Call to Order

Brad called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Lane called the roll. There were 10 directors, and 32 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. Pat made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Dave seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Brad gave the treasurer’s report in Fred’s absence. He reported we had income including $56 from the Show Directory books, $311 from the pedal tractor raffle, and $25 in dues. Expenses included $331 for generator supplies for the club’s John Deere 60 tractor, and a $250 donation to the Will County 4-H Foundation. Ron made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Steve, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Brad reported that Warren Shultz passed away at 88 years old, and Ron Wagner passed away at 81. He also reported that Bob Satterlee was not doing well in the nursing home and was having difficulty speaking and eating. John Cronin and Irene Lestina had both been in the hospital but were now home in recovery. Both experienced blood pressure trouble.

Brad offered a review of the Sublette Toy Show, saying there was a decent crowd but not as many people as 2024. Lots of people at the show were familiar with our group, and plan to attend our show. We received lots of complements on our Kids activities and the tractor pull. Thanks to Brian, Chuck, and Fred for their help at the show.

Terry Donovan and Kevin Kavanaugh have agreed to run the parking lot and are in contact with the FFA group. The kids will also be responsible for the registration of the golf carts and buggies as loaded trailers come in the entrance.

We have been approached by more food vendors interested in coming to the show, and with concerns about long lines at lunchtime it was asked if another vendor would be a good idea. Alan will adjust the layout to make space.

The 4-H kids reported that they will not be able to serve breakfast at the show, but Teardrop Restaurant from New Lenox will be bringing in premade plates of eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns and serve them in the food tent from 7-8:30.

Eugene at Tractor Supply had a sale on the cattle panels we use during the show, and we ran short on them last year, so it was decided to buy more of them. Lane picked 32 of them up and took them to store on the cattle panel trailer for use at setup. This will allow us more fencing around Steve and Cindy’s house.

Alan brought copies of the show layout and asked if there were any changes that needed to be made for this year’s show. The food area will be bigger, and he added a historical/educational tent. Rodney Bettenhausen will be helping Alan with the layout.

There have been issues with golf carts and buggies not always getting registered at the office. The FFA Kids in the parking area will start taking registrations, but all members need to be looking to see if the golf carts are registered with a wristband or not. We are also looking into cheaper golf carts to use at the show. We usually get 3 of them, 1 for the parking lot, 1 for the flea market, and 1 for Brad to bring our sponsors around the show.

Steve has planted new trees on either side of his driveway. We offered to pay for new ones several shows back, and will be making arrangements to cover some of these. He did lose one of the large trees in the center of the small engine area to a storm..

New Business

Lane gave an update on the tractor drive. The Will County Sheriffs office has approved the route, and he will be contacting road commissioners. He is taking signups at meetings. Brian will be cooking lunch again.

Russ Jacobs will be selling pedal tractor raffle tickets at the Will County Consignment Sale on April 12. He would appreciate any help offered.

It is time to start reaching out to any Massey or Cat collectors and get them to bring their tractors to the show.

Kim could not attend the meeting, but she sent notes on the flea market. She has sent all of the flea market space rent to Fred, and she is getting both repeat and new vendors.

Jess could not attend, and sent notes as well. Brian has offered to work on the show book again, and has the layout from last year to reuse. The Manhattan Independence Day Parade will be held on Saturday, July 5 in Manhattan. We have attended for several years running. There is general WCTA Merchandise available through a link on our website to Bonfire. This merchandise is made to order, so we do not have to sit on inventory.

Adjournment:

Jeff made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Chuck and was passed by all present.

Meetings

May 8, June 12, July 10 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM

Upcoming Events

WCTA Tractor Drive WCTA Showground June 7, 8AM

TSC Tractor Discovery Day TSC Store, New Lenox June 14

Covered Bridge Tractor Drive Rockville, IN June 29-30