The Announcer December 2023

12 23

ALL IN THE

ANNOUNCER An Allendale and Surrounding Area Publication

Spreading Holiday Joy!

Honor Credit Union Holiday Coupons Inside!

December Calendar of Events

Best of Allendale Award Winners!

Allendale Public Schools

Update

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! WEBSITE: www.allendalechamber.org OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment ADS SENT TO: Christie Tidd at allendaleannouncer@gmail.com

2023 Sustaining Partner Circle

Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce Member

B Best of Allendale Award Winners

SCAN FOR A LIST WITH WEBSITE LINKS AND MORE!

The votes are in! Congratulations to the 2023 Best of Allendale Award Winners!

Best Massage Therapy Brusveen Family Chiropractic Best Tanning Salon Forever Sun Best Barber Shop Jude’s Barber Shop Best Manicure/Pedicure JV Nail Spa Best Hair Salon The Rouge Salon & Spa Best Spa The Rouge Salon & Spa Best World Cuisine 5 De Mayo Best Coffee Affogato’s Ice Cream & Coffee Best Ice Cream Affogato’s Ice Cream & Coffee Best Place to Eat Cheap Culver’s Best Appetizers Main Street Pub Allendale Best Kid’s Menu Main Street Pub Allendale Best Restaurant Service Main Street Pub Allendale Best Hamburger Mug Shots Best Breakfast Murphy’s Family Restaurant Best Pizza Peppino’s Best Bakery Sprinkles Donuts Best Tavern/Bar Trail Point Brewing Company Best Local Event 4th of July (Rotary) Best Health Club/Fitness Center CrossFit Allendale Best Senior Retirement Community Green Acres of Allendale Best Dance School Lake Michigan Dance Academy

Member of the Year Honor Credit Union Best Golf Course The Meadows Best Apartment Community West Wind Place Best Local Attraction Allendale Township Park Best Insurance Agency Adam McCluer State Farm Best Daycare/Childcare Allendale Childcare Best Eye Care/Optometrist Allendale Eye Care Best Doctors/General Physician’s Office Allendale Family Practice Best Law Firm Allendale Law Office Best Chiropractic Clinic Brusveen Family Chiropractic Best Real Estate Company City2Shore Gateway Group Best Accounting Firm DP Tax & Accounting Best Assisted Living Facility Green Acres of Allendale Best Physical Therapy Clinic Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy Best Screen Printer/Embroidery Kustom Dezins Best Veterinary Clinic Lake Michigan Animal Hospital Best Non-Profit Organization Love, INC Best Dentist Office Meade Zolman Family Dentistry Best Tattoo and Piercing Parlor Screaming Needle Tattoo & Piercing Best Computer/Electronics Aeros I.T. Best Place for Home Improvement Allendale True Value

Best Appliance Store Allendale True Value Best for Home and Garden Allendale True Value Best Church Life Stream Best Storage Facility Boxer Storage Best Greenhouse Countryside Greenhouse Best Place for Deals Daily Deals Best Grocery Store Family Fare Best Auto Body Shop Gerber Collision & Glass Best Auto Dealer Good Motor Company Best Auto Repair/Service Shop Tolman’s AutoTech Group Best Place for Sporting Goods Grand Valley Sporting Goods Best Liquor Store GVL West Best Place to Gas-Up J&H Family Stores (Mobil) Best Bank/Credit Union LMCU Best Fashion Accessories MD Designs Best Gift Shop The Red Door Best Antique Store The Red Door Best Car Was Touch of Class Best Local Business Affogato’s Ice Cream & Coffee Best Place to Work City2Shore Gateway Group Most Unique Organization The Red Door Best Community Member Kevin Carlson

