The ANNOUNCER February 2023

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

Four Things Parenting Can Teach You About Testing in the World of Development

I recently realized how much my day-to-day work has helped prepare me for life at home with a newborn. Who knew that raising a newborn and testing in the dev world would have so much in common?!

By Josh Trench January 12, 2023 Advice

In the world of development, things move pretty fast and are constantly changing. I used to think I had a pretty good understanding of what “go with the flow” meant, especially when testing in the development world!

My wife and I recently had our first child. You may already be smiling if you have had kids or have spent an extended time with a newborn! With the few minutes that are starting to creep back into our lives, I realize how much my day-to-day work has really helped prepare me for life at home with a newborn. Who knew that raising a newborn and testing in the dev world would have so much in common?!

I am sure there are many more ways, but here are four that stood out to me:

The “Dev” Environment

The dev site can sometimes be a bit like the wild wild west. Every time you head in there, you never know what you are going to get. Kind of like changing those first few diapers; you open it up and have to be ready for whatever you may find. Most likely, it will not be what you were expecting!

Setting up the Perfect Plan

You feel confident that everything is ready to go, right? We do everything we can to get every detail into our stories, so the developers and testers are prepared to do what they do best. Before a baby is born, especially with your first, there is a ton of prep that happens with setting up the house, reading books, etc. Luckily at the hospital, there are plenty of people to help guide you those first few days, but all of a sudden, they are like, “See you later and good luck” Wait…what do I do now?!? Your planning will help those first few days, but then you really have to embrace going with the flow as you navigate this new adventure.

Creativity and Adaptability

Automated Testing is used frequently to help us out, and these tests are great as they test exactly what you want. However, can you really cover everything with those tests?!? Very quickly, as a new parent, you learn that if your newborn is upset, you need to change their diapers, feed them, snuggle them, or rock or walk them. All part of that initial plan. After all that, they still keep crying. Now what?!? Just like our automated testing, it is great to help you get started, but in the end, you still need to get creative and adapt on the fly to make when the initial plan only gets you so far!

Time

As consistent as time is, your perception of time will change very quickly with a newborn. By the time you get them up, feed them, change them, spend some quality time with them and finally get them down for a nap, you will wonder what happened to half of your day! Looking at the clock, it is already noon, and now you must repeat that whole cycle 10 minutes from now. The same applies to both developers and testers. You can get laser-focused on bug reproduction or troubleshooting a story; the next thing you know, the entire day is gone. In the end, 8 hours is still 8 hours, but when working with a newborn or in development, that 8 hours can go by quickly!

It’s amazing how you can start to see your work in everyday tasks and everyday tasks in your work. The type of passion that influences your day-to-day much more than a paycheck. Passion is a trait that has always fit in well here at BizStream. As a tester, we try to control and standardize the development environment as much as we can with testing environments, automated testing, test plans, and test cases. Kids can come into your life and change how everything works in a good way, whether you like it or not! In the end, with kids or in the world of development, you have to adapt and master the fine art of “going with the flow.”

Allendale Area

february calendar of events

local events

thurs, feb 2

6:30pm

Fri, feb 3

7:30pm

Graphic Novel Book Club at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

School Aged Children | Discussing "Geronimo Stilton: The Sewer Rat Stink"

Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra Concert at GVSU

Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts, FREE

Pop In Playtime at the Library, 6175 Library Lane sat, feb 4

9am

mon, feb 6

10am

Pop in anytime between 9 AM and 12 PM for some fun, free play.

Storytime at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

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

Cross Country Skiing at Pigeon Creek Park, 12524 Stanton St West mon, feb 6

6pm

Tues, feb 7

2pm

tues, feb 7

5:30pm

Tues, feb 7

7pm

tues, feb 7

8:30pm

Hosted by Grand Rapids Ski Club, more info here: facebook.com/ggrsc.org

Knitting for Allendale at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

Join us to knit for those in need, donations of yarn accepted if you don't knit

Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab, meet at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Dr

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

See you there, nerds!

