Central Illinois Green Club

I am still working on the 501C3 for the Club. It is a little slower than I would like because of the Federal Government shutdown but we will get there. I am always looking to Club members to feature so if you would like to be that person, call me. We are always looking for a guest speaker for our meeting. If you have an idea, please let us know. I am postponing the trip to the Long ranch until better weather. I will reschedule another date soon. Al Heatherwick is putting together a trip to Waterloo to the Deere facilities there. The amount of people will be limited so contact him if you are interested. It will be a 2-day tour. I have listed a number of activities coming thru March. Don’t stare at winter, come out and enjoy some activities. Don’t forget if you have an activity or something to sell you can call me or email to craigplong@gmail.com.

Once again the Central Illinois Green Club held its annual Christmas Party. It is truly one of the best meetings of the year. The food was catered by Lestina’s Catering and as always it exceeded our expectations.  

The 2019 peddle tractor drawing prize was announced.  

The Winner of the 2018 Peddle Tractor Raffle was drawn.

The silent auction was a success as usual. Bidding was very intense for the pies and toys. As always, everyone left with a gift in hand, thanks to the donors. Many donors came forward to donate door gifts so that nobody would leave the Christmas Party empty handed. For their generosity, we would like to thank the following businesses:

Chebanse Grain – Calendars
FS Grain Calendars – Calendars & Hats
Country Chevrolet – Calendars & Hats
Scanlon – Shirts, Calendars & Hats
Dimond Insuranc – Calendars
Soil Biotics – Pens, Tablets & Letter openers
Herscher Bank – Hats, Tote Bags, Calendars & Frisbies
Dave Elliot Insurance – Calendars
Weber Printing – Tablets & Calendars
John Deere – 50 Calendars & 60 Hats
Union Hill Sls. & Serv. – Calendars
Quicks Mowing – 100 Key Chains
Stoller International – Calendars
Steiner – Hats & Shirts
Hubley’s Towing – Mouse Pads
Kankakee County FB – Calendars & Farmers Almanacs

We have several offerings of things to do for the end of the year. On Saturday November 17th, Jim LaMore will lead CIGC on a tour of F. Weber Printing Company, 450 N. Locust St., Manteno at 9:30 am. Frank has some interesting stories to tell about his father, Manteno, the Hart Parr and how he came to be in the printing business. The tractor will be the feature next year along with other Olivers at Will County Thresherman’s. Frank is a very good story teller. Those who are interested will go to Tony’s Pizza in Peotone for lunch. On December 8th we will meet at Rodney Schwark’s farm 12371 W 6000 S Rd., Herscher, for coffee and donuts at 9:00 am for a tour of his collection. Don’t miss this even if you were here last year, I am sure it has changed since then. On December 12th we will again celebrate Christmas at the Herscher Legion Community Center, 102 S. Oak, Herscher at 6:30 pm. We will have a silent auction and prizes to be given away. We will also introduce the 2019 Directors and Officers of our Club. Its not to early to think about what you may bring for the auction. Ann Roach is in charge of the evening. Please don’t hesitate to ask her what you can do to help. At this time Chuck Quick is out of the hospital and doing well. John Fulton is still in the hospital and Loretta says he is improving daily. Your good thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Lastly Katelynn Ohrt (KCC Ag) sent the following message with regard to our scholarship winner. “Thank you again for attending the breakfast this morning. KCC appreciates the Green Club’s support. The Green Club’s scholarship recipient is Piaget Felix. Piaget is a student in the agriculture transfer program.” Till next time. –– Craig

With only a few days left before Ride the River, there is still time to jump in here. We need sponsorships, riders and workers. I hope everyone has examined what they can do for the Club and feels the need to contribute. Recently we have added a ninth FFA Chapter in St. Anne, IL. We are now dividing by 9 all of the proceeds to the Chapters. It makes it that much more important to gather as many sponsors, riders and donations as possible.

On another note, I’m hoping everyone is having a great summer and has participated in some of the activities around us. Thanks to everyone who manned the Club trailer at Will County Thresherman’s and I am looking for whom ever may be taking it to Pontiac. The gathering of the Orange at Pontiac is a great opportunity for us to sell raffles and product there. Don’t forget that the 98th Herscher Parade is on September 3rd and you must send in an application. Some unfinished business of the Club will occur on Sept 2nd from 10 till 3 at the Herscher State Bank. The Wheels part of the Squeals and Wheels was rained out and our Club has agreed to help judge for them. No tractors this time as room may be an issue. Not long after the Labor Day has passed on September 8th we will be plowing at Rodney Schwark’s. Pray for rain and bring a plow and an appetite. I’m sure Rodney would appreciate some participation there. On September 9th is Ann’s tractor Ride in Beaverville and Pull in the Park in Chebanse starting at noon. I’m sure I have forgotten something but you all can remind me at the meeting August 15 in Bonfield. –– Craig

This is the busiest time of the year for tractor enthusiasts. Covered Bridge is up first for me and several other CIGC members. Right behind that is the Olde Time Farm Show featuring John Deere. It will feature members John Evans, Denny Jepson and not a member but still a good guy, Jim Hubly. John is bringing his numbered series. Some other Club members are trying to build the 20 Series and 30 Series for display. It should be fun. I will need some help on Saturday at 2 pm as CIGC has agreed to present the Tractor Games. It should also be fun. On the heals of OTFS, the Bonfield Fourth of July Celebration will occur including the Parade, tractor show and best of all, the tractor pull. Last year’s event was a really good time and a lot of members participated in many of the events. I’ll have some flyers. Historic Farm Days in Penfield will be 8 days later featuring Oliver National Summer Show. This event is always a good time and features harvesting, plowing and 2 nights of tractor pulling. On July 14th the Herscher Squeals and Wheels event happens in downtown Herscher. The features are a Car Show which CIGC helps judge, tractors and a barbeque cook off. All monies are donated to local area charities. Come join the fun. Just a week later is Will County Thresherman’s at the Spies farm in Wilton Center, IL. There will be the Show and demonstrations, tractor pull and the 6th Annual Peotone Educational Foundation and Peotone FFA Tractor Ride. That’s a mouth full. The ride benefits the FFA from Peotone Schools. The Peotone FFA Alumni will feature a ride of about 34 miles leaving from WCTA’s site and ending with a pork chop dinner. The cost is $65 including lunch (additional lunches available ($15). Call or email Jim Robbins at 815-592-8293 or jimrobbins@urbancom.net to reserve your spot. July 28th is the CIGC Ride to the Veteran’s. We will leave John Evan’s home in Bonfield and end at Manteno Veteran’s home. (I need someone to pull the trailer there). Come join us for lunch even if you don’t ride. Ride the River August 25th will frame our Summer. I still need volunteers to do odd jobs, nothing to strenuous just those pesky details. I need you guys and gals to step up a little on the Sponsors. Remember the reason we are doing this is to support our local FFAs. Smile for the camera and I’ll see you out there.  –– Craig