jankowski said over $11,000 was raised from the community from supporters of the Oyster Bay Historical Society. "Either you like us or you like trains a lot," he quipped. He thanked the board members who he said put in a great deal of time and effort.

Once the formalities were completed, a delicious buffet dinner was served. There was truly something for everyone, including "seconds." At about 9:30, p.m. Board President Jankowski took the microphone and all the board members drew the numbers for the winning raffle tickets. In addition, a 50/50 raffle yielded a total prize of $300 cash to one lucky winner.

Conversation, music and dancing accompanied by cookies, coffee and cake helped the evening wind down around 11 p.m. "Everyone seemed to have had a great time. In addition, the organization turned a nice profit from the event that will certainly be helpful in their restoration efforts," said Mr. Torborg. He thanked everyone who helped make the event a success. "Special thanks to Tim Wright for taking on this event, and with the help of his family, ensuring that it was a smashing success. Thanks also to Ben Jankowski for his efforts in obtaining the raffle prizes, and Steve and Cathy Torborg for their assistance in getting all the notifications out to the masses and to the show committee for their work with the merchandise and set up and break down. Gary Farkash gets credit for arranging the donation of the wine and champagne. Kudos also to all the merchants who donated the prizes. Finally, thanks to all those who attended the event, without which the success of this effort would not have been possible." He added, "Keep your calendar open for the Second Annual Dinner Dance next spring!" said Steve Torborg