MEETING MINUTES
April 2013
April 2, 2013
Meeting called to order at 7:00 by President Cindy Dudock
68 People present
Secretary’s report read and accepted
Treasurer’s report read and accepted
New Bee Introductions
4H Report given
Hana Andreusko stated that they still have some hive alive
And will be putting bees in a top bar hive this year
Terry Klein presented the Commercial beekeepers report
Handout was given out
Discussion was made on a monthly meeting for new beekeepers to be held at
the Klein's. Contact Terry Klein if interested
Coloring Books are still available ($32.10 for 96)
Honey Festival T-Shirts are available for $15.00, but if you wear the
shirt the day of the festival you will get $2 off your admission
Video presentation was shown on how packages are prepared
Meeting adjourned at 8:13
March 2013
March 5, 2013
Meeting called to order at 7:02 by President Cindy
Secretary’s report N/A
Treasurer’s report read and accepted
New Bee Introductions
4H Report given
Walter Andreusko stated that they still have some hive alive
They ordered 4 queens for possible splits
Terry Klein presented the Commercial beekeepers report
Handout was given about Chinese honey dumping case
Most commercial beekeepers are in the South and in California working on
Pollination
California almond pollination short about 100,000 colonies
Terry put in a call to the governor about the star thistle eradication
Bee Shortage
Dave Anthony is already sold out
Dadant is sold out
Bees dying off with the long winter
Misty Andreusko spoke on apitherapy class that her and Cindy attended in Ohio
She passed out a handout and talked about uses of propolis, royal jelly, and bee stings
Upcoming events
Garden hive Competition
Money will be donated to a school in Lapeer with a beekeeping program for students.
Beekeeper Pesticide Kill report 800-292-3939
Mike Hansen
Amatrez is being found in hives from the wax foundation
Meeting adjourned at 8:06
February 2013
February 5, 2013
Meeting called to order at 7:01
43 people present
New Bee Introductions
Treasuer’s report read and accepted
4H Report given
Terry Klein presented on the city ordenance on beekeeping in Auburn
Honey prices discussed
Upcoming events:
Feb 9th Flint – Jim Withers Class $5
Feb 16th Ohio Apitherapy class
March 8th & 9th MBA Conference Lansing
March 16th SEMBA Conference
April 29th Mott College Movie: the Quest For Local Honey
Honey Trive Quiz passed out
Hat Prices were discussed
Hats will be embroidered
Motion made to buy one box of summer and one box of winter
Pricing will be $10
Disscussion made on a display board for ANR Week
Motion made about index cards to put out for ANR Week including:
Website, Contact Info, Website, Time of Meetings and Where
Coloring books were delivered to Steve Tillman
Honey Festival : July 26th & 27th @ Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds
Mead Competion on Friday
Meeting adjourned @ 8:29
October 2012
October 2,2012
Called to order at 7:05 by Cindy Dudock, President.
There were 53 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of discussion:
*John Bacon, a WWII vet from Auburn had a neighbor complain about his bees, there is
an ordinance in Auburn, but John was Grandfathered in before that. It went to town
hall,120 people showed up to show support, now Terry Klein is working on a new
ordinance in which every citizen will be allowed 2 hives.
*MBA in Flint this weekend.
*The commercial beekeepers association is still working on getting more backing for the
star thistle crisis, going to have meetings with other associations. Don’t want to lose any
more honey plants.
*Dave Biver-question about group buying extractor to use for club-Mary motioned he
be head of committee along with Dean Hutchinson-maybe look for a package deal.
*Dean H spoke on mites-very heavy this year.
*Mary got a letter from packagers with license renewal-"register your corporation" they
want $200 every other year for honey packers-THROW AWAY-nothing to do with
government
*Overwintering Bees-candyboards-Ken Hartnick spoke on-absorb moisture out of hive-
do not store in garage.
*Fall feeding Ratio:2pts sugar to 1pt water
Meeting adjourned at 8:31
September 2012
September 4,2012
Called to order at 7:02 by Cindy Dudock, President.
There were 56 people present.
The secretary's report was and accepted- with a change to the last minutes of the next MBA
meeting on Oct 5th+6th.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*New Bee Intros
*4h invites you this Saturday to the Klein's to extract honey @10 am
*Honey Fest will be July 27th next yr-Bigger &better
*Rich Wiskie will be @Mid Mich meeting this Thurs night to speak
*MBA Oct 5th&6th @ the Gateway Inn Center in Flint
*Honey prices stated
*What is in flower now?-goldenrod, aster,Japanese nut rod
*Cindy demoed Crush&strain method for the small time beekeeper
sugar test
*Hive beetles brought in along with pics of hive taken over by them.
*Don Reimer had a hive that supers were stolen off extracted, and replaced.
*MBA coloring books-Mary Klein motioned for club to buy 1000,motion seconded by Brad
Perez, approved.
*Commercial Bee Club-Terry Klein -V.P.(works w/politicians) still trying to get starthistle
going again.
*If anyone is speaking to kids about bees there are posters that the club has in the Kleins
possession we can borrow.
*The smell of honey now when you walk by your hives could smell like a barnyard
because of the goldenrod they are working.
July 2012
July 3,2012
Called to order by Cindy Dudock, President at 7:02.
There were 52 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*New Bee Intros
*Mary Klein brought in some, what turned out to be milkweed honey for us to try and pin down
the flavor. Also Terry brought a branch of what turned out to be Birds foottreefoil for us to try
and identify.
*Dan Keane brought in a hobbyist magazine of which Beekeeping made it to the front cover.
*Questions about ordering more hats for the club, contact Cathy Breternitz, we will discuss
more at future club meeting.
*Richland Township-Hemlock Farmers Market needs to raise $20,000
*" Honeybees are livestock-make sure that you insure them"-Mary Klein
*Summer picnic is at the Murphey Farm-Hartley Nature Center- We will have an air-conditioned
room, and there a lot of things to do at the nature center including a couple beehives in back.
The room was donated, so there was a motion to donate back Norm Adams motioned $100,
Sarah Perez seconded, no objections,approved.
*Melissa from honeyfestival trying to get everyone pumped for parade in Northbranch
tomorrow-bring beesuit&smoker
*Ideas for table @Honeyfest?
*cooking demos with honey
*woodenware demos
*pollinator baths
*what to do when stung
*bee identification
*camping @ the Honeyfest is $20 and you get electric and water
*Pest+Disease of Bees
*Hive beetle-like sandy soil/solutions?-put hive on stand and legs in cups of mineral oil.
*Varroa Mite/solution?-break brood cycle by killing queen& replacing in July; freeze
whole combs of drone or make a special drone comb out of a medium and put it in a deep,
just cut off the comb when it is capped.
*Tracheal Mite/solution?-burn sumac in your smoker-not only good fuel but healthy for the bees.
