Northwest Indiana Beekeepers Association
July Meeting Agenda
July 2, 2026, 6:00 pm
Location: Hobart Moose Lodge
- Call to Order: Rick Rayner, President.
- Minutes: Gina Matury, Secretary
- Old Business: Gina Matury, Secretary
- Committee Reports
- New Business
- Presentations
- Sue Gloza – Review of Queen Rearing Class at recent Purdue Day
- Frank Garber – Bee Stings, Reactions, Remedies and the Use of Epi Pens
- Nick Vallee – The July Hive, What’s Needed Now (If time permits)
- Questions
- Announcements
- Next Meeting: September 3, 2026, Hobart Moose, 6:00 pm CST
- Adjournment – Rick Rayner, President
Northwest Indiana Beekeepers Association June 2026 Meeting Minutes
DATE: June 4, 2026
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: President, Rick Rayner
NUMBER IN ATTENDANCE 27
MINUTES: Minutes of the May meeting were presented online and in written form at the meeting. Nick Vallee moved to approve the minutes. Julianna Beard seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
PRESIDENT COMMENTS: Rick Raynor reviewed some of the Moose policies. He also advised that a case of American Foul Brood had been confirmed in Will County, IL. His presentation later in the program would address this disease.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Education: Bobby Csernak advised that the education hive set up is ready to be used.
Entertainment/Facilities: Gina Matury advised that the annual picnic may not be held this year. If it is, it will probably be in a different format at a different location. David Poremba stated that a storage unit has been secured and all club materials and equipment will be moved there shortly.
Fair:
- Gina Matury advised the membership that the schedule for the Lake County Fair is now available in hard copy for anyone to sign up to help man the booth at the fair. She also stated that an online sign-up method will be available soon.
- Rick restated that workers are needed for the fair. He reminded members that they will receive a free fall banquet ticket for working ten or more volunteer hours at the fair.
- Nick Vallee is looking to finalize the purchase of the honey to be sold at the fair by looking for three bids for the honey.
Treasurer’s Report: David reported that the current club fund balance is $11,849.13. In the last month we have received seven individual membership renewals and one family. Sue Gloza moved to approve the report. Bryan Blazal seconded and the report was approved.
PRESENTATIONS
Demaree Splits: Rick Raynor gave a talk on why and how to do a Demaree Split of a hive.
American Foul Brood: Rick gave a talk on American Foul Brood disease. The discussion included what the disease is, how to identify it and the steps suggested and required if it is found in a hive.
Varroa: What to do Now: Bobby Csernak gave an excellent presentation on current treatments available for controlling Varroa in the summer hive, including an in-depth discussion of the relatively new maintenance treatment, Norroa.
It was moved that we adjourn, was seconded and the meeting was adjourned.