Karaoke at Main St Pub, 11240 University Pkwy

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

Trivia at Main Street Pub, 11240 University Pkwy wed, feb 8

8:30pm

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

Allendale Storm Spring 2023, 11050 64th Ave

Allendale Champion Force Cheerleading, more info: facebook.com/allendalestorm

fri, feb 10

thurs, feb 9 6:15pm fri, feb 10

Creative Dance at the Library with Lake Michigan Dance Academy, 6175 Library Lane

10am Ages 6 and under with caregiver

MD Designs Ladies Night, 6101 Lake Michigan Dr. Suite A500

4pm Snacks and drinks, raffles, giveaways and store wide sales!

Live Brunch at Pepp’s, 5065 Lake Michigan Dr sun, feb 12 12pm

Let's start off football Sunday day with some beats, booze, and brunch!

Storytime at the Library, 6175 Library Lane mon, feb 13 10am

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

APS 8th Grade Choir Concert, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center mon, feb 13 7pm

tue, feb 14

2pm

Come out and listen to the beautiful sounds of our oldest middle school choirs!

Card Games at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

Come out and play Hand and Foot!

tue, feb 14

5:30pm

tue, feb 14

8:30pm

tue, feb 14

7pm

wed, feb 15

8:30pm

thurs, feb 16

10am

fri, feb 17

6:30pm

Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab, meet at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Dr

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

Valentines Day Dinner Specials + Karaoke at Main Street Pub, 11240 University Pkwy

Check Facebook for all their specials that night and follow it up with some karaoke!

Trivia + Food Trucks at Trail Point, 6035 Lake Michigan Dr

See you there, nerds!

Trivia at Main Street Pub, 11240 University Pkwy

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

OAISD Play N Learn at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

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

Mini Golf at the LIbrary, 6175 Library Lane

Join us for indoor mini golf through the library. For all ages. Registration required.

Roll out the Barrels at Trail Point, 6035 Lake Michigan Dr sat, feb 18 1pm

mon, feb 20

10am

tue, feb 21

Join us, as we celebrate another year of barrel aged beers and live music!

Storytime at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

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

At the library: Coffee + Crafts at 10am

Make snowflake string art, registration required

Knitting for Allendale at 2pm

Join us to knit for those in need, donations of yarn accepted if you don't knit

Tinker Tuesday at 4:15pm

Join us for a fun, STEAM based hands-on activity! For school age children.

Friends of the Library at 6:30pm

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

tue, feb 21

5:30pm

tue, feb 21

7pm

tue, feb 21

8:30pm

wed, feb 22

6:30pm

thurs, feb 23

8:30pm

sat, feb 25 2pm

mon, feb 27

10am

Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab, meet at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Dr 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

See you there, nerds!

Karaoke at Main St Pub, 11240 University Pkwy

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

Trivia at Main Street Pub, 11240 University Pkwy

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

Adult Book Discussion at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

Join us to discuss Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard

Canvas Painting for Teens at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

Follow along with our instructor to create a painted canvas masterpiece. Registration req.

Storytime at the Library, 6175 Library Lane

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

tues, feb 28 Cards at the Library at 2pm Jazz Ensemble at GVSU at 7:30pm, FREE

Jan. 19, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Katie Wittenauer, katie@micollegeaccess.org, (517) 316-1713

Michigan College Access Network announces $50,000 in grants to 10 Michigan high schools

ASPIRE grants provide funding to assess, improve college-going culture in schools

LANSING, Mich. Michigan College Access Network is proud to announce $50,000 in grant funding to 10 Michigan high schools. Each school will receive a $5,000 ASPIRE grant, the first stage of MCAN’s High School Innovation Grants program. Recipients will use the funds over the next four to six months to assess current systems and practices, determine challenge areas, develop an action plan and establish a postsecondary action and success team.

In alignment with Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, High School Innovation Grants encourage schools to assess and improve their college-going cultures through a multi-year collaborative process. The schools will work collaboratively with MCAN and community partners to develop sustainable, systems-wide plans to improve postsecondary outcomes for their students. This is a new grant program that builds on MCAN’s prior work with high schools.

“Michigan’s students deserve robust, equity-based postsecondary guidance that prepares them for college and careers,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “By addressing systemic inequities and employing best practices, we can help ensure that all students especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color can access postsecondary education that helps them achieve their career goals.”

