​​​Lakes and Pines Division - Train Collectors Association

FROM THE PRESIDENT


The March open meet was a success with 74 guests joining us at Murzyn Hall generating $222 for the club. The food stand earned about $120 net of expenses so it was a good day for the membership. It appeared a lot of sales were being made and our guests were treated to good deals and full tables. I want to thank Peter Southard, Al Osterud and Bill Kane for manning the train repair station. Mike Helde also brought some of his amazing modern Standard gauge trains to entertain us all. We also gained a new member. David Carlson from Prior Lake joined at the open meet. Make sure to introduce yourself to him at an upcoming meet.


We will be making a few adjustments to the open meet format. In March there were non-members trying to purchase table space and walking around inside prior to the 12:15 start date. In the future the doors will not open to sellers until the 11:15 AM agreed upon time. And no non-members will be allowed in early. No exceptions. As a reminder tables are for members who are current on their dues. Membership has to have its privileges. Our current members have made the commitment to keep the Lakes and Pines vibrant and those who expect membership benefits without being a member will not be allowed in early rather they will wait outside with our guests. Thank you for your cooperation.


On a sad note Ron Johnson (Little Ron) passed away on Friday March 9 th . Services were held on March 16th in Edina. If you didn’t get an email notification of Ron’s passing please send Susan an email at tcalp.susan@yahoo.com so we can update our email address list. Both Tom Jefferson and Ron Johnson will sadly be added to the In Memoriam 2018 page on our website. If you have any pictures of Tom and Ron please forward them on to Mpspeltz@juno.com and I will update the website.

We only have a couple of meets left before we break for the summer. If anyone has any ideas for our summer outing you can email them to me at mpspeltz@juno.com.


Our website has been updated and we are still making a few changes to layout and content. Please check it out at www.tcalakesandpines.com and let us know what you think and what you would like to see added. Thanks and hope to see you on April 8th,


Mike Speltz President