Here’s a video I made of Beekeeper Eric Moellering tending an apiary that’s nestled on the college campus where I work. In the late fall the queen lays a special group of winter bees that some biologists consider a separate caste. These larva are fed a special diet scarce in protein (pollen), which causes them to develop extra body fat and allows them to live 6 months instead of the typical 6 weeks. These bees are responsible for eating honey stored during summer months and keeping the colony warm by vibrating their flight muscles.
Wintering Bees
Kristin D'Agostino 
When I lived in Bennington, I remember meeting people who were members of a Vermont bee-keeping organization. One of the services they provided was a “beginner’s-starter” kit with materials and instructions to get started. I thought that was pretty cool.