Golden K chairperson Bill Roberts introduces guest speaker Gino Venditti of Stag Farms at Monday morning’s meeting. (Joanne Lindholm photo)

By JUDY SIELAFF

For The Daily News

Kingsford — Winter has a way of slowing life down just enough for us to catch our breath. The world gets quieter, the nights get longer, and there’s something undeniably magical about watching snow fall outside your window while you’re wrapped in a blanket. Whether winter is your cozy season or you’re counting the days until spring season, it always brings moments worth reflecting on.

Bill Roberts stepped up to the podium on a sunny Monday morning and rang the bell for Golden K members. Alyce Derwinski played the introduction, which summoned members to sing “Dear Hearts and Gentle People” and “Enjoy Yourself.” The guest song rang out for Gino Venditti and the birthday song for LaVerne Calcari.

Sarah Gospodarek collected the Pot of Gold winnings. Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollar messages, which included appreciation for Venditti’s willingness to speak to the group, as well as members’ appreciation for his honey. Members were advised of those with medical concerns who are in need of healing prayers

Roberts read the Thought for the Day: “January reminds us that we have twelve months to fill. Make the most of it.”

Venditti, of Stag Farms, was introduced as a beekeeper, producer of maple syrup and wine vintner. He wears many hats and is happy to share his knowledge with others.

Beekeeping is the practice of managing bee colonies, usually in man-made hives, which involves frequent colony inspection, swarm control, pest management and seasonal tasks. Seasonal tasks include spring buildup, honey harvesting and winter prep.

On a nice winter day, bees will take a cleansing flight to get rid of dead bees in the hive. They will drop them outside and within a day or so, the disposed bees will be eaten by birds and turkeys.

When pollination of local plants and flowers is complete for the season, beekeepers provide corn syrup for the bees to ingest before winter. During this time, 23 of Venditti’s hives consume 10 pounds of corn syrup per day. In the winter, he puts raw white sugar in the hives to help them survive. Bees can tolerate the cold as long as they have food. Honey produced from corn syrup is not sold.

Medication is also a factor when raising bees to protect the bees from varroa mites. These mites are an invasive species, originating in Asia, that attack and feed on honey bees. Formic acid is used for the control of the mites and is the only EPA-approved chemical pesticide for organic honey production.

Honey color varies, from nearly colorless to dark brown depending on the floral source (nectar/pollen) the bees visited. Lighter honeys are usually milder and darker ones bolder in flavor.

Stag Farms sells both pure raw honey and several flavors of syrup.

Venditti can be found at the local farmers market in the summer and can be reached at 412-863-2331.

Golden K meets at 10 a.m. Mondays at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Next week’s speaker will be Carol Sundstrom of the Jake Menghini Historical Museum in Norway. All are welcome to attend.