Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Manheim Farm Show Building/Community Center

Sunday, November 7, 2021 2:00 p.m.

 

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 2:06 p.m.  He welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS:  None

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bob Kuether reminded everyone the October 2021 Meeting Minutes are available for review at the back table; he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Judy Kuether reported there are currently 273 members for 2021-2022, including 9 new members this month, 19 less members than a year ago.

 

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Heather Watkins:  Heather and Paul visited 3 bridges in Sullivan County; all in good shape and Sonestown Bridge had been repaired and is open to traffic.

 

Greg Williams:  Saw the fire damaged Waggoner’s Mill.

 

Pat Cook: Saw Waggoner’s Mill, Kauffman’s Distillery, Adairs and New Germantown bridges.

 

Tim Cohen:  Saw Smith Bridge which is still open, despite repairs not done.

 

Connie McLaughlin: Reports Harmony Hill Bridge is still closed.  Also, saw a bridge in Burlington VT.  She was in Glimmerglass State Park near Cooperstown, NY, but didn’t see any signs for the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge.  Jim shared the bridge is the oldest bridge in existence.

Bonnie Shultz:  Bonnie shared an article from Country Extra Magazine about Ashtabula, OH covered bridges.

 

Fran Krecek:  Fran is from Lancaster County Visitor’s Center and reported she is giving out more information about covered bridges with increased interest.

 

Ted and Beth Smith:  Saw Cornwall Bridge in CT; also saw a covered bridge in Upper Sheffield, MA that had a sign posted indicating the first UFO incident occurred here (verified as true).

 

Dave Evans: Shared the Uncovering PA link by Jim Sheine that includes waterfalls and about 15 covered bridges with directions to get to them.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether: Bob is busy with the Country Store and membership dues.

First Vice President Jim Smedley:  Jim doesn’t have any update on Waggoner’s Mill Bridge.

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein: Ray saw Rock (nice) and Zimmerman’s (weathered) bridges in Schuylkill County.

Third Vice President Frank Mailey: No report.

 

Fourth Vice President Tony Abramo: No report.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey: The Officers’ Annual Reports are available for review.

 

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey:  Pam thanked everyone for the food donations that her church will take to the Manheim Central Food Pantry.

 

Treasurer Judy Kuether: No report.

 

Historian Fred Moll: No report.

 

ILLNESSES/DEATHS of MEMBERS: Ray Finkelstein reported fellow member of the White Hill Historical Society and past member of TBCBSP, Jeff Donat, passed away last week.  Michael Chorazy reported Ruth Ann Miner, previous governor of DE, passed away at age 86; she was instrumental in having the Smith Bridge rebuilt.  Bob Kuether reported Doris Taylor shared that Peggy Taylor is in a long term care home with Alzheimers (see Bob for address).  Frank Mailey has blocked arteries in legs and heart; will see surgeon next week to determine next steps.  Jim Smedley thanked everyone for the cards after his 2 serious falls and the death of his 99 year old mother.

 

OLD BUSINESS: Bob Kuether reported the Bloomsburg Covered Bridge Festival (October 6-9) was successful; we had double the display space and almost $9,000 in sales.  He thanked the helpers:  Frank/Pam Mailey, Doris Musselman, Ray/Linda Finkelstein, Tony/Karen Abramo and Tim/Connie McLaughlin. Bloomsburg charges a mercantile tax for sales over $5,000; the society only owed $5.92.

 

Judy Kuether reported the Holiday Luncheon will be December 12th at Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet in New Holland with a Sunday Brunch, gather starting at 11:00 a.m. and meal beginning at 11:30 a.m.  Judy will email the list of attendees for the Christmas card exchange. If you paid for the 2020 Anniversary Dinner that was cancelled due to COVID, see Judy so your money is credited to this meal.

 

HONORING of VETERANS:  Pam Mailey led the ceremony.  The following were honored for their service to our country as a soldier, protector and hero:  Ray Finkelstein, Air Force; Don Gunzenhauser, Army; Tina Conn, Navy; Bob Kuether, Army; Jim Smedley, Army Reserve; Ted Smith, Army.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Bob Kuether announced we will decorate the Historic Poole Forge Covered Bridge, gazebo and place a Christmas tree in the mansion on Saturday November 20th starting at 9:00 a.m. We need volunteers to climb ladders to hang garland and wreaths.  We will also address dues reminder cards and prepare bags for the Christmas card exchange.  The Country Store will be at the Christmas Craft Show at the Harrisburg Farm Show Building from December 1-5.  Connie McLaughlin’s sister works at a College near Ohio and asked about having a speaker for a Zoom class about covered bridges.  Connie asked for anyone that would be interested to contact her.

 

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: Tina Chandler reported that Tractor Supply has popcorn tins with a covered bridge picture.  Steve Wolfhope said the 2021 World Guide is out and includes a new PA bridge in Jefferson County.  The Guides will be available for $15 at the Executive Board Meeting on November 13th and the December 12th Holiday Luncheon. 

 

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

PROGRAM TODAY: Power point presentation by Jim Smedley of Old Covered Bridge Post Cards.

 

NEXT MEETING: Holiday Luncheon on Sunday, December 12th at 11:00 AM at Yoder’s Restaurant and Buffet in New Holland. The Executive Board Meeting will be Saturday, November 13th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Manheim, from 9:30AM – 3:00PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, November 29, 2021