Ivy Rehab helps local residents with resources, therapies and community involvement
Comstock Park area residents needing physical therapy can turn to Ivy Rehab, located at 4615 West River Drive.
The clinic offers physical and occupational therapy and pediatric services for all ages including senior citizens and high school athletes. Whether suffering from pain in the back, knee, hip, hand, shoulder or pelvic area, Ivy Rehab has the resources and therapies to help.
Kyle Niswonger, Ivy Rehab clinic director and physical therapist is joined by Haley Slagboom, physical therapist and Brooklyn Davis, front office coordinator.
Ivy Rehab bought the former Northern Physical Therapy in Comstock Park about eight years ago. Ivy Rehab has many locations across the nation including two other locations in the Grand Rapids area.
“Ivy Rehab has all the resources to help clinicians and companies to grow the business and become more involved in the community,” Niswonger said.
Niswonger finds physical therapy rewarding such as when he can help a grandparent get down on the floor and play with grandchildren.
“I enjoy educating people about taking care of
themselves whether it’s preventative or recovering from an injury or surgery,” Niswonger said. “I want to help people be an advocate for themselves.”
Ivy Rehab currently handles about 120 visits per week from approximately 60 patients.
Community Involvement
Part of Ivy Rehab’s community involvement is working with athletes at Comstock Park High School. Niswonger assists and works with Sam Corbin, CPHS athletic trainer and Dr. Michael Fitzgerald, team physician from University of
Michigan Health – West.
“When someone gets injured, they reach out to us. I work with athletes at the high school,” Niswonger said.
He aims to increase community involvement for Ivy Rehab.
“Ultimately for me I want the awareness that we’re here for what they need,” Niswonger said. “We’re always looking to help more people in the area.”
Ivy Rehab is one of the sponsors of the annual Mill Creek Days 5k/10k run. Ivy Rehab also created a popular shoulder pre-hab plan for Northwest Little League teams.
Business Challenges
Niswonger must constantly balance the needs of patients, administration and community involvement in managing the clinic.
“For me one of the biggest burdens is keeping up with documentation,” Niswonger said. He is responsible for market and budget analysis to determine possible growth areas including hiring more staff.
Niswonger and Slagboom are both graduates of Grand Valley State University’s physical therapy program. Niswonger advises students interested in physical therapy to get exposure to the field while in school, possibly
“We get the kids to understand that taking care and strengthening shoulders helps to reduce the risk of injuries for shoulders. The most common injury is overuse,” Niswonger said.
In a competitive market for physical therapy, Niswonger believes Ivy Rehab’s personalized care sets them apart. Patients feel that Ivy Rehab’s staff take the time to get to know them and make changes to meet their needs.
Patients typically need doctor referrals to receive physical therapy services
Physical Therapy
as a physical therapy aide or technician to see if it’s a good fit.
Assisting with the dayto-day operations is a way to “observe it and see it.” He noted getting early physical therapy experience is also a resume builder.
Ivy Rehab is open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday. Free screenings are available. For more information visit https://ivyrehab. com/physical-therapy-location/comstockpark-mi/ or call (616) 947-2720.
By Karen Gentry
The sta at Ivy Rehab on West River Drive includes Kyle Niswonger, Brooklyn Davis and Haley Slagboom.
Kyle Niswonger is the clinic director at Ivy Rehab in Comstock Park.
Ivy Rehab is located at 4615 West River Drive in Comstock Park.
Mill Creek Days Celebrates 50th Anniversary
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Mill Creek Days in Comstock Park. Many area residents have fond memories of Mill Creek Days of yesteryear and encouraged the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority to bring back the popular community event. Mill Creek Days returned in 2022 after a long hiatus.
Like recent Mill Creek Days the event in the past included a parade, bicycles, and high school bands. A sampling of
past events included a small Ferris wheel and a moonwalk, sausage tasting, three-legged sack race, a shoe scramble, and Austrian horses pulling a wagon in the parade.
Mill Creek Days Planning Committee members have been meeting monthly to make this year’s event the best ever. The 5k/10k run is attracting more runners than ever and the craft fair has more vendors. This year there are more children’s activities, a train for all ages that
will circle Dwight Lydell Park, Friday night 80s theme, three live bands, a Friday night scavenger hunt and bike giveaway, and more food vendors. Jenna Arcidiacono from Amore /Trattoria Italiana returns to run the beer tent.
For the 2026 Mill Creek Days schedule and more information see pages 9-12 of this edition of the Comstock Park Communicator.
THE COST OF
BUILDING IMPROVEMENT
install new security cameras • pave or improve a parking lot
repair brickwork • renovate building façade GRANTS AVAILABLE 20% OF PROJECT UP TO $25,000
at www.comstockparkdda.org For more information email Ed Hood at ehood0812@gmail.com
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
Sue Ledesma, Hearst Michigan Media Group sue.ledesma@hearst.com • (231) 592-8354
Danette Doyle, Hearst Michigan Media Group danette.doyle@hearst.com • (231) 592-8359
Design
Michelle Bain, Hearst Michigan Media Group
Contributors
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Kathy Bush
Cari Draft
Liza Gutierrez
Gary Holland
Paula Wright
Children view the Duck Race as part of Mill Creek Days in 2022. The rst Mill Creek Days took place in 1976 – the popular community event returned in 2022 after a long hiatus.
Around Town...
Jennifer Saelens leads “Rock the Uke” at the Comstock Park library on May 14. Beginner and experienced ukelele players are invited to join Saelens and other musicians the second Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Comstock Park library. “Rock the Uke” will return to the Rockford library at the end of the year once library construction is complete.
Ukeleles are available to library patrons to try at the Comstock Park library the second Thursday of the month at 5:30
Work is progressing on improvements to the
including the
p.m.
north trailhead of Wahl eld Park
new expansive dog park that opened in late June
The new pedestrian bridge over the Rogue River is now open. The bridge is part of the South Rogue River Trail in Plain eld Township. For more information visit www.plain eldmi.org/m/ NewsFlash/Home/Detail/75.
