Comstock Park Communicator October 2022 : simplebooklet.com

A parade down West River Drive, Rotary BBQ, Comstock Park Community Celebra-tion/Resource Fair, a Renais-sance Faire, duck race, music, art vendors, bicycle giveaway, food trucks, dog show were all a part of the return of Mill Creek Days. Rich Frey, chairman of the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority, said the idea to bring back Mill Creek Days sprouted in a DDA meeting last winter. DDA board members thought the event would benefit the community especially after the shutdowns from the pan-demic.“The concept fit the DDA’s mission, and there was plenty of enthusiasm and interest to launch the project,” Frey said. “We decided to piggy-back onto existing events like the Rotary BBQ and Commu-nity Celebration so that we wouldn’t be starting from scratch.”Frey said the Rotary BBQ and bands that played Thurs-day night were some of the highlights. He noted “the bag-pipes in particular were a big hit.” Other highlights includ-ed the parade in the rain on Saturday (“amazingly strong participation despite the rainy weather”), the dancers and duck race on Sunday as well as the Renaissance Fare and food trucks throughout Mill Creek Days. The annual Community Celebration and Movie in the Park were the highlights Friday.Mill Creek Days planning committee members met after Mill Creek Days to dis-cuss possible changes for 2023 Mill Creek Days. Under consideration are music on more days, moving the parade to noon on Saturday with a backup day in case of rain, and a beer tent. “The DDA is open to sug-gestions, but as this is volun-teer-powered, willingness to participate to help produce a successful event goes hand-in-hand with any such sug-gestions,” Frey said. Jerry Berg, organizer of the Renaissance Faire, owner of the Swordsmanship Muse-um and Academy and a Mill Creek Days planning commit-tee member, said he received positive and supportive feed-back from the event and is excited about returning next year. “There are so many possi-bilities for growth – possibly some sword classes, possibly some Renaissance Pikemen, even some historical fishing in Mill Creek,” Berg said.“I would love to see Mill Creek Days grow within the community and the entire West Michigan population. I’m very happy to see such unique and exciting things in Comstock Park,” Berg said. Thanks to the DDA mem-bers, associates and commu-nity volunteers who helped make the 2022 Mill Creek Days a success. Frey gives special thanks to Holly del Rosario who hosted the many planning meetings at her business Cookie Chicks. Frey said she deserves credit more than anyone else for the idea to bring back Mill Creek Days. Ideas for Mill Creek Days 2023 can be emailed to mill-creekdayscp@gmail.com.Mill Creek Days brings community togetherAfter more than 20 years, Mill Creek Days returned to Comstock Park. The event took place Aug. 11-14, 2022 in and near Dwight Lydell Park. There were nearly 400 entrants for the duck race for the duck race on Sunday, Aug. 14 on Mill Creek. (photo by Tom Reynolds)The annual Comstock Park Community Celebration, coordinated by Comstock Park Schools, includes giveaways, ice cream, games, community and school information, and a Movie in the Park.The Mill Creek Days parade took place on Saturday, Aug. 13 down West River Drive. (photo by Wise Photography)www.comstockparkdda.org • Fall - October 1, 2022The Rotary BBQ attracted hundreds on the rst day of Mill Creek Days on Aug. 11ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

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Page 6 | October 1, 2022 Comstock Park Communicator www.comstockparkdda.org It is a collaborative effort supported by the Comstock Park Community Outreach Committee, Comstock Park Public Schools, Alpine Town-ship, and the Comstock Park Library. They have also done service projects such as ‘knot-ting’ blankets for the School District’s sick rooms and buses.The Golden Panthers moved from their original space at Greenridge School. Programs are now held at the Henze Center, 1100 Henze St. (Henze St. runs off Alpine Ave. between Sam’s Club and Walmart, and the Henze Cen-ter is located behind Sam’s Club). This space is being donated by Alpine Township. The Golden Panthers’ first program was Sept.11, 2015, when Frank Pagel from the American Legion spoke about the American flag folding cer-emony. A free lunch followed with musical entertainment by Bryan Whittemore playing old time American music. Other past programs:• History: The Lost Village of Plainfield, Comstock Park Tornado of 1965 by Bill Stef-fen from WOODTV Channel 8, The Phoenix shipwreck on Lake Michigan in 1837.• Crafts• Cookoffs - chili, soup, cookie, and dessert• Music: Guitars for Vets, Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble• Just for fun: Spooky Tales by the Story Spinners of Grand Rapids, line dancing• Stay tuned – there’s lots more to come!Interested in helping? Have a program suggestion? Join the Golden Panthers Planning Committee. Meetings are the second Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Henze Center.Join the email list to stay updated on news and upcoming programs or to get involved at cpkgoldenpan-thers@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/cpgoldenpan-thers. Comstock Park Golden Panthers offer fun for seniorsThe Comstock Park Golden Panthers was created to offer a wide variety of programs and activities to seniors of all ages, although you don’t have to be a senior or live in Comstock Park to attend their programs. We are located just 6 milesoutside of Grand Rapidsin Comstock Park, Michigan.e Swan Inn is the perfect placefor both business and leisure travelerswith so much to oer!Come in and grab a bite to eat at our very own restaurant right on our property. We have delicious, classic Americanfood to satisfy whatever you are craving. With dining so close to your lodging, why stay anywhere else?Or just come to enjoy a meal with us as well! We serve Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Brunch.We have many feature to accommodate the community!Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Television, Accepts Credit Cards.5182 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 | (616) 784-1224EquipmentEquipmentRentals & SalesRentals & Sales316 S. Maple (M-37) • Grant231-834-73689430 Sparta Ave. NW • Sparta, MI616-383-1080 The Golden Panthers’ next Cookie Decorating with Cookie Chicks will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 at the Henze Center. All are welcome at the Kent District Library -Comstock Park Branch For Young Children (Ages 0-5)Spooky Pajama Storytime - Monday, Oct.31, 10 a.m.Bring the whole family, enjoy some not-too-spooky soties and decorate a mini gourd. Pajamas Welcome.For School Ages (Ages 5-10)Art Party – Thursday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m.There’s no party like an art party because an art party has so many fun activities, you’ll never want it to end. Let your creativity flow! When the fun does have to stop, you can keep creating at home.For AdultsHow to Make Coffee – Thursday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.A coffee expert from Eter-nal Coffee in Comstock Park will share many ways you can make coffee. For more information on events visit KDL.org/EventsProud publisher of the Comstock Park Communicator

