Wilson County Beekeepers

Meeting Minutes – Monday, 2 January 2023

Forty-three members and guests were in attendance at the first meeting of 2023 on Monday, January 2 of the Wilson County Beekeepers at the Ward Ag Center.  President Carey Mitchell called the meeting to order.  The minutes of the December meeting were approved.   The reported checkbook balance is $_______.  A year-end financial report was available for anyone interested.

Old Business Discussed:

• Carey thanked everyone for the delicious goodie basket and dinner card that was gifted to him and Petra.
• Everyone that attended the Christmas dinner seemed to have a good time and no one went home hungry. Because of the club’s generosity, we were able to give HomeSafe a total of $1,218.00 and they were most appreciative.
• This year’s winners of the raffle were Philip Chapman who won the bee jacket and lucky Chuck Benson won the oxalic vaporizer.
• Officers for 2023 are: President—Carey Mitchell  Vice President—Leonard Walker  Secretary/Treasurer—Petra Mitchell   TBA Directors—Jessica Dodds, Jamie Irons and Jenny Lamb and Alternates—Chuck Benson, Philip Chapman and Laurie Karr  Our librarian is Jennifer Ferguson, Newsletter Editor is Sarah Poss, and our Social Media Queen is Jenny Lamb.  Thank you everyone that volunteered to serve.
• Bees for Sale: Al & Lou Taylor will have nucs and packages and Leonard Walker and Sterling Earhart will have nucs.  Check with them for price and details.
• March 7 & 8 WCBA will be hosting the Inspector Class with Mike Studer. If you are interested in attending, let Petra know.  The seats are limited to 25 and requirements are you have at least 5 years beekeeping experience and have passed the UT Master Beekeeper Class.  This class will be open to other local associations if no one else is interested.
• Remember to register your bees—per Mike Studer—Please remember that Apiary registration is free of charge.  Registration is there to protect you, your bees and everyone else’s bees around you.  Failure to register your apiaries may result in a civil penalty of $500 per violation.  Also if your apiaries are not registered with the state, then you are not keeping bees legally in the state of Tennessee and are legally liable for damages caused by our bees to persons or property.  Registered Tennessee beekeepers are protected from liability unless they are a performing tortuous act.

New Business Discussed:                                                             

• Dues are due…new books are in. If you attended the Short Course, your dues are paid with your registration.  Be sure to get your new membership book.
• NABA Advanced Beekeeper Workshop is Saturday, February 4 at Ellington Ag Center. The cost is $45 per person and includes lunch.  Petra has a few fliers at the table.  You need to register.
• The PickTN Conference is February 16-18 at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, TN. The cost is $150. for all three days.  Got to the TBA website to register.
• We have a new book in the club’s library…Bee People and the Bugs they Love. This book was recommended by our member, Robin Majors
• 2023 catalogs are starting to trickle in…check the closet if interested

Leonard’s Monthly To-Do

• Continue to clean, paint and repair equipment
• Check hives for wind and skunk damage
• Feed if needed (15 pounds minimum)
• Order nucs, packages, or queens if needed
• Several bee programs coming up that you wish to attend: NABA,  ACBC Bee School (these are always worth attending)

What’s blooming (at our house) that the bees are working:

• Dandelion
• a few rogue

Program:  David Hughes from Rock Bridge Trees in Bethpage was present to share his knowledge of bee trees and shrubs

Announcements:

• February 4—NABA Advance Beekeeper Workshop
• February 6—Investigating Bee Hive Issues—Clarence Collison
• February 16-18—Pick TN Conference
• February 25—Beginning Beekeeping Refresher

Door Prizes:

• Smoker—Allen Ferguson
• Smoker Fuel—Leonard Walker
• Honey Candy—Ronnie Woodard
• J Hook Hive Tool—Tricia Davis
• Queen Catcher—Jack Erdley
• Finger loop Hive Tool—Lucy Freeman
• WCBA t-shirt—Shelley Flint

The meeting adjourned at 8:54 pm for refreshments & fellowship.

The Club’s current checkbook balance is $—————-

 —
Respectfully submitted:  Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
January 3, 2023

.
wcba