News & Events: Information on Meetings and other News & Events
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Information about relevant events in and around Ashe County
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
ACBA April Meeting
April 13, 2023
Hello to all!
Finally, Spring is peeking through and I am so ready for it! I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the Ashe County Beekeepers Association Meeting this week. We'll be meeting on Thursday, April 13 at 6PM at the Asche County Cooperative Extension Office conference room. We have lots to discuss and an interesting presentation to share from Dr. Megan Damico on Probiotics for honey bees. We'll also learn more about festooning - not sure what that is? Come on out and we'll explain. See the attached agenda for more details.
As always, we appreciate donations for door prizes. We'll have pizza and soda beginning at 5:30PM. Also, if you haven't yet paid your 2023 dues, we invite you to find Treasurer David Tanner while you're at the meeting.
See you soon!
Wayne Pitts, President
Ashe County Beekeepers Association
Beekeeper Training Opportunity
March 31, 2023
HS Greene from Hidden Happiness called to let the Ashe County Beekeepers know that Robert Smith will be offering an advanced beekeeping course to help prepare for the NCBA Journeyman's exam beginning this weekend. As you may know Mr. Smith is on the Master Beekeeper Committee for the NC Beekeepers Association and that he is the one who prepares the study guides and online quizzes.
The class will meet at the Hidden Happiness Bee farm classroom at the following times:
Friday (3/31), 5-8PM
Saturday (4/1), 8AM-noon)
Friday (4/7) , 5-8PM
Saturday (4/8), 8AM-noon)
The cost is $100/person.
Hidden Happiness Bee Farm is located at Chestnut Mountain Rd, Deep Gap, NC 28618.
I'll be there, I hope you will too! Please let me know if you have questions about the event. Also, let me know if you plan to attend.
Happy apiaries,
Wayne Pitts
ACBA President
ACBA Meetings and Upcoming Classes for 2022 & 2023
November 10, 2022
Keep in mind that the ACBA will continue to meet through the winter, although with a bit different format for December, January, and February. For these three months, we will offer special workshops on intermediate beekeeping skills, many that are relevant to the Journeyman exam and practical exercises. The Winter Beekeeping Workshops (during regularly scheduled ACBA meetings) will include the following topics:
December 8: Honeybee Biology Anatomy, Social Organization, Bee Pests, and Bee Diseases
January 12: Beekeeping History, Equipment and Managing Honeybee Wellbeing, and Pesticides
February 9: Plants, Pollination, Harvesting and Marketing Honeybee Products, and NCSBA
FYI, Jim Rash will be leading an Advanced Beekeeping Class through Wilkes Community College (Ashe Campus) beginning in the Spring that will build on these topics and further prepare participants to seek certification and/or study their Journeyman Exam.
Best regards,
Wayne Pitts
ACBA President
New 2023 Officers
November 10, 2022
The new elected officers for 2023.
President - Wayne Pitts
Vice President - Todd Swanson
Secretary - Ken Jenkins
Treasurer - David Tanner
Program Director - Louise Rascoe
Board of Directors - Helen Baldwin, Jim Rash, (Teri Goodman has 2 years remaining on her term)
Oxalic Treatments for Varroa Destructor
December 3, 2022
A message from Wayne Pitts,
Hello to all,
What's Happening?
On December 3rd between 3PM and 5PM (weather permitting, i.e., temps above 37 and not precipitating), We will be treating our bee hives with Oxalic Acid using our Varrox Eddy vaporizer and you are invited to participate.
What to bring?
Please bring your bee suit, goggles, gloves, and an adequate respirator (here's a blog that might help you decide which respirator specifications you favor). I use a NIOSH-approved, full face mask respirator with the acid gas cartridge plus the particulate filter similar to this one. I encourage you to do your own research. Without a respirator, you should not attend.
Why we favor oxalic acid sublimation as part of our Integrated Pest Management approach:
Perfect for applications when there is little to no brood in the hive.