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Page 8 | October 1, 2022 Comstock Park Communicator www.comstockparkdda.org Meet your Comstock Park DDA board membersRich FreyRich Frey was elected chairman of the Comstock Park DDA in 2016. He was appointed to the Board in 2010 and became vice-chair-man in 2014. Frey is the co-owner of Kore/Hi Com, a computer network security and technical support com-pany.“We typically function as an IT Department for organi-zations that don’t have their own technical staff,” said Frey. “For those with their own IT personnel, we pro-vide supplemental expertise on special projects or when greater depth or breadth of knowledge is required. We specialize in matters of infra-structure design and network security.”Frey joined the business, then located in the Plainfield Plaza in the mid-1990’s. In 2002 Frey purchased the cur-rent building at 3909 Leland Avenue NE and moved Kore/Hi Com to downtown Com-stock Park. Shortly after mov-ing in, the DDA hired Frey to make free Wi-Fi available in Dwight Lydell Park across the street from Kore/Hi Com. Frey said Comstock Park is a “nice area” to do business, but noted that in his line of work, location is not of primary importance since much of the work can be done remotely.Frey said the DDA is important to the downtown area in multiple ways. “It’s a good forum for organizing and focusing on improve-ments in a corner of Plainfield Township that could other-wise be overlooked,” he said.He named the White Pine Trail head as the “most vis-ible” project the DDA has accomplished, but added the DDA does “lots of little things that add up.” Frey noted the DDA makes sure the parking lots are plowed in the winter and parking stripes are painted, among other maintenance. “There are nice touches, like planting trees and flowers that improve the aesthetics, and the street-lights really brighten things up,” he added.As far as future projects, Frey would like to see the DDA “take things as they come…just be there as a resource, advocate, and liai-son between businesses and local government. “We need to balance our ambitions for improving the business climate and ambience of the downtown area with the realities of the pocketbook,” he said. “We are fortunate to have the support of Plainfield Township and need to be good stewards of the public funds that are made available to us.”Frey is originally from Sand Lake and now lives in northeast Grand Rapids. He graduated from Tri-County High School and earned a BBA from the University of Michigan School of Busi-ness Administration with an accounting and economics major. He has three children and four grandchildren. Tom ColemanOne Tom Coleman’s of the responsibilities as Plainfield Township supervisor is serv-ing as the Township Board representative to the Com-stock Park DDABoard. While the DDA position is required, Coleman said enjoys and helping with the continued development downtown Com-stock Park.“Comstock Park is one of the crown jewels of the township,” said Coleman. “The DDA is critical to the long-term success of making Comstock Park a destination for the community.”Coleman noted that it is a part of the DDA’s responsibil-ities to make Comstock Park attractive to new businesses and promote existing busi-ness to the community.“The DDA has made many improvements to the Com-stock Park area,” he said. “I would like to see this continue for the future of Comstock Park and the Township as a whole.”Tom has a strong sense of civic duty. He has several years of experience in Plain-field Township government having served on both the Township’s Public Safety Committee and the Planning Commission.“I ran for Supervisor as I felt this was my next step in my continuing service to the community,” he said. “I joined the public safety com-mittee and planning com-mission as an entry to public service. My law enforcement background and my residen-tial building experience were both perfect fits for me and the areas I was very interested in with regard to Township involvement.”Coleman graduated from Northview High School in 1975. He was a cadet in the Kent County Sherriff’s Department and attended what was then Grand Rapids Junior College for two years studying criminal justice. He was then a Kent County Sheriff’s Deputy from 1977 until he left the department in 1986. He was also a residen-tial builder from 1975 to 1988 and held various positions in retail banking and mortgage lending from 1988 to 2013 when he started at Trans-nation Title Agency where he worked in various roles from 2013 thru 2020. Tom is retired from Transnation.Coleman has lived in Plain-field Township for 44 years. He and his wife Pam, who also graduated from North-view High school and is a pro-fessional photographer and owner of The Lark Studio, live in Belmont. They have three grown children who all graduated from North-view High School, and five grandchildren. When he is not working Coleman enjoys woodworking, golf, traveling, and spending time with fami-ly and friends.Holly del RosarioAs a local business owner, Holly del Rosario felt it was important to get involved with the DDA because the DDA is important to local businesses. del Rosario is the co-owner of Cookie Chicks and Cooking Connections in downtown Comstock Park. “It’s important to engage with the community in which one operates,” she said. “Comstock Park is coming into an exciting and import-ant time. With the explosive growth of the Greater Grand Rapids metro area, there will be natural expansion into the outlying communities…with proper, long-ranging vision, Comstock Park will be able to define how it wants to look and feel as a community.”del Rosario said she likes the improvements she’s seen the DDA make in the West River Drive business corridor such as the Com-munity Plaza, the digital sign that announces community events, improvements in the Dwight Lydell parking lot, and updating the community through the DDA web site. She said these are positive steps to building an aware-ness of Comstock Park and make the area a destination “whether it’s for a nice meal, a ballgame, a family day at the (Dwight Lydell) Park, or liv-ing and setting up a business here.”del Rosario said the DDA is important to the downtown area because “a community needs to have a common vision…that helps define who they are, who they want to be.” She said she would like to see the DDA do more out-reach to help build awareness of Comstock Park as a “great option to launch a small busi-ness.”“It’s (Comstock Park) central location to the major thoroughfares makes it unmatched for an enterprise that does deliveries,” she said. “Parking is easy and plentiful, and there is a very easy access to all kinds of suppliers just minutes away.” Comstock Park is perfectly situated to support all kinds of start-ups easily enough, and the people are genuine and friendly,” she added.del Rosario, with Cookie Chicks co-owner Tami Pel-ham, moved their growing cookie business to Comstock Park because they needed more space and better high-way access. She said the location has worked well for Cookie Chicks because of easy highway access, plenty of parking, reasonable terms, and busy West River Dr. is good for business. del Rosario has a degree in marketing from the Universi-ty of Connecticut and a Mas-ter’s degree in international marketing from Thunderbird University in Arizona. She lives in Ada with her husband who is an engineer. The cou-ple has one grown son and one in high school. When she’s not working (which is rare) she enjoys cooking, skiing, time with family and friends, going out with their two therapy dogs, and volun-teering.Ed HoodEd Hood was a founding member of the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in 1993. He served on the Board for 25 years before retiring in 2016 and was reappointed in 2018. A Board member told him there was an opening on the Board and encouraged him to get involved again.“I thought ‘why shouldn’t I volunteer to give back to the community where I have lived all my life,’” said Hood, a Comstock Park native. “I know the area, and I am glad they wanted me back.”He and his wife Sue, also a Comstock Park native, had spent a few months during the winter in the South for a couple years but decided to return to spend more time in Michigan because they “missed the grandkids,” he said.Hood, a lifelong Comstock Park resident, is well known in the community. Five gen-erations of his family have lived in and attended school in Comstock. (He was the third generation.) Hood was the owner of Comstock Park Foods (also known as Hood’s Goods to locals) for 15 years before selling it to go into real estate. He was one of the founding fathers of Midwest Properties, which started with three people. When he sold his share, there were some 120 sales associates.Besides serving on the DDA, Hood served on the Comstock Park Board of Edu-cation for 13 years and was a charter member of the Com-stock Park Athletic Boosters. He is in the Comstock Park Athletic Hall of Fame. Hood was a member of the Com-stock Park Rotary for more than 30 years, a member of the Comstock Park Lions Club, and was a Northwest Little League officer.Hood served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. In April of 2018 Hood received the Purple Heart award in recognition of his military service during the Vietnam War. He was injured during the Tet Offensive of 1968 while serving in an artil-lery unit in the first infantry division.Jim JareckiAs vice-president and general manager of the West Michigan Whitecaps, Jim Jarecki is all about promoting sports. When it comes to being on the DDA Board, Jar-ecki is all about promoting a positive business atmosphere in Comstock Park. “(The DDA’s) importance is to continue to establish the business setting in down-town Comstock Park,” said Jarecki, who joined the DDA board in 2008. ”Many people invest their business and lives into this area yet it is still an untapped market.” Jarecki is originally from Woodridge Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, and grad-uated in 1989 from Northern Illinois University with a

