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Offline BjornBee

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As requested by buzzbee......
« on: March 09, 2011, 09:01:18 pm »
I mentioned in another thread about a visit I made to the governor's mansion in Harrisburg on Monday to go over the final details of installing an apiary. Not an observation hive, but working hives.

I did not see Governor Corbett, as he was finalizing the state budget that was just unveiled.

The best location, will be in the private residence garden. There are a number of other gardens including an English rose garden, but with the number of socials and functions, the traffic in close quarters to the beehives, may not be good.

The hives will be maintained by the Pennsylvania Backyard Beekeepers Association. It is part of our "open apiaries" program which is also placing 10 observation hives this spring in nature centers and environmental centers all across the state. A real accomplishment for an association not even a year in existence.

These are the "brick and mortar" programs that expand public knowledge and build bridges. I would encourage bee associations in other states to install bee hives also.

At a later time, we will have an official "unveiling" and we invited the Governor and first lady to be honorary members of our association.

We will be getting English style beehives. And are considering a special label for any honey produced.

Hopefully we can garner support in the future and benefit from such endeavors. Planting seeds now, may grow into great things later.

signed,
lazyboy   :-D
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Offline buzzbee

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2011, 09:18:11 pm »
This sounds like a great project. Keep us posted along the way!
I think it would be a great idea for other associations to pursue something like this in other states.
Could you imagine an apiary at every governors mansion in the lower 48?

Offline edward

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2011, 10:51:11 pm »
Great work , hope all goes well and allot of non beekeepers get interested in beekeeping  :-D

Lots of luck ..

mvh edward  :-P

Offline hardwood

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2011, 10:55:57 pm »
Bravo Mike...you've given me some ideas for our next club meeting!

Scott
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

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Offline backyard warrior

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2011, 12:20:02 am »
Mike i think its great that you are going above and beyond for everyone not only the beekeepers but the people in general.  Lots of respect to you for everything you do for me and everyone else in beekeeping  thanks for everything that you do and have done  :cheer:   Chris

Offline Beaver Dam

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2011, 12:49:16 am »
I proably could not pass the "EPA" , methane gas releasement by honey bees  act. Proper paint used on outside of hive body act. Contents of the sticky gooey green stuff that fills cracks and  bonds so well act. Nope not me. Thanks for asking though.

Offline Countryboy

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2011, 01:02:13 am »
How is this apiary funded?  Is it self supporting, or does it use funds from other folk's pocketbooks in any manner, public or private?  As this venture is on public property, are all profits going to the public, or will money end up in private pockets?

Often, things that folks claim 'expand public knowledge and build bridges' are nothing more than special interest groups trying to spend someone else's money to advance their agenda. (and often paying themselves from other people's money too)

How do you plan to deal with locations that are neglected, or you can't get volunteers to manage the hives in a timely fashion?  How do you plan to deal with swarms?  How do you plan to deal with neglected hives?  How do you plan to deal with the backlash of an angry public if they get stung?  How do you plan to deal with citizens who are allergic to beestings suing the State because of the added danger if they visit this public property?  Who will pay for the added costs of medical personnel to have medical care providers close at hand in case anyone gets stung?

Who is liable if someone gets stung, is allergic, and dies?

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Offline Grandpa Jim

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #7 on: March 10, 2011, 03:46:51 am »
Wow!!!!!! I never thought of all that stuff!!.....My bees are dead in the morning....I can't handle all that stress....Thanks for the heads up :shock:
I'm going back to watching paint dry...much less stress. ;)

Offline yantabulla

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #8 on: March 10, 2011, 03:54:16 am »
I'm off to Hell :evil:

Offline BjornBee

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #9 on: March 10, 2011, 07:27:57 am »
I proably could not pass the "EPA" , methane gas releasement by honey bees  act. Proper paint used on outside of hive body act. Contents of the sticky gooey green stuff that fills cracks and  bonds so well act. Nope not me. Thanks for asking though.

About the only requirement we had to consider, is some "green" policy which does not allow pressure treated wood to be used, like on a hive stand. We plan on keeping the wood natural and using a "Danish oil" type coating. No others concerns at this point.
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Offline BjornBee

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #10 on: March 10, 2011, 07:29:49 am »
How is this apiary funded?  Is it self supporting, or does it use funds from other folk's pocketbooks in any manner, public or private?  As this venture is on public property, are all profits going to the public, or will money end up in private pockets?

