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[OCT. 24, 2001]  ^“Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties." Carol Deppe, Chelsea Green Publishing, 2000, 367 pages.

In the revised edition of her 1993 classic work "Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties," author and plant breeder Carol Deppe writes that "the entire world of plant breeding has changed almost beyond recognition … changes in patenting laws have allowed publicly funded institutions to patent plant varieties created with public money." According to Deppe, these "university-based breeders … choose to work on developing varieties resistant to herbicides instead of varieties that taste better or grow better." Unfortunately these changes may not be in the best interests of consumers or growers.

As genetic engineering becomes the predominant method of plant and seed breeding, employing the old technologies is becoming a lost art. Keeping alive these traditional methods is an essential component of Deppe’s book.

Why is it vital that individuals continue to breed plants? Deppe believes that crop varieties "incorporate the values of their creators. When you grow varieties bred by others, you propagate their values along with their varieties." Her book explains how to identify and save the best seeds, grow and propagate traditional and regional food favorites, and experiment with your own unique varieties. The book is divided into three sections:

• An Introduction to Plant Breeding and Seed Saving

• Seed Saving Practice

• Developing Crops for a Sustainable Future

Each section contains chapters in support of its theme.

In introducing the reader to plant breeding and seed saving, Deppe discusses the allocations of space and time, how to find and experiment with germplasm (genetic material), genetics, plant parenthood, and domesticating wild plants. Deppe also includes the success stories of three amateur gardeners-breeders. There is a fascinating chapter devoted to plant breeding techniques that can influence flavor, size, shape, color, disease resistance and regional adaptation.

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Establishing effective seed saving practices is considered the cornerstone of successful plant breeding. According to Deppe, "If you know how to save your own seeds you can grow rare varieties … saving your own seed means independence. It lets you make your own choices and have your own preferences." This means growing your own seed, understanding isolation distances (to prevent varieties from cross-pollinating), deciding between inbreeding verses outbreeding, and the basics of selection, harvesting, processing and storage.

In the concluding section, on growing crops for a sustainable future, Deppe criticizes the trend toward genetic engineering (and the byproduct known as genetically modified foods) over standard plant breeding techniques. Nowhere is this more evident than her experiences with the FLAVRSAVR tomato. Known as "the first genetically engineered food to be released and sold to the public," this tomato was released for sale in 1995. The results of Deppe’s own taste test: "It’s easy to describe the flavor of those tomatoes. They tasted like gasoline." The awful-tasting food was ultimately withdrawn from supermarkets in order to, according to the company, "develop…more acceptable flavor."

"Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties" is the definitive source for gardeners and farmers interested in plant breeding and seed saving. In addition to a wealth of information on plants and seeds, there are appendices on breeding and seed saving for common vegetables, technical information on hand-pollination and performing seed crosses, USDA information on germplasm, and addresses of seed exchanges, companies and organizations. The editor in chief of NationalGardening.com writes, "Any gardener interested in vegetable plant breeding must have this book. It is the standard reference."

Deppe’s strongly held beliefs about plant breeding and its place in nature encourage breeders to leave something of themselves in each new breed they create. "It is time for new patterns — new patterns for agriculture, and new patterns for plant breeding. … It is time for farmers and gardeners everywhere to take back our seeds, to rediscover seed saving, and to practice our own plant breeding. It is time to breed plants based upon an entirely different set of values."

This book is highly recommended for farmers, gardeners, and people who love the earth and the things we can grow from it.

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217) 732-8878.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

• Lincoln Community Theatre

• Logan County Arts Association

[OCT. 18, 2001]  On the heels of a sellout of its first classic film offering, on Oct. 11, the Logan County Arts Association laid plans Monday night for its next event, a classical Spanish guitar performance by Chris Culleton at Trinity Episcopal Church on Dec. 16.

Culleton is a Lincoln native. A reception will follow his 2 p.m. classical guitar performance. Tickets will be sold in advance, with a maximum of 200 seats available for $5 each. Proceeds will go to the association for future arts programming.

