CANTON -- "Honeybee Health & Human Foodstuffs for the 21st Century" is an upcoming presentation by the Local Living Venture with presenter William Roome on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 5-7 p.m.

An optional beekeeping discussion group program follows at 7 p.m.

Both events will be held at the Betty Evans Community Room in the new wing of the E.J. Noble Medical Building at 80 E. Main St.

Natural beekeeper William Roome will provide an overview of the current crisis faced by pollinators and what will change it.

Roome has a master’s degree in Environmental Biology/Biotechnology, from the college of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a master’s in science teaching from SUNY Potsdam.

He taught Science for 22 years in the public-school system in Maine and New York and currently operates Hawkshaw Apiary in Madrid and Hawkshaw Meadworks, in Canton.

The session will include factors that currently affect the health of our pollinators, their honey, our food and the environment, along with an overview of natural bee management for those interested in keeping bees.

Roome will discuss the affects of modern agriculture and chemicals on honey production, including commercial production and what healthy honey should look like, how it is used, public perception and labeling "quick facts" to help people make healthy choices while shopping.

The discussion will zoom in for a close-up view of honey, including activities to assess it's nutritional and medicinal value.

Those currently keeping bees are welcome to bring in a small sample of their honey for nutritional assessment.

The "suggested" donation for the presentation is $10 per person, with no one turned away for lack of funds.

The discussion group meets monthly in an informal Q&A session where experienced beekeepers and novices share experiences and resources.

The group also sponsors an annual bee co-op to purchase nucleuses and package bees to refill or start new bee colonies in the Spring.

Roome’s new business venture, Hawkshaw Meadworks, slated to open soon in Canton, is sponsoring the presentation.

Meadworks will feature mead (a natural honey wine favored by Celts, Saxons and Vikings), sweet and savory pies, NYS cheese, beer, distillates, wine, local honey and wax products, along with Viking apparel.

The event coordinators, the Local Living Venture, sponsor workshops promoting traditional rural and simple living skills with the motto "Sharing Knowledge from the Past - Building Skills for the Future."

Registration is not required but appreciated, at LocalLivingVenture@gmail.com or 315-347-4223.

Info: www.LocalLivingVenture.org/full-events-schedule.