Legacy - 2003

Kickoff Breakfast
with Keynote Speaker Connie Glaser

Author of Swim With The Dolphins, When Money Isn't Enough, and her April release, What Queen Esther Knew: Business Advice From a Biblical Sage. Connie Glaser is a best-selling author and one of the country’s leading authorities on women in business. As a consultant to some of America’s most prestigious corporations, Connie’s client list includes Bank One, Deloitte & Touche, Ameritech, AT&T, Time Warner, Xerox, Forbes, National Association of Women Business Owners, and the U.S. Navy.

The theme for Legacy 2003 is Building for the Future, Based on Past Legacies! Join the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council in honoring the 2003 Legacy Lights, women from west Michigan who have made an impact in the community.

Thursday, February 27, 7:30 am, Frederik Meijer Gardens

Sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council
Tickets: $25 per ticket.
Contact Wanda Toohey Olave 616/365-5720, Tooheyw@meijer.com or Judith Claytor 616/391-3380 judith.claytor@spectrum-health.org for additional information.

Ms. Glaser’s books will be available for purchase and signing after her presentation.

Calendar of Events


The Legacy 2003 theme is Building for the Future, Based on Past Legacies!

Thursday, January 30

Polish Heritage Society Essay Contest, a competition for all Kent County secondary school students. Essays must be a minimum of 1,000 words and discuss how a Polish Heritage woman influenced the writer. The first prize is $500 cash. Prizes will be presented on March 9, International Women’s Day.
Submission deadline. Mail essays to: Polish Heritage Society, 0-357 Leonard Rd. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.
Sponsored by Polish Heritage Society
Contact Ruth Anne Lomas, 616/791-2110, for additional information.

Women and the Economy, presentation by Heidi Hartman.
7 pm, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy SE
Sponsored by Aquinas College Women’s Center
Contact Susan Hayward-Hoeppner, 616/459-8281, for cost and additional information.

Saturday, February 1

Leagues of Their Own. The program tells the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the Negro Leagues.
Exhibit at the VanAndel Museum from February 1 through September 1, 2003
Sponsored by the Public Museum of Grand Rapids
Tickets: Children 3-17 $2.50; Adults $6.00; seniors $5.00.
Contact the Admissions Desk at the Public Museum, 616-456-3977, for additional information.

Wednesday, February 12

Rise Above, presentation by Veronica Chambers. A frank, honest talk about knocking out the “isms” – racism and sexism. Award-winning author of the upcoming book Having it All? Black Women and Success, as well as the best-sellers Mama’s Girl, Amistad Rising: A story of Freedom, and Marisol and Magdalena: The Sound of Sisterhood. Chambers is a former executive editor of Savoy magazine, a former associate editor of Newsweek, and has interviewed everyone from Tupac Shakur and Dave Matthews to Janet Jackson and Oprah Winfrey.
7:00 p.m., Spectrum Theatre, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Learning Center
No charge.
Contact Jennifer Smith, (616) 234-3390, for tickets and additional information.

Thursday, February 20

In A Different Voice: 20 Years Later. Women’s development over the past 20 years, a lecture by Dr. Carol Gilligan, psychologist and novelist.
7:30 pm, Loosemore Auditorium, Grand Rapids Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by Grand Valley State University Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Marlene Kowalski-Braun, 616/331-2748, for additional information.

Friday, February 21

MSU Political Leadership Program. This program features speakers Karen Hughes from the George Bush Administration and Dee Dee Meyers from the Clinton Administration.
7:30 am breakfast, 8:30 am program, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Sponsored by Michigan State University
Contact Amy J. Baumer, 517/355-6672, ext. 132, for additional information and tickets/reservations.

Sunday, February 23

Art History Mini-Series lecture, Public Personae: The Art of Display, presenter Sue Eberle.
2 pm, Grand Rapids Art Museum, 155 N. Division
Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Cost: $3 plus Art Museum admission
Contact Kristen Corrado, 616/831-2910, for additional information.

Thursday, February 27

Kickoff Breakfast, keynoter Connie Glaser, author.
7:30 am, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council
Tickets: $25 per ticket.
Contact Wanda Toohey Olave 616/365-5720, Tooheyw@meijer.com or Judith Claytor 616/391-3380 judith.claytor@spectrum-health.org for additional information.

Gender and Leadership: A Series of Discussions Honoring the Vision of Helen Kendall, presented by Beverly Russell, President, Beverly Russell Enterprises, Los Angeles, CA.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Student Commons, Kendall College of Art and Design, 111 N. Division
Sponsored by Kendall College of Art and Design
Contact Kendall College of Art and Design, 616/451-2787, for additional information.

March (dates to be determined)

City-wide Contest for Grand Rapids Students – Posters and Essays Honoring Women’s History. Over 20,000 Grand Rapids Public Schools’ students will be given the opportunity to win cash prizes by submitting essays and posters about Women’s History. Prizes to be awarded in three grade levels: grades 4, 5 and 6; grades 7, 8 and 9; and grades 10, 11 and 12. Each grade level will be awarded three prizes for best poster and three prizes for best essay.
Public reception in March, date to be determined.
Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Education Association
No charge.
Contact Gretchen Dziadosz, 616/957-4732, for additional information.

Saturday, March 1

Hinamatsuri: The Festival of Dolls, It is also called Girl’s Day Festival, but celebrated by all children. Hinamatsuri is the day on which wishes are expressed for the future happiness of girls. Today visitors will explore with artist Le Tran this Japanese holiday as they create their own paper dolls to insure the future happiness of the children in their life. Also join Calvin College students on a gallery talk.
11 am-1 pm, Grand Rapids Art Museum, 155 N. Division
Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Cost: $2.
Contact Kristen Corrado, 616/831-2910, for additional information.

Women Sculptors from All Angles, A slide lecture on women sculptors in the Sculpture Park and demonstrations by four Grand Rapids women sculptors. Demonstration by Anna Greidanus Probes from Calvin College.
1-2 pm, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Sponsored by Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Free with cost of admission to Meijer Gardens ($8 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $6 college students with ID, $4 children 5-13, children 4 and under free.
Contact the Frederik Meijer Gardens Admission Desk, 616/957-1580, for additional information.

