It worked for Walt Disney.  Legend has it that Walt explained his success this way:  I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take the risk, and execute my vision to make those dreams come true.  No other company in the notoriously chancy entertainment business has ever achieved the stability, phenomenal growth, and multidirectional expansion of Disney.  From dreams spring ideas and from ideas comes innovation, the lifeblood of any organization.

 

In some cases, dreams may appear as foolishness to those watching from the outside.  Yet, big visions and dreams have the potential to yield big returns.  And as in any investment, the bigger the potential results - the more risk that is required.  Success does not just happen, however; it must be crafted, planned and executed.  Dream, believe, dare, do. 

 

Einstein said, "Invention is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration."  That one percent - in which the vision resides - makes all the difference.  It guides the other 99 percent, giving life and meaning to the effort.  Without the inspiration, without the vision, the perspiration amounts to nothing more than sweat.  This is true whether it is realizing vision and purpose individually, for your business, or for the community as a whole.  Much sweat over a considerable time period is required to bring dreams into reality.

 

Different towns have different strengths to build upon.  Some are obvious - rivers, lakes, parks, and unique qualities and features.  Other strengths are more hidden.  A greater asset than all of the natural resources are the people.  A community's vision can be built around the ingenuity and passion of its people.  The people of the community are truly unique - the one thing of value that can not be replicated in another town.

 

Not long before writing the book "The Disney Way" authors Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson were showing an executive from British Petroleum around Disney World.  The executive remarked, "What a pity Walt Disney did not live to see this place."  The authors responded, "But he did see it.  That's why it is here."    

 

Next Month:  Many Are Called

 

On October 12^th, more than 250 people witnessed the relighting of The Regent Marquee.  The relighting was part of an open house that was held to showcase the Marquee Restoration Project .

 

Citizens, movie buffs, City of Allegan staff and City Council as well as the project contractors were on hand to help celebrate the completion of this truly historic project.  For those of you who missed the relighting, visit The Regent to see the newly restored marquee shine.

 

For many, The Regent, especially its marquee, is seen as the beacon for Downtown Allegan.  Because of this, the City of Allegan along with Regent Staff realized the importance of not only maintaining the theatre itself, but the importance of maintaining the eye catching marquee.  Therefore over the past two years, City Staff has worked with the State of Michigan Historic Preservation Fund to complete the restoration project.  Funds for this project consisted of grant monies from the Michigan Historic Preservation Fund and the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service and City of Allegan Sinking Fund.

 

Because of the City of Allegan taxpayers and State Historic Preservation Fund, the Regent's Marquee was able to undergo the major reconstruction makeover.  The makeover included removing the entire marquee to repair the structural framing system and roof, restore the inside and outside of the marquee, replace electrical wiring, repair the enamel and neon lighting.  Pages cannot explain the magnitude of the amount of design and work that went into restoring the art deco themed marquee. 

 

Since being removed from The Regent on April 11^th, portions of the marquee have traveled across the state and to Tennessee to be worked on by contractors specializing in enamel, neon and metal frame work.  The architect for the restoration project was Jim Winter-Troutwine of Winter-Troutwine Associates in Grand Rapids, MI.  Cherokee Porcelain Enamel Corporation in Tennessee worked on repairing the porcelain enamel.  The neon work, lighting repair and structure and electrical wiring for the marquee was all completed by NeonAmerica, located in Grand Rapids, MI.  Mihm Enterprises, from Hamilton, MI, completed the structural repair to the marquee and its roof.   The restored marquee is truly a treasure for Downtown Allegan and the success of this project is due in part to the specialized skills of all the contractors and staff involved in this project.

It's that time of the year again, Fall.  What better way to celebrate Fall and Halloween than with Ghoul Times @ the Gazebo in Downtown Allegan. Ghoul Times is October 27^th from noon - 4:00 pm.  Ghoul Times promises to provide fun and entertainment for the entire family.

 

Ghoul Times @ the Gazebo will include a costume parade, trick or treating and other activities and games.  The Regent Theatre will also show a haunted movie at 3:00 pm.

 

Several contests will also be held including a costume contest, decorated pumpkin contest, dessert contest and chili cook-off.  The categories for the costume contest are newborn - 4 years old, 5 years to 8 years, 9 years to 12 years, adults/teens and best dressed or disguised pet.  If you would like to participate in a contest, please register from 11:00am - noon at the Mahan Gazebo. 

 

The costume parade will be open to all ages and will take place at 12:15 pm starting at the Mahan Gazebo on Brady Street.    

  

Downtown merchants and businesses are asked to help spook up Downtown Allegan by dressing up their storefront or windows.  The winning storefront or windows will receive free advertising in local media.  For more information or to register, please contact Trisha at The Griswold, 269.673.3456.

 

For the entire month of October, the 3^rd Annual Scarecrow Challenge will take place.  Visit Downtown Allegan and vote for your favorite scarecrow.

 

 

For more information regarding Ghoul Times, please contact 269.673.3456.

Spirits, Ghosts, Psychics - Are you interested?

