West River Flooring – four decades in business in Comstock Park
Customers at West River Flooring are often pleasantly surprised by the amount of interior space of the business as the storefront can be deceiving.
“We carry quite a bit of inventory, and we have a large warehouse,” said Dean Martin, owner of West River Flooring.
“Wow, I had no idea,” is a common reaction when customers walk in. West River Flooring’s showroom and warehouse at 4627 West River Drive has a total of about 4,200 square feet. The company sells luxury vinyl plank flooring, carpeting and luxury vinyl tile as well as carpet remnants and roll specials. West River Flooring’s three major brands include Shaw, Engineered and Mannington.
The family-owned business was started by Dean’s father Patrick Martin in 1984. Patrick previously owned Road & Rail trucking on Mill Creek Drive. The trucking company shipped carpet from the family’s warehouse in Dalton, Georgia to stores in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Dean moved to Georgia after high school and managed the warehouse before relocating back to West Michigan. The Martins leveraged their connections with carpet mills in Georgia and opened Wheel & Deal Carpets on West River Drive across from their present loca-
tion in 1984. They built their current store in 1986 and renamed the business
It’s always been a family business – Dean’s
“At some point everyone in the family worked here,” said Martin, noting the business evolved from selling carpet remnants specials to a flooring retail business. Today West River Flooring’s customers come from Comstock Park, Rockford, Grand Rapids and beyond to the lakeshore and further afield. Despite being a family-owned business West River Flooring’s prices are competitive with big box stores, according to Martin.
brother Jerry Martin and his brother-in-law worked there.
“We’re known for that family friendly service. People love that we’re locally owned and they like our selection,” Martin said. For West Michigan Flooring it’s all about building relationships with no hard sell.
Since its founding West River Flooring has experienced growth that has been sustainable. Martin noted that during the pandemic West River Flooring experienced some of its strongest sales as people spent more time at home and upgraded their homes.
INDUSTRY TRENDS
“Luxury vinyl planking is still a hot product right now. People love it,” Martin said. There’s also a trend of moving away from the gray colors to warmer colors such as golds and yellows.
“We’ve seen more use
of colors in accessories and a little bit more colors in carpeting,” Martin said. He’s also noticed a little bit of an uptick in real wood floors including oak, walnut and maple.
West Michigan Flooring currently employs six including front desk/ sales, salespersons and warehouse workers.
“We all do a little bit of sales,” Martin said. About eight crews of subcontractors also work for West River Flooring doing installation.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
West River Flooring believes in giving back to the community and regularly donates to many causes, events and organizations. West River Flooring has supported the 5k Mill Creek Days run, softball leagues, Little League, cancer causes, and Patriot Farm in Newaygo that provides a respite to veterans and their families, to name a few.
Hours for West Michigan Flooring: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday). For more information call (616) 828-1509 or visit www.westrivercarpets.com.
By Karen Gentry
West River Carpets.
Dean Martin is the owner of West River Flooring that has been a family-owned business in Comstock Park since 1984.
Employees of West River Flooring (from left) Jacqueline Klinge, Dean Martin, Micah Meyer, Steve Vankeuren, Kim DeJong and Keaton Benham.
West River Flooring has been located at 4627 West River Drive since 1986.
The inaugural Flat Top Chef Invitational will be part of Flat Top Chef Invitational will be part of Mill Creek Days 2026. The Grilling Company, Mill Creek 2026. The 4640 West River Drive, will host the event on 4640 West River will host the event on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Dwight Lydell Park Park.
ATTENTION COMSTOCK
THE COST OF
Teams will be able to pick some food items
Teams will be able to some food items that are o ered to them from are o The Grilling Company and other and other local businesses and create a dish to share. a Like a chili cooko , the public can sample , the food and vote vote for their favorite.
There will also be a a Judge’s Choice award. Choice award. For more information email greatbarbeque@gmail.com.
BUILDING IMPROVEMENT • install new security cameras • pave or improve a parking lot
repair brickwork • renovate building façade GRANTS AVAILABLE
20% OF PROJECT UP TO $25,000
For more information email Ed Hood at ehood0812@gmail.com
Comstock Park Communicator is published quarterly by Hearst Michigan Media Group for the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority.
Comstock Park DDA www.comstockparkdda.org P.O. Box 333
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Comstock Park DDA Board of Directors
Richard Frey, chairman – rich@korehicom.com
Tom Coleman, Plainfield Township supervisor – colemant@plainfieldmi.org
Sue Ledesma, Hearst Michigan Media Group sue.ledesma@hearst.com • (231) 592-8354
Danette Doyle, Hearst Michigan Media Group danette.doyle@hearst.com • (231) 592-8359
Design
Kelly Wright, Hearst Michigan Media Group
Contributors
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Amy Sherman
Gary Holland
Paula Wright
Erin Albanese
Nick Ryan
Kathy Bush Applications available at www.comstockparkdda.org
Around town…
In January the Alpine Township Fire Department assisted in the successful search for a missing person in the township. The re department rapidly mobilized resources to assist partner agencies. ATVs and personnel were all standby for any needs. Fire Station #1 served as a staging area to manage the search and provide a warm space for volunteers. The missing person was found safe by Search and Rescue team members.
a
presentation
life
Mill Creek Middle School seventh graders Mar Esparza and Claire Bolek take an after-school break March 2 at the Comstock Park Community Plaza.
A crowd gathers for a sh fry on Friday, March 13 at American Legion Post 47 in Comstock Park.
The 20th annual Winter Beer Festival took place at the LMCU Ballpark on Feb. 28. (photo courtesy of LMCU Ballpark)
Brrr…it was cold! Comstock Park experienced the coldest temperatures in years dipping down to -19 degrees (Accuweather) on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
Armando Orozco, a Comstock Park area resident, stops for a refreshment break on March 1 at Wendy’s, 4694 West River Drive in Comstock Park. Originally from the Lansing area, Orozco recently took a job as a oor technician at The Oaks at Belmont.
