The Richmond Beekeepers Association

Minutes September 10, 2019 

Meeting held in Kinsmen Pavilion at Richmond Nature Park, 7:30 pm

There were about 55 people in attendance.

Executives in attendance: Alan Wong (President), Gregg Ashby (Secretary), Barbara Rokerby (Treasurer), Jean Stewart (Member at large)

1. Welcome and introduction of Newbees
   1. There were 5 “Newbee” in attendance.
2. Minutes
   1. May 14, 2019 minutes approved.
3. Treasurer’s report
   1. $9,200 in bank.
   2. Barbara asked for ideas to use funds. There was suggestion of a demonstration/observation hive.
4. Tom Seeley as special event speaker
   1. Tom Seeley is a Professor at Cornell University and has researched and written a number of books on bees.
   2. Steve Bayley made a motion to bring Tom Seeley to speak (Jean seconded)
   3. Cost – about $3,000 but expect to sell enough tickets to defray most or all costs. Planned for October 17, 2020. Venue – potentially the PNE. One day event. Ticket prices TBD but last major speaker we charged $60 a ticket
   4. Motion carried.
5. 2020 executive
   1. Alan asked the members to consider volunteering for the 2020 executive positions.
   2. Barbara is retiring from Executive, Treasurer position, at the end of 2019 so in particular we are looking for someone with spreadsheet skills.
6. Other
   1. Suggestion from the floor to do honey tasting next month.
7. Upcoming events
   1. Jean reminded us of the upcoming Bees and Beers in New West later this month. Venue to be decided.
8. Mentor program
   1. Scott Meixner gave some feedback on his two mentees.
   2. Barbara Forster Rickard mentored. She had potential new beekeepers observe her working her hives.
   3. Barbara Forster Rickard reminded she can help connect mentees to mentors.
9. Swarm report
   1. Laura Zazzara reported on the RBA’s swarm response program. 4 members on the swarm list. Only 7 swarm calls, and lots of calls on bumble bees, wasps, and hornets.
   2. RBA waiver requirement was new this year.
   3. RBA is now the sole contact on the City of Vancouver’s swarm list.
   4. Laura says we need to be well organized if we are the only swarm responders to provide a good community service.
10. Coffee break, raffle
11. Guest speaker
    1. Iain Glass, Ethical Bees, gave a presentation on Primorsky (hygienic) bees.
    2. Iain was presented a gift with thanks.
12. Meeting adjourned: 9:30 pm

Next Meetings:

Bees and Beers, 6;30pm September 24th, New Westminster. Venue to be determined.

Next Regular meeting October 8^th