ONEIDA — On Tuesday, April 18, Chef Jeff Beam will discuss a host of steps and ideas to help you prepare meals. The program will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Oneida YMCA, 701 Seneca Street. This is the fifth in a series of wellness presentations at the Oneida Y.

The Wellness Speaker Series, sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, is free and open to the public.

“In this presentation, you will learn how to prep meals for yourself and family in a way that works best for your household needs and budget,” said Beam, a professional chef for over 30 years.

Beam will take participants through preparation from start to finish and provide quick tips to make the process fun.

“We will discuss how to incorporate this routine into any lifestyle and how it can positively impact your overall health,” Beam added.

Beam said he knew he wanted to be in the food industry when he was 12 years old and after learning his trade in various restaurants in the area, he accepted an apprenticeship position at the Excelsior Hotel under Walter Stibe, a governor of the Culinary Institute of America.

While working there, Beam had the pleasure of cooking for famous people such as President Bill Clinton, Kenny Rogers, Woody Harrelson and Kurt Russell. After graduation from the Culinary Institute of America, Beam moved back to Verona and has made the Black Stallion restaurant his home for 28 years.

Registration is not required for the seminar. Food and beverages will be provided. The Wellness Speaker Series will conclude on Wednesday, May 3 with a presentation entitled “Healthy Bones for Life: All About Osteoporosis” with Brian Carroll.

For more information, contact Madison Robinson, health and fitness coordinator for the Oneida branch of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, 315-363-7788, or visit www.ymcatrivalley.org.