NWNJBA Spring 2011 Newsletter

President's Message:
This winter is a throwback to earlier times in New Jersey. I am at liberty to say that the cold and the amount of snow is to me reminiscent of the late sixties. We do know why we are concerned. Right now we are in the dearth of winter. We are waiting for natural sources of protein and nectar to become available so the bees can enhance their stores in the hive. We are waiting for signs of life from our overwintering bees and the explosive burst of life associated with spring. Therefore, proceed to our new website and check last year’s Newsletter and the one before that.

Now is the time to check for signs of life in the hive, if not done already. If suspicious, call one of the Executive Board Members of NW before you do anything, except moving and securing the non-viable hive until transmissible disease is ruled out.

Our State Apiarist, Tim Schuler, has requested that all membership of the State Association register their over-wintering hives. In addition, he would like to visitation to all of the membership experiencing complete losses over this winter in order to ascertain the cause. Please consider this offer. To facilitate this effort, NW Executive Board will attempt to group those Bee Yards. Please email your address to C.Ilsley@verizon.net prior to the March 12, meeting.  I will group the Bee Yards according to location and have those ready to present at the March 12 meeting. We are trying to help Mr. Schuler manage his road miles to a minimum.

Congratulations Mr. Horsnall, Past President. During your tenure, we have managed to continue our fund raising efforts and methods diversification at both the Hunterdon and the Warren County Fairs. In addition we have maintained and improved the quality of our Newsletter, and introduced a very high quality website available to one and all for use. Of particular significance is the quantity information available to the membership pertinent to every aspect of beekeeping. In technical areas there are a number of technical sources available. A wonderful resource is available for the new as well as the advanced beekeeper. The significance of this website will be realized more fully as it becomes a significant reference used by every member of the Chapter.

The State Association is exploring and producing a set of DVDs with the content of a Beginners Beekeeping Course. Produced by good number of very experienced beekeepers it can be used as a reference and as the suggested content of an annual refresher course conducted by our membership. There is an abundance of activity on-going at North West Beekeepers as well at the State Association. I am happy to coming into my tenure as President with a group of enthusiastic assistants and very experienced Treasurer& Secretary.

We are asking that the Membership approve the change in the Chapter’s By-Laws that would list the position of Treasurer and Secretary as separate positions. This change would decrease the work load of the Treasurer.

Charles Ilsley - NW President

Other items in this issue:
Who's Who in NWNJBA
Seasonal Management Tips & Reminders
Upcoming Dates and Events