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<title>Long Island Beeline News Feed</title><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/index.html</link><description>Long Island Beeline News Feed</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2008 Long Island Beekeepers Club</dc:rights><dc:date>2012-02-09T12:04:05-05:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:05:48 -0500</lastBuildDate><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LongIslandBeelineNewsFeed" /><feedburner:info uri="longislandbeelinenewsfeed" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><feedburner:browserFriendly></feedburner:browserFriendly><item><title>February 19th Meeting</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2012-02-09T12:04:05-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f058d255487907d289a9f5a790a72774-274.html#unique-entry-id-274</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f058d255487907d289a9f5a790a72774-274.html#unique-entry-id-274</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Mary Woltz will be our guest speaker and we will be voting to ratify the new Bylaws.

For more information and directions to the Town of Brookhaven Ecology Site, Park & Animal Preserve, Holtsville NY.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: “This hitteth the nail on the head.”</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2012-02-06T20:52:07-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/097f76db99ea72b01d2ccda1f9838d73-273.html#unique-entry-id-273</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/097f76db99ea72b01d2ccda1f9838d73-273.html#unique-entry-id-273</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We&rsquo;re going to start things off in February with taking the first couple of steps in our reorganization of the Club, kick off our Local Nuc and Queen Rearing Program, and we&rsquo;ll have our first guest speaker of the year.

...I hope that by now you&rsquo;ve taken some time to read the new Bylaws (if you haven&rsquo;t, you can find them on the Club&rsquo;s web site).  Since the current bylaws do not contain a provision for amending the Bylaws, we&rsquo;ll be using the procedure established in the new Bylaws; therefore the new Bylaws will be ratified upon &ldquo;two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present&rdquo; at the February meeting; assuming we have a quorum (i.e. ten voting members excluding officers).

Next we&rsquo;ll be placing nominees on the ballot for the nine Executive Board positions: President, Vice-president, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Education Director, Outreach Director, Programs Director, and Immediate Past President (or a Director appointed by the Board).

...So we&rsquo;ll be asking for volunteers to sign up and participate on the Club&rsquo;s new committees: Finance, Membership, Education, Outreach, Program, and Awards and Contests.

It&rsquo;s at this point in my missive that I planned to insert some rousing and inspiring words to convince you that your involvement in these committees is what will make them, and the Club, a success.

...So, you&rsquo;ll just have to make it to the meeting to find out how you can help create &ldquo;Long Island&rdquo; honey bees and maybe make a little extra money on the side.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: January 2012</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2012-01-24T14:30:26-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/117e36a385b8b5abbe7d83f1c5c9ef87-272.html#unique-entry-id-272</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/117e36a385b8b5abbe7d83f1c5c9ef87-272.html#unique-entry-id-272</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[With the unseasonable weather we are having our bees may be ready before we know it.

Our Board of Directors met this week and are planning the activities of the club for the coming year.  So far we have two great speakers planned with several others contacted and waiting for confirmations.  Please mark your calendars for our meeting dates so you won&rsquo;t miss the chance to hear our excellent guests.

I have already received a few checks from members renewing their dues....  The sooner we receive them the better we can plan our budget.  We also welcome new members Margaret Lindner, Jennifer DeFazio, and Philip Ioco.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Regional Queen and Nuc Production Committee Meeting</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2012-01-18T16:02:33-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/522eeac4e3ff66dea1ebd387322f0260-270.html#unique-entry-id-270</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/522eeac4e3ff66dea1ebd387322f0260-270.html#unique-entry-id-270</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Would you be interested in participating in a regional (Long Island) Queen and Nuc production project with the club?

...How long are we going to be able to import southern packages and nucs onto the island?

...There are many who believe that locally raised bees are going to be necessary to continue beekeeping in the northern areas.

...There is evidence from a study in Maine that locally produced bees are better investments than either southern packages or nucs.

...West Virginia has been fostering a locally produced bee program for several years and it is now up and running.

...Larry Connor has been encouraging local clubs to organize local queen production for bees adapted to the local micro-climate.

...The first meeting to discuss this possibility, the possible methods of organizing, investment necessary and the workings will be held at the home of Ray Lackey, 1260 Walnut Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716-2176, on Saturday February 4, at 7:00 PM.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>March 31 SABA Seminar</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2012-01-18T16:02:31-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/02d412eb2960c087db60f0c1597b6847-271.html#unique-entry-id-271</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/02d412eb2960c087db60f0c1597b6847-271.html#unique-entry-id-271</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[9:30 am- 5 pm Saturday March 31, 2012, in the Huxley Theater in the NY State Museum, within the Cultural Education Center.

...We're very pleased that the walk from parking to the room is only half the distance that it was at the University.

...Lunch break: SABA has arranged a lunch this year, so there won't be any need to dash out to drive and find a restaurant.  The new seminar venue is in downtown Albany, and there are only a few places close by for lunch.

...$35 for non-SABA member $30 for SABA member **** Remember, if we don't receive your registration by March 24, you will not get the SABA lunch.

...All students who have ever applied for a SABA youth award can get in the seminar for free, but must register for the seminar and pay by March 24 for the lunch if you join us for the SABA lunch ($14).

Dinner with speakers : Would you like to get together with the speakers and a few dozen beekeepers for dinner?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Take A Basic Beekeeping Course and Be Ready to Keep Your Own Bees!</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2012-01-12T15:53:10-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ff98ef8d4a55d2c72e820756edd1d375-269.html#unique-entry-id-269</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ff98ef8d4a55d2c72e820756edd1d375-269.html#unique-entry-id-269</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We are planning a number of different locations and meeting schedules so that you can pick the one that is best for your schedule and/or area.

...We have two different novice class formats: 1) One-day Crash Course, 7.5 hours class-time, 8:15 AM to 4:15 PM on Saturday, February 25.  2) Season-long Class - Monthly evening class of 1.5 hours preceded by an hour in the bee yard over 9-months, February through October, following the bee year.

...You can take the course to improve your beekeeping, start your bees this year or in preparation for a possible future start....  If you are taking the season long course but want an up-front summary so that you know what you are getting into, or if you have taken the season-long class and want a review, cost is $50 to attend this class (no book provided).

...You can take the course to improve your beekeeping, start your bees this year in parallel with the class or in preparation for a possible future start....  For more information on this or other beekeeping classes, or to register for the novice classes, please go to: http://www.tianca.com/tianca2a1.htm Or Call Ray Lackey at 631-567-1936]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: I WANT YOU</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-12-05T22:26:33-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2d19e90df0822576e53d6fe16afc66ff-266.html#unique-entry-id-266</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2d19e90df0822576e53d6fe16afc66ff-266.html#unique-entry-id-266</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: December 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-12-05T22:17:32-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c1261ac2ecec41df9ded14e4cc2e66a1-267.html#unique-entry-id-267</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c1261ac2ecec41df9ded14e4cc2e66a1-267.html#unique-entry-id-267</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Ray has made some lovely gift baskets of honey and candles trimmed with artificial holly that should delight the recipients....  I have a few LIBC tee shirts left, if anyone needs one for a gift let me know.  I can bring them to the party on Sunday, $20 each makes an unexpected gift for the beekeeper in your life.

We would like to welcome some new members to the club; Beverly Vicek, Paige St.John, and Valerie Farrell.  Those of you who send checks or pay via PayPal and have email can expect to receive a new membership card via email.  So look for that email which will let you know that we have received your membership check.

...Ray was a long time avid beekeeper and gardener who happily shared honey and produce with his family and friends.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Save That Date! Holiday Party Announced!</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-11-13T20:59:41-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/3d50fd2190e709f43765da9fb10121bd-262.html#unique-entry-id-262</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/3d50fd2190e709f43765da9fb10121bd-262.html#unique-entry-id-262</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Long Island Beekeepers 2011 Holiday Party Sunday, December 11, 2011, 2:30 PM Find the details here.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: November 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-11-13T20:58:43-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ad0f81509de450d0c6a6de8c2d58de97-263.html#unique-entry-id-263</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ad0f81509de450d0c6a6de8c2d58de97-263.html#unique-entry-id-263</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It is difficult to learn that we have made mistakes in submitting our entries so it is these opportunities that we can learn how to improve our techniques in bottling our honey, or molding our candles and wax, or shooting that particular photograph.  We have some very proud winners of ribbons and the Best in Show ribbon was awarded to Jessica James with her innovative 2-frame extractor, made from a trash can and powered by an electric drill.

...We welcome these new members and look forward to seeing them and hope they get involved in all our activities: Steven Ivans, Frederick and Allison Krause, Christian Price, Steven Moran, Ernest Herrington, Roger Tollefsen, Mellanie and Douglas Crichton, and Zoe Rodriguez.  We had an unexpected guest at the meeting also, a visitor from Ireland came to the meeting and took a little time to introduce himself and tell us a little bit about life as a beekeeper in Ireland.  Here is a copy of the email he sent us. It was a delight to have met him.

...Well done on the operation of your club, a lot of voluntary work being done, you have great community spirit.  The following is the link to Our Irish Beekeeping Summer School web page http://www.irishbeekeeping.ie/gormanston/gormprog2012.html Other aspects of our Website may be interest to of your members.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Winning Recipe for Nut and Honey Apple Cake</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-11-13T20:56:57-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b2d027d66d1a6088a00430777055cf99-265.html#unique-entry-id-265</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b2d027d66d1a6088a00430777055cf99-265.html#unique-entry-id-265</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Thanks to Charlotte DiStefano.  1 cup Honey 1 cup Butter 1/3 cup Sugar 1/2 cup Cooking Oil 1 tsp Vanilla 1 cup Walnuts 2 cups Apple (chopped) 3 Eggs 1/2 tsp Baking Soda 1/2 tsp Salt 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 1/2 tsp Allspice Cream honey, sugar, softened butter, oil, vanilla.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Beat well after each egg.  Add dry ingredients.  Add chopped nuts and fold in chopped apples.  Bake in tube pan at 325 degree oven for 1 hour.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>2011 Results for Honey Judging &amp; More</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-11-13T20:51:35-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4b9235aa4c4a0ded1003f7857e334112-264.html#unique-entry-id-264</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4b9235aa4c4a0ded1003f7857e334112-264.html#unique-entry-id-264</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Congratulations to all the Winners!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Bylaws Proposed</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-10-30T14:42:46-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/14c6ec97581acc6b4f9bb44efe547980-261.html#unique-entry-id-261</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/14c6ec97581acc6b4f9bb44efe547980-261.html#unique-entry-id-261</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[To members of the Long Island Beekeepers Club, Inc.: In accordance with Article IX of the proposed Bylaws, let this statement serve as notification of intended ratification of the document titled &ldquo;Bylaws of the Long Island Beekeepers Club,&rdquo; dated October 18, 2011, as the bylaws of Long Island Beekeepers Club, Inc. Said document is the proposed text of the Bylaws, and has been included in the Club&rsquo;s newsletter for November 2011 and published on the Club&rsquo;s web site.

For a guided tour of the proposed Bylaws, see the President's Message for November 2011.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: A Guided Tour of the Proposed Bylaws</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-10-30T14:21:03-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/25ae15eb6bfc8cc5dd99bab83666a2f9-260.html#unique-entry-id-260</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/25ae15eb6bfc8cc5dd99bab83666a2f9-260.html#unique-entry-id-260</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[One year ago, in this space, I announced that the Long Island Beekeepers Club had incorporated as a not-for-profit under New York State law, thus making it easier for us to operate in today&rsquo;s world and assuring the long-term viability of our organization.

...Bearing in mind how important this document is to the Club, and taking into consideration that reading bylaws is not the most rewarding activity on an autumn evening (unless your goal is to cure insomnia), I&rsquo;ve put together a summary of what is being proposed; a guided tour if you will.

...The fiscal year starts on April 1 (see Article X, Section 3), and if a new member joins the Club between April 1 and December 1, their dues are applied to the current year (say 2011), but if a member joins after December 1, then their dues apply to the current year and the coming year (the remainder of 2011 and all of 2012).

...The details of the duties of each Board member are defined in Article V. In brief, a Nominating Committee prepares of list of nominees in October; additional names may be added to the ballot by the membership in February; voting takes place at the Annual Meeting in March; and the new officers take their positions in April.

...Section 6 describes the duties of the Education Director, who&rsquo;s objective is to promote successful and responsible beekeeping by developing educational programs for beekeepers, such as our novice beekeeping courses.

...The Outreach Committee in Section 6 reports to the Outreach Director, and so here you will find the details of how this committee assists the Club in meeting its goals for Public Outreach.

...To members of the Long Island Beekeepers Club, Inc.: In accordance with Article IX of the proposed Bylaws, let this statement serve as notification of intended ratification of the document titled &ldquo;Bylaws of the Long Island Beekeepers Club,&rdquo; dated October 18, 2011, as the bylaws of Long Island Beekeepers Club, Inc. Said document is the proposed text of the Bylaws, and has been included in the Club&rsquo;s newsletter for November 2011 and published on the Club&rsquo;s web site.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: October 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-10-05T22:09:30-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/df1d1db62d07d4baac56179966c1fd7d-258.html#unique-entry-id-258</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/df1d1db62d07d4baac56179966c1fd7d-258.html#unique-entry-id-258</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Some of us had a great time at the New York City Honey Festival in Far Rockaway a few weeks ago. There were beekeepers there from all over, including our friend from Empire State, Aaron Morris, who surprised us by coming all the way downstate.

...It is great that the people organizing these events want us to set up our educational displays and spread the good words about our interesting hobby.

...ESHPA wishes to state that we stand behind our resolution of July 2010 for a "Proposed New York Standard of Identity for Honey", and encourage all members of the NY Farm Bureau to submit the following to their county FB resolution list for policy development:  "We reaffirm the endorsement of the Honey Standard of Identity proposed for New York State by the Empire State Honey Producers Association as stated in the 2011 NYFB Policy Book, #11 under Apiculture"

The issue of imported honey that continues to test as adulterated and/or contaminated continues to be a pressing issue in US honey markets.

...Section 205 is a one sentence dictionary style definition unchanged since 1902-- this section needs to be updated to a technical definition, which is what the proposed honey standard will alter---- that is all!

The beekeepers of New York State should defend the image and quality of NY honey by joining other states which have a technical definition, such as California and North Carolina, where purity of this natural product is taken very seriously.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Gahan Wilson</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-10-04T16:31:38-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f5cf1cb04e89f82bb5ecdaffc0468ff1-257.html#unique-entry-id-257</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f5cf1cb04e89f82bb5ecdaffc0468ff1-257.html#unique-entry-id-257</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: Come On Over To My Bee House</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-09-08T21:55:38-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/fc5584a91dab7616c4a4bb4a07abcf0b-252.html#unique-entry-id-252</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/fc5584a91dab7616c4a4bb4a07abcf0b-252.html#unique-entry-id-252</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A small shed to store beekeeping equipment would certainly free up some room in the garage, and a place to secure the hives and provide some additional protection from the elements wouldn&rsquo;t be bad.

