City of Allegan May 2008 Arts & Entertainment Newsletter

Chill Out & Be COOL

TONIGHT - Tuesday, May 20 @ 6:30 p.m., at The Allegan Place (formerly The Community Center) - located at 330 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI

Dave Ivan from Michigan State University Extension will present, "Can Small Towns Be Cool?" This inspiring presentation highlights transformation of small towns and cities into engaged, thriving, successful, cool communities.

"Dave has spent his career visiting communities across the nation, conducting personal interviews with city/village managers and/or staff, elected officials, community leaders and business leaders - and identified some best practices that he will report in this engaging, educational, fascinating, and sometimes humorous discussion." - Gerah Dutkiewicz founder of Allegan NOW

PLEASE NOTE:

A token of $1 per person at the door is requested to cover MSU's fee and Dave's mileage reimbursement.
Please RSVP to gerah@richmondcreative.com, or 269-686-0582 so an estimate of the crowd may be prepared.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided and sponsored by Culinary Treasures, the new catering business opening in the lower level of The Allegan Place.

A special THANK YOU! to Vickie Heckman of The Allegan Place for hosting this event at no charge, as well as all of you individuals who stepped up to the plate and offered financial support to make this event happen!

Stop & Smell the Flowers...

Flower Time You know Spring is in full swing when the flowers are planted! Many locations are sporting new planters purchased by the Downtown Development Authority. Before long, all planters will be changed to the new planter style.

12 volunteers coordinated with Department of Public Works Park Specialist Laurie Courtney to carefully place each plant in the perfect spot for the season. In a matter of a few hours,- just 9am-Noon last Saturday, we have flowers. Many hands make light work! Courtney was very pleased with the volunteer participation and enthusiaum, "It all came together very smoothly this year", said Courtney. "Volunteer efforts ranged from planning and plant selection to digging in the dirt." A BIG Thank You to all who participated. Your efforts will be appreciated all summer long!

Look No Further Than Your Own Back Yard...

Logo WMCT

As the price of gas goes ...well, we don't know how high, stay closer to home and discover the history of Allegan County and enjoy the local flavor. The West Michigan Cultural Trail (WMCT) is a non-profit organization established in in 2007. This check-it-out-at-your-own-pace auto trail offers an accompanying CD and booklet which discusses the history of the County and may be purchased at the Allegan County Parks and Recreation Office. Heritage Trail

The vision of WMCT is to strengthen Allegan County tourism through connecting visitors and community members. "Traveling to experience the place and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes historic, cultural and natural resources." - National Historic Trust

To learn more visit: WMCT

The Regent Heats Up!

regent

This year the Regent's got it goin' on! The spectacularly restrored marquee has drawn attention state wide and beyond. Recently, the Regent as been awarded both the Michigan Historic Presevation Newtwork 2008 Building Award and the Govenor's Award for Historic Presevation. The project completed last fall was funded through a grant from the State for historic presevation and voter approval of access to the City's Sinking Fund.

The Michigan Historic Preservation Network is the largest membership organization in the State dedicated to recognizing and preserving Michigan's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Founded in 1979, organizers saw a need for a nonprofit organization that fostered the protection of the State's irreplaceable historic buildings, structures, sites, objects, features and open spaces. MHPN strives to give recognition to successful preservation projects and coordinate and publicize efforts across the State. NHPN

Michigan Historical Center Director Sandra Clark presented the Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation in the Capitol rotunda. Clark noted, "These projects are 'Pure Michigan.' From Calumet to Grand Rapids to Detroit, people see the potential historic structures have to offer, and they recognize that these buildings are assets in communities and vital to preserving our sense of place."

The award program was created in 2003 to recognize outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan's neighborhoods, downtowns and countryside, the State's unique character, and the many cultural resources that document Michigan's past. "Leveraging and protecting our historic resources is an important component in our ongoing efforts to ensure that Michigan communities are vibrant, interesting places to live, work and play," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. MiNewswire

Remember, as the summer heats up, the Regent gets COOL. Free summer movies will be rolling Monday-Friday at 2pm & 4pm beginning June 2. Check Out the Line-Up!

Businesses are sprouting up all over Downtown Allegan

New Business Spring Spotlight: VILLAGE EXPRESS Gas Station

The Connector will feature a new business each month this Spring

Village market Food Center is hoping to make life a little more convienent in Allegan. Recently, Murk Management aquired the former BP station located at the corner of Water St. and Monroe St. After almost a year of working on all the details, the changeover was accomplished quickly.

Stephen Murk is planning to implement a "Fuel Rewards" program simular to that of their South Haven location. Shortly, you will see donuts and sandwiches supplied fresh daily from the Allegan Village Market shopping center. Murk Management is pleased to have Mike Soderquest on board as the manger of Villiage Express.

Downtown Developments

The City of Allegan's Downtown Development Authority has contracted with Eric Trevan, President of Anishanabe Companies to enhance the momentum of economic development in the downtown district. Trevan will provide a point of contact for businesses wanting to locate and/or expand in Allegan. Anishanabe, through a team of members, offers experience with leading projects in cities such as Kalamazoo, Port Huron and Whiteville, North Carolina. Anishnabe will seek to fill vacant buildings and provide business opportunities for current and new businesses.

Trevan has "set up shop" in the office space located at 221 Trowbridge Street. Regular office hours will soon be established. Entrepreneurial development will be a key program provided to the community to stimulate the local economy. "For 11 years I have developed public/private partnerships to finalize difficult projects under difficult conditions. With the momentum in Allegan through the efforts of the Downtown Development Authority, the City Council, the Allegan Area Economic Development group and Allegan NOW, the community is poised to move in a positive direction..." Trevan stated." Eric can be reached for appointments through email etrevan@hotmail.com

Anishnabe

Event Spot Light: 2nd Annual Old Iron Bridge Motercycle Show

Show Logo

Locust Street will be roaring as motorcycles line the street for the 2nd Annual Allegan Old Iron Bridge Motorcycle Show on May 24th from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm. This family friendly event will showcase motorcycles from around the state and beyond. Taking place during Memorial Day weekend the show is a great way to celebrate the weekend and honor service men and women.

12 classes of competition for all types of bikes are available. Plus, a variety of vendors, an event DJ and activities for the whole family will be at the event. Divine Leather will be on site offering more than 600 square feet of coats, chaps, vests, saddle bags and other leather goods. In addition, attendees of all ages have the opportunity to win a variety of door prizes.

Event coordinator, Rick Smith of the Downtown Bakery and Deli, says, "The show this year will be bigger and better, showcasing a variety of bikes of all makes and models. It will be fun for the entire family to see these works of art along the streets of Downtown Allegan."

If you would like to register your bike for the event, please visit the link below.  Registration for the event is free to all cyclists and can be done in advance at the website. The website also contains information about the show and the different competition classes. Tom Garbe, of Drifter Cycle, will lead the judging for the event along with several other judges.

Event Web Site

All the World's A Stage...

ACP The Allegan Community Players will hold audtions June 16 & 17 from 6pm-8pm at the Griswold Auditorium. Come prepared to sing your favorite Broadway song. Bring your own CD track or musical accompaniment. Monday auditions are reserved for children ages 6-12 and adults that are not available to attend auditions on Tuesday, June 17th. "Broadway: the Big Picture" will incorporate songs from: The Producers, Hairspray, Annie, Oliver, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Pajama Game & Kiss Me Kate. Show dates will be July 18-19 & 25-26 at the Griswold.

Upcoming Events and Happenings

Walk with Spirit

April 15 - June 23

See above article for details