Association President Marshall Jacobs reported a meeting with Kerasotes Theatres officers, Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis and Bobbi Abbott, executive director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, at which a "workable framework" for transfer of the Lincoln Cinema’s theater to the chamber was devised. He said plans are for the arts association to restore the interior of the building with office space on the second floor. Work would start after GKC has completed a new theater complex, probably in the fall of 2002.

The architectural firm of Kenyon & Associates, which oversaw restoration work on Lincoln Public Library, will examine the theater building soon, and other firms have also expressed interest in the project, expected to cost more than $1 million. Jacobs said that $5,000 to $10,000 seed money is needed, and at least two grants have been applied for.

Completion of the theater restoration in 2003 would make it available for use in relation to Lincoln’s sesquicentennial that year. Jacobs said plans are for the chamber of commerce to hold the theater as part of the downtown historic district. Details of how the building would be used have been discussed but not finalized.

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The classic film showing of "Casablanca" on Oct. 11 was a sellout, netting the arts association about $650. "I was very pleased with the turnout, and the demographics were great," Jacobs said, adding that all age groups were represented. The community is asking, "What’s next?" according to board secretary Louella Moreland, and a list of preferred choices is being drawn up.

In contrast to the success of the classic film viewing, the association’s other recent presentation attracted only a small audience. "Music, Magic and More," a Sept. 29 performance by Mr. Tone, a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey-trained clown, was described as an "excellent show" which "the kids loved." However, only about 30 people attended.

About half a dozen logo designs have been submitted in the association’s contest. The board decided to keep the contest open.

A membership committee consisting of Jean Gossett, Dan Bailey and Jeanie Xamis was formed. The committee is charged with writing policies for what benefits come with a membership in the association and with planning a membership drive.

The Logan County Arts Association is seeking corporate sponsors for coming events, including the classical Spanish guitarist and future classic film nights.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

[OCT. 13, 2001]  Thursday night, the second of this year’s community concert series brought what seemed like most of Lincoln to the LCC chapel. The Pasadena Roof Orchestra from London, England, filled the hall with its blend of ’20s and ’30s jazz, big band and swing music.

The band, which got its name from Warren’s "(Home in) Pasadena," had the style and appearance of the 1920s lounge bands, from their suit-and-tie apparel to their music stands with the PRO logo on the front. They delighted the audience with old-time favorites such as "Jeepers Creepers," "My Melancholy Baby" and "Forty-Second Street."

Each band member got his turn in the spotlight. Pianist Simon Townley "tickled the ivories" in "Kitten on the Keys"; Andy Kuc, the baby of the group, shone on the rhythm guitar in "Play that Hot Guitar"; and Dan Hammerton stole the show with his dynamic trumpet solos in almost every song.

Lead vocalist James Langton had amazing stage presence. His white tie and tails complemented his loose and interactive style. When he wasn’t caressing the microphone with his smooth voice, he was dancing around the stage and mingling with the band members. There was only one time when he seemed to lose touch with his audience.

"Sugarfoot Stomp" contained around seven minutes of instrumental solos. The lack of vocals was almost too long. The band was saved, however, when they did their "rousing conclusion" two songs later. "Minnie the Moocher" by Calloway and Mills brought the audience to life with its wailing trumpet and echoed scat. Blues Brothers fans kept up nicely with the energizing refrain.

[Gina Sennett]

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The Pasadena Roof Orchestra members are:

James Langton — orchestra leader, vocalist

David Ford — trumpet

Dan Hammerton — trumpet

Steve Shaw — trombone and vocal trio

Nick Payton — alto and baritone sax, clarinet

Paul Jones — alto sax and clarinet

James Scannell — alto sax and clarinet

Simon Townley — piano and vocal trio

Andy Kuc — guitar and banjo

John Sutton — drums

Dave Berry — bass and sousaphone

Thorsten Merriott — sound engineer

To learn more about the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, visit http://www.pasadena.co.uk/.

Lincoln Community Theatre’s website serves a number of functions, from providing information on becoming a season ticket holder to showing what new productions are being planned. Pictures from past productions are also posted.

Visit LCT’s website at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html, e-mail LCT at lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com, or write to Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656.

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