At
Golden Panthers
on Feb. 13 Dave Kampschulte explained
lessons from the Beatles’ lyrics. Doreen Empie, a member of the Golden Panthers, got in the spirits with her Beatles t-shirt.
First in Line Services opens in former Mill Creek Motors location
First in Line Services opened Feb. 23 in the former Mill Creek Motors location at 3867 West River Drive in Comstock Park.
Owner Roshonda Dean wants car owners to feel at home with great service and affordable prices.
First in Line Services provides oil changes, brake services and batteries, and works on starters and other components. A full synthetic oil change is offered for $50 and includes a free tire rotation and courtesy services including a 20-30-point inspection.
“It’s not just an oil
it is safe to drive,” Dean said. “It’s about service and pricing.”
Discounts for veterans, persons on disability or receiving MDHHS benefits are offered a shop rate discount of $90 an hour.
change here at my shop. It’s peace of mind knowing your car is getting an inspection to make sure
Mechanics for First in Line Services include Sean Towers and Dean’s son Axel who will join the business after he relocates from Missouri. Shop hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday or by appointment. For more information visit www.firstinlineservices. com or call (616) 4088627.
Rashonda Dean is the owner of First in Line Services in the former Mill Creek Motors location on West River Drive.
Comstock Park – hub for area trails
It is now possible to cycle from Comstock Park to Lake Michigan on paved trails, except for a small section in Muskegon. To reach Lake Michigan trail users travel from the White Pine Trail in Comstock Park to the Fred Meijer Pioneer Trail, the Musketawa Trail, and the Laketon and Lakeshore trails in Muskegon. The route is depicted on one of three signs installed in a kiosk.
The other two maps show how to connect to the Grand Rapids metro trail network from Comstock Park, and the entire 92-mile White Pine Trail from Comstock Park to Cadillac.
The kiosk and directional signs that were installed are part of trail development, landscaping and cleanup efforts on the trail by the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority and Plainfield Township. A full-page advertisement featuring the new archway in Comstock Park will be published in the 2026 edition of the Michigan Trails Magazine.
No more porta johns -- a new restroom and storage building is also planned for the trail in Comstock Park and will likely be built later this year.
Professional Home Improvement building in Comstock Park is
The Professional Home Improvement building on the corner of West River Drive and Lamoreaux Drive is for sale.
Owners Ron and Luann Gardner are selling the building, not their business, with an asking price of $849,900. The 100+ year-old building includes a large showroom floor with reception area, six separate offices, an office kitchen, two half bathrooms and plenty of storage on the first floor, The second floor includes a one bedroom and a two-bedroom apartment with separate entrances. A third floor with hardwood flooring has the potential to be converted to a third apartment. Other features include a full basement, a new flat roof, and arched steel roof. The property also includes a side parking lot,
Since the building became available in late
The Professional Home Improvement building is more than 100 years old. Cascade Properties Realty is listing the building for $849,900.
2025 there have been a lot of inquiries from commercial realtors, according to Jordan Nemmers, real estate broker/owner with Cascade Properties Realty, who is the realtor for the building.
“The location is incredible,” Nemmers said, noting the large traffic counts at low speeds. He described it as a “one-ofa-kind offering.” Nem-
mers said the building is suitable for a bar, restaurant, bakery, deli, coffee shop or professional offices, or it could possibly be torn down to make way for a new building. Nemmers said the two apartments could definitely help with cash flow. For more information visit www.cascadeproperties.com.
sale
for
The Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority installed a kiosk with three maps of area trails near Mile 0 of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park.
It is now possible to cycle from Comstock Park to Lake Michigan all on paved trails, except for a small section on roads in Muskegon.
A map shows how the White Pine Trail in Comstock Park connects to the Grand Rapids area trail network via North Park Bridge and Riverside Park.
A full-page advertisement for the Comstock Park Downtown Development Authority is published in the 2026 edition of the Michigan Trails Magazine.
The Professional Home Improvement building, located at 3955 West River Drive is for sale. The building includes main oor o ces and two upstairs apartments.
Estate Planning 101: Why Everyone Should Have a Plan
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly. Rather, estate planning is an essential process that ensures your assets, belongings, and financial matters are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death or in the event of incapacitation. It involves more than just drafting a will – estate planning encompasses a range of legal, financial, and healthcare considerations.
Fundamentally, estate planning is about preparing for the future and making decisions about how your property and responsibilities will be handled when you are
no longer able to manage them yourself. In addition, estate planning can also make sure that your loved ones are taken care of. This includes appointing guardians for minor children, ensuring financial stability for your family, and minimizing any legal complications after your death. Effective estate planning also reduces the burden on your family members, who may otherwise have to navigate a complex legal process in the absence of clear instructions.
There is no one-sizefits-all package when it comes to drafting your estate plan and it should
be tailored to meet your specific situation. That said, there are some commonly used documents that make up an estate plan.
WILLS
A will allows you to outline how your property and assets should be distributed after your death. You can state who are the beneficiaries of your assets, what happens if a beneficiary passes before you, who isn’t going to receive anything, and who is to oversee the process of making sure your wishes are carried out.
For families with young children, a will also allows you to name guardians for
your minor children. While wills do allow for you to state what your wishes are, wills do not necessarily avoid probate. In fact, if the only estate planning you have done is to make a will, then the will is nothing more than a roadmap for the probate court to use. Therefore, to ensure that your estate is administered according to your wishes outside of probate court, you need a…
TRUSTS
A will and a trust are almost identical with the exception that a trust contains a written provision
On the Same Page Spring/summer programs Comstock Park library
On the Same Page @ Kent District Library (no charge)
Author: Kristin Hannah
6:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 9
Godwin Heights High School Auditorium
50 35th St SW, Grand Rapids
Registration required beginning at 9 a.m., Monday, April 27
Event and registration visit kdl.org/samepage
KDL’s On the Same Page program returns for its third year and with best-selling author Kristin Hannah.