Often, things that folks claim 'expand public knowledge and build bridges' are nothing more than special interest groups trying to spend someone else's money to advance their agenda. (and often paying themselves from other people's money too)

How do you plan to deal with locations that are neglected, or you can't get volunteers to manage the hives in a timely fashion?  How do you plan to deal with swarms?  How do you plan to deal with neglected hives?  How do you plan to deal with the backlash of an angry public if they get stung?  How do you plan to deal with citizens who are allergic to beestings suing the State because of the added danger if they visit this public property?  Who will pay for the added costs of medical personnel to have medical care providers close at hand in case anyone gets stung?

Who is liable if someone gets stung, is allergic, and dies?

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

 :lau:

You must really hate life.

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Offline indypartridge

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #11 on: March 10, 2011, 07:35:56 am »
Kudos, Mike. Can't wait to see some pictures.

Offline buzzbee

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #12 on: March 10, 2011, 07:36:47 am »
I think most on this thread appreciate what is being done here.
It's no wonder people are so less generous committing time and efforts to causes .
We have a forum with 3300 members,most with a positive outlook on things.It's too bad the few with such a negative outlook at everything have to bring their dark clouds to rain on the parade.
To them, I say to all members,put up your umbrellas,don the slickers and stay for the parade.  :)

 The sun may be out before you know it!!

Offline Robo

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #13 on: March 10, 2011, 08:00:48 am »
Wow!   How the tide turns when it is our parade and not someone else's :roll:   I'm thinking a coupe of Warre hives would look nice at the governor's mansion.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison



Offline BjornBee

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #14 on: March 10, 2011, 08:33:49 am »
Wow!   How the tide turns when it is our parade and not someone else's :roll:   I'm thinking a coupe of Warre hives would look nice at the governor's mansion.

We had actually thought about a couple TBH's. But decided with the standard hives.

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Offline T Beek

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #15 on: March 10, 2011, 08:54:55 am »
Yet another inspiring effort from Bjornbee.  Very cool 8-)

What was that old saying?........

"People go to heaven for the weather, people go to hell for the company" :-D

thomas
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Offline Scadsobees

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #16 on: March 10, 2011, 09:39:20 am »
That's a neat idea, sounds like a lot of work!

What is there for the bees in the area?  I always see the perfectly manicured lawns, perfect gardens and wonder if there is any living insect life remaining there.
Rick

Offline backyard warrior

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #17 on: March 10, 2011, 01:08:33 pm »
Why is it everywhere i go to relax i run into a person who loves life and people as much as countryboy

Offline lenape13

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #18 on: March 10, 2011, 02:39:47 pm »
It should do a good job in promoting beekeeping in PA, good job!  Now, if they can just outproduce those White House bees, that would be even better.  Of course, that could never happen 'cause the government will simply tax the PA bees to no end and inflate their own production figures.   :roll:

Offline phil c

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #19 on: March 10, 2011, 02:55:39 pm »
Very cool Bjornbee! I would like to get some more info on this from you if I could. A group of us are getting ready to petition our local city council to recind and ordinance banning beehives in the city limits and can use all the ammo we can get.   
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Offline Countryboy

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #20 on: March 10, 2011, 10:34:14 pm »
I think it is great that beekeepers are trying to get public awareness of beekeeping.  'How' it is done will determine if bees get good publicity, or if bees get bad publicity.

No others concerns at this point.

Is there any effort to identify problems, or is the plan to address problems as they come up?

People don't plan to fail - they fail to plan.

There is a right way to do things, and a wrong way.  There is a time and a place for everything.  While I have a love for bees, I don't think it is a wise idea to mix private industry with public property, especially involving stinging insects in today's litigious society.

Do schoolkids ever go on field trips there?  Do you really want little allergic Johnny (whose daddy is a fruitloop lawyer) to get stung?

I promote beekeeping by encouraging others to become beekeepers, and mentoring them.

Offline buzzbee

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #21 on: March 10, 2011, 11:36:40 pm »
Countryboy,
do you have the same concerns at nature preserves or should we only show pictures and not actual wildlife.
The apiary is at the private residence of the governor. In PA a kid at an amusement park serving soda or other sweets is probably more likely to get stung by a yellow jacket.
 I am sure evry interested party knows the risks involved. Especially the governors office.I am sure they did not allow this totally absent minded.

Maybe this will soothe the itch:

 

Special Note: The PBBA has obtained permission from Pennsylvania Governor Corbett and the first lady, to install and maintain an apiary at the Governor's mansion in Harrisburg, Pa.

We are very grateful for the opportunity to allow the many school groups, educational programs, dignitaries, and special guests to the Governor's mansion the chance to learn and benefit from maintaining hives on the property. The hives will not be open to the public. But the benefit and support extended by Governor Corbett and the first lady will be far reaching and greatly appreciated.

http://www.pennapic.org/learningcenters.html

Offline Ollie

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #22 on: March 10, 2011, 11:49:54 pm »
That's a very cool project and I think that the observation hives for the development centers are a really cool thing too.
Projects like this are making a positive difference in the community.  X:X


Life is good...Make it gooder!

