Melissa Hronkin to speak on honeybees TONIGHT, Aug. 27, at Calumet Public Library

CALUMET -- Friends of the Calumet Library will host "Navigating a Flightpath: My Life with the Honeybees," presented by beekeeper and educator Melissa Hronkin, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. TONIGHT, Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Calumet Public Library.

The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Melissa Hronkin of Algomah Acres Honey Farm will share her knowledge of beekeeping and local nectar sources that honeybees love. Melissa (which means honeybee in Greek) will also discuss how flowers offer insects nectar and pollen as a nutrition source in return for help in pollination. Since flowers are rooted and can't move about, they benefit from their mobile visitors. It is an agreeable symbiotic relationship. An extensive list of books and resources will be shared. Delight your senses with a sampling of honey and beeswax products!

Calumet Library summer hours continue through Sept. 8: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday -- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Wednesday 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

For more information, visit the library or call 337-0311 ext. 1107. (In case of bad weather, when school is cancelled, all library programs are cancelled.)

Portage Library to host Beekeeping Program Apr. 1

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites those who want to learn about the amazing world of honey bees to an evening with local beekeeper Todd Gemelli as he presents "An Introduction to Beekeeping" from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 1.

His slide show will cover bee hive basics and how honey bees go about their business. Participants will learn what types of equipment a beekeeper uses, how much time it takes to maintain hives, and what the costs and rewards of beekeeping are. There will be a small, empty hive and basic tools of the trade to examine and pure Keweenaw honey to taste.

Gemelli has been a beekeeper for 13 years. He is fascinated by the important role bees have in nature and is eager to share his knowledge and experience with others.

Library programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.