Submitted by Sharon Christ
Secretary-Treasurer
West Central Beekeeping Association
Having educational meetings the 4th Saturday of each month, and having given a "Beginning Beekeeping" class in the Spring this year, West Central Beekeeping Association has grown from 16 members at its' inception, to nearly 50 members at present.
The August 22 program was provided by Mr. David Rectenwald, who demonstrated the method of infusing shop towels with menthol to use as treatment for Treachea Mites in the hive. The association then provided enough infused towels to treat 5 hives for each family unit present, at no cost to the beekeeper.
Membership fees of only $12 per family unit provide membership in both the West Virginia Beekeeping Association, as well as the WCBA. There are many benefits in joining the association, both educational and economical.
We're not all business. We have lots of fun also. Our May 09 meeting was hosted by Brandy Brabham, WVU Extension Agent, with a picnic lunch, and demonstrating a hive split, by Mr. Wade Stiltner, who is a first year West Virginia State Apiary Inspector.
Looking forward to the upcoming WV Honey Festival at the City Park in Parkersburg, August 29-30, with special speakers from Penn. State University, bee beard demonstrations, and live bee displays, fun and educational for kids. Last year, children got to view live bees hatching and emerging from the cells of honey comb.
Sharon Christ, Secretary-treasurer of WCBA, has been a volunteer at the Honey Festival two years running. Sharon is also an active member of the Jackson County Beekeepers Association.
This year, we also plan to have an educational display at the Agriculture event at the Heritage Park Center during the WV Black Walnut Festival, which will include bee equipment demonstrations, live bee display hive, and experienced beekeepers on hand to answer questions.
As we know, honey bees are a very integral part of our ecosystem, and major efforts are being made world-wide, nationally, and locally, to introduce new bees, modern equipment, and many scientific methods of keeping our bees healthy and hardy.
All WCBA meetings are open to the public and we always encourage and welcome new memberships.
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