Merry Christmas

Santa Girls Get Help in Alpine Township

Most of us have heard about the Santa Girls and how this year they delivered gifts to over 14,000 area children of nearly 6,000 families. To accomplish that in half a day takes a trememdous amount of dedication and organizational skill. Alpine Township had it's own group of volunteers again this year. The Comstock Park Rotary has been taking this on as a project that this year was chaired by Nancy Mulder, Manager of the Comstock Park Library. Plenty of volunteers were on hand to make this a successful project.

Nancy Mulder, Manager of the Comstock Park Library, and husband Steve assigning the last few bags of presents for distribution to Alpine Township kids.

Just two of the many Santa Girls helpers, Rotarians Phil Obetts (l) and Doug Gordon, both long time Comstock Park residents.

Santa Back in Town

Last night, Santa was spotted at Applebee's on Alpine Ave in Alpine Township. He was greeting both young and old and assuring most that they had been good this past year. (A great relief for some). Visitors left with candy canes and coupons.

Santa in the lobby at Applebee's

One of the many decorated homes throughout Alpine Township

A cheerful moment at the Comstock Park Rotary holiday luncheon held at the Swan Inn.

Tuesday Morning at Alpine Township

Nadeem Hamid, with Oceana-Omega Systems, preparing a presentation for Township staff on Alpine Township's new website that should be published before Christmas.

Congratulations Residential Appraiser and newlywed Julie (was Bacheller) Bulerski. Looking on is Deputy Clerk Erin Randall

Alpine Township Assessor, Betty Keeling (left) , with Board of Review members from left to right Jim Momber, Mary Wilcome and Chuck Jakems.

Christmas Spirit

Some of the Christmas decorations that are found in the Alpine Township residential communities. Click on pictures to enlarge.






and at a nearby orchard.......


.....Apples, desperately clinging on to their branches, willing to serve as holiday decorations.

Comstock Park Lions Celebrate New Charter

The Comstock Park Lions Club celebrated it's charter festivities today as the newest Lions Club in the area at the American Legion Post 47 in Comstock Park. President of the newly formed chapter is Dan LaRocque, Treasurer and Vice President is Mike Vanden Bos, and Secretary is Barb Cote. Newly elected board members are Kim Root, Diane Dellinger, Rene Rhoades, Alex Arends, Laura Weld, Terri Vanden Bos and Mike Cote. Joining in the festivities were members from many chapters including North Muskegon, Fruitport, Marne, Grand Rapids, Walker, Muir and from the sponsoring chapter Rockford. Also on hand were state and international dignitaries.

Dan LaRocque, (left) receives official Banner, from Alpine Township resident Larry Staettler and Rockford Past President Jan Strauss

The Lions boast over a million three hundred members in 205 countries. Lions are active. Their motto is "We Serve." Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities. They will be a real asset to the Alpine and Plainfield Township Communities.

The strength of a community can often be measured by the number of active service organizations. Alpine Township can now boast two active organizations, the Comstock Park Rotary, and now the Comstock Park Lions.

Some of the Guests who joined this happy occasion

Some of the state and international dignitaries on hand

Barb Cote and Terri Vanden Bos ready to slice up a masterpiece

Santa Spotted in Alpine Township

Santa was surprised that he was spotted on Stony Creek NW today and was nice enough to pose for a picture while his reindeer were having lunch at the new Sonic Drive In on Alpine Ave.

You better watch out, you better not cry.

He's here already, I'm telling you why.

Alpine Township Leadership Breakfast

This morning, Alpine Township hosted the second annual Leadership Breakfast. Representatives from schools, churches, service organizations, the agricultural, business and residential communities met with Township Officials and enjoyed a special program presented by Greg Northrup, President of the West Michigan Regional Alliance, an organization whose mission is to serve as a catalyst for regional collaboration. In addition to local representation, the event was attended by County Commissioner Tom Antor, Under-sheriff Jon Hess and State Senator Mark Jansen.

Greg Northrup, President of Regional Alliance (in yellow sweater) moderating discussion















Attendees at each table had the opportunity to discuss strengths and weaknesses of their local community














After some discussion, it was the general consensus that the strength of Alpine Township is its diversity and its people. Issues attendees like to see addressed are the traffic on Alpine Ave. and more sidewalks. Attendees also indicated they would like to meet more frequently than once a year to colaborate on these and other community issues.

Ambushed

Winter came upon us with a vengeance Friday but the result was a beautiful white cover for everything that was standing, and a reminder that Christmas will soon be here. And after Christmas, the days will begin being longer again and Spring will be on the horizon.

Alpine Township Employees and a guest from the Kent County Road Commission breaking bread and eating soup together.














Four fantastic soups, great salads and breads had all employees escape from suffering post turkey syndrome.


















Volunteers moving some some historical items from a private barn into the Old Fire Station #3.