Two small businesses move to West River Drive location
Mowerz and Blowerz
Small Engine Repair and Fresh Coast Label are two former home-based small businesses now sharing pace at 3374 West River Drive.
Ross Karasiewicz, owner of Mowerz and Blowerz Small Engine Repair and Jake Greene, owner of Fresh Coast Label operated their businesses out of their homes for three years before moving to Comstock Park.
Karaseiwicz said the Comstock Park location is easier for his customers to access. Greene noted that working from home was a challenge because of limited space but it helped him streamline processes to improve quality, costs, and turnaround time for customers.
The business owners met when Greene worked for Karasiewicz in his construction business.
Karasiewicz repairs everything from residential and commercial lawnmowers and snowblowers, to pressure washers, rototillers, generators, chainsaws, leaf blowers, edgers, trimmers, and more. Karasiewicz offers pickup and delivery services within the greater Grand Rapids area. Senior and military discounts are available. He previously worked in construction for 28 years and com-
See BuSineSSeS, PG 11
Upcoming Events
COMSTOCK PARK AMERICAN LEGON WINTER/SPRING FISH FRIES
The American Legion Winter/Spring fish fries are April 4, 11, and 18. The drive-thru is open at 4:30 p.m., dine-in opens 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 for ages 13 and up, $6 for ages 6-12, and kids five and under eat 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 your fourth dinner is free. 3811 West River Drive, Comstock Park.
MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSES
The Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society will host an open house from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday May 31, in Dwight Lydell Park in Comstock Park. The open house is an opportunity to view dioramas of railroads throughout West Michigan.
COFFEE WITH A COP
Every Thursday at 10 a.m., the Kent County Sheriff’s Office provides coffee and talks with residents about how to prevent and reduce crime in their neighborhood, answers questions about recent incidents in the area and listens to concerns. Coffee
with a Cop also welcomes guest presenters who share more about what’s happening in the area and how you can help. Plainfield Township Hall, 6161 Belmont Ave. NE, Belmont.
ALPINE TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The Alpine Township Historical Commission, 2015 Seven Mile Road, has open office hours every Wednesday from 10-11:30 a.m. For more information call (616) 784-1262 or email 1847alpine@gmail. com.
PLAINFIELD GRAND ROGUE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Plainfield Grand Rogue Historical Society’s April meeting will feature “Betsy Ross and the History of the American Flag” presented by Deb Havens, from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 at the Plainfield Township Hall, 6161 Belmont Ave., Belmont.
The society’s May meeting will feature “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.” Robert Hendershot will talk about the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first major military conflict of the American Revolution. The program takes place 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the Plainfield Township Hall, 6161 Belmont Ave., Belmont.
The Plainfield Grand Rogue Historical Society will host a Victorian Spring Tea from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, at the Oakview Community Church, 4242 Plainfield Ave NE. Wendy Bachelder will present “Romantic
Secrets: Flirting with a Fan.” For more information email plainfieldhistory@gmail.com.
HYSER RIVERS MUSEUM
Hyser Rivers Museum open houses are May 3 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., May 4 from 1 – 5 p.m., and June 1 from 2 – 4 p.m. Visitors can view artifacts and learn about the history of Plainfield Township at the museum located at 6440 West River Drive.
GRAND RAPIDS ROWING CLUB
The Grand Rapids Rowing Club is hosting a Rowing Discovery Day from 10 a.m. - noon on June 7 at their boathouse, 291 North Park St. NW Grand Rapids. Participants can tour the boathouse, learn the parts of a rowing shell and basic rowing techniques on an indoor rower, experience rowing on the Grand River guided by experienced rowers and coaches, plus get information about other rowing sessions and programs. The event is free and no registration is required. For more information contact (616) 6076935 or info@grandrapidsrowing.com.
MAPLE SYRUP CONTEST
The Best of West Michigan Maple Syrup Contest is April 27 at the Henze Center at 1100 Henze Drive. The entry form will be on the Alpine Township Historical Commissions web site 1847alpine@gmailcom. Previous contestants can call or contact a Historical Commission member at (616) 784-1262.
Jake Greene (left), owner of Fresh Coast Label and Ross Karasiewicz, owner of Mowerz and Blowerz Small Engine Repair moved their home-based businesses to 3374 West River Drive in Comstock Park.
Style Up Hair & Bridal Studio celebrates ten years in Comstock Park
Style Up Hair & Bridal Studio, a small, cozy salon on West River Drive in Comstock Park is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Style Up Hair & Bridal Studio offers salon services as well as bridal services. Bridal parties enjoy a private, closedoff space for bridal parties to relax and enjoy their special day, while being pampered and treated to a beautiful experience.
“Style Up and the team of six experienced stylists are deeply grateful for the amazing community’s continued support. Your loyalty has helped us grow and thrive over the years,” said Alana DuVerneay, owner of Style Up.
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
Style Up Hair & Bridal Studio is located at 4005 West River Drive in Comstock Park.
Style Up Hair & Bridal Studio stylists from left: Tarah Jo Gregory, Belinda Ungrey, Amanda Reames, Alana DuVerneay, Jenna Wustman and Kyla Wakeland.
Style Up Hair & Bridal Studio includes a private space for bridal parties.
Around town…
or visit
Ave.
