New-bee Chairperson Beckie Woods sat with Sue Hobbs one recent Thursday morning to plan some secret surprises for the 2019 Queen Bee Brunch that will be held May 18 at the Alpine Community Center.
Hobbs talked with delight about seeing all the differently-themed tables come together under the direction of the Woman’s Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Center, and other Alpine groups.
“It is so neat to have people come in and exclaim over the different table themes: one might have honeybees on it and another might have a western theme and they’re all just beautifully done,” Hobbs said.
This marks the third year the community center has hosted the brunch and according to Hobbs, the event has grown in scope each year. To continue that growth, Woods joined as an event specialist.
“We can definitely say that we’re building on this event… It’s not a tea anymore, it is a brunch with a full list of planned events and activities for this year,” Woods said.
Woods spoke of her plans to include local gardeners with information on pollinators such as butterflies. The Alpine Garden Club will be providing a speaker on the topic of utilizing pollination friendly plants in home gardens.
“Monarch butterflies are huge right now and I want to include the garden club because not everyone is into bees but the larger idea of pollinators might reach other people,” Woods said.
Carolyn Connelly of Hope Superfoods will be speaking on the health benefits of super foods.
According to University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, honey bees are a primary pollinator for one third of human-consumed food in North America. The USDA reports the value of annual honey production in the United States to be more than $315 million and research has shown managed honey bees contribute over $14.6 billion to crop production.
“There would not (be) healthy food to eat if there were no bees,” Connelly said.
Local beekeeper Richard Edwords will also share information on the history of beekeeping in Alpine, and Amanda Collins of Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat will offer information on the topic in general.
In addition to the planned speakers, the brunch will feature a fashion show, put on this year by KC’s Closet of Alpine, but with a surprise twist for attendees. Live music will be provided by pianist Sharon Halverson of Halverson Piano Studio, and a silent auction is planned for the event.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Alpine Community Center with Honorary Mayor of Alpine Linda Cioffi serving as Master of Ceremonies for the day.