A crowd of seniors gathered for the Rotary of Comstock Park’s Aloha Beach Bingo on April 16 at Comstock Park High School. Food was provided by Amore Trattoria Italiana and the centerpiece by Alpine Flora. The event was made possible by volunteers and generous event sponsors. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Comstock Park)
Comstock Park High School science students planted trees at Dwight Lydell Park in May in a partnership with Kent County Parks and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban & Community Forestry grant. They planted native shade trees to support urban forestry, climate resiliency and future canopy growth.
Meghan Kehr and Brady Cortner, representing Beuschel Funeral Home, talk with Comstock Park residents Barbara Grandy and Irene Wartilko during the Golden Panthers’ Senior Resource Fair on May 15 at the Henze Center in Comstock Park.
Down to Defend recently moved to 4005 West River Drive, Unit B 4 in the back of the Style Up Hair Studio.
The non-profit offers an array of classes, services and resources for those with Downs Syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Alicia Mathieu and her husband David founded Down to Defend after their son, now seven years old, was born with Downs Syndrome. After doing her research Mathieu found that those with Downs Syndrome are at much greater risk of sexual assault.
Down to Defend moves to Comstock Park
“This led me to see what kind of classes would help protect them,” Mathieu said. “I realized there’s a lot more to safety than just physically protecting themselves.”
Down to Defend now offers many classes including adult karate, youth karate, infant swim rescue, CPR, Down to Groove Music and Healthy Relationships.
Down to Defend also delivers celebration bags to parents of babies born with Downs Syndrome or chromosome abnormalities. The bags are delivered to Helen DeVos Children’s
Hospital and Trinity Health in Grand Rapids and Muskegon. The bags are filled with baby items, safety essentials, a medical binder and local community resources. The goal is to educate and encourage families who may be learning about Downs Syndrome for the first time.
As fundraising is an ongoing challenge, Down to Defend holds a gala each year in late February. Current funding is entirely through donations.
Mathieu hopes to work with Maddie Rasch, owner of Cook’s Cakery, a business that hires workers
with disabilities.
Down to Defend is currently transitioning from a working board to a governing board and is looking for three more board members.
For their fifth anniversary, Down to Defend celebrated with a birthday bash in the parking lot on June 27.
Mathieu enjoys her Comstock Park location. She grew up in Comstock Park and still lives in the area.
For more information visit https://downtodefend.org.
Alicia Mathieu is the founder of Down to Defend, a non-pro t that helps those with Downs Syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Learning Experience Alpine opens in Comstock Park
Hannah and Casey Harris saw the need for more childcare in the Comstock Park area so they opened The Learning Experience Alpine near new housing construction. Located on 4950 Putter Ct. NW off of Alpine Avenue, The Learning Experience is part of a nationwide franchise that includes five other locations in the Grand Rapids area.
“There’s a wait list for most centers in the surrounding area,” Casey said.
The Harris held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 2 that included members of
the Alpine Township Fire Department.
The Learning Experience Alpine is licensed for children ages six weeks to age 6 with a capacity for 140 youngsters - the center is 10,000 square feet with nine classrooms. The Learning Experience Alpine uses a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) curriculum for their daycare and preschool.
They center is described as a cheerful, happy and colorful place with animated characters including mascot “Bubbles the Elephant.”
This is the Harris’ only location, but they don’t rule out opening other centers in the future. The Learning Center Alpine is also a place for their two sons who take part in the program.
The Learning Experience Alpine is currently enrolling for back to school. For more information call (616) 279-2665 or visit https://thelearningexperience. com/centers/alpinetownship-mi/.
Artificial intelligence, eclipses, haunted mansions and more for Golden Panthers
There’s something for everyone in the Comstock Park Golden Panthers Fall 2026 lineup of programs. Programs include explaining artificial intelligence, viewing eclipses, virtual visits to haunted Heritage Hill mansions, avoiding senior bank fraud, and playing music bingo.
Demystifying artificial intelligence
Are you curious about artificial intelligence, what it is, how it is used, the safety of it all? Holly Young will present an informative session designed to demystify artificial intelligence and answer your questions in a clear, accessible way.
Holly “has a passion for all things techie,” works at the Northview Senior Center and has her own business offering tech support to groups and with personal classes.
1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Shadow Chasing Around the World
Since observing his first total eclipse of the sun in 1963, Dave DeBruyn has traveled around the world to view solar eclipses which he calls “nature’s greatest spectacle.” With stunning images, he will recount highlights of his eclipse adventures.
DeBruyn is retired from his long-time position as Chief Curator of the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
In his retirement, he does special projects for the Planetarium and is vice-president and membership chairperson in the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association.
1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Heritage Hill Hauntings
Caroline Cook will take us on a virtual tour of “haunts” in Heritage Hill. Because most of these stately Victorian dwellings were built in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, ghost stories abound. Tenacious and playful spirits are still hanging around. Some of the accounts are scary, some silly, some believable, some not. Some are legends from long ago, some are recent. With narration
and photographs, Cook will relate spooky tales that have been passed on by either present or past occupants of the mansions. She is the founder of Grand Rapids Running Tours. She presents programs of virtual tours with stories about places and people, past and present. Costumes encouraged.
1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Protect Yourself from Financial Exploitation/Safe Banking for Seniors
Fraudsters are after your money. Senior bank fraud (also known as elder financial exploitation or elder fraud) involves scammers and trusted individuals targeting older adults to steal their life savings or retirement funds.
Older Americans lose billions annually to schemes like government/tech-support impersonation, romance cons, and unauthorized withdrawals by caregivers.
Dave Garland, Huntington Bank Comstock Park branch manager, will tell us how to avoid being a victim of financial exploitation.