Suite D in
Park. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean-Iraqi food – Iraqi cuisine. Brandon said that all of Babylon’s food is fresh daily, no frozen and is Halah (made, processed and stored to high standards of cleanliness). The restaurant has already garnered many good reviews on Google, known for the large portions, delicious food, affordable prices and specialties like lamb shawarma. Brandon previously managed the popular Mediterranean Island International Foods grocery store in Grand Rapids. The 1,763-square-foot restaurants seats 28 and is open daily (Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
– 7 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. For more information visit www. thegrillingco.com.
Brandon and Sandy Koja opened Babylon Kitchen Mediterranean Grill in September 2024, located at 4255 Alpine
NW,
Comstock
An aerial view of Stoney Creek Elementary school nestled in the Westgate neighborhood of Comstock Park. (Photo by Hunter Nielsen)
John Grace Restoration/Construction, located at 955 W. River Center Dr. NE in Comstock Park is a leading restoration company with 110 employees. The company provides restoration services from damage from water, fire, mold, and damage to personal belongings and contents. For more information call (616) 438-5315
john-grace.com.
Colton Beveridge and Chris Locke, cooks at The Grilling Company, slice up brisque at The Grilling Company, located at 4640 West River Drive in Comstock Park. Brisket and burnt ends are popular with customers, according to Beveridge and Locke. Customers come from as far away a Muskegon, Grand Haven, Kalamazoo and up north locations. The Grilling Company is open 11 a.m.
Comstock Park High School Drama Club presented The Little Mermaid in early March- Some of the cast members, back row from left, Deanna Kader, Colin Lehan, Mekayla Rucker, Isaac Holmes, Violet Holmes, Abbi Borisch. Front row from left, Jordan Lerch, Jamie Ralya, Broque Twitchell, Ava Trendt.
Susan Morrin calls music bingo at Mill Creek Tavern in Comstock Park every Tuesday evening. By day she works at the Kids’ Food Basket farm in Grand Rapids.
Library employee Sandy Feutz looks over 2024 tax forms that are available at the Comstock Park library.
Multi-year renovations to LMCU Ballpark feature numerous upgrades
The crack of the bat, the smell of popcorn, and the cheers from fans young and old — baseball season is just around the corner in West Michigan. But this year, there’s more than just a new roster of future Detroit Tigers taking the field at LMCU Ballpark. The West Michigan Whitecaps are stepping up to the plate with the second phase of a $35 million multi-year renovation project, bringing exciting upgrades to the beloved ballpark just in time for the new season opener on April 4.
Fans will immediately notice the changes when they walk through the gates. They include:
• New outfield dimensions (and more home runs),
• Picnic tables,
• More four-tops,
• New sodded infield,
• A huge wall in leftfield,
• Acquisition of adjacent AJ’s Family Fun Park, now GameTime Fun Park.
“The biggest takeaway for fans this season would be that we’ve reinvested into LMCU Ballpark to improve the fan experience and keep things fresh for the years ahead,” said Steve McCarthy, Whitecaps president.
The Whitecaps, the High A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, have been a fixture of the Comstock Park community since 1994. Originally affiliated with the Oakland A’s, the team switched its partnership to the Tigers in 1997, a move that at the time raised a few eyebrows.
As General Manager Jim Jarecki recalled on a recent podcast episode of the “Big League Dreaming” podcast, fans were skeptical about aligning with a struggling Tigers organization.
“We were coming off a Midwest League championship with the A’s,” Jarecki said. “And when the Tigers became available, people were like, ‘Why would you do that? The Tigers aren’t good.’ But we knew this is a Tiger town.”
And time has proven that decision right. The Tigers now boast the No. 1 ranked farm system in Major League Baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, meaning fans at LMCU Ballpark get a front-row seat to the future of Detroit baseball. Last year alone, 15 former Whitecaps played for the Tigers during their thrilling playoff run.
The renovations at LMCU Ballpark reflect the team’s commitment not just to player development but to the fan experience. The latest upgrades, which began right after the 2024 season ended on Sept. 6, include new terraces in right and left field designed for group ticket sales. These premium spaces will accommodate groups of 75 to 200 people, featuring their own bar areas and wait services.
The improvements come at a time when fan enthusiasm is soaring. The Whitecaps drew 372,943 fans last season, averaging 5,827 attendees per game — the franchise’s highest average attendance in 23 seasons. Those numbers rival some Triple-A teams, a testament to the Whitecaps’ deep roots in the community.
For me, the Whitecaps are more than just a baseball team — they’re part of my family’s story. My wife Pam and I raised my three sons, Zak, Ty, and Zane, at LMCU Ballpark, holding season tickets for years. It was where we shared hot dogs, chased foul balls, and dreamed about the big leagues. Today, we carry that love for the game into our podcast, “Big League Dreaming,” where we recently had the privilege of speaking with Jarecki and McCarthy about the upcoming season and the exciting changes at the ballpark.
One topic that stood out was the Whitecaps’ innovative Prospect Bobblehead Series, spotlighting rising stars like Max Clark, Wenceel Perez, and Jaden Hamm. Jarecki explained how giving prospects their first-ever bobbleheads has become a hit with fans.
“What’s really exciting is this is their first bobblehead they’re getting,” he said. “And if they happen to still be here on bobblehead day, it’s even more fun for fans who can grab autographs.”
As Zak pointed out on the podcast, the Tigers’ focus on building a strong foundation through their farm system is paying off, and Whitecaps fans get a front-row seat to the action. “It’s really exciting times for Tigers fans who are able to see Riley Greene and others in West Michigan before they become big league stars,” he said.
The ballpark’s evolution mirrors the team’s journey — growing from
a scrappy affiliate of a struggling Tigers team to a key player in developing MLB’s brightest prospects. And the connection between the team and the community has never been stronger.
GAMETIME FUN PARK
The West Michigan Whitecaps are expanding their family-friendly entertainment offerings with the recent acquisition of what was formerly AJ’s Family Fun Park.
“Because minor league baseball is not enough with dizzy bats and human sandwiches and all kinds of fun and games,” McCarthy joked. “What was formerly AJ’s Family Fun Park has always been a good neighbor for us, and we thought there were a lot of synergies right from the start. It’s outdoor, it’s family-oriented, it’s entertainment, it’s in the summer, and it’s affordable — all the things Whitecaps baseball stands for.”
The fun park features go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages, a small indoor arcade, and food options. Additionally, there are group hospitality areas available for corporate events and birthday parties. “You can rent the facility for exclusive access or host a corporate event with wristbands for attendees to enjoy the attractions while the public is still there,” McCarthy explained.
The acquisition aligns with the Whitecaps’ group hospitality focus. “We do thousands of groups every year,” McCarthy noted. “As a pregame or postgame offering — or even a nongame day activity — this gives groups a new way to have fun.”
Conveniently located just across from the ballpark, McCarthy confirmed that fans can walk between the fun park and the stadium. “We’re working on a crossing path to make sure everyone can get across safely,” he said.
Spanning approximately 8.5 acres, the property includes office space, a go-kart workshop, and parking areas. The new venture made perfect business sense, according to McCarthy.
“With 60 percent of our audience coming from group hospitality events, offering a fun park pass or a two-hour
I’m here to help you through every step of the way As a 40 year resident of West Michigan and 25 years in the Real Estate Business I bring a wealth 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.
AJ’s Family Fun Park is now GameTime Fun Park after it was purchased by the West Michigan Whitecaps.
John Stephan has been practicing law in Comstock Park for more than a decade and said he likes the “small town feel” of the area where he knows and recognizes the business and restaurant owners.
“Comstock Park is the perfect small town just outside the city,” Stephan said. “You don’t have to deal with traffic, parking, but you’re close to conveniences.”
He added that his clients “love the free parking” right in front of his office in the Comstock Park Professional Building at 3875 West River Drive. He also enjoys being able to walk across the street with his clients for lunch at the affordable restaurants.
Stephan mainly practices estate law such as wills, trusts, and helping clients with the probate process, but also practices family and criminal law. He said he knew he would “never get bored” practicing law.
“I really love it (lawyering),” he said. It’s a lot of fun. I love the peo-
ple. But it takes a certain mindset.”
Stephan interned at the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office before graduating from Cooley Law School in 2007.
After graduation he opened his own private
practice. A short time later he ran into Attorney Craig Avery who he met during his internship.
Avery co-owed and had his law practice in the Comstock Park Professional Building. Avery was getting ready to retire and Stephan pur-
chased his law firm and officially took over Jan. 1, 2009. Avery retired several years later but remains of-counsel.
Employees also include a full-time paralegal and a part-time legal secretary.
When the accountants in the firm he shared ownership of the building with retired, Stephan bought their remaining interest in November 2024 and is now sole owner the building. He said he is planning upgrades to the landscaping and the exterior. He said he’ll use a Comstock Park Development Authority Façade Improvement Grant available to businesses
within the DDA district to help pay for the work. He still uses the round cannonball safe and night deposit drop chute left over from the bank that once occupied the building.
Stephan joined the DDA in 2022. He said being on the DDA Board is a way to help improve Comstock Park and “a way I can give back and help out the community.”
He sees the DDA as vital to the downtown area and its businesses in “generally promoting the community and (making) general improvements to the downtown area.” He added, “We’re (board members) here
every day and see what needs to be done that government might not see.”
Stephan is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and grew up in the Lansing area. He graduated from high school at Great Lakes Adventist Academy in Cedar Lakes, Michigan and attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He and his wife live in Grand Rapids. They volunteer for Paws With a Cause fostering puppies for the program that trains service dogs to assist people with conditions affecting mobility or strength.
By Kathy Bush
Estate, family and criminal attorney enjoys small town feel of Comstock Park Business Briefs
BRENNER’S FOR SALE
Brenner’s Bait and Auto building is for sale.
Bruce Johnson, real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors said in February that there’s been moderate interest in the building but no strong offers for Brenner’s, located at 4765 West River Drive in Comstock Park.
The 3,200-squarefoot building was built in 1960 and includes mechanic bays at the end of the building and .8 acres of land. The building is suitable for any type of retail and doesn’t have to remain a
bait shop, said Johnson, noting there’s always a possibility a buyer could tear it down.
“It sits on a lot of land. It’s a good spot in heavy traffic,” Johnson said noting it would be a good location for a restaurant or hotel.
Asking price for Brenner’s is $925,000. For more information visit www.cbcworldwide.com/properties/ JS2SZQ/4765-w-riverdrive-ne
PLANS FOR CONVENIENCE
STORE NIXED AT FORMER CAR WASH LOCATION
Utah-based Maver-
ik – Adventure’s First Stop acquired the Kum & Go convenience stores in 2023. Maverik withdrew plans to open a Kum & Go location at 4724 West River Drive in Comstock Park, the former car wash location.
Elizabeth Curcio, assistant planner for Plainfield Township, said the company’s site plan review was revoked and no new plans for redevelopment have been announced.
“They could hold on to the property for a couple of years – it depends on their business model,” Curcio said.
Attorney John Stephan became the sole owner of the Comstock Park Professional Building in November 2024.
The former Brenner’s Bait and Auto building is for sale. The 3,200-square-foot building was built in 1960 and includes mechanic bays at the end of the building.
The Bouma Self-Storage Staff : Ralph, Jackie, Jean, Ray
Fourth annual Mill Creek Days August 8, 9 in Comstock Park
For the first time prize money will be awarded for the best floats in the Mill Creek Days parade that will take place Aug. 9. The Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority will award $500 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. Businesses, groups, churches and other organization are invited to participate.
Planning is underway for this year’s Mill Creek Days that will take place Aug. 8-9 centered around Dwight Lydell County Park. The event
features live music, parade, craft vendors, beer tent, free children’s activities, 10k/5k run/ walk, bike decorating
and giveaway, duck race and other activities.
More volunteers are needed. Please email your availability to vol-
unteer or ideas for this year’s event to millcreekdayscp@gmail.com. Follow Mill Creek Days on Facebook for the latest updates.
Personal care and cleaning supplies available at the Clean Closet
The Clean Closet in Comstock Park aims to help area residents who make too much money to qualify for assistance but do not earn enough to make ends meet.
“It’s hard when you have to make decision whether to buy toothpaste or put food on the table,” said Tanya Llorens who manages the Clean Closet located at York Creek Community Center. “We try to lift that burden.”
The Comstock Park Outreach Committee started the Clean Closet in October 2022 as a separate entity that makes items like diapers, wipes, toothpaste and brushes, mouthwash, hairbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets available to qualifying families and individuals.
Often Comstock Park Library, the Sparta Adult Education program at York Creek, or Comstock Park Schools might refer a family or individual who needs help. Some people learn about the Clean Closet through word of mouth. Llorens makes an appointment with the person or family to show them around and talk about their needs. They can shop that day. After that participants have their own, individual shopping time. Participants must live in Comstock Park.
“Some people don’t feel comfortable having
other people know they come to the Clean Closet,” said Llorens. She also gets to know about their other needs such as a food pantry. Llorens is in the process of looking for locations to put bins out for people to drop items off for the Clean Closet.
The Clean Closet currently serves around 25 families. Donations are
always welcome and checks can be made out to Sanctuary Church with “Clean Closet” on the memo line. Mail checks to 565 Ferris St. NW Grand Rapids MI 49544.
For more information contact Miss McPhearson, co-chairperson of the Outreach Committee, at (616) 254-5016.
StoryWalk installed in Dwight Lydell Park
A permanent StoryWalk® has been installed in Dwight Lydell Park, next to the Comstock Park Branch Library.
First developed by Anne Ferguson and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, the concept of a StoryWalk is to create an experience that promotes early literacy with outdoor exploration in a fun activity that families can enjoy together. StoryWalks take illustrated picture books and place pages of the books along a dedicated walkway; walkers read the book one page at time, while exploring their way to the next page to complete the story.
This first book chosen for the Dwight Lydell StoryWalk is: “Fire! ¡Fuego! Brave Bomberos” by Susan Middleton Elya.
“We chose this book as our first title because we wanted to highlight the history of the library being a former firehouse and we wanted a bilingual book to make the StoryWalk more accessible to a wider range of community members,” said Mikki Henry, youth
branch librarian, who helped develop the StoryWalk panels. “Each panel of the StoryWalk also includes physical activities and questions to get families thinking about at home fire safety.”
The new StoryWalk starts just outside of the Comstock Park Branch Library, by the bridge that crosses Mill Creek into the Dwight Lydell Park. StoryWalk runs northwest though the park, past the scenic overlook and pavilion, ending past the second bridge into the park, not far from Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society building.
This project is a collaboration between Kent District Library –Comstock Park Branch, the Kent County Parks Department, Plainfield Township, and the Comstock Park Rotary, who provided the permanent sign holders needed for the StoryWalk. A dedication for the StoryWalk, and to celebrate the other recent changes to Dwight Lydell Park, will occur later this year.
By Paula Wright
Upcoming Programs KDL Comstock Park Branch
SPRING BREAK EVENTS FOR FAMILIES
• 2 p.m., Monday, April 7 – Inventing Illusions
• 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 9 – Spring Craft Extravaganza
• 2 p.m., Thursday, April 10 – Bubble Science
CLASSIC MOVIES OF THE SILVER SCREEN
2 p.m., Tuesday, April 29– “And Then There Were None” (1945)
5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 29 – “Hans Christian Anderson” (1952)
Prize money will be given out for the best floats of the Mill Creek Days parade on Aug. 9 -$500 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place.
Tanya Llorens manages the Clean Closet at the York Creek Community Center in Comstock Park.
Mikki Henry, youth branch librarian, KDL –Comstock Park branch, by the permanent StoryWalk that has been installed in Dwight Lydell Park.
Athletic Hall of Fame announces inductees for 2025
The Comstock Park High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee met recently and selected the inductees for this year. They will be inducted at a ceremony held during Homecoming week of 2025.
Athletes include Jake Brown, class of 2013 and Steve Clement, class of 1975, Coach Jon Wier and the state championship golf teams of 1987 and 1988
More details will follow in the July 1 edition of the Comstock Park
Row One: Louis Stiles, A.J. Rings, Steve Lancaster, Mike Wilson, Todd VanDrie
Row Two: Justin Stearns, Tim Benham, Brandon, Meyaard, Kirk Anderson, Todd Duncan, Joel Morgan
Row Three: Coach Je Hoag, Noel Nixon, Dennis Peters, Doug VanOost, Andy Hopkins, Bruce Datema, Sebastian Dencker, Je Hoag Communicator.
Comstock Park High School to celebrate centennial graduating class
Comstock Park High School opened in the 1920’s with its first class of six students graduating in 1927. The 2026 Comstock Park High School graduating class will be the 100th class to graduate in school history. The Comstock Park High School administration, with the support of the Comstock Park School Board, plan to celebrate the milestone in a big way. To honor all Comstock Park High School alumni, a section of the high school is being permanently designated as the Hall of Honor.
The Hall of Honor will be located in the hallway outside of the cafeteria. Vacant lockers will be removed, the ceiling will be raised, and new lighting installed. Several displays highlighting the accomplishments of CPHS alumni will be created. Nameplates will be displayed honoring the following:
• valedictorian/salutatorian
• Military Honor Wall
• Distinguished alumni
• Performing Arts –Sousa Award
• Athletic All-State
• Athletic Hall of Fame
• Hackmuth and Shew Award
• Jansen and Snyder Award
The valedictorian, salutatorian, John Philip Sousa Award, current Athletic Hall of Fame
members, Hackmuth, Shew, Jansen, and Snyder award winners will all be generated from school records. The Athletic Hall of Fame has generated a list of AllState athletes.
The Military Honor Wall will include anyone that has served in any branch of the military. However, the military wall will be dedicated to soldiers who have died while in military service
such as recent casualty, Miguel Nava who died in a helicopter crash in 2024.
The new Distinguished Alumni Award honors former CPHS students and will be given for the first time during the centennial celebration year. This award will be presented to alumni for outstanding achievement in the areas of science, business, military service, post high school
athletics, or leadership.
Photographs from the past 100 years will be an important piece of the project. High resolution photos from the past can be emailed too pantherpics@cppschools.com.
Kendra Faustin, principal and Tony Petkus, assistant principal are overseeing the project.
“We are hoping that by honoring the accomplishments of past Com-
stock Park High School alumni, we will be inspiring our current students to accomplish meaningful achievements of their own,” Faustin said.
Petkus said that the Military Wall of Honor is a crucial portion of the project.
The official opening of the Hall of Honor will take place during a special ceremony as part of Homecoming Week 2025.
For more information visit www.cppschools. com/schools/cphs/hallof-honor/ or contact the CPHS office.
By Gary Holland
“I feel that it is very important to recognize those graduates that have served their country, especially those that have died so that the rest of us can live free,” Petkus said.
Coach John Wier
1987 Championship Golf team
The Comstock Park High School Wall of Honor will be dedicated during Homecoming Week 2025.
Steve Clement
Why I Love Comstock Park
I was 10 years old in 1976, and my parents would take me to the oldest bar in Grand Rapids (Nick Finks). I remember the excitement in getting to sit up high on a bar stool, watching intently where the bartender created magnificent colorful concoctions. My parents would let me order a Shirley Temple, and I thought I was pretty special, especially when I got fancy peanuts served in a silver cup. I remember feeling like Nick Finks should be attached to a castle somewhere. I’ve always felt like Comstock Park was a special place even from a young age.
As I grew up in the busy north end of Grand Rapids, I would make special attempts at driving through and frequenting many Comstock Park businesses. It always felt safe and special to me. It reminded me of downtown Grand Haven, Traverse City, or Petoskey. I liked the small Grand River feel and appreciated the way people in Comstock Park greeted me, and were always kind, and never in a hurry. There is something to be said about a town and man-
ner of living that doesn’t seem rushed.
When my supervisor asked me if I had a place in mind in Kent County where I could make an impact. I knew exactly what town I wanted to work in. I work for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and it’s my job to help Kent County residents decrease their risks
of developing chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease rates are climbing in West Michigan, so I want to help bring awareness to Comstock Park and help residents and employees reduce their risks. High blood pressure and diabetes are the two highest risk factors for chronic kidney disease. We offer classes at no cost that were listed in the Jan-
uary 1, 2025 Comstock Park Communicator.
