New Beekeepers Association Selected Name, Officers

by Jonathan Weaver

More than 40 ongoing and prospective beekeepers from Armstrong and three surrounding counties met last night to form their new organization.

An organization known as the Armstrong/Indiana Beekeeper’s Association dissolved, and the new group will be known as Beekeepers of Armstrong, Butler, Clarion and Indiana (ABCI).

Newly-elected President Dan Lynch, of Templeton, builds his own equipment and has kept bees for about 40 years

Lynch became more involved in beekeeping in early-2012 after retiring from the postal service, and was surprised with the amount of interest at last night’s organizational meeting.

“We had a much-better turnout than I expected. And I even had about a dozen people call me and say they couldn’t make it!” Dan said.

Dan – who said he is not a public speaker – talks at local schools and the Armstrong Herb and Garden Club.

The association’s name was chosen from about a dozen ideas written by prospective members

“We don’t want to exclude anybody,” Dan said.

Darcy Kiehl, of Corsica, - the association’s new vice-president - is a newbie beekeeper.

“My grandmother had bees,” Kiehl said. “And I love honey, but you can’t trust anything out there on the market. I also make my own vinegar and soaps, so I know what’s in it.”

Dan will hold a two-year term and Kiehl will also be vice-president for two years.

After Dan’s two years in office, Kiehl will become president.

Katherine Donelly, of East Brady, nominated herself as treasurer to the group. She classified herself as “very business-oriented” because of working with her father in Butler and working to open another store in Chicora.

“As long as I was able to push a broom, I was working in business,” Donelly said. “So, I know a lot about accounting and handling money, where it needs to go.”

The beekeeper got involved in beekeeping as soon as she graduated from school after learning skills from her father, Randolph (also of East Brady), and has organized a Facebook page devoted to giving helpful tips.

“We’re looking to do it together, with my brothers. Kind-of a family event,” Donelly said.

Husband, Sam, will also be involved - but is allergic to bees.

Central Western Pennsylvania Beekeeper’s Association President Barry Leicher also was at the first meeting and shared some advice about his 25 years in the hobby. He also belongs to several local organizations, as does Dan.

“I belong to a lot of these associations because every one of us offer something, and then we get together, too,” Leicher said.

Some of his advice including: starting with two colonies and always having an epi-pen and liquid Benadryl handy.

Dan also looks forward to advice from Beaver Valley Area Beekeepers Association, and hopes future meetings can be held together or with regional speakers.

Dan’s wife, Anita, was elected secretary.

“We’ve been to a few events (Central Western Pennsylvania) has put on, and (Dan) thought he could get some more local people involved to get together.”

East Franklin Township Police Sergeant William Evans will also be a new beekeeper at the urging of Lynch

Members also established yearly dues, which will be $5 for youth and social members, $10 for members 18 and older, and $15 for a family membership

According to Solicitor Chase McClister, there is a $125 filing fee to become the organization.

The association will meet at 7PM the last Tuesday of each month – tentatively at the Armstrong County Commissioners’ Conference Room in the Courthouse Administration Building – before eventually meeting outdoors.