Honey bees are in trouble. That's the buzz among apiarists (beekeepers) and I should know as our very own apiarist Ken Parezo keeps us informed. He has kept bees on our property for more than two decades. We have been the grateful yearly recipients of the most delicious 100 percent organic honey all produced right here in our own West Friendship garden.

Last year, our honeybee colony died. Like more than a third of the honeybee colonies in the United States, the phenomenon known as "colony collapse disorder" hit us, too. Since then, Parenzo has started up a new colony with what are for now active and alive honeybees.

The cause of the colony collapse remains a mystery to beekeepers, although there are many theories afloat. From weakened immune systems, the abundant use of pesticides, a possible virus, or the presence of cell phone towers to the increase in air pollution as possible culprits, the questions have arisen as to just what has caused this puzzling colony collapse disorder.

Pollination by bees is essential for the growing of our food. If you would like to learn about beekeeping and the great effect of a healthy honeybee colony in your own garden, visit the Howard County Conservancy at Mt. Pleasant, a 232-acre farm where the Howard County Beekeepers maintain an apiary for viewing by the public.

Mt. Pleasant Farm is at 10520 Old Frederick Road (Route 99), in Woodstock. The Conservancy's informative Web site address is www.hcconservancy.org.

Still intrigued by bee life? Join up with the Howard County Beekeepers during one of their meetings. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the dining hall at the Howard County fairgrounds. The next meeting is set for Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

Club president Allen Hayes welcomes interested new members. Hayes can be contacted by e-mail at thehayeshouse4@aol.com or by telephone at 410-489-2835.

"Skateboarding is my passion," shouts Jesse Mesa, a rising junior at River Hill High School. The local skateboarder is so enthusiastic about his love of the sometimes extreme sport that he is heading up to Pennsylvania next week for a skateboard camp.

Jesse, who lives in West Friendship with his parents, Kristin and David Mesa, also teaches gymnastics at the Pomeroy Gym, in Glenelg.

"I've worked there to earn my tuition to the skateboard camp," Jesse said.

He also plays percussion for the River Hill High School music department and is joyful when discussing the accomplishments of his sisters, Sarah and Rebecca. The active teen is thrilled to be headed to Amish country where his skateboard camp is located.

"I love it," he said.

West Friendship Elementary teachers Ann Stull and Cathy Huebner will host a parent orientation for new kindergarten parents Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at the school.

Speaking of kindergarten, the Glenwood Branch Library is hosting two sessions designed specifically for new kindergarten students. "Kindergarten, Here We Come" is set for Monday, Aug 18 at 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. The program will include stories and activities which will help mark that all important first day of school. Register in person or call 410-313-5579.

Every where you turn there is a reminder to "buy local." In West Friendship, that's become an easy task between the Glenwood Farmer's Market, open each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until October and Jenny's Market, just off of Route 32, open each weekend through the end of September.

A reader called to alert me that I keep mentioning R.J.Caulder's soaps and she wonders where to find them. It's simple. Go to Caulder's Web site at www.breezywillowfarm.com and you will find a terrific site dedicated to all the things that are being made and grown at the West Friendship farm.

Did you know that the Howard County Library offers free courses on Internet technology? Whether in groups or one on one, the library staff wants to keep Howard countians up to speed. Simply call or visit your local library branch to set up a session in which you can learn the basics or more advanced use of the internet.

Got plant problems? The Glenwood branch will offer the expertise of one of Howard County's Master Gardeners during a plant clinic Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. This is your opportunity to discover what's wrong with any ailing plants. Bring along an example for even more illumination of your plant problems.

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