Bee Extractions

The Crossroads Beekeepers met tonight, and Dave Dhom and Terry Hopper gave an excellent presentation on Bee Extractions and How to Charge What Your Service is Worth. 

Terry Hopper may be new to bee keeping, but he is not new to specialized businesses.  Terry shared how he grew a DJ business into a full service wedding reception business, and how he is able to receive a fair compensation for his service because he has (1) a specialized knowledge, and (2) specialized equipment.  Terry encouraged the bee keepers in attendance that they have specialized knowledge in working with thousands of animals that sting, specialized equipment for bee extraction, and should be justly compensated for the services performed. 

Dave shared his knowledge and experience in bee extractions including the types of equipment necessary to do the job properly, how to save the bees if possible, and how to make sure other swarms do not return to the same location next year.

Next month's meeting, October 8th, will feature Mike Benslay, beekeeper from Strasburg, on how to prepare your hives for winter.

Eleanor's Wedding

On Saturday, September 8, 2012, fellow Crossroads Beekeeper, Eleanor Balson became Eleanor Schumacher as she married the man of her dreams, Raph Schumacher.  However, this was no ordinary wedding, it was the wedding of a beekeeper and a dairy farmer.  And, with Eleanor's artistic and creative personality you know the decorations had to be fantastic as she played with the theme of a marriage made for the land of milk and honey!  The wedding was held at the Mills Apple Orchard, near Marine, Illinois.

Doesn't Eleanor make a beautiful bride?

 

Recycled Equipment becomes a Wedding Card Box

 

The blended bee/cow theme was everywhere!

 

I believe Eleanor said they filled 400 mini bears with honey as wedding favors.

 

We knew we were at the right place!

 

Beehives stood in attendance at the outdoor wedding chapel.

 

Would you expect anything else for wedding cakes!

 

The happy couple walk back down the aisle to the sound of cow bells!

 

 

At 4am the next morning Eleanor posted this message on facebook:

"Best day of my life!!! Now I'm off to milk some cows! Hooray!!!!!!"

 

 

The Crossroads Beekeepers wish Raph and Eleanor
all the best for their new marriage!

 

 

 

Next Meeting September 10th

The Crossroads Beekeepers will hold their next monthly meeting on Monday, September 10th, at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the University of Illinois Extension Center, 1209 N. Wenthe, Effingham. Please enter through the west doors and go downstairs.
 

David Dhom, beekeeper from Newton, will be presenting on the topic of removing established wild bee hives from people's homes, buildings, and trees. Dave is the Secretary of the Crossroads Beekeepers and has 9 years experience working with his wife, Lisa, managing 70-100 colonies of bees each year. Dave has been called upon numerous times over the years to remove problematic bees from people's property, and he will share with the club both suggestions for successful removal and proper financial compensation.

Bring a friend!!! Looking Forward to Seeing All of You at the Meeting!!!