Sunday, May 2nd ~
Seen at the Bee Scene
Neighbors and beekeepers swarmed to the North Point Breeze home of Woody Shaffer-Carr and his parents for a “Bee Garden Party” to celebrate Burgh Bees’ new community garden and apiary, and to welcome the bees to the neighborhood.
- - - Woody takes the stage
After an appreciative toast to the bees from the new apiary, the host welcomed the human guests and let everyone know how pleased he is that all those present, including the bees, are his neighbors. He then introduced Burgh Bees director Meredith Grelli, who spoke about the importance of bees, pollinating, as they do, a full third of the foods in a typical human diet. Gardeners in the room especially appreciated her remarks about sustainable gardening, knowing
that there is much that all of us can do to “give back” to the bees.
- - - Meredith introduces the Burgh Bees' mission
While most of the guests knew of the challenges facing the bees world wide, many were unaware that the number of beekeepers in Pennsylvania is declining as well. Burgh Bees was commended for training more than one hundred fifty new beekeepers, more than half of that number in this year alone. After Meredith introduced Burgh Bees beekeepers Jennie Wood, Steve Repasky, Joe Zgurzynski, Linda Rathburn, Jeff Irwin, and Anna Kim, the room was abuzz as guests took advantage of the chance to learn everything they had always wanted to know about bees, but didn’t know who to ask. Questions were raised about the power of honey to cure pollen allergies and the difference between a bee and a wasp, and conversations ranged from how to attract bees to your garden to how to keep them out of your walls.
Although Meredith noted in her remarks that “It’s not just about the honey,” that famously flavorful bee treat was the centerpiece of the refreshments of the day. Honey was provided by bees from Highland Park, New Brighton, Alaska, and also from undisclosed locations, and transported to the party by Meredith and Steve. Varieties included clover, buckwheat, goldenrod (from New Brighton), and fireweed (from Alaska,) served over apples, cheese and bread. Also delicious were the strawberry jam-dark chocolate vegan brownies, the strawberries and cream cheese dip, and the orange banana almond honey cake provided by generous guests.
Black Strap Stout, Fat Gary, Monkey Girl, and Witte beers from East End Brewing, another favorite neighborhood enterprise, were also on hand. Having discovered that Woody’s parents had already purchased all of the Meade in stock at the local state store, Linda Rathburn stepped up with a bottle of Irish Mist. Some neighbors from Meade Street preferred lemonade over the Meade, but did enjoy speculating as to whether or not the street might have been named for the beverage made of fermented honey and wine.
Undeterred by rain, some strolled into the garden to admire the profusion of dandelions on the lawn, praising the homeowners for maintaining such an attractive habitat and nectar source for spring bees. The future of beekeeping was evident as Joe’s children played in the sunroom, and the bees, no novelty to these beekeeping kids, provided fascinating entertainment for the less experienced adults.
- - - Burgh Bees' youngest beekeepers
The bees were the focus and highlight of the festivities, but created their own buzz in Steve’s observation hive. As one observer was heard to remark, “They never stop working, do they, not even at their own party!”
- - - The guests of honor
The gathering allowed neighbors to make new connections and, in some cases, to renew old friendships. As the guests prepared to buzz off, parting conversations centered on plans to meet at the bee garden for the apiary ribbon cutting on May 14, and the on site party coming up in June. We’ll be hoping to see you there!
- - - Viv Shaffer
Seen at the Bee Scene
Neighbors and beekeepers swarmed to the North Point Breeze home of Woody Shaffer-Carr and his parents for a “Bee Garden Party” to celebrate Burgh Bees’ new community garden and apiary, and to welcome the bees to the neighborhood.
- - - Woody takes the stage
After an appreciative toast to the bees from the new apiary, the host welcomed the human guests and let everyone know how pleased he is that all those present, including the bees, are his neighbors. He then introduced Burgh Bees director Meredith Grelli, who spoke about the importance of bees, pollinating, as they do, a full third of the foods in a typical human diet. Gardeners in the room especially appreciated her remarks about sustainable gardening, knowing
that there is much that all of us can do to “give back” to the bees.- - - Meredith introduces the Burgh Bees' mission
While most of the guests knew of the challenges facing the bees world wide, many were unaware that the number of beekeepers in Pennsylvania is declining as well. Burgh Bees was commended for training more than one hundred fifty new beekeepers, more than half of that number in this year alone. After Meredith introduced Burgh Bees beekeepers Jennie Wood, Steve Repasky, Joe Zgurzynski, Linda Rathburn, Jeff Irwin, and Anna Kim, the room was abuzz as guests took advantage of the chance to learn everything they had always wanted to know about bees, but didn’t know who to ask. Questions were raised about the power of honey to cure pollen allergies and the difference between a bee and a wasp, and conversations ranged from how to attract bees to your garden to how to keep them out of your walls.
Although Meredith noted in her remarks that “It’s not just about the honey,” that famously flavorful bee treat was the centerpiece of the refreshments of the day. Honey was provided by bees from Highland Park, New Brighton, Alaska, and also from undisclosed locations, and transported to the party by Meredith and Steve. Varieties included clover, buckwheat, goldenrod (from New Brighton), and fireweed (from Alaska,) served over apples, cheese and bread. Also delicious were the strawberry jam-dark chocolate vegan brownies, the strawberries and cream cheese dip, and the orange banana almond honey cake provided by generous guests.
Black Strap Stout, Fat Gary, Monkey Girl, and Witte beers from East End Brewing, another favorite neighborhood enterprise, were also on hand. Having discovered that Woody’s parents had already purchased all of the Meade in stock at the local state store, Linda Rathburn stepped up with a bottle of Irish Mist. Some neighbors from Meade Street preferred lemonade over the Meade, but did enjoy speculating as to whether or not the street might have been named for the beverage made of fermented honey and wine.
Undeterred by rain, some strolled into the garden to admire the profusion of dandelions on the lawn, praising the homeowners for maintaining such an attractive habitat and nectar source for spring bees. The future of beekeeping was evident as Joe’s children played in the sunroom, and the bees, no novelty to these beekeeping kids, provided fascinating entertainment for the less experienced adults.
- - - Burgh Bees' youngest beekeepers
The bees were the focus and highlight of the festivities, but created their own buzz in Steve’s observation hive. As one observer was heard to remark, “They never stop working, do they, not even at their own party!”
- - - The guests of honor
The gathering allowed neighbors to make new connections and, in some cases, to renew old friendships. As the guests prepared to buzz off, parting conversations centered on plans to meet at the bee garden for the apiary ribbon cutting on May 14, and the on site party coming up in June. We’ll be hoping to see you there!
- - - Viv Shaffer
Many thanks to Woody and his folks for hosting a wonderful neighborhood welcoming party! The honey tasting was delicious and the neighbors were sweet! --Jennie
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