To the editor:

On Sunday, May 2, the Dowagiac Amtrak station got a spring cleaning.

Jeff Robinson and about 22 kids from the Dowagiac High School Choir came out to volunteer in the clean-up.

On the inside of the building, a much-needed scrubbing of the 100+-year-old wood paneling and polishing was done.

The taller kids, of course, got stuck with the scroll work at the top.

At the same time, a crew of kids was outside washing every window, inside and out, of the station.

If you look up near the roof, the original leaded glass panes are all still intact and the group carefully removed the storm windows to reach them and do a thorough job.

To give you an idea of how many windows they cleaned there are about 35 windows in all, double-paned and three high, so a total of about 100!

The kids were rewarded for the time with a hot dog lunch that included soda and pie.

Everyone had a great time and the kids really worked hard at each task and should be commended for volunteering their time on a weekend.

If you get a chance to drive by the station take a look and remember the kids helped to give back to the community.

Thank you, kids!

Ron Leatz
Michigan Association
of Railroad Passengers
Dowagiac Amtrak
Station Host