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| March 2009 |
Vol 4, Issue 3 |
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Thanks for reading the Connector, and Happy St. Patrick's Day! As the song goes, "When Irish eyes are smiling, tis' like a morn' in spring!" Enjoy your last week of winter; spring arrives on Friday! Well, officially, anyway.
Spring is viewed as a time growth, renewal, and new life. It marks the end of winter, a fresh and new time. Spring weather can be unpredicatable, but in a general sense is considered a start of better times.
For me, spring is the busiest season of the year. Event planning is at its peak. Take the time this spring to see the beauty all around and admire the positive developments in Allegan.
Keep your eyes on the Connector for the latest community information, and keep passing the good news on... |
| Cabaret Band Show! |
 The Cabaret Band Show took the stage at the Griswold Auditorium on March 14th to a packed house. If you missed it, it was a wonderful evening of exceptional talent and humor and a great opportunity to support a valuable organization in our community: Wings of Hope Hospice.
If you were not in attendance, do not dispair! There are two more opportunities this weekend! Dean Michaels will stike up the band at 8: p.m. on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21. There are still some tickets available, but they are going fast! You can purchase general admission, balcony seats at either the Griswold Auditorium box office or Something Sweet located on Locust St. For main-floor reserved seating, contact Wings of Hope located at 530 Linn St., 269.686.8659.
The mission of Wings of Hope is to provide compassionate care at the end of life and support through the grief experience for individuals and families in Allegan County and surrounding communities. They provide specialized healthcare for adults nearing the end of their lives. The focus of care is on comfort rather than cure. All needs of the patients are addressed, beginning with physical comfort, freedom from pain, and other symptoms. The emotional and spiritual well-being of the patient are also primary concerns.
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| Art in the Garden |
 Have you heard the buzz? It's not the buzz of the first bees in spring; it is the upcoming Allegan Area Arts Council's fundraiser "Art in the Garden ~ Gracious Gardens" scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Griswold Auditorium (lower level).
The Allegan Area Arts Council is extremely appreciative of the community support they have recieved for this fundraising event. "It was quite a humbling experience for the Arts Council to encounter such generosity from shopkeepers and small businesses during tough economic times. We are inspired to be even better stewards of the arts in Allegan County." McFarland's Jewelers, Locust Street, donated a gorgeous, etched glass vase without hesitation. Philly's Feed, M-89 South, cheerfully assembled a large basket of supplies and bird-lover items that any gardener would appreciate. Sharon of Sharon's Quilts & More, Trowbridge Street, surrendered a lovely hand-made quilt with an outdoor theme. These are just a few of the many examples of kindness we observed while soliciting help.
The vase, basket, and quilt along with many other hand-made or unique donated items will be raffled off during the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Griswold Auditorium lower level, at 401 Hubbard Street, Allegan. Admission is free to shoppers. Many garden vendors and fine artists will be on hand with wares and garden artwork for you to purchase and enjoy in your home or yard. This is an unusual gathering of southwestern Michigan fine artists who will spark your desire to get outdoors and make something beautiful.
At 5:00 p.m., the party moves to the Griswold's main level for "Swamp Water Alley", a cocktail reception featuring a Silent Auction of exclusive one-of-a kind items, including terrariums, clay wall vases, ceramic flowers, and glass-art birdbaths, all made by AAAC artist volunteers. Talented volunteers will also be at the keyboard of the Marilla Room's grand piano to entertain. Admission is $10 per ticket, which entitles the bearer to one free drink. Hors d'oeuvres are complimentary.
Some proceeds from the garden fair will be used to fund the children's Summer Art Camps held in August at Allegan's Griswold Auditorium. Camp organizers want to expand the camp to other locations while keeping costs low, so more children and teens can enjoy an art experience. Art in the Garden ~ Gracious Gardens is a fun way to accomplish this goal in 2009.
Tickets available from any board member, at the Griswold box office, or delivered at no additional charge by calling 269-288-2993. Get yours today! For more information or questions, please call 269.673.7080 or 269.823.8865.
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| Maintenance to a Couple of the Bridges Worth Crossing.... |
 The Michigan Department of Transportation announced plans for infrastructure improvements in its Southwest Region, which includes Allegan among nine counties.