Allendale Area

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

local events 2 Grinchy Pancake Breakfast PJ Party at Oakwood Intermediate from 9 - 11am 2 Artificial Tree Farm at Valley Church at 9am, Registration Required 2 Naughty or Nice Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at MugShots at 8pm 2 Bosch’s Tree Farm, Santa Experience (10785 84th Ave) from 10am - 4pm 3 Bosch’s Tree Farm, Santa Experience (10785 84th Ave) from 1 - 4pm 4 Holly Jolly Holiday Party at the Library from 10am - 12pm 6 RIbbon Cutting - Allendale Acupuncture + Wellness (11325 54th Ave) at 4pm 8 Creative Dance at the Library at 10am 8 Luminary Event at Hemlock Crossing in West Olive at 5pm 8 Stuff a Truck - Food and Essentials Drive at 4pm, check FB for drop off locations 9 Krafty Kids Event at Allendale Middle School at 9am 9 Ugly Sweater Party at Trail Point Brewing at 7pm 11 Gingerbread House Making for Teens (11-18) at the Library at 6:30pm (reg) 13 Cocoa + Candy Canes, meet Santa at Peppino’s Restaurant from 5 - 8pm 13 Cocoa, Cookies and Photos with Santa at City2Shore (5596 LMD) at 4:3pm 15 Not so Silent Night Concert at LifeStream Church at 7pm, tickets on sale now 19 Coffee + Crafts at the Library at 10am 28 Winter Break Movie at the Library (Ice Age) at 1:30pm

WED

TUES MON

WEEKLY EVENTS Trivia at Peppino’s Pizzeria + Sports Grill at 6pm Trail Point Run Club meeting at 5:45pm, start at 6pm Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab at Life Stream starting at 5:30pm Trivia at Trail Point at 7pm Karaoke at Main St Pub starting at 8:30pm Trivia at Main St Pub starting at 8:30pm Karaoke at Peppino’s Pizzeria & Sports Grill at 9pm

THURS

Senior Fit Time at Love Inc at 11am, all abilities welcome

FRI

Trivia at Embassy Bar and Grill starting at 8pm

SAT

WEEKLY EVENTS

Karaoke at Embassy Bar and Grill at 9pm

Trivia at Farmhaus Cider at 7pm

all month Dornbox Family Light Show on 92nd Ave, each night tuning into 95.1 in your car to enjoy!

Food Trucks Trail Point: Tuesday - Sunday Farmhaus Cider: Thursday - Saturday

Main Street

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Spreading Holiday Joy with Honor Credit Union By: Shelby Sullivan Writer for the AACC

Honor Credit Union (HCU) is getting into the holiday spirit by helping our community during this busy winter season! I sat down with Community Development Officer Abbey Vaughan, and Member Center Manager Brandy Bitson, to talk about what Honor Credit Union is looking forward to this Christmas season, their goals, and the services that they offer to the Allendale community.

GETTING INVOLVED

BUILDING UP OUR COMMUNITY

The team members at Honor Credit Union also take part in community events, such as past years’ Firetruck Santa Parade or volunteering at the charity of their choice.

“As a credit union, we are owned by our members,” says Abbey Vaughan, “So we always ask ourselves, ‘How can we pay it forward and reinvest our members' dollars into the communities where they live, work, and play?’"

“Leadership at Honor Credit Union allows its employees to know their worth and value, and then bring that into the community where they are living and working.”

Brandy and Abbey are two amazing women who work at the HCU Allendale branch, and together, they build community connections one conversation at a time.

Whether it’s advising a small business, partnering with Allendale schools, or organizing community events, Abbey and Brandy are the dream team.

“It's a dual partnership,” says Abbey. “I’m just so grateful to work with her [Brandy] because that's how we truly make a difference. We care about the people we're talking to and connecting with, and we find ways to support them and add value anywhere we can.”

HCU’s partnerships with local favorites like Trail Point and Affogato’s not only enrich the local business landscape, but also give those businesses opportunities to get involved in the community, too!

“We quickly learned that the owners, David and Shelley Anderson, were as community focused as we were – and what everyone said about their coffee and ice cream was indeed true,” says Abbey.

Now, Affogato’s is the proud premier sponsor partner of coffee for Chamber networking events.

Honor Credit Union also hosts an annual “Cash Mob” or a surprise day where they appear at a local business or event and buy drinks, food, or give out cash prizes to surprised locals.

“Last year,” says Abbey, “we all had our little Santa hats on and we took our $500 Cash Mob dollars down to TrailPoint. We asked Gary if we could buy everyone a beer for the holidays, so we did!”

