Nick Fink’s reopens in Comstock Park after long hiatus
To the delight of the community, Nick Fink’s reopened on Sept. 23. The iconic bar shut down during the pandemic in the spring of 2020, reopened for a few months and then closed again in late fall of 2020.
Nick Fink’s includes a full menu featuring appetizers, salads, burgers, black bean burgers, chicken sandwiches, build-your-own tacos and Mexican entrees including burritos and enchiladas. The full-service bar, with indoor and outdoor seating, offers domestic and craft beers, classic cocktails, wine, seltzers and more. (www.thegilmorecollection.com/ nickfinks/menu/)
“Nick Fink’s has always been the low-key spot where the Comstock Park community comes to unwind,” said John Gilmore, from the Gilmore Collection, owners of Nick Fink’s “We are thrilled to reopen Nick Fink’s and welcome back the community to this historic gem.”
Diza Connolly, manager of Nick Fink’s, said a lot of cleaning, clearing out upstairs storage, organizing, window washing, exterior painting and steam cleaning took place before the reopening.
The kitchen was redone a few years ago, according to Connolly, who previously worked at Blue Water Grill, one of the restaurants in
the Gilmore Collection.
“We want to make the community happy. We definitely want to keep it a local, regular bar with some good food,” Connolly said. “I love the generational stories. We would love to continue those.”
As of Sept. 16, Nick Fink’s was fully staffed with about 20 employees.
Nick Fink’s is open from 4-10 p.m. on Monday, 4-11 p.m. on TuesdayThursday and 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday and 4-10 p.m. on Sunday.
Nick Fink’s plans to be open for more hours hopefully in time for the 2025 football season.
Nick Fink’s History
It’s got history. It’s got character. It’s got charm. It’s got ghosts? Nick Fink’s was established in 1888, making it the oldest bar in the Grand Rapids area.
The bar was passed down through four generations of the Fink family until its purchase by The Gilmore Collection in 2008. John Gilmore became acquainted with the bar as a young man. He and a group of his old high school friends went on fishing trips to northern Michigan.
“Fink’s was the starting location for our fishing trip for years,” said Gilmore. “I’m always looking for something to do, and some years ago I heard Fink’s might be for sale.”
“I thought this was kind of an oldworld vintage place,” said Gilmore, who is known for his talent for turning historic buildings into go-to social S ee FINK’S, PG5
Nick Fink’s, 3965 West River Drive, is now open after being closed for several years.
The gold and black velvet wallpaper and the red and black faux leather booths are still a part of Nick Fink’s.
New waterwheel, creek restoration, plantings and plaza improve Dwight Lydell Park
The restoration and renovation of the creek and waterwheel area at Dwight Lydell Park is nearly complete.
This November some bare root plants, a mix of dogwood and viburnum, will be planted along both sides of Mill Creek at Dwight Lydell Park to help restore the creek’s natural beauty. In September volunteers also planted native prairie forbs and grasses to support pollinator species.
The centerpiece of the project is the COR-TEN steel waterwheel that has a naturally oxidating
finish that is corrosion resistant. Bazen Electric installed the lighting on the waterwheel making the area a nighttime destination for photos.
The banks along the creek were cleaned up and some of the concrete barrier removed to create more of a natural bank. A plaza area and pavement improvements were added by the World War II memorial. Zac Sherlund, project manager with Katerberg VerHage said about 14 honey locust, columnar maple and tulip trees were planted by the waterwheel. He noted
that since 2021 about 300 new trees were planted in the park.
Sherlund said the pergola structure on the library side of Mill Creek was a late addition to the project.
“It (pergola) worked out really well. It’s a nice structure,” Sherland said.
The $600,000 project was funded by Kent County as well as a grant from the Right Place program and some funds from the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority.
By Karen Gentry
A new pergola on the library side of the new waterwheel was a late addition to the renovation and restoration project at Dwight Lydell Park.
Upcoming events
Comstock Park
American Legion Fall 2024 Fish Fries
The remaining Comstock Park American Legion Fish Fries Fall 2024 dates are Oct. 4 and 18, and Nov. 1 and 15. The drive-thru is open at 4:30 p.m., dine-in is open at 4:45 p.m., and both close at 7 p.m. or when the food runs out. Take-out is available. Prices are $13 adults, $6 children 6-12, and children 5 and under eat for free. The menu is all-you-can eat Alaskan pollock, French fries, coleslaw, bread, coffee or milk, and a cookie for dessert. Get a dinner punch card, and 10th dinner is free. The Legion is located at 3811 West River Dr. in Comstock Park.
Plainfield Township Coffee with a Cop
Plainfield Township’s Coffee with a Cop meets Thursdays at 10 a.m. at the Plainfield Township Offices, 6161 Belmont Ave. Deputies talk with residents about how to prevent and reduce crime in their neighborhood and answer questions about
incidents in the area and other concerns. Past programs have included CPR demonstrations and fraud prevention. The deputies also do offsite programs like the Sherriff’s Department’s Mounted Unit facility in Rockford.
Plainfield Grand Rogue Historical Society
The Huyser House Museum, 6440 West River Drive, will be open for tours 2-4:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1. The open houses are free and open to the public.
Alpine Township Historical Commission
The Alpine Township Historical Commission will offer a presentation on the Heitz, Schneider, and Gerber families of the Ridge area from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Henze Center, 1100 Henze Drive. Refreshments will be served.
Author Greg Sumner will talk about his book “Michigan POW Camps in World War II” from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Henze Center, 1100 Henze
DDA increases grant amount through Exterior Improvement Program
The Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority recently increased grant amounts available for its Building Exterior Improvement Program from $10,000 to $25,000. Businesses in the DDA district can apply for grants up to $25,000 for projects to restore or renovate building exteriors, including windows, roofs, and driveway/parking areas. Construction costs include design/ removal/replacement of exterior elements and improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In 2023 the board expanded the program to include installation and upgrades to security systems. The new security provision was added due to potential for vandalism and theft. The security systems must be affixed to the building and not easily removable. Grants for approved projects cover 20 percent of costs up to a maximum grant of $25,000. Projects need to cost a minimum of $3,000 to qualify.
