Wilson County Beekeepers

On July 11, 2016 a small group of 51 members, guests, and visitors attended the monthly meeting of the Wilson County Beekeepers Association.  President Carey Mitchell called the meeting to order.  Approval of the May and June minutes was made.

Old Business Discussed:

• Carey thanked everyone that attended the picnic and made donations to New Leash on Life. A table full of products was collected that Executive Director Angela Chapman took back to the Shelter along with a total donation of $622.00.  The country, which was won by Candice Thompson, brought $88.00 and we had monetary donations of $534.00.
• After many phone calls and emails, we finally got an approval from Joey Cooper, EMA Director that they will accept the hat/veil combos that WCBA is donating to Wilson County fire stations. Petra has been in contact with Rossman Apiaries, and they are selling them to us at a cost of $14.00.  A total of 45 were ordered with 23 going to Wilson County fire stations and 22 going to the surrounding counties (2 per county).
• T-Shirts are in…a few extras were purchased in case you didn’t pre-order
• For those that won the Hardeman queens at the picnic, certificates were available.
• The Fair Schedule was made available. We still have some dates open.  Fair passes will be mailed towards the end of the month.  Still collecting items for the raffle basket.  Anything you with to contribute will be gladly accepted.
• Still looking for frames for the extracting demonstration at the fair.
• Carey awarded this year’s New Beekeeper Scholarship Certificates and a check for $250.00 each to Tyson Davis and Robin Majors, as they were unable to attend the picnic.

New Business Discussed:

• Bears were available for honey donations at the fair. Only take what you think you will fill.  Once again, we will be selling the 8 ounce bottles for $5.00 which includes a ticket for the basket.  Separate tickets can be purchased for $1.0 each
• 1 pound jars were available for 50 cents each for honey entries only
• Cookeville, Overton County, and Mountain Valley Beekeepers are hosting Jennifer Berry, who will be speaking at the Collegeside Church of Christ in Cookeville on Saturday, July 16 from 8:00 to 2:30. The cost is $5.00 and lunch is NOT included.
• July 14-16 is the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference in Bowling Green, KY
• TBA will be awarding Conference Scholarships again this year. As we have three delegates, we will also have three scholarships.  Question was proposed whether WCBA wants to provide 9 more scholarships to make an even dozen as we have in the past.  This is for first-time Conference attendees.  The scholarship will provide admission for one day.  The second day can be purchased for an additional $10.00.  Lunch is NOT included, but can be purchased.  Membership agreed that WCBA provide the extra 9 scholarships.  Drawing for the scholarships will be next meeting in order to make the early registration deadline of September 23.  Dewey Caron is the key-note speaker.
• Jim Garrison, TBA President, thanked those that joined TBA and encouraged everyone to attend the Conference. He also noted that the North Alabama Symposium is scheduled for August 20.

Fred’s Monthly To Do List:

• Process supers within 2 days
• Keep weeds down and make sure you have adequate ventilation
• Don’t get greedy by taking off too much honey and donate honey to the fair
• Read—–Read—-Read

Carey reviewed the Honey Show agenda with the group and answered questions.

Announcements:

August 18—Honey Show Entries (in the Veteran’s Building
August 19-27—Wilson County Fair
August 28—Pick up Fair entries
September 12—(Second Monday) Fall and Winter Management by Barry Richards

Frank Heathman has a 32 frame radial extractor with stand for sale…615-948-2035

Carey and Fred handed out door prizes at the end of the evening to these lucky winners:  Ernie Calabria, Robin Majors, Lily Davis, Joshua Davis, Dale McCleskey and David Elliott

Meeting adjourned around 8:00 for refreshments and fellowship.

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Respectfully submitted:  Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
July 13, 2016