In February Comstock Park Rotary members welcomed me and made me feel like family from the minute I walked into the meeting at Mill Creek Tavern. Missi McPherson, educational support services coordinator for Comstock Park Schools, really helped me get started with my quest. I was also invited to the Comstock Park Community Outreach meeting and the At-Risk Hispanic Task Force meeting. Comstock Park is fortunate have these two amazing outreach organizations. The collaboration of businesses, government, schools, churches, and many other service organizations that have a mission of matching community needs to available resources is hands-down amazing! My supervisor was convinced that Comstock Park is a “special pocket of citizens.” I have never been in a meeting where there was so much love and care for a community.
Next, I attended the school district wellness committee meeting. After hearing all the amazing things that Melissa Alley and
Alumni Game Day helps fund Tribute Scholarship
Former Comstock Park High School athletes gathered on March 1, 2025 for an unofficial reunion at Mill Creek Middle School. This event was organized by CPHS Science teacher and track and cross-country coach, Aaron Peoples, former CPHS athletes, and current CPHS staff members. Interested spectators made donations of $5 - $500 to participate in this event with the proceeds funding the
Tribute Scholarship, a $1000 scholarship given each year to a CPHS graduate that attends Grand Rapids Community College.
The Alumni Games started back in the 1990’s as a men’s alumni basketball game to raise money for charity. Coach Peoples took it over about 10 years ago and has expanded it to include soccer, volleyball, a girls’ basketball game, and two men’s basketball games. The
event is a chance for relatives and friends to see their loved ones play again. This year’s the all-day event raised more than $1,200 for the Tribute Scholarship.
After writing a check for $500 an anonymous donor talked about how much participation in sports meant to her when she was a CPHS student. She saw her donation as a way to give back to help a CPHS student as a thank you for the meaningful experi-
Karis Pugh are doing in the school district, I was able to share our resources and am hopeful I can be involved in the committee. Kudos to this group, as it was the most organized, progressive wellness committee that I have seen in Kent County. Their desire to help students stay healthy with celebrations, oral health clinics, girls running programs, plus a plethora of other amazing campaigns and projects puts them ahead of many other districts that I have visited.
FISH FRY AT THE AMERICAN LEGION
My final reason why I love Comstock Park -- I recently took my husband and two sets of friends to the Fish Fry at the American Legion. I wanted to support the
legion as my husband is a veteran. When we entered it seemed to be like old friends’ welcome home night. We were greeted, and everyone was saying “hello” and “welcome” as if they knew us. We loved the dinner and camaraderie with our whole table and finished off with a night cap downstairs. When we left, everyone downstairs said “goodbye” and “see you next time”, like we were long lost friends.
What a rare jewel Comstock Park is: a special pocket where everyone you meet makes you feel at home.
By Sue Randall, program specialist, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
Beware April Fools’ Day
ence that she had.
To participate in this next year’s event, contact Peoples at apeoples@ cppschools.com. All CPHS alumni and current and former staff members are welcome to participate. To make a donation send a check to the Comstock Park High School Alumni Scholarship, 150 Six Mile Road, Comstock Park, MI 49321.
By Gary Holland
April Fools’ Day is a day for playing pranks. Elaborate pranks have appeared on radio and television stations, newspapers, and online. In 1957 the British Broadcasting Corporation aired a film during their current affairs series that seemed to show Swiss farmers picking freshly grown spaghetti from trees during what they called the “Swiss Spaghetti Harvest.” The BBC was flooded with requests to purchase a spaghetti plant, forcing them to declare the film a hoax on the news the next day.
The origin of celebrating April Fools’ Day on April 1 is unclear. A common story goes back to the 1500s in France when
the Julian calendar (established by Julius Caesar) was replaced with the Gregorian calendar (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII). The Julian calendar moved the start of the new year, which had been April 1, to January 1. News did not always travel quickly in those days, so not everybody got the word that the start of the new year had changed to January 1. Those who were unaware of the change and continued to celebrate the new year on April 1 became known as “April Fools.”
No matter the origin of April Fools’ Day, beware. It is a day to be extra skeptical if you come across something out of ordinary or that seems hard to believe.
Sue Randall, program specialist, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
The Over 30 Alumni Basketball Game was part of an reunion of Comstock Park High School athletes on March 1 at Mill Creek Middle School.
Example of an April Fools’ famous prank: the British Broadcasting Corporation aired a “Swiss Spaghetti Harvest” film on April 1, 1957, showing Swiss farmers picking spaghetti.
Comstock Park School News
Winter Sports Distinguished Student/Athletes
Each sports season, two Comstock Park High School student/ athletes (one male and one female) are selected by the school administrators to be honored as the top CPHS student/ athletes for that season.
The Winter Sports Distinguished Student/Athletes for the winter 2024 – 2025 are seniors Logan Whidden and Megan Pefley.
LOGAN WHIDDEN Senior
Sports: wrestling, football, and track
Favorite athlete: Dave Schultz (Olympic wrestler)
Achievements: State ranked wrestler
Goals: Undecided career choice, plans to work with his father in the family business after graduation
When Logan was only five years old, he wanted to be a wrestler like his
older brother, Dylan. At that time, Dylan was on the middle school wrestling team coached by Tim Olson. Olson could have told Logan that the practices were for team members only and kicked him out but instead, he made Logan feel welcome and began teaching him about wrestling along with the other kids. He entered some Pee Wee tournaments and got beat up pretty bad, but he stayed with it and by the time he was a middle schooler, he could really wrestle. He only lost two matches while in middle school. As luck would have it. Olson, became one of the high school wrestling coaches when Logan entered high school. Under Olson’s tutelage and the rest of the CPHS wrestling coaching staff, Logan flourished. As a 120-pound freshman and sophomore wrestler he continued winning matches. As a sophomore he finished one win short of All-State. He missed the state tournament his junior year because of injuries. Those injuries did not keep him from compiling 112 wins against only 32 losses during his career so far and becoming one of the top ranked wrestlers in the State in the 127pound weight class.
