Bulletin Template (Jun. 25, 2026)

Hello! This will be a double edition! With the change in leadership, I feel it is important to include the article missed from June. I want to especially apologize to Jerry for this delay. Enjoy this SPECIAL double edition!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President for the last two years. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside dedicated individuals who share a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others.

During the past two years, our club has continued to demonstrate the power of Service Above Self. Whether supporting local students and families, partnering on community projects, contributing to international humanitarian efforts, or volunteering our time throughout the community, you have consistently represented the very best of Rotary. The impact we make is only possible because of the commitment, generosity, and teamwork of our Rotarians.

As we look ahead, one of the most important opportunities for our members to continue that impact is participation in our upcoming Chicken BBQ. This event is not only our club’s largest and longest-standing fundraiser, but it also directly supports opportunities that change lives for local students. Proceeds from the Chicken BBQ help fund the Dream Scholarship and provide high school students the opportunity to participate in the Life Leadership Conference. These programs reflect our club’s commitment to investing in the future of young people within our community.

As we prepare to welcome Michelle Cooper as the next President, Dan Nowak as President-Elect, and Dave Washburn as a new Director on our Board, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. Our incoming leadership team brings fresh ideas, energy, and a strong commitment to continuing the important work of our club. I have every confidence that even greater success and impact are ahead for our Rotary family.

Finally, please join me in thanking Diane VanEpps for her steadfast leadership within our club for the last several years in which she has served as Vice-President, President and Past President. She is an inspiring servant leader who continues to make our club better.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President.

Yours in service,

Gerald Hopkins
President, 2024-2026

Becoming Rotary President is a tremendous honor, but it's also a big step outside my comfort zone. Public speaking has never been my favorite thing, so I ask for your patience and support as I find my footing in this role.

First, I want to take a moment to acknowledge Penny, Amy, and anyone else in our Rotary family who may be facing challenges right now. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We lift you up collectively, hold you in our hearts, and stand with you in support and friendship.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank Jerry Hopkins for the tremendous job he did during his presidency. Jerry, you made everything look effortless, but I know how much time, energy, and dedication you gave to this club. We would not be where we are today without your leadership, commitment, and example. You leave some very big shoes to fill, and I am grateful for the foundation you have helped build. Thank you for all you have done for our club.

We are a small club, and one of my goals this year is for us to truly get to know one another. Each of us brings unique strengths, talents, and ideas, and I would like us to identify those strengths and build upon them for the benefit of our club and our community.

To help make that happen, I'd like to share my cell phone number: 616-600-3509. I would love to spend a few minutes with each of you to hear your ideas, goals, and hopes for our club. Your input matters, and I want to make sure every member has a voice.

My hope is that we continue the strong tradition this club has built while finding new opportunities to grow our impact in the community. Together, I believe we can accomplish great things.

Thank you for your support, your friendship, and your commitment to Rotary. I am excited about the year ahead and look forward to serving alongside each of you.

-Michelle

Upcoming Events:

Board Meeting: Thursday, July 9th @ Comstock Administrative office, 10:50-11:50AM

Club Assembly: Thursday, July 9th @ Mill Creek Tavern, 12:10 pm

Club Assembly: Thursday, July 16th @ Mill Creek Tavern, 12:10 pm

Project in a day: Thursday, July 30th -Servpro is hosting a blood drive from

2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

June

Birthdays: Scott Ingersoll - 5,

Robert Hohman - 27

Anniversaries: Alex Arends - 14,

Kyle Perrault - 20, Kent Gagnon - 27, Haley Slagboom - 28

July

Birthdays: Sharon Steffens - 2,

Daniel Nowak - 2

Anniversaries: Kevin Gritters - 23

With this being the 1^st issue of Rotary Year 2026/2027 Sharon has provided this very timely timeline:

Timeline of the History of Michigan, Kent County, Dwight-Lydell Park, Comstock Park School District. Comstock Park Rotary, and the Downtown Development Authority of Comstock Park.

1804: After the American Revolution, Michigan was a part of the Northwest Territory until it became the Territory of Michigan in 1804.
1821: Ottawa Indians ceded almost all southwest Michigan to the US Government in the Chicago Treaty of 1821.
1836: Lands north of the Grand River were ceded by the Indians in a treaty.
1836: Kent County is officially organized, named after Chancellor James Kent.
1837: Michigan becomes the 26th state in the United States.
1848: Comstock Park Post office was established.
1857: Comstock Park is founded, originally known as North Park.
Early 1900s: The Comstock Park School District is formed, providing educational services to the community and supporting the growth and development of the Early 1900s: The Comstock Park School District is formed, providing educational services to the community and supporting the growth and development of local students.
1949: State deeded land to Kent Conty for a park.
1952: The Comstock Park Rotary Club is chartered, beginning its history of community service and local projects.
1954: Dwight-Lydell Park is dedicated to Comstock Park area, serving as a community green space and recreation area. The state had a fish hatchery on the property. The park was named after the Director of the Hatchery.

1988: The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Comstock Park is established to promote economic growth, revitalize the downtown area, and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses.

Present Day: Michigan, Kent County, Dwight-Lydell Park, and Comstock Park Rotary continue to grow and serve their communities, fostering local pride and engagement.

Thank you Sharon!