Meridian Life August 2022 | Page 12

COVER FEATURE
When bees leave a hive in a swarm , they often stop at a nearby tree or other structure before going onto their new home making it the best time to catch them .
“ The timing must have been perfect cause they would ’ ve had to have been on a limb somewhere when I sprayed it ,” he added .
It is the first beehive at his home in the Moscow community of Kemper County since he got rid of his colonies and equipment around 2017 or 2018 .
Beekeeping is a very labor-intensive job , and neck and back surgery was beginning to prevent him from lifting the heavy bee boxes of honey .
“ I would love to get back into it to a certain degree but not to where I ’ ve got 15 or 20 hives ,” he said . “ Maybe four or five , just enough to keep me busy .”
Vick has never earned official certification as an apiarist but has completed numerous online and in-person training courses . Many people consider him a master beekeeper for his extensive knowledge and years of experience .
He was first introduced to the socially complex world of honey bees about two decades ago while working for the city of Meridian as a technician at the water plant , a job he retired from in 2011 .
With his interest piqued , he immersed himself in reading all of the books on beekeeping at the public library and by attending the Central Mississippi Beekeepers Association ’ s annual two-day beekeeping course .
The course ’ s lectures and hands-on training proved invaluable in helping him establish his own honey bee colonies .
“ It was absolutely a turning point in my life as far as beekeeping ,” he recalled .
He joined the beekeeping association and continued to attend its annual training course for several years . He also later joined the Mississippi Beekeepers Association .
Vick ’ s honey bee colonies began thriving and growing to as many as 20 beehives .
Around 2005 , he met a fellow bee enthusiast , Gary Smith , who joined him in starting the Meridian Beekeepers Association .
“ Our goal was to inform and educate people about bees ,” said Vick , who served as the group ’ s president for several years .
The club dissolved during the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions halted indoor meetings . Many of its former members now attend the meetings of the Pollinators Bee Club in Quitman .
At one point , Vick sold his honey , which he harvested and marketed under the Vicks Bee Farm 100 % wildflower label .
12 • MERIDIAN LIFE