Our Staten Islanders of the Week are on the "right track" when it comes to keeping spirits bright this holiday season. NY1's Shannan Ferry introduces us.
It took several hours to make this Christmas village come to life.
"It's lot of work but it pays off when you see the smiles," said Pat Scaglione, our Staten Islander of the Week. "You can't buy that."
Scaglione and fellow model train enthusiasts designed the layout exclusively for seniors and children to enjoy.
They pulled out all the stops to make the train sets extra special this holiday season.
"The sounds. These cars smoke, they light up," said Peter Killen, our Staten Islander of the Week. "The movement of the cars, the wheels, the gears going back and forth."
The Richmond County Model Railroad Club hosted a free train show earlier this week at Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Members from the Staten Island Society of Model Railroaders also setup displays at the event.
They say it was all to spread holiday cheer to families across the borough.
"To see the enjoyment and the smiles on their faces," said Michael Demisay, our Staten Islander of the Week.
In keeping with the holiday spirit, the group also hosted a raffle to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Members say they also hope to spread their love for a hobby they say is slowly fading away.
"It brings us back years and years and years ago when there used to be train shops everywhere," said Demisay.
That's why organizers say they hope to bring old-fashioned fun to the next generation of young train enthusiasts.
"It's a wonderful little world of make believe," said Killen. "You can see them leaning up, seeing those cars go 'round and 'round. It gives us a wonderful feeling."
As for the kids, they say it already feels like the holidays.
"It reminds me of a Christmas town," said a young model train enthusiast.
And so, for helping families move full steam ahead into the holiday season, these model railroaders are our Staten Islanders of the Week.