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www.comstockparkdda.org Comstock Park Communicator October 1, 2022 | Page 9major in communications. After graduating, Jarecki worked as a ticket seller/telemarketer for the Chicago White Sox. He then went to Oklahoma City to intern with the Oklahoma 89ers baseball team, and then to Wisconsin to be assistant general man-ager for the Beloit Snappers. Jarecki, who joined the Whitecaps in 1994 oversees the day-to-day operations of the Whitecaps and the Lake Michigan Credit Union Ball-park, the team’s home. Addi-tionally he does sports mar-keting and public relations for the organization. Jarecki named building the White Pine Trail connector as a major accomplishment of the DDA. “It allowed for…thousands of people through Comstock Park other than just driving through town,” said Jarecki. “Also, it showed a true com-mitment in re-investing in the community.” Looking to the future, Jarecki wants the DDA to promote business growth and “bring more business to the area.“Create the true image that Comstock Park and West River Drive is simply not a pass through to get to other parts of the area,” he added. “Get people to stop and see what great business there are right here.” Jarecki was twice named the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders.” Besides the DDA he is on the Wol-verine Worldwide YMCA board as well as sports-relat-ed committees. He lives in northeast Grand Rapids with his wife and three children. He coaches youth basketball and enjoys playing basketball, bicycling and golf.Dave WashburnDavid Washburn, Com-stock Park School Superin-tendent, was appointed to the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority in 2019. “I feel it’s important for me to partner with the DDA to help promote economic growth and encourage his-toric preservation within the central business district,” said Washburn. “Building and maintaining a healthy busi-ness environment will have a positive impact for the Com-stock Park Public Schools.”Washburn was hired to replace former Superinten-dent Ethan Ebenstein, who was with the school district for ten years and a DDA Board member since 2016. Washburn began his career in education teaching at the elementary level in Rockford Public Schools. He said he was coaching football and track at Forest Hills North-ern High School at the same time, and he accepted a teaching position at Forest Hills Northern Hills Middle School so he could teach and coach in the same district. He served as assistant principal at Northern Hills Middle School, athletic director and assistant principal at Forest Hills Eastern High School, principal at Goodwillie Envi-ronmental School, and finally as principal at Forest Hills Eastern Middle School for ten years before coming to Com-stock Park.Washburn said it’s import-ant for the Comstock Park Schools to partner with the DDA to “ensure we are work-ing together to do what’s best for the Comstock Park Com-munity.” Washburn has also joined the Rotary “to help promote community involve-ment between the community and Comstock Park Public Schools,” and is the School’s laison to the Comstock Park Golden Panthers seniors group.Washburn earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education, and recre-ation at Aquinas College and received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University. He and his wife Kirsten, live in Grand Rapids. They have three children – a daughter who is a senior at Grand Valley State University, a son who is a junior in high school, and a daughter who is a freshman in high school. He said that when he’s not working, which hasn’t been as often as he’d like with his job, he likes outdoor activities. “I really enjoy taking my kids fishing to the family cottage up north,” he said. “We also enjoy going to the beach and boating. I enjoy attending my daughter’s athletic events, watching college and pro-fessional football games and exercising.”John StephanJohn Stephan has been practicing law in Comstock Park for more than a decade and said he likes the “small town” feel. He said being on the DDA Board is a way to help improve Comstock Park.“It’s impossible to miss the community feeling here,” said Stephan. “(The DDA) is a way I can give back and help out the community.”Stephan said the DDA is vital to the downtown area and its businesses. “A DDA has the ability to step in where day-to-day govern-ment doesn’t act,” he said, adding the DDA can identify improvements and projects that will benefit the down-town area and take action on making those improvements. Stephan said the improved parking and its maintenance is a good example of a DDA project that benefits the downtown area. He pointed out that free and convenient parking for his clients is a great big “plus” to not only his business but all the down-town businesses.Stephan said he wants to see the DDA promote Com-stock Park as a destination similar to the way Pure Mich-igan promotes Michigan. And he would like to see the DDA identify ways to “advertise beyond just this area and highlight local business.”Stephan attended Cooley Law School in Grand Rap-ids graduating in 2007. He interned at the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office while in law school and then, after being licensed, briefly had his own solo practice. In January 2009, he purchased the law firm of Vandenbosch & Avery from Craig Avery in the Com-stock Park Professional Build-ing, 3875 West River Drive in downtown Comstock Park. Stephan, who lives in Grand Rapids, is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and grew up in the Lansing area. He graduated from high school at Great Lakes Adventist Academy in Cedar Lakes, Michigan, and attend-ed Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, majoring in International Community Development. When he’s not working he enjoys water sports and fish-ing.Jan VanderKooyJan VanderKooy, of VanderKooy Management, joined the DDA in 2016 and was appointed treasurer. Her company, located at 5300 Northland Drive in Plainfield Township, develops and man-ages commercial property (office, retail, and industrial) in the Grand Rapids area, including several in Comstock Park.“I wanted to be part of the DDA Board because Vander-Kooy Management has a financial investment in the area and incentive to keep Comstock Park a vibrant business community,” said VanderKooy, who co-owns the company with her brother Brian. “Being on the Board, I can address the needs of our tenants and possibly increase involvement of our tenants in community activities.”The company bought its first Comstock Park property in 2009 purchasing the old Comstock Park Foods build-ing, which now houses offic-es, and the nearby building currently occupied by Cap & Cork. “When we found this prop-erty, we were quite excited because it had the urban feel of Grand Rapids with brick sidewalks, walkable restau-rants, coffee shops and the advantages of adequate free parking and affordability,” said VanderKooy, noting they did extensive renovations to the buildings. “Our tenants love the atmosphere of the downtown area and also that they can bike to work or use the (White Pine) trail on their lunch break.”VanderKooy said the DDA Board “has done a great job of improving the Comstock Park business area” with the streetscape and extending street lighting to Fifth Third Ballpark.“Going forward, we need to maintain the improvements, continue communications with business owners, pro-mote the White Pine Trail, and work with Kent County to improve the Dwight Lydell Park,” she said, adding the DDA could also explore hav-ing bus service between Com-stock Park and Grand Rapids.VanderKooy grew up on the north side of Grand Rapids and attended Grand Rapids Christian High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from Western Michigan Uni-versity, and practiced public accounting in Kalamazoo and then Minnesota. VanderKooy moved back to Grand Rapids in the mid-eighties to work in the family business manag-ing the company’s finances. VanderKooy lives in Grand Rapids Township. She has four grown children and nine grandchildren. In her spare time she likes to read, cro-chet, play piano, walk outside, and kayak in Versluis Lake behind her office.Nick PurwinNick Purwin was appoint-ed to the DDA in 2016. He is the owner of the Comstock Park Body Shop along with his brothers Tony and Jim, and their mother Phyllis. The business was founded in 1963 by their father Bert, who passed away in 2008, and a business partner, who is retired.The family has made two major expansions at the shop, located at 4019 West River Drive in downtown Comstock Park. They own nearby prop-erties that they lease space to other businesses. They used DDA facade improvement grants to upgrade the body shop and the facades of two of their rental buildings. Purwin said the DDA grant program “has helped out a lot allowing us to put some little extra touches to make the buildings unique.” There are 13 employ-ees including several family members at the body shop. “I started working at the body shop when I was 11 years old, and my heart is here in Comstock Park,” said Purwin about why he wanted to be on the DDA. “I want to give back to the Comstock Park com-munity and maybe have a say in what is done to make it a better place.”Purwin said that past projects by the DDA, such as bringing the White Pine Trail-head to downtown Comstock Park and putting streetlights along West River Drive, has improved the area for busi-nesses as well as residents and visitors.“The White Pine Trail has certainly brought more peo-ple to the Comstock Park area allowing more businesses to come and thrive in the area,” said Purwin. “The street light-ing has made the downtown area more appealing and safer at night. We like the way it helps light up our parking lots.”In the future, Purwin said he would like to see the DDA “promote businesses with signs, advertising of some sort.” He also wants the DDA to keep the Comstock Park area “maintained, groomed, and eye appealing” which he said would “make it a better place for us all to live and work.”Purwin grew up in Plain-field Township and graduated from West Catholic High School. He has an associate degree in electronics from Grand Rapids Junior College, is a State certified mechanic in a number of areas and has a pilot’s license. He is recog-nized as an I-Car platinum individual in the auto repair industry.Purwin and his wife Sheryl, a secretary at East Oakview Elementary School in the Northview school district, live in Plainfield Township. They have three grown children. They enjoy running, biking, “utilizing the White Pine Trail weekly,” and participating in charitable 5K runs. “My passion is little British cars,” he said. “I have owned several and always enjoy the search for a new one to fix up and love.”

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Page 10 | October 1, 2022 Comstock Park Communicator www.comstockparkdda.org 231-762-4359231-762-43599490 Main St, Amble, MI 25 minutes North on 131, Exit 1209490 Main St, Amble, MI 25 minutes North on 131, Exit 120231-762-4359th on 131, Exit 120RustysAmbleInn.comRustysAmbleInn.comKENO • NUDGEMASTERKENO • NUDGEMASTERDINE IN • TAKEOUTDINE IN • TAKEOUTGREAT FOOD, GOOD TIMESGREAT FOOD, GOOD TIMESAND THE GAME IS ON!AND THE GAME IS ON!LiveLiveMusicMusicThursdaysThursdays7PM7PMKaraokeKaraokeEveryEveryFridayFridayTriviaTriviaEvery WednesdayEvery WednesdayOPENOPENMon., Tue., Wed., & SundayMon., Tue., Wed., & Sunday11AM-11PM11AM-11PMThurs. - Sat. • 11AM-1AMThurs. - Sat. • 11AM-1AMHAPPY HOURHAPPY HOURMon-Fri 2PM-5PMMon-Fri 2PM-5PMSunday 5pm- CloseSunday 5pm- CloseFindUs OnKYour New FavoriteYour New FavoritePlace!Place!History of Comstock Park RotaryRotary Club of Comstock Park – decades of service and projects in the area.The Rotary Club of Com-stock Park has completed projects, donated funds, and volunteer hours to help the community throughout its 70-year history.One of the most visible symbols and Rotary proj-ects in Comstock Park is the waterwheel in Dwight Lydell Park. As part of the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 the first modern waterwheel was placed in the creek by the Comstock Park Rotary. Rota-ry members saw the water wheel as a fitting addition and symbol to the community, which grew up around the logging industry. The best lumber in Kent County was found around Comstock Park and there were six or seven grist mills on the old creek. Rotarians commissioned a master carver to create the 18-foot wheel for $4,000. Additional funds paid for a concreate base and exca-vating. The maintenance of the wheel was turned over to Kent County Parks and Recreation who replaced the waterwheel with a new one in 1988. Further restoration and landscaping around the wheel is currently in the plan-ning stages paid for by Kent County with additional funds coming from the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority. Grotto Park – Grand Rapids Home for VeteransThe old Grotto Park by the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans was in rough shape, chained off and locked down for the residents of the veter-ans home. That was in 2008 before the Comstock Park Rotary stepped in. “We decided as a Rotary to completely redo the park,” said Dan Clark, owner of Clark’s Landscape Services in Comstock Park and a member of the Comstock Park Rotary. “We went ahead and did some donation searching and found a lot of people willing to help veterans.”In-kind contributions by a variety of business and services, veterans, their orga-nizations, and the military either contributed monies or time and talent.In one summer, the group raised $450,000 thanks to generous donors and televi-sion exposure. Clark did the design work for the park and an architect volunteered his time for the structures. The park is designed to be a walk-ing park and includes bench-es, a stream running through it and a waterfall.“Originally the creek had a concrete wall. We removed the concrete and put in limestone to make it more natural,” Clark said. The park project included a picnic building and some pergolas. Sharon Steffens, a member of the Comstock Park Rotary since 1995, and former super-visor of Alpine Township, credits Clark for the vision of the redo of the park. It became the Comstock Park Rotary’s largest community project to date.“The park was not acces-sible at all. We decided that would be a good project. We knew it was going to be a difficult project and had to raise a lot of money,” Steffens said. She noted the Comstock Park Rotary plans to go back and do some needed park improvements. Wahlfield Park Playground, Kaboom Playground at York Creek ApartmentsThe Comstock Park Rotary also donated $50,000 and partnered with Kent Coun-ty to build a playground at Wahlfield Park. The play-ground was built in one weekend by Rotary volunteers overseen by an engineer from the playground construction The Comstock Park Rotary raised $450,000 in 2008 to design a new walkable park near the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, one of the club’s largest projects to date.A Color Guard at the dedication of Grotto Park in 2008.The Comstock Park Rotary provided funds for a KABOOM! playground in the York Creek Apartments.The Comstock Park Rotary built the playground in Wahleld Park. The Rotary Club of Comstock Park installed the rst modern waterwheel on Mill Creek in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial.