*Ants/solution?-cinnamon-sprinkle around inner +outer cover, also cornmeal or grits work good.
*MBAs Fall meeting will be Oct.4th and 5th in Flint, at the Gateway Holiday Inn. Dan Firbus is
the key speaker. Eric Kramer will show some custom garden hives.
*Questions about when to stop feeding sugar water.
Meeting adjourned 8:24
June 2012
June 5,2012
Meeting called to order by Cindy Dudock,President, at 7:02pm.
There were 61 people present
Treasurer's report read and accepted
Topics of Discussion:
*4H report 1 hive survived have 3other hives
*Display board and new club picture was showmen and will be put on web site
*Questions were raised as to flower for bees plant sweet clover and call John Duzak for
list of flowers
*Ideas were discussed about the Honey Festival
*Flower in bloom in June (Milkweed, clover, white dutch clover, and yellow rocket
*Upcoming classes on websites for Queen rearing classes
*Oakland University July 8-20 on Beaver Island How to teach Beekeeping to teachers
*The summer MBA picnic is being in held in conjunction with SEMBA this year at Tollgate
Education Center in Novi on July 22.
*Melissa from the Honey festival was present to talk about the July 28th event-She stated that
there are tables for sale fee $20 for 10 x 10 $30 for 10 x 20. There will be chefs present and
demo’s on making mead. Web site www.MichiganHoneyfestival.com
*They need people to talk about bees and honey tasting.
*Our clubs picnic will be August 7th. At a location to be named next month
Motion to adjourn 8:32pm
May 2012
May 1,2012
Called to order by Cindy Dudock, President.
There were 63 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*New Bee Intros
*4h report-Nick said they dumped 3 packages, last checked they were doing adverage.
*Email webmaster with any info for our website.
*Queen of the Sun-discussion-Roxi explained it was like a Global look about beekeeping
around the world.
*Dan Keane was having another class on swarm management, of which they would teach
the snelgrove technique. Very advanced class.
*Everyone voted to link Elly's Blog to our saginawvalleybees.org home page, which goes
into detail about the snelgrove technique for those that are interested and missed the class.
*Terry passed out flyers on neonicitinoids and how it effects honey and bumblebees & bees
*Mid Michigan club is selling t-shirts for the Honey Fest-$15 and they are looking for vendors
*Motion made by Dean Hutchinson to donate $250 to the Honey Fest &2nd by Terry Klein.
Discussed & approved.
*10x20area to fill -need volunteers-Mary suggested coloring books too.
*Larry Conner-June 23? still not sure…..majority says fall.
*Summer picnic@ the Kleins-August 7th-call Mary to let her know how many chairs to have.
Bring a dish to pass-Starts @6.
*Question and answer period
Meeting Adjourned at 8:08
April 2012
April 3,2012
Called to order at 7:02 by Cindy Dudock, President.
There were 65 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*New Bee intros
*4h report-they will be dumping packages on the 15th,any new beekeepers are welcome to come watch.
*Dan Keane-Tues(April 17th) at the Murphey Farm in Hemlock by Hartley-Beekeeping
101(package installation)-May 1st more classes to come
*Larry Conner would like to speak-maybe a Sat. at Greenpoint, or Terry Klein's.
*Terry spoke on how to install a package
*What's in bloom? Please bring in flowers that your bees are harvesting necter & pollen
from so we can identify them.
*New info on neonicitinoids-- 85% fewer bumblebee queens-and they are 12%smaller than normal-
they cant find their way back to the hive.
*Like Vanishing of the Bees on facebook for updates
*Jerry Hayes who wrote for ABJ(classroom)has a new job working for a bee genetics company
*Mott College Apr 30th-Queen of the Sun-Make Reservations
*Dean Hutchinson brought in observation hive he made, he also needs guest speakers to talk
with him to kids May 9,10 &11
*Frames were brought in to find out reason for death to hive
Terry Toland-MI honey fest t-shirts-$15, Also looking for opinions on cottage food bill
*Question&Answer period
Meeting adjourned at 8:20
March 2012
March 6,2012
Called to order at 7:02 by Cindy Dudock, President.
There were 60 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Old Business:
Cindy is currently working on updating our directory for the members of our club
so if you haven't filled out the quick update please do.
Topics of Discussion:
*Mott College will be showing Queen of the Sun April 30th 5:30 Dave Anthony will speak after.
*Dan Keane spoke of his classes -How to Build a Hive, and Fruit Tree Pruning
*Honey Festival -needs volunteers-you get a free t-shirt or sweat shirt-they also need jars of
honey as donations. Volunteers get in free.- It is July 28th- ($5 and children 10-under get in free)
*Dave Anthon ,Bob Hollis, and Terry Klein all have bees to sell
*Vendors for ANR were introduced
*Dean Hutchinson spoke about drone layers and what to do in that situation.
*Owen Pierce brought in some foulbrood, and Dean spoke about it
*Question about switching frames of bees from one hive to another-as long as full if brood is ok
*Question and answer period
Meeting adjourned at 8:22
February 2012
February 8,2012
Called to order at 7:00p.m. by Cindy Dudock, President.
There were 58 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*New attendees introduced
*Thanks to Vernon Arndt, and Steve and Roxi Davidek for talking to a Bay City Master Gardners Club.
*Dave Anthony, Terry Toland, and Terry Klein talked to the senate about our bee problems.
*Dan Keane spoke about a few classes that he will be holding-"How to build a hive", "package
Installation", and"swarm management".
*Mary Klein was sick and couldn’t manage to get Tim to take our picture.
*John Bacon brought in a 1970s Bee culture to donate to the historian collection for the MBA
*Brad is resigning from the historian position, so if there are any MBA members who would like
to volunteer to take his place please let Terry Toland know.
*Cindy passed out a questionnaire for club members to fill out.
*Bob Hollis has a flyer for woodenware
*ANR March 9&10 -Terry Toland-Michiganbees.org- spring conference
*We will no longer get $5 back from MBA-all payments for MBA are to be made directly to MBA
*July 28th Imlay City Honey Festival-9-5 Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds
*First meeting-March 1stVFW Hall-michiganhoneyfestival.com
*$5admission, looking for volunteers(around 75) and need some vendors
*Question and answer period, drone catcher brought in.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:15
January 2012
January 3, 2012
Attendance 43
Meeting called to order at 7:02 pm by President Cindy Dudock
Treasurer report was read and approved with Balance in bank of $ 1,345.40 report was read by
former treasurer John Williams
Secretary report N.A.
Topics of Discussion:
*President Cindy Dudock brought up the following ideas for consideration for future meeting themes.
