Status
New Here?
Fast! Three Questions.
Already a member?
|
 |
|
|
 |
As a result of attending the Beekeepers Association Meeting in June, I now have a renewed respect for the little honeybee. Did you know the honeybee is the only insect to produce food for human consumption? Also, did you know honey has all the ingredients to sustain life? I didn't. Seeing I was excited about what I had learned, a friend, Ken Thomas, led me to a local beekeeper, Benny Cline.
Driving up the driveway of the Cline's, I couldn't help but notice the picturesque pond to the right of the front yard. Mallard ducks and Canadian geese were swimming in the pond, as others roamed freely about the yard. If anyone wanted a beautiful photo, this would be the one to take. I barely had time to park, before I saw Benny and Janice standing on the side porch. They graciously invited me into their home, and it wasn't long before I could see how enthusiastic they were about "working and caring for bees." Benny grew up as a young boy working bees for a family friend who had about 100 colonies. From this experience, Benny knew he someday wanted his own hives. He naturally shared his love of the honeybee with his girlfriend, Janice. By the time they were married, she too had the same desire.
I could tell Janice and Benny have a passion for not only sharing their knowledge with others, but also a passion for getting new bee keepers started. They see this as a calling. One of their favorite memories is of a young boy that came to their house, years ago, longing for his own bee hive. Janice says he wanted a bee hive so badly, they gave him one. That boy today is a grown man and a member of the Bee Keepers Association.
The association is active in the community promoting the importance of protecting the honeybee. Money collected from dues and fund raisers often goes to buy equipment. This equipment is for novice beekeepers to borrow until they can afford to buy their own. Other monies go for community projects such as the bee exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo. That exhibit helps children and adults understand the intricacies of the honeybee and its importance to the environment.
Janice and Benny enjoy going to the Fall Festival at the park in October because they love the opportunity to show bees to children. They often take a frame of bees to the park. Benny says the children will stand and stare at the activity of the bees for the longest time. Janice says, "Children are the beekeepers of the future. They need education before it's too late." When she talks with children she often asks them where honey comes from. It amazes her how many times she hears the answer, "From a store." Janice is quick to explain to them that honey does not come from a store, but from the honeybee. Sometimes she'll hear the children answer back, "Really?"
After about an hour with Janice and Benny Cline, it was time for the visit to end. I felt like I had made new friends, and before leaving, I was given a jar of honey. I couldn't wait to get home and spread some of it on a piece of bread. My mom loves honey, too, so I might even share my jar with her. Then again, maybe I'll just give her mine because I know where I can get more.
Author Notes
The honeybee is a fascinating creature. Thank you AnnsHoney for the photo.
|
| |
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents.
|
|
© Copyright 2013.
Ann Smith
All rights reserved.
Ann Smith
has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work. |
|
|
|
 You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members. Interested in posting your own writing online? Click here to find out more. |
|
| |
Up For ReviewStand Out WritingAdditional Reading
