The O&W RHS has held frequent (usually monthly) membership meetings for its entire almost 60-year history. For most of that time, following each meeting we have hosted a presentation about the O&W (or connecting railroad, etc). Particularly in recent decades, these presentations are carefully researched, scripted, and organized to be very informative and enjoyable.
Until Covid-19 arrived, the meetings were held in Middletown, NY. However, in 2020 we began to hold them via the internet, using Zoom. That has many exciting advantages — mainly that virtually all of our Society members can now attend safely, in any weather, no matter where they live, and with no traveling at all. After two years of only Zoom meetings, we tried resuming in-person meetings in Middletown, beginning April 8, 2022 because in-person meetings allow members (including those who do not have computers) who live within driving distance to attend. They also provide the opportunity to socialize with other members. However, due to extremely low attendance at the April meeting, we have decided to cancel the planned August , 2022 meeting.
Our in-person meetings (which we may never resume) were open to the public, but our internet meetings are for members only. There are several other differences with our internet meetings. The most obvious one is that we use Zoom’s webinar framework so only the few people who will be giving reports or presentations are visible and hearable. However, attendees are still important parts of the meetings. Attendees can vote, answer polling questions, raise objections, ask specific questions, and leave comments.
If you have never used Zoom before, when you receive the registration email and click on the link, that will lead you through the steps to set up Zoom.
Please submit any questions to: jeffotto@aol.com