You know what I'm tired of? Small town bashing. Allegan is a small town but we have a great school system. They offer a huge range of subjects and levels. We are very lucky.
Yes, there are shortcomings (although I can't think of any at the moment) but aren't there issues in every school system?
I can't tell you the number of times I've heard people say, "well, you know, I graduated from Allegan so . . . " If they're blaming their stupidity on the school system here then it is definitely misplaced blame.
I hear the same crap about the hospital. Unless you need a brain transplant there's really no need to go elsewhere. The doctors all come from the same place - a medical school. Even when they delivered babies at Allegan General people went out of town to give birth. Ok, I understand if there are special circumstances but normal delivery? I don't get it.
Same with salons. This will probably annoy some of my friends but I'm sorry. I just don't understand driving 30 or so miles to get my hair cut. Again, the stylists all went to cosmetology school. I pay $20 (tip included) for my haircut. What do they pay?
Pardon me. I'm feeling a bit snarky after just having read a dis on Facebook about the Allegan educational system.
I've taken some deep breaths and have calmed down a bit but I'm not going to delete this blog. It's mine and I get to say what I want to say. I'll admit; I'm kind of liking the power thing. hehe
Very well said Ellen. Your header about living in a small town and having a lot of things to say is perfect. My intention with smalltownjules was to also highlight some of the good that is around us as I think you do so well. It is a great place to live and raise a family. Enough with the bashing. Worse yet is the bashing by those who LIVE here! That I do not understand.
ReplyDeleteThe same can be said for people who voluntarily move here and then gripe about stuff. I always want to ask them "what drew you here in the first place? Did you drive around and see that we have a limited number of restaurants?"
DeleteI think there's always room for improvement and I can deal with change but I take umbrage with people who move here and then try to "help the little town folk improve themselves."
I am a product of a small town childhood that is filled with delightful memories, and have spent my adulthood residing in communities of various sized populations from Los Angeles to a tiny town of 1400. We searched this area for several months before deciding on Allegan In 1999 and certainly don't regret our decision. We love our time in the south in the winter at this time in our lives, but Allegan is our home! I agree with your comments; well said my friend! Linda K.
ReplyDeleteAnd we're mighty happy you and Jim picked Allegan, Linda. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteExcellent points made Ellen! I am from and live in Allegan... but work in Grand Rapids. As you can probably imagine... I get alot of grief from co-workers who may have never even visited Allegan but assume that our little town is riddled with derelicts with unfortunate dental issues and lacks any form of sophistication. Many of their comments have to do with meth... which I find pretty offensive knowing that our community and law enforcement professionals have been working tirelessly to combat this problem.
ReplyDeleteYou could always tell them at least we don't make the News multiple times a month because of shootings. The only reason Allegan seems to have such a big meth problem is because our law enforcement is working so hard to get rid of the problem and it is made public. I'm pretty sure GR has a much bigger problem with it than our "SMALL TOWN" but they don't have time to deal with it because they are consistently dealing with shootings and such.
DeleteI'm sure those same people are surprised when they find out we have paved streets, too.
DeleteAmen, sista! This is a fantastic entry! I couldn't agree with you more! Just look at how much Allegan has grown in the last 10 years too! It is incredible! They should take a look at where the graduates from Allegan High are now and what they are doing with their lives and that is a good indication of a fantastic educational system! I would not be where I am today if it weren't for Señor Westgate's AP Spanish courses!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - those Orr kids have always been a shining example of our educational system and all is has to offer.
DeleteIt's funny, this post made me think about all my "living" experiences and I have always lived in small towns with the exception of about 3 years when we lived in the city of Kalamazoo (which, depending on who you talk to, could be considered a small town too). However, when we lived in Richland, we were just a few miles from Kalamazoo so much of our shopping/eating out was done there. Coming to Allegan was an adjustment for re-thinking how we do things--especially the grocery shopping. But I like it here...hubs and I just had this talk the other day. We don't miss Richland at all. And we try to support the local businesses and economy as much as possible--I think that is very important.
ReplyDeleteAnother voice heard from the "new to Allegan" crowd. Thanks.
DeleteI can't imagine living anywhere else. Sometimes I think Allegan is getting too big. We have lots to offer. Don't like it leave. Ill drive you out to the city limits. Proud to say I went to Allegan High School and that I know the words to the fight song. : )
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time we went to a b-ball game after we had moved back to Allegan. I was surprised to see that the kids didn't know the words to the fight song but they also didn't stand when it was played.
DeleteYou need to get back in there and teach those young 'uns the words, Melissa.