Orange County Beekeepers Association

OCBA  Meeting Minutes-April 14, 2011       7:00 pm

1.       John called the meeting to order in the parking lot (because door to the usual meeting area was locked).  Chris reported that he captured a swarm in Cary; Lewis reported capturing a swarm in the walls of a home, using a thermal imaging gadget; he also reported that Burwell School had a swarm.  John asked Lewis to tell what he takes with him to collect a swarm.  The truck with its locker full, a bucket on a long stick, the bee vacuum, queen cages, boxes/supers/nucs—all of these are some of what Lewis takes along.

2.       Before we re-assembled inside (thanks to Todd), Lewis showed the group a frame he’d found in one of his hives this spring.  The frame showed a distinctive random pattern of brood and perforated cappings.  It was identified as sac brood, a virus infection.  He has removed the frames, destroyed the bees, and will eventually re-establish a colony with the go-ahead of the inspectors.

3.       ‘Lizabeth called roll of members, and asked guests, visitors and non-members to sign in.

4.       Dick Merritt, treasure, reported that the current balance was $2,374.  There was a mix-up with some of the State Fair funds ($218) but he expects that to be resolved shortly.  See Dick for membership forms.

5.       John called on Watty to report on scheduled events coming up.  (These events are posted on the website.)  Watty thanked Jim and Eva Hoke for hosting the last workshop on hiving packaged bees, and reminded the group that Lewis would be hosting the next workshop on Saturday, May 7, on Nucs, at 10 am.

John turned the program over to Todd, who introduced Dr. Mike Simone-Finstrom of NCSU, formerly of the University of Minnisota.  Mike discussed his on-going research on how bees fight disease and stress.   His research looks at propolis: how and why bees use it, both individually and as a social community.  Bees do collect resin from plants, from which they can make propolis.  In the wild, some insects including bees, use resin/propolis for nest construction.  Common trees for resin are poplar, cottonwood, aspen, birch, alder, and (in our area) pine.  Propolis has a link to human health, and is a common ingredient in many Asian products, probably because it is an antibacterial, antifungal, and  antivirus.  Lab studies have tested using propolis in bee hives against varroa, chalkbrood, and American foul brood with some results.  Bees don’t normally eat propolis; feral bees cover the interior of their hive with a thin layer of propolis before constructing comb, sealing cracks and holes.  Bees have also enclosed or embalmed mice or other intruders in propolis inside the colony.  Foraging for resin is more time consuming and takes more energy for bees, so wy do bees do it?  Mike’s research is trying to find answers to this and other questions.

6.       Eva brought Japanese maple volunteers that she potted up to sell for the benefit of the club. ($2/pot)

7.       Lewis brought the fumigated donated equipment from Debbie Roose to the meeting to be auctioned.

deep hive body, 10 frames                          John H                                                                  $7                                hive body, 6 frames                                  Cecil                                                                       $9               batch: bee escape telescoping top inner cover     Todd                                                      $4             sliding rack, Henry shim                                               Ron                                                                        $1                deep hive body                                                            Chris                                                                      $7                 deep hive body                                                          John                                                                      $7            medium with frames                                      Cecil                                                                       $12

shallow with frames                                       Cecil                                                                       $10 X 2

“              “              “                                              Dan                                                                        $10

“              “              “                                              Robert                                                                  $10

medium with frames                                      John H                                                                  $8

bee escape                                                         Todd                                                                      $1

shallow with 9 frames                                    Cecil                                                                       $10

medium with 10 frames                                                Mike                                                                      $8

“              “              “                                              John H                                                                  $8

medium with 8 frames                                  John H                                                                  $7

approx. 40 sheets deep foundation         Cecil                                                                       $30

approx. 20 sheets shallow foundation    Watty                                                                    $13

approx. 20 sheets medium foundation   Lewis                                                                    $15

landing board                                                    Elisabeth C                                                          $6

box of stuff                                                        John H                                                                  $20

8.       Next meeting will be Thursday, May 13, at 7 pm.

Members enjoyed fellowship and refreshments together.

Respectfully submitted,

‘Lizabeth Collins

OCBA  Meeting Minutes-March 10, 2011       7:00 pm

John called the meeting to order and reported on the spring meeting in Dallas, NC .  He attended workshops and received tips on overwintering bees, the history of bees, information on the products of the hive.  Dick shared a website with an on-line system of beekeeping  called “hive tracks.”  The summer meeting this year will be held in Elon the second weekend in July.

1.       ‘Lizabeth called roll of members, and asked guests, visitors and non-members to sign in.

2.       Dick Merritt, treasure, reported that the current balance was $2,320; OCBA has 47 current members and most of those are also members of the state association.

3.       John presented Lewis Cauble with his Certificate of Master Beekeeper.

4.       Watty had no new information to offer about workshops.

5.       Elisabeth Curtis reported that she and another member have worked on a list of plants that attract bees which was going to be offered in conjunction with the Southern States workshop.  The list may be compiled into a pamphlet and offered separately.

