These Honeybees are in a Botetourt Hive. File  photo BV.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today a workshop designed for new beekeepers. The Beginning Beekeepers’ Workshop is part of the Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center’s homestead learning series, classes that teach skills for independent, sustainable living. Its goal is to provide a strong foundation of knowledge to those interested in starting their own apiaries, either for pleasure or potential profit.

“The honeybee is the only insect that provides food for human consumption,” say the workshop’s organizers, “but its most estimable value lies in the pollination of fruit and vegetable crops throughout the country.”

The first of two sessions will be held May 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center – http://www.vtrc.vt.edu/. The second all-day session on June 1 will be at the Catawba Sustainability Center – http://www.vtrc.vt.edu/catawba/. The fee for the 12-hour workshop is $100 and includes a popular beekeeping book as well as lunch during the second session.

Topics include the history and biology of the honeybee, necessary start-up equipment, pests and diseases, laws and regulations, African honeybees, pollen and nectar sources, and information on how to harvest honey.

Increasing the honeybee population in southwest Virginia is one goal of the workshop. Josh Nease, manager of the Catawba Sustainability Center, stated that colony collapse disorder continues to decimate commercial beekeepers’ hives across the United States. “Introducing more of these very important pollinators will yield benefits not just for the beekeepers, but for our entire region,” said Nease.

Instructor Mark Chorba, also known as the “bee whisperer of the Roanoke Valley,” has kept honeybees in Roanoke, Floyd, and surrounding areas for the past 20 years. As a certified Virginia Beekeeper, Chorba has taught hundreds of new beekeepers throughout southwest Virginia. He is the 2013 president of the New River Valley Beekeepers Association, currently the largest beekeeping association in Virginia.

Online registration is open until May 21. For information see http://www.cpe.vt.edu/reg/beekeep/ or contact Josh Nease by e-mail, jnease@vt.edu, or at 540.553.2311.

–Elaine Lidholm, Director of Communications, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

BHS FFA members in the BBQ pit cooking delicious chicken!

The Lord Botetourt FFA’s annual Chicken BBQ was held Saturday, May 11th. Members arrived at Lord Botetourt’s Barbeque Building around 7 that morning to prepare the pits for 650 chicken halves. After the chickens were on the pits, members sauced and flipped the halves until they were fully cooked. While some members cooked chicken, the others baked potatoes and prepared the coleslaw at the school building. After hours of preparation, the serving lines began. From 5 pm to 7 pm, chicken, potatoes, rolls, and coleslaw were being handed out to everyone who supported the fundraiser. Thank you to all that supported the Lord Botetourt FFA chapter.

–submitted by Katelyn Stevens and Catherine Horne, Chapter Reporters

May 18 Stone Canyon will perform at Fincastle Winery.

Fincastle Winery invites you to our Lawn Concert on Saturday May 18, 2013

Where?

Fincastle Winery

203 Maple Ridge Lane Fincastle, VA 24090

From I-81 Exit 156, follow the blue Winery signs.

www.fincastlewine.com or call 540.591.9000

When? Saturday, May 18, 2013 6-9 PM

Who is playing? Stone Canyon

Stone Canyon is an contemporary group who plays positive music from  the past five decades of popular, country and rock music.

Will there be food?

Food for sale by Mike and the Girls or you can bring your own picnic.

Menu: Pizza $ 11.00

Hamburger with fries $ 7.00

Veggie Burger with fries $ 7.00

Hotdog with fries $ 4.00

Cheese & fruit plate $6.00

Water and Soda $1.00

How much will this cost?

Entry Fee: with drinking wristband $10, Designated/underage $5, Children  under 12 free.

Customer Loyalty Discount:. Bring your own etched Fincastle wine glass and save $2.00 off a tasting ticket.

What should I bring?

Blankets and/or folding chairs are popular. It can get chilly up here when the sun gets low, so having a sweater or  windbreaker at hand would be wise.

If you are bringing children, you may want to bring a towel. We have a water mister for hot days.

What should I NOT bring?

Your own alcoholic beverages. At these types of events, the Virginia ABC  only allows alcohol provided by the festival licensees (us).

Future events?

Tasting Room

May 12th Mother’s Day! What a great way to celebrate Mom, bring her out to  the winery for a free etched wine glass with a Petunia (white or purple) ready to plant. First come first served while supplies last.

June 9th Wine and Art Series:

We are hosting a summer “Wine and Art” series. Local artist, Lindee Katdare, as designed a series of 4 paintings exclusively for Fincastle Vineyard and Winery. This series will not be offered at any other locations or private events.

The total price is $55.00 per person which includes, artist instruction, art  supplies, wine tasting, and gourmet boxed lunch. Wine bottles can be purchased at Fincastle Vineyard. No outside beverages permitted. Minimum 14.

Maximum 20. Spaces fill fast, so register quickly at www.thelindeetree.com

Lawn Concerts

6-8 Stacy Looman 6-9 PM

6-29 Acoustic Endeavors 6-9 PM

7-13 Surrender Dorothy 6-9 PM

8-17 Second Whynd 6-9- PM

8-31 Sol Revolt 6-9 PM

9-21 No String Attached 6-9- PM

10-19 Stone Canyon 6-9 PM

–submitted by David Sawyer

Join us on Facebook – http://tinyurl.com/26pld2b

Members of the FFA Banquet at LBHS on May 7, 2013.

On Tuesday night May 7th 2013 Courtney Henderson the Chapter FFA president call to order the annual Parent Member Banquet of the Lord Botetourt FFA chapter in the high school cafeteria. FFA members joined their families and other officials in celebrating the achievements and awards they had earned over the past year. Speakers at the banquet included Rebekah Slabach and Paryce Bradley who are currently serving as State officers for the Virginia FFA Association, who challenged the FFA members present to live their life without limits. Aside from members and parents in attendance the FFA was happy to have Mr. Jack Leffel of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, Mr. Michael Beahm and Mrs. Ruth Wallace of the Botetourt County School Board, Dr. Tony Brads, Superintendent Botetourt County School, Dr. Joni Poff, Supervisor Secondary Instruction, Mrs. Lisa Barnett, CTE Coordinator, Mrs. Janet Womack Principal of Lord Botetourt High School and Mrs. Judy Dudding Administrative Assistant for Lord Botetourt High School in attendance.

The Banquet was kicked off with the chapter officers performing the official FFA opening ceremony which includes a role call of officers where each officer recites their duties as an officer. Upon conclusion of the ceremony all those in attendance partook of a meal sponsored in part by New River Electric, Botetourt County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Women’s Committee, Farm Credit, Lawrence Equipment Company, Bonsack/ Blue Ridge Ruritan Club, and catered by Mr. Jim Bushong of Don Ho’s restaurant and Lounge.

The agenda included: a photo presentation from the chapter reporters Katelyn Stevens and Catherine Horne that included all of the activities and accomplishment of the chapter over the year. Greetings were given from the President of the Botetourt County FFA Alumni chapter Mr. Jeff Henderson, recognition of our chapter officers, the presentation of the FFA Creed by Katelyn Stevens, recognition of our special guests by chapter Student Advisor Zach Dove, and recognition of our 32 sponsors by chapter Secretary Ryan Newton.

Mr. Stuart Byrd, the Lord Botetourt FFA advisor, then proceeded to recognize students for their accomplishments. The following students received the Degree of Green Hand: Katherine Alexander, Collin Brads, Stephen Gilmore, Daniel Lloyd, Sydney Morgan, Ryan Newton, Trevor Poulin, Madison Poff, and Cody Thompson. The following received their Chapter FFA Degree: Chelsea Broce, Robbie Gathje and Tyler Lehman. The following were recognized and will be getting their state degree this June at the State FFA Convention at Virginia Tech: John Daniel, Zach Dove and Scott Harris.

The following students were regonized for their outstanding achievement. awards at the banquet: Caleb Rich, received the Outstanding Freshman Award, Tyler Lehman, received the Outstanding Sophomore Award, Aaron Treadway, received the Outstanding Junior Award, and Zach Dove, received the Outstanding Senior Award. Katelyn Stevens, received the Star Green Hand, Robbie Gathje, received the Star Chapter Farmer, Courtney Henderson, received the Star in Agribusiness, and Scott Harris received the Dekalb Accomplishment Award.

The following students were recognized for competitions they competed in: Katelyn Stevens, for placing first in the Chapter Creed Speaking. John Daniel for placing 1st in Small Engine Repair, Zach Dove for placing 1st in Tractor Operators, Zach Dove, Ryan Newton, Caleb Rich and Katelyn Stevens for placing 1st in the Forestry Competition, Chelsea Broce, Robbie Gathje, Scott Harris, Ryan Newton, Katelyn Stevens, and Aaron Treadway for our State Parliamentary Procedure Team, Katherine Alexander, Catherine Horne, Sydney Morgan, and Katelyn Stevens for our State Horse Judging Team

The FFA members then presented Mr. Stuart Byrd with a handmade plaque recognizing him for his 20years of service as the Agriculture Instructor and Advisor of the Lord Botetourt FFA.

The Lord Botetourt FFA would like to again thank all of the people and businesses that have played a major role in making this year such a great success and we look forward to another great year to come.

Envirothon students with the certificate.

The Botetourt Envirothon Team, coached by LBHS teachers Mrs. Parker and Mr. Poston, placed 3rd out of 4 teams at the Area I Envirothon competition last Thursday and will advance to the state competition at Virginia State University, May 19-20. To learn more about this high school natural resources competition visit: http://vaswcd.org/?ps_promotion=envirothon-2012.

Pictured left to right: Kyle Haley, Grace Boardwine, Zak Keith (JRHS, all others LBHS), Austin Scruggs, and Breanna Anderson.

Picture 2 also includes Ward Robens, VASWCD Area I Chairman who presented the award.

With Ward Robens,VASWCD.

Members Gwen Ikenberry, Candace Monaghan, Janice (state womens committee chair), Linda Wickline, Missy Petty and Stacey Reid accepting the Best Project Award.