Hannah’s works are known for being very intense with engaging storylines that deliver deep emotional impact. Her books often take place in historical settings, centering around strong female characters and relationships. Her most recent book, and our On the Same Page pick, is “The Women.”
“The Women” introduces readers to Frankie McGrath, a young woman who makes the difficult choice to serve as a
wartime nurse during the Vietnam War. The novel chronicles her experiences both during and after the war, the impact of being a nurse and witnessing combat conditions, and her experiences after the war adjusting to a home country where support for the war had waned. With the friendship and support of friends she made in Vietnam, McGrath fights back against the idea that “there were no women in Vietnam” while trying to find her place in a country that doesn’t believe her experiences occurred.
The emotional impact of “The Women” is very powerful, especially for the generations that were greatly affected by the Vietnam War and the protests that occurred during the war. Hannah is at her best with “The Women,” shining a light on an overlooked part of our history. Copies of “The Women” are available to check out. Visit or contact the Comstock Park branch at (616) 784-2007.
Megan Chance, author of “Vermillion Sea” that was released in February will join Hannah on stage and facilitate the conversation with Hannah at the June 9 event.
By Paula Wright
SpringBreak Programming Specials
TUESDAY,APRIL7
2 p.m.-- Molly Mermaid -Visit with Molly Mermaid and enjoy stories, songs, and dancing.
6 p.m. – KDL Gaming: On Tabletop for Adults -- Join other board game enthusiasts and try out a variety of different board games (or bring your own
WEDNESDAY,APRIL
8
3 p.m. -- Teen Zone K-Pop Fan Fest -- Celebrate all things K-Pop by creating tributes to your favorite groups, derpy mascots, and flavors of ramen while jamming (and dancing) to your favorite songs!
THURSDAY,APRIL9
2 p.m. – Spring Craft Extravaganza -- Celebrate the coming of spring with crafts and activities for the whole family.
5:30 pm. – Rock the Uke -- Ukulele fans unite! Learn to play the uke from other ukulele players and then join in a group strum (beginners and newcomers welcome).
May
THURSDAY,MAY7
6:30 p.m. --The Art of Calligraphy -- Learn the art of calligraphy, from the basics to more advanced skills. Registration for program is required and opens on April 23.
TUESDAY,MAY19
6 p.m. Bluey Bonanza -Celebrate all things Bluey with crafts and games that will stretch your imagination.
CALLINGALLTEENS
Looking for volunteer opportunities this summer? Summer Wonder Teen Crew Sign-ups begin April 13. Visit the Comstock Park library to pick up your volunteer application. Limited number of volunteers accepted each summer. Summer Wonder Teen Crew Orientation is at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 23 and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
June
MONDAY–FRIDAY (JUNE8–SEPT.4) Noon – 12:45 p.m. - Gather 2 Grow-- Kids receive a free lunch at the library all summer long. Lunches provided in partnership with Feeding America West Michigan.
MONDAY,JUNE8
1 p.m. -- Ventriloquist Richard Paul’s Family Fun Variety Show -- Interactive family experience with puppets, music and mindblowing magic!
ESTATE PLANNING
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS
MONDAY,JUNE15
1 p.m. --Meet the Minis -Visit with miniature horses from the Equest Center of Therapeutic Riding.
TUESDAY,JUNE23
1 p.m. -- Jurassic Joel’s Magic Show -- Dinosaur –themed books are brought to life with amazing magic and wacky stunts.
July
THURSDAY,JULY9
1 p.m. -- Foam Party-Have a wild time frolicking and dancing while being sprayed with a giant foam cannon. Swimwear, towels and shoes that can get wet are recommended.
MONDAY,JULY20
1 p.m. -- Native American Dancers -- Learn about Native culture through dance, song, and stories.
THURSDAY,JULY23
1 p.m. -- Science Heroes: Digging It! -- Help conduct exciting experiments about the changing states of matter, pressure and more. For more information visit kdl.org/events for complete details on everything that’s happening at the Comstock Park branch and at other KDL locations.
stating that the administration of your assets is to happen outside of any probate proceedings. While there are a variety of trusts, (such as irrevocable trusts and special needs trusts), the most common type of trust is a revocable living trust. The purpose of a revocable living trust is to allow you to avoid probate while also maintaining control of your assets over your lifetime.
A very important thing to keep in mind with a trust is that, for your assets to pass to your beneficiaries via your trust, you need to act and put your assets into your trust. The mere fact of creating a trust does not mean that your assets go into your trust automatically.
Whether you go for either a will or a trust, you will need to consider beneficiary designations for your financial accounts like life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. These designations dictate who will receive the assets in these accounts upon your death. In fact, beneficiary designations trump whatever you may state in a will or a trust.
It’s crucial to review and update beneficiary designations regularly to ensure they align with your estate planning goals. Failing to do so could result in unintended heirs receiving your assets, bypassing your will or trust entirely.
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is a legal document that allows
you to designate an agent to make financial decisions on your behalf. The authority that your agent has can include managing bank accounts, paying bills, changing beneficiary designations, and even going to real estate closings in your place. Given the power and financial access that is given to an agent under a DPOA, it is important to choose someone you trust to act in your best interest.
PATIENT ADVOCATE DESIGNATION
A patient advocate designation (also known as a medical power of attorney) allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are determined by two physicians to be unable to make your own medical decisions.
Regardless of wealth, I always recommend that every one of my clients
have a durable power of attorney for finances and a patient advocate designation for medical decisions. If you become incapacitated and you do not have either of these documents, then your loved ones will need to petition the probate court to become your conservator (financial decision maker) and/or guardian (medical decision maker). Estate planning is an essential part of financial and personal preparation, offering peace of mind and ensuring that your assets and healthcare decisions are managed according to your wishes. By taking the time to create a comprehensive estate plan, you not only protect your wealth but also ensure that your loved ones are supported and that your legacy is preserved.
