Around Randolph / Opinion / Randolph
Around Randolph: Combating bee colony collapse in Portage County
- Sandy Engle
“Be like the honeybee who gathers only nectar wherever it goes.” – Amma
In the midst of colony collapse, extreme weather patterns, pesticides, neonicotinoid treated seeds, and varroa mites, Mary Lovin has found ways to help bees thrive. Since a third of all food is pollinated by bees, all of us in Randolph are fortunate that Mary (and other local beekeepers) are enhancing the productivity of our farms and gardens. According to an article from Iowa State University, honey bees can increase the yield of soybean crops up to 20%. Unfortunately, last winter commercial beekeepers in Ohio had a 66% loss of colonies.
As a child, Mary was mesmerized by her uncle Lloyd’s extensive hives and the flavor of his sourwood honey. Twelve years ago, Mary bought one hive which she lovingly tended, but after the first winter it perished. However, Mary was determined to be successful and attended beekeeping classes, joined two beekeeping clubs, subscribed to bee journals and read dozens of apiary books.
Her persistence paid off. Currently, she has 24 hives and is known throughout this county and beyond as the go-to person when it comes to purchasing healthy and resilient bees. When asked why her hives are robust, she said, “Nutrition is the key. Bees need a healthy mix of trees, herbs and plants to feast on. Some of their favorite plants that you can grow are autumn joy sedum, sunflowers, borage and any blooming trees. Remember, bees are considered livestock and are prone to illness or death when exposed to pesticides. Bees love soybean nectar, but chemicals that are sprayed when soybeans are blooming kills bees. During the winter, check the hive once a month to ensure they have enough food. If necessary, nourish the hive with winter patties and sugar.”
In November, Giant Eagle had a sale on sugar, so Mary filled an entire shopping cart with bags of sugar. While exiting the store a woman snickered, “So do you think you have enough sugar?” Mary responded, “Oh no, I’ll have to get another cart full.” The lady just rolled her eyes and snorted.
Mary is the vice president of the Portage Beekeepers Association. This organization is currently looking for a 4-H member to sponsor and mentor. If you are a student interested in bees, contact Mary at 330-325-3028 about this free opportunity.
The biggest show in Randolph will soon be here. The Portage County Randolph Fair will be held Aug. 19-24. All fair entries are due by 4 p.m. Aug. 9.
An Auto Swap & Car Corral will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27 at the Randolph Fairgrounds.
St. Joseph’s Festival will take place from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, and from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at St. Joseph Church at 2643 Waterloo Rd. Some of the highlights will include frog jumping, pedal tractor pulls, a cornhole tournament, and fireworks on Friday night. There will also be a 5K Run/Walk at 7 p.m. Saturday. Call Trishia Eichler at 330-414-2997 to register. For musical entertainment, the Smakmule band will play Saturday night and Johnnycake Hollow will perform Sunday night.
1875 WINERY – Family-Friendly Events:
– July 12, noon-4 p.m.: Car Cruise-In. All makes and car models are welcome. Food will be available.
– July 26, noon-6 p.m.: Heart & Home handmade market. There will be local vendors, food trucks and a full bar. Family-friendly.
FRIENDSHIP ACRES – Summer Band Schedule:
– July 12, 8 p.m.-midnight: Disco Express
– July 19, 8 p.m.-midnight: Whiskey Outlaws (classic and current country & soft rock)
– July 26, 9 p.m.-midnight: Daze Gone By (’80s-’90s dance, rock, disco)
– Aug. 2, 8 p.m.-midnight: Mellow Villains (classic rock, modern, metal, dance)
– Aug. 9, 8 p.m.-midnight: Barcode (powerhouse rock, pop, dance)
ALSO:
– Coyote’s Mexican restaurant offers karaoke from 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday night.
– County Line Bar & Grill has karaoke starting at 7 p.m. every Sunday.
RANDOLPH LIBRARY EVENTS
– Bookmobile stop at Waterloo High School and Middle School, 12:30-2 p.m. every Tuesday
– Summer Art Club for kids/tweens, 3-4 p.m. every Monday
– Summer Storytime, 11 a.m.-noon every Wednesday
– Randolph True Crime Club, 5:30-6 p.m. Aug. 5
– Chair Yoga with Judith Hilinski, 1-2 p.m. Aug. 9
– “Bubble Lady” Sue Durante, 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 12. Registered event
– Randolph Book Club, 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 12. Discuss “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
– FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 22-23 at the Randolph Community Center. All proceeds support our local library.
And remember, “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
For news, events or stories you would like published, contact Sandy at sandyengle83@gmail.com.
Sandy Engle