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
Written By: Angie Ecklund, Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
A locally loved favorite and true Allendale household name, Affogato’s Ice Cream and Coffee recently celebrated an exciting milestone — breaking ground for their brand-new location on the north side of Lake Michigan Drive, joined by the Allendale Chamber and a crowd of smiling supporters.
The story of Affogato’s is more than a tale of business growth it’s a story of dreams taking shape through community collaboration. From a simple vision of a cozy, year-round gathering place to the joyful groundbreaking on their own property, Affogato’s journey shines as an example of what can happen when local businesses work together and pour their hearts into the town they call home
That community spirit was evident from the very beginning When Love INC of Allendale decided to part with a piece of land, they hoped it would go to someone who shared their love for this community
With the guidance of Geoff Brown and the City2Shore Gateway Group, that hope quickly found its match in David and Shelley, the passionate owners of Affogato’s. Their dream? To design and build a one-of-a-kind coffee and ice cream shop right here in Allendale
The local partnerships didn’t stop there David and Shelley turned to Honor Credit Union, where they found not just financial resources, but genuine support and encouragement as they navigated the next steps of their dream Thanks to the dedication of City2Shore Gateway Group, both parties came together in a smooth, heartfelt transaction one built on shared values and mutual respect What began as a sale soon became a story of neighbors connected by community pride
And when it came time to build, they kept that same local spirit alive by partnering with Duke Construction Corporation, who is now turning the architectural plans into reality bringing to life the new Affogato’s Ice Cream and Coffee
Of course, every great project takes time to perfect As construction moves
forward, Allendale can look forward to Spring 2026, when the new Affogato’s will open its doors complete with a convenient drive-thru for those early morning coffees and late-night ice cream cravings
From dream to design, from neighbors to new beginnings, this is more than just a business expansion it’s a celebration of Allendale’s heart, one scoop and one cup at a time.
Every great story begins with a moment of courage — a quiet belief that something beautiful can take shape if you just take the first step. For Caleb and Alissa Tollefson, that step led them to Allendale, Michigan — a place that wasn’t originally part of their plan but has become the stage for one of their life’s greatest performances.
Ten years ago, the couple was living in Chicago, chasing careers and soaking up the rhythm of city life. Alissa, a professional dancer and teacher, carried within her a dream — to create a place where dance could be taught with excellence and joy, and where every student felt like they belonged. When life brought them back to West Michigan in 2015, that dream began to find its footing.
With a two-month-old baby, borrowed studio space at Life Stream Church, and a shared sense of purpose, Lake Michigan Dance Academy opened its doors in August 2016. What began as a single room and seventy students has grown into a vibrant community of more than 400 dancers and a team of over twenty instructors. But numbers only tell part of the story. The true success of LMDA lies in its culture — a place where kindness and encouragement move in step with precision and artistry. Students aren’t just learning choreography; they’re discovering confidence, discipline, and the joy of expressing something that words can’t quite capture. Alissa often says that dance should be taught well, offered affordably, and always be fun. This philosophy has shaped LMDA into more than a studio. It’s a family.
Written by Angie Ecklund, Director of Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce
If LMDA’s foundation was built on passion, its Nutcracker Ballet has become the heartbeat of that passion in motion.
The idea came from instructor Sarah Robins, who first danced The Nutcracker at age five and has since performed, directed, or produced it for more than two decades. To her, this timeless ballet was more than a holiday tradition — it was a bridge between generations of dancers, a way to connect an entire community through storytelling and art, while challenging dancers of all ages.
When she brought the idea to the Tollefsons, they gave her full trust to bring it to life. In 2023, the curtain rose on LMDA’s first Nutcracker — and the magic hasn’t stopped since.
Each year, dancers from across West Michigan — Grand Rapids, the Lakeshore, even Kalamazoo — come together to take part. The word “audition” feels too formal for what it truly is, because there’s a place for everyone. Every dancer has a role, and every role matters.
Saturday rehearsals begin in August, filling the studio with laughter, hard work, and camaraderie. For many families, it’s become a tradition — parents sewing costumes, siblings painting sets, friends carpooling to the studio. The production has grown into something far greater than a performance. It’s a celebration of dedication, creativity, and belonging.
As Lake Michigan Dance Academy celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2025, there’s a quiet sense of awe among those who’ve been part of its journey. What began as a leap of faith has turned into a thriving community — one where dreams take shape in mirrored rooms, and music fills the spaces between every step.
In a decade marked by growth, grace, and gratitude, LMDA continues to prove that dance is more than movement — it’s connection. It’s courage. It’s the art of finding joy in every turn, every leap, and every new beginning.
Saturday, November 29
Two shows: 1:00pm and 5:00pm at Jenison Center for the Arts
Get your tickets here:
Township board mee�ng dates are November 10th and 24th at 6:00 pm. You can find board agendas and minutes on our website: www.allendalemi.gov
Join us on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 7:30am for a Veterans Day Reception. Hear from guest speakers and meet with fellow veterans. A complimentary breakfast will be served. No RSVP needed.
Location: Allendale Township Hall, 6676 Lake Michigan Drive.
The Township office will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume regular office hours on Monday, December 1st. Our outdoor dropbox, located in the parking lot, is open 24/7.
Mark your calendars!
Saturday, December 6 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm will be our annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party Visit with Santa, enjoy the pe�ng zoo, and vibe to live music. Dress for the weather; parts of the program will be outdoors. For families.
At Allendale Public Schools, educating our kids is a team effort. Every classroom moment is supported by people who care—from the teachers leading instruction to the drivers, parapros, food service staff, custodians, coaches, and specialists who make learning possible.
• S tudent-centered culture and supportive staff
• Progressive and diverse environment
• Meaningful work that directly impacts kids every day
• We are small enough to care and large enough to matter!
Support Staff Teacher aides and paraprofessionals
Athletics Coaching roles
Student Support Services
Lunchroom and playground monitors
Special Education Paraprofessionals
Transportation Bus drivers, monitors, and crossing guards
