Summer is in full swing at COVR, and the Ranch is alive with activity, shared work, and the steady rhythm of people showing up for one another.
What continues to stand out is how much this place is shaped by participation. Veterans showing up to contribute, connect, and lead. Volunteers and supporters showing up with generosity, time, and care. Community partners showing up in ways that strengthen what is possible here.
That is what makes the Ranch what it is: a place where contribution matters, community grows, and each person has a role to play.
As you read this month’s newsletter, I hope you’ll see not only what’s happening at COVR, but how you can be part of what comes next.
|
🎨 Call for Veteran Artists
|
Dry Canyon Arts Association is planning an exhibit featuring veteran artists, and we would love to help spread the word. This opportunity is open to veterans creating all kinds of art — not just professional artists. If you make art in everyday life, that counts too. If you’d like to learn more or express interest, see their flyer at the end of this email or hit reply with any questions!
|
🌻 Women Veterans Meetup — We Want Your Input
|
We are exploring the launch of a meetup for women veterans at COVR and would love your feedback on what would make it meaningful and welcoming. If you’re interested, please reply with your preferences:
Best time:
A) Weekday morning
B) Weekday evening
C) Saturday morning D) Sunday morning
Best format:
A) Coffee meetup
B) Shared lunch
C) Hands-on activity
D) Casual conversation circle
Activities that interest you:
A) Gardening/Agriculture
B) Creative projects - like a canning or art class
C) Wellness or movement
D) Just connecting with other women veterans
|
🎓 COCC STRIVE Program at the Ranch
|
We’re pleased to share that the COCC STRIVE program will be held at the Ranch this year. The Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) program is a free 8-week in-person program for veterans with a budding business. The program helps to identify, overcome, and mitigate challenges to pave the way for veteran business ownership success. Click here for more information and to apply for the program.
|
🎥 Sharing the Story of COVR
|
We’re honored to have COVR featured in a recent story and video on the Oregon Lottery website. More than anything, we’re grateful for the opportunity to help more people understand the value of places where veterans can find connection, purpose, and community. We hope you’ll watch and share it to help us reach more veterans and supporters. Click here to view.
|
📆 SAVE THE DATE - OREGON REMEMBERS - October 22nd-24th
|
This October, Central Oregon Veterans Ranch will host a powerful new three-day community event honoring the service and sacrifice of Oregon's military heroes. The weekend will feature a significant traveling memorial, opportunities for reflection, veteran resources, educational programming, and community remembrance.
We are currently seeking a Presenting Sponsor and additional community sponsors to help make this inaugural event possible. Sponsors who join us early will receive recognition as founding partners as event announcements begin rolling out this summer.
Stay tuned for an exciting announcement in the coming weeks. Click here to inquire!
|
With our Greenhouse Manager, Orion Carriger, on a six-week sabbatical, we are incredibly grateful to his wife, Mary, and daughter, Sunny, for stepping up in such a big way to help care for the growing program and chickens during his time away.
The Carriger family has been part of the Ranch since the first greenhouse was built in 2017, and over the years they have given countless hours, weekdays and weekends alike, to help this place thrive. This season, Mary and Sunny have carried a tremendous amount with steady care, flexibility, and commitment, helping keep things going through all the daily needs and unexpected challenges that come with summer growing.
We are so fortunate to have them as part of the COVR family, and deeply thankful for the heart, time, and dedication they continue to give to the Ranch.
|
We are deeply grateful to Judy Heck for sponsoring our Thursday lunches for the rest of 2026. She is humbled by and grateful for the many who choose the military path, putting the needs of others before their own. Shared meals are such an important part of life at the Ranch, creating space for connection, welcome, and community. Judy’s generosity will help make those moments possible for veterans, volunteers, and all who gather here.
|
A heartfelt thank you to Christine Limburg for sponsoring six months of radio advertising for the Ranch. Christine was moved by the support the Ranch provides for veterans looking for a place to connect, belong, and when needed, discover renewed strength and purpose. Her generous support helps us grow awareness, reach more people, and share COVR’s story more broadly in the community.
|
A big thank you to One Street Down and Kristi Cross for providing pastries for our most recent First Tuesday gathering. Their generosity helped make the morning feel warm, welcoming, and well-fed, and we’re grateful for their support of the Ranch community.
|
Volunteer opportunities for all at the Ranch
|
Join our "Veteran Crew" or our "Volunteer Collective". Click here to visit our Veterans page on the website for more ways to get involved today, including our weekly Wednesday and Thursday events! Not a veteran, but still want to help out? Click here for our Volunteer Collective page or reach out to us to get involved!
|
We are getting ready for a few projects to include a barn clean-out, a possible shed and cabin outpost build, highway cleanup crews, and more. Reply to let us know if you'd like to help out!
|
🥘 Thursday Community Lunches
|
Wow! A big thank you to all our community volunteers who have committed to providing lunches through July! We're incredibly grateful - the growing season is here, and our Thursday veteran workdays are busy. We still have plenty of openings available in August and September! - Click here to sign up.
|
Thank you to Gayle Davis, her daughter, Apryl Smith, and friend, Karen Steen (not pictured) for providing lunch for 25 last week!
|
Sponsorship Opportunities
|
We are currently seeking a sponsor to help us purchase a new shed for the Ranch. Our concrete pad is 10ft wide by 18ft long. This added storage would help us better organize tools, supplies, and materials and keep our workspaces functional during this busy season.
|
🏡 Cabin Buildout Support Needed
|
We are also looking for support to help us finish out our cabin outpost buildout. This project is an important part of strengthening the Ranch’s infrastructure and expanding what is possible here, especially during wintertime!
If you’d like to learn more about either sponsorship opportunity, click here to reach us.
|
Cucumbers are one of summer’s simplest pleasures; crisp, refreshing, and easy to use in everything from salads to sandwiches to cold side dishes. They’re hydrating, versatile, and a great reminder that not every good thing has to be complicated.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is in a quick cucumber salad that comes together in minutes and gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit.
Quick Cucumber Salad
2 cucumbers, thinly sliced 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 2 tbsp vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp honey or sugar Salt and pepper to taste Fresh dill or parsley, chopped, if you have it
Mix everything together and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust as you like. You can also add feta, tomatoes, or a little yogurt for a creamier version.
Want to see more highlighted ingredients and recipes in the future? Be sure to reply and let us know.
|
Flyers for more local events from our friends, below! Please see our Full Calendar for our complete list of upcoming events.
|
🎖️Does your organization serve veterans? If you are not already on our Veteran-Serving Partner list, we'd love to add you to the list for any specific announcements or collaboration opportunities. Just reply to this email!
|
Click below for our full calendar!
|
Central Oregon Veterans Ranch
65920 SW 61st St, Bend, OR 97703
(541) 706-9062
info@covranch.org
|
Central Oregon Veterans Ranch is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit registered in the State of Oregon. Your donations are fully tax-deductible. Tax ID: 37-1755279
© 2026 Central Oregon Veterans Ranch. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
