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| August 2009 |
Vol 4, Issue 8 |
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Don't give up on summer too soon...there is still much to enjoy in Allegan! As always, items of community interest are welcome for consideration in future issues.
Thanks again for reading! |
| 50 Years & Going Strong! |
 McFarland Jewelers has seen its share of changes in Allegan over the years and continues to evolve with the times. Paul and Inarose McFarland purchased the store from E.C. Hunter in 1959 offering costume jewelry, electric shavers and giftware. Expansion of jewelry came as a result in changes of client interest.
McFarland's daughter, Paula and her husband Richard BruinsSlot now run the establishment. Other staff members include Bernadette Schafer, Joyce Sazbo, and Nancy Jager. Paul still works in the mornings, on his way to the golf course in the afternoon, and Inarose is on hand to assist on Saturdays.
Paula BruinsSlot said that the people of Allegan are what have kept the company in business so long. "We are blessed to be a part of this community and are committed to downtown Allegan."
Customer service and a personal connection make the difference, creating a loyal customer base that passes the word along. "I believe in treating the customer the way that I would like to be treated," Paul McFarland said.
"Where quality isn't expensive, it's priceless" is not just a tag line, it is a philosophy. Quality in product and service is not something that is easily achieved. It is the formula that has succeeded for 50 years and is poised to continue for another 50 years.
McFarland Jewelers is located at 106 Locust Street and is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 269.673.2817 | |
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| Courthouse Parking Lot Renovations |
 The County Courthouse parking lot is being completely renovated. No vehicles will be allowed in that lot during reconstruction of the lot. Drivers who use that lot are asked to find alternate parking during construction. Courthouse security will have both the West and East main entrances open for public access.
The anticipated completion of this project is Monday, August 24. For additional information or questions, Director of Facilities Management, Bob Wakeman can be reached at 269.673.0207 |
| Allegan County Fair Idol - Find out if YOU have what it takes! |
The third annual "Allegan County Fair Idol" competition will be September 12-18. Get your application in NOW!
The competition includes two categories: youth (ages 5-17) and adult (18 and over). The first youth round will be September 12, at 5:00 p.m.; adults will be September 13, at 5:00 p.m. The semi-finals for both age groups will be Thursday, September 17, at 6:00 p.m.; the final round will be Friday, September 18, at 6:00 p.m. All rounds will be in the community area.
Youth category prizes include an iPod for 3rd Place, a Nintendo DS for 2nd Place, and a 2-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge for 1st Place! Adult prizes include an iPod for 3rd Place, a Nintendo DS for 2nd Place, and a 2-night stay at Little River Casino for 1st Place! Both first place winners will also receive studio recording time at McDonald Productions in Otsego and the opportunity to perform in front of 6,000 people at the Demolition Derby on September 19!
For application and rules Click Here If you would like more information, contact Colleen at 269.673.3890
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| The REAL Ghost Whisperer! |
 Mary Ann Winkowski, author of When Ghosts Speak: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits and the inspiration and consultant for the hit CBS television show The Ghost Whisperer, will be sharing her experiences with ghosts, answering questions, and doing a book-signing at the beautiful and historic Regent Theatre at 211 Trowbridge Street in downtown Allegan on Friday, Septmber 18, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and the book-signing will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets purchased before September 1 are $35; those purchased after September 1 will be $45.
Seating is limited and early registration is encouraged. Tickets may be purchased by check made payable to Reflexions Plus, 229A Hubbard St., Allegan, MI 49010 OR through PayPal at www.michiganparanormalencounters.com
Mary Ann Windowski was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been communicating with earthbound spirits for most of her life. Still living and working primarily in the Cleveland area, Mary Ann has offered her abilities to those in need as far away a New Mexico, St. Lucia, and Scotland. Mary Ann shares a lifetime's worth of information about the spirit world and reveals her often surprising interactions with some memorable ghosts. www.MaryAnnWinkowski.com
This event is sponsored by Reflexions Plus in downtown Allegan. All proceeds will go to local animal rescue agencies and Michigan Paranormal Encounters. |
| Kalamazoo River Clean Up |
 The City of Allegan is seeking volunteers for a Kalamazoo river clean-up. The goal of this project is to clean up trash and man-made debris along the banks of the Kalamazoo River within the City limits. The clean-up is scheduled from 10:00 - 2:00 August 29, 2009. Everyone interested is encouraged to meet at the Water Street gazebo parking lot. Bring your canoe or small boat if you can. Lunch, gloves, other materials and some canoes will be provided.
Contact Aaron Haskin at 686-1115 or Mel Brummel at 673-2115 for more information. |
| John Pahl Historical Village Dedication |
 The Allegan County Historical Society will host its annual member potluck on Thursday, August 20, at the Allegan County Fairgrounds historical village. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a potluck, followed by dedication of the "John Pahl Historical Village" at 7:00 p.m.; the village will be named inhonor of John Pahl, resident historian and author who through the years has preserved the county's past. The public is invited to attend both events.
The Historical Village consists of several historical buildings that have been moved to the Fairgrounds. The Allegan County Historical Society maintains the buildings, and they are open to the public during the Allegan County Fair and Fiber Fest. Special demonstrations are scheduled during Fair week every year.
