BEELINES January, 2007

Regularly scheduled meetings are on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month. 7 p.m.
Meetings at 1305 Pine Avenue in Snohomish in the Christ the King Lutheran Church building.

Next Meeting: Tuesday January 9, 2006

Happy New Year!  I trust everyone survived the tribulations of the last month.  What with flooding, heavy snows, wind storms, and power outages one wonders when the great earthquake will hit! (knock on wood).  There is nothing like camping in your own home for several days to make you appreciate how easy we have it compared to the 'old days'.

This will be my last newsletter as 'editor' as Stan Pallo has volunteered to take over the duties as editor along with his secretary duties.  Stan will do a great job and I'm sure folks will quickly appreciate a new hand at the keyboard since I was mostly an absent reporter for the last year with my Boy Scout conflicts.

This March my youngest son Eric will be 'crossing over' to Boy Scouts from cub scouts so perhaps I'll be able to attend a few more meetings!

Glenn

Dates to Remember
Jan 9: January NWDBA Meeting
Feb 13: February NWDBA Meeting

Minutes of the Regular December, 2006 meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm by President Robnett.  Reading of the November meeting minutes was dispensed with.  The Treasurers report was approved as read.  There were no committee reports.

OLD BUSINESS

Election of officers was concluded by the nomination of Stan Pallo  for Secretary by Jerry Robnett. A second was heard. There were no other nominations and Stan was elected by voice vote.

NEW BUSINESS

Moved by Connie Bueler to donate $100.00 to Christ the King Lutheran Church in appreciation for generously allowing us the use of meeting rooms. A second was heard, and the motion passed unanimously.

Moved by Scott Genrich to increase membership dues to $10.00 for individuals and $15.00 for families.

A second was heard and the motion passed unanimously.

GOOD AND WELFARE

A question was raised about the financial responsibility of our association in setting up and maintaining those colonies in the Mt. Vernon Apiary which our association is responsible for.  Tim Bueler reported that his initial expenditure for the project in behalf of the NWDBA has been repaid from grants from The Skagit Valley Farmers Association and Land O Lakes Dairy

To questions regarding the goals, objectives and benefits from the project, Tim stressed the importance of developing a gentle, productive disease and mite resistant bee suited specifically for our Western Washington sub-climate rather than relying on strains developed in and perhaps better suited for warmer and dryer climates.

Marcie and Linzy Johnson have taken the lead in caring for and doing the necessary record keeping for the colonies. Anyone wishing to assist may contact them.

Jim Tunnell announced that there will be a candle mold making class taught by Lawrence Oberholzer on Saturday, Dec.18^{th at the BEEZ NEEZ. (Editor's update - the class was cancelled due to the wind storm so perhaps you can still sign up?)}

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00 pm.

Following the meeting was the annual holiday potluck dinner, giving us the opportunity to enjoy fine cuisines while visiting with other member/friends.

Respectfully submitted,

Stan Pallo, Secretary

2007 Dues
Please bring a check to the January meeting or send dues to our treasurer payable to NWDBA.

John Bryant
9824 38th Pl SE
Everett, WA 98205

January Program
I haven't heard what our January program will be but in past years we have asked members to bring some interesting honey to taste for our January Meeting.  If nothing else we can talk about bees and plan out the programs for the upcoming year.  Please plan on attending to catch up with everyone!

December Beekeeping
Keep the entrances free of dead bees.  This is a good time to go to beekeeper meetings and read all the beekeeping magazines that have been stacking up all year.  Repair old equipment, assemble all the new frames and supers you will need next year.  If you need apiary permits for outyards, apply for them now.

January Beekeeping
Make or order spare hives and other equipment required for the coming season.  See that hive entrances are kept clear of dead bees.  Note the amount of bee loss in your apiary notebook.  Order queens and package bees now to avoid the last minute rush.

February Beekeeping
See that hive entrances are kept clear of dead bees.  If you have not done so already, order your package bees or queens.  Lift the hives from the front to determine an estimate of colony honey stores – you should be lifting 45 to 50 pounds.  If they are light (or near starving), place two cups drivert sugar on the back end of the top bars above the bee cluster, or feed 2-4 quarts syrup in a four-hole top-feeder a using two parts sugar to one part water.