Meeting Minutes – Monday, 31 July 2017
Another small group of Wilson County Beekeepers Association members and guests (37) was welcomed by President Carey Mitchell at the Ward Ag Center on July 31, 2017. The minutes from the July 3 meeting was approved.
Old Business Discussed:
- WCBA lost a dear friend to the club this month…WT Nolen. He was always there to help newbees and provide equipment. He will be sadly missed. Russ Davis has donated the book ‘The Fresh Honey Cookbook’ to the Association’s library in his memory, and WCBA is donating ‘The Beekeeper’s Bible’ to the Lebanon Public Library in his honor.
- The Fair schedule is available for those willing to help. Would like to finish it up this meeting so passes and parking placards can be mailed.
- Honey bears are available for donations. If you can help, please do. The association has purchased two buckets of honey to be sure we have enough for those wanting to make purchases. We will be selling the 8 ounce bears for $5.00 which will include one raffle ticket for the basket. Tickets can be purchased separately for $1.00 each.
- One pound jars are available for $1.00 each for HONEY ENTRIES only.
- Still accepting honey and bee-themed items for the raffle basket.
- Jessica Dodds discussed the license plate program. Working on getting Honeybee Tennessee website set up to accept credit card payments for the pre-purchased license plates.
- T-shirts available.
New Business Discussed:
- Any TBA member NOT receiving their newsletters?
- TBA Conference this year is October 20 and 21, with the board meeting being on the 19th (Thursday night). TBA is offering us 3 one-day Conference scholarships for new TBA members. Last year, WCBA offered an additional 9 Conference scholarships for first-time attendees. It was discussed and agreed that we would do the same again this year. This would cover one day admission ($25.00). Recipient would have to provide/or pay for their lunch. If they wanted to attend the second day, they would pay the difference of $10.00. Keynote speakers this year are Dr. Marion Ellison and Dr. Leo Scharashkin. Other speakers include Kent Williams, Clarence Collison, Steward Ledford, Jeff Dayton, Joel Hausser, just to name a few.
- Regarding Fair parking, you can park anywhere you would like, but if you go to ‘Preferred Parking’ you will be required to pay the $5.00 cost. Volunteer parking is at the Peyton Road entrance between the blue and green gates which brings you in at the back of Fiddler’s Grove. Parking attendants will show you where to park.
- We will have a large portion of the Veteran’s Building this year at the fair with crops, flowers and roses moving to the Expo Center. If you have anything you would like to contribute for use/display during the Fair, please let Petra know so we can make arrangements on getting it here next week.
- Honey Show entries are being taken on SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Not on the Thursday before opening day.
- We will have a sign-up sheet at the Fair table for the Short Course. This year’s dates are October 31 to November 2 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. There will be NO charge for the first two days, which are basic information. If folks decide they want to join WCBA/TBA, we will accept their membership applications and $25.00 on the third day when we construct equipment and give out door prizes. This will also be when they receive their club information (mentor list, membership book, reference book, etc.). As some folks decide that beekeeping is NOT for them, they shouldn’t be required to join the club. The class size is limited to 50 people.
- ‘Honey for Sale’ list for the fair. Sign up if you want to be added
As Margaret was not at the meeting, Sterling Earhart stepped up to do the July To Do List:
- If you haven’t already done so, take off your honey
- Put empty supers in storage with Paramoth
- Check to make sure your colonies are queenright
- Reduce hive space so bees can control small hive beetles
- Check young hives for stores
- If you are going to treat for mites, August is the month to do it, before the bees start raising winter bees.
The evening’s program was Carey going over the rules and regulations on the Honey Show and hoping everyone will submit at least one entry.
Announcements:
- August 12—Honey Show Entries
- August 18-26—Wilson County Fair
- August 27—Pick up Fair entries and premium checks
- September 11—Alternatives to Chemicals…Fall & Winter Management with Trevor Qualls
Carey and Jessica handed out the evening’s door prizes to: Jonathan Langenback, Lita Baldwin, Laura Long, and Larry Long
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 for refreshments and fellowship.
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Respectfully submitted: Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
August 2, 2017
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