Chartered 21 April 1928 in Asheville, North Carolina, it later became the Blue Ridge Chapter and is the oldest active Chapter in Western North Carolina.

On August 9, 2025, at 11 a.m., the Blue Ridge Chapter held its chapter meeting at the Mills River Park in Mills River, North Carolina. It was a picnic-style meeting with everyone bringing food to share. We had hamburgs and hot dogs on the grill, and all the fixings and desserts to go along with it. Many thanks to Ken Welgarz and Karen Newhall for coordinating this successful and fun picnic.

A transfer from South Carolina, John Crotts, was introduced. We now have 96 members and are always looking for new members.

Years of Service Awards:

Alex Long, 25 years in SAR, Jim Welch, 35 years in SAR, and Bill Penny, 45 years in SAR

Updates for Earle’s Ford Marker project were shared. Larry Chapman awarded an Eagle Scout certificate to Michael Schruckmayr.

On September 13, 2025, at the Old Salem Cemetery in Fletcher, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Color Guard presented colors in a Grave Marking Ceremony for Patriot Samuel Murray. The Blue Ridge Chapter also provided the order of service, including a wreath, and rendering honors for the event. Abraham Kuykendall DAR Chapter members Connie Issacson and Karen Newhall also rendered honors. 22 people attended this solemn event.

Color Guard members who participated in this solemn event were:        Mike Burkhart, David Gallentine, David Linton, Garry Linton, and Tom Rightmyer.

On September 17, 2025, at the Old Hendersonville Courthouse in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Color Guard presented colors for the Constitution Day ceremony that was hosted by the Abraham Kuykendall Chapter of the DAR. 35 people attended this event.

                                          Color Guard members who participated were: Brett Callaway, Craig Issacson, Garry Linton, Ken Weglarz, and Jack Tate.

 

On September 19, 2025,  at the Federal Courthouse in Asheville, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Color Guard presented colors in the Naturalization Ceremony presided by Chief Judge Martin Reidinger. Of the 94 people in attendance, 38 became new citizens of the United States of America. Some of the countries they came from are:

Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, EL Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Laos, Moldova, Mexico, Nicaragua, Russia, Venezuela, Viet Nam.

 

                                         Color Guard Members who participated were: Larry Chapman, Craig Issacson, Garry Linton, Jack Tate, and Ken Weglarz. Also, member Ron Hillabrand was in attendance.

On September 24, 2025, at the Bethany Baptist School in Brevard, North Carolina, Blue Ridge Chapter Compatriot Jeff Brewer gave a PowerPoint presentation of the battle of Bunker Hill that took place on June 17, 1775.  While dressed in his Blue Ridge Color Guard uniform, Jeff also discussed the 250th anniversary of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. His presentation captivated all of the 34 students who were in attendance for this event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is easy to see that the Blue Ridge Chapter is an active, energetic, busy Chapter that is always looking for new members to help us reach our challenging goals for the recognition of the sacrifices our Patriots made for us to enjoy all the freedoms we have today.