*The following idea’s were discussed and voted on by members
Votes Topic Votes Topic
18 Wintering bees 10 Diseases' of bees
0 Update on African bees 1 Health
0 Photo slide 10 Queen Rearing
10 night and cold weather actives 1 2 Queen systems
3 History of bees 7 Flowers & Plants
0 Politics 1 Equipment and New Equipment
8 Candles making 20 Sounds of Bees
11 Cooking with Honey 12 Updates in research
13 Tips from the Pro's 2 Promotion of Club
10 Honey Production 8 Pollination
2 Types of Bees 14 Swarming
*Two newspaper articles were passed around one was about the bees at the White House and the
other was about chiefs that have bees to make honey for their restaurants.
*MBA dues to be paid in January for 12 months. Saginaw dues can be paid at anytime for one year.
*MBA website contains and area for swarms and Honey marketing map for a fee.
*Karolyn Karl, from Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program www.maeap.org
Promoting Stewardship Protecting the Environment
*Dan Keene will be teaching a bee keeping class in April through the Michigan Conservation Soil District.
*Some discussion took place about Saginaw Bee Keepers website that included,
passwords that would allow for member only information
*A motion was made and seconded that each meeting would include a 15 minute question and answer period.
This motion Passed
*ANR week is the Second week in March at Michigan State University. Next month we will take a new picture
of the club to be displayed on our table.
*Terry Klein will be selling bees again this year. Dave Anthony will also be selling this year
Meeting adjourned at 8:17pm
December 2011
December 6, 2011
Called to order by Cindy Dudock, President.
There were 45 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of discussion:
*Membership dues for our club and MBA-to join our club is just $5,for both it was not mentioned.
*Terry Toland is the new MBA President his ph # is 248-421-6601 of which he texts too, he
also has the mba presidents email if you would like to speak with him on any topics. He is
looking for volunteers for ANR week.
*Terry Toland also spoke on a Michigan honey festival that he is co-chair for July 28th from
10-5. It is geared to the public and they are looking for vendors-$20 for a 10x10 table of
whatever that you are selling has to be bee related.
*Cindy Dudock set up an email for herself svbapresident@gmail.com or 989-777-8814
*Question about made in Michigan stickers-are they retired?-Can we get pure MI stickers free?
If not Terry T. suggested contest through MBA to design logo.
*Dave Anthony and Leo Stevens spoke about MEAP-who come out to farms to make sure conditions are
right for your bees.
*Quebec city beekeeper convention -Nov 2012
*Terry Klein said the black bears are moving south and that the black bear that attacked him was killed.
*USDA grade honey just has to taste good
*Motions made and passed to donate $100 in memory of John Kern to the Freemont foundation and $100
to the soup kitchen.
*Next MBA meetings: Jan 14, Feb 11, Mar 3
*Dadant moved to 929 Elliot St (in back of old building)
Meeting Adjourned 8:13
November 2011
November 1, 2011
Called to order at 7:01 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 51 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*Overwintering hives: John Bacon- "Make sure that you leave them enough honey to get paper"
*Dan Keane and special guest Elly Maxwell from Dow Gardens, who has taken classes @
Michigan State in Entomology have an observation hive @ the Whiting Forest which they are
having problems overwintering. They are trying the Snelgrove method. Dan says the USDA will
run a sample of your honey for AFB spore count for free-just in case you are feeding honey back
to other hives. Check out Elly Maxwell's Blog
*Suggestion by Dan Keane to bring in honey plants in bloom and quiz eachother.
*Dean made his own pollen substitite with soybean flour(non gmo),brewer's yeast, vitamins
from laidlaw, egg yolk and corn syrup.
*New Bee Intros
*Glenn Willabee-http://www.northernbee.net will have a special on honey supers for $4.90ea
and will bring to club if we get a big enough order.
*Joe Shlein motioned since everyone is running unopposed- Cindy Dudock for pres, Mary Klein
for vice pres, Sarah Perez for secretary, and Cathy Breternitz for secretary treasurer. -Pisha
Williams seconded.
*Next month please bring jar of honey for waitstaff.
*Roxie Davidek is running for Vice President of the MBA- if you are a member and can't make it
to the meeting ask for an absentee ballot.
*Terry is making good progress with Gary Randall-Thank you Terry for all your efforts.
Meeting adjourned 8:21
October 2011
October 4,2011
Called to order at 7:00pm by Dave Biver, President.
There were 44 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was n/a.
Topics of Discussion:
*John Bacon was honored on television, he was able to tell some of his WWII P.O.W. stories
and was featured on channel 12, and then again on GMA the next morning.
*Greenpoint Nature Center will be awarding Tim Kauffman for his picture taking tomorrow night.
*Terry Toland, President from the 7 ponds club, is planning on running for president of the
MBA. He is willing to answer any questions, and wants to keep more of the dues that we pay
here in MI, to make us better beekeepers, rather than sending it to places where we never see
or hear any info about what good it has done. 7pondsbeekeepers.org
*Dec 2 will be the Fall meeting for the MBA due to the loss of the contract with the
conference center, and no follow up. The Elections will be then, so please vote.
*Cindy Dudock is running for president, Mary Klein will run for Vice Pres, Cathy Breternitz will
run for Secretary Treasurer, and Sarah Perez will continue as secretary-
unless there are any takers.
*Owen Pierce brought in some honey plants that are in season.
*Hats are in-$10.
*Dean Hutchinson brought in some crystallized honey from China-it was honey and cane syrup.
*Terry Klein has a meeting with Gary Randall October 14 to prove to 2 senators from
Endmore about the star thistle devastation.
*Next month-Dan Keane and John Bacon will talk about overwintering colonies.
Meeting Adjourned 8:13
September 2011
September 6 2011
Called to order by Dave Biver, President.
There were 43 people present.
The secretary's report was n/a.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*Dave's email was hacked-do not open any emails from him
*Dave received phone call for capper on craigs list
*Dean Hutchinson is looking for a new committee for the club council- please volunteer if interested
*How's your honey crop?
*Terry brought in some small hive beetles in alcohol
*New Bee intros
*If anyone is looking for a 12 frame galvanized extractor contact Terry Klein
*Hats will be here in October they will be embroidered for the same price $10
*Ken &Colleen's grandson won best of show for his comb honey in the Midland County State Fair-13yrs old beekeeper
*Big thanks for Norm Adams and his donation of time for the honey judging at the fair.
*Discussion about the corn pollen crop, and the GMO corn is what the bees are overwintering with.
*Black Pollen? =Black eyed susans?
*Purple Loostrife is on its way back and the weevle they brought in to kill it is dying off.
*Faber's rail trail is "Honey Trail"
Meeting Adjourned at 7:53
August 2011
August 2 2011
Called to order at 7:10 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 54 people present.
The secretary's report was n.a.
The treasurer's report was n.a.
