Murphy – Members of the Mayor’s Rising Stars program gathered at the L&N Depot on Friday afternoon to wash the red train caboose.
The project will have the caboose looking its best for the coming model train show at the L&N Depot, 4 Railroad St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Students in the program, along with Mayor Tim Radford, scrubbed and rinsed the caboose as well as spruced up the inside, which houses trains moving about a model of Murphy.
As the dirt left the caboose in fluffy soap suds, the bright red color began to pop once again. The weather was fit for the cleaning chore, and youth were laughing and conversing under bright and sunny skies.
“As mayor, I couldn’t be prouder of our Mayor’s Rising Stars for stepping up and taking action. Today wasn’t just about cleaning a caboose – it was about demonstrating what leadership really means,” Radford said.
“These young people saw a need and jumped in to help, recognizing that true leaders don’t just give instructions – they get involved and lead by example. Along the way, they built teamwork, strengthened their social skills and helped make our town a little brighter.”
As with any program, event or effort there are those who put time and energy into making it a success.
“I’m grateful for the adult mentors (Nancy Helms, Cathy Yost and Ona Elkins), who continue to support and shape these future leaders,” Radford said.
The public is invited out to see the model train layout and get a birds-eye view of Murphy and the surrounding area.
Paul Jakubiak has been a model train enthusiast for about 50 years. He acquired the N Gauge model trains, cleaned and set them up, bringing them to an impressive display for the public. The potential to continue displaying the model set at events and on holidays is dependent on public interest.
Details: Call 727-277-0925.