Oak Crest to get its train

Twelve-year-old Zachary has a penchant for trains -- riding on them and running his own models.

That is why the Oak Crest Cellar Pub train was such an immediate attraction for him. His grandmother works at the retirement center and he was privy to the plan for a special train set-up in the new addition to the Atrium Apartments.

The problem came when the train originally donated for the pub could not be fixed -- a magnificent 1948 Lionel with original buildings had been donated by the original owner but after inspection by a professional it was deemed just a show train.

Zac, along with the members of Oak Crest, had waited for the moment when the train would run and all could enjoy the expansive set-up. When word spread that there would only be a "shelf train" to look at, Zac took matters into his own hands. After assessing his trains, he proudly announced to his grandmother that he had the perfect train and it would run. He wanted to donate his train and have the pub be its permanent home. He also volunteered to make sure it happened by setting up the whole thing. Zac wanted to make sure the members of Oak Crest have a running train for Christmas, the perfect gift.

At 6 p.m. today, Zac will be on hand for the monthly Oak Crest Community Dinner and set the train running for the first run.

The menu includes blue cheese mousse and crudites, hearty butternut squash soup, fresh-roasted Tom Turkey, giblet gravy and mashed potatoes, baked ham with fig sauce, baby buttered carrots, cornbread pudding casserole, and a special Choo Choo sundae for a Merry Christmas dessert. There is a $10 donation per diner.

Oak Crest and Atrium Apartments is at 204 S. State St. (Route 31), Elgin. Parking is available in the rear parking lot. Make your reservations with Mary Lou at (847) 742-2255. Visit the Web site at www.oakcrestatrium.org.