Comstock Park July 2023

Second annual (return of) Mill Creek Days August 10-12

meteorologist emeritus. Kids will have a chance to decorate a bike Saturday morning and ride in the parade. One bicycle will be given away and free bicycle helmets for kids to the first 20 who participate. The 5k run will take place on West River Drive and the White Pine Trail.

Mill Creek Days returns to Comstock Park on Thursday – Saturday, Aug. 10-12, 2023. Mill Creek Days returned last year after a more than 20-year hiatus. A planning committee has been working since January to build on the success of last year’s Mill Creek Days, sponsored by the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority.

This year a beer tent, children’s activities, 5k run, pop-up market, and five live bands will perform. There will also be more food trucks and vendors, an expanded Renaissance Faire and more craft vendors. Mill Creek Days will

once again kick-off with the Comstock Park Rotary BBQ on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Live music including the return of the Grand Rapids and District Pipe Band and four classic rock, country and blues bands will perform on Thursday and Saturday (see full schedule on page 4). The popular Comstock Park Community Celebration returns on Friday, Aug. 11 with many giveaways and activities for kids ending with the Movie in the Park featuring “Luca.”

Saturday’s parade will have a later noon start time led by Bill Steffen, WOOD TV 8 chief

“We’re trying to build on the success of last year’s event.” said Rich Frey, chairperson of the Comstock Park DDA. “Our momentum took a bit of a hit when it literally rained on our parade, but we have enlisted the area’s premier meteorologist as the Grand Marshal and are hoping that helps us stay dry this year. We’ve expanded the number of attractions and look forward to three funfilled days in downtown Comstock Park.”

More volunteers are needed to assist in the smooth running of activities during Mill Creek Days. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Dawn Swafford at dawnswafford@edwardjones.com or check the Mill Creek Days Facebook page for links to sign up.

Mill Crreeek Days

Thursday, August 10th – Saturday, August 12th, 2023.

Looking to get involved in a great community event? Mill Creek Days has an opportunity for you! We have added many exciting events this year. No matter what your interests are, we can find a place for you. Let's have some fun while giving back to our community.

Are you interested?

For more information or to sign up!

Ed Hood – 616-822-5496 or

Dawn Swafford - email dawn.swafford@edwardjones.com, call or text 616-308-0498

fAll SeASoN SigNupS: Early Signup DiScountS BEgin in May, rEgular anD latE SignupS JunE through SEptEMBEr

SpriNg SeASoN SigNupS: Early Signup DiScountS BEgin in octoBEr, rEgular anD latE SignupS FEBruary through april.

- SCHEDULE -

Thursday, August 10

Event Rotary BBQ

Pop-Up Market

Museum of Warriors (Traveling Museum)

Battlefield Champions Pirate Swordsmanship Encampment

Renaissance Faire Vendors

Haunting of Storybook Hollow

The Druid Drummer

The Wind Rose Minstrels

Beer Tent

Live Music - Bucket of Maybes (Classic Rock)

Food Trucks: El Janapeno, Chick-fil-A, Sober Eats, Dokl’s, Cooking Connection

The Druid Drummer

Live Music - Hit Shakers (Classic Rock)

Friday, August 11

Event Museum of Warriors (Traveling Museum)

Battlefield Champions

Pirate Swordsmanship Encampment

Renaissance Faire Vendors

Haunting of Storybook Hollow

Location

Dwight Lydell Park Front Pavilion

Dwight Lydell Park West Pavilion

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Mill Creek Tavern Parking Lot

Dwight Lydell Park Main Stage

Post Office parking lot

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park Main Stage

Location

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Food Trucks: El Janapeno, Chick-fil-A, Sober Eats, Dokl’s, Cooking Connection, Olly’s Donuts

The Idiot Ric Roc Comedy Show

The Druid Drummer

Battlefield Champions Combat Show

The Wind Rose Minstrels

Beer Tent

The Idiot Ric Roc Comedy Show

Comstock Park Community Celebration

The Druid Drummer Movie in the Park - “Luca”

Saturday, August 12

Event Bike Decoration/Helmet Giveaway/Bike Giveaway

Parade Staging 5K Run

Hand-Made / Home-Made Crafts

Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society Open House

Museum of Warriors (Traveling Museum)

Battlefield Champions

Pirate Swordsmanship Encampment

Kingdom of the Northlands - Belegarth Foam Combat

Renaissance Faire Vendors

Haunting of Storybook Hollow

Parade

Food Trucks: El Janapeno, Chick-fil-A, Sober Eats, Dokl’s, Cooking Connect., Olly’s, Kona Ice

