Meeting Topics for 2026

January 8, 2026 — Winter Planning for a successful year

· In the Hive: James H Muchmore Mid-winter checks, moisture control, ensuring adequate food stores

· Around the Hive: Planning Spring equipment orders and new hive setups

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February 12, 2026 —Apitherapy

Special Event – Dr. Petrusia Kotlar DC (Doctor of Chiropractic)

· Apitherapy - The study and practice of using honeybee products such as honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. Explore how modern research and traditional practices highlight the health benefits of these remarkable substances from the hive.

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March 12, 2026 — Spring Build-Up, nurturing your hives

· In the Hive: Joel Krauss First inspections, the importance of an inspection check list

· Around the Hive: Gail Helhoski- Raising Queens

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April 9, 2026 — Swarm Season, to swarm or not to swarm that is the question

· In the Hive: Bailey Wight, Master Beekeeper shows us the Demaree Method – A proven swarm control technique that prevents swarming by separating the queen from most of the brood, keeping the colony strong and productive while boosting honey production.

· Around the Hive: Master Gardener presentation – How to create a pollinator garden

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May 14, 2026 — Maximizing Your Honey Crop

· In the Hive: Tim Schuler - Discover practical strategies to boost colony strength, improve forage access, and harvest more honey—season after season.

· Around the Hive: Mite checks and extraction equipment prep

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June 11, 2026 — Mid-season Hive Health

· In the Hive: Inspect colonies for queen productivity and swarm aftermath

· Around the Hive: Laurie Rubin – 4H, “From Nervous to Natural: Overcoming Hive Anxiety”

· Honey Extraction- When, how and what to expect.

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July 9, 2026 —Dearth & Summer Management

· In the Hive: John Gaut "The Dearth and Beekeeping in Summer".

· Around the Hive: Labeling honey

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August 13, 2026 — Late-Summer Prep

Date - Special event join RVBA at their summer social

· In the Hive: Start fall feeding, mite treatments, assess queens

· Around the Hive: Combine weak colonies, prepare for overwintering

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September 10, 2026 — Fall Flow, how to prepare for overwintering, Election Discussion

· In the Hive: Feed 2:1 syrup, reduce entrances

· Around the Hive: Assess winter stores, insulate hives, mouse guards

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October 8, 2026 — Winterizing, insulation tips

· In the Hive: Final inspections and sealing up hives for winter

· Around the Hive: Clean equipment, plan for next year

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November 12, 2026 — Year-End Review

· In the Hive: Minimal interference, weight checks

· Around the Hive: Season recap and final board elections

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December 10, 2026 — Holiday Party

· Special Event: Annual Holiday Party & Potluck

· Activity: Bee stories, honey exchange, and celebrating a sweet year

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New to the club in 2026 - Field Events to monthly weather permitting. Look for more details in the monthly newsletter.