By Nick Ryan
Kristin Hannah will speak at Kent District Library’s On the Same Page on June 9 at Godwin Heights High School.
Kristin Hannah is the author of “The Women” about a nurse serving in the Viet Nam War.
Molly Mermaid will entertain children at the Comstock Park library on Tuesday, April 7 during spring break.
Free lunches for kids are available at the Comstock Park library from June 8 – Sept. 4 through a partnership with Feeding America West Michigan.
Comstock Park naturopathic business moves to Six Mile Court
Hello Freedom, a naturopathic health care business is now located at 5210 Six Mile Court in Comstock Park.
After building her clientele and operating out of her home for six years Comstock Park resident Susan Bremer made the jump to a new office.
Bremer started her business doing emotional therapy. She is a board-certified naturopathic doctor with certifications in many wellness areas. Many clients sought her out after feeling frustrated with the mainstream health care system.
“As a naturopath I
believe in the body’s innate ability to heal itself when given the proper nutrition -- getting rid of the toxins that interfere in the body,” said Bremer. Her services expanded and now include color and sound therapy, craniosacral, lymph drainage, raindrop therapy with essential oils, myofascial, reflexology, magnet and polarity therapy, red light therapy and bodywork therapy.
Bremer struggled all her life with several health issues and didn’t get the help she needed.
“I looked to natural stuff and tried to find help through emotional ther-
apies,” Bremer sad; She sought out essential oils and natural things “God has given us.”
Bremer said proper nutrition and getting rid of toxins that interfere in the body help get the stuck emotions out. She helps people address root issues that could be sin, unforgiveness, trauma or abuse. As a Christian, Bremer said she is blessed to be able to help people and bring about tremendous healing.
Bremer is accepting new clients (no insurances accepted). New clients can make appointments via www.hellofreedom. me and choose body work
therapies, health consult or emotional relief.
“When they leave my office, I tell them to feel free to text me with any issues,” Bremer said. “I’m there with them through the whole journey.”
Bremer loves to learn and has been studying for more than 35 years on ways to help others. She first worked in a factory and as a truck driver before she earned her degree to become a naturopath.
Bremer and her husband Jim have resided in Comstock Park for almost 20 years.
Susan Bremer recently moved her home-based naturopathic health care business to an o ce at 5260 Six Mile Court in Comstock Park.
Comstock Park resident reinvents herself as The Ginger Chef BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Sometimes reinvention is chosen, and sometimes it is forced, and for Chef Jennifer Zirkle, a Comstock Park resident, it was a little bit of both. With no chance for failure, but every hope of success, Zirkle risked it all on herself and has been cooking up business throughout West Michigan as The Ginger Chef ever since.
After years of working in the banking field, Zirkle found herself in need of a new job during the economic downturn of 2008.
“Getting fired was the best thing for me,” she said with a laugh. She also needed to spend some time focusing on her health and eating habits, after a diagnosis of both celiac disease and Crohn’s disease. Taking a pretty big leap of faith, Zirkle bet on herself, turned down a new banking job, and started culinary school at Grand Rapids Community College.
“I walked into that school and never felt more at home,” Zirkle explained. “I knew that was where I was supposed to be”
Zirkle was inspired by two generations of her family to start cooking professionally.
“My mom and my grandma were excellent cooks,” she said. Zirkle herself is a proud mom to three boys, and she started looking at culinary schools after a family viewing of the movie ‘Ratatouille” and several
months of “playing” restaurant at home with her children.
The reality of her situation as a single mother was that a traditional restaurant job’s hours were just not going to work for her. When she was introduced to the idea of being a personal chef while at GRCC, she knew she had found her niche.
“I ended up starting my business the day that I graduated,” Zirkle said proudly. At that time, she wanted a livable income and to be able to support
her children. It wasn’t a business a lot of people understood or knew about, so all the promotion fell on Zirkle’s shoulders. Owning your own business can be an education in getting out of your comfort zone, as Zirkle found herself doing all sorts of things to run her business successfully. The hardest thing for Zirkle might have been finding the courage inside herself to find her own voice to promote her culinary skills.
MICHIGAN HISTORY AND THE UNITED STATES
250TH ANNIVERSARY
Explore some Michigan history at the time of the Declaration of Independence. Native Americans around the Great Lakes, fur trappers, French settlements at fort, Fort Detroit -- learn the rest of the story about Michigan 250 years ago.
2 p.m., Sunday, May 17, Alpine Historical Commission Community Room, 2015 Seven Mile Road, Comstock Park For more information call (616) 784-1262.
BUSINESS GROWTH
The Ginger Chef started off small, with Zirkle slowly building up her clientele. She started taking on customers as a private chef, focusing on the lakeshore and vacation rentals. As her confidence grew, she added on teaching cooking classes, hosting private dinners, and helping clients with dietary restrictions like her own to meal preparation.
Zirkle takes great pride
Chef Jennifer Zirkle (The Ginger Chef) caters many events and gatherings in West Michigan.
Susan Glass (left) has been very supportive of her daughter’s cooking venture and has worked with her for many years.
Jennifer Zirkle’s father Bob Glass knew his daughter had the drive to succeed. The family has lived in the Comstock Park area for many years.
SEE CHEF, PG 13
Top Left: The Erie Canal brought settlers to Michigan.
Top Right: A star representing Michigan was added to the United States ag on Jan. 26, 1837.
Bottom Left: Treaties with Native American from 1795-1842 for areas in Michigan.
New Hall of Honor connects past and present
Among the 1,000 names displayed on the walls of Comstock Park High School’s new Hall of Honor is Don Cadwell.
The 1955 graduate scanned the military honor wall for his name as he shared stories from his time serving in the U.S. Air Force.
“Family members would send (newspaper) clips about Comstock Park because I had to keep up with what was going on,” Cadwell recalled.
When he finally found his name, Cadwell paused, taking in the moment.
“How does it make you feel to see your name on the wall?” someone asked.
“It makes me pretty proud,” he replied.
For Assistant Principal Tony Pektus, moments like that are exactly why
the Hall of Honor was created.
Pektus said the project has been in the works for more than a decade, as
the school began to outgrow its previous athletic hall of fame and all-state recognition displays.
The district wanted to expand recognition beyond athletics to include academic achievements as well, with plans to honor valedictorians and salutatorians from the school’s more than 100-year history. Additional honors include performing and fine arts awards, the Hachmuth and Shew Award — given to the top two graduating seniors — and the Jansen and Snyder Award, presented to two outstanding athletes.
The project gained new
Nate Gould, 2006 graduate of Comstock Park High School, points out his father’s picture in a 1978 class composite.
SEE HALL OF HONOR, PG 12
momentum following the death of district graduate
U.S. Marine Capt. Miguel Nava, who was killed in a helicopter crash two years ago.
“The vision for this project gained some clarity, and the scope and sequence began to take shape,” Pektus said to those who attended the Hall of Honor open house. “The part that we were missing was to have a military wall as well.”
From there, the community rallied behind the effort. Volunteers researched yearbooks and historical records, while others contributed materials and financial support to complete the wall, according to Pektus.
“We wanted our students to look at that wall
and not see barriers, but see inspiration,” said Principal Kendra Faustin. “We wanted them to see representation of what they could do, whether that’s serving our country or serving our community.”
Pektus, one of the Hall of Honor organizers, said he hopes to eventually add codes to the name plaques that would link students to the individual stories behind each name,
creating a deeper connection between students, the community and local history.
“I think it’s pretty neat,” said Nate Gould, high school special education teacher and 2006 Comstock Park graduate. “We have a big tradition of legacy and commitment to our school and community, so it’s nice to have a place to come back to and celebrate each other.”
Denise Clement, a
1973 graduate and Hall of Honor volunteer, said Comstock Park’s closeknit nature is reflected in the project.
“The Hall of Honor celebrates the legacy of the district and the community,” she said.
New this year is a Distinguished Alumni Award, which will recognize former Comstock Park High School students for outstanding achievements after graduation in areas including science, business, military service, athletics and leadership.
Names will continue to be added, with submission forms available at the school and online. Plans also include display cases for class photos and additional awards, as well as murals on the doors.
BEGINNING LINE DANCE AND SENIOR CITIZEN RESOURCE FAIR
Enjoy spring with the two remaining Golden Panthers’ winter/spring programs, free and open to the public. Note that the beginning line dance class is April 17 (rescheduled from its original date.)
BEGINNING LINE DANCE
No experience necessary.
Join the Comstock Park Line Dance Crew for some line dance FUN. No experience needed, no partner needed. Two left feet welcome! All dances will be taught. 1 p.m., Friday, April 17, Heinze Center 1100 Henze St.
SENIOR CITIZEN RESOURCE FAIR
Area organizations such as the Area Agency on Aging, AARP Grand Rapids, Senior Neighbors, an estate planning attorney and more will be on hand to talk with seniors about resources that are available to them. Refreshments will be available. 1 p.m., Friday, May 15 Henze Center, 1100 Henze St.
Don Cadwell, 1955 Comstock Park High School graduate, points to his name on the Military Honor Wall.
in sharing her culinary knowledge with others, in the hope that clients can find joy in their food again. Whether she is teaching at the Northview Senior Center, or in Forest Hills, “the quality is always there” she said about her classes. She also loves the variety her days bring, “as no two days are the same” in this line of work. You might even find Zirkle out fly-fishing on the river sometimes for her job. She hosts cooking classes with veterans suffering from PTSD at the Oak Hart Lodge in Newaygo, where they get to cook their own catch from the Muskegon River with her help.
MIDWEST NECTAR
In addition to being a personal chef, Zirkle recently started another company along with her mother and business partner Susan Glass. They now produce and bottle their 150-year-old family sauce recipe, now available at select grocers in West Michigan. It’s called Midwest Nectar, and it is deliciously unique, kind of like a steak sauce, but to be honest, I have found it to be fantastic on almost
“We work really well together, she is kind of my perfect sous chef,” said Zirkle about her mom. Her dad Bob Glass is also a regular in Comstock Park, and many may know him from his appearances at local festivals as Wobble Bob, or from his work as an usher at the Whitecaps. The family has lived in the area for years.
Glass never doubted Zirkle and her drive and knew that all of her life experience was just getting her ready to own her own business.
“She really is amazing,” Glass said. “I knew she’d find her niche. She succeeds at anything she puts her mind to, she is really driven.”
everything.
When asked to describe how this versatile condiment tastes, Glass said it’s “a little bit sweet, with a burst of different spices and just a kiss of heat at the end.” The family recipe features only ingredients that could be found in a local grocery store 100 years ago, so truly nothing fancy, but very complex.
Glass has been on board with everything her daughter has taken on and has actually worked with her for years.
“It was not always easy,” Zirkle said of the new culinary career path that she chose mid-life. It has been an amazing, rather unpredictable journey ever since, but one that Zirkle wouldn’t change.
“I can’t fail, and I can’t go back to the life I had. It made me physically sick, so there was no choice. I had to do this. I found a way to make it work. It paid off in
For more information visit thegingerchef.net.
By Amy Sherman
Coffee
with a Cop: Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team
A detective from the Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team spoke about drugs, drug statistics and trends at the Coffee with a Cop meetup on Feb. 5 in Plainfield Township.
They look like someone you might bump into at the grocery store or walk past at the gas pump. But for KANET detectives, plain clothes and a nondescript appearance provide protection.
“We try to look like the people we deal with. I dare venture, if you saw us out in public, you would not know who we are,” a KANET detective said. “We try to hide our identities for obvious reasons - we deal with a lot of drug dealers who are not pleased with our services when we show up to meet them.”
BEST YEAR YET
In 2025, KANET made plenty of drug dealers unhappy throughout Kent County.
