Start an Engine Club - Why Not!

Now for the disclaimer! Like those financial statements you get at year-end I am offering the same advice. If you intend to accept donations, have paid employees and accumulate property and assets etc. you should obtain professional tax advice. Dealing with the complexities of the tax regulations is beyond the scope of this article as well as my knowledge (furthermore, it does not make for interesting reading).

So how is the club doing? It's a little like build it and they will come as our membership has been steadily growing to reach 90 members as word gets around. As the club builds up and reaches a critical mass it helps sustain it, attract new members and makes for more interesting club meets.

From my experience, these are the benefits to starting a club:

• It widens your circle of friends and guarantees you will meet a lot of interesting people.
• Help in finding parts, trading engines or providing leads on that engine still way back in a barn.
• Unlimited advice - priceless.
• Support of local community. Helps in the success of town events, county shows historical and education events.
• Club engine show. Provides a venue for members to show off their engines and the public to see a wide variety of antique engines and related equipment. (This is how I got hooked, I became fascinated by the ingenuity of the hit and miss engine).
• Easier to get up a car pool to attend engine shows now gas prices are major cost.
• Stimulate interest in our young folk; bring them back from the virtual world of video games to the reality of practical skills - hopefully.
• Providing its members social events and workshops to keep the interest alive during the winter season - a must in Vermont.