1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Holiday Music Bingo
The always entertaining Hugh Randle will lead fun games of music bingo with holiday songs and oldies. Plus, he’ll fill us in on trivia related to the songs. We’ll get bingo cards with the names of songs in a bingo square, and Randle will play a snippet of a song. If you have the song on your bingo card, you mark that square. Five squares in a row wins.
Hugh is a Campus Pastor at The Foundry Church in Zeeland. He has nearly 30 years in the senior mobility market and has DJ’d part time at weddings and other events for more than 20 years.
1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Casey and Hannah Harris, pictured with their two sons, are the owners of The Learning Experience Alpine, a new childcare and preschool that opened in March. The Learning Experience has a capacity of 140 youngsters.
The Learning Experience Alpine, 4950 Putter Ct. NW o of Alpine Avenue in Comstock Park opened in late March and held a ribbon cutting celebration on May 2.
Dave DeBruyn will show his images of solar eclipses from his travels at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Henze Center.
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to honor two graduates and cheer team
Congratulations to Gary Ergang, Caleb Uecker-Herman, and the 2009 Competitive Cheer team. They are the 2026 inductees to the Comstock Park High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
HallofFame Induction Ceremony
The CPHS Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony will take place on Sept. 23, 2026 at Scott Lake Golf Club with dinner at 6 p.m. dinner followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend – cost: $20 collected at the door. For reservations, call Leisha Emmory at (616) 254-5238 or email lemmory@cppschools.com. For more information call Gary Holland at (616) 255-6426.
GARY ERGANG
Gary Ergang, a 1972 CPHS graduate, earned 10 varsity letters including three in football, three in wrestling, and four in baseball. He was a standout athlete no matter what sport he played. In football, Ergang made varsity as a sophomore to play on the line. He also played linebacker on defense. One year, he won the “Oil Can Award” which is awarded to the player that most represents a tough blue-collar work ethic and was most respected by his coaches and teammates. By the time he was a senior, he earned a place on the All-Conference Team.
In wrestling, Ergang
won numerous gold medals and tournaments and helped his team win conference championships in two of the three years that he wrestled. He often wrestled in the tough 185pound weight division against wrestlers that outweighed him.
Ergang started all four years as a member of the varsity baseball team and was selected for All-Conference Honorable Mention for two years.
During the 1970s, coaches often selected different team members as captains each week. Ergang often served as the “captain of the week” but his teammates knew he was their real leader. He was respected by his fellow students who voted him the Homecoming King in the fall of 1971.
Ergang married his high school sweetheart Diane Cliffman. They had two children, Nick and Katie, and have five grandchildren.
CALEB
UECKER-HERMAN
Caleb Uecker-Herman is a 2007 graduate of CPHS. He was on the varsity soccer and track teams all four years while in high school and earned eight varsity letters.
He got significant playing time in soccer as a freshman and sophomore. By the time he was a junior, he was a
starter that rarely took a break. The 2005 team won the District Title and Uecker-Herman earned All-Conference honors. During his senior year, Uecker-Herman, served as team captain, was team MVP, made the All-Conference team, was selected to the All-District team, and was All-Area Honorable Mention.
In track, Uecker-Herman specialized in the hurdles, competed in the long jump, and filled in on relay teams as needed. He became a consistent point scorer for the team and the top point getter as a senior. During his senior year, he set the school record in the 300m hurdles, qualified for State in the 300m hurdles and long jump, and excelled in the 110m hurdle event. His best hurdle times and long jumps are still near top as the best in school history. He served as team captain, won the Coach’s Award, and was team MVP. He was All-Conference and All-Region and topped off a remarkable senior year by winning the Jansen Award as the best athlete in his senior class.
Uecker-Herman earned a degree from Aquinas College where he was a consistent point scorer for the track and field team for four years. His best 400m Hurdle time ranks as one of the best times in school history.
2009State Champion Competitive CheerTeam
When Kathy Felty took over the CPHS Cheerleading program in 1990, there were only sideline cheer teams at CPHS. These teams cheered at CPHS sporting events and often competed in Sideline Cheer Competitions which were run
by a coach’s association. The CPHS Cheerleading fared very well in these competitions. By 1994, the Michigan High School Athletic Association took over these competitions and called them Competitive Cheer. The sport was more demanding than Sideline Cheer and required more gymnastic skills, more complex routines, and precise teamwork.
By the late 1990’s, CPHS gained a reputation for their outstanding Competitive Cheer program. Their teams began winning competitions and finishing high in regional and state competitions. Felty gives much credit for the success of the program leading up to the State championship in 2009 to one of her former team members from the early 2000’s, Heather Scherporn, who joined her as an assistant coach after she graduated. In 2008, the team finished second in the Division III State Competitive Cheer competition. The coaches and team members worked even harder to reach their goal of winning the state championship. The team breezed through the regular season winning
events such as the OK Blue Conference, District, and regional titles. In regionals, the team accumulated a school record 800.51 points. That still stands as the best score of any CPHS Cheer team. The team hard work paid off and they became the Division III State Champions.
Kayla Austin, Brittany Pego, and Karla Socall were Honorable Mention All-State. Morgan Andree, Emily Howard, and Nicholle Schall were each selected to the second team All-State, while Kelsey French, Stephanie Hamacher, Alexa Keene, Brittni May, Olivia Obbetts, and Allison Preston all made first team All- State.
From 2008 -2011, the Competitive Cheer teams won 57 out of 59 events. The only two events that they did not win were the second-place finishes in the State Competitions in 2008 and 2010. This four-year run is unmatched by any team in any sport in CPHS sports history.
By Gary Holland
Gary Ergang
The 2009 CPHS State Champion Competitive Cheer Team will be inducted into the CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame this fall.
Caleb Uecker-Herman
Library staff members offer variety of recommendations
Ever wonder what the staff at the library like to read, watch, or what video games they like to play? One of the most popular displays at the Kent District Library
Comstock Park branch is the ongoing staff pick display. Library staff members have a variety of very different interests that is often reflected in the display. Don’t be surprised when you see a book on birding, a book on amigurumi, the newest horror book by Kingfisher, next to a James Patterson, next to a picture book telling you not to trust fish! The staff picks display is where you’ll find our hidden gems.
Some Favorite Staff Picks
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Recommended by Michaela, assistant branch librarian
“Atmosphere” is a historical fiction novel about some of the first women to join NASA’s space shuttle program and go into space in the early 1980s. The book alternates between a present-day in-space shuttle crisis and flashbacks of the past leading up to the crisis, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat and dying to find out what happens next. The story follows Joan Goodwin, astronomy professor turned astronaut as she navigates life, love, and
working in a male-dominated field.
I loved learning about space and the process to become an astronaut. Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote about believable characters you can’t help but love and root for, tearing out my heart one moment and putting it back together the next. If you ever listen to audiobooks, I highly recommend the audiobook for this one.
Julia Whelan and Kristen DiMercurio did an incredible job of bringing Joan and the rest of the cast to life.
“Boneshaker” (Clockwork Century series) by Cherrie Priest
Recommended by Orion, shelver Boneshaker is the first book in the Clockwork Century series. It involves airships, vibrant characters and things that lurk in a deadly yellow mist. It is fantastic, and I highly recommend it. The books technically stand alone, but they create a fascinating world when read together.
“The Council of Frogs” by Matt Emmons
Recommended by Emmett, assistant branch librarian
The art in this graphic novel is so lovely and detailed. The story follows a frog’s journey through post-apocalyptic magical wasteland to deliver a very important message. The plot twists and turns in ways that are unexpected but rewarding. Be warned: You will become deeply invested in the well-being of one determined little frog. If you believe in the power of friendship and that all frogs should have tiny dandelion hats, this book is for you.
“Dungeon Crawler Carl”(series) by Matt Dinniman
Recommended by Paula, branch librarian
Have you heard the one about the crazy guy running around a dungeon with no shoes, wearing heart boxers, with a talking cat, shooting missiles out of her eyes, sitting on his shoulder. You haven’t!?! Mongo is appalled! Dungeon Crawler Carl is the hot Literary Role-Playing Game series of the summer, with book 8 just being released. It’s a crazy ride that combines humor and horror as Carl and his cat, Princess Donut, must survive a worldwide dungeon, which also happens to be the hottest television show in the galaxy. They don’t just kill mobs, they kill them with style. You wouldn’t think a horror book of apocalyptic proportions would have so much heart but that’s the core of this series, it isn’t the murder and mobs, it’s the relationships and the found family that rally around us during the darkest of times. You will laugh, you will rage, and you WILL cry and then, you’ll start all over to do it again.
Gravity Circuit (Nintendo Switch, PS5)
Recommended by Oryan, assistant branch librarian
Gravity Circuit is a fast-paced action plat-
former reminiscent of the Mega Man X series of video games. It is a game that feels good to play, having a distinct flow that makes the moment-to-moment gameplay all the more satisfying. The level design is stellar, introducing core ideas that culminate in the stage’s boss fight. The music is a delight to the ears, providing a handful of nostalgia inducing tracks that still play in my head three years later. Finally, there’s the colorful cast of characters whose designs are made unique by the game’s art design. While it may look like a game that was released back on the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and the original PlayStation, it is a title that gives a fun and kinetic challenge from start to finish.
“Impossible Creatures” by Katherine Rundell
Recommended by Mikki, branch librarian
If you have a soft spot in your heart for books like “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “Harry Potter” “Percy Jackson” or “The Spiderwork Chronicles” I think you’ll love “Impossible Creatures” by Katherine Rundell. The main character Christopher Forrester has an unusual affinity with animals. He shares the spotlight with Mal, an intrepid girl from a place called the Archipelago who happens to
own a coat that allows her to fly. The Archipelago’s magical creatures are in danger and Christopher and Mal team up to save them.
“Life After Life” by Kate Atkinson
Recommended by Susan, branch outreach and programming specialist
“Life After Life” by Kate Atkinson is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s the story of Ursula Todd, born in 1910, and then reborn every time she dies. As time goes on, she sometimes remembers parts of her previous lives and begins to wonder if she is being reborn to accomplish some major purpose. It’s one of those books that you end and immediately want to go back to the beginning and re-read.
“Take Me With You” by Steven Rowley
Recommended by D. Fletcher
From Steven Rowley, the author of “The Guncle” and “The Celebrants,” comes this comedic tale of growth, abandonment, relationships, family, writing, and alien abduction. Rowley is one of my favorite authors -- he always makes me laugh and cry, and this book is no exception.
“This is How you Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar
Recommended by Hailey, assistant branch librarian
This novel became the basis in which I personally compare all love stories. In fact, one of Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone’s lines even found its way into my wedding vows.
“Wicked Intentions” by Elizabeth Hoyt Recommended by Tricia, regional manager 2
This book is an epistolary novel between rivals Red and Blue, spanning across space and time. At first glance, this story seems to be about rivals gunning to outplay one another and gloating over their successes. But over time, Red and Blue become disillusioned with the system that pits them against each other, both yearning to leave behind an isolation inherent to their line of work as secret agents. The heart poured into their letters humanizes them, grounding even the most wild, futuristic rituals with small emotional moments.
I am unapologetically recommending “Wicked Intentions”, the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series, an AMAZING Georgian-era historical romance series full of danger, secrets, foundling homes, masked vigilantes, morally questionable dukes, pirates, scandal, and extremely dramatic people falling in love under deeply inconvenient circumstances. I love this series because it’s historical romance turned all the way up. Hoyt gives you big feelings, high stakes, complicated characters, and chemistry that does not politely knock before entering the room. If you like your romance with actual plot, morally gray heroes, capable heroines, danger in the alleyways, and enough angst to make the happy endings feel earned, this is the series I will be shoving into your hands.
Compiled by Paula Wright
Mikki
Michaela
Paula
Tricia
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Mill Creek Days Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change — please check Facebook for updates.
