Oxford Charter Township issued the following announcement on Apr 7.
$100,000 grant awarded for farmers market!
Fantastic news from the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. On April 6, the board awarded a $100,000 grant to Oxford Township to help fund the construction of a 4,000-square-foot, open-air farmers market pavilion in Seymour Lake Twp. Park. It will be built this year.
The grant proposal was researched, written and submitted by C.J. Carnacchio, the township’s communications and grants manager.
“I am beyond excited about this,” Carnacchio said. “A farmers market is something the community wants and needs. Now, Oxford will have a permanent, dedicated space for local farms and agriculture-related businesses to sell their goods directly to the public. Providing consumers with a convenient, centralized location to purchase agricultural products on a regular basis helps small farms and businesses survive and thrive.”
The new farmers market will:
• Make fresh, nutritious, locally grown food more accessible.
• Promote and strengthen local farms and businesses by giving consumers a convenient, centralized place to purchase their products.
• Foster a sense of community by providing a festive place to shop, socialize and forge relationships.
• Provide another outlet for distributing free, fresh produce harvested from Oxford's community garden to people experiencing food insecurity.
“This is a big win for the community and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” said Oxford Township Parks and Rec. Director Ron Davis. “I commend C.J. for his hard work, diligence and professionalism. Both of us do what we do because we want the best for Oxford. This is something that will benefit our community for years to come and bring people closer together.”
“I’m so proud that I was able to help make the farmers market a reality,” Carnacchio said. “I know this is something that Director Davis has wanted for a long time. With him set to retire on July 1, the timing is perfect. I really want to help Ron finish his career here on a high note. He definitely deserves it. Ron and his family have done so much for Oxford. Our little corner of the world is a better place because of the Davis family.”
Oxford Township’s farmers market pavilion is expected to become a focal point for the community, a place brimming with life and bustling with activity, a place that represents the very best that Oxford has to offer.
In addition to the grant, Power Panel, an Oxford-based company located at 900 S. Glaspie St., has graciously agreed to donate a Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) array for the project. The array, which is valued at $15,200, uses sunlight to produce electricity and hot water. Power Panel’s donation will provide electricity for the new farmers market pavilion and the existing universally accessible restrooms adjacent to the Kids Kingdom playground. The PVT array will also produce hot water for the restrooms.
“I can’t thank Garth Schultz, Power Panel’s founder and president, enough for being so generous,” Carnacchio said. “When I pitched this idea to him, he immediately stepped up and offered his innovative product along with his support and expertise. It’s business owners like him that make Oxford such a wonderful place to live, work and play. Thank you, Mr. Schultz. Thank you, Power Panel.”
Original source can be found here.
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