The ANNOUNCER April 2023

ALLENDALE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Announcer is delivered to you as a free monthly publication serving Allendale Township. It is brought to you by the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce.

Scan Me!

ADDRESS:

11325 54th Ave. Allendale, MI 49401 (616) 892-2632

WEBSITE: www.allendalechamber.org

OFFICE HOURS: M-TH / 9am - 2pm

ADS SENT TO: Christie Tidd at allendaleannouncer@gmail.com

2023 Sustaining Partner Circle

Allendale Area

april calendar of events

*Please check with location or event before attending as information may have changed since publication

local events

SAT, APRIL 1

9AM

SAT, APRIL 1

2PM

MON, APRIL 3 -

FRI - APRIL 7

MON, APRIL 3

10AM

MON, APRIL 3

12PM

TUES, APRIL 4 5:30PM

TUES, APRIL 4 6:30PM

TUES, APRIL 4

7PM

TUES, APRIL 4

8:30PM

WED, APRIL 5

8:30PM

FRI, APRIL 7

8PM

SAT, APRIL 8

9AM

MON, APRIL 10

Pop-in Playtime at the Library

Fun free play for ages 6 and under!

APS Robotics Chili Cookoff + Silent Auction at Trail Point Brewing

Tasting tickets, The Sweet B's peforming - raising money to send Robotics to Texas!

Mad Scientist Escape Room at the Library

Register a slot on the library website, up to 10 people!

Storytime at the Library (every Monday)

We'll read stories, sing songs and have fun! For ages 6 and under with a caregiver.

Monday Movies at Noon at the Library

Popcorn and a great movie - The One and Only Ivan, join us!

Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab, at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Dr (every Tues)

A group set up to support walkers that want to enjoy exercise, socialization and fresh air!

APS PTO Family Skating Party at Tarry Hall Skating Rink

Join us at Tarry Hall for a fun time skating!

Trivia + Food Trucks at Trail Point, 6035 Lake Michigan Dr (every Tuesday)

See you there, nerds!

Karaoke at Main St Pub, 11240 University Pkwy (every Tuesday)

Get your sing on and join us for some late night specials!

Trivia at Main Street Pub, 11240 University Pkwy (every Wednesday)

Put your useless knowledge to the test and win some prizes while you're at it!

Trivia at Embassy Bar + Grill, 10396 Lake Michigan Dr, West Olive

Team Trivia is a blast! Grab your friends and join the fun!

Community Easter Egg Hunt + Food Trucks at Life Stream

There's going to be over 8,000 Easter eggs to find! Hunt will begin at 10am.

Storytime at the Library (every Monday)

10AM We'll read stories, sing songs and have fun! For ages 6 and under with a caregiver.

TUES, APRIL 11

2PM

TUES, APRIL 11 5:30PM

TUES, APRIL 11 6:30PM

TUES, APRIL 11

7PM

Cards at the Library

Come out and play some Hand and Foot with your neighbors!

Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab, at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Dr (every Tues)

A group set up to support walkers that want to enjoy exercise, socialization and fresh air!

APS PTO Family Skating Party at Tarry Hall Skating Rink

Join us at Tarry Hall for a fun time skating!

Trivia + Food Trucks at Trail Point, 6035 Lake Michigan Dr (every Tuesday)

See you there, nerds!

TUES, APRIL 11

8:30PM

WED, APRIL 12

8:30PM

FRI, APRIL 14

10AM

SAT, APRIL 15

9AM

SAT, APRIL 15

2PM

MON, APRIL 17

Karaoke at Main St Pub, 11240 University Pkwy (every Tuesday)

Get your sing on and join us for some late night specials!

Trivia at Main Street Pub, 11240 University Pkwy (every Wednesday)

Put your useless knowledge to the test and win some prizes while you're at it!

Creative Dance at the Library, for 6 and under

Lake Michigan Dance Academy teaches basic principals of dance in a fun way!