Local work is expected to start March 23, with a deep overlay on the M-222 Bridge over the Kalamazoo River northeast of Allegan city. The project, slated for completion the end of May, will have a temporary traffic light and will be keeping one lane of traffic open. River Street at M222 will be barricaded off during construction; detour routes for River Street access will be set up. In addition to needed repair, the bridge will also have 4 street lights installed as are located on the M89 Bridge and the Riverfront Plaza Boardwalks.
The M89 Bridge will also be undergoing some maintenance estimated to begin April 13, with anticipated completion the end of June. Two lanes of traffic will be open throughout the duration of the project with lane shifts as the work progresses.
"The 2009 projects were selected to maintain and improve our roads and bridges, providing a safe and reliable transportation system," said Southwest Region engineer Bobbi Welke. "Our program for this reconstruction season continues our commitment to enhance the quality of life for residents," Welke said.
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| Quilt Show |
The Iron Bridge Quilters presents its 4th Biennial Quilt Show "American Beauties", Saturday, April 25, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at The Allegan Place, 330 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI. Admission is just $5. The show features over 200 Antique and New Quilts, most just for display, some available for sale. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast their vote for "Viewers Choice." There will be door prizes and a vendor area, including sewing machine cleaning! Technique demonstrations will take place throughout the day. Look for the "quilt block" in the window of downtown Allegan businesses. Quilts will be displayed in the days leading up to the event for your enjoyment.
Internationally acclaimed quilter Barb Perrin of Pullman, Michigan, will be displaying some of her exceptional work. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a B.S. degree in Home Economics Education, Barb learned to sew when I was nine years old in 4-H. Her first attempt at quilting was in l976 when she wanted to make a baby quilt for her first child.
Twenty years later in l996 she began to machine quilting. Although she does not consider herself an artist, several of her quilts have been published in Harriet Hargrave Heirloom Machine Quilting (4th edition). She has also received many awards during the past ten years at national and international quilt competitions.
Barb is a member of the West Michigan Quilt Guild, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has never sold any of her quilts: "When you look at my quilts, you are looking at me. They are mere reflections of my tastes and what I like. I have a great appreciation for antique/vintage quilts, and I love being able to use reproduction fabrics to make vintage quilts and quilt kits. I only make my quilts for our children as family heirlooms, hopefully to be enjoyed by their families someday."
Each show the Iron Bridge Quilters raffle off a special quilt to benefit a local charity. This year, the collaborative quilting effort, the "American Beauty" will benefit Sylvia's Place. The Allegan County domestic violence shelter is a supporting agency that believes in the inherent value of every human being. Every individual has a right to a safe and just environment and we empower women to make personal choices. Their mission is to create and sustain a safe environment that empowers women and children through preventative education and advocacy. In the process, this promotes stronger individuals, families, and communities. Since their beginning in 1996, they have provided over 37,000 safe bed nights to the women and children they serve.
Iron Bridge Quilters have been meeting for about ten years. Starting with just 6 members, they have grown to over 40 strong. They continue to meet each Thursday from 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Hall on Hubbard St. in Allegan. This is a hands-on chance to learn from each other. All are welcome from those just starting to quilt to those with decades of experience.
For more information call Claudia 269.673.4579 |
| The Golden Age of American Automobiles |
The Allegan County Historical Society presents a new exhibit, on display from now through the entire month of March. Historical Society members Rick and Fern O'Beshaw of Wayland are sharing their extensive automotive collection, which includes license plates, posters, brochures, magazine ads, model cars, and various other memorabilia from the Golden Age of American Automobiles.
Long time members of the Model T Ford Club, the O'Beshaw's have amassed a collection which includes literature about their favorite automobile. A coffee table-type book on display calls the Model T: "The Car That Put the World on Wheels." Also shown are license plates from the first small metal "tags" which sold for $2.00 from 1905 to 1909, to a wall-covering collection of metal plates from Michigan and elsewhere.
