As summer takes hold at COVR, the Ranch is alive with shared work, growing things, and the steady rhythm of people showing up for one another.
For veterans, this is a place to lead, contribute, and reconnect. It is a place to step into meaningful work, build community, and be part of something larger than yourself. For supporters, it is a chance to help make that possible and strengthen a place where veterans are needed, valued, and known.
We each fit into this mission differently, but all of us help shape what COVR becomes. As you read this month’s newsletter, I hope you’ll see not only what’s happening at the Ranch, but where you fit in too.
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ODVA has released a survey for women veterans to share their perspectives. The responses will inform an Advisory Committee, made up of three women veterans, on the challenges women veterans are currently facing, and priorities for improving support systems and programs. Click here to participate in the survey!
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💪 Kettlebell workouts at the Ranch
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Interested in a low-key weekly workout at the Ranch on Saturday afternoons? Led by our own Ed Ford, USMC veteran, get your weekly strength and cardio training - Reach out to us here if you are interested or want more information!
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🙏 Tom Shuman, Army Veteran, and lovingly known as Strawberry Tom because of all the strawberries he grows, has been a valuable fixture at the Ranch for quite some time. Just a few months ago, he taught a beginner fly-tying class, for which he built custom workstation setups. Check out the new chicken laying boxes he built and installed for us last week!
Phil Bradley, Air Force and Navy veteran, joined our community this year. From fence work, to running irrigation, hydroponic house maintenance, all the small ranch projects that pop up, and co-leading our Wednesday coffee circle hangouts, he's always willing to lend a helping hand.
We're so happy to have you both as part of the family!
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Left, Tom putting in the new laying boxes, as seen in the center photo. Right, Phil, wrapping up a day at the Ranch!
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Volunteer opportunities for all at the Ranch
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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!
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🫑 Growing season volunteers
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Orion has left for his 6-week sabbatical, and we are so grateful for the volunteers who have stepped up to help keep the irrigation running and the plants healthy. We can always use a few more volunteers, especially this time of year. Click here to reach out!
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COVR is seeking engaged board members to help strengthen and sustain this mission. If you care deeply about veterans, community, the future of the Ranch, and are ready to actively contribute, we would love to connect. Having a legal, fundraising, marketing, or mental health care background is a plus! Click here to express interest or find out more!
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🥘 Thursday Community Lunches
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A big thank you to all our community volunteers who have committed to providing lunches through June. We only have one volunteer so far for July and August, so could really use some help! Our Thursday veteran workdays are busy with the growing season and current Ranch projects. Could be fun for a group. We welcome financial sponsorships as well if you'd like to support but don't have the time during the week to cook. - Click here to sign up.
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Thank you, Tia, for bringing lunch last week! Tia is a brand new Thursday workday lunch volunteer!
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Become COVR’s Community Lunch Sponsor for the rest of 2026. At the Ranch, Thursday lunches do more than feed people. They create connection, hospitality, and a sense of belonging. We are seeking a $2,500 sponsor to help provide lunches at the Ranch through the end of 2026 by supporting the volunteers who make these meals possible. If you know a business, group, or individual who is interested in this sponsorship, click here to reach us!
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🧄 GARLIC We have a little bit growing at the Ranch and will be selling some through Newport Market! Any veterans interested in a garlic tasting? Let us know! Garlic has around 200 chemical compounds, some with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective properties. It also has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. It's relatively inexpensive and is a great flavor add to almost anything (yes, there is even garlic ice cream). I love to just roast whole garlic heads at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes (longer if you want them super soft) then marinate them in the oil from a jar of Mama Lil's peppers. I also love making quick, homemade garlic dressings that can be used on salads or to marinate veggies and chicken!
(Somewhat) Quick Garlic Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup of apple cider or red wine vinegar squeeze of lemon 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced (more for more garlic flavor!) 1 tbsp dijon mustard 1 tbsp honey, agave, or maple syrup 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (like cilantro, dill, basil, parsley, oregano) Salt and pepper to taste
Salad dressings are forgiving - taste and adjust as you like to make it your own.
Want to see more highlighted ingredients and recipes in the future? Be sure to reply and let us know!
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Flyers for more local events from our friends, below! Please see our Full Calendar for our complete list of upcoming events.
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🎖️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!
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Click below for our full calendar!
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Central Oregon Veterans Ranch
65920 SW 61st St, Bend, OR 97703
(541) 706-9062
info@covranch.org
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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.
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