Beer Tent

ACP Entertainment - Radical Race Obstacle Course

ACP Entertainment - Corn Maze

ACP Entertainment - Gladiator Joust

ACP Entertainment - Lost Treasures Funhouse

ACP Entertainment - Giant Jenga and Giant Connect 4

Battle GR - Laser Tag

Battle GR - Archery Tag

The Druid Drummer

Academy of Dance Arts

Balloon Animals

Glitter Tattoos

Face Painting

Teen Swordsmanship Club Round-Robin Tournament

The Idiot Ric Roc Comedy Show

Heavy Steel Combat Show

Live Music - Grand Rapids and District Bag-Pipe Band

The Wind Rose Minstrels

Duck Race

Live Music - Hard Times (Classic Rock / Blues)

The Idiot Ric Roc Comedy Show

The Druid Drummer

Live Music - Sheer Pandemonium (Classic Rock / Country)

Post Office parking lot

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Mill Creek Tavern Parking Lot

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

KDL Library Comstock Park parking lot

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park

Location

LMCU Ballpark parking lot

LMCU Ballpark parking lot

LMCU Ballpark parking lot to Dwight Lydell Park

Dwight Lydell Park West Pavilion

Dwight Lydell Park “Depot”

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

West River Drive

Post Office parking lot

Mill Creek Tavern Parking Lot

Dwight Lydell Park

Dwight Lydell Park

Dwight Lydell Park

Dwight Lydell Park

Dwight Lydell Park East Pavilion

Dwight Lydell Park

Dwight Lydell Park

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park - Front Pavilion area

Dwight Lydell Park Front Pavilion

Dwight Lydell Park Front Pavilion

Dwight Lydell Park Front Pavilion

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire

Dwight Lydell Park Main Stage

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park, Mill Creek

Dwight Lydell Park Main Stage

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park - Renaissance Faire Stage

Dwight Lydell Park Main Stage

For more information email millcreekdaycp@gmail.com or visit the Mill Creek Days Facebook page. Volunteer Coordiator: Dawn Swafford, dawnswafford@edwardjones.com

Note: This schedule is subject to change. Please check the Mill Creek Days Facebook page for updates.

DDA purchases drone for Plainfield Fire Department

Look up in the sky during Mill Creek Days and you just might see the Plainfield Fire Department’s new drone flying overhead. The drone will be on display during Mill Creek Days and available to maintain a good visual of the area. The Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority recently paid just under $20,000 for the fire department to purchase the drone –a Matrice 30T made by DJI.

“The major technology benefits of this drone include the thermal imaging camera, night vision camera, distance (laser) range finder, mapping software, remote views, 200 times zoom and its ability to fly in poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow and high winds,”said Kyle Svoboda, district chief of the Plainfield Fire Department. The new drone will assess incidents from above and provide commanders with real time

information to make strategic decisions. The drone went into service in April and has already been deployed over 20 times for incidents ranging from structure fires, fire investigations, flood assessments, water rescues, and a couple of search and rescue incidents. The drone will be used for water incidents as well as search and rescue missions in the township’s bike trails.

Aerial views of fire scenes help show where the fire is and where it is going. Angle views from thermal imaging help determine where the fire may be located that the human eye cannot see from traditional methods, Svoboda said. The M30T brand was selected because of its brand recognition and state-of-theart technology.

“At the time the purchase was made, DJI was the only manufacturer with the tech-

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

Ed Hood – ehood0812@gmail.com

Jim Jarecki – jjarecki@whitecapsbaseball.com

Nick Purwin – slpurwin@yahoo.com

John Stephan – rjohnstephan@lawyer.com

Janis Vander Kooy, treasurer – jvanderkooy@sbcglobal.net

David Washburn – dwashburn@cppschools.com

Editor

Karen Gentry kegentry@comcast.net

(616) 647-2949

Sales, Multi Media Consultant

Julie Lewis, Hearst Michigan Media Group

Julie.Lewis@hearst.com

(231) 592-8373

Design

John Eddy, Hearst Michigan Media Group

Cari Draft

Contributors

Kathy Bush

Gary Holland

Paula Wright

nology in a single drone that was quick and easily deployable,” Svoboda said.

