Marjon Middel-van de Laar (Eindhoven, 1958) is a true networker. Ever since she was a young girl she liked to organize events, bring people together and take care of those who need help.
‘Stimulans Veldhoven’, where she started in September of 1996, is her pride and joy. Marjon spearheads the organisation of ‘Beursvloer Veldhoven’, ‘Roefeldag’, ‘Zorg voor Elkaar’ just to name a few events. Together with a lot of volunteers Marjon brings people together in Veldhoven.
"My husband Tjakko, municipal official Helmond, loves Brabant as much as I do. We enjoy the outdoors and we are staying busy with our dogs, our children and friends. Our beautiful daughter Simone who is always involved in our projects as a presenter and hostess and our son Ruud has a racing team, ‘Ruud Middel Ralley Team’. They take part in ‘Eindhoven-Luik-Eindhoven’ on June 13 & 14th. This year it’s a jubilee-edition, the 50th!
Brabant is the most beautiful part of Holland in my opinion. People here are friendly and they welcome people from other countries into our world. In every street or neighbourhood there are barbeques and parties planned especially in the summer and everyone is invited. I think Brabant makes Expats feel welcome and gives them a good feeling about their time here."
Marjon’s grandfather is another famous Brabander. Together with his brothers and sisters Henk van Dam started a franchise with several "small diners" where you could order take-out: snacks and fries. Marjon: "Everybody remembers him and the first snack bar in the area, ‘Van Dam’ was first located at Fellenoord and later at the Kruisstraat more than 80 years ago. And it is still there. The stores where open every day except for Christmas & Easter. On those days we went out for dinner with the whole family, very special in those days.
We went to ‘Witte’ in Vught and later to ‘Van de Valk’ Eindhoven. The first Chinese restaurant at Stratumseind ‘Pom Lai’ was also a favorite!"
Lotty
