January 2018

to our new members!

A Monthly Publication of the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce

Love Inc. New To You Store

PRSRT STDECRWSS

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

EDDM Retail

welcome

New Year, New Opportunities!

2018 Sustaining Partner Circle

Local Allendale Announcer Recipient

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. The AACC is dedicated to providing a local publication with a “hometown” feeling, focusing on community-wide information from our local businesses, schools, churches, township government, and other issues of interest as they pertain to our community.

AD SPACE DEADLINE:The 10th of the month prior to publication date. CIRCULATION: Approx. 6,500 Households in Allendale Township RATES: Contact Janessa Smit at aacc@allendalechamber.org ADS SENT TO: Christie Tiddat allendaleannouncer@gmail.com

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

WEBSITE: www.allendalechamber.org OFFICE HOURS: Monday and Wednesday

The Announcer

Allendale Chamber board members, business representatives and community leaders gathered for the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce O�ce and Suites Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. The new o�ce is located at 11325 54th Avenue in the center of Allendale’s business and industrial park. Previously the Chamber was utilizing temporary o�ce space in the garden conservatory on the property of Allendale True Value. While the o�ce was quaint and comfortable, it became increasingly di�cult to host meetings and did not provide the needed access or exposure. Not only does the Allendale Chamber have a beautiful new o�ce to call home, they are pleased to provide four (4) additional o�ce suites available for rent on a short-term or long-term basis. The idea is to provide strategic partners and entrepreneurs a�ordable space to launch community initiatives and businesses. A big thank you goes to the business leaders with the vision to lay this foundation for the Allendale community,” said Rence Meredith, 2017-2018 President of the Allendale Chamber Board of Directors and Maintenance Supervisor at Grand Valley State University. Members in attendance at the ribbon cutting celebration were asked to leave their thumb print in ink that will be framed and hung in the o�ce as a reminder that a chamber of commerce is only as strong as its members. “Chamber of Commerce activity is a precursor of what’s to come in the business community. This is a de�ning moment. Great things are in the future,” said Janessa Smit, Executive Director for the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce. Businesses and organizations can be con�dent in knowing their membership investment in the Allendale Chamber is making a di�erence in the economic strength of Allendale and its surrounding area. Over eighty-�ve (85) new business members have joined the Allendale Chamber in the last two years because businesses see the value and strength of coming together. Those interested in renting an o�ce space can contact Janessa Smit at jsmit@allendalechamber.org or call 616-892-2632. The Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce serves our members by advocating for business growth through leadership, collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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Office (616) 895-9130Countrywindowanddoor.com

Country Window& Door Inc.

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JANUARY 2018

IN THIS ISSUE:

Pertinent DatesCommunity Supports APS Readers

APS Vocalists go to StateAPS Middle School Students Reach Out

Preschool Open House

JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JAN 3 ~ School ResumesJAN 8 ~ Board of Education Regular Meeting/Work Session – Oakwood Board Room @ 6:00pm JAN 13 ~ 8th Annual A Cappel-Off! – Ceglarek Fine Arts Center @ 7:00 pm Tickets $10 Adults/ $5 for Students/SeniorsJAN 15 ~ 6-12 No School JAN 16 ~ 6th - 8th grade Spelling Bee – Oakwood Board Conference Room @ 6:00pm JAN 18 ~ 6-12 Parent/Teacher ConferencesJAN 22 ~ Board of Education Work Session – District Office Conference Room @ 6:00pmJAN 23 ~ Oakwood Singing Falcons Concert/Talent show – Ceglarek Fine Arts Center @ 7:00 pmJAN 29 ~ Preschool Open House –Evergreen Elementary –5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Community Support Benefits APS Student ReadersThank you to the Allendale Community for showing such wonderful support for our Barnes & Noble book fair. The event was a great day! Students and staff represented APS wonderfully by face painting, gift wrapping, talking to customers, passing out candy canes, playing live music, and even dusting! Over $10,000 in sales resulted in $1,969.30 for APS staff to purchase library books for students to enhance their reading skills.

AHS Vocalists go to State

On Saturday, December 2nd, five Allendale High School singers participated in RegionalHonors Choir at Flushing High School. This same day, auditions for State Honors Choir wereconducted, and all four AHS students who auditioned were accepted into the SSAA State Honors Choir. Anastasia Fiorenzo, Emmy Grate, Lily MacOwan, and Emily Hoekstra will all perform with the SSAA State Honors Choir under the direction of Virginia Kerwin on Saturday,January 27th, at 3:00 p.m. in the DeVos Performance Hall.

Pictured (from left to right): Anastasia Fiorenzo, Emmy Grate, Emily Verdonk (AHS choir director), Lily MacOwan, Emily Hoekstra, & MacKenzie Sikma

APS Middle School Students Reach Out

Allendale Middle School would like to thank the Allendale Community Foundation for their generous grant of $3,000 for the Falcon Reach Out program. This money will be used, along with money raised by the MS students through the Read to Reach Out program, in order to supply our Homeless and At Risk students with basic hygiene needs. Last year, the MS students were able to raise $1,500 through donations and pledges, along with donated supplies from the community. With this money, we were able to reach 50 individuals last year, and we are very excited to reach even more this year.

Preschool Open House & Registration for the 2018-19 School Year

Come join us on Monday, January 29, 2018, at Evergreen Elementary from 5:30-6:30 pm. for our Preschool Open House to see what opportunities are available to you for your preschooler (ages 3-5). We have many program options including a free preschool for those who qualify. Check out our facilities, meet the teachers, and learn about our curriculum. Parents and children are welcome. If you have any questions, please call 892-5582.Registration night, for preschool will be February 5, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the District office.

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Proud to hold theAllendale Township Library Endowment Fund

Enriching the quality of life in Allendale by bringing good people and good causes together - forever.

PO Box 365, Allendale, MI 49401616.805.4777 www.ghacf.org/allendale

Residential Service

Yard waste pickup

Curbside Recycling Service

Commercial Service

Temporary Dumpster (2-8 yards)

We Dash For Your Trash!

Call 895-6399New Customer Coupon at

www.potluckpickup.com

Locally owned and operated since 1983

Ryan P. Zolman D.D.S.

Tim R. Meade D.D.S.Jere B. Meade D.D.S.

11301 Commerce Rd. | PO Box 409 | Allendale, MI 49401

616.895.7199smileallendale.com

Local & Convenient!

www.ralphmeyers.net

9585 Lake Michigan Drive | Allendale, MI

Celebrating 75 Years in Business!

We have become a three-in-one business that started in 1940. Besides trucking and

excavation services, we are also a gas station for the convenience of truckers and

local residential customers.Gas | Diesel | Kerosene

www.secondchurchallendale.com6950 Lake Michigan Dr. | P.O. Box 26 | Phone: 895-7694

Sunday Worship: 10am & 5:30pm

GriefShare community-wide support program will begin Wednesday, January 31, at 6:30pm

6101 LAKE MICHIGAN DRIVE

616-892-2446

$3 OFF ANY SERVICE $20 or more

EXP. JANUARY 31, 2018

JV NAILS SPA

1/31/2018

Try our HOMEMADE JERKYAlso available: Fresh Beef & Pork Cuts of All Kinds

Sides, Quarters, Steaks, & Ground Beef For the Freezer

Mon.-Thur: 9:00 am-5:30 pm; Fri: 9:00 am-6:00 pm Sat: 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Closed Sunday

Check our Facebook Page for Weekly Specials

THE MEAT MARKETLocated on 68th Street ~ One Block North of M-45

(616) 895-7187

Serving all your insurance needs

in Allendale

Serving all your insurance needs

in Allendale

11410 48th Avenue Allendale, MI 49401len@lakerinsurance.com www.lakerinsurance.com

Phone: 616-986-1216

Laker Insurance of Allendale, Michigan, was established in 2016. However, our affiliate office, Insurance Advantage in Grand Rapids,

has been in business for over 20 years.

Call Len for a custom quote on home, life, auto and more!

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TOLMAN’S AUTO-TECH GROUP || 5455 Auto Court Allendale, MI || 616.895.7500

Tolman’s Auto Tech TalkMechanical failure – an inconvenience anytime it occurs- can be deadly in the winter. Preventive maintenance is a must. Besides, a well maintained vehicle is more enjoyable to drive, lasts longer, and could command a higher resale price. • Battery- the only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections, clean all surfaces, and retighten all connections. We can replace your battery,. Get up to $20.00 Visa Prepaid Card on qualifying NAPA Battery this January. • Engine Performance - get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc) corrected. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. • Fuel - put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note that a full tank of gas helps keep moisture from forming. • Oil –change your oil and �lter as speci�ed in your manual – more often if your driving is mostly stop and go or consists of frequent short trips. We perform Full Service Oil changes – no appointment needed – while you wait in our comfortable waiting area. • Cooling Systems – the cooling system should be completely �ushed and re�lled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. The tightness and condition of the drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a repair facility. • Windshield wipers- replace old blades. Don’t turn your wipers on when they are stuck on the windshield- scrape the windshield �rst and clear o� all the snow �rst. • Heater/Defroster- the heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility. • Lights- inspect all lights and bulbs, replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. Manually turn on headlights when it is snowing or foggy, as your automatics don’t always turn on in inclement weather. • Tires – worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing and cupping. Check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Check the tires when they are cold, before driving for any distance. Rotate as recommended and don’t forget your spare. We carry a large inventory of Bridgestone & Firestone tires. Tolman’s Auto-Tech hopes everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year! We express our appreciation to our customers. Customers like you are the foundation of our business. It has and will continue to be a pleasure serving you. We are open Monday –Friday 8am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8am to Noon. 616-895-7500, www.tolmansauto.com, like us on FACEBOOK and watch for coupons, specials & articles.