6.       Person County’s bee field day is to be held on Saturday, March 12.

7.       Watty told members about finding a nice DVD on top bar hives and he recommends those interested check out the site: backyardhive.com.

John turned the program over to Geneva Green, who presented “The Best Way to Learn about Bees is to Teach about Bees (and have fun at the same time)”.   Geneva has prepared many aids for members who are willing to give presentations to schools or clubs, including power point  presentations, folders of materials to copy for hand-outs, and CD’s.  She has also collected posters related to bee anatomy, a model of a honey bee, and the observation hive.   Geneva also reviewed the following upcoming events at which OCBA volunteers are needed:

a.       Hiving Packaged Bees , Saturday, April 9, at Jim and Eva Hoke’s bee yard (102 Stormridge Drive, Chapel Hill)

b.      Using Nucs and Making Splits, Saturday, May 7 (TBA)

c.       Piedmont Wildlife Festival , Saturday, May 14, from 11 am to 6 pm (364 Leigh Farm Road, Durham  (volunteers needed in shifts to man OCBA’s booth)

d.      Dedication of Pollinator Garden, Sunday, May 15, Dickson House on Churton Street, Hillsborough

e.       Magic Wings at Museum of Life and Science, Saturday, May 21 (433 West Murry Avenue, Durham (volunteers needed in shifts to man OCBA’s booth)

f.        Hillsborough Garden Tour, Saturday, May 21

g.       Farm to Fork, May 22

h.      Hive Assessment (TBA) Don Hopkins

She finished her presentation with a humorous Top Ten Things a beekeeper is asked.  One last announcement: Uniterian Church is having a plant exchange on April 9 from 10-12.  Interested folks are asked to bring a white flowering perennial  or to make a donation to the church.

8.        Betsy suggested that a form be created and posted on the website to preview requests for speakers about beekeeping, including a fee for for-profit organizations.  Dan asked if the information in the folder could also be up loaded on to the website.

9.       Lewis reminded the club that we are lucky to be beekeeping in NC where there are six full time bee inspectors.  Also he reported that he had received an email from the Durham Cooperative Extension agency about setting up a hive in their new community garden.  They have requested help with the hive wooden ware and bees.  Lewis offered to donate some equipment or woodware and a frame of bees.  Betsy asked who is going to care for the bees?  Lewis admitted that the garden is scheduled to open on April 29, and that he didn’t know who would care for them.  We had members who live in Durham County.

10.   Lewis explained that the Golden Achievement Application for OCBA was submitted at the spring meeting.

11.   Next meeting will be Thursday, April 14, at 7 pm.

Members enjoyed fellowship and refreshments together.

Respectfully submitted,

‘Lizabeth Collins

OCBA  Meeting Minutes-February 9, 2011       7:00 pm

John called the meeting to order and invited members to talk about what they have observed in their beeyards this month.  Elisabeth Curtis asked what to do if she finds an empty hive where bees have died out.  (Have a bee inspector come to make sure there were no diseases, then clean out the hive to use with a package or, later, with a split.)  Lewis cautioned that we should be checking to see if the bees have enough to eat.  John Harrell asked at what point should he reverse hive bodies or take other steps to prevent swarms.  (Weather needs to be warm enough; could do now.  You want to keep food above the bees.)  If you see bees coming and going from your hives, it doesn’t necessarily mean all is well—they could be robbing the hive.  A clue that your hive is active and well is to watch for pollen coming in.

1.       ‘Lizabeth called roll of members and asked guests, visitors and non-members to sign in.

2.       John Harrell reported that the workshop on framing at Bee Works in Cedar Grove in January was a good one.

3.       Next John called on Watty , who reported on the upcoming events:

a.       Plants for the Beekeeper (TBA) at Southern States/Carrboro

b.      Hiving Packaged Bees , Saturday, April 9, at Jim And Eva Hoke’s bee yard (102 Stornridge Drive, Chapel Hill)

c.       Using Nucs and Making Splits, Saturday, May 7 (TBA)

d.      Piedmont Wildlife Festival , Saturday, May 14, from 11 am to 6 pm (364 Leigh Farm Road, Durham  (volunteers needed in shifts to man OCBA’s booth)

e.      Dedication of Pollinator Garden, Sunday, May 15, Dickson House on Churton Street, Hillsborough

f.         Magic Wings at Museum of Life and Science, Saturday, May 21 (433 West Murry Avenue, Durham (volunteers needed in shifts to man OCBA’s booth)

g.       Hillsborough Garden Tour, Saturday, May 21

h.      Hive Assessment (TBA) Don Hopkins

4.       Elisabeth Curtis reported that Southern States isn’t as motivated to schedule the Plants for Beekeepers workshop as she would like them to be.

5.       Spring meeting of beekeepers will be held March 4-5 at Gaston College in Dallas, NC.  Registration is only $20.  This is the joint meeting with South Carolina beekeepers.  John counted 7-8 local members who planned to attend.

