Summer Honors for Four Remarkable Residents of Heerlen
In recent weeks, Heather Koolen-Sheeran, Nick Koolen, Math Ramakers, and Jo Klavora were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau. They received the honor in recognition of their many years of selfless dedication to sports, community service, heritage, and community life.
Heather and Nick Koolen
On Sunday, August 30, Heather Koolen-Sheeran and Nick Koolen were awarded a Royal Honor. The ceremony took place during the first club event of the HC Nova hockey club. The couple has been volunteering to support hockey in Heerlen and South Limburg for decades.
Heather has been active as a trainer, coach, and committee member since 1983. She primarily helps young players improve their skills. She also mentored and selected talented hockey players for the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) for more than twenty years.
Nick has held various leadership positions. He served as regional coordinator for the KNHB for more than thirty years. He remained active even after the merger of the Heerlen and Kerkrade hockey clubs. He works as a coach, committee member, and advisor.
Together, they launched the Bokkenrijders, a regional initiative dedicated to identifying and coaching young hockey talents.
Math Ramakers
The day before, Math Ramakers was awarded a royal honor. This took place during the 80th anniversary celebration of the De Watertoren '46 Neighborhood Association. He received the award for his outstanding volunteer work.
He has been a stalwart of the neighborhood association since 1980. He served as a board member, treasurer, and organizer of many activities. For years, he contributed to the quality of life and sense of community in Heerlerbaan, from summer festivals to activities for young and old. He also welcomes new residents.
He played an important role at Scouting Don Bosco for many years. He helped maintain and manage the scouting building and equipment. Since 2014, he has been volunteering at St. Joseph’s Parish, where he performs various hands-on tasks as a carpenter.
Jo Klavora
On Sunday, August 23, Jo Klavora received a royal honor. He was awarded this honor for his dedication to the S.V. Nippon Judo Club, the De Loorenhof Standard Fruit Tree Association, and the Weltermolen.
Jo has been active in the judo club since 1981. He mentors new members and helps organize activities.
He has also been a volunteer and board member at De Loorenhof for more than twenty years. Thanks to his dedication, the standard-tree orchard has become a gathering place for residents of all ages.
Jo was one of the founders of the well-known bakery 't Bakkes va Welte. As the miller at the Weltermolen, he leads guided tours. He helps with maintenance and is committed to keeping local heritage alive. During baking days and open house events, he welcomes visitors with freshly baked bread and vlaai. The proceeds often go to charitable causes.
Heather, Nick, Math, and Jo: Thank you!
Mayor Roel Wever presented the awards on behalf of King Willem-Alexander. He thanked these exceptional residents of Heerlen for their commitment, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to support a club or help others. Whether in sports, community work, heritage preservation, or club activities, their involvement contributes to the quality of life and social strength of our city.