Zorra-Now-Fall 2024-web

TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY INFORMATION TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY INFORMATION 32 Zorra Now | Fall 2024 Zorra Now | Fall 2024 33 Oxford 4-H Club The Brooksdale 4-H Club have been doing the Niche Crops 4-H project where they explored different types of crops throughout the project. They toured the Glenridge Hazelnuts in St George. It is the largest hazelnut farm in Ontario. Hazelnuts are wind pollinated. For harvesting, unique customized harvesting equipment manufactured in Europe is used. The trees drop their nuts onto the ground and a harvesting machine is like one large vacuum to collect them, then they are sorted by another machine. Youth were able to sample hazelnuts with seasonings like espresso, maple, cinnamon & sugar. They were also given flavoured roasted hazelnuts to take home. Youth were interested to hear about all the trial and error when trying something new. Blackcurrants was another crop youth learned about at the location in Medina. Harvesting occurs at night as the dew prevents the currants from sticking to the machinery. Blackcurrants are like a blueberry. They are made into jam, jelly, wine and other products. The African Market Garden, Felicitas’ Amazing Maize, near Ingersoll grows African produce. Youth were fascinated to learn about how other cultures use different crops and how they eat them. They seen white corn there. The group went on a bus trip to Simcoe touring JD Micro Greens & Tobacco seeing tobacco plants, planter & harvesting equipment. They seen greens like onion, broccoli & sprouts growing under grow lights. Another stop on the bus trip was to Meadow Lynn CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Market Garden. Community members pay a subscription to receive a box of garden produce weekly throughout the growing season. Youth were able to help plant lettuce and taste green onion at the stops on the bus trip. The Niche Crop achievement is a weed identification poster of weeds found in their garden entered into the Embro Fair Brooksdale 4-H Classes. Youth learned about integrated pest management (weeds, insects, fungus) at the Embro Pond Conservation Area with Senior Biologist, Andrea DeBruyn. The 4-H program is a leadership development program for youth ages 6-21 from urban and rural areas learning about health, environment, technology, agriculture, science, food, community and communication in a hands-on learning atmosphere. To knowmore about the 4-H program, please contact the Oxford 4-H Communications Coordinator, ShonnaWard, by email oxfordcounty4h@gmail.com or call/text 519-854- 6919 or check out Oxford County 4-H Facebook. Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Meeting at 6:45 Meal off the menu starting at 5:00 by reservation only Mel’s Fish & Chips 360 Dundas St. Woodstock Presented by Brenda Boswell, Secretary, Oxford Historical Society, who started washing dishes at Baird’s Fish & Chips at age 12. Fish & Chips wrapped in newspaper and the smell of vinegar and frying oil evokes warm memories for most people who have ever lived in Woodstock. See the original custom art deco fryer imported from Great Britain, hear the history of fish and chips in Woodstock and view the Eric Dwyer original nautical themed paintings gracing the walls for over 50 years. Of course, there will be lots of behind- the-scenes stories about the longest running restaurant in Woodstock. For guaranteed seating, make a reservation and come for dinner. There is a limit of 50 seats available. Ordering will be off the menu. Walk-ins at 6:30 are welcome, depending on seating availability. For dinner reservations starting at 5:00, contact Kathie Richards by email: Kathie@bell.net . Membership in the OxHS is not required to attend this event Follow us on (Oxford Historical Society1897) info@oxhs.ca www.oxhs.ca 226-242-4774