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Downtown Connector November 2008 | |
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| Making Spirits Brighter This Year! |
 It's that time of year again: time to make your spirit brighter! The snow is falling, the trees are up, and the City of Allegan's own "elves" (Department of Public Works Staff) are lighting up the downtown brighter than ever before! All are encouraged to enjoy the holiday season in downtown Allegan with a full schedule of entertainment and activities for the entire family. The holiday season kicks off in downtown Allegan on November 28, at 7:00 P.M., with the annual holiday parade and an official lighting of the downtown Christmas trees. Entries for the parade will be accepted until November 21. Entry forms are available at City Hall as well as on the City's website: City of Allegan Once the Christmas trees are lit, the City of Allegan has a jam-packed schedule of events to help make spirits bright! Many downtown shops will offer extended shopping hours, and once again Fridays will mark Festive Friday Shopping Nights on December 5, 12, and 19. In addition to extended hours, the Allegan Downtown Development Authority has sponsored free horse drawn wagon rides & visits with Santa! These events will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Visits with Santa will be held inside the Woodland Trading Company; free hot chocolate and live entertainment will be available at the Downtown Bakery and Deli. Looking for a gift idea? Head to downtown Allegan on December 19 for the Holiday Art Hop. Several artists will be displaying their work in local businesses on the final Festive Friday Shopping Night. Shoppers are invited to pick up a free program in front of City Hall on the night of the event. The program will include a map of where the art is on display, and shoppers can seek out the perfect gift or just enjoy a night of art entertainment. For more information about the Holiday Art Hop, please contact Linda at 673-7080. Wouldn't it be nice if you could sit down with Santa for lunch and tell him exactly what you want for Christmas? Well, you can in downtown Allegan! Santa will be having lunch at different locations throughout the month of December. On December 6, Santa will be at Uncommon Threads Espresso Café. One week later, on December 13, Santa will be at Pizza Hut. And the final lunch with Santa will be held on December 20, at the Downtown Bakery and Deli. Tickets for "Lunch with Santa" are $6.00 and will also include a ticket for a free movie at the Regent Theatre. Please contact the restaurants for reservations for these events. In addition to all the fun activities, downtown Allegan will host several forms of live entertainment. The Allegan Community Players will be performing White Christmas at the Griswold Auditorium. White Christmas will show on November 28 and 29, at 7:00 P.M. and on November 30, at 2:00 P.M. This performance will open with live entertainers and conclude with the showing of the movie White Christmas. After the movie, there will be a sing-along with Santa. Tickets for this show are $7.00 and will be available at the door. Monterey Center United Methodist Church will also be adding entertainment to the downtown Allegan holiday season. On December 5, at 7:00 P.M., Monterey Center Church will be presenting its 6th Annual Hometown Christmas. This performance will be followed by The Williams Family Concert on December 6, at 7:00 P.M. Both of these performances will be held at the Griswold Auditorium. A free-will offering will be accepted at both performances, with proceeds going to food pantries in Allegan County. The live performance series for the holiday season will conclude with the production A Christmas Carol by the Allegan Community Players. This performance will take place on December 12 and 13, at 7:00 P.M. and on December 14, at 2:00 P.M. at the Griswold Auditorium. Free refreshments will be provided, and patrons are asked to bring non-perishable food items for local food pantries. Tickets for this performance will be $7.00 and will be available at the door. Downtown Allegan realizes the holiday season is about family. It also realizes money gets a little tight with all the decorating, gift giving, and traveling, so the Regent Theatre will be offering free movies while the kids are off from school for Christmas Break. Fred Claus is sure to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit, and will be playing from December 22 through December 26, at 2:00 P.M. The Regent will be closed on Christmas Day. Starting December 29 through January 2, Nim's Island will be offered as a free matinee. |
| Allegan U-Stor Celebrates 20 Years! |
| Owners Jerry and Sandy Hartman recently announced that Allegan U-Stor Corporation will celebrate 20 years serving the Allegan community with an open house and specials at the main office -- locted at 690 Airway Drive in Allegan -- on Wednesday, November 19, from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. They invite all to attend for free cake and coffee, giveaways, and some great 20th Anniversary specials.