Wheel Run for Everyone 5K at GVSU, register below!

runsignup.com/Race/MI/Allendale/WheelRunforEveryone

Minutes to Win in for Teens (ages 11-18) at the Library, register online

Compete with other teens to successfully complete assigned challenges in just one minute!

Storytime at the Library (every Monday)

10AM We'll read stories, sing songs and have fun! For ages 6 and under with a caregiver.

MON, APRIL 17

12PM

TUES, APRIL 18

10AM

TUES, APRIL 18

4:15PM

TUES, APRIL 18

5:30PM

TUES, APRIL 18

7PM

TUES, APRIL 18

8:30PM

WED, APRIL 19

8:30PM

TH, APRIL 20

10AM

FRI, APRIL 21

4PM - 6PM

FRI, APRIL 21

8PM

TUES, APRIL 25

2PM

TUES, APRIL 27

6:30PM

TUES, APRIL 27

7:30PM

Monday Movies at Noon at the Library

Popcorn and a great movie - Mr Holland's Opus, join us!

Coffee and Crafts at the Library, Register online!

Calling all crafters! Come on into create a jute veggie basket.

Tinker Tuesday at the Library

Join us for a fun,S TEAM based hands-on activity, school age children

Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab, at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Dr (every Tues)

A group set up to support walkers that want to enjoy exercise, socialization and fresh air!

Trivia + Food Trucks at Trail Point, 6035 Lake Michigan Dr (every Tuesday)

See you there, nerds!

Karaoke at Main St Pub, 11240 University Pkwy (every Tuesday)

Get your sing on and join us for some late night specials!

Trivia at Main Street Pub, 11240 University Pkwy (every Wednesday)

Put your useless knowledge to the test and win some prizes while you're at it!

OAISD Play N Learn at the Library

Designed for families for ages birth to 5 years, each family gets a free book to take home!

BizStream Electronics Recycling Drive, 11480 53rd Ave, Ste A

BizStream is accepting your unwanted electronics for *FREE!

Trivia at Embassy Bar + Grill, 10396 Lake Michigan Dr, West Olive

Team Trivia is a blast! Grab your friends and join the fun!

Cards at the Library

Come out and play some Euchre with your neighbors!

Adult Book Discussion at the Library

Join us to discuss Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouard

Friends of the Library Meeting

Would you like to support the library? Join us as we develop friendships in our community!

From Allendale Eye Care (Behind True Value)

Ask the Eye Doctor

ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT DRY EYE!

WHAT IS DRY EYE?

Dry eye is a condition in which there is an insufficient production of tears, or the tears produced are of poor quality, causing eye discomfort and vision problems.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE?

Common symptoms of dry eye include: burning, itching, redness, stinging, gritty feeling in the eye, blurred/fluctuating vision, and sensitivity to light.

WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE?

Dry eye can be caused by several factors, including: aging, certain medications, medical conditions (such as autoimmune disorders), and environmental factors (such as wind, dry air, or prolonged computer use).

HOW IS DRY EYE DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis of dry eye begins with a comprehensive eye examination and may require additional tests to measure tear production and tear film quality. These tests can include special scans and pictures that help the doctor evaluate how your tears interact with the surface of your eye as well as evaluating and monitoring the health of the oil glands that reside inside your eyelids (meibomian glands). These glands are essential to protecting your tear layer by stopping your tears from evaporating between blinks.

HOW IS DRY EYE TREATED?

Treatment for dry eye depends on the underlying cause and may include artificial tears, warm compresses, lid hygiene, dietary changes, supplements and prescription medications. In some cases, punctal plugs may be recommended to reduce tear drainage and increase tear retention on the surface of the eye. Special contacts can be used to help treat dry eyes and allow you to be glasses free!

CAN DRY EYE BE PREVENTED?

Dry eye can be prevented or managed by taking steps to reduce its risk factors, such as reducing screen time, using a humidifier, dietary support, and wearing protective eyewear in windy or dry conditions.

