Event Briefs for the week of Wednesday, May 8

Traveling World War I memorial coming to Greenfield

The World War I Honor Roll, a State Historical Museum of lowa traveling display, features thousands of names and corresponding photographs of lowans lost during World War I. It will be displayed May 9- 29 at the Warren Cultural Center. There will be special Memorial Day weekend hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25; 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 26; and 1-3 p.m. Monday, May 27.

Open House at The Wallace Farm

The public is invited to attend a “Good Neighbor” open house at The Wallace Farm (2773 290th Street, Orient) 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 9. Staff will be on hand, including Kevin Blair, the new Garden Programs Manager and Saralyn Smith, the new Chef & Director of Food Programming. Refreshments will be served.

The grounds and buildings will be available for the public to tour, including the recently constructed geothermal greenhouse. This 17 by 96 feet structure allows for year-round fruit, vegetable and herb production for the Wallace Center of Iowa’s two commercial kitchens. This is the only geothermal greenhouse open to the public in central Iowa at this time.

“This is a great chance for us to introduce the community to our new staff members,” commented Deb Houghtaling, President and CEO. “The open house is also an opportunity for folks to check out several new features and improvements such as the geothermal greenhouse, the farmhouse restoration and educational signage.”

In addition, information about upcoming program and events will be available to take home. Beginning May 31, the Wallace Farm hosts its popular Pizza on the Prairie every Friday night through Sept. 27. In past seasons, the event has attracted patrons from as many as 29 Iowa counties and 12 states.

During the open house event, community artists participating in the annual Prairie Art Exhibit can also drop off their paintings. This year’s free exhibit opens May 31 in the nine-acre prairie and is available to view every day, dawn to dusk, through Oct. 1.

For more information, contact Site Coordinator Amy Zellweger at 641.337.5019 or amyzellweger@wallace.org.

Greenfield Library to host presenter on Iowa food

What comes to mind when you think of Iowa food? Anyone who has lived in our state has an Iowa food story. Lake City author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, Iowa’s Storyteller, will bring these stories to life in a 5 p.m. program Thursday, May 9 at the Greenfield Public Library.

You are invited to attend the program “Savor Iowa’s Culinary History” program and book signing. The event is free and open to the public.

Orient library garden fair

Mark Your Calendars! The annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale supporting the Orient Community Library, formerly Public Resource Technology Center, is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 19. This fundraiser will be held at the same location as previous years, 118 Jackson Street, Orient. The second day, May 19, will be the plant sale only.

The Garden Fair will have several vendors selling homemade or handcrafted items. There will be an excellent assortment of perennials from local gardens, annuals for a colorful garden and several varieties of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, ornamental grasses, and much more. The Library Board will be providing coffee and cinnamon rolls (until gone) to start the day. Lunch will be available on the premises 11am-1pm, free-will donation.

Customer parking is north of the garden fair, not on the street. Handicap drop off only in driveway. Remember the vendors and available food are only there on Saturday, May 18.

Something for everyone on May 18 and 19 at the Garden Fair and Plant Sale. Food, vendors, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and perennials all at the same location. Plan to join us and thank you for supporting this fundraiser for the public library in Orient.

Check the Orient Community Library Facebook page regularly for highlights you will find at the garden fair and for more particulars as they develop.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. All proceeds go to the Orient Community Library.