FESTIVE FINANCIAL WELLNESS Managing finances during this festive season can be an especially stressful endeavor. Luckily, Abbey and Brandy meet with both business owners and individuals alike to help them meet their financial goals.

Whether you are a small business owner looking to manage your holiday sales, or an individual budgeting for the whole family, chatting with a professional at Honor Credit Union is a free and easy way to puzzle out your spending.

The best part? You don’t even have to be a member!

Anyone can make an appointment to ask questions, put together a financial plan, or learn more about how to handle their savings or business finances.

CULTIVATING EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE Brandy and Abbey also talked about the perks of being an HCU team member, and how it has impacted them personally. For starters, Honor Credit Union team members are encouraged to give back through volunteer days, with eight mandatory hours allocated to support a charity of their choice.

“The thing I love about that is that we’re encouraged to do something that fills our personal bucket,” says Brandy Bitson. “For me it might be serving underdeveloped areas or single moms. For Abbey it’s something different. We’re not boxed into having to support any certain event, but rather are free to choose our own.”

“We really believe in providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, no matter where they're at on their journey,” says Abbey. “It’s important that the community knows this member center is a safe space for them to come into and get assistance with their financial success.”

If you have questions or financial goals, and just need a little extra help to reach them, don’t be shy. Contact either Abbey or Brandy today for more information!

- bbitson@honorcu.com - avaughan@honorcu.com HONOR CREDIT UNION'S 'DOUGHLICIOUS' GINGERBREAD TREE

At Christmas, the holiday spirit comes alive during HCU Christmas parties, where the team gathers to celebrate the season with joy and togetherness. All-year-round, employees are offered the perk of taking their birthdays off!

Honor Credit Union is spreading the holiday cheer by embracing the spirit of giving this year. The Allendale branch has decided to sponsor one of the LifeStream Holiday trees, and their decoration theme is as sweet as it gets – a delicious gingerbread wonderland.

“And we’re closed on Black Fridays,” says Brandy. “Every team member gets that Thursday through Sunday off with their family… I feel like the credit union does a great job of recognizing that family-work-life balance.”

The LifeStream Christmas Tree Walk runs from November 27th to January 2nd, with special events on Fridays and Saturdays (Nov 27/28, Dec 4/5, 11/12, and 18/19) from 6-8PM, featuring food trucks, free hot cocoa, and more.

Don’t Miss Honor Credit Union’s gingerbread tree at the tree lighting ceremony on November 27th at 6PM!

“We really believe in providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, no matter where they're at on their journey.”

-ABBEY VAUGHAN

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From Allendale Eye Care (Behind True Value)

Ask the Eye Doctor ALL THE EYE INFORMATION WITH THOSE WITH DIABETES WHY ARE REGULAR EYE EXAMS IMPORTANT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES?

Regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes because diabetes can lead to various eye complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. These conditions can cause vision impairment or even blindness if not detected and treated early. Diabetic eye exams help monitor the health of the eyes and identify any potential issues before they escalate.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES HAVE EYE EXAMS? The frequency of eye exams for individuals with diabetes depends on their overall health and the presence of any eye-related complications. However, in general, it is recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. This allows eye care professionals to thoroughly examine the retina (the light sensitive tissue in the back of the eye) and other structures at the back of the eye, where diabetic-related changes often occur.

- Regularly inspect and maintain household items like scissors, knives, and tools to prevent accidents.

WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY, AND WHY IS IT A CONCERN? Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication that affects the blood vessels in the retina. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels, leading to leakage, swelling, and the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels.

If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss and blindness.

HOW DO DIABETIC EYE EXAMS DIFFER FROM REGULAR EYE EXAMS? Diabetic eye exams are more comprehensive than routine eye exams. During a diabetic eye exam, the eye care professional will perform a thorough eye examination, which involves a detailed examination of the retina and other structures in the back of the eye.

ARE THERE ANY EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF DIABETIC EYE COMPLICATIONS? In the early stages, diabetic eye complications may not present noticeable symptoms. This is why regular eye exams are crucial, as they can detect problems before symptoms become apparent. As the conditions progress, symptoms may include blurry or distorted vision, floaters, difficulty seeing in low light, and changes in color perception.

