Looking Forward ...  to 2015 and More                      Dec 1, 2014

                                                               by Calvin Bey

I have been retired since 1997, time has flown by, and I still have many things on my "to do" list.  I say this, not in complaining, but in announcing I do need to slow down a bit.

Since "retirement," we moved and built an energy efficient house;  fully landscaped the 2 acres;  started and expanded the vegetable/fruit garden;  taught many classes (with over 500 students) on growing nutrient-dense vegetables; wrote over 100 articles for Master Gardeners; wrote articles for AcresUSA; gave many talks to Garden Clubs, civic groups, local WAPF meetings; talked at WAPF International Conference; served on Boards and Committees, and much more.

For 2015 and beyond, I intend to continue helping others in many ways.  My emphasis will be  to concentrate on activities that teach others to grow their own food.  The late Charles Walters' (who started AcresUSA) last advice to AcresUSA conference participants was this:  "1.  Learn to grow your own food,  2.  Get out of debt, and 3.  Be good to your neighbors."  That is good advice whether or not we face a world stressed by pollution, financial collapse, and social turmoil.   It would be such a different world if we would all strive for these goals.  How about going for 2 out of 3?   You choose.  :)

So in 2015, I intend to teach my usual gardening classes, grow my usual garden, and do some garden tours.  For 2016 (its the year I turn 80), its uncertain.  "Slow down" seems appropriate.

I say all this to ask you to help in the goal of  "teaching others how to grow their own food."  I encourage everyone to take up this same mission.  It is a huge task.  Start small and do it right.

                                                       To Change the World

I have pondered many times what few simple things would most change the world from stressed (filled with terror), to one of peace.  Though history would say conflict is not new, it remains very frightening today.  The looming conditions are not what I want for my grandchildren and yours.  I say, lets start by helping everyone get clean, healthy water and good nutrition.  Help your neighbor be a better gardener.  Who knows what else that might lead to.  Good luck and God Bless.