4:00pm - 10:00pm: Food Vendors - Vitales - Pizza by the Slice
• I’d Smash - Burgers• Tacos Los Compadres • Outlaw
Society Sodas - Custom Drinks @ Dwight Lydell Park
4:00pm - 11:00pm: Food Hugs Beer Tent
5:00pm - 7:00pm:
BattleGR - Foam Party • BattleGR - Video Game Trailer
Shenanigans Ponies and Petting Zoo with Special Guest Donkey
Hair Painting sponsored by Style Up Salon
Academy of Dance Arts @ Dwight Lydell Park Front Pavilion
Wooden Car Craft sponsored by Community Automotive Plainfield Fire Department
5:30pm: Eating Contest sponsored by Nick Finks
6:00pm - 10:00pm: Live Music - That 80’s Rock Show @ Dwight Lydell Park - Main Stage
7:00pm: Bike Giveaway - Mill Creek Mystery Scavenger Hunt
sponsored by Michigan Trails Magazine and Freewheeler
Bike Shop @ Dwight Lydell Park/Information Booth/Front Pavilion
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
7:00am: 5K Run/Walk @ Dwight Lydell Park
7:45am: 10K Run @ Dwight Lydell Park
9:15am: Kids Run @ Dwight Lydell Park
9:00am - 3:00pm: Craft Fair @ Dwight Lydell Park - West Pavilion
11:00am - 12:00pm: Parade Staging - LMCU Ballpark Parking Lot
11:00am - 4:00pm: Railroad Depot
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Parade West River Drive
4:00pm - 10:00pm: Food Vendors- Vitales - Pizza by the Slice • I’d Smash - Burgers• Tacos Los Compadres • Outlaw
Roasted Corn - Street Corn • Watson BBQ - BBQ • Frazee Concession - Fries and Corn Dogs • Big Mike’s Kettle Corn - Kettle Corn and Lemonade • Kona Ice - Shaved Ice • Cafe’ Boba/West Michigan VOICE - Boba Tea • Sip Society Sodas - Custom Drinks @ Dwight Lydell Park
12:00pm - 3:00pm: Plainfield Fire Department
12:30pm - 2:30pm: Wooden Car Craft sponsored by Community Automotive
12:30pm - 5:30pm: ACP Entertainment: Carnival Trackless Train • Mad Dog Dash Game Trailer • J-Course • Mini Bounce • Human Foosball • Hippo Chow Down • Double Lane Slide
BattleGR - Laser Tag • BattleGR - Mini Golf
Hair Painting sponsored by Syle Up Salon
Bake Sale - Comstock Park Cheerleaders
Kids Cornhole sponsored by Kiwanis Grand Rapids
Bucket Toss sponsored by Kiwanis Grand Rapids
U.S. Army Recruiters • Kent Conservation District
1:00pm - 4:00pm: The Balloon Guy - Jim Perry
1:00pm: Double Elimination Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Perrin Brewing Company
1:00pm - 11:00pm: Food Hugs Beer Tent
1:00pm - 5:00pm: Live Music - Whiskey Bound @ Dwight Lydell Park/Main Stage
3:00pm - 5:30pm: LaLa Land Face Painting - Jen Schultz Dwight Lydell Park/Kids Area
5:00pm: Duck Race@ Dwight Lydell Park - Mill Creek
6:00pm - 10:00pm Live Music - Pretty Kool Band @ Dwight Lydell Park - Main Stage
New family fun activities added to the Mill Creek Days
Many new children’s activities have been added to Mill Creek Days 2026. All the activities are free and take place at Dwight Lydell Park.
“Bring the family, invite your friends, and join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. We can’t wait to celebrate Mill Creek Days with you,” said Kari Kippen, organizer of the children’s activities and member of the Mill Creek Days Planning Committee.
Friday Night Fun
• Huge Foam Party
• Petting Zoo returns after being a crowd favorite last year.
• Kids’ crafts, games, and additional activities throughout the evening.
Saturday Family Activities
Following the parade, the fun continues throughout the park
• NEW! Carnival Trackless Train
• Super Slide
• Huge Game Trailer
• NEW! Mini Golf
• Plus many returning favorites!
Outback Casual Living & Fence
4050 West River Dr
Mill Creek Middle School
100 Betty St NE
KDL Library
124 Lamoreaux Dr NE
Sovereign Grace Church
62 Lamoreaux Dr NE
Comstock Park Body Shop
4019 West River Dr (after 5 on Thursday and Friday)
Cooking Connection
3979 West River Dr
Patten Monument
3980 West River Dr (front only and after 5 Thursday & Friday)
Post O ce Parking Lot
3913 Leland Ave NW
(except where food trucks, porta-johns and display tables are)
Mill Creek Motors
3867 West River Dr
(except Saturday 10am-2pm = Car Show)
Dwight Lydell Park West Parking Lot
4040 Leland Ave NE
(except for row of parking next to West Pavilion Building during Saturday Craft Show)
Frazee Concession: Fries & Corn Dogs • I’d Smash: Burgers Kona Ice: Shaved Ice • Tacos Los Compadres: Tacos Sip Society Sodas: Custom Drinks • Outlaw Roasted Corn: Street Corn
Downtown Sparta
The craft fair returns to Mill Creek Days 2026 and will take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Dwight Lydell Park. By mid-June Kelly Cleveland, organizer of the craft fair for Mill Creek Days, had 56 registered vendors with room for more. Many new vendors will be participating this year. Some of the new vendors include Discent, Bead-iful Pens & More, Date My Books, Lake Effect Fizz, Enhance Your Plants, Ke-Ke’s Krafts, Jessica DeBoode portrait art (live illustrations), Cryptic Prints, Humble Bee-ginnings Apiary, and BFF Towel Pots.
Comstock Park School News
Celebrating a century of Comstock Park High School
Celebrating 100 Years
Celebrating a century of Comstock Park High School
The Comstock Park High School class of 2026 is the 100th graduating class for the school. Graduation is always a proud moment for both graduates and their parents, but this year being the 100th graduating class makes this a proud moment for the community as well.
