We spent the past month at Country Meadow Village learning about Holland and its parallels to Skagit Valley and why tulips thrive here. Lisette Roozen Mast, the eldest child of William and Helen Roozen, founders of the largest bulb producing company in the nation, Washington Bulb Company shared stories about their immigration journey to the United States. Lisette’s godmother Johanna Onderwater, along with her husband, sponsored her parents when they came from Holland. In 1993, Johanna became the first resident of Country Meadow Village. What a small world!
We also enjoyed a visit from Nicole Roozen, the executive director of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, and Kristen Keltz, the CEO of the Skagit Tourism Bureau. They shared information about the festival and the economic impact it has on the region. Our very own activity director David spoke of his time as a member of the board of directors of the festival, and the time he served on staff as assistant director. We learned so much about this very important event. The month was filled with many drives to the tulip fields to see the stunning fields and of course, we made a stop at the Kiwanis Salmon BBQ!
