Call to Order

Brad called the meeting to order at 7:03pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Lane called the roll. There were 10 directors, and 26 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. Alan seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported we had income including $200 towards the new tables, and $25 in dues. Expenses included $70 for a new banner for the pedal tractor raffle, and a $325 donation to Tractors for a Cure. Dennis made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Jean, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Brad reminded everyone how great the treasurers’ report was for this time of year, as not that many years back the winter made for a very lean bankroll every year.

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 2 more to go. Jack Toepper has been doing better as well; he returned for our Christmas party in January and the March meeting.

The Midwest Aero Restorations in Danville on February 28 went very well, with 20 guests in attendance. Joe Davis gave the tour, showing the steps involved in an end-to-end restoration of a P-51 Bomber aircraft. It was also explained how Packard did contract manufacturing of engines for Mercedees to speed up production of the airplanes during WWII. Of 15300 planes produced, an estimated 150 remain today. Each plane takes anywhere from 4-9 years to restore to factory operable condition.

Chuck, Brad, Fred, Brian, Russ, & Sharon represented us at the Serena Toy Show this year. They sold 44 pedal tractor tickets and 66 toy tickets. It has been suggested that we choose a classic tractor for our pedal tractor raffle next year as we have had the same modern tractor 2 years in a row.

There is still interest in a tour at Fair Oaks, as well as D-Construction’s museum, which weather and scheduling conflicts have prevented this winter.

Charlie and Bob reported that the weather wasn’t great for the Manhattan Irish Parade, but we had 18 volunteers and a great float decorated by Bev and Jeannie. Lane brought an Allis tractor to represent our feature.

Do we want to look into any other towns to participate in 4th of July parades other than Manhattan? Beecher and Monee both hold large parades and it may be the right time to advertise in other towns leading into showtime.

New Business:

Brad brought in a picture of a kid’s activity made from a small gravity wagon, which was a self-returning basketball game. Fred and his neighbor Paul have donated a wagon for us to use and add this to our kid’s area. It has been a big hit for the other shows who have used it.

Dean Bettenhausen oversees the tractor pull at the Will County Fair again this year. He would like some of our members to help with the pull, and in return will donate to the club for our efforts. This includes flagging the tractors on the track and hooking the tractors to the pull sled. Anyone interested should contact him. The pull is held on Thursday, August 27 during the Will County Fair. A motion was made by Jeff that we furnish the labor for the pull. It was seconded by Alan and was passed by all present.

Brad announced that the King and Queen for the show this year will be Russ and Sharon Jacobs in recognition of their efforts for the club.

It was noticed that we are behind on our rent for the use of the Church Hall, and with rising costs everywhere we have decided to increase our rent $100 in appreciation of the church giving us a fine space for our meetings and Christmas Party. Russ made a motion on raising the hall rental. It was seconded by Jeanie and passed by all present.

We will also be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country during the show. It has been suggested that small flags be offered to attendees of the show, as well as exhibitors who wish to mount them to their tractors. We are also looking for a crane company to help fly a large flag over the showgrounds during our show this year.

June 20th is the tentative date for the Tractor Discovery Day at TSC in New Lenox this year. Eugene at TSC will be contacting the city for the necessary permits.

The Sublette Toy Show will be held on March 14-15, and Seneca on March 21. Please let Brad know if you are interested in helping out. Allis Chalmers and Massey are the features at Sublette this year.

Please send in pictures and memories of past WCTA shows for the showbook and the calendar.

There will be another team of horses coming to the show this year to participate in fieldwork demonstrations. There is plenty of room in the horse tent for them, and Steve is looking forward to having another team around to share the activities.

Brad reminded everyone that it is time to secure new sponsors for our show. We were fortunate to pay our bills with a partial show last year, but without our generous sponsors we would not be able to hold the same quality of show.

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

Adjournment:

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

Meetings:

April 9, May 14, June 11 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM