The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Manheim Farm Show Building/Community Center

Sunday, April 11, 2021 2:00 p.m.

Vice-President Jim Smedley called the meeting to order at 2:10PM welcoming everyone. He reminded all of the need to continue social distancing and wearing a mask. Jim led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jim reported that Tom Walczak, President, would not be at the meeting due to the declining health of his dad, Anthony, after heart attack on February 13^th and placement in Long Term Care Facility.

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jim reminded everyone the November 2020 Meeting Minutes are available for review on the back table; he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT: There are currently 377 members, 6 more members than a year ago. The report was approved as read and will be filed for audit.

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Joe McCarthy: Dreibelbis CB looks good; he looked underneath Bogart’s CB and notes danger of further damage. Rehab is planned for Hassenplug CB starting June-July and Bartram’s CB this Fall.

Bonnie Shultz: visited Campbell Bridge, only CB in S. Carolina; is painted and looks nice.

Connie McLaughlin: saw Gibson’s, Smith and Speakman CBs; no changes noted.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Tom Walczak: reported the contract for $440,000 to repair and paint Bank’s Bridge; work was to begin April 5^th. Tom contacted the Governor’s Office about the Proclamation for “See PA Covered Bridges Week”. He will also have the poster ready for Jim to email to everyone.

First Vice President Jim Smedley: Beach Fork/Mt. Zion CB in Kentucky burned down in March after a large explosion (had just been rehabilitated about 2 years ago). A message from Bill Caswell advised that Barnyard Bridge, a new CB near Hartford, Connecticut is nearing completion.

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein – Ray walked the area of Wehr’s CB and noted the abutment was hit and damaged. Guth’s CB is still closed and PennDOT has not returned his call of inquiry. As of February 13, 2021, $1.165M is committed for Bogert’s CB rehab; also looking to get $1.3M Grant from PA Conservation Grant and Resources.

Third Vice President Frank Mailey – No report.

Fourth Vice President Bob Griner – Not present, no report.

Treasurer Bob Kuether – No report

Historian Fred Moll - Fred sees Dreibelbis CB frequently; it is still shining brightly and in good shape.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey - No report

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam and Frank saw Harmony Hill CB near West Chester; only one-way traffic and hasn’t had chance to drive through it yet.

NEWS LETTER:

Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information is Sunday, June 6, 2021.

ILLNESSES/DEATHS of MEMBERS:

Member David Lee Hoke, 86, from Lancaster, PA passed away on November 14, 2020.

Anthony Walczak, Tom’s dad, is in long term care facility.

Has anyone heard about Ben and June Evans (reportedly they moved)?

OLD BUSINESS:

Connie McLaughlin: pictures of CB for The Cat’s Meow wooden displays are on back table. The first to be released are: Green Sergeant CB, NJ, Humpback CB, VA, Knox CB, PA and Zumbrota CB, MN with plans to release 10 in all. The TBCBSP logo is on back side; the society will receive $2 for each sold.

NEW BUSINESS:

May 2^nd meeting was to be the Anniversary Dinner at Dutch-Way; however, due to COVID-19, the full buffet is not open, cost increased and we would be limited to 40 attendees. Proposal is to meet at Manheim Community Center for a pizza party, from local business, with no cost to members (donations can be made). Members agreed to a variety of pizzas and drinks. Jim will send an email out to respond if attending and preference for kind of pizza.

June 6^th meeting is as scheduled at Manheim Community Center.

July 4^th meeting was to be the fundraiser at Hoss’ in Lititz, however the business is closed. Our regular business meeting is changed to July 11^th at Manheim Community Center with Bob Kuether presenting the program, “Covered Bridges of Cumberland County, Part 2”.

August 1^st meeting will be at Manheim Community Canter; September 12^th meeting will be the annual picnic at Poole Forge.

See “PA Covered Bridges Week” is May 8-16^th. Volunteers are needed to place displays and handouts in the 11 PA Welcome Centers during business hours of 9:00AM-5:30PM. Some centers have already contacted Judy, requesting displays. See Judy if you can help.

Tony Abramo is planning a one-day Safari for Saturday, June 19^th through Northern Lancaster County. Stops will be made at 8 covered bridges with a lunch stop at Terry Hill restaurant (see handout).

Jim Smedley is going forward with plans for Southeastern Ohio Safari August 28-30^th (Saturday, Sunday and ½ day Monday). He and Gloria will travel to Ohio late May to check on motel and lunch accommodations (if lunch sites are unavailable, may need to pack). Further information will be provided in June issue of PA Crossings, including t-shirt order form and reservation information.

Jim Smedley reported the 2022 Calendars should arrive by end of April to have at the May meeting; 93 new photos were submitted by 20 members. There are 5 photos of bridges in the 2022 calendar that have never been in any of our calendars. Congratulations to Connie McLaughlin who has 3 photos in the new calendar; her photo of Hall’s Mill in Bedford County was the highest-rated photo and will be on the cover. We sold 425 calendars last year and had to turn down 25 more orders; ordered 400 calendars for this year (the ad in PA Magazine may have increased orders last year). Country Store should also be at festivals this year which will help with calendar sales.

Judy Kuether reported she received a check for $15.48 in February for use of Amazon Smiles. If you purchase anything on Amazon, remember to select TBCBSP as charity so we receive a percentage of sales.

Tony Abramo asked if anyone would be interested in a used jigsaw puzzle exchange. Response was positive. Please contact Tony so this can be planned.

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS:

Bob Kuether indicated the Twins Covered Bridge puzzle is for sale at the back table.

Connie McLaughlin reported she took an old, wooden CB item and refurbished it for a mailbox w/address plaque.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November’s meeting minutes were approved as presented.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: Next meeting will be held on May 2, 2021, 2:00PM at the Manheim Farm Show Building. There will be a no-cost to members pizza luncheon followed by the business meeting; there will not be a program.

PROGRAM TODAY: Bob Kuether: “Covered Bridges of Cumberland County, Part 1”

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, May 1, 2021.