Historian

Newsletter December 2023

1.  Several members met at TTHD on November 22, 2023 to give Karen from Epworth Children's Home the money that was raised for them.  Activities Director Charity presented Karen with the check.  Katie presented Karen the "Welcome Boxes" that had been made.  Several bags of cleaning supplies, etc were also donated.  We filled up Karen's truck and back seat.  Karen thanked us.  

2.  After the November meeting several members enjoyed a nice ride to Wild Heart Brewing in Hartsville.  Thank you to Tracy for suggesting Wild Heart Brewing and leading us on the ride.  

3.  After the December meeting several members enjoyed a ride to Blaney's Wings & Grillin Elgin, SC.  Thank you to Cal for planning and leading the ride when asked only a couple of days before the meeting.  Even though he had other plans he changed them and lead the ride for the chapter.

4.  Kevin T, Walt B, Tracy B, Dale H, Kathy H, Kurt S, Katie H, Jody H, and Michael B helped build a wheelchair ramp for Gordon after the December meeting.  Deanna B sent a lasagna.  Thunder Tower paid for the supplies.

5.  Several members rode in the Elgin Catfish Stomp (Christmas parade) parade.  Thanks to Walt for taking point on this and making it a success.  Walt and Kevin did a great job decking out Kevin's truck with the flag and banners.  It looks like everyone enjoyed being in the parade.  Thanks to Nancy and TTHD for paying our entry fee.   

6. The State Park Destinations Challenge is in full swing; it is riding to each South Carolina State Park.  Several members have already posted pictures on the Facebook Group Page of them at many of the state parks.  This is a great way to ride our bikes and see the beauty our state has to offer.  Some members have completed the Challenge and others are getting close.  Dale and Kathy completed it a few months ago.  Kurt and Katie completed it last month.   

7. We are still taking suggestions for rides for next year.  If you have any ideas for where to ride and a route, please speak up at the meeting.  You may have heard that the person suggesting the ride has to lead it.  All members are definately welcome to plan and lead a ride, but this is not required.  All that is needed is that the member works with the chapter to plan the ride and work with the person that will lead the ride.  

8. Charity is always looking for activities for us. If anyone has any ideas for chapter activities, please reach out to Charity. 

9. As most people know, our Director, Gordon, was in a serious accident while riding his trike the morning of August 16, 2023.  A vehicle pulled out in front of him on Percival Road.  He was wearing a helmet.  He suffered serious brain injuries.  

On October 18, 2023 he was transported via ambulance to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta.  A group of Thunder Riders followed the ambulance to the state line.  

Gordon is scheduled to come home on December 12, 2023.

Becky’s update from December 2, 2023.

Gordon has been working hard in therapy this week! Unfortunately, I’ve been home sick all week, and both the boys have influenza B. It’s been a challenging week at home. I am trying to get everything ready for Gordon’s return home on the 12th. Thankfully the date was pushed up a few days. The doors will be widened this week and a ramp will be installed on Saturday. I hear from staff that Gordon’s appetite is improving. 

10.  Custom patches have been made in honor of Gordon.  

Here is the finished product! Aren't they gorgeous? The dark green ribbon symbolizes TBI awareness.

Becky had them at the December meeting.  The price for Thunder Riders is $15 each and they can be purchased directly from Becky M. 

11. Thunder Tower Harley Davidson had their Christmas Party on Dec. 16th at 6:00pm. They invited the HOG Chapter to join them and we enjoyed some good food a fellowship.  

12.  Several members rode in The Blue Knights SC-1 US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Ride on December 3, 2023. 

13. Thanks to Charity, Walt and Ann for volunteering to wrap presents at TTHD.

14. Several members volunteered or came out to the TTHD Customer Appreciation Day November 18, 2023.  Thanks to everyone that came out! Good fellowship.

15. Tracy, Deanna, Kurt, Katie, and Elva volunteered to answer the phones for Families Helping Families. They did a shift the evening of November 29, 2023 at WIS TV.

16. Congratulations to Elva for getting her reward of $250 off scheduled, routine maintenance for over 5,000 miles logged in the Thunder Riders Mileage Challee.

17.  Congratulations to Jessie on getting his reward of a free quick bike detail for over 1,500 miles logged in the Thunder Riders Challenge.

18. An article about the Inaugural Tower to Tower/GOTCHA Ride and it was published in the November issue of Carolina Chrome magazine. You can see it on their website chromesc.com. Hardcopies of the magazine are available in the rack at the entrance of TTHD.