History – ASI Community, Inc.

Proudly Serving the Community since 1994

ASI Community, Inc was first organized in 1994 by visionary community leaders. The foundation they provided has allowed for greater service to the community, a framework for financial stability, and showcases how volunteerism can help transform a community. Since then, we have undergone a few transformations and achieved many goals. We owe a debt of gratitude to Past Board Members who have shepherded and shaped us.

Below is a list of milestones presented from the most recent back to our historical roots. ASI Community is supported by individuals and families who donate their time and money. Seasonal yard sale, Farmers Market vendor fees, memorial donations, general donations, memberships, and rentals of the Community Center continue to provide the means to sustain the organization.

Date	Milestone
2026	Area Seniors, Inc. was officially rebranded as ASI Community, Inc. to support the new mission and better reflect the broader audience we now serve.
2025	ASI completed a new 5 year strategic plan. ASI also began to advocate for state funding to build an indoor Community Recreation Center (CRC).
2024	ASI appointed a planning committee to investigate the feasibility of a new Community Recreation Center (CRC), which would greatly expand its oﬀerings.
2021	American Legion Post 247 disbanded and The Veterans Memorial and remaining funds were transferred to ASI Community, Inc. ASI Board of Directors established a restricted bank account for the maintenance and continued sale of bricks for the Veterans Memorial.
2017	The parking lot adjacent to the pickleball courts was completed.
2016	The second pickleball court was installed.
2015	The first pickleball court was installed.
2013	The Gazebo was installed on ASI property. ASI assumes responsibility for Antrim County Farmers Market under the name of Bellaire Farmers Market on ASI property under the pavilion. Dissolution papers signed for Antrim County Farmers Market.
2011-2012	ASI leases property adjacent to the Community Center to American Legion Post 247 for The Veterans Memorial to honor those who serve our country. The Veterans Memorial was built and dedicated. ASI paid to abandon streets intersecting ASI property and final revision of the plat for ASI property. Extended existing walkway with ASI Community Center to Richardi Park with a Grant from Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
2011	Through the hard work of the Board of Directors, volunteers, and grant funds, the Community Center was built and the Community Center and Park became the hub of activities. The pole barns are used to organize and store items donated for our Yard Sale. The Pavilion houses the Farmers Market. ASI completed a gaming application and Bingo was offered on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
2010-present	ASI Community, Inc. operates a Yard Sale and Farmers Market held every Friday from May through October. In winter, the Farmers Market moves inside the Community Center. The Community Center can be rented for private events and provides for regular programming such as Bingo, Pool, Bridge, and Yoga.
2010	ASI separated from the COA Senior Center and remained a non-profit, fund-raising driven organization geared toward meeting the needs of the broader community. ASI maintained ownership of the property behind the COA which includes the parking lot, the pole barns, pavilion, and storage barn.
2009	ASI worked with Antrim County townships to convert the Senior Center into a Community on Aging (COA) organization supported by taxpayer funding thereby rescinding the lease and agreement with the townships to maintain and insure the COA building and grounds.
1997-2009	ASI maintained and ran the Senior Center/COA through fund-raising and donations. ASI spearheaded the growth of the complex: additional parking and buildings for storage in proximity to the COA Office and Meal Site, provided seed money for building senior apartments close to the COA, construction of the Pavilion for activities, picnics, and Farmers Market which remains very popular, walking paths connecting the senior apartments, COA Office and Meal Site, and the complex.
1997	Senior Center/Commission on Aging (COA) Meal Site in Bellaire was built to serve Antrim County. A 100 yr lease with Forest Home and Kearney Township was signed with an agreement that ASI would maintain and insure the COA building and grounds.
1995	Non-profit status, 501(c)(3), was obtained. Spearheaded by the Board of Directors, a group of seniors started the movement to acquire property. Fundraising via bake sales, spaghetti dinners, and yard sales began.
1994	Area Seniors, Inc (ASI) was formed.