He said he is not aware of any other nearby townships that utilize a drone within their fire departments although the city of Grand Rapids has a drone team within their fire department. The drone is located in the command vehicle and staffed 24 hours a day, 365days a year. The command vehicle is typically on the road throughout the day anywhere within the township. The Federal Aviation Administration requires a Remote Pilot License to fly a drone in any capacity for township business. The Plainfield Fire Department has seven licensed pilots.

“The Plainfield Fire Department is fortunate to have working relationships with stakeholders in the community such as the Comstock Park DDA,” Svodoba said

I believe that when I take you and your loved ones photos, it's really a celebration of the connection that we all have within our own circle of friends and families. It's my hope that during our time together, I'll bring out the very best in you through the lens of my camera.

I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Specializing in Family, Maternity & Senior photos!

Plainfield Township Fire Department’s new drone has already been used 23 times for structure fires, fire investigations, flood assessments, water rescues and search and rescue incidents.

The Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority paid for the Matrice 30T made by DJL that will be in operation during Mill Creek Days in August.

Around Town….

John and Sandy Cunningham sell their maple syrup and other maple products at the Maple Syrup contest in April. Charles Albrecht from Ravenna, and Mike Finkler from Chester Township were the winners of the contest.

It was graduation in Comstock Park on May 16 for 126 new graduates. Aliyah Durry, daughter of Karl Durry, addressed the crowd as valedictorian. She has lived in Comstock Park and attended Comstock Park Public Schools her entire life. Aliyah participated in varsity basketball, cross country, track, golf, theater and soccer. This school year she underwent back surgery and battled back to play basketball.She is an AP student, active member and vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the athletic council, diversity club and student council.

Dylan from Northwestern Little League’s Garage Bar & Grill team runs to first base in a game against Tommy’s Boats on May 20 in Comstock Park.

The Happy Soles Square Dance group led some square dancing with the Comstock Park Golden Panthers on May 12.

Volunteers handed out hot dogs, snacks, fruit, and water at the Spring Fling at York Creek Apartments.

Emily Bean, physical therapist; Hannah Hofman, patient coordinator; and Emily Fase, clinic director/physical therapist work at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy (formerly Northern Physical Therapy), on West River Drive. Another full-time employee Tyler DeBrot works as an athletic trainer. The clinic’s Comstock Park location opened in January 2018.

Plainfield Township Coffee with a Cop meets at Versluis Park on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Kent County Deputies Jacob Conner and Nick Mills provide coffee and talk with residents about how to reduce crime in their neighborhood, answer questions about incidents in the area, and listen to residents’ concerns.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Fifty-four flavors of cotton candy and other tasty treats at Fluff Buckets

Comstock Park area residents may have noticed a new business in Dwight Lydell Park by the post office. Owners Corin VanHorn and Joel Heerspink opened Fluff Buckets in April. It’s the place to go for cotton candy in buckets – 54 flavors of the tasty treat including blue raspberry, a customer favorite and top seller. Fluff Buckets sells primarily Michigan products including Michigan Fresh ice cream, Ice Box brand of ice cream bars, Smitten Mitten ice pops, and Palazzolo’s Artisan Dairy. They offer tasty specialties like Faygo floats and waffle cookies made fresh in the shop.

The business started in in 2019 when they began baking gluten free baked goods before shifting to cotton candy that offers a larger market compared to the niche market of gluten free baked goods. Heerspink and VanHorn built their brand by working the show circuit including street fairs, festivals and special events. They also sell wholesale and online. The Leland Avenue location became available and fit their needs.

More cotton candy flavors will likely be added.

“We like to experiment and come up with exotic flavors,” Heerspink said.

One unique flavor is Magically Delicious that tastes like Lucky Charms and Baja that tastes like Mountain Dew. A sampling of other flavors include watermelon and smores, birthday cake, blueberry donut and pina colada. Or there’s savory flavors like fried chicken, sweet onion, cheddar jalapeno and even coffee flavored cotton candy.

One ounce of sugar makes the cotton candy which is

“less sugar than a soda,” VanHorn said.

The cotton candy buckets sell for $5 or three for $12. For $8 customers can Build a Bucket with their favorite cotton candy flavor, ice cream flavor and toppings. Build a Buckets are especially popular with kids.

More locations of Fluff Buckers are possible in the future.

“Our goal is to grow. That’s what our whole experience has been. How can we create an experience and how can we offer it to more people,” Heerspink said.

Fluff Buckets is open Tuesday – Saturday from 2- 8 p.m. and closed on Sunday and Monday.

Business Advice

Both VanHorn and Heerspink offer advice for wouldbe business owners.

“You have to believe in your ideas,” VanHorn said.

“Balance ideas to what is profitable. Be prepared to work all the time,” Heerspink said.

He said it’s likely that your first idea isn’t the best idea.

“Don’t be afraid to try and fail. Refine what you’re doing and keep going,” Heerspink said.

Fluff Buckets is “all self-funded and self-propelled,” with no small business loans or grants, VanHorn said.

For more information visit www.FluffBuckets.com.

Corin VanHorn and Joel Heerspink opened Fluff Buckets in Comstock Park in April.

Comstock Park Body Shop a mainstay on West River Drive since 1963 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Purwin family has a long history of serving area residents on West River Drive -- they’ve operated Comstock Park Body Shop for more than half a century.

Founder Bert Purwin was working at a body shop in Grand Rapids. Bert and another employee, Russ Johnson, were interested in opening their own body shop. Bert’s wife Phyllis happened to be driving on West River Drive when she saw a building that she thought would be just right for the business venture. Bert and Russ opened Comstock Park Body Shop in January 1963.

That was 60 years and four generations ago. Johnson retired. Bert passed away in 2008. Phyllis and their three sons Tony, Jim, and Nick continued the business. Now Jim and Nick run the business. Tony has retired, although he still helps out and is part owner of some of their other properties. More family members have joined the business.

Jim’s son Jon Purwin is now foreman and production manager, and Tony’s grandson Finn Riordan is a body and paint technician.

Nick said the building his mother found was affordable and suitable for an auto body shop. Over the years the building housed a tire shop, a welding shop, and

a steel truss manufacturer. They purchased and tore down four nearby houses to make room for two major expansions to the building, which tripled the space. They also purchased three nearby buildings, all almost a century old, that over the years had housed Hoover’s Garage, a dance hall, grocery store, bakery, Helsel’s Barber Shop,

newspaper office among other businesses. They lease space in those buildings.

In 2013, the family put a new façade on one of their buildings, and in 2014 they refinished the parking lot at the body shop. Both upgrades were made using a grant from the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority’s Building Exterior Improvement Program. They also own a building on Leland Street that currently houses Fluff Buckets.

Family Affair + LongTerm Employees

The body shop was a family affair from the get-go. The family lived in Grand Rapids, and the three sons worked at the shop throughout high school, starting out sweeping floors. All three liked the work and eventually became partners in the business. The brothers have schooling or military beyond high school, but their training in the body shop business has been pri-

marily hands-on, with Nick Purwin noting, “Dad showed us what to do.”

They are certified to work on many makes and models of cars and trucks, but their mainstay is pick-ups, Nick said. Tinkering on the family car is basically a thing of the past, said Nick. Employees need specialized training and continuing education for important certifications. He noted that industry changes require a huge investment in equipment.

“None of this would have been possible without our employees,” said Jim. The family is proud of their many long-term employees. Of their 13 employees, three have been there more than 30 years and several more than 20 years.

Not only did the business grow, but the family did also. Bert and Phyllis had five children, and so far, there are more than 70 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Comstock Park Giving Closet helps school families in need

For Tracy Davis, managing the Comstock Park Giving Closet is all about giving back and helping others. There was a time her family needed assistance from the organization.

“My way to show appreciation was to give back through volunteering there,” she said. “I became a regular volunteer and eventually was asked if I would like to take over running the Giving Closet.” She has volunteered with the Giving Closet for nine years.

The Giving Closet is in the York Creek Community Building, 3000 Alpenhorn Drive NW in York Creek Apartments. The Giving Closet was started in 2014 by the Comstock Park Outreach Committee and was housed in a classroom at Greenridge Elementary School. It was originally called the Clothing Closet before the name was changed when more than clothing was accepted. It moved to the York Creek Community Center in 2017.

The Giving Closet helps households in the Comstock Park community and families with children that attend the Comstock Park schools through residency and school of choice. Forms are filled out before first-time families “shop” with the Giving Closet. Forms must be updated annually. Families are asked to show proof of address or proof that their children attend Comstock Park Schools. Families wanting to shop at the Giving Closet are

required to contribute one container of laundry soap for the year.

“This helps as we are required to wash clothing that gets donated,” Davis said.

There is a limit on how much families are allowed to take regardless of the size of the family. “Everything we give away is free, and we help many in the community, so we have to have limits,” said Davis.

