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| September 2009 |
Vol 4, Issue 9 |
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| Business News |
 Computers are a wonderful thing...unless you have a problem. Technical & Computer Professionals can help! Specializing in computer repair and service, they can "tune-up" your PC, and even provide web design. Located at 241 Hubbard Street, they offer FREE diagnosis and a 100% guarantee! Technical & Computer Professionals are open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Call 269.673.6732 for more information.
Tired of dieting? Curves introduces a FREE weight loss solution that'll fit you for a lifetime. Introducing the Curves Weight Management Plan. Whether you're ready to start losing weight, need to boost your metabolism, or just want to learn more about healthy eating, Curves offers monthly classes to meet your needs. To learn more join us the third Thursday of every month starting September 24 at 5:30 p.m. call 686-2288 for location. Curves is located at 340 Water Street.
Reflexions Plus is pleased to welcome Christina Thompson, acupuncturist. Christina will be available for appointments on Mondays beginning October 5. We are excited to be able to offer this service to our clients who are searching for more than conventional methods of healing. We'll be sending you the date for our Open House in October so you can meet Christina and get all of your acupuncture questions answered. To schedule your appointment, call her directly at 269-779-5969.
Now that the kids are heading back to school, put a smile on your feet and get a reflexology session with Pam or Kass. Give us a call...your feet will thank you! Kass Hillard, C.R., C.Ht. 269-650-RFLX (7359) Pam Martin, Reflexologist 269-512-2000. Reflexions Plus is located at 229A Hubbard Street, Allegan 49010. | |
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| Here Comes the "A-Line" |
 A bus route connecting Eastern Avenue with downtown Allegan will begin on Tuesday, October 13. The bus stops include the Eastern Avenue apartment complexes, Perrigo's Corporate offices, Ravines Senior Housing, Village Market, Perrigo Outlet Store, and the post office. It will be on a continuous loop from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays through December 29.
A pilot program, the A-Line will begin as a free service to the riders. There are various incentives being planned throughout the three months to encourage continued ridership.
The A-Line is also "green": more people using a single vehicle will reduce emissions, fuel consumption, and ease traffic congestion. Plan on joining us on our ribbon cutting and inaugural run on October 13. Details to come.
This project is sponsored by the DDA (Downtown Development Authority), Allegan County Transportation, The Perrigo Foundation, and the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce. |
| 157th Annual Allegan County Fair - |
Fun at the Allegan County Fair continues daily through September 19. This year the Fair celebrates its 157th year. Over the years, the fairgrounds have continued to grow and currently encompass 110 acres featuring a race track allowing for racing 5-wide, a horse complex, a 38,000 sq. ft. indoor exhibit hall complex, livestock barns and arenas, fully-covered grandstands, the Allegan County Pioneer Village, and a campground area. Activities occur at the fairgrounds year-round. CLICK HERE for more information. |
| Colorful Company |
 The Allegan Area Arts Council in conjunction with the family of Allegan artist Eunice Gavan, who will turn ninety this month, would like to extend a very special invitation to join us in celebrating "A Life in Art." The AAAC's sixth Colorful Company will open with a reception in honor of Mrs. Gavan on Friday, October 23, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Griswold Auditorium, 401 Hubbard Street, Allegan. With family and friends present to view Eunice's collection of fine artwork that spans seven decades, it promises to be a memorable occasion. The free exhibit will remain open to the public until November 20, during normal business hours at the Griswold Auditorium. Call 673-3456 for details.
Born Sept 19, 1919, Michigan native Eunice Gavan grew up in Allegan, and received a 4-H scholarship to attend Michigan State University. It was there she first began to explore her creative energy. After raising eight children in a large home on Race Court in Allegan, Eunice enrolled at Western Michigan University to continue her art education which led to thirteen years devoted to teaching children in the Head Start Program. Today in her kitchen on a quiet street in Allegan hangs a painting done in 1937 while at university. Her small light-filled home studio continues to be a place where Eunice creates, and her current work is consigned to Beneath the Trees Gallery & Studio, M-40 South at 108th, Allegan. |
| 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, September 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. |
| Community Input Needed! |
 After conducting several surveys, interviews and focus groups with Allegan residents and stakeholders, the Allegan Transportation Workgroup has developed the first draft of the Allegan County Transportation five-year plan. An input session will be held October 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Griswold Auditorium's lower level (basement). Your feedback and suggestions regarding Allegan County Transportation are needed! Please RSVP to Kathryn Gillen 616.396.5326 by September 30, 2009. |
| Allegan Mural Progress... |
 All panels of the mural sponsored by the Allegan Downtown Development Authority on the side of the Creative Events building are now displayed! 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! |
| Celebrating 80 Years of Connecting the Community |
 On October 9, at 7:00 p.m., in honor of Marilla Griswold's contribution to the community, we will be celebrating the many hours and financial gifts shared by individuals and organizations who continue in Marilla's tradition.
