CRYSTAL LAKE – The public is invited to Green Drinks McHenry County from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N. Main St.

Doug Hawthorne, vice president of the Northern Illinois Beekeepers Association, will speak about bees: What is the state of bees in McHenry County?

Hawthorne has been a beekeeper for 11 years. He knows enough to recognize a honeybee from a wasp but feels that he has only touched on the knowledge available on raising bees. On the other hand, he has raised honey each and every year – enough to cover out-of-pocket expenses. Recently, he has begun learning how to make beeswax candles.