It's not a chemical treatment. It’s an organic acid found just about everywhere in the environment including in plants and vegetables.
It's 90-99% effective at killing the mites with minimal damage to the bees and brood.
Sublimation is far better at reducing mite populations and showed no increase in bee mortality than trickle methods.
It's not as temperature sensitive as some other treatments.
Note: EPA regulations have shifted but we do not use oxalic acid when supers are on.
Directions: Our apiary is located at 462 Woods on New River Road in Lansing. We're in the neighborhood called Woods on the New River just off Woods on New River Road. When you turn off onto the gravel road go about 1/2 mile. We are located on the second drive on the right. You'll see a package box at the bottom. The bee yard is about 1/3 mile up.
Contact details: My cell number is 901-262-2325 if you need additional directions.I also text.
Incentive: We would be happy to loan out the Varrox Eddy to others who would like to use oxalic sublimation to treat their hives. This is an opportunity to learn more and try it out before you buy one.
Best regards,
Wayne Pitts
ACBA will be at Christmas in July in West Jefferson
July 2, 2022
Hello to all,
It's official! Our application for the Christmas in July Festival was accepted on Friday.
WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS!
We need at least three people per two-hour shift. More is even better. Set up and clean-up are critically important slots. If you are not available to help, please stop by to say hello at the booth and refer others. We will be in Booth 52 and our load-in time is at 6AM at First Citizens Bank. Essentially, we need to unload, move our vehicles, and set up our booth as quickly as possible to allow other vendors to also set up (unloading time is 15 minutes).
Shift:
Volunteers
6AM-8AM, Set-up - Raven Crews
8AM-10AM - Ken Jenkins
10AM to Noon - Linda Katsoudas, Deborah and Craig Weinstein
Noon to 2PM - Louise Rascoe
2PM to 4PM - Jeff and Shirley Vestal
4PM-6PM, Clean-up - Raven Crews
Rovers (help at non-specific times) - Matt Rumfelt
Main objectives:
1. Educate the public about honeybees and beekeeping
2. Recruit new interest in the ACBA
3. Fundraise for the ACBA (t-shirt sales)
4. Create economic opportunities for beekeepers
Materials:
- Posters, handouts, etc. (Raven Crews)
- Cooler with Water & Ice (Wayne & Kim Pitts)
- Educational posters and demonstration hive (Jim Rash)
- T-shirts (Raven Crews)
- Honey and other products? So far, we do not have any. If you have something to sell, speak up.
- We will not have an observation hive – too stressful on the bees for a 10 hour outing in the summer heat. Feel free to refer learners to the Honey Hole to see Charlie and Shelley's hive.
This will be an important event for the ACBA - please help!
Best,
Wayne Pitts
ACBA President
ACBA Meetings for 2022 Underway
March 10, 2022
Photographs from the 1st meeting of the Ashe County Beekeeping Association are displayed here...
Visit the ACBA website regularly to keep abreast of Association activities for 2022.
The first gathering of the year attracted 23 active and interested beekeepers to the meeting at the Ashe County Agricultural Building in Jefferson, NC.
A presentation was made by master beekeeper and ACBA member Jim Rash (shown lower right) on "what to expect in your hives in March-April."
Thanks, Jim!
ACBA Marks the End of Another Year with Our Annual Banquet
November 11, 2021
As seen by the beautifully decorated cake (right), our end of the season banquet was held with a great turnout of members who also enjoyed a scrumptious brisket smoked by Randy Baldwin, as well as numerous side dishes so that no one “left hungry!”
We now go into diapause - entomologically speaking for hibernation - until March of next year. But that doesn’t mean we don’t stay connected with any beekeeping issues, so if there are questions about what you should be doing to keep your hive(s) healthy, drop us a line here!
Local Beekeeper Video
From ACBA member Helen Baldwin: I'm sharing a beautiful video done by Maddee Burt, a rising senior at UNC Chapel Hill.
- Maddee, along with other students, coaches, and professors, arrived in Ashe County last month to document some local stories. Maddee chose beekeeping.