The inaugural cohort of ASPIRE grantees comprises 10 Michigan high schools:

! Bay City Western High School (Auburn)

! Dansville High School (Dansville)

! Redford Union High School (Redford)

! Orchard View High School (Muskegon)

! Loyola High School (Detroit)

! Allendale High School (Allendale)

! Trillium Academy (Taylor)

! Big Rapids Virtual Academy (Big Rapids)

! John Glenn High School (Westland)

! Wayne Memorial High School (Wayne)

Upon completion of the ASPIRE stage, schools will progress to the ACTIVATE stage, a 12- to 18-month period that includes an additional $10,000 in grant funding, where they will develop and execute plans to improve college-going culture, as well as create data infrastructure to measure student trends. The final stage, ALIGN, is a six- to 12-month period that includes another $10,000 in grant funding. In this stage, the schools will focus on sustaining best practices and sharing results with others in the education community.

To learn more about High School Innovation Grants or other MCAN grant programs, visit micollegeaccess.org/grants.

ABOUT MICHIGAN COLLEGE ACCESS NETWORK

As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN works to improve the futures of Michigan’s students and communities by making college accessible to all. MCAN’s work centers on one main goal: To increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60% by 2030. MCAN engages partners statewide who are committed to systems-level change and the reduction of barriers to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation ollege going students, and students of color. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org college-going micollegeaccess.org.

From Allendale Eye Care (Behind True Value)

Ask the Eye Doctor

Vision testing (refraction) is only one part of a comprehensive eye exam. Testing properly the health of the complete eye for eye disease and treating early, will potentially have the greatest long-term impact on a lifetime of excellent vision. You see clearly when the light en-tering the eye is properly focused on the inside back nerve layer (retina) where photorecep-tors pick up the signals and transfer the information to the visual cortex located at the back of the head. Testing thoroughly this whole system is necessary for early detection of eye dis-ease and proper intervention. The most devastating vision loss can come from disorders that have absolutely no early symptoms and can go undetected for many years, resulting in per-manent vision loss.

Many eye disorders can start at any age, early detection is the key in prevention of perma-nent vision loss that can be seen in the elderly population. Macular Degeneration causes devastating vision loss for many in the elderly population and now with the latest imaging technology, can be detected as early as age 50. This allows for early treatment measures and better longterm vision outcomes. Glaucoma is still the leading cause of permanent vi-sion loss. It can start at any age, including young children and has absolutely no early symptoms. Early diagnosis and management can prevent blindness.

All children should have a full eye exam completed no later than age 5. Many states already mandate a comprehensive eye exam before starting kindergarten. Ideally, children should be seen for routine eye care by an eyecare professional by age 2 or 3. Exams can be done even earlier if any specific concerns should arise. Eye and vision development goes through stages that make it much more difficult, if not impossible, to correct some types of vision problems like amblyopia or “lazy eye”, after the age of 7. Seeing children by age 5, allows for adequate treatment time, if needed. Muscle alignment and binocular vision issues can be addressed early to also ensure the best visual function for optimal learning.

Celebrating a wonderful day of collaboration and community with Positive Options. It’s with great joy that they share that they were able to purchase an ultrasound machine for their Allendale location.

Welcome to Allendale, City2Shore Gateway Group

By: Shelby Sullivan Writer for the AACC

The Allendale Chamber of Commerce could not be more excited to welcome City2Shore Gateway Group to the wonderful community of All In Allendale!

City2Shore Gateway Group is husband-and-wife owned by Geoff and Ginger Brown. Together, they have created a friendly neighborhood real estate firm with years of experience and a heart to meet the needs of future homeowners here in West Michigan.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes City2Shore special!

Allendale is one of West Michigan's fastest-growing communities. Yet despite the presence of national real estate companies, Grand Rapids brokers see Allendale as being “too far away.”

Using its unique approach, City2Shore Gateway Group recognized Allendale as a “gateway” to both Grand Rapids and the lakeshore. “Allendale is a necessary pass-through for the area and is vital to the local community,” says Geoff Brown, co-owner of City2Shore Gateway Group. He knew he wanted to serve this community, which has, in the past, been greatly neglected by other real estate agencies. “Our goal is to be recognized as a trusted and reliable real estate company in Allendale.”

As such, City2Shore Gateway Group’s dream was to invest in the community by putting down roots here.

