August 4, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Download a PDF of the minutes here
Call to Order -Alan Heatherwick
Our meeting was called to order, at 7:02 pm, by our president Alan Heatherwick. He also led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call -Brad Eike
Brad called the roll, and found 9 directors, and 29 members and guests present.
Secretary's Report -Charlie Kestel
Due to the fact that our computer was dead, and the July meeting was all about planning the upcoming show, I was unable to publish the minutes before the next meeting. They have since been written, and will be in the website.
Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina
Fred reported income of $22,695.10 coming from banner sales, donations, flea market, gate monies, and dues, etc. Our expenses totaled $8,613.84. That came from advertising, club expense, garbage, and show expense, magic show and petting zoo etc. leaving us a balance of $35,449.48 in the check book.
Old Business
Brad started the meeting by saying what a great Feature Tent display we had. The Parade of Power was good, but Dan still had a little trouble with the paperwork we gave him to work with.
This year our “kid’s tent” was the crown jewel of our show. The Presidents of the I & I, Sycamore, and Pontiac shows were here to check us out, and commented that their shows had nothing to interest the women and children. The Petting Zoo was excellent, and Steve’s horses were very good for the show too.
There was discussion about the gate admission fees. Larry suggested that we keep the kid’s entrance charge cheap, so that we attract more families.
Ron was asked about the sled parts, and he reported that we are still waiting.
Lane reported that the parking went very well. Thanks to Abby Cowger and Melvin Meinheit, who supervised the FFA volunteers, and kept the cars rolling in, and off Rt. 52. This year we parked the cars first, and then funneled our visitors thru an admission gate.
Andy Rousonelos commented that the bundling and threshing went well, and reminded us that the threshing machine needs some repair.
Ron Schubbe was in charge of corn shelling, and he said it was good. The corn crib needs to be pressure washed, and painted before we fill it again. Also the crib roof needs to be repaired.
Andy Partak said that 118% of his Civil War enactors showed up. Even though they only camped for 1 day, before the rain fell, they developed good stories to use for coming years.
Lane thanked Steve for burning the straw pile, and then moving the fire pile to allow the 12 plows that showed up, to turn the entire field black for the coming year’s wheat planting.
Al mentioned that he got new locks for the “Dolly Madison” trailer, and the new keys will be given to the directors after the election. He also mentioned the need for a locking system for the display cabinets in the feature tent.
Jay said that the people movers worked great.
The office floor has another soft spot developing, so we will need a work crew to make repairs before the next show.
The Club rented a small shed from the Hillers, that sits next to the parking area. We have made repairs and added locks. We will store posts, fence panels, etc. in it to free up more room in the storage trailer for more fragile supplies.
Al announced that he will retire from the presidency this year. This year we have more people interested in becoming directors than in past years, so we will be putting their names on a ballot, to be voted on at the picnic meeting.
Next year’s featured tractor was brought up. It was suggested that we choose it two years out. It was suggested that we have Minnies next year, but the decision was tabled until later, so we can do some more research. It was made official after the meeting that we will feature Minneapolis-Moline.
Bob Borms suggested the Club should buy grass seed to fill in the worn spots that developed from our show at Spiess Farm. Chuck Uthe made a motion that we buy grass seed for this purpose. It was seconded by Andy R. and was passed by all present.
Larry suggested that “Plan B” could be parking people at the church parking lot and bussing our visitors in during rain events. It was tabled for now, but the directors will consider it when they meet later.
Jess told us that there was a lot of traffic on our web sites. We had a very successful marketing and PR campaign. We spent less on ads this year. A big thank you goes to Joanne Probst for taking charge of shirt sales at the show.
Mecum made a $1500 donation to our show, and now they need about 5 people to be parking attendants at the Schaaf Mecum Gone Farmin’ auction. Please contact Lane if you are able to volunteer. Lane will talk to Bill to get more info. Jess will contact mecum also.
Brad’s Comments
Brad says he is proud of the Threshermen’s Club. All the hard work that they did, the money they raised, and all the great help provided. Al also wanted to thank everyone who made this show a success.
Adjournment
At 8:37 pm, Jeff Brandau made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Russ Jacobs and was passed by all present.
Upcoming Events
We were also reminded of the Don Werner Sr. Memorial Tractor Ride on August 6th. Our people mover will be used there.
Dave Wierman reminded us that the “Ride the River” event will be Held August 20th and will start at the Kankakee Fair Grounds.
Jason Zimmer announced that there will be a Golf Outing at the Oak Springs Golf Course on August 23rd.
Will County Fair starts August 24-28th. We will have an exhibit at the fair and be driving golf carts for the parking lot. Volunteers should contact Lane.
Our next Show dates are July 20-23,2023.
WCTA Annual Meeting & Member Picnic will be September 11, 1PM, at Charles Kestel Farm 10917 W. Steger Rd. Frankfort, IL.60423. Burgers, brats, hot dogs & beverages will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to pass. Any questions can be answered by Jean at 815-735-6013, or Charlie at 815 735 6050.
