Members General meeting 8/10/08
Held at the home of Kate Malmborg, Chepachet. A beautiful day in a beautiful setting. The short but informative meeting was followed by scrutiny of Kates hives.

Presidents report
Everett's report is provided as a separate article at this link: Presidents Report

How are the bees?
A wet August is bringing nectar but many are seeing it stored and uncapped. Health is generally good with no losses reported and swarms continuing to be captured.

We had a short discussion of treatments and techniques; one member inquired whether one could treat with Apigard when the bees own honey was in the hive or whether that had to be removed first.

In September Everett will discuss soft treatments in detail. "Soft" refers to using more natural materials and techniques to treat, instead of the "hard" use of chemicals and poisons.

Extractors
Bernie will be away from August 19 to September 5. The extractor that he looks after will be available from Everett during that time.

Signs
Bernie has "honey for sale" signs available for $20 plus $5 shipping. Please contact him directly. Checks should be made out to Jim Puvel. And yes, I know this isn't a great photo - I deleted the larger one that I took. If anyone has a better pic of Jims sign please send it to me!

Treasurers report
Little change from last month. We have healthy balances but income/expenditure for the year is showing negative.

Honey prices
Discussion of show events prompted a disussion on price-setting. Members own prices vary greatly - from $5 to $8 per pound. Opinion varied on whether we should be selling honey at a lower or higher rate, and whether we should be consistent across all shows for the year or make adjustments per show. There was also a suggestion that only RIBA be allowed to sell half-pound jars; the suggestion brought a variety of responses.

Inventory
Discussing show arrangements also highlighted some coordination needed in identifying honey owned by the Association and ensuring it was available at events for which we have purchased a stand.

Mike and Everett will address this and make sure we know where our honey is and that it is available for events.

Events
Foster Old Home Days
Thanks to Kit for pulling this together. This event, too, was affected by rain. In terms of honey sales the stall did not do as well as last year; there was lots of interest but not many sales. The fair schedule is here

Scituate Arts Fair
October 11 - October 13
10am - 5pm
http://www.scituateartfestival.org/
Volunteers needed to help with this. Bill Jones is co-ordinating. I will email separately asking for support. A link to more details as they arrive is here

Taste of RI
September 27th-28th
Volunteers needed to help with this. I will email separately asking for support. A link to more details as they arrive is here

Next meeting
The September 2008 meeting is at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown, RI 02842. Directions and map links are available here