TBCBSPA General Meeting April 1, 2012

Joyce called the meeting to order at 2:04.

The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.

Joyce welcomed everyone.

The Flurkeys introduced their guests, Bud & Elaine Hardy from Perry County.

Joyce thanked everyone who brought baked goods and thanked those who are purchasing them. All proceeds will go to the General Fund. She also reminded everyone of the Silent Auction going on in the lobby.

The minutes of March 4, 2012, prepared by Michael Chorazy, were approved as presented.

The March treasurer’s report was read by Bob and was approved as read.

Covered bridge reports from members:

Ginny Eyrich recently visited Sauck’s Bridge (PA-01-01), Jacks Mountain Bridge (PA-01-08), Utica Mills Bridge (MD-10-01), a canal museum, an iron furnace, and the cyclorama at Gettysburg. She also announced that she posted a newspaper clipping showing a photo of flamingos at a covered bridge. The photo was published today, which is April Fools Day.

Pat Cook visited Siegrist’s Mill Bridge (PA-36-37) and noted that the boards have been removed from the sides. There are beautiful yellow flowers in bloom near Forry’s Mill Bridge (PA-36-28). She found a newspaper column featuring “cheers and jeers”; we got cheers for the painting of Henninger Farm Bridge (PA-22-11).

Katie Helm was in a CVS store in Mechanicsburg and saw lots of covered bridge magnets she had never seen before.

Betty Miller reported that the Poole Forge Bridge (PA-36-01) will have repairs done to the other 3 wingwalls very soon. Joyce added that the irises there are beautiful and pictures are best in the morning.

Officers reports:

President – Joyce Soroka – no report

First VP – Jim Smedley

Jim & Bob met with the Dauphin County Commissioners to discuss the painting of Henninger Farm Bridge (PA-22-11) on May 12. The Commissioners will provide us with lunch and a port-o-potty. There is a newspaper article on the board about this project.

Jim visited 10 bridges in Lancaster County. Shearer’s Bridge (PA-36-31) had a new metal roof installed in February. Jackson’s Sawmill Bridge (PA-36-33 #2) and White Rock Forge Bridge (PA-36-18 #2) were recently painted. Keller’s Mill Bridge (PA-36-13) is already in need of a paint job, less than 1 1/2 years after it was relocated and painted.

Jim found information on the internet regarding the costs to repair storm damage from last Fall: $14,500 for Zook’s (PA-36-14), $129,150 for Pinetown (PA-36-05), and $145,200 for Siegrist’s Mill (PA-36-37). All of these should be covered by FEMA.

Second VP -- Greg Williams – no report

Third VP -- George Conn – not present

Joyce encouraged everyone to send in photos for the 2013 calendar. Today is the deadline.

Fourth VP – Gloria Smedley

She saw the Gilpin Falls Bridge (MD-07-01) in March.

She showed everyone the display board she created for use at the Welcome Centers during National Tourism Week.

She announced that the SPCBW poster is on Facebook.

She reminded everyone that the Society logo polo style shirts are still available for order.

Recording Secretary – Heather Watkins

She posted an article on the bulletin board from a Sullivan County newspaper. The Sullivan County Historical Society is going to be selling prints of the 3 covered bridges to raise funds to repair storm damage incurred last Fall.

Corresponding Secretary and Program Chair – Pam Heisey

She received an email from the Lancaster Northeast Rotary Club indicating that they are looking for speakers for their meetings. If anyone is interested in talking about covered bridges, please contact Pam.

Treasurer – Bob Kuether

Attended the Dauphin County Commissioners Meeting. (see 1st VP report)

Has photos of the Moscow Bridge being rebuilt.

Reminded everyone of the Silent Auction going on in the lobby.

There is a box of old brochures and photos up for grabs at the front of the room.

Historian – Fred Moll – not present, but sent report:

A wingwall has collapsed at Greisemer’s Mill Bridge (PA-06-03). The road is still open and there are orange cones near the damaged area.

Newsletter co-editors – Jim & Gloria Smedley

The next deadline is June 3, the day of our meeting at Kreidersville.

Sharing sessions

Today’s sharing session will be done by Pat Cook on her thimble collection.

The next sharing session will be in September. Tom Walczak will show his collection of shot glasses.

Reports of illness or death of members

Joyce extended our sympathies to Greg Williams and his family for the loss of his mother on March 12, 2012.

Greg reported that his father had a kidney stone and is now doing better.

Joyce reported that George Conn has been in the hospital since March 23 and is now in ICU.

Joyce reported that her dad had surgery last week and is doing well.

Ginny Eyrich reported that Yvonne and Clayton Geib have moved into a nursing home.

Old business

The cost for our meeting room has increased to $115 per meeting. Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisy will be sending a letter to the Township Supervisors requesting a lesser amount.

Olive Jones suggested that each member contribute a $1 toward the cost of the meeting each month.

New business

Greg Williams read the Proclamation for See Pennsylvania’s Covered Bridges Week.

Tom Walczak showed the poster for SPCBW.

Joyce announced that we need volunteers for the Nominating Committee.

Other covered bridge events

See Pennsylvania’s Covered Bridges Week is May 12-20.

We will paint Henningers Farm Bridge on May 12.

Displays will be set up at Welcome Centers May 5-12.


2012 Safari

Location: Selected Bridges in Perry County & nearby counties

(7 bridges have been refurbished since the 2000 safari)

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, May 19th and 20th, 2012

We will leave at 8 am on Saturday.

Headquarters for the Safari:

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

2055 Technology Pkwy, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

June meeting at Kreidersville Covered Bridge on Sunday, June 3 at 11 am.

August Meeting at Mingo Creek Park near the Ebenezer Covered Bridge in Washington County on Sunday, August 12, 2012 with a mini safari by Tom in the morning. The meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. You are invited to bring your lunch and enjoy the day. We have the pavilion from 10:00 a.m. to dusk. Rain or shine.

The next meeting will be Sunday, May 6, 2012, the Fifty-Third Anniversary Dinner, at the Hershey Farms Restaurant from 11 am to 3 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:48.

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