J. Bennett Rylah

The Fulton Street Farmers Market was one of the first markets established in Grand Rapids in the early 1900s, but the only one that would sell directly to consumers versus to wholesalers. While new technology was enabling food to travel longer distances, food prices were increasing. A group of housewives decided to utilize the farmland that surrounded them to establish the market. It was a grassroots effort made possible with community volunteers. And as the Market celebrates its 90th birthday this year, it's still a community project. On Saturday, May 5, the Market will experience a rebirth as its renovation is revealed to the public at 7:45 a.m., right before opening to shoppers for the year.

"I used to avoid coming here on Saturdays," admits Christine Helms-Maletic, Fulton Street Farmers Market's Project Development Manager. "It was always so crowded."

Thursday, May 31, 6:30pm

Urbanized is a feature-length documentary about the design of cities, which looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design and features some of the world's foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders, and thinkers.

Admission is free!

Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

6:30-9:00 - intro, film & brief discussion

Showing sponsored by Lott3 Metz Architecture, Nederveld Inc., The Rapid, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and Wondergem

Visit http://www.friendsofgrparks.org for additional information.

On Sunday, April 22 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Volunteer Missionary Movement is sponsoring a fundraising event featuring bestselling author Edwina Gateley. Her latest book, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters – Standing on Their Shoulders, will be the topic of discussion and she will provide us with some exquisite examples of feminine wisdom and courage.

We will hear about the women on whose shoulders we all stand.  They include saints, mystics, and martyrs; reformers, writers and environmentalists. Edwina will introduce us to women such as Hildegard of Bingen, Emily Dickinson, Rachel Carson, Pema Chodron, Dorothy Stang, Aung San Suu Kyi and Wangari Muta Maathai.