Donations can be dropped off on shopping days during open hours and donation day hours. Acceptable items include books, coats, swimsuits, blankets, small household items, gently used clothing, shoes/boots, games/ puzzles, back-to-school supplies, holiday décor, costumes, prom/homecoming dresses, dishes, baby items, towels, kitchen appliances,

toilet paper, non- perishable food, pots/pans, jewelry, win-

ter gear, pet supplies/food, DVDs/CDs, cleaning supplies, and more. Not accepted: underwear, oversized furniture, or significantly used clothing.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are always needed. “We support Comstock Park High School students who want to get volunteer hours in,” Davis said. “We also encourage anyone wanting to volunteer with us to reach out.”

Davis is currently the “head/main volunteer,” assisted by her daughter Faith who has volunteered for over four years. Jimmy has also

become a dedicated volunteer in the last two years and sorts through donations.

“We are extremely grateful for all their (volunteers’) help whether with laundry, donations, organization, or filling in when there was an illness,” Davis said.

The days and times the Giving Closet are open vary because it is a volunteer-run organization.

For more information visit the Comstock Park Giving Closet Facebook page for upcoming events, shopping days/hours, donations days/ hours, requirements, and other information.

Three generations of the Purwin family work at Comstock Park Body Shop, founded by Bert Purwin. Pictured from left Jon Purwin, Nick Purwin, Finn Riordan and Jim Purwin.

Tracy Davis is the manager of the Comstock Park Giving Closet.

Rotary donates funds for pediatric feeding program

The Comstock Park Rotary recently made a $2500 donation for the pediatric feeding program at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. The funds will be used for educational and support materials for the feeding program. The program evaluates and treats children who have trouble chewing, swallowing, eating or drinking because of a medical condition. The goal is to

maximize the child’s feeding skills and improve his or her overall well-being with treatment, training and support. After the initial donation, the Comstock Park Rotary applied for a matching grant from Rotary District #6290 for a total donation of $5,000. Rotarians presented the check to Jocelyn Dettloff, Mary Free Bed’s major gifts director.

An experienced real estate professional with over 22 years of helping our neighbors navigate the home selling and buying journey.

“Kari was amazing from the first moment she walked in the door. We trusted her opinion on getting the best return on our home and she delivered. After making a few minor upgrades and some fresh paint she sold our home almost $50,000 over asking price. That scored us a profit of a few hundred dollars short of a whopping $100,000 profit. Anyone would be blessed to have her in their corner when buying or selling. Side note she helped us buy the house 3 years prior and was just as amazing then. She is a gifted Realtor and the only option to go with!!!“

Virginia Favela

Comstock Park Rotary members Christy Nowak and Diane VanEpps present a check to Jocelyn Dettloff for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric feeding program

Fall programming for Golden Panthers starts September 14

World War II POW Camp in Sparta

6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept.14, Henze Center, 1101 Henze St.

While Sparta is widely known for apple production, lesser known is that the town was host to a German POW camp in 1944.Located on Gardner Street in downtown Sparta, this camp was set up for POWs to be employed as laborers during the harvest season, picking mostly apples while the Sparta soldiers were fighting overseas. Mary Galbraith will talk about the camp, the prisoners, and how residents and farmers got to know these young German POWs.

Edmund Fitzgerald: The Stories, The Song

1 p.m.,Friday, Oct. 6, Henze Center, 1101 Henze St.

Hear stories of the crew members, their families, and of a doomed ship in one of the worst storms in Great Lakes history. Learn how the hit song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” came to be and hear it performed live by Mike Fornes. Program is in collaboration with KDL Comstock Park Branch’s Live and

Learn Lecture Series.

Long Time Since We Rock and Rolled, Music of the 1960’s

1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, Henze Center, 1101 Henze St.

Join Dave Kampfschulte

and revisit the unforgettable music of the 1960’s. the impact it had,and the stories behind the songs. Participants will get a chance to guess songs from snippets played, come up with lyrics, music trivia,and the times

that shaped lives. Don’t miss this trip down rock and roll memory lane.

Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams

1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, Henze Center, 1101 Henze St.

Get tips on how to prevent fraudsters and scammers from your hard-earned money. Michael Zelly, vice president, financial investigations manager and Kyle Perrault,bank manager from Independent Bank, offer advice on protecting yourself from fraud and scams. They’ll talk about common techniques that fraudsters use, how to avoid them, and what banks do to help keep your money safe. Jose Douglas, Alpine Township community policing officer, will talk about how police investigate phone scams.

Cookie Decorating is Back

1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Henze Center, 1101 Henze St.

Join Holly del Rosario and the Cookie Chicks’ crew for hands-on holiday cookie decorating fun. Cookies, frosting,decorating tools, and decorating tips provided. Cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required and due by Nov.27. Call Kathy Bush at (616) 784-2326. Include name and phone number with message.

A group of German POWs lived at a camp in downtown Sparta in 1944 and worked as laborers during the apple harvest season.

Kent District Library’s CORE collection offers more copies of in-demand books

resources is what KDL calls our CORE collection. The CORE collection is a special collection of books that are close to the hearts of librarians and patrons. They are the books that are the most popular and respected by our communities.

many copies to satisfy the demand,” Zurgable said. The library buys extra copies of these books that are not renewable and labels them “Express.” She said most of these books lose their appeal in six months to a year but some of them don’t.

“Core” books.” KDL now buys extra copies of these books and labels them “Core.”

“They stay at their home library and are available to browse. They are the answer to “Do you have anything good to read?,” she said.

program.

The KDL Comstock Park Branch is here to help. Helping people find something to read is one of the library’s core services and librarians have many different ways to help people connect with books. One of our favorite

Comstock Park Regional Manager Penni Zurgable was integral to the development of KDL’s CORE collection.

Every season at the library has a new batch of “hot titles’.” They don’t last long on our shelves, and we need

“Some stay in the hearts of librarians and are still recommended years later. The holds list on these books gets smaller, but never completely disappears. They still can’t easily be found waiting on the shelf because they are always checked out. These are our

KDL’s CORE collection for adult titles was started approximately two years ago. Since then, CORE collections were added for teens and youth (J fiction). This summer the CORE picture book collection will debut, just in time for Summer Wonder, KDL’s yearly summer reading

All of KDL’s CORE collections are updated regularly, with new titles being added approximately every six months. CORE books can be found on on the shelves, and on displays at every KDL location – just look on the book’s spine for a special sticker that says CORE. For more information visit kdl.org/core-collection to view a complete list of all CORE titles.

A few of the most popular CORE collection titles at Comstock Park Branch are:

Two teams to be inducted into CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame

For the first time two teams will be inducted into the Comstock Park High School Athletic Hall of Fame – the 1951 varsity football team and the 1973-1974 wrestling team. These two successful teams will be inducted into the CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming Week this October along with individual athletes Nichole (Milanowski) Weatherhead, Stephanie (Milanowski) McCarthy, and Ryan Schall.

The CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is looking forward to honoring the members of the two teams but there are some obvious problems in choosing teams from bygone eras. Team members may have left the area, and some will have passed away. The committee is asking for help to locate team members. With deceased team members, the committee plans to invite any close relative who would like to represent them to the induction ceremony. Area resident with information about players from the two teams can contact Gary Holland at (616) 255-6426 or moomba1@gmail.com.

All are welcome at the 30th annual CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony Oct. 11, 2023 at the Scott Lake Golf Club. Tickets are available at the CPHS Athletic Office.

What CPHS sports team

do you think is worthy of being inducted into the CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame? The committee is looking for suggestions on CPHS sports team worthy of being inducted into the CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Send an email

giving the sport, year, and a few details of the accomplishments of the team to Gary Holland at moomba1@gmail. com.

1951 Varsity Football

The CPHS Varsity Football

Team of 1951 is the only varsity football team in Comstock Park High School history that had an undefeated season (8 wins, 0 losses). They were the Ken-Owa League Champions and outscored their opponents 125 to 25. Team mem-

bers in photo: Richard Annis, Norm Van Heulen, Joe Peterson, Martin Van Dyke, Robert Anderson, David Post, Dan Matthews, Dennis Kavanaugh, E. Kelly, Roland Moore, Roy Jebb, F. Burch, Joe Cordes, Don Wier, Jerry Wilson, Lee Barnett, Don Gohn, Allan Rector, and Patrick Martin. The head coach was Wesley Perrin and assistant coach was Robert VanderMolen.

1973-1974 Wrestling

The 1973-1974 CPHS Wrestling Team breezed through the district, regional, and state tournaments to become the Class C State Champions. The coaches were Gary Jansen and Robert Campbell. Team members in photo: Larry Brown, Terry Weir, John Burdick, Ben Tant, Mark Sauline, Karl Burdick, Terry Pahl, Dennis Kimberlin, Bill Falkoswski, Jack Farr, Steve Clement, Mark Kruzynski, Coach Gary Jansen, Mark Brummels, Dave Kruzynski, Steve Hartman, Randall Egtvedt, Roger Ergang, Randy Johnson, Tim Kliffman, Ken Vernon, Steve Radke, Dave Breihof, Matt Crooks, Coach Bob Campbell, Corky Schwartz, Bill Rusky, ,Dave Post, Ken Eden, Pete VandenMeer, Tom Zemitas, Gene McBride, and Dan Maclam. Missing: Brad Haywood.

