Proposals to Tonight's Magee Alderman's Meeting

William and Lynn McLean Proposals (“Progressive”) for the City of Magee:
1. Allow Citizens of Magee to sell Vegetables and Produce (Pecans, Fruit and Berries) and rescind any City Ordinaces that prohibit or rescrict that prevent Citizens from doing this. Do this as an “Absolute”, so that Citizens can sell extra Produce from their “Home Gardens” like people have “yard sales” (as on a Table on their driveway on a Saturday Morning). This might NOT be advantageous to “Walmart”, but would be for the Citizen of Magee that the Mayor and Aldermen Serve and should be looking to the “Citizen’s Best Interests” (NOT Walmart). They should also be allowed to be able to have “You Pick” Vegetable Gardens, Pecan and Blueberry Bushes, where the Residents of Magee can pick their own at a reduce rate, whether it is Pecans, Blueberry, Fruit or Vegetables.
2. Consider having a “Community Garden Area” for those that cannot have a “Home Garden”, because they live in Retirement Homes, Apartments or their yard does not have the space for a “Home Garden”.
3. Consider having a Weekly Farmer’s Market, such as the Article below (June 8, 2009, DAILY LEADER) is about in Brookhaven.
4. Start a “Recycling Program” at least by having Recycling Containers for “reclyclables”. Futher information can be obtained from the website; earth911.com and the MS Department of Environmental Quality; www.deq.state.ms.us. Curbside Recycling should at least be given consideration, but “priority” should be to get Recycling Containers “A.S.A.P.”.
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BACKGROUND FOLLOWS:

BY: THERESE APEL, : Brookhaven DAILY LEADER Staff Writer
June 8, 2009

Brookhaven Farmer's market off to great start

Summer has officially arrived, and the evidence is the success of the first Brookhaven Farmer's Market of the year.

Photo By THERESE APEL Roland Lea (left) digs into his wallet as Preston Sullivan prepares to bag up some fresh cucumbers at the first Brookhaven Farmer’s Market of the season. Officials said the day was a great success, and that they expect a good season ahead.
The market took place Friday morning at Railroad Park, and vendors brought truckloads of produce, baked goods, homemade trinkets and jellies and jams. Mississippi State Extension Service Director Rebecca Bates said she thought the day was quite a success. "I was impressed with the number of growers that were there for it being so early in the season and being such a cool spring," she said. "Everyone was all sold out by noon."
And produce lovers can expect it to get bigger as the season continues, Bates said. "The producers that were there today will have more variety and more quantity further into the season, and we've got producers I've been speaking with all winter who weren't there today," she said Friday. "I think the challenge is going to be to produce enough product to last the day in the future, because it went quick today." The farmers market starts at 7:30 a.m. every Friday, and producers come from all around the area to sell the goods they've grown in their own gardens, or that they've crafted or created with their own hands. Even 10-year-old Luke Howell had a table where he was selling okra, squash, cucumbers and beets. There were also vendors with baked goods, candles, plants and birdhouses. "I checked on all of them," Bates said. "I know the ladies that were there with the fresh baked goods sold out." Sheryl Hubbard of Barlow was looking for cucumbers, and she found some. She said she only buys fresh produce, even if it means she has to travel. "Today I got my cucumbers," she said. "I also bought a lot of other stuff I didn't mean to buy. But we'll eat good this week." While the popularity of the farmers market rides mostly on the home-grown fruits and vegetables, Bates said there is also a positive ambiance that makes shopping fun for visitors. "I think it's the atmosphere, it's festive," she said. "But you also get to know the person you buy your food from. I know some of our growers that it's their second year, they're seeing customers that were repeat customers last years returning to them this year, and that's important." The market will have different focuses throughout the season as well. June 19 brings Dairy Day, which means there will be a dairy tent set up with free information and recipes, as well as free chocolate milk and a dairy cook-off. There will also be demonstrations and other special events at future farmers markets, Bates said, adding that it makes a fun environment for people who just want to drop in and see what's going on. "Just come back next week," she said.
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Even the U.S.A. Presidential “White House” NOW has a “Home Garden”!