 

If so, come to the 2007 Allegan Paranmormal Conference sponsored by the Michigan Paranormal Encounters.  Conference events are scheduled for October 26th and 27th.

 

The conference consists of day long classes in a variety of different areas relating to paranormal encounters as well as special evening activities on Friday and Saturday. 

 

The keynote speaker of the event is Kelly MacLeod, who is a nationally and internationally renowed Psychic and Medium who has been lecturing, demonstrating, and reading for private clients for many years.

 

Other speakers for the event include Revs. Penny and Curt Schellenberg of Christ in Spirit Meadows Church, Kathy Conder and Kass Hillard of Michigan Paranormal Encounters, Bonnie Siegers, Kali Frankhauser and Shanna Adams.

 

Special evening events include a Gallery Reading and Book Signing by Kelly MacLeod, Walking Ghost Tours of Downtown Allegan, Paranormal Investigation of the Old Jail Museum, and a Late Night Ghost Hunt at the Allegan Elks Lodge.

 

For a complete list of the events, please visit www.michiganparanormalencounters.com. 

 

Tickets for the conference or any of the special events can also be purchased online. 

 

For more information, contact Kass, 269.650.7359 or Kathy, 860.608.2214.

The Downtown Bakery and Deli is collecting international phone cards and funds to be used to purchase international phone cards to be sent to service persons currently deployed overseas. 

 

If you would like to contribute to this effort, phonecards or funds can be dropped off at The Downtown Bakery and Deli during regular business hours or by calling the Deli at 269.686.9537.

 

Also, if a loved one is serving overseas and you would like them to receive a phone card, please provide the Downtown Deli with their international address.

 

"To many serving, even a 5 minute phone call home can be enough to bring a smile to their faces while serving abroad," replied Ruth Smith of The Downtown Bakery and Deli, "the holiday season is especially difficult for those who are away from their loved ones."

 

The Allegan Farmers Market Season will come to an end in October.  The last scheduled market day is Thursday October 25. 

 

It is late in the season, but there is still a wide variety of product available at the market.  Products include mums, apples, pumpkins, gourds, potatoes, tomatoes, apple cider and more.

 

Thank you to all of the customers of the market this season.  The vendors were satisified with turnout this season and thank all of you for coming each week to support the vendors and local agriculture efforts.

The Allegan County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is putting together there 2nd edition of the county wide visitors guide for 2008.  If you would like to post any of your events in our brochure for free, please send the events to Allegan County Tourism by November 1st.  According to their website, the criteria is "events must be open to the public and must be entertainment or tourism related."  So if your events meet the website criteria, please download the event form.  Completed forms can be emailed to Angel Schneider at aschneider@allegancounty.org or faxed to 269.673.0454.

 

Flicks for Food is a collaboration between The Vine Food Pantry and The Regent Theatre to collect non-perishable food items for the food ministry this November.

Flicks for Food is scheduled for November 2-8 at The Regent Theatre in Downtown Allegan and is easy and rewarding to participate in.  Bring in three non-perishable food items and receive a free popcorn coupon.  Bring in 10 non-perishable food items and receive a free popcorn coupon plus a free movie pass.  The coupons and movie passes are good at The Regent Theatre and are valid until December 31, 2007.

All proceeds collected at Flicks for Food will go to benefit The Vine Food Pantry, a ministry of Christ Community Church in conjunction with Love INC of Hamilton.  All donations are distributed locally. 

Christ Community Church, 3370 113^th Avenue in Allegan, has been providing a food ministry to the community and surrounding area for the past eight years.  Recently, the church became a Love INC networking church. 

On a weekly basis, The Vine provides food for 20 - 25 families of 5 - 8 people.  All donations are greatly appreciated.  The purpose of Flicks for Food is to reward those who donate as well as replenish the food inventory for the upcoming winter season. 

Please contact The Vine for additional information at 269.673.2329 for more information.  The Regent Theatre, 211 Trowbridge Street, can be contacted at 269.673.2737.

An art exhibition featuring original pastel paintings by Dr. Alec Hall will be held November 5^th - November 29^th  in the Marilla Room of the Griswold Auditorium, 401 Hubbard Street, Allegan, MI. 

 

This art encounter is offered by the City of Allegan Arts & Entertainment Action Committee at no charge.  It is the first in what we hope will be seasonal exhibitions featuring visual artists from the Allegan area.

 

Dr. Hall, a retired veterinarian and accomplished local fine artist, is currently a pastel instructor at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art.  His award winning artwork is an excellent example of the current resurgence in realism and natural beauty. 

 

The community is encouraged to view this extraordinary exhibition.  The public is welcomed Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 and 4:00pm and Tuesday 9-8:00pm. Arrangements can be made for middle and high school age school groups and area organizations and clubs to enjoy a guided tour and hear Alec speak regarding his training and inspiration.  The artist is available by appointment any Thursday during November.  Please call the Griswold at 269.673.3456 to assure access or to arrange a special tour.

 

An invitation-only preview and reception will be held Friday, November 2, 2007 from 5:00 - 7:00pm.  This evening of "Colorful Company" is intended to stimulate discussion among art enthusiasts regarding creative ways to showcase outstanding visual art and means by which we can all benefit when there is collaboration of our strengths, talents and knowledge.  Local artist Dina Hestera will host.  If you would like to attend, please contact Linda Clark at 269.673.7080.

