President: T. R. Hoffman

Vice-President: Awaiting

Treasurer: Rich Byers

Secretary: Micky Clemmons

        I think my interest in beekeeping goes back to when I was a young child and I was aware that my grandfather kept bees around the sand ridges and swamps of the Florida panhandle. We always had tupelo honey with warm biscuits whenever I stayed with my grandparents, a very fond memory. As far back as I can remember, I have wanted to keep bees like granddaddy. However, work and raising a family always came first and that didn’t leave the money or time to pursue my interest in bees. As my kids started with their own families, I found in 2015 that I was finally able to start this new hobby. I obtained by first hives in the spring of 2016 and had ups and downs over the first few years but generally my losses have declined and finally were zero last winter.

        When I started, I wanted to have 10 colonies and this year I slightly exceeded that number. My wife also wanted us to keep bees so they could pollinate her large garden and so that we could provide honey for friends and family. I did not expect to sell honey, but this has turned out to be fun part of it and becoming a Certified Honey Producer through the State Association has been very helpful. My plan is to maintain 10 production colonies, plus whatever NUC’s I can make over the year. The NUC’s will be used to replace queens and to help other beekeepers who may have losses. Since I will officially be retired at the end of 2025, I thought this was a good time to provide more service to the HCBA and to do what I can to make our Association the best it can be.

Director: Matthew Denti, DO

        Matthew Denti, D.O. is honored to join the Board of Directors of the Haywood County Beekeepers Association. As a certified beekeeper through the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA), Matthew sees the apiary as an ideal blend of environmental stewardship, biology, and the rewarding challenge of seasonal colony management. In addition to general hive maintenance, Matthew has a strong interest in the scientific aspects of beekeeping. He focuses on integrated pest management (IPM), controlling varroa mites, and exploring effective swarm management techniques. Whether he is strategically splitting hives or assessing hive health during a nectar flow, Matthew is dedicated to sustainable beekeeping practices that benefit both the bees and the local ecosystem.

        A resident and physician in Waynesville, Matthew balances his time between his wellness medical practice, family life, and serving as a lighting programmer for his local church worship team. As a member of the Board, he is eager to promote a collaborative environment where beekeepers of all experience levels can share practical insights, address hive challenges, and strengthen the beekeeping community in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Director: John Gears

        My wife Ann and I have lived at 3,500 feet in a rural section of Haywood County for 21 years. We had been concerned about the declining bee population when Ann saw a notice for a two-day introduction to beekeeping. We went to get a general idea about the situation with the bees and won a smoker, one package of bees, and one bee jack with a hood. Reluctantly, we became bee keepers.

        During the last eight years we have experienced many more good years than bad. We are busy people so the monthly HCBA meetings became our bee school providing major resources for all we have learned from splits to swarms to fighting varroa mites and more. These meetings with the outside speakers and members ensure that we walk away with something new learned every month. In addition, membership in HCBA and North Carolina State Bee Association has provided invaluable site visits and resources. The honey we harvest is fantastic for our own personal consumption and our neighbors, friends and family are always eager to receive our honey gifts. So, although we might have been reluctant beekeepers at first, aiding these wonderful creatures has become a rewarding hobby that benefits us personally as well as the nature that surrounds us. 

Director: Richard McRory

        A native of Mississippi, I’ve called these beautiful mountains home since 2007, where my family and I have had the privilege of raising all five of our children. While I’ve always had an interest in beekeeping, I didn’t dive into the hobby and lifestyle until 2023. Over the past five years, I had the opportunity to work alongside several coworkers who were beekeepers, and our conversations sparked a curiosity that led me to explore the world of beekeeping more deeply. Little did I know it would ignite a life-changing passion. 

         Since starting my beekeeping journey, I’ve been learning something new every day, and I plan to keep it that way. I’m constantly seeking out different management styles and techniques to see what works best for me. The most rewarding part of it all has been the incredible community of like-minded individuals who share their knowledge, support, and encouragement—helping one another succeed in this amazing hobby. I currently manage about 10 production colonies.

Director / Education Coordinator: Allen Blanton

          Allen's adventure into beekeeping began as a youngster when his father and grandfather were beekeepers in the mid 70's. Allen states, "Beekeeping is an enjoyable hobby of mine and I have been keeping bees for over ten years.” Further, Allen has completed the Master Beekeeper or third of four levels in the Master Beekeepers Program with the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA)." Allen has also completed sessions one and two of theNC 'Born & Bred' program and he is currently engaging in queen rearing and making splits. He is using natural methods including theNICOT system of rearing queen bees. Allen currently serves as an NCSBAMountain Regional Director.

        In closing, Allen has been in Pastoral ministry for over twenty years and was the Pastor of Center Pigeon Baptist Church for ten years in Haywood County. Allen is currently serving as interim pastor of the Meadow Grove Baptist Church and he lives in the Bethel community with his wife, Debbie. They have one daughter, Trisha, who is a graduate of Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida with a master’s degree in nursing and is currently serving on teaching staff at Pensacola Christian College.

Webmaster: David Zachary

      Zach is webmaster for the Haywood County Beekeepers Association (HCBA), this certified beekeeper has the honor and responsibility of ensuring that the “web-colony” remains healthy and all appropriate information is updated in a timely manner in conjunction with the guidelines of the directors and officers.  The “web-hive” must be user-friendly and allow visitors easy access to the information that the staff has deemed necessary for posting to this website.

       It is astounding to see such an amazing insect in action, for without these honey producing creatures there would bee.. less food to place on our table each day.  Thus, I thank our Creator for the honey bee and all it does for tour environment, because… I love the taste of honey!

    Always, Bee Safe, Bee Happy, Bee Productive, and Bee Thankful!