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About North Douglas herald. (Drain Or) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2024)
Page10 Rural Report Umpqua Soil and Water Conservation District Meetings and coming Elections Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6: 30 p.m. and they are held virtually. The only month that sometimes differs from the scheduled 2nd of the month is October, which is sometimes skipped and usually the meeting is one week later on the 3rd Thursday of October. Elections are coming up. NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR DISTRICT DIREC- TORS OF THE UMPQUA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that on November 5, 2024, an election will be held for the purpose of electing board director(s) to the following positions for the Umpqua Soil and Water Conservation District: Positions: Zone 1, 4 years; Zone 2, 4 years; Zone 3, 2 years; At-Large 1, 2 years; At-Large 2, 4 years; Zone boundaries, eligibility requirements, and copies of the required elections forms may be obtained by emailing rhonda@umpquasoilandwate r.com or by calling (541) 662-1341. Election forms and information may also be found at: https://oda.direct/Elections Each candidate must file a “Declaration of Can- didacy” and a “Petition for Nomination Signature Sheet” with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Division. The filing deadline is 5: 00 p.m. on August 27, 2024. Rhonda Black District Manager/Certified Conservation Planner Umpqua Soil & Water Conservation District P.O. Box 415, Reedsport, Oregon 97467 Telephone: (541) 662-1341 Email: rhonda@umpquasoilandwater.com Website: www.umpquasoilandwater.com North Douglas Herald May 2024 Oregon Produced Pinot Noir among the Best Worldwide Continued from Front Page the state’s varied geography ranges from coastal regions to inland valleys, which offers a plethora of microclimates to impact the grape and the wine it becomes. Depending on where a vineyard is located within the state, annual precipitation levels can reach as low as 10 inches per year or as high as 110 inches per year. Temperatures also depend on location, but most locations experience a hearty 50 degree diurnal swing between day and night temperatures in the summer, which is excellent for balancing sugars and acids within the grapes. With a rich history of geological activity, Oregon boasts over 1,000 distinctive soil types, with the widest portions of the state covered in volcanic soil. Vineyard elevations range from sea level to 2,000ft, and all must be conscious of the direction they face so as to gain optimal sunshine. These variations in terroir translate to diverse aroma and flavor profiles in Pinot Noir, from fruit-forward to earthy and spicy. Tannins and color saturation are also impacted. This diverse range of outcomes is why so many Oregon wineries tend to produce single-vineyard Pinot Noir. The people behind the wine wish to invite you on a journey of the senses and welcome you into the world of terroir-driven wine. The Elkton Oregon AVA is one of the coolest and wettest regions in Oregon and produces different varieties and different wine styles than other regions. Residing in the northernmost region in the Umpqua Valley AVA, Elkton enjoys a cool, marine-influenced climate, but milder and longer growing season than the rest of the Umpqua Valley AVA and receives much more rain annually, about 50 inches. Pinot noir and other cool-climate varieties thrive well in Elkton. The Umpqua River weaves through the middle of the region, offering a cool afternoon breeze during the growing season and vineyard soils there are predominantly residual clay, silt loam soil, alluvial deposits and river terraces around the meandering Umpqua River. Clay soils retain water very well, resulting in less of a need to irrigate and lower yields. Wines produced from this region are more often from cool climate varieties made in a lusher style, fuller in body with bolder fruit notes. The best Pinot Noir from Oregon share four key characteristics: Balance – Top Oregon Pinot Noir exhibit undeniably perfect balance. They masterfully combine the purity of fruit with complex savory qualities. Tannins and acidity are both present, while neither overpowers the other. These Pinot Noirs also tend to offer pleasant herbal and/or floral notes that tie the whole tasting experience together. Aging Potential – The keen aging potential of Oregon Pinot Noir is another distinguishing factor. Deep tertiary elements reveal themselves with proper aging to offer a sensory experience like no other. Many vintages evolve gracefully over decades and make an excellent addition to any cellar. Accolades – The fact that Oregon wines and producers consistently earn distinguished awards doesn’t hurt the region’s reputation either. These national and international celebrations help showcase the excellence of the wines produced in Oregon with a wider audience of wine connoisseurs. Pairing Perfection – Oregon Pinot Noir also makes the ultimate pairing partner with a wide array of foods. Consider pairing them with dishes that complement their elegance. A few