June 10, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Call to Order -Alan Heatherwick
At 6:28 pm, our President, Alan Heatherwick, called the meeting to order. He explained that he was having health problems and was turning the presidential duties over to Vice president Brad Eike. He will help Brad as much as he is able and asks everyone to pitch in to help him too. He also passed out a work list and a 2021 Show Layout. He noted that Show Buttons and plaques needed to be ordered, and he will get together with George, to ask for a picture to use for the buttons.
Roll Call -Brad Eike
Brad called the Membership meeting to order at 7:04 and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. He also called the roll and found 11 directors and 28 members and guests present.
Secretary's Report -Charlie Kestel
Charlie made copies of the May 13th meeting minutes available to all who were in attendance. Brad asked for any comments or corrections and there were none. Ron made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Lane seconded the motion, and it was passed by all present.
Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina
Fred reported income of $3000.97. Display Banners brought us $800, we had donations of $100. We collected $175 in dues, $80 from flee market, $30 from magnets, and $80 in monthly meeting donations. The Pedal tractor Raffle brought in $575.97, Tee shirts brought $35, and the Tractor Ride earned $1125. We had club expenses of $100 for Manhattan Chamber membership, office expense of $137.53, flyer printing of $183.60, Joliet Tent partial payment of $880, and website expense of $525. This leaves us a balance in the checkbook of $15,193.41. Terry made a motion to accept the report as presented. Steve Spiess seconded the motion, and it was passed by all present.
Old Business
Lane reported that there are now 30 tractors signed up for the ride. The sheriff reported that they will have 7 cars coming. We have also arranged for Craig Long, Terry Kinsella, and Rich Rainford as out-riders to help with traffic. All road commissioners were called. There are 8 members signed up to ride in our customized people mover.
John Kestel’s Farm will be our morning stop, and Rich Moran will be our afternoon stop. NDY Manufacturing will be our destination. Gene Schoup will be our host, as he is the owner, and we will have our lunch there, along with viewing some of the machines in operation. We also must thank the 8 cookie ladies, who volunteered to fatten up our farmers.
Also at the first stop, there was a planned ceremony to present an award to John Kestel. John was presented a Tractor lamp, created by Lane, and an award by American Legion Post 935, honoring him for his many years of service as a volunteer at the Abraham Lincoln Veterans Cemetery. “He is a farm kid who makes our country proud”.
New Business
Jess reminded us that we need to provide our own table and chairs to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Craft Day. We need to be there before 9 am, and we can’t leave until after 1 pm. Our purpose is to sell raffle tickets and hand out show brochures.
Al has reported that our website is receiving favorable comments.
Show items
Larry Marek was questioned on how many units he will be hauling for George, so we can anticipate what the Club expenses will be. George expects to have 15 – 18 tractors at our Show.
Al explained that the PA system needs to be on the same side as the people in the stands. We had comments that the people had a very hard time hearing the announcer last year.
We also must contact the Fire Department, and the Will County Sheriff yet. Lane says he has spoken to Mr. O’Connell at the Sheriff’s office.
Fred will order a 20 - yard dumpster from Prairie, and have it delivered on the Tuesday before the show, and have it picked up several days after.
3 tents, plus fans, will be ordered, including “a feature tent”.
Lane suggested that we display the Banners near the parking lot, for more exposure to the guests. He also will arrange to have at least 1 porta- potty at the show site a week before the show.
Lane also reported that he asked Mr. Anselc to have the blacksmith shop completed by July 1st, so we have time to install the floor.
Advertising
Kim is having trouble getting crafters & flee marketers. She reported that our $1500 which was approved will get us 16 paid ads and 8 free ads on Stations WLVI & WIVR. WFAV will be airing 4 free ads each day, from 5 am to midday. Our digital ads have gone out, and the key words are “tractor” & “antiques”. The script used has been tweaked and will begin with the “noon whistle ….”
Kim also explained that she was having trouble contacting The Daily Journal, and the Vedette. We asked her to keep trying. Brad got our ad put in the Agri-News for the first time. We will see how that goes. Jess and Kim also told us about the website WHOFISH.Com, which would place our ad for free. Terry made a motion to do that. It was seconded by Russ Jacobs and passed by all present.
The health organization approached us to see if we would be interested in having a medical presence at our show, to give out “Johnson & Johnson” Covid vaccine shots. It was discussed by the membership, and the motion was defeated.
Andy has asked if there will be firewood available for the campfires. He explained that the “union” soldiers will be the only ones there. They will need potable water and about 8 bales of straw. Russ said if there wasn’t wood available from the sawmill, they should see him. There will be a canon on display, but it won’t be fired.
Brad’s Summary
Brad says our next opportunity to sell raffle tickets will be at the Sandwich Engine Show, held June 25th and June 26th, at the fairgrounds.
After that, it is the I 7I show, held July 8 – 11. Brad and Fred will be there on Saturday. We gave Steve and Russ recognition on what a great job they were doing on the show site. It looks beautiful!
Adjournment
Pat Noonan made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Russ. It was passed by all present
Membership meetings:
July 8, 2021 at the showgrounds at 7 pm.
Show July 15 – 18,2021
OUR MEMBERSHIP YEAR BEGINS ON September 1 and ends on September 1 of the next year. Membership dues are $25. This can be paid at the show or sent to: WCTA 10917 W. Steger Rd Frankfort, IL 60423
Upcoming Events
2021 Covered Bridge Antique Power Assn. Tractor Tour June 26,2021 & June 27th.
Jean has reservation form and information available to copy.
Friends of Glen Ginder and Tractors for a Cure Memorial Tractor Ride and Show Aug. 7,2021 $50 entry fee [includes pork chop meal. Following ride & box lunch at the halfway point.
