Zeeland Mayor Kevin Klynstra shakes the hand of Ally Velderman as she receives her certificate for completing the Citizens Academy program at Monday’s City Council meeting.
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
When Ally Velderman took over as president of the City on a Hill ministry center in Zeeland earlier this year, one of the first pieces of advice she received was from her predecessor, Shawn Newhouse.
Newhouse was part of the first class to go through the city’s Citizens Academy last year, and she recommended that Velderman go through the program to learn more about how the city operates.
On Monday night, Velderman and 13 other residents were honored by the City Council for having completed the six-week course, which she called “the perfect on-ramp” to learning about the city.
“Every week, I found myself so proud (to be in Zeeland), whether it was the cleanliness of truly every department, the kindness and expertise of every employee – I think we saw first-hand that this is a very special place,” Velderman said. “I knew that, but now I have more proof.”
The Citizens Academy gives residents a chance to expand their knowledge of how city government works. Sessions address such topics as city administration, finance, streets, public safety, community development, library and the downtown area. They also cover local history and elections, City Marketing Director Abby deRoo said.
City Manager Tim Klunder called this year’s academy “another tremendous success.”
“All these folks, they were engaged, they were asking questions,” Klunder said. “Never did I get the sense that (people were thinking) ‘are we going to be done here pretty quick, get us out of here.’ I congratulate you on that, and thanks for your interest in the city of Zeeland.”
Velderman’s brother, Pierce, was also part of this year’s Citizens Academy cohort. Other participants included Eli VanSingel, Vince Boileau, Tod Fineout, Rebecca Perkins, Sheri Holstege, Rick Woodard, Beso Sharabidze, CJ Otteman, Karen Blaukamp, Margo Bowman, Steve Grewell and Josh Wall.
Anyone interested in being part of the next Citizens Academy should be a city resident, a utility customer of the Zeeland Board of Public works or work at a business within the city.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to pass a background check.
Zeeland Record
When Ally Velderman took over as president of the City on a Hill ministry center in Zeeland earlier this year, one of the first pieces of advice she received was from her predecessor, Shawn Newhouse.
Newhouse was part of the first class to go through the city’s Citizens Academy last year, and she recommended that Velderman go through the program to learn more about how the city operates.
On Monday night, Velderman and 13 other residents were honored by the City Council for having completed the six-week course, which she called “the perfect on-ramp” to learning about the city.
“Every week, I found myself so proud (to be in Zeeland), whether it was the cleanliness of truly every department, the kindness and expertise of every employee – I think we saw first-hand that this is a very special place,” Velderman said. “I knew that, but now I have more proof.”
The Citizens Academy gives residents a chance to expand their knowledge of how city government works. Sessions address such topics as city administration, finance, streets, public safety, community development, library and the downtown area. They also cover local history and elections, City Marketing Director Abby deRoo said.
City Manager Tim Klunder called this year’s academy “another tremendous success.”
“All these folks, they were engaged, they were asking questions,” Klunder said. “Never did I get the sense that (people were thinking) ‘are we going to be done here pretty quick, get us out of here.’ I congratulate you on that, and thanks for your interest in the city of Zeeland.”
Velderman’s brother, Pierce, was also part of this year’s Citizens Academy cohort. Other participants included Eli VanSingel, Vince Boileau, Tod Fineout, Rebecca Perkins, Sheri Holstege, Rick Woodard, Beso Sharabidze, CJ Otteman, Karen Blaukamp, Margo Bowman, Steve Grewell and Josh Wall.
Anyone interested in being part of the next Citizens Academy should be a city resident, a utility customer of the Zeeland Board of Public works or work at a business within the city.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to pass a background check.
Chalk Festival, Music On Main Next Week
Zeeland’s fifth Chalk Festival will take place next Thursday, and for the second time it will be combined with Music on Main.
Chalk Fest will be held on Elm Street between Main and Cherry avenues and Music on Main will be on Main between Elm and Church streets.
The public is welcome to stroll the street to view the finished art from 6 to 9 p.m. and vote for their favorite piece, enjoy live music as well as an opportunity to speak with the artists. The event will include entertainment for all ages.
Artists will be using chalk as their medium and the street as their canvas. They will be creating pieces that are 6-foot-by-6-foot large along the street. Event goers can vote for their favorite Thursday night and watch social media for the winner to be announced on Friday.
This is a great way to expose young children to appreciate art in a different form. The artists for the event rang from teens to adults as well as professional training and self-taught.
Featured artists at this year’s event are Gwendolyn Russell, Johnathan Buggs, Danae Wilson, Carly Schaub, Ella Pettit, Colette Goska, Haylie Szarejko, Rachel Murray and Emily Miller.
Music on Main will feature performances by the Bakker Hanegraaff band from 6 to 9 p.m. on Main Street, along with food trucks and yard games.
Chalk Fest is brought to you by Zeeland Ace Hardware and Zeeland Board of Public Works.
Music on Main is brought to you by Gold Sponsors - Zeeland Ace Hardware, StrEATS Taco, Van Der Kolk Plumbing, Geenen Dekock Properties, JR Automation, Centennial Coatings, and Diverse Dimension; and Silver Sponsors - IC Designs, Zeeland Board of Public Works, Zeeland Family Density, Koele Godfrey Investment Group, Drip Coffee, Dekker’s Jewelry, Lake Michigan Credit Union.
For weather updates, check feelthezeel.com.
Chalk Fest will be held on Elm Street between Main and Cherry avenues and Music on Main will be on Main between Elm and Church streets.
The public is welcome to stroll the street to view the finished art from 6 to 9 p.m. and vote for their favorite piece, enjoy live music as well as an opportunity to speak with the artists. The event will include entertainment for all ages.
Artists will be using chalk as their medium and the street as their canvas. They will be creating pieces that are 6-foot-by-6-foot large along the street. Event goers can vote for their favorite Thursday night and watch social media for the winner to be announced on Friday.
This is a great way to expose young children to appreciate art in a different form. The artists for the event rang from teens to adults as well as professional training and self-taught.
Featured artists at this year’s event are Gwendolyn Russell, Johnathan Buggs, Danae Wilson, Carly Schaub, Ella Pettit, Colette Goska, Haylie Szarejko, Rachel Murray and Emily Miller.
Music on Main will feature performances by the Bakker Hanegraaff band from 6 to 9 p.m. on Main Street, along with food trucks and yard games.
Chalk Fest is brought to you by Zeeland Ace Hardware and Zeeland Board of Public Works.
Music on Main is brought to you by Gold Sponsors - Zeeland Ace Hardware, StrEATS Taco, Van Der Kolk Plumbing, Geenen Dekock Properties, JR Automation, Centennial Coatings, and Diverse Dimension; and Silver Sponsors - IC Designs, Zeeland Board of Public Works, Zeeland Family Density, Koele Godfrey Investment Group, Drip Coffee, Dekker’s Jewelry, Lake Michigan Credit Union.
For weather updates, check feelthezeel.com.
County Warning Siren Test Friday
A test of Ottawa County’s outdoor warning sirens will take place this Friday at noon.
These sirens are part of the county’s emergency alert system and are designed to warn people who are outdoors of imminent threats, such as tornadoes, severe hail, hazardous materials incidents, or other life-threatening emergencies.
What to do if you hear a siren:
• If it is a test: Use the moment to think through your emergency plan. Where would you go? How would you stay informed?
• If it is not a test: Immediately go indoors and seek more information from trusted sources like weather radios, news stations, or emergency alert apps.
Please remember these are outdoor warning sirens and are not meant to be your only form of notification. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive alerts, including:
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your smartphone
• Local news and weather apps
• Ottawa County Emergency Management updates
All residents are encouraged to use this test as an opportunity to review their emergency plans and make sure they're ready for whatever comes our way.
For more information on outdoor warning sirens, please visit the county emergency management webpage at miottawa.org/sheriff/em/sirens.
These sirens are part of the county’s emergency alert system and are designed to warn people who are outdoors of imminent threats, such as tornadoes, severe hail, hazardous materials incidents, or other life-threatening emergencies.
What to do if you hear a siren:
• If it is a test: Use the moment to think through your emergency plan. Where would you go? How would you stay informed?
• If it is not a test: Immediately go indoors and seek more information from trusted sources like weather radios, news stations, or emergency alert apps.
Please remember these are outdoor warning sirens and are not meant to be your only form of notification. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive alerts, including:
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your smartphone
• Local news and weather apps
• Ottawa County Emergency Management updates
All residents are encouraged to use this test as an opportunity to review their emergency plans and make sure they're ready for whatever comes our way.
For more information on outdoor warning sirens, please visit the county emergency management webpage at miottawa.org/sheriff/em/sirens.
Yoga In Lawrence Street Park Starts Next Week
Zeeland Recreation will begin its Yoga in the Park series next Thursday at Lawrence Street Park.
Free classes will be offered for both families and adults every Thursday from June 12 to Aug. 21, with the exception of July 3.
The Family Sing Song Yoga class will take place from 9 to 9:45 a.m., with the adult yoga class for those 12 years old and older running from 10 to 11 a.m.
No registration is needed and no yoga experience is required. Please bring your own mat or a towel. Classes may be cancelled due to inclement weather, with any notice of cancellations being posted on Zeeland Recreation’s social media pages.
Free classes will be offered for both families and adults every Thursday from June 12 to Aug. 21, with the exception of July 3.
The Family Sing Song Yoga class will take place from 9 to 9:45 a.m., with the adult yoga class for those 12 years old and older running from 10 to 11 a.m.
No registration is needed and no yoga experience is required. Please bring your own mat or a towel. Classes may be cancelled due to inclement weather, with any notice of cancellations being posted on Zeeland Recreation’s social media pages.
