Kids at Wellstar Kennestone Enjoy Model Railroad Village

Staff Report

The North Atlanta Rail Barons recently donated a model railroad to the WellStar Foundation in honor of Michelle Lamb, the late wife of one of the group’s founding members. This train display is housed in the WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center’s children’s play area as a part of an initiative by the Barons to bring joy to children.

“This train is a beautiful memory of Michelle because we laugh when we play,” said Avril Beckford, M.D., WellStar chief pediatric officer. “Michelle’s memory will live on at WellStar through the fun kids have while enjoying the trains.”

Perry Lamb, a member of the Rail Barons, felt WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s children’s area was a great place for the model train to be displayed because his wife was a pediatric nurse and loved children.

“This seemed the most appropriate place for this and we are pleased to be a part of it. Michelle loved this place,” said Bob Wood, the North Atlanta Rail Baron member who presented the train display to WellStar. “Maybe this will inspire kids to learn about the history of the railroads.”

The assembly of the railroad took four weeks for the 22-member Rail Barons group to complete. Home Depot donated the foundational materials to build the village.

“I’ve seen some doctors and fathers and seniors playing with the train and I think that’s lovely because it’s important that we always find joy in playing and that we seize every opportunity to share play with children,” Beckford said.