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ERA Reardon Realty Great Lakes expands in Comstock Park

ERA Reardon Realty Great Lakes has taken over the entire two-story building at 3934 West River Drive. The former Midwest Properties ERA Powered changed its name and moved from its Belmont location to Comstock Park in June 2024.

Jamie Sauline, director of operations for ERA Reardon Realty, said the name change reflects the strong partnership with Midwest Properties and ERA Reardon Realty and notes ERA Reardon Realty is the #1 ERA office in Michigan. Broker/ Owner Rick Reardon bought into Midwest Properties a company that has been in the Comstock Park area since 2003.

He has been in the real estate business since 1991.

ERA Reardon Realty is one of eight Michigan locations with about 50 agents who service an area from Lowell to the lakeshore, north to Big Rapids and south to just north of Kalam-

azoo. ERA Reardon Realty is also currently looking for more realtors

Community is important to ERA Reardon Great Lakes.

“Our big goal is more community involvement. We’ll have the opportunity to host events such as buyers and sellers’ seminars and educational seminars especially for the younger generation,” Sauline said. “We want to get to know people around the community and see where we can help out.”

Sauline has been with the company 12 years and works in accounts payable and receivables, marketing, and serves as an event coordinator as well a “therapist” to help home buyers and sellers navigate the market.

Sauline currently serves on the Alpine Township Planning Commission. Sauline and her husband Mark Sauline Jr. live in Comstock Park and their three children are the third generation

from Comstock Park. Although her children have graduated from high school, Sauline stays involved in high school athletics and recently led the Comstock Park Athletic Boosters Cash Bash in February.

Strong Local Market

Sauline describes the current real estate environment as a “roller coaster” although still very strong in the Grand Rapids area.

“It’s been upside down from normal since COVID. It’s still a strong market especially for sellers who are still getting multiple offers,” Sauline said. She noted that Comstock Park is still very strong although there is low inventory. She said that nationally the Grand Rapids area is becoming known as a tech city and makes Top 10 lists on the best places to live.

By Karen Gentry

ERA Real Estate President Alex Vidal joined ERA Reardon Realty Great Lakes agents to celebrate the grand renaming and opening event on Aug. 6.

Mill Creek runs under the ERA Reardon Realty building at 3034 West River Drive.

Jamie Sauline is the director of operations for ERA Reardon Realty in Comstock Park.

Grants available from DDA’s Building Exterior Improvement program

The Comstock Park DDA would again like to call attention to the grants available through their Building Exterior Improvement program.

“We want to encourage building owners to make improvements to their properties, and this program is intended to provide a serious incentive,” said Rich Frey, DDA chairman. “These grants have been available for many years now, yet it seems that community awareness isn’t as widespread as we would like.”

The program provides up to 20 percent of approved project costs up to a maximum $25,000. Funds are available to businesses in the DDA district - roughly from Pine Island Drive to Mill Creek Avenue along or

near West River Drive. Examples of projects in the last few years include paved parking lots, installation of security cameras, site improvement, landscaping, new signs and brick work.

Installation and upgrades to security systems were added to the Building Exterior Improvement Program in 2023 to help the district’s businesses enhance safety and security. Projects need to cost a minimum of $3,000 to qualify.

Applications for the grants for exterior and security projects must be received by the DDA before work has begun. The grant funds are released once the work has been completed and paid for.

The exterior work must

be related to the restoration or renovation of the exterior of the building. A complete list of grant requirements and application forms are available on the DDA website.

Projects to restore or renovate building facades, including windows, roofs, and driveway/parking areas are eligible for grants. Construction costs including design, removal or replacement of exterior elements and improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act are also eligible. Structural assessments and associated feasibility studies for interior or exterior improvements will also be considered for grants.

Examples of eligible

GRANTS, PG 6

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

Jessica Frey, Hearst Michigan Media Group

Jessica.Frey@hearst.com (586) 549-1670

Design

Kelly Wright, Hearst Michigan Media Group

Contributors

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Gary Holland

Paula Wright

Nikki Clark

Kathy Bush

Picture

In the last few years Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority grants helped pay for paved parking lots for three businesses along the West River Drive corridor.

Around town…

3979 West River Drive, held a Grand Opening on Saturday, Aug. 2. Cook’s Cakery sells cakes, cookies and cake pops

coffee from the Coffee Crew, gifts and custom orders. For more information visit www.cookscakery.com.

Scott Taylor, owner of The Runnery, shows off some of the running shoes sold in his store. The Runnery, located at 5361 Alpine Ave NW since 2007, was originally started by Scott’s parents Larry and Sue Taylor in Greenville in 1979 in the age of the running boom. Some of the brands The Runnery offers include Nike, Under Armour, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, Saucony and Asics. Store hours are 10 a.m. –6 p.m. Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more information visit www.therunnery.com.