Gwen Ikenberry, Candace Monaghan, Linda Wickline, Missy Petty and Stacey Reid represented the Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Conference March 22-24 in Roanoke.

They joined more than 300 other Farm Bureau women from across Virginia.

This year’s conference theme was “Get Connected—Get Moving.” Participants attended workshops on the history of Farm Bureau; communicating with consumers in a way that relates to them; and how to live a healthier, happier life.

Several county Farm Bureau women’s committees were recognized for outstanding work in 2012. The Essex County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, chaired by Faye Hundley, won the Outstanding Women’s Activity Award. The Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, chaired by Linda Wickline, was the runner-up. Read more »

Roanoke Cement Company took part in Earth Week activities at Greenfield Elementary School during the week of April 22-26.  One of the largest companies in Botetourt County, RCC does many environmental activities during the year as well as community activities.

The focus for the visit to GES was to bring in honey bees in what was very much like a glass suitcase complete with a honey comb and a beekeeper Mark Chorba. Bees are very important to the pollination of plants and really to the survival of not only bees, but humans and other animals as well. Over the past ten years Colony Collapse has become a problem among both commercial and wild hives.

Said Lance Clark, Environmental Manager for Roanoke Cement, “We  gladly participated as a part of Greenfield’s Earth Week festivities. RCC taught the kids about the role of honey bees in the environment. We brought a display hive which allowed the kids to see alive bees inside
the hive, it was a big hit with the kids.  Class by class we RCC employees met with the entire school, it was amazing to hear the questions by the kids.”

Clark finished by saying his personal favorite quote of the day,  “We see the queen bee! Where is the king?”

Kiani Fridley won three awards at ASHAV

Kiani Fridley of Daleville won three championship awards at the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia (ASHAV) annual awards ceremony. The awards program was held at Natural Bridge Hotel on March 10, 2013. At this ceremony, Fridley won championships in Adult County Pleasure, State Pleasure Horse, and Adult Equitation, riding Shamrock’s Versace owned by Becky Tobey of Botetourt. Fridley also placed third in Amateur Park and fourth in Amateur Show Pleasure on her own horse, African Chant, in the overall placings for the year.

ASHAV puts on the largest Saddlebred horse show in Virginia. Part of the shows’ proceeds goes toward youth scholarships, therapeutic riding programs, and the American Cancer Society. In 2011 Fridley received the Youth Sportsmanship Award and a scholarship from the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia.

Currently, Fridley rides at Meadow Wood Stables in Salem and attends Bridgewater College. Her plans for this year include showing her new horse, Indigo Sky, in Amateur Park and Shamrock’s Versace in Adult County Pleasure.

RMMS FFA at Spring Rally.

The Read Mountain FFA chapter attended the Northern Area FFA Rally along with 300 FFA members on April 10. In the Middle School Workshop, RMMS FFA members concentrated on steps and ideas for participating in the Agriscience Fair contest at State Convention. They also attended the Dairy Foods CDE Workshop, in which the students learned the skills needed in competing in the Dairy Foods CDE also at State Convention. The members watched a Rainfall Simulator hosted by the Natural Resources & Conservation Service. This demonstrated the effects of runoff on fields after a hard rainfall. Lastly, they went to a workshop entitled “Downtown Agriculture” in which they learned about advocating agriculture in urban areas.

In addition to workshops, two RMMS FFA members competed in area level Public Speaking Career Development Events. Tess Seibel participated in the Creed Speaking CDE and placed first in the Northern Area. She will be moving on to compete at the state level at this summer’s State FFA Convention. Claire Seibel participated in the Junior Prepared Public Speaking and placed second. Coming up events for the RMMS FFA chapter include a Botetourt FFA Middle School Conference at Central Academy, Poultry Judging in Rockingham, the RMMS FFA end of the year banquet, and the Virginia FFA State Convention to be held in Blacksburg this summer.

-Grace Spangler RMMS FFA 2012-2013 Reporter

Learn how to grow your own food at Prudent Supply’s free seminar.

“Prudent Supply is a new Botetourt business that provides emergency preparedness supplies, classes, and community. The business is  holding a free gardening seminar on Saturday, April 27, from 9AM to noon at their location in Troutville.  The building is located at the corner of Blacksburg and Catawba Roads.” Hank Wallace, owner said.  “This is a panel discussion event led by local gardeners. Come out and learn something, share something, and help us build a stronger community. Bring a neighbor! Please see www.PrudentSupply.com for all the details and to register.” He concluded.

Some of the topics for the seminar include:Preparing the soil,The gardening calendar,What grows well in this area,How to combat insect pests, Dealing with deer and rodents, Heirloom seeds / saving seeds,Care of backyard chickens, How to avoid using chemicals,Tricks and tips, Where to site your garden, Mulching, Where to buy common supplies.

There are an ever growing number of people concerned about emergency and disasters. After last summer’s Derecho hit  across the mid and eastern United States even the citizens of Botetourt County learned what it was like to be off the power grid for as much as a week in sweltering weather. Prudent Supply is an example of a community based business effort to help people learn how to fend for themselves by being prepared during short term and long term emergency scenarios.