June 19-20 2016 - LCCA at Train Event benefitting Alzheimer’s, Asheville NC
Two Day Model Train Layout Open House
Benefitting - The Longest Day - Alzheimer’s Association
On Sunday 6/19 and Monday 6/20 Bobby Stricklin (LCCA #12432) will host a two-day open house featuring his model train layout and collection. The open house is part of the Longest Day event which benefits the Alzheimer’s Association.
Each year on the summer solstice, the Alzheimer’s Association holds the Longest Day national initiative to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals and groups across the country gather for day long events.
Those who attend will see trains running on Bobby and Louise Stricklin’s CELEBRATION STATION layout. The mainline track measures more than 600 feet of Fastrack that allows two or three complete TMCC trains to run independently at all times. Separate smaller operating displays geared to youngsters include underground mine scenes with “Diesel” from Thomas Tank and Happy Huff & Puff; a four tier set of tracks carry the “I Love Train set”, Thomas the Tank in O gauge, and Brio Thomas Tank. There is a 14 ft. long oval track with many of the Disney action cars running. Bobby and Louise’s entire collection can be seen during the tour. The operating layouts, collection and train art are displayed throughout the 1200 square foot Celebration Station train room.
All who visit the home may view nearly 300 framed art prints including train photography by O. Winston Link, National Park print art from the Centennial Collection by Rob Decker, enlarged postcard art for the Union Pacific RR Yellowstone Bears and other art prints of Yellowstone NP and the Grand Tetons are placed in mini galleries throughout the home. More than 100 pieces of Snow Village houses are to be seen in a separate gallery and also in the train room.
In addition to the layout/collection and art galleries in the home, “Louise’s Garden” a 3/4 acre wooded landscape garden and path system will be open for visitors to stroll. Moss pathways travel alongside thousands of day lilies, peonies, hostas, azaleas, rhododendrons and landscaping native to Western North Carolina. At the garden entrances plaques welcome and ask all to “Contemplate a World without Alzheimer’s”.
The two-day open house “Celebrates Louise”. When the fourth generation of Alzheimer’s disease in Louise’s family arrived during 2007, Louise was silently brave and gracious, continuing life joyfully, remaining beautiful inside and out every day. With Bobby and her dog Teddy Bear Too at her side, Louise passed away at home on December 2013. Louise's gentle manner, wisdom, joyful spirit, generous smile, and laughter touched all around her. Today, Bobby and daughter Windy honor Louise by sharing the story of her journey, working to promote increased awareness and raising funds to fight the thief – Alzheimer’s disease. through their Preserving Memories Celebration program.
The Longest Day tour of Louise’s and Bobby’s home, train room, galleries, and garden takes place Sunday June 19th -- Father’s Day and Monday June 20th -- the Longest Day. The model trains will run during all hours of the two-day Longest Day celebration.
Everyone is welcome to register and visit the home. Bobby extends a special invitation to his fellow members of LCCA, LOTS and TCA.
During the event there will be drawings for Longest Day Shirts, gift certificates at Bruegger’s Bagels in the Biltmore Village; and a silent auction for national park art is being held in conjunction with the tours. Three area businesses are promoting, and supporting the event – Bruegger’s Bagels, Frugal Framer of Arden, and Read’s Uniforms.
Those attending are asked to make a donation when they register for the tour. 100% of all monies from the tour donations and silent auction winning bid will be contributed to the Alzheimer’s Association
To register email Bobby: bobby.stricklin@bellsouth.net