A cheerfully painted wall with butterflies and a room full of beautiful craft projects. We are at the Sterrenberg Foundation. This year marks 35 years since Toos Massy founded the Sterrenberg Foundation. Known to many as ‘the club’ on Wednesday afternoons at Lunastraat 1.
The 35th anniversary will be celebrated with a neighborhood party in the square on June 21. Leny Geerman is the chairperson and secretary of the Sterrenberg Foundation and has been involved all these years. “In the early years, we focused on keeping the neighborhood tidy. And together with volunteers, we organized craft afternoons for children between 5 and 12 years old. We still do crafts and with great pleasure! It’s full here every Wednesday afternoon. On Tuesdays, a group of ladies comes here to do needlework. We clearly meet a need. We notice that from the enthusiasm that has been there for 35 years.”
“We are here for the neighborhood,” Leny continues. “Children are always welcome here. It’s free. We provide a creative activity with something to drink and a snack or piece of fruit. Children often save that to take to school the next day. We have fun together. Children can express themselves. What we do here is truly meaningful. I dare say that after all these years. We also celebrate all holidays together.”
To the great sorrow of many, José Drent (Miss José) recently passed away unexpectedly. José, like Leny, was a driving force behind the Sterrenberg Foundation. Together they were chairpersons of the foundation and both looked forward to celebrating the anniversary. “We dedicate the anniversary celebration to her, and we will never forget her,” Leny says. “Just like former board members Toos Massy and Lilian Boonen who passed away earlier and who were also of great significance to this neighborhood.”
All children between 5 and 12 years old are welcome. No registration is required. You can just come.