Sunday, March 2

Seasons of Strength: Women Songs. Vocal music composed by women will be sung by the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus and the Chorale and Honors Chamber Choir of the West Michigan Academy of Music for Girls.
7:30 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Dr. SE
Sponsored by the West Michigan Academy of Music for Girls and Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus
Free will offering.
Contact West Michigan Academy of Music for Girls, 616/458-2024, for additional information.

Monday, March 3

Doing Women’s History on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin, a series of conversations on the state of the art.
10-10:30 am, FM 88.5 and 95.3; AM 1480 and 850
Sponsored by WGVU

Most Influential Women in West Michigan, a lecture by Mary Sue Coleman, President, The University of Michigan. The Grand Rapids Business Journal will honor 50 of West Michigan’s most influential women at a luncheon at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Women who will be recognized are at the helm of businesses, academia, affecting change in their community, giving of themselves and their time through charitable organizations and providing leadership through board appointments.
11:30 am-1:30 pm, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Sponsored by Grand Rapids Business Journal
Tickets: $50/reservation needed.
Contact Jocelyn Burkett, 616/459-3222, for additional information.

Tuesday, March 4

The History and Impact of Title IX, presented by Diane Madsen.
6:30pm, Academic Building, Room 101, Aquinas College
Sponsored by The Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center at Aquinas College
No Charge.
Contact Susan Hayward-Hoeppner, 616-459-8281, for information or check out the website http://www.aquinas.edu/womenscenter/.

Wednesday, March 5

Hystory Girls: Today’s Girls Reading Historical Fiction. The program features a panel of girls discussing recent historical fiction written for girls about girls of the past.
7 pm, Bowen Room, Kentwood Library, 4700 Kalamazoo SE
Sponsored by the American Association of University Women
No charge.
Contact Rosemary Johnsen, 616/248-5425, for additional information.

National Women’s History Month Film Night: Elizabeth.. The program features a panel of girls discussing recent historical fiction written for girls about girls of the past.
5pm, Moose Café, Carriage House, Aquinas College
Sponsored by The Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center at Aquinas College
No charge.
Contact Susan Hayward-Hoeppner, 616-459-8281, for information or check out the website http://www.aquinas.edu/womenscenter/.

Soar, Sor Juana, a staged reading introducing Sor Juana (1651-1695), a poet, playwright, nun living in Mexico City, often referred to as the First Feminist of the Americas. Soar, Sor Juana is a two-act drama about the tribulations of the extraordinary poet, playwright, musician, and intellectual nun. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651-1695), living and working from a convent located in the heart of Mexico City.
8 pm, Spectrum Theatre, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Ben Franklin Production of Actors’ at Spectrum Theatre
Tickets: $5.00 for general public, $3.00 for Actors’ season ticket holders.
Contact Fred Sebulske, 616/234-3947, for additional information.

Thursday, March 6

Women Composers presented by Barbara Witham McGargar Barbara Witham McGargar is Director of the College Chorus at Aquinas College and Chairperson of the Aquinas College Music Department. She is a native of Grand Rapids with degrees from Aquinas and The University of Michigan. She has been teaching at Aquinas since 1987. She is a featured vocal artist in every venue that West Michigan has to offer.
11 am, Women’s City Club, 254 E. Fulton
Sponsored by the Women’s City Club
Free program, lunch $10.75/reservations required.
Contact Reservations, 616/459-3321, for additional information.

Gender and Leadership: A Series of Discussions Honoring the Vision of Helen Kendall, presented by Paula Fogarty, President and CEO, Kindel Furniture.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Student Commons, Kendall College of Art and Design, 111 N. Division
Sponsored by Kendall College of Art and Design
Contact Kendall College of Art and Design, 616/451-2787, for additional information.

Farm Wives, presenter, Nelle Frisch. Farm wives are the subject of Nelle Frisch’s program. Certainly farm life and those who lived the life are one of the backbones of US culture and society. Nelle explores the subject for Women’s History month to give us a picture of a part of our country’s heritage and base. Today, farm wives may live different lives but the basics are still the makeup of small towns and communities across the country. Nelle traveled the state to record and comment on different celebrations of crops and the growth of certain items. From that study and travel, a cookbook evolved from many of the interviews.
1 pm, Gaines Township Library, 421 68th St. SE
Sponsored by the Kent District Library
Contact Diane Forbes, 616/784-2016 ext 2220, for additional information.

Soar, Sor Juana, a staged reading introducing Sor Juana (1651-1695), a poet, playwright, nun living in Mexico City, often referred to as the First Feminist of the Americas. Soar, Sor Juana is a two-act drama about the tribulations of the extraordinary poet, playwright, musician, and intellectual nun. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651-1695), living and working from a convent located in the heart of Mexico City.
8 pm, Spectrum Theatre, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Ben Franklin Production of Actors’ at Spectrum Theatre
Tickets: $5.00 for general public, $3.00 for Actors’ season ticket holders.
Contact Fred Sebulske, 616/234-3947, for additional information.

Thursday, March 6 – Sunday, March 30

Women Make a Difference “Drawing New Lines”, the 5th Annual Girl Scout Art Show. The Girl Scout Art Show is a community celebration, featuring multi-media artwork created by a diverse group of local female artists in honor of Women’s History Month and the valuable contributions women make to communities throughout the world. This year’s theme is “Drawing New Lines.’ with each of the twenty artists creating two pieces of artwork representative of her interpretation of the theme.
Reception March 6, 6-8 pm
Exhibit open daily, 2nd floor West Gallery, L. V. Eberhard Center, Grand Rapids Campus, Grand Valley State University

Sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Michigan Trails
Tickets for the reception $60 per couple; $35 single
Contact Joann Reeves, 616/784-3341 or 1/800/442-1402, for additional information.

Friday, March 7

Soar, Sor Juana, a staged reading introducing Sor Juana (1651-1695), a poet, playwright, nun living in Mexico City, often referred to as the First Feminist of the Americas. Soar, Sor Juana is a two-act drama about the tribulations of the extraordinary poet, playwright, musician, and intellectual nun. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651-1695), living and working from a convent located in the heart of Mexico City.
8 pm, Spectrum Theatre, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Ben Franklin Production of Actors’ at Spectrum Theatre
Tickets: $5.00 for general public, $3.00 for Actors’ season ticket holders.
Contact Fred Sebulske, 616/234-3947, for additional information.

