I am a Verona-based beekeeper with several hives in Essex County, New Jersey.  I first remember encountering beekeeping at the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show in the mid-1990s, but at the time I lived in a condo, and beehives on my balcony would not go over well with the neighbors!

After moving to Essex County in 2010, I took the Introduction to Beekeeping Course offered by the Essex County Beekeepers Society, which is a wonderful group offering education and support to enthusiasts in our area.  Despite the fact that I'm a homeowner, my hives are not at my house, mainly because I have a shady back yard (bees love the sun!) and I back up to a golf course.  Through community connections, I now have several sponsors who host beehives, including my parish, where they are part of a community garden on Pine Street in Montclair.  Some of our honey is distributed at Mary's Pantry, our parish food program, as well as local groups like Toni's Kitchen,

I have been fortunate to connect with two great community groups which grow and distribute fresh produce to those in need: The Northeast Earth Coalition and A Lot to Grow.  Both of these outstanding organizations are worthy of your support.

Just this past summer I became involved with Hives for Heroes, a national nonprofit organization which looks to pair veterans with local beekeepers.