Allegan NOW

Nan (Hunter) Vincent

In a series of articles we will be highlighting several residents of Allegan who have either just moved here or have returned to the place of their youth after a longtime away - this is the first of the series. We welcome your comments and feedback! Enjoy, and stay tuned for more!

Written by Sue Buese

Nan (Hunter) Vincent left Allegan at the age of 18 to attend college.  In 2004 she returned to the comfort of family, old friends and familiar surroundings.  Second oldest in the Hunter clan that includes Rick, Tom, and Jane, Nan was a young child when her mom and dad moved from Birmingham, Michigan to Allegan to purchase the Western Auto Store in downtown Allegan which Tom still operates.  In her junior year of college, Nan transferred to Michigan State University, married and lived in East Lansing for 15 years.  For the next 25 years, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan was her home.  Lately she and her husband spent winters in Florida and summers in Harbor Springs.

When her husband passed away, she knew that there was only one place she wanted to be – Allegan. Certainly she sought the comfort of  family, but affordability was a big factor.  In Allegan, “you can get a lot of bang for your buck”.

The Allegan that Nan returned to was familiar yet different in both positive and negative ways.  When Nan last lived here, there still stood the imposing old courthouse which she considers a “great loss”.  And the city had more “bustle” with the downtown area stores filled with Penney’s, McGowan’s, Hyatt’s, and Mc Clelland’s.  On the other hand, Nan is excited about new additions to the community which include the Wellness Center/ Sports Complex, the new Performing Arts Center at the High School and the fact that the Griswold Auditorium is still “here and functioning” and “the library is wonderful!

Nan keeps busy in her familiar surroundings with family and friends and her dog, Teddy.  Her happy involvement in the community proves the fact that you can go home again.

Jaycee Park Clean Up Tomorrow Morning!

Show Allegan you love it... Meet at Jaycee Park to clean up

Saturday, June 21 @ 10:00 a.m.

The Allegan Jaycees are looking for volunteers to help spruce up the Kid's Kingdom area of Jaycee Park. Please come prepared with your own tools (rakes, gloves, etc.) to week the tree beds and do some all purpose cleaning in Kid's Kingdom...

...

And if you didn't make it down to the Riverfront clean-up last night, NEXT Thursday, June 26, at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Allegan NOW is meeting down on the riverfront again in a community-wide effort to spruce up Allegan before the Jubilee fair.  

I'll tell you what - Allegan is about to be one good-looking town.

...I will leave you with some photos from our beautification efforts last night:

"Can Small Towns Be Cool" - What did YOU take away?

While listening to Dave Ivan's presentation, on May 20th at The Allegan Place, my mind was a-buzz with tips, ideas, and suggestions that he gave about what communities have done to make themselves "cool", and I couldn't ignore the fact that Allegan has all of the major components of what most towns need to put them over the edge... To take them from dull and average to exciting and fun...

Most of all, I was really moved by when he said that EVERY SUCCESSFUL TOWN keeps it's eyes on what's ahead - keeps it's finger on the pulse of what's happening in the world, in the region, in the economy, etc.

This is why I think Allegan is READY. We have history, beauty, agriculture, natural resources, location, and most of all, we have the right people. If we look at what is happening with the green movement, the economy, entrepreneurism, the housing crisis, gas prices, agri-tourism, etc., I think we might realize that the stars are aligning in OUR FAVOR. I would suggest we get it together and seize the day, hmmm???

Tell me, what did you learn? What inspired YOU? And how would YOU like to take what you learned and make these ideas come to life?

Leave a comment below so that everyone can view what you've said. If you weren't able to attend the May 20th presentation, read through the comments below (assuming people decide to leave them!) and learn what we learned.

Remember - it's the PEOPLE in a community that make things happen. Let's not sit around and wait for "them" or "they" or "someone else" to make it happen. WE are the ones who can make it happen. It starts with talking and ideas. IT STARTS WITH YOU.

All sorts of Allegan NOW THINGS

Announcing the next Allegan NOW meetings: (Less meeting and talking, rather, more meeting and beautifying!!!)

Boardwalk Beautification Days

Thursday, June 19, and
Thursday, June 26 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
On the riverfront boardwalk in downtown Allegan

Okay, Allegan NOW supporters and people who want to make Allegan a better place, here's your chance to contribute; help us get the word out on our community-wide effort to spruce up Allegan before the Jubilee fair.  We are meeting at the river front on Thursday, June 19 and June 26, at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  Volunteers are encouraged to dress down and pick up to ready the area for the July 3rd Jubilee. Please bring tools, garden gloves, buckets for weeds, etc. to weed, trim and mulch the river front and park areas.  Let's get it cleaned up first and then see what planting we might consider before the fair.