Saturday, March 8

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion and Tea, facilitator, Sue Garza. Mothers and daughters (age 12 and older) are invited to read a book together and join us at the library for refreshments and lots of good book talking. Pick up copies of the featured title at the checkout desk.
8 pm, Spectrum Theatre, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Ben Franklin Production of Actors’ at Spectrum Theatre
Tickets: $5.00 for general public, $3.00 for Actors’ season ticket holders.
Contact Fred Sebulske, 616/234-3947, for additional information.

Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris. In celebration of our exhibition, “Paris in 1890,” GRAM will host a day to recognize the woman who brought impressionism to the United States. The UICA dance troupe directed by Melissa Chapman will entertain us “Mary Cassatt style.” Marti DeKorver, a local artist, will lead guests in an art activity inspired by this great woman artist.
11 am-1 pm, Grand Rapids Art Museum, 155 N. Division
Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Cost $2.
Contact Kristen Corrado, 616/831-2910, for additional information.

Women Sculptors from All Angles. A slide lecture on women sculptors in the Sculpture Park and demonstrations by four Grand Rapids women sculptors, Demonstration by Mary Lamson-Burke from Grandville Avenue Academy for the Arts.
1-2 pm, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Sponsored by Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Free with cost of admission to Meijer Gardens ($8 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $6 college students with ID, $4 children 5-13, children 4 and under free.
Contact the Frederik Meijer Gardens Admission Desk, 616/957-1580, for additional information.

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion and Tea, facilitator, Terry Glass. Mothers and daughters (age 12 and older) are invited to read a book together and join us at the library for refreshments and lots of good book talking. Pick up copies of the featured title at the checkout desk.
3 pm, Kentwood Library, 4700 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Sponsored by the Kent District Library
No charge.
Contact Cheryl Garrison, 616/784-2291, for additional information.

Sunday, March 9

International Women’s Day

Art History Mini-Series lecture, Back in America: Women Artists
, presented by Kristin Ringleberg
2 pm, Grand Rapids Art Museum, 155 N. Division
Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Cost $3 plus Art Museum admission.
Contact Kristen Corrado, 616/831-2910, for additional information.

Monday, March 10

Doing Women’s History on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin, a series of conversations on the state of the art.
10-10:30 am, FM 88.5 and 95.3; AM 1480 and 850
Sponsored by WGVU

Tuesday, March 11

Early Bloomers. Early Bloomers is a historical presentation about women in sport written and presented by Karla Wolters. Ms. Wolters, an Associate Professor at Hope College, presents a theatrical program introducing the audience to four female pioneers in Sport History. These remarkable women include Mary Outerbridge, the first person to bring tennis to America; Senda Berenson, who was instrumental in developing women’s basketball; Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel; and Babe Didrikson Zaharias, the best female athlete in the first half of the 20th century. The program is being held in conjunction with an exhibition entitled “Leagues of Their Own” which tells the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the Negro Leagues (see listing above).
10 am, Meijer Theater, VanAndel Museum Center
Sponsored by the Public Museum of Grand Rapids
Tickets: Children 3-17 $2.50; Adults $6.00; seniors $5.00.
Contact the Admissions Desk at the Public Museum, 616/456-3977, for additional information.

Her Passion to Play: A Historical Presentation About Women in Baseball. In this historical presentation, Karla Wolters tells the audience the stories of four women who played ball – 1908 until 1994. She introduces the audience to four female baseball players, in costume and with props. Portrayed are Alta Weiss (1908) an early professional ball player; Maud Nelson (1924) a barnstorming player and team owner; Ruth Richard (1954) catcher for the Rockford Peaches; and Julie Croteau (1994) a professional baseball player for the Silver Bullets Baseball Team. The program is being held in conjunction with an exhibition entitled “Leagues of Their Own” which tells the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the Negro Leagues (see listing above).
1 pm, Meijer Theater, VanAndel Museum Center
Sponsored by the Public Museum of Grand Rapids
Tickets: Children 3-17 $2.50; Adults $6.00; seniors $5.00.
Contact the Admissions Desk at the Public Museum, 616/456-3977, for additional information.

Wednesday, March 12

Women’s Resource Center Employer Recognition Awards Conference and Luncheon, keynote speaker Lynn Martin. For the past 14 years, Women’s Resource Center has celebrated the advancement of women in the workplace by recognizing progressive West Michigan employers with the Employer Recognition Awards during Women’s History Month. The conference and luncheon celebrate employers who have played a historical role advancing women in the workplace. Part of women’s advancement can be attributed to workplace strategies that create opportunities for women to break through the “glass ceiling.” Keynote speaker, Lynn Martin, former U. S. Secretary of Labor, has worked to shatter a few glass ceilings in the political and private sectors.
8-11:30 am, Conference, 11:45-1:30 pm luncheon, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center
Tickets: $90 for the Conference and Luncheon, $40 for the Luncheon only.
Contact Charlette Howell-Partee, 616/458-5443, for additional information.

Andrew Comstock. The Ladies Literary Club will celebrate historical women’s issues with Anna Bates, Assistant Professor of History at Aquinas College. Miss Bates will bring us information on Andrew Comstock who wrote on abortion issues in 19th Century America and other gender implications of laws in the 1800’s. Our historical perspective can always expand and Miss Bates will help us explore the background which underlies our words and deeds in 2002.
11 am (coffee at 10 am), Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd SE
Sponsored by Ladies Literary Club
No charge.
Contact Nancy Wright, 616/957-5575, for additional information.

Herstory. This is the third in a series of presentations by exceptional GVSU women telling their own stories in their own words.
12 pm, 161 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Marlene Kowalski-Braun, 616/331-2748, for additional information.

FOCUS on Sacred Choices, presented by Dr. Daniel MaGuire. FOCUS will give a historical perspective on women’s rights within a religious context by exploring the right to reproductive choice in ten world religions. With wit and wisdom, Dr. Maguire will share his insights about religious faith and reproductive choice at Planned Parenthood’s 10th annual FOCUS event.
7 pm, The Graduate Center Downtown, Western Michigan University in Grand Rapids, 200 Ionia Ave SW, near the VanAndel Arena
Sponsored by Planned Parenthood
Tickets: $15 speaker only, $10 suggested student donation; $50 for speaker and fundraising reception. Reservations needed for both.
Contact Marni Vyn, 616/774-7005, for reservations and information.

