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What a great month! Thanks to all who have worked so hard to provide community events, from July 3 Jubilee, to the Garden Tour to the upcoming Art Hop and beyond! It is wonderful to see so many physical improvements accomplished with more enhancements in the works!
Most of all, thank you! In the last couple of years the Connector has grown from a couple of hundred readers to nearly 1000! You are the best promotion tool Allegan has!
As always, items of community interest are welcome for consideration in future issues.
Thanks again for reading! |
| Heart to Heart Resale Store... |
 The Heart to Heart resale store opened its doors on June 25, and has seen a steady stream of customers since! Located at 209 Hubbard Street in downtown Allegan, Heart to Heart is a welcoming place to shop. Stocked with high-quality donated goods, it is staffed primarily with volunteers. This shop offers much from small furniture items to clothes, books, home décor and more - all at more than reasonable prices. "We are thrilled to be a part of the downtown business community," stated Executive Director Kirk VanderMolen.
Heart to Heart is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Donations of items in good condition are always welcome during store hours.
All proceeds of the Heart to Heart resale store support the ministry of Love INC of Northwest Allegan County. For more information visit www.loveincnwa.org | |
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| Only One Allegan...On Facebook! |
Have you found Only One Allegan or the Regent Theatre on Facebook yet? It is a great place to stay connected between Connectors! Receive special offers, preview upcoming events, interact and offer your comments, and view new photos and even an occasional video! Facebook search "Only One Allegan" or "Old Regent Theatre," and become a fan today! |
| Projects, Improvement, and Progress, Oh My! |
 Moving forward takes commitment, dedication, time and money. It is construction season, so it is no surprise that some City projects have been completed, others are in full swing, with more to come. Some short term projects utilize the generous time of many volunteers coordinated with City staff, other; longer and more complicated projects require engineers and contractors.
One of the most noticeable volunteer projects is the beautiful flowers planted throughout the downtown. Additionally, Boy Scouts have worked on Eagle Scout projects such as replacing boards on the Riverfront Plaza boardwalk and refinishing 13 of the downtown trash receptacle containers, and at the end of August the railings along the boardwalk will also be freshened up with a new coat of paint!
The Downtown Development Authority has been focusing on physical improvement to the downtown this season with additional downtown banners, refinishing the crosswalks on Water & State Streets, and adding picnic tables to Locust Street. Riverfront type lampposts will soon be added to the M-222 Bridge and Water Street.
Other maintenance projects City wide include repainting of the Western Avenue water tower, sidewalk work on Hastings and Pine Streets, tuck pointing to the foundation of the 2nd Street Bridge, and a complete street & curb project on Davis Street, scheduled for completion at the end of August.
All of these steps forward contribute to the uniqueness that is Allegan. Enjoy! |
| Fiber Fest 2009 |
 From natural fibers to roving and yarns, the Michigan Fiber Festival has it all! For a dozen years now, thousands of people interested in learning and experiencing fiber of all types flock to the Allegan County Fairgrounds to get their "fiber-fix."
Beginning August 12, Fiber Fest offers more than 60 different workshops, many of which are already filled to capacity, and more than 100 vendors in the festival "Marketplace", there will be something for those of all levels of interest: fiber-crafted supplies, dyes, spinning wheels, and looms; items produced from natural fibers; books about fibers and their uses; items related to the care of fiber-producing animals; and much more!
This year, several Allegan area businesses are extending their hours during Fiber Fest on August 12 and 13 until 9:00 p.m.! Stop by for a visit: Antiques ETC - 3-D Beads, Baker Allegan Studio, B&C Emporium, Beneath the Trees Gallery & Studio, Earth's Secrets, Sharon's Quilts & More, Water Street Place Antique Mall, and Old School Candle Factory.
The mission of Michigan Fiber Festival Inc. is to promote the interests of individuals and or businesses related to natural fiber, to advance and continue high quality standards of business practice in the natural fiber area, and to further the development and knowledge within the fiber community.
Admission Saturday and Sunday is $5 per person. You can learn more about the festival at www.michiganfiberfestival.info |
| Farmers Market Offers Something for Everyone |
 The Allegan Farmers' Market offers the community an opportunity to purchase goods that are locally grown by local producers. With every stall occupied, the market is a sensory feast of fresh produce, meat, baked goods, and perennials.
Mid-summer is peak produce season! Currently vendors' stalls are bursting with blueberries, cherries, beans, tomatoes, and much more. Soon apples, peaches, and sweet corn will make their way to the market. The market also offers a wide variety of herbs, delicious baked goods, organic meat, and colorful perennials.
Allegan's Farmers' Market is located in the parking lot on the corner of Water Street and Cutler Street. The market is every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. |
| Buy Michigan Week! |
 The Buy Michigan Now initiative was declared by official proclamation from Governor Jennifer M. Granholm stating that the week of July 27, 2009, is Buy Michigan Week in Michigan. In the proclamation, Governor Granholm states her support of the initiative: "I encourage all residents of this state to take advantage of the many great products and services that the state of Michigan has to offer by buying Michigan first."