School and life have certainly evolved over the past 100 years. To investigate teenage life in the 1920’s, I interviewed life-long community member Dave Wier, considered an expert on Comstock Park local history. His ancestors have lived in Comstock Park for many decades. His father, Clarence, graduated from Comstock Park High School in 1922 but the school only went to the eighth grade at the time. Wier and his sons, daughter, and some of his grandchildren all graduated from Com-
stock Park High School. Wier attended Michigan State University where he earned his master’s degree in 1961. His master’s Thesis entitled “Comstock Park – From Mill Town to Bedroom Suburb” (copies are available at the Comstock Park Library) is a must read for anyone interested in learning about the history of the Comstock Park/Mill Creek area. He taught a highly acclaimed and very popular local history class at the high school in the 1970’s, 80’s, and 90’s in which hundreds of high school students learned about the origins and history of the area. He also wrote a book about the history of the Alpine Township area called “150 Years of Alpine Township History,” published in 1997.
“Comstock Park students that wanted to go to high school (grades 9 through 12) prior to 1923 had to ride the trolley car into Grand
Rapids to attend school there. The cost of the ride was a dime, and the Comstock Park School Board would reimburse the student for the transportation costs,” Wier said.
Back in 1908, an elementary school was built on land purchased by the Comstock Park School Board from James Lamoreaux on what is now called School Street. The school opened in 1908 and expanded in 1913. Of course, no indoor plumbing existed in those years, and outhouses were constructed behind the building: one for girls and one for boys. If you wanted a drink of water, you dipped a ladle (that everyone shared) into a centrally located water barrel. Students who completed all eight grades were granted diplomas.
In 1923, the curriculum in Comstock Park was expanded to include ninth graders, and a
grade was added each year after that until all four grades of high school were included. By 1927, a high school had been built next to the 1908 building, and a covered hallway connected the two buildings. The two buildings combined to a school that accommodated all students from kindergarten through 12th grades. There were 13 students who started in the ninth grade in 1923 with the hopes of graduating four years later. Only six eventually graduated in 1927. However, by that time the school included 10 juniors, 14 sophomores and 30 freshmen.
The high school class sizes continued to grow in numbers. By 1961, an addition was connected to the 1927 building and the 1908 building was demolished. Mill Creek Middle School and the Comstock Park central office now occupy the space where the old high school once stood.
The original nickname for Comstock Park High School students was the Parkers and remained Parkers into the 1940’s. Eventually the panther was adopted as the official mascot for the school and the nickname Parker faded in the sunset. The 1927 yearbook was called the “Comstock Park Highlite” and was in newspaper format. It included a composite picture of the six graduates, a team picture of the boys’ basketball team and surprisingly a team picture of the girls basketball team. The yearbook also depicted a picture of the school baseball team. They did not have a football team until 1929. The yearbook also included an article about the history of the first graduating class, advertising for the Comstock Park Pharmacy (W. H. Lamoreaux, PROP.) and M. G. Fitzgerald’s Restaurant, and an intelligence test including the question: What famous general
was buried in Grant’s tomb?
Several additions and upgrades to the high school have been completed over the years. In 1991, the current high school near the corner of Six-Mile Road and Division was completed and opened for business. Much has changed over the years for Comstock Park High School students. The trollies have disappeared. Indoor plumbing and personal water bottles have replaced the outhouses and water barrels. Cell phones, computers, and big screen televisions have replaced the radios and landlines of the past just to name a few. The ritual of graduation remains a special event to all that participate.
Congratulations to each 2026 graduate and to the Comstock Park community for supporting Comstock Park High School for 100 years.
By Gary Holland
The current Comstock Park High School opened in 1991.
The original Comstock Park High School – home of the rst class of six seniors who graduated in 1927.
The 114 graduates of the 100th class of Comstock Park High School celebrate their graduation on May 19, 2026.
Comstock Park High School’s rst graduating Class of 1927 includes front row: Thelma Erhart, Helen Heintz, Florence Manley, Margaret O’Brien; Top row: Dorothy Perkins, Superintendent Charles Sedgemen, Dick Pass.
Spring Distinguished Student/Athletes
Bristol Bennet and Jameson East have been selected as the top female and male student/athletes for Spring 2026. To qualify for this honor, the students must have an outstanding spring season and be successful students.
BRISTOL BENNETT
Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Lacrosse
Achievements:
Record setting and AllConference lacrosse player
Future Goals: Play lacrosse in college and become a teacher/coach Bristol Bennett, junior, loves playing lacrosse. It isn’t easy being a lacrosse player and attending Comstock Park High School. The lacrosse program was dropped a few years ago due to low participation. To continue playing the game she loves, she has
had to play on travel teams and co-op teams. For the last three years, she has played on the Jenison High School (co-op) varsity team. She started playing the game back in sixth grade when she played on the Comstock Park Club team. Since the eighth grade Bristol has played on the Jenison co-op team each spring and played on a travel team in the summer.
Being a part of the Jenison program has helped her build strong friendships beyond her Comstock Park High School classmates and teammates. She has set several team records at Jenison, including most goals in a season (71) and most goals in a game (9). Over the past three seasons, she has scored 140 goals, setting the school’s career scoring record, with another sea-
son still ahead of her. As a sophomore, she scored 49 goals and earned All-Conference honors.
Bristol says that she wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this without the love and support of her mom, Shari Bennett. “She drives me to and from every practice and game.” Says Bristol. “She has never missed any of my games and has often left work early to get me to practice on time.” Coach Alicia Zeller has also been very supportive and encouraging.
Bristol also plays volleyball and basketball at Comstock Park High School and although she missed most of this past basketball season with an ankle injury, she plans to continue playing both sports next year. In addition to playing sports, Bristol maintains a B average in school and enjoys hanging out with her friends. She also has served as a referee for the Comstock Park Youth Basketball program on Saturday mornings and would love to someday coach at that level.
