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AABA MEETING – AUGUST 23, 2011 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
Loyd Luna welcomed all beekeepers, new and old alike. Two were attending for the first time; Patrick and Brenda Darr have now joined AABA. Thirty five people attended the meeting.
David Morris gave an enlightening Powerpoint presentation about preparing entries for competition and for selling your products. Reading of the minutes of our June meeting was waived. They are on the AABA web site.
Doris Luna, Treasurer, gave a report on finances. We have a total of $2,828.96 in the account. At our last meeting, we made just over $700 from the auction of items donated by a previous secretary, Ms Thelma Carlson.
Both observation hives at Arlington Echo have died. One was restocked by Bart Smith on Monday, August 15th. The other will be restocked by Loyd Luna using three frames and a queen purchased from a member, Lynn Dulin. The club authorized the expenditure of $30 to purchase the bees.
Steve Hanlon gave a status report on the mentoring program. The web site still does not have information about the program. Loyd will ask the web master, Ollie Snyder, about the status.
AABA social: Date: September 10 at 5 P.M. Place: Dan Maerzke, 8517 New Cut Road, Severn, MD 21144. Eleven people signed up for the affair; directions will be provided to participants. Chrissy Perry has done an excellent job of renting the extractor. So far we have collected $160 this season.
The Anne Arundel County Fair is September 14-18. Entries will be accepted on September 11/12. A number of people signed up to man the honey booth. MD State Fair is August 25-September 5.
Our short course starts on March 13th next year. Applications will be available at the State and County fairs. The fee schedule for next year was changed in accordance with earlier discussion. Singles will remain at $25; family - $25 plus $5 for each additional member.
Our next meeting is on February 21st, 2012. Members were urged to attend the MSBA meeting and honey show on November 12 at the Maryland Dept of Agriculture.
The door prize drawing, a hive top feeder, was won by Karen Koch. The meeting adjourned at 9 P.M.
AABA MEETING MINUTES – JUNE 21, 2011 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
Following a demonstration and inspection of the Arlington Echo Beehives by Bart Smith, AABA President, Loyd Luna, welcomed all beekeepers to the meeting.
Bart Smith gave a power point presentation on “Helping your bees survive the winter” (notes from the presentation are below): Why colonies die? Varroa mites, viruses, diseases, lack of food and neglect
The ideal colony as of October 31st has: young bees, 5 or more pounds of bees per 1 deep box, few varroa mites, little or no nosema and 60 pounds or more of honey
Dealing with varroa mites: reproduce in brood, feed on brood, important to monitor mites, don’t want to treat if not needed
Bart described the procedure for conducting a “sugar roll test” for mites and the “natural mite drop test”
Varroa mite treatments include:
1. Apilife Var – which is a thymol product and comes in wafer form which is then placed on 4 corners of the hive. Need to treat 3 different times and is safe to use. The disadvantage is it reduces brood production and treats only adult bees
2. Apiguard – thymol product also reduces brood rearing. Requires 2 treatments
3. Mite away quick strips – newer – formic acid/fumigant, thin packets get placed on top of hive for 7 days, hazardous to use this but you can use it during the honey flow. Works on brood and adults
Do not use: Apistan, check mite plus, powdered sugar and home-made brews.
Bart recommended rotating medications
Tracheal mites: exist in low levels in most colonies; are seldom in our area; most varroa mites treatments work on tracheal mites
Nosema disease: -No obvious symptoms -dysentary does not indicate nosema disease -best thing to do is to have bees tested (knock a few bees into a jar with alcohol) and mail to Bee Research Laboratory. Check them late summer into Fall. See AABA webpage for BRL website. Bart indicated that sometimes nosema will taper off on its own. Fumigilin B is the only product on the market for the treatment of nosema
Other important measures to take:
-Feeding is important in fall – bees should have 60 pounds of honey in the hive for over-wintering. Most of their food should be in the upper deep box. Feed into the last part of October. If bees have not done so, position the brood (by moving frames if need be) into the center of the bottom box. Most of the honey should be above the bees. Only reverse hive bodies in the Spring.
-Provide a wind break
-Requeen colonies in late summer
-August to October: - Unite weak and queenless colonies - Inspect for parasites and diseases - Check for healthy brood
-September to October: -Reduce colony entrance (use larger part as opening and not smaller part) -remember to vent the hive in October into November by sticking a small twig between the inner and outer covers
Following Bart’s presentation and a short social break, the group held a brief business meeting:
A formal reading of the April minutes where dispensed with in order to save time.
The treasurer, Doris Luna, gave a report on AABA finances stating that the AABA has a bank balance of $2076.66 and has 79 members
Steve Hanlon gave the status of the mentoring program and indicated there were 3 mentors working with 5 newer beekeepers based on geographic location. Anyone who might be interested in this please contact Steve Hanlon or Loyd Luna
The 2nd Annual AABA Social (potluck) will be held at association member Dan Maerzke’s home in Severn on Saturday, September 10th at 5 p.m. More to follow on this
Other announcements:
- Chrissy Perry will loan you the extractor for a mere $25. If you return it clean, you get back $15.
- The Anne Arundel County Fair is September 14-18, MD State Fair is Aug 25-September 5. Get those entries ready.
-Our next meeting is on August 16th; Dave Morris will tell us about winning in honey competition.
REGISTER YOUR BEES WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE!! (Loyd has copies of applications).
James Neat won the door prize which was an outer cover
AUCTION!! Following the business meeting, we conducted an auction of donations by Mrs. Thelma Carlson, who was the AABA secretary in the late 1970's. Approximately $700 in proceeds will benefit AABA.
AABA MEETING MINUTES APRIL 19, 2011 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
We examined the colonies at Arlington Echo and found that the queens had been released from the two packages installed on April 9th as part of the Short Course. Eggs and brood were evident. The surviving over wintered colony was healthy and reasonably strong.
The President welcomed a record 50 members and guests to the meeting. The minutes of our February meeting are on our web site: www.aabees.org; they were approved without benefit of reading.
Our Treasurer, Doris Luna, gave a report on finances. There is a total of $1,946.66 in the bank account. Most of our expenses were toward the Short Course. She then gave a report on the Short Course. We had 28 applications, and a total of 53 (included several families). Income from registration and the sale of books was $965; expenses were $708. So AABA made a profit of $257.There was lots of discussion about the fees charged for the course. Families with large numbers of children take up seating space, but produce little income at the current family rate of $30. Some suggested a sliding scale while others suggested an age limit, e.g. no one younger than 10. It was agreed that the President would develop a proposal for consideration by the Board of Directors. Printed course books versus CD's was discussed. There was general agreement to stick with printed course books since the current fees cover the costs. The course evaluation sheets were summarized by Ned Wall, our VP. The marks were very high for the presenters and the students were most complimentary about the quality of the instruction and the content of the course.
Steve Hanlon presented his proposal for a mentoring program for AABA. He has developed a form which will be posted on the AABA website. It invites both mentors and mentees to register their needs and preferences.
Attendees were urged to: REGISTER BEES WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; and also to join AABA for the outrageous sum of $3.
Earth Day at Quiet Waters is Saturday, April 23rd. There were no volunteers to set up a honey display.
The CDR Mumford award was given to Kimberly Mayer for her Best in Show entry at the Anne Arundel County Fair. Her mother, Michelle Mayer, accepted the award for Kimberly.
Free labor is available from Molly Friedland, a native Annapolitan who wants to help anyone work their colonies this summer. Her phone number is 410-271-4421, mfriedlant@warren-wilson.edu. Ted Jones volunteered to use her talent and skills.
Debbie Pittinger, 410 431 5032 (cell), 410 647-7055 wants someone to talk to kindergartners (6 years old) at St Martins school in Annapolis. There were no volunteers.
The Bee Research Lab will host an open house for the public to highlight honey bee research activities conducted at the nation’s capital by the USDA Agriculture Research Service. You can visit the lab on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and hear about research, advanced beekeeping techniques, and how to identify bee diseases. A detailed agenda and directions to the lab will be posted on the web site at http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/News.htm?modecode=12-75-05-00 during May.
Roger Potwine, who lives in the Arbutus/Catonsville area, has about 20 or so Bee Bee Trees (Evodia Trees) for sale. They are about 18 inches high and are in one gallon pots. He is asking 15 dollars each. Please email him at rogerpotwine@verizon.net if you are interested. Dates for future meetings are: June 21, August 16, both Tuesdays. Anne Arundel County Fair – September 14-18, 2011. Members were urged to prepare entries for the fabulous prize monies. A Panel of Experts was convened to answer a very wide range of questions. The door prize, a hive top feeder, was won by Babs McCauley. We adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
AABA MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 2011 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
Loyd Luna welcomed everyone to the first meeting of 2011.
Janet Bardzik, the Vice President of the MSBA for Baltimore City, spoke briefly to the group about products she sells, including bee-related jewelry, fondant and sugar.
PRESENTATION:
Joe Brotherton, a member of the AABA, spoke to the membership about “Ross Rounds”.
Joe explained that he was first introduced to beekeeping when he volunteered at the Anne Arundel County Fair back in 1995. In 1999, he started hives and in 2005, Joe had expanded to 25 hives. He now keeps approximately 10-12 hives on the grounds of Sunrise Farm, the organic farm on the site of the Old Naval Academy Dairy Farm.
Joe explained that in order for Ross Rounds to be successfully filled out, that the beekeeper must have very strong hives. Joe sells the Ross Rounds (the round-shaped honey in round sections of comb) at the Farmer’s Market in Annapolis, along with other bee-related products such as candles, soaps, honey, propolis and pollen.
A benefit of Ross Rounds is that they are very popular and are in demand by members of the public, however one drawback is that the equipment (the special frames, rings that are used to contain the comb sections, etc. can be expensive). Joe explained that conversion kits are available and easy to use and described the set up of a Ross Rounds super with frames. Each super of 8 frames per super produces 32 round sections of combed honey rounds. Joe sells the Ross Rounds in plastic clam shell containers (the smaller hard plastic round containers are a bit more expensive to use) that work quite well for storing the comb. They sell from $8 to $12 per round depending on how well filled out each round comb might be.
BEE PACKAGES AND EQUIPMENT:
Following Joe’s presentation Dave Polk, owner of Free State Bees in Waldorf, Maryland spoke about bee packages, which he expects to pick up in early April. If anyone needs packaged bees, please call Dave as soon as possible, as he will soon need to start a waiting list for packaged bees. Dave is selling 3 pound packaged Italian bees and queen for $81 per package and 3 pounds packages of Russian bees with queen for $84 per package. Dave’s contact information is 301-580-9313 or freestatebees@gmail.com
Dave has also scheduled several classes in hive set up for new beekeepers. Dave indicated that he will continue to operate Free State Bees this year, but is looking to sell the business, so if anyone is interested, or knows of anyone who might be interested, please contact Dave Polk.
Following Joe and Dave’s presentations, and a social break, a brief business meeting was held:
The minutes of last meeting from August, 2010 were approved.
The following officers were presented and after nominations were taken from the floor, and no additional nominations were made, the slate of officers was accepted by the membership.
The officers for 2011 are: President – Loyd Luna Vice President – Ned Wall Treasurer – Doris Luna Secretary – Lindsay Barranco Chairlady, Publicity – Amy Jameson Chairman, Programs – Bart Smith Chairlady, Competition – Amy Jameson Chairman, Awards – Dwight Fielder Chairman, Refreshments – Heather Hatfield Librarian – Carl Guerci, Jr.
Carolyn Grant needed to resign as Refreshment Chairperson. Mr. Luna requested a volunteer for this position. Heather Hatfield volunteered to be the Chairperson of Refreshments (thank you Heather!).
The Assocation’s Treasurer, Doris Luna, reported on the association’s finances, and expenses incurred in 2010 (which were primarily for the state fair, the county fair and the club social held on October 9, 2010). The association currently has $2449.84 in a bank account, not including dues that were collected this evening. Dues are $3.00 for the year. If you have not paid your dues for 2011, please see Doris Luna.
The topic of posting member’s names and addresses on the web site was discussed and the general consensus of the group was to not post this information because of privacy concerns.
Mentoring. Steve Hanlon reported that he received the name of one association member who was interested in mentoring. Steve will work on the mentoring program as new beekeepers may be in need of mentors in their geographic locations. If you are interested in having a mentor or serving as a mentor for a new beekeeper, please contact Steve at 410-987-5480 or wm3o@arrl.net.
The club extractor was discussed briefly and it was reported that the extractor is in good working condition and available for rent by members if needed. The Short Course is scheduled for March 15, 22, 29, April 5th and April 9th. 50 people have signed up and a dozen are on the waiting list. Joe Brotherton has offered to have anyone from the course get some hands on assistance. His home phone number is 410-695-2909.
Green Street Gardens in Lothian wants a 45 minute seminar on beekeeping. If anyone is interested please call 1-443-822-3611.
Maryland Beekeeping Statistics for: 2008 2009 2010
Maryland beekeepers registered 1,531 1,353 1,425 Maryland colonies 9,800 11,474 1,650 Maryland apiaries 1,600 1,849 1,968 AA County beekeepers registered 126 140 148 AA County colonies 379 416 473 AA apiaries 145 163 172
The MSBA meeting will be this Saturday, February 19th at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The MSBA County Vice-President is Oliver Snyder, our Web Master.
Dates for future meetings are: April 19, June 21, August 16, all Tuesdays.
Anne Arundel County Fair and the Maryland State Fair for 2010 was very successful. Loyd thanked all the volunteers who assisted.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER YOUR BEES WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE!!
Lastly, David Crump won the door prize and is the proud new owner of a brand new inner and outer cover.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Lindsay Barranco, Secretary.
2010
AABA MEETING MINUTES FROM AUGUST 17, 2010 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Loyd Luna. Loyd welcomed all beekeepers, new and old alike.
Educational Program:
The program speaker was Gale Farquhar, owner of Burkittsville Beekeeping Company, LLC, who explained to the group the process for making taper beeswax candles and goat’s milk soap. Gale’s goat’s milk soap has won blue ribbons at the Maryland State Fair, The Great Frederick County Fair and the Anne Arundel County Fair. Gale explained that he became interested in making the goat’s milk soap because he wanted to find a soap that would heal and nourish the skin.
Gale explained the process for making beeswax taper candles:
Beeswax is melted in a stainless steel container which sits in a water bath (of hot water). Beeswax melts at 143 degrees to 147 degrees. A thick wick is tied to a holder. Gale gets some supplies from Spirit Crafts in California. The vat of water should get to be approx. 180 to 190 degrees. The optimal temperature for the beeswax for dipping is 165 to 168 degrees. Dip and coat the hanger holding the wicks. Dip quickly so the bottoms of the candles do not melt. Let dry 5 minutes before dipping quickly again. It will take approx. 32 to 36 dips to get a thick taper candle. Let candles cure (harden) for approx. 1 month. Some candle makers add bayberry wax for Christmas scented candles. Gale cautioned that an open flame should never be used. Gale sells his candles for $8.00 retail.
Gale then described the process for making goat’s milk soap. Gale’s goat’s milk soap is very gentle on the skin and the soaps make wonderful gifts. He recommended that coconut oil not be used because it can crack the skin. Gale uses a double boiler – always use stainless steel, not aluminum, since aluminum exposed to lye will create hydrogen gas which can be fatal.
Use thick rubber gloves. Put a large stainless steel pot on the stove and melt beeswax. Gale uses 4 to 6 ounces of beeswax. Make sure you measure the ingredients by weight, not volume. Add oils and butters (according to the exact recipe you find). Take a stick blender and mix all ingredients. (Be careful of wood floors – soap will take the finish off a wood floor). Let these ingredients cool. Prepare molds that are lined with freezer paper (Gale recommends Maplewood molds).
In a second stainless steel pot take frozen goat’s milk that is in cube sizes and begin to melt it. It will eventually get slushy. When the first pot of hot oils reaches 135 degrees, you will take the lye you are using and pour 1/3 of the lye into the slushy goat’s milk. Stir gently. Add another 1/3 of the lye and stir. You don’t want the goat’s milk to burn. The other pot of oil/soap mix should now be about 120 degrees. The basic idea is that the pot with the oils/soap mix is cooling and the pot of goat’s milk and lye is rising in temperature. Pour the goat’s milk into the soap/oil pot, stir gently. This is the suponification process. Be sure that soap doesn’t collect on the sides of the pot. Consistency of the mix should be like watery pudding. When you run an implement over the top of the mix and get a “trace” of that implement, then you will add other ingredients including honey, oatmeal (and fragrance if you would like). Mix it up. Take a large stainless steel scoop and scrape the mix into the mold. Smooth the top. Keep stirring the mixture so it doesn’t harden. Clean up all tools and shower off in order to remove any flecks of lye. Let the soap sit in the molds for 24 hours, then lift the soap out and cut into bars. Cure soap for 2 months. Each of Gale’s soaps retails for $5.00/bar. Gale emphasized that having a good formula is essential in order to ensure the correct ratio of lye to other ingredients. (Please note that these directions are general instructions and that a specific recipe and instructions should be used).
Following the educational program, there was a short business meeting:
The June minutes were approved without changes.
Doris Luna reported that the AABA currently had a bank balance of $1645.34. Doris stated that expense money would be needed for the State Fair exhibit.
Loyd thanked Donna McCoy for handling the extractor rental. Donna has moved to Mississippi. Chrissy Perry will be in charge of renting out the extractor. Her phone number is 410-849-2726 and e-mail is perry641@comcast.net . Rental is $25 and if you return it clean, you will get back $15
The State Fair is August 27th to September 6th. All slots have been filled and all volunteers should have received their State Fair admission tickets by now. The theme for the display this year is “The Future Rides on the Wings of the Honeybee”.
The Anne Arundel County Fair still has three vacancies for:
Friday, September 17th 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, September 18th 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, September 18th 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (as of posting of these minutes, there is only one open slot – September 18th 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
If you can assist in the honey/beekeeping area at the county fair, please contact Loyd. Entry tickets were given out by Loyd. If a member was not able to attend the meeting, the tickets will be mailed to that member. Honey entries are needed for the state and county fair.
Short course fliers have been prepared. The course will begin March 15, 2011.
The dates for next year’s meetings will be held the 3rd Tuesday of the month in February, April, June and August. Please mark your calendars. All meetings will be held at Arlington Echo.
Dave Crump proposes the group places a group queen order in order to save on shipping costs. If you are interested in ordering queens, please contact Dave at 410-923-3538 or dlccrump@gmail.com.
Ned Wall reviewed the results of the survey which was recently distributed to all members of AABA. There were approximately 40 responses. Based on the results there appears to be an interest in the following:
emphasizing a social component to the association where members can meet one another and discuss beekeeping. Loyd suggested we schedule a potluck dinner in October and there appeared to be an interest in doing this. Loyd will ask Joe Brotherton about possible space at Sunrise Farm. Doris and Loyd have a community building for gatherings, but there is a fee. Loyd will check into this possibility and scheduling a potluck dinner sometime after October 15th, possibly a Saturday evening.
if you are interested in mentoring or having a mentor (410-987-5480 or wm3o@arrl.net.
Please remember safety in the apiary – always wear protective clothing and use a smoker! Please remember to register your bees with the Maryland Department of Agriculture! The 2 door prizes were won by Frank Sullivan who won a bar of Gale’s goat’s milk soap and Kathleen Grant, who won a double screen board. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. (Meeting minutes prepared by Lindsay Barranco, AABA Secretary)
Meeting Minutes from June 15, 2010 at Arlington Echo
Prior to the meeting, Jerry Fischer and Bart Smith conducted an open hive demonstration for the membership. Only one of two packages installed as a part of the Short Course has survived.
Mr. Luna welcomed all beekeepers to the meeting and a short business meeting followed:
The reading of the minutes from the April meeting was dispensed with in order to save time.
Mrs. Luna gave a treasurers report and indicated that the association had $1,646.58 in the account.
Mr. Luna reported that the Shady Side Rural Heritage Society Oyster Roast would be held in October and that the group was looking for a beekeeper for this event. Please contact Mr. Luna if you are interested.
Donna McCoy is out of town for a few days. She will loan you the extractor when she returns for a mere $25. If you return it clean, you get back $15. In her absence, please e-mail Mr. Luna if you want to borrow the extractor.
The Anne Arundel County Fair will be held September 15-19. The Maryland State Fair will be held August 27-September 6. Please consider entering your bee products! Fair books were available at the meeting and are also available at the libraries.
There is an event at the Governor’s House on July 17th at 10 a.m. in honor of “Pollinator’s Day”. Mr. Luna mentioned that beekeepers have a hive on grounds.
Lastly, Mr. Luna emphasized the need for SAFETY in the apiary. It is imperative for beekeepers to take precautions by wearing protective gear and using the smoker when checking their hives, particularly if hives are located in an isolated area. Please be careful!
Please remember to register your bees with the Maryland Department of Agriculture
There was a door prize drawing for a new bottom board (Paul Knight won it) and some brand new frames (Jack Thibodeau won them).
Program Notes
Following the business meeting, Jerry Fischer, the state apiarist from the Maryland Department of Agriculture gave a power point presentation on “Summer Management”.
The presentation covered 7 topics: Divides and Spilt Colonies, Nectar Flow, Rearing Queens, Removal of Honey/Extraction, Monitoring Mites, Hive Needs and Fair Consignments.
Dividing and Splitting Colonies: When thinking about splitting or dividing a colony, Jerry encouraged the group to “think like a bee” and posed the question “when would bees do this naturally”? In Maryland, this would typically occur when bees are likely to swarm. Beekeepers want to consider doing this before the major nectar flow in Maryland, which, he stated, gets earlier and earlier each year. In Maryland the tulip poplar and black locust nectar is flowing in late May/early June. Nucs/divided colonies can be placed 2 to 3 miles from the former colony.
Nectar Flow: The first nectar flow in Maryland is not the best for honey. This is “brood flow” (i.e. maples) or “bee build up flow”. The major flow of tulip poplar and black locust runs from April 20th to June 15th. Mr. Fischer stated that due to cold weather in the south and the availability of packaged bees that occurs in late April to early May, that Maryland beekeepers should consider nucs and dividing of colonies so that bees can take advantage of nectar flows that are occurring earlier each year (i.e. before the arrival of the packaged bees).
Mr. Fischer indicated that a good rule of thumb to follow when placing supers on hives would be “when you see your first dandelion”. Consider 9 frames with spacers, so that bees can build out more comb, which makes it easier to uncap honey. Utilize an upper entrance when nectar is flowing (i.e. a hole that can be corked later on) so that bees returning to the hive with nectar can get to the super faster. This increases the visits to the super each day, which is beneficial to the beekeeper.
Queen Rearing: When to do this? You would do this the same time the bees would –during a major nectar flow – when the bees make their swarm cells. Mr. Fischer noted that queens are not lasting as long as they used to last. Years ago queens lives to be 3 to 5 years. Now queens live up to 2 years.
Early divide – use swarm cells/eggs Later queens – use nucs/grafting
Honey Removal: Various methods can be used including a brush, chemicals, blower (use vacuum cleaning in “blow function”), or bee escape. You want to extract as soon as you remove supers in order to avoid problems from humidity.
Mite Infestation: Methods of survey include visual, sticker board, drone brood and sugar roll. Mr. Fischer emphasized that hives should be treated for mites “only if necessary” and that beekeepers do not want to treat if mite numbers are below the threshold level, which could lead to hives becoming resistant to products. (Numbers – if less than 45 on a 24 hour sticky board or less than 5 on a sugar role – if above those numbers you would treat and if below those numbers you would not treat the hive.) Treat per label of the product. If you need to treat the hive, take the honey supers off the hive and treat. The beekeepers first responsibility is to raise healthy hives. The best time to treat is when there is little or no brood.
Hive Needs: Include a water source, feeding and ventilation. Ventilation is needed in July and August, but also is needed in the winter. During the nectar dearth in July and August – consider planting something that blooms in July or August near the hives in order to give the bees a nectar source. Opening the hives for lengthy periods in July and August can lead to robbing, as can outside feeding. Feed internally so the bees can protect themselves.
Fair Consignments: County fair books are now available. On page 63 you will see all the categories for entries. The Anne Arundel County Fair will be held September 15-19. The State Fair will be held August 27 to September 6th. Entries for the State fair will be August 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lastly, in all summer hive management activities, Mr. Fischer encouraged the group to remember to “Think Like a Bee” when determining hive needs. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by: Lindsay Barranco (AABA Secretary)
AABA MEETING – APRIL 20, 2010 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
The President welcomed everyone to the meeting. Thirty five people attended. Paul Dill, the President, Maryland State Beekeepers Association, was a first time attendee. Kevin Kohler, a reporter for Taste of the Bay, a local magazine, is a friend of the honey bee, and is doing a story for future publication.
The minutes of our February meeting are on our web site: http://aabees.org.
Our Treasurer, Doris Luna, gave a report on our finances. There is a total of $1600.34 in the bank account. Most of our expenses were toward the Short Course. She then gave a report on the Short Course which was finally completed tonight, the latest ever. We had 33 applications, and a total of 51 (included several families). There were many delays in getting the packages of bees for installation at Arlington Echo. Income from registration and the sale of books was $1,111; expenses were $923.24. So AABA made a profit of $178.76. Printing costs were about 30% higher than last year. The course evaluation sheets were very complementary about the course. Some suggested running the course in the Fall and/or starting it much earlier in the year. Attendees were urged to REGISTER YOUR BEES WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRIGCULTURE and also join AABA for the outrageous sum of $3.00/yr
It's a Bugs World, March 7 at the Sheraton Hotel in Annapolis was a big success.
Earth Day at Quiet Waters is this Saturday, April 24th. Dave Crump will be there representing AABA. He will be assisted by Steve Hanlon Dates for future meetings are: June 15, August 17, both Tuesdays. Anne Arundel County Fair – September, 2010A Panel of Experts was convened to answer questions. Door prizes were won by: Steve Hanlon (swarm trap); Dick Crane (bee veil); and John Connors (screened bottom board). We adjourned at 8:30.
AABA MEETING MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2010 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
The meeting was called to order as 7:05 p.m. by the AABA President, Loyd Luna, who welcomed all attendees.
Mr. Luna introduced Jody Johnson, who is a doctoral candidate at the University of Maryland Baltimore. Ms. Johnson spoke to the group about the Sub Lethal Effects of Pesticides on Honey Bee Health and Behavior. A power point presentation, which summarized a study Ms. Johnson had conducted, was presented and a question and answer period followed.
A business meeting followed a short break.
- An election of officers was held. The following slate was presented. There were no additional nominations made from the floor and the following officers were elected unanimously by the membership:
Officers for 2010: President – Loyd Luna Vice President – Ned Wall Treasurer – Doris Luna Secretary – Lindsay Barranco Chairlady, Publicity – Amy Jameison Chairman, Programs – Bart Smith Chairlady, Competition – Amy Jameson Chairman, Awards – Dwight Fielder Chairman, Refreshments – Carolyn Grant Librarian – Carl Guerci, Jr.
A Treasurer’s report was given by Doris Luna. Mrs. Luna reported that there was $1554.10 in the treasury as of February 16, 2010. She further reported that 13 applications had been received (so far) for the 2010 short course.
The short course will be held on March 9,16 23, April 6th, April 17th. Please advertise the course. The short course has been advertised at the library and in the Evening Capital.
Dave Polk indicated that he will have packaged bees, but said to contact him quickly because he predicts he will be sold out in March.
Mr. Luna reported that Joe Brotherton has offered to mentor anyone going through the short course. His home phone number is 410-695-2909.
“It's a Bugs World” will be held on March 7th at the Sheraton Hotel in Annapolis. Mr. Luna will be there answering questions about honey bees and asked for a volunteer or two who could assist that afternoon. The time frame is from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and any time a beekeeper can give would be greatly appreciated.
Mr. Luna reported that a Baltimore City School teacher from the Expeditioning Learning School would like someone to come talk to her first graders about bees. If there are any volunteers, please contact Mr. Luna.
Mr. Luna reported that he has received the following Maryland Beekeeping Statistics from Jerry Fischer (Maryland Department of Agriculture):
| | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|
| Maryland beekeepers registered | 1,422 | 1,531 | 1,353 |
|---|
| Maryland colonies | 8,435 | 9,800 | 11,474 |
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| Maryland apiaries | 1,742 | 1,600 | 1,849 |
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| AA County beekeepers registered | 112 | 126 | 140 |
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| AA County colonies | 344 | 379 | 416 |
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| AA apiaries | 139 | 145 | 163 |
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The MSBA meeting was held Saturday, February 20th at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The MSBA County Vice-President is Oliver Snyder, our Web Master. Please note the dates for future meetings: April 20 June 15,August 17, all Tuesdays.
The Anne Arundel County Fair – 16-20 September, 2009 was very successful. Mr. Luna thanked all the volunteers who assisted. Ms Kimberly Mayer won the CDR Mumford trophy for Best in Show.
REGISTER YOUR BEES WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE!!
The door prize drawing (a primed super) was won by Chrissy Perry.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lindsay Barranco (Secretary AABA)
2009
AABA MEETING AUGUST 18, 2009 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
Welcome to all beekeepers, new and old alike. How many are attending for the first time?
Our guest speaker is Adam Finkelstein. His topic is “Managing bees for 10 years without Varroa Mite Treatments/Breeding VP Queen bees.” Adam has been an apiary inspector, certified organic farm owner/manager, sometime entomology graduate student, and queen breeder since 1989. Adam, and his wife, Kelly Rausch, have been breeding and selecting Bees for over ten years. They own and operate VP Queen Bees, in Frederick, MD, providing breeder and naturally mated queens to beekeepers through out the U.S.
The minutes of our June meeting are lost in the ether.
Our Vice President, Peter Quinton has resigned his post. Other vacancies may occur. Start thinking about replacements. AABA Website – Ollie Snyder has done a great job of establishing and keeping it current.
Treasurer will give us a report on our finances.
The AABA extractor is still available. Ms Donna McCoy will loan it to you for a mere $25. If you return it clean, you get back $15.
Carl Guerci has volunteered to set up a library for AABA.
Russ Corbett offered a handout on plants for honey bees.
Peter Quinton offered a handout on Manuka honey.
Join MSBA. Pay your dues to AABA.
Get ready for the Maryland State Fair and the Anne Arundel County Fair.
REGISTER YOUR BEES WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
Door prize drawing (Take numbers container). John Conners won the door prize.
Anne Arundel Beekeeping Association April 21 2009 The meeting began at 6:30pm in the beeyard at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center. Three hives were inspected and found to be in fine condition. The group then moved inside where a demonstration of our new website was provided by Ollie Snyder, webmaster. Motion to approve website and further its function was approved and seconded. Quiet Waters Earth Day was a success. Thanks to the volunteers who represent beekeepers at public functions. A mentoring program was initiated. Treasurer’s report provided. Current funds are $1788.52 Short Course on Beekeeping offered at Anne Arundel Community College during the late Winter/ early Spring months was a success. A Panel of Experts consisting of Peter Quinton, Dwight Felder, and Bart Smith answered questions from members. Door Prize was won by Steve Hanlon and was a food grade bucket with a spigot. Our meeting adjourned at 9pm. Respectfully submitted, Donna McCoy, secretary
AABA MEETING - FEBRUARY 17, 2009 AT ARLINGTON ECHO
Welcome everyone to our first meeting of 2009, Chinese Year of the Ox.
Last year was the Year of the Dog. The Year of the Honeybee it was not.
