The Announcer May 2024

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.

WEBSITE: www.allendalechamber.org

OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment

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

Join the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate The Nest Egg Cafe at their

May Calendar of Events

Trivia at Peppino’s Pizzeria + Sports Grill at 6pm

Trail Point Run Club meeting at 5:45pm, start at 6pm

Trivia at Trail Point at 7pm

Karaoke at Main St Pub starting at 8:30pm

Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab at 5:30pm

Trivia at Main St Pub starting at 8:30pm

Karaoke at Peppino’s Pizzeria & Sports Grill at 9pm

Lessons + Line Dancing at Embassy Bar + Grill at 7pm

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

Trivia at Farmhaus Cider at 7pm (paused for now, continues in April)

Trivia at Embassy Bar and Grill starting at 8pm

Karaoke at Embassy Bar and Grill starting at 9pm

APS athletics

allendaleathletics.org

Food Trucks

Trail Point: Tuesday - Sunday

Farmhaus Cider: Thursday - Sunday

Build your perfect home ...in Emerald Springs!

Welcome to a brand-new community in Allendale! This community offers a variety of single-family homes situated around a beautiful water feature. This hidden gem is located between 60th Ave and 64th Ave, right off of Lake Michigan Drive, just 3 minutes away from the Allendale your dream community, building a brand-new Eastbrook home allows you to personalize your home to your individual lifestyle. You’ll love the experience of working with our Interior Designers in our 4000 sq. ft Home Creation Studio where you can add the perfect touches to your home while staying on budget.

| EastbrookHomes.com

Ask

www.familyvisionoptical.com

Q: Why Are My Eyes Burning?

A:

If you are dealing with itching, burning eyes, you’re not alone and there is hope! Let me give you 5 things that could factor into your particular bout with burning eyes:

Your Eyes Are DRY: Evaporative dry eye is a very common issue where you don’t have enough oil in your tears to keep them from evaporating too quickly. Eye drops like Systane Complete are specifically made to help replace the oil component and can help with the irritation. However, dry eye is a systemic issue so, while eye drops are helpful in the short term, we have other options available to help treat the root of the problem.

Preservatives: a lot of artificial tear drops have preservatives which if used too often can irritate your eyes and cause that burning sensation. Try to use preservative free options for maximum comfort.

Screen Time: We spend a ton of time in front of screens these days and most of it is unavoidable due to work, school, etc. Unfortunately, prolonged staring at screens can be a huge contributor to eye irritation. To help with this issue, take frequent breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds and BLINK).

Use of a Fan or CPAP at Night: Both of these devices when pointed at your face can dry out your eyes overnight. Try pointing the fan away from your face or using a thick eye gel or ointment (we like Hylo Night ointment) for protection.

Allergies: Histamine is released into your eyes which makes us want to... you guessed it: Itch our eyes! The problem is this just makes the problem even worse! What you want is an antihistamine mast cell stabilizer and use it consistently for at least a week to get the full benefit. We recommend Pataday Once Daily or Pataday Extra Strength. As always, when in doubt, give us a call (616-895-2020) and I am happy to help!

are so excited to announce that we are expanding our office and moving to a new location in Allendale (68th St, next to

This move will give us a much larger space to provide the best possible care for our patients. From dedicated dry eye treatment rooms and an upgraded optical, to a very special room just for our younger patients, we cannot wait for you to

Once upon a time…If you’re like me, those words were the beginning of many a fairy tale back in the day. The Red Door Market, located at 6837 Lake Michigan Drive in Allendale, is one of those fairy tale stories that is writing its own happily ever after. Last month they had a ribbon cutting for the launch of their new name. What an exciting time for this thriving small business!

The doors have been reopened: The Red Door Market

By: Kathy Hanes / Allendale Historian

Many years ago, around 1955, the building on the northwest corner of 68th Avenue and Lake Michigan Drive housed the original Broene’s Furniture store, Piersma’s Pharmacy and Ensing’s garage. Fast forward to the 1970’s and as businesses moved and others were established, Jenny’s Floral.

Formerly known as The Red Door Consignment, this name change brings about new beginnings and fresh ideas. The Red Door Market offers many different decor styles and gift ideas that are as unique and individual as the intended recipient. Need a baby shower gift? They’ve got it. Looking for that special something for a boho/hippie vibe friend? They’ve got it! Searching for vintage, retro, MCM or antique finds? You’re in the right place. Now I’m sounding like an advertisement…but seriously, they have got so much to offer to our community when it comes to finding the right thing. Now for a little walk down memory lane…

Enter Sandy Arrasmith, the current owner of The Red Door Market. Sandy had spent over 30 years in the convenience store industry and recently retired. Her son had bought an older home that was fully furnished. Her love of antiques and knack at decorating prompted her to help repurpose and refinish the contents of the house and sell them by renting booth space at the local consignment shop. This was the beginning of Sandy’s affiliation with the Red Door. Over time, she was asked to be the manager and began that position in January of 2020. Can you guess what happened next?

Two months after becoming manager at the consignment store is when Covid hit. During the Covid shut-down, Sandy worked on renovating their space and focused on the next steps to build up business. By providing necessary essentials, like masks, soaps, and sanitizers, they were able to open for business within several months. People came in just to browse and left with things they didn’t even know they needed! This was just the boost that Sandy needed to move ahead.

The Red Door Market isn’t like most businesses. They have no employees. They have volunteers, usually vendors with a booth in the store, that help to run the day-to-day operation. Vendors are responsible for their own booth set-up and décor. Currently they have 35 to 40 vendors, and they are always willing to take on new vendors.

