June 12th, 2025
Download a PDF of the minutes here
Call to Order
Brad called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick
Lane called the roll. There were 11 directors, and 38 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. Jeff seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.
Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina
Fred reported we had income including $1950 from show banners, $735 from the H&R Pump to cover the horse tent, and $175 in dues. Expenses included $2065.50 for our 6-month insurance installment, and $298.25 for newsletter supplies. Chuck 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 Marine Satterlee passed away at 87 years old, just one month after her husband Bob. They will both be missed.
Lane gave a review of the Vintage Tractor Drive, we had 32 tractors participating. The lunch served by the two Brians was excellent, and the weather was nice. We want to thank the Will County Sherriff’s auxiliary for their help with the ride, as well as John & Barbara Kestel, Steve Issert, and Fred Lestina for hosting us on the ride. There are many great pictures of the ride in the photo gallery on our website, which has earned us praise. Lane also thanked everyone involved in helping with the ride, as it takes a small army to put on an event.
Fred reported that the ballon lady who came to the show last year has moved away, and we have not had luck finding another one nearby. She was a big hit with the kids.
Dave is still working with Altorfer to have a Cat display at the show, they are interested to bring a few pieces of new machinery to show. They are working on getting it passed through their company.
New Business
Sandy gave an update on the food court, all 8 vendors are signed and ready. Power and water requirements are lined up as well. Breakfast will be available from the Teardrop restaurant in New Lenox, served in the food tent on Friday and Saturday.
The Manhattan Independence Day parade will be held on July 5th in Manhattan, we have participated for several years. Brian will help with setup for our entry, and anyone interested in helping should see him.
Steve Tordai will be bringing his horses again this year, pulling carriage rides in the morning and doing horse drawn machinery demonstrations in the afternoons. It has been suggested that we have signs directing guests to see the demonstrations in the field, as many people attending the show now are townspeople who aren’t sure if they can come up and watch demonstrations or not. It has also been suggested that we have a large map of the show in the food tent to direct people to the different attractions.
Brad reminded everyone that we will need people to ride on the people-movers and speak, explaining the different demonstrations to show attendees. Anyone interested should see Brad.
Lane reported that more 3-tier bleachers were donated for use at the show, they are smaller than some of our current bleachers and easy to move. This will allow for seating at more of our demonstrations.
Brian reported that he is making good progress on the showbook, and will be sending out proofs to be checked over very soon. He also mentioned that the calendar is a work in progress, and will be ready for purchase at the show.
The I&I Show in Penfield has discontinued their gate flyer, but will be handing out the Agrinews. We will have an ad in their paper instead. I&I’s show is a week before ours, and a great chance to draw in new guests.
Brad and Andy will be on 1340 WJOL on Wednesday, July 9 with Scott Slocum again this year. Brad will also do another spot on the Down on the Farm radio segment on WITY.
Bob and Russ are looking for more barrel train drivers, and helpers in the kids tent. Anyone who can volunteer any time in there would be greatly appreciated.
Kyle donated 12 walkie talkies with chargers and a docking station for the office, to be used wherever they are needed at the show. He was given a round of applause.
Traditionally, our July meeting has been held at the showgrounds whenever the weather allows. It is often hard to hear over the traffic, so it has been decided that the July Meeting will be held at the church.
Jess reported that both the Will County Sherriff’s Auxiliary and the First Bank of Manhattan advertised our ride, after both groups helped with the event. Brian has stepped up, helping with the showbook and merchandise, but we still need more members to step up and help with marketing or PR work. The goal has been to make us self-sufficient, and we still have a ways to go. Jess has advertised for help through college students in the summer who are versed in advertising or graphic designs to help remove more tasks from her workload. She does not intend to leave the group, but needs to lessen the burden. She also mentioned several upcoming events; July 10th is the Farm Bureau Family Fun night, The Wilmington Oz Festival is on September 6th, and the Will County Fair and Half Century of Progress shows are August 21-24.
Kim reported that the flea market is not full, and she does not turn vendors away, and mentioned that previous minutes are incorrect on this statement. This will be corrected.
Andy P reported that the Civil War reenactors are gearing up for our show and will be arriving to setup camp around 3pm on Friday of the show. They will have their usual skirmish on Saturday.
The show feature for 2026 has been chosen as Allis Chalmers, and a feature tractor needs to be chosen to display at the show with the Next Year’s Feature banner. Al Heatherwick’s Allis D21 was nominated, and will be used on the button and plaque for 2026.
Adjournment:
Alan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Pat and was passed by all present.
Meetings:
July 10, August 14 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM
Upcoming Events
63rd Annual Will County Threshermen’s Show July 17-20
Northern Illinois Steam Power Club show August 7-10
Will County Fair August 20-24
Half Century of Progress Show August 21-24
Central States Threshermen’s Reunion August 28-September 1
Rock River Thresheree August 29-September 1
