News (Blog)

Plantation Legacy Awards Dinner and Fundraiser honors six outstanding individuals

Hawaii's Plantation Village is pleased to pay tribute to six individuals in the second annual Plantation Legacy Awards Dinner and Fundraiser taking place on Saturday, September 26 at Hale Ikena, Ft. Shafter.
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"Over the years, the six people we are honoring have shown tremendous commitment and dedication to Hawaii's Plantation Village (HPV) and the legacy of our sugar plantation heritage," said Jeffrey Higa, HPV executive director. "HPV is privileged and grateful to be a recipient of their on-going support and loyalty."

Daniel Boylan – Professor of History and one of the founding members of UH-West Oahu.

A frequently requested commentator on both local and national politics, Dan Boylan is the host of "Insights on PBS" and writes a weekly column for Midweek. He is an active volunteer in the community, and was instrumental in establishing the early governance of Hawaii's Plantation Village. He has served in a number of HPV board leadership positions and continues to teach the younger generation the significance of Hawaii's plantation history and its contributions towards our multicultural heritage.

Glenn Okada – Son of "Major" Okada, founder of HPV.

A Waipahu High School and University of Hawaii graduate, Glenn Okada worked for Bank of Hawaii and AMFAC before starting his own successful development business, GO Development Company. Now retired, HPV has been a frequent benefactor of his largess. He has given tirelessly to HPV and the organization would not be in the solid and stable financial position it is in today, without his generosity and leadership.

Richard Hirata – HPV past-President

Richard Hirata earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and was a manager with Hawaii Finance and Development Corporation (HFDC). During his tenure there, he spearheaded the development of over ten thousand affordable housing units, including the first development in Kapolei. He was named 1994 Manager of the Year for the State of Hawaii. Bringing decades of management and financial leadership to HPV, Hirata has served in numerous leadership positions including Vice-President and President. He currently is serving as past-President.

Marlene Hirata – Daughter of "Major" Okada, HPV founder

With over 25 years experience as an elementary school teacher, Marlene Hirata was most recently at Pohakea Elementary School and she was named Hawaii State Teacher of the Year in 1994. She continues to volunteer at Pohakea and Hawaii's Plantation Village where she chairs many events including the annual Bon Dance festivities and weekly seniors' crafters group and workshop.

Yoshiko Yamauchi – HPV Volunteer

Former Department of Education Resource teacher, Yoshiko Yamauchi was the first DOE assigned teacher at HPV. She established the format for the school tours and aligned our curriculum with DOE teaching standards. As a volunteer, she continues to guide and advise our educational program making it the only one of its kind in the nation. Thanks to her efforts, she has increased participation of Hawaii's schools from a handful at the outset to over 14,000 school children annually.

James Yamauchi – HPV Volunteer

Former Department of Water Supply employee, James Yamauchi has been involved with Hawaii's Plantation Village as long as his wife, Yoshiko. More of a "behind the scenes" volunteer, he is HPV's principal carpenter and fabricator. He established and maintains the Ethnic Garden, and volunteers almost daily, over seeing a variety of projects.

"Tickets for HPV's Plantation Legacy Awards Dinner and Fundraiser are still available," added Higa. "People attending the event will have a chance to meet and talk to the six individuals we are honoring as well as the many HPV volunteers that will be present. Buying a ticket also supports HPV - a museum which has been keeping the important story and memories of Hawaii's unique sugar plantation history alive since 1992."

About HPV

Hawaii's Plantation Village is a non-profit, living history museum and ethno-botanical garden located on a 50-acre site in the heart of sugar plantation country in Waipahu. Established by the Friends of Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, its mission is to ensure that the struggles, sacrifices, innovations and contributions of Hawaii's sugar plantation forebears are preserved and acknowledged as the cornerstone of Hawaii's successful multi-ethnic society.