HOW CAN INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO PROTECT THEIR VISION? Alongside regular eye exams, individuals with diabetes can take several proactive steps to protect their vision.

These include maintaining stable blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. These measures not only benefit overall health but also contribute to the prevention or slowing down of diabetic eye complications.

616.895.9550 \\ allendaleeyecare.com

Merry Christmas

December 2023

from

Allendale Public Schools Congrats to the following Falcon OK Blue All Conference student athletes: Football: Kaden McCullough, Tyler Sparks, Coleman Sparks, and Christian Meekhof Volleyball: Sindey Slanger and Ashley Kinney Boys Soccer: Gavin Blanksma, Kolby Malott, and Hogan Malott Boys Cross Country: Ronnie Silveira, Kilian Whalen, Parker Tiethof, Ben Gross, Mason Hill, and Aden Ashworth

ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2024 WHY DO WE HAVE A SCHOOL BALLOT ISSUE IN FEBRUARY? THE FEBRUARY 27, 2024, BALLOT PROPOSAL WILL ALLOW THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO CONTINUE TO LEVY 18 MILLS OF NON-HOMESTEAD MILLAGE ON ALL COMMERCIAL BUSINESS, RENTAL PROPERTIES, VACANT LAND AND SECOND-HOME PROPERTIES. IN ORDER FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO RECEIVE ITS FULL OPERATING REVENUE ALLOWANCE FROM THE STATE, THE DISTRICT MUST LEVY 18 MILLS. WHAT IS THE 18 MILL NON-HOMESTEAD MILLAGE? The 1993-94 Proposal A changed school funding and redefined how taxes on property are assessed. As a result, public schools must levy 18 mills on non-homestead properties to receive full State Foundation Grant funding. Tax revenues from this millage are utilized in the District’s general operating budget. It is important to note that this is NOT a tax on homestead properties, and is NOT a new tax - it is a proposal to continue the existing 18 mill assessment on NONHOMESTEAD PROPERTIES only.

WHAT DOES “NON-HOMESTEAD” MEAN? You do not pay this tax on your primary home. It is only paid on property that is not a primary residence such as businesses, investment property, a vacation home and rental property.

WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE RENEWAL? The State of Michigan provides APS the Foundation Grant Allowance less the 18 mill levy on non-homestead property.

Any amount levied less than the 18 mills is not reimbursed by the State. If the millage is not renewed, the District would lose approximately $4,950,000 per year beginning January 2025. The State will not replace this funding, and the District would be faced with finding alternative funding, or implementing steep cuts in programming and staffing.

Readers Are Leaders! It is the gift that keeps on giving!

Oakwood Intermediate School recently received a grant from the Allendale Community Foundation for a Book Vending machine.

Students will be able to dive into the world of stories and knowledge with just a token.

In addition, each student will receive a FREE book on their birthday. Plus, there are plenty of other exciting ways for students to earn tokens and unlock their favorite reads.

We are thankful to the Allendale Community Foundation for supporting our students with this gift of reading!

The Allendale Early Childhood Center Loves to Read! Over the summer, the AECC was BLESSED to be able to receive a "Book Vending Machine" from the WONDERFUL Allendale Public Schools PTO! Students of the AECC have a chance to pick a book from the vending machine by earning "Falcon Tickets" throughout the week by following our school rules, or the "3 B's" as we call them, "Be Safe, Be Kind, and Be Helpful". Every Monday, there is a "Falcon Ticket Drawing", where students' names are drawn from their classroom "Falcon Ticket Tubs", and students are then allowed to pick a book from the machine! Students sure do get excited to earn Falcon Tickets throughout the week!

It was an honor and privilege to host our Veterans Day celebration assembly at Allendale High School. Our students did a wonderful job honoring the service and dedication that our veterans provided us to ensure and protect our liberties and independence. To all of those that currently serve or have served, THANK YOU! Your service matters!

Built in 2009, Allendale Middle School is home to grades 6-8.

