On July 16, 2022, Round the Bend Farm honored a dear friend, agriprenuer & local beekeeper, Lucy Tabit. Lucy started raising bees at RTB in 2013 and taught workshops at the farm. She maintained six hives there and sold honey through her business, Hana’s Honey.
Executive Directeor at RTB, Desa Van Laarhoven addresses the gathering
Lucy was generous with her time and knowledge. In the years before she died, she advocated for legislative changes banning the use of neonicotinoids, a class of pesticide that enters plant nectar and can harm honey bees. Pesticide usage was an issue for Lucy and her honey bees, and she suspected that her bees were exposed to pesticides when they fed away from the farm.
Nate talks about gathering Lucy’s hives and bringing them to RTB
On June 15, 2021, Lucy passed away after a long battle with a difficult illness. That same morning, Garden Manager Benoit discovered a bee swarm. The bees buzzed over the gardens and landed on the cedar grove that circles the compost yard. Within a few hours, they settled into one of Lucy’s old hives, with the help of teammate Nate, Desa’s dad Hank, and an amazing beekeeper, Laura Ward. It was as if the bees had heard that one of their great protectors had passed, and they were coming home to pay tribute to their “queen bee”.
Benoit recalls a swarm of bees returning to Lucys hives
At the tribute for Lucy on July 16th, RTB farm teammate Nate Sander and Nilsa Garcia-Rey unveiled a new hand crafted bench which will be available for people to visit at the farm.
Tada!
Nearby are a number of hives which can be viewed while seated on the bench.
The area around the bench is a work in progress and will soon have plantings and honeycomb shaped tiles in the area surrounding.
Nate creates custom tiles
There is also a plaque attached to the back of the bench which says, “Merci beaucoup, Queen Lucy, for all of your loving care.” Local artist Amy Thurber donated this beautiful piece in her honor.
Lucy was a linguist, and would often speak to her bees in French.
Hana and Rick Tabit try out the new bench
We miss you Lucy!
To visit Lucy’s memorial at Round the Bend Farm, please come on Open Farm Days (every 3rd Saturday) or by appointment (info@roundthebendfarm.org).
