September 2022– A big thanks to Bob Michiels and Tom Cashman for covering the Club booth at the Green Bay Botanical Garden Fall Fair. According the Tom, “The weather cooperated and it didn’t rain on us. Our booth was located way down from the main building but the people made it down and found us. They liked looking at the observation hive and were buying stuff off the table like crazy. I hope we go again next year.”
Kids enjoying the observation hive at the Garden Fair.Starting to learn about bees at an early age.Booth at the Garden Fair
April 2022– Ever wanted to see little bundles of energy learning about bees and pollinators. Julie Mazzoleni and Bob Michiels had a fun day exploring pollinators with over 50 first grade students in Oconto, WI. The students were fascinated about honey bee “SUPERPOWERS” and became experts at the waggle dance (no pictures unfortunately).
Julie showing a bee videoBob displaying a frame of capped honey
April 2022 – The East branch of the Brown County WI library system hosted an information gathering session for more than 10 young, first time beekeepers. Dave Elsen, Bob Michiels, and Wayne Steigelman added to the attendees excitement as their knowledge about what it means to be a beekeeper was expanded. These new beekeepers left with a better understanding of how the Brown County Beekeepers Association is a resource throughout the season.
Bob pointing out bee infoDave displaying a frameBee books
January 2022– Julie Mazzoleni, Bob Michiels, and Wayne Steigelman met with the Gardeners Club of Green Bay (an affiliate of Gardeners club of America). The presentation focused on honey bees, native bees and other pollinators, the threats they encounter in today’s environment and the actions gardeners can take to protect all pollinators. The Garden club members were also treated to a honey tasting event where they were able to sample 5 different flavors of honey.
Julie presenting to the Gardners ClubFive different types of honeySeveral types of honey ready for tasting
December 2021 – Club member Emily Skala was recognized at the WHPA Fall Banquet for completing the first year of her Youth Beekeeping Scholarship. The Brown County Beekeepers are proud of her accomplishment and Julie Mazolleni for being her mentor.
Participating as part of a panel discussion.
Talking with the media
Presenting to the club
November 2021 – A very special club meeting. Most of the meeting was dedicated to club members sharing how they use honey and wax products to generate additional income AND to use the outputs of the bees hard work.
Making bees wax bars and candles.
Multiple products
The most popular product – honey based Mead alcoholic drink.
Carol making honey and lemon cough suckers.
Carol and Dick demonstrating making honey and lemon cough suckers
Making wax sandwich wraps
Different products using honey or wax
September 2021 – The Club was represented at the Botanical Gardens 25th Anniversary fair. Lots of folks that are interested in plants and flowers learned about bees and their importance to the food/flower chain.
Observation hive always interests the kids
Ready to sell honey
Even adults like the observation hive
Observation hives are always a hit
August 2021 – The club meeting in August was very special. The bulk of the meeting was spent honoring Tom Cashman for his 50 years of service to the club. Tom has been an officer ALL of those 50 years. He followed in the footsteps of his father who was club President in the 1930’s. The club has had a Cashman in the club for over 75 years!
One of a kind – 50 year bee club jacket
An article about the Cashman family in American Bee Journal.
Gifts presented to Tom honoring his 50 years
Specialty cake honoring Tom Cashman
July 2021 – The annual club picnic was again a success. Thanks to Dick and Carol for coordinating the event and to Jim for cooking and providing homemade wine.
Prize winner, Emily, drawing the next winner.
Awaiting the door prize drawing
The bee club annual picnic
One armed cook, Jim Arvey
Demonstrating a prize just won!
July 2021 – The club partnered with the Green Bay Botanical Gardens to conduct two Children’s Pollinator Program summer camp classes where we discussed bees, pollinators, and honey. Special thanks to club members Julie, Dave, Emily H., Carl, tom, and Emily S. for preparing the materials and presenting an exciting and interesting four hour, hands-on class.
Emily explaining honey comb
Learning about bees
Making wild flower seed bombs.
Watching hive inspection
Up close with bees, safely.
June 2021 – Club members were treated to a honey themed dinner prepared by Chef Ace Champion and hosted at Ledgestone Vineyards in Greenleaf, WI. The evening started with an outside cooking demo and quickly, due to thunderstorms, moved inside into the wineries aging room. It was a night of fun, fellowship, good food, and wine.
All set up and cooking outside before the thunderstorm
Inside, out of the rain, learning appetizers
Up close getting cooking tips
Emily learning how to flambe
May 2021 – The club partnered with NWTC and Green Bay Botanical Gardens to establish and improve the bee yard in the work area of the Gardens. The club authorized spending up to $200 on the bee yard which ultimately only cost $60 because of the donation of crushed limestone (NWTC) and mulch (Gardens). Special thanks to Dave and Diane Elsen, Carl Fisher and Julie Mazolleni for all the work they put into the new and improved bee yard.
A bee yard in need of work
Blocks ready to be laid
Laying and leveling blocks.
After 15 wheel barrow loads of crushed limestone.
Almost complete
Bee yard at Green Bay Botanical Garden
March 2021 – NBC Channel 26 in Green Bay featured beekeeping with interviews of two club members. Watch it here on Facebook.
A club member sent us pictures of his hives encounter with a bear. He found frames in various places around yard. He was able to put the hive back together and hopes the queen made it. Here is his quote: “Had to hunt down a few pieces in the brush. Found the spot where the bear laid down to suck up his spoils. Probably at least ¾ of the honey is still there, just some grass and dead bugs on it. Which means he’ll likely be back for more. I’m hoping the bees gave him enough incentive to stay away, which is probably why he didn’t destroy everything in sight.”
Bears knocked the hive off its stand. Luckily the propolis held the boxes together or maybe the bear got scared off before tearing into the boxes.The hive was strapped down and the bear was still able to knock it off the stand.The bear carried some of the equipment into the woods. Fortunately most of the equipment was not damaged.The hive put back together with most of the bees intact. An electric fence is the next step.
Brown County Beekeepers Association will have a booth at the Einstein Expo on February 2, 2019 at Shopko Hall in Green Bay WI. Experienced beekeepers will be present to answer any and all of your bee related questions.
