HOS_Encore_August-2013_Encore 8/13/13 12:30 PM Page 1
You have a choice. If you or a loved one need hospice services, remember you have a choice.
For a list of questions you should ask when considering a hospice program, contact us.
Serving our community since 1981 (269) 345-0273 www.hospiceswmi.org
Julie Powell
Steven M. Nitsch, MD
Fraxel re:store® Laser Resurfacing
Cosmetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgeries
Skin Care Specialist www.juliepowellskincare.com
“THERMAGE” Skin Tightening IPL Treatment of Skin Pigment & Hair Removal
Parkway Plastic Surgery
Parkway Surgery Center We strive to provide a superior care experience by creating a pleasant personal setting for the finest surgical procedures.
Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Custom Facials Image Products, Gabriel Correctives Products LATISSE
Comprehensive Plastic Surgical Care
Body Contouring Cosmetic & Reconstructive Facial Improvements Burn Care & Reconstruction Skin Cancer Treatments Scar Revision Botox & Injectable Fillers
575 W. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo
269.343.5750 Toll-Free 877.995.5750 | www.parkwayps.com 8 | Encore SEPTEMBER 2013
to gardeners,” Edgerton says. “Take a packet of seeds and start them on your own, return later for already planted seeds to transfer to your garden, or, return even later for plants already sprouted from seeds to transplant into your garden. What we want to do is maximize the success, to get people involved in gardening again. This isn’t really a new idea. There have been seed libraries in Europe for some time.” Hopkins District Library is also offering a seed-lending program to its patrons. Library Director Natalie Bazan obtained many of her seeds for the program from her parents, who own a greenhouse business. “I was also able to get many seeds as donations from seed companies just by asking,” she says. “We’re happy to collaborate with other libraries, and we have other gardening programs planned. We will be making a worm farm and doing ‘gorilla gardening’ — planting flowers around Hopkins in random places. We will also have a workshop on writing grants for community gardens.” While Martin has a community garden that is working with the J.C. Wheeler Library to save and trade seeds and transplants, Hopkins does not, but it does have a farmers’ market to sell the resulting produce. “What’s old is new again,” Bazan says. “People want to learn about sustainable and healthier ways of living, the way our ancestors did. Seed lending and gardening will help people understand food by growing it and the life cycle of plants by harvesting seeds and replanting the next year.” Edgerton explains the importance of encouraging seed saving: “Genetically modified seeds were developed to resist disease, insects and drought, but they limit the varieties of a crop, and they don’t work in all areas.” Limiting varieties is dangerous, he says, because if one crop is destroyed, or mutates, an entire food variety can be lost. Genetically modified seeds are still being studied for safety in human consumption and are banned in many European countries. Using pesticides and herbicides with these seeds is also not environmentally sustainable, Edgerton says. “It’s another way for your local library to be involved in the community,” Bazan says. “And,” she adds with a laugh, “there won’t be any overdue fees if you don’t return the seeds.”