There's even a post-WWII plate from Illinois made of soy beans, saving valuable metal in 1947 for the post-war recovery effort. This interesting look at Michigan's automotive past can be viewed every Friday and Saturday during the month of March from 10am - 4p.m. at the Old Jail Museum, 113 Walnut Street, Allegan. Entrance to the museum and exhibit are free, but donations are gratefully accepted. |
| Felt So Right! |
 Baker Allegan Studios, the new artist enclave and gallery located in the Historic Milling District of downtown Allegan, is proud to announce the latest addition to our repertoire of fine Artists, Felting Artist extraordinaire, Dawn Edwards. Dawn is a fiber artist and creator of fine wearable art, such as hats and scarves as well as felt sculpture. Dawn has worked in the felting medium for several years and is a member of the International Feltmakers Association and the Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo. Dawn's love of color, texture, functionality, and beauty in everyday life has led to an artistic expression through endeavors such as stained glass and pottery, and finally to a medium where she is able to incorporate many of those techniques, her felt making. You will see some of the wonderful textural and sculptural impressions found in pottery and the beautiful colorways intrinsic to stained glass, expressed in fiber art form in Dawns felting creations. Each piece is uniquely designed and hand crafted by the artist with functionality in mind, yet whimsical at heart. Dawn will also be offering classes utilizing modern and ancient felting techniques for adult and children. You will find the Milling District at the south end of Water Street in downtown Allegan, first building on the left as you cross the bridge.
Contact Dawn Edwards, 269.685.5565 dawn@feltsoright.com or Debbie Leverence, 269.903.6883 sowspunsilk@yahoo.com for more information. |
| Chamber Invites You to...Rise & Learn! |
 Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce's March Rise 'n' Learn will be focused on "Customer Service: It's What Separates You from the Big Box Stores".
Helen Zeerip, President and Owner of Teddy's Transport, will be sharing her experiences and techniques to improve your customer service. Helen has gained over a decade's worth of experience by working with retail, non-profits, recreational businesses, and servicing the manufacturing industries of West Michigan. Her goal is to make your company the best it can be.
Teddy's Transport is a trucking company located in Holland that specializes in nationwide expediting, local pickup and delivery, full truck load, and is a dedicated fleet carrier. Teddy's Transport is a Woman's Business Enterprise.
The Rise 'n' Learn will be held Thursday, March 19th in the lower level of the Griswold Auditorium. Networking and coffee are from 7-7:30am with the program beginning at 7:30-8:30am. There is no charge and it is open to members and non-members.
If you want to stand out from your competition, customer service is where your future successes are!
For more information or to RSVP, please call the Chamber office at 269.673.2479 or email at mail@alleganchamber.com |
| 2009 Easter Eggstravaganza! |
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Allegan Jaycees Present the 2009 "Easter Eggstravaganza" on Saturday, April 4, 2009, 12:00 p.m. at Jaycee Park. In the event of extreme weather, the event will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2009.
This egg hunt for is provided by the Allegan Jaycees for children living in the Allegan area. The event will feature the following staggered start for age groups:
0-3 year olds-12:00 p.m.
4-7 year olds-12:15 p.m.
8-12 year olds-12:30 p.m.
Prize baskets will be awarded to the child in each age group that finds the egg containing the prize chip. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance to greet children. Please do not park at Village Market; parking is available at Jaycee Park and in the County Overflow lot on the corner of Water St. & Cutlet St. |
| Shine Under Comes Home |
 Shine Under is coming back to Michigan to kick-off their "No Place Like Home" tour! After the release of their new CD, "No Place Like Home," the boys of Shine Under are starting their highly anticipated tour in their home state: Michigan. There will be great music, a FREE giveaway, and a benefit. The show will take place on April 11th at 7pm at the Griswold Auditorium, and tickets are available on presale at Shine Under for $12 or at the door for $15.
Not only will there be good music, but the show also raises funds for a good cause. All the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Hillside Learning and Behavior Center. The Hillside Learning and Behavior Center in Allegan, MI offers classes and aid for special needs students. Shine Under has also worked with the Big Brother Big Sister organization to allow this event to be a sponsored event. If you are apart of the organization you only pay for the "Big."
Three of the four band members were born and raised in Allegan. Sean Rogers and Adam Knauf are 2004 graduates of Allegan High School, Greg Bergeron a 2008 AHS grad. The one "foreigner" of the group, drummer Mike Petty, is originally from New York.
Throughout their high school years, the founding members of Shine Under, Sean and Adam, played a number of shows and gained a steady following. As their senior year came to a close, the boys went off to separate colleges and put their dreams for Shine Under on hold. Upon finishing college, Sean started an internship, which required him to move to Nashville, TN. In the months following his move, Sean began to pursue his love for music yet again. Once he showed an interest in starting up the band again, the rest of the band mates quickly followed his lead, and Shine Under was back with even more drive and passion.
