FITCHBURG — Westminster beekeepers Harry and Susan Parviainen have mastered the art and science of beekeeping and are thrilled to have the opportunity to share their knowledge with the community.
The presentation will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Road.
The Parviainen’s are the owners of Son of a Bee, where they harvest and sell honey, and also use beeswax to create many products, such as hand cream and a variety of novelty candles.
“Along with our presentation, we will talk about how we started in beekeeping, how bees came to the United States, and we will demonstrate two hive boxes, made in Finland, and how to use them,” said Susan, adding that the boxes will be empty, though. “No worries, we aren’t bringing in any bees.”
Besides the hive boxes, the couple will also show some of their equipment, including a beekeeper’s suit and gloves, a hive tool, and a smoker.
Attendees will learn how bees fit in with their environment and about the service they provide to the ecosystem.
“We will also talk about the importance of bees for pollination,” Harry said.
The couple says they enjoy getting feedback from the people they talk to.
“We love to hear about how they use the honey, and how the bees help with increased flowers and fruit from the hives we place on their property,” said Susan.
The community is welcome to enjoy this free presentation, along with refreshments. Bee products will be available for sale.
The presentation will follow the annual meeting of the Finnish Center at Saima Park, which starts at 1 p.m. Membership to the Finnish Center at Saima Park is open to all. Annual dues are $30 for individuals 18 years and older.
For more information about membership and events, you are welcome to visit saima-park.org. For more information about Son of a Bee, you can find them on Facebook.