JAMESON EAST
Achievements: Travel Team State Wrestling Champion
Multiple baseball tournament MVP awards , Near the top of the OK Silver baseball division this year in innings pitched and strikeouts
All Conference Baseball Future Goals: Play college baseball and pursue a career in engineering.
Although Jameson is only a freshman in high school he is already compiling an impressive resume of athletic accomplishments. He played football (junior varsity this year), basketball (junior varsity this year), wrestling (varsity), and baseball (varsity).
Jameson loves to play sports. He is breaking the mold in an age of high school athletic specialization by playing four sports this year. To start with, he played on the junior varsity football team and started as the quarterback on offense and safety on defense. During the winter sports season he played both junior varsity basketball and wrestling. He juggled practices and matches, often having two practices or matches/ games on any given day. He managed quite well, however, as he was a starter in basketball and
wrestled at the 144-pound weight class.
This spring Jameson played baseball, his favorite sport. In early June the baseball team was off to a great start with Jameson is a significant contributor to that success. He is a pitcher with an ERA of 2.70 and leads the team in innings pitched (47), and strikeouts (65). He was near the top of the league in strikeouts. When he doesn’t pitch, he plays center field on the team. He was selected All-Conference in baseball.
With his busy schedule Jameson doesn’t have a lot of time for other hobbies but he does enjoy outdoor activities. He also makes time for his studies as he maintains an A average in school with History as his favorite subject.
He credits a lot of his
success to his parents Patrick and Heather East. His dad always makes time to work with Jameson on his baseball skills. His mom is his #1 supporter who helps him organize his busy schedule, makes sure that he has transportation to and from all his activities, and is always there to cheer him on.
Jameson is very dedicated to the CPHS’s athletic program and feels fortunate to to continue to be a multi-sport athlete.
When asked if he felt uncomfortable playing sports with teammates older than him he said he feels very accepted by his older teammates.
“I have grown accustomed to having older teammates as it has often been the case growing up,” he said.
By Gary Holland
Bristol Bennett
Jameson East
AmeriCorps seeks reading volunteers for elementary students
Do you want to help strengthen your community, but aren’t sure how?
AmeriCorps is the only
federal agency tasked with elevating service and volunteerism in America. It gives opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen communities, enrich lives, and build a network of individuals dedicated to helping others.
As a volunteer, you get to choose the service that aligns with your passions– from helping
to connect veterans and military families to benefits, job resources, and education options, to tackling food insecurity by building gardens and harvesting food for local families, and much more. AmeriCorps can be a great steppingstone for those fresh out of high school, those who aren’t sure what their next steps in their career are yet, and those who have already spent years in
their career.
One AmeriCorps program is The Michigan Education Corps’ Reading Corps. MEC’s Reading Corps’ mission is to provide consistent reading tutoring to students in kindergarten through third grade scoring below their grade level. Since 2012, AmeriCorps tutors have served over 26,000 Michigan students, and up to 95 percent of students in the
Reading Corps program have exceeded the target growth rates for their same-grade peers.
AmeriCorps volunteers are trained at the beginning of their service and provided with ongoing coaching to ensure they feel confident, capable, and have all the tools to become a successful tutor. Volunteers are placed in partner schools throughout Michigan and
Michigan Education Corps Reading Corps Tutor provides one-on-one tutoring using scripted intervention tools.
Reading takes root in forest-themed halls at Stoney Creek
Reading takes root in forest-themed halls at Stoney Creek
Books were in full bloom at Stoney Creek Elementary as students and staff turned their halls into a whimsical reading forest for National Reading Month.
“We decided to do something the whole school could be involved in and came up with the idea of each grade dec-
orating their hallway,”
Principal Robin Picarazzi said.
For the first-time event, the theme was national forests. Bathrooms became “outhouses,” learning support rooms became “ranger stations,” and students served as park guides.
Picarazzi said the hallway decorating competition, which was judged by the district adminis-
tration team, has brought the school together while highlighting the importance of reading.
In the first-grade hall, which won the competition, each student made a folded-paper tent featuring themselves reading inside, first-grader Ava Plumb said.
“It took us about four days to put everything up,” said classmate Emmanuel Casares as
he walked the first-grade hall with Ava.
“Some of the characters are from a book,” Emmanuel added, pointing to a bear and pigeon from Mo Willems’ “Don’t Let the Pigeon Feed the Bear!”.
In the second-grade hall, decorated with a night camping theme, black material covered the lights and each classroom entrance was
turned into a giant tent. Paper tents featuring students also lined the hallway.
In the kindergarten hall, students traced their hands to create campfires, made paper lanterns and colored animals to place in the kindergarten woods.
Kindergartner Jesse Gomez said the hallway decorating was fun as she and her brother, Jude,
pointed out the bears that they made.
Jude said the decorating and special reading activities for the month, such as bringing your stuffed animal to school, guest readers, theme days and reading goals, definitely “make you want to read more.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
School News Network
www.schoolnewsnetwork.org
First-graders Ava Plumb, left, and Emmanuel Casares spent several days helping to decorate the rst-grade hallway.
Student volunteers turn ideas into action for good
Junior Brielle Gates stood next to an arch of green, silver, white and polka-dotted balloons that filled the small room where she and classmate Addie Kelly had been working.
pen.”
The group is open to any student interested in making an impact in the school and community, said social studies teacher Brooke Veneman, who serves as co-adviser with special-education teacher Marie Kluisza.
Former teacher and counselor Gary Holland, who is also a Comstock Park alum, started the program.
“I loved the idea of teenagers having the experience of helping others,” Holland said. “Besides the obvious benefit for the people being helped, the volunteers experienced — for many the first time — the satisfaction of helping others.”
As counselor, Holland said he saw the value of students committing to volunteer work, which is similar to having a job. The students have to be responsible to show up, be on time and complete the work, he said.
From Ideas to Action
better and more fulfilled because we are helping people.”