Hawaii's Plantation Village opened its doors in 1992 and offers docent-led tours through the Village as well as special events and activities. It is located near the old sugar mill in historic Waipahu town, at 94-695 Waipahu Street, Waipahu, HI 96797. For more information please contact the Village at 677-0110 or visit our Website at www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200909161051/GETPUBLISHED/90916049

Despite limited funds to work with, the House Appropriations Subcommittee for State,
Foreign Operations and Related Programs today took a major step forward to provide
the resources for a bigger, better and bolder Peace Corps. In its "mark up" of
programs within the International Affairs budget for Fiscal Year 2010, the subcommittee
agreed to recommend a $450 Million appropriation for the Peace Corps. This decision
was announced last night on MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews by Subcommittee
Chairwoman Nita Lowey.

Eighteen months ago, the National Peace Corps Association launched the MorePeaceCorps
Campaign anticipating an opportunity but realizing that a coordinated and sustained
effort was necessary, Inspired by the indefatigable spirit of Peace Corps pioneer
Harris Wofford, led by the enormous energy of our Campaign Coordinator Rajeev Goyal
(Nepal 01-03), supported by Donald Ross (Nigeria 65-67) and his team at M+R Associates
and fueled by the countless contributions of volunteer advocates across the nation,
we all went to work: writing letters, making phone calls, hosting MorePeaceCorps
House Parties, organizing constituent meetings with lawmakers, submitting letters
to the editor and op/eds, taking part in a National Day of Action, marching in parades,
attending rallies and much, much more..

It is very important to recognize that much more work remains, But today's action
is an historic step forward! It is your historic step forward. Congratulations!

Take Action Now! - Say Thank You to Key Lawmakers
FOR ALL ADVOCATES:

Express HUGE thanks to the following four lawmakers for their superb leadership.
(We encourage you to send brief emails, although some offices may only allow messages
from constituents)

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY)
Phone: 202-225-6506
(As Chair of the key Subcommittee, Congresswoman Lowey played an absolutely critical
role in including $450 Million in today's mark up. She should be thanked for her
leadership)

Congressman Sam Farr (CA)
Phone: 202-225-2861
(The lead author of the Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009, RPCV Congressman Farr
has led the charge throughout the year for significant Peace Corps funding)

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN)
Phone: 202-225-6631
(Congresswoman McCollum has been a longstanding champion of the Peace Corps and
has been a leading voice for funding within the Subcommittee)

Congressman Howard Berman (CA)
Phone: 202-225-4695
(As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Berman agreed to
include $450 Million in comprehensive foreign assistance legislation)

Next Saturday is one of the most crucial moments in the history of the Peace Corps.

D.C. Rally for Obama's Peace Corps Vision
Saturday, June 13, 2- 4 PM
Freedom Plaza

Your Moment Has Come: DC Rally June 13 to support Obama's Peace Corps Vision
by Laurence Leamer

Your moment has come. On Saturday afternoon June 13th at 2 PM, you will be standing with the crowd at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. You will be there at 14th St and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW because you believe in an America that reaches out to
the rest of the world with peace and promise. You will be there because you listened to President Obama's fervent promise during the campaign to double the size of the Peace Corps, to send Americans out in new lands and in new ways with outreached hands
and open hearts. You will be there to tell the President and Congress that it must give the Peace Corps the full appropriation of $450 million so it can become a bold new force
in the 21st century. You will be there for the most important rally in Washington in a long time because you must be there.

You will be there because you volunteer at a homeless shelter, a church or anywhere else and you realize that you are part of a community of service in support of a better world. You will be there because you're a volunteer for AmeriCorps doing community service in Brooklyn, and the Peace Corps Volunteers are your brothers and sisters.

You will be there because you have just returned from Honduras where you served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a tiny mountainous village, and while you tried to change the lives of others, you changed your own life as well. You will be there because you served in India in the Sixties and the rest of your life has been devoted to helping others, and you want tens of thousands of Americans to have the chance you have.