“It is no secret that construction costs have risen dramatically since the previous grant levels were established,” said Rich Frey, board chairperson of the Comstock Park DDA. “This change helps keep pace with increasing material and labor prices and further encourages improvements that enhance the appearance and security of commercial properties - which in turn benefits the business climate and the Comstock Park community in general.”
Scope of Program
Drive. Sumner will talk about farms in Alpine and Sparta townships where POWs harvested crops. He will also speak about the U.S. military measures and logistics involved in transporting POWs from Europe and Africa. Refreshments will be served.
The Alpine Historical Commission has open office hours Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m., weather permitting, at 2015 Seven Mile, Comstock Park. For more information call (616) 784-1262 or email 1847alpine@gmail.com.
Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society
The GR Model Railroad Historical Society will host an open house 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, at their display building, 4040 Leland Ave. NW in Dwight Lydell Park, Comstock Park. The open house is free and open to the public. The building is full of model train dioramas featuring trains and stations throughout Michigan including the old train station in Dwight Lydell Park.
The appearance and structural integrity of buildings is critical in any community, and an attractive business district encourages pedestrian and vehicular traffic, which is good for the local economy. This Building Exterior Improvement Program encourages preservation, restoration, and/or renovation of significant building exteriors for properties located within the DDA district.
For more information on eligibility criteria, program guidelines, procedures, and application visit www. comstockparkdda. org under the General Information tab.
Structural assessments and associated feasibility studies for interior or exterior improvements are also considered for grant funding. Examples of eligible exterior improvements include awnings, entrances, painting, exterior restoration, removal of existing façade, signs and electronic message boards, handicapped access ramps, parking lot improvements, landscaping, exterior lighting, and security systems. Program funds may not be used for refinancing existing debt, financing new debt, building demolition, property acquisition, site plans, property appraisal costs, legal or loan origination fees, labor costs paid to the owner or relatives, and new building construction.
Comstock Park Communicator is published quarterly by Hearst Michigan Media Group for the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority.
Comstock Park DDA www.comstockparkdda.org P.O. Box 333
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Comstock Park DDA Board of Directors
Richard Frey, chairman – rich@korehicom.com
Tom Coleman, Plainfield Township supervisor – colemant@plainfieldmi.org
Renovation and restoration of the waterwheel area in Dwight Lydell Park is nearly complete. A new lighted waterwheel made of COR-TEN steel was installed with a naturally oxidizing finish that is corrosion resistant.
Around town…
Rehabilitation work on the water main along West River Drive and Four Mile Road started in July and expected to be complete by early October.
Rick Solle, director of public services for Plainfield Township, said that rather than dig up the road the township chose to put new liner through the pipes to bring its strength up to make it solid again. Cutouts in the road were made for workers’ access to the water main. Once the water main project is complete the Kent County Road Commission will repave the road with new black top.
Alpine Township resident Jim Schindler refurbished an antique buggy and donated it to the Alpine Township Historical Commission. He estimates the buggy had been in the Schindler family for 140-150 years. Schindler’s grandfather Ferdinand Schindler immigrated from Bohemia in the 1800’s, and the two-seater buggy was used for family transportation. Schindler also donated a wagon the family used for farm work to the historical commission.
Rachel Hardenburgh, owner of Keto Krazy, is one of 10 businesses operating out of The Cooking Connection, 3979 West River Drive NE in Comstock Park. She offers keto, gluten friendly and low carb treats. She has more than 10 years of baking experience.
Members of the Golden Panthers June Bouffard, Barb Goudreau and Doreen Empie and take part in the School Resource Fair on Friday, Aug. 9 during Mill Creek Days.
Katie Vo, owner of Vicki’s Nails & Spa, 3920 West River Drive in Comstock Park, gives Comstock Park resident Susan Plooster a pedicure in late August. Vo has owned the shop for 3.5 years.
The Alpine Township Fire Department brought their truck out to cool off Comstock Park High School band members on Aug. 7. It was a blast (of water)!
Community West Credit Union, 4555 West River Drive, merged with the Tradewinds Credit Union in 2018. The credit union is open to anyone who lives, worships, works or goes to school in a 5-county area – Kent, Ottawa, Barry, Ionia and Allegan. Pictured Katie Ostrander, front line supervisor and Shannon Trudell, member services representative.
hubs.
A lot of work went into refurbishing the historic building while preserving its classic charm. During the makeover, the 100-yearold pub style bar stayed as did eight table tops where customers have carved their names over the decades. The gold and black velvet wallpaper is still there and, along with the red and black faux leather booths, gives the look of the time when Fink’s was reputed to have been a brothel. The ceiling in the banquet room is original and has the initials NF carved in it. Pictures from the bar’s history decorate the walls.
A patio was added, and the back room that was used for storing tables and chairs, was revamped. A secondfloor ballroom was built in the 1890’s but closed after just a few years when it was decided that alcohol and dancing and stairs did not mix. The upstairs remains closed
and is used primarily for storage.
Nick Fink’s is steeped in local history. The first Nick Fink, an immigrant from Prussia, built and operated the bar, then called Riversite Hotel and Tavern, in 1888. Over the years the hotel housed everyone from visitors to the West Michigan Fair that took place near what is now West River Drive and North Park Street, to workers at the tanneries and the fish hatchery that operated in the early to mid-1900’s. Ernest Hemingway is said to have made the
tavern a stop when he traveled to Northern Michigan, and is also said to have based characters in his “Nick Adams Stories,” set in Northern Michigan, on people he met at Nick Fink’s, although none of that is verified.
From its early days, Comstock Park was known for having an over-abundance of bars. It was illegal to sell alcohol within one mile of a federal facility, and downtown Comstock Park, then called Mill Creek, was exactly one mile from the Michigan Home for Veterans on
Rotary seeking donations of coats and winter wear
The Rotary of Comstock Park is working closely with the schools to make sure every child has the coats and boots they need to play outside for recess or their backyard. The Rotary, businesses and families will be collecting coats and winter wear in the month of October.
Donations will be
distributed from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Alpine Fire Station, 1100 Henze St. Area residents can drop off new or gently used coat, boots or winter wear at dropoff boxes located in all of Comstock Park Schools as well as Mill Creek Tavern, Vitales Sports Bar Lounge, Flo’s Restaurant and Lake Michigan Credit Union.
Gold Sponsors ($500) include West River Carpets, Kari Kippen – exp realty, Edward Jones – Andrew Bok and Green Sponsor ($250) Vitales Sports Bar Lounge – Comstock Park.
For more information email karikippenrealtor@ gmail.com.
Monroe Avenue which opened in 1886. Nick Fink’s was one of the numerous taverns that sprouted up to serve the soldiers who walked over from the veterans’ home, as well as the thousands of visitors to
the Fair and race track down the road.
The second Nick Fink is credited with making the first recorded flight in Kent County. In 1905, he flew off the bar’s roof on a bike fitted with box-kite wings. Unfortunately, the flight was cut short when he crashed into a telegraph pole and broke his collar bone.
The house next to Fink’s was originally built in 1944 as a carriage house and was also home to Fink family members over the years. There is also a garage, originally a carriage house and livery, on the property that was known as “Fink’s Acre.”
Haunted Tales
It’s unclear how the stories about Nick
Fink’s being haunted originated, but ghost hunters have visited the bar several times and report paranormal activity. Employees have reported “weird things” such as the juke box starting and lights and water turning on and off by themselves. Some have told tales of a young boy ghost on the first floor and a female ghost on the second floor.
For more information visits www. thegilmorecollection. com/nickfinks/story/.
Sources: “Comstock Park: Mill Town to Bedroom Suburb” by Dave Wier; “Plainfield Charter Township History 1838-1988.”
By Karen Gentry and Kathy Bush
Nick Fink’s, circa 1888 (courtesy photo, The Gilmore Collection)
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Longstanding Comstock Park CPA firm gets new owners and name
Christine Baker and Rocco Muzio teamed up to purchase Gedris, Wigent & Hossink PC, a longstanding business in Comstock Park. The pair purchased the business on 3875 West River Drive in October 2023 and changed the name of the business to Count / Certified Public Accountants. Muzio said he met Baker through a former colleague and knew their complementary backgrounds would serve clients well.
“We genuinely like one another and felt comfortable working together to create synergies that benefit our clients,” Muzio said. Baker and Muzio bought the business from Doug Hossink and Barry Wigent who wanted to retire.
Baker has about 25 years of experience working for a firm in downtown Grand Rapids and five years’ experience with a New York City firm. Muzio was working for a firm in Grand Rapids and was looking for a business to own.
With a client base of approximately 1,200 the Comstock Park firm was too much for one owner so Baker joined with Muzio to buy the business.
“They (Gedris, Wigent and Hossink) have a great reputation and a great client base,” Baker said. Many clients are local to Comstock Park and many family-owned businesses,” she said.
“Everyone speaks very highly of the guys who retired. We’re hoping to keep that going,” Muzio said.
The firm offers a comprehensive range of accounting, finance and tax advice, including fractional CFO services, bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning and preparation. Count recently welcomed Caleb Spriensma who has extensive knowledge in individual and trust taxation, He will lead the individual and family wealth management needs of clients.
The partners enjoy their location in the heart of Comstock Park with convenient parking
for their clients.
More Technology, Less Paper
Keeping up with technology that helps complete jobs better and faster is one of the challenges to running a CPA firm, according to Baker. To transition to a more paperless environment, Count / Certified Public Accountants has invested in technology that enhances efficiency and accuracy.
“This past tax season we introduced OCR
technology that allows scanned documents to be directly imported into our tax software,” Muzio said. They’ve also added other software solutions that enable the firm to analyze and report financial information for business owners beyond profit and loss statements or balance sheets including planning, budgeting and other decision making.
“We have to understand how technology works and find the time to stay on top of it,” Baker said.
Baker earned an accounting and computer science degree from Hope College and served for more than 10 years on several American Institute of Certified Public Accountants national committees. She has taught professional education session across the United States and worked as Chief Financial Officer for several high-growth, young companies. Baker is married with four children and five grandchildren and lives in Holland.
Game Room Guys grows from garage business to
Pinball? Ping Pong? Pool? Whatever your game, Game Room Guys has got you covered.
The Comstock Park business specializes in in-home game room products of commercial quality.
“What you would find in bars, restaurants, we put in residential homes, university buildings, corporate break rooms,” said Eric Wildey, CEO of the game room supply and service company located at 4741 West River Drive NE in Comstock Park.
When Doug Wildey, the company chairman and Eric’s father, bought Game Room Guys in 2001, he was “looking to buy a small business and work part time.” He had just retired from AT&T where he was an advertising sales manager when he bought Game Room Guys, then located in Caledonia. He ran the business out of his garage at his Comstock Park home and was the sole employee.
Today, that “small business” occupies a 27,000 square foot
Muzio earned an accounting and computer science degree from Grand Valley State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Muzio and his wife are Grand Rapids residents and expecting their first child in December.
Count / Certified Public Accountants is primarily open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with additional Saturday hours during tax season starting in mid-January.
Firm History
Comstock Park resident Bill Gedris founded Gedris, Wigent and Hosskink P.C. in 1968. He leased space in what was a bank building, and a there was a law firm on the second floor over the bank. Gedris and Craig Avery, the attorney next door bought the building from the bank when it closed in the mid 1980’s. Both retired in 2009 selling the building to Wigent, Hossink, and John Stephan, who bought Avery’s law firm.
By Karen Gentry
27,000-square
foot operation with 16 employees
building, and there are 16 employees.
Game Room Guys is now the largest residential game room supply provider in the Midwest and one of the largest in the country.
The employees are in sales and customer service, marketing, technical services, shipping, delivery, and production. Eric manages the business with his brother
Brian Wildey, vicepresident of operations, is also an owner. Doug is now semi-retired. The company has changed over the years. In addition to being a large e-commerce dealer, they also manufacture some of their own products. Finish work is done in-house, while other work is done by a variety of partners around the West Michigan area. In 2021 the company bought Shelti, one of their suppliers, and now manufactures those products.
Their product mix includes pinball machines, arcade games, darts, pool, foosball, air hockey, bubble hockey, and ping
pong tables, and the equipment needed for those games. Christmas is their busiest time of year with people making purchases for their homes. They supply businesses, colleges, and campgrounds with equipment. Since they they do a lot of business nationally, they don’t solely advertise locally -- the Internet is the major component of their advertising such as eBay, Amazon and their own web site www. gameroomguys.com.
As the business grew, Doug relocated within the Comstock Park area a few times. Although he was not doing retail sales, people would see the sign and stop in wanting to purchase game room equipment, so that was a natural avenue for growth. When he built the current building, he included a 5,000 square-foot retail showroom displaying billiard and pool tables, and pinball machines. The showroom operates by appointment only. There is a 7,000 square foot service department and fulfillment center where Internet orders
are processed, and there are thousands of parts in stock to be sold and shipped. The rest of the building is loading areas and storage.
“Being close to the highway with people coming in, shipments going out, is advantageous,” said Eric of the Comstock Park location.
When the Grand Rapids Public Museum did an exhibit about the history of games, Game Room Guys assisted, including lending “The Champ,” a 1939 pinball machine they display in their showroom.
Arcade games such as shooting galleries and
ball-toss games date back to the 1920’s, and coin operated pinball machines such as “The Champ” emerged in the 1930’s. Eric said arcade games that were once electro-mechanical are now “all electronic, digital display, electronic scoring.”
Eric said the company donates to a variety of organizations and especially likes to promote 100 Businesses That Care.
Doug, a native the Northview area, is a graduate of Northview High School and Davenport College.
He and his wife Cindy live in
and have three grown children. Eric graduated from Comstock Park High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University. He and his wife Mikhila live in Grand Rapids with their two children. Brian also graduated from Comstock Park High School and completed his bachelor’s degree at Northern Michigan University before becoming a captain in the United States Army. He and his wife Alicia recently welcomed their first child and live in Grand Rapids.
By Kathy Bush
Count / Certified Public Accountants associates from left: Juliana Thornbrugh, Loretta Heiney, Caleb Spriensma, Rocco Muzio, Christine Baker and Colette Rusco.
Comstock Park
Game Room Guys’ management includes Eric Wildey, CEO; Doug Wildey, chairman; and Brian Wildey vice-president of operations.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Grand Rapids Popcorn -- largest concession supplies and equipment business in Michigan
Carnival goers who enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, or a slushy this past summer were likely enjoying treats from Grand Rapids Popcorn. The concession supply and equipment company, located at 4675 West River Drive in Comstock Park, supplies carnivals throughout nine states including Michigan with everything needed for concessions.
Roy and Rose Darling started Grand Rapids Popcorn from their home on Grand Rapids’ west side in 1944 selling popcorn kernels and supplies to theaters and carnivals in the area.
The Darlings could never have imagined that 80 years later, their modest business would be the largest concession supplies and equipment company in Michigan. In addition to carnivals, the company sells concession supplies to schools and organizations for fundraisers and events, restaurants, ballparks, arenas, and businesses. They also have a retail operation. Tom Burns, the Darlings’ nephew,
is the owner and his sons Mike and Tony Burns also work at the company – Mike is sales manager, and Tony is operations manager.
More than half of their business is supplying carnivals, and the rest is wholesale and retail. Each January Tom, Mike, and Tony head to Florida where they lease a warehouse in Tampa. Trucks follow throughout the winter from the Comstock Park warehouse loaded with carnival concession supplies – everything from frozen products like hamburgers, brats, and French fries, to popcorn, slushy, and cotton candy supplies, to paper supplies and plastic souvenir cups, to machines they rent and sell to make all that food. They stay in Florida through mid-March supplying carnivals throughout the state, and then return to Comstock Park, continuing to supply the carnivals as they move north. As a job training of sorts, Mike said he and Tony worked as carnival “jumps” a couple summers when
they were teenagers, helping to tear down and set up booths and concessions.
Tom and his brother Chuck Burns, went to work for the Darlings, their aunt and uncle, right out of high school and bought the company in 1984. Tom is now the sole owner. The business was expanding and to accommodate the need for more space, they bought the Comstock Park property in 1989. They sold part of the property to other businesses, and in 1990 they built and moved into their current building. The nearby expressway has been handy for their trucks as well as their customers, according to Tom.
At the front of the 35,000 square-foot building is the bright, colorful retail store featuring dozens of flavors of popcorn, gift baskets and tins, and machines to rent or buy to make popcorn, cotton candy, slushies and the like. All areas of the businesses are growing, and they’ve added more delivery vehicles.
The rest of the mammoth building is warehouse space that houses 50-pound bags of popcorn kernels, stacks of boxes of concession supplies, freezers with the burgers and fries, and two loading docks. In the middle of the warehouse is the 1,100 square-foot production room where the kernels are popped for bags, baskets, and tins. The company purchases more than three million pounds of kernels a year, using about 15 percent of that in their production room.
Mike said the family has been known to walk the aisles at Meijer looking for flavor ideas. Currently their habanero flavored popcorn is a big seller.
“It tastes good at first, but 30 seconds later it’s really hot,” he said. During the Fall, pumpkin spice flavored popcorn is featured along with caramel apple crunch, and customers can buy caramel apples until November.
Grand Rapids Popcorn employs 20 full-time and 12 part-time employees, including retail, accounting, and warehouse workers, drivers, and salespeople. December is their biggest retail season, and they add about six employees to make gift baskets and tins and work retail. That’s when they also increase their advertising on television and radio. Customers who stop in the retail
store can get a free bag of fresh popped popcorn and a slushie yearround.
The family is originally from the west side of Grand Rapids where Tom attended West Catholic High School. Both Mike and Tony graduated from Sparta High School. Tony graduated from Ferris State University with a major in business, and Mike studied business at Grand Rapids Community College. They all still live in the Grand Rapids area, and amazingly, they all still like popcorn.
By Kathy Bush
Haunted Michigan, personal safety and music bingo planned by Golden Panthers
Haunted Michigan
- Paranormal investigator, Kathy Conder will highlight locations throughout Michigan that are reportedly haunted. She includes restaurants, pubs, and hotels, and even has some stories about Nick
Fink’s in Comstock Park. Conder’s book “Hauntings, Spirits, and Eats Michigan” lists locations, history, and hauntings connected with these establishments. Ideas to add a little paranormal spice to your next Michigan road trip?
Friday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m. at the Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Personal Safety Tips –Community Policing Officer Jose Douglas will give tips on staying safe such as how to use body language to appear confident even
if you don’t feel that way and being aware of surroundings. Friday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. at the Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Holiday Music Bingo – The always entertaining Hugh Randle will give “bingo”
cards with the names of Christmas songs – some traditional, some from the 1960’s and 1970’s. He’ll play a snippet of a song, and if you have the song on your card, you mark it. Hopefully it’s Bingo! Randle is a campus pastor at The Foundry Church in
Zeeland. He has nearly 30 years in the senior mobility market and has DJ’d part time for the last 22 years at weddings and other events.
Friday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m. at the Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Grand Rapids Popcorn Mike Burns, sales manager, and Tony Burns, operations manager are the great nephews of Roy and Rose Darling, who founded the company in their home on Grand Rapids’ west side in 1944. The sign is the original that was in the Darlings’ home.
The Comstock Park High School marching band took part in Saturday’s parade during Mill Creek Days.
A beer tent was part of Mill Creek Days 2024 at Dwight Lydell Park.
Approximately 400 people took part in the Duck Race during Mill Creek Days 2024. Winners of cash prizes -- Katie Basel, Jackie Sikes and Grayson Fandrich.
The mechanical bull from ACP Entertainment was a crowd favorite on Friday night of Mill Creek Days.
The second annual Mill Creek Days run expanded to include a 5k, 10k and kids run –winners --5k Male - Andrew Commeret 16:40 (5k course record); 5k Female - Stefanie Merida-Robles 22:23; 10k Male - Jake Shavalier 36:49 and 10k Female - Morgan Kuhns 46:35.
Saturday’s craft fair during Mill Creek Days included 38 crafters. Each crafter donated a pair of new or nearly new shoes to donate to families in the community.
Winners of the bike giveaway (compliments of Mill Creek Tavern, Freewheeler Bike Shop and the Michigan Trails Magazine) are 4th grader Lana Arrant and 3rd grader Levi Cook.
Amore chef brings more awards to her Comstock Park Italian eatery
If you do things for the right reason, and you genuinely care about people, good things happen.
For Chef Jenna Arcidiacono, it means winning awards. Lots of awards.
The Comstock Park chef who co-owns Amore Trattoria Italiana with her husband Mauricio, recently took home three more awards from Grand Rapids Magazine: Best Chef, Best Pasta and Best Service.
Magazine – Best Chef, Best Pasta and Best Service.
“I love any awards, honestly. It always feels nice,” said Chef Jenna as she was getting ready to deliver a catering order to the Bissell Blocktail Party in June. In addition to her awards from Grand
Rapids Magazine, she won the People’s Choice at the Brilliance Awards in May where she was also nominated as a Brilliant Champion of Service for her Food
Hugs nonprofit.
Established in 2021 and born out of the Covid 19 pandemic, Food Hugs has helped restaurant employees with the struggles
of an unpredictable industry. She started #TipBackThursday, a campaign to give servers a $1,000 tip. She has given away used cars to help those without reliable transportation get to work. She also offers food to those in need. The videos she posts on social media leave everyone in tears.
“We just want to bring joy to the community in different ways, and sometimes it’s food, sometimes it’s tips and sometimes it’s cars. There is just so much we’re doing. It’s amazing.”
Celebrating 14 years on Alpine Avenue, Chef Jenna just wants to
share her good fortune. And her homemade Italian cuisine, including tasty lasagna and authentic arancini. It’s been an incredible run for the Arcidiacono Family.
“When we opened our daughters were 3 and 5, and now they’re 17 and 20,” she said and laughed.
Now the community has become part of their family.
“I love to come out (of the kitchen) to talk to people and say hi and make a connection,” Chef Jenna said. “I hope that’s part of the reason we’re still around, too.”
By John Gonzalez
More services planned as Tiffany’s Pet Spot grows
Tiffany Cowart started her pet grooming business with “a table and a tub.” Now she rents a 1,500-squarefoot suite and has plans to expand to the other side of the building at 4475 Westshire Dr. NW as well as hire more groomers.
This is the third location for Tiffany’s Pet Spot, all within Comstock Park. Her first two locations were both on West River Drive. Her current location is in the Westgate neighborhood where she lives. She said she wanted to stay in the downtown area, but the building she was leasing was being sold, and she needed to move. She enjoys her new location for her growing
business.
“Business continues to grow each year, and I’m looking forward to adding more services soon,” she said.
Cowart grew up surrounded by animals, so it was only natural for her to make animals a part of her life’s work.
“My family would take in dogs, give them a home til we found them new homes,” she said, adding that cats and even lizards were part of the menagerie.
“I thought I wanted to work with exotic animals.”
Cowart graduated from Comstock Park High School in 2007 and took veterinary courses before enrolling at the Paragon School of Pet
Grooming in Jenison. She worked on staff there after graduating and took business courses. She worked at a couple of pet grooming salons, and when she decided to open her own business, she took on a
third job at a gas station to support her venture.
The salon is fullservice providing all grooming needs for dogs. She currently employs two groomers and a high school student who helps clean.
She plans to hire more groomers since there is space for four. Her space includes a separate area for dog bathing, a holding/kennel, and a room for drying the dogs.
A full grooming session for a dog can take two to four hours depending on the breed and the dog’s temperament. Cowart said it’s better for the dog’s owner to not stay because “having the owner in the room is more of a distraction.”
She hasn’t groomed cats since Covid but said she hopes to bring that back when she expands with a more cat-friendly designated space.”
Cowart owns a Champion Kerry Blue terrier and a Champion
Sealyham terrier that she has shown in AKC confirmation, and she has taken several second and third places in grooming competitions around the country. She said she’s “dreaming of a first place!”
Cowart became a foster parent in 2018 although she doesn’t have any foster children currently. She is a big Comstock Park supporter and is working hard to build more of a community with customers and just overall have more fun. She hopes to share more education, offer more giveaways and provide more chances for pet owners in the area to get connected.
