The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Manheim Farm Show Building/Community Center

Sunday, June 6, 2021 2:00 p.m.

 

President Tom Walczak called the meeting to order at 2:11 PM, welcoming everyone.  Tom led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

Tom thanked Jim Smedley for leading the last 2 meetings in his absence due to his Dad’s declining health.  He thanked everyone for their cards, thoughts and prayers.

 

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS:  None

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Tom reminded everyone the May 2021 Meeting Minutes are available for review on the back table; he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Bob Kuether reported there are currently 378 members, 7 more members than a year ago.

 

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Greg Williams: He visited Red Run Mill, Schenk’s Mill Bridge which now has headache bars at both ends, and Kauffman’s Distillery which looks good.

 

Tony Abramo: He and Karen visited these Lycoming area bridges on way to PA Welcome Centers, all in excellent shape: Frazier, Buttonwood and Cogan.  Also saw Knapp’s in Bradford County which is in good shape.

 

Connie McLaughlin:  Saw Mercer’s Mill, looks good with flowers around.  Smith’s Covered Bridge still shows damage from truck. Gibson’s Bridge looks good; she sees this one a couple times a week.

 

George Rothlingshofer: He has been watching the re-build of Ramp’s Bridge in Newville: now has running boards in place, is all painted and about ready to open.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Tom Walczak - Saw Ramp’s Bridge and Diehl’s/Turner’s in Bedford County (looks repainted). Tom visited Banks Bridge which is closed to traffic for work (replacing smaller eye beams) and Kidds Mill in Mercer County.  Tom also placed covered bridge display at I-80 PA Welcome Center with reported good response from travelers

 

First Vice President Jim Smedley:  Pictures of Ramp’s Bridge are in the upcoming PA Crossings with front page photo taken by George Rothlingshofer’s drone. Knowlton Bridge, Ohio was a three-span bridge: one span fell in 2018, second span fell in 2019-2020, third span is ready to fall.  Plan is to get white oak lumber locally and rebuild; working on getting funding.

 

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein – Not present but sent report. Ray thanked all for cards and calls when Linda was in rehab facility and said kind thoughts are greatly appreciated.  Reported Manasses Guth’s Bridge is open to traffic again after being closed a long time (truck had damaged beams). Also Wehr’s Bridge wing wall has still not been repaired.

Third Vice President Frank Mailey – He and Pam traveled to four PA Welcome Centers with Bob and Judy to pick-up displays from See Pennsylvania’s Covered Bridges Week.  Saw Claycomb Bridge at Bedford Village (looks good although unpainted).

 

Fourth Vice President Bob Griner – Just saw first covered bridge in a year, outside building (Shearer’s).

 

Treasurer Bob Kuether – Thank you to everyone who went to PA Welcome Centers, placed and picked-up displays for See Pennsylvania’s Covered Bridges Week. Some Welcome Centers have requested a permanent display.  Walked across Shearer’s Bridge; a lot of wood is missing from the floor and it’s soft.

 

Historian Fred Moll  - Fred reported Wertz’s Bridge is in good condition.  He received about 800 35mm slides, donated by George Aranson, FL that his father, Robert (TBCBSP member) took mostly from 1950-1960s.

 

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey   A big thank you from her church in Manheim for food donations for the food pantry; they are trying to donate to the pantry weekly.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – No report.

 

NEWSLETTER:

Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information is today, June 6, 2021.  You should receive the newsletter around June 15-16.

 

ILLNESSES/DEATHS of MEMBERS:

Miriam Wood (Mim”) passed away May 17th; a member until 2014.  She was a real “pioneer” for the society and covered bridges.

 

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

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Jim and Gloria Smedley traveled to SE Ohio last month to finalize plans for the Safari on August 28-30, 2021.  Motel rate remains $60 plus tax and fees per night with continental breakfast.  Hospitality Room is available for our use, at no cost.  Plan about 2 ½ hours of driving Saturday and Sunday; to see 6 bridges on Saturday, 7 on Sunday and 5 on Monday on way home.  There is some gravel on back roads.  Difficult area for rest stops and restaurants, but are planned.  T-shirt orders are due July 11th so you can pick up at the August 1st meeting.  More details and motel reservation and t-shirt forms are in the upcoming Newsletter.

 

Tony Abramo reminded the group of the Mini-Safari to Northern Lancaster County on Saturday June 19th.  Group will leave from Sheetz at 9:00 a.m. (Handout on back table for details).

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Tom and Connie McLaughlin comprise the Nominating Committee for 2022 Officers.  Current officers should let Connie and Tim know today or ASAP if they wish to continue or step-down.

 

August 1st meeting will be at Manheim Community Center with Bob Kuether presenting “Covered Bridges of Cumberland County, Part 2”.

 

September 12th meeting/annual picnic has been changed to Saturday, September 11th at Poole Forge.

 

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS:

Greg Williams shared a Bridging patch he found at an antique store.

 

Pam Mailey shared a newspaper photo of Harrisburg Chorus taken at Fort Hunter’s Covered Bridge and an album containing pictures of Camel Back Bridge, standing and collapsing.

 

Bob Kuether announced the 2022 Calendars are for sale for $10 at the back table, miscellaneous T-shirts for $3, and the Twins Covered Bridge Puzzle.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May’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 July 11, 2021 at Manheim Community Center with Covered Bridge Games.

 

PROGRAM TODAY: Bob Kuether: “Covered Bridges of Cumberland County, Part 2” was postponed to August 1st meeting, due to technical difficulties.

 

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, July 7, 2021.