You will be there because your son is serving in Mongolia now, and you've seen from his letters how he has changed, and you are proud beyond belief that he is a Peace Corps Volunteer. You will be there because your daughter is in Micronesia and you know
that she is waging peace and in your way you are there with her. You will be there because you are a professor of international relations, and you know that if Obama is to truly have a new foreign policy for the developing world, there must be a bold new Peace Corps. You will be there because you are working for the Peace Corps in Washington, and you know it is time for dramatic change. You will be there because you are one of the 25,000 Americans who have applied to the Peace Corps this year, a 40% percent increase, and you know that there is not a full appropriation of $450 million there will be no room for you.

You will be there listening intently as former Senator Harris Wofford, a lifelong champion of volunteering, speaks from the depths of his great heart. You will be there listening as Tim
Shriver, the CEO of Special Olympics International and the son of Peace Corps founder Sargent Shriver, speaks with passion of a world of challenge and diversity. You will be there listening to the incredible list of speakers of all ages and backgrounds who will be presenting their own testimonies. You will be there listening to Cairo Fred, one of DC's hottest bands, as they play as part of the entertainment.

If there is sun, you will be there in the sun looking up at the stage. If there is rain, you will be there in the rain because what is a little rain to the Peace Corps. You will be there
because you learned about the rally at morepeace.org and if you needed more information you called 202 609-2821. You will be there at this rally as it helped to change the course of history. You will be part of this, and as long as you live you will be proud that you took the trouble to be at Freedom Plaza this day. You will be there.

Click here for more information

This piece in The Huffington Post explains the extraordinary importance of this event. Please read this and please be there with all of us.

Dear NPCA Advocate

Key Decision on Peace Corps Funding Expected Soon in the House of Representatives
- Action Needed with Key Lawmakers

In the next week or two, members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for State,
Foreign Operations and Related Programs are expected to finalize its Fiscal Year
2010 recommendations for the International Affairs Budget, including funding levels
for Peace Corps.

Thanks to your voice, there is momentum in the call for a robust, $450 Million appropriation
for Peace Corps. But that figure remains far from assured.
Take Action Now!

Below you will find the list of Subcommittee members who will recommend a funding
level for Peace Corps.

IF ONE OF THESE LAWMAKERS IS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE: Please contact them now by phone or email. Send a brief message urging them to appropriate $450 Million for the
Peace Corps for Fiscal Year 2010. Thank them in advance for their leadership, and
express why the Peace Corps is important to our country.

IF YOU ARE NOT A CONSTITUENT OF THESE LAWMAKERS: Please review the maps below which outline district boundaries, think of someone you know who lives there and ask them
to take this action! They don't have to be RPCVs. They can be any friend, family
member or other acquaintence who believes in the importance of the Peace Corps.
It is by far most effective when lawmakers hear from their constituents, so the
time you take to identify one or two additional constituents of these key lawmakers
is time extremely well spent!

Our MorePeaceCorps Campaign is also collecting messages that will be delivered to
Subcommittee Chair Nita Lowey, thanking her for her past support of the Peace Corps
and urging a $450 Million appropriation for Fiscal Year 2010. You can send a message
to Lowey@morepeacecorps.org [mailto:Lowey@morepeacecorps.org]
House Appropriations Subcommittee for State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs:

Subcommittee Chair
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY)
Phone: 202-225-6506

Subcommittee Ranking Member
Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX)
Phone: 202-225-5071

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL)
Phone: 202-225-0773

Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA)

Phone: 202-225-4176
Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY)

Phone: 202-225-3335
Congressman Ben Chandler (D-KY)

Phone: 202-225-4706
Congressman Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ)

Phone: 202-225-5061

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Phone: 202-225-2661

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN)
Phone: 202-225-6631

Congressman Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL)
Email Link [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102598949325&s=8612&e=001zL1sdpt-MM8R9xZ2xZeBLm2pKjFCP8yhQYYasCE1tWEX5lh5wCzsxD8g8yhlTd0RZmYAIc1Z7aQ4So-uHzXKTjxvdrFq-b90i1nTICyUoYh0-39ZsZr-AixS8OEW7EEfjx56KZ65Cbo=]
Phone: 202-225-4835

Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL)
Phone: 202-225-2501

Congressman Dennis R. Rehberg (R-MT)
(Congressman Rehberg represents all of Montana)

Thanks for taking action.