From Mao to Sesame Street: One Woman’s Journey through the Cultural Revolution, Best selling author of Red Azalea, Katherine, Becoming Madame Mao, and Wild Ginger, Anchee Min was born and raised in Communist China. She was taught to write “Long live Chairman Mao” before she was taught to write her own name. She joined the Red Guard, Mao’s notorious youth group, in order to escape being beaten and persecuted. In 1984, Min immigrated to the United States and started learning English by watching Sesame Street. Within ten years, she had not only written her best-selling memoir, Red Azalea, she had also published three other novels. Min is now working on her fifth book Empress Orchid—The Life of China’s Last Imperial Ruler.
7:00 p.m., Applied Technology Center Banquet Rooms, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Learning Center
No charge.
Contact Jennifer Smith, (616) 234-3390, for additional information

Thursday, March 13

Women’s Tea Party – Reviving Traditions of Women’s Action. The event brings together women activists, teachers, and students to participate in a centuries-old tradition of combining tea parties with discussions of literature, politics, and reform.
4 pm, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Marlene Kowalski-Braun, 616/331-2748, for additional information.

Gay Nineties Grand Rapids and Eulabee Dix: Launching a Larger-Than-Life Painter of Miniatures. Nancy H. Clouse is a painter, art historian, and Grand Rapids Community College Faculty Emeritus Award Winner. She will use slides to illustrate the colorful career of Eulabee Dix. Initiated in turn-of-century Grand Rapids, her career quickly assumed theatrical proportion. Painter and painted, Eluabee Dix was a beauty in the beauty business whose miniatures of the famous (Ethel Barrymore, Mark Twain, Daisy, Countess of Warwick among them) help revive a centuries-old tradition of art.
7:30 pm, Gerald R. Ford Museum
Sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council and the Grand Rapids Historical Society
No charge.
Contact Jennifer Metz, 616/336-8649, or Jo Ellyn Clarey, 616/454-7457, for additional information.

Saturday, March 15

Quilt Discovery Day, West Michigan Quilters’ Guild, in cooperation with the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, is holding this Quilt Discovery Day as a project of the Michigan Quilt Project administered by the Michigan State University Museum. The purpose is to document quilts made, or owned, by Michiganders, specifically in this case, West Michiganders, and includes both antique and contemporary quilts.
9 am-4 pm, Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave SW
Sponsored by West Michigan Quilters Guild
Cost: $1.00 per quilt, payable at time of documentation.
Contact MargEd Kwapil, 616/949-8649, for additional information.

Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Michigan Women’s Studies Association, luncheon and reception.
12 pm, Kellogg Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing
Sponsored by Michigan Women’s Studies Association, Inc
Contact Gladys Beckwith, 517/372-9772, for cost and additional information.

Work and Gender Film Festival. A series of films examining Gender and Work including Hollywood films and documentaries.
12-9 pm, Loosemore Auditorium, Grand Rapids Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies Program and GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Kathleen Underwood, 616/331-8516, for additional information.

Women Sculptors from All Angles. A slide lecture on women sculptors in the Sculpture Park and demonstrations by four Grand Rapids women sculptors, Demonstration by Daleene Menning from Grand Valley State University.
1-2 pm, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Sponsored by Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Free with cost of admission to Meijer Gardens ($8 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $6 college students with ID, $4 children 5-13, children 4 and under free.
Contact the Frederik Meijer Gardens Admission Desk, 616/957-1580, for additional information.

Farm Wives. presenter, Nelle Frisch. Farm wives are the subject of Nelle Frisch’s program. Certainly farm life and those who lived the life are one of the backbones of US culture and society. Nelle explores the subject for Women’s History month to give us a picture of a part of our country’s heritage and base. Today, farm wives may live different lives but the basics are still the makeup of small towns and communities across the country. Nelle traveled the state to record and comment on different celebrations of crops and the growth of certain items. From that study and travel, a cookbook evolved from many of the interviews.
2 pm, Alpine Library, 5255 Alpine NW
Sponsored by the Kent District Library
Contact Diane Forbes, 616/784-2016 ext 2220, for additional information.

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion and Tea, facilitator, Barb DeYoung. Mothers and daughters (age 12 and older) are invited to read a book together and join us at the library for refreshments and lots of good book talking. Pick up copies of the featured title at the checkout desk.
2 pm, Walker Library, 4293 Remembrance Road NW
Sponsored by the Kent District Library
No charge.
Contact Cheryl Garrison, 616/784-2219, for additional information.

St. Cecilia Eight Piano Concert, this popular Grand Rapids multiple grand piano tradition, the fulfillment of a dream of Mrs. Eber Irwin, was premiered by eight women in 1940. The Eight Piano Concert of 2003 represents the eleventh in the procession of these memorable events in the History of St. Cecilia Music Society, the venerable Grand Rapids music anchor that was itself started in 1883 by a group of women with vision. The idea for Eight Piano Concert had its inception when Mrs. Eber Irwin, a former board member at St. Cecilia, returned from the South in the late 1930’s filled with enthusiasm about an ensemble of pianos in concert there. She persuaded the talented pianists of St. Cecilia to organize a performance group.
8 pm, Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Society, 24 Ransom NE
Sponsored by St. Cecilia Music Society
Tickets: $15 for adults.
Contact Philip Pletcher, 616/459-2224, for additional information.

Sunday, March 16

Women’s History Month Sacred Music Celebration. Women have written their concept of God in sacred music through the years. This musical will exhibit those songs written by women and sung by local female artists. Mrs. Vernita Perry, Music Director for St. Luke’s AMEZ Church, is primary musician. Mrs. Veruynca Williams, Music Director for Pilgrim Rest Baptist, is vocal director. Ms Kim Jerigan and Ms Jean Pittmon from the Grand Rapids Public Schools, are coordinators of music. Special guests will include: Ms. Mona Sallee, Mrs. Cassandra Carter, Mrs. Cathy Barrow Williams, Mrs. Kathy Curry, Mrs. Pamela Tardy, Mrs. Glenda Parks. History compiled by Dr. Diane White, Ph.D, Chair of Vocal Music Department at Howard University in Washington DC.
5 pm, New Hope Baptist Church, 130 Delaware SW
Sponsored by Woman to Woman’s WomanSpace
Free will offering.
Contact Rev. Dr. Linda Hollies, 616/776-9706, for additional information.