The Griswold continues to serve the Allegan area for 80 years in a variety of ways: As a rental facility, the Griswold hosts wedding receptions, class reunions, family gatherings, social parties, recitals, bible studies, and other events. The auditorium, with its balcony and stage, seats 550 people. The 80' by 40' banquet room seats up to 200 and includes use of kitchen, tables and chairs. Conference and Meeting Rooms can be set up for classrooms or audiences of 50 people or less. As a performance venue, the Griswold hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. The diverse performances range from concerts to plays to comedy shows that target and attract all ages. As a community gathering place, the Griswold draws in thousands of people who visit for a variety of reasons; therefore, it is the goal of The Griswold to continue to provide the community with a dynamic place to gather. Support the Marilla Griswold Endowment Fund. Yyour help will ensure entertainment for future generations. Click Here for more information about the endowment fund or call 269.673.3456 |
| Steel Magnolias Auditions |
 The Allegan Community Players announces auditions for their Fall production befitting the Marilla Griswold Endowment:
The Allegan Community Players will be holding auditions for their Fall prodiction "Steel Magnolias" by Robert Harling on September 21 and 22, at 6:00 p.m. at the Griswold Auditorium. Proceeds will benefit the Marilla Griswold Endowment. They will be reading from the script, and need 6 women, one late teen, a "20 something", two "40 somethings", and two "60 somethings." Bring your best Louisiana accent!
Show date are November 13 and 14 at 7:00 p.m. and November 15 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 269-216-9088 or email allegancommunityplayers@gmail.com |
| Farmers' Market Offers Something for Everyone |
With every stall occupied, the Allegan Farmers' Market offers a wide variety of produce, meat, baked goods, and perennials. The market offers the community an opportunity to purchase goods that are locally grown by local producers.
Summer has decided to grace us with a few extra weeks of sunshine and fresh produce! Apples, peaches, and sweet corn now join blueberries, beans, tomatoes, and much more in the market stalls. A wide variety of herbs, delicious baked goods, organic meat, and many different types of perennials are also worth a visit.
Allegan's Farmers' Market is located in the parking lot on the corner of Water Street and Cutler Street. The market is every Thursday from 8 AM until 2 PM.
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| Allegan Area Chamber "Rise 'n' Learn" Events |
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 runs retail centers, as the organization are most commonly known for, but it also does much more. Come learn about other aspects of Goodwill, like recycling, manufacturing, and janitorial services.
Creating Effective Boards for Non-profits: Are you currently serving on a non-profit's board? Are you considering volunteering for a board position? What should you know before saying "yes"? October 15, 7:00 a.m., Theresa Bray, Executive Director of the Allegan County Community Foundation will take us through the roles and responsibilities that will help you become an effective board member.
These events are no charge-open to both members of area chambers and non-members. Call chamber office to RSVP, (269) 673-2479 or email mail@alleganchamber.com |
| Community Yard Sale |
A Community Yard Sale will be held Saturday, October 3 from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm on the Riverfront Plaza in downtown Allegan - "Rain or Shine."
Time to clean those closets, basements, and garages for this chamber sponsored event!
Purchase a 10 x 20 space on the Riverfront for $10 each and turn your treasures into cash.
After the sale closes, Goodwill Industries of Southwestern MI will have a truck available from 2:00 -3:00 PM to take your unsold items to their donation center. (Some restrictions apply-list will be distributed with applications)
For more information and an application, call the chamber office at (269) 673-2479 or email at mail@alleganchamber.com. |
| Looking Good! |
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 This month's winner reflects the changing season with warm days and cooler nights. Congratulations to Springrove Variety! This "dime store" downtown treasure has what you are looking for. Springrove Variety is located at 125 Locust.
Springrove will recieve one month free advertising on the Regent Theatre big screen. Watch next month for October's winner! |
| Events & Happenings |
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Allegan Farmers Market
Thursdays 8am-2pm
May - October
Corner of Cutler & Water
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
8th Annual Chamber Craft Show
Oct 3 :: 9am-2pm
Allegan County Fairgrounds
Community Yard Sale
Oct 3 :: 8am-2pm
Riverfront Plaza
Allegan County Transportation
Community Input Session
Griswold Auditorium Lower Level
Oct 5 ::7pm
Griswold 80th & Volunteer Recognition Event
October 9 :: 7pm
Paranormal Conference
Griswold Auditorium
Oct 16 & 17
Colorful Company
Griswold Auditorium
Oct 23 :: 7pm
Hometown Halloween & Downtown Trick or Treating
Griswold Auditorium
Oct 24 :: Noon-2pm
Skate Park Plaza Ribbon Cutting
Jaycee Park
Oct 31 :: Noon
Allegan Community Players Present
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Griswold Auditorium
Oct 30 & 31 @ 8pm & Mid-Night
Allegan Community Players Present:
Steel Magnolias
Griswold Auditorium
Nov 13-15 :: 7pm on 13th & 14th; 2pm on 15th
Allegan High School Presents:
The Wizard of Oz
AHS Performing Arts Center
Nov 19-21 :: 7pm | |
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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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