Wilson County Beekeepers

Meeting Minutes – Monday, 13 April 2015

April 13, 2015 brought 111 members, visitors and guests to the monthly meeting of the Wilson County Beekeepers at the Ward Ag Center. The meeting was held on the second Monday, one week later than our regular meeting due to building scheduling conflicts… and as we do not pay for the use of the building, we make the changes where necessary. Carey Mitchell, President called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. He also sent out special condolences to Peggy and Andy Robinson on the sudden death of James. We keep them in our thoughts as they go through this difficult time. He also informed us that Herb Lester is at Adams House in Murfreesboro while he continues therapy awaiting cancer treatment.

Membership approved the March minutes as posted in the last newsletter.

Old Business Discussed:

• Dues are due…be sure to stop by Petra’s desk to pick up your membership book, if you have not done so.
• Newbees—have you ordered your bees, and do you have a mentor? Remember it isn’t your mentor’s job to do your work, but to direct you down the right path. If you feel you have a problem or find something you don’t understand, be sure to make a call before it blooms into something serious.
• March 9th was the Refresher Workshop with 15 in attendance.
• TBA Board Meeting—March 14—good turnout. TBA presented each club with a packet of education material to be used when doing presentations. Anyone needing them for a program, let us know, as they will be stored in the closet. TBA is also offering a $200 Short Course Grant and a $100 Education Grant to be used to purchase education material…
  we have already received both grants. The Fall Conference will be in Cookeville again this year—October 9 and 10 (16 confirmed speakers).
• WCBA shirts are still available in size Medium for $10.00 each
• Fred Dawson said that the May meeting will be the final date to place orders for the new t-shirts. We will also have information at that meeting about the hats. Both shirts and hats will be $10.00 each with payment due when received.
• Karen Dawson had an update on April 15 and 16 Farm Day and still needs some volunteers.
• Field Day is scheduled for May 23 and alternate rain day of May 30. Three yards: Mt. Juliet, Lebanon and Watertown.
• The Swarm List was set and members were asked to check to see that their information was correct.

New Business Discussed:

The Fair sponsorship has been paid in full ($682.00 which covers all premiums available in the Honey Show)

Fred’s To-Do List:

• Inspect Colony for brood pattern, queen right, and swarm cells
• Supers do not work in the garage—when supers are on NO SYRUP
  FEEDING OR CHEMICAL TREATMENT
• Beetle traps need to be installed
• Read—-Read—–Read
• Follow the Dr.’s orders

Dr. Clarence Collison had a very educational PowerPoint on the importance of bee nutrition which was well received by all in attendance

Announcements:

• Next meeting, Monday, May 4—Making, Using and Selling Nucleus Hives presented by David Laferney
• Vitex seed available in back

Fred and Carey handed out door prizes. Congrats to the winners this month: Bill George, Tony Mercante, Homer Dudley, Robin Major, Jake Balentine, and Paul Tripp

Meeting adjourned around 8:37 for refreshments and fellowship.

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Respectfully submitted: Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
April 14, 2015
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