COMSTOCK PARK COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Help Celebrate,  Friday August 19th 2016 

Fiesta at the Park

The Alpine Township and Kent City branches of Kent District Library sponsored a Fiesta hosted at the Alpine Township Sports Complex.  Kids had a chance to play games. do paint facing, request animal balloon, free hot dogs and much more.  There was health information available, a booth from Sparta Public Schools for adult education classes and other groups. Special thanks to branch managers Shaunna Martz (Alpine), and Liz Knapp, Kent City, and all the other Kent District Library employees and volunteers who assisted.  Thanks also to the Fire Department and Kent County Sheriff's Department for their participation.

There was also futbol.  There was a kids tournament and later in the day the two top adult men team in the Liga Gigante battled each other for the championship.  Team :United" won 3-1 with "Kent City" taking second place.

Wednesday Evening Activities

With the possibility of rain in the forecast, the Alpine Township Library Pet Show was held in the Township Hall.  The room was filled to capacity as parents and their children came to either show off their pets or to see the show.  There were cats and dogs, a ferret and other pets that fortunately were house broken.

 

 

Meanwhile there was a woman  soccer game in progress at the Alpine Township Sports Complex, with Barcelona (yellow and red)  easily defeating the Latinas this evening.

 

Alpine Township Library Craft Sale for Kids and Teens

The Alpine Township Branch of the Kent District Library held a Craft Sale for Kids and Teens, and there were numerous items on display and offered for sale.  Participants had the opportunity to earn a few dollars, while one of the participants committed all her profits to Amazima Ministries to help the children of Uganda, after being inspired by the book Kisses from Katie, written by Katie Davis, (with Betty Clark) and available at the Alpine Township Library. Most of the tables were set inside the Townshop Hall while at least one participant chose a shady spot outside.  Sales went well enough so that all want to do it again next year.

 

Kent District Library Wins EPIC Award for Excellence in Business

At a recent ceremony at Meijer Gardens, the Kent District Library  was recognized by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Business, beating out two prestigious finalists, Cascade Engineering, Inc. and  Elzinga & Volkers, Inc.  The Award was sponsored by Meijer, Inc. and was part of the Chamber's EPIC Awards ceremonies. EPIC  stands for Entrepreneurial, Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative and the ceremony recognizes businesses and individuals that support the community, demonstrate growth, are innovative, and have worked with others as mentors and collaborators.

 

KDL Executive Director Lance Werner stopped by Alpine Township today and shared KDL's achievement with the Alpine Library staff as well as the Township Staff.  Accompanying Lance were Alpine Township Branch Manager Laura Weld, Alpine Township's representative on the Library Board Penny Weller, and Jacob Kraley, General Accountant at the Kent District Library's Headquarters in Comstock Park.  Along with giving credit to the KDL Board and Staff, Lance Werner thanked the Alpine Township staff for their continued support and encouragement.

 

Laura Weld, Lance Werner, Penny Weller, Jacob Kraley

 

Zoo Time at the Alpine Township Library

Pre schoolers who visited the Alpine Township Branch of the KDL Library on Tuesday did art and crafts as they learned about the animal kingdom.  The favorite of all was the construction of a paper parrot which many of the kids proudly displayed on their shoulder.  The children received an unexpected surprise when Kent County Community Policing Officer Deputy Nate Ertle stopped by and provided all the children with an easter bunny.

Local Author Visits Alpine Township Library

Jennifer Armitrout

Alpine Township library patrons, aspiring authors, die hard fans and friends had the opportunity to meet and talk with Jennifer Armitrout, a successful local author Wednesday night.  Jennifer Armintrout was born in 1980. Her debut novel, Blood Ties Book One: The Turning made the USA Today Bestsellers list in 2006. She has written a number of books since then, including a series of adult romance novels under the pen name of Abigail Barnette.  Visitors were treated to refreshments, the opportunity to get autographed copies of Jennier's books, and a chance to sit down with her and talk about a career in writing.

Jennifer Armitrout with long time and  new found friends and fans at the Alpine Township Hall

It's Like Coming Home!

Those were the words of Theresa Eastman her first day as librarian at the Alpine Township branch of the Kent District Library.  Theresa is a long time resident of Alpine Township and before transfering to the Alpine Township library, she worked at the Kent City Branch.  Theresa's favority color is blue, and she loves chocolate and hot tea. She is excited to work with Donna Meyering and Library Manager Laura Weld and be closer to home.

Alpine Township Library Staff Says Good Bye to Sarah Hartung,

Friday will be the last day for Alpine Township Librarian Sarah Hartung.  Sarah has taken advantage of a great career opportunity that will offer her full time employment.

The library staff ordered cake and offered Alpine Township employees the chance to share in the event celebration.  Those on the Township staff pass along their best wishes for Sarah.  She will be greatly missed.

Sarah Hartung

Best Wishes, Sarah!

Santa's Reindeer Make a Stop at the Alpine Township Library

Dozens of kids were entertained at the Alpine Township Library this Wednesday evening by two of Santa's reindeer.  The two took a well deserved rest from their travels around the globe.  Unfortunately, Santa and the other reindeer were unable to attend due to the heavy workload they have this time of the year.