St. Cecilia Eight Piano Concert, this popular Grand Rapids multiple grand piano tradition, the fulfillment of a dream of Mrs. Eber Irwin, was premiered by eight women in 1940. The Eight Piano Concert of 2003 represents the eleventh in the procession of these memorable events in the History of St. Cecilia Music Society, the venerable Grand Rapids music anchor that was itself started in 1883 by a group of women with vision. The idea for Eight Piano Concert had its inception when Mrs. Eber Irwin, a former board member at St. Cecilia, returned from the South in the late 1930’s filled with enthusiasm about an ensemble of pianos in concert there. She persuaded the talented pianists of St. Cecilia to organize a performance group.
6 pm, Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Society, 24 Ransom NE
Sponsored by St. Cecilia Music Society
Tickets $15 for adults.
Contact Philip Pletcher, 616/459-2224, for additional information.

Celebrating Women in Ministry, a worship event celebrating women in church leadership. This event will celebrate, through art and worship, the many ways women are in leadership in the church. Through music, liturgical dance, paintings and prayer, this event will be a true celebration of the gifts women are bringing to the church. A reception featuring the artwork of Liz DeBraber, Traveling Exhibit of Eight Embroidered Paintings, will follow.
7-8:30 pm, Park Church, 10 East Park Place
Sponsored by WITNESS
Free will offering.
Contact Rev Diane Maodush-Pitzer, 616/459-7214, for additional information.

Monday, March 17

Work and Gender – Festival 2003, a three-day event that examines the intersection of work and gender. Includes student and faculty presentations and performances, awards ceremony, and keynote address by Stephanie Coontz.
10 am-1 pm, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies Program and GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Kathleen Underwood, 616/331-8516, for additional information.

Doing Women’s History on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin.
10-10:30 am, FM 88.5 and 95.3; AM 1480 and 850
Sponsored by WGVU

Grand Valley State University Women’s Center Grand Opening, Katha Kissman, GVSU Alumna and former president/CEO of Leadership America, addresses the significance of networking and collaboration for women’s success in higher education and business.
7 pm, Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Marlene Kowalski-Braun 616/331-2748, for additional information.

Tuesday, March 18

Work and Gender – Festival 2003, a three-day event that examines the intersection of work and gender. Includes student and faculty presentations and performances, awards ceremony, and keynote address by Stephanie Coontz.
10 am-1 pm, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies Program and GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Kathleen Underwood, 616/331-8516, for additional information.

La Violencia in Historical Perspective: Implications for an Analysis of the Contemporary Conflict in Cuba, presenter Dr. Mary Roldan, History Department, Cornell University.
2:30-4 pm, Cook DeWitt Auditorium, Allendale Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by the Latin American Studies Program at Grand Valley State University
Contact Cliff Welch, 616/331-3414 or Russ Rhoads, 616/331-3018, for cost and additional information.

Women, Voices of the Land, a performance by Colombian singer and song writer Claudia Gomez. A panel discussion on Colombia Today with Dr. Mary Roldan, Cornell University and members of the West Michgian Colombian community. A reception will follow.
7-10 pm, Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, Grand Rapids campus, Grand Valley State University.
Sponsored by the Latin American Studies Program at Grand Valley State University
Contact Cliff Welch, 616/331-3414 or Russ Rhoads, 616/331-3018, for cost and additional information.

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion and Tea, facilitator, Sue Vanderveen. Mothers and daughters (age 12 and older) are invited to read a book together and join us at the library for refreshments and lots of good book talking. Pick up copies of the featured title at the checkout desk.
7 pm Englehardt Library, 200 N. Monroe, Lowell
Sponsored by the Kent District Library
No charge.
Contact Cheryl Garrison, 616/784-2219, for more information.

Poetry of the Immigrant: A Woman’s Search for Self in the History of Her Family, presented by Linda Nemic-Foster.
7pm, Loutit Room, Wege Center, Aquinas College
Sponsored by The Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center at Aquinas College
No charge.
Contact Susan Hayward-Hoeppner, 616-459-8281, for information or check out the website http://www.aquinas.edu/womenscenter/.

Wednesday, March 19

Work and Gender – Festival 2003, a three-day event that examines the intersection of work and gender. Includes student and faculty presentations and performances, awards ceremony, and keynote address by Stephanie Coontz.
12-8 pm, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies Program and GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Kathleen Underwood, 616/331-8516, for additional information.

Women’s Festival Keynote Speaker – Stephanie Coontz. Coontz, a leading family historian, will engage the GVSU and larger community with a talk titled “Half the Workforce Doesn’t Have Wife: Work-Life Issues in the new Millennium”
7 pm, Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus, Grand Valley State University
Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies Program and GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Kathleen Underwood, 616/331-8516, for additional information.

Thursday, March 20

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. Sponsored by Campfire Boys and Girls
Contact Campfire Boys and Girls, 616/949-2500, for additional information.

Diversity Conference: Diversity: A Celebration of Unity Through Differences, keynote speaker, Alison Stewart, whose topic is “New Ground in News”. Alison is a case study in how to aggressively pursue your dreams. After graduating from Brown University, Alison worked as music director for WBRU, the nation’s largest commercial college radio station. At the same time, she hosted PBS’s Act Against Racism Campaign, anchored the news for WHTZ Radio in New York, and served as a contributing writer for Swing magazine. She was recently the host of ABC’s award winning late-night news show World News Now. Prior to her 3 years at WNN, she was a special correspondent for CBS and reported for the Evening News, Sunday Morning and 48 Hours. Stewart recently left her position at ABC (for more humane working hours) and is currently working as a freelance reporter for several of the major networks.
8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., Applied Technology Center, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Learning Center
Contact the Diversity Learning Center, (616) 234-3390 for cost and additional information.

American Women’s History, an overview by Margaret (Peggy) Bendroth, a Professor of History at Calvin College. She has read and studied broadly in the field of American women’s history, and is the author of several books and numerous articles on the subject. This year she co-published, with her colleague Virginia Brereton, a collection of essays entitled “Women and Twentieth Century Protestantism.” She is a board member of the Western Women’s Studies Council and Chair of Gender Studies program at Calvin College.
11 am, Women’s City Club, 254 E. Fulton
Sponsored by the Women’s City Club
Free program, lunch $10.75/reservations required.
Contact Reservations, 616/459-3321, for additional information.

Gender and Leadership: A Series of Discussions Honoring the Vision of Helen Kendall, presented by Rose Ochi, Vice President, Los Angeles Police Commission and former Assistant Attorney General for the U.S.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Student Commons, Kendall College of Art and Design, 111 N. Division
Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies Program and GVSU Women’s Center
Free program, lunch $10.75/reservations required.
Contact Reservations, 616/459-3321, for additional information.

