General Meeting of the Willamette Valley Beekeeping Association
January 22, 2018
Chemeketa Community College Bldg. 8 Rm 201
The January meeting was called to order by President Richard Ferrier at 7:08 PM.
Announcements
President Richard Farrier thanks members who brought in raffle items and food for the meeting.
It was noted that bee packages and nucs will be more expensive this year. Packages at Ruhl Bee are priced at $130.00 + $5.00 for a marked queen + $10 for oxalic treatment. A 4-frame nuc will be $145.00 and a 5-frame nuc will be $185.00.
Queen Bee is selling nucs for same price as last year which is $140.00. They are located near Philomoth and offer on-line ordering.
Richard noted that there has been a high number of hives already lost this year and it has been a tough year for beekeepers across the board.
WVBA will participate in AG Fest again this year at the Salem Fairgrounds. It is scheduled for the last week-end of April, which is the 28 and 29th. The club is looking for volunteers to help with this event.
Another fair is the Mother Earth Fair, which is held at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany on August 4 and 5th. Brushy Mountain helps with sponsorship and gives merchandise away throughout the fair.
Rich will send a swarm list around next month and reminded everyone that membership is requirement for being included on the list.
Rich mentioned that there may be a new treatment for mites on the way. Testing is currently being done with lithium chloride. Stay tuned on this front.
Left Coast Cellars in Rickreall is wanting some one to install some of their own hives at their winery and also wants help with their own beehives. No contact info was given, but if interested, please give them a call.
Treasury Report
Laura Evans gave the treasurers’ report. Total Income for 2017 was $12,118.00 and total expenses were $12,324.86 with a negative balance of -$206.86. Cash on hand is $5,309.30.
Slate of Officers for 2018
President Richard Ferrier
Vice President Mona Kanner
Treasurer Laura Evans
Secretary Scott Bradley
Librarian Debbie Blando
The vote passed unanimously for the slate of officers.
Teri Holm agreed to continue to do the snacks for the monthly meetings.
Members took a break and enjoyed our annual pizza bash along with other treats.
Equipment makers
Rich introduced a few members that are making hive equipment and more and let them provide some information about themselves.
Scott Bradley makes and sells wooden ware for 8 and 10 frame hives. He does not make telescopic covers. For more information Scott can be reached at sbradley1975@gmail.com
Jeremy Mitchell is from Flying Bee Ranch and has a honey tasting room at 5180 Lardon Rd. in Salem. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 to 5. They also sell wooden ware and stainless equipment and one can obtain the pricing online at www.flyingbeeranch.net.
Nick runs NPI which is a local fabrication shop. Nick does custom fabrications as well. Check out his website at NPIllcfab.com for pricing. He sells wholesale all over the USA and the prices do not include shipping. His phone number is 503-383-5532.
Names were drawn for all the great prizes. Rich brought in some sticky boards for mite control. He thought they were from the 1990’s and they were up for grabs for members.
There being no other business to come before the club, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Shelley Gowell, Secretary