The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet, New Holland, PA

Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 11:30am

The TBCBSP Annual Anniversary Dinner was held at Yoder’s Restaurant/Buffet, beginning with a brunch buffet followed by the monthly meeting. President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 1:05pm. He welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Bob Kuether introduced his sister Mary, from Minnesota and her son David from Ohio, sister Carol, from Harrisburg and cousin Irene, from Lebanon.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bob Kuether reminded everyone the April Meeting Minutes are available for review at side table and will ask for approval later in the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported there are currently 382 members for 2021-2022, four more than a year ago.

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Joe McCarthy – Joe and Company are currently rehabbing Hassenplug Bridge; this includes new I-beams, with the oak floor and running boards to be put back. Siding and flooring is planned for June.

Joe reported Dreibelbis Station Bridge looks fantastic, however a woodpecker pecked a hole at one end, in the portal. His office has also been in contact with people about repairing Bogert’s Bridge.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – No report.

First Vice President Jim Smedley – Not present.

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein – Ray announced Geiger’s Bridge is in the process of repair; all siding and roofing are off. PA Department of Transportation gave $1.3M in grant monies to help rebuild Bogert’s Bridge. Ray will try to attend the May 20^th Public Meeting about this.

Third Vice President Frank Mailey – No report.

Fourth Vice President Tony Abramo – Tony and Karen delivered displays to I-81 and US-15 PA Welcome Centers. They saw Keefer Mill Bridge in Montour County and noted the inside is covered in graffiti. They also saw Newfield Bridge in NY; it is in good shape and has a sprinkler system.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam and Frank saw Gibson’s Bridge; looks nice but moss and twigs need cleaned off the roof. Monday, May 16^th is the Covered Bridge presentation by Bob/Judy Kuether at Dillsburg Library. Pam and Bob Kuether placed displays at the Washington and Green County PA Welcome Centers; doing Pike County and Delaware Gap tomorrow.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – No report.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

Historian Fred Moll – Pleasantville Covered Bridge was hit again; they have the license plate number of the truck that damaged the bridge.

NEWSLETTER: Gloria Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the next Newsletter is Sunday, June 5th. Members should receive the Newsletter around June 10^th.

ILLNESS/DEATH of MEMBERS: (1) James McCauley, husband of member Barbara McCauley died on April 20th. (2) Judy Kuether thanked everyone for concerns, calls and cards during her extended illness.

OLD BUSINESS: (1) Bob Kuether thanked Jim & Gloria Smedley and group for reviewing and selecting the photos for the 2023 Calendar. 400 calendars were ordered. (2) Governor Wolf’s Proclamation for “See PA Covered Bridges Week” was read by Marianne Calabrese. (3) Bob Kuether said volunteers are placing display boards in the 13 PA Welcome Centers; some will keep as permanent displays with pictures changing seasonally. (4) Pam Mailey reported 316 Easter Eggs and various bags of Chocolate Covered Pretzels were sold at the March & April meetings as a fundraiser (instead of bake sale) with proceeds of $170.50 for the Society. (5) Ray Finkelstein has the Wooden Covered Spans today for pick-up. The remainder will be mailed to members next week. Let Ray know if you have a story about a bridge or which one is your favorite for the next publication! (6) Tony Abramo reminded all of the upcoming Mini-Safari on Saturday, May 21^st to see 6 bridges in NW Lancaster County.

NEW BUSINESS: (1) Gloria Smedley reported on the Annual Safari to Bucks County on August 19-20. Connie McLaughlin designed the T-shirt for the safari (a screen print on a purple shirt). Order forms will be emailed and will be included in the June Newsletter. (2) Country Store items are for sale at the back tables including calendars, miscellaneous sweatshirts, Perry County t-shirts, puzzles, books and flags.

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: (1) Heather Watkins donated Lenox items which Gloria Smedley has been selling on e-bay with $146 received to date. (2) Bob Kuether is considering 3 different bridge designs to make a new t-shirt.

NEXT MEETING: June 5th at St. Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia at 2:00 pm.

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

NO PROGRAM TODAY (due to Anniversary Dinner)

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 pm.

Respectfully Submitted by Pamela Mailey, Recording Secretary, May 21, 2022.