Free help with Tax Preparation

The Kent County Tax Coalition can help you complete your income tax return and apply for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal income tax credit for working individuals and families.  U.S. Citizenship is not required for filing a return, but you must file a tax return to claim your credit.  Take advantage of this assistance!  There are 22 locations in Kent County, including the Comstock Park Library at 3943 W. River Dr. NE, Comstock Park.
Volunteers from the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition (sponsored by the Heart of West Michigan United Way) will be at the branch from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday evenings, February 10 – March 31

 

With an average reported income of $14,324, clients can use these tax refunds for basic necessities such as food and clothing, home and car repairs, or medical treatment. Financial literacy courses are also offered to clients, 90% of whom come from Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

According to Brenda Brame, Program Director for the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition, “Many residents of Kent County don’t realize they have refunds due to them, or think they cannot afford professional tax preparation. The quality service we offer saves West Michigan workers hundreds of dollars and results in tax credits that make a big difference in their lives.“

For the 2011 tax season, who is eligible?

To calculate an estimate of your tax return or to see if you are eligible for any tax credits, click here to use the Estimator Tool.

*Income needs to be no more than the listed amount.

**Tax Credit is available up to the listed amount.

Michigan Township Association Annual Conference

Officials from many of the 1.240 Townships in Michigan are gathered in Grand Rapids this week attending the annual conference of the Michigan Township Association.

Alpine Township Trustee Ted Wallace was proud to represent Alpine Township as flag bearer in the opening ceremonies.

 Trustee Ted Wallace with Alpine Township Flag

 At Michigan Township Association Annual Conference in Grand Rapids

Pirates Invade Alpine Township Library

The Alpine Township Hall  and Library have been under siege a number of times already this year.  A few weeks ago it were bunnies and Max and Ruby. Tuesday it were all preschool pirates. It was "Yo Ho Ho" minus a bottle of rum.  You could hear a lot of pirate comments such as "Arr" but by the end of the morning all was peaceful.  Those wishing to know what the next program may be are encouraged to visit the KDL website 

Arr!

 Those eye patches and hooks are real!  Made by the pirates themselves!

 

 Library Manager Laura Weld as a modern day Jack Sparrow,  recruiting crew member

Enjoying the crafts

In Memory of John Francis Boeheim

John Boeheim

John Boheim passed away last Thursday, January 20th 2011, at the age of 86.

John is remembered as a solid family man and a compassionate Christian. John was a World War II veteran.  As a pastoral associate at Holy Trinity Church,  John served his community in many ways, including community outreach and christian education.   In 1983, he was appointed Alpine Township Supervisor to fill the position vacated by Phil Paepke.  John is remembered by the current Supervisor for his willingness to offer political and spiritual advise. In addition to being compassionate, John was also very passionate about the direction his country was taking, and had the courage to speak up.  He wrote three books including "A Modern Day Jeremiah?" published in 2007 and "Yes Virginia, there Is a God" published in 2009.

The Alpine Township community is grateful for the life of John Boeheim and for the lives he touched.

John F. Boeheim Jr. aged 86 went to be with his Lord and family on Thursday, January 20, 2011. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Ann in 2006, daughter Marianne and son John Boeheim III. John will be lovingly remembered by his children: Kathy (Michael) Niedzwiecki, Patrick (Barb) Boeheim, Peggy (Pete) Gonzalez, Molly ( Lloyd) Scoby; grandchildren: Matthew (Yumi) Niedzwiecki, Meghan (Scott) Marcusse, Abby & Zach Boeheim, Christina & Josie Gonzalez, Jeff (Tiffany) Scoby, Joy (Terry) Avink, Susan Scoby; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters: Mary Patricia (John) Connors, Joan (Floyd) Shaddeau, Susan (Ted) Jacques and many nieces and nephews. John was a World War II veteran and an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He was an avid football fan and enjoyed volunteering at God's Kitchen. Later in his life he wrote three books. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Monday, January 24, 2011 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1200 Alpine Church Rd NW with Rev. Tom McKinney, celebrant. Relatives and friends may greet John's family on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE and one hour prior to the service at church. A scripture service will be held on Sunday at 7:30 PM at the funeral home. For those who wish, memorials can be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1200 Alpine Church Rd Comstock Park, MI 49321 or God's Kitchen, 303 Division Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

Comstock Park Relay For Life Kickoff Party

Relay for Life held it's kick off party Thursday night and lots of excited volunteers came out to help celebrate despite the snow and a Comstock Park Bond Proposal rally scheduled for the same evening.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.  More information and updates can be found at Comstock Park Relay for Life.