"I made the decision to start City2Shore Gateway Group nearly 3 years ago,” says Geoff. I knew that I wanted to be based in Allendale, specifically on Lake Michigan Drive.”

But attaining that dream would take some time. “I had to wait for the right property to come up and for the price to be affordable. I kept praying and waiting for the right opportunity, and then it finally came.”

A building on Lake Michigan Drive finally went on the market. It stayed on the market for several months before we came to an agreement with the sellers. Geoff and his wife Ginger were thrilled. Not only had they found their perfect building, but also their perfect community.

“It was a purposeful decision to work with the Allendale community, which I felt was underserved and in need of a real estate broker who would take a chance and build a brokerage in Allendale,” says Geoff. “We have put down roots and invested our money and our time in this town because we want to serve the community and we see its growth potential.”

Thanks to the establishment of a real estate brokerage in Allendale, residents no longer have to travel outside Allendale to access top-notch realtors to sell their properties or buy a home.

“We want to make sure the people of Allendale and all of West Michigan, know that we are here and available. They don't have to go to Grand Rapids or the lakeshore for an experienced real estate company. They have one right here.”

A TEAM WORTH KNOWING

When Geoff Brown, the founder of City2Shore Gateway Group, decided to open a real estate brokerage in Allendale, many trusted agents quickly followed his lead. They believed in his expertise and vision for the community.

WHY ALLENDALE?

“When I started, several agents expressed their willingness to follow my lead and join the company,” says Geoff. “More than one of them used the phrase, “Where you go, I go.” That is a powerful statement, and it was very humbling to hear.”

Those incredible agents now support City2Shore Gateway Group’s clients by offering various services. For example, some realtors may specialize in working with older generations, or veterans, while others may specialize in working with first-time home buyers. "When a customer comes in and becomes our client, we can match them with the perfect realtor for their needs. Whether they are selling, buying, investing, downsizing or have other specific requirements, we have strength in numbers and experience to be all things to all people” because the company values experiential diversity among its agents and encourages them to specialize in specific demographics.

“I knew that to achieve our goals and serve our clients effectively, we needed to assemble a core group of talented and dedicated agents. I continuously communicated my vision for the company and the clients we wanted to serve, and this has attracted agents who share our values and goals.”

WHY AGENTS CHOOSE CITY2SHORE GATEWAY GROUP:

But it’s not just Geoff who chooses the agents he works with; the agents must also choose him.

I reached out and asked a few agents: Why this brokerage? What sets it apart? Their answers did not disappoint!

“I choose to work for the Gateway Group because of the moral compass this company has. We have a creed that we adhere to, but it is more than that. The company and the agents here live by [that creed], not because we have to but because we want to. We all are like a small family, always willing to help one another out.” -

Brenda Smith Associate Broker

“I choose to hold my license under City2Shore Gateway Group for reasons I believe are unique in real estate. Gateway Group celebrates accomplishments and encourages individual growth, which supports healthy competition without pressure. I’m thankful to Geoff & Ginger Brown for creating the Gateway Group and look forward to continued growth in beautiful Allendale!” -

Jodie Postmus Realtor

“Being built on strong morals and a commitment to serve the community with integrity, having a great network of other agents, along with strong leadership and continual education in real estate, made City2Shore Gateway Group a clear choice for me!” -

Doug Sheneman Realtor

This company brings in Realtors based on their character so they will be an ideal fit in the culture of the

brokerage. City2Shore Gateway Group Real Estate is unique in the way it works daily with it’s Realtors. Geoff fosters an “agent centric” atmosphere where agents feel respected, welcome, and supported in all phases of their careers.

AN AGENCY THAT EDUCATES:

City2Shore Gateway Group Real Estate is committed to providing its clients and agents with the best services in the West Michigan real estate market.

One of the ways they do this is by prioritizing realtor and client education. The firm understands that providing top-notch services means ensuring its agents are knowledgeable, skilled and life-long learners. They also spend the time to educate their sellers and buyers throughout the transaction to provide comfort and a sense of control throughout the process.

This is why they host weekly educational events and lunches. They do this by bringing in industry experts to share their knowledge with the agents. These events cover various topics, such as market trends and a better understanding of the local area.

