Union County NC Beekeepers Association
Who We Are
The Union County NC Beekeepers Association (UCNCBA) is a vibrant community of passionate beekeepers and bee enthusiasts. Founded with the goal of promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and fostering a love for these essential pollinators, we've become a hub for learning, sharing, and growing together.
Our Mission
At UCNCBA, we're committed to:
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Encouraging better beekeeping methodologies
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Educating and empowering our members
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Promoting cooperation among beekeepers at local, state, and national levels
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Addressing common challenges in beekeeping and finding innovative solutions
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Maintaining friendly and supportive relationships within the beekeeping community
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Raising public awareness about the importance of honey bees to our ecosystem and agriculture
What We Offer
Monthly Meetings
Engage with expert speakers and fellow beekeepers in our regular gatherings.
Voting Rights
Shape the future of UCNCBA by participating in association elections.
Bee School
Attend bi-annual educational sessions to enhance your beekeeping skills.
Local Events
Participate in community activities promoting bee awareness and education.
Community
Connect with a network of passionate beekeeping enthusiasts in Union County.
Swarm Removal
Learn about and participate in local swarm removal efforts and education.
Resources
Access club materials and mentorship to support your beekeeping journey.
Networking
Build relationships with local beekeepers, suppliers, and industry experts.
Where We Meet
Address
Union County Agricultural & Conference Center
3230 Presson Rd
Monroe, NC 28112
Schedule
Every 3rd Monday of the month:
6:30 P.M.
Our Executive Board
President
Dwight Lauer
Dwight is a Journeyman hobbyist beekeeper. He enjoys learning the art of beekeeping from other beekeepers, the biology and botany of beekeeping from honey bees, and volunteering at the NC Zoo honey bee habitat.
Vice President (First)
Erich Karch
Erich is a certified NCBSA beekeeper and owner of Defiance Hill Farms, LLC, located in Unionville, NC. He’s passionate about practical, “what actually works” beekeeping (e.g. healthy colonies, disciplined mite management, and good recordkeeping) and loves helping new beekeepers get confident quickly.
Vice President (Second)
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Secretary
Patrick Godfrey
Patrick is a hobbyist beekeeper who is fascinated by the complexity of bees. He is working on his Journeyman certification in order to be better prepared to share the bee world with his grandchildren.
Treasurer
Laura Varela (2026-27)
Laura is a certified NC beekeeper, a lifelong member of the NCSBA, and a life member of the UCNCBA. That said, she is on her journey to learn, serve, and share all about these amazing creatures. Her dream is to get her Airbnb operational, Bee My Guest LLC, a place to observe bees and enjoy nature close to Monroe.
Our Directors
Technical Director
Joel Horne (2025-26)
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Events Director
Naveed Ulhaq (2026-27)
Naveed is a certified beekeeper who has been keeping bees since 2017. He enjoys sharing knowledge about honey bees and organizing educational, hands-on events that bring together beekeepers of all experience levels. As Events Director, his goal is to strengthen connection, education, and enthusiasm throughout the club.
FFA/4H Director
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Membership Director
Herman Fisher (2025-26)
​Herman is a certified beekeeper who started beekeeping in 2017. He enjoys making lip balm and hand cream with beeswax.
Education Director
Carolanne Ciavolella (2025-26)
Carolanne, a retired Registered Nurse who has been a North Carolina certified beekeeper for seven years. Alongside her husband, Paul, she operates "The C’s Bees" and has served as our Education Director for nearly four years.
Carolanne is a proponent of natural beekeeping, prioritizing a philosophy of minimal intervention. Currently preparing for Journeyman.
Teching Apiary Director
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Social Media Director
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Our Coordinators
Education Mentorship Coordinator
Karla Godfrey (2026-27)
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Education Coordinator
Logan High (2026-27)
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Historian / GAP Coordinator
Brian Cyprian (2025-26)
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Public Events Coordinator
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Hospitality Coordinator
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Audio/Visual Coordinator
Mike Grinage (2026-27)
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Social Media Coordinator
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Our Hall of Presidents
President (2026-Present)
Dwight Lauer
Dwight is a Journeyman hobbyist beekeeper. He enjoys learning the art of beekeeping from other beekeepers, the biology and botany of beekeeping from honey bees, and volunteering at the NC Zoo honey bee habitat.
Past President (2025)
Trish Thompson
Trish is a Master beekeeper, owner of Pollen Peddlers Apiary, an Apitherapist, and a Certified Honey Producer. She is passionate about teaching and learning about honeybees.
2025 American Apitherapy Society Board Member
Past President (2020-2024)
Ed Stembrowski
Ed has been keeping honey bees since 2013. He and his wife Sheila are Certified Beekeepers and Certified Honey Producers. As sideliners they operate Long Run Farm in Marshville, NC. Ed has been on the Board since 2015 and has enjoyed working with the finest people as President for 4 years.
Past President (2019)
Lynn Price
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Past President (2018-2019)
Gene Lamm
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Past President (2015-2018)
Dean Trull
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Join the Club!
Nurturing bees, beekeepers and community.
Connect with passionate beekeepers in Union County! Whether you're an experienced beekeeper or just curious about honeybees, our welcoming community offers invaluable resources, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities.
*For those that prefer, checks can be mailed to:
UCNCBA
Attn: Julia Mercabi
P.O. Box 1472
Monroe, NC 28111