Sojournors, the three women depicted in history. Included are a Native American, African American and Hispanic who have made, are making and will make their mark in history.
Thursday, March 20, 1:30 pm, West Middle School, 615 Turner NW, enter from the Broadway side
Sponsored by Lakeside Organization, Inc.
Cost: $10.
Contact Stephanie Armour, 616/406-0499, for additional information.

Tongue of a Bird, A poetic and lyrical play of loss and motherhood and yearning for release, set in the Adirondack Mountains as a young woman search-and-rescue pilot hunts for a young girl kidnapped while on an outing. The play moves from the harsh reality of the search to the fragmentary nightmare world where the past intrudes on the present. Actress and playwright, Ellen McLaughlin is the author of Tongue of a Bird. Local actress-playwright-director, Jean Read Bahle, will direct the play. The cast will be comprised of all women, telling this story of mothers and daughters. This contemporary tale penetrates to the heart of a woman’s search for identity.
8 pm, Spectrum Theater, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Actors’ Theatre
Tickets: $16-$18 (discounts for students and seniors).
Contact Michelle Urbane, 616-234-3998, for additional information.

Friday, March 21

Women’s Summit Panel Discussion.
9-11 am, Saginaw Campus, Davenport University
Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies Program and GVSU Women’s Center
No charge.
Contact Jackie Taylor, 616/732-1086, additional information.

Legacy 2003 Women in Motion, dinner and program showing women in the labor movement, past-present-future.
6 pm social hour, 7 pm dinner, Region ID UAW, 3300 Leonard St. NE
Sponsored by Kent County UAW CAP Council
Cost: $25.
Contact Sue Levy or Jo Bartlett, 616/949-4100, for additional information.

Gilda Radner: The Lady, The Legacy, presenter Gilda’s brother Michael. Join Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids for an in-depth look at the life of Gilda Radner and a discussion with her brother, Michael. She was the queen of comedy in the founding cast of Saturday Night Live; yet, Gilda left an even more important legacy after her death from cancer in 1989. Come for this important look at a truly incredible lady, whose spirit is still very much alive.
7-8:30 pm, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, 1806 Bridge NW
Sponsored by Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids
No charge.
Contact Beth Jepson, 616/453-8300, for additional information.

Tongue of a Bird. A poetic and lyrical play of loss and motherhood and yearning for release, set in the Adirondack Mountains as a young woman search-and-rescue pilot hunts for a young girl kidnapped while on an outing. The play moves from the harsh reality of the search to the fragmentary nightmare world where the past intrudes on the present. Actress and playwright, Ellen McLaughlin is the author of Tongue of a Bird. Local actress-playwright-director, Jean Read Bahle, will direct the play. The cast will be comprised of all women, telling this story of mothers and daughters. This contemporary tale penetrates to the heart of a woman’s search for identity.
8 pm, Spectrum Theater, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Actors’ Theatre
Tickets: $16-$18 (discounts for students and seniors).
Contact Michelle Urbane, 616-234-3998, for additional information.

The Legacy of African American Women: From Africa to Harlem; Color Voices Colored! Color Voices Colored traces the experiences and contributions of African American Women throughout this historical period. “We are the VOICES of the Harlem Renaissance.” The program will take the audience on a journey through the eyes, voices, and hearts of the Women of the Harlem Renaissance. This production will consist of a series of vignettes enhanced by music, dance, prose/poetry and visual presentations. Color Voices Colored presents the breadth, depth, artistry and vision of those African American Women who helped to breathe beauty and vitality into the rebirth of creativity in African American people. Most importantly, Color Voices Colored will bring to the audience an awareness, sensitivity and appreciation of the major contributions of African American women to America’s world of art and expression.
7 pm, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy SE
Sponsored by Delta Centre for Arts and Cultural Affairs
Cost: $15.
Contact Mary Williams, 616/957-3691, for additional information.

Saturday, March 22

Women’s History Alive: Chewing Gum Junk Shop, presenter, Sandra Hansen. Exuberant laughter is business as usual for Midge in this audience participation program. Join in the silliness with hula dancing, songs, sign language and a touch of magic as you learn about seven famous twentieth century women.
9-10 am, Steil Center, 235 Straight St NW
Sponsored by Girl Scouts of Michigan Trails
Cost: $3.00.
Contact Wendy McDonald, 616/784-3341, for additional information.

Women’s History Alive: Kate’s Pants, presenter, Sandra Hansen. This is a delightful introduction to women’s history. Through a magical book and layering of clothes, audiences become acquainted with important women such as Amelia Bloomer, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Mrs. Sydney Savory Buckman. Travel through time as dress reform is interwoven through the women’s rights movement of the past 150 years.
10:45-11:30 am, Steil Center, 235 Straight St NW
Sponsored by Girl Scouts of Michigan Trails
Cost: $3.00.
Contact Wendy McDonald, 616/784-3341, for additional information.

Poodles and Pliés: How the French Women Live. Members of The Grand Rapids Ballet Company will entertain guests today as visitors embark on a journey to uncover the lives of French women. Guests will be invited to learn more about these women’s lives by examining the women in our exhibition, “Paris in 1890,” and listening to the gallery talk. This day will also include a chance for visitors to make their own French poodle with the help of artist Lori Coffman.
11 am-1 pm, Grand Rapids Art Museum, 155 N. Division
Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Cost: $2.
Contact Kristen Corrado, 616/831-2910, for additional information.

Women’s History Alive: Workshop, presenter, Sandra Hansen. Learn more about famous women in history through this hands on workshop. Students get to write a skit, wear costumes and perform. Each student will receive a biography card about a woman in history. From that information in their small group they will design and perform a skit.
12-1:30 pm, Steil Center, 235 Straight St NW
Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Cost: $3.00.
Contact Kristen Corrado, 616/831-2910, for additional information.

Farm Wives, presenter, Nelle Frisch. Farm wives are the subject of Nelle Frisch’s program. Certainly farm life and those who lived the life are one of the backbones of US culture and society. Nelle explores the subject for Women’s History month to give us a picture of a part of our country’s heritage and base. Today, farm wives may live different lives but the basics are still the makeup of small towns and communities across the country. Nelle traveled the state to record and comment on different celebrations of crops and the growth of certain items. From that study and travel, a cookbook evolved from many of the interviews.
1 pm, Walker Library, 4293 Remembrance Rd NW
Sponsored by the Kent District Library
Contact Diane Forbes, 616/784-2016 ext 2220, for additional information.

