Wilson County Beekeepers

Meeting Minutes – Monday, 1 June 2020

The June 1, 2020 meeting of the Wilson County Beekeepers Association was called to order by President Carey Mitchell.  Our first meeting back since the tornado and the Covid-19 crisis brought 33 members and guest to the meeting   Minutes from the March 2020 meeting were approved as posted in the past newsletter.  The reported checkbook balance is $xxx.  Our current membership stands at 200!

Old Business Discussed:

• No old business was discussed

New Business Discussed:  

• Anyone getting swarms? There have been a number of calls for cut-outs.
• Petra discussed the Wilson County Fair. As of this meeting, we still are uncertain if we will be having one this year, but if we do, modifications will be made to the Honey Show venue.  There will be NO presentations or demonstrations, no live bees, no honey for sale, nor sampling.  After talking to many seasoned beekeepers, most are not willing to attend the fair this year.  We have 16 nightly slots with a minimum of 3 people at the booth, and currently we have confirmation from 15 members that will work the fair (of which 8 are new to the game).  We will get updates as the information comes in.  Most regulars have no intentions on submitting entries for the Honey Show this year.
• Petra reminded folks that come January, TBA dues will double in price. Current membership rates will apply until September.
• Wilson County Beekeepers currently have three slots on the TBA Executive Committee that will be replaced at the Conference. TBA will be looking for a new Executive Vice President (in charge of planning the Conference) and a new North Middle Regional Vice President (liaison between local clubs and TBA)…both of these positions have a two-year term limit.  Also, Petra is stepping down as treasurer and a replacement is needed.  If you are interested in any of these positions, please let someone know.
• Bon Aqua Springs Bee Supply in Murfreesboro has changed their name to Maple Bend Bee Supply. They will continue to serve beekeepers from their Murfreesboro location.

Jessica’s Monthly To Do’s:

• The weather is nice, and the bees are in full swing! Check your beehive for a good laying pattern and a healthy queen.
• Add more supers if you need them.
• Some beekeepers can remove the supers and harvest their honey.
• There should be NO feeding.
• But with temperatures rising make sure there is a water source. Your neighbor’s pool does not count!
• I hope everyone’s doing their best to prevent swarms. I’ve caught a lot of them but don’t worry almost none of them have stayed!!

What’s Blooming at our house:

• Clover
• Magnolias
• Privet
• Bush Honeysuckle
• Blackberries
• Lilac Tree
• Catalpa
• Walnuts
• False Indigo
• Holly
• Hydrangea
• Poison Ivy

Getting Ready:

• Buckthorn
• Bottlebrush Buckeye
• Chestnut

Program:  David Hughes from Rock Bridge Trees discussed great trees and shrubs for honeybees.

Announcements:

• July 6—Carey Mitchell will be doing an extracting program
• July 27—Karin Gray, President of the Cookeville club will be discussing propolis

No door prizes were handed out at the end of the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.

The Club’s current checkbook balance is $xxx

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Respectfully submitted:  Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
June 2, 2020

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