For more information, call:

Jude Hardin
Allegan NOW Beautification Committee
269-288-2993

Viva Brady Street/Live Music Event ****POSTPONED****

Just so everyone is updated on this - It looks like we've decided to put a summer music event off until Summer 2009. Sorry if I've disappointed anyone. After a few meetings and discussions with the Chamber of Commerce, volunteers, and a few others, we decided we just don't think we can pull it off this summer. We plan to start planning NOW for a great event sometime in August 2009.

If you'd like to help with the planning process, or want more information, or want to yell at someone, contact:

Gerah Dutkiewicz
Allegan NOW Event Committee
gerah@richmondcreative.com
mobile: 269-929-7196

Anishnabe Companies is IN THE HOUSE

Eric Trevan has been hired for a 10-month contract period by the City of Allegan to assist with economic development - and has now set up shop at 221 Trowbridge Street, (The Kyes Building) Downtown Allegan. Eric is available by appointment and is ready to talk to you about your entrepreneurial ideas/concepts, and visions for the Allegan Community, and how to make them become a reality.  Eric's windowfront graphics and signage will be going up in the next week or so to help the public identify the office...

For questions, or information, contact:

Eric Trevan
Anishnabe Companies
office: 269-673-3110

Coffee House Salon

Friday June 20, 2008, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Uncommon Threads Espresso Cafe
111 Locust Street, Allegan, MI 49010

Featuring alternating sets of the writing of Cheryl Peck, and the music of Martha Meek!

Cheryl Peck lives with her cat, Babycakes, in Three Rivers, Michigan, where she rarely sits on lawn chairs. Fat Girls and Lawn Chairs is her first book. She printed the first edition through a friend's publishing and vermicomposting company (Flower Press) in August 2002, figuring that she could always use unsold copies for worm bedding. Publishing rights were subsequently bought by Warner Books and it was republished in January 2004.

Her second book, Revenge of the Paste Eaters, is as funny as the first.  After years of buying exercise equipment which ended up gathering dust on her back porch, Cheryl Peck has decided she is in shape- and her shape is round!  From the time Cheryl asked her mother, "Mom, am I beautiful?" and got the answer, "God no, whatever gave you that idea," to her sidesplitting take on menopause memory loss, Revenge of the Paste Eaters is ironic, funny, moving and honest.

Martha Meek lives in the rural lands of Allegan MI where she is a musician.  Her versatility on guitar and vocals in folk, rock and blues is impressive.  This is a rare opportunity for you to hear some of her original music as well as some of her favorite covers.  Most of her performance experience has been in student recitals and the church, places where her original music doesn't fit...  You may even hear, Oh God Save Me From The People Praying For Me, a punk rock tune she wrote about the rigid hypocrisy of certain elements of the church and family.  And then from punk rock to a tender ballad, she mixes things up.  All ages are welcome to attend this event, but if you bring your kids, they may have some really interesting questions for you on the way home!

Uncommon Threads Espresso Cafe is located in the heart of downtown Allegan.  Come hungry, their sandwiches, salads and soups can't be topped anywhere downtown.  Their focus is on healthy, creative foods, using ingredients from local sources whenever possible.  Martha is particularly fond of the chicken salad...  

"Can Small Towns Be Cool?" WRAP UP

Those who attended the "Can Small Towns Be Cool" presentation by Dave Ivan from MSU know that this was quite a great event. So many inspirational ideas and suggestions were discussed... Thank you to everyone who contributed funds to make this happen. Special thanks to The Allegan Place for hosting the location, Culinary Treasures for donating wonderful food and drink, various individuals and community members, and the following business donors/supporters:

Downtown Allegan Family Practice
Bench Dog Woodworks
Boskage Commerce Publications, Ltd.

THANK YOU.

Heritage Home Networking Group Planning Architectural Scavenger Hunt...

The HHNG is a group of owners of historic homes and buildings in the City of Allegan who have joined together to share resources and information, and assistance in the restoration and maintenance of local historic structures and promotion of their historic buildings.
An Architectural Scavenger Hunt event is in the works - tentatively scheduled for late summer early fall of this year, so please stay tuned. This event has been organized and done with middle school students recently by local resident, teacher, and Allegan NOW supporter, Cath Hellmann. The event was done by groups of students and parents around the city, on foot -  it was a huge success and, just a cool thing to do that helps remind people of Allegan's unique historical treasures and charming atmosphere. Stay tuned for more info

For questions, or information about the HHNG, contact:

Nancy Ingalsbee
Heritage Home Networking Group Chairperson
(269) 673-9995
ingalsbee@btc-bci.com

Carp Derby!

Spread the news! The annual Lake Allegan Carp Derby is scheduled for
June 7th, 2008. The Derby is organized by the Lake Allegan/Kalamazoo
River Watershed Phosphorus TMDL Implementation Committee. See the
attached flyer for full details.

