Current Events and Notes of Interest

Welcome Beekeepers!

We are looking for some feedback in regards to future meetings. 

Our monthly meeting is held the 2nd Friday every month with the exception of July and December.

However, we will be tossing around the idea of having a once a month workshop on a weekend where we discuss a singular topic or what to bee doing right now.  If this might interest anyone please send me a text or email letting us know what you would like to discuss or learn more details about. 

We are all here to learn more and have fun!!!

RSVP through your local beekeeping club by Thursday, Aug 20th

- please provide a head count of how many from your family are attending -

- bee yard tour will have bees flying around so bring protective gear if participating -

FOOD:

* Hamburgers, hot dogs and vegan burgers will be

provided along with water, pop and beer

* Bring your favorite dish to pass, ex: pasta, beans,

veggies, salads, dessert, fruit, appetizers, snacks, etc.

* Schedule of possible activities ( subject to change ):

SMOKER

COMPETITION:

 Bring your 4" x 7" or smaller smoker

 Use your best starter / smoker

material, 5 minutes to light smokers

 Hands off your smoker once the

competition starts and until ends

 Smoker that is 'alive/smokin' the

longest wins, judge’s rulings are final

 Smokers will be puffed by judges at

random intervals, shaken, rotated,

flipped upside down, etc during checks

RAFFLE:

prizes below for raffle items will be added as overall

raffle ticket volume sold increases. Option to take

prize or Meyer Bees store $$ coupon

Full Hive Setup @ $375 value / $325 coupon

Single Deep Setup @ $150 / $125 coupon

Beekeeper Jacket @ $90 value / $75 coupon

Large Smoker @ $55 value / $45 coupon

Leather Gloves @ $27 value / $20 coupon

Formic Pro 2pk @ $20 value / $15 coupon

Hive Tools @ $13 value / $10 coupon

ACTIVITIES:

 11:30 am Picnic Starts - swarm demonstration discussion

 12:00 pm Smoker Competition Starts

 12:15 pm Lunch

 1:45 pm Bee Bingo - win great bee related prizes

 3:00 pm Tour of the Meyer Bee Yard

 4:00 pm Bee Beard Demonstration

 4:45 pm Raffle Drawings & 50/50 Drawing

 5:00 pm + Additional Evening Activities:

bonfire, bags, smores, food / drinks, chat about bees, etc.

Packaged Bees and Nucs

Time to order your bees for spring!

Meyer Bees in Minooka, Il 

Meyer bees has a large stock

of bee equipment, supplements, Honey bottles,

extractors, ect.  They are a Mannlake

dealer and carry some of the better bee 

supplies also.

https://meyerbees.com/

Dave is also a Mann Lake Dealer and has a lot of items for everyday use on site. 

Queens are available call Dave for details on what kind you are wanting to get.

Dave will be offering wax dipping for your hive bodies and supers.  Email Dave for more details and to let him know you are interested.

If you need something give him a call - he probably has it or can get it.

See our Source Page for a listing of Suppliers for Bees, Nucs, Queens and Equipment (hives & tools)

Now is the time to start planning for your future, pick up an application for the Robert Brandner Grant and lets get started. 

Applications are due before the November  meeting, so you have time to reach all goals that are required. Like always we are here to help you learn so please reach out today.

 Note: Must be returned to the Illinois Valley Beekeeper’s Association  Mail or drop off location is the University of Illinois Extension Center – LaSalle County Office  1689 N. 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa, IL 61350  The purpose of this Grant is to provide financial assistance for one year, at the discretion of the IVBA, in the amount of $250.00,  to a current student and IVBA member who has an interest in the Art and Science of Beekeeping and Honey Bees. 

Breakfast with the bees

Now you can join a zoom meeting on Saturday Mornings 

https://foxvalleybeekeepers.org/

All the information is on the front page.  It starts at 7:30 AM

Lots of helpful ideas and help with problems.

This is a sister club - Fox Valley Beekeepers and a member of the Illinois State Beekeepers Association like we are.  

Feel Free to contact us with any questions

you may have.

You can go to the Facebook page also to report a swarm if you  can't get a hold of someone on the list, or you are in a different location than what is listed.  We can help get someone there.

 https://www.facebook.com/ivbeekeepers/

SWARMS

You can go to the Facebook page also to report a swarm if you  can't get a hold of someone on the list, or you are in a different location than what is listed.  We can help get someone there.