Source attachment: 2022_10_14_MSBA_BOD minutes.pdf

Maryland State Beekeepers Assoc, Inc.
Dedicated to beekeeping in Maryland since 1908

Minutes of Executive Board Meeting
October 14, 2022
Online via Zoom

MSBA President, Fred Smith called the meeting to order at 7:09 PM.

Attendees:
Fred Smith, Mary Laura Fitzgerald, Kim Mehalick, Jim. Fraser, Toni Burnham (with proxy for Carl
Guerci), Jan Day, Harry Dutcher (with proxy for John Knapstein), Stefanie Ottenstein, Deborah
Hewitt, Larry Truchon, Ben Cooper, Greg Gentry, Pam Hepp, Regina Andrew, Russell Sprangel,
David Schultz, Michael Mehalick, Lisa Ghezzi, Greg Gentry. Non-voting: David Morris, Cybil
Preston, Phil Frank.

Review and Approval of the Minutes of the January 21, 2022 BOD Meeting. Stefanie Ottenstein
moves to approve, Pam Hepp seconds, board votes to approve.

Reports by the Officers
President – Would like to move directly to executive reports and EAS discussion, but would also
like to discuss MSBA Farm Bureau participation (below).
Treasurer – Stefanie Ottenstein: MSBA is experiencing good net income of $7,500 for the year
with good donations to the Apiary Inspectors Fund and more donations than usual for the George
S. Imirie Fund, as well. Receipts from dues have totalled $10,000, with almost $95,000 in the bank
account. Has purchased updated QuickBooks software through TechSoup.
Vice President – Mary Laura Fitzgerald: despite last minute speaker cancellations, speakers
Geoff Williams of Auburn University and John Benham of HAS/EAS Master Beekeeper and EAS
Speaker from Kentucky. We are reaching out to Howard Community College to host this meeting.
For February, Steve will speak on Spring Management and Swarm Prevention. Mike Palmer
details are still in the works.
Secretary & BeeLine Editor – Toni Burnham. Second VPs are asked to serve as channels of
MSBA info to the local clubs and for local needs and events to the MSBA Board. Please submit
regional news for the BeeLine, and consider personal contributions: they are highly valued by
other members.
Upcoming Programs:
• Fall Meeting November 11, 2022, Dr. Geoff Williams, John Benham at MDA
• Winter Meeting, February 11, 2023, Steve Repasky, Mike Palmer (Zoom) at Harford
Community College

Old Business
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Maryland State Beekeepers Assoc, Inc.
Dedicated to beekeeping in Maryland since 1908

1. Education committee: (Kim Mehalick) has not met since last BOD meeting, in part due to EAS
discussions. The Nucs and Splits class will again be offered, a date is in the works.
2. Disposition of three hives from UMD experiment: Carroll County has requested three
colonies and BUMBA has requested one. Suggestion: two for Carroll and one for BUMBA. Bees
and frames go to receiving organization in March, woodenware stays with UMD. Toni moves that
the Board approve the decision to allocate the hives as suggested. Ben seconds, Motion passes.
3. MSBA T-Shirts: Stock has been resupplied, mostly with short sleeved shirts, now both long and
short sleeves are stocked in every size. They will be sold in person as well as via the website.
John Knapstein and Toni Burnham both receive notifications when shirts are sold online. Jan
Day suggests that the club consider an on-demand option for MSBA gear that would allow
members to purchase items such as hats with logos. Jan agrees to research options, Toni will
supply MSBA logo files. Will present a proposal for a BOD vote in January.
4. MSBA Farm Bureau Conference 2022 Participation: Fred Smith will attend conference in
Ocean City. Neither he nor George Talbot is aware of any policy requests from beekeepers for
the MFB.
5. Speakers Bureau for Clubs on Website: Phil Frank supports this web site, but requests info on
access and intent (clubs, short courses, etc). Russell has begun gathering a spreadsheet of
speakers and topics. Originally focused on local clubs/counties accessing each other’s
resources/a resource for club VPs. A useful resource for EAS 2024 planning. Could be a curated
Google doc with communications to targeted audience using MailChimp. Toni and Russell agree
to populate a model Google doc to show to the Board during the January 2023 meeting.
New Business
1. EAS 2024 in Maryland: Upcoming EAS Board Meeting to be attended by Fred, David and Allen
is expected to adopt Maryland as the site of the 2024 conference. David Morris has been named
EAS VP for 2023. SITE: Four potential sites are under consideration: Turf Valley Conference
Center, UMBC, Goucher College and UMD/College Park. UMD has higher costs. The latter is
currently favored. Sponsorship via the Bee Lab may be needed. Turf Valley is a strong
contender and is easier on placing a conference apiary, EAS will do site visits soon to select
location. VOLUNTEERS Many have stepped forward, a Treasurer has been identified, as has
honey show superintendent and short course organizers. Dewey Caron and Allen Hayes are
working on conference speakers. Urgent need for Secretary and PR person. Nominations
welcome. Will present volunteer needs at November 11 meeting.
2. Tukka Medical Expenses: Funds for AFB dog medical expenses being raised through
Montgomery County Beekeepers: discussion of MSBA contribution. Cybil Preston explains
injury, treatment to date, costs, funds collected, and future treatment needs. Older AFB dog Mac
staying on duty due to loss of Tukka work. Toni suggests a donation of $2,000. Russell suggests
$3,000. Ben moves that MSBA pay $3000 to the fund for Tukka’s continued recovery. Jan
seconds the motion. Further discussion from the treasurer emphasized that MSBA cannot
fundraise via website for this purpose. Question is called, motion carries.
3. Nominations Committee for November BOD Elections: Each year a BOD committee
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Maryland State Beekeepers Assoc, Inc.
Dedicated to beekeeping in Maryland since 1908

develops a slate of candidates for the following year’s board. Toni Burnham is willing to lead the
committee but seeks a volunteer from both Eastern and Western Maryland to contact
candidates. MaryLaura Fitzgerald and Pam Hepp volunteer.
4. Imirie and Free State Award Nominees: The Imirie Award is directed toward a Maryland leader
in the education of beekeepers. The Free State Beekeepers Award is dedicated to educators of
the public about beekeeping. Toni Burnham nominates Fields for Valor Farms, a veteran-led
effort to raise food for veterans in need for which beekeeping is a critical activity, or Hon’s Honey
in Baltimore, a social enterprise in Baltimore centered around beekeeping. Fields for Valor is
selected by majority vote of the board. Ben Cooper and Mark Dykes were both nominated for the
Imirie award. Ben was selected by majority vote.
5. Honey Show Preparations Status: Jim Fraser has volunteered as show superintendent and
has already reached out to a team of judges. AABA will provide volunteers for accepting entries.
Stefanie has ordered ribbons.
A motion to adjourn was made by Fred Smith and seconded by Larry Truchon, the motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 PM.

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