Who is jean-francois?

          Jean-Francois Faloppa (Francois) was a Macomb CC Chef, Chocolatier and Patissier, he received an Innovation Grant from the Macomb Community College to start the “MCC Bee Squad” in 2014. It would be run by him and would be open to the community and students in Macomb County.  Most were culinary arts students who also had an interest in beekeeping.  Francois wanted to educate everyone on the importance of the Honey bee in our ecosystem.  He loved telling people about bees, he loved sharing recipes using honey, and he loved all his students.  I was asked after the first year to assist him in running the club, which I gladly agreed, so Francois’ passion for bees became mine.
            Our second year the Apiary had expanded and the members built a deck to house our hives.  Sadly, Francois passed away in the later part of the year and we all lost a Great friend and mentor.  Myself and the members have kept his dream alive, and the Apiary was rededicated in his honor, “The Jean-Francois Faloppa Educational Apiary”.  We are now 40+ members strong, have expanded the apiary, began teaching Bee-Ginner beekeeping classes and received a grant to plant a 1-acre wildflower patch and fruit trees to provide sustainable forage for our bees for years to come. I’m sure Francois would be happy with our progress, I am proud to keep his dream alive, and we miss his smile and friendship very much. "Jusqu'à ce que nous nous reverrons François" (until we meet again Francois).
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