The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

St. Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA

Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 2:00pm

 

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 2:00pm.  He welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS:  New members Eric & Betsy Weining from Honeybrook; and Steve Boyce & Barbara MacBride from Gettysburg.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bob reminded everyone the December Meeting Minutes are available for review at the meeting sign-in table; he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Judy Kuether reported there are currently 383 members for 2021-2022.

 

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Greg Williams – Greg saw Henninger Farm Bridge and reported it looks good.

Gloria Smedley – Gloria & Jim made two separate trips to Columbia County and saw all 25 of their bridges (6-7 of them had been painted within the last year).  They successfully completed the new tourism promotion, Columbia/Montour Counties “Covered Bridge Passport” Program.  You can sign up on their website; then while at each bridge, you “check in” online to verify you are at the bridge.  After checking in at 13 bridges, Gloria received an e-mail and text that they qualified for and then later received a free patch that says “I Discovered What’s Covered in Columbia & Montour Counties”.  At the end of the second day visit, having seen all the counties’ bridges, Gloria received another notification that their entries were included in a drawing for a $750 grand prize.  Also, after an overall passport check-in milestone has been reached, a $50,000 donation will be made to the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association to complete large-scale restoration work on Stillwater Bridge.

Gloria & Jim saw Rishel Bridge in Northumberland County and Sam Wagner’s in Montour/Northumberland Counties. Sam Wagner’s was closed after an oversized truck had damaged several roof braces; awaiting an assessment of the damage.

Gloria & Jim also had 2 nice day trips with Tony & Karen Abramo to see 4 covered bridges in Frederick, MD along w/Sachs and Jack’s Mountain in PA; also saw the Christmas lights at Poole Forge after dusk.

 

Joe McCarthy – Joe is starting the repairs on Hassenplug Bridge on May 14th.  Wood needs replaced; they need to be careful since the “Wetlands” around the bridge cannot be touched.  Joe received a call about possible repairs to Bartram’s Bridge; reinvestigating since it is sagging and needs a new floor.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – Bob is working on the list of bridges that need painted and what permissions are required. The list of bridges that need painted include Jack’s Mountain, Lewisburg Penitentiary, Schenk’s Mill and Greisemer’s Mill Bridges. Bob expressed thanks to Tony & Karen Abramo for finding this church for our meetings; cost is $75 per month.  Bob also thanked Judy, Jim & Gloria Smedley and Frank & Pam Mailey for helping him get items together for the Silent Auction today.

First Vice President Jim Smedley – Jim is waiting for a response from Indiana County about painting Kintersburg Bridge.  He also received an inquiry for the Society to paint South Perkasie Bridge if the funding from FEMA doesn’t include painting with the repairs.

 

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein – Ray didn’t see too many bridges outside of Lehigh County.  He reported that work is being done on Geiger’s Bridge.  Ray is also working on the Wooden Covered Spans to be issued in May 2022.

Third Vice President Frank Mailey – Frank and Pam visited Jack’s Mountain and Sach’s Bridges (both need painting).  Jack’s Mountain has peeling paint, side boards missing and another hanging.  They also visited Ramp Bridge and noted the headache bars are not in place, but working on clearing brush and trees.  Also saw Saint Mary’s Bridge in Huntington County and noted some peeling paint.

 

Fourth Vice President Tony Abramo – Tony showed the Century Link Yellow Pages Book with a covered bridge on its cover; may be Forry’s Mill Bridge.  Tony also had a postcard from Juniata County Tourist Bureau of a covered bridge.  They spent a day in Maryland to see Loy’s Station, Utica and Roddy Road Bridges; they also visited Sachs and Jack’s Mountain Bridges (in sad shape).  Tony reported Kauffman’s bridge is now repaired; also, Hunsecker’s Bridge still needs side boards repaired, that were damaged during flood.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam saw Harmony Hill Bridge and was glad to see cars crossing.

 

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – Not present

 

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

 

Historian Fred Moll – Fred visited Wertz’s Red Bridge in Berks County and reported it appeared to be in good shape.  He also visited the Pleasantville Bridge in Oley, Berks County; they have not replaced the temporary headache bar on the Pleasantville side of the bridge with a permanent headache bar.  Shirley Moll found an advertisement on the internet for a house for sale next to the Pleasantville Bridge in Oley.  The house has been up for sale for quite a while.  However not only does the advertisement show the different rooms of the house, but it also shows ten colorful photos of the covered bridge. To view, go to 2 Toll House Road Oley, PA or www.Redfin.com. 

 

NEWSLETTER: Jim Smedley reported the Newsletter was mailed February 8th and all should have received it.  The deadline to submit information for the next Newsletter is Sunday, June 5, 2022.

