Call to Order

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

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Andy called the roll. There were 10 directors, and 25 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. Jerry made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Jay seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported no income for the month. Expenses included $25.25 for drinking water for volunteers, and $500 for rent on the shed where the threshing machines and other items are stored. Al made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Pat, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Brad thanked everyone for coming while fieldwork was still a big priority, especially with many getting a late start on harvest. He also reported that John Cronin is still doing well, but not getting around much, but he always appreciates visitors when they are in Joliet. Monroe is on the mend following his lymphoma treatments, and Charlie reported that Roger is still not doing well, and has a broken arm.

We are pleased to welcome Kyle Lipowski to the board of directors, he and his family have become staples at the show, especially during setup and teardown.

Jay gave a review of the Peotone Old Mill festival that he and Lane attended. They brought a few of the small engines for a display and had one running. They also passed out information about our show.

There were 65 members and their guests at our picnic at Charlie and Jeannie’s in September, and a round of applause was given for hosting us again. An excellent potluck meal was enjoyed by all with nice weather.

Brad offered a recap on the last few years of our raffle. In 2023 we sold 3296 Pedal Tractor tickets, with no toy offered. In 2024 2177 Pedal Tractor tickets were sold, and 328 Tool Set tickets. In 2025 we sold 1458 Pedal Tractor tickets, and 632 Toy tickets. In 2026 we sold 2276 Pedal Tractor tickets, and 831 Toy tickets. We want to thank all of our great helpers at toy shows, the Will County Fair, and many other events for their hard work selling raffle tickets and promoting our organization.

It has been suggested that we put up more informational signs at the show, as well as a few on-site maps to help guests navigate the show grounds. Many of them never make it beyond the kids area, food vendors, or the tractor line-up. It was also commented that the parade through the grounds instead of on the track was a big hit.

Andy is still working on updating our asset list for insurance purposes. Anyone who is storing items for the club should speak to him so that he can make an appointment to document what is stored at different locations.

New Business:

The paint has not held up well on the corn crib, after only a few years. We will need to explore options for repainting the wood siding with more durable paint or replacing it with galvanized crib siding in between our 2027 show, and filling it for the 2028 show.

There are plans to fill the crib with ear corn for our 2027 show soon after the meeting, Ron will assemble his usual crew when the field has been opened up.

We are looking into ads in the Harvester Highlights and Red Power magazines to encourage IH collectors to attend our IH feature at the show.

The Vintage Tractor Drive will be held on June 5, departing from the show grounds. Anyone with suggestions on a destination, or a breakpoint should see Lane.

Please start thinking about the silent auction at the Christmas Party, to be held on Sunday January 10. All proceeds will benefit the club.

Brad announced that the Dyersville Toy Show will be held November 6-8. Newark Toy Show will be held November 23, and we could use volunteers to sell raffle tickets there. Bloomington Toy Show will be held November 27-28.

Now is the time to start talking to sponsors for next year, the last 2 years they have kept us afloat with poor gate attendance due to the weather.

We donated $170 last year to Wreaths Across America to place Wreaths on Veteran’s graves in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, and we would like to continue to support them. Jeannie made a motion to match our donation from last year. It was seconded by Ron and was passed by all present.

Fred brought in our half sheet flyer for approval, and no changes were made. He will have copies printed.

Bob, Ron, Russ, Charlie, and Lane hauled the donated threshing machine to Steves to replace the rusted one that our show sign has been on for several years.

Adjournment:

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

Meetings:

November 12, December 10 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM