November 20th, 2025

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Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

DRAFT -Minutes for November 20, 2025 Membership Meeting

Call to Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

was held on November 20, 2025 at Wytheville Community College. It began at 6:41 p.m. and

was presided over by Mickey Cunningham, MEBA President. A total of 21 members were

present.

Minutes: A motion to approve the October 23, 2025 minutes was made by Rodney Sayre and

seconded by Hank Sturkie.

Agenda Item:

• MEBA President, Mickey Cunningham opened the meeting at 6:41 pm.

• Hank Sturkie presented an amendment to the by laws for January 1, 2026.

• Mickey Cunningham presented on Mite Treatments

• The VSBA thanked all who came out to volunteer at the state convention in October. A

big thank you to Mary Encarnacao and Rodney Sayre’s wife who made quilts for our

club to raffle. Over $2,800.00 was unofficially estimated profit for the quilt raffle.

• A news release went out to newspapers about the upcoming bee class.

• Nominees spoke to MEBA members about why they would like to run for office.

• Elections results: President - Mickey Meredith, Treasure -Mary Encarnacao

• Potted sourwood trees and Summer Sweet (Clethra Alniflolia) will be available for

members to purchase (MEBA group price) in the spring from Weaver’s Nursery.

Next meeting:

January 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College in Smyth Hall room 122.

Adjourned: There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

Minutes for August 28, 2025, Membership Meeting

Call to Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

was held on August 28, 2025 at Wytheville Community College- “NEW LOCATION - Bldg #2

room 118 for the remainder of the year.  THERE IS PARKING ON THE SIDE OF THIS

BUILDING” . Monthly meeting began at 6:35 p.m. and was presided over by Mickey

Cunningham, MEBA President. A total of 18 members were present.

Minutes: A motion to approve the July 28, 2025 minutes was made by Ethel Parks and

seconded by Rodney Sayre

Agenda Item:

• MEBA Chairperson, Mickey Cunningham opened the meeting at 6:35 pm with a

discussion the upcoming elections in November.

• Rodney provided an update on the Quilt Raffle – this is one of our biggest money maker

– we have sold over $2,000 so far. If you need more tickets please see Rodney

• MEBA President, Mickey Cummingham presented a brief on Winter survival,

recommending starting your preps now.

• Rodney Dye presented on New Beehive / show and tell – great presentation.

• Mickey presented on the Vire Meeting MEBA Sponsorship

• Great DVD / YouTube on More than Honey – must see!

• The VSBA Convention that we will be hosting the last weekend in October will provide

another place to sell tickets.

Raffle:

Several items were presented for our monthly raffle.

Next meeting: Thursday September 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College.

Action Items:

• None at this time.

Friendly Reminder:

• Hat and T-Shirt update provided, colors and logo look great. Mickey is the point of

contact. Cost for tee shirts is $13.50 each.

Adjourned: There being no other business, Mickey adjourned the meeting at _8:12 p.m.

Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

Minutes for July 28, 2025, Membership Meeting

Call to Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

was held on June 26, 2025 at Wytheville Community College. Monthly meeting began at 6:36

p.m. and was presided over by Mickey Cunningham, MEBA President. A total of 228 members

were present.

Minutes: A motion to approve the June 26, 2025 minutes was made by Hank Sturkie and

seconded by Rodney Sayre

Agenda Item:

• MEBA Chairperson, Mickey Cunningham opened the meeting at 6:36 pm with a

discussion the upcoming elections in November.

• Rodney provided an update on the Quilt Raffle – this is one of our biggest money maker

– we have sold over $900 so far. If you need more tickets please see Rodney

• Hank Sturkie, MEBA Financial Secertary, presented the financial position for MEBA A

copy of the presentation is available upon request.

• Kathy presented an extensive training on the importance of Beekeeping. Which will be

on line.

• Hank and Rodney tickets can be sold at the Grayson County fair August 8-9. The VSBA

Convention that we will be hosting the last weekend in October will provide another

place to sell tickets.

Raffle:

Several items were presented for our monthly raffle.

Next meeting: Thursday August 28, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College.

Action Items:

• None at this time.

Friendly Reminder:

• Hat and T-Shirt update provided, colors and logo look great. Mickey is the point of

contact. Cost for tee shirts is $13.50 each.

Adjourned: There being no other business, Mickey adjourned the meeting at _8:05 p.m.

Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

Minutes for June 26, 2025, Membership Meeting

Call to Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

was held on June 26, 2025 at Wytheville Community College. It began at 6:34 p.m. and was

presided over by Rodney Sayre, MEBA Chairperson. A total of 23 members were present.

Minutes: A motion to approve the May 22, 2025 minutes with one minor typo was made by

Arlene Crockett and seconded by Rodney Sayre

Agenda Item:

• MEBA Chairperson, Mickey Cunningham opened the meeting at 6:34 pm with a

presentation and discussion on his European Bee trip

• Rodney provided an update on the Quilt Raffle – SELL, SELL SELL – this is one of our

biggest money makers.

If you need more tickets please see Rodney

• Guest Speaker, Mr. Sullivan provided an amazing brief “Better than Free Bee’s”

presentation. A copy of the presentation is available upon request.

• Rodney provided an update on the quilts. $580 + has been collected so far. The

drawing will be in November. About a $300.00 expense has been invested so far.

Tickets can be sold at the Grayson County fair August 8-9. The VSBA Convention

that we will be hosting the last weekend in October will provide another place to sell

tickets.

Raffle:

Several items were presented for our monthly raffle.

Next meeting: Thursday July 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College in Smyth

Hall room 122.

Action Items:

• None at this time.

Friendly Reminder:

• Hat and T-Shirt update provided, colors and logo look great. Mickey is the point of

contact. Cost for tee shirts is $13.50 each.

Adjourned: There being no other business, Mickey adjourned the meeting at _7:35 p.m.

Call to Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

was held on May 22, 2025 at Wytheville Community College. It began at 6:35 p.m. and was

presided over by Rodney Sayre, MEBA Chairperson. A total of 14 members were present.

Minutes: A motion to approve the April 24, 2025 minutes was made by Arlene Crockett and

seconded by Hank Sturkie.

Agenda Item:

• MEBA Chairperson, Rodney Sayre opened the meeting at 6:35 pm with a presentation

and discussion on Swarms.

• Rodney provided an update on the Quilt Raffle – SELL, SELL SELL – this is one of our

biggest money makers.

If you need more tickets please see Rodney

• Hank Sturkie provided a brief on the new Bee Class – final class will be held on 7 June

2025, Total of 40 students attending. Initial class comments is that it is an

outstanding class.

• Mickey announced at our May meeting last that the Hillsville Expo has been

postponed/canceled.

• Rodney provided an update on the quilts. $400.00 + has been collected so far. The

drawing will be in November. About a $300.00 expense has been invested so far.

Tickets can be sold at the Grayson County fair August 8-9. The VSBA Convention

that we will be hosting the last weekend in October will provide another place to sell

tickets.

• A handout was provided for the The Honey Integrity Act S.1028- 119 th Congress (2025-

2026) was discussed. The attached is a summary of this Act. *Adulterated honey will

be destroyed and not sent back to their country of origin. Enforcement will happen to them

as well.

Raffle:

Several items were presented for our monthly raffle.

Next meeting: Thursday June 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College in Smyth

Hall room 122.

Action Items:

• None at this time.

Friendly Reminder:

• Hat and T-Shirt update provided, colors and logo look great. Mickey is the point of

contact. Cost for tee shirts is $13.50 each.

Adjourned: There being no other business, Rodney adjourned the meeting at _7:27 p.m.

Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

Minutes for April 24, 2025 Membership Meeting

Call to Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association was held on April 24, 2025 at Wytheville Community College. It began at 6:38 p.m. and was presided over by Mickey Cunningham, MEBA President. A total of 26 members were present. 

Minutes: A motion to approve the March 27, 2025 minutes was made by Dicky Morgan and seconded by Torrence Van Lear.

Agenda Item:

• MEBA President, Mickey Cunningham opened the meeting at 6:38 pm and gave a presentation on splitting hives. 

• Mickey announced that the Hillsville Expo has been postponed/canceled.

• Mickey gave an update on the quilts. $400.00 have been collected so far. The drawing will be in November. About a $300.00 expense has been invested so far. Tickets can be sold at the Grayson County fair August 8-9. The VSBA Convention that we will be hosting the last weekend in October will provide another place to sell tickets.

• Hank Sturkie and Cathy Hounshell gave an update on the bee class.

• Hank Sturkie presented the Quarterly Finance Report for 1/1/25 to 3/31/25.

• Cathy’s Corner: Queens and Things- Email Cathy if you want to order to get a discount on vaccines for American Foul Brood and Deformed Wing Virus.

•  The Honey Integrity Act S.1028- 119thCongress (2025-2026) was discussed. The attached is a summary of this Act. *Adulterated honey will be destroyed and not sent back to their country of origin. Enforcement will happen to them as well.

• Rodney discussed catching swarms. It is illegal to sale swarms because there is no comb. A good product to use when trying to catch swarms is Swarm Command. It is about $35.00 per bottle.  

Raffle:

Heat gun – Arlene Crockett 5 frames – Rodney Dye

Swarm box –Paul Chambers 5 frames – Millie Haulsey

Swarm box- Doug Paddock Queen excluder – Arlene Crockett

Pollen/Candy board screen – Tamra Blackburn Super – Maston Parks

Hive top board slanted roof – Tamra Blackburn Brood frames – Rodney Dye

Honey Sieve – Doug Paddock Feeder box – Patty Younger

Candy board screen – Arlene Crockett

2 Super wooden boxes – Maston Parks 

Next meeting: Thursday May 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College in Smyth Hall room 122.

Action Items:

• Establish procedures to ensure accountability of raffle ticket sales. Action to be MEBA Board of Directors

Friendly Reminder:

• Hat and T-Shirt update provided, colors and logo look great. Mickey is the point of contact. Cost for tee shirts is $13.50 each.

Adjourned: There being no other business, Mr. Cunningham adjourned the meeting at _8:03 p.m. 

The Honey Integrity Act, formally titled S. 1028, is a bill introduced in the Senate to protect the integrity of honey marketed in the United States. It focuses on preventing adulteration and misbranding of honey, ensuring consumers can have confidence in the natural, wholesome, and healthy nature of the honey they purchase. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Key Provisions of the Honey Integrity Act:

· Standard of Identity for Honey:

The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a detailed standard of identity for honey, aligning with United States Pharmacopeia standards. 

· Reporting Adulterated Products:

The act mandates that honey packers report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) whenever they detect an adulterated product. 

· Interagency Cooperation:

FDA, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the USDA will collaborate in detecting, testing, and enforcing regulations related to adulterated and misbranded honey. 

· Honey Integrity Program:

The bill directs the Secretary to establish the "Honey Integrity Program" to detect adulterated honey in interstate commerce. 

· Testing and Certification:

The Honey Integrity Program will require qualifying commercial honey packers to test and certify that their honey is not adulterated, and a list of these packers will be published and updated. 

· Enforcement Actions:

The Secretary will be required to report to Congress on enforcement actions taken against adulterated and misbranded honey. 

· Fee Structure:

Packers will be required to pay appropriate fees to the Secretary for administering the Honey Integrity Program. 

Purpose and Goals:

· Consumer Protection: The bill aims to protect consumers from adulterated and misbranded honey, ensuring they receive a natural and wholesome product. 

· Fair Competition: It seeks to level the playing field for honest American beekeepers who compete with adulterated products. 

· Transparency: The act aims to increase transparency in the honey supply chain. 

Background:

· The American Honey Producers Association supports the Honey Integrity Act, recognizing the need for adequate protections against honey adulteration. 

· The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 13, 2025. 

· The bill is currently in the first stage of the legislative process and will be considered by committee. 

Call To Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers

Association was held on March 27, 2025 at Wytheville Community College. It began at

6:36 p.m. and was presided over by Mickey Cunningham, MEBA President. A total of

22 members were present.

Minutes: A motion to approve the February 27, 2025 minutes was made by Rodney

Sayre and others.

Agenda Item:

• MEBA President, Mickey Cunningham opened the meeting at 6:36 pm and introduced guest speaker on Bee Inspections

• Committee reports provided by the following individuals.

Rodney – ED Committee

Shawn – Earth Day

Mickey Grayson Fair

• Rodney discussed NUC List

• Mickey Discussed New Business

• Quilt Raffle – Mr. Sayre discussed the 2025 quilt raffle. Raffel tickets were

handed out to each member present, list of names provided to Rodney.

Funds due back along with signed raffle tickets. Left over tickets will be

mailed to paid members.

• 2025 Beginning Beekeeping Class – Mr. Sturkie provided an overview of the

class.

Next meeting: Thursday April 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College

in Smyth Hall room 122.

Action Items:

• Establish procedures to ensure accountability of raffle ticket sales. Action to be

MEBA Board of Directors

Friendly Reminder:

• Hat and T-Shirt update provided, colors and logo look great. Mickey is the point

of contact. Cost for tee shirts is $13.50 each.

Adjourned: There being no other business, Mr. Cunningham adjourned the meeting at

_8:01 p.m.

Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

Minutes for February 27, 2025 Membership Meeting

Call To Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association was held at February 27, 2025 at Wytheville Community College. It began at 6:40 p.m. and was presided over by Mickey Cunningham, MEBA President. A total of 37 members were present. 

Minutes: A motion to approve the January 23, 2025 minutes was made by Rodney Sayre and others.

Agenda Item:

• Rodney provided results of survey as well as best bee practices. 

• Hat and T-Shirt update provided, colors and logo look great. Mickey is the point of contact. Cost for tee shirts is $13.50 each.

• Quilt Raffle – Mr. Sayre discussed the 2025 quilt raffle. 1,000 tickets to be reprinted due to several concerns. Each member will be responsible for 2 booklets of tickets, each ticket $5 each. 

• Mr. Sturkie emphasized the need to ensure accountability for funds received. Mr. Sayre for action. 

• 2025 Beginning Beekeeping Class – Mr. Sturkie provided an overview of the class. 

• Mickey provided in overview of Spring Bee preparation. 

Next meeting: Thursday March 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College in Smyth Hall room 122.

Action Items:

• Establish procedures to ensure accountability of raffle ticket sales. Action to be MEBA Board of Directors

Adjourned: There being no other business, Mr. Cunningham adjourned the meeting at _7:59 p.m. 

Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association

Minutes for January 23, 2025 Membership Meeting

Call To Order: A monthly membership meeting of Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association was held at January 23, 2025 at Wytheville Community College. It began at 6:35p.m. and was presided over by Mickey Cunningham, MEBA President. A total of 18 members were present. 

NEW MEMBER: Dicky Morgan attended and joined MEBA at the meeting.

Minutes: A motion to approve the November 21, 2024 minutes was made by Rodney Sayre and others.

Agenda Item:

• Election Results – Mr. Cunningham presented the results of the proxy voting, Rodney Sayre was elected Vice President and Mary Encarnacao was elected Secretary for 2-year terms ending December 31, 2026.

• October 2024 Board of Directors Meeting discussion was presented by Mr. Sayre.

• Ideas for education topics and raffle items presented by Mr. Sayre.

• MEBA Website – Mr. Cunningham noted that Ms. Younger will be paid $25 per month for services. rendered

• Shirts – Mr. Cunningham stated the embroidered shirts cost $13.50 each.

• Quilt Raffle – Mr. Sayre discussed the 2025 quilt raffle. 1,000 tickets will be printed and sold for $5 each. Mr. Sturkie emphasized the need to ensure accountability for funds received.

• 2025 Beginning Beekeeping Class – Mr. Sturkie provided an overview of the class. 

• Financial Report – Mr. Sturkie presented the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. 

• Education: Best Practices, presented by Mr. Sayre. 

• Monthly Raffle was conducted by Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Sayre.

Next meeting: Thursday February 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Wytheville Community College in Smyth Hall room 122.

Action Items:

• Mr. Sturkie and Mr. Encarnacao will research the need to file with the IRS.

• Establish procedures to ensure accountability of raffle ticket sales. Action to be MEBA Board of Directors

Adjourned: There being no other business, Mr. Cunningham adjourned the meeting at _8:pm___ p.m.