On October 9, Cook AZ visited Bob Muth’s personal farm in South Jersey. Bob Muth is most well known for his sustainable use of leaves collected from the surrounding areas to improve the nutrient content of his soil. Bob focuses heavily on rotational use of his fields. He is paid to take fallen leaves collected by the town that would otherwise be put into a landfill or otherwise disposed of and spreads them on his resting fields on a rotation to improve the nutrient content of his soil. He also utilizes crops such as vetch to up the nitrogen in his soil during resting periods...

On October 2, Cook AZ visited the New Brunswick Community Urban Garden and learned about the social aspect of sustainability. We discussed the issues of efficiency, resource conservation, and benefits of urban farming with a focus on using it as a tool for educating the public on agriculture. The NB garden offers plots for community families to grow plants including tomatoes and chrysanthemums. They are doing many experimental projects including vertically growing miniature watermelons to solve issues with urban farming such as available space....

On September 20, Cook AZ held our Big/Little night. This event gave our new member class a chance to learn a lot about the history of our local chapter and national AZ. New members were then paired with their big brothers who help them throughout the process of joining AZ. New members also have the chance to meet all of the active brothers and many of the alumni. Alumni and brothers share stories of their personal AZ experiences and really get the chance to welcome in the new member class.

In order to mingle with all the potential new members of the Chi class at the Cook chapter at Rutgers University, the brotherhood and potential new members all headed to Applebee's after the meeting for half off appetizers on September 18th. This was a great opportunity for brothers to meet potential littles as well as other PNM's who would soon be joining the brotherhood.

On September 18, Cook AZ visited Working Dog Winery in East Windsor, NJ. We took a tour of the vineyards led by one of the owners, Mark Carduner. We learned about many of the factors important in successful grape production including sun exposure, brix levels, strategic leaf pruning, and protection from predators. We discussed the relationship between ag operations and the surrounding communities and the importance of having the support of surrounding residents. We also talked about the social aspects of agriculture, such as using the vineyard for events like weddings and jazz nights to help boost profits and community exposure.

On September 12 Cook AZ held an ice cream social organized for brothers to meet potential new members. This was also a chance for the potential new members to learn more about the fraternity and the types of projects we’re involved in. We all bonded over delicious ice cream and were able to explain the basics of what we do and we stand for.

On September 11, several members of the Cook AZ chapter visited the Snyder Farm in Pittstown, NJ, which is part of the Rutgers research extension. The Snyder Farm serves as the Rutgers center for sustainable agriculture. While here, we learned about the many different crops they grow and some of the research they are doing to help educate and provide resources for NJ farmers on the topics of changing markets, politics, economics, and environmental impact.

On September 10, the Cook Chapter held a Halloween Card making event. During this event the brothers and new members made Halloween cards for the children that are currently at St. Peter’s Children Hospital. This gave the brothers the chance to meet potential new members and get involved in a great service opportunity to give back to the New Brunswick community.

Alpha Zeta Cook Chapter at Rutgers University held a s'mores bonfire on September 5th as a rush event for its fall 2013 Chi class. The event was a great success with a large turnout. We can expect a huge class this semester based on the potential new member turnout! Everyone had a lot of fun and enjoyed making creative s'mores with the addition of Oreos, Reese's, and other candies to the traditional chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. Potential new members had the chance to meet some of the brothers and ask questions about the fraternity and the kind of events we hold and participate in.

On September 27, 2013 members of the Alpha Zeta - Cal Epsilon Chapter assisted in representing not only Fresno State Agriculture yet the agriculture industry as a whole at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Valley Farm Exhibit located at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.  The exhibit formerly existed as a small wonders petting zoo yet was soon transformed into a "Valley Farm" exhibit encompassing farm animals, row crops, fruit trees, and informational stations about California's number one agricultural industry....