Women Sculptors from All Angles. A slide lecture on women sculptors in the Sculpture Park and demonstrations by four Grand Rapids women sculptors. “Women Sculptors in the Sculpture Park” slide and lecture by Sue Eberle, Kendall College of Art and Design. Learn about the women sculptors in the Sculpture Park – their historical context, their impact on art history, their struggles and challenges, and the significance of their work.
1-2 pm, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Sponsored by Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Free with cost of admission to Meijer Gardens ($8 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $6 college students with ID, $4 children 5-13, children 4 and under free.
Contact the Frederik Meijer Gardens Admission Desk, 616/957-1580, for additional information.

Tongue of a Bird. A poetic and lyrical play of loss and motherhood and yearning for release, set in the Adirondack Mountains as a young woman search-and-rescue pilot hunts for a young girl kidnapped while on an outing. The play moves from the harsh reality of the search to the fragmentary nightmare world where the past intrudes on the present. Actress and playwright, Ellen McLaughlin is the author of Tongue of a Bird. Local actress-playwright-director, Jean Read Bahle, will direct the play. The cast will be comprised of all women, telling this story of mothers and daughters. This contemporary tale penetrates to the heart of a woman’s search for identity.
8 pm, Spectrum Theater, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Actors’ Theatre
Tickets: $16-$18 (discounts for students and seniors).
Call Michelle Urbane, 616-234-3998, for additional information.

The Legacy of African American Women: From Africa to Harlem; Color Voices Colored! Color Voices Colored traces the experiences and contributions of African American Women throughout this historical period. “We are the VOICES of the Harlem Renaissance.” The program will take the audience on a journey through the eyes, voices, and hearts of the Women of the Harlem Renaissance. This production will consist of a series of vignettes enhanced by music, dance, prose/poetry and visual presentations. Color Voices Colored presents the breadth, depth, artistry and vision of those African American Women who helped to breathe beauty and vitality into the rebirth of creativity in African American people. Most importantly, Color Voices Colored will bring to the audience an awareness, sensitivity and appreciation of the major contributions of African American women to America’s world of art and expression.
3 pm, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy SE
Sponsored by Delta Centre for Arts and Cultural Affairs
Cost: $15.
Contact Mary Williams, 616/957-3691, for additional information.

Sunday, March 23

The First Thing I Recollect is My love for My Mother: Slavery, Black Women and Sisterhood, presented by Daina Ramey Berry. The presentation explores the meaning and significance of female relationships during slavery. The mother/daughter, grandmother, granddaughter connections are examined to discover the ways women leaned on one another to survive. Daina Ramey Berry attended college and graduate school at the University of California, Los Angeles. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree in History, she went on to complete a masters degree at the Center for African American Studies at UCLA. As a master’s student she began researching the female slave experience in the US, Caribbean, and South Africa. Daina Ramey Berry, Phd, is an Assistant Professor of History at MSU. She received her doctorate in 1968.
4-5:30 pm, St. Luke AME Zion Church, 101 Delaware SE
Sponsored by St. Luke AME Zion Women’s Ministry
No charge.
Contact Sandra Springer, 616/458-6805, ext 233, for more information.

Monday, March 24

Doing Women’s History on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin, a series of conversations on the state of the art.
10-10:30 am, FM 88.5 and 95.3; AM 1480 and 850
Sponsored by WGVU

One Half A Century Plus Two Celebrating Women in Politics in Kent County, The Gerald R. Ford Republican Women’s Club (formerly Kent County Republican Women’s Club) was founded in 1951. As a member of the unit Club, you are automatically a member of the National Federation of Republican Women founded in 1938 and the Republican Women’s Federation of Michigan founded in 1925. The goal of all 3 organizations is education, teaching Republican women how to be more actively involved in the political process.
11:30 am-2 pm luncheon at Duba’s Restaurant
Sponsored by Gerald R. Ford Republican Women’s Club
Cost: To be determined.
Call Carol Josephson, 616/451-2360, for additional information.

Tuesday, March 25

Bishop Desmond Tutu. Bishop Tutu will concentrate his presentation on human rights.
7 pm, VanAndel Arena
Sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan
Contact the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, 616/776-1721, for additional information.

Wednesday, March 26

Why Women Matter: The Path to Leadership, presented by Marie Wilson, Director of the White House Project.
3:00pm, Wege Center Ballroom, Aquinas College
Sponsored by Aquinas College Women’s Center
Contact Susan Hayward-Hoeppner, 616/459-8281, for information or check out the website http://www.aquinas.edu/womenscenter/.

Witnessing and Testifying: Black Women, Religion and Civil Rights, presented by Rosetta E. Ross, the McVay Associate Professor of Eithics at United Theological Seminary.
3:30 pm, Commons Lecture Hall, Calvin College
Sponsored by the Henry Institute, the Gender Studies Minor, and Multicultural Student Development, Calvin College
Contact Corwin Smidt, 616/957-6233, for cost and additional information.

Why Women Matter – the Path to Leadership, presented by Marie Wilson, Director of the White House Project.
7:30 pm, Calvin College
Sponsored by Calvin College
Contact 616/957-6459 for location, cost and additional information.

Farm Wives, presenter, Nelle Frisch. Farm wives are the subject of Nelle Frisch’s program. Certainly farm life and those who lived the life are one of the backbones of US culture and society. Nelle explores the subject for Women’s History month to give us a picture of a part of our country’s heritage and base. Today, farm wives may live different lives but the basics are still the makeup of small towns and communities across the country. Nelle traveled the state to record and comment on different celebrations of crops and the growth of certain items. From that study and travel, a cookbook evolved from many of the interviews.
11 am (coffee at 10 am), Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd.
Sponsored by Ladies Literary Club
No charge.
Contact Nancy Wright, 616/957-5575, for more information.

Thursday, March 27

Personal History, by Katharine Graham. This critically acclaimed memoir, winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize, tells the story of the woman who piloted the WASHINGTON Post through the stormy times related to the Pentagon Papers, Watergate, and a pressman’s strike. Frank, sensitive and bubbling with humor, it is a fascinating account by a most impressive person.
9:30-11 am, Yankee Clipper Branch Library, 2025 Leonard NE
Sponsored by the Humanities Council at the Public Library
Contact Linda Samuelson, 616/774-1776 for additional information.