Topics of Discussion
*Apis-Maliflora 4-H group showed off their ribbons that they received at the Saginaw County Fair
*Mr. Keen talked about the Hemlock Farmers Market being one of the finalists for a
barn to be built for the market. Voting runs from August 1st to the 15th
*Guest speaker was Jeremy Jelnick from Suttons Bay, talking about being a migratory
beekeeper
*Dean brought up about moving some hives out of soybean fields while they are sprayed
*Dave thanked Terry and Mary Klein for alowing us to have the Picnic at their business
*Question about hats came up. More to come on that subject.
*Next meeting will be back at Old Country Buffet on September 6th
*Motion was made and Passed to give out of town guest speakers a hat
Meeting Adjourned at 7:51
July 2011
July 12 2011
Called to order at 7:00 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 45 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was n.a.
Old Business: finished watching the Vanishing of the bees Documentary
Topics of Discussion
*Special guest from Missouri-Kirby Schouse-past President of Eastern Missouri Beekeepers
*intro of new beekeepers
*Next meeting @ the Kleins-Dave made a motion for the club to pick up the cost of the meat,
was seconded,and approved.
*Please contact Mary Klein by phone if planning on attending picnic- ice tea will be provided.
*Dean brought in a sample of linden basswood
*Question about queen condo-50%success was the conclusion
*Question about cedar for hive bodies-yes is good-just never use black walnut because it is toxic.
*For ant control Richard Brigham uses a stick to prop up the outer cover for a day or 2,
so the wind knocks them back.
*Black walnut leaves are good in the winter for storing your supers and keeping them wax moth free.
*Honey-extra lt amber-$1.65
*Question about queen breeding
Meeting Adjourned at 8:13
June 2011
June 7 2011
*Called to order at 7:00 by Terry Klein, Vice President.
*There were 53 people present.
*The secretary's report was read and accepted.
*The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
*Old Business -The Documentary "Vanishing of the Bees" about CCD was brought in for us to watch,
and we will finish the other half next meeting.
Topics of Discussion:
*Davenport University's max is 50 people, we are looking for a room that can hold 70 max-
main thing is free so if anyone has ideas.
*Hats that are yellow and made in USA are extinct, so we are ordering black hats with yellow writing on them.
The summer will be vented, winter not vented. Hopefully selling for around $8
*New bee intros
*Dean spoke about bees robbing, and he brought a couple frames in to show
what he does when he gets wax moth damage.
*Our next meeting will be July 12, because of the holiday
Meeting Adjourned at 8:32
May 2011
May 3 2011
Called to order at 7:02 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 45 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Old business: We cannot get the hats made in the USA from the company that we were going through,
so now we are trying a new route through Tagets.
Topics of Discussion:
*Norm Adams suggested using Davenport University as a meeting place for our club, since we
seem to be outgrowing the room we currently have, Bob Schust volunteered to contact,
and check out the room for us.
*Dean Hutchinson spoke on splitting hives different ways, and several other ways he manages his bees,
also what he uses to keep them healthy.
*The movie "The Vanishing Bee" Terry sent a copy to congressman, which is about neonigatinoids
which are new pest killers on the market affecting bees.
Meeting adjourned at 8:21
April 2011
April 5 2011
Called to order at 7:00 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 60 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Changes: as far as the dues for the MBA, you can continue to pay our treasurer,
who vows to keep a better more accurate record of where your money is going.
Topics of Discussion:
*Frankenlust Township, 3 acres, someone would like to have bees, just needs help-contact Dave Biver.
*Grafting trees $25 p/person $35per couple- April 30th-Able Greenhouse.
*Aaron Edenburn will be taking over the website.
*Dan Keane made a motion for 4h (beekeeping)website to have a link off of the SVBA website,
seconded by Brad Perez.
*Dave shared a recipe for a walnut torte.
*Terry brought in handouts, catalogs, and demonstrated how he dips his plastic frames
in wax to give them a head start.
*Dean spoke of a beekeeping trip to S. Africa you can take-all inclusive-$5200
*Jamie Arnold is selling surviving stock 800 - 1000 nucs + mid-may queens
*Queen of the Sun Documentary-Brad would like to see if he can get it to play closer in our area
*New bee intros
*Meeting in July moved to second Tues(12th)
*Summer picnic @ the Kleins Aug 2, starts @6, bring a dish to pass, place settings+ lotsa bug spray.
*$7.50 for an american made hat-we will get 50 hats and they will be sold for $10 ea.
Adjourned at 8:00
March 2011
March 1 2011
Called to order at 7:00 by Dave Biver, President.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*Howard, a friend of Dave Biver's gave a slide presentation of a re-enactment of history
of a 7 day journey with a 600 lb canoe in full costume.
*Glenn Willabee, from Grayling, spoke about his woodenware and presented some of his
supplies. He has a new web site northernbee.com.
*New bee intros
*We will be continuing our fight for the star thistle.
*Brad spoke about our Greenpoint class.
*Dean spoke about California bees and their tremendous losses. Also Hopgaurd for
mites.(Mann Lake)
*Check MBA website for list of people to buy bees from.
*Now you should be checking hives to see if they need food and clearing the front entrance.
*John Bacon is looking for someone to make his wax into comb.
*New hats will hopefully be made next month.
*Beekeeping Coloring book MBA wants to order is 33cents/ea(25 pg)-Terry wants to
know if anyone from the club would be interested in ordering any.
*Discussion on how should you price your honey.
Meeting adjourned at 8:21
February 2011
February 1,2011 (night of Snowzilla 2011)
Called to order at 7:00 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 24 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was n/a.
Topics of discussion:
*The two speakers planned for this month because of weather will hopefully come next
month. One of which is Glenn Willabee a woodenware maker from Willabee Northern
Bee LLC out of Grayling.
*MBA has as of Jan 25 decided to only take payments online ,no more paying MBA
dues to the Saginaw club, you would just register online and let them know that you
belong to the Saginaw Club, and at the end of the year,our club would get the stipend of
$5 per person.
*Dave Anthony is looking for members to run for MBA officers, District Reps..
*Motion made and passed to divide $80 between the two 4h clubs.
*Dave Anthony spoke about the importance of star thistle and the non native bug they
want to release to kill it.
*Terry Klein also spoke on star thistle, said they can't plant where they are getting rid of
it. Terry has talked to several congressman already, I believe we are looking into a letter
we as a club can all sign. But in the meantime do what you can to let your congressman
know what you think of this bug.
*Question about sugared honey and a refractometer.
*honey prices per barrel: white $1.50, xlt $1.47, xltam $1.32,amber $1.17
Adjourned at 8:24
January 2011
January 4,2011
Called to order at 7:04 by Dave Biver,President.
There were 41 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*Dave would like to spice up our club's table display so please send any
pictures by your beehives to Tim at the website.
*New bee introductions
*Motion made and passed for Brad and Sarah to set up a free class at Greenpoint
Nature Center for beginning beekeepers-anyone else willing to help please contact
Brad at svbasec@gmail.com.