Jonathan Pearson
NPCA Advocacy Coordinator
advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org [mailto:advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org]
202-293-7728, x-21

Dear RPCVs of Hawaii,

On June 18th, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D, NY) and her sub-committee will mark-up the Foreign Operations Appropriation Bill for FY 2010.

This is a critical opportunity to help the Peace Corps acquire the resources needed to be a better and bolder 21st century organization.

In President Obama’s FY 2010 budget, he asked for $374 million for the Peace Corps, far below the level required to meet his campaign pledge of doubling the Peace Corps by the time of the 50th Anniversary.

Since historically the Congress appropriates less money than the President requests, we have a huge challenge before us.

By working together, two weeks ago we bucked this trend and the House Foreign Relations Committee’s bill authorized $450 million for the Peace Corps in FY 2010.

We now need your help in asking Congresswoman Lowey and her subcommittee to do the same.

Visit our blog for information on how to contact her and her subcommittee. Urge them to provide $450 million so that we can help the President achieve his often-stated Peace Corps goal. On our blog you’ll also find a link to a compelling open letter to Congresswoman Lowey from Nepal RPCV Larry Leamer.

And while you are online, sign up for our new social networking website, www.peacecorpsconnect.org. If you become the 12,000th member, we will profile you and your Peace Corps connection in our next e-newsletter.

With thanks for your ongoing interest in the Peace Corps,

Kevin F. F. Quigley
Thailand, 1976-79
President, National Peace Corps Association

The Hawaii Senate and House Resolution in support for Peace Corps Expansion Act was adopted. We thank all who provided testimony in support of th eresoultion.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.R. NO. 275 and S.R. 69
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

RESOLUTION
SUPPORT FOR PEACE CORPS EXPANSION ACT OF 2009.

WHEREAS, on March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an Executive Order establishing the Peace Corps; and

WHEREAS, since President Kennedy established the Peace Corps, more than 195,000 volunteers, 1,274 from Hawaii, have served in 139 countries; and

WHEREAS, Peace Corps continues to be one of America's finest expressions of friendship and solidarity across the globe; and

WHEREAS, the Peace Corps is focused on grassroots, bottom-up development, with volunteers working side-by-side with community members in the most humble communities around the world; and

WHEREAS, Peace Corps has reported that over 20 countries requested a Peace Corps program, and that many countries with existing programs would welcome additional volunteers; and

WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2008, Peace Corps reported its volunteers provided assistance to more than 2.1 million people around the world, helped train nearly 160,000 service providers and assisted with nearly 600 grassroots projects through the Peace Corps Partnership Program; and

WHEREAS, at the cost of less than $45,000 per volunteer, Peace Corps volunteers are highly cost-effective; and

WHEREAS, in so many ways, returned Peace Corps volunteers continue to provide service and play important roles as leaders in our community; and

WHEREAS, 13,011 Americans applied in 2008 to volunteer their service to serve the world's poorest communities, Peace Corps is able to provide placements for fewer than 4,000; and

WHEREAS, a devalued dollar, increased energy prices and budget constraints would result in 300 to 400 further reductions in volunteers with current funding; and

WHEREAS, the grassroots MorePeaceCorps Campaign supports doubling the size of the Peace Corps; and

WHEREAS, The United States House of Representatives is considering H.R. 1066, the "Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009," to increase the 2010 fiscal year budget of Peace Corps to $450,000,000; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, supports the MorePeaceCorps Campaign and the Congressional Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Hawaii's Congressional delegation and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Hawaii.