...I&rsquo;ve collected various books and plans over the years in an attempt to learn what has worked for beekeepers in the past, and to also understand the design elements to be considered when working with bees, essentially, inside a closed room.

Here are some of the design objectives I&rsquo;ve tried to address, and some images of the plan I&rsquo;ve been working on this summer in the hope of building a prototype next year.

...&bull; Weather-tight: The enclosure needs to be at least as weather-tight as your average shed to keep out the rain, wind, and snow, otherwise it won&rsquo;t be doing much to protect your equipment and bees....  Windows would seem to be the solution to adequate light and weather-tightness, but windows can be expensive and you don&rsquo;t need the girls constantly beating their little blond heads against the glass as they attempt to escape.

...&bull; Use existing equipment: Many of the bee house designs I&rsquo;ve come across use specialized or built-in hive bodies to hold frames, but after investing quite a bit in Langstroth equipment, and its various accessories, I&rsquo;m reluctant (and too cheap) to give it all up.  So the design needs to incorporate the ability to use existing equipment, which I&rsquo;ve solved by placing the hives up against the outside wall on interior shelves and some strategically placed openings.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Some of the World’s Famous Beekeepers</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-09-08T21:52:31-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d89349b5911222d04762ec011eea8ec8-256.html#unique-entry-id-256</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d89349b5911222d04762ec011eea8ec8-256.html#unique-entry-id-256</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Alexander the Great: Conquered the world, then died thousands of miles from home - his men carried his preserved body home for burial in a golden coffin filled with honey.  Aristotle: This Greek beekeeper and scientist used simple hives with wooden strip top-bars.  Some of his observations about bees were pretty clever, others were dead wrong.  Ben Franklin: With everything from bi-focals, lightning, and the US Constitution in his realm of interests, it is not surprising he is mentioned by Thomas Wildman as a patron for Wildman's 1768 Treatise on the Management of Bees....  His interest in bees led to Utah being called the 'Beehive State' and having skep hives as emblems.  Charles Butler: This naturalist and beekeeper realized the "King Bee" is a "Queen Bee" - he wrote Feminine Monarchie.  In 1609, he discovered that drone bees are male bees.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Catalog Cover Contest</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-09-08T21:49:50-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/461e52e22cff1ad2c8da9e5d8f71d78a-255.html#unique-entry-id-255</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/461e52e22cff1ad2c8da9e5d8f71d78a-255.html#unique-entry-id-255</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bee Farm is having a contest to find our 2012 catalog cover and the winner will receive $100 gift certificate to help defray the cost of their beekeeping habit....  Email us your best beekeeping picture that you think would make a good cover to the catalog.  In the subject line of the email you must put "Catalog Contest".  Please include your full name, address, and a phone number in the body of the email and be sure the image is attached to the email....  The winning photo will be given to our artist to be rendered as a painting which will then be used for the cover.

...We will need an area with a uniform background where we can put text....  The winning entry will be given credit for the photo in the 2012 catalog and a $100 gift certificate to Brushy Mountain Bee Farm.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: September 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-09-08T21:44:56-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4852345ec258ff6fe2d1ac031351037f-254.html#unique-entry-id-254</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4852345ec258ff6fe2d1ac031351037f-254.html#unique-entry-id-254</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[First, years ago I experienced the disaster of American Foulbrood Disease and had to burn my hive.  Then I saw the infiltration of Varroa mites that destroyed so many of the hives on Long Island.  Just when I thought things were finally happily progressing beautifully with two full brood chambers and a full honey super in July I loaded on empty honey supers and thought I would be home free....  All that was left was larvae and fluorescent green slime and beetles, all the way down to the bottom board.

...So now I know what I will be doing this winter, scraping and scrubbing with hot soapy water to clean off this slimy stuff....  Giuseppe took me up on my offer and came over to extract his first honey harvest.

...We would like to welcome the new members to the club who joined at the last meeting: Welcome-Paul and Kathryn Burke and Margaret Atkinson.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>First Annual NYC Honey Festival</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-22T14:58:21-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/96b8965039ef4b8fc9ed54892a7b7dfe-251.html#unique-entry-id-251</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/96b8965039ef4b8fc9ed54892a7b7dfe-251.html#unique-entry-id-251</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Rockaway Boardwalk, Queens, Saturday, September 17th, 10:00 to 5:00.  Concessions building at 96th Street and Shore Front Parkway.  For more information: www.nychoneyfest.com LIBC will have a booth at this event.  To volunteer to be a Club Ambassador at this event, send us an email to let us know what hours you can volunteer.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Members Only</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-17T18:29:49-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4c4e3b70c3d04e2cb55f6e387cff3c78-250.html#unique-entry-id-250</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4c4e3b70c3d04e2cb55f6e387cff3c78-250.html#unique-entry-id-250</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The LIBC has set up a Yahoo Group to allow members to exchange ideas and information.  Group membership is only available to members in good standing.  Click to join the Long Island Beekeepers Club Yahoo Group (Members Only)

The Club also has a Facebook page!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bee an Ambassador</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-17T12:35:16-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c92c121e33776b38189fc4de449f927f-249.html#unique-entry-id-249</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c92c121e33776b38189fc4de449f927f-249.html#unique-entry-id-249</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We need your help to spread the good word about honey bees and beekeeping on Long Island.  Every year the Club participates at various events on Long Island where we set up tent, exhibit an observation hive, display sample equipment, hand out information, and answer questions about bees and beekeeping.  We need knowledgeable and enthusiastic members, like you, to help the Club at these events....  You can send us an email or sign up at our next meeting, to let us know which event and what hours you can volunteer.  No one can spread the word about the importance of honey bees and beekeeping better than a beekeeper!

...Long Island Fair, Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Thursday &ndash; Sunday, September 22-25, 10:00 to 5:00....  School groups traditionally attend the fair on Thursday and Friday, so if you would like to network with teachers, this is your opportunity.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>An Appeal to Our Members</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-15T15:49:52-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/74e10ed1a7f817931bde12de12b70fe4-248.html#unique-entry-id-248</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/74e10ed1a7f817931bde12de12b70fe4-248.html#unique-entry-id-248</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[For our Club&rsquo;s first meeting in 2011 we were honored to have Dr. Thomas D....  Dr. Seeley is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University, where he teaches courses in animal behavior and does research on the functional organization of honeybee colonies.  His presentation at our meeting focused on his current research into swarm intelligence, as discussed in his latest book, &ldquo;Honeybee Democracy.&rdquo;

Presentations like Dr. Seeley&rsquo;s help the Club to achieve its objective to further the general knowledge and success of its member beekeepers and to provide a forum for cooperation among beekeepers and those that work to improve the welfare of beekeeping and honeybees.

As a non-profit organization, the Long Island Beekeepers Club is solely dependent on the contributions of its members in order to bring eminent speakers, such as Dr. Seeley, to Long Island.  As a beekeeper you&rsquo;re aware of the beneficial impact bees have in the pollination of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and how important it is that we continue to provide educational programs for the promotion of beekeeping, and bee products and services for beekeepers on Long Island.

...We have information on where to send your check, or how to pay your dues quickly and easily online, right now.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Beekeepers Lobby For Movement on Honey Bill</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-15T13:36:09-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/bd90d9a2aaf3ac9294c54610d2d5921a-247.html#unique-entry-id-247</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/bd90d9a2aaf3ac9294c54610d2d5921a-247.html#unique-entry-id-247</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Local news item on the statewide effort to establish a standard definition of honey in New York: http://rochester.ynn.com/content/politics/552910/beekeepers-lobby-for-movement-on-honey-bill/?ap=1&MP4]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President’s Message: Communicating Honey Bee Science</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-10T13:08:11-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0eacb13acfeba32168742749db4e05df-240.html#unique-entry-id-240</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0eacb13acfeba32168742749db4e05df-240.html#unique-entry-id-240</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In both cases the instruments of communication need to be clear, concise, correct, and complete, and convey the intended work results, but the drawings and specifications are more technically oriented and require specialized knowledge, while the renderings and models are intended for a more general audience.

...As you would expect, communicating with other scientists is more technically oriented and requires specialized knowledge, while communicating with a more general audience needs &ldquo;renderings and models,&rdquo; i.e. comprehensible and appealing instruments of communication.

...The audience included both scientists and non-scientists, but the majority consisted of the latter, so it would be safe to assume that when choosing between the two forms of communication (e.g. technical or non-technical, drawings or renderings), the non-technical approach would be the appropriate one.

...To be clear, I&rsquo;m not criticizing the personality of the scientist or the idiosyncrasies of their presentation style, an audience with the desire to learn about the topic at hand will easily forgive these foibles, I&rsquo;m focusing on how well the scientist was able to convey the results of their research to a general audience in a comprehensible and appealing manner.

...But we don&rsquo;t abandon math and science because they are difficult; to paraphrase President Kennedy, we do math and science because they are hard, because they will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, and because it is a challenge that we are willing to accept.  We know what we know about honey bees and beekeeping through the employment of the disciplines math and science; it has improved our beekeeping skills and we can&rsquo;t afford to abandon or ignore those disciplines because it may be difficult.

...The discoveries made by scientists working in apiculture need to be presented at forums such as EAS, but those scientists also need to appreciate that the manner in which they communicate their research to a general audience is just as important as the research itself.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Top 13 Reasons You Know You're A Beekeeper</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-10T13:08:10-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/3db90ee522c9418f535d2ac98b4043d0-245.html#unique-entry-id-245</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/3db90ee522c9418f535d2ac98b4043d0-245.html#unique-entry-id-245</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The windshield of your vehicle has at least two yellow dots on it.

...You pull over and check the bees on the wildflowers just to see if they are YOUR bees, and you can tell the difference.

...The school principle calls to ask that you never again let your child take a drone tied with a thread to school for show and tell.

...You&rsquo;re referred to by friends and neighbors as the BEE GUY or BEE LADY.

...Your family and friends know exactly what they&rsquo;re going to get for Christmas.

...There is propolis on the steering wheel of your vehicle, the bottom of your boots and on your bed sheets.

...You&rsquo;ve gone through the supermarket checkout lines buying nothing more than bags of sugar and Crisco.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Things to do in Early August</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-10T13:02:13-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/809ff209974540fb9df42c73b1ff38c9-246.html#unique-entry-id-246</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/809ff209974540fb9df42c73b1ff38c9-246.html#unique-entry-id-246</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Don&rsquo;t prune or fertilize trees or shrubs now; otherwise unnecessary late growth will be promoted.

...Iron deficiency may be a problem on azaleas and other Ericaceous plants.

...Remember not to spray herbicides on the lawn during the present hot temperatures (over 75 degrees) This will keep ornamentals from being damaged.

...Continue to apply an all-purpose fruit spray to peaches every two weeks, until three weeks before harvest.  If brown rot is a problem, continue spraying until two or three days before harvesting them.

...For effective control; spray the leaf undersides with carbaryl, malethion or insecticidal soap.

...Bagworm larvae are actively feeding now, but spraying to control them is only effective in June ..]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: August 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-10T12:53:05-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/be1ea8ee3e4e444cd1e74c61927157e3-244.html#unique-entry-id-244</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/be1ea8ee3e4e444cd1e74c61927157e3-244.html#unique-entry-id-244</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Congratulations to Dave and Moira on winning a Blue Ribbon for the photo of the honeybee on the sunflower and I was thrilled to take a Second Prize for my Scarecrow Beekeeper photo....  There were a lot of new books at EAS and we purchased some to add to the club library.  The new additions are: DVD &ldquo;Queen Rearing&rdquo; DVD &ldquo; Swarm Plus&rdquo; Book &ldquo; Queen Rearing Essentials&rdquo; Book &ldquo; Bee Craft Apiary Guides&rdquo; Don&rsquo;t forget to contact the club librarian to borrow our books and tapes We also want to welcome a new member Gary Davis to the club.

...IF YOU PLAN TO ENTER THE HONEY JUDGING CONTEST IN OCTOBER YOU MUST BE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING WITH DUES PAID FOR 2011.  THAT IS WHY I AM SENDING THIS NEWSLETTER TO ALL ON THE MAILING LIST SO THAT NO ONE WILL BE DISAPPOINTED ON JUDGING DAY.

...This will be a good time to have your honey harvested and ready for sale, your wax cleaned and ready for candle making and cosmetic making.  Do you need some signs to put up to let the neighbors know you have local honey for sale, or the local flea market or church fairs?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Wax Moth Trap Recipe</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-08-08T11:24:08-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/654eed5269d13dd53dd9ae834b5dabbf-241.html#unique-entry-id-241</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/654eed5269d13dd53dd9ae834b5dabbf-241.html#unique-entry-id-241</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Courtesy of Wayne Vitale, Spy Coast Bee Man...  One cup of sugar syrup (50/50)...  One cup of white vinegar

...Brown banana peels Pour mixture into a two liter plastic soda bottle with a one and half inch diameter hole cut out just below the neck of the bottle.  Let bottle with mixture ferment in cool dark place for twenty four hours.  Place bottle with rope for hanging....  I have three bottles hanging in my Apiary and one in my honey barn.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Long Island Farm Bureau One-Day Farmers Market</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-07-28T22:16:36-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/cb575198c79bf458f34045d74bb807b9-239.html#unique-entry-id-239</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/cb575198c79bf458f34045d74bb807b9-239.html#unique-entry-id-239</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Long Island Farm Bureau and its agricultural partners are planning a one day Farmers Market event on August 5th from 12:00-5:00 PM at the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank.  We would like to invite your participation in this event.  If you would be interested in being a participant, please let us know and we will happily furnish you with the paperwork to become a vendor.  Paperwork is easy and not at all involved.

As time is short, please let us know if you are interested.  Deadline for paperwork is August 2nd.

Newsday has had small blurps about our event.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>LIBC Member Rallies Support for Langstroth Postage Stamp</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-07-24T11:16:14-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/cec76b336b54c8b0bcc61537d68c1fd0-238.html#unique-entry-id-238</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/cec76b336b54c8b0bcc61537d68c1fd0-238.html#unique-entry-id-238</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Carl Flatow wants to create a little buzz for someone he admires.

Since September 2009, Mr. Flatow has been lobbying for a postage stamp honoring Rev.  Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, a towering figure in the history of beekeeping.

"The guy was an American hero, an icon really," says Mr. Flatow of the reverend, who patented the first movable frame bee hive in the U.S. in 1852.

Mr. Flatow, 60 years old, rallied support from beekeepers across the country, wrote letters and gathered signatures, hoping a stamp would be issued in time for the 200th anniversary of Rev.  Langstroth's birth, last December.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Garden Chores for July</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-07-15T11:54:02-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0080643a03d7d85246c6107a0fb7cd3a-242.html#unique-entry-id-242</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0080643a03d7d85246c6107a0fb7cd3a-242.html#unique-entry-id-242</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We travel a lot and when we are not in some doctors office we are working in our garden.

...Be aware of aphids and horn worms causing damage on tomato plants.  Use a recommended insecticide for aphids if infestation is severe and remove the hornworms by hand.

...Keep shade on the greenhouse roof if plants remain inside through the summer.

...Be aware of aphids and horn worms causing damage on tomato plants.  Use a recommended insecticide for aphids if infestation is severe and remove the hornworms by hand.

...Keep shade on the greenhouse roof if plants remain inside through the summer.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: July 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-07-15T11:51:47-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/13dfb63b52b250947862db886f081bb2-243.html#unique-entry-id-243</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/13dfb63b52b250947862db886f081bb2-243.html#unique-entry-id-243</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Summer is here full blast and everywhere I go the first thing people ask me is &ldquo;How are your bees?&rdquo;...  And the next question is &ldquo;Will you have honey this year?&rdquo;...  I took the advice of one of our Master Beekeepers and piled the honey supers on. The workers are keeping as busy as they can BEE!  Meanwhile I have all my photos ready and just need a few more frames for the exhibit at the Bayport-Blue Point Library in August.

...The annual Pig Roast at Miguel Valentin&rsquo;s has been postponed this year due to some family scheduling problems Miguel decided that this year would not be good to have a large attendance for his popular feast.  So hopefully we can plan ahead for next year and schedule the date so that Miguel can look forward to a huge crowd and lots of large appetites for the delicious food.

We have been encouraged to enter the LI Fair at Bethpage to participate in the Honey Judging Competition.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Credit Cards Accepted Here</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-06-30T14:36:35-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c8bb4d2306f979b52e63aa9808a3ba5e-237.html#unique-entry-id-237</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c8bb4d2306f979b52e63aa9808a3ba5e-237.html#unique-entry-id-237</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Supporting local beekeeping by becoming a member of the Long Island Beekeepers is now just a click away, and renewing your membership couldn't get any easier.

The Club now accepts credit cards, so now you can pay your membership dues online, safely and securely.

Just visit our "Membership" page, then click on the "Beecome a Member" button and you will be automatically transfered to a secure PayPal-hosted page where you can complete the payment for your membership using American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa, or if you have a PayPal account, you can use that too.

Your credit card information remains safe and secure with PayPal's encrypted website; the Club does not store, nor have access to, your credit card data.

Still not convinced that becoming a member with your credit card is safe and secure?  Then visit our "Membership" page for more information about PayPal, including how to create a secure account of your own.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Top-Bar Hive Forum Added to Website</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-06-28T14:08:08-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ce35c9c7f35481e9f9350ecd0bacd27f-236.html#unique-entry-id-236</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ce35c9c7f35481e9f9350ecd0bacd27f-236.html#unique-entry-id-236</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[With the increasing interest in building and maintaining top-bar hives, we've added a web page on our website where members can exchange ideas and information.  For more, visit our new forum by clicking on the link in the menu on the left.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Rose Planting Tips</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-06-07T11:54:02-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/221a46c6bcf35b049b6e51170fed74bf-235.html#unique-entry-id-235</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/221a46c6bcf35b049b6e51170fed74bf-235.html#unique-entry-id-235</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Plant roses only in places that get at least six hours of sunshine daily &ndash; roses love sunlight, especially morning sun....  Choose a spot far enough from large trees or shrubs, so those roses won&rsquo;t have to compete for water, light or nutrients.

...As you prepare a new rose bed, remember that you are planting for season after season of lovely flowers.

...Rose bushes work hard growing all those lovely flowers and all that work makes them hungry.  Roses need to be fertilized several times a season, once as they begin to leaf out and again after each flush of bloom.

...They should have at least one inch of water a week throughout their growing season.

...A FEW INCHES OF BARK DUST OR CHIPS, GRASS CLIPPINGS, PINE NEEDLES or other organic coverings greatly benefit the rose bed to withstand extreme heat and cold, while keeping the ground moist and free of weeds.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: June 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-06-07T11:51:47-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f40b9ba3f67294b8d45ca3950d3f6816-233.html#unique-entry-id-233</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f40b9ba3f67294b8d45ca3950d3f6816-233.html#unique-entry-id-233</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Since the young woman writing the essay was unable to get any urban beekeepers to open their hives due to the spring rains, she came to my apiary and shot some lovely footage of my bees to include in her piece.  Then of course the 30 minutes of interview was edited down to about 30 seconds.(You can find the link here: http://jiejennyzou.com/articles.html It's listed under "The Buzz in The City: The Rise of Urban Beekeeping.")

But the bees got a touch of fame and that was too much for them....  I hoped they would land somewhere retrievable, but behind my house is a sump and beyond is Camp Edey, the Girl Scout Camp and it looked like that was were they were headed.  Then three days later my next door neighbor said he saw a bunch of bees hanging out in a bush on the other side of the sump fence.  Why he didn&rsquo;t call me is a puzzle, maybe he was afraid I would ask him to climb the fence to retrieve them for me.

...Pete Bizzoso will organize the contest to see who can light and keep their smoker lit the longest.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President’s Message: Top-bars and Beetours</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-06-02T16:26:09-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/bc8a22b20083b4cf681262041227dea5-232.html#unique-entry-id-232</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/bc8a22b20083b4cf681262041227dea5-232.html#unique-entry-id-232</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If you were fortunate enough to be able to attend our meeting in May, you saw a presentation by our guest speaker, Sam Comfort of Anarchy Apiaries, discussing, among other topics, top-bar hives.  Whereas the Langstroth hives that most of us use are vertically stacked boxes filled with four-sided frames that support comb, a top-bar hive is a long horizontal box with rows of sticks across the top from which the bees hang unsupported comb.  Besides the means of hive construction, which uses less material than a Langstroth hive, Sam also discussed some of the advantages and disadvantages of a top-bar hive.  The presentation certainly created quite a bit of discussion and some interest in experimenting with them here on Long Island.  Enough curiosity that we&rsquo;ve started an ad hoc committee where members can discuss and share construction techniques and their experiences as they try out top-bar hives in their apiaries....  Speaking of the next meeting, the Long Island Beekeepers Club is proud to present [cue the snappy music, spotlight on the logo]&hellip;

...In a tradition dating back to, well, at least a few years, every summer some of our members volunteer to open their apiaries (and their hives) to visitors and share their secret beekeeping techniques.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Postings In Our Classifieds Section</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-18T20:45:33-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/072c6c2a845c72289c891c585af7f881-231.html#unique-entry-id-231</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/072c6c2a845c72289c891c585af7f881-231.html#unique-entry-id-231</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Looking for beekeeping equipment?  Queens?  Bees?  Check our Classifieds page.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Wayne Vitale's Bees Make Life a Little Sweeter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-17T11:37:04-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/5a1ad648be7ff2596f5cf73cbbd485a4-230.html#unique-entry-id-230</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/5a1ad648be7ff2596f5cf73cbbd485a4-230.html#unique-entry-id-230</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Read about our Club's Vice-president in this article on Three Village Patch: "Wayne Vitale is the Spy Coast Bee Man, a beekeeper whose sale of honey plays second fiddle to his main, expressly stated goal of &ldquo;bringing bees back to the world.&rdquo;"  Read More...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Beekeeping Bootcamp at Anarchy Apiaries</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-17T11:24:56-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/df7221e43d696b786267f2f27eb8c22b-229.html#unique-entry-id-229</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/df7221e43d696b786267f2f27eb8c22b-229.html#unique-entry-id-229</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Anarchy Apiaries is proud to announce the first ever Beekeeping Bootcamp.  A three day beekeeping intensive based in Germantown, NY, Friday &ndash; Sunday, May 20-22.  This event is designed for established beeks, exploring more advanced beekeeping tactics, but also accommodates newbees and provides a lot of hands-on experience.  Some potential topics: making splits, rating hive health, using natural and grafted queen cells, grafting, caging and introducing queens, shaking package bees, alternative hive designs (top bar hives, Warre-type hives, skeps, gums, etc) and building these boxes, bait hives, harvesting hive products, wintering, becoming sustainable in your beekeeping operation, and bee songs around the campfire....  We are bringing the Means of Production back to the beekeepers....  This will be INTENSIVE: visiting several beeyards and other local beekeepers.  There will be exposure to climatic conditions, ticks, poison ivy, and of course, bee stings.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Local Lab Meets on Honey Bee Genome</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-11T21:24:49-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/5d64d145f2340dd4e279dfa96623a04f-228.html#unique-entry-id-228</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/5d64d145f2340dd4e279dfa96623a04f-228.html#unique-entry-id-228</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[CATCH THE BUZZ: Mining the Honey Bee Genome  Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY

What does it mean for a community that focuses on one organism to have that organism's genome sequenced?  Just ask researchers who gathered this week at the Honey Bee Genomics and Biology Meeting at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, New York.  It's the first time such a conference has been held since the honey bee genome was sequenced, and over the course of the past three days it's become abundantly clear that this is a field transformed, greatly expanded and diversified from just four years ago.

Read More...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Pearls Before Swine</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-11T21:24:22-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/542494061dee21bdc53feeed3ef78829-227.html#unique-entry-id-227</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/542494061dee21bdc53feeed3ef78829-227.html#unique-entry-id-227</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President’s Message: The Lady in the Hive</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-09T14:18:39-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/572323e48bdf3599fe06c6ab0c74e87b-216.html#unique-entry-id-216</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/572323e48bdf3599fe06c6ab0c74e87b-216.html#unique-entry-id-216</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[She had a smooth ivory skin and rather severe eyebrows and large gray eyes that looked as if they might warm up at the right time and in the right place.

..."I don't like your manner," she said in a voice you could have cracked an acorn on. But there was a little sly laughter behind her eyes now.

...After a moment she stood up turned her back on me and said over her shoulder: "I&rsquo;m Ms. Kingsley and I'll give you exactly three minutes.

...Beatrice Kingsley marched briskly behind one of the gleaming white hives and pulled a shiny smoker out of a copper and mahogany box, shoved in a handful of pine needles and lit it with a large butane lighter.

..."And as for your being too tough for me," I said, "most girls start out either by crawling down my shirt or stinging me to show who's boss.

...The sun wasn&rsquo;t much higher in the sky when a small droplet of water fell from the tip of my nose and stained the hive cover as I adjusted it into place.

...As I dropped my right hand I let go of her wrist and yanked the hive tool out of her breast pocket.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New York Registration of Mite-Away Quick Strips</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-09T14:16:53-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f9e4b1a622eee5428775d3403aee1602-226.html#unique-entry-id-226</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f9e4b1a622eee5428775d3403aee1602-226.html#unique-entry-id-226</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The State of New York has granted registration for Mite Away Quick Strips (MAQS) for the control of varroa mites.  Please note that the Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Pest Management requires that beekeepers residing in New York ONLY PURCHASE MAQS PRODUCT THAT CONTAINS THE WORD &ldquo;POISON&rdquo; IN RED....  Dadant in Waverly, NY will be receiving properly labelled product the week of May 16th.

...Be sure to notify your beekeeping supply company that you are a resident of New York before purchasing MAQS so that they send you the legally labelled product.

...We are glad to see New York grant the registration for MAQS.  Please visit www.miteaway.com for responses to frequently asked questions, the label in larger print, and a 2-minute application video.

...Please only use any varroa control product as part of an IPM program.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Garden Chores for May</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-09T14:02:55-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/9038755e78b659729e5408a3ad8ac160-225.html#unique-entry-id-225</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/9038755e78b659729e5408a3ad8ac160-225.html#unique-entry-id-225</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The horticulture leaflet on "Guidelines for a limited spray program on tree fruit pest management" can be downloaded from Cornell Cooperative Extension-Suffolk County website: www.ccesuffolk.org

...Plant gladiolas now through late June for uninterrupted flowering for the entire summer.

...Fertilize roses every two or three weeks with a complete fertilizer and spray weekly with an all-purpose rose spray.

...Control birch leaf miner in mid-May and again in mid-June, 190-290 and 530-700 GDD*, with acephate, carbaryl, lambda-cyhalothrin or permethrin if the infestation was severe last year.

...Control tent caterpillars when you see them on wild blackcherry and crabapple with B.t.  (Bacillus thuringiensis) for young larvae, acephate, carbaryl, insecticidal soap or Malathion in early May, 90-190 GDD*.

...Sow seeds now through the end of May to have flowering plants of cineraria, calceolaria and primula in the greenhouse next winter and spring.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: May 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-05-09T13:57:11-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6bc07019abc4f1bc32f6946de50b83a7-224.html#unique-entry-id-224</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6bc07019abc4f1bc32f6946de50b83a7-224.html#unique-entry-id-224</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Our last meeting, again standing room only, enjoyed an excellent lecture from Marla Spivak.  We welcome new members to the club: Michael Knopf, Lesley Kelly, Daniel Vitale, Jessica James, Mary Salter, Joseph and Teresa Gebbia, Philip Botwinick, Thomas Nielsen, Patty Doutney, Jorg Kewisch, and Lillian Jones.  Above: Marla at the Emma Clark Library, Setauket

We also had a wonderful exhibit at the Earth Day Festival at Hecksher Park.  Wayne Vitale also had a great exhibit at Brookhaven National Laboratory and was written up in the local newspaper.  The interest in beekeeping is so encouraging, both from the level of keeping bees or just learning how to be better gardeners or &ldquo;carers&rdquo; to improve the earth we live on.

...Wayne and Don with the observation hive.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Queen of the Sun Documentary</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-28T22:36:41-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/e5d5b413abf294fb5bf06526772140c3-223.html#unique-entry-id-223</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/e5d5b413abf294fb5bf06526772140c3-223.html#unique-entry-id-223</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Beekeepers in the News</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-13T21:16:40-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/8942ca3c07180be14866cef3867f95a2-222.html#unique-entry-id-222</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/8942ca3c07180be14866cef3867f95a2-222.html#unique-entry-id-222</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Nosema Workshop, Central New York,  June 9th</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-13T21:13:07-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2ce9ade5478efb1deb6e717dc5fd3775-221.html#unique-entry-id-221</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2ce9ade5478efb1deb6e717dc5fd3775-221.html#unique-entry-id-221</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A workshop on the disease Nosema ceranae will be held at Morrisville State College in Central New York on Thursday, June 9.

Morning Agenda Paul Cappy, Chief Bee Inspector, New York State Apiary Inspection Program - Spread of Nosema ceranae in NYS Peter Borst &ndash; Micro-organisms in honey bees: early discoveries and future prospects Janet Tam, Ontario Beekeepers Association Technology-Transfer Program - Nosema Monitoring, Integrated Pest Management, and Treatment Mike Johnston - Cooperating beekeepers cost-share program under Specialty Crop Grant, Can this be used to develop a breeding program for Nosema resistance?  Afternoon Agenda Bee yard visit and sampling protocol Lab Session - Use of microscopes to detect Nosema spores

Cost of this program is $45 per attendee.

...For registration information call 315-684-3001 xt 125.

To register, send payment to: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County Attn: Agricultural Economic Development Program P.O.

...Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Things To Do in Late March/April</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-13T21:05:50-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f9747533c85d99cdc0ceb2836a0391b9-220.html#unique-entry-id-220</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f9747533c85d99cdc0ceb2836a0391b9-220.html#unique-entry-id-220</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Most vegetables and ornamental plants thrive in a slightly acid soil with a soil pH reading between 6.0 and 6.9....  The degree of soil acidity or alkalinity is measured on a pH scale that turns from zero, for extremely acid, to seven, for neutral, to 14, for extremely alkaline.

Lime should be applied if the pH test shows that the soil is too acid (or sour), that is, below 6.

...If the pH is in range between 5.5 and 6, use 3 lbs of ground limestone per 100 sq feet of garden space on sandy soils and five pounds on heavy soils.  If the pH is between 5 and 5.5 apply the same amount of lime before plowing....  If the Soil is overly acid, that is 4.9 or below, double the quantity of lime in each application.

...Check your pH levels at a local Nursery who performs this service or call Cornell at 631-727-4126, between 9 am and noon, Mondays thru Fridays.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: April 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-13T21:04:42-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ee3d8b0b8fa20f5e42528fb629c74285-219.html#unique-entry-id-219</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ee3d8b0b8fa20f5e42528fb629c74285-219.html#unique-entry-id-219</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[New members again, we welcome new members Marc Anassis, Giuseppe Caso, Len Carolan, and Michael Ryan, -----....  Non-dues paying members will receive a notice of the meeting but will miss all the other good info this newsletter has packed into it.

I had the good fortune to visit my son and daughter-in-law and grandson on his first birthday a few weeks ago in California.  It was a wonderful little vacation and while I was feeding Griffin his lunch by the picture window, we watched the honeybees all over the lavender and some other lovely white flowers.  I wish I could have gotten some pictures but the weather was not cooperative for a photo-op....  Meanwhile I did get a nice one of a bee in my crocus.  I am going to have an exhibit of some of my photos in my local library this August, so I&rsquo;ll be snapping away this summer.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Minutes of Meeting for March 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-13T21:02:49-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2938f0b0a13cc22f58f15f28403b3c4c-218.html#unique-entry-id-218</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2938f0b0a13cc22f58f15f28403b3c4c-218.html#unique-entry-id-218</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[- Our club will have a display at the Heckscher State Park Spring Festival on Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1, helping to celebrate the 41st anniversary of Earth Day.

...- The EPA is looking for more field-based information from beekeepers, they ask that we all report on our bee-kills to get a more accurate status of bees today.

- Some studies Jody mentioned included: Cox-Foster, Penn State team&rsquo;s Synergy Study looking at 130+ pesticides found in hives, and how various chemicals and biological factors work together to effect bee health; Wu-Spivak-Krischik studying greenhouse and landscape pesticide application, dose ranges, and their concentration in plants; and USDA research being done on bee nutrition, effects of monoculture vs. biodiverse diet.

...Results show highest concentration in leaves, which is good, much lower concentration in flower, and lower still in the pollen (10 parts per billion in pollen, while lethal dose for half the population of bees is 200 ppb.)

- Jody Johnson is doing a 3 year study on effects of imidacloprid applied directly into hives, at zero, 5, 20, and 100 ppb doses....  First year: no significant difference in behavior between the varying doses; second year: highly dosed bees spent a lot more time than usual hanging out over larva; third year she is currently analyzing.

...We discussed that on Long Island homeowners can no longer use imidacloprid, which moves through the environment and degrades in around 2 years, so we may not have as high a percentage of water contaminated.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President’s Message: Raison d’abeille</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-10T17:08:40-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b39566edcc0f4c681d5a1a9c70c979f7-217.html#unique-entry-id-217</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b39566edcc0f4c681d5a1a9c70c979f7-217.html#unique-entry-id-217</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As beekeepers who are deeply involved in our craft we&rsquo;ve already thought about and incorporated into our passion the reasons for doing what we do, and unless someone asks us why, we probably don&rsquo;t articulate our motivation that frequently.

...The honeybee accounts for 80 percent of all pollination done by insects and without the honeybee's pollination services more than a third of the fruits and vegetables that humans consume would not exist.

...Local honey is an unbeatable and delicious natural sweeter that has subtle, and occasionally not so subtle, variances of flavor that are dependent on the floral sources available to the bees; there is nothing more accurate to express the &ldquo;local flavor&rdquo; of the indigenous environment than the local honey.

...Honeybees have wax-producing glands on the underside of their abdomens and they can manipulate this wax to create combs of hexagonal cells that can be used to store nectar, pollen, and to raise new bees.

...Of course the list of beneficial services and products provided by honeybees can be expanded even further, but if this brief description was enough to get you excited about sharing your passion for bees and beekeeping then I have an opportunity for you....  There is nothing like the look on the face of a non-beekeeper as you thrillingly describe how you boldly thrust your bare hands into a box filled with thousands of stinging insects to wrestle away their highly coveted liquid gold (or words to that effect).  We even give you time off for good behavior so can visit the rest of the festival, which may not be as exciting as beekeeping, but looks to be highly entertaining.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>2011 EAS Summer Conference Schedule Posted</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-05T19:08:16-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/bf0871d967221fdcee25275740194589-215.html#unique-entry-id-215</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/bf0871d967221fdcee25275740194589-215.html#unique-entry-id-215</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>BIP Winter Loss Survey</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-04-02T18:16:24-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c795715720afcced3e90d7262c29bd64-211.html#unique-entry-id-211</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c795715720afcced3e90d7262c29bd64-211.html#unique-entry-id-211</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bee Informed Partnership, an extension project that endeavors to decrease the number of managed honey bee colonies that die over the winter, is asking beekeepers to participate in this year's Winter Loss Survey from 1 April through 18 April, 2011:]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President’s Message: Choosing Genes That Fit</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-03-20T10:32:26-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0b4177d22fede93453f3f64d854209d3-214.html#unique-entry-id-214</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0b4177d22fede93453f3f64d854209d3-214.html#unique-entry-id-214</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[&ldquo;The recent introduction of AHB into Georgia threatens a major honey bee package and queen production industry in the United States, threatening the confidence of that industry to meet the demand for gentle honey bee queens and package bees for both commercial and small scale beekeepers.&rdquo;

...Because the native habitat for African bees is tropical, these bees have no need to over-winter and therefore have no need for the protection of a cavity, such as a hollow tree.

...In 2007, agricultural officials from these states developed Best Management Practices for commercial beekeepers to assist them in preventing the introduction of AHB genes into bees that may be used for packages to be shipped to other states.

One of the goals of the LIBC is to encourage responsible beekeeping methods, so now that you&rsquo;ve read the above information, I&rsquo;m going to encourage you, as a responsible beekeeper, to think about where your bees are coming from if you&rsquo;re planning to expand your apiary this Spring.  If you&rsquo;re buying a package of bees, or even a nuc, from a provider in the southern states, ask them if they&rsquo;re participating in their state&rsquo;s Best Management Practices program (participation is voluntary), or at least find out what steps they&rsquo;re taking to prevent interbreeding with AHBs.  Buying a nuc from one of our local beekeepers is also an option, homegrown Long Island bees are certainly less likely to carry AHB genes.  Nonetheless, you should not take anything for granted, always ask about the history of the bees inside that nuc; for all you know they came from a feral colony brought north last year.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>SABA 2010 Beekeeping Seminar, Albany, NY</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-02-27T15:36:13-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/631f86fbf02f474d8c554b5b630bd281-160.html#unique-entry-id-160</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/631f86fbf02f474d8c554b5b630bd281-160.html#unique-entry-id-160</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association March 26, 2011 - SABA 2011 Beekeeping Seminar, Albany, NY More info...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Gotham City Honey Co-Operative</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-02-16T20:39:54-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/61d3f8b197440531f47642fd1f43c3bd-209.html#unique-entry-id-209</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/61d3f8b197440531f47642fd1f43c3bd-209.html#unique-entry-id-209</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This will be the Co-Op's 3rd year of saving beekeepers serious money on both bees and equipment by purchasing as a group....  For any LIBC member who wishes to participate, here is the link to the Co-Operative group order form for the Gotham City Honey Co-Op spring purchase of honeybees, solitary bees, and equipment: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&pli=1&formkey=dHBJZERobW8zM0VsUTh4LTRIekM4OXc6MA#gid=0

...A deposit of $6 is asked for each package ordered, and the balance of the estimated $80 per-package cost must be paid by March 1st.  (Both online payment via Amazon payments and mailed-in checks can be used, you will be e-mailed instructions about payment if you order.)

Competitive bids on equipment have not yet been made by all vendors, so we do not have exact prices, and your request for equipment is not a "firm order" but is simply tallied to arrive at a quantity to calculate shipping and quantity discounts over and above prices bid.

The Gotham City Honey Co-Op is a non-profit cooperative open to anyone who wants to join, even those who live outside NYC proper....  Any LIBC member who would like to participate this year can just send an e-mail to the address below, or better yet, join the meet-up group.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Gardening Tips for January &amp; February</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-02-14T15:09:27-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ccb174bcc739456cfa6226b0538d11dc-213.html#unique-entry-id-213</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ccb174bcc739456cfa6226b0538d11dc-213.html#unique-entry-id-213</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I thought I had a heart attack; I had to rest and sit down after every 3 steps I took....  I had a bleeding ulcer located directly on top of a blood vessel and the blood vessel was also leaking blood.  Anyway, they gave me back 4 pints of blood and all kinds of other minerals, sealed off the blood vessel and are treating the ulcer.  Every 4 hours they took a blood sample to see if the numbers were ok.

...P.S. Before all this happened, we had visited a local beekeeper in Volusia County who gave a lecture about Florida beekeeping.  We were astonished to hear, that many of these southern beekeepers have experienced problems with &ldquo;Killer bees&rdquo; and are coping with it.

...Buy those houseplants that are easy to care for and can tolerate the normal difficult growing conditions in the house.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: February 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-02-14T15:05:22-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4106f05ed9ea7a953364378b69a14793-212.html#unique-entry-id-212</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4106f05ed9ea7a953364378b69a14793-212.html#unique-entry-id-212</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My hives are covered in snow and there is more on the way and I can&rsquo;t even get through the backyard to get to them or the bird feeders.  The birds are probably pretty mad, so I threw some sunflowers seeds into a pie plate and slid it across the snow.  Then I took this shot of my patio decoration to cheer me up.

I hope it cheers you up as well until the ground hog signals spring is coming soon.

...And if you want to continue to be notified by your newsletter, then don&rsquo;t forget that your dues must be paid NOW in order to receive the newsletter.  This will be the last newsletter you will receive if you are not a member in good standing or a courtesy member, past president.  If you have a question about your status please email me at connistill@aol.com.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President’s Message: Honeybees and Climate Change</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-02-14T15:03:34-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/71856da823ad33c03a80eff11ec77870-208.html#unique-entry-id-208</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/71856da823ad33c03a80eff11ec77870-208.html#unique-entry-id-208</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If anyone was under the impression that climate change, also known as global warming, was going to be a good thing for honeybees, you need only look outside today (December 27, 2010) at blizzard conditions and below freezing temperatures for a reality check.

...As an example, right now there is a beekeeper in Napoli, Italy, which is at the same latitude as New York City, who will be enjoying 50-degree weather in his apiary today at noon.

...As it approaches Europe that warm air starts to spin northward until it&rsquo;s once again at the same latitude as New York, but that wind is now much warmer than the air in New York as it approaches Napoli.

...First, a brief, and simplified, explanation of climate change: an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide gas in the earth&rsquo;s atmosphere caused by human activity (by burning things, essentially) means that more of the radiation (heat) from the sun&rsquo;s rays is trapped in the atmosphere instead escaping back into space, resulting in an overall increase in the temperature of the atmosphere....  Now, as we&rsquo;ve seen from our example above, the atmosphere is a complex system of air movement, so global warming doesn&rsquo;t mean that everything just gets warmer; global warming changes the how the air moves.

...This exaggerated movement of the air means that the winds in the northern hemisphere are swirling further north as they move from east to west, and in the winter this means that the further north toward the arctic that the winds deflect the colder the air gets before it starts to swirl back south.

...So now, assuming my explanation was comprehensible, you know how climate change, also known as global warming, can actually create more snow-filled freezing winter days that are not good for keeping bees in New York.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>2011 Novice Classes for Beginning Beekeepers Announced</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-01-22T14:05:55-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/20b7ffd083303da55ca9cdea5dcc65b6-147.html#unique-entry-id-147</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/20b7ffd083303da55ca9cdea5dcc65b6-147.html#unique-entry-id-147</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[There will be novice classes in 2011 at the following locations: Centereach, Holtsville, Huntington, Riverhead, and Saint James.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>True Source Honey Launches Certified Honey Traceability Program</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-01-22T13:37:09-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/a21a39ec41aa1b280ba7f064421e5eb1-210.html#unique-entry-id-210</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/a21a39ec41aa1b280ba7f064421e5eb1-210.html#unique-entry-id-210</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[GALVESTON, Texas, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The True Source Honey&trade; Initiative enthusiastically announces the launch of a Certified Honey Traceability Program beginning in January 2011.  The program officially known as True Source Certified&trade; was unveiled at the 2011 North American Beekeeping Conference in Galveston this past week.  Details were revealed regarding the program, which is designed to certify the origin of honey being distributed and consumed within North America, resulting in better food safety and product purity assurances for quality-minded customers and consumers.

...It was developed by a multi-disciplined group of industry participants who want to maximize industry participation in solving the problem of illegally sourced honey....  The program will help create transparency within the industry, going beyond current certification expectations and federal regulations while adding an additional layer of traceability beginning at the hive.