Do you suffer from dryness or any of the symptoms listed above? Schedule an appointment today for a special dry eye evaluation to see how your dry eyes are affecting your vision and overall ocular health, as well as starting your personalized dry eye treatment plan!

With 33 years of experience, Allendale Eye Care is more than just an optometry office. They are always exploring new ways to expand their knowledge and services for their patients. This refreshing approach to eye care services means that Allendale Eye Care is constantly innovating, learning, and upgrading their services to give dedicated care to their patients. “We are always trying to utilize highest level of diagnostic testing,” says Dr. Patricia Roslund. “We have some of the best technology available for diagnosing eye disease.”

Allendale Eye Care has been designated the "Official Eyecare" of Grand Valley State University Athletics! They conduct the vision performance testing during the annual athletic physicals to ensure our GVSU athletes have optimum vision and help them if any issues occur.

Friendly and Fun!

There is no “fast-food optometry” here at Allendale Eye Care, but rather a cozy, friendly place to ask questions and better understand your eye health. Constantly courteous, the staff is always excited to educate, assist, and be open with their patients for any questions they might have.

“Patients come here and gain that confidence in us, and know that we really do care,” says Dr. Roslund. “That’s why we’ve been successful for over 30 years.” If you need more than just a regular eye appointment, their optometrists also specialize in treating dry eye and can perform emergency eye care for unexpected injuries or damage! Their care is intentional, purposeful, and totally dedicated to their patients - and their community.

Absolutely Visionary: Get to Know Allendale Eye Care!

By: Shelby Sullivan Writer for the AACC

As a dedicated Allendale Community supporter, Allendale Eye Care gives back by coordinating with local organizations like LOVE, Inc and the Lion's Club, providing their exceptional eye care services to help support community needs. Allendale Eye Care is a great neighbor to have!

MEET DR. AUSTIN LOSHINSKIEA WELCOME ADDITION!

After the retirement of the excellent Dr. Rich Conflitti, Allendale Eye Care is happy to welcome GVSU alumni Dr. Austin Loshinskie to their staff. From Howell, Michigan, Dr. Loshinskie came to Grand Valley ready to learn. He interned with Allendale Eye Care during his undergraduate degree, and then left for optometry school in Philadelphia.

Upon graduating, he knew that he was destined to come back.

For the last two years, Dr. Loshinksie has been helping patients at Allendale Eye Care, with their routine eye care, dry eye management, specialty contact lenses, and GVSU athletics.

What’s his secret to success?

“Listening,” says Dr. Loshinksie. “Hearing what they

A REFRESHING LOOK AT ALLENDALE EYE CARE

[patients] have to say, addressing those issues, and taking your time with them - being intentional - is important.”

Alongside dry eye care, Dr. Loshinskie also has expertise in specialty contact lenses, going above and beyond to help patients with fittings that most optometrists would not take the time to do. Why? Because it takes more time, more effort, and more one-on-one. But it’s all worth it!

“You know that you are making a big difference in their lives,” says Dr. Loshinskie. “I really enjoy this part because you’re giving someone the ability to see really well again… and to do that I want to be able to take my time.”

Making these personal connections and being intentional with his patients is what has led Dr. Loshinskie to become an integral part of Allendale Eye Care. As he grows with the clinic, he hopes to expand his specialities and educate more patients on dry eye and contact lenses care.

It’s great to have you here, Doctor!

needs and is often delivered in a calming and comfortable environment - which is a perfect way to describe Refined Sensory Solutions location.

What’s Next?

Dr. Roslund is working to expand her program by including a speech therapist and occupational therapist to "create a team that is centered around sensory therapy and the supportive services surrounding it." That way, there will be a more complete, holistic approach to sensory therapy here in West Michigan!

“Now, patients won’t have to leave and find a speech therapist or occupational therapist. We will make a comprehensive team available for them on-site.”

This team of therapists will be sharing office space with Allendale Eye Care for the foreseeable future, making a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals who benefit from this incredible form of therapy.

