The city of Zeeland will host “Sweet Summer Night,” an outdoor movie with treats, on July 31 at 7 p.m. on Elm Street between Main Avenue and Cherry Avenue.
Event goers can receive complimentary popcorn and a sweet treat beginning at 7 p.m. The DreamWorks Animation movie “The Wild Robot” will be shown on Elm between Main and Cherry. Bring a chair and make yourself comfortable to watch the movie outdoors on the big screen.
“This event is a great way to enjoy the warm nights of summer! The whole family can come out and enjoy a movie under the stars.” City Events Coordinator Kerri VanDorp said.
Concessions and seating will start at 7 p.m. and the film will start at 7:30 p.m.
“Sweet Summer Night” is presented by gold event sponsors Zeeland Board of Public Works and State Farm Insurance Rachel Karhoff Agency.
Event goers can receive complimentary popcorn and a sweet treat beginning at 7 p.m. The DreamWorks Animation movie “The Wild Robot” will be shown on Elm between Main and Cherry. Bring a chair and make yourself comfortable to watch the movie outdoors on the big screen.
“This event is a great way to enjoy the warm nights of summer! The whole family can come out and enjoy a movie under the stars.” City Events Coordinator Kerri VanDorp said.
Concessions and seating will start at 7 p.m. and the film will start at 7:30 p.m.
“Sweet Summer Night” is presented by gold event sponsors Zeeland Board of Public Works and State Farm Insurance Rachel Karhoff Agency.
Hetherton Brings Experience, Heart to ZPS Superintendent Role
Zeeland Public Schools Superintendent Rod Hetherton is nearing the end of his first month on the job. Hetherton was hired as ZPS superintendent by the district’s school board last month.
Photo courtesy Zeeland Public Schools
By Brandy Navetta
Zeeland Public Schools
Rod Hetherton is settling nicely into his new role as superintendent of Zeeland Public Schools.
Hetherton was appointed as ZPS’ new superintendent on a unanimous vote of the Board of Education earlier this summer.
Hetherton, who most recently served as superintendent in Swartz Creek Community Schools, brings more than 20 years of experience in public education.
Before becoming superintendent in Swartz Creek, Hetherton held roles as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. He said it’s the people he worked with along the way who shaped him as a leader:
“Each of the three superintendents I worked under had a different style, and I learned something from all of them,” Hetherton said. “I’ve also learned a great deal from our principals, teachers, support staff, and students. Every interaction is an opportunity to grow.”
Hetherton said Zeeland’s strong sense of community is what drew him to the district.
“Zeeland is a place where people truly care about one another and about education,” he said. “There’s an authenticity here, and I’ve already seen the depth of relationships between staff, families, and students. My family and I are excited to become part of it.”
As he begins his first year, Hetherton is focused on listening, learning, and connecting.
“My top priority is building strong, healthy relationships with students, staff, and the broader community,” he said. “Getting to know people and understanding what matters to them is the foundation for everything else.”
Hetherton also acknowledged the district’s continued success and momentum, including the upcoming bond proposal on the November ballot:
“Zeeland has a long history of supporting its schools,” he said. “I look forward to joining those conversations and helping ensure the community feels informed and engaged.”
Zeeland Public Schools has several events planned this coming year for community engagement events for parents, students, and stakeholders. Those dates will be shared widely once determined.
Hetherton and his wife, Ashley, a special education teacher and consultant, have a blended family with five children. Her sons, Harry and Henry, will be entering fifth and seventh grade this fall.
Hetherton’s three grown children include Adrianna, who serves in the U.S. Air Force in Alaska; Jacob, a pediatric ICU nurse in Flint; and Andrew, who is finishing a physical therapy program and hopes to intern in Grand Rapids.
The Hetherton family also includes two doodles: Luna, a 7-year-old Goldendoodle, and Appa, a playful 1-year-old Newfiepoo.
Zeeland Public Schools
Rod Hetherton is settling nicely into his new role as superintendent of Zeeland Public Schools.
Hetherton was appointed as ZPS’ new superintendent on a unanimous vote of the Board of Education earlier this summer.
Hetherton, who most recently served as superintendent in Swartz Creek Community Schools, brings more than 20 years of experience in public education.
Before becoming superintendent in Swartz Creek, Hetherton held roles as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. He said it’s the people he worked with along the way who shaped him as a leader:
“Each of the three superintendents I worked under had a different style, and I learned something from all of them,” Hetherton said. “I’ve also learned a great deal from our principals, teachers, support staff, and students. Every interaction is an opportunity to grow.”
Hetherton said Zeeland’s strong sense of community is what drew him to the district.
“Zeeland is a place where people truly care about one another and about education,” he said. “There’s an authenticity here, and I’ve already seen the depth of relationships between staff, families, and students. My family and I are excited to become part of it.”
