36 in attendance: 34 in person, 2 online

Club Updates

  • Nathan has applied for the Inspire Olympia grant (30K). We will find out in early July if we are receiving it. Money would be used to give a stipend to volunteers who teach classes, go to schools, staff the Bee Booth at the fair, and invest in the club apiary at the Freedom Farmers.
  • OBA needs a vice president to step up and help run meetings. Our president Nathan will be unable to attend the next few meetings. Training will be provided!
  • Bulk jar order signup is OPEN. Please fill out the form on the website. Bulk Jar Order – 2024 – Olympia Beekeepers Association This is a great opportunity to get jars at a discounted price with no shipping costs.
  • Do you have surplus honey? OBA members can buy your honey at the wholesale price. The club makes a profit when selling the honey at the Thurston Fair and Farmer’s market. Package in 1 pound Queenline jars.
  • Bryan, the mentorship chair, is looking for mentors. Sign up using the online form to be a mentor or mentee.
  • Club library has a lot of great books/DVDs to borrow. Check out during meetings.
  • New swarm cards are being made. Swarm collectors are needed. Please call Gail’s home phone to volunteer or if a swarm needs to be collected. Needed information is street address, location (ex. In a tree), height from the ground, any access restrictions, and contact name and number. 
  • Budget update from the Treasurer: Checking balance is $5860.79. Savings balance is $4585.29.

Other bee-related updates

Speaker – Dewey Caron – talked about winter losses and diagnosing a dead hive. Lack of mite control is the most common cause of winter loss. The Honey Bee Coalition has fabulous information about varroa mite control. Varroa Management – Honey Bee Health Coalition  Dewey can be reached at carond@oregonstate.edu for questions.