The Scoop
President’s Report - Spring 2023
It has been a busy spring for our Chapter 7 members. Our Indiana winter for the most part was mild, but spring has seen some unusual weather. As always farmers continue to find ways to deal with the unexpected events. On March 5th we had our 2023 First Quarter meeting at the MCL Cafeteria on the south side of Indianapolis. Approximately 30 members and guests enjoyed the always outstanding meal and service provided by MCL. Minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer’s report were read and approved. Neil Rissler, our membership chairman reported that we have 207 members. Unfortunately, we only have 141 good phone numbers that our call reminder service can reach. Therefore, updating phone numbers and e-mail addresses needs to be a priority this year. Tom Smith, our newsletter editor reported through President Villwock that the printing and paper costs of publishing our newsletters are exceeding the costs of our dues. He is asking for suggestions on how to lower the expense as some members still like getting a printed copy. A good discussion followed, and some of the members were going to research a cheaper source for getting the newsletter sent out. A similar discussion was held on the cost of our licensing agreement to maintain our website address. All agreed that they like our website, ihcin7.net, but some thought we could find a more reasonable price from another licensing vendor when our contract expires. We applauded the outstanding job our webmaster, Tonya Shank, does for us and the promptness and accuracy of anything we send her.
Scholarship chairman Randy Barrett believes we may be getting 4 applications for our scholarship this spring. Finally, we had a good discussion on the insurance requirements for exhibiting at the 2023 Red Power Roundup, in Grand Island Nebraska this June. It was reported that there has been some confusion on exhibitor/vendor insurance requirements at the show. It was expressed strongly that requiring additional insurance above and beyond what the National IH Collectors Club has, could greatly diminish those wishing to exhibit. It was agreed that any members wishing to exhibit at RPRU this year should contact those in charge directly before going.
Our use of postcard reminders is getting so expensive, we are continuing our plan to use the automated calling service. Neil Rissler our membership chair coordinated with the calling service and said that the biggest challenge is getting our membership’s phone number listing updated. Neil also said he would work with the company to get his number listed on the caller I.D., instead of the calling service’s number in Oklahoma.
Mark and Dawn Dieckman, co-chairs of our Chapter 7 table reminded us that the State IH Show will be held in conjunction with the Pioneer Engineer Club’s 75th Anniversary Show near Rushville on August 3,4,5 & 6. Since Mark is the show chairman and Dawn is also a critical part of the show, they will need volunteers to man our table since they will be extra busy during that time. Mark says since this is the 100th anniversary of the Farmall Regular, they would like to see a big turn out of Regulars that will be in a special section. Dawn also issued a challenge that she would like to see the number of RED tractors exceed the 300 mark set last year by John Deere collectors. They expect over 600 tractors of all colors at the show this year.
The next Chapter 7 meeting will be our Second Quarter meeting and will be hosted at Don and Joyce Villwock’s farm on June 10th. Everyone is encouraged to come from 10 to 3 with lunch and drinks being provided at noon by the Villwocks. Their address is 11600 N Freelandville Road, Edwardsport, IN 47528. Please RSVP to Don by June 1st if you plan to attend the dinner. Cell# 812-881-8034
Our Third Quarter meeting and State IH Show will be at the Pioneer Engineer Club Showgrounds near Rushville on Aug 3-6. The Chapter 7 meeting being at 11 A.M. on the 5th .
I wish everyone a great spring and safe planting season. Hopefully, our paths will cross, and we can swap some IH stories.
Don Villwock
812-881-8034
In the Barn
Some of my favorite tractors
Some of my favorite tractors
Some of my favorite tractors
Much like one's kids,
Some of my favorite tractors
Some of my favorite tractors
"I love them all"
Some of my favorite tractors
"I love them all"