*Dave Anthony and Leo Stevens stopped by to talk about selling bees, also
said we should be feeding our bees about now or they might not make it
through the winter. Open invite to come put on a suit and work some hives
with him. Also donated 2lb pkg bees for door prize in Feb.
*Dave Anthony would also like to know your opinion of the MBA-how they can grow and expand.
*Dean said to buy plastic frames soon ,because prices will be going up.
*Dave said Sports Junction will reproduce our hats for $7-black or yellow
*Dave Anthony spoke on candy boards
*Make sure epipen has at least 1 yr expiration date when buying
*Adolphs meat tenderizer in vaseline, or an onion slice draws the sting out.
Bee venom is stronger depending on what plant the bee is pollenating.
Adjourned at 8:10
December 2010
December 12, 2010
Called to order at 7:05 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 27 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was n/a.
Old business: Life membership plaque given to John Bacon.
Topics of discussion:
*Moment of silence for service people observed.
*Report on star thistle problems- Dan Keane and Terry Klein
spoke on the nature of the plants.
*Introduction of Bissonettes-Eric and Kathy from Caro
*New speakers for next year
*Dennis Klein spoke on ANR week
*Dean spoke on pollen substitute
*Memorial of $100 for Andy Thompson to Freemont Foundation passed,
also $100 donation to food based charity to be named at
future date passed.
Adjourned at 8:20
November 2010
November 2,2010
There were 49 people present.
The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of discussion:
*Brad inquired about the "Heart of Saginaw"
*Zachary Haung from MSU brought in a slide show, and spoke of his recent travels to Turkey.
*Next month bring honey bear for wait staff
*New bee intros
*Motion made and passed to put secretary's name on bank account also.
* Terry Klein brought in front page of MBA newsletter about how government plans to remove star thistle from our national forests.
*Brad Perez was motioned and approved to represent us at the next MBA meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:19
October 2010
October 5,2010
Called to order at 7:07 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 49 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*Felicia Smith spoke on queen rearing. She has taken a queen rearing course with Larry Conner and travels to Florida in the winter to breed queens.
*Dave shared about an experience he had with a hive in a tree
*some of the members of Terry and Mary's 4h club shared what they were learning
*New bee intros
*Classes for MBA fall meeting mentioned
*John Bacon was nominated and approved to be our lifetime member for this year.
*Steve Davidek has manufactured a Walter T. Kelly frame puller
*honey quoted $1.50lb
*not much honey down south Michigan
Meeting Adjourned at 7:57
September 2010
September 7,2010
Called to order at 7:01 by Dave Biver,President.
There were 34 people present.
The Secretary's report was read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.
New Business: Drinks at the restaurant are now being charged a total of $2.11
(tax included) and our cookies are now complimentary.
Topics of Discussion:
*Judy Schmaltz presented how to make creamed honey
*Article in the Great Lakes Bay Magazine brought in about Vernon Arndt, a SVBA member .
*If anyone has ideas for ANR week talk to Dennis Klein 989-751-9367
*Dean spoke on insurance for your beehives-(usually for 50+hives)
*House bill 5843 honey producers passed review can sell $15,000p/yr signed into law August 4th. Check internet for details.
*if anyone has a 2nd year colony with varroa mites contact Zack Huang through the MBA website
*$1.45lt honey
*Black walnut leaves for wax moth
*MBA meeting Oct 22 + 23 Grand Rapids -check MBA website for details.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:13
June, July and August 2010 - No minutes for these months for the baseball game, summer picnic, etc.
May 2010
Called to order at 7:02 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 59 people present.
The secretary’s report was read and accepted.
The treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Topics of discussion:
*Wilda Dodder shared and demonstrated wow to make lotion with beeswax,
extra virgin olive oil, vitamin e and a scent.*caster oil helps arthritis
*Thank You cards from Poncho Fernandez and Bob and Wilma Carriveau were read aloud
*Dave spoke about having to kill a queen
*Cathy Bredernitz, Dave Markel, Dean Hutchinson, and Alan Snook spoke about
experiences with swarms. Alan also brought in a varroa mite on a slide and a ross round.
*Special thanks goes out to Tim Kaufman for getting the web site
back up after being totally deleted.
*Don Schramm will be having a queen rearing class this summer.
*Norm Adams spoke about how to not get a lot of bees in the air
when installing bees (good for when living close to neighbors)
*Dean says to use a knife instead of a nail through the candy (for the queen plug)
*Motion made and passed to bring money to June meeting for Loons game if going
*Terry spoke about Hemmeters market having to get rid of all the animals because of the new laws.
*Dave Barns spoke about some observation hives
*Alan Snook suggested donating Observation hive to Hartley Nature Center.
Meeting Adjourned 8:19
April 2010
April 6, 2010
Called to order at 7:00 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 62 people present.
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Old Business: Anyone interested in attending the Loons game in July for our meeting;
contact Dave - dbiver@sbcglobal.net . Tickets will be $9. For people that are not
interested in going; we will still arrange to meet at Old Country Buffet, without a
formal meeting, but to converse with each other.
Topics of Discussion:
*Dave Biver spoke about the MBA meeting he attended recently. They will not be making
their usual calendars anymore. Check out www.michiganbees.org (newly revamped website for the MBA)
*The annual picnic this year will be August 3rd, at the Kleins.
*Went through and everyone introduced themselves, how many hives and winter losses.
*Jim and Wilda Dodder recommend a mixture of lemongrass oil, spearimint and sugar water,
which is similar to Honey B Healthy.
*If anyone has a question about some comb, bring it in and we’ll take a look at it.
*Anyone ever hear of a Polska Hive?
*Terry Klein brought in a custom hive wrap that was made out of a vinal like material,
with little air holes and insulation, sealed with Velcro. He’s not sure how good it
works. $80,hopefully will get price to come down.
*Roxi and Steve Davidek’s plastic frame spacers are ready to be sold. They can be
bought directly through them or Brushy Mountain.
*Don Reimer shared how he puts a package in the hive.
*Dave Markel brought in some old aluminum foundation.
Adjourned at 8:25
March 2010
Called to order at 7:00, Mar 3, 20010 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 46 people present.
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
New Business: AWSLLC donated 2 lbs of bees to the club of which raised $80.
A motion was made and passed to donate that $80 + an additional $20 toward
Jim and Wilda Dodder’s 4h club.
Topics of discussion:
*John Dusek from Fabers greenhouse in St Charles spoke on honey producing
plants that fill in gaps when nothing else is in bloom.
*Dave Anthony has queens and packages coming April 15th out of California
*Terry Klein brought in a newspaper article of which one of our club
members, Beth Moeller earned district recognition for her beekeeping program.