The Following is from is from “MSU Cares”
~ Mississippi State University Extension Service:
Home Gardening
According to the National Gardening Association, gardening in the United State is at an all time high. Individuals from 85 million households - that's 8 out of 10 - participated in lawn and garden activities in 2004. That is up from 67%, in 1997, as reported by the same association.
Obviously gardening is enjoyed by a large and growing number of people in the nation, as well as in Mississippi, making it one of the top leisure activities in the country. As the interest in all aspects of gardening has increased, so has the need for more information and education.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is trying to meet this need through many programs designed to provide information and education to home gardeners. This area of our Web site is designed to help the home gardener find needed information about all aspects of gardening.
Home Gardening
Vegetable Gardening in Mississippi
There are many good reasons for growing a vegetable garden in Mississippi. A garden offers the opportunity to enjoy vegetables at their freshest. Sometimes only minutes elapse between harvest, preparation, and eating.
On the other hand, most fresh vegetables available at the grocery store travel about 1,800 miles between producer and consumer, and this travel often occurs over a period of several days. There’s a lot to be said for “homegrown” freshness.
If you've never grown a vegetable garden before, read what others say on the "Growing Vegetables" (article below) introduction page. This page also contains links for the beginner...what and where to plant, size of garden, etc.
Find additional answers to most garden questions in our publications (link msucares.com) area. Use the search area for convenience located on the same page.
Content for this section of MSUcares came from Publication 1091 - Garden Tabloid.
Home Gardening
Vegetables: Growing Vegetables Introduction
Vegetable gardens are traditional in Mississippi. There was a time when the state was more rural than it is today, and most of the family’s food was grown at home. Today, vegetable gardens are often thought of as a form of family recreation. Many older Mississippians grow gardens that are much too large for their own use just to have fresh vegetables for family, friends, and others who are unable to garden.
Here is what some of today’s Mississippi gardeners have to say about their gardens and why they garden:
“We have enough for our family, plus some to share; what more could you ask?”
“There’s no way to keep count of the people who stop to visit my garden and talk awhile since it is on the side of a field road that leads to a catfish pond. I was so proud when I was told it was the prettiest garden they had seen. I have filled 3 freezers and canned more than 300 jars of vegetables.”
“I have always had a love for gardening. I have helped in caring for the family garden ever since I was large enough to help plant and work in a garden.”
“I enjoy giving vegetables to the elderly, shut-ins, neighbors, and friends.”
“I enjoy people visiting my garden. Some come just to enjoy seeing it, others to learn better ways to garden.”
“I have gardened over 50 years and still do my own work. The hard work and good food keep me healthy. I save some money, but I receive other benefits that are greater and that cannot be bought.”
“We give more vegetables away than we keep. We have a large family, 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, so you see we really enjoy a garden.”
“There is a great difference in cooking fresh food from that which has been picked for several days. To watch your food grow gives you something to look forward to each week. It’s a profit, but it’s also a great pleasure.”

Youth
A garden can be a wonderful place for children. Gardens provide opportunities for play, learning, and for having fun. As our society becomes more urbanized and less connected with nature, gardens provide chances for children to learn about nature, growing food, and the importance of the natural world. Gardening with children can take place at home, at school, and/or at after-school programs.
Some Basic Tips for Gardeners Working with Kids:
A picture is worth a thousand words. Never tell kids something you could show them.
Young kids have a very short attention span. Make sure that you have lots of options available so they can get started immediately and stay busy. Digging holes is one thing that seems to hold endless fascination.
Instant gratification helps a lot. Plant radishes even if you don't like them-they come up in three or four days.
Growing their own will generally get kids to try eating things they otherwise wouldn't walk into the same room with.
GETTING DIRTY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF GROWING UP.
Your role should be as facilitator, rather than as a leader who imposes direction. Be a good model.
When giving out supplies to several kids, try to keep seeds, tools, etc. as similar as possible to avoid the inevitable squabbles.
After an activity, do something to reinforce what everyone has learned. Talk about what went on, who did what, who saw what. If you can, have them write things down or draw pictures. If they're too young, take dictation.
Many kids who won't talk in a large group will often speak easily in a small group.
When working with older kids (past about 13), one-to-one works better than groups, since gardening (and anything else that could get you dirty) is a remarkably un-cool and disgusting way to spend time. Try to add responsibility and ownership to projects. ("Quincy is in charge of the wheelbarrow today.") Try pairing up older kids with younger ones. Rest assured that if you give them a healthy respect for gardens and green things when they are young, it will stay with them throughout their lives.
Children are very sensitive to lead poisoning and should take precautions when working in the garden.
Information originally provided by the American Community Gardening Association.