MAY 11TH FRAME SHOW FROM 3PM-7PM

Looking for a new set of cute or classy frames? Want to meet the amazing staff at Allendale Eye Care?

17 years ago, Dr. Patricia Roslund was motivated by her son JonJon to research and become certified in sensory therapy for children. Since the closest clinic at the time to Allendale was in Flint, Dr. Roslund decided it was time to bring one here, to West Michigan. At the time it was called the Sensory Learning Center of West Michigan, and has continued to provide life-changing results.

What is Sensory Therapy?

Sensory therapy is for children and adults targeting sensory breakdowns, often found with autism, ADHD, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and developmental delays. The therapy involves providing sensory stimulation in a controlled and therapeutic environment.

The Sensory Learning Center of West Michigan (now known as Refined Sensory Solutions), offers a multi-sensory approach to developmental learning. The program involves a 30-day drug-free intervention that stimulates the visual, auditory, and vestibular systems with light, sound, and motion.

The use of these sensory stimuli is believed to help improve the brain's ability to process sensory information and to help individuals develop better communication, motor, and cognitive skills! Sensory therapy is tailored to meet each individual's

Why not join Allendale Eye Care for their Frame Show on May 11th? From 3pm to 7pm, frame reps will be showing every style and color for you to view!

“They professionally style you, too,” says Dr. Roslund. “And if you see a frame and like it, but want to try on a different color or similar style, they have that!”

Every frame during the show will be 40% to 100% OFF with the purchase of lenses (though insurance restrictions will apply). Refreshments will be provided, as well as a few door prizes!

THE FUTURE OF ALLENDALE EYE CARE

Allendale Eye Care is well-positioned to continue providing exceptional care for years to come. As both a clinic and advocate, their work truly goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their patients and for us in the Allendale community.

We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this visionary eye care practice!

ABOVE & BEYOND: DR. ROSLUND’S ‘REFINED SENSORY SOLUTIONS’

ON THE MOVE // APRIL 2023

ALLENDALE AREA REAL ESTATE BLOG

West Michigan is once again having a bit of a housing crunch. Buyers might call it a crisis. The fact is there are several reasons we are back in this condition again and they are not “covid” related.

1. There is an inventory shortage. The current generation of rst-time homebuyers are entering the market but the older generations are not selling their homes. Many re nanced at much lower rates (under 3% in many cases) so there is no real drive to purchase or build when today’s rates are hovering around 7%.

2. While 7% interest is not that bad of a rate (still below the 30-year average) it is still more than double the rates we saw in 2021. Therefore, there is no desire to sell. Further, interest rates of under 3% is essentially “free money” from lenders as homeowners with historically low interest rates are also seeing their home value increase by 8-12% per year in West Michigan. If you are earning 5% plus interest on your investment and using someone else’s money to do so- you essentially have free money.

3. Nationwide in ation is going to hurt Michiganders with the highest property tax rate increase ever. 5% will be the number this year, but it could have been much higher if it hadn’t been capped in 1996 at the rate of in ation or 5%, whichever was less. The current DC administrations issues with the economy are being felt worldwide but locally your summer tax bill is going to jump signi cantly. If you currently escrow your taxes with your mortgage, you will have a shortfall, so get ready for the lenders to make those adjustments meaning your monthly mortgage payments are about to jump.

4. I discussed this in my recent WZZM News channel 13 interview.

• See that interview here:

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/michigan-property-tax-making-biggest-jump-in-decades-from-in ati on/69-51d9771c-7c9b-44ce-98a5-8f9b78782783

5. To meet the housing shortage needs of 2023 in Kent and Ottawa Counties, builders would have to build nearly 50,000 new homes/condominiums.