*Secretary was put in charge of recommendation letter for Fabers Greenhouse
*Let Mary Klein know if you are a member of the MBA and haven’t
received your newsletter.*ANR week for beekeepers is Mar 12+13 needs
to be postmarked by March 10 for discount.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 PM
Feb 2010
February 2, 2010
Called to order at 7:06 by Dave Biver, President.
There were 43 people present.
The secretary’s report was read and accepted.
The treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
*Tim has sent an email about a Bay City resident that was going to become a beekeeper,
until he read the city ordinance doesn’t allow it. Let Tim Kauffman know if interested
in purchasing equipment.
*ANR week- March 12-13(Beekeeping Conference) Pre register $20+$10 for spouse/ without
Pre registration $30+$10 for spouse-MBA newsletter or email will let you know where to send money.
*Melanie Klein has the Saginaw Valley Clubs stand for ANR week
*To avoid shipping costs buy equipment at ANR week
*Possibility of having July meeting at the Loons game was suggested
*Mary Klein offered to send a receipt to everyone that pays MBA dues through the Saginaw
club-so they are not questioned at ANR week
*Dan Keane brought in some samples of wood-red pine, white pine, and
poplar-will make available on website.
*also spoke on tree grafting workshops, and new beekeeper’s equipment workshop.
Info will also be on our website.
*Bob Hollis brought in some of the woodenware he sells
*Terry Klein has a list of prices for the MBA newsletter ads if you would like to
place one for your business. Also handed out article from
Mother Earth News about pesticides killing bees.
*Steve Davidek brought in frame spacer prototype he has been working on.
*Dean says almond growers are trying to bring down the price for pollination,and
they are also experiencing heavy losses-be sure to place your bee orders soon-it could get bad.
*Let Mary Klein know if anyone has children interested in participating in 4H club.
*wwhoney-$1.48-$1.56, wax dk-$1.85, wax lt$2.00
Meeting adjourned at 8:04
Jan 2010
January 5, 2010
Called to order at 7:05 by Dave Biver, President
There were 42 people present
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report was NA
Please make due payments to Treasurer anytime for 2010.
Topics of Discussion:
*Dave Schneider spoke for about an hour on the WWII bomber that went down in the desert.
*Bob Hollis will be taking woodenware orders-if order before Feb 1st 10% off
*Terry Klein brought in a handout on mites and CCD
*Candy Boards were brought in
*MBA calendars are at the printers
*Be sure to place bee orders with Terry Klein, Bob Hollis or Dave Anthony
Meeting Adjourned at 8:11
Dec 2009
Date: December 1, 2009
Called to order at 7:13 by Dean Hutchinson, President.
There were 42 people present.
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Changes: Motion made and passed to give $20 of hat money to server, as a tip from beverage
drinkers, and people that have dinner are asked to leave an extra tip on the table.
Topics of Discussion:
*motion made and passed to give waitress all of hat money as a Holiday tip
*motion made and passed to donate $100 to Freemont Foundation in memory of Norman Eastman -
who donated some equipment to the SVBA and Ralph Frasier-who donated wax to the 4-h group
*motion made and passed to donate $100 to MI food bank
*Norm Adams brought in a handmade carrier he made to carry beekeeping equipment
*Sarah Perez brought in wax sun from fall meeting
*Pisha Williams dropped out of the election, and motion was made and accepted to accept
candidates for election-as all running unapposed. Officers are: Dave Biver-President, Terry
Klein-Vice President, Sarah Perez-secretary, and Jon Williams-secretary treasurer
*Owen brought in some frames from a hive that died to see if we could figure out why.
*Next month we will have a guest speaker-Dave Schneider who will be speaking on WWII bomber
that went down in the desert.
*”Member for Life” committee assembled of Terry Klein, Dave Biver, Cathy Breternitz and Dean
Hutchinson
*Dave Biver would also like to start a mentor program
*Special thanks to Tim Kauffman for keeping webpage-also if anyone would like to be added to
the swarm call list let him know
*John Bacon says the mosquito control and the fire department also have swarm call lists you can be on
*Tim Kauffman suggested that beginners might want to show up at meetings early to ask questions
*Honey prices-ww$1.52 and drops about 10cents with each grade and wax-Lt$2.20-$2.05 dark
Meeting Adjourned at 8:11
Nov 2009
November 3, 2009
Called to order at 7:10 by Dean Hutchinson, President.
There were 43 people present.
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Topics of discussion:
*Candidates for President are Pisha Williams and Dave Biver.
*Vice President-Terry Klein running unopposed.
*Secretary- Sarah Perez running unopposed.
*Treasurer- Jon Williams running unopposed.
*Sugar prices are rising- almost double
*Spoke about the October Fall meeting for the MBA.
*Dean brought in a frame of which he rolled foundation on with a
paint roller dipped in wax.
*Dean also brought in a couple handouts-“The Right to Farm Act” ,
and “Generally accepted Agricultural +Management Practices for
beekeeping and Apiary Management”
*Dean also brought some wax of which he used a Styrofoam container to melt it in.
*Bring a honey bear next month for Christmas presents for the waitstaff.
*Motion was made by Terry Klein to make Bob Carriveau and Poncho
Hernandez lifelong members of SVBA. Harry Majeweski seconded the
motion. Motion was passed.
*Richard Brigham brought in some candles he made from beeswax.
*Norm Adams talked about the honey show at the MBA Fall meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:50
Oct 2009
Called to order at 7:00 by Dean Hutchinson, President.
There were 49 people present.
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Old business: the other $500 was issued from the MBA to promote beekeeping.
Topics of Discussion:
*Dean brought in a couple articles about the honey from China
*Owen brought in hive beetle larva
*Jim Dodder spoke on the upcoming MBA fall meeting Oct 23+24 in Midland at the Valley Plaza.
Dr Larry Conner will be the main speaker. Dinner will be $26 per person please make reservations
ahead of time. Mention you’re a beekeeper for a discount on a room.
*The Jessup’s brought in a chalkbrood sample. Dan Keane says to prevent make sure colony is up on
a stand, with good airflow, preferably in the sun. If it is extremely heavy on a frame replace the frame.
*Dave Anthony spoke about the “Cottage Act” and how it got shot down last yr, and is now back up for
legislation. Cottage Act allows anyone to sell under 2000 lbs of honey without having to get a honey license.
*Motion made and approved to have meetings all year long first Tuesday of the month.
*Terry Klein brought in a article from Mother Earth News about CCD. This months issue has a couple
articles about beekeeping in it.
*Terry also mentioned about a speaker they listened to at SASA- Lady B.Good was really interesting
talk about WWII. Motion made and passed to get him to speak some time in winter. John Bacon added
“Missing mans dinner” is a must see. Terry added “Food Inc” a movie in Vassar is one to check out.
*Leaving an empty super on bottom of hive over winter is good for air flow.
