November 2015

The monthly meeting of Beekeepers Guild of Southeast Virginia (BGSV) was called to order by  President Dave  Kvello on November 9th at 7:00 PM, at Towne Bank, Chesapeake, Virginia. Officers present were: Dave Kvello, President; Bill Gregory, Vice President; Laura Charles, Treasurer; Vicki Roberts, Recording Secretary; Gene Richley, Nuc Coordinator/ Scholarship Chairman; Nick Delphia, Speakers Bureau, Rick Fisher, immediate past President,  Pam Fisher, webmaster, and Dennis Heidenthal, mentor coordinator.

President Dave Kvello welcomed 68 members and 2 guests. Dave introduced Guild Officers reminded members to sign the attendance sheet and include any community service hours.

Upcoming Events:

 

Wax Workshop- An opportunity on Saturday, November 14th, from 10am- 2pm at the Ag Trailer. This workshop is for members to learn the many uses of the wax removed from the hive. The focus will be on how to clean and process the raw wax and the many products that can be produced. The lip balm kits for this event have arrived but members can still attend to learn the process, but will have to order a kit on their own.

Holiday Social- to be held December 14th at 6:30pm at Pop’s Diner, 1432 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320. There was a signup located in the lobby and also online. The specific details provided included a wrapped gift swap with cost limits of $15-$25 for members who wish to participate. Everyone was encouraged to come and celebrate together.

Flower and Garden Show- Held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on February 5th-7th 2016. An  appeal was made for volunteers to plan and run this event. The need is for someone with a working knowledge of   bee friendly plants. The plan is to again obtain and sell these plants at the event, while providing the education on beekeeping and promoting a healthy habitat for pollinators.

Announcements:

 

XenTari wax moth control for sale- Barbara Warren is the contact for this.

Nametags- members were reminded that a signup is in the lobby to request a guild nametag. Nametags previously requested were available for pickup.

Updating Speakers/ Volunteer Bureau- Nick Delphia discussed the immediate need for a volunteer to  provide a demonstration for Stonebridge Christian School on November 20th from 9am-11am. Chris Sexton volunteered and anyone interested should contact Nick.

Guild Clothing- Patty Midgette was introduced as the point of contact for ordering guild shirts and hats.

Special Recognition- A long overdue token of appreciation was presented to Rick Fisher, a  founding member, past treasurer and the immediate Past President. An engraved plaque detailing his years as guild president was formally presented and shared with all in attendance.

Beekeepers Educational Session: The topic of “Beekeeping Myths and Half Truths” was expertly addressed by  Pam and Rick Fisher. The power point presentation identified and included, the research based evidence, for the validity of common beekeeper misinformation. The talk concluded with questions and answers.

Break/Refreshments/raffle: Thanks to Betty Anne Ward for coordinating the refreshments and to everyone who brought something. 50/50 raffle- proceeds of $31 to benefit the scholarship committee. Pam and Rick also donated a package of several bottling containers as another raffle item.

 

Business Meeting:

 

  • October minutes were discussed. A motion to approve was made by Cheryl Brown, seconded by Ned Lowery and approved by the
  • Laura Charles presented the Treasurer’s report. Total funds are $12,151.50. This includes $3,299.09 in the Scholarship Fund and $8,625.15 in the General
  • State Beekeepers Meeting report- Pam Fisher provided a brief report on the topics and the presenters from the meeting in Weyers Cave on November 7th. Topics such as natural pest control, breeding queens, NCSU queen and disease clinic, and a new comprehensive local representation
  • Dennis Heidenthal provided an overview of the Mentor program and informed everyone that there was a signup in the lobby for anyone desiring a
  • Nuc program- Gene Richley announced that currently there are 12 requests for nucs. 11 for medium and 1 for
  • Scholarship committee- Gene Richley gave details for the $1,000.00 scholarship for the coming year. The 2015-16 scholarship requirements were outlined. To be considered eligible the recipient must be from Virginia Beach and going into elementary
  • Group Bottling order- Pam Fisher addressed the possibility of getting a group order together for honey bottling containers, to save members the total expense of shipping. WR Hill from Richmond was discussed for glassware and maybe also a plastic
  • December Board of Directors meeting is to be held on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Ag trailer at 6:30 PM. All members are invited to

Open forum:

 

The meeting closed out with” what’s happening in your hives”. Members discussed colony loss and possible explanations. Members were reminded if you think it might be a pesticide kill. Call State apiarist and let them come to do evaluation, do not remove bees etc. Discussion on “zombie bees” as one member had seen honeybees around lights at night.  A reminder statement to insert entrance reducers and specific placement closed out the meeting.

Next Meeting: Will be the Holiday Social on December 14th (6:30pm) at Pop’s Diner. Respectfully Submitted,

Vicki Roberts