Our building has a beautiful setting as you cross the creek on your way to greatness. In the past three years, AMS has been rated at or above the average of other similar schools with regards to students meeting state academic standards. AMS currently houses over 580 students and close to 50 staff. Our student-to-staff ratio is well below similar schools at 16:1. Extracurricular events we offer include basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, track, Robotics, Science Olympiad, Fly Fishing Club, Archery Club, Student Leadership Committee, E-Team, and more. Our staff has made this feel like our home away from home and hope our kids agree. It's a very safe and inviting environment that allows staff and students the freedom to take risks along their educational journey. Go Falcons!

Evergreen Elementary partnered with the Grand Valley State University group Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM). AEM is made up of GVSU students who are in the Education program and hope to become K-12 teachers upon their graduation. Fifteen of the AEM members came to Evergreen, prepared to lead organized games for the first and second-grade students during their recess time. Evergreen’s students loved the time that they were able to spend playing games with university students and, at the same time, the AEM members loved the opportunity to lead games and interact with our young Falcons.

Allendale Public Schools looks forward to many more years of partnership with GVSU and is grateful for the ways the University pours into the lives of APS students and the community.

Is your child struggling with Autism, TBI, ADHD or Birth Trauma resulting in learning difficulties?

Tolman’s tolmansauto.com Auto-Tech Group

5455 Auto Court Allendale, MI

Building Confidence in your Journey!

616.895.7500

At Tolman’s Auto Tech, we want to ensure you are aware, informed, and educated. It is the Holiday season and Christmas is near. We love to put lights on trees and houses, but what we don’t want to see are warning lights on our dash! Take a minute to review the most common warning lights you should pay special attention to.

• Check Engine Light: A fault in the car and you need to get it scanned. If this light is flashing, it is an indication your vehicle’s engine is misfiring. Stop driving the vehicle and have it accurately diagnosed.

• Battery Light: Red lights are holiday themed, but if the Red Battery light comes on while driving it means your charging system is failing. To avoid being stranded during holiday shopping, be sure to bring your vehicle in to be assessed. In the meantime, shutting off all accessories (radio, heat, lights if you can) will help get you further before your vehicle battery completely dies.

• Antilock Brake System / Traction Control Lights: These lights indicate failure within the system and disable those systems. Those advanced systems are nice to have in the winter, but vehicles can be driven without those systems.

There is a non-invasive, drug free therapy alternative that can help, located right in Allendale!

The Holiday season can be stressful enough without having to worry about your vehicle. Leave it to your Friends at Tolman’s Auto Tech to solve your vehicle issues and keep you on the road.

If you want to see improved auditory processing; better balance, coordination and fine motor skills; greatly improved eye contact and situational awareness; more confidence and focus; visual processing improvements; more stable emotional responses; reduced anxiety, better sleep patterns, resolved bedwetting and potty training issues, improved speech and language skills. Call or go online for more information and a free, confidential assessment!

616-895-9550 refinedsensory.com 11301 Commerce Rd Ste A, Allendale | sensory@refinedsensory.com

Choose

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www.allendale-twp.org

TOWNSHIP INFORMATION Township board mee�ng dates are December 11 at 6:00 pm and 27 (Wed.) at 8:00 am. You can find board agendas and minutes on our website: www.allendale-twp.org.

Holiday Closures The office will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26. We will also be closed Monday, January 1 and Tuesday, January 2. During office closures, please u�lize our drop box for payments and other documents. It is open 24/7 and secure.

Addi�onally, many of our services are available online. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY Holiday Closures The library will be closed on Saturday, December 23 and Monday, December 25. The library will also be closed Saturday, December 30 and Monday, January 1.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

ALLENDALE WATER AND SEWER CUSTOMERS: Beginning with the 4th quarter 2023 water and sewer billing, your bill will have a new look. Instead of the typical postcard, you will receive a full-page bill. You can look for this envelope to arrive around January 15, 2024, when the 4th quarter bills are mailed out. We are also switching to a new provider, Invoice Cloud, for online and phone payments. If you have any ques�ons regarding the future look of your bill or Invoice Cloud, please contact us at 616-895-6295 Ext. 1 or watersewer@allendale-twp.org.

Street Parking A friendly reminder that per Allendale Zoning Ordinance Ar�cle 21, parking on the road, including a subdivision, is not permi�ed. Please call us at : (616) 895-6295 with any ques�ons.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI PERMIT 1

ALLENDALE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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