U-Stor is the largest stroage facility in the area and manges 20 buildings, nearly 400 units, and a moving truck and trailer. In 2007, they expanded into services such as partnerships with Fed Ex, DHL, and USPS to provide shipping convienence. In addition, a copy and fax center, lamination services, shredding service, private mail box rental, and drive up window services are available.
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| Sugar & Spice... |
 The Griswold Auditorium was the place to be Saturday, November 15, to see fantastic displays of Gingerbread Houses! The smell of gingerbread wafted through the air as their creators vied for a chance to win cash and a trophy. When all was said and done, Karen Salter took 1st place in the Adult category with her two story elegant design. Her creation can be viewed in the window of Creative Events at 128 Locust Street through the first week of December.
Second place Adult went to Ruth Smith. Her "Christmas Circus" is located at the Deli at 116 Locust Street. Third place Adult went to Florene Stultz who created a beautiful church now displayed at Country House Furniture at 212 Trowbridge Street.
In the Teen category (13-17yrs), Dominique Dingman of Allegan took 1st place. Her house is displayed at Something Sweet at 109 Locust Street. Maria Hornby of Grand Haven took 2nd place. She elected to take her house home.
In the Youth category (7-12yrs), the combined effort of Noah White, Jordan Smith, Tyler Walter, and Felicia Stinson took 1st place. Their creation is at the Downtown Bakery & Deli. Jacqueline Hall took 2nd place; her house is at Springrove Variety at 125 Locust Street. Tatum Kubizna's house took 3rd and can be seen at Freeman Real Estate at 126 Locust Street.
In the Kids' category (6 & under), Isaiah and Ariana White along with J.R., Aiden, and Angelina Almanza combined their talents to take 1st place. Their creation is at the Downtown Bakery & Deli. Evelyn Kubizna's house took 2nd place and is at Creative Events at 128 Locust Street.
Other houses can be viewed at Uncommon Threads & Espresso Cafe at 111 Locust Street, Anishnabe Companies at 221 Trowbridge, and Morgan Appliance at 121 Locust Street.
Creative Events would like to thank Sharon's Quilts & More, The Painted Tail, Culinary Treasures, Allegan Gift Baskets, Pam Hatten, and everyone who took part to make this a fun first time event. Bigger and better plans are in the works for next year! For information about this event stop by Creative Events at 128 Locust Street in downtown Allegan or call 269-686-7602. You can also visit the website at Creative Events
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| Memorial Park |
Rick and Ruth Smith of the Downtown Bakery & Deli invite you to join them for a brainstorming session to suggest upgrades to the Allegan Memorial Park that will be submitted to the Allegan Parks Commission. They will be meeting on Monday, December 1, at 5:30 P.M. at the Downtown Bakery & Deli at 116 Locust Street, Allegan, 269-686-9537.
They hope to see you there and thank you for the support! |
| Perception & Possibilities |
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Far too often people determine what is possible by first defining what cannot be done. They set their goal just below what they are confident can be accomplished. They decide where they are going by extending where they have been, finding comfort in the familiarity of the surroundings.
People limit their potential when living within a world defined fully by their own capabilities. They do not acknowledge or celebrate progress nor take time to enjoy new beginnings along the way. Regardless of the treasures it may hide, the unknown is feared.
At times, individuals close their eyes to what could be, preferring to dwell in their past, keeping a firm focus upon what has already been done, forming perceptions that become set like cement. There is little hope in exceeding these self-imposed limitations and expectations.
In today's difficult times, people are often so deeply involved with the alligators nipping at their tails that they lose sight of the beautiful pond they live in. It is possible to have confidence in a positive ultimate outcome while addressing obvious negative circumstances. There are those who focus on the sun without looking towards the shadows cast behind them by current realities.
Though it is human nature to take the easy way out, successful individuals often see the easy way as being short-sighted, providing expedient solutions for today but not lasting resolution for tomorrow. While taking the direct path might be easier, they recognize - then realize - the rewards are greater when taking the road less traveled.
Living in a world of possibilities may not soften a single hardship that life lays upon us. It does not provide instant gratification. It will however, provide long-term rewards and the eventual transformation of those "half empty" perceptions, once thought rock-solid. Then we can move from filling a glass half full and beyond, to growing into a bigger glass.