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ALLENDALE CHARTER TOWNSHIPkeeping YOU informed!

STAY SAFE FROM ALLENDALE FIRE DEPT!

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Candle Safety - This is the �me of year when more homeowners use candles. During a power outage, it is safer to use flashlights instead of candles. Please NEVER leave candles una�ended.

NOTARY SERVICES:Free notary services are available at the Township Office. Remember ….. DO NOT PRE-SIGN your document before coming into the office. You must sign your name in the presence of a notary.

CONSUMERS ENERGY:To report a power outage or a streetlight that is not working, call Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050, or go to www.consumersenergy.com. To report a streetlight not working on Lake Michigan Dr. ONLY, call the Township Office at 895-6295.

Burning Ordinance - Burning permits are issued at the township office. Home owner permits and Special permits can only be issued during the months of December, January and February. Recrea�onal (bonfire) permits can be issued at any �me. Home owners do not need a permit for a burning barrel or for cooking food over a bonfire. Agricultural permits can be issued at any �me but only for an ongoing farm opera�on. Agricultural zoned property does not qualify for a permit if the property is not being farmed. For more informa�on, contact Fire Chief Mike Keefe at (616) 895-6295 ext 15.

TO NOTE

OFFICE NEWS

Township Mee�ng: The Township Board will meet on January 8 and January 22, 2017 at 7:00 pm. The public is always welcome to a�end. Agendas and minutes from Township mee�ngs are posted on the Township website.

New Township Employees: There are several new faces at the Township Office. Chad Doornbos has been promoted to the Supervisor of Public U�li�es. Two part-�me posi�ons have been filled: David VanGinhoven as a Project Facilitator and Caitlin Kunst as the Human Resources Coordinator.

Fire Hydrants - Please help the fire department by keeping the snow cleared away from the fire hydrant that is in front or near your home or business. Your coopera�on is greatly appreciated!

Carbon Monoxide Awareness - Carbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. CO is found in fumes produced any �me you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomi�ng, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are o�en described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you. Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from uninten�onal CO poisoning not linked to fires. How can I prevent CO poisoning in my home? Go to www.allendalefirerescue.netSource: Na�onal Center for Environmental Health

Smart911 is a FREE service that allows ci�zens of O�awa County and people around the United States to create a Safety Profile for their household that includes any informa�on they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. When anyone in that household dials 9-1-1 from a phone associated with their Safety Profile, the profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker. The call taker can provide this addi�onal informa�on when dispatching first responders to help facilitate the proper response. For more informa�on, please visit www.smart911.com!

FROM THE

Smart911 is a FREE service that allows ci�zens of O�awa County and people around the United States to create a Safety Profile for their household that includes any informa�on they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. When anyone in that household dials 9-1-1 from a phone associated with their Safety Profile, the profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker. The call taker can provide this addi�onal informa�on when dispatching first responders to help facilitate the proper response.

For more informa�on, please visit www.smart911.com!

SMART 911

ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY POLICINGSergeant Chris DillCDILL@MIOTTAWA.ORG

Deputy John OrtmanJORTMAN@MIOTTAWA.ORG

Deputy Trevor JohnsonTJOHNSON@MIOTTAWA.ORG

www.allendale.twp.org

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January Events A T T H E L I B R A R Y

Every Monday & Friday: 10:00AM // STORYTIME!

January 2: 10:00 AM DROP IN CRAFT

January 6: 11:00 AM LEGO CLUB, 1:00 PM MOVIES @ THE L IBRARY

January 9: 9:30 AM CREATIVE DANCE @ THE L IBRARY, 10:00 AM SENSORY PLAYTIME @ THE L IBRARY , 4 :30 PM READ ALL ABOUT IT!