Offline edward

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #23 on: March 11, 2011, 07:57:52 pm »
I think its great that beekeepers are taking the time to get people more interested in bees.



When I was 5-7 years old my older sister some times spent her pocket money on honey comb in a wooden frame that she had bought from a local market , if I was kind a sometimes got to taste a little  :-D

I took another 30 years when I was at a local spring garden fair when i got to talking to a beekeeper that was selling honey , lipbaum , candles and hand creams ,He was also promoting the local beekeeping club.

The idea that even I could beecome a beekeeper had never crossed my mind , even though I have had a life long love of honey .

6 years later I am the president of our local beekeeping association (me and my open  :-D mouth)  :-D

I'm having a lot of fun + and trying to promote beekeeping , helping the new bees , participating in the start up of a queen breeding club , marketing my own honey , hives , still a lot to learn  ;)

My sister , she gets all the honey comb she wants . Its a great satisfaction beeing able to produce my own honey.  :-D

 :bee: MORE BEES  :bee: MORE BEEKEEPERS  :bee:


mvh edward  :-P

Offline Countryboy

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #24 on: March 11, 2011, 11:08:31 pm »
do you have the same concerns at nature preserves or should we only show pictures and not actual wildlife.

You're comparing apples to oranges.
Bees are non-native animals being managed as private industry.  I am not aware of native animals being managed as private industry on public grounds.

I don't have a problem with the BLM leasing land for agriculture, but I do have a problem with people using government land for agriculture at the expense of anyone else.

The apiary is at the private residence of the governor.

It is my understanding that the governor's mansion is public property, even if the governor has private quarters there.  Is this private property or public property?

In PA a kid at an amusement park serving soda or other sweets is probably more likely to get stung by a yellow jacket.

Once again, you are comparing apples to oranges - or are you suggesting that people are intentionally introducing colonies of yellow jackets, as is being done with honeybees?
(Are amusement parks in PA public or privately owned?)

I am sure evry interested party knows the risks involved. Especially the governors office.I am sure they did not allow this totally absent minded.

Given government officials penchant for near absentmindedness, and the political agenda of special interest groups, I have no faith in either party thinking this through before this was implemented.

 Special Note: The PBBA has obtained permission from Pennsylvania Governor Corbett and the first lady, to install and maintain an apiary at the Governor's mansion in Harrisburg, Pa.


Getting permission to do something inappropriate doesn't make it the right thing to do.  (Keep in mind that governors give pardons to criminals also - but it doesn't make it the right thing to do, to allow criminals not to have to pay the penalty of their crime.)

the chance to learn and benefit from maintaining hives on the property. The hives will not be open to the public.

So, what is being taught and where is the benefit if folks don't have access to the hives?  Huh?  Might as well just use pictures, and avoid the liability and moral hazard.

I do not believe it is a good thing to mix private industry with government.  I believe the right way to promote bees is by voluntary beekeepers leading by example, without using government involvement.  I do not believe people should be forced to help pay to promote beekeeping, which is what happens when taxpayer dollars are spent by government to promote honeybees in any manner.

Edward, it sounds like you are trying to do things the right way.  You are investing your own money and your own time, and not relying on government to help you share honeybee awareness.

Offline Beaver Dam

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #25 on: March 12, 2011, 01:14:53 am »
I proably could not pass the "EPA" , methane gas releasement by honey bees  act. Proper paint used on outside of hive body act. Contents of the sticky gooey green stuff that fills cracks and  bonds so well act. Nope not me. Thanks for asking though.

About the only requirement we had to consider, is some "green" policy which does not allow pressure treated wood to be used, like on a hive stand. We plan on keeping the wood natural and using a "Danish oil" type coating. No others concerns at this point.


There you go, I'm 60 years old, which color green is it? Me, one, green, my wife, HUMMMMM?

Offline edward

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #26 on: March 12, 2011, 08:01:43 am »
I do not believe it is a good thing to mix private industry with government.  I believe the right way to promote bees is by voluntary beekeepers leading by example, without using government involvement.  I do not believe people should be forced to help pay to promote beekeeping, which is what happens when taxpayer dollars are spent by government to promote honeybees in any manner.

Edward, it sounds like you are trying to do things the right way.  You are investing your own money and your own time, and not relying on government to help you share honeybee awareness.

No I don't rely on the government .

That being said , I don't dismiss there help either.

