How long have you lived in Orange City?
1991 I came to college here. I officially stayed after graduation in 1995.
Where did you move from?
A farm near Schaller, Iowa
Why did you move to Orange City?
My parents had gone to some auction in the area and drove through Orange City on the way home. It was my senior year of high school and I was looking for the right college. When mom and dad got home, they told me they went through the cleanest town you ever saw and that there was a college there that I should check out. They had stopped to eat at the Towne House (before it was Nederlanders) and said it was the best food and the people were so nice. So, I contacted the college to send some information. I started looking through it and it was everything I was looking for in a college. Then in 1994, there was this guy that kept driving by on his motorcycle and smiling and waving. One day I was helping a friend move and he drove by. So I flagged him down and said you look cute and strong, can you help us move some boxes? He did and the rest, as they say, is history. We were married in Christ Chapel in 1997.
How would you describe your lifestyle in Orange City (work, school, activities)?
I just became the first director of the Dutch American Heritage Museum (DAHM). I’m also the secretary/treasurer of the Lions Club. We have one son who also went to Northwestern and married a Dordt gal. They just had their first baby in January. So, I am a grandma to little Ezra and also to two granddogs–Hachi and Matcha. We’ve also been a host family to students at Northwestern. We can be seen at pretty much every Northwestern football game.
What has surprised you the most about living in Orange City?
The example of the people. They don’t just talk the talk–they walk the walk. The generosity amongst the people really has stood out to me. You need help? By golly, we’ll get you connected to the people that can provide what you need. You need a church family? By golly, we’ve got several to choose from. The resources available in our community and the people that give of their time and resources has been so refreshing.
What do you most enjoy about the community?
I actually enjoy bringing people to town who have never been here and seeing it through their eyes. My son had some friends come to Tulip Festival from Blue Springs, MO a couple years ago. I just met up with them the other day, and they are still talking about how helpful and kind all the people were. They were amazed at how clean the town was and even with a festival going on, the streets were still pretty clean–even without the street scrubbing 🙂 lol One of the guys said he just can’t get over that a place like Orange City exists.
What makes Orange City unique from other places you’ve lived?
It’s definitely the people. There are so many people who want to make sure this town stays beautiful and thrives. The town park project is a good example of that. Repurposing the old elementary area is a good example of that. The 55+ community housing area is a good example of that. The college being integrated into the community is a good example of that. The churches all working together is a good example of that. The people who show up on your doorstep when you’ve had a health-related crisis or unexpected death are a good example of that. It’s neighbors helping each other when so many trees were wrecked in the wind. It’s the service organizations like Lions Club that do vision screenings in the area daycares/preschools. Orange City is the very definition of what community means.
What should others outside of Orange City or those considering a move to Orange City know?
It really is a place of community. I’m not saying it’s perfect. We are all sinners and fall short of the grace of God (Romans 3:23), but I think we all try to do the best we can to do what’s right. And what I really think is a tremendous bonus is that we have all the amenities here that you need to live. I was thinking one day about where we live and thought that if I didn’t have a means of transportation, I really could walk to everything I need. The bank, the chiropractor, the hospital/clinic, the grocery store, church, school, and work are all within a few walking blocks.
Anything else you would like to add?
Orange City was the first place I had ever seen people pray in a restaurant before a meal. It witnessed to me in a way that has now been ingrained in me. I’m thankful that God led me here and has kept me here all these years. I am so excited to be the first director of the DAHM and look forward to continuing to bring the history of Orange City to life, which the museum board has done such a tremendous job of doing!
