Minutes for August 8, 2016

Brad Keck opened the meeting

70 members in attendance

Food provided by Linda Lane

Jim Pickett asked those who are not getting email from NWA Beekeepers to give him their email information

Old Business:  None

New Business:

Brad has the name of a lady who would like some help with some hives and may have some equipment to sell.  Contact Brad Keck for her contact info

Brad warned about bio security and to be careful with used equipment.  Make sure all used equipment is sterilized and cleaned before introduction to your beeyard.

At our last board meeting, a motion was proposed, seconded and approved that a mentor program would be established. Members requesting a mentor would be put in contact with a willing mentor in their area if possible.  Dennis Counts will administer this new program. It was also proposed, seconded and approved that our club will hold a one day bee school class for the years that the State funded school is held in Bentonville.  Our class will precede Bentonville’s three day bee school and will be held on a Saturday for a period of 6 hours.  Lunch will be provided.  Cost is yet to be determined.

Victor Mathis introduced  Jaime Turner, PA at Cashman Allergy Clinic in Fayetteville, AR

Mrs. Turner gave a detailed, informative presentation on Honey Bee Venom

Highlights include:

Three levels of sensitivity

1. Mildly sensitive people experience discomfort, mild swelling and itching.
2. Very sensitive more intense swelling for 3-7 days.
3. Sensitized and extremely allergic people can develop anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is when the Ige antibody related to be venom builds up quickly and can cause major swelling and can cause the shutdown of the respiratory system.  

Testing is available to establish the degree of a person’s sensitivity.  

Sensitivity can change at any time during a person’s life.  Therefore it is recommended that those who are known to be sensitized and all beekeepers should have an Epipen available at all times in case of  emergency.  An Epipen is a portable medical device that will inject epinephrine as a rescue.  Epipens are available at a discount through GoodRX. Epipens will expire in time so keep current on prescriptions.  

Bee venom is a allergen, not a toxin.  Snake venoms are toxins.  They are treated differently.  An Epipen will not work on a snake bite!!!

We thank Mrs. Turner for a great presentation.  

Our next meeting will be held on September 12, 2016