Violet Brown, a barber at Jude’s Barbershop for nine years, works on the hair of long-time customer Butch Van Ham. Jude’s Barbersho, 4575 West River Drive, has been in Comstock Park since 2007. For more information call (616) 784-1911 or visit www.judesbarbershop.com.

The Comstock Park Post Office was renamed the Captain Miguel Justin Nava Post Office in a ceremony on July 25. Java grew up in the area and died in a helicopter crash in February 2024. It was a full moon (corn moon) over Comstock Park on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Cook’s Cakery,

as well as

On Aug. 27 the entire Comstock Park Public School’s team gathered in the auditorium to kick off the 2025-2026 school year with time together as a staff followed by professional development in each building.

Some members of the Comstock Park High School Class of 1964 gathered in August at the home of Ed and Susan Hood. Many of the classmates have been lifelong friends. (Photo courtesy of David Hood)

Northview elementary students release salmon into Mill Creek

Elementary students at Northview Public School’s East Oakview Elementary released more than 100 salmon into Mill Creek on May 1. Students gathered at Dwight Lydell Park and released the salmon they have raised from an egg. Matt Fenech, a third and fourth grade teacher for the Northview’s Field School said the Chinook or King Salmon will make their way from Mill Creek to the Grand River and then to Lake Michigan where they will live for a

few years.

“Hopefully they’ll come back up this direction to spawn,” Fenech said On May 1 each student was given a cup with a salmon and made their way down to Mill Creek on a rainy Thursday to release the salmon.

The salmon release was part of the Salmon in the Classroom coordinated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with some funding provided by the Northview Education Foundation and Trout Unlimited.

Mill Creek Days

nent in nature, such as hardscape, trees, etc.

• Exterior lighting – permanent.

exterior improvements include:

• Awnings

• Front, side or rear entrances

• Painting

• Exterior restoration

• Removal of existing facade

• Signs and electronic message boards

• Handicapped access ramps

• Parking lot improvements – repair or replacement only

• Landscaping – perma-

• Security systems –including new installations and / or upgrades to existing systems. Systems must be affixed to the building and not easily removable.

Program funds may not be used for any of the following:

• Refinancing existing debt

• Financing new debt

• Complete building demolition

• New building construction.

or rel-

An application Exterior Building Improvement Program is available at www.comstockparkdda. org under the General Information tab and must be submitted to the DDA by the property owner. Once approved, construction must begin within 60 days and completed within one year.

To request a site visit or for more information email Ed Hood at ehood0812@gmail.com.

Nick Fink’s sponsored a taco eating contest during Mill Creek Days on Friday, Aug. 8

The Comstock Park High School Marching Band performed on Aug. 9 during Mill Creek Days 2025.

Lincoln Muller and Liam Apolo were the winners of the bike giveaway on Aug. 9 during Mill Creek Days. Bike donated by Mill Creek Tavern, Freewheeler Bike Shop and the Michigan Trails Magazine.

Pretty Kool was one of three bands that performed during Mill Creek Days 2025.

More than 350 runners took part in the 5k/10k run that took place on Aug. 9 during Mill Creek Days. Both the 5k and the 10k started at the new archway on the White Pine Trail in Comstock Park. Andrew Commeret and Stephanie Velhiouse were the winners of the 5k; Shephard Bower and Alyssa McElheny were the winners of the 10k; overall combo winners who ran both the 5k and the 10k were Andrew Commeret and Brenda Penland.

A petting zoo was part of Mill Creek Days on Friday, Aug. 8.

Comstock Park athletes pay tribute to military

The Comstock Park athletic program paid tribute to the victims and families of 9/11 and also showed appreciation to the brave men and women who work hard to keep the United States safe.

The military appreciation salute started on Thursday, Sept. 11. Before the start of the soccer game that night, a moment of silence was observed by all players and fans alike in honor of the victims, the first responders that lost their lives that day, and the countless families and friends of those victims.

At Friday night’s Comstock Park High School football game, players wore special helmets featuring a blue stripe with white stars flanked on both sides by red stripes. Many coaches, fans, and game staff wore army green shirts proudly displaying the American flag on the back of the shirts.

Two former members of the military and CPHS graduates were “Honorary

Captains” for the game and were included in pre-game rituals such as the coin toss.

The honorary captains were Robert Farrar, who served in the United States Army from 2008 to 2012 and Nikol Stephan who served in the Army from 1993 to 1996.

A moment of silence was observed before kick-off in honor of the 9/11 victims and their families.