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www.comstockparkdda.org Comstock Park Communicator October 1, 2022 | Page 11The NW Youth Soccer Association (NWYSA) is a volunteer-run program thatoffers introductory, recreational, and recreational travel levels of soccerfor children ages 1-15 regardless of the community in which they live.Fall Season Signups:Early Signup Discounts Begin In May,Regular And Late Signups June Through September.Spring Season Signups:Early Signup Discounts Begin In October,Regular And Late Signups February Through April.www.NwSoc13.Org • 616.514.0637 • NwSoc13@Gmail.Comcompany. “All the playground equip-ment is above average, more than you usually see,” Stef-fens said. Rotary members sought the grant to build the playground at York Creek Apartments, committed some funds and organized the project. Amway Corporation also contrib-uted funds and volunteers. The playground was built by KABOOM!, a nationwide designer of custom built, community playgrounds. York Creek is committed to do the ongoing upkeep on the playground.The Organization of RotaryRotary International was founded in Chicago in 1905 to promote fellowship among business acquaintances but soon the purpose evolved in the current motto, Service Above Self. The Comstock Park Rotary, founded in 1952, is one of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs around the world. Rotary clubs are tasked with sustaining and increasing their membership base, participating in service projects that benefit their own community and other countries, supporting the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and developing leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level.Comstock Park Rotary HistoryMartin Buth, now deceased, was a charter member of the Comstock Park Rotary in 1952. The group originally met at the Congregational Church on Lamoreaux (now Sovereign Church).“Our attendance was good, ranking at or near the top of the District. We regularly had a pianist, and we opened the meeting with ‘God Bless America.’ Jerry Ford was a speaker at least twice,” Buth wrote in a written history of the Comstock Park Rotary in 2012. The group sponsored a Circus, “which was a disaster” and sold fruit cakes for sever-al years. Buth and Don Lam-oreaux laid out the first Little League ball diamonds in Dwight Lydell Park in cooper-ation with Kent County. Steffens said the ongoing Rotary BBQ that started in 1968 at Dwight Lydell Park is the group’s biggest fundrais-er. Past fundraisers included Texas Holdem at Westgate Bowl as well as bingo.The Comstock Park Rotary currently meets the first and third Thursday from 12:10 – 1:15 p.m. in the downstairs of the Swan Inn Restaurant. The Comstock Park currently has about 25 members. New members are welcome. Cur-rent officers include: Diane Van Epps, president; Gerald Hopkins, president-elect; Christy Nowak, treasurer; Liz Wahlfield, secretary; Greg Madura, past president; Alex Arends, public relations chair; Kent Gagnon, sergeant-at-arms.Steffens finds it rewarding to be a part of the Comstock Park Rotary.“I’ve enjoyed the people and the opportunity to do things in the community,” Steffens said. Clark is most proud of Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio around the world. “We’ve got it down to five to seven cases a year. We’ve pretty much knocked it down to zero,” Clark said. Rotary International also works on safe water and improved sanitation projects and offers Peace scholarships to those interested in help-ing to reduce conflict in the world.For more information visit www.cprotary.com. Sampling of Past and Cur-rent Projects of Comstock Park Rotary-Scholarships to Comstock Park and Kenowa Hills grad-uates-Dwight Lydell Park Fish-pond-Waterwheel in Mill Creek and plantings-Benches in park and at bus stops-Cement planters in Com-stock Park-Project Close-up and Lis-ten Programs- Comstock Park Public Schools-Hosting foreign exchange students-Wolverine World-Wide YMCA Building Fund-Northwestern Little League field and facilities-Water filter project – Dominican Republic-Thanksgiving Wish proj-ects including wheelchair ramps-Dug a well for El Salvador community-Rotary Life Leadership Training for four high school juniors-Installation of 120 four-way test plaques in Comstock Park Public Schools-West Grand Rapids YMCA – Building Fund-Blodgett Burn Center-Rockford Ambulance Ser-vice-Shelter House and Play-ground, Restrooms, Dwight Lydell Park (50 percent fund-ing)-Northwestern Little League Sponsor-Northwestern Little League Complex – varsity ballfield, concession/storage, backstops and foul line fences-Halloween Parties- Dwight Lydell Park-Flag Pole & Flag, Dwight Lydell Park-Alpine Library Book Rack-Motorized Wheelchair – Veterans HomeMartin Buth (deceased), a charter member of the Rotary Club of Comstock Park, on his 98th birthday at a Rotary meeting.