 

Advance tickets $10 available at ACDP office, 327 Hubbard, on Thursdays between 3:00 - 5:00 pm or at the door night of showing.

 

For more information, call Linda Reynolds at 269.694.6523.

 

The fall season is flying by and soon snow flurries will be in the air.  As we Michiganders know, snow flurries welcome the upcoming holiday season.

 

As a way to celebrate the holiday season, The Griswold is hosting Celebration O' the Wreaths.  Similar to Festival of the Trees events, Celebration O' the Wreaths, will showcase locally designed wreaths this holiday season.  The wreaths will be on display at The Griswold Auditorium from November 17th - December 1st. 

 

During the display time, the public is invited to come view the wreaths as well as bid on them at the silent auction.  After being on display for two weeks, the Celebration will end with the Final Showing on December 1st from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.  Following the conclusion of the Final Showing, the silent auction winners will be announced. 

 

Each decorated wreath will portray a certain theme and are a great way to decorate your home, business or even give as a gift this holiday season.

 

Proceeds from the Celebration will go to the Marilla Griswold Endowment Fund.  The endowment fund has be established to help meet the financial goals of The Griswold for future generations.

 

If you are interested in designing a wreath, please download the designer guidelines and contract below or contact Trisha Henderson at 269.673.3456.

 

If you are not feeling creative but still want to participate in the Celebration, please view the wreaths at The Griswold and enter your silent auction bid.  From November 17th - December 1st the wreaths can be viewed during regular business hours.  Join in the bidding excitement during the Final Showing event on December 1st from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

 

Help us Celebrate the good tidings of the Holidays at The Griswold.

 

Designer Guidelines

 

Designer Contract

 

 

The Judy Show presented by Michael Holmes scheduled for November 17^th at 8:00 pm at The Griswolds.  Tickets on sale now at The Griswold Box Office, 401 Hubbard Street or 269.673.3456.  Tickets are $10 per ticket.

The spirit of Judy Garland not only lives but thrives thanks to the talented impressionist Michael Holmes.  Holmes has been performing his 'one-woman' multi-character shows on stages and in clubs from Chicago to New York to Maui, as well as for Rainbow Media(Bravo) Television.  The inspiration for the act is Judy herself and her television variety show that aired in 1963 - 1964.

The main character is that of Judy Garland hosting an evening of song and dance stitched together with outrageous comedy and stories of the Golden Age of Hollywood.  The show follows the format of the Judy Garland Show with multiple guest stars performing their magical signature songs and comedy - every guest star, including Carol Channing, Pearl Bailey, Bette Davis, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee and Tallulah Bankhead - is created by Holmes right on stage!

Michael Holmes will tailor the show specific to The Griswold, including songs, comedy, character development and special 'guest spotlights' from the audience.

Holmes' The Judy Show promises to be an evening of quality entertainment you won't soon forget.

For more information, please visit, www.thejudyshow.com, or contact The Griswold at 269.673.3456 or griswoldauditorium@charter.net.

Evening Events: October 26^th and 27^th

Conference Classes: October 27^th 9:00 am - 4:00pm

Griswold Auditorium

www.michiganparanormalencounters.com

 

Ghoul Times at the Gazebo

October 27^th

Noon - 3:00 pm

Contest Registration at 11:00 am

"The Gremlins" Haunted Movie at The Regent 3:00 pm

 

Flicks for Food

November 2 -8

Regent Theatre

Bring in non-perishable food items and receive coupons

See article for more details

 

Art Exhibition

Featuring the works of Dr. Alec Hall

November

M- Th 8:00 am - 4:00pm; Tues 8:00am - 8:00pm

Griswold Auditorium

 

The Judy Show

November 17^th

8:00 pm

The Griswold Auditorium

Tickets $10

 

Celebration O' the Wreaths

A Celebration to see!

Silent Auction and Display:

November 17^th - December 1^st

Final Showing:

December 1^st - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Griswold Auditorium

 

Christmas Parade & Official Lighting of the Tree

November 23^rd

7:00 pm

Downtown Allegan

Contact the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce for more information

 

Festive Fridays

Extending Shopping Hours

Free horse drawn wagon rides :: 5:00 - 8:00pm

Visits with Santa

November 30, December 7, 14 and 21

 

Lunches with Santa

December 1 :: Uncommon Threads Espresso Café

December 7 :: Hubbard Street Restaurant

December 15 :: Downtown Bakery and Deli

December 22 :: Pizza Hut

 

Hometown Christmas

Presented by Monterey Center Church

December 7^th

7:00 pm

Griswold Auditorium

Free Admission

 

The Williams Family

Presented by Monterey Center Church

December 8^th

7:00 pm

Griswold Auditorium

Free Admission

Would you like to post something in the next Downtown Connector?

 

All article and event submissions must be received by the 2nd Tuesday of the month.  Please email to griswoldauditorium@charter.net.

 

Sincerely,