Call to Order

Brad called the meeting to order at 2:55 pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Lane called the roll. There were 9 directors, and 58 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. Jean made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Jack seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported we had income including $2,000 in donations, and $25 in dues. Expenses included $2,148 towards old corn crib repair bills, and $1,500 towards old member loan repayment. Ron made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Jerry, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Brad offered an update on Charlie Kestel, who had a heart attack just before Christmas and received triple bypass surgery. Charlie returned home and is recovering well. He appreciated all the calls and well wishes and plans to make a full recovery in time for the show.

Pam Robbins reported that Jim had rotator cuff surgery and was recovering as well.

It was reported that Deb Gaus passed at 72, her late husband Charlie was a lifelong member, and past club president. Her sons still bring Prairie Tractors to the show each year.

Lane commented on the successful year we had and mentioned that without the founding members of the show, we would not be gathered today. He thanked Jess for her excellent PR work, without which we would not have the local recognition that keeps our attendance up. Lane thanked Steve and Cindy Spiess for allowing us to continue using their front yard for our beautiful showgrounds and for all their generous help with setup, teardown, showtime, and any extra chores throughout the year. He also recognized all of our hardworking club members who help to make our club the success it is today. When everyone works so well together it never feels like work. Lane also commented that as we all get busy with winter projects, its time to remember “personal maintenance” as well, and remember to have health checkups made. Charlie was lucky to be in good shape before his heart attack and get into a doctor or he might not have had the successful recovery that he did.

Tractors for a Cure will hold their annual Cash Bash on March 8, 2025. We donated $250 as a sponsor in 2024 and thought it would be appropriate to donate the same this year. Ron made a motion for the donation. It was seconded by Andy, and passed by all present.

Brad reminded everyone that the club is still in need of machine-shed space to store their large items, which are filling the sheds of many generous members.

New Business

February 1st was chosen for the club tours of Rodney Schwark and Craig Long’s collections. The tour is scheduled to start at Craigs at 9AM and will proceed to Rodneys around 10:30. Lunch would be served at the Herscher restaurant and pub and would be buffet-style chicken and pasta. More details will follow by email.

Jerry reported that Jim Baltas with Manhattan Township had many trees taken down by the 2023 tornado in Manhattan. He donated them for use on the sawmill, or as firewood. 6 loads were collected, Jerry, Ron, Lane, and Andy did the hauling. Cutting and splitting will be handled later once the weather breaks. Lane and Jerry currently have firewood stored at their places.

The pedal tractor raffle currently has 550 tickets sold, with only two toy shows being held so far.

The Peotone FFA auction will be held on February 23 from 11-12. It is good exposure for the club but has never been a big raffle ticket seller. It was decided that instead of selling tickets there this year, we will donate a toy to the auction.

Jess reminded everyone that now is the time to approach businesses about advertising, as they will be setting their budgets for the year. She also mentioned that we always need help in the office during the show, and we can use help managing our social media pages. She also reminded everyone that our sponsorship packet is available on our website, and people that members do business are most likely to sponsor us.

Lane reported that in the past we had quilts hung in the office that matched our show feature. If anyone has Massey or Caterpillar quilts to display during the show, please let him know.

Brad wanted to finish the meeting by thanking all of our excellent cooks for their hard work making an excellent Christmas dinner. Anyone donating to the silent auction, including Tractor Supply in New Lenox, for their donations. Jean Kestel did an excellent job of our centerpieces and the church hall looked great.

Adjournment:

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

Meetings

February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM