Heifer in Portland

Visit us at the Muddy Boot Festival!

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Your friendly Portland Heifer folks will have a booth on Saturday at the fair!

Community Celebration this Saturday, June 25th, at Village Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:57:00 +0000

Lending a hand at one of Heifer International's USA Project Partners in Portland Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:07:00 +0000

Spring is almost here! Heifer Portland volunteers helping out Village Gardens, an urban community garden, during a work party.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Work Party at Village Gardens on Saturday, April 9th

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Village Gardens, the community garden at New Columbia and Heifer Project Partner is having a work party to put the finishing touches on the expansion of the garden space on Saturday April 9th, 10am-1pm. Heifer Portland Volunteers will be helping the Village Gardens members building paths, spread gravel and mulch and get the area ready for planting. This will be a fun day and a great opportunity for you to learn about Heifer's work in our city. Wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves.

Directions:

From I-5 North:

Take exit 305-B (US-30 Bypass Exit/ Lombard St.) It's important to catch this specific exit because it will put you on Lombard going westbound, not eastbound.

Follow N. Lombard for 1.7 miles and take a right at N. Chautauqua Blvd.

After going a little over half a mile down Chautauqua, take a left at N. Alaska St.--you will have just passed an Army Reserve campus and there will be a bus stop on your left--and then follow Alaska past the University Park Community Center on the left..

The garden is on the right-hand side of the road just past the community center, across the street from the new Rosa Parks elementary school. If you hit New Columbia’s main street, you’ve gone too far!

You can park anywhere along the road where the curb isn't painted. Be careful to leave enough room for the bus to travel down the street safely.

By bus:

The garden is easily accessible by Trimet bus service. Take the #4 bus to St. Johns and get off at the bus stop at the intersection of N. Dana and N. Trenton, across from the University Park Community Center. N. Dana no longer connects to the intersection where Alaska becomes Trenton because of the elementary school’s new parking lot, but the bus driver should know where this stop is.

This stop is just a few steps away from the Seeds of Harmony garden! You can also get off along New Columbia’s main street on Trenton and walk east from there till you see the garden on your left.

The Village Gardens group will be providing a light lunch so if you are interested in attending please send us an email at: heiferportland@gmail.com so they will know how many of us to expect.

Read more about Heifer International's partnership with Village Gardens here

[Photos] Heifer International CEO's Visit to Portland, Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:28:00 +0000

See the full gallery on Posterous

Heifer's CEO Pierre Ferrari is coming to Portland and you can meet him!

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 03:52:00 +0000

Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - 7pm

Mission Theater - 1624 NW Glisan Street Portland, OR 97209

[Location Change] Volunteer Meeting Mar 2nd

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:18:00 +0000

There is a change of location to our Heifer Portland Volunteer meeting.

When: Wednesday, March 2, 6:30 pm

Where:

YaHala Lebanese Restaurant
8005 Southeast Stark Street
Portland, OR 97215
(503) 256-4484
(map)

It's a nice family restaurant with great food.

Please come because we have the following important things to talk about:

•    Heifer's CEO visit to Portland on March 30th
•    Staffing the Better Living Show
•    Setting a date for Spring Work Parties
•    Our new Volunteer Survey and Volunteer Recruitment

See you there!

Heifer International Volunteer Meeting March 2nd

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:58:00 +0000

We are having an open call to all past, present, and future Heifer International supporters and volunteers.

"Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another." - Erma Brombeck

Discover new and exciting volunteer opportunities at the Heifer Portland volunteer meeting.

Scan to Smartphone

When: Wednesday, March 2nd 2011
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: 1002 SE 54th Ave, Portland OR (map)

Agenda:

Heifer International professional / educational development
Volunteer opportunities in Portland, OR
Upcoming Heifer International CEO visit to Portland, OR
Better Living Show at Portland EXPO center
Farmers Market and summer events schedule

Pass on the gift of helping each other by volunteering. Won't you join us?

SXSW Non Profit Scholarship Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 18:08:00 +0000

As we mentioned in an earlier post that Noland Hoshino has won a scholarship to 2011 SXSW conference in Austin, TX next month. He will be representing Heifer International and will be "Passing on the Gift" of his best practice using QR codes to educate his community about world hunger and poverty to other nonprofit organizations and leaders at the conference.

SXSW just ran a feature blog post on Noland. Here's an exert.

Operating in an environmentally friendly community like Portland, Noland and his team have the need to share information with the people they meet at the festivals and events they attend to help promote Heifer International. While business cards with URLs worked, Noland knew he needed a better way.

To read the rest of the post here or visit http://sxsw.com/node/6577

Noland Hoshino is the CEO and co-founder of [B]cause Media, an internet marketing firm that specializes in creating and developing innovative social media marketing strategies and campaigns for small businesses and non-profits to increase brand recognition and productivity

A Heifer report from our youngest volunteer - Zack Meskell

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:15:00 +0000

Hey Heifer Fans!

This is Zach Meskell writing this one, your local charismatic and perky chap!

Anyway, I just wanted to all let you in on the recent smashing news of our donation from those fine fellows at St Gabriel's Episcopal Church. This spiffy little institution has something called an Outreach Committee, which is essentially a chapter of the church which fund raises for amazing non-profit institutions like us.

For their holiday season bonanza, they had their annual Advent Fair, where the members of the church donate handmade goods to the Outreach Committee, who then sell them and give the money to us. How totally cool is that, or what?

All together, they raised $1,800 for the local Heifer group!

Well, really they raised a little less then that, because there was a second part which I have yet to mention: The children (Not the Youth, we're talking 6-12 here) have raised almost $60 by themselves over the summer by collecting loose change, which was also included in the check.

So, a few weeks ago I went up, accepted the check, gave a quick talk, glorified the qualities of the good food at the meetings, recommended that people check out the volunteer group, and was generally thankful for the money.

Over all, a hearty toast to all those people at St Gabriel's,

...for Heifer Portland (not live),..., this is Zach Meskell signing off.

Zack Meskell, a young entrepreneur and CEO of Cards for Cows, started to his business at the age of 8 years old. He and his brother and sister design and create hand-drawn greeting cards on 100% recycled paper. They donate their proceeds to Heifer International.

We Won! We're heading to SXSW

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:27:00 +0000

That's right. We are going to the largest music, film and interactive conference in the world - South by Southwest (SXSW).

Why?

We won a scholarship with our "Heifer International: End Hunger with QR Codes" submission.

To prove our point that small volunteer grassroots groups can rise up and compete with the big dogs. We submitted our idea on how QR codes are used to spread Heifer International's message of "ending hunger while caring for the earth" around the Portland/Vancouver metro.

A couple of months ago we received a message that we won! Along with four other nonprofits, Heifer Portland will be attending SXSWi next month, March 11 - 15th.

This is HUGE!

Last year, Noland and Bryan attended SXSWi and was overwhelmed by the 5-day social media/new media conference. There were so many people (over 32,000 in attendance), so much to learn (450 panel sessions and 54 workshops on new technology communications and social media), and they've made tons of connections (too many to count). This year SXSWi is expected to be even BIGGER!

Hundreds of nonprofit organizations and nonprofit leaders attend SXSWi because that's where new media tools and trends emerge. Like Heifer Portland, many nonprofit organizations try to stay ahead of the curve by incorporating these tools to further their cause and message. We will be sharing our QR code best practice with the nonprofits and in return we hope to learn from them.

We are looking forward to attending SXSW to represent Heifer International and share our message of "Passing on the Gift" in the social media world.

Noland Hoshino
Heifer Portland Volunteer

Noland Hoshino is the CEO and co-founder of [B]cause Media, an internet marketing firm that specializes in helping small businesses and nonprofit organizations strengthen their brand and increase productivity by connecting with current and potential customers/supporters in the social media world.

Heifer International Portland Volunteer Champ!

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:52:00 +0000

Meet Susan Murphy, one of newest, and most dependable Portland volunteers who has staffed almost 75% of our outreach events in the past 10 months.

How did you get involved with Heifer?

My roommate gave me a catalog and I really liked the idea of giving a gift of an animal to a friend. Then I happened to meet Heifer volunteers at the Better Living Show last March, and I wanted to get involved.

What do you like best about being a volunteer for Heifer Portland?

I like to staff booths and meet people who have been involved with Heifer, hearing their personal stories of gift giving and gift receiving. And I like telling others about Heifer and encouraging them to give as well.

Do you have a favorite place to host a booth?

I really like working at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market because there’s a lot of people in that neighborhood who have been personally touched by Heifer. I get to hear the stories of the schoolteacher that challenged his children to raise $25 but ended up raising $200 in dimes and quarters. There are always lots of families who have raised money for Heifer in their school or church. These stories give me hope that people are not putting themselves first, but are thinking about others around the world.

When not working for Heifer, what do you do in your free time?

I have volunteered for Hands-On-Portland and Hollywood Theatre. But until Heifer International came along, I hadn’t found any organization that held my interest. I volunteer for Heifer because I like the idea of helping people be self-sustainable and entrepreneurial as well as empowering women and educating children. The model of passing on the gift is an idea that really resonates with me. I just like the concept and I know I’m doing a lot of good.

Thanks for all of your work, Susan! Heifer Portland is lucky to have you!

Heifer Portland Volunteer Meeting Feb 2nd

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:27:00 +0000

You're invited!

When: Wednesday, Feb 2nd
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: 1002 SE 54th Ave, Portland

See you there!

Make Video, Tell Our Story, Win a Life Changing Experience!

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 02:14:00 +0000

Put your creativity to the test in our first ever video contest!

How can the gift of an animal help someone in poverty achieve self reliance? How would you tell that story in a video and inspire others? The Heifer Experience Video Contest gives you the chance to do just that…and win a trip to see it up close. If you win, you're not getting a vacation, but a life-changing experience. The winner will also shoot videos in the field and help us share the Heifer story with the world.

This year Heifer is inviting you to tell our story in your own words, and compete for the chance to win a trip for you and one guest to visit a Heifer project in Canada, Latin America, Eastern Europe or Africa. The runner up receives a visit to the Heifer Ranch and Learning Center in Perryville, Ark. Both winners will each receive a Flip™ video camera. Additional contest entry rules and details can be found at www.heifer.org/contest.

Each video must have this theme: "Why give a Heifer gift this holiday season." The video receiving the most "Likes" wins. Check out the contest Details page for more about the prizes and entry requirements, and read the contest rules. Looking for a video to vote for? Entries will be posted on the Videos page as they're received.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, and make your video. You can sing, you can dance, use images or graphics, be serious, or be silly. All entries must be submitted before midnight (CST) Monday, Dec. 20. Voting closes at noon (CST) on Monday, Jan. 3.

You can also get contest and other Heifer updates by texting HEIFER to 69872 (message/data rates may apply).

Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Passing On the Gift for a Lifetime

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:02:00 +0000

What do you get when you bring about 90 volunteers together from all over the country to talk about their years of service to Heifer International? The answer: An amazing experience, some new friends, and a good dose of inspiration to last a lifetime. Last month, Heifer International gathered volunteers at their Headquarters to tour the Heifer Ranch and their new Global Village in Little Rock, Arkansas for the Area Volunteer Coordinator Conference. Combined, conference participants have given over 800 years of volunteer service to Heifer-- some longer than others.

