Come and meet Holland's own Hometown Heroes

Cassie Daszko
·2 min read

HOLLAND — A hero, by definition, is a person admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. Next week, come out and meet some heroes, right in your own backyard.

On Monday, Nov. 14, Holland Museum will celebrate local heroes who work to create change, help others, and protect their community. Visitors can hear their stories, learn about the heroes who inspire them and take part in a historic heroes’ scavenger hunt.

Some of the community heroes featured include:

  • Bret Groendyke, fire marshal in Holland since February 2018. He enjoys serving the community and providing education on all things related to the fire service.

  • Sarah Yore-Van Oosterhout, founding and managing attorney with Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, a local Holland nonprofit that walks alongside immigrants, migrants, refugees and other community members to achieve their immigration goals.

  • Russ Miller, a Vietnam veteran who served from 1968-1971 in the U.S. Army Security Agency.

  • Lindsay and Henry Cherry, who developed "I Am Academy" to support African-American students in Holland.

  • Brianna Miranda, education and outreach coordinator for the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan since March 2019.

  • Dwayne Betcher and Lindsay Zrull from Herrick District Library. Betcher has served as a 25-year union leader and Zrull is a public services librarian.

  • Johnny Rodriguez, executive director of Latin Americans United for Progress. After years in human resources and talent acquisition leadership, Rodriguez decided to use his talents, connections and enthusiasm for nonprofit work to support the Latino community.

  • Jen Self-Aulgur, executive director of Harbor Humane Society. She's created many programs, including humane education programs, low income/cost vaccine clinics and community engagement events.

The event is 4-7 p.m. at Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th St. The program is free to all guests, although donations are accepted.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Come and meet Holland's own Hometown Heroes