John turned the program over to Randall Austin, Master Beekeeper, who gave information about the Master Beekeeping program in North Carolina.  The first level is “certified” for which no course work is required; however a beekeeper must pass a written test.  The second level is “journeyman.”  Again no course work is required.  However the beekeeper must pass the written test  and a practicum (hands-on test), have kept bees for 2 or more years, and must complete /document 5 or more units of public service.  The third level is “master” beekeeper.  At this level, the beekeeper must pass the test and practicum, have kept bees for 3 years and must complete/document 10 or more unite of public service.  Once you reach this level, you can rest on your laurels.  But there is one more level: Master Craftsman.  This level requires renewal after 5 years and the beekeeper must complete all of the requirements for Master Beekeeper  with 15 or more units of public service and participate in a quality research program.  North Carolina has only 7 of these.

Public service credits are broad and varied: presentations to clubs or schools; serving as club officers; creating information brochures/posters; mentoring another beekeeper; hosting a workshop; manning the bee booth at the State Fair or other such; working on the pollinator garden; etc.

6.        Applications for membership are at theocba.org .

7.       Lewis offered free bee company catalogs on the back table.

8.       Next meeting will be Thursday, March 10, at 7 pm.

Members enjoyed fellowship and refreshments together.

Respectfully submitted,

‘Lizabeth Collins

John welcomed all.   He shared the fact that he had checked some of his hives during one of the warmer days in the last week and had found one that was lighter than the others.  He asked Don Hopkins what he should do for that hive.  Don responded that the weather precludes doing very much, but he could feed the bees—even sprinkling granulated sugar on the top of the frames—if need be.

1.     John reported that OCBA’s Executive Committee met in December to plan for the new year.  Actively participating membership is one of the goals this committee set.  There are a lot of activities throughout the year for members to be active.

2.     He asked Charles to report on the 4-H part of the club’s program.  Charles did, saying that for some years, the club has offered to provide up to 4 hives and bees for interested members of Orange and Durham Counties’ 4-H clubs, and to mentor these 4-Hers during that year.  Martie Hart expressed an interest in this.

3.     Next John called on Geneva to report on a “presentation box.”  Geneva explained that she is putting together a box that will have all the items one would need in order to make a presentation to a school or club group, from outlines of what to cover to power point presentations that can be loaded onto a zipdrive.  Wattie asked about a presentation hive which some have seen offered in catalogs, with pictures/photos rather than the real thing.

4.     Dates to calendar:  May 14: Piedmont Wildlife Festival (members to man OCBA’s booth)

May 21: Wild Wings (OCBA booth) & Hillsborough Garden Tour

5.     Wattie reported that his committee has several workshops set up and scheduled for this year.  The first will be held at Cedar Grove Beeworks (8411 Highway 86 N) on Saturday, January 29 at 10 am.  Lewis will lead a hands-on workshop on wooden ware.  This is in conjunction with Person and Chatham County beekeepers.  Wear warm clothes as the workshop isn’t heated; bring your tack hammer (label it).

Another workshop on Making Nucs will be held later this spring.  Eva Hoke volunteered to host a workshop for demonstrating Installing Packages of Bee.  TBA –early April  Later in the spring, OCBA will host a workshop on Plants for Beekeepers along with Carrboro’s Southern States.  And Don Hopkins agreed to lead a workshop on Hive Assessment sometime in the early summer.

6.     Dick Merritt reported that the club currently has approx. $2100, excluding the membership fees that he has begun to collect.  Remember to turn in your membership form and check: Orange County dues for 2011 are $5; state dues are $15, and you can write one check.

7.     ‘Lizabeth announced that American Bee Journal is offering 25% off one year’s subscription if you order through the club.  She is collecting subscription information and money.

8.     Lewis pointed out the spring meeting will be March 4-5.  Look for information on the website.  He recommends reserving accommodations now which you can release later if you decide not to attend.  He also announced that he had made new nametags.

9.     John mentioned the need for publicity for all the club’s activities.  Elizabeth Curtis mentioned the Carrboro Citizen was good about covering events; John thought that Inge had that newspaper already on a contact list.  He mentioned the obituary of Stephen Luck, who was a beekeeper in Orange County and OCBA member.

10.  John turned the program over to Don Hopkins, State Bee Inspector, who gave us an informative slideshow.  He also answered questions, one of which was, “What do bee inspectors do?”  Inspectors look for diseases in hives, look to see if the queen is present and laying, locate atypical bee colonies or atypical bee behavior, help beekeepers with colony management, provide information to individuals or groups, etc.

11.  Eva spoke up to encourage member to get involved with activities.  She said the club is a wonderful place to learn about bees, and everyone in it is qualified to tell someone else about beekeeping.

12.  Old copies of American Bee Journal were offered to anyone interested.

13.  Lewis reported that Dyllis Bowman had donated bee equipment to the club.  On this night, he auctioned 6 plastic frames at $6, and bought those himself.  He offered 6 more frames, 5 frames and 8 medium plastic frames which Charles purchased at $10.

Members enjoyed fellowship and refreshments together.

Respectfully submitted,

‘Lizabeth Collins