Call to Order

Brad called the meeting to order at 7:04pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Lane called the roll. There were 11 directors, and 37 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. Dennis seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported we had income including $800 in Flea Market rent, and $398 from Pedal Tractor Raffle Ticket sales. Expenses included $230 for posters and 3x5 advertisement cards, and $283.18 for supplies from the Manhattan Irish parade. Jerry made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Jean, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Brad was pleased to report that John Cronin is doing well at home and appreciates visitors anytime members are in Joliet. Monroe is continuing his Lymphoma treatments, with 1 more to go. Jack Toepper has been doing better as well, and Larry Marek has been healing up from a Hip replacement. George Roemer will be celebrating his 80th birthday, with a party to be held in Peotone in late April. Charlie reported that Roger has not been doing well, and he is in our thoughts.

Please submit your current or Historical club photos for the calendar and the show book. Brian is continuing work on both.

Brad reported that we sold 243 tickets at the Sublette Toy Show, with help from Chuck, Brian, and Jay. At Seneca we sold 119 tickets, with help from Fred, Jeff, and Chuck. Russ and Sharon sent people from their booth down to us as well.

The tents have been ordered for the show, matching our order of last year. The added tents seemed to work out well.

New Lenox has not approved the permits for our Tractor Supply Tractor Discovery Day, citing ordinances against parking lot events. It has been relocated to the new TSC store in Monee, which has a large parking lot to accommodate us. This will be held on June 20.

It was noticed that our admission on some of our posters/handouts did not match the new admission price on other literature. The correct pricing will be $5 for children 2-11, and all attendees 12 and up will be $10. Fred will be contacting the printers about a correction.

Kerri at Pebody’s in Union Hill (formerly Union Hill Sales) has arranged to help us to receive a better threshing machine to use for a roadside marker at the showgrounds. It will be arriving in the coming weeks and is in better visual shape than the rusted one we have now. It will bear a plaque thanking the family who donated it.

Brad has continued working with local crane companies to fly a large American flag at the showgrounds in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. There also will be small flags made available to patrons or exhibitors who wish to display them on their tractors..

New Business:

We are planning to attend the 4th of July parades in both Manhattan, and Beecher this year to try and expand our local advertising. Please volunteer if you are able to help pass out fliers or candy at either event.

The Will County Consignment Auction was held on April 11, Russ and Sharon were able to secure our usual spot in the Bryant Building to sell raffle tickets.

The Vintage Tractor Ride will be held on June 6, and will cover approximately 38 miles through Will County. This will also include a short tour at Rad Rides by Troy in Manteno before lunch, allowing us to see their shop and the work they do building custom cars. Lunch will be available at your own expense at the Manteno American Legion, and the ride breaks will include a stop at Don Soucie’s farm and Richard and Sandy Moran’s farm.

The wheat crop at the show grounds did not fare well through the winter, and the early spring thaw out events. There appears to be enough wheat left to bind for threshing, but it does not look thick enough to combine at the show. Steve offered to let us plow the entire field and have is disked over to re-plow to allow for fieldwork to take place all day. If there is not enough wheat there to bind, 2 local farmers have agreed to let us bind wheat on their farms and haul into the show for threshing if needed.

Jim Morgan announced that there will be an October Fest in Maneno, and an area will be set aside for Antique Tractors for anyone interested to display one. More details will follow in the coming months.

Tractors for a Cure held their cash bash, where we were one of the sponsors. Our name as was drawn as a door prize winner of $100, it was suggested that we donate it back to their cause. Ron made a motion to donate the winnings back. It was seconded by Steve, and was passed by all present.

The Will County 4-H association is fundraising again, and we donated $250 last year. It has been suggested that we donate the same amount again. Ray made a motion for the donation. It was seconded by Jerry, and was passed by all present.

Andy Partak reported that the Civil War Reenactors are on track to return again this year, and will follow their demonstration schedule of the past few years, as well as leading the parade off.

There was a mistake on the WCTA calendar listing May 7 as our May meeting. The correct date will be on May 14.

Adjournment:

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

Meetings:

May 14, June 11 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM