Monthly Meeting Notes - August 19, 2019
Apple Grove Beekeepers Association
Meeting Minutes
8-19-2019
Opening
Slade called the meeting to order at approximately 7:10 p.m.
Present: Approximately 30 to 35 members and guests. 1 new member
Treasurer’s report was presented by John Beers:
Checking: $1,670.01
Checks outstanding: $115.20
Checkbook balance 7/31/2019: $1,554.81
Paypal Balance: $357.85
There are 17 copies of the Beekeeping Basics and 15 copies of the Field Guide
John said that it was discovered that the outstanding check that was written to the church was mailed to the wrong address. Therefore, a stop payment on the check has been ordered and a new check has been written.
General Business:
John said that several members have suggested that the club have their own PA system/mics to avoid confusion with the church’s system. John researched and thought he could get one for $100 to $300. James Maitland motioned that we put that off for a couple of meetings. He got detailed information on how the church’s system works and feels better about operating it. Jill Kelly seconded the motion.
New Business:
Slade announced that Dogwood Baptist Church is having a Fall Festival on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00-2:00. He asked if a member or members wanted to volunteer to participate. Chip Carpenter volunteered.
Slade asked if anyone wanted to comment on pros/cons about the Louisa County Ag Fair. Everyone definitely thought the location was better. It was suggested that a banner for the table would help advertise who we are.
Jill Kelly said that Doug Anderson will be presenting “Preparing Hives for the Winter”, during our September meeting. She has lined up Aaron Evans, State Representative to speak to us about “Preparing for Year End” at our October meeting. Jill asked the members if they would be interested in having a speaker in November from the Department of Agriculture speaking about what it takes to have a “State Approved Kitchen” and what you have to do to sell honey and other value added items if you do not have a licensed kitchen. Members indicated having interest.
John Beers said dues are due again. Dues are $12.00 for individuals and $18.00 for a family. The year is from July to June. Also, for folks who have purchased t-shirts, they are ready for pick-up and payment!
Presentation:
We had special guest speakers with us tonight. Mr. Joseph Kovaleski and Mr. Howard Baldwin. They met each other 8 years ago at a queen rearing class and are now managing 90 hives. They are breeders of Perdue Ankle Biter queens and who the club purchased queens from recently. Mr. Kovaleski is an EAS Master Beekeeper and has been keeping bees for 25 years. His interest started as a Boy Scout with a Merit Badge Project. He teaches beekeeping to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and to a 4H group. Mr. Kovaleski and Mr. Baldwin shared many tips and secrets on improving colony health and productivity with us. They had our attention with interest and answered many questions from members &/or guests!
With the meeting breaking up and various groups breaking into conversation, and members asking questions and talking with Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Kovaleski, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:05 p.m.
Minutes Submitted By:
Linda Carpenter, Secretary
