Queen Bee Donna here! I say that beecause I recently beecame a beekeeper. I thought it was not meant to bee as I procrastinated and contemplated on which type of hive to get.
Then one day, my friend Tim Itoi saved a swarm from his batch of bees and voilá, I got my first hive. It was definitely meant to bee.
I joined the Guam Beekeepers Association to learn more about beekeeping and beecame active with this fun group. I had a million questions. It was a relief to hear comforting words from my new friends after my hive took a tumble during the typhoon.
My bees take after me. They are strong and hardworking. Can’t wait until harvest time, which I am told is about eight months.
Every year, GBA hosts an event to celebrate World Bee Day. This year we were at Jeff’s Pirates Cove. It’s a blessing to bee part of this group. They are so knowledgeable of the trade and willingly share information with anyone interested. They are also quite funny so I fit in perfectly.
As part of the World Bee Day celebration, tables were set up to offer anything bee-related. We had honey tasting, a honey contest, and super cool raffle gifts. One table had a reusable beeswax container cover, another had jewelry. I would be the one at the art table, busy as a bee as usual.
The art table offered six original artworks by Dawn Lees-Reyes. These would bee used for illustrations in a book titled “Sabina of Santa Rita” by Olympia Terral that will bee published soon. It is currently in review with the UOG Press.
“Sabina of Santa Rita” is a story of a bee named Sabina who lives with her sisters in a hive on a hill in Santa Rita. It explores the world of honey bees from inside the hive. It is scientifically accurate as to their life cycle and the jobs they perform for the good of the hive. Sabina enjoys beeing with her sisters, but really can’t wait to fly and forage. Her first flight is full of excitement. Bee on the lookout for this awesome and educational book.
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Bee aware: What to do when you see a bee swarm.
Do not attempt to remove them. Doing so can bee very dangerous. Contact a professional beekeeper to rescue them.
The Guam Bee Rescue program is funded through a government of Guam grant. Contact Dennis Larsen at 671-482-4648 when you see a swarm. Members of the Guam Beekeepers Association do rescues as well.
I have permission to share the following info: please contact GBA members Paul Long at 671-797-6979 or David Crisostomo at 671-727-5655. They will come out and pick up the bees beecause Bee Lives Matter, too.
To learn more about beekeeping, book a Guam Honey Bee Experience at the Raw 671 Farm in Dededo. Dennis & Vivian Larsen will explain it all and then you will suit up to go to the hives.
It’s an awesome experience. Bee sure to check out their Air Bee ‘n’ Bee, the Buzz Inn. You’ll love the panoramic views.
Bee game: Count how many times the word “bee” shows up in this article and we will put your name in a hive to win some prizes. Email your answer along with your name to donnahblas@gmail.com Drawing will be on July 31. Limit: one entry per household.
Check out Guam Beekeepers Association’s website at guambeekeepers.org
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