Decorations for Christie Augustus-Jans, Ger Pappers, and Patrick Beckers
On January 18, volunteers Christie Augustus-Jans, Ger Pappers, and Patrick Beckers were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau. Mayor Roel Wever the decorations on behalf of King Willem-Alexander to the three volunteers, who have each been active for decades in organizations such as the Royal St. Sebastiaan Heerlerheide Shooting Club. The presentation took place during the annual Patroonfeest festival.
Cristie Augustus-Jans
Ms. Augustus-Jans has been a board member of the shooting club since 1997. In this role, she is the driving force behind the organization of shooting club celebrations and events such as the Pentecost celebrations. She is also chair of the Marketentsters/Zoetelaarsters Foundation. In both roles, she makes an important contribution to preserving shooting club traditions. She has also been an active member of the De Bokkeriejesj carnival association since 1995, including as president and spokesperson for the Damesgarde De Geête in Heerlerheide. In addition to all her community work, she has also been supporting two elderly family members as a caregiver for many years.
Ger Pappers
Mr. Pappers was active as a volunteer at the RKSV Groene Ster soccer club from 1986 to 2012. He started as a youth leader and subsequently held various board positions. He was also the driving force behind the annual youth camp for 10 years. From 2023, he will be active in the soccer club as a confidential advisor. In addition, he has been chairman of the St. Sebastiaan shooting club since 2014 and chairman of the APG staff association since 2021. Mr. Pappers has played a key role in his volunteer work in Heerlerheide in particular, demonstrating perseverance and enthusiasm.
Patrick Beckers
Mr. Beckers has been an active member of the St. Sebastiaan Shooting Club since 1985, holding various positions, including board member since 2013. In addition, he has been a board member of the Heerlerheide Rent & Housing Foundation since 2020. In this role, he volunteers to represent the interests of residents of Heerlerheide. He will also be a board member and chairman of Stichting Wijkbeheer Carisven (Carisven Neighborhood Management Foundation) from 2022. In this capacity, he is a connecting factor in the neighborhood and the driving force behind events such as the Outdoor Play Day and the Christmas Market.
Club spirit
Christie Augustus-Jans, Ger Pappers, and Patrick Beckers have all contributed to the sense of community within the Heerlerheide district for many years. They create moments of connection, foster a 'club feeling,' and contribute to cultural identity and traditions. They make our city warmer and more welcoming. On behalf of the municipality, Mayor Roel Wever thanked Roel Wever warmly for their tremendous efforts.