The West Virginia Beekeepers Association, incorporated on September 15, 1917,
enjoyed a rebirth in 1969, and celebrates its 35th year of rebirth. Many
things in Beekeeping have changed, but still there are those who aspire to become
masters at the craft that fascinates them. Especially now the need increases
for the finest and most skilled beekeepers - the goal for which our
association was founded.
WVBA Fall Meeting By paying registration, room, and board through the
Association, we are able to pass on to you a savings of five or more dollars.
You are urged to return your registration for ASAP because space is limited.
Deadline to register is _______________
If you are coming alone and wish to share a room, please indicate this on
registration form because adequate time must be allowed because no arrangements
can be made at the Conference. Deadline for shared rooms is _____________
Door Prizes Participants are invited to donate door prizes in addition to
those given by Bee Supply Companies. These prizes need not be strictly bee
supplies, e.g., new pint or quart canning jars with lids or items that you find
useful in your bee and honey chores would make good prizes.
Evaluations Please let us know what you think of this year’s program.
Your comments aid us in constantly improving our programs. Suggestions from
past years for more time for the main speaker, additional time to get to and
from the cafeteria, and time for a group picture are reflected in our 2004
program. Please be sure to turn in your evaluation at the last session (Awards &
Auction) or at the time you leave, if you have to leave early.
Program Folders contain: 1) Fall Meeting Program, 2) Program Notes, 3)
Program evaluation form, 4) State Honey Cookbook (WVDA) 5) A Parasite Booklet from
MAAREC and 6) A Bee Supply Co. Catalog.
SPEAKERS
Dr. Richard D. Fell is a Professor, Department of Entomology at VPI and SU.
He received both his masters degree in 1977 and doctorate in 1979 at Cornell
University.
His research includes 1) development of an environmental surveillance program
utilizing honey bees and other insects, 2) reproductive physiology of queen
honey bees and the impact of miticides on queens and drones, 3) studies on the
foraging behavior and food preference of carpenter and odorous house ants, and
4) possible approaches to carpenter bee control.
His extension program is primarily devoted to assisting the beekeeping
industry in Virginia. He also provides help with pollination recommendations for
fruit and vegetable growers, help to the pest control industry in
recommendations and training for house infesting ants and stinging insects, and assistance
in forensic entomology to the Chief Medical Examiners Office in Roanoke.
While research and extension work are a major part of Dr. Fell’s occupation,
consistent awards for excellence in teaching from 1985 through 2002 speak well
of his love of his subject and caring for his students.
Charles (Chuck) Cienawski, an extremely talented mead maker will be doing a
demonstration/talk on Mead Making. Chuck is chairman of the WV Queen
Committee, Treasurer of Marion Co. Beekeepers, and WVBA’s 2004 Beekeeper of the Year.
Milford Bragg has the distinction of having been Beekeeper of the Year in
two states, Oklahoma and West Virginia. Having contagious enthusiasm, he
frequently puts on programs for local and state associations.
George Clutter, WV State Apiarist since 2001, will update conditions and
happenings around the state, giving us a glimpse at the bigger picture. As of July
1 this year, the State Apiary Program is under the WVDA’s Marketing and
Development Division. George can be reached in Charleston at 304-558-2210 or at
home at 304-847-2151.
James, Debbie Copenhaver and Bill Troup James, Debbie, and Bill are all
EAS Master Beekeepers. Bill also went through the WV Master Beekeeper Program,
reaching the Master level last fall. For several years James and Debbie have
meticulously judged the Honey, Wax and Baking Show --always late into the
night. They are also a familiar sight, teaching a gathering around the open hive at
our state meetings. Bill with his expertise is a welcome addition to the
crew.
Helen and David Freese Both are gifted crafts persons, particularly in
needlepoint and sewing. Both will be guiding participants with our T- or
Sweat-Shirt project. It had been suggested that a craft workshop be given during
another program to offer a choice. Project details are given below in the
Activities section.
Robert Clarke Bob is retired from practicing law in Charleston, and he has
been invaluable to WVBA in his experience with the state legislature. Bob’s
legal background makes him an ideal commentator on a Texas Appellate Court
decision that upheld a judgment against two beekeepers. WV Beekeepers will listen
closely to this case and do some planning.
Nancy Troup, An EAS Master Beekeeper, has a practical interest in her topic.
Nancy is experienced in raising Alternate Pollinators, specifically the
Japanese Horned-face Bee. Nancy will share some interesting information in her
presentation.
ACTIVITIES
Field Demonstration - Bring your bee veil -- a chance to see Different
Methods of Queen Introduction with Debbie and James Copenhaver. Bill Troup will
explain the Pros and Cons of removing attendant bees from the queen cage.
OR
T- or Sweat-Shirt Project- (please read carefully) Those interested should
bring their own heavy weight T-shirt or a low nap sweat shirt. The shirt
should be pre-washed and ironed. That way each person gets the background color
of his choice and the correct size for fit. Templates, brushes and paint will
be furnished. The Freeses’ will also bring an ironing board and iron as that
is needed to “set” the colors.
Cost for supplies is $2. per person at the time of project. In order to take
this class, you must INDICATE INTEREST ON YOUR REGISTRATION FORM because
an accurate count for supplies is needed 2 weeks before the meeting. The
pastel stenciled art work has a yellow skep in the center with 4 bees circling and
flowers on both sides of the skep at ground level.
Idea Factory is a look at recommended equipment, gadgets and processes that
you might want to use or duplicate. Bring a gadget, piece of equipment or
idea with you to share. For example, Gabe Blatt from Huntington will bring a
valued piece of equipment, his 2 wheel steel hand truck and lift for moving bees.
Honey, Wax and Baking Show In an attempt to make the honey show entry
registration run more rapidly and smoothly, we have a time set aside before the
Meeting begins so you can register your entries on Friday morning. There
will also be a ½ hour “Last Call” for entries at 6 PM.
WV Master Beekeeper Test James and Debbie Copenhaver, both EAS Master
Beekeepers, started the WV Master Beekeeper program in 1991. The program has three
levels: apprentice, certified, and master, each having more demanding
requirements than the previous level. WV members who have attained the Master level
include: Paul Poling, Tim Tennant, Tom Kershner, and Bill Troup. Tests
include a written, laboratory and field section. If you would like to know more or
to take the test, contact James or Debbie Copenhaver at 76 Fiesta Drive,
Bunker Hill, WV 25413 or (304) 229-8730 by the deadline of Monday, September 13th.
WV Beekeeper of the Year (2005) This honor will be voted at the Fall General
meeting on Friday evening, September 24th. Nominations must be presented in
writing before the meeting. Each local association is encouraged to present a
candidate.
Requirements state that the candidate must:
1) Own and/or currently manage or maintain honeybee colonies.
2) Have an adequate working knowledge of honeybee diseases and their
diagnoses and control.
3) Have an adequate working knowledge of honeybee management with respect to
swarm control, honey production, division, queen rearing, etc.
4) Be a member and play an active role in State and local beekeeping
association functions.
5) Be active in local beekeeping education and honey promotion.
6) The nominee’s spouse is encouraged to be included.
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Janet,
Note there are 2 blanks to be filled in on “ WVBA Fall Meeting” section
(registration)
I would like to include: a free ad now and tomorrow send the following 2
items:
A short article on recent activities of Marion Co
Beekeepers
A short article on a visit to the Co-op in June late
on a Sat. afternoon
Free Ad:
Beekeeping Books for sale, over 25 titles: also Honey Bee Healthy, 8 oz.
bottles. See Tom/Aretha Kees at Fall Meeting.
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-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info ---
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