They also provide an opportunity for agents to network and learn from one another. For example, agents can host presentations and talks! The firm's dedication to education is evident in the success of its agents, who are well-equipped to handle any real estate transaction. The agency also provides educational opportunities for its clients to help them understand the buying or selling process and market trends and provide them with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about buying or selling their homes.

Therefore, the agency is very excited to announce the future launch of its upcoming blog!

The C2S Gateway Group Real Estate blog will be a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the Allendale area real estate market. The blog will feature the most up-to-date information on market trends and changes in Allendale, making it the go-to source for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in our area.

Keep an eye out for the launching of the City2Shore Gateway Group blog soon, which will be posted to the Allendale Announcer page online!

WELCOME, CITY2SHORE GATEWAY GROUP!

As we welcomeCity2Shore Gateway Group Real Estate into our “All In Allendale” community, we look forward to all that they will bring - from listing all types of homes and properties and aiding sellers in getting top dollar to helping buyers find properties tailored specifically for them.

We can't wait to see what this friendly neighborhood realtor has up its sleeve! We urge you to stop in and say hello to this powerful ally for Allendale area sellers and buyers.

ON THE MOVE WITH

GATEWAY GROUP REAL ESTATE

Welcome to the 2022 Allendale and surrounding townships real estate blog. We will be updating you monthly on current real estate related facts and even provide a Q&A area for you to get your questions answered by a veteran professional real estate broker. We look forward to hearing your comments and thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

First, It’s important that we provide you with some important facts regarding Allendale, Allendale Township and Ottawa County real estate.

Allendale Township is an unincorporated community in Ottawa County with approximately 5400 residents and growing. The median home value is $230,000 which is higher than the national average home value of $225,600. These figures are growing steadily every month. Homes in Allendale township are appreciating more rapidly than average when compared to other towns in Michigan of similar populations. The Median home price of listed homes is approximately $270,000 from 2012-2022. Over the past 3 years home values have skyrocketed as we all know. In the last 30 days, the average home sale price has jumped to $416,000 or $213/ square foot. This jump is mainly due to new housing construction in the township which has caused the average SOLD price to jump to $357,000. This number is still very high although it is down about 12% from this time last year.

-Some additional statistics from 2012-2022

The median household income in Allendale is $68,202 which is still higher than the national average $60,293. The unemployment rate in Allendale Township is approximately 4.3% which is lower than the national average of 5.2%. The cost of living in Allendale is 6.7% higher than the national average primarily due to high housing costs. The median rent price in Allendale Township is $1300 which is higher than the national average of $949.

Allendale Township is served by Allendale Public schools which has a graduation rate of 93% which is higher than the national average. Overall, Allendale is a great location for those looking for relatively affordable housing, a high quality of life and access to a superior public school system.

The statistics provided are from both the US Census bureau as well as the National Association of Realtors and the Multi Listing Service.

Geoff Brown is a West Michigan residential and commercial real estate broker, owner and investor. Geoff is the owner of City2Shore Gateway Group Real Estate located in Allendale Michigan which is an independently owned and operated franchise location. The Gateway Group Real Estate firm currently has 19 local realtors who serve clients from Lowell to the lakeshore and Kalamazoo to Big Rapids and more.

Please send comments and questions to: Marketing4Gateway@gmail.com

By: Shelby Sullivan Writer

February can be a tough time of year; the groundhog has seen its shadow, it's freezing outside, and spring still feels far away, but don't let this gloomy weather keep you inside all month!

Looking for something exciting to do this February? If so, you'll definitely want to check out the events happening at Grand Valley State University!

Whether you're a student looking for a unique way to spend your free time or interested in community involvement, GVSU o ers some amazing experiences you don't want to miss!

So grab your family, friends, or even go solo - now is a great time to explore what our GVSU community o ers!

Note: Event locations, dates, and availability are subject to change. Please contact GVSU for more information to verify that events are still happening.