...There are a number of honey companies in North America that have resolved to purchase only legal, properly sourced honey from legitimate sources.  These companies now have an opportunity to certify their purchasing practices through an independent third party auditor, enhancing customer and consumer confidence while clearly demonstrating the value which they have been providing.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>NPR's Science Friday: The Buzz on Bees</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-12-22T22:34:20-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/9d54239ed466750ccddf99a33f0fe538-207.html#unique-entry-id-207</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/9d54239ed466750ccddf99a33f0fe538-207.html#unique-entry-id-207</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Check out these fascinating videos on bee behavior and culture newly posted on the Science Friday website: http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/201012245

(Thanks to Club member, Carl Flatow, for the link.)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Mystery of the Red Bees of Red Hook</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-12-19T16:50:14-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/e5fafeeb0b9de46f901c68ba2acfd444-206.html#unique-entry-id-206</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/e5fafeeb0b9de46f901c68ba2acfd444-206.html#unique-entry-id-206</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Cerise Mayo, a beekeeper in Red Hook and Governors Island, found that her wandering bees were returning with mysterious red stripe.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: December 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-12-19T16:45:25-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b4bf679bda86d048c2ae18a6e415f2f8-205.html#unique-entry-id-205</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b4bf679bda86d048c2ae18a6e415f2f8-205.html#unique-entry-id-205</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As you can see the raffle prizes were exceptional and the money raised from the raffle will be sent to the Heifer Foundation to buy 3 beehives for a family in a third world country.  Thank you for your generosity in your donations.  As you can see everyone was eager to win one of those prizes.  The food was great and again Anna Bischoff lead us all in a rousing rendition of the Twelve Days of Beekeeping.

Our next meeting will be in February.  We have January off to start looking at the Bee Catalogs and planning our Spring hive improvements.

I wish a Happy and Healthy Holiday for you all and a wonderful New Year.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President’s Message: Our Bees on the Web</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-12-07T22:30:28-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/bfa397d313c06a4badc95cafbd643117-204.html#unique-entry-id-204</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/bfa397d313c06a4badc95cafbd643117-204.html#unique-entry-id-204</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[That's a good ratio because it means that we have lots of people finding their way to the site and having a look around, and a consistent number of people (most likely members) are coming back.  Of those people returning to the site, 21% of them have been back 2 to 8 times previously and 8% have visited 9 times or more.

...About 1% of visitors are from the United Kingdom, another 1% are from Canada, and the remaining 6% are from various locations everywhere else, like Russia (60 visitors) and Ireland (50 visitors).

...About 18% get referred to the Club's website by another website, like the Club's old website, Facebook (yes, the Club has a Facebook page) or other sites like www.beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com (136 visitors came from Linda's website, so I returned the favor and posted a link to her site on ours).

...The most popular pages on the website, other than the home page that people arrive at first, are the "Local Honey" page (if you don&rsquo;t have your honey listed on this page then you&rsquo;re probably missing out on potential sales), the "Classifieds", the "Meeting Schedule" page, and the "Bee Swarm" page.

...There's a lot more information available other than what I've summarized here (did you know that 76% of our visitors are using Windows, 20% are Mac users, and 3% viewed the site on a smart phone?), but we can't, and would not, gather names, addresses, and other personal information.

...If you're a member, to have your honey listed on our website (the kind the bees make, not "honey" as in "significant other"; this isn't Craig's List) then just fill out this form.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Sweet Holiday Gift</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-11-27T19:06:41-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/68b342e7a7fc9083e45e1161ff6a3d12-203.html#unique-entry-id-203</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/68b342e7a7fc9083e45e1161ff6a3d12-203.html#unique-entry-id-203</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Local Honey, beeswax candles, soap, and lip-balm all make great gifts for the holiday.  Check out our list of local beekeepers and see what they have to offer at a location near you.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Nov. 28: Honey Bee Day @ Cinema Arts in Huntington</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-11-24T17:15:52-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d8dec36c6665b91720b7a02973ab3d9e-201.html#unique-entry-id-201</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d8dec36c6665b91720b7a02973ab3d9e-201.html#unique-entry-id-201</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In Colony, several beekeepers around the U.S. cope with colony collapse disorder - the phenomenon that has caused millions of bees to mysteriously disappear, threatening not only the beekeeping industry but our food supply....  Apitherapy presentation by Frederique Keller, a licensed acupuncturist who incorporates classical homeopathy and bee venom therapy as well as utilizes honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee bread.

...They are equally capable at filming on the microcosmic scale, drawing us into the world of bees so that we root for their survival as much as our own.  Sunday, November 28 2pm: Introduction to HONEY BEE DAY and FILM SCREENING 3:15pm - 3:45pm: Q&A with Beekeeper RICH BLOHM 3:50pm - 4:50pm: Apitherapy Talk with FREDERIQUE KELLER 5pm: Honey, Mead, & Body Products Tasting and Sale

...He maintains 50 hives at 6 different locations across Nassau and Suffolk County and sells his honey at a roadside stand in front of his home and at Capital Health, both in Huntington.

...Frederique Keller of BeePharm: Apitherapy for Health, is a licensed acupuncturist, medical herbalist incorporates classical homeopathy and apitherapy, the medical use of honey bee products.  She incorporates bee venom therapy into her private practice as well as utilizes all the products of a bee hive including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee bread.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New York State Budget Slashes Apiary Inspection Program</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-11-15T13:45:18-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/cb6cf6d68c36229648c369d430b12b73-200.html#unique-entry-id-200</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/cb6cf6d68c36229648c369d430b12b73-200.html#unique-entry-id-200</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Senator Darrel Aubertine, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, was able to have some funding to specific projects reinstated through the legislature&rsquo;s revised budget, that was ultimately signed by the governor at the end of June.  The Apiary Program, which includes the inspections program, was slashed from $400,000 to $0 in the governor&rsquo;s budget, $200,000 was reinstated by senate and then cut again by the governor.

...The NYS Apiculturist Paul Cappy is still employed and there is some reserve money in the Apiary Program coffer, from previous yearsʼ surpluses, however the spring started with no apiary inspectors.

...Cappy says that most of the migratory beekeepers they deal with are NYS commercial pollinators that over-winter in the south, travel for the lucrative pollination fees and then position their hives for the summer&rsquo;s nectar flow, predominantly in the St.

...This is a good time for small, backyard beekeepers to put their heads together and figure out how we can be visible and be heard in NYS.  If there are funds, either federal or state, put towards the very important field of honeybee health and the growth of apiaries in the future, it would be wonderful if we could encourage support in the direction of education of new beekeepers, a statewide push to promote good forage and sparing use of pesticides, and even monies for start-up hives, as has been done in recent years in New Jersey.  A collective push towards a healthy honeybee future will take time, however we need to begin to formulate our strengths together as backyard beekeepers, and voice our concerns and our visions for the way forward.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: November 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-11-15T13:43:58-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/17ec342913b8aa896b110afe3ffa21b5-199.html#unique-entry-id-199</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/17ec342913b8aa896b110afe3ffa21b5-199.html#unique-entry-id-199</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The different colors of honey this year ranged from light to dark amber.  We had jam, great cookies, eye catching photos, gift basket, and an enthusiastic group of beekeepers.  Thanks to Rich Blohm for judging and for his informative explanation of the careful process.

Here I am proudly displaying my award winning gift basket and Best in Show Ribbon....  Thank you bees for all your hard work to make that possible.

...If you are a new member and would like to have one, I will bring them to the meeting.  $20 will give you a great t-shirt that identifies you as a member of this terrific group of beekeepers!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President’s Message: LIBC, Incorporated</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-11-10T20:56:39-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4b232e41056fb20a0ecbe37037468a66-198.html#unique-entry-id-198</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4b232e41056fb20a0ecbe37037468a66-198.html#unique-entry-id-198</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[When the Suffolk County Farm Bureau Bee Club was formed in 1949, composing some bylaws, electing officers, and distributing responsibilities was probably more than sufficient to create a thriving club of local beekeepers who wanted to share ideas and pass down knowledge to the next generation.  The current version of the club still works the same way to achieve similar goals, but in today&rsquo;s world organizations need a form of official recognition just to accomplish seemingly simple tasks like making purchases or even having a bank account.

...But at a meeting last month, the Club&rsquo;s Board decided to meet that challenge and assure the long-term viability of our organization by incorporating as a not-for-profit under New York State law.

...To further the general knowledge and success of its member beekeepers, educate the public about the beneficial aspects of honeybees, and to provide a forum for cooperation among beekeepers and those that work to improve the welfare of beekeeping and honeybees.

...Provide a forum to facilitate cooperation and discussion among members to improve beekeeping skills, encourage new beekeepers, maintain friendly and helpful relations with those forces which are working to better the welfare of the beekeeping interests, and provide those interested in bees the opportunity to gather together for fellowship on a regular basis.

...I&rsquo;m sure that you will recognize that these goals are not new to the organization, but they are now set forth as the publicly stated reasons why the club exists as a not-for-profit corporation....  So I will be asking each of you to step forward with us by participating on a committee, or even forming a committee, so that the club can continue to achieve the goals for which it exists; not just for this year, but for many years to come.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>American Apitherapy Society 2010 Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course &amp; Conference</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-11-07T16:31:43-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/325f035fb0c393d9adc57fd1441d701c-197.html#unique-entry-id-197</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/325f035fb0c393d9adc57fd1441d701c-197.html#unique-entry-id-197</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The American Apitherapy Society proudly announces its 2010 Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course & Conference to be held in Los Angeles, California, November 11-14, 2010, in conjunction with the International Conference on Biotherapy.

Read More...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Importance of Bees</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-10-20T21:59:16-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/12102635fe75386f29e467636f320686-196.html#unique-entry-id-196</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/12102635fe75386f29e467636f320686-196.html#unique-entry-id-196</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Now we experience at the local and global level the impact of many maladies that all contribute to a degree to Colony Collapse Disorder, American and European Foul Brood Disease.

There are some theories as to why these problems exist, but one in particular reveals strong evidence that insecticides are the culprit.  If that isn&rsquo;t enough to decimate the American honey industry let&rsquo;s consider the invasion of Africanized bees coming from Central America or the illegal importation of substandard honey from China.

...Moreover, several oilseed crops depend on pollinators, and bee pollination is required to produce the seeds of major forage and hay crops, such as alfalfa and clover, that feed the animals that supply meat and dairy products.

Honey is a great product made by the bees and is now more than ever realized of its magnificent healing qualities.  We all love the great taste of honey, especially local honey, but did you know it will help your immune system fend off allergies.

...The little bee returns with evening&rsquo;s gloom, To join her comrades in braided hive, Where, housed beside their might honey-comb, They dream their polity long survive.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: October Shores</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-10-13T22:13:17-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d2e8b197e350552c9252ee62ec18f456-195.html#unique-entry-id-195</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d2e8b197e350552c9252ee62ec18f456-195.html#unique-entry-id-195</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Remember the cleaner and neater your garden is in the fall, the better you will find it in the spring!  I&rsquo;m just filling my sixth bag with old foliage and dead wood (tomorrow is yard waste day), and the sweat is running down my forehead....  In any event my old bones can stand just so much, that&rsquo;s why both of us always carry a chair around with us, so that we can sit down (often)....  So far, the labor has been mostly in my wife&rsquo;s head but when it becomes &ldquo;shovel-ready&rdquo; who do you think will wield the shovel?

...I especially treasure the first sun baked red tomato sliced thick on rye bread with mayo, onions, salt and pepper, a king couldn&rsquo;t eat better!

...4) Apply bulb fertilizer 3 times a year: in the fall for the most root system; when the sprouts first poke through the soil for the foliage and flower; and when the flower dies for the bulb itself....  7) Good Luck, depending on how much money you spent on bulbs, you should have a wonderful spring flowering bulb garden!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: October 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-10-13T21:55:29-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2eae7524872f3a4fcb2cc0eb3a6c51aa-194.html#unique-entry-id-194</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2eae7524872f3a4fcb2cc0eb3a6c51aa-194.html#unique-entry-id-194</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I have been busy, bottling honey, making jam, trying to get things ready for the honey judging contest and the Christmas Fair that I hope will be a huge success for my craft projects.  I just haven&rsquo;t found enough time to do it all.

Our last meeting at Wayne Vitale&rsquo;s Apiary was fun, lots of bees and information....  The entertainment was great and as always Miguel was a terrific host.

...It was decided at the meeting, that we could have a small opportunity for a &ldquo;Bee Boutique&rdquo; during the honey judging.  After the formal meeting and during refreshments, if you have some bee craft items for sale (candles, lip balm, etc.) we will set up small areas of table for you to sell them.  Some members that may not make these items and would like to purchase them for gifts can have a chance to do so at the meeting.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: Evolution and Change</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-10-05T14:44:48-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0864bdfebc5f057483db022cf8c8e0aa-193.html#unique-entry-id-193</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0864bdfebc5f057483db022cf8c8e0aa-193.html#unique-entry-id-193</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In 2006, a piece of amber, which is fossilized tree resin, from an amber mine in the Hukawng Valley of northern Myanmar (Burma) was found containing a bee and four kinds of flowers....  This particular specimen appears to be a pollen-eating bee with a few features of a wasp, such as narrow hind legs, but with the branched hairs that are a key feature of pollen-spreading bees.

...In addition to discovering the changes in morphology over time, scientists are also interested in understanding the social evolution of bee behavior; how bees developed the colony architecture as a survival strategy.

...Evolution is the change in the inherited traits of a population of organisms through successive generations, and each fossil insect is a snapshot of that particular generation illustrating the slow process of change that has occurred since prior generations and revealing hints of transformations still to come....  So, in essence, the honeybees we have with us today have survived because their traits, which have changed over time, were always suitable for survival in their surroundings.

...The name changes weren&rsquo;t just cosmetic, but represented changes to the goals and services of the organization as needed by its members to keep it viable and suitable to the current environment.

...At our next meeting on October 17th, we will be holding our annual honey judging contest, in which we take the opportunity to celebrate the fruits of our labors: from the honey we extract to the environmental benefits our colonies provide through pollination.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Gardening Tips For September</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-09-13T22:54:18-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4526cc717388ec5164ea8e3667f378e5-191.html#unique-entry-id-191</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4526cc717388ec5164ea8e3667f378e5-191.html#unique-entry-id-191</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Divide and plant many spring-blooming perennials this month, especially if you haven&rsquo;t seperated them in the last 3 to 5 years....  If you think your growing season has not been long enough, there are still a few activities that you can perform in your vegetable garden.  Sanitation, like cleaning up old plant debris to make sure that diseases or insects do not overwinter in your garden is such a chore....  Planting a cover crop is an intelligent way to prevent soil erosion, while building up organic matter and maintaining nutrients in the soil....  If you have little room to store vegetables in a shed or in your house or cannot find the proper temperature and humidity conditions, you might keep vegetables in your garden through the winter....  Parsnip and salsify will keep over the entire winter and can be dug anytime through early spring....  My friend, you never have to stop gardening, but if you are like me, &ldquo;Give it a rest already!!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: September 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-09-13T22:51:07-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b3ced4a5e5a02c8253239ff98728923b-190.html#unique-entry-id-190</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b3ced4a5e5a02c8253239ff98728923b-190.html#unique-entry-id-190</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Sean Bonney has kept one of his hives in my apiary and helped me immensely with the heavy lifting and I shared the fun with him of harvesting his first honey.  There is nothing like the look in the face of the first time beekeeper as they see that golden stream emerging from the extractor....  Now I have to start making my cosmetics and other crafts to get ready for the sales and gift giving season of the beekeeper.

