Park Township Marine Station

Park Township acquired the former Coast Guard station and is turning it into a patrol and rescue station. Park Township Fire Chief Scott Gamby will be with us to tell about the transformation.

West Michigan Regional Airport

Matt Neyens is the relatively new manager of the West Michigan Regional Airport (WMRA). Park Township, Holland City, and Zeeland City support the airport. There are an average of 96 flights a day at the airport. The FAA estimates that the airport brings in $165 million to the economy.

Matt received an aviation degree from Western Michigan University. When he started college, he wasn't really sure what area he wanted to specialize in. An older friend was already in the aviation program and encouraged Matt to give it a try. Matt discovered that he loved working in aviation.

Matt worked at the Kalamazoo airport even before he graduated. He worked for almost 10 years at Denver International Airport, serving in multiple management roles.

Mat has overseen numerous improvements since he arrived last summer. A significant change was to purchase snow removal equipment and have airport staff responsible for its operation. A new taxiway was also finished, expanding access for more business aircraft. 53 aircraft are based at WMRA. Federal grants are based on the number of aircraft (particularly jets) based at an airport, along with the services available.

WMRA has a full-service aviation repair business, a flight school, Wings of Mercy, and Flight Path, which is a volunteer organization that runs training sessions for kids about aviation.

Opportunities for Service at the Leaders of the 21st Century conference

This middle school leadership conference takes place this year on June 10, 11, and 12. More information is located here.

Donated bedsheets no longer needed

We have enough bedsheets for the conference. Thanks, donors.

Volunteers for Programming

Adult volunteers help run the programs and can sign in participants, be involved in a mock trial, act as an accident victim in first responder training, and perform other duties.

Our clubs need two or three new monitors for the Book House team. Your help will be appreciated with this search! Please chat with fellow Rotarians, friends, or even relatives—anyone who might make a great monitor.

If you find someone interested, just let me know and I’ll reach out to share the location and expectations with them.

Thanks so much for your help!

Rotarian Gary Bogle
The Rotary Club of Holland, Michigan
616 422 0741

The Rotary Club of Holland presented a new motorized shopping cart to the Community Action House Food Club & Opportunity Hub during its noon luncheon meeting on May 28, 2026. The cart, funded in part through a Rotary District 6290 matching grant, will support shoppers who face mobility challenges. This will be the second motorized cart for the Food Club; the Holland Rotary After Hours Club provided the first in 2022.

Operated by Community Action House, the Food Club serves more than 1,500 member families through a choice-based grocery model that emphasizes dignity and accessibility. The additional cart will help ensure that all members can navigate the store safely and independently.
 

At left, Ricardo Valdez accepts the check to purchase the new shopping cart. The current cart is pictured on the video monitor in the background.

Ricardo told of a Food Club member who usually doesn't arrive when the single motorized cart is available and has to use a wheelchair to shop. With the second cart, he will be able to shop more easily.