Localy our beekeeping club has a healthy relationship with local government. We and they have come to a mutual agreement that bees are good for society , farming , home gardening , and generally raising the standard of living locally.
Better harvests in home gardens= more income to spend on other things , a better quality of life.
This is a service that the bees provide , the only payment received i honey.

The local government lets us use suitable land for bee yards with out cost.

Also they have given us a place to hive our observation hive in a place where a lot of (hopefully) new beekeepers and general public have access to. No cost or rent. We are also looking for a place to have our club extractor , we don't have the economy to rent a space , mabee they can help , if there is some space/room that is not in use.
Also both of our learning bee yards are on government land , for free.  :-D
Space on there web page.

We are also applying for grants from the European Union to get are queen breeding club going. (fingers crossed)

There is allot of give and take.

 Beekeepers provide an important service to the local community that makes and sustains local growth and wealth.

Who is the government ?

WE ARE THE PEOPLE

It represents and hopefully benefits the people.

 If not , start a new party and change things , stop moaning from the side lines.  :shock:

Even beekeepers pay taxes , (hopefully)  :-D

Balance in nature , beekeeping , government and taxation .


PEACE OUT

mvh edward  :-P



Offline T Beek

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #27 on: March 12, 2011, 08:30:54 am »
There it is edward :)  Whenever folks start slamming 'the government' they need to be reminded that they are talking about themselves, especially if all they ever do is gripe.  Griping changes little when compared to taking action.

thomas
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Offline BjornBee

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #28 on: March 12, 2011, 08:59:26 am »
ollie, buzz, edward, and to all others with kind and supportive words. I say thank you. I am glad if this gives others some ideas they can also implement.

The old saying about someone having a problem with everything, no matter the subject or discussion, is once again supported.  

Because of this, I use the 90/10 rule. 90% will see an apple. The other 10% will not, they will see an orange, even when an apple is on the table. And no matter the details, even if you go out of your way, the 10% will always be the 10%. This discussion is a perfect example of this. IMO there is no rational logic and any explanation will be twisted or not good enough. There will always be with something to complain about. Always something to find fault. I find it better to ignore the 10% and focus on the 90%. Otherwise it is like beating your head against the wall taking 90% of your time, to make the 10% happy.....which will never happen. And I would rather try to make the 90% happy, with 100% of my time..... :-D


As example.....the part of the hive not being open to the public, and using that by countryboy to denigrate the effort, by claiming "who will benefit" if nobody will see the hive, is a perfect example.

The hives will be seen by thousands of folks. School groups, dignitaries, special groups that visit the governors mansion, etc. But unlike the other listed "open apiary" hives we maintain, the public can not at their convenience, walk in off the street, and visit anytime they like. The Governors mansion is gated and by appointment access only. We do not want people to think they can walk up to the governors private residence and think they can stroll through the place anytime they want to see the bees. The grounds are open to thousands of folks and groups, but are by appointment or special invitation.

Instead of asking for clarification, a pessimistic person who does not want to help, or is not the type of person who would never ask cause it would interfere with their complaints, will read statements and details in the manner they want it to read.

If anyone has any questions, please PM me. If you want to continue this, just please don't bang your head too hard.  :-D   I'm convinced that this has turned into a waste of time. I'm on to the next project...details to follow...   ;)
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Offline edward

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #29 on: March 12, 2011, 09:08:37 am »
90% will see an apple. The other 10% will not, they will see an orange, even when an apple is on the table.

Apple ? Orange ?

 :piano:  I WANT A BANANA !  :piano:  :-D




Maybee when the governor has guests over that are " in power " , they also will think about beekeeping  ;)

change starts all over.

mvh edward  :-P

Offline Acebird

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #30 on: March 12, 2011, 01:04:25 pm »
Quote
I am not aware of native animals being managed as private industry on public grounds.

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/grazing.html

You are kidding aren’t you?
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Offline Countryboy

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #31 on: March 12, 2011, 11:59:34 pm »
If you actually took the time to read my very next sentence, you will see that I addressed the BLM leasing grazing rights - which your link is about.

Offline Acebird

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #32 on: March 13, 2011, 12:13:21 pm »
Quote
I don't have a problem with the BLM leasing land for agriculture, but I do have a problem with people using government land for agriculture at the expense of anyone else.

Please explain the diffference. :?
Brian Cardinal
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Offline CVBees

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Re: As requested by buzzbee......
« Reply #33 on: March 13, 2011, 04:54:52 pm »
THat sounds cool Mike.  With me being so close to Harrisburg I would love to volunteer some time to assist in keeping up with these hives.  As long as I have not developed as Sean put it a death touch to insects.  (see previous post) sniff sniff.  I hope it all works out for these Government Bees hehe
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