Chapter U had a good turnout for a monthly chapter meeting a week earlier than usual...28 folks!  What a fun group as we spent the first hour meeting and greeting old acquaintances and new!  There was even a beginning of a joke contest in the back row of the meeting room! 

               Great Turnout!!                                                Bill checking his plate!

The chapter meeting opened with Mike Mills leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Brad started the chapter meeting with a great deal of good humor (Jill's trike is still apart in the garage!) and we moved through chapter news and updates on long-sleeve chapter wicking shirt possibilities, and upcoming training possibilities (Mid-Winter Round-Up, parking lot practice, First Aid/CPR and Road Captains training).  A highlight of Senior Chapter Educator Charlie Brown's update was the presentation of Rider Education Level I and II to Tom Byrd and Level I to Nancy Byrd, and Rider Education Level I to Mike Mills and Co-Rider Education Level I to Ako Mills.  Congratulations guys for committing to ride safe!

           Mike & Ako getting Level 1 awards                    Tom & Nancy getting Level 1 and 2 awards

Mike Mills, Ride Coordinator, reviewed recent rides and gave us an update on the ride schedule until the end of the year.  Dave Weaver, Membership Enhancement Coordinator, talked about easy ways to keep and pass out information about our chapter to other Gold Wing riders, and the details of the upcoming Christmas party.  Treasurer Martha Gover said we had plenty of money in the chapter account as no one had asked for any (at which time several hands reached out and voices asked for money!).  Martha also had different tack pins and vest chains for sale in the chapter store. 

Ride coordinator Mike Mills talking.                                        Jill doing a dance?!!

             You goin' to eat that shrimp or what?               Our new webmaster, Reynaldo Espinosa

In the midst of drawing numbers for door prizes, we found out Lydia Harris, a second time meeting attendee, had her birthday so the Golden Corral staff came in and we all sang Lydia Happy Birthday!  We had the good fortune to again have many donations of door prizes from members such as Ron and Maria DeLaughter, Tom & Nancy Byrd, Duke & Chela Thompson as well as our corporate sponsors Joe Harrison and CycleRider. 

 

     John & Lydia Harris!                                   Duke & Chela smiling as always!

 

       Bill & Jane Johnson                                          Ron & Maria DeLaughter

Our monthly gathering ended about 8 pm with lots of hugs and handshakes.  As we scatter all directions, we give thanks for the many fun and safe times we have had this year.  We also give thanks for new volunteers who have stepped forward to help with the chapter duties and activities.  Reynaldo Espinosa has volunteered to be the Chapter Webmaster and JD Kvapil has volunteered to coordinate our first chapter rally when we put one on.

 

        Sue & Brent Lyons                                             Our treasurer, Martha Gover

Most of all, we are thankful for everyone who is part of Chapter U, both those who were at the meeting tonight and those who couldn't be with us but were with us in thoughts and spirit!  Happy Thanksgiving 2007!