Comstock Park Comminicator

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July 2026 | Page 1

Comstock Park Communicator

www.comstockparkdda.org • Summer - July 2026

Ivy Rehab helps local residents with resources, therapies and community involvement

Ivy Rehab is located at 4615 West River Drive in Comstock Park. 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

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

“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

The staff at Ivy Rehab on West River Drive includes Kyle Niswonger, Brooklyn Davis and Haley Slagboom.

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

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

Kyle Niswonger is the clinic director at Ivy Rehab in Comstock Park.

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Comstock Park Communicator

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Comstock Park Communicator

Mill Creek Days Celebrates 50th Anniversary

ATTENTION COMSTOCK PARK BUSINESS OWNERS from Pine Island Drive to Mill Creek Avenue along or near West River Drive

DEFRAY THE COST OF EXTERIOR 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

Children view the Duck Race as part of Mill Creek Days in 2022. The first Mill Creek Days took place in 1976 – the popular community event returned in 2022 after a long hiatus.

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.

Applications available 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 Ed Hood – ehood0812@gmail.com David Garland - David.M.Garland@huntington.com Jim Jarecki – jjarecki@whitecapsbaseball.com Nick Purwin – slpurwin@yahoo.com Alana Saindon - alanasaindon@gmail.com John Stephan – rjohnstephan@lawyer.com Dawn Swafford - Dawn.Swafford@edwardjones.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 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

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Comstock Park Communicator

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.

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)

Ukeleles are available to library patrons to try at the Comstock Park library the second Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

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.

Work is progressing on improvements to the north trailhead of Wahlfield Park including the new expansive dog park that opened in late June

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.

The new pedestrian bridge over the Rogue River is now open.

The bridge is part of the South Rogue River Trail in Plainfield Township. For more information visit www.plainfieldmi.org/m/ NewsFlash/Home/Detail/75.

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Comstock Park Communicator

Down to Defend moves to 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.

“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-profit that helps those with Downs Syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Comstock Park Communicator

The Learning Experience Alpine opens in Comstock Park

The Learning Experience Alpine, 4950 Putter Ct. NW off of Alpine Avenue in Comstock Park opened in late March and held a ribbon cutting celebration on May 2.

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.

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.

Protect Yourself from Financial Exploitation/Safe Banking for Seniors

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.

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, Oct. 30, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.

1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.

Dave DeBruyn will show his images of solar eclipses from his travels at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Henze Center.

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

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.

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Comstock Park Communicator

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to honor two graduates and cheer team 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.

Gary Ergang

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.

Hall of Fame 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

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.

2009 State Champion Competitive Cheer Team

The 2009 CPHS State Champion Competitive Cheer Team will be inducted into the CPHS Athletic Hall of Fame this fall.

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

Caleb Uecker-Herman

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

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Comstock Park Communicator

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

Michaela

“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.

Paula

“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.

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.

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.

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.

Tricia

Mikki

“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

“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 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

“Wicked Intentions” by Elizabeth Hoyt Recommended by Tricia, regional manager 2 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

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Comstock Park Communicator

Mill Creek Days Schedule *Schedule is subject to change — please check Facebook for updates.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 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 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

Page 10 | July 2026

Comstock Park Communicator

www.comstockparkdda.org

Mill Creek Days

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP THAT 80S ROCK SHOW 6-10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7 Buckle up and get ready to rock because That 80s Rock show is hitting 88 mph and blasting straight back to the 80s. That 80s Rock Show band is a high-octane sonic time machine delivering the ultimate arena-rock experience.

With stadium-sized anthems and blistering guitar solos the band resurrects the legendary hits of Journey, Van Halen, Scorpions, and AC/DC! The onslaught continues with Poison, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne, and Whitesnake.

WHISKEY BOUND 1-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8 Whiskey Bound, one of West Michigan premier variety bands, performs about 100 shows annually in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. The high-energy band plays a variety of country and classic rock with something for everyone. They rock favorite tunes at fairs, festivals, summer concerns, weddings, backyard BBQs and local watering holes.

PRETTY KOOL 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8 Pretty Kool, a standout in the local music scene, is sure to provide a rollicking good time and a memorable experience.

Many of their loyal followers show up for every performance.

Pretty Kool is an energetic cover band that blends diverse musical backgrounds and perform hits from the 1970s to today. Their powerful female lead singer, along with her sister, enhance their dynamic sound. Each member brings unique talents to refreshing familiar songs.

Pretty Kool performs at clubs, festivals and private events.

The band engages fans with sing-alongs and lively interaction, and tunes to dance to.

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 Office 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)

Parking behind Vitale’s 3868 West River Dr

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.

Saturday Family Activities Friday Night Fun • Huge Foam Party Following the parade, the fun continues • Petting Zoo returns after being a throughout the park crowd favorite last year.

• NEW! Carnival Trackless Train • Kids’ crafts, games, and additional • Super Slide activities throughout the evening.

• Huge Game Trailer • NEW! Mini Golf • Plus many returning favorites!

www.comstockparkdda.org

July 2026 | Page 11

Comstock Park Communicator

MILL CREEK DAYS

Grand Marshal

– FOOD VENDORS – AUGUST 7-8, 2026

SPOTLIGHT

Café Boba/West Michigan Voice: Boba Tea • Vitales Pizza: Pizza Slices Big Mike’s Kettle Corn: Kettle Corn & Lemonade • Watson’s BBQ: BBQ 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

Introducing the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Mill Creek Days Parade – Parker. He is the beloved labradoodle trained therapy dog who supports students and even assists in specialized classroom lessons. He will be leading the parade on Saturday, Aug. 8

Moving to Downtown Sparta After 15 years of serving the Sparta area community we are moving to a new location downtown Sparta.

