BACKYARD FARMING: Ain't nobody here but us chickens (and bees)

I thought some of my "country lifestyle" readers might enjoy hearing about these two programs:
1. Just in time for baby chick season, Brandywine Ace Hardware on Route 926 is offering "Chick Chats" at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25, March 18, and April 15. "Come see why raising backyard chickens has become so popular!" reads the flier. The hardware store's phone number is 610-793-3080.
2.  The Chester County Beekeepers Association is offering a program on Beekeeping Basics as part of its annual conference at the Merion Science Center at West Chester University from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14. The teacher is Dr. Dewey Caron, emeritus professor of entomology and wildlife at the University of Delaware and affiliate professor in the department of horticulture at Oregon State University. There will also be advanced lectures given by two other bee experts. Preregistration is required because of limited space. The website is www.ChescoBees.org.