Anyway, welcome to all beekeepers, new and old alike. How many are attending for the first time? Tonight we will hear one of the most experienced beekeepers in Maryland. Bill Troup has driven all the way from Williamsport, MD and we appreciate it. We will then have a break, refreshments, and a business meeting. Bill is a Master Beekeeper and is a part-time inspector for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. He has judged the County honey show and competition. He will talk to us about making nucs. Please welcome Bill. We did not distribute the minutes of our August, 2008 meeting by e-mail. My fault. I have a copy to pass around. Any corrections, additions, or deletions? If not, we will consider them final. There were no changes. Election of officers:
The following have agreed to stand for office:
President - Loyd Luna
Vice President - Peter Quinton
Treasurer - Doris Luna
Secretary - Donna McCoy
Chairlady Publicity - Amy Jameson Chairman Programs - Bart Smith Chairlady Competition - Amy Jameson Chairman Awards - Dwight Fielder Chairlady Refreshments - Carolyn Grant The floor is now open for nominations. Treasurer's report on our finances: $1,467.61 Don Kolpack is here with 50 pound bags of sugar for sale. Dave Crump wants to talk about queens. There were no requests for queens.
Did everyone receive the AABA Newsletter? A few copies are available.
Short Course status report: it is on March 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 4th. Applications are here. Please advertise it. We have only 13 people signed up.
Maryland Beekeeping Statistics for: (2007) (2008)
Maryland beekeepers registered 1,422 1,531 Maryland colonies 8,435 9,800 Maryland apiaries 1,742 1,600
AA County beekeepers registered 112 126
AA County colonies 344 379
AA apiaries 139 145
MSBA meeting will be this Saturday, February 21 st at the Howard County Fairgrounds.
AABA extractor is available from Donna McCoy who will loan it to you for a mere $25. If you return it clean, you get back $15.
Dates for future meetings are April 21, June 16, August 18, all Tuesdays.
Anne Arundel County Fair - 16-20 September, 2009. We will need volunteers to man the booth and entries for the competition.
Projectbudburst.com is an on-line plant watch announced to members by Carolyn Grant.
REGISTER YOUR BEES WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE!! (I have copies of applications).
Door prize drawing won by Cynthia Wiseberg Brody which was a bottom board.
2008
ANNE ARUNDEL BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION TREASURER'S REPROT FOR AABA SHORT COURSE 2008 INCOME | ITEM | AMOUNT | | Fees and Sale of Books | $1,145.00 | | (45 Students and 13 textbooks) | | TOTAL | $1,145.00 |
EXPENSES
| ITEM | AMOUNT | | University of Maryland EB-223 | $ 57.00 | | Hardeman Apiaries - 2 packages | 131.10 | | Course Book Printing & Binders | 218.54 | | Beekeeping for Dummies (20) | 262.21 | | Printer Cartridges, Certificate Paper | 80.84 | | Honey for Tasting | 23.00 | | Refreshments (Coffee & Donuts) | 43.95 | | Steve McDaniel (Session 3) | 75.00 | | Donation to Arlington Echo | 50.00 | TOTAL | $932.64 |
PLUS/MINUS: +$212.36
AABA MEETING - April 19, 2008 AT ARLINGTON ECHO Welcome to all beekeepers, new and old. How many are attending for the first time?
While the meetings are open to the public, you are cordially invited to join AABA for
a mere $3.00. Our Treasurer (Applause, please!) has printed applications. Election of Officers for this year. Anybody want any of the jobs? Secretary will read minutes from our August meeting. Treasurer will give us a report on our finances. Balance is $1,540.55 MDA Open House on March 29th - Harry S. Truman Parkway Earth Day at Quite Waters. I have the information, all we need is volunteers. Open house at the Bee Research Lab in Beltsville on June 27th A few copies of the flyer are available. Short Course status report: Applications are available - yellow in color. We have 11 paid applications, and a total of 14 students. March 11th is the start date. We need your help to advertise it. Maryland State Fair report: Great effort! Thanks to volunteers. $439.69 from honey sales, and $100 for the best association entry. Photos of the latter to pass around for those who could not attend. Cost of the banner was well worthwhile.
Extractor Story: Bob Glace-3 frame Maxant Extractor with 1/8th H.P. electric motor with variable speed dial operated rheostat. Stainless steel tank and covers and nylon honey gate. He paid $360.45 in 1981. Rental unit for AABA, but we need a home for it and a reliable manager. It also includes a Pierce electric uncapping knife for which the current price is about $90.00 Best in Show Award 2005 - Joe Brotherton Lasr Minute Program Change: Bart Smith will talk to us tonight about Kona Queen rearing in Hawaii - approximatly 25,000 each of Cariolan and Italian. Bart also gave a short presentation on the Bee Louse BRAULA COECA - a red/brown fly found only on Honey Bees. The Panel of Experts is now in session and will take your questions Door Prize Drawing (a screened bottom board) was won by: Cyndy Hensley This page was last modified on September 13, 2011 01:18 PM | |
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