Wilson County Beekeepers

Meeting Minutes – Monday, 1 April 2019

On Monday, April 1, 2019, President Carey Mitchell welcomed 95 plus members and guests to the monthly meeting of the Wilson County Beekeepers at the Ward Ag Center.  During this meeting we had three new members join the group, bringing our paid membership to 203.  Minutes of the March meeting were approved as posted in the past newsletter and the reported checkbook balance is xxxxxx.

Carey started out by congratulating Jessica on getting her pre-ordered 1,000 license plates and moving forward with the State.

It was announced that on March 16, one of our past members and mentors Jackson Zumbro, age 87, passed away.  The family had a private service.  Jackson (and his wife Dorothy who passed prior to him) were active WCBA members.

Old Business Discussed:

• Mike Bell and Russ Davis briefly comment on the Honey Convention, stating it was worth the drive to Knoxville to attend.
• The Swarm List is at the back table…never too early to sign up.  Remember, your WCBA membership needs to be paid for the year.
• Farm Days are set for March 8 & 9.  Jessica Dodds will chair the event and is looking for volunteers to help corral the 1,600+ Wilson County second graders who will swarm the Ag Center.
• Field Day has been scheduled for May 18 with a rain day of May 25.  One location in Lebanon (Jim Murff) and one in Mt. Juliet (Sterling Earhart).  Petra has driving directions.
• Carey reminded everyone that was getting new packages and nucs that they will need to be fed.

New Business Discussed:

• Working on a new t-shirt order:  Colors:  Lime/black print, Scarlet Red/black print, Tennessee Orange/white print, Tropical Blue/white print.  Shirts are $10.00 each regardless of size.  Also available will be Tie Die Pink or green with black print,..these will be $13.00 per shirt.  We need a minimum of 12 per color in order to place the order..
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• New owners of Bon Aqua Springs—Dave & Jessica Sells were in the house.  Dave greeted the membership.

Jessica’s Monthly To Do’s:

(to follow)

What’s Blooming in our area:

Box Elder  —  Cherries —  Crab apple —  Creeping Charlie —  Dandelion

False Nettle —  Flowering Quince —  Henbit —  Maple  — Pansie

Peaches —  Pears  —  Redbud  —  Strawberries

Plus

The evening’s speaker was to be Charlie Parton from Maryville, TN.  However, around 4:30 he called that he was on the way but feeling ill and will have to turn around and go back.  We were graced by Sterling Earhart filling in last minute.  His discussion covered installing packages and nucs, making nucs and splits.  (He will be providing an outline on his use of the double screen).

Announcements:

• April 11, 12, 13—Kent Williams Bee School (580 KY-385, Wingo, KY)
• April 26—Farm Day at Ferguson Farm (8am-6pm)…1535 Pinhook Road, Lebanon, TN…fun for all…call Allen 615-417-5596 for more details
• May 6—Kent Williams—Pest Management

Carey and Jessica handed out door prizes at the end of the meeting to:

Janet Yawn—steak from Lora Guess
Charles Hamilton—smoker from Bon Aqua Springs
Lora Guess—honey candy
Candice Thompson—flower pot charm
Phil Rogers—Burgers from Laura Guess
Terri Goodrich—1 year ABJ subscription
Chuck Benson—Hive Tool
Joyce Gagnon—Creamed Honey from Cynthia Zeitz
The meeting adjourned around 8:00 for refreshments and fellowship.

Respectfully submitted:  Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
April 3, 2019

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