To see previous carp derby results and related TMDL events that raise
awareness about excess phosphorus in local waterways see:
http://www.kalamazooriver.net/tmdl/events.htm

June 7th, 2008 Derby overview:
No pre-registration or registration fee is required. Come throw a line
in the water or use any legal means to catch your carp. Eligible fish
can be caught anywhere upstream of the Lake Allegan (Caulkins) Dam.
Bring fish to the Public Access Site between the hours of 10:00 AM and
5:00 PM for measurement. Have fun and learn about the unique problems
facing Lake Allegan and the efforts undertaken by a group of
individuals, companies, organizations, and municipalities to correct
those problems.

Prizes will be awarded to adults and children under 16.

June 7th and 8th is a Free Fishing Weekend -No License Required.

For more information concerning the Lake Allegan/Kalamazoo River
Watershed Phosphorus TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) please log on to
www.kalamazooriver.net.

Summer Skate 08'

Hey Allegan!!! Support our local artists on the lakeshore

Submitted by Sara Busfield

Announcing the Grand Opening of Saugatuck Artists Collective! A co-op of almost 30 local artists!

The grand opening is this coming Saturday from 4 - 8. You will have the opportunity to meet many of our artists, while enjoying a glass of wine, hors d'oeuvres, and live music!

Downtown Allegan Hosts Summer Skate '08

Allegan is hosting the Summer Skate ’08! This teen event will be held in the City lot behind the Downtown Bakery & Deli in Allegan on Saturday June 28th from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Come out and skate your heart out. The Downtown Bakery & Deli will stay open late offering their full menu plus The Chicago Style Hot Dog Cart will be on site.

Teens are invited to bring their inline skates, skate boards and sense of community to this evening event of fun. Robbie Ewing will be on hand to demonstrate skateboard techniques. There will be a Live DJ filling the air with festive music. The Allegan Area Arts Council will be helping with an Art Show on display in the Downtown Bakery & Deli. Come in and vote for your favorites. Prizes will be awarded. What a night to Create Your Art, Display Your Art and Be Your Art!

This evening Skate Party has an even deeper purpose. It is a fun way to help support our local charities. Love Inc. will be on hand providing information on their programs which includes a network of local churches and community agencies dedicated to providing effective assistance and skills.
Bring the family downtown to enjoy the evening, shop the downtown district and rediscover Allegan. We are a very walk friendly town with boardwalks along the river. 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 Rick or Ruth Smith, Dan Kooy or Anna Stouten at 269-655-7491 or email at maverick@i2k.com

Next Heritage Home Networking Group gathering announced

Submitted by Nancy Ingalsbee

The next meeting for the Historic Home Network Group is at the Downtown Deli at 6:00 p.m. on June 10, 2008.

Come and let's all have dinner together while we chew over future actions of our network.  Dinner is on you!  Not us!

I have sent a looooong email to the Kalamazoo Old House Network, and perhaps, and it is probably a big perhaps, they will come and tell us how to get this group going and be successful.

We have lots to discuss, and many fun plans to get going, plus perhaps every meeting should set aside some time for individuals to tell a recent success they have had in renovating/restoring or just some "old house" fun horror stories.  None to tragic please.

Don't forget - be there and help set the future of this fun and interesting new Allegan endeavor!

Please email me at ingalsbee@btc-bci.com and let me know if you will, or will not, be there.

And thanks to the Downtown Deli for being gracious enough to provide the meeting place.  Their food is delicious so don't eat before you come!

.........

Visit the Heritage Home Networking Group Online Forum.

The online forum is a place where owners of Historic homes and buildings in the City of Allegan, Michigan join together to share resources and information, and assistance in the restoration and maintenance of local historic structures and the promotion of same.

Pictured Above: The last HHNG meeting, at 148 Mill District Road - admiring Joe and Debbie Leverence's amazing loft apartment renovation project on the third floor. The lower area of the building has been converted to artist studio space...

News from Allegan Community Garden Project

Submitted by Pam Martin

The Allegan Garden Community Project is a group of individuals whose primary focus is maintaining and enhancing the public gardens around Allegan, in cooperation with Laurie, who works for the city.  Over the last couple of weeks, the group has cleaned up the flower bed at the intersection of Bridge Road and Marshall Street, and weeded the planting areas along the Riverfront and behind the Library.  There are many more areas around town that need and will be getting our attention.

The group is also a clearinghouse for people who are dividing perennials and would like to have them planted in public areas.  If you have flowers or other ornamentals, please contact Pam (reikiwithpam@gmail.com), Bethany (bethanyburnett76@yahoo.com), or the group at large (allegancgp@yahoogroups.com).