By Gary Holland

Banana Ball made first-ever Michigan appearance at LMCU Ballpark

The Banana Ball World Tour made its first Michigan stop at LMCU Ballpark June 12-14, 2025. The soldout games gave the Comstock Park area an economic boost and brought in fans from all over the Midwest.

The Party Animals played the Firefighters for three fun-filled nights of Banana Ball. The Banana Ball World Tour, which originally only featured the popular Savannah Bananas, has grown so much in popularity that the tour has been expanded to include multiple teams that all play using the unique Banana Ball rules. Adaptations such as a 2-hour time limit on games, no walks and foul balls caught by fans count as outs have contributed to the overwhelming popularity of Banana Ball. Tickets sell out fast for Banana Ball. To stay updated visit https://bananaball. com/tickets/ .

Carson Moore, leads the Comstock Park Panthers onto the field Friday, Sept. 12, proudly displaying the Stars and Stripes.

Alpine Township Historical Fall Open Houses

Alpine Township Historical Fall Open Houses at the Historical Museum, 2408 Seven Mile Rd. at 2 p.m.

SUN., OCT. 19

REVISIT LAURA ENGLES LEGACY

Put your bonnet on and come to enjoy the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder with a bit of history, games and good refreshments. All are invited!

SUN., NOV. 16

MILESTONES

WARS IN THE UNITED STATES

Residents of Alpine Township have been a part of the military history of the United States since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Come to review the milestones of war that they have been a part of. All are welcome, bring your family’s military records to share and enjoy refreshments.

Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony October 8 at Scott Lake Golf Club

The 32nd Comstock Park High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Scott Lake Golf Club. Being inducted this year is coach Jon Wier, athletes Jake Brown, and Steve Clement, and the golf teams from 1987 and 1988. Wier coached six different sports over his 22 years of coaching (1996

– 2017) at CPHS. Brown graduated in 2013, and was a standout baseball and football player that set many state passing records as a quarterback. Clement, a 1975 CPHS graduate, participated in four sports in high school but was best known for his accomplishments on the football field. Both the 1987 and 1988 CPHS golf teams won State Champi-

onships in their respective years. This will be the third consecutive year that the induction ceremony will be held at Scott Lake Golf Club with dinner at 6 p.m. and the induction ceremony starting at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $20 and everyone is invited. For reservations call Leisha at the CPHS athletic office at (616) 254-5238.

Hall of Honor ceremony

October 9 at Comstock Park High School

A ceremony unveiling the Comstock Park High School Hall of Honor will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the newly remodeled CPHS cafeteria.

The remodeled hallway directly adjacent to the cafetoria will now pay tribute to the achievements of CPHS alumni, featuring nameplate displays of former CPHS top students, top athletes, and band award winners. The hall will also include a nameplate display of any CPHS student that

has served in the military. Plans for the project include memorabilia displays, artwork displays of former students, and Distinguished Alumni Award winners, a new award which for CPHS alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their post high school endeavors.

Kendra Faustin, high school principal and Tony Petkus, assistant principal are leading the project. They hope that the accomplishments of former CPHS students will

inspire current students to set their own goals. They also feel strongly about honoring students who have served in the military.

Any former CPHS student that has served or is currently serving in any branch of the military is eligible to have their name on a nameplate as part of the “Military Wall of Honor.” Relatives of deceased former military personnel are also encouraged to contact the school.

By Gary Holland

Thank you sponsors /committee

Huge thanks to all the Mill Creek Days sponsors and the Mill Creek Days Planning Committee

Golden Panthers: unsolved homicides, iconic Grand Rapids locations, estate planning and music bingo

The Comstock Park Golden Panthers fall programs include a “spooktacular” October with unsolved homicides in Michigan and a virtual tour of iconic locations in Grand Rapids that are said to be haunted. November features an estate planning program, and there’s holiday music bingo in December.

COLD CASES IN MICHIGAN

Author, speaker, and historic true crime aficionado Tobin Buhk will plunge into the world of unsolved homicides in

Michigan – a trunk full of skulls found in an attic in Ferndale, a Detroit cult leader found with his head next to his chair, and a family found murdered in Dowagiac. Tobin will introduce evidence, forensics, and suspects in some of the most vexing murder mysteries in Michigan history.

1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.

GRAND RAPIDS MOST HAUNTED

It’s Halloween so let’s explore iconic locations in Grand Rapids reputed to be haunted. Caroline Cook

will present a virtual tour of these sites while talking about who suffered a tragic death and may still be lingering in ghostly form, and what is legend and what is real? Cook, founder of Grand Rapids Running Tours, conducts running and walking tours in Grand Rapids and presents programs of virtual tours with stories about places and people, past and present.

1 p.m., Friday, Oct.31, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.

ESTATE PLANNING

Attorney Nicholas Ryan of Dellenbusch & Ryan

1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.

MUSIC BINGO

will answer questions about estate planning, who should have an estate plan, legal documents that make up a basic estate plan, and how to avoid probate. He

will also touch on longterm Medicaid and how spouses can best prepare for Medicaid. Ryan has practiced elder law for more than nine years.

Hugh Randle returns to play snippets of songs –some holiday music, some oldies. Participants mark their bingo cards and hope for a bingo! Randle, a campus pastor at The Foundry Church in Zeeland, has nearly 30 years in the senior mobility market and has DJ’d part time for the last 23 years at weddings and other events.

1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.

Favorite books and movies checked out at Comstock Park library

This year area residents checked out more than 40,500 items at the Comstock Park library. Curious about popular favorites?

Breakout author Freida McFadden is one of the most read authors in Comstock Park with her book “The Boyfriend” topping the list of most checked out books. Known for writing twisty psychological thrillers “The Boyfriend” tells the story of Sidney Shaw, unlucky in love, who

believes she’s finally found the one with new boyfriend Tom. But after a dead neighbor is linked to other homicides in the area Sidney begins to wonder if Tom is more then he seems. McFadden’s book “The Crash” also makes the list of most checked out books at number three. Number two on the list is a reimaging of the classic “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Told from the point of view of Jim, Percival Everett’s

“James”, is also this year’s winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. The change in perspective from Huck to Jim provides a fresh new look on a classic tale, letting readers peek behind the mask Jim wears to survive in Mississippi in the 1830s.

The number three most checked out books is Liz Moore’s “The God of the Woods.” The book takes place in the Adirondack Mountains in the summer of 1975.

Thirteen- year-old Barbara goes missing during summer camp, the same camp her brother went missing from 14 years earlier. Explorations of crime, class, and family weave a complex, unforgettable story.

Top Reads checked out at Comstock Park Branch Library (so far) in 2025

1. “The Boyfriend”by Freida McFadden

2. “James” by Percival Everett

3. “The Crash” by Freida McFadden

4. “The God of the Woods “by Liz Moore

5. “We All Live Here” by Jojo Moyes

6. “The Women” by Kristin Hannah

7. “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach

8. “To Die For” by David Baldacci

9. “All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker

10. “Beautiful Ugly” by Alice Feeney

11. “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon

Movies are also popular with Comstock Park library patrons. The musical “Wicked” is the watched movie of the year so far. With the sequel to “Wicked” due out in November this one is going to continue to be a popular choice for many who want to give it a re-watch or experience it for the first time before “Wicked 2: For Good” debuts.

Many of the other most

See LiBRARY, PG 11

Wahlfield Family Connection

Wahlfield Park is named after Fritz and Marlene Wahlfield who donated the original 50 acres for the park in 1983. Fritz Wahlfield was a longtime Kent County Commissioner and his son Fritz Wahlfield Jr. and grandson Fritz Wahlfield III are continuing the tradition of giving back to the community and park system.

Wahlfield Construction is the contractor for the two restrooms and has contributed more than $200,000 of in-kind work and coordinated donations to the projection. Fritz and Liz Wahfield also made a generous donation to the project.

For more information visit www. facebook.com/WahlfieldTrail/ or www.kentcountymi.gov/Facilities/ Facility/Details/Wahlfield-Park-72

Kids Day America at Wahlfield Park October 4

Legacy Family Health will host Kids Day America from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Wahlfield Park, 6811 Alpine Ave. NW in Comstock Park. The free family event includes spinal screenings, safety presentations by police and fire and free car seat inspections. Food will be provided by Rolling Fire Pizza, owned by a retired fire chief who turned a fire truck into a pizza grill.

Kent County Park Department’s rendering of new development at Wahlfield Park at 6811 Alpine Ave. NW.

Tobin Buhk will discuss unsolved homicides in Michigan on Friday, Oct 3.

checked out DVDs so far this year have been sequels or part of a franchise.

Top Movies checked out at Comstock Park Branch Library (so far) in 2025

1. “Wicked”

2. “Moana 2”

3. “Twisters”

4. “Gladiator II”

5. “Sonic the Hedgehog

3”

6. “Trap”

7. “Wild Robot”

8. “Beetlejuice Bettlejuice”

9. “Mufasa, Lion King”

10. “Venom: Last Dance”

COMSTOCK PARK BY THE NUMBERS:

It’s been an excellent year for the Comstock Park branch. In addition to to more 40,500 physical items checked out from the branch there

have been more than 37,000 ebook & e-audiobooks checked from the digital library through the Libby app by Comstock Park residents.