As he begins his first year, Hetherton is focused on listening, learning, and connecting.
“My top priority is building strong, healthy relationships with students, staff, and the broader community,” he said. “Getting to know people and understanding what matters to them is the foundation for everything else.”
Hetherton also acknowledged the district’s continued success and momentum, including the upcoming bond proposal on the November ballot:
“Zeeland has a long history of supporting its schools,” he said. “I look forward to joining those conversations and helping ensure the community feels informed and engaged.”
Zeeland Public Schools has several events planned this coming year for community engagement events for parents, students, and stakeholders. Those dates will be shared widely once determined.
Hetherton and his wife, Ashley, a special education teacher and consultant, have a blended family with five children. Her sons, Harry and Henry, will be entering fifth and seventh grade this fall.
Hetherton’s three grown children include Adrianna, who serves in the U.S. Air Force in Alaska; Jacob, a pediatric ICU nurse in Flint; and Andrew, who is finishing a physical therapy program and hopes to intern in Grand Rapids.
The Hetherton family also includes two doodles: Luna, a 7-year-old Goldendoodle, and Appa, a playful 1-year-old Newfiepoo.
Ottawa County to Host Veterans Job Fair
Ottawa County Veterans Services is scheduled to host its first-ever Veterans Job Fair next Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fillmore Administration Building, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive in Conference Room H.
The event is free and open to the public. It places a special emphasis on serving veterans, military spouses, and their families by providing opportunities to connect with more than 20 local employers from a wide range of industries.
“We’re excited to bring together veteran-friendly employers and members of our community for this unique event,” County Veterans Services Director Jason Schenkel said. “Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, reentering the workforce, or looking for a new opportunity, this job fair is designed to support your next step.”
Attendees will have access to career coaching, resume support, educational resources, and giveaways throughout the day.
Participating employers will be on site to meet with job seekers and provide information about a wide range of current job openings across Ottawa County and the surrounding region. This event offers attendees the opportunity to learn more about local companies, ask questions directly, and explore positions that align with their skills and career goals.
Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and come prepared to speak with hiring representatives. No registration is required to attend.
For more information, contact Ottawa County Veterans Services at (616) 393-VETS or veteranservices@miottawa.org.
The event is free and open to the public. It places a special emphasis on serving veterans, military spouses, and their families by providing opportunities to connect with more than 20 local employers from a wide range of industries.
“We’re excited to bring together veteran-friendly employers and members of our community for this unique event,” County Veterans Services Director Jason Schenkel said. “Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, reentering the workforce, or looking for a new opportunity, this job fair is designed to support your next step.”
Attendees will have access to career coaching, resume support, educational resources, and giveaways throughout the day.
Participating employers will be on site to meet with job seekers and provide information about a wide range of current job openings across Ottawa County and the surrounding region. This event offers attendees the opportunity to learn more about local companies, ask questions directly, and explore positions that align with their skills and career goals.
Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and come prepared to speak with hiring representatives. No registration is required to attend.
For more information, contact Ottawa County Veterans Services at (616) 393-VETS or veteranservices@miottawa.org.
33rd Annual Pig Out a Success in Zeeland
A Zeeland Fire Rescue Department firefighter serves up roast pork at the department’s annual Pig Out fundraiser last Thursday.
Photo by Greg Chandler
A good time was had by all last Thursday at Lawrence Street Park as the Zeeland Fire Rescue Department held its 33rd Pig Out fundraiser.
Hundreds turned out at the park to enjoy a meal of roast pork, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, rolls, ice cream and various beverages. Kids could check out fire and rescue vehicles on site, and a live band performed during the afternoon. Proceeds from the event go to support the fire department’s education and fire prevention programs.
“It’s just a great community event. It’s good to see people come out and enjoy (everything),” Fire Chief Ross Tibbets said.
The Pig Out was founded by the late Don Vos, founder of the then-volunteer Zeeland Rescue service, in 1991. The event had a two-year hiatus earlier this decade because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tibbets said.
One program the department is looking at to use some of the proceeds from the Pig Out is an initiative to teach residents how to properly use a fire extinguisher, Tibbets said.
Hundreds turned out at the park to enjoy a meal of roast pork, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, rolls, ice cream and various beverages. Kids could check out fire and rescue vehicles on site, and a live band performed during the afternoon. Proceeds from the event go to support the fire department’s education and fire prevention programs.
“It’s just a great community event. It’s good to see people come out and enjoy (everything),” Fire Chief Ross Tibbets said.
The Pig Out was founded by the late Don Vos, founder of the then-volunteer Zeeland Rescue service, in 1991. The event had a two-year hiatus earlier this decade because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tibbets said.
One program the department is looking at to use some of the proceeds from the Pig Out is an initiative to teach residents how to properly use a fire extinguisher, Tibbets said.
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