Shine Under has opened for several Christian rock artists, such as Our Heart's Hero and Everyday Sunday. The band continues to play shows throughout the country and hopes to eventually tour the world as they spread love and rock to all. |
| Imagination Library |
 It sounds almost too simple to be true, but reading regularly with children during their preschool years gives them a tremendous boost toward a successful education. The Allegan County Imagination Library helps parents read with their child by providing children with books of their own, thanks to Allegan County United Way and Volunteer Center and Dolly Parton.
Each month a new, carefully selected books are mailed to childrens homes in the program, in the child's name. He/she can look forward to new and exciting reading adventures from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library until he/she turns five years old as a resident of Allegan County.
To continue this commitment, and in recognition to Reading Month, the Allegan County Imagination Library invites you to "A Toast to Literacy" March 26th from 6-8:30pm at the Lynx Golf Course club house. This will be an evening of food, fun, and music and a silent auction with all proceeds commited to providing free books to the pre-school children of our county.
Tickets are $40 per person. Contact the Allegan County United Way Volunteer Center at 269.673.6545 ext. 10 for more information. |
| Downtown Bakery & Deli Hosts Art Expo |
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Here is a fabulous opportunity for you to show your artistic side & support your favorite charity! The Downtown Bakery & Deli is hosting the Second Annual Spring Art Expo! Art will be displayed inside the Downtown Bakery & Deli located at 116 Locust Street, Allegan, MI 49010 throughout the month of April. Artists are invited to submit their works of art.
Registration forms may be picked up at Downtown Bakery & Deli. Each entry will be to be available for viewing with information about the artist and the charity of their choice. Attendees of the Exhibit will "vote" with their change for their favorite works of art. The money collected will be split 50/50 between the charity and the artist. This event is open to anyone wishing to participate. Prizes will be awarded.
The 2008 Art Expo had 30 exhibits with an amazing variety of creative art mediums. The Expo raised just over $200.00 for a variety of local charities including Love INC, VFW, Allegan Heroes and Relay for Life. Becca Raab was one of the winners from last year with her brilliant yellow photograph of the close up spider.
Bring the family downtown to enjoy the art show, the riverfront boardwalk, and downtown shopping. Save your car gas and bring a little pocket change to donate to the various excellent causes. This is a free event so come join the fun!
For more information about the event call Ruth Smith, at 269.686.9537 or email at maverick@i2k.com subject "ART EXPO" |
| Looking Good! |
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Congratulations to Antiques ETCetera for their "lucky" window display of the month! This Irish window tribute is fun and inviting. Antiques ETCetera, located at 103 Locust Street will recieve one month free advertising on the Regent Theatre big screen. Watch next month for April's winner! |
| Events & Happenings |
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Cabaret Band Show
March 20, & 21 :: 8pm
Griswold Auditorium
Reserved Seats available at
Wings of Hope :: 269.686.8659
Chamber Rise & Learn
Topic: Customer Service
March 19 :: 7am
Griswold Lower Level
Allegan High School Drama Department
Frankenstein
March 26, 27, & 28 :: 7pm
Tickets $6 Adults; $5 Students & Seniors
Allegan High School Performing Arts Center
Allegan County Imagination Library Event
"A Toast to Literacy" & Silent Auction
March 26 :: 6pm :: $40 per person
Lynx Golf Course
Allegant Area Arts Council
Art in the Garden ~ Gracious Gardens
March 28 :: 10am-5pm
Griswold Auditorium
2009 Easter Eggstravaganza
April 4 :: Noon :: Jaycee Park
(If weather does not cooperate - April 11)
For more info call Delora - 269.673.7459
The Boardwalk Melody Hour Murders
A Dinner Theatre Murder/Mystery
April 3 & 4 :: 6pm :: Cost $15 each or 2 for $25
Four Courses of Music, Murder & Mayhan at the Allegan Eagles
For more information call 269.673.9520
Shine Under in Concert
"No Place Like Home" Tour
April 11 :: 7pm
Griswold Auditorium
Allegan Area Arts Council
Colorful Company Art Exhibit
April 24 :: 6pm :: Admission Free
Griswold Auditorium
Iron Bridge Quilters
"American Beauties" Quilt Show
April 25 :: 9am-4pm :: Admission $5
The Allegan Place :: 330 Trowbridge Street
For more info contact Claudia 269.673.4579 | |
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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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