Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA

Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm

Bob Kuether, President called the meeting to order at 1:58 pm, welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. No new members or guests were present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bob Kuether reminded everyone the May 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 373 members paid for 2022-2023.

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS:

Tim McLaughlin – Tim and Connie saw the following bridges: Willow’s, Leaman Place, Lime Valley, Jack’s Mountain and Sach’s which is weathered and needs some boards replaced.

Paul Garber – Paul is Administrator of the Mennonite Visitors Center. He had a question about which covered bridge is closest to the Center - Kurtz’s Mill is. Also, there is a produce stand near Erb’s Bridge.

Tom Walczak – (Report sent to Bob Kuether). Tom placed a Covered Bridge display at the I-80 Welcome Center; was informed it will be closed in 2024 for renovations. Tom visited Kidd’s Mill Bridge-in good shape.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – Bob and Judy attended the Mini Safari led by Tony and Karen Abramo.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – Jim and Gloria attended the Mini Safari. They were in VT for a review of the route for the September Safari and visited 3 other bridges in Bennington VT (Henry, Silk and Paper Mill) and the Bridge at the Green in Arlington VT.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Ray thanked all for the cards/well wishes during his illness. He reported Zimmerman’s bridge is being completely rebuilt with completion in October 2023; Griesemer’s Bridge was hit by a car with estimated damage of $250,000; Pleasantville Bridge has new bars at the portal.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – Frank and Pam saw Red Bridge in Liverpool. There is red-painted graffiti on the white portal the Society painted and also saw various graffiti inside (carved and painted).

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – Tony thanked all for attending the Mini Safari on May 20^th.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam and Frank attended the Mini Safari.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – No report.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

Historian Fred Moll – Fred sent a letter to Christian Leinbach, Berks County Commissioner about the condition of Griesemer’s Bridge and how badly it needs painted. He received a response that the Planning Department will inspect this bridge in June and the Commissioner will advise Fred of the findings. Fred and Shirley visited Griesemer’s Bridge on June 5^th, 1 day after it was damaged by a car. On June 7th, an article was in the Reading Eagle that an emergency permit was issued and repairs were approved for the bridge.

NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Fall Edition of PA Crossings Newsletter is Sunday, October 1^st.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: (1) Tim McLaughlin is recovering from his procedure; still has some restrictions. (2) Connie McLaughlin had her first chemotherapy treatment; will go every 3 weeks for 6 months. (3) Frank Mailey had a heart catherization this week and had 3 stents placed in blocked arteries. He is also scheduled for surgery on his blocked carotid artery the end of June.

OLD BUSINESS:

(1) Bob and Judy Kuether met with Larry Steinour, Director of Building and Maintenance to discuss painting Sach’s bridge. A Memorandum of Understanding was completed. Bill Stockum, painter, is scheduled to begin painting the sides on August 1^st with members painting the portals on August 5^th. Gettysburg Connection and Gettysburg Times posted articles about painting the historic Sach’s Bridge.

(2) Bob Kuether stated 2024 Calendars are available for sale today ($11); 113 have been sold to date.

(3) Jim and Gloria Smedley spent 3 days in VT with Bill and Jenn Caswell to drive the proposed routes for the September 23-25 Safari. Jim will email attendees a list of the bridges we will see and those we won’t see (no parking). There are currently 89 people attending and are split into 2 groups: Group A is TBCBSP with cars only (need to carpool); Group B is National Society, other state Societies and those riding in the vans (including 10 from TBCBSP). He has Safari T-shirt order forms; information on meals will follow.

(4) Judy Kuether said the Certificate for Sales Tax Exemption was received and is valid until April 2028.

(5) Judy Kuether has Hoss’ cards for our July luncheon/fundraiser event; you need 1 card per bill.

(6) Bob Kuether read the current nominees for officers and asked for nominees from the floor (none offered).The Nominating Committee is Joe and JoAnne McCarthy; please see them if interested in an office.

NEW BUSINESS: None

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS:

(1) Pam Mailey has a sand tile of a covered bridge in fall with scripture that she bought at antique store.

(2) Gloria Smedley has “An Introductory Guide to Covered Bridges” books from National Society (free).

(3) Bob Kuether said miscellaneous, unsold items from the County Store are free at the back table.

SHOW-AND-TELL: Pam Mailey talked about her Salt and Pepper Shaker collection; many she inherited from her Mother. She has close to 600 sets and has some to view today.

NEXT MEETING: Our next meeting is a fundraiser on Saturday July 8th at Hoss’ Steak House, East York.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The May 2023 minutes were approved as presented.

PROGRAM TODAY: “Lost Bridges of York County, PA” by Jim Smedley.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:52 pm.

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, June 20, 2023