- The video features our own Jim Rash and Kim and Wayne Pitts, new (and very productive!) members of ACBA.
- My Bee’s Keeper is just under 4 minutes long. You’ll be sorry when it ends!
Regular ACBA Meeting
August 12, 2021
- The ACBA held a regular membership meeting on August 12th...use the below link to see information on Facebook about the meeting during which H. S. Greene from Hidden Happiness Beekeeping Farm gave a presentation on hives.
Ashe County Beekeeping Association Regular Meeting
May 13, 2021
Journeyman beekeeper, Randy Baldwin of Jefferson, NC, Honey B's Bees and Honey spoke about catching swarms. Although sparsely attended, the meeting was held outdoors in the WJ Pavilion below the Ashe County Library. It was good to be back in person even though the temperature was a bit "nippy"!
Thanks, Randy!
Photo #1 (top right) - Demonstrating the set-up for catching swarms.
Photo #2 (bottom right) - Setting swarm-catching box on white towel (if swarm is low; white sheet if swarm is high).
Photo #3 (thumbnail photo right) - Swarm-catching bag - easy and effective!
HiveTracks for ACBA Members
May 14, 2020
Our thanks to James Wilkes for hosting the Zoom meeting this past Thursday. We had about a dozen attendees with the discussion focused on swarming, splits and queens. Following up on the meeting, a note from the HiveTracks team regarding free licenses for our members.
Thank you for letting me and the Hive Tracks team join in on this month's Ashe County Beekeepers Association club meeting! This is just a reminder about our previous discussion about us offering free Hive Tracks accounts to all ACBA club members. As mentioned above, all we need for club members to participate is to fill out this quick questionnaire https://forms.gle/rr5SE8HQkhiEX39X8- we will follow up with each member individually to get their account situated and/or up to date.
I'm here to help, so please feel free to contact me directly (ethan@hivetracks.com) with any questions.
We look forward to a successful 2020 season!
Best,
Ethan Walton
ethan@hivetracks.com
www.hivetracks.com
LET'S ALL WORK TO "SAVE THE BEES"
April 1-30, 2020
Here's an urgent message from Bee Informed Partnership
Dear Beekeepers,
This is an Urgent message from Bee Informed Partnership, we need your help!
A lot of you know that BIP’s annual National Colony Loss & Management Survey is live from April 1-30.
What a lot of you may NOT know is that despite the large amounts of Americans who are stuck at home, only a staggering 1/3rd of normal participating beekeepers have responded so far to the survey.
These are hard times to wrap our heads around and a lot of us are finding it harder to focus on things other than remembering to take a shower, making sure our teeth are brushed, and HOPEFULLY caring for our bees (one of my most welcomed distractions). While we are all still learning to navigate these new challenges, the BIP team is working hard to gather data on loss and management of honey bees from April 1, 2019 to April 1, 2020. In order to do that, we urgently need your help.
We’re writing to ask that all 2019 beekeepers visit beeinformed.org/take-survey and complete the 2019-2020 National Colony Loss & Management Survey!
BIP needs help raising awareness and encouraging participants to complete the survey! Please share this with your beekeeping clubs
From WCBA President Doug Hart
* The attached image shows a list of remote online resources to help beekeepers during the time when social distancing is made necessary due to the coronavirus pandemic.
* Stay safe and use these classes to help keep your bees healthy.
NUCs, NUCs and more NUCs!
March 24, 2020
* A posting from Pam Anderson of the Watauga Beekeeping Association...
* NUCS AND HIVES FOR SALE
- Sullivan Wilkes:
Sullivan Wilkes is taking deposits for 5 frame nuc in Jester E-Z nuc box. 3 frames of bees and brood, 1-2 frames of stores. 2020 queen (bred from our surviving stock). Will be ready to transfer immediately. Estimated pick up date TBT (most likely end of April) at Faith mountain farm and Millers Creek, NC. To reserve your nucs, a deposit can be purchased here https://faithmtnfarm.com/shop/bees/2020-5-frame-nuc/ Cost of the nuc is $175 with the balance due at pickup. If you have any questions you can contact Sullivan at sulli.wilkes@gmail.com
Sullivan Wilkes. Faith Mountain farms (Beekeeper)
Hive Tracks (Support specialist).