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| Art Hop Events |
 Downtown Allegan will really be "hopping" Saturday, August 8. For those area residents who enjoyed Allegan's Viva Brady Street! party two years ago and those who braved a snowstorm last December to view the first Allegan Art Hop, the Allegan Area Arts Council is offering a real treat this summer. Event Chair Dina Ebeling-Hestera managed to roll both events into the 2nd Annual Allegan Art Hop.
With the generosity of Hop sponsors Allegan Community Federal Credit Union, Downtown Development Authority, and the Allegan Chamber of Commerce, Hestera has arranged a celebration of the visual and musical arts this summer in downtown Allegan. The unique Allegan experience features 22 area artists, including potters, weavers, jewelry and visual artists using many different mediums at 20 different downtown locations followed by a dance on Brady Street from 9:00 - 11:30 p.m.
On a stage sponsored by Waanders Concrete Co. and provided by the Allegan County Fair, Bridgetown, an Allegan rock band, will kick-off the fun at the street dance at 9:00 p.m. followed by Saginaw's rockin' Thunder Chickens at 10:15 p.m. with talented lead singer Melissa May.
Prior to the start of the street dance Art Hoppers can enjoy the jazz of Kalamazoo's Jim Cooper at the Mahan Park gazebo starting at 7:00 p.m. Local dulcimer player Larry Broadhurst will entertain strolling art enthusiasts on downtown street corners, and Jack Dailey and friends will be performing on Water Street near the Arts Council's information tent.
And because tasty food enriches any experience, many downtown eateries will extend their hours for this event. The gals from Culinary Treasures will be serving tasty treats from a tent on Brady Street during the Hop and the dance, and The Grill House Restaurant will be nearby with great sandwiches and their home-made potato chips.
This family-friendly event promises to be one of the best of Allegan's summer parties.
For more information, please contact Linda Clark at 269-355-1037.
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| Courthouse Parking Lot Renovations |
 The County Board of Commissioners has approved the project to completely renovate the Courthouse parking lot and signed the contract to have it done. A 1 Asphalt Company has agreed to perform the work from 5:00 p.m. August 14, until August 22, 2009. No vehicles will be allowed in that lot during that time period unless the asphalt company finishes early and in agreement with Facilities Management reopens the lot. Drivers who use that lot are asked to find alternate parking during that week and are being given this information as early as possible so that they can schedule accordingly. Employees should use alternate parking lots (leaving the on-street parking surrounding the Courthouse for public use) and use the sidewalks to approach the building to avoid interfering with the contractors and to protect their shoes and clothing.
For additional information or questions, Director of Facilities Management, Bob Wakeman can be reached at 269.673.0207 |
| Jaycee Skate Park Coming Soon! |
 The plans for the Jaycee Skate Park moved forward with Allegan City Council approval on July 13. American Ramp Company of Joplin, Mo., will build and install the concrete structure starting in mid-August.
"It's a series of stairs and ramps and rails,'' Public Works Director Aaron Haskin said. The completion date will be September 1. The skate park will be beside the sidewalk and park entrance. American Ramp designed what it calls an "urban skate plaza'' after an on-line work session last winter coordinated with area skate enthusiasts.
The skate park was originally championed by officer Mel Brummel, of the Allegan Police Department. Last year voters approved $280,000 for the skate park and other park improvements.
"This is the first phase of the project,'' Haskin said. Also in the planning stages are a small sledding hill, basketball-court improvements, and paving improvements.
Funding will come from the city's sinking fund, established with the proceeds of the sale of the Calkins Dam to Consumers Energy in the Allegan State Game Area years ago. The interest money can be spent only with the approval of voters.
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| Jaycees Movie in the Park! |
The Allegan Jaycees will provide one more free movie in the park this summer. All are welcome to join in at Jaycee Park to meet, mingle, and enjoy a fun film under the stars on Saturday, August 15. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial will begin at 9:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets and chairs!
The Jaycees are also providing the opportunity for businesses and individuals to sponsor the event. Before each movie, they will feature ads for the event's supporters. Sponsorships are available at the following levels: $10 - Business/Individual name listed; $25 - Half screen ad with text and images; $50 - Full screen ad with text and images.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or have questions regarding the event, please contact Devyn Morris at devynmo@gmail.com |
| Deli...and More! |
The Downtown Bakery & Deli has expanded its extensive offerings to include Hudsonville and House of Flavors Ice Cream, regular week night specials, a full breakfast menu, and a children's menu! Visit www.downtownbakeryanddeli.com for more information. |
| 2009 Good Times at the Gazebo |
For more than 20 summers, the Mahan Gazebo in Downtown Allegan has been the home of the free summer concert series, Good Times at the Gazebo. Each year, the lineup of performers changes to bring a variety of performers and music to the gazebo. Over the past seasons, Good Times has been extremely successful and entertaining for all audiences, and this year will follow suit.
This summer's lineup contains gazebo favorites, The Williams Family and newcomer Jim Cooper, who will be performing in conjunction with the Allegan Area Arts Council's Art Hop.