For more information, call 269.673.8289 or email oldjailmuseum@wmwisp.net |
| Allegan Mural Progress... |
 The mural sponsored by the Allegan Downtown Development Authority on the side of the Creative Events building is now half way completed! 3 of the 6 panels depicting Allegan's history, painted by artist Jenn VanderPloeg of Byron Center, are up for viewing. Creative Events is located at 128 Locust St., downtown Allegan. The public is invited to come and enjoy! |
| Strides for Health 5K |
"Strides for Health" 5K is part of our commitment to maintain and improve the health of our community. The event to be held August 22 includes a 5K run and walk beginning at 9:00 a.m. as well as a one mile fun run for the kids at 9:45 a.m.! All events start and finish at Allegan General Hospital. The hospital will be offering free health screenings throughout registration and during the race itself. For more information, please contact Bill Hammer at (269) 673-5431 ext. 3003 or send an e-mail to stridesforhealth@aghosp.com Click Here to print off a copy of our race brochure. You can also register online for this race by Clicking Here . |
| Festockapalooza '09 |
 This is a grass-roots effort by Allegan-bred college students and their kindred spirits to say "goodbye" to the summer with rockin' music at Mahan Gazebo located on the beautiful Allegan Riverfront Plaza.
This is going to be an awesome 8 hour outdoor music fest. Eight area bands are committed to the event. Warning: If you don't care for the music of "these kids today", this may not be the event for you - the riverfront WILL be ROCKIN'! |
| 2009 Good Times at the Gazebo |
 The FREE concert series has been a great line-up this year. It's not too late to enjoy a couple of relaxing evenings on the riverfront with great entertainment!
Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy! Performances begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Mahan Gazebo located on the Riverfont Plaza in Downtown Allegan. 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 they celebrate Meijer Appreciation Night.
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| Farmers' Market Offers Something for Everyone |
Fresh and vibrant is the experience that awaits you at the Allegan Farmers' Market. Come wander the aisle of crisp vegetables, juicy fruits, colorful plants, savory meats, and tasty baked goods. Bump into new and old friends as you browse for the week's taste sensations.
The Allegan Farmers' Market is Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and is located on the corner of Water Street and Cutler Street. |
| Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce Events |
 Business After "Ours"
Visit the home and offices of Cyndi and Mike Reed and Innovations Consulting to learn more about leading edge strategies for today's economy. Innovations Consulting is designed to assist businesses in effectively designing a comprehensive strategy to communicate and interact with their current customers and bring in new customers.
Relax and network in Reed's beautiful gardens and historic Queen Anne home, the "Turner House". Both are a works in progress.
Open to Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce members. Please RSVP by August 18 by calling the Chamber office (269) 673-2479 or online at mail@alleganchamber.com
Allegan Chamber Rise 'n' Learn
Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan will be giving an overview of the programs and services they offer on Thursday, September 17, 7:00 am, at the Griswold Auditorium Lower Level. Goodwill accepts donations and run retail centers, as they are most commonly known for, but much more. They will share information about the other aspects of the organization, including recycling, manufacturing, and janitorial services.
This free event is open to all area Chamber members and non-members. Please RSVP by September 15. |
| Clay Classes |
 Clay classes begin this week Mondays or Wednesdays at Beneath the Trees Gallery on M-40 and 108th Street. Both will be evenings from 6:00-8:30 and run for 7 weeks. The cost per class is $150 and includes 25 pounds of clay, firings, and shop glazes. The Monday class, which started August 17, will be a wheel class. These sessions will be instructed by Alexa Birkham with Cynthia Langhorst assisting. The Wednesday class, beginning August 19, will be a hand-building class, and Cynthia Langhorst will be instructing. For information on these or other upcoming classes, contact beneaththetrees@verizon.net |
| Only One Allegan...On Facebook! |
The new Only One Allegan introduction video has been uploaded to the Fan Page! Look for Only One Allegan or the Regent Theatre on Facebook! 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 Link Click Here!
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| Looking Good! |
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 This month's winner is a collaborative effort. Congratulations to Woodland Tranding Company & Allegan Baker Studios! The display offers a tribute to the Fiber Fest complete with a weaving loom and the unique handcrafted experiences available at both locations! Woodland Trading Company is located at 204 Trowbridge Street, and Allegan Baker Studio is located at 148 Mill District Road.
Both businesses will recieve one month free advertising on the Regent Theatre big screen. Watch next month for September's winner! |
| 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
This is the Last Week!
"Horton Hears a Who"
Good Times at the Gazebo
Saturday Evenings :: 7pm
Through July & August
Chamber Business After "Ours"
August 20 :: 4:30-6:30pm
Innovations Consulting
257 Marshall St.
RSVP by Aug 18 :: 269.673.2479
John Pahl Historical Village Dedication
August 20 :: 7pm
Allegan County Fairground Historic Village
Strides for Health 5K
August 22 :: 9am
Allegan General Hospital
Festockapalooza '09
August 30 :: 2pm-10pm
Mahan Gazebo
Allegan County Fair!
September 11-19
Allegan County Fairgrounds
Chamber Rise 'n' Learn
Sept. 17 :: 7am
Griswold Auditorium Lower Level
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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