Oct 2nd PCBA meeting minutes

6:00 –introduction to beekeeping meeting

Katie Marler presented a winter preparation slide show.

Question was asked if bees consume more feed in the winter? Since the bees are not out foraging or raising lots of brood then the answer is no.  The primary energy consumption is to heat the cluster.

A club member said they had seen Mann lake sells different products that have Thymol oil in them and asked what Thymol oil benefits are?

Kathleen (Kat) mentioned she is going to share the new adjusted safety guidelines for OAV with honey suppers on in the upcoming newsletter.  

7:00 General meeting

Mary started the meeting off by asking for a motion to renominate Both Mary Dempsey, for president, and Kathleen Clerc, vice president.  Motion was approved.  

The kick off garden meeting was held with Mary Kline for the pollinator garden. The current WSU allocated area was deemed not suitable. The plan is to renegotiate with WSU for a new location.

Apiary committee met and discussed the plan for winter maintenance and feeding of the club’s hives. Pest treatment rotation is very important and proper safety equipment including breathing masks that are rated for organic acids.

Continuation of hive winter preparation discussion from 6:00 meeting.

Greg Willging provided some information concerning Winter feeds and his approach to hive configuration:

When to feed 1:1 liquid sugar, when to switch to 2:1 and why.  During the winter feed discussion the group seemed a bit confused on the subject and there were different opinions as to why.
1:1 is usually given to the hive after the last major bloom has finished, roughly around mid to late August.  Feeding 1:1 syrup simulates a nectar flow.  The bees usually do not store the 1;1 instead it provides the stimulus to continue raising brood and provide the carbohydrates to survive the dearth period.  Around mid-September the colony is slowing down brood rearing and is preparing for winter.  2:1 or higher sugar feed is usually stored rather then consumed.  Feeding liquid feed needs to be completed usually by mid October so the bees will have enough time to cure the stored sugar water.  Extra moisture in the hive during the winter months will usually mean dead bees. Discussions covering various approaches for dry emergency sugar feed.

5 different potential school scholarship programs for queen rearing, community events, school events including science fairs, 4H, Eagle Scouts, Girl Scout Gold Board were discussed.  Kat suggested a background check may be required.

Discussion concerning honey sales centered around WIC-(Women, infants & children), WIC does not approve.
SNAP-(supplement, nutrition assistance program) formally food stamps, honey sales approved.   

Education – Mary proposed adding an intermediate class. Discussion concerning advance training and who will provide.

Volunteer directory access was discussed, more to follow.

Kat mentioned she received an invite from Cascade club to present on urban beekeeping, December 12th. 

Board positions open – Finance, Secretary, Librarian.