Some 35 active Train Hosts gathered at DiMillo's Restaurant in Portland to celebrate Train Host Appreciation Day. Hosts from as far away as Boston were in attendance.

The gathering heard from chairman Wayne Davis about the successes of the program and the continued goal of lending an informative, helping hand to Downeaster riders.

The Department of Homeland Security presented a video about secruity issues in this era of terrorism. The hosts were encouraged to act as another pair of eyes on the train, reporting to the conductors any suspicious behavior. It was a sobering presentation.

NNEPRA's Brian Beeler, the Downeaster's Passenger Service Manager, spoke to the gathering and read a letter from Exec. Dir. Patricia Quinn thanking the hosts for their service.

A new NNEPRA video was presented which featured riders explaining their reasons for taking "America's Favorite Train."

We encourage those who would like to become train hosts to contact TrainRiders/Northeast and join this band of Downeaster hospitality specialists. Our thanks to NNEPRA for supporting this luncheon.