Strudel Meisters -The Strudel Meisters are back at Good Times at the Gazebo. Strudel Meisters offer a truly unique musical experience by performing popular traditional German folk music.
Casco Community Band - Performing for over 70 years, the Casco Community Band entertains audiences with marches and popular tunes. The group consists of over 30 people ranging from teens to adults to the young at heart. Casco Community Band plays in parades, art fairs, and special festivals.
Jim Cooper - Jim Cooper is a jazz musician who plays the relatively rare instrument called the vibraphone. Jim is a Michigan touring artist and has played at many jazz festivals throughout Michigan and the Midwest.
The Williams Family - A Good Times at the Gazebo favorite, The Williams Family is back. A fixture in West Michigan for over three decades, The Williams Family continues to entertain fans with their mix of bluegrass, country, gospel and folk. To continue the Good Times tradition, the Rotary Club of Allegan will serve their famous chicken BBQ at this performance.
Suzanne and Jim - This duet has toured across America entertaining audiences of all ages. With Jim's award winning claw hammer-style banjo picking and Suzanne's powerful, rich singing, this duo sets the stage for a musical trip back to the heart of Americana Roots Music.
Allegan Rotary Variety Show - The name tells it all...Experience a variety show presented by your friends at the Allegan Rotary as the celebrate Meijer Appreciation Night.
Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy live music at the Mahan Gazebo Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. beginning July 4, and ending August 29. The Mahan Gazebo is located on the Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Allegan. For more Good Times at the Gazebo information call 269.673.3456. |
| FREE Summer Movies at the Regent! |
 This summer has been comfortably cool...and so is the Regent Theatre! Summer FREE movies continue through August 21, weekdays at 2:00 p.m and 4:00 p.m. This week, Inkheart sponsored by Allegan Community Pharmacy is available.
The summer series is thanks to all of the support provided by our sponsors: Allegan Family Dentistry, Allegan Eyecare, Allegan General Hospital, Camp Kidwell, "Ed & Mike", The Cabaret Band, Maxton Motors, Schulz Realty, "The Thiels", and Wishbone Pet Rescue.
Also, the Regent offers great first-run movies nightly at 7:00 p.m. It's a great way to unwind after a day at the beach or working in your yard for only $4 per person!
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| 2009 Summer Art Camp! |
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Mark your calendars and register now for the August 17 - 21 camp at the Griswold Auditorium. The deadline has been extended through July. The morning sessions for 6- to 10-year-olds are full, but there are still spots available for 11- to 14-year-olds for a wide variety of afternoon opportunities for artistic growth from weaving, painting, and wire sculpture to mosaics and improvisational theatre.
Summer Arts Camps are organized by dedicated instructors and volunteers. Camps are sponsored by City of Allegan Arts & Entertainment, Allegan Area Arts Council, and a private donor. Because of the generosity of our sponsors, some scholarships are available for artistically inclined campers who qualify.
Contact 269-673-7080 for further information and an application form. |
| Looking Good! |
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Congratulations to Heart to Heart Resale Shop! The inviting variety of their window displays reflect the selection offered inside! Heart to Heart is located at 209 Hubbard Street. For more information, see article above.
Heart to Heart will recieve one month free advertising on the Regent Theatre big screen. Watch next month for August's winner!
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| Events & Happenings |
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Allegan Farmers Market
Thursdays 8am-2pm
May - October
Corner of Cutler & Water
Regent FREE Summer Movies!
Mondays - Fridays :: 2pm & 4pm
June 1st thru August 21
Good Times at the Gazebo
Saturday Evenings :: 7pm
Through July & August
Downtown Sidewalk Days
July 30 & 31
Downtown Allegan
Miranda Park Party
July 30 Noon-2pm
Allegan County Fairgrounds
Broadway the Big Picture Take 2
July 24, 25, 31, and August 1 :: 7pm
Allegan High School Performing Arts Center
For more information call 269.216.9088
Under the Stars with the Cabaret Band Show!
July 31 & August 1 :: 8:30pm
The Allegan County Fairgrounds
For information & Tickets 673-6501
Art Hop & Street Dance
August 8 :: Downtown Allegan
Summer Fest Puppet Training
August 8 :: 9am-4:30pm
Griswold Auditorium
For more information: 269.217.8604
Jaycees Movie in the Park
August 15 :: 9:30pm
FREE Popcorn!
Fiber Fest
August 12-15
Allegan County Fairgrounds
Chamber Business After "Ours"
August 20 :: 4:30-6:30pm
Innovations Consulting
257 Marshall St.
RSVP by Aug 18 :: 269.673.2479
The REAL Ghost Whisperer
September 18 :: 7pm
Regent Theatre
Watch for full details in the August Connector!
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Ideas, Suggestions, or Comments. . . The Connector is distributed the third Tuesday of each month. If you have article ideas, suggestions, or upcoming events, or if you would just like to comment on the Allegan Connector, please do! Feedback about the Connector or how to make it better is appreciated and can be emailed to vknuckles@cityofallegan.org Sincerely, Vicki Knuckles City of Allegan Downtown Coordinator |
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