By Kathy Bush
Jenna Arcidiacono, chef and co-owner of Amore Trattoria Italiana, recently won three awards from Grand Rapids
Chef Jenna Arcidiacono founded Food Hugs to help restaurant employees with the struggles of an unpredictable industry. She has given away $1,000 tips, given away used cars and offers food for the needy.
Tiffany Cowart, owner of Tiffany’s Pet Spot, 4475 Westshire Dr. NW, Suite C in Comstock Park, shows off her dog Duke, a standard poodle. Groomer Liz Bush is pictured with Scarlet, a golden doodle. Tiffany’s Pet Spot has grown significantly since its opening in 2010. Pet care services range from simple trims to a full spa treatment for furry friends.
Remembering the intense rivalry between Comstock Park and Middleville from the 1960s – 1990s
The Comstock Park High School Panthers have won several Conference Championships and playoff games in football over the years including winning some very dramatic games. They have won or tied for the Football Conference Title 19 times in the history of the school, most recently in 2021. One of their greatest victories didn’t win them a championship, however, it may have been one of the biggest football upsets of all time in the Grand Rapids area.
The year was 1966. It was the last game of the football season. There were no football playoffs at that time.
The Middleville High School Trojans (now referred to as the Thornapple-Kellogg school district) traveled to Comstock Park to play the first Middleville vs. Comstock Park football game on Nov. 12,1966. Records indicate that this was probably the first time that the two schools met on the gridiron. The realignment of conferences resulted in these two geographically separated teams playing for the first time in the newly formed OK Blue Conference
Middleville had a powerhouse team that had won 31 consecutive games over the course of the previous three
seasons. They were rated the number one team in Class C by the Grand Rapids Press and everywhere else that mattered. They dressed an impressive 50+ players on the team and when they came out of the locker room to take the field for warm-ups, it was an impressive sight to behold.
Middleville was led by two-time All-State tight end/linebacker Gary VanElst. He was huge and towered over his own teammates along with much smaller Comstock Park Panthers.
In contrast, the Comstock Park Panthers were a small team with only about 20 players on the team and no one over 200 pounds. The mismatch was comparable to David and Goliath with Middleville as Goliath.
Going into the Middleville game, the Panthers looked like a mediocre team that year with a record of four wins and four losses. But they were better than that. The Panthers were coached by Don Hondorp, a strict disciplinarian who demanded excellence from his players, and was assisted by coach Jerry Cook. They had lost some close games early in the season to some really good teams but seemed to be hitting their stride toward the end of the season. In the
previous week, they beat Lowell by 50 points on a snow-covered field in Lowell.
Herb Wood, longtime resident of Comstock Park and graduate of the school, attended the Middleville game. He said that the bleachers were full but if you were sitting in them, you probably had to stand up to see anyways because the crowd standing around the field was 15 deep in most places. There was not adequate parking for an event of this magnitude and some people had to park over a mile away and walk in.
The Game
The Panther team had two powerful running backs, Doug Holland (CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame member) and Larry Schab. Coach Hondorp devised a great game plan of hammering the line with these two powerful running backs and when Middleville began to key on them, he would mix in a reverse or pass play when they least expected it.
Quarterback Skip Weatherford was a magician with the football and kept the Middleville defense guessing who had the ball. The Comstock Park tight end, Greg Gross, had the assignment of
S ee RIVALRY, PG11
Head coach Don Hondorp tells quarterback Skip Weatherford which play to run next.
Team members and coaches from the 1966 Comstock Park High School football team --from left, Rich Swartz, team captain; Jerry Cook, assistant coach; Don Hondorp, head coach and Larry Schaab, team captain.
hitting Middleville’s All-State line-backer, VanElst, on every play. Usually, another lineman’s assignment was to block him also, meaning that he was double teamed on almost every play.
Comstock Park went on offense first and marched 62 yards on 10 plays, the scoring play being a three-yard touchdown pass from Weatherford to end Neil DeVries. Holland and Schab combined for the second touchdown when on defense, Holland blocked a punt and Schab scooped up the ball and ran it in for the touchdown. Middleville never seemed to recover from those early touchdowns. Their star running back, had to leave the game in the
second quarter due to a head injury and was out for the rest of the contest.
The third Comstock Park touchdown was scored when Middleville fumbled the ball away on the CP 45-yard line. On the next play, Weatherford faked a dive play and instead, got the ball to Bob Pahl on the reverse. The
defense was fooled, and Pahl scored the first of his two long touchdown runs making the halftime score 19-0, with the Panthers ahead.
The second half was more of the same with Comstock Park running the score to 31-0 before Middleville scored a late touchdown making the final score 31- 6 in favor of the Panthers.
Y SINCE 2000!
“We played our hearts out,” said Doug Holland, CPHS halfback, in a recent telephone interview. Holland remembered scoring one of the Panthers five touchdowns by powering over two Middleville defenders attempting to stop him at the goal line.
The Rivalry
This game was significant because it was a great upset for a team that was a huge underdog playing before a great crowd of loyal fans. Secondly, it was the beginning of a bitter rivalry that lasted for decades. Shouting matches between spectators were common during and after games. Administrators often had to calm down both students and adults to prevent fights from breaking out. The rivalry between these two communities, which started with that upset back in 1966, continued until conference realignment in 1993 when the two teams were no longer in the same conference.
The rivalry often was evident at other athletic events such as boys and even girls’ basketball games. For those that were keeping score,
Middleville eventually won more of these bitter, hard-fought, and competitive football battles by a margin of 17 to 10. More than 30 years have passed. One can only hope that after more than three decades, those rivalry flames that burned so hot from the 1960’s into the 1990’s are finally out.
Gary Holland, writer of this article, shared this story with Leisha Emmory, who has lived in Comstock Park for more than 20 years and works as the CPHS athletic office secretary. Emmory never heard that there was a rivalry between Comstock Park and Middleville. This indicates that the old rivalry which started on that November day in 1966 is truly over.
By Gary Holland
I’m here to help you through every step of the way As a 40 year resident of West Michigan and 24 years in the Real Estate Business I bring a weath of experience. I’ll wor k with you to ensure the home selling and buying process is seamless and successful. Contact me today to schedule your free consultation.