Senior Lilly Czypera joined because her friend senior Becky Cordero-Hernandez did. Now the two serve as president and vice-president, respectively.
Lilly said she enjoys seeing students make friends and take advantage of leadership opportunities
“The nice thing about Student Volunteers is anyone can join,” Becky said. “With other student organizations, there are prerequisites and requirements, but with this group a student only needs to fill out an application to join.”
The group meets weekly during the school’s flex time to discuss ideas and plan its community service projects such as the new student luncheon, a fall Trunk-n-Treat, the winter Cancer Classic and a spring carnival.
Unified basketball tournament in which we helped in the concession stand but also had the opportunity to root on our own CP Unified Team. Through such initiatives, the group successfully combines charitable fundraising with energetic school spirit.”
While doing volunteer work might look good on a college or work application, Becky said for many of the students it’s about “everybody helping everybody.”
For many of the students, that spirit shows up most clearly at the events.
“For me it’s the spring carnival, because you are outside and it’s an opportunity to bring the community together,” Becky said. “I also like the student lunch because it’s nice to feel welcomed at a new place, and sometimes it is so hard to get to know people and find information on things.”
But when the students and the Houseman family — this year’s Cancer Classic recipients — walk under the arch, the work will have been worth it, she admitted.
Brielle is one of 36 students who currently are part of the high school’s Student Volunteers, a
“It was a lot of work,” Brielle said. “First you have to blow up the balloons, then you have to tie them, and then tie them together and secure them to the string.”
student-led organization that connects students with community service opportunities to support local needs.
“Being a part of everything and seeing how that impacts the community is the reason why I decided to join,” she said. “Everyone in the group wants to see change, they want to see positive things hap-
When Veneman joined Kluisza as an adviser to the group a couple of years ago, membership had declined, so she began encouraging students to join.
That’s how Brielle and Addie got involved.
“I feel more connected to the community,” Addie said. “I personally feel
Students have the opportunity to propose ideas. Addie recently suggested creating a prom dress closet because “the dresses are so expensive,” she said.
“There are students who don’t go because they can’t afford everything to attend a prom,” Addie said. “If we can help with one element, such as a dress, then it would make it more affordable.”
Students Give, Grow and Inspire
Kluisza said the ideas and dedication of the students has made it a joy to work with them, and that it’s been rewarding to witness the personal growth and positive changes with students.
“I have had the profound privilege of witnessing young leaders mature while actively contributing to their local community,” she said. “A highlight of Student Volunteers was volunteering at our
Lilly and Addie echoed the same events as Becky and added the food and hygiene drive for Comstock Park’s Giving Closet as one of their favorite activities to benefit the community.
For Brielle, the Cancer Classic holds a special place as her brother, Preston Gates, was the honoree in 2018 and 2024. Preston, who is a 2024 Comstock Park graduate, had leukemia.
The event not only celebrated the community and support system Preston had, it also demonstrated how so many people can make a difference, Brielle said.
“(The action) might be something small, but it could be very meaningful and inspire others to do more,” she said
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
www.schoolnewsnet-
Student Volunteers adviser Brooke Veneman, left, and juniors Addie Kelly and Brielle Gates, with the balloon arch they made for the school’s Cancer Classic.
The Student Volunteers group hosts a spring carnival for the community.
The fall Truck-n-Treat is a popular Student Volunteers event.
Senior Ryleigh O’Connor, left, junior Berdie Cleveland, substitute teacher and varsity basketball coach Luke Houseman, and seniors Adalie Dow and Yumna Yahya during the Cancer Classic check presentation.
AMERICORPS
Continued from PG 16
conduct one-on-one or paired tutoring sessions. But volunteers are more than just tutors – they’re mentors, building positive relationships and connections with students who are struggling. So why should YOU become an AmeriCorps volunteer with Michigan Education Corps’ Reading Corps? Because without volunteers – everyday people who want to make a positive impact on their community – AmeriCorps and the Michigan Education Corps’ Reading Corps wouldn’t exist.
Every student who comes out of the Reading Corps program with the skills to read confidently and the tools to create a brighter future for themselves is because someone decided to volunteer.
Volunteers receive a bi-weekly living stipend and free health insurance and childcare cost assistance. Volunteers also receive federal student loan forbearance and can earn an education award to help pay for existing and future federal student loans and education expenses. If you’re above the age of 55, you have the option of giving your education award to a child or grandchild. Those
interested in continuing a path in education, there are also many credential and degree opportunities, such as the ability to earn elective credits toward a bachelor’s degree with Davenport University. For more information on how to become an AmeriCorps volunteer serving with Michigan Education Corps’ Reading Corps program visit www. mieducationcorps.org/ tutoring-k-3/.
By Liza Gutierrez
WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED
Please see the following school and community contact School Information
Enroll Today! Please go to our website at www.cppschools.com or call with questions.
GREENRIDGE EARLY CHILDHOOD
Preschool & Early Childhood Special Education (616) 254-5700
STONEY CREEK ELEMENTARY Readiness Kindergarten - 2nd Grade 616) 254-5600
PINE ISLAND ELEMENTARY 5rd - 5th Grade (616) 254-5500
MILL CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th - 8th Grade 616) 254-5100
COMSTOCK PARK HIGH SCHOOL & FLEX ACADEMY 9th- 12th Grade (616) 254-5200
Community Links
CP ATHLETICS - (616) 254-5218
Website: https://comstockparkpanthers.com/
CP EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
Website: cpefklds.weebly.com
Facebook: Comstock Park
Educatlonal Foundation
CP GOLDEN PANTHERS - Info. for Senior Citizens
Facebook: Comstock Park Golden Panthers
CP GIVING CLOSET
Facebook: Comstock Park Giving Closet
CP DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Website: http://www.comstockparkdda.org
CP SCHOOL NEWS NETWORK
(Search for Comstock Park) Webslte: https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.orq/
Please like or follow CPPS on Facebook (linked on the OR code) and check out our district app available at the Apple store or Google play store.