This summer the library was the place TO BE in Comstock Park – many programs had record attendance filling the program room to capacity. There have been more than 45,000 visitors with 4,600 people also attending a program.

Many fun and exciting programs are planned for the rest of 2025, including a new reading program for adults 18+ that has just started, called Stampworthy.

STAMPWORTHY

The Stampworthy Adult Reading Challenge encourages adults to check out at minimum of five items whenever they visit the library to receive a stamp. Once

five stamps are collected patrons are entered into a monthly drawing to win a gift certificate from library partners or to the KDL Shop.

Items checked out can be adult, teen or youth items. They can also be books, movies, video games, and/or beyond book items – anything from the library that is not part of the digital collection.

Checking out a few extra items each visit will help patrons discover new authors, learn new skills, and watch new genres of movies. The library wants to encourage patrons to take a chance on an item even if they’re not sure it’s a right for them – no worries, there’s easy returns at the library. The library also has several book and movie bundles ready and waiting.

By Paula Wright

At a recent “Coffee with a Cop” event hosted by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, fire investigator Dan Smith shared his passion for uncovering the causes of fires and emphasized how this work plays a critical role in saving lives and shaping safety regulations.

Speaking to community members at the Plainfield Township Hall, Smith walked through a real case involving a two-story house fire, which he ultimately traced back to cigarettes discarded in a trash can.

“So you look at this and

Dan Smith is a fire investigator for the Plainfield Township Fire Department.

… this (was) a two-story home, but no longer. So where do you start? It’s just completely burnt out,” Smith said, pointing to a photo of a destroyed home.

Using a systematic approach — examining the scene, preserving evidence, documenting fire patterns, and interviewing witnesses — Smith was able to track the fire’s origin. Camera footage from fire engines and a neighbor’s video helped him determine the blaze began at the back of the house.

Burn patterns on the floor further confirmed the source was a trash can where homeowners had emptied an ashtray before going to bed, he said.

Smith emphasized that, despite the complete loss of the home, the family’s working smoke alarms

saved lives.

“There were smoke alarms in this house that went off that woke up the occupants that allowed them and the children all to get out of the house,” Smith said. “That is huge for us. That is a huge win.”

While solving how a fire started is essential,

Smith said the larger goal is to collect data that helps reduce fire risk for entire communities. By tracking causes of fires and contributing factors to injuries and fatalities, fire investigators can help influence building codes and public safety policies. One example, Smith

noted, is the data-driven requirement for smoke detectors in homes — a measure that has saved countless lives, including those in the case study he presented.

Smith also discussed current trends in fire causes. In the Plainfield Town-

ship area, lithium-ion batteries have become the leading cause of residential fires. These batteries are commonly found in devices like e-bikes, scooters, tools, and drones.

Smith explained that they tend to fail either the first time they are charged or after sitting unused for extended periods.

“We had a guy plug in a drone battery that he hadn’t done in many years and charged it and next thing you know, his daughter walked upstairs, and the upstairs was filled with smoke,” he said. “That battery exploded. Thankfully, the daughter went upstairs and recognized it and they were able to get out quickly.”

Other top fire causes in the area include cooking accidents and electrical overloads — often from plugging too many devices into a single outlet. The top three rooms where fires tend to originate

are the kitchen due to cooking, the bedroom often due to smoking, and garage because that is where lithium-ion batteries are usually stored.

Audience members asked questions about proper storage and maintenance of lithium batteries. Smith advised charging batteries every few months and being cautious with older or unused devices.

He recommended residents check the Plainfield Township Fire Department’s Facebook page for fire safety tips and updates.

The “Coffee with a Cop” program, held every Thursday at 10 a.m. at 6161 Belmont Ave. NE, aims to strengthen relationships between residents and public safety officials through education and open dialogue.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Dan Smith, fire investigator with the Plainfield Township Fire Department, spoke about fire causes and prevention during a “Coffee with a Cop” program in July.

Clark’s tips for winter landscaping

The cold months of winter are fast approaching. It’s nearly time to haul out the warm sweaters and heavier coats, look for that matching pair of gloves, and dust off a hat or two. Outside, the patio furniture may be stacked up or already put away. Seasonal work has shifted from planting gardens and watering hanging baskets to raking leaves, planting spring bulbs, and trimming back frosted flowers. The view across the yard isn’t as bright and cheery as in the spring and summer months, but there are still many things in the landscape to grab our attention.

