The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Manheim Farm Show Building/Community Center

Sunday, August 1, 2021 2:00 p.m.

 

President Tom Walczak called the meeting to order at 2:08 PM, welcoming everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS:  None

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Tom Walczak reminded everyone the July 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 379 members, 8 more than a year ago.

 

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Connie McLaughlin:  Rapp’s Dam Bridge is closed since hit again; took whole portal and first 4-6 knee braces out.

 

Joe McCarthy: Rapp’s Dam Bridge had ornate portals with crown molding and gingerbread cut; will be more costly to replace.  He hasn’t heard about the contract to rehabilitate Kintersburg Bridge.  Joe is also waiting to hear of commitment for Bartram Bridge rehab. Repairs on Hassenplug Bridge will begin end of September.  Joe also received a call to put in new floor at Shearer’s Bridge.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Tom Walczak Tom has not visited any bridges since last meeting. Watson’s Settlement Bridge in Maine was destroyed by fire on July 19th; it was built in 1911. The US Postal Service is unveiling a new postage stamp of Bollinger Mill Covered Bridge in Missouri for the state’s Bicentennial.

 

First Vice President Jim Smedley:  Jim will research to order the postage stamps from Missouri of first- day issue; he will send out an email of the information.  The start to rehab the Waterford Bridge in Erie County has been delayed until spring 2022.

 

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein – No report

Third Vice President Frank Mailey – No report

 

Fourth Vice President Bob Griner – Not present.

 

Treasurer Bob Kuether – Saw Hunsecker’s Bridge, took pictures to use for a new T-shirt. Bob expressed thanks for the cards/well wishes for his 70th birthday and his/Judy’s 49th anniversary.

 

Historian Fred Moll - The headache bar (height restriction device) on Pleasantville Bridge was destroyed by an oversize garbage truck; it has been 18 months since the last time this was hit and saved the bridge.  Fred previously wrote to the Berks County Commissioners, suggesting they move the device away from the abutments to save future repair costs by a stone mason; the reply was a break-away device was going to be installed.  Fred also suggested they install a camera.  

 

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey   No report.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – No report.

 

NEWSLETTER: The deadline to submit information is October 3rd.

 

ILLNESSES/DEATHS of MEMBERS: Paul Styer from Shermansdale passed away.

 

OLD BUSINESS: Bob Kuether presented gifts to Gloria Smedley and Steve Wolfhope as appreciation for their years of service as officers; 6 yrs. for Gloria, Recording Secretary and 6 yrs. for Steve, 3rd VP. 

 

Tim and Connie McLaughlin comprise the Nominating Committee for 2022 Officers.  Connie announced the slate of officers:  Tom Walczak is not continuing as president; Bob Griner, 4th VP also 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.  Nominations are being accepted.  Please see Tim or Connie if you are interested in any position.  Current officers can also run for a vacant position.  September’s meeting will include election of officers.

 

SAFARI: Jim Smedley announced the Safari to SE Ohio is still on for August 28 to 30, 2021.  Reception meeting will be Friday August 27th, at 7:00 p.m. to go over Safari guidelines and cover any last minute information. We will need to adjust to any mask mandates, so be sure you have a mask along.  About 35 people have submitted their registration fees to date. 

 

NEW BUSINESS: Bob Kuether showed a covered bridge quilt that was donated to the Society.  It will be raffled off at December’s meeting.  Tickets are on sale now – 3 tickets for $1.

 

October Meeting will be at Manheim Community Center, starting at 2:00 p.m.

 

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: Greg Williams shared a NH covered bridge picture from flea market. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July meeting minutes were approved as presented.

NEXT MEETING: Saturday September 11th at Poole Forge for annual picnic.  Bring your own paper products, silverware and beverages.  A decision will be made after the Ohio Safari if will still be potluck.

 

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

PROGRAM TODAY: Bob and Judy Kuether presented a power point of pictures and information on “Covered Bridges of Cumberland County, Part 2”.

 

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, September 14, 2021.