classic suggestions include roasted or seared duck, wild mushroom risotto, or cedar-planked salmon. Pinot Noir’s fruity and earthy qualities also pair famously well with nutty cheese including Gruyere, Parmigiano Reggiano, and even a bloomy Camembert. The natural acidity and nuanced flavors of Oregon Pinot Noir elevate these culinary experiences. Determining the “best” is a deeply subjective process that varies from taster to taster. With many captivating styles of this versatile grape, there is much to explore before truly determining what you personally deem the very best of the best, here are two excellent places to begin: 1.) Earthy Characterized by notes of baking spices, mushrooms, tea, cedar, and tobacco and are often accompanied by velvety tannins, and full-bodied mouthfeel. 2.) Fruity Identified by delicate aromas, bright acidity, and intense fruit flavors, making them refreshing and easy-drinking. Remember, factors such as personal taste preferences, past experiences, and cultural influences all come into play when determining what constitutes the “best” wine. What one individual finds exquisite, another may find unremarkable or even unpleasant. Additionally, the context in which wine is enjoyed—whether it’s paired with food, shared among friends, or savored in solitude—can significantly impact one’s perception of its quality. Navigating the vast world of wine can be daunting, especially for those new to the scene or unsure of their preferences. As tastes evolve and palates mature, so too does one’s definition of excellence in wine. Ultimately, the best wine is not determined by awards or accolades, but by the joy and satisfaction it brings to those who partake in its pleasures, making the pursuit of the perfect bottle a deeply personal and endlessly rewarding endeavor. Each bottle tells a story, reflecting the land, the climate, and the hands that crafted it. The next time you are in search of a wine that epitomizes elegance with depth, turn to the fine selection of Oregon Pinot Noir for a rewarding experience. Veterans Corner - Enjoying your Freedoms? Thank a Veteran! Oregon Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Eligibility Expanded For Veterans Pursuing Educational Or Vocational Training Since January 2024, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has expanded the Oregon Veterans Educational Bridge Grant (VEBG) Program, greatly broadening financial assistance eligibility for veterans completing their educational or vocational training. The VEBG was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2019 to provide financial assistance grants up to $5,000 to eligible veterans to alleviate the financial stress during a gap period when required courses or training hours are unavailable, allowing them to remain enrolled in school or their apprenticeship training. With the passage of House Bill 2271 in 2023, the Legislature expanded the program’s eligibility to include veterans not eligible to receive federal GI Bill® benefits, meaning any veteran who is an Oregon resident and meets the definition of “veteran” defined in ORS 408.225, may now qualify for financial assistance using the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant. Legislators also expanded the grant eligibility to include any career school licensed by Higher Education and Coordinating Commission (HECC), any apprenticeship registered with BOLI, and any On-The-Job Training (OTJ) program offered by a public employer. The final and most significant addition was the option for eligible veterans to use Bridge Grant funds to pay off debt on a student account that is preventing them from registering for future terms. “This grant is an empowering option for veterans actively pursuing education or training after military service. Whether you are eligible to receive federal GI Bill® benefits or not, Oregon’s VEBG funds can now help ensure the continuation of training and remove significant barriers to completing educational goals,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels. “These eligibility expansions reflect our state’s collective dedication to providing comprehensive support to veterans in their pursuit of education and vocational training, recognizing and addressing the distinct challenges they may encounter on their paths to success.” Veterans may also be eligible for retroactive funding (i.e., funding for a past term or training period) in certain circumstances. Any veteran who believes they may meet the new eligibility requirements is encouraged to apply. For more information about the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Program or to apply, visit the ODVA website at https://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency- programs/grants/Pages/Educational- Bridge-Grant.aspx or email the program coordinator at ebg@odva.oregon.gov. Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill Sign, seen on I-5. Deported Veterans gener- ally served specifically to become citizens af- ter honorable service to our country, often in combat. To negate that promise and deporting them is unconscionable. It is time to bring all of our Veterans home.
