Wilson County Beekeepers

Meeting Minutes – Monday, 29 July 2019

President Carey Mitchell called the July 29th meeting of the Wilson County Beekeepers to order at the Ward Ag Center with 47 members and guests in attendance.  Minutes from the July 1 meeting were approved as posted in the past newsletter.  The reported checkbook balance is $xxxxx

Old Business Discussed:

• T-shirts and new hats are in.  If you ordered yours, please pick up and pay for them.  If you didn’t order one, a few extras were purchased.  Hopefully your choice and color are available.
• There were some follow boards and drone frames for the taking, for those that can use them.
• The Fair schedule was available.  Fair and parking passes will be mailed out next week.
• Still looking for honey donations and items for the raffle basket.
• Congrats again for Lora Guess and Jake & Timmi Balentine…our New Beekeeper Scholarship winners
• Anyone willing to bring an observation hive for the fair?

New Business Discussed: 

• As the TBA Conference is October 11 and 12 in Cookeville, the group discussed whether or not to offer first-time attends a one-day scholarship, which would pay their admission.  Recipients would have the opportunity to pay the extra $10.00 for the second day and purchase meals.  (Registration will need to be handled at the next meeting, as early registration ends September 27).  The membership voted on offering 12 scholarships again this year.  This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Leo Sharashkin
• TBA Conference is also a good time to pick up orders from suppliers to avoid shipping charges.
• We are seeking honey/bee related items for the raffle basket.
• TBA elections will be in September and all slots are accepting nominations.  Also TBA is taking nominations for Beekeeper of the Year and Lifetime awards.  Everyone who is a paid TBA member will receive their ballot in the next TBA newsletter (and Petra will have a copy at the September meeting).  We have three members that are on the slate and would appreciate your vote…Carey Mitchell—Executive Vice President,  Jessica Dodds—Middle TN Regional VP, and Petra Mitchell—Treasurer
• As WCBA is allotted three delegates, we need to fill one slot.  Jim Murff volunteered to take that position
• Jim Murff has picked up some surplus honey for feeding bees, should anyone need some.  Just give him a call.
• WCBA’s Short Course is scheduled for October 22-24.  Anyone wanting to take the class, please sign up.

Jessica’s Monthly To Do’s:

• Check water source for bees
• Check food supplies, make sure hives are queen right and check for pest infestations…then take steps to rectify the situation, if needed
• If you extract SURPLUS honey, be sure to leave enough for the colony.  Also consider donating some of your honey back to the Association
• Move brood and honey to less populous hives and swarm colonies to get them through the dearth
• Get your Fair entries ready
• Read, read, read

What’s Blooming at our house:

• ·       Magnolia
• ·       Crepe Myrtle
• ·       Vitex
• ·       Milkweed
• ·       Catnip
• ·       Clover
• ·       Mimosa
• ·       Iron Weed
• ·       Partridge Pea
• ·       Boneset
• ·       Seven Sons
• ·       Devil’s Walking Stick
• ·       Mints
• ·       Goldenrod

Plus

For our program this evening, Carey went over the Honey Show schedule and gave some pointers on how to prepare your Fair entries.

Announcements:

Dave Gordon has frame display cases from WT Nolen for use during the fair.

• ·       August 10—Fair Entries due—10:00 am to 3:00 pm—Veteran’s Building
• ·       August 16-24—Wilson County Fair
• ·       September 9—Fall & Winter Management with Carey Mitchell

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

• ·       Smoker Fuel—Philip Chapman
• ·       Queen Grafting Supplies—Diane Leu
• ·       Uncapper—Dale McCleskey
• ·       Kelley Mug—Robin Major
• ·       Cut Comb Cutter—Les Burton
• ·       Frame rest protectors—Chris Edwards
• ·       Bag of Bears—Karen Dawson
• ·       Honey Candy—Mandy Edwards
• ·       Lighter—Amy Cate
• ·       5-Gallon bucket strainer—Preston Poteete
• ·       Queen Catcher—Jeff Crutchfield
• ·       New Leash on Life Shirt—Judy Parrish
• ·       Seasonal Prints—Sterling Earhart

The meeting adjourned around 8:00 for refreshments and fellowship.

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Respectfully submitted:  Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
July 30, 2019

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