Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.
Minutes
of April 6, 2008 Meeting
Manheim Township Municipal Building, Manheim Twp., PA
President Thomas E. Walczak called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m. and apologized for not being able to be at the March meeting due to illness. Tom thanked Michael Chorazy for chairing the Officers' Meeting and the General Meeting in Tom's absence. Tom also thanked everyone for their well-wishes and for the get well card that the Society sent him. Tom led the Pledge of Allegiance and then he welcomed everyone and extended a special welcome to new members and guests.
Recording Secretary Wayne A. Siefert, read the minutes of the March 2, 2008 Society Meeting. The minutes were approved as read.
Treasurer Robert J. Kuether read his report for March, 2008. As of March 31st, the Society had 524 renewed members, 79 more than one year ago. With no additions or corrections, the Treasurer's report stood approved as read and will be filed for audit.
OFFICERS' REPORTS
President Tom reported that on March 30th, he visited two Ohio covered bridges, Newton Falls Covered Bridge (35-78-01) which is completed and open to traffic; and Bridge #17 in Ashtabula County where work is progressing. Two spans have been completed and two spans are still being worked on. On April 5th, Tom visited two new stringers or romantic shelters that are being built at Living Treasures Animal Park, east of New Castle, PA. On the same day, Tom also visited King's Bridge (PA-56-06) which is still being worked on, and the Barronvale Bridge (PA-56-03). Tom also saw Jackson's Mill Bridge (PA-05-25) where they are working on the foundation of the mill, and Tom also visited Felten's Mill Bridge (PA-05-03). Tom noted that he had placed several articles on the bulletin board for everyone to see.
First Vice President Michael W. Chorazy said that all systems are go for the upcoming Safari. Michael also was proud to announce that the 50th Anniversary Book was printed and will be available at the break today, and also at the Safari.
Second
Vice President Gregory R. Williams reported that he visited Kauffman's Distillery
Bridge
(PA-36-32) and it was in good condition. Greg also visited the Bistline Bridge
(PA-50-03) which is completed and looks good. Greg also visited Adairs Bridge
(PA-50-04), and Waggoner Mill Bridge (PA-50-07) which is still in poor shape.
Finally, Greg visited Dellvile Bridge (PA-50-50-16).
Third Vice President George D. Conn reported that there were a very limited number of 50th Anniversary Calendars available for purchase. The rest of the calendars should arrive in time for the Safari. George thanked everyone who participated in the calendar project.
Fourth Vice President Patricia J. Cook reported that she and her mother visited Bistline Covered Bridge (PA-50-03) which is completed except for the road paving, which should be done around the middle of April. Pat put an article on the bulletin board about Academia Covered Bridge (PA-34-01) where there will be a groundbreaking in May. Pat reminded everyone that orders for Safari shirts are due today.
Corresponding Secretary Pamela A. Heisey had no report.
Recording Secretary Wayne A. Siefert attended the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society meeting on March 5, 2008, and reported that plans are coming along well for the April 19, 2008 festival and dedication of Mood's Covered Bridge (PA-09-07). On March 4th and 18th, Wayne attended the Solebury Township Supervisors meetings regarding recent vandalism at Van Sant Bridge (PA-09-03). Wayne is happy to report that the township has enacted a new ordinance that prohibits parking near the bridge from the hours of 10:00 pm until 6:00 am. On April 1st, Wayne gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Bucks County Covered Bridges to the Perkasie Historical Society with about 80 people in attendance.
Historian-Librarian Fred J. Moll was not in attendance.
Treasurer, Robert J. Kuether, attended a meeting at Manheim Borough regarding Shearer's Bridge (PA-36-31). Bob also attended the Perkasie Historical Society Meeting on April 1st and the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society Meeting on April 2nd. Bob announced that we need volunteers to help paint and power wash the graffiti from Sach's Covered Bridge (PA-01-01) in Adams County.
Newsletter Co-Editor Benjamin D. Evans reported that he and June presented their program, "Pennsylvania's Covered Bridges: Designs, Designers and Distribution", at the Peter Becker Community in Harleysville on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 10:30 am. On April 2, 2008, Ben and June attended the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society Meeting. Ben was impressed with the planning that is going into the festival and dedication scheduled for April 19th. The deadline for the Summer issue of the newsletter is June 1, 2008.
MEMBERS' REPORTS
Joyce Soroka along with Marty Malone and Chris Young visited several of Columbia County's covered bridges on March 17th. She noted that Columbia County was voted the 5th best county to live in the United States. She announced that Breakfast on the Bridge will take place on June 21st.
Doris Taylor attended the Perkasie Historical Society presentation on April 1st and the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society meeting on April 2nd. She also place several photos of recent flooding at Mood's Covered Bridge (PA-09-07)
Judy Kuether also attended the Perkasie Historical Society meeting on April 1st and the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society meeting on April 2nd. She saw the newly rebuilt Mood's Covered Bridge (PA-09-07) for the first time, and it looks great!
Tim Cohen reported that he visited Pine Grove Covered Bridge (PA-15-22/PA-36-41) where nothing new has taken place for the past 2 or 3 months.
ILLNESSES / DEATHS OF MEMBERS
Sue Mason's mother passed away in March.
Hank Messing of the New York State Covered Bridge Society is in poor health and has resigned from his duties as treasurer of their Society.
Olive Jones is out of the hospital and recuperating at home.
Ginny Eyrich suggested that addressed be included in e-mail notices of illnesses and deaths.
OLD BUSINESS
Presiden Tom thanked everyone who helped out at the bake sale today, and thanked everyone who baked and bought goodies.
Tom also announced that he has "See Pennsylvania's Covered Bridges Week" posters available for anyone who want s to put them up in public places.
NEW BUSINESS
None
PROGRAM
"Trip
on Trans-Siberian Railroad to Mongolia and Beijing, China
(Touching on Lake Baikal and the Gobi Desert)"
by TBCBSP Member James Lockhart
NEXT MEETING
The next regular Society Meeting will be held at the Safari on Saturday, May 3, 2008.
Respectfully submitted,
Wayne A. Siefert
Recording Secretary
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