An increase of $33.44 Million over FY 2009 appropriation of $340 Million

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 7, 2009 - President Barack Obama unveiled his fiscal year (FY) 2010 budget. The President has asked Congress to provide Peace Corps with a $373.44 million appropriation. If the $373.44 million request is approved by Congress, this will be the largest operating budget in Peace Corps' history.

The proposed budget request reflects a plan for agency wide quality growth. This budget of $373.44 million will enable the Peace Corps to recruit, train, and support the thousands of Americans willing to devote two years of their lives to serve in a community abroad.

"President Obama is inspiring Americans to serve their country, and his administration is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for Americans to serve as Peace Corps Volunteers," said acting Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen.

The proposed budget request of $373.44 million provides for a continued focus on Volunteer safety and security, as it remains the agency's number one priority. Additionally, this budget reflects the increased requests from our host countries for Volunteers to work in service projects related to agriculture, health, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment, education, and youth at risk.

Peace Corps costs every American roughly $1.23 a year, the average cost of a pint-sized bottle of water in the U.S. The Peace Corps' budget request represents approximately one percent of one percent of the total federal budget.

Serving in the Peace Corps has become an increasingly competitive endeavor. In the last year, the Peace Corps has received over 13,000 applications, an increase of 16 percent from the previous year. There has also been an increase in the number of countries interested in hosting a Peace Corps program, and the agency is on track to handle even more applications in 2009.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, the agency's service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.media.press.view&news_id=1452

Peace Corps Urges Obama to Double Volunteer Numbers

 

Honolulu – March 30, 2009                                                  
Publicist:  Moon Yun Choi                                                                                            
Cell:  808-258-2768
contact@rpcvhi.org

 

Peace Corps Volunteers around the world are reaching out to President Barack Obama to fulfill his pledge to increase the size of the Peace Corps despite possible budget cuts. The campaign promise focused on doubling the number of Volunteers from the today’s 8,000 to 16,000 by Peace Corps’ 50^th Anniversary in 2011.

 

Hawai‘i is doing its part in this effort. Currently there are 36 Peace Corps Volunteers from the state serving in more than 17 countries. This is an increase of more than 260% in the last two years (10 PCVs in 2006, and 21 in 2007) and represents the largest percentage increase in the nation.

 

The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Hawai‘i (RPCVHI), in conjunction with Rep. Gene Ward, have drafted a Hawai‘i State Resolution to support the “Federal Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009.”  This legislation would increase the current $340 million budget to $450 million – the amount Peace Corps believes is essential to achieve President Obama’s goal over a two-year period. The Omnibus Spending Bill just signed by the President provides for a small, and disappointing, $9 million increase over the 2008 budget, requiring Peace Corps to potentially cut hundreds of positions in 2009. 

 

Kimberly Biggs, President of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Hawai‘i, says “the time is now” to repair America’s reputation by answering the many requests for Peace Corps Volunteers by potential host countries. She joins the Peace Corps and the National Peace Corps Association in asking Returned PCVs in Hawai‘i, their family members and friends, to additionally write to their Congressional representatives in both the House and Senate requesting an increase in funding for 2010.

 

For information about joining the Peace Corps, call 1-800-424-8580 (press 1) to speak to a local recruiter.  To apply, log on to the website:  https://www.peacecorps.gov/apply/now/index.cfm?

 

RPCV Hawai‘i produces the award-winning 'Olelo Community Television program “Bring the World Home,” in which returned Volunteers share their experiences of living and working in developing countries. Topics range from talking about the people, the culture, working conditions, the work accomplished and how these experiences have changed them. The program airs weekly on Chanel 53 Monday evenings at 9 pm.  Many of the engaging interviews are posted on the Chapter’s website:  www.rpcvhi.org and they are also linked to YouTube and MorePeaceCorps.org.