...An issue from 1995 had the front page predominately taken up with a huge pig to advertise Miguel Valentin&rsquo;s Annual Pig Roast....  Since some of us will be coming directly from the hive tour, we may need to plan something that needs no refrigeration or bring a cooler with plenty of ice!...  He is really hoping that we have a large turnout to help him celebrate the life of his late wife Ellie, who loved this affair and cooked the best peas and rice I ever had.  Bring a chair, a dish, your appetite and look forward to a great afternoon and evening of friendship, good food, and bee talk!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>NYS Apiary Program Uncovers True Nosema</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-09-13T22:38:55-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f85f702ba33a75a63a50708de71e111d-189.html#unique-entry-id-189</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/f85f702ba33a75a63a50708de71e111d-189.html#unique-entry-id-189</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[New York State Apiary Inspectors have been sampling apiaries for Nosema disease for three years.  Nosema is a fungus that infects bees reducing overall bee health.  Traditionally New York has had infestations of Nosema apis which had moderate impact on colonies and the fungus would not generally survive into fall.  In 2009 44% of sampled apiaries had Nosema.  Commercial beekeepers continue to have the largest rate of infestation of Nosema at 59%.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Heavenly Honey and Artisanal Cheese</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-09-13T22:37:07-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/e43df217bebefa9c6be4114ae7bbb62e-188.html#unique-entry-id-188</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/e43df217bebefa9c6be4114ae7bbb62e-188.html#unique-entry-id-188</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Wednesday, November 10th, 6:30p at Artisanal Premium Cheese Center, Manhattan, NY Read More...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Vice-president's Message: Wintering Bees</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-08-11T23:55:23-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/628629afb32605efdb2547b1a6e5b359-186.html#unique-entry-id-186</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/628629afb32605efdb2547b1a6e5b359-186.html#unique-entry-id-186</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Winters on Long Island typically last from November to March and we want to strengthen bees so they produce more bees in order to keep the hives strong through winter and into spring....  Afterwards you can freeze the frames and place them back on the hive after twenty-four hours, or without freezing the frames place the frames in a drone bank....  The drone bank has two purposes, to remove mites from another hive and to keep drones in the apiary to mate with new queens....  You can also uncap the drone cells and allow the pupae and mites to fall into a bucket and then place the frames back on the hive while in the bee yard, saving the amount of equipment and time....  There are several IPM techniques to treat Varroa and a mid-to-late summer split off a large colony to produce queens to requeen your hives is a great way to break the brood cycle to stop mites from reproducing.  At the same time you can dust your hives with powdered sugar and allow the mites to lose grip and drop onto a sticky board to rid the hives of mites.  This is great method of jump starting your hive into winter with a young laying queen and low Varroa count which will greatly benefit your hive coming into spring.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Gardening Tips For August</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-08-11T23:51:01-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/70b03d7d54daec75138f48321a3afb71-187.html#unique-entry-id-187</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/70b03d7d54daec75138f48321a3afb71-187.html#unique-entry-id-187</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Don&rsquo;t prune or fertilize trees or shrubs now; otherwise unnecessary late growth will be promoted....  Remember not to spray herbicides on the lawn during present hot temperatures....  Spray grapes for black rot with copper ammonium carbonate, copper soap (copper octanoate), copper sufate, mclobutanil or a multi-purpose spray containing captan labeled for black rot....  Aphids that are sucking juices from maple and weeping willow leaves are dropping heneydew....  Spray when observed (with acephate, cyfluthrin, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil)....  Bagworm larvae are actively feeding now, but spraying for control is only effective in June.  On small plants, hand pick, put into a bag and destroy them now.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: August 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-08-11T22:59:35-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ed0fec945ff2c3feeafbc7d08d2df32f-185.html#unique-entry-id-185</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ed0fec945ff2c3feeafbc7d08d2df32f-185.html#unique-entry-id-185</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I have 4 virtual bee hives and they contain 200 bees with only one queen for 4 hives....  All I have to do is click on the hives to collect my honey each day and earn hundreds of virtual coins.  In order to build the hives I had to collect wooden beams, nails and bricks from my fellow Farmville neighbors....  A fellow beekeeper replied, the brick is to put on top to keep the hive lid from blowing off in the wind!

...Next week I will have to do the real harvesting of the real honey, a much more difficult job.  Sticky, hot and heavy, I am looking forward to a lovely honey harvest this year.

...We were pleased to have the following new members join us: Katherine Golder, Christopher French, Everette C.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Be Aware of Poison Ivy</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-07-19T21:30:42-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ee458a30109f580acb390b9369649c99-184.html#unique-entry-id-184</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ee458a30109f580acb390b9369649c99-184.html#unique-entry-id-184</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Poison Ivy can grow almost anywhere; you can find it in almost any garden, roadside, thicket, woods, park or even along sandy beaches.

Poison Ivy is a very undesirable weed that rapidly takes over an area by growing over the ground and climbing over trees and shrubs....  A skin rash can result from direct contact with any part of poison ivy plant or from exposure to the smoke from burning poison ivy plants.

...The leaves of poison ivy grow opposite each other and consist of three leaflets two to four inches long. The greatest danger in touching the plant is in spring and summer when the volatile toxic oil is present in all parts of the plant.  Even the smoke from burning poison ivy may cause some people to develop an itchy rash or burn.

...Poison ivy cannot be easily or safely removed by digging as the vine has a rather extensive root system and the handling of leaves, stems or roots ia hazardous....  Do not burn, because the toxic material is volatile and can be carried in the smoke with disastrous results for any susceptible person downwind.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: July 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-07-19T21:23:51-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6bd7aebad37490d0a919ac022ed58727-183.html#unique-entry-id-183</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6bd7aebad37490d0a919ac022ed58727-183.html#unique-entry-id-183</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The record breaking heat wave has kept our bees busy and hopefully finding lots of wonderful flowers and nectar to give us lots of honey this season.  When I checked my hives last, the propolis was so sticky from the heat it was stretchy and gooey!  Our dear friend Harry Gaulke has been ill lately and is now recuperating at the Carillon Rehab Center.  Hopefully he will regain his strength and be able to return home in the near future....  Our sincere condolences to Miguel Valentin and his family on the death of his wife Ellie.  We remember Ellie so well from the Pig Roasts and her famous recipe for Peas and Rice.  She struggled with her illness for so many years and Miguel and their family were such loving caregivers.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: The Honeybee's Accelerometer</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-07-01T21:44:14-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/37b03d9e6a133024d4443ddc596caf79-172.html#unique-entry-id-172</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/37b03d9e6a133024d4443ddc596caf79-172.html#unique-entry-id-172</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The weight is held in place by small springs at the end of each rod and each spring provides just enough resistance to gravity so that if you lay the phone flat the weight will be centered, but when you tip the phone the springs will allow the weight to move in the direction of gravity.

...These plates have evolved in such a way that when one part, let&rsquo;s say a leg, moves, it stimulates the hairs that are located around the joint where the leg is attached to the thorax.  The movement of these hairs sends a signal to the bee&rsquo;s central nervous system (similar to the signal your brain receives when the hairs on your arm move), and in this way the bee can perceive the position of it&rsquo;s leg.

...At the joint where the bee&rsquo;s head is attached to the thorax there are hair plates that have the specific function of determining the position of the head in response to gravity.  The bee&rsquo;s head is similar to the weight inside an accelerometer; gravity forces the head into a slightly different position when the bee is standing on a vertical surface, like hive comb, facing down than it does when facing up.  And the hair plates on the bee&rsquo;s neck are similar to the rod-shaped capacitors in that they sense the position of the head [weight] and relay that information back to the central nervous system [tiny computer].

...For more information on the honeybee&rsquo;s response to gravity, see &ldquo;Form and Function in the Honey Bee&rdquo; by Lesley Goodman (ISBN 978-0860982432), and for a compelling story on the consequences of losing the use of your proprioceptor system, see &ldquo;A Leg to Stand On&rdquo; by Dr. Oliver Sacks (ISBN 978-0684853956).]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: June 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-06-18T23:31:52-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/49085ac28b458d9146879bb679d5f030-181.html#unique-entry-id-181</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/49085ac28b458d9146879bb679d5f030-181.html#unique-entry-id-181</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[&bull; First to light and set down her/his smoker wins, provided the smoker keeps going by itself for a set period of time -- I seem to recall five minutes.

...So bring your smokers and your fuel of choice and let&rsquo;s see if a contest will be on the agenda.

...I am really excited, it will be a lot easier to harvest honey with just a click of the mouse.

...I added an additional honey super and will have to check them again this week to see if they need another....  My butterfly/bee garden is coming into bloom so the bees have had a lovely place to work without having to travel too far.

...For the new members of our club, if you haven&rsquo;t heard about this wonderful opportunity to meet beekeepers from all over this part of the eastern seaboard, EAS is a great conference.

...At the May meeting, again, we welcomed some new members: Caroline Sawyer, Milander Momaya, Kevin and Linda Fuller, Amy Pink and Fred Lipsky, Pedro Martinez, and John Mix.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: Where Did the Time Go? Spend Time With Your Bees Now</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-06-18T22:46:43-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/447a6d6c6f06b0d432d5b21f65c8e5cf-180.html#unique-entry-id-180</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/447a6d6c6f06b0d432d5b21f65c8e5cf-180.html#unique-entry-id-180</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As your bees get older, you can provide a good frame of reference as they are exposed to the growing influence of wax moths and hive beetles.  The more time you spend with your bees, the more you will be able to help them tune in to their abilities, comb-building activities, and healthy friendships with flowers.

...So, if you set fair rules and give your bees the freedom that's right for their age, you most likely will be able to enjoy each other's company.

...Ask younger bees to explain something or talk about a flower you both enjoy, objects you found in nature together, or their take on plastic comb and pollen traps.

...Praise your bees for things you might take for granted, such as getting up on time, helping to build wax combs, or dragging out the dead bees without being told.

...But don't forget, when it comes to spending time with your bees, the rewards can be great&mdash;for you and them.

...This is actually one of those public service announcements about how to spend time with your children &ndash; with a little creative editing, like replacing &ldquo;children&rdquo; with &ldquo;bees&rdquo;, just for the purposes of humor.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Love Apples</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-06-18T16:59:14-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d3d141b578571f0568b287829dbda842-182.html#unique-entry-id-182</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d3d141b578571f0568b287829dbda842-182.html#unique-entry-id-182</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My hip replacement went well and I&rsquo;m looking forward to dancing with my garden partner.)

...(Brigitte did the job) The peas are blooming, cucumbers are looking good and we put in pepper and tomato plants.  Hopefully, we will not have a repeat of the tomato blight we had last year and will have a great harvest.

...But lighter soils that drain and warm quickly can produce earlier harvests---particularly if they are on a slight slope to the south or southeast.

...Height: 2 to 6 feet Staked and pruned plants can grow to well over 6 feet tall in favorite growing season.

Spread: 2 to 6 feet Staked and pruned plants can be trained to narrow spreads.

...General maintennance: Mulch plants after the soil has warmed up to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: May 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-05-01T23:31:52-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0f72c755af529b784f92283b9e9a5443-175.html#unique-entry-id-175</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/0f72c755af529b784f92283b9e9a5443-175.html#unique-entry-id-175</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I hived my nuke last week and checked on them over the weekend....  I added a honey super to my overwintered hive and all the girls seem to be happy.

The last meeting was well attended again with lots of interaction and new members again.  Welcome Creighton Wirick and Barbara Guidi and several new people expressed their interest on the website.

...George&rsquo;s message this month led to an interesting discussion with my daughter and son-in-law this weekend.  Both of them are avid readers and they had of memories of bee related stories.  One of them is Ellis Island by Mark Helprin which has a great story about a Rabbi who decided that there should be a whole month dedicated to the honeybee.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: Honeybees in Wonderland</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-05-01T17:06:30-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/43debe0045729fe988cbbd4e07a99852-165.html#unique-entry-id-165</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/43debe0045729fe988cbbd4e07a99852-165.html#unique-entry-id-165</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It lends itself to a variety of interests beyond the basics of keeping bees; which in itself is difficult enough, so developing a curiosity in other bee-related activities can be a welcome diversion.  To name but a few, there are the crafts associated with bee products such as wax, propolis, and mead-making; the study entomology and bee biology for the scientific mind; the accumulation of apiary tools and gadgets, both new and old, for the collectible enthusiast (although every beekeeper probably does this inadvertently); and for the devotee of books, the bees of literature.

...As you probably suspect, bees, having spent a significantly longer amount of time on this planet than humans, found their way into literature from its inception.

...Rank and file streamed behind and rushed like swarms of bees pouring out of a rocky hollow, burst upon endless burst, bunched in clusters seething over the first spring blooms, dark hordes swirling into the air, this way, that way &ndash; so the many armed platoons from the ships and tents came marching on&hellip;&rdquo;

...Using some honeycomb to capture some feral honeybees in a small box, he will use them to find the hive where he can harvest the honey: &ldquo;There they are, hard at work with the honey,&rdquo; he said, speaking English, and pointing at the bees.

...In Lewis Carroll&rsquo;s Alice&rsquo;s Adventures in Wonderland (1865), after falling down the infamous rabbit hole, a confused Alice attempts to remember who she is by reciting a familiar poem.

