Central College’s Central RED Society will hold a virtual 2020-21 kickoff celebration at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, with guest Milly Vande Kieft who will present “100 Years in America.” The event is free and can be accessed via Zoom here: centralcollege.zoom.us/j/97506240712.
Vande Kieft will discuss the life experiences of her mother, Grace Van Roekel (Dutch name Grietje Engeltjes), during immigration to America with her family in 1920. Hear stories of leaving loved ones in the Netherlands, arriving at Ellis Island and being quarantined just after their arrival in Iowa. Vande Kieft will share the joys and struggles of her mother’s immigration, made very real again when visiting Ellis Island with her mother and in her hometown of Elburg, Netherlands.
Vande Kieft is a retired instructor of children’s literature at Central. She has been an elementary teacher and a children’s librarian. She serves on the Convention and Visitors Bureau board, is a Pella tour guide and is a part of the Dutch Demos at Tulip Time. Vande Kieft is active in her church, leading children’s activities and musicals and finds great therapy in working on charity quilts and weighted blankets.
Central RED (Ready to Engage and Discover) is a volunteer-driven, lifelong learning and social organization with an abiding partnership with Central College alumni and friends who wish to share knowledge, talents and experiences. Members pay $20 annually to join Central RED.
No affiliation with Central College is required to join Central RED. For more information, visit www.central.edu/red or contact Mary Benedict at benedictm@central.edu or 641-628-7641.
