More than 300 people attended the railroad’s annual employee appreciation picnic Sept. 1. Attendees included employees, retirees and guests. They enjoyed barbecue from Chuck’s Southern Comfort Cafe and visited venders, including Acosta Medical, HI-Test, Red Wing Shoes and Excel Occupational Health Clinic, which provided health screenings and flu shots.

Carpenter Elvis Medina receives a flu shot from Excel Occupational Health Clinic during the picnic.

Guests included area police and fire departments from Bedford Park, Chicago and Summit. Director of Police and Risk Management Mike Romano believes the annual event, known as the President’s Safety BBQ, helps maintain a sense of community among employees while honoring them for their safety efforts.

“It’s a time to bond for everyone,” he said.