Blueberries!!!
Blueberries are good for you and taste greatMississippi Gardens Newspaper and Web Column - June 13, 2005 Fresh blueberries are finally here and now is the time to load up on this Mississippi favorite! Blueberries are great whether eaten fresh or in one of the countless recipes developed to delight the taste buds. Blueberries are readily found at local grocery stores, blueberry farms, farmer's markets or maybe even your neighbor's backyard (with permission, of course).
Blueberries have increased in popularity over the past few years for several reasons. Dr. John Braswell, Mississippi State University Extension Fruit and Nut Specialist, describes blueberry as the "celebrity" fruit. Some of the reasons for its well deserved "pop" status is that blueberries are low in calories, high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and E. Eating blueberries may help us fight cancer, diabetes, reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease and lower bad cholesterol levels.
Consumption of blueberries may also improve eyesight, sharpen memory and help prevent Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. These tasty berries have also been proven effective against urinary tract infections, reversing skin wrinkling and shows positive results in children with ADD.
The kind of blueberry we typically grow in Mississippi is called rabbiteye. Plant scientists developed the rabbiteye blueberry from our native species. This is why they perform so well in our climate. Some of the more common cultivars of rabbiteye include Climax, Premier, Brightwell, Tifblue and Powderblue.
Blueberries are quite easy to grow, require minimal maintenance and are virtually pest free. Six bushes will provide plenty of fruit for most families. The harvest period may be extended from May through July with careful cultivar selection. Blueberries thrive in soil that is moist, well drained and rich in organic matter with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, so no lime please.
Blueberry bushes are typically purchased as two-year old plants in nursery containers or as bare root plants. For the latter, take extra care to prevent the roots from drying out. Most are planted from November to February. Unlike other plants, blueberry bushes are set in the soil one or two inches deeper than they were grown in the nursery. Once planted, they benefit from two or three inches of pine needles or ground pine bark mulch.
To insure good fruit set, plant two or more cultivars that bloom simultaneously. For instance, Brightwell, Climax and Premier have similar bloom time and ripen early. Tifblue and Powderblue are considered mid to late season and will extend the harvest period. More complete cultural information is available from your local MSU-Extension Service Office or this Web site.
If you would like a free brochure of blueberry recipes that include such things as blueberry ice pie, sweetish hills blueberry muffins and old-style blueberry jam, contact Dr. John Braswell at 601-795-4525. Happy gardening!
(P.S.> John is a personal Friend of lynn and William Mclean, and We would be Happy to ask him to come to talk to the Magee Alderperson’s Meeting!)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ! ! ! RECYCLING INFORMATION ! ! ! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Register To Be A "Going Green Mississippi" Champion
Are you doing your part to protect and improve Central Mississippi's environment? If you are, your group could become a Going Green Mississippi champion! WLBT along with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and Recycling Services are now accepting entries!
WHO CAN ENTER THE COMPETITION?
Going Green Mississippi will spotlight classrooms, schools, businesses, churches, civic organizations and other groups (includes 3 or more individuals) within WLBT's 24 county coverage area for outstanding environmental projects. Counties include: Adams, Attala, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln, Madison, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, Walthall, Warren, and Yazoo. Employees of WLBT, as well as immediate family (brothers, sisters, children, father, mother), their legal or common-law spouse and any individuals with whom such employees are domiciled, are not eligible.
WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS ARE ACCEPTABLE
Your Going Green Mississippi project can be a hands-on action project or an education campaign. Choose one that looks interesting or one of significance to your group and the community! Projects must address one or more of the following: air, water, land, waste reduction or energy efficiency. Projects must also educate the community and make a lasting difference to the environment. It can be homegrown!
AWARD PROGRAM
By doing your part to preserve Central Mississippi's environment, your group could be:
featured in a 30 second TV commercial about your project on WLBT!
Highlighted on WLBT.com's Going Green Mississippi page!
Seven (7) Going Green Mississippi Champions will be selected! Winners will be chosen based on the quality of their environmental projects.


Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Program
The Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Program is part of the Office of Pollution Control at the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
The program works with municipal, county, state and federal governments, commercial and industrial facilities, military facilities, schools, institutions including colleges, universities and hospitals, and the general public. The goal of the program is to:
Increase the amount of recycling and composting in the state;
Increase awareness and efforts of non-hazardous and hazardous waste pollution prevention;
Increase awareness and efforts of buying products manufactured from recycled materials; and
Educate the public of the importance of recycling and solid waste reduction.
The Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Program staff works closely with numerous organizations across the state and region. Some of these organizations include Keep Mississippi Beautiful (KMB) and their local affiliates, Mississippi Recycling Coalition (MRC) and the Earth 911 Network.
The Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Program works closely with the following MDEQ programs to provide technical assistance on recycling and solid waste reduction and to disseminate information:
Solid Waste Policy, Planning, and Grants Division - Environmental Permits Division
Solid Waste Management & Mining Branch - Environmental Compliance & Enforcement Division
Solid Waste Management & Mining Branch - Environmental Permits Division
Environmental Resource Center
Nonpoint Source Section - Surface Water Division

Contact Information:
To contact the Recycling staff, click here.

Street Address:
Mailing Address:
515 E. Amite St.Jackson, MS 39201Click here to view a map
MS Dept. of Environmental QualityRecycling and Solid Waste Reduction ProgramP. O. Box 2261Jackson, MS 39225
Office Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday