Ribbon ceremony: special appreciation for colleague and volunteer
Traditionally, the ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place before King's Day. With no fewer than 16 decorated from Lelystad, Mayor Mieke Baltus spoke over a downpour on Friday morning. All the decorated and their partners did not fit on the podium, so it was done in two rounds. The mayor had a personal story for each Lelystad resident. She pinned on the ribbon in the name of the king, handed everyone flowers, had their photo taken and afterwards there was a toast with everyone present.
From Welfare, there were no less than three decorated: our colleague Linda from De Opstap/Automaatje, volunteer Anneke in den Haak from the VoorleesExpress and Marie-Lousie Bekhuis, former member of the Supervisory Board. Nice to see that many of our colleagues attended the festive gathering in the Agora.
Our colleague Linda
Our Linda was royally awarded at the Agora Theatre on Friday morning. Mayor Mieke Baltus appointed her - in the name of the king - Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Linda received this ribbon for her commitment to the Watersportweekend Lelystad Flevoland in Bataviahaven, SV Lelystad '67 and the IDO (Interkerkelijk Diakonaal Overleg).
The mayor also read out a nice quote about Linda. "The fact that Linda has a very modest and somewhat introverted character makes us feel that she deserves precisely this appreciation. Linda is the silent force that closes the gaps that need to be filled. A woman who deserves a big 10."
Anneke volunteer the VoorleesExpress
Our volunteer Anneke in den Haak of the ReadingExpress was also appointed Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau. She ran the school library at De Boeier primary school for many years and has been associated with the ReadingExpress for many years. Colelga Bojoura works a lot with her.
"Through all weathers, she tears through the neighbourhood in her mobility scooter on her way to a reading family. Always cheerful, the children are often waiting for her at the door. I begrudge everyone an 'Anneke' in their lives."
Marie-Louise Bekhuis of the Supervisory Board
To close, Marie-Louise Bekhuis also received a ribbon. Until this year, she was a member of our Supervisory Board and regularly attended (staff) meetings. She received the award for her commitment to, among others, the Soroptimist Club Flevoland, the Artists' Association Flevoland, the Clients' Council of St Jansdal, the sounding board group of the new building of St Jansdal and the Supervisory Board of Welzijn Lelystad.
"She regularly walks in the field with different workers and invariably attends staff meetings. She asks the director critical questions when she sees reason to do so, but also lets it be known when she is impressed by what she has seen and heard. She is a good listener and is empathetic."
Hans van der Zant volunteer Plein 201 in Hanzeborg
Hans is a volunteer at heart and is committed to several organisations. For instance, not only can he be found at Plein 201 (Hanzeborg), but also at MDF Flevoland and football club SVL and the listening line can count on his unconditional commitment.
“Hans' strength lies in being people-oriented, thinking along in practical terms, his down-to-earthness and humour. He is the rough-and-tumble type. It is admirable how he volunteered day and night to assist victims of serious crimes and traffic accidents so soon after a shocking event."
René van Essen, Seniorweb volunteer in Atolplaza
Finally, René is also someone who actively volunteers for the city. We know him from Senioweb in Atolplaza, but he also volunteers for the Petrus Church and the Batavia Yard.
"He is a cheerful man who when he comes in, often well before Seniorweb starts, passes everyone inside Atolplaza. Nothing is too much for him, if something needs to be done he always lends a hand. Friendly, and with a nice dose of humour."
