On Monday, December 3, 2018 Wilson County President, Carey Mitchell, welcomed 64 members and guest for the annual Christmas Dinner at the Ward Ag Center.
He asked folks to sign in at the table and be sure to leave the list at the end of the evening. There was a donation envelope to Wounded Warrior Project at each table and members were asked to give what they will. Carey also asked attendees to pick up a gift while we eat and bring it to the table (if you brought a gift) but don’t open it. We will play after dinner.
Mark Anderson led the group in the Pledge to the flag and gave the blessing.
Ten tables were spread with a most delicious selection of food and tasty treats. If you went home hungry, that was your fault.
Carey introduced the 2019 officers:
- President—Carey Mitchell
- Vice President—Jessica Dodds
- Secretary/Treasurer—Petra Mitchell
- Directors—Briana Kruse, Dale McCleskey, and Candice Thompson Alternates—Margaret Cantrell, Philip Chapman, David Thompson
- Librarian—Jennifer Ferguson
- Newsletter Editor—Marla Welch
Jessica picked up the envelopes and the group generously donated $602.00 to Wounded Warrior Project.
Ann Calabria had the official White House historical ornament for 2018 for sale at a cost of $25.00 each. Each year there is one issued, they are not political, and usually display improvements and changes. This year Harry Truman is featured with his additions to the White House. The funds raised are used to make repairs and upkeep to the White House.
Back in August, Petra was contacted by Scott Selliers, who is working with the FFA chapter in Wilson County and asked for some dead bees. Here’s the reasoning behind this: A 75-year anniversary is a significant milestone, whether it’s commemorating a birth, marriage, or business relationship. To commemorate their 75-year partnership with the National FFA Organization, John Deere turned to past and present FFA members to create a time capsule reflecting the occasion. Along with the items placed in the time capsule, a little booklet was also placed inside that describes the items; the bees were described as being from Wilson County Beekeepers Association of Middle Tennessee in order to help raise awareness of the serious threats bees face in our time, with the hope that the future generation that opens this capsule have put such troubles behind them. (if you would like to see the article, please go to https://johndeerejournal.com/2018/10/making-history/
We played Dirty Beekeeper with the exchange gifts. Numbers were picked and folks could either pick a gift from the center of the table, or steal an unwrapped gift. Numbers were drawn for the two Christmas cactus that were table decorations.
Our next meeting will be January 7, 2019 with Trevor Qualls discussing Honeybee Biology. Dues will be collected and new membership books will be available.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
As always, if anyone wishes to see the treasurer’s report or end of year statement, you are more than welcome. Just ask!
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Respectfully submitted: Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
December 5, 2018
