Meeting Minutes April 4,, 2026

Our mission, values, accessibility

Work days- work in an apiary hands on

• Groups will receive an invite, keep an eye on Facebook group

Lighting a smoker- Be careful with burn bans, we don't want to be responsible for lighting a fire

North Port High School Update

• Hive official installed

• They have a commercial kitchen where they can process honey

Starter and basic tools

• Start with a full suit as a beginner until comfort level increases

• Gloves- goat skin, nitrile or barehanded

• Hive tools- purchase multiple as you will likely lose them, come in different sizes and shapes

• Bee brush- can be controversial, brush bees off the frame, but can damage the wings or irritate bees

• Feeder- in frame or top feeder or mason jar from top; feed bees when not enough resources; use a supplement; not year round

• Epipen- tell your doctor you are a beekeeper and you need one or two

• Benadryl; sting stopper

• Frame hanger

Lighting a smoker

• Location and safety is important

• Bring a cookie sheet or a brick to light your smoker on

• Fuel- can use what is around you or bring pine shavings

• Don't depend on matches; use a blowtorch or lighter

• Don't have gloves on; face is clear (don't wear veil)

• Don't need as much smoke as you think

• Smoke can taint the honey

• Smoke calms the bees by masking the pheromones

• Smoke and then get to work right away

• Always have water

Fundraising- Sponsor a hive is live!

We need a commercial kitchen for processing honey for club