“Last year was probably the best year our team has had,” the detective said. KANET detectives handled 834 investigations and carried out 120 search warrants, seizing more than $889,000 worth of drugs, drug money, illegal weapons (including a homemade grenade), and items bought using drug money.
“We’ve taken shoes, cars, motorcycles, mopeds, even a tractor –you just never know,” the detective said.
CURRENT TRENDS
• People are using less cash for drug deals, relying on cash apps and other methods of digital currency.
• Heroin is more prevalent now than ever before. Most heroin is laced with fentanyl, which makes it 50 to 100 times more potent.
• Heroin/fentanyl overdoses are still common. Heroin is much more potent and dangerous now because it’s almost always mixed with fentanyl.
• Cocaine, which has dropped in price, has made a comeback in some forms.
• Methamphetamine is still prevalent. It costs significantly less than other drugs and deadly overdoses are not as common.
• More guns are being discovered and seized during narcotics inves-
tigations than in previous years.
• Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine are starting to show up in pill form, disguised as prescription pills.
• While the number of known overdose incidents in Kent County dropped from 182 cases in 2024 to 81 cases in 2025, the detective says the illegal drug market is still thriving.
SHOW AND TELL Community members at Coffee with a Cop also got a close-up look at some of the drugs seized by KANET and the containers they were hidden in, including a WD-40 can, a green bean canister, a shaving cream canister, an Oreo cookies tub, and a peanut butter jar.
(Article courtesy of Plainfield Township)
BEST OF WEST MICHIGAN MAPLE SYRUP CONTEST
All are invited to the Best of West Michigan Maple Syrup contest at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 at the Henze Center, 1100 Henze Street NW in Comstock Park.
Pancakes with the locally produced maple syrup will be served. The contest is a benefit for the Alpine Township Historical Commission.
For more information call (616) 784-1262.
Chef Jennifer Zirkle and her mother now produce and bottle Midwest Nectar, their 150-year-old family sauce recipe.
Comstock Park School News
Winter Distinguished Student/Athletes
Maria Schnicke and Jonze Geldhof have been selected as the top female and male student/athletes for Winter 2026. To qualify for this honor, the students must have had an outstanding winter season and be successful students.
MARIESCHNICKE
CompetitiveCheer•SidelineCheer
Achievements:
All-Conference Team in 2026, Honor Roll
Future Goals: Nursing
Marie is a senior whose life-long cheerleading journey has recently come to an end with the conclusion of the 2025-26 Competitive Cheer season. She has been a dedicated
cheerleader since the second grade and a varsity cheerleader for the past four years. She has spent countless hours at cheer camps, competitions, practices, and standing in front of a mirror perfecting her moves. It all paid off this year as she was selected to the All-Conference Competitive Cheer Team.
She loves the team-building aspect of the sport, and her teammates often rely on her to keep them safe as her position is called the base. Marie credits much of her success to the support of her dad, David Schnicke, her friend Adi Landis, and her coach Hayley Strickland.
“I will really miss cheer, and I am sad that it is over. I might come back to CPHS and help coach
the team next year if I have time,” Marie said. When she isn’t working on cheer skills, Marie likes to hang out with friends and work out at the gym. Marie attends the Nurse Tech program at the Kent Career Technical Center which is giving her a great jump in her career choice of nursing. She is getting lots of practical experience through the KCTC program including an internship with Corewell Health starting in April. She has already been accepted into the Nursing Program at Grand Rapids Community College and will start there in the fall.
Her advice to young athletes: “Learn self-discipline. Take control of your life and establish good habits that will help you achieve your goals.”
Star of new curriculum teaches with a wag, bark and crafty AI
Linebacker in football (two years), Iron Panther Award in football, Member of Team District Wrestling Champions
Leadership: Team captain in football and wrestling as a senior
Future Goals: Firefighter
Jonze plays football, wrestling, and baseball and is being recognized specifically for his contribution this winter as a CPHS wrestler. Although this is only his second
year as a wrestler, Jonze proved to be a fast learner and was very competitive in the very tough 175-pound weight class. He credits his coaches, the Olson brothers and Austin Holbrook for helping him learn how to wrestle. Assistant coach Holbrook, a former CPHS wrestler, spent a lot of time working with Jonze on his skills. The team had a good year and won the Team District Tournament.
Jonze played three seasons of varsity football as a linebacker making the All-Conference team as a junior and senior. He also served as the team captain in both football and wrestling this year. He loves the “family” atmosphere that is developed in being a part of a team. Speaking of family, Jonze credits his parents, Richard and Danielle Geldhof for supporting his athletic pursuits and helping him to keep a positive attitude. Jonze does not have much free time, but he keeps up on his studies and is an A
and B student and loves to snowboard when he gets the chance.
Jonze’ future goal is to become a firefighter. Comstock Park High School is supporting this goal by allowing him to receive training while still in high school. Each afternoon he reports to the Alpine Township Fire Station for a couple of hours of training. During this time, he is working on his EMT and firefighting certifications, as well as riding along on calls as they come in. Jonze has always wanted to be a firefighter but decided to seriously pursue the career when he was a freshman. Fire Chief Jeremy Kelly has encouraged Jonze in his pursuit of this career and helped provide this opportunity to get a head start while still in high school. He will continue his training with an internship over the summer. He plans to become a certified fire fighter by January 2027.
By Gary Holland
First-graders Christopher Castillo Perez, left, and Nylah Seise greet Parker before seeing him on the screen.
He went from the principal’s office to the driver’s seat
Retirement didn’t pull Bill Ross away from students — it simply changed his route.
After retiring as principal of Hudsonville Middle School in 2024, Ross joined Comstock Park Public Schools’ transportation department, where he now drives students to and from school every day. The move came after a short assignment in Hudsonville’s transportation department introduced him to a new way to stay connected to education.
“Everybody said since I have a chauffeur’s license that I should get my (commercial driver’s license) and drive a bus,” he said with a laugh.
