March 13th, 2025
Download a PDF of the minutes here
Call to Order
Brad called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick
Lane called the roll. There were 10 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. Jean made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Russ seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.
Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina
Fred reported we had income including $142 from the Pedal Tractor Raffle, and $25 in dues. Expenses included $515 for more half sheet show fliers and 3x5 show cards. Ron made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Pat, and it was passed by all present.
Old Business
Fred has 2025 show directories to sell, they are $12 each.
Brad reported that member Joh Fahs passed away on March 12, he was 88 years old.
Bob Satterlee has moved into a nursing home in Morris. His right side is partially paralyzed, and he is having trouble eating. Please keep him in your prayers.
The Manhattan Irish Parade was a success, we had 23 helpers there to walk and pass out candy and show fliers. Many people attending the parade said they had attended our show and intended to return. Thanks to Bob, Bev, Charlie, & Jeannie for their setup work, and to all the helpers who came out.
Brad sold raffle tickets at the Serena and Seneca toy shows and offered a review. Serena was held on March 2nd and had an average crowd. We sold 127 pedal tractor tickets and 50 toy tickets. The Seneca show was held on March 9 and had a steady crowd. There were 104 pedal tractor tickets sold and 44 toy raffle tickets. Brad thanked Chuck for his help at both shows, as well as Fred and Alan for their help at Seneca.
Ron gave an overview of the current work being done on the club’s John Deere 60. The generator has been rebuilt and is working properly now. They are still working on the clutch.
Lane, Mel, and Jay have been working on some running gears that they wanted to make useful for the club. They made one into a rack for storing cattle panels, one into an additional hayrack used for parades, and bundle detail, and a flare box for firewood. Bob Homerding provided lumber for use on the wagons. Lane brought pictures of the process and said that the wagons have been donated to the club.
New Business
Brad announced that Dave Kestel is lined up to run the Human Tractor Pull this year. There are already several school groups interested in competing this year.
The Sublette toy show is scheduled for March 15-16, with their main tractor feature being Minneapolis Moline and Oliver. Brad will be selling tickets in the main building again, and help is always appreciated.
Jess reported that we will be doing a showbook again this year, working off of the layout used last year. We will need help gathering information and proofreading. She would like to see interviews from the featured tractor owners, as well as our past show presidents. She was contacted by the Will County 4-H youth foundation to see if we would be interested in sponsoring them. This would benefit us as well, as we will be mentioned as sponsors in their marketing. It was suggested to donate $250. Corey made a motion it was seconded by Hank and was passed by all present. Our show sponsorship packets are being updated and can be found on our website. Pricing will not change, and if you are selling farm or sponsor banners, a showbook ad can be added for $25 for a ¼ page, $50 for a ½ page, or $100 for a full page. Jess mentioned that she is also working on the 2025 show merchandise and is also making artwork for general club merchandise. This will be made to order, and we will not have to sit on inventory.
It has been suggested that breakfast be served again at the show, for workers and early birds. The 4-H kids are interested in selling it at their food tent, and wanted to know what days to sell breakfast, and how many people to expect. We have not had a show breakfast since Dollingers. After much discussion, it was suggested that they sell on Friday and Saturday.
Brian is planning to do a calendar again, anyone looking to submit a picture should have it sent in by May 1st to WCTA@willcountythresh.org
The New Lenox Historical Society is working on the history of Fred Francis 4-H field, and found mention of us holding our show there for several years in the late 1960’s. They reached out, and Jess sent them information and pictures.
John Kestel reported that the Manhattan 4th of July parade will be held on July 5th.
Andy brought sign-up sheets for the Covered Bridge tractor drive in Rockville, Indiana. It will be held on June 28-29.
Dave Karl brought in many old slides from shows in the late 60s, most of which were from the Fred Francis field. He showed them after the meeting was held.
Adjournment:
Jeff made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Chuck and was passed by all present.
Meetings
April 10, May 8 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM
Upcoming Events
Peotone Consignment Sale Will County Fairgrounds April 12, 9AM
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