PERFORMING STUDIOS SERIES PRODUCTIONS

The P.S. Series productions are fully staged performances created by Grand Valley Theatre students, including direction, design, production, and performance. Attending is a great way to support students and their projects! Two productions have been selected for the 2022-2023 season:

IN LOVE AND WARCRAFT

by Madhuri Shekar directed

by Anna Compton

“Evie Malone - gamer girl, college senior and confirmed virgin - has it all figured out. Not only does she command a top-ranked guild in Warcraft with her online boyfriend, she also makes a little cash on the side writing love letters for people who've screwed up their relationships. Love is like Warcraft, after all.”

Dates, Location & Times

February 2-5, 2023, in the Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre

Friday at 7:30 PM

Saturday at 7:30 PM

Sunday at 2:00 PM

PONY UP

by Mallory Jane Weiss

directed by Bella

Gielniak

“A Wild West: A world where men ride horses and women ride bicycles. A world that is changed forever when Ruthie’s husband, Jack (biggest pistol in town), wins three larger-than-life stallions in an auction. Hell-bent on riding the stallions, Ruthie finds herself enticed by Rooster and Pearl, two women with their eyes set on the horizon line, in a place impossible to reach by bicycle. With the help of a forward-thinking heifer (yes, a cow), the women discover the kind of strength female friendship can inspire. And ultimately, they try to find a place all on their own.”

Dates, Location & Times

February 2-5, 2023, in the Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre

Thursday at 7:30 PM

Saturday at 2:00 PM

Sunday at 7:30 PM

for the AACC

CENTER FOR WOMEN AND GENDER EQUITY “TALK BACK TUESDAY”

As part of Sex-Ed Week, the Center for Women and Gender Equity will host Talk Back Tuesday on Healthy Relationships, led by Rachel Dziabuda, Campus Victim Advocate. Attendees will learn about relationship dynamics, gender-based violence, and strategies for building healthy relationships.

This session is a great opportunity for anyone looking to improve their romantic, platonic, or familial relationships. It is also an opportunity for those who want to learn more about creating a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.

This is a valuable learning opportunity for anyone looking to improve their relationships and create a safer and more inclusive community. Whether you're a student, a sta member, or a community member, this session is open to everyone!

Dates, Location & Times

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2270 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus

LECTURE: CHANGING PERCEPTIONS, EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Are you looking for inspiration and insight on changing perceptions and exceeding expectations? Then you won't want to miss the presentation by Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, the world's first American Indian female dentist!

Dr. Rickert is a trailblazer in her field and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. This is a unique and rare opportunity to hear from a pioneering figure in the field of dentistry and gain valuable insights on how to reach your goals. Don't miss out on this enlightening and inspiring event.

Dates, Location & Times

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Pere Marquette room, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus

GRAND VALLEY OPERA THEATRE PRESENTS: “THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE”

Come experience the comedic joy of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"! This Tony-award-winning musical follows a group of eccentric pre-teens as they compete in a spelling competition, all while dealing with the joys and sorrows of growing up.

With a catchy and witty soundtrack and a lovable cast of characters, this show will surely leave you laughing, singing, and maybe even reliving your childhood memories. Get ready for an evening of pure entertainment and a chance to relive the glory days of being a spelling bee champion.

Don't miss "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" – book your tickets now!

Dates, Location & Times

February 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7:30 PM

February 19 and 26 at 2:00 PM

Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts

Adam Khalil, a renowned artist, and filmmaker of Ojibwe descent, will present his innovative and multi-disciplinary work in the visual arts in a lecture titled "How to Commit Crimes Against Reality." His work, rooted in Indigenous narratives, explores new and reimagined Indigenous futures.

Khalil's work is thought-provoking, challenging, and pushing boundaries. This lecture a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Indigenous perspectives and the power of visual arts to change the narratives and shape the future. This lecture is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art, filmmaking, and Indigenous perspectives!

Adam Khalil, a member of the Ojibwe tribe, is a filmmaker and artist from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, whose practice attempts to subvert traditional forms of image-making through humor, relation, and transgression.

Dates, Location & Times

Feb 21st

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre

"HOW TO COMMIT CRIMES AGAINST REALITY", A LECTURE BY ADAM KHALIL

Love your community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Kayla Smith

Brand Coordinator

kasmith@honorcu.com

800.442.2800, ext. 9205

Honor Credit Union to Award 28 High School Seniors with $1,000 Scholarship

BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN - January 13, 2023 Honor Credit Union is excited to announce the kickoff of its 2023 Community Commitment Scholarship application. The application window is open for high school seniors from January 13- March 15, 2023. Honor Credit Union will award a $1,000 scholarship to 28 graduating high school or home school seniors.