*Set hive entrances either South or East
*Nosema is on the spread again- treat with Fumigellin B
*Farmers Markets had a slow start this year but seemed to pick up later in the year.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:13
Sept 2009
Date: September 1, 2009
Called to order at 7:05 by Dean Hutchinson, President.
There were 45 people present.
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Old business: suggestions on what to do with the $500 donation from the MBA.
Mary Klein’s 4h project, Tim and Beth’s project in St. Charles.
Topics of Discussion:
*Motion made by Tim Kaufman to give Mary’s 4h club the entire $500 to use
toward the 4h club . Motion then approved.
*Dean brought in an ether roll- 1/4 cup bees from the middle of the
brood nest in a jar, covered with alcohol- shake then strain through a
screen to see mite count. Do once a month.
*Mary Klein offered the hobbiest beekeepers the use of a small extracter and
liscensed honey house, please call to make an appointment.
*Mary Klein shared about her 4h club and progress it has made.
*Ideas shared for what to do with the next $500 from MBA. Joe Schlein and
Tim Kaufman both have projects that could qualify.
*Randy from Mosquito control was there to answer any questions. Says they’re using
Parametherin to spray and it breaks down in a day or two. To contact:755 -5751
or log on to their website to get on no spray list.
*Dave Anthony has misc. bee equipment for sale
*Pischa Williams has a hobbiest phone # that is ready to sell all her equipment.
*What to do about mice problems.
*Honey prices- $1.32 exltamber, $1.22 ltamber, wax $2.00 lt cappings
Meeting Adjourned at 8:37
June 2009
Date: June 2, 2009
Called to order at 7:30 by Dean Hutchinson, President.
There were over 54 people present.
Topics of Discussion:
*Beth Moeller spoke on the work that her school has done with bees.
*There has been a donation made by the MBA of $500 to promote beekeeping.
Possibility of getting another $500 after we write a letter or let the MBA know
what we are doing with the money. We need ideas- contact Brad Perez, Dean Hutchinson or Terry Klein.
*Don Reimer gave a demonstration on how he does a hive with 2 queens
*Jamie Arnold (Ostrowski) gave a speech on queen rearing and grafting.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:54
May 2009
Date: May 5,2009
Called to order at 7:15
By Dean Hutchinson, President
There were 51 people present
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted
Topics of discussion:
*Dean spoke about fighting varroa mites before the honey flow.
*Norm Adams brought in some drone comb, and broke it apart to see mites
*If your bees aren’t taking sugar syrup, there is probably some problem to address.
*Spoke about foulbrood and what to do if you encounter it. Don Reimer said if
caught early enough it can be treated, otherwise burn it. John Bacon said
Hoopingardner said foulbrood is in the honey, so just scrape the frames down.
*Fresh black walnut leaves, when storing supers will keep wax moth away
*Dave Markel brought in a bumblebee hive body and spoke on how to keep them
*Ann Bulley has invited the French beekeeper to her house the weekend of
May 17th. They will be going to a Loons game and to some bee yards. Ann will
send an email to everyone on the membership list with more details
*Brad Perez brought in a questionarre about our club to be featured in the
MBA newsletter.
*Spoke about Mel Disselkon’s speech last month
*June 2nd, picnic at the Klein’s-starts at 6. Bring a dish to pass.
*Jamie Arnold who has taken a queen breeding course with Larry Conner
should be at the picnic
Meeting Adjourned at 8:14
April 2009
Date: 4/7/09
Called to order at 7:12
By Dean Hutchinson, president.
There were 54 people present.
Secretary’s report was read and accepted
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted
Old Business: Tim Kaufman brought a flyer about St. Charles Bee Day,
and bee garden. He is looking for volunteers- Thursday, May 28th.
New Business: Mid Michigan Bee Club bringing Mel Disselkon this Sat-free-
in Richfield Township.
Topics of Discussion:
*Swarm call list going around
*Questions if anyone knew about organic farming being outlawed—FSA office should know
*Bees at the White House
*Motion approved and seconded to contribute 50% of the hat collection to
the server as a tip.
*Summer picnic is at the Klein’s this June
*Dean brought in an empty package and a super with frames to demonstrate
how to shake a package. Several volunteers showed different ways of how they do it.
*Dean spoke on queen loss of a new package- to combine the queenless
colony with a queenright colony.
*Warm syrup also works good (when spraying ) it keeps the bees and your hands warm
*Soybeans are being sprayed with a bad insecticide that kills bees(fungaside+roundup)
*Malathion- Mosquito spray – location of hive matters
*Mike Hanson is looking for loss amounts this year –small survey-
Tim Kaufman will email it to anyone on the list
*Honey prices-$1.45lb white (semi-load)
Meeting Adjourned at 8:47
March 2009
Date: March 3, 2009
Called to order at 7:06
By Dean Hutchinson, President
There were 58 people present
Secretary’s report was read and accepted
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted
Old Business: ANR week is next week, our club will be having a silent auction
for the 4h program, looking for donations related to bees or beekeeping
New Business: Tim Kaufman will be involved in “Bee Day” in St Charles, in
May, after Memorial Day. HagenDaz icecream has donated some of their honey
icecream.
Topics of Discussion:
*Melanie Klein put together a flyer that if no one objects will have a picture of
everyone at this meeting. Flyer was approved.
*California bees are doing well. Dean Hutchinson will have some complete hives
for sale.
*The price of almonds has dropped from $3 to $2, but honey is going up from
$1.40-$1.50
*Special words of advise- let your truck run while loading your bee hives.-The
Bees enjoy the vibration.
*pollen patties help your bees get started making brood faster
*Special guest speaker: John Steed talked about an article that he wrote that was
Featured in the American Bee Journal, November ’03, on overwintering your
colonies indoors.
*Spoke about nosema and dissintary , and how to tell the difference between the
Two. Dissintary will usually look like a mess at the upper enterance, and when the
hive is opened it stinks and usually is accompanied by a pile of moist bees.
*John Williams brought in a candy board made of powdered sugar and “bakery
grade” corn syrup. Said you can also add pollen to them. John also added that
moisture contributes to nosema growth.
*Please tip your server- yes it is a buffet, but tips are how they make their money-
We enjoy meeting here, so lets show some appreciation.-thank you
Adjourned at 8:42
February 2009
Saginaw Valley Beekeepers Association Minutes
Date: February 3, 2009
Called to order at 7:26
By Pisha Williams, Vice President
Secretary’s report was read and accepted
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted
Old Business: Mary spoke about her 4H project, the FFA contacted them.
Looking for volunteers for this project, and possibly introducing
beekeeping
to the garden featured in the Sunday paper.
Topics of Discussion:
*Bob Hollis brought in a new top feeder he made. Was taking orders
for woodenware
*Dave Anthony explained the pamphlet that is coming in the mail
for MBA members has the wrong email address and website. Also spoke
of us taking a picture of our bee club for a Michigan Map at ANR
week-deadline is March 7.
