Hello All,
I just followed Judy's link and read Patricia's essay.  I was very moved by
the insight of this young author.  The essay should be required reading in
schools, especially where children still think food comes from the grocery
store.

If you have not read it, I strongly suggest you take the time to do so.
Here is the link again in case you need it.
        http://home.fuse.net/backyardbees/

I think this essay deserves publication, with Patricia's permission of
course.   A number of the members of BeeL are associated with or contribute
to a number of publications that range from newsletters to magazines.  I
would like to challenge you to get this essay printed.

Judy, if you aren't already, you will probably get a barrage of emails, or
at least I hope you do, requesting more information.

Two years ago I was "interviewed" by three home-schooled children that were
doing a report on honeybees.  Their ages were between 9 and 11.  It was fun
answering the questions that they had prepared.  They also entered an essay,
based on their project, with 4H.  They placed 2nd and Honorable Mention in
the state contest.  Our association honored them at our annual banquet and
they honored us by presenting their reports at our winter meeting.  I don't
know if these children will ever become beekeepers, but they do know the
importance bees play in our lives.  We do have a chance to influence the
future and the tool is education.

Ron Bogansky
Kutztown, (eastern) PA, USA


+