We will be moving to 220 E. Division in Sparta in July 2026!

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Page 12 | July 2026

Comstock Park Communicator

www.comstockparkdda.org

Craft fair returns to Mill Creek Days with many new vendors 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.

For more information email kellyscleveland@mail.com

We are a local family-owned company since 1963 oJering full service collision repair for large and small jobs.

We can also help with towing and rental car arrangements.

We are a Direct Repair Shop for many insurance companies and we are a OEM Factory CertiIed repair facility for General Motors, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan and InIniti.

(616) 784-5395 4019 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321 ComstockParkBodyShop.com

www.comstockparkdda.org

July 2026 | Page 13

Comstock Park Communicator

Comstock Park School News Celebrating a century of Comstock Park High School

The 114 graduates of the 100th class of Comstock Park High School celebrate their graduation on May 19, 2026.

Comstock Park High School’s first 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.

The current Comstock Park High School opened in 1991.

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

The original Comstock Park High School – home of the first class of six seniors who graduated in 1927.

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

Page 14 | July 2026

www.comstockparkdda.org

Comstock Park Communicator

Spring Distinguished Student/Athletes son still ahead of her. As a sophomore, she scored 49 goals and earned All-Conference honors.

Bristol Bennett

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-

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

Jameson East

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

www.comstockparkdda.org

July 2026 | Page 15

Comstock Park Communicator

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Comstock Park Communicator

AmeriCorps seeks reading volunteers for elementary students 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.

Michigan Education Corps Reading Corps Tutor provides one-on-one tutoring using scripted intervention tools.

Do you want to help strengthen your commu-

nity, but aren’t sure how?

AmeriCorps is the only

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 See AMeRICORPS, PG 19

AT ThE NWySA, OUr vOLUNTEEr rUN, cOEd rEc PrOGrAM, STrIvES TO PrOvIdE A POSITIvE ANd ENjOyAbLE SOccEr ExPErIENcE FOr chILdrEN AGES 1-15, rEGArdLESS OF ThE cOMMUNITy IN WhIch ThEy LIvE. OUr FOcUS IS ON SkILL dEvELOPMENT, TEAMWOrk, FAIrPLAy, ANd FOSTErING A LOvE FOr ThE GAME.

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July 2026 | Page 17

Comstock Park Communicator

Reading takes root in forest-themed halls at Stoney Creek orating their hallway,”

tration team, has brought

he walked the first-grade

turned into a giant tent.

forest-themed halls at

Principal Robin Picarazzi

the school together while

hall with Ava.

Paper tents featuring

Stoney Creek

said.

highlighting the impor-

Reading takes root in

tance of reading.

“Some of the characters are from a book,”

students also lined the hallway.

Books were in full

For the first-time

bloom at Stoney Creek

event, the theme was

In the first-grade hall,

Emmanuel added, point-

In the kindergarten

Elementary as students

national forests. Bath-

which won the competi-

ing to a bear and pigeon

hall, students traced

and staff turned their

rooms became “outhous-

tion, each student made a

from Mo Willems’ “Don’t

their hands to create

halls into a whimsical

es,” learning support

folded-paper tent featur-

Let the Pigeon Feed the

campfires, made paper

reading forest for Nation-

rooms became “ranger

ing themselves reading

Bear!”.

lanterns and colored

al Reading Month.

stations,” and students

inside, first-grader Ava

served as park guides.

Plumb said.

“We decided to do

In the second-grade

animals to place in the

hall, decorated with a

kindergarten woods.

Picarazzi said the hall-

“It took us about four

night camping theme,

Kindergartner Jesse

school could be involved

way decorating compe-

days to put everything

black material covered

Gomez said the hallway

in and came up with the

tition, which was judged

up,” said classmate

the lights and each

decorating was fun as she

idea of each grade dec-

by the district adminis-

Emmanuel Casares as

classroom entrance was

and her brother, Jude,

something the whole

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 first-grade hallway.

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Page 18 | July 2026

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Comstock Park Communicator

Student volunteers turn ideas into action for good 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.

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.

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.

The fall Truck-n-Treat is a popular Student Volunteers event.

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.

“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.”

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

“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.”

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-

From Ideas to Action 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

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.

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.

The Student Volunteers group hosts a spring carnival for the community.

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.

“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

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.”

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 School News Network www.schoolnewsnetwork.org

www.comstockparkdda.org

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.

July 2026 | Page 19

Comstock Park Communicator 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.

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.

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

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

Community Links

Enroll Today! Please go to our website at www.cppschools.com or call with questions.

CP ATHLETICS - (616) 254-5218 Website: https://comstockparkpanthers.com/

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

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.

SUCCESS FOR ALL

Page 20 | July 2026

Comstock Park Communicator

Now Hiring: Bus Operators Why you?

Union career with stability Earn up to $57,173 year one Extensive 8-week paid training Supported family atmosphere Great benefits include health, dental, life insurance, and employer-funded retirement Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays Variety of work schedules available

www.comstockparkdda.org

Great benefits!

Annual pay increases No experience needed Opportunity for advancement Reliable and stable environment Incentives for working nights and weekends 80% of health insurance is paid by The Rapid 90% of dental insurance is paid by The Rapid 7% of pay towards retirement (1% paid by employee) Apply at www.ridetherapid.org or scan this QR code:

You need Valid driver's license A positive attitude Maintain a safety-first mentality Be drug-free Provide great customer service The Rapid ITP 300 Ellsworth Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Join our next 8-week PAID training academy, where we will teach you all there is to know.

The Rapid is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women, Minorities & Veterans Encouraged to Apply.