Wilson County Beekeepers

Meeting Minutes – Monday, 7 January 2025

The first meeting of 2025 for Wilson County Beekeepers was called to order by Vice President Leonard Walker on Monday, January 6 due to President Carey Mitchell’s absence.  The minutes of the November 4 and December 2 were approved.  Checkbook balance is $xxxxx, which closes out the year with $204.77 more than we started with at the beginning of 2024.  This also includes payment for the hoodies that are on sale at this meeting.  Full financial report for the year is available at Petra’s table.

Old Business Discussed:

• What is a bee’s blood type?  Bee Positive
• The Christmas Party was a huge success.  We had a wonderful meal, find time playing Dirty Santa and great fellowship.  With your generosity, we were able to give The Bridge House a total of $973.00.  You all deserve a pat on the back.  We did get a thank-you note from them, which is at Petra’s table.
• 2025 Officers:  President—Carey Mitchell; Vice President—Leonard Walker;  Secretary/Treasurer—Petra Mitchell, TBA Directors—Jessica Dodds-Davis, Jenny Lamb and Al Taylor; TBA Alternates—Chuck Benson, Philip Chapman, and Laurie Karr; Librarian—Jennifer Ferguson; Newsletter Editor—Duane Ackley, and Social Media Queen—Jenny Lamb     Thanks to all who volunteered to serve.
• Who went to the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville over the weekend?  Comments??
• Petra reported that the $1,500.00 donation was presented to the Ward Ag Center.  They called her to say that this is a very generous offer but should reconsider as it may jeopardize our ‘no pay for use’ status.  It was left that we will rescind the donation but will consider purchasing an item for donation that the Center may need. 

   New Business Discussed:

• Dues are due!!!!   New membership books are in.  If you registered and paid for the Short Course, your dues are good through 2025.  Stop by Petra’s table to pick up your new book. 
• New Hoodies and hats are in.  The Hats are $10.00 and the Hoodies are $20.00. There are a few that were ordered that hadn’t been spoken for.  Sizes and quantities are limited.
• A retired beekeeper is selling his extracting equipment (in side window).  We will be doing this as a blind auction.  Items included:  2-frame extractor, electric hot uncapping knife, two bucket screens, bee brush and frame grip.  If you are interested, put your highest bid on one of the cards along with your name and seal it

in an envelope.  Highest bid will take home at the end of the March meeting.  Do not have to be present to win.  Starting bid is $125.00.

• Mike Studer will be doing an Inspection Class March 17-18 from 6:00 pm to 10:00pm.  This is for anyone wanting to do hive inspections or inspectors that need a refresher.  There are a total of 25 seats available and you need to have a minimum of five years’ beekeeping experience and have gone through the Master Beekeepers class (or equivalent)

   Leonard’s Monthly To Do’s:

• Get your equipment ready.  Repair, repaint.  Check your apiary for any wind/storm damage
• Keep entrances clear of snow and ice
• Check stores.  To quote Kent Williams…if they need food, feed them; they will die if you don’t
• You could still treat with oxalic acid on a warmer day
• If you are going to need bees, you should order them now.  We have five or six people selling them

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

NOTHING

Book Report:  No book review

Program:  Sterling Earhart had a very informative program on Resource Hives

Announcements:

• February 3—Clarence Collison—The Importance of Drones

The evening’s door prizes were handed out by Leonard with the help from Jennifer Ferguson

Door Prizes:

• Bee Kind Sign—Ronnie Woodard
• Entrance Feeder—Amanda Braunwalder
• Spring Shirt—Freddie Stroupe
• J-Hook Hive Tool—Duane Ackley
• Refrigerator Magnet—Allen Ferguson
• $10 Gift Certificate from Lappe Bees—Andrew Poteete
• Blue Sky Shirt—Tricia Davis
• WCBA Hat—Caryn Boles
• Entrance Dial—David Yoes

The meeting adjourned around 8:05 for refreshments & fellowship.

The Club’s current checkbook balance is $___________.

Respectfully submitted:  Petra Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Wilson County Beekeepers Association,
January 7, 2025
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