(Article written by Gary Holland)

“I don’t know what I want to read”

“I’m just looking for a good book”

“I’m between authors and am looking for something new”

Upcoming events

Learn to row

The Grand Rapids Rowing Association is inviting everybody to spend some time on the Grand River by learning to row. This summer’s Learn to Row dates are July 1 and Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. – noon at their boathouse at 291 North Park St. For more information visit grandrapidsrowing.com

Hyser Rivers Museums open houses

The Hyser Rivers Museum, 6440 West River Dr., is open to the public on from 1-4:30 p.m. on July 9, Aug. 6, Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3. The open houses are free. Visitors can view artifacts and learn about the history of the house and the lost Village of

Plainfield.

American Legion fish fries

The Comstock Park American Legion 2023 fish fry dates: Sept 8 and 22, Oct.6 and 20, and Nov. 8 and 17 from 4:30 - 7 p.m. or until the food runs out. Prices: $13 Adults, $6 children 6-12, free for children 5 and under. On the menu is all-you-can eat Alaskan pollock, French fries, coleslaw, bread, coffee or milk, and cookies for dessert. Dine-in, take-out or drive-thru available. Get an adult dinner punch card and the 10th dinner is free. The Legion is located at 3811 West River Drive. in downtown Comstock Park.

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Comstock Park School News

Prom-posal goes viral

It was a “prom-posal” to remember in Comstock Park! Just days before the high school prom, Fredy Ambeha, a new student and refugee from Cameroon in West Africa, told teachers that he was interested in attending the event.

Kacie George, a senior and a student leader, told her class advisor that Fredy was more than welcome to join her group, who have attended all high school dances together. She said her friends have never gotten asked to a dance “so we were all pretty excited and happy to go and ask Fredy to come to prom with us.”

Kacie and friends Jaycee Bishop, Lexi Williams and Alex Brzozowski felt it was important for Fredy to get

know the group days before the dance, so they went the extra mile to make him feel welcome. They surprised him by showing up at the home of

his foster parents, asking him to prom with a sign in French, Fredy’s native language.

And a good time was had by

all during prom at the University Club in downtown Grand Rapids on April 22. “He was really enjoying it,” Kacie said about Fredy at the dance.

(This was originally a Facebook post on SchoolNews Network. It went viral and reached more than 70,000)

York Creek summer program returns June 19 –August 3

First through 12th graders in Comstock Park and neighboring areas are invited to participate in the York Creek summer program from noon – 3 p.m., Monday – Thursday from June 19 until Aug. 3. The free program takes place at the York Creek Community Center, 3999 Alpenhorn Dr.

NW in Comstock Park.

Free lunches are provided followed by games, activities, lessons and field trips including performance artists, zoo animals. Outings to Craigs Cruisers, movies and a trampoline park are possible.

This is the first year back four days a week since the pandemic, according to Gina Boscarino, Project SUCCESS coordinator at Mill Creek Middle School, a position funded by Wedgwood Christian Center. Participants are divided into groups with age-appropriate activities.

The program, funded by the Comstock Park Community Outreach Committee and community partners, is open to students in the district and neighboring districts, not just York Creek residents.

Boscarino said typically there has been 30 kids

registered per age group. Wedgwood Christian Service staff members will lead the program and check kids in and out.

“We always make it fun and bring in different and exciting activities,” Boscarino said.

Comstock Park High School students Kacie George and friends Jaycee Bishop, Lexi Williams and Alex Brzozowski invited Fredy Ambeha, a new student from West Africa, to go to prom with them.

Going to the mat got him to graduation

Terrell Hawkins was struggling before he transferred to Comstock Park High School in the middle of his sophomore year. School wasn’t a priority, he recalled, especially when he had socializing and chances to earn money at a part-time job.

He had lived with his grandmother in the Holland area since he was very young, and was a student in an Ottawa County school. When the coronavirus pandemic and school closures hit in March 2020, his aunt, Lacey Brayton, a Comstock Park resident, took Terrell in and he became a part of a large, blended family that also now includes his two brothers.

Brayton, he said, helped him in “reaching the next level and getting out of my comfort zone.”

From giving guidance on, say, spending money or choosing to go to a party, “She has words of wisdom,” Terrell said of his aunt. “I think she helped me see two sides of a scenario, good or ugly, bad or the real.”

Sports as Motivator

He flourished at Comstock Park High School, in part because it’s a smaller school than his previous one. A standout athlete, Terrell played three sports. Last year, he was in the top 16 in the 144 and 150-lb. weight class in the state in wrestling, and he played soccer and football this fall. He played running back, cornerback and nose guard on the football team and left back, left mid and center mid on the soccer team.

He also improved his grade point average while holding a part-time job at Mr. Burger.

Terrell said being part of sports teams helped him create bonds and fit in with people. He was able to quickly

make friends at Comstock Park, especially at first when he was “not in the right mindset to meet new friends,” he said.

Playing sports also held him to high standards, he said.

“You know that people are watching you. It (kept) me motivated and out of trouble, and (was) just all-around fun.”

Kendra Faustin, interim principal and former athletic director at Comstock Park, said she allowed him to play both soccer and football at the same time last fall because she said he does better when he is involved. Athletes must be passing five out of six classes and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.

When it came to classwork, Terrell knew wrestling coach Tim Olson was paying attention.

Olson had access to all of Terrell’s grades, and if he fell behind or missed assignments Olson required him to do a “a little workout,” including more pushups and additional running laps beyond what was usually required at practice. It reminded Terrell to stay focused on academics.

“He’s quick, athletic and he has the drive and doesn’t mind the hard work,” Olson said.

Terrell plans to stay active in sports now that he is out of high school, and having been part of the culinary arts program at Kent Career Tech Center, plans to enroll in the fall at Grand Rapids Community College and eventually join the culinary program there.

(This article was originally published by www.SchoolNewsNetwork.org)

Terrell Hawkins participated in three sports in high school including football and soccer at the same time.

Graduation day was May 16 for the 126 graduates of Comstock Park High School.

Teacher’s mom makes positive impact on kindergarten classroom

way that I talk to and interact with my students, and she follows suit.”

Betlej is impressed by how much kindergartners learn

compared to bygone days.

“I’m amazed about how they respond to Arianne,” she said, adding, “I’m extremely prejudiced but I think she’s a

fabulous teacher.”

(This article was originally published by www.SchoolNewsNetwork.org)

Stoney Creek kindergarten teacher Arianne Greenlee had a special volunteer in her classroom —her mom.

Roseanne Betlej has been helping in her daughter’s classroom off and on since 2011, two to three days per week, a few hours at a time. Greenlee said the students are always excited when she explains that “Mrs. Betlej” is her mother. Betlej is greeted by the kids with excitement and hugs, and they’re enthusiastic when it’s their turn to work with her.

“Kindergarten is busy and there is much to learn and do,” Greenlee said. Some children need extra time, she explained, so her mom works with kids individually or in small groups on skills like counting, identifying letters and sounds, reading sight words and decodable books. Betlej also enjoys helping students make crafts.

“I retired quite a few years ago,” Betlej said. “I enjoy doing this. It keeps me busy.”

Sticker Books Help Make Words Stick

One job that keeps her busy is being the overseer of

stickers.

“One of our goals in kindergarten is to read 50 sight words,” Greenlee said. To help students reach that goal and encourage home involvement, they bring home sightword sticker books. Students practice learning 10 lists of words at home and bring their books back to school on Monday.

“My mom sits with the kids, one at a time, and every time they can read a new word, my mom adds a sticker to the book,” Greenlee said. The students earn prizes for increasing the number of sight words they can read.

“It is a time-consuming process to check sight-words sticker books, and I am so thankful that my mom has taken on this job,” Greenlee said.

Betlej said she takes her cues from her daughter’s teaching style and tries not to interrupt. Greenlee describes her teaching style as structured and firm yet nurturing.

“I try to make learning hands-on and fun,” Greenlee said. “My mom has picked up on my expectations and the

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Kindergarten teacher Arianne Greenlee enjoys having her mom, Roseanne Betlej, as a volunteer in her classroom

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We Are a Full Bar & Res taurant

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 well as our friendly, knowledgeable bartenders and hospitable and attentive wait staff.

Our menu is full of delicious offerings, from appetizers, soups, and salads, to wraps and sandwiches, juicy burgers, and full entrées. And we’ve got a Kids Menu with all their favorites.

DON’T MISS THE BEER TENT!(FIRST BEER TENT IN OVER 30 YEARS!)

A portion of the processd will benefit the Comstock park schools hot lunch program!