Adapted from October, 2008 MiBiz |
| Colorful Company 4 |
 The Allegan Area Arts Council is pleased to announce its 4th Colorful Company art exhibition featuring talented Hamilton watercolorist Joy Richmond. An opening reception sponsored by John Hestra of Wright's Remodeling, LLC; Burnett & Kastran, P.C.; and Holland-based Appraisal Associates, Inc. will be held at the Griswold Auditorium at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday evening, November 22. The public is invited at no charge. Light refreshments will be served. Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by Chicago guitarist, Chris Vadnal. The exhibit will remain at the Griswold, 401 Hubbard Street in Allegan until December 19. |
| Give Thanks, Give Back... |
 On November 22, 2008, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Love INC will be collecting donations at the Allegan County overflow lot on the corner of Water and Cutler Streets. Network pantries are in GREAT need! Most needed items include boxed dinners, canned meat/tuna, peanut butter, pasta sauce, pancake mix, canned fruits and veggies, laundry soap, bar soap, toliet paper, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, fabric softener, baby wipes, diapers, formula, baby shampoo and powder.
Click HERE for more information about Love INC. Thanks! |
| Feet on the Street... |
The Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce's 2nd Annual "Feet on the Street" silent auction continues through Sunday, November 30. This popular event features treasures and gifts donated and displayed in our merchants' stores or businesses.
Items up for bid are located at more than 25 Allegan businesses. Look for the numbered "Big Red Foot" to indicate a participating location.
All bidders must be 18 years or older. The final (legible) signature on the bid sheet commits to purchasing the item. The highest bidder will be contacted Monday, December 1. For additional information, please contact the Allegan Area Chamber office at 221 Trowbridge Street, 269.673.2479 or mail@alleganchamber.com. |
| Attention "Steak" Holders |
The Food Network will be airing a special about outstanding steakhouses featuring our very own Grill House! The program is currently scheduled for 8 P.M. ET on Wednesday, December 3. Please check local listings to confirm. Congratulations, Grill House! | |
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| Upcoming Events & Happenings |
The Downtown Allegan Holiday Parade & Official Lighting of the Trees
November 28, at 7:00 P.M. :: FREE Hot Chocolate at the Deli
Santa visits immediately following the parade at Woodland Trading Co. (B&C Emporium)
Allegan Community Players
present White Christmas
an inter-active movie experience
November 28 and 29, at 7:00 P.M. and
November 30, at 2:00 P.M. at the Griswold
Tickets $7
A Hometown Christmas Concert
December 5, at 7:00 P.M.
Griswold Auditorium
Free-will offering will be collected
to benefit Allegan County food pantries
The Williams Family in Concert
December 6, at 7:00 P.M.
Griswold Auditorium
Free-will offering will be collected
to benefit Allegan County food pantries
Allegan Community Players
present A Christmas Carol
December 12 and 13, at 7:00 P.M. and
December 14, at 2:00 P.M. at the Griswold Tickets $7
Holiday Art Hop
December 19, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. in Downtown Allegan
Lunches With Santa:
December 6 :: Uncommon Threads Espresso Cafe :: 686.2348
December 13 :: Pizza Hut :: 673.5555
December 20 :: Downtown Bakery & Deli :: 686-9537
Tickets $6 - Hurry and make your reservations!
FREE Horse Drwn Wagon Rides & Visits with Santa!
December 5, 12, and 19, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Rides load in front of City Hall; Santa at Woodland Trading Co (B&C Emporium)
Sponsored by the City of Allegan's Downtown Development Authority
FREE Hot Chocolate & Live Entertainment
Downtown Bakery & Deli :: 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
December 5 :: Dale's Band
December 12 :: Clearwater
December 19 :: Masters Cloggers
FREE 2 P.M. Movies at the Regent
December 22, 23, 24, and 26: Fred Claus (Closed Christmas Day)
December 29 through January 2: Nim's Island
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Ideas, Suggestions, or Comments. . .
If you have article ideas, suggestions, or upcoming events, or if you would just like to comment on the Downtown 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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