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www.comstockparkdda.org Comstock Park Communicator October 1, 2022 | Page 13Because of the great response from this area, we are running this SALE again. Don’t miss out onsome great savings and very competitive pricing. Ron Gardner - 616-540-3143Remodeling • Gutters • Windows • Doors • Roong • Insulation • Siding• Handyman Service• Siding• Overhangs andfascia• Roong• Carpentry Work• Repairs• Awnings• Painting• Flooring• CeramicTile• Railings• Decks• Kitchens• Bathrooms• Gutters• Leaf Guard• Insurance Claims• Steel Roong• Steel Siding• 3 Season Rooms• Windows• Additions• Insulation• Doors• Family Rooms• GaragesLeaf Guard& ScreenProducts OnSale ForYour GuttersFullyInsuredWorkGuaranteed616-784-5700“We Do It Better Because We Try Harder”3955 West River Drive NE • Comstock Park • www.professionalhomeimprove.comEmail - Professional@PHI3955.com • Nights & Weekends 616-540-3143A LONG TIME LOCAL BUSINESSRon Gardner with his family B ob, Blake and Luann have been remodeling homes and businesses in theWestern Michigan and Grand Rapids area for over 56 years. ey complete over 1,500 jobs per year.ey try hard to make everyone happy. Honest prices, good workmanship and low pressure sellingusing excellent materials has been the secret to the Gardner’s long career in the business. Honesty isthe key say Ron Gardner. Customers that are treated honestly will almost always return for more workor refer someone else. It’s been proven and it works says Gardner. ere is a lot of high pressure sellinggoing on out in the marketplace, but that’s not our way. When people get estimates from contractors,they should a lways call the Grand Rapids Better Business Bureau. Get the report from the BBB andmake a decision not forced or pressured by a salesman or sign now in hurr y contracts are usually notto the customers benet says Ron. Be smart and lo ok at all the facts. e Gardner Family plans onbeing around another 50 years to serve its customers. ey thank all its p ast customers and clients fortheir trust and condence in Professional Home Improvement - Ron Gardner and StaRon hasbeen sellinghomeimprovementsin GrandRapids forover 56 years.Residential & CommercialResidential & Commercial$$$ • SAVE B IG • $$ $FALL 2022SPECIAL DISCOUNTSFOR SENIORS,MILITARYOR VETERANS.Not valid with other offers. With coupononly. Coupon or offer redeemable at time ofpurchase only. Offer expires 12/31/22SAVE BIG $$ ON IMPROVEMENTS$400.00 OFF ANY JOB OVER $3000.00 DONEIf we did it and it’s not right,we will x it!All Roong & Roof ShinglesRepairs Steel ShakesFamily Ro oms3 S eason Rooms - PorchesGutters and Leaf ProtectionUnderground Drain Tile CleaningDecks & RailsAll Steel RoongInsulation & VentingAttics SidewallsInterior Carpentry WorkKitchens - Baths - RepairsVinyl Siding - Trim & RepairsCement, Smart, Aluminium & Steel SidingReplacement Windows & DoorsWood, Fiberglass, Vinyl & Several more makesTile - ShowersBathroomsBreezeways & AdditionsAsk us about Provia RoongBARGAIN C ORNERBARGAIN C ORNER50% OFF!!50% OFF!!MISMEASURED & ODD SIZEDNEW VINYL WINDOWS AT 50% OFFSOME PATIO DOORS ALSOwhile supplies last!BIGROOFINGSALE

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www.comstockparkdda.org Comstock Park Communicator October 1, 2022 | Page 15BW Manufacturing grows market for its concrete surface preparation equipment.BW Manufacturing has found its niche in the concrete industry. The Comstock Park business is a manufacturer of surface preparation equip-ment sold to national and international customers.Darrell Miller, general manager of BW Manufactur-ing, said the company has always been in the surface preparation industry since its founding in 1996. The company has been located on 3706 Mill Creek Drive NE in Comstock Park since 2008. The company’s products are made for contractors in the building, restoration, and maintenance industries, as well as utility and manufac-turing plants, and the Armed forces. Clients include large construction firms that spe-cialize in the roadway, bridge deck, parking garage, and air-port runway projects.“We’re a very niche corner of the concrete industry,” Miller said, “We have an option for interchangeable attachments. Other compa-nies have a different, single function machine where ours are more versatile.” The equipment will prepare the surface to put a coating down or remove old coating on any concrete and some limited asphalt. The company offers a complete line of concrete diamond grinding tools and replacement parts for custom-ers. About one-third of BW Manufacturing’s business is replacement parts. All equip-ment is manufactured in the Comstock Park location. The company is constantly rede-signing new accessories for existing equipment, improv-ing products, and introducing new and innovative tools. Business has been good for BW Manufacturing and wasn’t affected by the pan-demic except for some supply chain issues.“We’ve grown close to double in the last five years,” Miller said. He attributes the growth to being in a niche corner of the market with only two primary competitors based in Oklahoma. BW Manufacturing cur-rently has 28 employees including welders, fabrica-tors, assemblers, and CNC machine operators, shipping/receiving, assembly tech, machinist, warehouse clerk and sales. Although it’s some-times hard to find qualified employees BW Manufactur-ing has made great strides in the hiring process, according to Miller. The company uses Indeed to advertise open positions and seeks candi-dates with approximately three years of experience in the field. BW Manufacturing offers competitive wages with a good benefit package. “We’re really trying hard to build a team culture for employee retention,” Miller said. “It’s about listening to your employees and acting on their concerns. It’s about treating them as people ver-sus a number.” Other key employees include James Markini, production manager and Eli Luke, controller.Company HistoryBW Manufacturing was founded by Bruce Williams who saw the need for better equipment that is easier to operate and easier to main-tain. He started the business in his garage in 1996 before moving to a building in north-west Grand Rapids. The com-pany outgrew that facility and moved to its 20,000-square-foot facility on Mill Creek Drive in Comstock Park in 2008. Five years ago, Wil-liams sold the business to a Chicago-based private equity company that Miller describes as “a great resource.” Wil-liams still owns the building and remains active in the business with engineering and drafting projects.Miller said the Comstock Park location is close to many of the company’s vendors. Employees enjoy the proximi-ty to many lunch options. For more information visit www.bwmanufacturing.com. BW ManufacturingBUSINESS SPOTLIGHTJames Markini, production manager, Darrell Miller, general manager and Eli Luke, controller, with BW Manufacturing in Comstock Park.Welcome to theWelcome to the Vestal InnVestal Inn!!TheThe HeartHeart of Belmont!of Belmont!Amazing appetizers, Burger,Salads, Wraps, Sandwiches,Mexican Fare & More!We have a great atmosphere,a full bar and somegreat games !Eat in, Take Outor Curbside Pick up!Don’t Miss Our Next AnnualHalloween Party!Halloween Party!Saturday, October 29that 8:30pm!Hours of Operation:Monday - Thursday: 11AM-12AMFriday & Saturday: 11AM-1AMSunday: CLOSED6255 W. River Dr NE, Belmont, MI 49306(616)364-0286 | www.thevestal.com

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Page 16 | October 1, 2022 Comstock Park Communicator www.comstockparkdda.org 4438 Westshire Dr NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 | (616) 784-3620Buy Two 16” Pizzas& get a Stix or Cinnamon Stix for $30!Purchase two 16” pizzas with 2 topping(s), and enjoy a stix or cinnamon stix for $30!Offer good through November 1, 2022.One coupon per person. Not valid with other offers.Monday: 3-9PM • Tues-Fri: 11AM-9PMSaturday: 1-10PM • Sunday: 1-9PMOpen for Lunch Tuesday thru FridayPizza Slices Only $1 (From 11AM-2PM)Dippin’ Dots was a fan favorite for more than 20 years at the West Michigan Whitecaps stadium. The popularity of the beaded ice cream product prompted the West Michigan Whitecaps to buy a Dippn’ Dots franchise six years ago.Dippin’ Dots is an ice cream snack invented in 1988, created by flash freez-ing ice cream in liquid nitro-gen. The company is based in Paducah, Kentucky. Todd Jeluso, operations coordinator for Dippin’ Dots, said the franchise operated at the ballpark for the first two years but quickly outgrew their space. Dippin’ Dots is now located on Abrigador Trail near the ballpark in a facility owned by the White-caps.Jeluso said the Whitecaps Dippin’ Dots franchise now has more than 600 accounts around the state. They sell to gas stations, waterparks, schools, fairs, convenience stores, mini golf, stadiums and others. Customers are given a special Dippin’ Dots freezer, as the product must be kept at -40 degrees.The Dippin’ Dots franchise now has eight employees including Amy Wyma, who works the fair, carnivals and festival circuit and Greg Sebright, full time salesper-son. Route drivers with tran-sit vans with the brightly col-ored Dippin’ Dots logo, make the rounds every three weeks to statewide customers.Jeluso said customers can charge whatever price they want – Dippin’ Dots costs $6 in a cup or a cap at the White-caps stadium and typically sells for about $3.50 in a gas station.Running the franchise can be challenging. “It’s challenging trying to organize the timing with people and keep everyone happy,” Jeluso said. Some-times customers don’t give adequate notice to resupply Dippin’ Dots. Hands down the favorite Dippin’ Dots flavor is Cook-ies ‘N Crème. The franchise currently carries six other flavors -- brownie batter, cotton candy, banana split, chocolate, cookie dough, and rainbow. Matt Timon, director of the Dippin’ Dots franchise and food and beverage man-ager with the West Michigan Whitecaps, said kids also like rainbow flavor, a gluten free, dairy free option,Timon said owning a Dip-pin’ Dots franchise fits in with the Whitecaps’ theme of “fun, family and entertainment.” It’s more of a one-off venture for the Whitecaps who have no other plans to purchase more franchises. At the ballpark Dippin’ Dots was “one of the best products people were excit-ed about,” Timon said. The Whitecaps fielded many calls on where to buy them.Although the Whitecaps plan no huge expansion for Dippin’ Dots they plan to keep growing the customer base and getting their name out.Jeluso said the franchise is seeking more Upper Peninsu-la and Detroit area accounts.Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream Whitecaps franchiseBUSINESS SPOTLIGHTTodd Jeluso is the operations coordinator for Dippin’ Dots, a franchise owned by the West Michigan Whitecaps.Whitecaps Dippin’ Dots Franchise continues to grow

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www.comstockparkdda.org Comstock Park Communicator October 1, 2022 | Page 173700 Millcreek NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321(Along 131/ Just north of I-96)616-784-52145241 Plaineld Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525(Near East Beltline)616-364-49882 locations to serve you!www.boumastorage.com*CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE*MOBILE STORAGE CONTAINERSThe Bouma Self-Storage Sta: Ralph, Jackie, Jean, Rayboumastorage@comcast.netComstock Park School NewsComstock Park Public Schools has five candidates running for the four open seats on the Board of Educa-tions. The election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. To find more infor-mation about your voting location or to register to vote visit https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/Elec-tions/.COMSTOCK PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS2022 BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATESDEIDRA BLAZONHello, my name is Deidra Blazon. I have lived in the Comstock Park School District for 14 years. My husband and I share 3 children together. We still have two attending school here. I care deeply about every child and their right to receive the best education available, along with their safety in doing so. I recognize mental health struggles, and will continue to support helpful resources that we as a district can provide. I am focused solely on doing what’s best for our students and have their best interests in mind.MIKE BROWNI have lived in Comstock Park almost my entire life. I am a proud graduate of Comstock Park Public Schools. I am married to Brenda and we have 6 children, Tyler, Kylee, Jake, Kelsey, Chase, and Colby who also graduated from Comstock Park. I have been honored to serve on the Comstock Park Public School Board since 2009 and hope to continue to serve in this next term and support our students and community.KEVIN MCLELLANI’m Kevin McLellan and my wife and I have lived in Comstock Park for over 32 years. Our two daughters graduated from Comstock Park HS. I graduated from Rogers High School in Wyoming and also attended KCTC in the 2nd and 3rd years of their existence. There I learned a trade that served me well in getting a job immediately after graduation and eventually running my own business for over 35 years. I recently retired. I have been invested in the district in many ways over the years. While my daughters were in school, with Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters. Since the last graduated in 2001, I have spent time on the Educational Foundation and served on the School Board for several years. For the last several years I have volunteered at High School Athletic events.I don’t seek a seat on the school board for a position of power, rank or influence. Rather, I want to serve the school community and give back for what my children received. Our children are our greatest asset and key to the future of our community. I want to see them receive a quality education in a safe environment. I value the opportunity to interact with the kids and it’s rewarding to see their accomplishments.ROMAN RODRIQUEZMy name is Roman Rodriquez, and I am running for re-election as a Comstock Park Public Schools Board of Education member. I have dedicated a lot of time and commitment to Comstock Park Public Schools over the last 20 years and feel that there is more to give. You will see my family helping or attending various events throughout the year including; sports, theater, social, fundraising, and volunteering. I will vote for ideas and programs that I feel will help build this community. Please, make a difference and vote.TED SPANGENBERGMy name is Ted Spangenberg. My wife Sheryl and I have lived in Comstock Park for 33 years. Our daughter Amber, graduated from Comstock Park and now her son Nolan attends Pine Island. We are members of Maranatha Bible Church. While attending Maranatha I have had the pleasure of helping with the various youth programs. My wife and I have enjoyed being Sunday School teachers for the Pre-K and Kindergarten age group for 