About | UCNCBeekeepers

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.

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Our Mission

At UCNCBA, we're committed to:

Encouraging better beekeeping methodologies
Educating and empowering our members
Promoting cooperation among beekeepers at local, state, and national levels
Addressing common challenges in beekeeping and finding innovative solutions
Maintaining friendly and supportive relationships within the beekeeping community
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)

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

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

Events Director

Naveed Ulhaq

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

Membership Director

Herman Fisher

Herman is a certified beekeeper who started beekeeping in 2017. He enjoys making lip balm and hand cream with beeswax.

Education Director

Carolanne Ciavolella

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

Social Media Director

Our Coordinators

Education Mentorship Coordinator

Karla Godfrey

Education Coordinator

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Historian / GAP Coordinator

Brian Cyprian

Public Events Coordinator

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Hospitality Coordinator

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Audio/Visual Coordinator

Mike Grinage

Social Media Coordinator

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Our Hall of Presidents

President (2026-Present)

Dwight Lauer

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

Past President (2018-2019)

Gene Lamm

Past President (2015-2018)

Dean Trull

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.

Join Now

*For those that prefer, checks can be mailed to:

UCNCBA

Attn: Julia Mercabi

P.O. Box 1472

Monroe, NC 28111

Union County NC Beekeepers Association

Union County NC Beekeepers Association

Who We Are

Our Mission

What We Offer