Each year, the Community Commitment Scholarship holds steadfast with the mission of supporting high school seniors and their continued education at the university or trade school of their choosing. It reflects Honor's values of community, education, and supporting its members.

To be eligible, the student must be a primary account holder at Honor Credit Union and complete an online application detailing their academic performance and community involvement. Students must highlight this community involvement in a 3 00-400-word essay explaining how they have made their community a better place.

The deadline to apply for the Community Commitment Scholarship is March 15, 2023, at 11:59:59 PM. Applications must be submitted online. Applications delivered to an Honor me mber center will not be considered. Scholarship winners will be contacted and announced in late April. To access the application form and view the complete list of requirements, please visit www.honorcu.com/ scholarship.

ABOUT HONOR CREDIT UNION

Honor Credit Union is a non-profit, full -service financial institution serving over 100,000 members in 28 member center communities throughout western and northern Michigan.

Providing solutions for financial success and giving back to the communities we serve remain the driving forces behind Honor Credit Union. For more information, call 800.442.2800, or visit www.honorcu.com.

Tolman’s

Don't Wait Until A Dead Battery Leaves You Stranded! Purchase and have installed your NAPA Battery through February 28, 2023 at Tolman's Auto Tech and receive up to a $25 prepaid Visa card. Promotion only includes NAPA Legend, NAPA Legend Premium AGM or AAA Premium Battery.

Need New Tires? At Tolman's Auto Tech we can nd the right tire for your needs. Purchase and have installed your new tires Monday through Friday 8-5:30pm, call for your appointment at 616 895 7500.

EVENSON FELLOWChris Kelly

Ms Christine Kelly has been a teacher at the Allendale Middle School for 24 years teaching a variety of science classes Her students utilizing STEM curriculum, learn how their actions impact positively and negatively the environment around them. Because of her outstanding teaching skill sets and community contributions, the Charles Evenson Foundation Board of Directors in December, selected teacher

Ms Chris Kelly as its first Evenson Fellow.

The selection comes with foundation funding allowing Ms Kelly to teach, create and pursue innovative approaches toward a more sustainable environment and in particular, positive actions to minimize climate change The Evenson Foundation supports unique, environmental initiatives in cooperation with the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and other not for profit organizations with similar goals. The Evenson Fellows program seeks to identify and support individuals in West Michigan that it believes are under recognized and underfunded for their outstanding work in their community.

www.allendale-twp.org

TOWNSHIP INFORMATION

Township Board Mee�ngs

Township board mee�ng dates are February 13 and 27 at 6:00 pm. You can find board agendas and minutes on our website: www.allendale-twp.org.

Payment Reminder

Township property tax bills and water/sewer bills are due on Tuesday, February 14th. Our office will be open that day from 8AM -5PM with a lunch closure of 12PM-1PM.

Payment can be made in person, via phone, online via our website: www.allendale-twp.org, or placed in the outdoor dropbox in our parking lot.

If you have any ques�ons or would like your bill amount, please contact us at 616 -895-6295. You can also contact us via email at frontdesk@allendale-twp.org.

ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

Winter Reading Program

There is s�ll �me to complete our Winter Reading Program! Finish by March 4 to earn a prize!

ALLENDALE CHARTER TOWNSHIP Keeping

Burn Permits

Burn permits are issued to homeowners during the months of December, January, and February. There is no cost associated with applica�on. A permit must be issued before any burning can take place, and it is valid for up to four consecu�ve days and may be issued up to three days in advance. You may apply for the permit in person at the township office or online at h�p:// allendalefirerescue.net/Burn-Permits.php at any �me. If you have any ques�ons, please contact us at 616-895-6295.

Always call 9-1-1 in the event of a fire emergency.

Website Services

Many of our services including paying water/sewer and tax bills, applying for a dog license, and viewing Township Board, Planning Commission, and other board agendas and minutes are available on our website: www.allendale -twp.org. You can also find auditorium/park pavilion rental forms and find FOIA informa�on online. Please contact us at 616-895-6295 with ques�ons.