The holidays are upon us, but in all the hustle and bustle, we should not forget our hives.

This has been a terrible year for many beekeepers, so hive weights are worth checking while there is still an opportunity to feed the lighter hives. Now that Thanksgiving has passed, even the most stubbornly profligate hives should have entered their broodless period, a milestone for users of Oxalic acid for Varroa control.

We all may want to check for overlooked details, like removing any queen excluders that might have been left in place, and checking both the bottom and top entrances. More rural members might want to install mouse guards before it gets cold, and mice are tempted to move in. Jim bangs a hive tool on the side of the hive and tilts the boxes off the bottom board before installing a mouse guard. He says that this scares out any mice that might have moved in early. Rotted bottom boards and unstable bases are something else to look for. Better to fix them before the cold weather, as hives tend to tip over at the worst possible times.

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work this year!

Term limits prevent me from serving as President again next year. It has been my pleasure to serve the club. Merry Christmas and a healthy happy New Year to all!

Thanks everyone - you make the club the best it can bee.