The statistics provided are from the US Census Bureau, National Association of Realtors, Multi Listing Service and the Greater Regional Alliance of Realtors (GRAR). Geo Brown is a West Michigan residential and commercial real estate broker, owner, and investor. Geo is the owner of City2Shore Gateway Group Real Estate located in Allendale Michigan which is an independently owned and operated franchise location. Please send comments and questions to: gbrownrealtor1@gmail.com

Spring is here and soon Summer! Pre-Trip inspections give you the best chance of a worry-free travel experience.

A good pre-trip inspection will check tire condition, suspension, brakes, cooling system performance, battery, belts, hoses, uid condition/levels and more. Don't risk breaking down on your way to your vacation destination. Call us to schedule your inspection so you can travel with con dence.

Call for your appointment to swap out your winter tires to your summer tires at the same. Check our website for your tire specials and more.

BizStream Receives Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni Award

We are excited to announce BizStream has been recognized for our commitment to providing a positive work environment and great company culture!

By Michelle Lentz March 15, 2023 Award

BizStream has been recognized as one of the 2023 awardees for the Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni—Great Place to Work Award, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. BizStream will be acknowledged on stage at the in-person awards ceremony during the 19th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala on May 2, 2023.

The Michigan 50 Great Place to Work Award recognizes a previous Michigan 50 Companies to Watch recipient for increased contributions to its community and for fostering a creative, collaborative workplace culture to enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage.

Creating a positive work environment where our team members can grow, learn, thrive, and maintain a healthy work-life balance has always been a top priority for us at BizStream; it’s actually one of the main reasons I wanted to start my own company. We believe that a happy and fulfilled team leads to better work and happy clients. This award is a validation of our e orts, and we will continue to prioritize our team’s well-being as we grow and serve our clients.

Mark Schmidt, Founder of BizStream

The past three years have been a challenging landscape for business owners, but small businesses have learned to become nimble and innovative in order to accomplish their goals. The 2023 awards gala will put Michigan’s small businesses in the spotlight and give them a chance to share their success stories with the supporters who helped them get to where they are today.

We are thrilled to be recognized as a Great Place to Work by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. At BizStream, we understand that creating a positive work environment is essential to building a successful business. We prioritize work-life balance and provide our team members with the necessary support to maintain it. This includes o ering flexible schedules, remote work options, and opportunities to recharge through various activities. We believe that a happy and healthy team is the key to our success, and we are grateful to be recognized for

Brian McKeiver Co-founder of BizStream

“MCSB has always prided itself on its spirit of collaboration and celebration. We love seeing our awardees celebrating one another's success, and sharing in this amazing moment is each awardee’s journey. It’s true—success is best when it is shared.” -

Jennifer Deamud, MCSB Board Chair

Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni - Great Place to Work Criteria

To be considered for this award, the company must meet the following for the year ending 2022:

- Be a previous Michigan 50 Companies to Watch recipient.

- Be headquartered in Michigan.

- Have increased the number of full-time equivalent W-2 employees since the company received the Michigan 50 award.

- Have at least $1.25 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants.

- Have significantly contributed to their community: number of volunteer hours devoted to community organization/projects, financial support to families in need or nonprofits, advocate for solutions to root cause problems

- Demonstrate the intention of continued social responsibility.

- Demonstrate a track record of creative, collaborative workplace culture.

ALLENDALE CHARTER TOWNSHIP

Keeping YOU informed!

www.allendale-twp.org

TOWNSHIP INFORMATION

Township Board Mee�ngs Township board mee�ng dates are April 10 and 24 at 6:00 pm. You can find board agendas and minutes on our website: www.allendale-twp.org.

Automa�c Bill Payment

Did you know that the township offers automa�c bill payment for water and sewer bills? The enrollment form is found at www.allendale-twp.org under “How do I?” → “Apply For” → “Automa�c Bill Payment.” We also have copies of the form in our office lobby.

If you have any ques�ons or would like further informa�on, please contact our water and sewer department at 616-892-3125.

ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

Na�onal Library Week: Na�onal Library Week is April 23-29! Celebrate by visi�ng the Allendale Township Library!

FIRE STATION OPEN HOUSE