Wilson County Beekeepers

Meeting Minutes – Monday, 10 June 2024

On Monday, June 10, 2024, President Carey Mitchell welcomed 50 members and family guests to the annual picnic of the Wilson County Beekeepers at the Ward Ag Center.  No business was conducted, as this was a fun event.

Folks were asked to sign in at the table for door prizes later in the evening.  There were envelopes at the table for donations to New Leash on Life and the ham drawing.  We also had an observation hive we were raffling off with chances going for $1.00 each and a gemstone stickpin with chances going for $5.00 each.  All proceeds were going to New Leash on Life.

Carey asked members to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and David Yoest gave the invocation.

A most-bountiful feast was provided and no one walked away hungry.

After dinner, Carey introduced Angela Chapman, Director at New Leash on Life along with her furry friend, Gretch, who thanked the group for being selected this year for sponsorship.  They appreciate any and all donations and will use them wisely.  She explained the Joy Clinic and their part in helping with spaying/neutering in Wilson County.

Unfortunately, there were no winners in the New Beekeeper Award this year, due to unmet qualifications.

Members shared some stories of swarms and bees, in general.

The Fair schedule will be emailed out next week for folks to sign up where they can.  It’s always a great learning experience for newbees, and they are never left to man the booth without a seasoned beekeeper.

Tricia Davis brought in some leftover plants and trees from the Master Gardener’s plant sale for anyone wishing to take them home.  She also had a sign-up sheet for anyone interested in the UT Master Gardener program.

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Reminders:

• Next meeting—July 1—Open Forum—Beekeeper Tips and Gadgets…be prepared to share.

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After all was said and done, we drew for the Lantana plants that were used for the centerpieces at each table.  The winner of the observation hive was Jennifer Ferguson and the gemstone stickpin was won by Norma Jean Stroupe.  Through the club’s generosity, we were able to give New Leash on Life a total of $1001.00 ($786 from donations, $150 from observation hive tickets, and $50 from gemstone stickpin tickets).  For a small group of members, we did great work!!!!

After writing checks for the scholarships and paying the supplies on the picnic, our ending balance is $xxxx

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Respectfully submitted:  Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association
May 7, 2024

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