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| Connecting with Downtown |
written by Vicki Knuckles, Downtown Development Authority
Malls and discount centers cannot take the place of a vital downtown. The downtown is much more than a shopping center. It is a reflection of how the community sees itself. In many ways, healthy downtowns represent healthy communities. Communicating the value of downtown is essential for its positive progression.
Understanding the structure and functions of Allegan's Downtown Development Authority are key factors to utilize the opportunities that the DDA offers. This structure allows for involvement in specific activities and areas of interest to you. Your participation in downtown revitalization efforts can have a significant impact on the quality of progress and accelerate favorable results.
The DDA funding from tax increment financing allows objectives beneficial to the downtown district to move forward. Prioritization of activities is determined at the sub-committee level. The DDA receives recommendations from DDA Sub-Committees and collaborates with other City of Allegan Committees. Recommendations from the various sub-committees are forwarded to City Council for review. These recommendations give direct community input and assist in determining the direction the committee members feel appropriate. DDA Sub-Committees, The Arts & Entertainment Action Committee and the "Sparkle" Committee are all available for participation without board appointment and do not require residency within the City limits or Downtown district.
The DDA Physical Design Committee works with both "softscape" such as banners, planters, benches, etc. as well as "hardscape" with includes parking lot and street design. Established goals for this year include: Installation of a third gateway sign, completion of the new planter project and continued enhancements to Water Street.
The "Sparkle" Committee is a newly forming group that is focused on providing assistance to the Physical Design Committee through recommendations of specific "standard" choice for such things as benches, picnic tables, Holiday Downtown Décor & more as well as providing a communications link to other City Committees like the Historic District Commission, Trees Commission and Parks Commission.
The DDA Promotion Committee works to support downtown activities and communicate downtown's assets. Goals for this year include: Installation of an "Information Kiosk", support for downtown events, updates to the downtown map and web site development.
The Arts & Entertainment Action Committee focuses on the planning and execution of events in and around downtown. Members work with City staff on the "July 3 Jubilee", "Ghoul Times at the Gazebo", The Riverfront Art Fair, The Old Iron Bridge Motorcycle Show, and others. The group is committed to work towards a consistent flow of activities of interest to the community.
If you would like additional information regarding the Allegan Downtown Development authority, feel you can contribute or have questions regarding the downtown, please contact Vicki Knuckles at victoryknuckles@yahoo.com or 269.673.3456. |
| Cabaret Band Show Entertains Hundreds |
This past weekend, the Cabaret Band Show produced by Dean Michaels took the stage of The Griswold and entertained the audience while raising funds for Wings of Hope Hospice.
Cabaret features the talents of Charles Walker on the keyboard, drummer Greg Goodsell and Jim Howard on the bass, Noah Smith, rhythm guitar, Greg Howard, lead guitar, Scott Chenard, conga, rhythm instruments and Michaels with his sax and flute, on the band. Cast members Shannon Dykstra, Dana O'Patik, Alva Morgan, Lori Sisson, Kevin McDaniel, Ross Menhart, Tim Dickinson, Cal Klokkert and Doreen Wilson will be joined by talented newcomers Jody Sevigny, Barri Burrell, Dr. Paul Hodge, Mitchell (Rooster) Wooster and Gary Henry.
Tickets are still available for this weekend's performance of Cabaret at The Griswold and are $15 each. Prior to the show, come to the pre-show party event in the banquet center of the Griswold and enjoy appetizers and drinks with friends and family. Pre-show tickets are $10 each. Tickets can be purchased at The Griswold, Wings of Hope Hospice office or Something Sweet.
Michaels hopes to raise $20,000 for Wings of Hope Hospice as well as $3,000 for The Marilla Griswold Endowment Fund. |
| Regent Theater Marquee Project Receives Award |
The City of Allegan was selected to receive a Michigan Historic Preservation Network 2008 Building Award for the Regent Theatre Marquee Restoration Project.
The Building Award is presented once a year by the Michigan Historic Preservation Network to an outstanding rehabilitation project(s) that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of Michigan's heritage.
City staff will accept the award on May 9, 2008 at the Annual Preservation Awards Ceremony at The Henry and Clara Ford Estate in Dearborn, Michigan.
The Regent Marquee Restoration project was completed in September. A grant award from the State Historic Preservation Fund and a commitment from the City of Allegan's sinking fund financed the $80,000 project.
By being selected as one of the top preservation projects in the State of Michigan, it is easy for the community to see what a treasure The Regent truly is to the area.
