Wilson County Beekeepers

Meeting Minutes – 07 December 2013

The first meeting of 2013, on January 7, brought ninety-five members and guests to the Ward Ag Center.  Carey Mitchell, President welcomed one and all.  Dues were paid with members receiving their new membership books.

Minutes from the November and December meetings were approved.

Carey reminded the membership of the Short Course scheduled for January 22-24.  Mentors were asked to attend and let Petra know if they will be there.

Carey mentioned the first membership book for the Association was printed in 2002 with a total of 8 sheets including 52 members and adding 12 new members that year.  Eighteen of those members are currently members and seven are deceased.  WCBA’s membership at the end of 2012 is 238 and the membership book now consists of 12 pages..front and back.

It was reported that Owen Cartwright passed away on January 4, 2013.  He had been a member and Hive Grant Recipient since 2009.  Services will be at Mount Olivet Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 12.

Nashville Area Beekeepers are hosting a queen rearing workshop with Dann Purvis (who will be here next month) and John Seaborn on January 19 from 9-3 at Ellington Ag. Center in the Ed Jones Auditorium.  The cost is $20.00.

Prior to Fred Dawson giving his to do list, Carey wished him a happy 66^th birthday:

* evaluate your hive—set plans/goals
* read
* order packages or nucs
* apiary check.. wind damage, skunk damage—honey stores (need 15 pounds of honey MINIMUM until nectar flow)

Clarence Collison, our speaker for the evening, had a wonderful program power-point on Bee Biology 101 with members showing much interest.

Our next meeting is set for February 4 with Dann Purvis presenting Homemade queens, requeening, and splits.

Door Prizes awarded for the evening were:  Sticker from the National Honey Board was won by Andy Harper, a hive tool won by Kay Storey, and a cypress screened bottom board donated by Brushy Mt. Bee Farm was won by JD Ginder.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 for refreshment provided by the membership.