Larry Schaab carries the ball for a big gain in the historic 1966 game against the Middleville High School Trojans. (yearbook photo)
Rotary of Comstock Park volunteer remembered for his service
Comstock Park resident Philip Obetts Sr., a longtime member of the Rotary of Comstock Park and volunteer at the Rotary’s BBQs at Dwight Lydell Park, passed away on June 10, 2024 at the age of 94. He joined the Rotary in 1978 and served as President for one year and as a director for two years. He worked on many Rotary projects including the renovation of Grotto Park next to the Michigan Veterans Home in Grand Rapids. He was a member of the American Legion Post
47 and active with the American Legion Boat & Canoe Club.
Obetts was a father, grandfather, great grandfather and greatgreat grandfather. He was an avid golfer and especially fond of his 1967 Chevy Impala. He is survived by his children Phil Jr., Suzanne, Michael, Loretta and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren one great-great granddaughter as well three sisters-in-law.
Cryptids theme of library’s new reading program for kids
Kids love Cryptids! Which is why the Kent District Library (KDL) has made them the central theme of the new reading program just for children K-5 - our Legendary Readers!
Legendary Readers is designed to help children fall in love with reading and put them on a path for a lifetime love of learning. Each September children will be asked to read, write or visit the library for 100 days throughout the school year (outside of the classroom). Children who complete the 100day challenge will win a fun prize and be entered to win a grand prize: 100 days of reading for a chance to win $100!
Logging reading, writing, and library visits is very easy; families can track participation using KDL’s Beanstack app or via a paper log they can pick up at any KDL
overwhelming favorite.
Legendary Readers is the perfect next step for kids who have completed 1KB4K as they enter Kindergarten and completing
coincides with the beginning of Summer Wonder - so continuing the love of books never has to
For more information on the Legendary Reader’s program visit kdl.org/ legendaryreaders, or stop by any KDL branch
By Paula Wright
Upcoming programs at Comstock Park Branch Library
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m. Wednesday Storytime is in Spanish.
October
Oct. 10 @ 6:30 p.m. - Dark Corners of Michigan History (adult)
Nov. 14 @ 6:30 pm - The 442 Infantry Regiment (adult) Nov. 19@ 6 p.m. - Fall Fest
December
Let it Snow Winter Reading Program for Teens and Adults begins
For more information visit the Comstock Park Branch Library or visit kdl.org/events.
Alpine Township honors long-time volunteer
The Alpine Township Historical Commission and the Alpine Township Board recently acknowledged Pat Cedarholm for 39 years as a volunteer.
Cederholm is a charter member of the Alpine Township Historical Commission that had their first meeting in 1985, nearly 40 years ago. She was involved in the rebuilding and dedication of the Alpine Township Historical Museum and has been instrumental in collecting materials for the museum and historical office, which are both on Seven Mile Road.
Over the years
Cederholm has organized many programs to showcase Alpine Township’s history. She has secured interesting speakers for open houses covering early surveying of Alpine Township, railroads, cemeteries, fashion shows, quilts, early pioneer woman and recipes. Her creativity and knowledge benefit area residents through the museum exhibits and an officed filled with historical information.
Marta Brechting, president of the Alpine Township Historical Commission, paid tribute to Cedarholm at a recent open house. Brechting said it was difficult to step into and follow
Cedarholm as president. Brechting noted that every commissioner appreciates Cedarholm’s work and look up to her for the knowledge she generously shares. Cedarholm was presented with a book filled with photos from her many years as a volunteer with the historical commission.
Alpine Township Supervisor Greg Madura presented Cedarholm with a certificate of appreciation for “her pioneering the preservation and protection of the township’s oldest records.”
By Mary Alt
Philip Obetts Sr. helped with many Rotary projects including the renovation of Grotto Park by the Michigan Veterans Home in Grand Rapids.
Long-time Comstock Park Rotarian Philip Obetts Sr. passed away on June 10, 2024.
Pat Cedarholm (center) was recently honored by the Alpine Township Historical Commission and the Alpine Township Board for her 39 years as a volunteer. She is pictured with Greg Madura, Alpine Township Supervisor and Marta Brechting, president of the Alpine Township Historical Commission.
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Second floor of Pine Island Elementary opens ahead of schedule
Third-grade teacher
Kristi Altman admitted it felt good to be back in her classroom, considering a year ago she was forced to relocate her class only a few days after school started following an EF1 tornado.
Altman’s classroom was one of six in the third-grade wing located on Pine Island Elementary’s second floor that were damaged by winds from an Aug. 24, 2023 tornado that came through Plainfield and Alpine townships.
Classrooms impacted by the tornado were relocated, which caused a domino effect with eight to 10 teachers displaced in all, said Principal Brian Morrison.
At times, finding space for parent meetings and other
cleaning.
needs was a challenge. But staff made it work.
“The construction crew worked well with us, and the foreman would meet with me to see what they could do. They were as nondisruptive as they possibly could be,” Morrison said.
Construction crews led by Grand
Rapids construction management company
Owen Ames Kimball worked through last school year, and the second-floor project was completed earlier than expected. Work included truss reinforcement, concrete work and a roof membrane replacement. Impacted classrooms rooms got new carpet, paint and a deep
Teachers were able to get into their former classrooms by the end of the 2023-24 school year.
“It feels like we can stretch again,” Morrison said.
For teachers, it also provided an opportunity to reimagine their spaces. Altman said she decided to create a calm atmosphere, painting
the walls a light blue and adding new decorations in pink and blue hues that accented the space.
Third-grade teacher Carolyn La Roche said she has a mix of old and new decorations in her space that included chair back covers in a mix of bright colors.
“It feels wonderful to be back in this space,” La Roche said as she put
finishing touches on the room. “It is so quiet in this part of the school. Last year I was across from the gym, right in the middle of the hub of everything.
“Also, I missed the sun coming through the windows in the morning.”
La Roche noted that many students last year were disappointed because they were looking forward to being on the second floor. In fact, since all first- and second-grade classes are on the first floor, this is the first time for many third-graders that their classrooms are on the second floor.