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| Griswold thanks DeLano Foundation |
The Griswold Auditorium and the City of Allegan would like to extend a thank you to the Mignon Sherwood DeLano Foundation for a selecting the Griswold for one of its 2007 grant awards.
The Griswold received a grant for the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of 25 round tables and three table carts for use in the banquet center at The Griswold. The round tables will be used for community events, Griswold events and by rental clients.
The generosity and community outreach from the DeLano Foundation is greatly appreciated by Griswold and City of Allegan staff. |
| Library Hosts Penny Drive |
In case you were unaware, March is Reading Month. To help encourage reading, the Allegan Public Library is holding a penny drive to benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library project in Allegan County.
Bring your pennies to the library and while you are there pick up a good book to read.
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| Calling all Youth! |
Does your child aspire to be a star on the big stage or do they have talent like no one else? If so, it's time for them to prove they have what it takes to be named the winner of Allegan's Got Talent.
The Griswold Auditorium is pleased to announce Allegan's Got Talent. This talent show is a great opportunity for area youth to showcase their talents to their peers, family and community.
Allegan's Got Talent is April 25 at 7:00 pm at The Griswold Auditorium in Allegan. Auditions will be held March 24-25 from 3:00 - 8:00 pm also at The Griswold. Event organizers are currently accepting applications for youth interested in performing.
Allegan's Got Talent is open to performers age 5 -18 and consists of four different talent categories including dance, vocal, musicians and creative performer. Participation in this show is open to any youth in West Michigan and is not limited to Allegan residents. The individual or group deemed as the Allegan's Got Talent winner will receive a $500 savings bond. Additional prizes will be awarded to runner up qualifiers.
Performer applications and guidelines can be picked up at The Griswold or are available on the City of Allegan's website, www.cityofallegan.org/gottalent.php. Audition time slots will be allotted by the number of applicants; therefore, the application is due by March 21, 2008.
The community is welcomed to attend this event and show support for the local community. All proceeds will benefit the Marilla Griswold Endowment Fund. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available at The Griswold.
If you have any questions, please contact either Vicki Knuckles or Trisha Henderson at The Griswold, 269.673.3456 or griswoldauditorium@charter.net. The Griswold Auditorium is located at 401 Hubbard Street in Allegan, MI. |
| Empress Feng Shui is proud to announce the following upcoming local event |
Date: March 30, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Allegan Public Library
De-Clutter & Simplify Your Life Seminar
Are you overwhelmed with all of your "stuff"? Are you ready to clean up and clear out? Now is the time. Let's open up our closets and see what is really hanging out in there.
Feng Shui Consultant, and owner of Empress Feng Shui, Lori Grear leads this discussion on how our clutter affects our lives. Be challenged and motivated to clean up and clear out the junk in your home and life. Discover how clutter affects you and what you can do to regain control.
Contact: Lori Grear, Certified Feng Shui Consultant
Telephone: 269-978-6705 |
| Upcoming Events and Happenings |
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Easter Eggstravaganza
presented by the Allegan Jaycees
Allegan JayCee Park
March 22
noon - 1:00pm
Easter egg hunt, Easter Bunny visits, Face Painting, Egg Races, Prize Eggs
Colorful Company Art Exhibition
Featured artist: Dina Ebeling - Hestera
Griswold Auditorium
Please call, 673.3456, for showing times
Blue's Brothers Tribute Show
featuring the Kalamazoo Avenue Band
March 28 & 29
7:30 pm
Tickets: $10 each at The Griswold
Spring Break Free Matinees
Regent Theatre
April 7 - 11
2:00 pm
Visit website for movie listing
www.cityofallegan.org/regent.php
Allegan's Got Talent
Youth talent show event
April 25
7:00 pm
Tickets: $7 for adults, $5 for students
Allegan Farmers Market
Thursdays
May - October
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Water and Cutler Street Parking Lot
Riverfront Art Fair
Downtown Riverfront Plaza
May 17
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Contact Mark Horn, mhorn@alleganps.org
Allegan Old Iron Bridge Motorcycle Show
Downtown Allegan
May 24
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Free registration!
Pre-register your bike at, www.oldironbridgemotorcycleshow.com |
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Article ideas or submissions or event submissions for the Downtown Connector can be emailed to griswoldauditorium@charter.net or call 269.673.3456. Deadline is the second Tuesday of the month at 5:00 pm.
Thank you,
Trisha Henderson
City of Allegan - Arts and Entertainment Department
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