The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Manheim Farm Show Building/Community Center

Sunday, July 11, 2021 2:00 p.m.

 

President Tom Walczak called the meeting to order at 2:17 PM, welcoming everyone.  Tom led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS:  None

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Tom reminded everyone the June 2021 Meeting Minutes are available for review on the back table; he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Bob Kuether reported there are currently 380 members, 9 more members than a year ago.

 

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Judy Kuether: Announced there are two games at the back table:  guess the covered bridge name and decade it was built in the framed picture; guess the number of candies in the large plastic container.

 

Connie McLaughlin:  Saw Hunsecker’s Mill and Pinetown Bridges.

 

Tony Abramo: Tony reported 33 people attended the safari, including out of state from Massachusetts and Maryland.  Had a good time and good weather.  Tony thanked the anonymous person(s) that paid for his and Karen’s lunch.

 

Judy Kuether:  Presented Tony with a patch of Colemanville Bridge, for leading the 2020 mini-safari.

 

John Bechtel:  Saw 20-25 cars at Poole Forge Bridge today, so it is being seen and the grounds are used.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Tom Walczak - Saw Herline Bridge which was repainted.  Visited Bank’s Bridge in Lawrence county which is still closed; abutments were re-pointed and eyebeams replaced.  It also appears the four corners are rotting; Tom will contact the County to inquire if there are plans to repair the corners.

 

First Vice President Jim Smedley:  Not present.

 

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein – Appreciated all cards and concerns for Linda during her recovery.  He sees Bogert’s Bridge frequently which looks bad and fears winds will further damage the bridge.  Also the abutment on Wehr’s Bridge has still not been repaired by PennDOT.  Green Sergeant Bridge in New Jersey is going to be repaired; includes grant monies.

Third Vice President Frank Mailey – Thanked Tony and Karen for leading another great mini safari.

 

Fourth Vice President Bob Griner – Not present.

 

Treasurer Bob Kuether – Bob thanked Tony for a great safari.  Per Judy, Registration Forms, Hotel reservation information and T-shirt order forms are on the back table for the August safari to Ohio.  T-shirt orders are due today.

 

Historian Fred Moll  -  Fred visited Greisemer’s Bridge and the Pleasantville Bridge near Oley and would give them a 75% rating for appearance.  Structurally they are in good shape- no holes in the roof and no broken beams.  However they look a little weather beaten.  

                                    

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey –  No report.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – No report.

 

NEWSLETTER:

The deadline to submit information is early October (exact date will be shared at next month’s meeting)

 

ILLNESSES/DEATHS of MEMBERS:

John Bechtel thanked all for the prayers for his wife, Beverly, who was in the hospital for three months with COVID.

 

Clyde Scheib, age 96, is on oxygen, Alda is 92 or 93 y.o.  They are in their own home with 24/7 care via hospice or family member.

 

Tom Walczak’s dad, Tony, is doing a little better, walking with a walker, and still in the nursing home.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Tom and Connie McLaughlin comprise the Nominating Committee for 2022 Officers.  Tim announced the slate of officers:  Tom Walczak is not continuing as president; Bob Griner, 4th VP wants to step down; Jim Smedley, Ray Finkelstein, Frank Mailey, Bob Kuether, Fred Moll, Pam Heisey and Pam Mailey have volunteered to continue in their current positions.  Please see Tim or Connie if you are interested in any position.  September’s meeting will include election of officers.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

September 12th meeting/annual picnic has been changed to Saturday, September 11th at Poole Forge.

 

Connie McLaughlin reported the Car Show at Poole Forge is Sunday October 17th; this also includes craft vendors, kids’ activities, and a photographer to take pictures of the cars going through the bridge.

 

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS:

Tim McLaughlin shared a book titled, The Four Seasons of Chester County which contained nice pictures of covered bridges.

 

Pat Cook thanked Tony and Karen for planning/leading the last two mini safaris; she showed the postcard she found of Red Run Covered Bridge at the Campground’s Gift Shop.

Bob Kuether announced the 2022 Calendars are for sale for $10 at the back table.  He ordered 400 calendars, and 150 are already sold in the first two months.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June’s meeting minutes were approved as presented. 

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: August 1st meeting will be at Manheim Community Center with Bob Kuether presenting “Covered Bridges of Cumberland County, Part 2”.

 

PROGRAM TODAY: Judy Kuether led the group in games including Covered Bridge Word Search, Word Scramble of Covered Bridge Structures and Covered Bridge Bingo.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, July 30, 2021.