In this two hour class, our expert beekeeper will demonstrate the inner workings of the beehive, explain about the ways that bees have been misunderstood and what the average person can do to overcome their fears, promote bee awareness and enter into the world of beekeeping as a first timer.

Participants will confront their fears by personally interacting with bees in an experiment which can be repeated at home, with bees literally eating out of the palm of their hand.

The bee's anatomy and how each part is used in the life cycle of the workers, drones and queens will be explored.  The gathering, storing and transformation of pollens, nectars, water and other substances will be explained.  Common misperceptions regarding swarming and its benefits will be addressed.

Beehives will be examined, each component's purpose explored.  Frames will be removed and examined, wax and cells inspected, advantages and disadvantages of different hive-types discussed.

Bee care equipment will be explained, including protective clothing, smokers, extruders, pollen / propolis collectors and honey extractors.

Basic bee care will also be addressed. Treatments for mites and disease will be discussed, as well as the need for periodic and annual maintenance to the hive and whether or not keepers should medicate their bees.

Learn how to make an old world European bread which is traditionally baked in Jewish households each Friday in preparation for Shabbos (the Sabbath).

"Ancient Kamut Heirloom Wheat" will be used to create this amazing loaf from scratch, a bread which has crossed cultural boundaries and become a favorite in households the world over.  Some people who are sensitive to glutens have found that wheat which pre-dates genetic modification does not negatively affect them.

This egg glazed, braided treat will be demonstrated in three ways during your class:  Rich Egg, Cinnamon Swirl, and Cinnamon Raisin.  Nava (your instructor) will assist each of you to create a loaf to go home with you.

This skill will serve you well for the rest of your life as you show hospitality to your family and guests and pass it on to your children and grandchildren.

What is the source of your food?  The supermarket? That is where many people's thinking ends.  This class makes the connection from the food source to the consumer like few other classes are able to do.

Class participants will learn why raising a pastured broiler chicken is the only way to get the best quality and the finest tasting meat.

Each registrant will have an opportunity to be involved in the complete processing of their food, including selecting, scalding, plucking, eviscerating, chilling, bagging, weighing and labeling. They will learn the most humane way to process our broilers while keeping the birds calm.

This course offers each person a way to appreciate in a whole new way what it takes to raise, process, prepare and consume the food that is placed upon their table. In addition, they become a veteran member of the supply and demand food chain, possessing an understanding and skills which will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

Class cost includes 2 hours of hands-on instruction. A fresh whole chicken may be taken home at a discounted rate for an additional $19 if purchased as an add-on at the time of registration. Whole chickens may also be purchased the day of the class at full cost ($5.99 lb).

This outdoor class goes way beyond knowing the names of the planets in our solar system. We will examine some amazing facts and figures from the edge of the universe all the way back to our world which will give you a whole new appreciation for the place that we call home. Be prepared to be astounded.