“That is about the biggest thing I want to drive,” Ross added as he pointed to the white Comstock Park passenger vans.
Trevor Bulmer, district transportation director, said Ross’s commitment is a great example of how to be active in and give back to a school district and community by supporting parents and helping get students to and from school.
“There are various opportunities within a school district for folks who would like to help the district and make a little extra money while doing so,” Bulmer said.
“The joy and fulfillment of seeing the smiling faces and building the bonds that only support staff can have with students is truly amazing.”
A NEW ROLE EMERGES
In fall 2024 when Ross informed his former district that he planned to retire at the end of the calendar year, “I recognized it would be tough on the students, family and staff for me to only be there three months,” he said, so he was reassigned to work as an administrator in the district’s transportation department.
During that time, he discovered many of the skills he had developed as a teacher and administrator — including problem solving and working with families — translated naturally to transportation services.
As a principal, Ross had been required to have a chauffeur’s license to take students on field trips using the school vans, he said.
When Ross officially retired after 30 years in education, he first took a position at Cornerstone University to mentor future teachers.
“I am coming alongside young teachers and working with them to help them develop their skills,”
he said. “As a principal, one of the things I enjoyed was working with staff and working with teachers to help them grow.”
But he missed having a direct connection with students.
It was by chance that he came across an ad for a van driver at Comstock Park Public Schools and decided to apply.
NOW HE’S IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
Ross now drives a route that serves students identified under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
The law requires school districts to ensure students experiencing homelessness have equal access to education, including transportation services. At the request of a parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth, districts must provide transportation to and from a student’s school of origin — the school attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled — if remaining there is in their best interest.
Ross begins his day at 5:50 a.m., traveling to his farthest pickup location before making his way back to Comstock Park. He completes the route twice every weekday morning — once for
elementary students and once for secondary students — before returning
around 2 p.m. to begin afternoon drop-offs. His day typically wraps up
around 5 p.m.
The split schedule allows him to continue his work with Cornerstone University, where he mentors student teachers between his morning and afternoon routes.
“I have the best of both worlds,” Ross said. “I have an opportunity to make an impact on teachers through my job at Cornerstone University, and I have an opportunity to make an impact on families and students through working at Comstock Park.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma School News Network
Bill Ross enjoys connecting with students while driving them to and from school
In her classroom, learning comes alive
A vocabulary and phonics lesson is rarely the most exciting part of the school day — unless you’re in Grace Olsson’s first-grade class.
There, students clap as they sound out words, hold seated poses while classmates create sentences using vocabulary terms, and race through a list of phonics sounds, recently beating their previous record of 52 seconds by nine seconds.
All of it is to help build enthusiastic, eager and lifelong learners, Olsson said.
Olsson has been with Comstock Park for seven years, and it was her first as a teacher after graduating in 2019 from Ohio’s Miami University.
School News Network stopped by Olsson’s firstgrade class at Stoney Creek Elementary to talk with her about her passion for teaching and the advice she would give to those entering the field of education.
WHY DO YOU TEACH?
“I teach because I have always had a passion for helping kids become enthusiastic, eager, curious, lifelong learners. I love seeing their growth throughout the year, academically and socially. It is incredibly rewarding to watch things ‘click’ for students and to see their understanding of concepts developing in real time, as well as watching their confidence and courage grow.”
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST MOTIVATOR THAT KEEPS YOU EXCITED ABOUT TEACHING?
“Knowing that I am helping set the tone for these students’ entire academic career. I know that students, especially these littles, will match
coommsttock park public schhoooolls s 2025-2026calendar
April 3-10 No School for Students and Sta / Spring Break
Abril 3-10 No escuela / clases para los estudiantes y personal de las escuelas / Descanso de primavera
April 13 School Resumes
Abril 13 Las clases se reanudarán
May 25 No School / Memorial Day
Mayo 25 No Clases / No Escuela Dia conmemorativo
June 9 K-12 Students Half Day a.m. / Sta Work Day p.m.
Junio 9 Estudiantes de K-12 mediodia de escuela
June 10 K-12 Students Half Day a.m. / Sta Work Day p.m.
Junio 10 Estudiantes de K-12 mediodia de escuela
team of coworkers who are willing to try new things, are always bringing ideas to the table, and sharing resources helps hold me accountable to keep things fresh and ever-changing, too.”
WHY FIRST GRADE/LOWER ELEMENTARY?
my enthusiasm for any topic, which helps me stay energized and enthusiastic even on difficult days. I want my students to have a positive association with learning new things, trying things that are difficult and continue (to seek) out new information for the rest of their lives — and it is my job to instill that.”
And it’s not just her students who keep her motivation strong.
“Having a fantastic
“One of the best things about teaching first grade is that these students bring such a creative, optimistic, energetic outlook into each day, and it is so fun to watch them get excited about learning and mastering new skills. In particular, what drew me to first grade was that it is such a crucial time for reading development and I love seeing the transition from learning to read to reading to learn that happens at this age.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES, AND HOW DO YOU STRIVE TO MEET THEM?
One of the biggest, Olsson said, “is making instruction accessible, relevant and challenging, where needed, for all students, when each class has such a wide variety of abilities.”
“To meet this challenge, I focus heavily on differentiating whole group instruction and providing small group and one-onone support where I can. We do small groups daily where students could be receiving extra support to reinforce a previous concept or they may be working beyond the first-grade concepts in an enrichment activity to keep them engaged and progressing.
“The goal is to make sure every student feels successful and supported in my classroom.”
WHAT’S THE MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS?
“There are so many amazing things about my students, and I could brag about them forever! They are kind, helpful, funny, curious, and no two students or two classes are the same.
“But one of the most amazing things to witness every year is how creative and eager to learn they are. We have 20 minutes of ‘imagination station’ every day, where students have access to all kinds of different supplies and can build, write (and) create anything they want to. It always impresses me to see what they come up with, and honestly blows my mind seeing the projects that these students will commit weeks of imagination station time to make.”
