Matthew reminded everyone that elections were taking place today and encouraged everyone to cast their vote for Assistant Director and Secretary. He also told everyone that there were sheets available at the front of the Dealership listing all the up coming Toy Runs for 2025. Matthew told the Chapter that $3616 has been spent on bikes for the Smoky Mountain Toy Run so far. The remainder of the money will be spent on Black Friday.
Steve Larson, General Manager of Asheville Harley Davidson, talked about the specials going on in Parts and in Service. Tiffany Walker talked about the new Real Tree merchandise that’s now available in Motor Clothes.
Steve Short, Treasurer, announced that we have $17,235 in the bank.
Secretary, Marcia Pruitt, reminded everyone that there are still some decals available.
Matthew Mims read some thank you notes from some Veterans that were on the last Blue Ridge Honor Flight, and one from Craig and Dawn Dills.
Robert Schweikert, Head Road Captain, thanked all the Road Captains that had led rides since our last meeting. He also gave some information on riding staggered. Robert awarded Sarah Malak with her Road Captain patch.
Michael Wilson, Safety Officer, gave a great, little talk on, “It’s Fall, Y’all!” Michael spoke about being safe while out riding this time of year, especially since we still have some roads closed and/or in disarray from Helene. Tourist are even more prevalent this time of year, and they’re not paying much attention to their driving, they’re more focused on viewing the leaves. There is also the chance of running into wet leaves on the roadway. Walnuts and acorns are also riding hazards during the Fall.
Membership Officer, Cara Wilson, announced that we have 135 members.
Sarah Malak, Merchandise Office and Digital Content Officer, has redone the merchandise portion of the website. Preorders are also starting on the Mad Cow Ride shirts.
Activities Officer, Sandra Mims, talked about all the upcoming Toy Runs. Be sure to get a selfie with Santa at each Toy Run and send the pictures to Kristen for a drawing in December. Our January Party will be on January 10, 2026 at the American Legion Hall. The snow date will be January 17th. More info will be soon coming. The annual Santa Sock Exchange will be on Thursday, December 11th. Bring a pair of clean stocks to trade, or steal, with others. You can stuff your socks with goodies, but you’re not obligated to do that.
Winners of the Door Prizes were: Shelly Dodson, Mike Wilson and Lee Barrett.
Volunteers for the Smoky Mountain Toy Run should be at Kearfott by 9:30, doors open at 10.
Kristen Schweikert announced that the October Challenge is a Fruit Stand. Find a fruit stand, take your picture with the stand in the background and forward those pictures to Kristen. The winner of the September Challenge Ride, a Ferris Wheel picture, was Tim Pruitt.
The winner of the 50/50 drawing was Matthew Mims.
There will not be a November meeting. We will meet next on Saturday, December 13th on the Party Porch.
Our newly elected Officers are Michael Wilson, Assistant Director, and Kristen Schweikert, Secretary. Congratulations to them both. We all look forward to then serving our Chapter.
The meeting was adjourned.
Marcia Pruitt
Secretary
Smoky Mountain HOG #3002