Gender and Leadership: A Series of Discussions Honoring the Vision of Helen Kendall, presented by Stephanie Leonardos, President, Amerikam.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Student Commons, Kendall College of Art and Design, 111 N. Division
Sponsored by Kendall College of Art and Design
Contact Kendall College of Art and Design, 616/451-2787, for additional information.

Salute to Women Award Reception. Women to be honored include: GRCC Alumna, Judge Sara Smolenski; GRCC Student, Belen Ledezma; GRCC Employee, Carol Redwine, and former GRCC Employee, Dr. Anne E. Mulder.
1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Applied Technology Center Banquet Rooms, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Learning Center
No charge.
Contact the Diversity Learning Center, (616) 234-3390 for additional information.

Tongue of a Bird. A poetic and lyrical play of loss and motherhood and yearning for release, set in the Adirondack Mountains as a young woman search-and-rescue pilot hunts for a young girl kidnapped while on an outing. The play moves from the harsh reality of the search to the fragmentary nightmare world where the past intrudes on the present. Actress and playwright, Ellen McLaughlin is the author of Tongue of a Bird. Local actress-playwright-director, Jean Read Bahle, will direct the play. The cast will be comprised of all women, telling this story of mothers and daughters. This contemporary tale penetrates to the heart of a woman’s search for identity.
8pm, Spectrum Theater, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Actors’ Theatre
Tickets: $16-$18 (discounts for students and seniors).
Contact Michelle Urbane, 616-234-3998, for additional information.

Friday, March 28

Tongue of a Bird. A poetic and lyrical play of loss and motherhood and yearning for release, set in the Adirondack Mountains as a young woman search-and-rescue pilot hunts for a young girl kidnapped while on an outing. The play moves from the harsh reality of the search to the fragmentary nightmare world where the past intrudes on the present. Actress and playwright, Ellen McLaughlin is the author of Tongue of a Bird. Local actress-playwright-director, Jean Read Bahle, will direct the play. The cast will be comprised of all women, telling this story of mothers and daughters. This contemporary tale penetrates to the heart of a woman’s search for identity.
8pm, Spectrum Theater, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Actors’ Theatre
Tickets: $16-$18 (discounts for students and seniors).
Contact Michelle Urbane, 616-234-3998, for additional information.

Saturday, March 29

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion and Tea, facilitator, Jacque Viol. Mothers and daughters (age 12 and older) are invited to read a book together and join us at the library for refreshments and lots of good book talking. Pick up copies of the featured title at the checkout desk.
12 pm, Alto Library, 6071 Linfield Ave NE, Alto
Sponsored by the Kent District Library
No charge.
Contact Cheryl Garrison, 616/784-2210, for additional information.

Women Sculptors from All Angles.A slide lecture on women sculptors in the Sculpture Park and demonstrations by four Grand Rapids Women Sculptors. Demonstration by Sarah Lindley, Kalamazoo College.
1-2 pm, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Sponsored by Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Free with cost of admission to Meijer Gardens ($8 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $6 college students with ID, $4 children 5-13, children 4 and under free.
Contact the Frederik Meijer Gardens Admission Desk, 616/957-1580, for additional information.

Tongue of a Bird. A poetic and lyrical play of loss and motherhood and yearning for release, set in the Adirondack Mountains as a young woman search-and-rescue pilot hunts for a young girl kidnapped while on an outing. The play moves from the harsh reality of the search to the fragmentary nightmare world where the past intrudes on the present. Actress and playwright, Ellen McLaughlin is the author of Tongue of a Bird. Local actress-playwright-director, Jean Read Bahle, will direct the play. The cast will be comprised of all women, telling this story of mothers and daughters. This contemporary tale penetrates to the heart of a woman’s search for identity.
8pm, Spectrum Theater, Grand Rapids Community College
Sponsored by Actors’ Theatre
Tickets: $16-$18 (discounts for students and seniors).
Contact Michelle Urbane, 616-234-3998, for additional information.

Monday, March 31

Doing Women’s History on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin, a series of conversations on the state of the art.
10-10:30 am, FM 88.5 and 95.3; AM 1480 and 850
Sponsored by WGVU

Thursday, April 3

Gender and Leadership: A Series of Discussions Honoring the Vision of Helen Kendall, presented by Lorainne Schultz, Founder/International CEO, Women’s Automotive Association International.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Student Commons, Kendall College of Art and Design, 111 N. Division
Sponsored by Kendall College of Art and Design
Contact Kendall College of Art and Design, 616/451-2787, for additional information.

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion and Tea, facilitator, Kris Vogelar. Mothers and daughters (age 12 and older) are invited to read a book together and join us at the library for refreshments and lots of good book talking. Pick up copies of the featured title at the checkout desk.
7 pm, Grandville Library, 4055 Maple Street SW, Grandville
Sponsored by the Kent District Library
No charge.
Contact Cheryl Garrison, 616/784-2219, for additional information.

Wednesday, May 7

Barbara Rinella, presentation at Davenport University
12-1:30 pm, Lecture Halls I and II in the Sneden Academic Building, Davenport University
Sponsored by Davenport University
Reservations required.
Contact Jackie Taylor, 616/732-1086, for cost and additional information.

Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10

Lime Jello, Marshmellow Surprise!, originally staged for Legacy 2000, “Lime Jello”, a musical feast of novelty, dramatic and comic numbers is back! After a three-year Hiatus, while accompanist Jean Gardner was out of the country, the Lime Jello girls are again reunited for a couple of special performances just in time for Mother’s Day. Back on the menu are: Jean Reed Bahle, Carol Black, Jean Gardner, Mary Gamble Hyatt, and Marney MacAdam. Who doesn’t have dreams, yearnings, desires and appetites? This midlife musical fivesome share joys, sorrows, laughter and surprises as they ruminate, romp and rally around that special gender – the indomitable woman! Join old friends with new songs.
7:30 pm, Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon SE
Sponsored by the Ladies Literary Club
Tickets: $10 at the door, no reserved seating.
Call 616-956-1565 for additional information.


Supporters
We appreciate the generous support received from the following foundation.

Title Foundation Sponsor
Nokomis Foundation

Kick-Off Breakfast Sponsor
Nokomis Foundation