Bridget and Carl Smith hosted the February general meeting at their maple farm in Hamburg. After a short introduction, Carl led a hands-on demonstration of rendering wax cappings and frame scrapings. The cold (19 °F) morning sped up the filtered wax solidification.
Then it was back inside to warm up and pour some candles. Discussions of wick sizing and insertion techniques, mold preparation, and wax pour temperatures occurred while the attendees poured candles. This meeting was a great opportunity to explore wax rendering and candle making in a hands-on environment.
This is also the site of the WNYHP Inc. apiary. After the candle-making, some of the attendees visited the five club hives. The cold temperatures of course limited the visit to external viewing only.
Thank you, Carl and Bridget, for your hospitality!