 Student participants manned stations with information 

 

From left to right,Dawn Trasky, Debbie Benjamin, Linda Lozen and Mary Willacker were just a few of the many volunteers for this American Cancer Society sponsored event.



Betty Czarnecki proud of grand children's participation in the event.



Meanwhile, about a mile away at Mill Creek Middle School, Comstock Park Cheerleaders helped kick off a rally in support of the bond proposal.  More information on the bond proposal can be found here.

Township Clerks Meet at Alpine Township Hall

Clerks from six Kent County Townships met at the Alpine Township Hall this afternoon with auditors from Siegfried Crandall Certified Public Accountants to learn how to make improvements to their auditing processes.

Rotary Club Briefed on Comstock Park Schools Bond Proposal

Comstock Park Rotarians were briefed today on the Comstock Park Schools Bond Proposals by fellow Rotarian School Superintendent Ethan Ebenstein.  Also present for the presentation was Campaign Chairperson Denise Clement, who handed out green ribbons and armbands for those wishing to support the upcoming bond proposal.  Supporters of the bond proposal will officially kick of their campaign tonight beginning with a Pep Rally at Mill Creek Middle School.  According to the Grand Rapids Press, property owners will decide in February whether to fund a $21.5 million debt extension for projects in technology, energy savings, security and transportation, and a $7.9 million proposal to construct a multipurpose space at Comstock Park High School and improve the athletic stadium. An additional 1 mill will be levied only if both proposals pass. 

Denise Clement and Ethan Ebenstein

To get more information, readers are invited to look up the brochure at

http://cppschools.com/Portals/0/Bond%20Issue%20Information/CPPS_bondbrochure2011_v.2.pdf

Comstock Park Lions Swear in Newest Member

Earl Howell, Craig Wheeler and District Governor Fran Osborne

The Comstock Park Lions witnessed its latest member getting sworn in by District Governor Fran Osborne during last night's visit to the Muir Lions Club. Craig Wheeler, who is employed in the vincinity of Muir, lives in nearby Coopersville and is anxious to get involved in community service.

The Comstock Park Lions were chartered last year.  They currently meet at 5:30 PM every first Tuesday of the month at the R & R. Coffeehouse and Cafe at 3922 West River Drive N.E. across from Dwight Lydell Park.  The Comstock Park Lions Club is currently in the progress of conducting a fundraiser with the Alpine Ave, Applebees, which committed  to donating 20% of the bill of any party presenting a copy of the attached coupon all day Sunday, February 20th.  100% of the proceeds will be used to send visually impaired youth to Bear Lake Camp this summer. 

Comstock Park Relay For Life Kickoff Party

A Kick-Off Party for this year’s American Cancer Society fight against cancer will be held on , Jan. 20 2011 at 6:30 PM at  Greenridge Elementary School, 3825 Oakridge, NW Comstock Park. Relay For Life, a community-wide celebration of hope, is a fun-filled, overnight fundraiser celebrating cancer survivorship and raising money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society.

New Planning Commission Members

Alpine Township appointed two new Planning Commission Members whose terms begin this month.  New Planning Commissioners are Chuck Jakems and Mike Kayner.  They will be officially sworn in at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting Thursday, January 20th.  Chuck and Mike replace outgoing Planning Commission Members Max Dunneback and Nelda Johnson, who served two three year terms, and were recognized for their service at the December meeting. 

Chuck Jakems (left) and Mike Kayner (right) meeting with Alpine Township Planner Sue Thomas and receiving orientation regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Planning Commission.

Max and Ruby and Friends Populate Alpine Township Library.

The Alpine Township branch of the KDL Library hosted a well attended Max and Ruby Party for pre-schoolers yesterday.  Max and Ruby were created by children's book author and illustrators Rosemary Wells and made its debut as an animated series in 2001. Max is a rambunctious and determined three-year-old bunny, and his big sister, Ruby, a patient,goal oriented, sometimes restrictive seven-year-old bunny.  Bunny games, bunny crafts and other book-related bunny fun were all part of the party!

Little bunnies took over the Township Hall

 Some bunnies were industious

 Some bunnies were very serious

Some bunnnies were artistic

Some bunnies were excited

Some bunnies were studious