Call to Order

Brad called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Lane called the roll. There were 10 directors, and 31 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. Dave made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Pat seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported we had income including $200 from farm banners, and $445 from golf cart and buggy registration at the show. Expenses included $520 for show garbage hauling. Fred’s report covered all of our club expenses by category since January 1st, 2025. Ron made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Jean, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Brad commented that we had an excellent treasurer’s report coming out of the show and wanted to thank all of our members for their hard work towards collecting sponsorships and donations

Brad gave his overview of the show; everything seemed to run very well this year, other than the weather. It was either hot or raining, but we had a fair crowd despite both of these things. He commented that he was very proud of the group for their efforts, and of the show that we put on. . It was commented that our show has very little downtime, and there is always something to see. This has really helped to encourage people to stay during the show and see everything we have to offer. Many shows have long stretches of downtime with little activity between events or demonstrations, and this hurts their long-term attendance. The Machinery progression display showing new and old machinery alike next to one another went over very well, and many of the townspeople who are not familiar with farm machinery could not believe the size difference. Brad ran into the previous owner of the club Joliet corn sheller at Sycamore, and he was pleased to see that we ran it during our show, and put it to work during our corn shelling demonstrations. We had great help during show setup, and Sunday as the show ended, we had lots of help for teardown. As the week rolled on, we seemed light on helpers for teardown, but we got everything finished.

The club received a few very generous donations, one from the estate of our late member John Fahs, and the other being from the Wilton-Andreas Farmers Grain Elevator during their closeout. The officers discussed it and thought it would be best to save this money for a rainy day in case we have a lean year. We are extremely grateful to be thought of by both donors.

Brad wanted to take the time to thank many people who stepped up during the show. Thanks to Grant Heatherwick for bringing bales for the kids area and for use on the peoplemovers; to Ron for staying late every day to fill the generators and light towers with diesel, and for his constant dedication to the show, as well as finding shed space to store some of our club owned items; Lane for his work on the cattle panel wagons, firewood wagon, and bundle rack that he built for the show; Monroe Striggow for the new use of one of his wagons for firewood during the show; Steve and Cindy for the continued use of their front yard as our beautiful showgrounds, and for their help through setup and teardown; and lastly to all of our hardworking members for their dedication to the club and the show which makes the work fun.

Lane reported that he is taking the club’s P&O plow to the Half Century of Progress show again, and is working on arrangements to have someone to pull it there now that George is gone. He would like help on the plow during the plowing demonstrations of anyone would like to volunteer. Dennis and Andy will be shelling corn there as well and can use any helpers who are interested.

The club is in need of new tables to replace the old wooden ones that are very heavy and in poor condition. We are looking at new 8’ plastic tables and would appreciate donations towards them. The cost of 3 tables have been covered so far, we would like to purchase 8 in total.

The total figures for the raffles came out to 1458 pedal tractor tickets and 632 toy tickets.

The gate numbers this year came to a total of 1331 adults and 428 kids, this was paid admission only. Exhibitors are not included in this count. Our numbers are down from last year, but the weather was out of our control.

New Business

Lane and Jay will represent us at the Peotone old mill festival September 20-21. The Peotone Historical Society has helped to promote our show in recognition of our efforts at their fest. In 2024 we donated $200 to them, it was asked if we would make this contribution again this year. Russ made a motion to match our past donation; it was seconded by Jerry and was passed by all present.

The Will County Fair will be held from August 20-24, and Jerry will head our committee there. He reminded us that August brings the end of our fiscal year, and it also brings the beginning of the advertisement for our next year, and the fair is a prime place to start. We will have our usual booth there, in return for running the golf carts to help bring people up to the fair gate from the handicap parking. We will also need items to fill the shed space we are provided; it was suggested to bring Al Heatherwick’s Allis D21 as it is the next feature tractor. The Fairbanks engine was also recommended, as it is quieter and takes up less space than the Cook engine. Russ has a 24volt model Allis D21 he offered to bring as well. Jess has setup an online signup that allows volunteers to sign up for shifts to help at the fair and can select the times that work best for them.

Lane is considering June 6, 2026 for our tractor drive. He will confer with a few other organizations to prevent conflict with other rides. The ride committee will meet this winter to begin working on the new route. If anyone has suggestions for a destination, please see Lane.

We have donated $500 the last several years to the FFA kids for their help in the parking lot, and we would like to donate the same amount again. Russ made a motion on the donation; it was seconded by Ron and was passed by all present.

Lane reported that we had 15 police officers helping on the tractor drive this year and would like to continue our donation to the sheriff’s auxiliary in recognition of their work. Russ made a motion to donate $500 to the sheriff’s auxiliary. Jack seconded it, and it was passed by all present.

Bob thanked Jerry and Jim for running the barrel train on Saturday while he was participating in the garden tractor pull. He can always use more helpers with it during the show.

Our rent to Steve and Cindy is due at $2000, we have given them a bonus in the past for the use of Steve’s machinery, and for the damage to their grass from the show and the traffic after the rain. Jerry made a motion to match last year’s bonus of $2000. It was seconded by Chuck and was passed by all present.

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 7, 2024. 1:00 PM. Charles & Jean Kestel Farm: 10917 W. Steger Rd. Frankfort, IL 60423. Any questions call Charlie at 815-735-6050.

Adjournment:

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

Meetings:

September 7 - WCTA Member Picnic Charlie and Jean Kestel Farm 1 PM

October 9, November 13, December 11 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM

Upcoming Events

Central States Threshermen’s Reunion August 28-September 1

Rock River Thresheree August 29-September 1