Annual meeting slated for March 6
This year’s annual meeting will kick off Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Paradee Center on Route 113 in Dover. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and refreshments followed by opening remarks from DBA President Dr. Frank A. Marro at 9 a.m.
Following that, Bob Mitchell, Delaware’s State Apiarist, will present his “State of the Bees” report, providing an update on the number of hives and beekeepers in Delaware as well as diseases and pests which have been noted throughout the state during inspections.
A business meeting will follow with reports from the county vice presidents and the secretary/treasurer’s report. After that, the membership is scheduled to elect officers for the coming year. Only members in good standing (dues paid) are allowed to vote.
The organization will also discuss by-law and procedural changes and the direction the organization should take in coming years. These topics include the continued funding of the website, revenue enhancement from sales of DBA logo items, tracking speaking engagements, initiation of an emeritus status in membership, and recognition of exceptional service by a member.
A lunch break will follow. Members are asked to bring a dish. DBA will supply a couple of lunch platters from local delis.
State Apiarist Bob Mitchell addresses the crowd at DBA’s Beginner’s Workshop held Jan. 23 at the
Smyrna Outreach & Research Center. Nearly 45 signed up for the workshop.
Following lunch, Dr. Debbie Delaney, newly appointed professor of entomology at the University of Delaware, will present the membership with an update on her areas of study and how we as an organization might collaborate with her in these areas. Delaney is particularly interested in honeybee genetics, including queen breeding from local survivor stock.
In addition, Dr. Galen Dively, of the University of Maryland, will speak on pesticide exposure and the ensuing risks to honeybees.
There will be door prizes and the meeting is expected to wrap up by 3 p.m.