By Joanne BaileyBoorsma School News Network www. schoolnewsnetwork.org
New athletic director ready to be a ‘Slingshot Supporter’
During his high school years, Mitchell Gabriele knew he always wanted to help people. Passionate about sports and the belief that athletics can help people develop their ability to prosper in their own ways, Gabriele became an athletic director.
“I want to cultivate relationships,” said Gabriele, who is the new athletic director at Comstock Park. “I really want people to know it’s ‘we,’ not ‘me.’ I want to be a slingshot supporter, so I’m able to help take (someone’s) vision and their ideas and help slingshot them forward.”
Why did you decide to come to Comstock Park?
“I’ve heard nothing but great things,” Gabriele said, noting he especially appreciated that several district administrators have served as athletic directors.
“A lot of people feel as though an athletic director prints off rosters and eats free food out of the concession stand and watches games. … There’s way more that goes into it. We’re an event manager, we’re health and safety, we’re facilities, we’re networking, fellowship, leadership. … Having that experience within my administration and
someone to also lean on in areas (where) I may need another perspective, that means a lot.”
‘This is not work. This is my life. This is my passion.’
— Athletic Director Mitchell Gabriele
What is your education background?
Gabriele is a graduate of Hillsdale Public Schools, where he helped the baseball team win a state championship, and Adrian College, where he was a starter on the football team and helped bring home a 2012 conference
championship.
He coached for 18 seasons at his alma mater, Hillsdale, and then served as the associate athletic director for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. While there, he earned a master’s degree in athletic administration and officiated basketball.
He later moved from the OK Red Conference in Grand Haven to eightman football at Martin Public Schools. In the two years Gabriele spent at Martin, the football team won back-to-back state championships.
What’s your favorite food at the concession stand?
Gabriele admitted he eats too many “tube steaks” (hot dogs) and loves his fruity candies such as Skittles or Starburst. He also strongly believes all good concession stands need great popcorn.
What type of student were you in elementary school?
“I was a kid that never missed a day of school, K-12. School was the best place. “I was the kid that liked to talk a lot, but it’s also because I feel as though I’m pretty good at my networking abilities and just being able to reach out to people and have that confidence, and that’s kind of where it all
started.
If you could, what grade would you return to?
Gabriele said he’d pick fourth or fifth grade because of his teacher at the time, former Hillsdale superintendent Shawn Vondra.
“(Vondra) was so great that he made me change … what team I was cheering for. I was a Michigan State fan that year because he was, and he was the person I looked up to.
“But now I’m, of course, a Michigan fan, because that’s what I’ve always been. One of my middle names is Bo after (football coach) Bo Schembechler.”
What would you like to share about your family?
Gabriele lives in Holland with his wife, Alyssa, who works for the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. He has a three-month old daughter, Ava Rose, and a mini goldendoodle named Duke.
“We golf a lot and we play tennis a lot, but we also love to engulf ourselves in family.”
Something unique about me is…
After graduating from Adrian, he backpacked alone around Europe for two months. Part
of that time was spent in Manoppello, Italy, visiting extended family who spoke limited English.
“(The experience) really made me recognize … if you truly love and care for somebody, that communication will only play a small role, because it’s the actions, it’s the emotions, it’s the body language, it’s how you express yourself without words.”
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from the students you have worked with?
“Every day is different, but in a good way. I love the ‘aha’ moment … that those kids will remember for the rest of their lives. They’re gonna look back and be like, ‘Wow, I learned that here. I learned that in the classroom or on quiz bowl or in band or in choir or in educational athletics.’ Those moments continue to drive me, continue to keep me fueled and ready to go for another day. And I love it. This is not work. This is my life. This is my passion.”
By Joanne BaileyBoorsma School News Network
Third-grade teacher Kristin Keifer leads her students up the stairs to their classroom on the repaired second floor.
Third-grade teacher Kristi Altman goes over the class rules with her students.
Mitchell Gabriele, Comstock Park’s new athletic director, is looking forward to building relationships.
h t t p s : / / w w w a c c e s s
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
Students find science the key to solving a whodunit
“Oh, it’s changing!” said sixth-grader Claire Bolek to her partner Aubrie Foley as they examined a powder in their “lab.”
The girls were testing different powders to determine who their “suspect” was in a fictional crime, the task part of the district’s 2024 Summer Science Camp. This year’s theme was Mystery Festival, with students using forensic science to solve a murder mystery.
“I think (camp) is a really good thing,” said eighth-grader Ethan Aderianse, who was attending with his brother, fifth-grader Avery. “Not only do I get to do something with my younger brother, but we are also learning how science plays a real role in solving a crime.”
Rachel Wohlford, a teacher at Mill Creek Middle School who leads the summer camp, said participating students are recommended by teachers based on their interest in science. This year, the program had 27 students in grades 5-8.
On the first day, students walked into a “crime scene” where they were asked to solve the case of who killed “Felix Navidad.”
DNA samples.
To do so, they conducted a variety of experiments such as comparing DNA, looking for trace evidence on clothing and testing the water found in the ice trays for poison.
Students also had the opportunity to visit a Michigan State Police crime lab to see some real-life detectives.
“We got to burn stuff,” Ethan said, when asked what his four-member group considered their favorite task. “We were burning different strings to determine what type of string was found at the crime scene.”
At the end of the fourday camp, the students came together to discuss who they thought the suspect or suspects were by analyzing the results of their experiments.
Wohlford said there were a few different solutions depending on what direction the students went with their sleuthing. She emphasized that the ultimate goal was not to determine a suspect, but instead to get the students learning about science and its realworld uses.
Sixth-grader A’mya VandenBerg said she enjoyed working with the teachers and learning more about science and its applications.
“They made us laugh and were supportive of us as we did the experiences,” A’mya said.
By Joanne BaileyBoorsma School News Network
Teacher Rachel Wohlford helps sixth-graders Claire Bolek and Aubrie Foley as they look over
Fifth-graders Eli Twiest, left, and Avery Aderianse work with eighth-graders Ethan Aderianse and Luka Shepard on determining whose DNA was left at a fictional crime scene.
Mill Creek Tavern is your friendly, neighborhood pub in Comstock Park. The place to enjoy great food, cold drinks, and fun times with family and friends. You’ll relish our warm, stylish interior and genial atmosphere, as
