Tag Archives: Our Kitchen Table

Southeast Area Farmers’ Market opens Saturday, July 1

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By Our Kitchen Table

 

The Southeast Area Farmers’ Market kicks off its 2017 season on Saturday July 1 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 900 Fuller Ave. SE. The market will operate Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Nov. 11. Market events commence July 8 with a visit from the Grand Rapids Fire Department Residential Safety Program and an Urban Foraging Workshop (noon to 2 p.m.). A new addition to the market, once a month it will host area artists at its Arts Market tent.

 

“As market managers for the past seven years, Our Kitchen Table has well established the market at MLK Jr. Park,” says Lisa Oliver-King, executive director of Our Kitchen Table. “Neighborhood residents have enjoyed having access to fresh, local produce and cottage foods within walking distance.”

 

The Southeast Area Farmers’ Market warmly welcomes patrons using Bridge cards (SNAP), WIC Project Fresh, Cash Value Benefits, Summer EBT, Double Up Food Bucks and debit cards. When using the Double Up Food Bucks program, patrons purchasing Michigan produce at select farmers’ markets with Bridge cards receive $1 for each $1 dollar spent, up to $20 each market visit.

 

The Market has an exciting line-up of market activities on its 2017 calendar. In addition, community organizations will be on hand with information, activities and services. The following events will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Friday market and 12 to 2 p.m. at the Saturday market:

 

  • July 8 Urban Foraging Workshop
  • July 30 Fried Green Tomato Festival
  • Aug. 5 DIY Personal Care Items Workshop
  • Sept. 15 Art at the Market
  • Oct. 1 Greens Cook-off
  • Oct. 7 Greens Cook-0ff
  • Nov. 4 Fall Celebration

 

Cooking Demos: July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 23, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4.

 

Arts Market Tent:  July 15, Aug. 12, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21

 

For information, email seafm@OKTjustice.org or visit www.OKTjustice.org/farmers-market

 

Workshop combines ‘Practicing Inclusivity’ principles and conscious relaxation

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As part of its Women of Color Convening series, Our Kitchen Table offers “Setting Intention for Inclusivity,” 6 to 9 p.m. March 16, 23 and 30 at Sherman Street Church, 1000 Sherman St. SE. Wyoming resident, Stelle Slootmaker, a trained Yoga Nidra facilitator, will lead the three-part workshop. An OKT staff member, she has completed training in Practicing Inclusivity. Each session will combine Yoga Nidra guided relaxation and dialogue based on the principles of Practicing Inclusivity, a paradigm shift in how we, as change agents, can create a better world for all.

 

“Virtually everyone knows about Inclusivity … We all have a common need to be connected to others for our own wellbeing. However, our differences and viewpoints get in the way. It’s only by being aware of and practicing Inclusivity that we can overcome our current situation and satisfy this common need … We can actually transform our complex societal problems through Inclusivity – but only if we practice it,” says Shariff Abdullah, consultant, author and founder of Commonway Institute for Societal Transformation.

 

Yoga Nidra does not involve exercise — anyone can take part. The practice turns one’s attention inward where the consciousness can function at a much deeper level of awareness. In this deep state, you can achieve deep rest, inspire creativity and set your intentions deep within the subconscious where they may more easily take root and grow. This workshop will help you set a successful intention that guides you in your work for change and powerfully unites you with others holding the same intention.

 

Stelle Slootmaker

“Personally, Yoga Nidra has been a great help in my life,” Slootmaker said. “On those days when I am super busy, overwhelmed or exhausted, taking 20 to 30 minutes to practice Yoga Nidra refreshes my body and calms my mind so I have energy for the rest of the day’s tasks. The practice has also helped me realize some very important intentions.”

 

OKT invites its constituents, community members and all those working for social justice and inclusivity to attend. Space is limited to 20 participants. The cost of $60 to $175 (sliding scale) includes workbook, “Practicing Inclusivity.” OKT constituents currently involved in OKT programming attend for free. For information, email media@OKTjustice.org.

Detroit healing arts practitioner to share her wisdom in Grand Rapids

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Adela Nieves
Adela Nieves

As part of its Women of Color strategy, Our Kitchen Table is bringing some amazing women (and one man!) to Grand Rapids to educate and inspire through a series of events entitled Women of Color Cook, Eat and Talk. On August 11, Adela Nieves ADS, CCT, RMT, presents “One Bite at a Time: Food as Medicine.” OKT cooking coaches will start the event with a healthy-foods cooking demo and sampling.

 

“Take the time to nourish your body by learning some important guidelines for food grouping and combining for ailments such as arthritis, gout, sinus allergies, anxiety and hypertension,” Nieves says. “In this workshop we will share information that supports a strong digestive system and helps the body break down food easily, while also discussing simple and hearty meals. So fun!”

 

A traditional community health and healing arts practitioner, Nieves currently is studying to become a Naturopathic Doctor. She is deeply committed to integrative wellness approaches, practicing Acudetox (ear acupuncture), indigenous traditional medicine, cupping therapy, whole person natural care, and Reiki for individuals and groups struggling with addiction, PTSD, stress and trauma.

 

Nieves co-founded Homemade Healing, a small neighborhood wellness center in Southwest Detroit. There, she practices supporting those in their journeys to tell their own stories and define health, healing and wellness for themselves. “Homemade Healing is a collaborative space where we decide and practice what healing is for ourselves,” Nieves says. “We offer bodywork and energy work, natural health consultations, classes and shared space that prioritizes the local community.”

 

Her lecture will be from 6-8 pm, Thursday, Aug. 11, at Sherman Street Church, 1000 Sherman St. SE.

 

In February, the Women of Color Cook, Eat & Talk event featured, Lila Cabbil, president emeritus of the Rosa Parks Institute, and Barbara Roos, former GVSU film department head and ’60s civil rights activist, facilitated a dialogue  on white allies against racism. On May 12, Lottie V. Spady, Detroit food and media justice activist, taught about “Herbs from Your Garden as Medicine.” On May 21, Shane Bernardo, outreach coordinator for Detroit’s Earthworks Urban Farm, led a daylong Anti-racism Summit.

 

On November 10, Shakara Taylor, mother, returning generation farmer, educator, activist-scholar and doctorate student at Michigan State University Department of Community Sustainability, will speak about “Woman-ism and Agroecology: An Intersectional Praxis.”