David McLeod is an Alabama native that got his start in bees at the age of thirteen, not quite forty years ago. He’s of the pre-trachea and varroa generation. Currently he’s the president of Potato Creek Beekeepers Club and his day job is chief cook and bottle washer Georgia Wildlife Services, Inc and among the many wildlife control services he offers is bee and stinging insect removal from structures and trees. He’s also a former president of Henry County Beekeepers Association and is active in both clubs in teaching and community outreach.
Paul Berry is a fifth generation native of Columbus and lives in the suburb of Box Springs. A retired business owner, Paul spent almost 40 years building and running an electronic security alarm company, now managed by his son. His interest in honeybees 35 years ago was influenced by a neighbor who had three hives. His first attempt at beekeeping ended in disaster as he watched his first hive float down a flood swollen creek. Too busy raising a family and building a business, Paul put beekeeping on hold for a few years.
In preparation for retirement, Paul again began keeping honeybees. Putting education ahead of implementation, his second attempt was much more successful. With over 60 hives, he can’t decide if he is a hobby beekeeper or a sideliner. Although honey is a great reward, Paul’s passion is learning about this fascinating creature and teaching what he has learned to new beekeepers.
Paul has been a long time active member of the Georgia Beekeepers Association. He has been President of the Chattahoochee Valley Beekeepers Association for four years and loves chairing his clubs’ Education Committee.
Tommy Mealer started in business as a nuc producer and package broker. He is currently working for Blue Ridge Honey Company as Co-Manager of Beekeeping Operations, including queens, nuc, packages, and honey production.
Our meetings are free and open to the public. Please see Directions The meeting starts at 7 PM.
2019 Georgia Beekeeper of the Year, Bobby Chaisson, will discuss late winter and early spring hive management. This critical time in the bee yard can make or break the upcoming season.
Topic: Supering Up – Going from a hobby to a sideline bee business. Steve, a Georgia Master Beekeeper, will discuss the concepts and needs for stepping up your game from a few hives in the back yard to creating a part time, money making venture.
Beekeeping Equipment! Bruce Morgan operates Morgan Apiaries, is the current President of Lake Country Beekeepers Association and the 2013 Georgia Beekeeper of the Year.
Cyndi Ball is proprietor of the Lazy B Farm established 2003 in Statham, Ga. An educator, agribusiness owner, Certified beekeeper, Master Gardener, certified Ag teacher in the state of GA, and a self-taught farmer, Ball began offering farm workshops at her home in 2009. In 2011 she launched the National Ladies Homestead Gathering, a non-profit organization focused on sharing homestead and sustainable knowledge and building face to face communities with like-mind women around the country.
Cyndi will present Treasures of the Hive at our meeting.
Meetings begin at 7PM. They are free and open to the public. Please see Directions to open, free parking. The lot is just 2 turns off the Loop Rd.