Here at Clark’s Landscape, we strive to create a plan for your yard with year-round interest. We know that while colorful flowers and lush plantings

are attractive, the colder months can offer points of interest as well. Our goal, when laying out your yard is to shift attention to the lesser-known details found in such things as the bark texture of the trees, the color of winter berries, and the delicacy of dried flower stalks.

We often include a mix of evergreen shrubs and trees to contrast with the white frost of winter. The dark glossy leaves of a holly bush, the silvery-blue needles of a Concolor fir, or the threadlike, chartreuse needles of a Chamaecyparis absolutely pop against a snow-white background. We will also incorporate deciduous shrubs and trees with features that can be highlighted in the winter such as the bright stalks of yellow or red-twig Dog-

wood, the peeling bark of a River birch, the papery tan panicles of hydrangea flowers or the graceful branching structure of a Japanese maple. These details stand out in the winter and add bits of color and texture to your home landscape. Speaking of texture, leaving some perennials and grass plants to stand tall through the winter will provide little gems of

Fall fun at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

A new dock with an accessible ramp is part of the improvements to Grand Rogue Park in Plainfield Township.

Grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund helped pay for improvements to the Grand Rogue Park including a new playground.

Grand Rogue Park reopens with new amenities

A grand reopening celebration of the Grand Rogue Park took place on Sept. 16. Township officials and community members explored the new playground, pathways, docks, pavilion and other accessible amenities that were added to 66-acre Grand Rogue Park in the last year.

“We are excited to welcome families back into

Grand Rogue Park for a whole new experience,” said Tom Coleman, Plainfield Township supervisor. “Seeing the joy on people’s faces as they climb the new playground, fish from the dock and glide down the river on their kayaks will make all this work worthwhile.

Grand Rogue Park, 6400 West River Drive,

opened to the public in October 2020, two years after the township used a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to help purchase the former Grand Rogue Campground property from the Briggs family. For more information visit https://plainfieldmi.org/news_detail_ T10_R1152.php.

detail amongst the snow drifts. Rather than cutting everything back in the fall, perennials such as daisy, coneflower, liatris, astilbe, and sedum lend their shape and seed heads to the local hungry birds.

Given the amount of darkness we endure in a Michigan winter, low voltage landscape lighting is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your home

and landscape. Utilizing a combination of path, spot and flood lighting can bring warmth and illumination throughout the long, cold, wintery nights. Whether it’s to indicate a pathway or driveway entrance, or to showcase the unique branching structure of specimen tree, outdoor lighting has a huge impact on people’s impression of your yard whether they’re inside

or out.

This year, as you finish packing up the outside of your home and prepare for the upcoming long, cold winter, let Clark’s help you incorporate some additional off-season interest in your home landscape. Even a few simple additions will make the dull winter months a little less dreary, making your home stand out against the season and your neighbors. Since 1956, for three generations we’ve been brightening homes and creating landscapes right here in Comstock Park. Give us a call or stop into the office. We would love to create something beautiful for your home landscape. For more information visit www.clarkslandscape.com.

By Nikki Clark

A “Welcome to Fall” fun day and picnic took place at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church on Sept. 7, located at 1200 Post Drive in Belmont. The event brought together church members, friends, and families for an afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and seasonal festivities. The day included yard games, including corn hole, Jenga, and bean bag tic tac toe. A major highlight of the event was the visit from the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding with mini horses Flicka and Mikayla.

Clark’s Landscape, 57 Lamoreaux Drive NW in Comstock Park, has been in business since 1956. Photo taken in 1962.

Comstock Park School News

With concrete being poured at Pine Island Elementary, contractors at work at Stoney Creek, and a new addition rising at the high school, summer 2025 was a busy season for Comstock Park Public Schools.

All of these upgrades are part of the $59.46 million bond approved by voters in 2023. The first phase of work began last summer at Stoney Creek, where the school’s kitchen underwent a major renovation.

“We started with Stoney Creek because it is the oldest, having been built in 1959, but all the buildings will be repainted, have new carpeting and individual heating and ventilation classroom controls,” said Marty Fischer, the district’s director of finance and operations.

The second phase of work at Stoney Creek focused on repainting, installing new carpeting and work on the HVAC system.

“What is really fun is to see the kids’ ‘wow’

as they come in and see the new carpeting and paint,” Fischer said.

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRESS

The high school cafeteria and kitchen were

updated with a more modern look that will include cafes offering different food selections, Fischer said.

New security windows were added at the high school office, which will allow staff to monitor the parking lot and visitors entering and leaving the building.

Currently under construction behind the high school is a 15,600-square-foot auxiliary gym, including team meeting rooms, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.

The new auxiliary gym construction at the high school

“In 2010/2011, the district had a high school extension added that was an auxiliary gym and theater space. While great in concept it did not

work well in execution,” Fischer said, because the bleacher-style seats were rolled out when the auditorium was needed and rolled back for gym use.

