On the afternoon of November 20th, members of the Rail Auxiliary Team met at the Reno Amtrak Station to celebrate a most notable occasion. This occasion was for the 80th birthday of one of Rail Auxiliary's favorite Amtrak conductors-the one and only Lenny!

 After a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday to You!", Rail Auxiliary sat down with Lenny to get some insights on his long career on the railroad and Amtrak. Here is what we found out about this amazing man:

A couple of fast fun facts: 

- Lenny is from San Francisco and holds a double-digit employee number with Amtrak, Lenny has been with Amtrak for over 33 years. 

-With his experience with opera, this has allowed Lenny to perform the "ALL ABOARD" callout just before the Amtrak train leaves the station, profoundly.

- You will always see a smile and positive vibes from Lenny; we, as the Rail Auxiliary Team, have seen that time and time again.   

 Rail: "When did you start your career on the railroad?"

Lenny: "I was hired on as a fireman for the Southern Pacific Railroad on July 6, 1964. I did that until the SP got rid of all the firemen. I then became a brakeman with the SP."

Rail: "When did you hire on as an Amtrak conductor?"

Lenny: "June 23, 1992 as an assistant conductor"

Rail: "What routes have you run in your career?"

Lenny: "Many routes; the San Joaquin, Coast Starlight, Peninsula , and the Zephyr."

Rail: "What is your favorite route?"

Lenny: "The California Zephyr."

Rail: "Where is your home base?"

Lenny: "Reno"

Rail: "How many days are you on the rails?"

Lenny: "Six days a week-Reno to Winnemucca and back to Reno the next day. I have less time off in Winnemucca but more time off in Reno. I work forty hours a week."

Rail: "What do you like best about being a conductor?"

Lenny: "I like the people, trains, and travelling, and no extra board."

Rail: "What do you like least?"

Lenny: "Crazy, stoned, or intoxicated people."

Rail: "When not on the trains, what do you like to do?"

Lenny: "I like to play folk or 'Americana' music. I play guitar, but I can play almost anything with strings. I prefer acoustic guitar. I have been in duos and trios and have played full-time music all over the country when not on Amtrak. I've had twelve years of opera training and have two degrees in music. I have also sung our National Anthem at UNR men's and women's basketball games."

Rail: "Do you think you'll ever retire from Amtrak?"

Lenny: "I don't even think about it. I'll retire when it stops being fun!"

Rail: "What are your favorite areas or cities?"

Lenny: "I like them all. I have a positive attitude. San Francisco is my favorite city, but I like all the cities."

We, as the Rail Auxiliary team, could have listened to Lenny's fascinating history for hours, but alas, Amtrak number six was pulling into the station. Lenny had to go and help passengers getting off and getting the passengers getting on settled into their seats for another exciting ride on Amtrak. This is quite the amazing man. Happy 80th birthday, Lenny!

Written by Jim Keller