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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith | Community Columnist

If you are not sure what to get your Valentine this year, a course on honeybees might be the best bet. Beginning Valentine’s Day, a new class will be offered at Jemison Municipal Building about beekeeping. The Chilton County Beekeepers Association will lead a four-week educational course for community members interested in beekeeping.

“Whether you are new to beekeeping, or it’s been awhile and you’ d like a refresher, or you’re interested in hearing presentations on beekeeping, you’re going to enjoy the class, said association member Brad Kelley. “We’ve got professionals and experienced beekeepers ready to share what they’ve learned about beekeeping.”

Despite popular belief, European honey bees (which are most common in Alabama) are non-aggressive and frequently coincide in harmony with humans.

The course will take place over four consecutive Tuesday evenings: Feb.14, 21, 28 and March 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Jemison Municipal Building. Cost to attend is $45 and, in addition to the course, includes a 2023 membership to the Chilton County Beekeepers Association’s monthly meetings and a field-day experience at a local bee yard (March 4) which will be a hands-on learning experience.

“Beekeeping is a lot of fun for me,” said Kelley. “I enjoy learning and also love the benefits that come from keeping bees.”

Besides honey and the promise of good pollination within the community, beekeeping provides many other benefits to the beekeeper including wax products, sales of queen and worker bees and honey products.

Early registration to the course is encouraged but tickets will also be sold at entry. To register, visit www.ccba-bees.weebly.com and click on “Additional Information.”

For more information, contact Brad Kelley at 205-217-1563.

Jemison Municipal Building is located at 14 Padgett Lane, Jemison.