For example, Leo Tautfest, a Heifer Portland Volunteer, accompanied me to this conference. Leo, a retired Presbyterian Pastor, has been working for Heifer’s mission since 1965, when he was involved with transporting 49 “kids” (that’s a lot of goat!) to Nogales, Mexico in a U-Haul trailer. As one of the early “Heifer Cowboys” to deliver livestock to rural Mexico, Leo writes, “It was seeing the results and impact of Heifer’s work in these villages, the plight of the poor, the tremendous difference a little training and the gift of a goat, a pair of rabbits, a flock of chickens, a pig or a cow was making in the lives of men, women and children that has been a major factor in my being an active volunteer for Heifer for the past 45 years.” Over the years, Leo has been involved with several more shipments of goats, pigs and Holstein heifers before Heifer International changed their focus of obtaining animals from local sources. But I never tire of Leo’s stories.

Jan West Schrock is the daughter of Heifer International Founder, Dan West. Jan captivated us with stories of growing up with the “activist- pacifist” in the mid-west and how she came to serve our world through Heifer as well. She reminded me “volunteers touch the lives of the people who are working for peace and community everyday”. And, to quote from her good friend, Jo Luck, “Ending hunger is the prerequisite for peace”. Although I never have waivered in my commitment for Heifer, I do admit that I let myself get busy with other distractions in life. After visiting the Heifer Ranch (the pigs were especially cute!), and listening to these stories, I’m renewed once again. I know that every hour I give to Heifer, I really am making a difference for someone, with so much less, somewhere in the world.

To Heifer staff, Jan and Leo, thanks for the reminder.

“Turn off your TV’s. Stop choking on your comfort. Go out and be a peacemaker.”
- Jan West Schrock

Becky Wandell
Heifer International Portland Lead Volunteer Coordinator

Heifer Happy Hour - Wed Dec 1 at 6:30pm - Noho's Hawaiian Cafe on Fremont

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:29:00 +0000

Everyone is invited to Noho's Hawaiian Cafe Wednesday, Dec 1st at 6:30pm for a gathering of Heifer volunteers and supporters.

Please bring spouses, partners, significant others, friends, neighbors, etc.

When: Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 6:30pm
Where: 4267 NE Fremont, Portland, OR (NOT the SE Clinton location!)

If you know you're coming, let us know by sending a message to heiferportland@gmail.com but RSVP isn't required to attend.

Heifer International: Help End Hunger Using QR Codes

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 23:49:00 +0000

New technology, trends, gadgets, and gizmos are introduced to us faster than ever -- it's impossible to keep up.

Smartphones, computer tablets, and social media has changed the way we communicate, gather information, and connect with each other.

Rather than being stuck in the status quo, we need to use technology in creative and innovative ways to educate our community about Heifer International's mission and goodwill to end hunger and poverty.

Last weekend I attended the Blog World and New Media Expo in Las Vegas (my 2nd year). People from all over the world were at the conference learning the latest and greatest techniques in new media and social media.

Heifer Portland has been the leader within the organization using new media and technology to build a network of supporters and volunteers in the Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington area (which I'm very proud). Starting with our Heifer Portland Blog, then Twitter, Facebook, Posterous, YouTube, Flickr, and other tools. As technology evolves, we need to evolve with new ideas and strategies to reach and educate our community.

One idea I have is using QR codes to teach people about Heifer International. What are QR codes?

A QR ("quick response") code is a square barcode that makes getting URLs, location coordinates, any text or contact information onto a phone quickly. With a barcode scanner app installed, you just point your phone's camera at the code to read its contents.

How can you use QR codes for Heifer International?

The QR codes can be used to educate and link the recipient to your website. For example, we place stuffed animals on our table top display (keeping with the animal theme) whenever we set up a booth at farmers markets, festivals, or events. I created and attached a QR code sticker on each animal that links to the Heifer website explaining why and how that animal is used as a resource to fight hunger and poverty. While at the website, it's just one click away to make a donation.

Scan each QR code. Where did it take you?

Other uses.