 

“Bring the World Home” has received prestigious national and local awards including the National Peace Corps Association 2004 Loret Miller Ruppe Award for Outstanding Community Service, and in 2008, the 'Olelo 8^th Annual Video Award in Excellence in a Cultural/Ethnic program.

 

Since the show’s conception in 2002, more than 66 episodes have been taped.  The website provides a list of the dates aired, volunteers interviewed, the year and country served, and when possible, a link to the video.

 

“Bring the World Home” was created by Doug Long (Swaziland 1992-93, Lesotho 2002-05), past president of RPCV-HI, to fulfill Peace Corps’ third goal of promoting a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Peace Corps’ other goals are to help the people of interested countries to meet their need for trained men and women, and to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served.

 

RPCV-HI held a reception on Feb. 27, 2009, to honor the more than 1200 Hawai‘i residents who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers over the past 48 years.  The event was held at the Tokai International University, and was attended by more than 30 individuals. Dr. Harold McArthur, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, was the featured speaker and he shared insights about the similarities in the mission for development between Peace Corps and US Agency for International Development.

 

Rep. Gene Ward (R, Hawai‘i Kai), a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in North Borneo from 1965 – 1967, and in East Timor from 2005 – 2006 as Country Director, delivered proclamations from the Governor’s Office and the State House of Representatives. A third Proclamation, from the City and County of Honolulu, was also acknowledged by Kimberly Biggs, President of the RPCV-Hawai‘i.

Statement of Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono of Hawai‘i in the U.S. House of Representatives On Recognizing National Peace Corps Week And the 48th Anniversary of the Peace Corps

February 26, 2009

Madam Speaker:

I rise today to celebrate National Peace Corps Week (February 23- March 2) and recognize the 48 years of commitment to peace made by our nation’s Peace Corps volunteers.

Following a call to service by President John F. Kennedy, more than 195,000 Americans have served our country in the cause of peace by living and working in 139 developing nations. 

Currently, 7,876 Peace Corp volunteers are making significant and lasting contributions to improve the lives of individuals and communities in 76 countries.  This selfless group includes the following volunteers from Hawaii: Claire Albrecht in Zambia; Kristel Balbarino and Holly Horcajo in Nicaragua; Jack Chow and Noa Thomas in Vanuatu, Theresa Duddy in Madagascar; Rachel Grossman in Ukraine; Ashley Jones in Micronesia; Kevin Kalhoefer in Cambodia; Serette Kaminski in Niger; Nicole Nakama in Botswana; Kevin Schmitz in Dominican Republic; Mai Shintani in Gambia; and Theodore Varns in Guatemala.   

I also want to recognize and thank the many Peace Corps alumni who reside in Hawaii.  I have many friends who are former Peace Corps members.  To a person, each has told me that their time of service had a major impact on their lives.

Aloha and mahalo to all Peace Crops volunteers past and present for your work in strengthening the ties of friendship and understanding between the people of the United States and others around the world.

http://hirono.house.gov/list/speech/hi02_hirono/PeaceCorps.html

The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Hawaii cordially invites you
to a Peace Corps Week Annual reception
in collaboration with
MorePeaceCorps.org - A National Day of Action

Friday, February 27, 6-8 pm.
at Hawaii Tokai International College, 19th Floor
2241 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu 
 
Guest Speaker: Dr. Harold McArthur
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Relations, UH Manoa

Title: Peace Corps and USAID: A Partnership for Development?
Hal McArthur has forty years experience in the design, administration, implementation and evaluation of international research, training and technical assistance programs related to participatory development, natural resource management and farming systems.  Research interests include agroecosystem analysis, participatory rural appraisal and farming system research.
 
Followed by pupus and beverages
 
RSVPs requested but not required to help us with food and event organization. We are also looking for volunteers from 5-8 pm to help with the event.

Please contact Alexi Remnek at alexiremnek@yahoo.com to volunteer at the event.