This year one of his most memorable expe-
riences happened when he competed in the prestigious Marquette Challenge Wrestling Tournament. He and another top ranked wrestler were seeded one and two and ended up wrestling in the tournament finals.
Logan has always felt strong love and support from his dad, Don Whidden, and out of a huge crowd of more than 400 spectators, Logan said that he could hear his father encouraging him to hang in there. This encouragement helped Logan avoid the pin and eventually win the event by pinning this tough opponent in the third period.
On March 1 Logan wrestled in the MHSAA Individual State Championships and placed second in the state, finishing an outstanding wrestling career at CPHS
Logan admitted that he was a somewhat troubled kid and credits playing sports as a motivation to “clean up his act.” Logan also loves to play football and run track. In track, he set the middle school record in the 100 meters and holds the sophomore school record in the 100 as well.
Logan’s advice to young kids, “Find something that you love (like sports), work hard at it, and the rewards will come.”
Goals: Graduate from college in the field of radiology
According to Andrew Scheid, the new girls’
basketball coach at CPHS, Megan Pefley is an unselfish team player.
“She is a great teammate, a great leader, and a great competitor,” Scheid said. Megan and her fellow seniors on the team have made his transition as a new coach very smooth.
With a friendly and humble personality, Megan said she enjoys the special bond that is created between teammates over the course of the season. Megan is the captain of the team and attended every single practice, team meal, youth clinic, and lifting session. In her very few moments of free time, she keeps statistics and runs the scoreboard at the Saturday basketball program for elementary school age kids.
Highlights in her basketball career include making the All-Conference team and Honorable Mention All-Conference two years. Her best game yet occurred this
year when she scored 23 points in a game.
Megan really appreciates the support of her parents, Jason and Vicki Pefley, and her coaches. She credits former CPHS basketball star and CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame member, Ryan Schall, for helping her advance her basketball skills.
Megan has run cross country for the past three years and she also plays softball. She is the starting catcher on the team and was selected for the 2024 All-Conference team. She also received an Honorable Mention for the MLive Dream Team last year.
Her favorite things to do include hanging out with friends and shooting baskets (of course). Megan’s advice to young athletes is to never give up on your dreams, and do not listen to any of those people that tell you that you can’t do something.
By Gary Holland
MEGAN PEFLEY
Creating science magic with a plate, a marker and some water
First-grader Ellie Groendyke proudly showed off the blue and red “tattoo” on her left hand.
“It’s a butterfly kite!” she exclaimed. Her STEM partner, Penepole Knapp, added that it was intended as a butterfly.
But during their science, technology, engineering and math experiment as they poured water over whiteboard marker designs, the butterfly broke into pieces.
It still made for a cool design, Ellie said afterward.
In February, Olivia Bender’s first-graders watched as she drew a design on a glass plate, then asked them what they thought would hap-
pen when she poured water on the design.
“At this level, we want them to be able to make a prediction,” Bender said. “Most of the students will say the drawing will disappear if you pour water on it.”
Instead, they were amazed when the drawing rose in the water, she said, because of the chemical makeup of whiteboard marker ink. Bender said she talked to the students about how images drawn by a whiteboard marker can be erased from a whiteboard, but not from a permanent marker.
“The students get so excited about seeing the experiment that they
always want to do it themselves,” she said. Students worked in pairs to share a clean glass plate on which they drew designs. Bender said sharing helps them learn to collaborate. When told, they poured water onto the plate. Most designs lifted and floated immediately. Students helped others to rise by blowing on the water through straws.
If they chose, first-graders could dip their hands in the water to try to transfer the designs onto their skin.
By Joanne BaileyBoorsma
School News Network www. schoolnewsnetworkorg
Fall first day of school pushed back to September 2
The first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year will be after Labor Day on Sept. 2, 2025, due to major renovations and construction projects.
Upcoming bond projects that will start in April 2025 include a secure entrance at the high school, construction of new high school gymnasium and team
rooms, renovation of the high school cafeteria, tennis complex at Pine Island Elementary, classroom renovation at Stone Creek Elementary, security enhancements throughout the district and carpet replacement in various buildings.
“We wanted to share the start date early to give you time to plan
for family vacations, childcare and other commitments,” said David Washburn, superintendent of Comstock Park Schools. He noted that high school students attending programs at the Kent Intermediate School District will still begin their programs before Labor Day. Transportation will be provided for these students.
Earth Day is now a global event, but its origins are somewhat humble. Prior to the 1960s, awareness of the link between public health and pollution was minimal. However, according to EarthDay.org, the 1962 publication of Silent Spring by American marine biologist, writer and conservationist Rachel Carson was a watershed moment for the environmental movement. The book did much to raise awareness of the effects of pollution on public health. Indeed, the publication of Carson’s book proved a pivotal step toward the eventual establishment of Earth Day in 1970, which EarthDay.org characterizes as the dawn of the modern environmental movement. The 1962 publication of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson was a watershed moment for the environmental movement, according to EarthDay.org.
