June 1, 2017 - Holly Anderson, Beekeeper

Holly Anderson of Lincolnville, Beekeeper and a founder of the Pen Bay Pilot. She started keeping honeybees in 2010 as a Valentine’s present from her husband by taking her to the meeting of the Knox County Beekeepers club. She and her husband David took a 6 week course that met one night per week, ordered hives, boxes of bees and dove into the hobby. Last year, they had 25 hives in their yard and they are constantly learning. A resource is a yahoo group that the Knox County Beekeepers have. Many hives are transported to areas like Maine for crops like blueberries, then moved to another area with a different crop. Having local hives is beneficial for many reasons, including flower pollenation. She talked about swarms that happen when hives become overpopulated, which she sees as an opportunity to acquire more bees and establish new hives without having to buy the bees, sold by 3lb boxes with 10 or 11 thousand bees inside. Maine’s season is short for reproducing enough mature bees to overwinter. She has helped with hives at Merryspring and Erickson Farm, and this year with Coastal Mountains Land Trust for bees on Beech Hill. Each package of bees costs $115. She explained how each hive has only one queen, and how a new queen is created, that lays 3000 eggs per day. She harvests honey in the spring and fall. Mites are killing bees, by biting and weakening the bees.

Buckets on the table are for the toilet paper project.

Peter Berke reported on the great success of the Duck Derby, netting about $11,000, even with a last-minute course change. He recognized Deb and Ray Fink for their help, Marty Martens won the grand prize, one of Jan’s employees won the pearls, and the others are listed on line.

Annual Dinner is June 29 and there will be a sign-up sheet available at upcoming meetings. There will not be a meeting on June 29, the morning of the dinner.

Mark Coursey reminded us that July 10 at 6p at 16 Bayview will be the inspirational speaker, cash bar, presentation at 7p.

Etienne Perret spoke about the reopening of the grants application program until June 20, which funds are matched by the District.

Terry Bregy auctioned off two copies of a book, Addiction on Trial, that he got from attending the District 7780 Conference and the proceeds are for the Midcoast Recovery Coalition. Ken Gardiner was the successful high bidders along with Sandy Cox.

Next week’s speaker: Avery Larned and Bonnie Rukin will be speaking about Slow Money Maine.

Peter’s last board meeting as President is next week, Wednesday, usual place and time.