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING TEACHING AS A PROFESSION?
“I would say ‘Buckle up!’ It is an immensely rewarding, fun and meaningful job to be a part of, preparing the next generation to be compassionate, empathetic and resourceful citizens — and anyone who has the passion to do it, should. It can also be incredibly challenging and chaotic at times and is not for the faint of heart.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma School News Network
Olsson says she enjoys helping students become enthusiastic, eager learners.
Stoney Creek rst-grade teacher Grace Olsson holds a pose as students use vocabulary words in a sentence.
Olsson helps students with their vocabulary words.
Construction of auxiliary gym at Comstock Park High School now complete
Construction of the new auxiliary gym at Comstock Park High School is complete, a major milestone for the district’s ongoing bond improvement projects. The gym opened for use in February 2026. The gym floor included 15,000 individual pieces, installed over one month and finished with three weeks of sanding and coating. The result is a polished, high-quality athletic space ready for student and community use.
In early March some of the high school staff and the Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. construction team celebrated with a friendly basketball scrimmage after school one day after the gym was complete.
BOND COMPLETED
PROJECTS
• Stoney Creek Elemen-
tary- complete and inspected
• Pine Island Elementary tennis courts – final inspection is complete - finishing touches this spring
• Greenridge Elementary – carpet replacement – West portion of building complete & East (Head Start) wing replacement to be completed summer 2026
• high school cafeteria remodel – complete
• High School Flex Wingahead of schedule- will be completed April 2026
LOOKING AHEAD
More updates are on the way as the district continues to invest in facilities that support learning, wellness, and community engagement.
• High School – Series
3 Work – Bidding in
•
•
• Carpentry
•
• DrywallRepairs
• InteriorandExterior DoorRepairs
• SidingRepairs
•
•
•
•
March- construction starts Fall 2026, complete Fall 2027 (auditorium, parking lots, outdoor athletics)
• Mill Creek Middle School – in design –bids this fall 2026
• Pine Island Elementary – building discovery complete, design process kicked off- construction begins in 2027
THANK YOU TO COMMUNITY
A heartfelt thank you to the community for making these projects possible. Community support ensures lasting benefits for students, staff, and the entire Comstock Park community. These updates reflect the community’s strong support and commitment to enhancing student learning environments.
The new auxiliary gym oor at Comstock Park High School included 15,000 individual pieces installed over one month.
The construction team and some high school sta celebrated the opening of the auxiliary gym with a basketball scrimmage.
Earning, learning, and giving: inside Mill Creek Middle School’s new school store
Sixth-grader Calvin Arraut admitted that finding a Christmas gift can be challenging. He had come to the school store at Mill Creek Middle School hoping to find something for his sister.
“I wanted to get her some shoes, but they don’t have anything in her size,” he explained to seventh-grader A’Maya VandenBerg, who paused for a moment before offering a few suggestions.
Calvin’s search for a Christmas present is one of the reasons social worker Mandy Bernal-Hill and special education teacher Casey Getter worked to open the school store this year.
Like other school stores, students collect P.R.O.S tickets for being prepared, showing respect, taking ownership and acting safely. They can redeem them for various items, ranging from candy to clothing and shoes.
“Before, the office had some trinkets and small items available for students to go through,” Bernal-Hill said. “We began thinking about it and recognized that students would be interested in other, larger items as well.
“The idea was to give them an incentive to be good so they could earn tickets for the larger items.”
Over the summer, Getter and Bernal-Hill converted a former computer lab that had been used as a storage room into a store. To stock it, they held fundraisers and collected donations from the community.
The store opened in the fall with an array of items at various ticket-price points, ranging from one ticket to 100 tickets. The
store is open from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m every Friday during lunch periods.
PRICING, POSTERS AND HELPING OTHERS
After the store opened, students showed interest in helping organize items, set prices and assist their peers in finding what they need.
“My goal for students
who assist in the school store or shop there is to help them develop a sense of responsibility, teamwork and good decision-making,” Getter said. By earning PBIS tickets and using them to shop, students gain a better understanding of effort and reward.
“Assisting in the store also gives them an opportunity to practice leader-
ship and organizational skills, which are important both in and out of the classroom,” she said.
“Ultimately, I want students to not only feel proud of their achievements but also to develop values like gratitude, accountability and respect for the work that goes into creating a positive school environment.”
Recently, sixth-grader Isaiah Houston sorted through a donation box, examining and pricing items.
“What do you think this would sell for?” Bernal-Hill asked Isaiah as he looked over an art kit. “Fifteen tickets? Twenty?” Isaiah walked over to compare it with similar items already on display and settled on a price of
20 tickets.
Seated near the checkout, eighth-grader Ramon Quiroga worked to create a more professional sign to display the store’s hours. The project fits his interests, which include computer work and design, he said.
“I would definitely say the shoes, then the snacks, and the threeway chargers,” Ramon said when asked about the store’s most popular items. “There’s a lot of good stuff here.”
Getter said students from the school’s LINKS program have helped to store, organize and rearrange. LINKS students also have talked to their individual peer mentor about store options and how to earn PROS passes,
she said.
Bernal-Hill said they hope to expand the store’s offerings and plan to conduct a survey later this year to learn what students like about the store and what they would like to see added.
Calvin was ready to check out. With A’Maya’s help, he chose the art kit Isaiah had priced along with a couple of coloring prints.
“I like to help people,” A’Maya said. “I think it’s good that I’m helping my school and my community. It makes me feel important being able to do this.”
By Erin Albanese School News Network www.schoolnewsnetwork.
org
A SHELTER PET
There are many reasons why wonderful pets like Petey end up in shelters. Often their owners are unable to care for them due to housing restrictions or loss of a job. You can make a difference by opening up your home to a pet or by donating time, money or pet supplies to an animal rescue. Visit a shelter or rescue, meet your new best friend. Please do it for the animals. Give them a “furever” home. You wonʼt be sorry.
