MINUTES OF MEETING: DATE: March 11, 2007
LOCATION: De Pacific’s Restaurant Victor, New York
ATTENDANCE: 88
The first meeting of the year is always exciting however this one was very emotional. We had just lost our beloved President Dick Wilson due to a fatal fall. His wife Jeanette was seeing some of the members for the first time since and the outpouring of love and sentiment set a very special mood. Dick and Jeanette’s family were here and surely he was looking down on them with the greatest pride.
The meeting was brought to order at 1:05 by Irma Petras our outgoing 1st Vice President.
Jeanette Wilson thanked everyone for their condolences. Next, with all of our greatest admiration for her strength, Jeanette proceeded, as Dick would have, in the honor of “The Passing of The Gavel” to our elected President Donna Freeland. Congratulations! and Best Wishes! Donna! We know you will do a wonderful job and have our support.
We had a fun raffle, raising $156.00 for the society. A tee shirt was donated by Betty Peck, and won by Leland Fanning. Our society store donated a puzzle won by Betty Peck. A covered bridge neck tie was donated by Virginia Sargeant and won by Don Shear who was very gracious and gave it to Donna Freeland. Jeanette gave out copies of a beautiful tribute drawing of Dick by David Hamilton. David is the artist who has designed the cartoons for our safaris. What a heart warming memorial it is!
Jeanette noted that a check had been received for the society from the inheritance of Marion Nelson ($8,466.52) and also that $415.00 had been donated in Dick’s name to the society since his passing. This memorial fund will someday help to attach Dick’s name to something very special. Jeanette thanked Irma Petras for opening the meeting, Arthur Hammer for taking care of reservations, De Pacific’s Restaurant for their wonderful preparation of our dinner, Marcia Bailey for knitting the adorable candy filled chic’s for each guest plus the special photo candy bars, and Linda Schott for the table center pieces.
Self introductions were made. We had a very nice attendance of eighty eight and were pleased to have many members of the Theodore Burr Society among us including their President Tom Walczak. Our three charter members were present, Homer Fogle, Jill Michielsen, and Bernard Cubitt. We also had our youngest lifetime member present, Kelsey Weaver.
Our outgoing officers were thanked for their devoted service. Their incredible worth is beyond words! Irma Petras, 1st Vice President, Jeanette Wilson, Recording Secretary and David Frantz, Trustee. Current officers were then introduced.
Gifts were presented in honor of Dick and Jeanette’s many years of service to the New York State Covered Bridge Society as President and Recording Secretary. They included a slide projector, a gift certificate to a bed and breakfast, a beautiful painting of Dick and Jeanette in front of the Rexleigh Bridge painted by Jill Michielsen, and a gorgeous quilt presented by Bob and Judy Keifer of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society. Everyone had a chance to sign the quilt earlier. A very special scrap book made up by members of the New York State Covered Bridge Society had been given to Jeanette prior to our meeting.
Donna Freeland gave a presentation of Dick’s favorite slides to the delight of all.
Jeanette Wilson read the minutes of the November 2006 meeting and they were accepted as read. Jeanette also presented the 2006 Yearly President’s Report for Dick Wilson.
Hank Messing-Treasurer Account Balances: Checking $ 1,159.76
Savings $ 24,330.65
CD $ 21,635.24
*A motion was made and accepted to deposit the check from Marion Nelson into
the general checking account
9 Honorary 394 Regular (down 25 from 2006)
Marty Hornung will be getting samples for our next calendar.
Dick Bailey suggested a meeting notice in the local newspaper of the area where each monthly meeting will take place.
E-Mailed by Doris Taylor: Moods Bridge – Plans are on schedule to rebuild- @ Tom Walczak- It will be turned over to the county.
Our society received a thank you card and 20 shares for our donation to the Copeland Bridge.
The Creamery Bridge in Brattleboro Vt. was closed for 6 months for repairs, but is now open and will close in three weeks for painting.
Best Wishes go out to Evelyn Cole with the news she broke her hip.
Our caring thoughts go out to Chuck and Nancy Knapp who are attending Chuck’s father’s memorial service today.
Passed Through The Portal:
Earl Pharner
Marion Shields
Jane Willauer
Richard (Dick) Wilson
“Those we love are never gone…They live within our hearts.”
There’s a new book out on the Covered Bridges of Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia written by David Simmons with photography by Bill Miller
Donna Freeland suggested a brainstorming meeting open to anyone with fresh ideas to help our society’s progress.
THE SAFARI’S COMING! THE SAFARI’S COMING! THE SAFARI’S COMING! MAY 19 & 20 MAKE RESERVATIONS! THE SAFARI’S COMING!!!!!!
Trish Kane: On April 14th there will be a presentation by members of “The Bridges of Yesteryear” at the Vermont Covered Bridge Society’s meeting.
The Pier Bridge in Newport N. H. ( The longest covered railroad bridge) needs preservation donations. They are trying to raise $100,000 by July 1, 2007
* A motion was made by Dave Guay and seconded by Jeanette Wilson to donate $500 to the project. The motion was accepted.
Bridgeton Bridge -Beginning of A New Era-on DVD is a Fund raiser for all Park Co. Covered Bridges. Visit the website- parkcoliving.com
Bucks Co. Pa. 1st Annual Covered Bridge Festival June 8-10- There’s a link on our website.
Tom Walczak, the President of Theodore Burr Society – PLEASE visit www.TBCBSPA.com for info on their safari/anniversary dinner- Sommerset & Western Bedford Co.s- 2009 is their 50th Anniversary- calendar photo contest
Meeting Closed 3:30 p.m.
Happy Bridging, Linda Schott