January 11: 7:00 PM ADULT BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

January 13: 6:00 PM PUT TING THROUGH THE L IBRARY

January 16: 4:30 PM PIZZA & PAGES

January 18: 4:00 PM BOOK TASTING, 7:00 PM LIBRARY BOARD MEETING

January 20: 1:00 PM MOVIES @ THE L IBRARY

January 23: 9:30 AM CREATIVE DANCE @ THE L IBRARY, 10:00 AM SENSORY PLAYTIME @ THE L IBRARY, 7:00 PM NEW TECHNIQUE TUESDAYS: SOAP-MAKING

January 27: 1:00 PM FLUT TERING FAIRY WINGS

6175 Library Ln Allendale, MI 49401

Allendale Public Utilities to update water and sewer rates and connection fees

Allendale Public Utilities, in cooperation with Raftelis Financial consultants, conducted a Water and Wastewater Financial Plan Study. The study includes the development of financial plans for Allendale’s water and wastewater systems. The study is designed to ensure financial sufficiency, meet operational and maintenance costs, and ensure sufficient funding for future capital replacement and refurbishment. The intent is to help cover the cost increases that impact the provision of safe, clean drinking water and the collection and treatment of wastewater. The 2017 rate study recommends the quarterly fixed charges for water increase to $10.00 per quarter for a 3/4” or 5/8” meter, and the quarterly fixed charges for sewer increase to $14.00 per quarter for a 3/4” or 5/8” meter. The volumetric and quarterly fixed charges set for 2018 will be increased by 2 percent each year after. Along with adjusting the water and sewer rates, Allendale Public Utilities has decided to move away from the complex front footage and trunkage fees for new connections. This will be replaced with a simplified “connection” fee. The new fee will be based on the Residential Equivalent Unit with water at $2,256/REU and sewer at $4,147/REU. A typical single family home is one REU. The outcome of the study does take into account how Allendale’s rates compare with our neighboring townships. Allendale will continue to have rates lower than the average of our neighbors. This study will be posted on the township web site and filed with the Township Clerk’s Office. It is available for public review and comment. Those customers wishing to make official comment on the report can do so by sending a correspondence to the Clerk’s Office at 6676 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, by email to clerk@allendale-twp.org, or by attending the Board meeting on January 22, 2018.

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Brought in Book Keeper assistance

Chamber Board Met 6 Times Opened New Chamber Office & Suites

Updated Payment Processing System

Attended 4 Professional DevelopmentConference/Meetings

Worked with 2 GVSU InternsHeld 1 Board Training

Emailed 28 eNewsletters

Celebrated5 ribbon cuttings

Tracked 2,840 website hits

Produced 12 issues of The Announcer78,000 copies distributed

Published 2 issues of Al & DalesHoliday Gift Giving Guide

Made 210 FB Posts

Got 70 new FB Likes Referred Member Business 3,600 times to GVSU Freshman

Distributed 500+ Community Profile/Business Directories

Gave 37 Best of Allendale Awards Welcomed 25 New Members

Formed 1 Leads Networking Group

Put on 3 Member Luncheons Hosted 6 Coffee & NetworkingEvents

Partied at 1 Business After Hours Holiday Kick Off

Facilitated 5 Summer School Seminars

Placed “Jobs Availablein Allendale” ad in the Advance

Partnered to Host 4 Connected WomanChamber Luncheons

Received 1 Acentek FoundationGrant to Foster Economic Strength

Sent out 1 Membership Survey

Faciliated 2 ManufacturingRoundtable Meetings

Granted 1 Scholarship Held 2 Bus Service Expansion Meetings

Convened 1 Housing Roundtable Meeting

Represented Business on5 Community Boards

Coordinated Allendale4th of July Welcome Home to Vietnam Vets

Hosted Ingural ChristmasTree Lighting

Helped launch M-45 Gearto Support Trail System

WHAT DID THE CHAMBER DO IN 2017?At the heart of the local economy and the backbone of virtually every great community across America,

you’ll find a chamber of commerce celebra�ng and promo�ng the diversity and uniqueness of their community. Those efforts result in business a�rac�on, job crea�on, improved educa�on, beau�fica�on and

more. Here are some of the ways the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce worked on behalf of the Allendale area in 2017.

KEEPING BUSINESS MEMBERS TOP OF MIND

GROWING STRONG BUSINESSES

BUSINESSES LEADING THE COMMUNITY

INTERNAL ENHANCEMENTS TO BETTER SERVE BUSINESSES

The Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce serves our members by advocating for

business growth through leadership, collaberation and strategic partnerships.

11325 54TH AVE. ALLENDALE, MI 49401 // (616) 892-2632 // ALLENDALECHAMBER.ORG

Call about our FREE!!! home analysis and FREE!!! Allendale Home Sales Information!

We at Besteman Properties Group are committed to being the Premier Real Estate Group in West Michigan and Michigan's West Coast. With 22 years of experience and expertise on the Lakeshore we are uniquely qualified to serve your every Real Estate need. Our Core Values stem from our commitment to our customers and always meeting our customers needs! Please Contact Mark Besteman at 616-446-5125 or Susan Besteman at 616-890-0198 with any questions.