News & Events: Information on Meetings and other News & Events
Hot news for ACBA!
Ashe County Beekeepers
Thanks to all who attended our wonderful potluck at the park this past Thursday - what a fun time everyone had - and as always - the food was delicious!
I wanted to send out a reminder about the opportunity to visit "de la CRUZ" farms this coming Tuesday, July 25 - at 6:00 pm to see honey extracting done on a huge scale. Jeff Brookes, owner/operator at the farm has been beekeeping for many years, and has one of the largest inline commercial honey extractors in production. It is a fascinating and educational opportunity to see hundreds of frames of honey being extracted in an automated environment. You are welcome to come watch, ask questions, and just learn more about the honey process! Todd Swanson will be present, and if you follow this link to the farm website - you can see directions and more about what they do.
https://delacruzfarms.com/hooves-and-honey-store/
If you need directions, the "honey house" is across the street from the farm in Deep Gap and directly next door to the Deep Gap fire department.
Following the fun with extracting, Todd is bringing some ice cream and toppings so we can sit outside on the front porch and talk about all the fun things we have seen, or just ask questions to other beekeepers! It will be a fun event you won't want to miss! Come join us or call Todd Swanson at (704) 713-6357 for more details!
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity!
Wayne Pitts, President
Ashe County Beekeepers Association
Important Information from Ken Jenkins for President Wayne Pitts
July 9, 2023
ACBA Members:
The ACBA has started planning for next year and we’d like your input into the make-up of the Leadership Team. If you are interested in serving in one of the roles listed below or would like to nominate someone else, please respond to this email by July 19th. If you have questions about the roles or the nominations process, please contact Ken Jenkins (kmmjenkins13@gmail.com) or Jim (newbeek2014@gmail.com).
Leadership Roles:
• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Program Chairperson
• Board Member
Also, please check with David Tanner (Treasurer) at the next meeting about the status of your 2023 Membership Dues.
Ken Jenkins / Jim Rash
Regular ACBA Monthly Meeting
August 10, 2023
ACBA members will meet as usual, on Thursday August 10 at 6PM (pizza available at 5:30PM).
All of our meetings for the rest of the year will follow our usual plan, 2nd Thursday of the month. We will continue to meet all year long.
See the attached agenda for more details of the meeting.
Also attached is a copy of the DRAFT ACBA Bylaws that are in the process of being updated. Please review this draft and send me any recommendations for changes. The Chapter will vote on any changes in the September meeting.
Lastly a DRAFT copy of the nominations for Officers / Board members for 2024 is attached. The floor will be open for additional nominations at Thursday’s meeting.
June ACBA Meeting
June 8, 2023
Hello to all,
We will meet this Thursday at 6-8PMPM. Pizza will be available at 5:30PM if you would like to come a bit early to chat. Don't forget to bring a surprise for the door raffle if you can.
Dr. Brad Metz from NC State University, Honey Bee Queen & Disease Clinic is our invited guest. It should be a fascinating conversation.
Please come and invite other honeybee enthusiasts!
Best regards,
Wayne
Photo Contest - Submit an Entry Today!
May 31, 2023 is the deadline for entries
ACBA members, and beekeepers who are residents in any of the following High Country counties (Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey)...be sure to open the attached, downloadable file and send in your entry to the Photo Contest...
Email: Mail to your entry (JPEG photograph required) to ACBA here:
ASHE COUNTY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2023
President Wayne Pitts sent the following minutes from the subject meeting of the ACBA:
6:00 PM - Meeting Called to Order by Wayne Pitts, President
NEW BUSINESS
1. Wayne made a presentation about Bee Festooning.
2. The group was updated on the recent NC meeting.
3. Wayne shared plans for ACBA’s support of the Ashe 4H Program (9-17 year olds).
Currently working with the local 4H representative to discuss opportunities to coordinate
efforts. He requested volunteers to help with the effort.
4. Wayne discussed examples of waivers (not sponsored by ACBA), explaining how they
could be used and their limitations.
- a. Memo of Understanding - helps set expectations with homeowner if you are
removing bees from their property.
- b. Hold Harmless Agreement - example of agreement you can have with home
owner that explains inherent risks in the process.
5. Education Committee - Kim Pitts covered multiple education events the ACBA has
planned for the upcoming weeks/months including;
- a. April 22 - Old Store in Grassey Creek
- b. April 28 - Mt View Elementary School
- c. July 19 - Library
- d. Several others that will be sent to the members in an email over the next week.
- e. Volunteers are needed for each event.
6. Members were reminded to pay their annual $10 dues and support for scholarships.
7. Blake noted that ACBA had an approved space at the Farmer’s Market from 8:00-1:00
on August 19. Also currently planning the Environmental Education Day on September
12 from 9:00-2:00.
- a. Blake also discussed Surrey County BeeKeepers starting a new race of queens
and a bee yard and noted ACBA might consider a similar effort, noting that they
received a grant to cover part of the cost.
- b. Farmers Market is sponsoring a Seed Swap that would be of interest to the
ACBA members.
8. James Wilkes updated the group on a workshop at ASU on May 6 and gave instructions
on how to register.
9. Plans for Christmas in July were discussed, highlights included;
- a. Saturday July 1st
- b. Cost of space $125 and $25 application fee
- c. Motion to approve made by Todd Swanson / motion passed
- d. Todd S. noted he has a tent / table that could be used
- e. Kim P. will create a sign-up sheet.
10. Wayne discussed details of Photo Contest and received agreement from the group to
proceed with draft plans.
11. Wayne gauged interest in having a couple of field trips during the summer and received
positive feedback from the group.
12. Wayne summarized a variety of local / state / regional meetings and events that would
be of interest to the members.
13. Jim Rash requested volunteers for the Cluster Mentoring Program
14. Wayne moderated a discussion about the current state of the member’s bees.
PRESENTATIONS
Wayne kicked off an online presentation on ‘Probiotics’ by Megan Domico from UNC-G
● In summary - evidence and independent trials does not support claims made about the
benefits of Probiotics, so don’t waste your money.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00.
Submitted by Ken Jenkins / Secretary.
ACBA Meeting Notes
April 13, 2023
Hello to all,
I think we had a fine meeting last night! Thank you for your participation. I am attaching several files for your review. Here is what you need to know:
1. The rules for the ACBA Photo Contest are attached.
2. I've attached two documents that you can use if you have visitors to your apiary or if you capture swarms or do cutouts. I am NOT an attorney and these forms will not protect you if you are negligent.
3. I mentioned that there is an opportunity to participate in a beekeeping workshop at Appalachian State University on Saturday May 6. Participation is limited to 20 persons and will pay $300. A light breakfast and lunch are included. You must apply by clicking here.
4. If you are seeking a nuc, please let me know. I am aware of multiple persons with nucs available for the Spring.
5. Also, if you need a queens, let me know and I will send you details. We can also go in together and buy queens in bulk to save money on shipping, etc.
6. There are several volunteer opportunities with the education committee. We need you! Contact Kim Pitts kimpitts505@gmail.com if you are available to pitch in.
Best regards,
Wayne Pitts, President