Thursday, September 10, 2009

Find us on Facebook

There are only so many hours in a week and, for the foreseeable future, this blog will be on hiatus.
Please look for "Heifer in Western North Carolina" on Facebook.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Charlotte Heifer Partners with Central Piedemont Community College Library

CPCC, Central Piedmont Community College, is partnering with Charlotte Heifer to help explain and promote "Social Engineering" - or "how to change the world!" By listing us as their sponsor for the educational TV show, FrontLine, the CPCC library has won a grant from FrontLine to help in their work of teaching about the theory and practice of Social Engineering.

The school has been the site of past presentations about our animal projects, and they want to learn more about our uses of micro credit and "locavores" (raising and eating food locally).

The major benefit for everyone is that Heifer will have a "high profile" among the over 16,000 students. We will have opportunities to present the Heifer story in movies, personal appearances and information booths. Everyone wins!

Watch for announcements of individual events later this year.

--Alex Smythers

Monday, July 14, 2008

Beatrice Biira

Beatrice's graduation in May prompted a NYT op-ed Column by Nicholas D. Kristof entitled "The Luckiest Gir;".
I am one of the luckiest girls in the world,” Beatrice
declared at her graduation party after earning
her bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College.
Indeed, and it’s appropriate that the goat
that changed her life was named Luck.

Beatrice is also scheduled to speak at the Denver Global Youth Forum in November 2008. I hope the text of her speach will be available. They have posted a very nice bio at: http://www.ptpi.org/whats_new/EventCustom.aspx?eventId=4ef789a2-6206-dd11-9457-0007e90cf513&eventPageId=68c1db42-ae73-41c0-bedd-451bf6e70238

What is next for Beatrice? Beatrice will graduate from Connecticut College in May 2008, having majored in International Development and Gender Studies. She will continue her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree at The Clinton School of Public Service, beginning in the fall of 2008.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Charlotte Country Day

Charlotte Country Day Raises another Ark!

Each year Linda, who teaches World Geography, inspires the 7th grade students at Charlotte Country Day to raise an ark for Heifer.

Student leaders line up to present their accomplishments for Heifer at the school assembly.

Ann of Charlotte Heifer attends to thank the participants and receive the funds on behalf of Heifer.

Some of the materials Linda provided to the 7th grade class rooms to facilitate the fundraiser.

Thank you Charlotte Country Day 7th Grade!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Heifer Gardening Workshop - New Knowledge and New Friends


Participants watched "Seeds, Hope, and Concrete", a short video about Heifer's work supporting Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture.

Caroline, a local bee keeper and a Charlotte Heifer member, shared her knowledge about honey bees and earth worms and how they support our gardens and all life on earth.

Earnie from Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) presented information about gardening for wildlife including the most needed resources we can provide to our wild friends and how to certify your property with the World Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat.

Larysa, a Master Gardener with Union County Extension Service, presented techniques for container gardening. She was especially informative about growing herbs in small spaces.

Alex and Matthew, both Charlotte Heifer members, avid gardeners, and all-around dirty guys, presented information on improving soil quality including composting and soil testing.

Katie, a Charlotte Heifer member, shared information about planting seeds indoors and demonstrated how to make newspaper seedling pots.

Thanks to Renfro Hardware in Matthews, Norwood Garden Center in Charlotte, and Dr. JB's Hummingbird Feeders for donating doorprizes and to Providence Day students who volunteered their time to help.