The district decided to make the space a permanent auditorium and build the new auxiliary gym to solve this issue.

Once this gym is completed, the district will then convert the current auxiliary gym/ theater space into a fine arts auditorium that will seat about 650. Eischer said that will provide enough space for the current school population and also offer room for growth.

TENNIS COURTS RELOCATED

Due to the placement of the new auxiliary gym, the district has needed to relocate its tennis com-

plex. The new complex will be located behind Pine Island Elementary and will have eight courts.

Contractors have poured the concrete for the new courts, with completion of this project set for spring 2026 in time for the girls tennis season. The fall boys tennis practices and matches will be held offsite, Fischer said.

High school projects will be the main focus in 2026, with work on Pine Island Elementary, Mill Creek Middle School and Greenridge Early Childhood Center scheduled for the summer of 2027.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma School News Network www.schoolnewsnetwork.org

Many school constructions projects now complete Stoney Creek

The district’s new tennis complex is located behind Pine Island Elementary School

Behind the high school and left of the football field is the construction of the new auxiliary gym.

Resource Fair

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This year’s Back to School Event/Resource Fair took place in the Mill Creek Middle School parking lot on Aug. 22. The event included free school supplies, ice cream, crafts, resource tables and more.

Comstock Park High School band members Caitlin Makepeace, senior, and flute player and Genesis Valcierra, senior and clarinet player, sort through returnables on July 19 as part of a Comstock Park Band Boosters fundraiser.

‘Building assets’ helps students steer clear of dangerous options

It was lunchtime at Mill Creek Middle School, and instead of sitting in the cafeteria, sixth-grader Sophia Jabson was in a room across from it, teaching a friend how to play “S’Quarrels.”

“This feels like a game I had before that was similar to this,” said sixth-grader Elli Dyer as she listened to Sophia’s instructions on how to collect the most acorns to win.

Sophia is part of the middle school’s Panthers Acting with Caring and Kindness, or PACK. The program, which aims to create a more inclusive and supportive

school community, is one of several initiatives offered through Project Success.

Founded in 1994, Project Success is a nonprofit organization that helps students to discover their purpose and achieve their goals in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

“The thing that I think makes Project Success different from other programs is that it’s a multifaceted approach,” said Gina Boscarino, Project Success coordinator and a group specialist for Wedgwood Christian Services working at Mill Creek. “We’re really trying to reach the

kids on a greater scale, so through the community, through their classroom, through individual stuff — but we’re not just using one strategy.”

Prevention programs like Project Success emphasize teaching students practical skills to resist peer pressure, rather than relying on the scare tactics commonly used in 1980s school anti-drug campaigns, Boscarino said.

“How to say ‘No,’” she said. “We call it ‘building assets.’ Helping them to find other things that they’re interested in focusing on that are not drugs and alco-

hol. Because if a student is passionate about something, they’re going to be less likely to get involved with that.”

Instead of one-off assemblies with people shouting about the dangers of drugs, which were common in the 1980s, Boscarino said she focuses on programs that let her connect with students and their families in a more meaningful way.

At the middle school, Boscarino has led prevention education lessons and facilitated group programs such as PACK. Last fall she organized a “Hidden in Plain Sight” drug aware-

‘S’Quarrels’.

ness room, giving parents the opportunity to identify potential signs of drug or alcohol use. She also meets individually with students and leads small group sessions.

Boscarino is actively involved in the community through the Comstock Park Community Outreach Committee, and collaborates with local partners such as the Kent District Library’s Comstock Park branch and the Kent County Sheriff’s

Office. Her efforts have included organizing family nights at York Creek Apartments and coordinating summer programs for students.

Forming the PACK

The seed for the PACK program was planted last summer, when Boscarino met with a group of girls heading to the middle school as sixth-graders.

“For sixth-graders at our school, there aren’t a ton of things that

Sixth-graders Sophia Jabson, left, and Elli Dyer play the game

With a solid group of students in place, the Panthers PACK group kicked off in 2024, led by Gina Boscarino and school social worker Melissa Vader. Students can take on leadership roles by helping decide what activities the group will do during the year

Playing the game ‘Apple’ are current seventh graders Abigail Newville, left, Claire Bolek and Layla Norris. See ASSeTS,

ASSETS

they can be involved in, because there aren’t many sports that they can do or student leadership (opportunities),” she said. “For some kids, a club is going to be the only positive thing they have about school, or the only reason they want to go. So I love being able to offer something else.”

During the summer, the group talked about peer pressure and middle-school expectations, she said.

About 10 students signed up and most are sixth-graders, giving the group a strong base to help the program continue, Vader said. Participants recruit other students to participate in activities and to join the club.

Monthly activities during lunchtime are decided by students and have included a food drive, making friendship bracelets, and cards for children in the

hospital, Vader said.

Building a Safe Space

“I was bullied in other schools, and they say to join a sport because the team will protect from that,” Sophia said. “I can’t participate in sports due to my asthma, so I joined PACK and it has become my sport for me.”Sophia said the program has been a safe space where she has been able to make friends and build community.

Sixth-grader Abigail Newville agreed. She said she joined PACK at the encouragement of her older sister.

“It’s a place where you’re not judged, that you won’t get hurt in.”

Since middle school is the first time students change classrooms, interact with older students and have more freedom, it is important for programs like PACK to talk about the challenges and successes they’re having at school, Boscarino said.

Creating positive, safe

environments decreases the risk of students participating in dangerous activities such as drug use, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

After a program or prevention education lesson, Boscarino said she will ask students, “What did you learn?” or “What stood out to you?” and that she has found their answers interesting.

“I have had kids come and talk to me in my room and say, ‘I didn’t know this stuff was so bad,’ or ‘I didn’t know I had a choice,’” she said, adding that for some, substance use has been part of their family for generations, so hearing that they have options can be eye-opening.

“Moments like that — those real, personal conversations — are what make this work so rewarding,” she said.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma School News Network www.schoolnewsnetwork.org

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Project Success Coordinator Gina Boscarino presents a drug prevention lesson to students. The National Library of Medicine, cites several studies that show students who engage in sports and other leisure activities are less likely to drink alcohol and use drugs.

June

OM OCK P RK PUBLIC H OL

CONSTRUCTION

UPDATE

2025 UPDATES

Stoney Creek Elementary:

UPCOMING PROJECTS

Building refreshes for all schools: new carpet paint furniture boilers

Escuelas Públicas de Comstock Park Calendario 2025-2026

High School: performing arts center

Athletic Facilities: additional improvements

Agosto 27 y 28 (miércoles y jueves) Reunión de desarrollo profesional para todo el personal de las escuelas

Septiembre 2 (martes) Primer Día de Escuela

Octubre 1 (miércoles) Primer día de recuento para las escuelas

Octubre 8 (miércoles) Estudiantes de K-12 medio día de escuela a.m./Reunión de desarrollo profesional para todo el personal de las escuelas en la tarde.

Octubre 31 (Viernes) Estudiantes de K-12 medio día de escuela a.m./Reunión de desarrollo profesional para todo el personal de las escuelas en la tarde.

This bond is a crucial investment in our district 's students and facilities Thank you to the Comstock Park community for your continued investment in our schools your support is making a lasting difference for students today and for generations to come

Noviembre 26 - 28 (Miercoles-Viernes) No hay clases/escuela para estudiantes y maestros. Descanso de Acción de Gracias

Diciembre 22 - Enero 2, 2026 No clases/escuela descanso de día festivo

Enero 5 (Lunes) Las clases se reanudarán

Enero 15 y 16 (Jueves y Viernes.) mediodía de escuela para los estudiantes de K-12

Enero 19 (Lunes) No hay clases/escuela para estudiantes y maestros

Febrero 4 (Miércoles) mediodía de escuela para los estudiantes de K-12 a.m./En la tarde reunión de desarrollo profesional para todo el personal de las escuelas

Enero 19 (Lunes) No hay clases/escuela para estudiantes y maestros Febrero 4 (Miércoles) mediodía de escuela para los estudiantes de K-12 a.m./En la tarde reunión de desarrollo profesional para todo el personal de las escuelas

Febrero 11 (Miércoles) Segundo día de recuento para las escuelas

February 16 (Monday) No escuela/clases para los estudiantes y personal de las escuelas descanso de medio-invierno

Marzo 11 (Miércoles) Los estudiantes de K-12 medio día de escuela a.m./Reunión de desarrollo profesional para todo el personal de las escuelas en la tarde

Abril 3-10 No escuela/clases para los estudiantes y personal de las escuelas/Descanso de primavera

Abril 13 (lunes) Las clases se reanudarán

Mayo 25 (lunes) No Clases/No Escuela Día conmemorativo

Junio 9 (Martes) Estudiantes de K-12 mediodía de escuela

Junio 10 (Miércoles) Estudiantes de K-12 mediodía de escuela

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

(THROUGHOUT MONTH OF OCTOBER) • Vitales

Mill Creek Tavern

Edward Jones/ Andrew Bok ofﬁce • YMCA Belmont

• All Comstock Park school locations