Toy Train Museum

Establishing a toy train museum geared towards disabled children is the ultimate goal of FCMTS president Ken Sargeant and philanthropist Mark Gordon.

(Mark Gordon & Ken Sargeant)

Ken & Mark met toward the end of April to discuss the feasibility of undertaking such an important concept and making it a reality. An organizational meeting was held at Lester's Diner in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Friday, May 22nd, 2009. Mark Gordon is a philanthropist that has aided thousands of children throughout the world. Both Ken and Mark are model train enthusiasts with an ongoing commitment to share the love of trains with our youth.

We are currently looking to secure a location for the museum in the South Florida Area where we can build a permanent model railroad layout that would provide access to all children including the disabled. We believe model railroading strengthens social skills, model building skills, generates enthusiasm, creates inspiration and brings the joy of model trains to many lives.

On Monday June 29, 2009 at 8:30 AM we had a meeting of the Toy Train Museum committee at Lester’s Diner in Fort Lauderdale. In attendance were Mark Gordon, his wife Ana Maria, Ken Sargeant and his wife Saralyn, Tony Balino, Don Kneuer and Lisa Max who is an outstanding grant writer from BetterWorld, Inc. Several topics were covered concerning the funding of the museum.

(Left to Right: Bill Tessar, Don Kneuer, Mark Gordon, Ken Sargeant, Tony Balano)

A second meeting this week was held at Mark Gordon’s office in the Aventura, Florida on Friday July 3, 2009. In attendance were Bill Tessar, Don Kneuer, Mark Gordon, Ken Sargeant,  and Tony Balano. A timeline was the main topic discussed at this event and a chart will be developed with dates and responsibilities of the Toy Train Museum committee. Each member has an area concerning different aspects and fundamental concepts of the museum.

(Left to Right: Bill Tessar, Mark Gordon, Don Kneuer, Tony Balano, Ken Sargeant)

A follow-up meeting was held at Lester's Diner in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In attendance were Bill Tessar, Don Kneuer, Mark Gordon, Ken Sargeant, and Tony Balano. Four committee's were established which include fund raising, real estate, publicity/marketing and building of the layout. Each member is working diligently on their committee responsibilities.

The meeting held on Monday October 19th, 2009 at Grandpa's Bakery located in Dania Florida was a success. Several members attended the working breakfast and many topics were discussed. Fundraising letters were finalized for potential investors, railroad companies and any parties interested in taking part in the model train museum.

Following the breakfast, the museum committee visited a potential property located in Dania, Florida on Federal Highway US1. After the first initial property, two other sights were visited. Future meetings will be scheduled and the results posted here for your convenience.

(Left to Right: Bill Tessar, Don Kneuer, Mark Gordon, Ken Sargeant, Kristopher Sargeant)

A meeting was held at the presidential suites in Aventura, Florida on Feburary 17th, 2010. In attendance were Bill Tessar, Don Knewer, Mark Gordon, Ken Sargeant, and Kristopher Sargeant. Several items were discussed with the emphasis concerning the incorporation papers for the Florida Citrus Model Train Society Museum and educational center.

A very important meeting on Monday March 1st, 2010 at 4:00pm was held in the Mayor's office with Hollywood Mayor Peter Bober, Ken Sargreant, Mark Gordon, Don Kneuer and city of Hollywood Director of Department of Business and Economic Development Arline Hampton.  A property located on Hollywood Blvd for the future museum was discussed and a visitation was set up for Thursday March 4th, 2010 at 8:30am.

(Left to Right: Arline Hampton, Bob Brown, Nick Mekich, Mark Gordon, Don Kneuer Tony Balano, Ken Sargeant, Bill Tessar, Greg Baird)

The meeting was held inside the proposed property discussed by the Mayor Peter Bober and the committee. Those in attendance were Arline Hampton, Bob Brown, Nick Mekich, Mark Gordon, Don Kneuer Tony Balano, Ken Sargeant, Bill Tessar, and Greg Baird. Also in attendance was the City of Hollywood Public Works operations manager of buildings and grounds William Vulpis. Currently the Florida Citrus Model Train Society Museum and Educational Center are finalizing a proposed lease arrangement to be presented to the City of Hollywood Commission.

(Left to Right: William Velpis, Arline Hampton)

On Friday April 16th, 2010 at 8:30am, Ken  Sargeant and Don Kneuer met with General Contractor Ray Diaz at the proposed museum site to establish what renovations have to be made to the existing building site to make it operational. Currently we are waiting for the contractors presentation. We'll keep you updated as events occur.  

If you are interested in assisting with the model train museum and educational center or attending any of the meetings,  please contact Ken Sargeant at 954-253-0413 or sarge40@aol.com

We are aware it will be difficult to take on this endeavor alone without the help of others to get this project off the ground.

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