Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I would love to thank all of the people who made the Nansemond Beekeepers Association’s seventh annual painted hive body competition a success.

First, I would like to say thank you to Teresa Franz for allowing the judging to be held at the Smithfield Farmers Market. Second, I wish to thank our phenomenal judges — Del. Emily Brewer, Mayor Carter Williams, Skip Sharpley and Connie Chapman — for taking the time out of their busy schedules to judge all of the incredible art.

I would also like to thank the members of the painted hive body committee for working tirelessly to coordinate all aspects of the competition. Their names are Lisa Bright, Stacy Griffin, Linda Bunch, Pat Knight and the late Chuck Spann.

I also wish to recognize Skip Sharpley for donating his time, tent and tables for the judging. Finally, I would like to thank the artists for taking the time to paint the hive bodies to support bee research.

The hive bodies will return this week to Hampton Roads Wholesalers until final bidding on the boxes on March 29 at the Smithfield Conference Center. Our eighth annual competition began on Oct. 21. Any artist interested in entering the competition can contact me at (757) 725-3167 or stop by Serendipity Meadworks on Fridays and Saturdays noon until 6:00.

 

Jajala Jane Schweiger

Nansemond Beekeepers Association President

Smithfield