Honeybees in Afghanistan

Click on the title for some good news in the world. In addition to the honeybee's role in pollination, sweetness, and wonder...

September Meeting DATE CHANGE

The September meeting of BCBC
will be TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
instead of our usual Monday
due to Labor Day.

At our elevation of around 3100 ft, the Sourwood flow is over and the honey has been harvested. I want to start making splits as soon as the Goldenrod and Aster start up, but in the meantime I've been sitting by the hives saying 'thank you' and watching what the girls are bringing back to the hive. This past week I noticed something I've never seen before....PURPLE POLLEN! And not just one or two bees, but many girls coming back with cute little lavender chaps that remind me of grape sorbet or purple Playdough. I have been asking around to see if anyone knows what plant makes purple pollen and, although there are several (Phacelia, Thistle, etc.), none are currently blooming around here. I'm wondering if anyone else is seeing this and what it is. Until I find out, it's a great summertime mystery!
Karen Hansen

August 1st Meeting!!

Janet Peterson will lead a presentation on working with wax for entering the state fair at the August 1st Buncombe County Beekeepers Chapter meeting. Hands-on projects and a demonstration of cleaning your wax will be included along with understanding what the judges are looking for with honey. While the State Fair in Raleigh has numerous submissions in wax, Janet notes that wax exhibits are typically absent at the NC Mountain State Fair. So learn how...the state fair is coming up in September and entries have to be in by August 26th.

The Buncombe County Beekeepers Chapter will meet August 1, 2011 from 7-9pm in the community room at Grace United Methodist Church on 954 Tunnel Rd Asheville NC. Visitors welcome and memberships available at door.

Working with bee wax at BCBC August meeting

Janet Peterson will lead a presentation on working with wax for candle making at the August 1st Buncombe County Beekeepers Chapter meeting. Hands-on projects and a demonstration of cleaning your wax will be included. Janet has studied with award winner Virgina Webb and with Orange County Beekeepers, routine winners in the wax competition at the NC State Fair in Raleigh, NC. While the State Fair in Raleigh has numerous submissions in wax, Janet notes that wax exhibits are typically absent at the NC Mountain State Fair. As part of her presentation, Janet will show you how to prepare a wax entry for NC Mountain State Fair in September 2011.

The Buncombe County Beekeepers Chapter will meet August 1, 2011 from 7-9pm in the community room at Grace United Methodist Church on 954 Tunnel Rd Asheville NC. Visitors welcome and memberships available at door.

Current Events & Corrections

**The NC State Beekeepers Association is currently in session at Elon University in Elon, NC. Members can register at the door for $30 individual and $35 family. There is a banquet Friday evening and a honey swap. Details on the NCSBA link above.

**Corrections to the post for the Choreography of Handling Bee Equipment & Working with Bees class by Debra Roberts. The last class is to be offered July 16th not June 16th. There is still time to sign up! For more information contact Debra at 828-712-0880.

**Don't forget about the Center For Honey Bee Research "Black Jar Honey Contest." Entries are being accepted now through August 15th. First prize winner will receive $300, 2nd place$150, and third place $75. There is a $10 entry fee and all proceeds will go to the Center for Honey Bee Research. See the link above for details and more information about the Center for Honeybee Research.

No July BCBC Meeting

Just a reminder that Buncombe County Bee Club does not meeting July.
Have a happy fourth, safe and joyful.
We will see you the first Monday of August!