August 1st, 2024
Download a PDF of the minutes here
Call to Order
Brad called the meeting to order at 7:08pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick
Lane called the roll. There were 9 directors, and 34 members and guests present.
Secretary's Report -Andy Rousonelos
Brad asked if everyone had received their minutes, and if there were any additions or corrections. Ron made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Jerry seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.
Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina
Fred reported we had income including a $300 covering the buttons, $1150 for the concessions, $2333 for dues, $22517 from the gate, and $2516 from the tractor pull. Expenses included $1044.55 for office supplies, $4187.50 for show hauling, $440 for firewood, and $2533 as the final installment of our tents for the show. Andy made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Russ, and it was passed by all present.
Old Business
Brad started off reminding everyone that this is one of the best treasurer’s reports after the show in his memory. All of the bills to date were paid, although there are always more coming in.
The directors have discussed giving Steve & Cindy a bonus on the rent, as a token of our success and our deep appreciation for all they allow us to do and do for us. We couldn’t ask for better landlords or better showgrounds. Ron made a motion to give the bonus, it was seconded by Terry and passed by all present.
Jeff announced that we had 84 hooks in the tractor pull, which went well. We have already signed up to have the sled next year for our Friday show. Rich Rainford announced the pull while Art Downs is on the mend, and he did a great job.
Bob reported that we did not have as many garden pull participants this year, as there were several tractor pulls the same day.
The Kiddie Tractor Pull had 69 pulls, and the young farmers enjoyed helping as always.
Brad reviewed our Human Tractor Pull, there were 2 FFA Teams and 1 4-H team. 4 impromptu teams were made up in the crowd who decided to participate as well. Overall, the pull was a success, and we are hoping for more teams next year.
Dennis and Andy reported that the crib is now empty and set a new record at 825 bushels of corn shelled out of it. Roger Rainford collected the corn cobs for his cattle, and the crib is swept out and ready to be filled this fall.
Brad thanked Jean for all her hard work making the flower arrangements that decorated the show.
Dennis and Andy gave a review on threshing. 7 loads of bundles were made before the show, with 2 additional wagons being re-loaded during the Friday show. The Woods Bro’s threshing machine was inoperable due to backordered belting material but will be ready for next year’s show. The Case Threshing machine did not fare much better. It broke down several times during the show which resulted in crowds leaving the threshing area and not seeing the demonstration when it was back up and running. On Saturday, the threshing machine broke down and will need extensive repairs, as the lower shaker arms broke, and the shaker assembly collapsed. It has been taken back to George Schaff and once it is torn apart to see the extent of repairs, it will be assessed. Charlie brought out the Avery to finish the last 4 loads on Sunday and it ran with no issues. George was pleased to see the Case running, and it was belted to his 40-72 tractor for 2 sessions which he enjoyed seeing.
Russ announced that we had lots of comments on our kids tent again, many from out-of-state visitors. Bob’s kids games are a hit as always and the line for the barrel train was always long. We always need more drivers for the barrel train and more help in the kids tent. Brad reminded everyone that “Kids bring adults” and the kids tent is one of the highlights that sets our show above others. Fred reported that the Balloon lady was a success and will be back for next year.
Kim has updated the flea market information on Facebook to reflect next years show, and she will start signing up vendors.
The food area fared better this year with more vendors, lines were shorter but all of the vendors seemed pleased with the turnout. The 4-H kids were a big hit selling at the show for the first time.
Ron reported that we had more small engines than the past few years. He also mentioned that the blacksmith enjoyed our show and will be coming back next year.
The parking and admissions gate had volunteers from the Peotone FFA again. Henry had them take down Zip codes to see where our guests came from. They also sold merchandise for us.
Eric stayed busy at the sawmill, and had plenty of logs. Scraps were buzzed down and saved for firewood for next year, although we will need more firewood. Lane reported that Manhattan Township has lots of Oak trees that they have taken down and we may look into picking some out to saw for next year.
The feature tent had tables for the Illinois Case Collectors and the National Case Collector club. We will be looking into Caterpillar and Massey collector groups to help with the feature tent for next year.
Steven Tordai was able to combine wheat with the horses, as well as plow and give carriage rides. He would like to combine with them again next year. He also pulled the carriage through the parade with our King & Queen, Bob and Bev Homerding. Bob reported that they both really enjoyed their title for the year.
Brad was pleased to announce that we did not have any safety issues with the show, and what a great group to work with during the show. Our appreciation dinner went well, but Fred would like to retire from cooking for it. It was suggested that we support the 4-H kids and ask them about cooking the appreciation dinner for next year.
New Business
The club is still looking for shed space to store our Threshing Machines and Corn picker, as well as our many smaller items. Please let Brad know if you, or anyone you know have shed space to rent out. Steve is storing our plows and our wobble wheel roller in his new shed.
Jerry will head our committee at the Will County Fair again, where we will help bring handicap and senior citizens in from the parking lot with a golf cart. We will have the same shed space as the last few years to set up a booth to advertise the show and sell raffle tickets. He would like 4-6 helpers each day to divvy up the tasks, and the fair runs from August 21-25. He also reminded us that this is our first event of the “new year” for the show and it promotes us well.
The election will be held at our September Picnic, and the following directors are up for re-election: Brad, Fred, Brian, Alan, & Andy. Henry has decided to step down from the board, although he will remain active in the club. We will have one slot to fill on the ballot, please call Brad with Nominations.
Our September Meeting will be our Member's Only Friends & Family Picnic & Annual Meeting. Please bring your favorite dish to share. The club will provide the meats, drinks, and table service. Sunday, September 8, 2024. 1:00 PM. Charles & Jean Kestel Farm: 10917 W. Steger Rd. Frankfort, IL 60423. Any questions call Charlie at 815-735-6050.
2025 Board of Directors. The following directors are up for re-election: Alan Heatherwick, Andy Rousonelos, Brad Eike, Brian Kestel, and Fred Lestina, Jr. If you would like to run to be a Director, please contact Brad Eike by Sept 1st. 815-378-3674.
Jess is looking to divide up some of her work into volunteer committees and lighten her workload. She has outlined the work she does and would like to pass some of the work off that can be done by anybody. It is not all computer work, and there are different tasks to be shared. You can view the committees on our website in our Get Involved section, or contact Brad for more information.
Adjournment:
Terry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Dave and was passed by all present.
Meetings
September 8 Picnic Charlie & Jean Kestel Farm 1 PM
October 10 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM
November 14 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM
December 12 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM
Upcoming Events
Central States Threshermen Pontiac, IL August 29-September 2
Rock River Thresheree Edgerton, WI August 30-September 2