...At first glance Alice&rsquo;s poem may seem to have very little to do with honeybees, but the stanzas that Alice is attempting to recite, and Carroll is parodying, is a verse by Isaac Watts which is little remembered today: How doth the busy little bee]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Demand for Local Honey Increases</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-04-25T17:20:02-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ea44b7afdfcf917546a4141a40af1144-178.html#unique-entry-id-178</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ea44b7afdfcf917546a4141a40af1144-178.html#unique-entry-id-178</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Our Club&rsquo;s website has been overwhelmed with emails from people looking to purchase local honey, and other hive products, from our members.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Rich Blohm, Master Beekeeper and Radio Star</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-04-08T22:10:49-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/361d4a7bdccb40af3878c2e6c429eb70-173.html#unique-entry-id-173</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/361d4a7bdccb40af3878c2e6c429eb70-173.html#unique-entry-id-173</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Master Beekeeper, and LIBC member, Rich Blohm, appeared on the National Public Radio's Science Friday with host Ira Flatow on April 2nd.  You can listen to the show and see a video of Rich removing a hive of bees from inside the wall of a house at: http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/201004024

LIBC member, Carl Flatow, shot and produced the video.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: April 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-04-01T23:31:52-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6d5523996eb91bba552bd7187dc6e295-179.html#unique-entry-id-179</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6d5523996eb91bba552bd7187dc6e295-179.html#unique-entry-id-179</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The bees are out in full force, checking out the crocuses and daffodils ( I only have one!)...  I must do a replant of my spring bulbs, that lonely daffodil looks totally lost.

Those of you who were at the last meeting may have noticed I was a bit distracted waiting for a phone call.  My daughter-in-law was in labor at the time, and the call finally came and a new little drone, Griffin Bennet Still was born, all 7lbs 14 oz....  Mom,Dad and baby are doing great and I plan to visit them in the next few weeks.

...We welcome : Greby Caillavy, Nancy and Patrick GannonDouglas Aichroth, Lee Goldman, Rich Stern, Joe Borovina, Deborah Lukasik O&rsquo;Shaughnessy, and their families.

Our best wishes to the bride and groom, Anita Lackey and Tyce DeBoer who were married on April 3, 2010.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Minutes of Meeting for March 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-04-01T23:28:56-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/e41357a76e9344aabb675404e6a2b4c0-174.html#unique-entry-id-174</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/e41357a76e9344aabb675404e6a2b4c0-174.html#unique-entry-id-174</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[&bull; 44 members signed in. &bull; This month&rsquo;s speaker was Frederique Keller, DOM, L.Ac., who has a master&rsquo;s degree in Oriental Medicine and is a licensed acupuncturist and medical herbalist practicing on Long Island....  &bull; Bee venom therapy seems to work by improving bloodflow and can provide relief for conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, shingles, gout, and lyme disease, to name a few....  Venom cream from Canada or Romania (but not U.S. at this time) is a very good topical for arthritis.  &bull; Raw honey can be used as a topical for healing sores and wounds, and it has been shown to heal ulcers....  Propolis has great medicinal properties; it is an anti-oxidant, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and possibly anti-viral.  It is used for treating burns, in dental care, protecting the liver (notably during radiation therapy,) and it has been shown to reduce tumors and cancer....  It is energizing (better than caffeine,) can moderate hunger, and has been shown to have great benefit for brain, heart, liver, digestive, and prostrate health.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Queen Bee Egg Laying Union Set To Strike</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-04-01T19:28:55-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/57bd0eb7f0f227ba87c860057a1cdcaa-170.html#unique-entry-id-170</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/57bd0eb7f0f227ba87c860057a1cdcaa-170.html#unique-entry-id-170</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Members of the International Sisterhood of Egglayers, Local 1851, are set to vote this week on a strike action against SweetBee Honey Corporation.

At issue is SweetBee&rsquo;s new mandatory retirement age of two years for queen bees.  The policy was announced on March 1, and drew an ominous hum of indignation from egglayers across the company&rsquo;s 1200-hive operation.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s completely arbitrary &ndash; it&rsquo;s not even a matter of individual ability,&rdquo; buzzed Myrtle, a 26-month-old queen who declined to give her last name.  &ldquo;They just assume we&rsquo;re too old and can no longer do the job.&rdquo;]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: Sharing</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-04-01T17:05:04-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/822dda40ff266d61bbf14de64d84e751-164.html#unique-entry-id-164</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/822dda40ff266d61bbf14de64d84e751-164.html#unique-entry-id-164</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Long Island is a magical place with a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, so what a beekeeper in Glen Cove is doing around the apiary during one particular month of the year will be quite different from what the beekeeper in Montauk is doing.

But regardless of where that apiary is located, there's one thing that all beekeepers have in common, and that's a love of sharing.  Whether it's sharing honey, swarm stories, best practices, or opinions, beekeepers have an innate desire to share all aspects of their art, especially with other beekeepers.

...For veteran beekeepers this is a great opportunity to compare your practices to those of someone else in the same region or on the other shore.  For our growing legions of novice beekeepers, you get to peer over the shoulder of your local master beekeeper and see what she or he is up to.

...And it's easy too: we set up a page on our club&rsquo;s website called &ldquo;Beekeepers' Diary&rdquo;, with a simple form that you can fill out to tell us what you&rsquo;re up to....  Don't worry if you're shy, your contributions are anonymous (we ask for a first name, but it doesn&rsquo;t have to be yours).]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Hellebores</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-04-01T16:59:14-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/8ea73b26eef3e23c7fc34ecf2db57c9f-176.html#unique-entry-id-176</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/8ea73b26eef3e23c7fc34ecf2db57c9f-176.html#unique-entry-id-176</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If your plant does not bloom it may be because it is in too much shade or planted too deeply.

It has become standard practice to remove the old leaves when the new leaves and flower buds start to emerge.  This is done not only for looks, but also to allow the new growth to get light and for the flowers to grow upright.

...Propagation Helleboris x hybridus is best devided in the fall, although it can also be done in the early spring....  With a sharp knife cut the plant into pieces making sure that each piece has at least two leaves, some of the rhozome, two buds and both the white and black roots (new and young roots).

...If you do not want this to happen or if you have a young plant, cut the flowers off whwn theseedpods strat to form.  If you want to grow plants this way the small seedlings should be thinned out and moved away from the mother plant.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>West Virginia Passes Beekeeper Immunity Law </title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-04-01T11:39:12-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/226edb06e7bd221908cb42b63a6a67b0-177.html#unique-entry-id-177</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/226edb06e7bd221908cb42b63a6a67b0-177.html#unique-entry-id-177</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[West Virginia has become the first state in the nation to pass a law giving beekeepers immunity from liability for ordinary negligence.  This law came about as a result of strong support by the leadership of both the House and Senate.  We are fortunate to have a State Senate President, Earl Ray Tomblin, whose father is a beekeeper.

...It also mandates the WV Department of Agriculture to promulgate Best Management Practices for beekeepers.  All beekeepers who abide by these two provisions will have absolute civil immunity from ordinary negligence.  The Department is working on a set of emergency rules they hope will be in effect soon.  Governor Joe Manchin signed the bill into law the first of April making this the first state to protect its beekeeping industry.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Beekeeping Now Legal in NYC</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-03-18T20:00:05-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/9bd1607cd93130370d9d005a01525a34-169.html#unique-entry-id-169</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/9bd1607cd93130370d9d005a01525a34-169.html#unique-entry-id-169</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 16th, New York City&rsquo;s board of health voted to lift a ban against beekeeping, legalizing the hives of hundreds of residents who have tended bees in defiance of the law.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Message: The Shoulders of Giants</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-03-01T17:13:47-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/5d5ab17a54bf80de27251ef3aac2a593-163.html#unique-entry-id-163</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/5d5ab17a54bf80de27251ef3aac2a593-163.html#unique-entry-id-163</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In 1159, John of Salisbury, Bishop of Chartres, wrote: "Dicebat Bernardus Carnotensis nos esse quasi nanos, gigantium humeris insidentes, ut possimus plura eis et remotiora videre, non utique proprii visus acumine, aut eminentia corporis, sed quia in altum subvenimur et extollimur magnitudine gigantean."  Translated from the Latin: "Bernard of Chartres used to say that we are like dwarfs on the shoulders of giants, so that we can see more than they, and things at a greater distance, not by virtue of any sharpness of sight on our part, or any physical distinction, but because we are carried high and raised up by their giant size."

Given the long and pansophic history of our organization, as the new president of the Long Island Beekeepers Club, I too, feel like a dwarf carried high on the shoulders of giants.

...And beneath us stand tall the giants of our club whose knowledge, contributions, and long involvement have created a long-lived and respected union of beekeepers.

To name only a few of these giants: Cliff Baynon, Peter Bizzoso, Rich Blohm, James Fischer, Harry Gaulke, Ray Lackey, John Moloney, Fred Munzer, Max Riedener, Clifford Still, Conni Still, Miguel Valentin.

...Managing our club is also a collaborative effort, and I would like to congratulate and thank my fellow officers for pledging their time and talents: Wayne Vitale, Vice President Dave Alexander, Corresponding Secretary Marianne Sangesland, Recording Secretary Harry Gaulke, Treasurer And our chairpersons: Conni Still, Membership and Beeline Editor, and Joan Mahoney, Hospitality.

I look forward to seeing all of you at our next meeting on Sunday, March 21st, 2:30 PM, when our guest speaker, Frederique Keller, President of the American Apitherapy Society, will be discussing "Holistic Medicine."]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Minutes of Meeting for February 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-03-01T17:12:33-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/abff9efbc533ebbbfc10df60e49355f3-166.html#unique-entry-id-166</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/abff9efbc533ebbbfc10df60e49355f3-166.html#unique-entry-id-166</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[&middot; Discussion about beekeeping classes currently being offered for our club: Rich Blohm is currently teaching both a novice class and an advanced class....  &middot; Master Beekeeper Ray Lackey of our club gave a presentation about what to expect in the upcoming warmer months as our bees get back to business....  Several frames with bees and brood through all stages of development will be the start of a new colony....  &middot; April 15 is usually when dandelions start blooming on Long Island, and that&rsquo;s usually considered the official start of the honey flow....  Remember the season starts around 2 weeks earlier on the south shore of Long Island as compared to the north shore.  &middot; Honey flow on Long Island traditionally ends around July 4th, but if you&rsquo;re lucky enough to live near streams or rivers the season will likely be longer due to late bloomers like Chinese Knotweed.  &middot; Ray reminds us that even if your bees made it through the winter, between now and mid-April is the most dangerous time as the growing hives are consuming their remaining stores quickly.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: March 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-03-01T17:01:13-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c2957944fe3c9b53581447d35818c61f-157.html#unique-entry-id-157</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c2957944fe3c9b53581447d35818c61f-157.html#unique-entry-id-157</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I have an additional stack of &ldquo;I want to be a member&rdquo; forms from the website that has been added to our database to receive the newsletter.  While it doesn&rsquo;t cost the club any $$$ to send out the email version of the newsletter, in the interest of keeping our membership list up-to-date, I ask that if you have any changes in your address, phone number, email address, or if you know of anyone who had previously expressed interest in the club but no longer wants to receive the newsletter or email from us, please let me know.

...It seems that a bunch of up-state commercial beekeepers have bent the ear of the politicians saying that we are unnecessary and disruptive as well as un-educated.

...Kindest regards, Eileen Roaman-Catalano Farmer Grant Examples A comparison of honeybee colony strength and survivability between nucleus and package started colonies Grant ID Number: FNE09-665 Grant Recipient: Erin MacGregor-Forbes, Overland Apiaries, Portland ME Beekeepers in Maine have seen high mortality in overwintered bees, and the farmer will test whether locally-sourced replacement bees perform better than packaged bees from the southern and western U.S. The goal is to identify whether small modifications in colony purchasing practices can reduce costs and result in healthier honeybee populations.

...******************************************************** Dear LIBC, Burgh Bees is a 375-member strong non-profit organization that promotes bees and beekeeping in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the surrounding region.  The planning department of the City of Pittsburgh has proposed an urban agriculture ordinance that will severely limit beekeeping in the City of Pittsburgh, without input from local beekeepers....  Please send an email to the Pittsburgh Planning Commission care of Jason Kambitsis of the Pittsburgh Planning Department at address jason.kambitsis@city.pittsburgh.pa.us urging the City Planning Commission to support urban beekeeping.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Care of Christmas Cactus</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-03-01T16:59:14-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/857d1ffcb58945261e76957712e110c5-168.html#unique-entry-id-168</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/857d1ffcb58945261e76957712e110c5-168.html#unique-entry-id-168</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s still winter, and the only plants we can care for, admire and decorate the house with, are houseplants.  Last month I featured poinsettias, this month I like to talk about the other holiday plant: The Christmas Cactus.

...In late summer or early fall, when the buds are forming, water only enough to keep the stems from wrinkling or shriveling.

...If the plant is kept outside during the summer, the cool temperatures of early fall nights (50 to 55 F) are usually enough for the plant to set buds.  This will probably take place before you bring the plants back indoors (before the night temps go below 50F or before the first frost)....  If the plant is grown indoors all year round, it will need artificial short days or about 13 hours of darkness to start bud development.  You can do this by placing the plant in a closet or unused room from 6 PM to 7 AM or draping it with a dark cloth for this period.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Holiday Party and 60th Anniversary Celebration Photos</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-03-01T13:16:37-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/64bfe2600799da6d9d3ffac03782c73e-162.html#unique-entry-id-162</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/64bfe2600799da6d9d3ffac03782c73e-162.html#unique-entry-id-162</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Browse through our online photo album of the Long Island Beekeepers Club Gala Holiday Party and 60th Anniversary Celebration which took place on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at the The Flaming Hearth, Farmingville, NY.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President Obama Offers Anniversary Congratulations</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-02-07T12:56:07-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4aacffbc58807ffdc813060455b792a8-161.html#unique-entry-id-161</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4aacffbc58807ffdc813060455b792a8-161.html#unique-entry-id-161</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bee Decline Linked to Falling Biodiversity</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-02-07T11:54:46-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6b27d43c661d1fd3295f76266e457896-159.html#unique-entry-id-159</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6b27d43c661d1fd3295f76266e457896-159.html#unique-entry-id-159</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[By Richard Black Environment correspondent, BBC News website

The decline of honeybees seen in many countries may be caused by reduced plant diversity, research suggests.  Bees fed pollen from a range of plants showed signs of having a healthier immune system than those eating pollen from a single type, scientists found.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: Care of Poinsettia Plants</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-02-07T11:42:01-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4f637a5e9fc79ff59305f123f94c1881-158.html#unique-entry-id-158</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/4f637a5e9fc79ff59305f123f94c1881-158.html#unique-entry-id-158</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Anyway, there isn&rsquo;t much going on in our garden but people are always asking me how they can take care off their holiday plants.

...When purchased, poinsettias should be in prime condition, they should be well shaped, exhibiting dark green foliage with bracts free from defects.

...Placing them here will cause rapid water loss from the foliage and bracts making it difficult for the roots to absorb enough water.

...It is probably best to start cuttings from the original plant, which would then develop into nice size plants ready for next Christmas.

In July or August remove 3 to 4 inch cuttings from the new growth on the plant.

...Should you decide to allow your original plant to grow larger and to get it to rebloom instead of taking cuttings and starting new plants, follow all the above procedures, except the paragraph on taking cuttings in July or August.

...Beginning the first of October, protect the plants from light by placing them in a dark closet between 5 PM and 8 AM daily.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: February 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-02-07T11:37:09-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/469c7caafee13d37cc8ba08936f78b17-167.html#unique-entry-id-167</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/469c7caafee13d37cc8ba08936f78b17-167.html#unique-entry-id-167</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Board of Directors met last month and has assembled a slate of nominees for officers for election as follows: President: Moira Alexander, George Schramm Vice-President: Wayne Vitale Corresponding Secretary: Dave Alexander Recording Secretary: Marianne Sangesland Treasurer: Harry Gaulke Membership : Conni Still Hospitality: Joan Mahoney

...One of my neighbors is a fellow beekeeper from up state and we have been writing to the creators of the game to make beekeepers and an apiary portion to the game.  If you are on Farmville too, please let me know so you can be my neighbor and we can get some more beekeepers for our petitions.

Recent Letters to the Editor: Dear LIBC, As a member of a beekeepers association, I&rsquo;d like to bring to your attention a book we&rsquo;ve recently published: "Honeybee: Lessons from an Accidental Beekeeper".  Marina Marchese fell in love with bees when her neighbor introduced her to his hives and has turned her passion into a successful business, Red Bee Honey.  The book is a charming personal account of her journey to beekeeper and honey entrepreneur as well as a fascinating guide to everything you need to know about bees....  The book is available at bookstores or any online bookseller; if you are interested in buying bulk copies for your club, there is information about how to order directly from us at a special price.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: January 2010</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2010-01-10T16:30:34-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b4545332e2f13499291ea65af139865d-156.html#unique-entry-id-156</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/b4545332e2f13499291ea65af139865d-156.html#unique-entry-id-156</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We certainly started it off with a great celebration of our 60th Anniversary of the LIBC at our Holiday Party.

...I&rsquo;d also like to thank Anna Bischoff for planning and Ray and Ginny Lackey for helping lead us in a spirited rendition of the Twelve Days of Beekeeping.

...I am sending them to George Schramm as well as the ones from the party and hopefully he will be able to put them up on the website.

...As I told those of you at the party, this started out as my husband Clifford&rsquo;s hobby, and little by little he drew me in. First he needed help extracting and bottling the honey....  And then just give him a hand holding a frame of bees, and then there I was, in the midst of it, and coming to meetings and making all new friends.  And how all of you have reached out to us and helped when Clifford had his heart surgery, and then my breast cancer treatment.  And when I lost Clifford you all were there to support me and help me with my bees just being my friends and family.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Bee-log for December 2009</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-12-03T22:22:29-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/a9c026031d1793a2f0c3a6ec9842895d-152.html#unique-entry-id-152</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/a9c026031d1793a2f0c3a6ec9842895d-152.html#unique-entry-id-152</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The holidays are upon us, but in all the hustle and bustle, we should not forget our hives.

Read More...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: December 2009</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-12-03T21:30:56-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/78e8196c8c9d8834debd9d16945bc074-154.html#unique-entry-id-154</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/78e8196c8c9d8834debd9d16945bc074-154.html#unique-entry-id-154</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I have been so busy making my holiday crafts, lotion bars, lip balm, candles and soap.  The craft fair at my church is this Saturday and I am looking forward to selling a lot of stuff....  Unfortunately I don&rsquo;t have as much honey to sell, hope I can make up the difference with all the other good stuff.

...Those of you who have not paid, please be ready to bring your money that day, we have to pay our bill when we leave of course....  A Bee related item is always a fun gift, $10-15 range.  If you bring a gift you pick a gift, so if more than one person in a family brings more than one gift, they get to bring home more than one.

...Gifts that were donated by the great Bee supply companies at EAS.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Minutes of Meeting for November 2009</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-12-03T21:23:55-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/64726dcae281f8d01a53d319431997d8-153.html#unique-entry-id-153</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/64726dcae281f8d01a53d319431997d8-153.html#unique-entry-id-153</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Long Island Beekeepers Club Monthly Meeting Minutes, November 15, 2009 St.

...Conni Still gave the demonstration of making a candle using a balloon filled with water dipped in melted wax.  After a series of dipping a shell is formed on the balloon, the balloon is broken and a wax shell is formed.  Decorated with a stencil of bees using gold spray paint, a battery operated mini candle is placed in the bottom of the wax candle and a gift candle is done.  Conni then showed the gift items she packaged of lotion bars and lip bars, demonstrating the type of containers and labeling used.

...Fred Munzer volunteered to serve as chairman of the nominating committee.  Anyone with suggestions for nominations should contact Fred for the slate of candidates for 2010.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Rev. LL Langstroth’s 200th Birthday Celebration</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-11-11T14:33:46-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ee22f39872a9e2f2a7614bc851d21120-151.html#unique-entry-id-151</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/ee22f39872a9e2f2a7614bc851d21120-151.html#unique-entry-id-151</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Bee-log for November 2009</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-11-05T22:38:48-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/49c32ff4e7854b00b7ca865ce80fec11-143.html#unique-entry-id-143</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/49c32ff4e7854b00b7ca865ce80fec11-143.html#unique-entry-id-143</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I congratulate everyone who won prizes at the Honey Judging!  I thank everyone who participated!

Read More...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: November 2009</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-11-05T22:38:15-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/3c8be99b47531795fd5f3c4328aaf9e5-149.html#unique-entry-id-149</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/3c8be99b47531795fd5f3c4328aaf9e5-149.html#unique-entry-id-149</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[First Prize Charlotte DiStefano Oatmeal Honey Cake 1 &frac12; cups raw oatmeal 1 cup boiling water 1 stick butter( or margarine) Mix these 3 ingredients in bowl and place a plate or cover over bowl and let sit until it absorbs.  Add: 1 cup honey 1 &frac12; cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla Mix all ingredients together.

...Top with following: 1 cup coconut 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup evaporated milk 4 tablespoons butter (or margarine) Mix and put over warm cake and place in broiler until brown....  &frac12; cup butter, softened &frac12; cup dark brown sugar, packed &frac14; cup honey 1 medium egg &frac12; teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger 2 dashes ground clove 1 dash cayenne pepper 2 &frac14; cups flour- scoop measured (use your measuring cup to scoop flour from the bag, then level)

Thoroughly cream the softened butter by hand, or with a mixer Add brown sugar and honey and mix....  chill the dough for 30 minutes and mold cookies in brown bag cookie molds following directions as follows.

...Bake at 375 degrees in the top third of your oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to brown.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Garden Column: The Low Maintenance Lawn</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-11-05T22:33:28-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/7e6e4cdd7652b05801bded91ee8d5a97-148.html#unique-entry-id-148</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/7e6e4cdd7652b05801bded91ee8d5a97-148.html#unique-entry-id-148</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Understanding the concept: A low maintenance lawn in most cases will not have the aesthetic qualities of a bluegrass lawn under a high maintenance program, but it does not have to look like a neglected lawn either.  Since you will be using minimum amounts of fertilizer and very little if any supplemental irrigation the aesthetics of the lawn will reflect this level of maintenance.  Also the types of grasses which will tolorate this level of maintenance do not have the same texture and dark color typical of bluegrasses.

In adition to the normal appearance of the low maintenance lawn you must be willing to increase your tolerance level to weeds and pests.  Also during the periods when temperatures are high and rainfall is minimal you must be able to tolerate a lawn which goes into summer dormancy.

...Occasional overseeding of areas damaged by pests or other factors may be necessary since the types of grasses in a low maintenance lawn do not spread like bluegrass.

...The fine fescues, which include the Chewings fescues, creeping red fescues and the hard fescues, are the type most often used in low maintenance lawns.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Creamy Pumpkin Soup</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-11-05T22:09:06-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2e1640ef725e889c76b88da94df46def-146.html#unique-entry-id-146</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/2e1640ef725e889c76b88da94df46def-146.html#unique-entry-id-146</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Serve it as a first course with Thanksgiving dinner.  Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 cup onion, chopped 2 (15 ounce) cans solid pack pumpkin (not pie filling) 6 cups chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/2 cup heavy cream, or half and half 3 tablespoons honey

Directions: In a large saucepan melt butter over medium high heat.  Add carrots, celery and onion and saute until vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes.  Add pumpkin, chicken broth, cloves and allspice.

...Return to pot, bring to a simmer and whisk in cream and honey.

...If soup is too thick, thin with more chicken broth.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>NY State Apiary Inspection Program</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-11-05T22:06:43-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6d97530c4c38ef77c0fc7110343d8ca0-150.html#unique-entry-id-150</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/6d97530c4c38ef77c0fc7110343d8ca0-150.html#unique-entry-id-150</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Since the discovery of the honeybee tracheal mite and the Varroa mite, the maintenance of the state's viable honeybee population has been of great concern to the NYS Department or Agriculture and Markets.

...Therefore, in accordance with legislation passed in 2007, beekeepers are required to provide the Department contact information and apiary yard location data for the purpose of assessing the size and condition of the state honeybee population.  In 1999, apiary inspectors inspected 5,426 honeybee colonies from 110 apiaries for American foulbrood disease and parasitic mites.

...Data will consist of the identification of the beekeeper (owner/manager) contact information as well as the location and size of all yard locations.  A yard location with no colonies present at the time of the survey can be identified.  Please note that if you maintain bees on property other than your own we ask that you identify the landowner and a contact number.

...The NYS Department or Agriculture and Markets has a form, Form PI-134 "Survey of Beekeeper and Apiary Yard Location Data," that you can complete to provide the location of your apiary(s).]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Call For Nominations</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-11-05T22:03:09-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c5ecf4ea8dac2f05f081fb4eb31f9da3-145.html#unique-entry-id-145</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c5ecf4ea8dac2f05f081fb4eb31f9da3-145.html#unique-entry-id-145</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In an effort to include all members in the process of nominating and electing new officers, nominations and votes will be accepted via e-mail and postal mail.

Nominations can be made by any member "in good standing", which means those who paid their 2009 dues in a timely manner.  Any member in good standing (same definition) may be nominated for any office.

Our club has grown large enough that a significant number of members do not attend any one meeting for a wide variety of reasons, so it is hoped that those who cannot attend specific meetings to nominate or elect officers will be included.

The deadline for nominations will be Dec 1st, 2009.  A ballot will be included in the December newsletter, and votes can be e-mailed to correspondingsecy@longislandbeekeepers.org or mailed to: Conni Still, 82 Stephen Road, Bayport, NY 11705

It is hoped that all ballots can be counted in January, so that the new officers can take office at the February meeting.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Minutes of Meeting for October 2009</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-11-05T21:54:24-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c044b907b2e13b840e9c62d1e9b2a5bc-144.html#unique-entry-id-144</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/c044b907b2e13b840e9c62d1e9b2a5bc-144.html#unique-entry-id-144</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[She introduced our guest speaker John Bernard, NY State Apiary Inspector who spoke to us about the inspection process and nosema.  While he was speaking, Ray Lackey was judging the entries in the annual honey judging contest.  The winners are: Amber Honey 1st Place: Miriam Kissel 2nd Place: Conni Still 3rd Place: Marianne Sangesland  Light Amber Honey 1st Place: Moira Alexander 2nd Place: Wayne Vitale 3rd Place: Jane Goebel  Dark Honey 1st Place: Charles DiStefano 2nd Place: Miriam Kissel

...Novelty Packaged Basket 1st Place: Eleanor Bizzoso 2nd Place: Conni Still...  Cookies 1st Place: Charlotte DiStefano 2nd Place: Priscilla Reilly 3rd Place: Conni Still]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>President's Bee-log for October 2009</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-10-14T22:37:00-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/8fd0a9c279e4d2038f0a6f3d9d16e540-140.html#unique-entry-id-140</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/8fd0a9c279e4d2038f0a6f3d9d16e540-140.html#unique-entry-id-140</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Hello everyone, I invite you to enter our Club&rsquo;s Annual Honey Show!  It&rsquo;s not just honey!

Read More...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FROM THE EDITORS DESK: October 2009</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-10-14T22:26:23-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/adb7591c2634672cb64edfe2f2bd6539-142.html#unique-entry-id-142</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/adb7591c2634672cb64edfe2f2bd6539-142.html#unique-entry-id-142</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[But I had fun sharing the work with Marianne, one of our newer beekeepers who also had a small amount to extract and the two of us spun away and it was nice to have company and an opportunity to teach the tricks of the hobby.  The expression on her face when that honey came flowing out of the extractor gate was priceless!

...When I went back to the hive to return the extracted frames, one hive had somehow filled many more frames with honey....  The second hive does not have quite so much, so I am going to have to feed them.

I had a visit from our new Apiary Inspector, John Bernard.  He checked out the hives and seemed pleased that everything was in good shape.  It&rsquo;s good to know we finally have an inspector available again.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Learn the ancient Art &amp; Science of APITHERAPY</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-10-14T22:06:23-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d1bf776024a1676bbee9feb045546b89-141.html#unique-entry-id-141</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/d1bf776024a1676bbee9feb045546b89-141.html#unique-entry-id-141</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Learn the ancient Art & Science of APITHERAPY, the medicinal use of products from the beehive: Honey, Pollen, Propolis, Royal Jelly, Bee Venom and Beeswax at the next Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course and International Conference (CMACC) New York, NY December 4&ndash;6, 2009 www.apitherapy.org Tel. (631) 470-9446

Learn about the health benefits of honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly, bee venom, beeswax....  For physicians, naturopaths, acupuncturists, massage therapists, alternative medicine practitioners, researchers, beekeepers and everyone interested in apitherapy.  Includes hands-on workshops on bee venom therapy and trade exhibit with apitherapy books, products and resources.  Come celebrate the 20th anniversary of the American Apitherapy Society, part of a worldwide movement that recognizes valuable benefits of this complementary form of health care.  Growing scientific evidence suggests that various bee products promote healing by improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, and stimulating a healthy immune response.

Help support the honeybees and raise awareness about apitherapy by becoming a member of the AAS, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and scientific research regarding honeybee products.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Club Photos Needed</title><dc:creator>webmaster@longislandbeekeepers.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Bee-Line News</dc:subject><dc:date>2009-10-14T22:04:00-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/1d6b6a7e73a7b4ba853bced11460e752-127.html#unique-entry-id-127</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.longislandbeekeepers.org/beeline/files/1d6b6a7e73a7b4ba853bced11460e752-127.html#unique-entry-id-127</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Attention all members: This is for our Club's 60th Anniversary celebration.  If you have photos from past meetings (the older the better, but new ones are great too) or other historical items to display, please bring them to our LIBC meetings August through November.  They may become part of a special display at our 60th Anniversary party in December.

Thanks!]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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