Meeting Minutes – Monday, 1 February 2016
Wilson County Beekeepers met Monday, February 1, 2016 for the monthly meeting at the Ward Ag Center. President Carey Mitchell welcomed 89 members, visitors and guests.
Approval of the January minutes was given with a reported balance in the club’s account.
Old Business Discussed:
- Carey stated that if members are planning on purchasing bees this spring, they need to place their orders as soon as possible, as packages and nucs are in limited supply.
- Dues are due and that is how you get your membership book.
- Carey mentioned the Education Grant that TBA is offering, and it is proposed there will be a $200 limit once the budget has been approved. Books were suggested and possibly a microscope. Margaret Cantrell suggested we look into purchasing a projector that can be used during in-house presentations and also used for outside uses. Margaret is to check on pricing and report at the next meeting.
- Refresher Course is scheduled for February 20 at 9:00 am. Bring your smoker if you plan on attending and we will light them up, weather permitting.
- TBA Board Meeting will follow at 1:00pm in the same location. If anyone wants to bring cookies/brownies/snacks for the meeting, it would be greatly appreciated. Let Petra know.
New Business Discussed:
- Brushy Mountain Bee Farm will be bringing supplies to the TBA Board Meeting on the 20th…if you place an order by February 12 and let them know to bring it to Lebanon, give them the code TNBK5, you will receive a 5% discount and not have to pay shipping charges
Fred’s To Do List:
- Check stores for emergency feeding—warm weather may have depleted stores—most bees don’t freeze, but starve
- Order bees—nucs or packages
- Order equipment and be ready
- On a warm day (50 degrees) when bees are flying, open hive and do a brief inspection—avoid chilling brood
- Read—-Read—–Read
We can place another order for shirts this year. Shirts are $10.00 each. Need at least 12 of one color for them to be printed. Sign up with Petra
Farm Day is set for April 12 & 13 (Tuesday and Wednesday) and Margaret Cantrell is in charge of the event this year. She will need volunteers. Please sign up at the next meeting if you can help either or both days.
Trevor Qualls from BonAqua Springs Apiaries was on hand this evening to do a PowerPoint presentation on Drones…The Forgotten Part of Queen Rearing and Evaluating Bees for Splits
The next meeting is March 7 with Kent Williams discussing the importance of a good queen.
Russ Davis brought some candy canes for emergency feeding or just plain eating. Carey and Fred drew these names for door prizes:
Norma Underhill, Jared Brasel, Timmi Balentine, Doug Stearman, Sterling Earhart, Debbie Bobbitt, Billy Springer, Jake Balentine, Dave Gordon, and Kelcie Meador.
Meeting adjourned around 8:20 for refreshments and fellowship.
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Respectfully submitted: Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association,
February 3, 2016
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