Vintage décor is timeless because it doesn’t matter what’s going on inflation wise; If it’s the right price, people will buy it. “ “

Sandy Arrasmith, Owner

On a personal note, Sandy and her husband Brian have been married for 33 years. Their first house was the former blue Bosch house, which sat on the property of the Union 76 Station: current site of Allendale Mobil Mart. This house was moved to Alger Street where they lived for many years. They have 3 children and 4 grandkids. In her free time Sandy loves to flip furniture and decorate –a talent that she might have picked up from her mother who owned and operated Noel in Jamestown. When she’s not at The Red Door Market, Sandy loves to spend time with family and travel.

If you have not been to this hidden gem called The Red Door Market, come on over and check them out…who knows what you’ll find? Here. Now. In Allendale.

BizStream’s Must-Attend West Michigan Tech Events

Fostering innovation and community collaboration is essential for progress in the dynamic technology landscape. At BizStream, we are proud to actively support and participate in various tech events that drive the advancement of arti cial intelligence (AI), software development, and diversity in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) industries within the Greater Grand Rapids area. Here are some events we're eagerly looking forward to attending and supporting.

BizStream is a prominent sponsor, co-host, and collaborative partner of the West Michigan AI Lab. Along with other organizers, we aim to illuminate the path of AI technology, making it accessible and beneficial for everyone. Through partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions, we strive to foster a culture of innovation and practical application, ultimately transforming West Michigan into a hub of AI excellence. This group meets monthly Visit meetup.com/west-michigan-ai-lab to learn more!

Beer City Code is an annual conference for software developers held in Grand Rapids, MI. This event welcomes software creators of all kinds, o ering a platform for learning and networking in the heart of Beer City, USA. BizStream has been a proud platinum sponsor of this event for several years. If you attend, be sure to stop by our booth for some extra fun and giveaways! This event takes place August 2–3. Visit www.beercitycode.com to register.

MERGE promises an immersive experience in practical know-how and thought leadership content, focusing on innovation in product development. This event serves as a nexus for local businesses, from startups to enterprises, to explore emerging trends in AI, cybersecurity, AR/VR, and more. This event takes place on May 6 Visit merge.softwaregr.org to learn more.

BizStream is excited to sponsor and participate in Go Beyond, The Right Place's inaugural event. Go Beyond is dedicated to addressing challenges for mid-career-level women and non-binary folks in STEAM, aims to break barriers and foster progress within the tech sector through empowering workshops and insightful discussions, promoting diversity and inclusion. This event takes place on May 9. To attend, visit rightplace.org/events/gobeyond.

Mark your calendars for the week of September 16, 2024, as Tech Week Grand Rapids unfolds as a multi-day celebration of the region's tech community. Tech Week Grand Rapids embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines West Michigan's tech scene with a diverse lineup of events, including hands-on exhibits, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. This event kicks o the week of September 16. Keep your eye on www.techweekgr.com as the full schedule unfolds.

IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR FOR WEST MICHIGAN TECH!

As technology continues to evolve, collaboration and community engagement remain paramount. Through our support and participation in events like the West Michigan AI Lab, Beer City Code, Merge, Go Beyond, and Tech Week Grand Rapids, BizStream is dedicated to nurturing innovation, driving progress, and fostering inclusivity within the West Michigan tech ecosystem. We look forward to seeing you at these events as we collectively shape the future of technology in our community and beyond!

1. WEST MICHIGAN AI LAB

5. TECH WEEK GRAND RAPIDS

3. MERGE

2. BEER CITY CODE

4. GO BEYOND

www.allendale.k12.mi.us

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

**Please continue to check our website for the most up-to-date information on events taking place**

May 1 High School Art Show, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 1 High School Collage, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 2 High School Collage, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 3 No School Young Five - 12th Grade

May 10 Dental Smile Program, Allendale Public Schools

May 13 Board of Education Regular Meeting, 6:00 PM, Oakwood Board Room

May 13 Middle School Choir Concert, 7:00 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 13 Middle School Art Show, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 16 Middle School Band Concert, 7:00 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 16 Middle School Art Show, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 17 8th Grade Award Ceremony, 6:00 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 17 Middle School Art Show, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Ceglarek Fine Arts Center

May 22 Early Childhood Center Art Show, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Early Childhood Center

APS

May 23 High School Graduation, 7:00 PM, Allendale High School

May 27 Memorial Day, No School Young 5 - 12th Grade

Allendale Middle School Robotics continue their tradition of outstanding teams! This year 2 teams were invited to the C R E A T E tournament in Iowa Those 2 teams also qualified for the World Championship in Texas! The middle school students going to Iowa and Texas to compete are Grady Wynsma, Jonathan Dowd, Isaac Busman, and Gabriel Wiggins. Congratulations! We are very proud of you!

TOWNSHIP INFORMATION

Township board mee ng dates are May 13th and 27th at 6:00 pm. You can nd board agendas and minutes on our website: www.allendale twp.org.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Come to the Allendale Community Park this summer for our annual series! Concerts are held from 6pm 8pm Tuesday evenings.

June 25 | Sweet Jus ce

July 9 | Allendale Jazz Orchestra

July 16 | Sweet Lady B’s

July 23 | The Langford Lads

July 30 | Simply in Time

ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

Coming Soon: Summer Reading Program

Our theme for the 2024 summer reading program is “Adventure Begins at your Library!”

Check out our website and Facebook page for all the fun programs we have planned this summer. Reading logs for all ages will be available beginning June 1!

Memorial Day Closure: In observance of Memorial Day, the library will be closed on Monday, May 27.

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