The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting and Annual Holiday Dinner

Sunday, December 11, 2022

 

The TBCBSP’s Annual Holiday Dinner was held at Yoder’s Restaurant/Buffet in New Holland, beginning at 11:30 a.m.; 61 people were in attendance for a brunch buffet followed by the monthly meeting.

 

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS:  Guests included Irene Hull, Bob Kuether’s cousin; Nancy Small; Paul Garber, new member.  Members Bill and Jenn Caswell were present from NH and the National Society.  Jim Smedley acknowledged those who traveled a distance and from out-of-state.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bob Kuether reminded everyone the November 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 were 2 new members in November 2022, Cindy and Homer Beard, giving a total of 316 members paid for 2022-2023.  This is 43 more members than 1 year ago.

 

MEMBERS’ REPORTS: 

Betty Miller – Betty saw Dreibelbis Bridge and said it was certainly worth the trip.

 

Joe McCarthy – Joe and four car loads of family members drove to see Poole Forge Bridge lit-up at night.  They also saw Speakman #1 Bridge.

 

Pat Cook – Pat spoke of an article about Perry County bridges and the $1 million for rehabilitation.  Also, she had 2 periodicals with covered bridge stories.

 

Connie McLaughlin – Connie took her Mom to see Poole Forge, both during the day and at night, lit-up. Her Mom really enjoyed it.  She also saw Speakman #1 Bridge which looks good.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – No report.

 

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – No report.

 

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – No report.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – No report.

 

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – No report.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam shared an article/picture from Antiques News that Witman Auctioneers in Manheim sold an Abner Zook 1990 Covered Bridge winter scene, 3-dimensional diorama for $17,000.

 

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – Pam said Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

 

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

 

Historian Fred Moll – Fred presented a power-point program on Berks County Covered Bridges and the TBCBSP at the Berks History Center on December 10th with 60-70 in attendance.  All were pleased with the presentation and shared memories; 16 brochures were picked-up so he is hoping for some new members.

 

NEWSLETTER EDITORS:  Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Winter Edition of PA Crossings Newsletter is Sunday February 5th.

 

ILLNESS/DEATH of MEMBER(S): (1) Jim Smedley spoke to members about Anita Ford; she thanked all for the well-wishes/cards and still has a “long-road ahead”.  (2) Joanne McCarthy is isolating due to a respiratory flu.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

(1) Bob Kuether reported all 2023 Calendars are sold. He thanked Jim Smedley and the Committee for coordinating the Calendar, reviewing and selecting the photos. Jim Caswell has Calendars available from National Society for $10. 

 

(2) Jim Smedley needs photos for the 2024 Calendar (due mid-March). If the Committee doesn’t receive sufficient photos for the 2024 Calendar, we may discontinue the calendar after 2024.

 

(3) Bob Kuether said the Country Store did not have a booth at December’s Christmas Show due to manpower, increased costs with new management and his injury.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

(1) Judy Kuether presented Sara Beth Kohut as new Life Member #107.

 

(2) Bob Kuether said volunteers are needed to remove the decorations at Poole Forge (bridge and gazebo) on January 7, 2023, starting at 10:00 a.m.; January 14th is the back-up date.

 

(3) The Executive Board approved for 2 issues of the Wooden Spans to be published for May and December 2023.  Ray Finkelstein handed out a survey, seeking information to include in the publications.

 

(4) Jim Smedley talked about the 2023 Safari to VT from Saturday, September 23rd to Monday, September 25th.  Hotel reservations should be made from Friday to Sunday nights at Sunset Motor Inn (see Jim’s e-mail). The Safari will end Monday between White River Junction in E. VT and Rutland in W. VT.  You must book your own hotel if staying in the area for Monday evening.

(5)  Bob Kuether explained that the suggestion was made at the Officers’ meeting to have members volunteer for a “Show and Tell” to talk for 5 minutes about their collection or an item/hobby important to them; this was done under a previous president.  Gloria Smedley will share at the March 2023 meeting.

 

(6)  Connie McLaughlin’s friend, Dale, is a Civil War re-enactor; he is available to present a program on Covered Bridges during the Civil War.  Jim will check on the schedule for 2023 and contact Connie.

 

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS:

Pam Mailey showed an 11” x 17” poster of PA’s Covered Bridges that was purchased from Medieval Mapmaker at December’s Christmas Show (cost $20).

 

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The November 2022 minutes were approved as presented.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, December 20, 2022.