The Soo Line Engine #730 Authority along with help from Parks and Recreation Department from the City of Gladstone have cleaned and scrubbed down the engine for the winter and are asking the community for the donation of Christmas lights and decorations. Authority President John Pickard along with John Norkooli, Tom Moulds, Gary Slade and Jason Davis and Josh Stevenson from the City Parks and Rec Department cleaned and pressure washed the steam engine that is located alongside U.S. 2 and U.S. 41 near the Delta Avenue entrance. The authority would like to get the engine all ready for the holiday season and in time for Gladstone’s Old Fashion Christmas celebration by decorating it with lights. Slightly used or new lights of any size can be dropped off in the donation bin located at 817 Delta Ave. in Gladstone or by calling 906-241-0888 for pick up in Delta County. Paint will be ordered in the spring and painting will be done by volunteers from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 10-11 of the Upper Peninsula. This is an ongoing Perpetual care and restoration project with a railroad themed park planned with museum railroad cars and Soo Line Caboose to be added in the future. Financial Donations will continue to be collected by the Community Foundation for Delta County c/o Soo Line Steam Engine #730. 2420 1st Avenue South, Escanaba, Michigan. 49829.

In t he photo from the left: Gary Slade, Tom Moulds and John Pickard — Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority members.