 

ILLNESS/DEATH of MEMBERS: (1) Steve Wolfhope fell twice and has a shoulder injury (2) Gloria Wolfhope had carpal tunnel surgery (3) Connie McLaughlin is COVID+ and continues with a slow recovery from repeat hip surgery and rehab.  (4) Alda Scheib had fluid in her lungs but is feeling better.

 

OLD BUSINESS: (1) Pam Mailey announced that the rescheduled program at the Dillsburg Library is scheduled for Monday, May 16th at 6:30.  Bob Kuether will present a Program on covered bridges, focusing on Adams/Cumberland Counties. The Library is located at 204 Mumper Ln, Dillsburg, PA 17019.  All are welcome!

(2) Jim Smedley followed up from December’s meeting to make some changes to the Bylaws.  There was no objection to bypassing the “signature process” with presenting the issues to the Executive Committee first.  Changes will be made in various areas for the Officers’ to serve a two-year term.  Also adding that a 4th designated person (Pam Mailey at this time) may cosign checks, but not the President and Treasurer if related or residing in same household, to avoid perception of a possible conflict.  This allows Judy Kuether OR Bob Kuether and either Jim Smedley OR Pam Mailey to cosign checks.

(3)  Jim Smedley and Judy Kuether are awaiting a response from the Insurance Company about who needs to be bonded in addition to the Treasurer.  She will also ask if bonding can be for less than $15,000.  Past cost for bonding was $125 for three Officers.

(4) Ray Finkelstein has drafted the next Wooden Covered Spans and shared with the Officers.  He is checking into printing costs.  The finished product will be handed out at the May 1st Anniversary Dinner.

 

NEW BUSINESS: (1) Jim Smedley announced the deadline to submit pictures for the 2023 Calendar is March 16th.  He only has a few pictures to date.

(2) Tony Abramo announced the Mini-Safari will be on May 21st to see 6 bridges in NW Lancaster County.  We will meet at Ollies beside Park City Shopping Center. There is limited parking at some bridges, so please carpool if possible.  Flyers are available at the sign-in table with more information.

(3) Gloria Smedley reported on the Annual Safari to Bucks County.  Due to hotel availability, the dates have been changed to Saturday, August 19th – Sunday, August 20th.  Rooms have been reserved for Friday and Saturday nights at the Holiday Inn Express in Quakertown (information to make reservations will be emailed soon, approximately $135/night).  The Safari will include Bucks County covered bridges, an authentic covered bridge in New Jersey, the “Box Pony” and an aqueduct.

(4) Judy Kuether mailed the request to the Governor’s Office to obtain the Proclamation for See PA Covered Bridges Week, May 7th – 15th.  TBCBSP members place displays in all 14 PA Welcome Centers for this week and PA Tourism Week.  Some Welcome Centers have also requested a permanent display.  Volunteers are needed to set-up the displays across PA; tables, display boards w/pictures and handouts are provided.  Please see Judy if you can assist.

(5) Judy Kuether announced the Anniversary Dinner will be held May 1st at Yoder’s Restaurant in New Holland.  The deadline for reservations is April 24th.

(6) Gloria Smedley talked about “Giving Tuesday” which occurs in December.  It is a designated day of giving and they match funds. She will plan to promote for TBCBSP this year.  Gloria gave a reminder to use “Amazon Smile”, selecting TBCBSP as your charity, when purchasing through Amazon.  A percentage of your purchase goes to TBCBSP.

(7) Pam Mailey is selling Easter Eggs and Chocolate Covered Pretzels, made by her church, as a fundraiser at the March and April meetings.  Please support the fundraiser and try an egg, then contact Pam to have your order bagged for the April meeting.

(8) Judy Kuether shared that she is trying to find a place for a fundraiser as was previously done at Hoss’ in Lititz; considering Hoss’ in York. 

 

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS:  (1) The Country Store has the new puzzle from Montour County for sale.  (2) Greg Williams shared a covered bridge puzzle, wooden covered bridge model, and a framed snowy covered bridge photo.  (3) Pat Cook shared a postcard of a covered bridge she was in Florida; had a 2 mile sandy road to get to it.  (4) Pam Mailey shared a ceramic tile of Dellville Bridge, a model of Knoebel’s Bridge and a writing tablet with a covered bridge as the background on each page.

 

NEXT MEETING: Next meeting will be held on April 3, 2022 at 2:00pm with the Program “Do You Know These Covered Bridges” by Bob and Judy Kuether.  An Officers Meeting is planned preceding this.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The December meeting minutes were approved as presented. 

PROGRAM TODAY:  “Rehabilitating Dreibelbis Station Bridge” by Joe McCarthy.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 4:15pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted by Pamela Mailey, Recording Secretary, March 25, 2022.