• Furniture and Amenity Assembly • Storm Door Install
First-graders Mary Bishop and Kaley Spaulding draw on a glass plate.
Showing off their ‘tattoos’ are first-graders Lincoln Haney and Logan Walter.
Marshmallows & math make for a sweet multiplication lesson
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Marshmallows, math and hot cocoa created the perfect equation for a little multiplication on a snowy Friday morning at Pine Island Elementary.
Students in Rachel Haveman’s third-grade class spent about an hour using mini marshmallows to learn about a math tool they could use to help solve multiplication problems. Their reward was a cup of hot cocoa — with marshmallows, of course — to sip while coloring their own paper mug.
To get the fun started, Haveman distributed about a third of a cup of marshmallows to each student. She then explained that the students would use the marshmallows to build something called a math array.
A math array is a visual representation of numbers or objects arranged in rows and columns, where each row contains the same number of items creating a rectangular pattern. Once the pattern is complete, the student counts each dot for the answer.
For example, 3×4 would be arranged as three rows with four items in each row. The student would draw four horizontal rows with three dots and then
count all the dots to come up with the answer of 12.
COUNTING THE MARSHMALLOWS
At the students’ suggestion, Haveman wrote “5×4” on the board. She pointed out that the five would be the number of rows the students would need and the four would be the number of columns.
Third-grader Sofia Chinchilla demonstrated the process by carefully counting out five mini marshmallows and arranging them in a straight line. She then placed three more marshmallows next to the first marshmallow in the line; from there, she filled in the following rows with the goal of including four marshmallows in each row.
After counting her marshmallows, Sofia first came up with the answer of 17, but immediately said she knew that was not correct. She studied her marshmallow array to try to find the problem.
“I didn’t have the middle filled in right,” Sofia said and made the correction, coming up with the correct answer of 20.
After practicing with their own arrays, the students paired up to
challenge each other. First, each student wrote a multiplication problem on their white board and the other student created a math array based on that equation. The students took turns making an array with the other student figuring out the math equation.
“I’m not going to take it easy on you,” said Connor Basel to his partner, Flynn Wilkinson.
Connor considered the number of marshmallows on the table in front of Flynn and then wrote “12×4” on his board, intending to challenge him with a large number. Flynn laid out 12 rows of marshmallows, then placed four more in each column to solve the problem.
“The purpose of this is not so much for the students to learn the multiplication tables, but to give them another strategy they can use if they get stuck trying to solve a problem,” Haveman said, adding that the array method can also be used for division, addition and subtraction. “Relating it to the season by using the marshmallows makes the strategy more fun.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Third-grader Nova Arnold builds a math array using marshmallows.
Showing off her completed art project is third-grader Juniper Lyons.
State grant benefits school food programs, farmers
Comstock Park kindergartner Adian Gonzalez moved down the food service line and picked up an apple, one that could very well have been grown just down the street from his school.
Adian and his schoolmates have access to Michigan-grown produce because Comstock Park is one of several school districts that participate in the 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms program. The state-funded program provides grants to schools and organizations that participate in USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
“It helps connect the students to their local and regional farms,” said Matt Robinson, director of K-12
programs for Tom Maceri and Son, a Michigan wholesale produce distributor. “There are a lot of benefits for the schools in that it is quicker to get food from the farm to the schools, (and) shortening the transportation for food items so that it doesn’t come from far away means the food is fresher, tastes better and has higher nutritional value.”
ENRICHING NUTRITION & EDUCATION
Established as a pilot program in 2016, 10 Cents a Meal became a permanent statewide program in 2020. Districts are granted 10 cents for each meal served in the USDA Child Nutrition Programs
the previous year. Those approved for the program can then apply for matching funds for those spent on Michigan-grown minimally processed fruits, vegetables and dried beans.
About $4.5 million in funding this school year was awarded via the grants to 251 schools, nine in the Kent County area, including Comstock Park, Sparta, Lowell, Godwin Heights, Godfrey Lee, Forest Hills, Kenowa Hills, Wyoming and Grand Rapids.
Each school receives a rebate of 50% of what is spent on food items. For example, if a school purchases $100 of fresh Michigan broccoli, 10 Cents a Meal gives the district $50 back.
This year, districts can use up to 25% of the grant they are awarded to cover the food delivery costs. Vendors share information about locally grown fruits and vegetables purchased and the farms they come from, which are reported to the state for reimburse-
ment.
EXPANDING THE PALATE
It’s harder to get fresh produce in Michigan during winter, but the grant allows for frozen local items, said Melissa Alley, Comstock Park food director techniques.
Alley was introduced to the 10 Cents program when she helped to pilot it while working for Coopersville Area Public Schools. When she became food director for Comstock Park
and Sparta, she brought the program to those districts.
According to the 10 Cents a Meal legislative report for 2022-23, about 77% of schools that participated in the program stated the grant allowed them to try new foods they otherwise would not have tried. In the report, grantees reported trying 42 types of vegetables and 18 types of fruits.
“We had purple potatoes
Kindergartner Adian Gonzalez enjoys his Michigan apple.