If you're hosting a "12 Stones" film event, you can create a QR code and attach it to the movie poster that links to the movie trailer.

Create QR code stickers and attach them to the gift catalogs or World Ark magazines. The QR code can direct people to the online Heifer Gift Catalog website.

You can create a QR code with a thank you message (scan the QR code).

If you don't have business cards, you can create a QR code with your organization's information and website, making it easily accessible to the prospect to retrieve later.

You can start a movement with QR codes by creating an SMS message. "Let's buy a goat from Heifer International for Christmas so that it can help a family towards a better tomorrow" "Make a donation at www.heifer.org" and the supporter can forward to their friends.

The possibilities of QR codes are endless. Just use your imagination.

What you need:

Smartphone with a "barcode scanner" app installed (search "barcode scanner" in your iTunes or Android Market)

QR Code Generator by Kaywa http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

Link to a website you want to direct people to.

Cut and paste into QR Code Generator. Print.

QR codes are very popular in Asia and slowly making its way to our shores. Bottom line, lean forward and embrace new technology and trends. Use it if you think it will help you and your organization spread your message, motivate your volunteers, and engage your supporters. If not, that's okay. I just wanted to share some ideas of how we use Tech-4-Good.

How will you pass on the gift (using technology)?

Noland Hoshino
Heifer International Portland Lead Volunteer Coordinator

New CEO at Heifer International

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:58:00 +0000

Heifer International—a global nonprofit leader of sustainable agricultural for smallholder farmers—today named Pierre Ferrari its chief executive officer.

Ferrari, who was born in Africa in 1950 in what was then the Belgian Congo (today the Democratic Republic of the Congo and from 1971 to 1997 called Zaire), has more than 40 years of business experience, ranging from large consumer package goods organizations such as Coca-Cola USA to work with socially-oriented organizations like CARE and the Small Enterprise Assistance Fund. He succeeds interim CEO Charles Stewart and Heifer's longtime President and former CEO Jo Luck.

"I am excited about and inspired by this incredible opportunity and just as much so by this amazing organization," said Ferrari. "Key for me is to honor the amazing legacy of Jo Luck and the thousands who have built Heifer to date.

"But I now come along at a time where the urgency to end poverty is even greater. Heifer has a totally relevant set of values and model for today. My task will be to serve our various communities to empower more people much more rapidly, with a sense of passionate urgency," he said.

Doug Smith, Heifer International board chair, said, "I am truly honored to introduce Pierre as Heifer's new chief executive. The board conducted an international search for the strongest, most innovative CEO on the planet, and there is an ethos, a passion that Pierre embodies that sets him above.

"I just hope the board can keep up with his vision to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth, because if it is going to happen, Pierre Ferrari is going to help make it so."

Ferrari is a marketer and entrepreneur and more recently, a social venture developer. He worked for many years with Coca-Cola USA, before deciding in 1995 to focus his energies and business acumen on social issues—to use his skills and aptitude to help, invest in and partner with people living in material poverty to help them achieve self-sufficiency, independence and health, goals that directly align with Heifer's empowerment-oriented mission.

Following his decision to leave Coca-Cola, he joined CARE, where he worked as special assistant to the president, leading the first comprehensive strategic plan based upon performance measures, participating in a feasibility mission for a hospital in Zaire and reviewing a women's co-op banking project in Niger and micro loan programs.

Ferrari is chair of the board for Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream, which seeks to meet human needs and eliminate injustices, focusing on children and families, the environment and sustainable agriculture on family farms. As part of his service with Ben & Jerry's, Ferrari led the board to firm up its global commitment to fair trade by 2013 with its vanilla, cocoa and coffee farmers, etc., a course that matches well with Heifer's work with smallholder farmers.