- Hidden Happiness Bee Farm/H.S. Greene:
I am taking orders for nucs know they are $175.00. They will be available in early April.
Contact info: moldings56@yahoo.com / 336-957-0275
- Larry Cox:
I will have a few five frame nucs available this spring. They will have an established laying marked VSH queen. Cost is $150; the same as last year. Availability depends somewhat on the weather, but sometime around the first part of May.
Larry Cox
336-467-4340
Coxlr1506@gmail.com
- Randy Baldwin:
Randy is offering two options:
If you have your own hive box, purchase just the bees (talk to him about details) for $150;
If you don’t already have woodenware, he will have a complete set-up available for $450. The set-up, with bees, will be a complete ‘deluxe’ hive, including super and frames, spacers, inner cover with feeder, mouse guard, and more. In addition, he will provide treatment for the first year and a ‘when-to-do-what’ calendar.
For more info: 336-977-9167
May 14, 2020
Our thanks to James Wilkes for hosting the Zoom meeting this past Thursday. We had about a dozen attendees with the discussion focused on swarming, splits and queens. Following up on the meeting, a note from the HiveTracks team regarding free licenses for our members.
Thank you for letting me and the Hive Tracks team join in on this month's Ashe County Beekeepers Association club meeting! This is just a reminder about our previous discussion about us offering free Hive Tracks accounts to all ACBA club members. As mentioned above, all we need for club members to participate is to fill out this quick questionnaire https://forms.gle/rr5SE8HQkhiEX39X8- we will follow up with each member individually to get their account situated and/or up to date.
I'm here to help, so please feel free to contact me directly (ethan@hivetracks.com) with any questions.
We look forward to a successful 2020 season!
Best,
Ethan Walton
ethan@hivetracks.com
www.hivetracks.com
Volunteer Opportunity
February 7, 2020
Toy Lambeth, Volunteer Services Coordinator, of the North Carolina Zoo sent the following request:
Subject: We Need More Beekeeper Volunteers
Good afternoon, Beekeeper Volunteers. I am looking forward to warmer days when the bees are buzzing and Volunteers are back at the Zoo. During the "off-season" I host monthly opportunities for new and prospective Volunteers to join our team.
I am reaching out to our active group of Beekeeper Volunteers asking you to share the attached with your local chapters to promote volunteer opportunities at the Zoo. You are our best source of advertisement and recruitment. I hope each of you will have an opportunity to share your experiences during one of your upcoming meetings, and encourage others to join us!
Interested? Click here: Calling all beekeeper volunteers...work at the Asheboro Zoo this year!!
Contact Toy Lambeth for more information.
Doug Galloway, NCSBA Mountain Region Director, also weighed in on Toy's message, as follows:
Hi All,
I have Volunteered at the NC Zoo Honey Bee Pavillion for the last 3 years. It is a tremendously rewarding experience, helping others appreciate the remarkable honey bee and becoming a better beekeeper. If you would pass this email from Toy Lambeth and the attachment along to your chapter members, I would appreciate it and know they would enjoy the experience
All the best and thank for your service to beekeepers.
In Memoriam
Eastern Apicultural Society of North America Master Beekeeper, Bob Cole passed away on February 6, 2020
Bob had been in Watauga hospital since January 12th and had been diagnosed with a brain tumor for which there was no help. He slept most of the time with some spells when he was alert and awake.
Information regarding a memorial service for Bob is provided in this link from his wife, Susan.
Please include Bob, Susan (and the bees!), and those caring for him in your thoughts and prayers.
Open the below, downloadable file to read a biographic review of Bob's remarkable professional life...