January 2009 Newsletter
Meeting discussions
This months meeting was held at Rocky Hill Grange, January 11 2009. Attendance was in the thirties which was pretty good considering the foul weather. I myself did not make it, choosing not to challenge the ice rink outside my house. Thanks to Everett and Tony for taking notes.
Lots of folks are reporting dead bees already and the "How are your bees" discussions centered on emergency feeding of bees.
The meeting talked about making the Rocky Hill Grange our winter home. We would get a discount on the cost. One time use right now is $125, though we established a fee of $100 for this meeting. Cost could be reduced as low as $75/winter or $65/summer if we were a regular user. We would also get our own key to the building. This seemed to get a good reception although no vote was taken. Click here to add your opinion on whether it would be a good idea to use The Grange in winter.
February meeting
Editorial from RIBA President
Plastic screen bottom board
Bernie brought in a plastic screened bottom board from Brushy Mountain and Better Bee. Seemed like a good piece of kit and received very positive feedback. Price $14.00.
Nominations committee
Members were asked to contact anyone on the board to nominate candidates for any of the board positions for the upcoming elections in April. Members were also asked for volunteers for nominating committee itself. No takers at this meeting. Members should note that it’s time to start submitting names if anyone wanted to run for office vote for new candidates. Everyone in office at this time intends to stay or run for their current positions.
Dues
Brought up for discussion about raising the yearly dues to $15. It’s proposed that this item is brought up to vote on at the April dinner so that we have a good representation of members.
Local fairs
We will continue to be present at local fairs this year. Jeff McGuire mentioned that URI has an event in early May that would be good to attend. Betty might already sell there, but he thinks it may be good for an educational opportunity even if we don’t sell. I will publish all local fairs on the website so don’t be shy in sending me details.
Logos
There was discussion about the possibility of a new logo. This subject came up last summer with no takers except for Katherine Malmborg, who has presented us with four designs. They are on the website (click here).
Packages and Nucs
Members were encouraged to get their live bee orders in ASAP. As usual, nucs and packages will also be available from several sources in the area. As I receive details I’ll post them on the website or email them out.
Flower show
The meeting talked about the Spring Flower show. We aren’t attending this year, due to price, State economy and how we thought attendance would be way down, not having the return on cost with these conditions. Discussions about this have taken place via various emails over the last few weeks. Roger talked about trying to piggyback off of somebody else's booth, i.e.. A landscaper's booth, but he didn't know what the rules were governing that. I believe he said he was going to talk to someone he knew that sets up there.
Beeschool
Arrangements for URI and Davies are under way and registrations are being taken – 14 so far. Full details are on the website and publicity announcements will be sent to the local press. Click here for the registration form
Out there on the web
For those who already use the LinkedIn networking site, we have a group set up there.
And just for fun we also have a Facebook Group
Books and Library
Celeste made a pitch for donations for the library and also raffle donations for the April Dinner.
Mark & Roger introduced two books for members to read.
"Fruitless Fall" by Rowan Jacobsen
"Sweetness & Light" by Patty Ellis
Votes
Click here
A different kind of beekeeping
Members Sara and Derek Bradford added a great report. Click here to read.
Northeast Treatment Free Beekeeping Conference
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