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By Al Darman and Judy Kerns
WCBA members held their monthly meeting on
Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Roane County Committee
on Aging Center in Spencer. There were 39
members present.
A committee was named to work on the 2015 grants.
The committee members are, Brandy Brabham, Judy
Kerns, Marianne Siers, and Karen Shreve. The
club will request cost-sharing funds for the
purchase of nucleus hives, packages of bees,
bee medication, and sugar food.
President Dale Cunningham, reported the club was
able to purchase wild flower seed. These seeds
will be distributed to the membership.
Chuck Conner said that some mushrooms have a
natural medication that may be beneficial to
reduce colony collapse. The WCBA Facebook page
has additional information. He also asked the
members to write to the WV Dept. of Ag. in
support of a ban on neonicotinoid pesticides,
which some research indicates contributes to
colony collapse.
The 2015 Field Day was discussed. Larry and
Marianne Siers graciously offered their farm as a
location. A date of June 27 was set. Wade
Stiltner, State Apiarist, will conduct a bee
handling class. Members were reminded to bring
their beekeeping suits and a folding chair.
At 2:30 the meeting was adjourned; thanks was
given by Vern Kerns, and lunch was served.
The next regular meeting will be Saturday,
February 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Dale Cunningham's
farm in Big Springs, WV. There will be a
demonstration on tree pruning. Lunch will follow
at the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church at
12:00-noon.
Anyone interested in beekeeping as a hobby or as
a business is invited to join the West Central
Beekeepers Association. There is a monthly
meeting. For information, contract Dale
Cunningham 304-354-6916.
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