A board member of the Small Enterprise Assistance Fund, which provides equity financing to small and medium enterprises in developing countries and emerging markets, Ferrari also sits on the advisory council for The Emory Ethics Center in Atlanta, and on the board of an Atlanta nonprofit that raises funds for Maji Mazuri, a Kenyan organization that helps children overcome poverty.

He is an investor and director of Guayaki Sustainable Rainforest Products, a company working to steward and restore 200,000 acres of South American Atlantic rainforest and create jobs, is president of Hot Fudge Social Venture Fund, a community development venture capital fund, teaches (Sustainable) MBA Marketing at Bainbridge Graduate Institute and is a founder of EthixVentures and QuatreCinq LLC.

Ferrari holds a master's degree in Economics from The University of Cambridge and a MBA from Harvard Business School.

Welcome to the Heifer International family Pierre!

Heifer International Portland Volunteer Meeting Nov 3rd

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:17:00 +0000

Calling all Heifer International supports and volunteers! We are having a volunteer meeting on Wednesday, November 3rd at 6:30 pm. Please take note that the day of the meeting has been changed from the usual 2nd Thursday's meeting to 1st Wednesday of the month. This year we wanted to try something new (we're edgy like that) and to give more people the opportunity to attend.

If you haven't attended one of our Heifer International Volunteer meetings, it looks like this:

WHEN: ***New Day*** Wednesday, Nov 3rd, 6:30 pm - 9 pm
WHERE: 1002 SE 54th Ave, Portland Oregon
POTLUCK MEETING: Bring your favorite dish to share
AGENDA:

    * Latest Heifer International News and upcoming events
    * Lead Volunteers recently returned from the Heifer International HQ National Volunteer Conference in Little Rock Arkansas. They will brief on the importance of volunteers in the organization and it's future role.
    * Heifer International professional development where you'll learn more about the organization and how we help fight hunger and poverty

Won't you join us to help end hunger and poverty?

Heifer International Study Tour in Peru

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:50:00 +0000

Earlier this year we had the opportunity to go on a Heifer International Study Tour to Peru to visit some of our Heifer Project Partners. It was an amazing experience. We witnessed two "Pass on the Gift" ceremonies to families in need. One of them was in Pachantta (15,000 ft high in the mountains).

Watch the video as we share the value of going on a Heifer International Study Tour and being a part of something life-changing.

Pass on the Gift.

Noland Hoshino and Bryan Dainty
Heifer International Portland Lead Volunteer Coordinators

Heifer International in Portland Volunteers visit Zenger Farms (Heifer Project Partner)

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

See the full gallery on posterous

Join Us! Zenger Farm Tour this Friday Oct 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:04:00 +0000

One of the most common question we get while we are at an event is "What is Heifer International doing in the United States?" Answer: Plenty. However, what surprises nearly everyone we talk to is that there are three Heifer Projects in Oregon that most people don't know about.

    Zenger Farms in SE Portland, Oregon
    Village Gardens in Portland, Oregon
    Huerto de la Familia in Eugene, Oregon

Yes, Heifer International is working to end hunger and poverty in your community Oregon!

To learn about Heifer International's influence in our community, we are planning a work party and tour of Zenger Farms in Southeast Portland on Friday, Oct 1st.

**Heifer International Portland Volunteers** This will be our October volunteer meeting.

Where: Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster Road, Portland, Oregon 97266
When: Friday, Oct 1, 2010. 2 pm - 4 pm Work Party (optional). 4 pm Tour. 5 pm Volunteer Meeting
Cost: Free
What to bring and wear: (If you want to volunteer and work in the garden from 2 - 4 pm)

    * Please wear closed toed shoes and modest work clothes.
    * Bring work gloves if you have them, water to drink, and sunscreen.
    * We will have hand tools, and a limited supply of gloves to use.
    * Potable water is available a short walk away from our farm.