23 years. It has also been my pleasure to be involved with the CP Band Boosters for 20 plus years, and to serve as a member of the Booster board. I have also served as a board member of the Kent County Intermediate Association of School Boards. This is a group that facilitates educational programs for local school board members. During the last six years it has been my privilege to also serve as a member of the Alpine Township Zoning Board of Appeals. Lastly but most importantly I have enjoyed being a member of the Comstock Park School Board for 24 years. I feel that we have had many positive accomplishments during this time. The facilities and staff are among the best in the county. We are able to offer our students a wide variety of opportunities. To help keep myself current I have taken advantage of educational programs offered by the Michigan Association of School Boards and have completed Level One certification. I believe that my experience, training and desire to serve the community and students of Comstock Park will continue to make me an asset to the CP School Board.Five running for four open seats on school board

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Page 18 | October 1, 2022 Comstock Park Communicator www.comstockparkdda.org LET ME WORK FOR YOU….Contact Julie Wiersma:Julie.wiersma@hearst.com231.592.8373TOGETHER WE WILL GET RESULTSBrian Human Ins Agcy IncBrain Human,Agent3938 W River Drive NEComstock Park, MI 49321-8997Bus 616 784 5465 Fax 616 784 6505brian.human.gd0e@statefarm.comProviding Insurance and Financial ServicesCommunity spirit impresses new Stoney Creek principalWhen she met with the interviewing team at Com-stock Park, made up of prin-cipals, teachers and admin-istrators, she said she was immediately impressed by the warmth and the community spirit.“The feeling I got was something very, very unique,” Picarazzi said. She knew it was a position she wanted and was honored that the team wanted her to be a part of Comstock Park schools.“This could be a long-term home.”Education/degrees:• Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mansfield University of Penn-sylvania• Master’s degree in educa-tion from Western Governors UniversityOther positions you have held in education:• Instructional coach, Greenville Public Schools• Fourth grade teacher, Lowell Area SchoolsWhat about jobs outside of education? Picarazzi played forward on the field hockey team in college and one of her first jobs was working for the athletic director. After college she helped her dad, a lifelong entrepreneur, run a restau-rant in Ormond Beach, Flori-da, for about seven years.What would you like to share about your family? Her husband, Brian, was in the 82nd Airborne; upon leaving the military he landed a job with the federal government which brought them to Mich-igan. They live in NE Grand Rapids with their four daugh-ters: Emma, 11th grade; Ella, 9th grade; Lou, first grade; and Frankie, age three.What kind of kid were you as an elementary student? “I was the youngest in the family. I was super happy. I loved school and enjoyed the attention I got in school. My older brother was in the same building, which was a cool factor.”The biggest lesson you have learned from students is… “It’s important to take the time to know each kid and their personal situation. I want to get to know them on a level that’s unique to them and the challenges they face, so that I can help.”If you could go back to school, which grade would you return to? “I would go back to upper elementary … you’re still meeting a lot of new friends. They still think teachers are super fun.”If you walked into your new school building to theme music by a favorite artist or band, what would it be? “I’m a pretty big country music fan…I like all music, real-ly. Something inspiring to make students excited and pumped.”(This article was previ-ously published by School News Network. To read more articles about Comstock Park Schools visit www.school-newsnetwork.org/category/comstock-park/)Robin Picarazzi was looking for a new position closer to home after more than four years as an instructional coach in Greenville Public Schools. New Stoney Creek Elementary Principal Robin Picarazzi CCOOMMSSTTOOCCKK PPAARRKK PPUUBBLLIICC SSCCHHOOOOLLSS 2022-2023 CALENDAR August 16 & 17 (Tues. & Wed.) Professional Development for all staff August 22 (Mon.) First full day for students August 26 (Fri.) No School for students and staff September 1 (Thur.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff professional development p.m. September 2 (Fri.) No School for students and staff September 5 (Mon.) No School for students and staff October 5 (Wed.) First student count day October 14 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff professional development p.m. November 23-25 (Wed-Fri.) No School for students and staff /Thanksgiving break December 15 (Thurs.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff work day p.m. December 16 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff work day p.m. December 19-Jan. 2 No school/holiday break (11 days) January 3 (Tues.) School resumes January 20 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff professional development p.m. February 8 (Wed.) Second student count day February 20 (Mon.) No school for students and staff/mid-winter break March 10 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff professional development p.m. March 31 (Fri.) No school for students and staff/spring break April 3-7 No school for students and staff/spring break April 10 (Mon.) School resumes May 29 (Mon.) No school/Memorial Day June 1 (Thurs.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff work day p.m. June 2 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff work day p.m. TTHHIISS IISS PPAANNTTHHEERR CCOOUUNNTTRRYY CCOOMMSSTTOOCCKK PPAARRKK PPUUBBLLIICC SSCCHHOOOOLLSS 2022-2023 CALENDAR August 16 & 17 (Tues. & Wed.) Professional Development for all staff August 22 (Mon.) First full day for students August 26 (Fri.) No School for students and staff September 1 (Thur.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff professional development p.m. September 2 (Fri.) No School for students and staff September 5 (Mon.) No School for students and staff October 5 (Wed.) First student count day October 14 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff professional development p.m. November 23-25 (Wed-Fri.) No School for students and staff /Thanksgiving break December 15 (Thurs.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff work day p.m. December 16 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff work day p.m. December 19-Jan. 2 No school/holiday break (11 days) January 3 (Tues.) School resumes January 20 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff professional development p.m. February 8 (Wed.) Second student count day February 20 (Mon.) No school for students and staff/mid-winter break March 10 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff professional development p.m. March 31 (Fri.) No school for students and staff/spring break April 3-7 No school for students and staff/spring break April 10 (Mon.) School resumes May 29 (Mon.) No school/Memorial Day June 1 (Thurs.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff work day p.m. June 2 (Fri.) K-12 students half day a.m./staff work day p.m. TTHHIISS IISS PPAANNTTHHEERR CCOOUUNNTTRRYY

Comstock Park Communicator October 2022

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