Dates To Bee Remembered

January 1st, 2012 Happy New Year! The 100th Anniversary of the IHPA!

Put on your thinking cap and be sure to let the IHPA board members know what great ideas you have for celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the IHPA. This is a unique opportunity to promote beekeeping and the IHPA throughout 2012 and during the Iowa State Fair. Let us know what you think!

BEGINNER BEEKEEPING COURSES SCHEDULED

The Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA) and several other beekeeping groups will conduct beekeeping courses in several locations across the state to help those interested in beekeeping get started.

For 2012, course locations and details are listed as follows:

Winterset Library – Classes to begin in March. Pat Randol, Instructor. Contact Pat at 515-210-7445 or pdrandol@gmail.com for details.

Ankeny, Iowa Lab Facility – Classes begin Thursday, January 19th and will meet for seven consecutive Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Instructors: John Johnson & Andy Joseph. To enroll, contact Andy at 515-725-1481 or Andrew.joseph@iowaagriculture.gov . Course fee is $30.

Chariton -- Classes to begin January 20th at the Lucas County Extension Office. Meetings will begin at 6:30PM for seven consecutive Fridays. Instructor: Craig Greene. Contact Craig at 641-842-2112 for details.

Marshalltown – Classes held at Iowa Valley Jan 18 through Feb 29. This course will be divided into two parts: The first four weeks will be Beginning Beekeeping (Beekeeping I). The final three weeks will be "Advanced Beekeeping" (Beekeeping II), dealing with the 2nd year and beyond. Course fees = $40 for enrollment in both sections, or $25 for those who only want to take one part. Requirements for Beekeeping II are Beekeeping I or one year of beekeeping experience. Contact Sandy Supianoski at Iowa Valley to enroll: 800-284-4823 . Instructors: Phil Ebert and Margaret Hala.

Washington, Kirkwood Center -- Classes to begin February 6th and will meet for four consecutive Mondays, 6:00 – 8:00. Instructor: Ron Wehr. Contact Ron at 319-698-7542.

Spencer – Classes to begin in March. Contact Larry or Marlene Boernsen at 712-735-4205 for details.

Mason City – Classes held at NIACC, four consecutive Saturdays beginning February 4th. Course fee = $39.00. Instructors: Pat & Peggy Ennis. To register, contact NIACC Continuing Ed at 641-422-4358 or at 888-GONIACC ext. 4358.

Knoxville -- Classes to begin January 17th at the Marion County Extension Office. Meetings will begin at 6:30PM for seven consecutive Tuesdays. Cost is $30.00. Instructor: Craig Greene. Contact Craig at 641-842-2112 for details.

Oskaloosa -- Classes to begin January 19th at the Mahaska County Extension Office. Meetings will begin at 6:30PM for seven consecutive Thursdays. Cost is $30.00. Instructor: Craig Greene. Contact Craig at 641-842-2112 for details.

Indianola Library – Classes to begin January 19th, 6PM – 8PM, and continue for 8 consecutive Thursdays. Meetings held at the Trinity-United Presbyterian Church (Hwy 92, across from the A&W). Instructors: Friendly Beekeepers of Iowa. Contact Mike Wyatt at 515-961-0357 for details.

Indian Creek Nature Center – Classes to begin Thursday, January 19th at the nature center. Course meets for eight sessions throughout the year. Instructor: Bob Wolfe. Series Fee: $55/Member $85/Nonmember $10/partner. For details and registration, view the website: http://www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org/basic-beekeeping?month=jan&yr=2012 or call 319-363-0664.

Glenwood – Classes to begin January 25th, 6PM to 8PM, meeting 4-6 consecutive Wednesday evenings. Course held at the Mills County Engineer’s Office. Instructor: Clarence Seale. Contact Clarence for details and registry at 712-310-7410.

Peosta -- Classes held at Northeast Iowa Community College. Classes to begin January 24th , 6:00PM – 9:00PM, meeting for 6 consecutive Tuesdays. Instructors: Louise and Bill Johnston. Contact NICC Continuing Ed for details & registration at www.nicc.edu (click on continuing education), or by phone at 563-557-0354.

Early enrollment for many of these courses is important so courses can meet minimum enrollment numbers. Fees will vary by location and are expected to range from $30 to $60.

For more information, please refer to the IHPA website and online monthly newsletter at www.abuzzaboutbees.com or contact Andrew Joseph, State Apiarist, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship at (515) 725-1481 or

andrew.joseph@iowaagriculture.gov .