Heifer International has 3x as many projects in the United States than anywhere in the world. The Heifer projects and partnerships may not look like the typical giving of animals that you may be familiar. In fact, in the Untied States Heifer Projects are less about the animal and more about passing on knowledge and resources to build a long-term sustainable future for our recipients. A prime example of Heifer's "Passing on the Gift" model is our recent completed project partnership with Zenger Farms in Portland, Oregon.

Located in the historic Lents neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, Zenger Farm is one the last farms operating within the city limits. The Zenger Farmer Training Project, is a small-farm business educating and training low-income youth, families and farmers.

The Heifer International Project partnership with Zenger Farm was diversified. The farm received 65 pounds of worms for composting, three bee hives, 50 laying hens and 130 fertilized eggs, storage equipment, training and education on sustainable farming practices.

The project partnership trained 20 immigrant/refugee farming families through hands-on workshops and seminars and up to a dozen emerging farmers through a formal apprentice program. As a result of the three-year project, Zenger Farm manages a profitable and sustainable farm business, emerging farmers are more successful, and local families have access to healthier and more environmentally-responsible food choices. This project partnership served over 112 original families and 136 other families with genuine need through passing on the gift.

To learn more about Heifer International's partnership with Zenger Farm, join us on the tour this Friday, Oct 1st, at 4 pm. See you on the farm!

How do you "Pass on the Gift?"

Noland Hoshino
Heifer International Portland Lead Volunteer Coordinator

[New] The Girl Effect Video: The Clock is Ticking

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:49:00 +0000

Have you heard the buzz? World Premiere “Queen of the Sun: What are the bees telling us?” Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Heifer Portland) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:23:00 +0000

Have you heard the buzz? “Queen of the Sun: What are the bees telling us?” opening September 17th at the Hollywood Theater! Queen of the Sun is a profound, alternative look at the global honeybee crisis from Taggart Siegel, award-winning director of The Real Dirt on Farmer John.

When: Opening September 17th @ 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM. Running nightly through October 3rd or longer.

Where: The Hollywood Theatre - 4122 NE Sandy Boulevard Portland, OR 97212

Advance Tickets: www.queenofthesun.com

Queen of the Sun is screening in celebration of "Portland Honeybee Week", beginning September 17th. Mayor Sam Adams will be introducing the 7:30pm screening. After screenings, there will be Q&As with the director Taggart Siegel, producer Jon Betz & local beekeepers on most nights from September 17th to September 25th! Your movie stub will be a raffle ticket for prizes donated by great local businesses!

Come dressed up Saturday the 18th at the 9:30pm showing for a SPECIAL BEE COSTUME CONTEST! Win great prizes!

ALSO FIRST PORTLAND TOUR DE HIVE:

On Saturday, September 25 from 1 to 4 p.m the first ever Portland Tour de Hives. This is a free, self-guided tour with stops primarily in NE, SE, and N Portland (biking and walking are encouraged). Registration is required in order to receive the tour map and other information. Register by September 23 at 5:00 p.m. by e-mailing "tourdehives@gmail.com" with your name, phone number, and the number of people in your tour group

See you at the movies!

Heifer International Moo Final Appearance This Season @ Salmon Creek Farmers Market

noreply@blogger.com (Noland Hoshino) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:12:00 +0000

Heifer International in Portland will be at the Salmon Creek Farmers Market this Thursday, September 16th, 3:00 pm - 7: 00 pm ** New Market Hours

This is the first year Salmon Creek, a community in Vancouver, Washington, has hosted a Farmers Market and we are excited to be a part of it.

The Salmon Creek Farmers Market opens every Thursday till Sept 30th, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Conveniently located at the west end of NE 139th Street. On the north side and west side of the Three Creeks Library and Salmon Creek Fred Meyer.

Click on map

For more information about the Salmon Creek Farmers Market, visit www.salmoncreekfarmersmarket.com

This will be my final appearance in the moo suit this season. Now, in search of a bee costume...bzzzz!

Noland Hoshino
Heifer International Portland Lead Volunteer Coordinator