MEETING MINUTES
May 2010
May 4,2010
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.