Any questions about ANR week call Dave Anthony
*Dave Anthony, Ed Wrican and Larry Stevens are selling bees
*Advertise the bee club for teaching beekeeping
*Terry is teaching a class at SVSU Feb 11, 1:00-3:30, or hands on
April 15 “Beekeeping Basics”-Call Terry for info
*Dan Keane spoke of “Super Saturday” Feb 21, for science and math teachers
*Ed Wrican spoke of the billion dollar bailout and how the honeybees were
included in the farm bill,but at the moment it is tied up in congress
*the right to farm act floor plan is on the books for Michigan
*need volunteers to look for grants
*Question about dead bees in front of hive- Its good! Lets you know
they’re doing good.
*Brown spots on hive are not necessarily nosema- could be dissintary
*Jon spoke of his experimental winter house for his bees that involves
a lightbulb at the bottom of the hive
*Questions about wintering hives- how many supers to keep them in,
mouse guards, and honey left on the hive over winter.
Adjourned at 8:12
January 2009
January 6, 2009
Called to order at 7:30 by Dean Hutchinson, President.
42 people present.
Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report N.A.
Old Business: Mary Klein brought the number of the
lady to talk to about a scholarship through and essay
writing contest for young 4h members. Brad Perez and
Dean Hutchinson will take care of that.
New Business: A.N.R. week is March 13-14
Topics of discussion:
*Dean talked about almond pollination starting in
Feb. in CA, and also that the sale of Australian bees could
possibly be shut off, so be sure to order your bees soon.
Check out Dean Vos’s web site. Queens could be very hard
to come by if this goes through.
*Larry Hilbert has been trying to work on ways to
lessen bear damage. Possibly a guest speaker?
*Bob Hollis will come to the next meeting with some
of his woodenware. -Ph #1-810-338-1523
Working on getting a list of equipment for the website.
*Norm Adams can also get woodenware.
*Dean brought in some creamed honey to taste
*John Bacon brought in some homemade mite traps that involve
menthol crystals. The idea was out of “Natural Beekeeping”book
*Dolores Garret spoke of cooking with honey web page for a
free cookbook www.nhb.org
*Norm Adams brought in catalogs for making polarized filters.
Joe Schlein says a lazer pointer works just as well.
*The California bees are in better shape this year than last year.
*wax prices $2.20 dark, $2.50 light—honey $1.25-$1.50lb ww
*Both Terry Klein and Norm Adams have gotten swarm calls this winter
from fallen trees.
*Motion accepted to keep the cookie trays coming.
Meeting Adjourned 8:35 pm
December 2008
December 2, 2008
Called to order at 7:16
by Dean Hutchinson, president.
38 people present
Secretary’s report was read and accepted
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted
Old Business: The speaker Terry has been trying to get ahold of,
Kris,will not be in town till around May.
Topics of Discussion:
*Clusters, hive beetle larva, pollen patties
*FSA beekeeping program has been extended- it’s not
just crop insurance, it now includes livestock.
*Terry Klien was informed about substitute bill #6657
passed for the hobbiest. Dan Keane has some information
about it too.
*Dean brought in two jars of the same honey, one had
been microwaved and was a little bit darker.
*Dean also brought in jack scale to grade our honey
*Looking for ideas for speakers, and meetings
–contact Dean Hutchinson
*Honey prices $1.40 ww possibly coming down.
Wax $2.20 cappings
$2.05 darker
*Motion approved to donate $100 to Freemont
Foundation in memory of Janice Hafer, and
$100 to Michigan Food Bank.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:56
November 2008
Date: Nov. 4, 2008
Called to order at 7:05
By Dean Hutchinson, President
Number Present: 34
Secretary’s report was read and accepted
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted
New Business: Ann Bully, a guest of her fathers, brought
her camera to the meeting to film for “The Cake and the Gourmet” for NCTV.
Topics of Discussion:
*The Michigan Beekeepers Association meeting this past weekend
was a success, thanks to Jim and Wilda Dodder.
*Terry Klein is still trying to reach Kris about speaking at a meeting.
*Dean Hutchinson presented Terry and Mary Klein with a
plaque, in appreciation for all the hard work they have
done for the club.
*Norm Adams brought a sample of a frame purchased at the
MBA meeting this past weekend. He is located in Greyling.
*Terry Klein and Richard Brigham shared swarm catching stories.
*Dean brought his jack scale (honey color grader)
*Norm Adams talked about honey judging at MBA meeting.
*Question-when are dues due? -Once a year from when you started.
For the SVBA it is $5, for the MBA it is $30 for single, and $35
for family. If you pay for them both at the same time, and write
the check out to “Saginaw Valley Beekeepers” you will save $5
*About the MBA
-they can help you with problems with unhappy neighbors
-working to make the honey house for the hobbiest as cheap as possible
-the Right to Farm Act/ management practices
-a solution to bear problems
-working to stop the elimination on Non Native, invasive,
honey producing plants from the Huron and Manisteque Forest -
yellow clover, star thistle are just a few.
*Bring a honey bear to the next meeting for the
waitstaff as a Christmas gift
Adjourned at:7:55
October 2008
Date of Meeting: Oct 7, 2008
Called to order at 7:12
By Dean Hutchinson, President
Number present: 45
Secretary’s report was read and accepted
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted
New Business: Dadant will be at the fall meeting and will
take orders there.
Topics of discussion:
*The name for the SVBA website is www.saginawbees.org of
which will cost the club $75 for 5 years and will be
maintained by Tim Kaufman.
He is looking for swarm catchers, pictures and recipes.
*Motion to reimburse Tim $75 for the website approved
*Shared about honey harvests
*Pioneer sugar is at $17 for a 50lb bag
*John Bacon brought in smaller cell(4.9mm) comb that the
bees did not like and turned it into drone comb.
*Owen Pierce brought in more frames with foulbrood,
wax moths, hive beetles and hive beetle larva.
*Norm Adams talked about the honey show- 3 one pound
jars of the same honey in the same type of jar. The
judges will put the honey in the color classes. No name
on the honey. 3 comb honey. 3 one pound wax molds.
–New category- ornamental one lb wax.
*Wilda Dodder talked about some classes for making
creams and lipbalms at the Michigan Bee Club meeting
Oct 31-Nov 1
*Dean brought in Terramiacin – recommends to treat for
foulbrood mix with powdered sugar instead of water and
it will be more effective.
*There is a web site through the US government to check
honey prices-
$1.40-$1.45-winter white, $1.20-$1.35 xtra lt amber and
wax was same as last week
*Norm Adams is looking for cappings wax–$50lbs
*Mary Klein was curious how the “Country of Orgin Law”
affected honey
*Terry Klein will try and get a woman that works with Africanized
bees to bring her slide show to the club. Motion approved.
