Amersfoort honors retiring accordion conductor with city's highest volunteer award
Herman van Valkengoed, a dedicated volunteer and conductor, has been awarded the Lenaert Nicasius Pin by Amersfoort for his decades of service. His work with music, gardening, and cycling has brought joy and connection to countless residents, especially seniors.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Recipient | Herman van Valkengoed |
| Award Name | Lenaert Nicasius Pin |
| Awarding Body | Municipality of Amersfoort |
| Role | Conductor, Accordion Association Amersfoort (AVA) |
| Years of Service | 42 years (since 1984) |
| Other Volunteer Roles | Chairman, Emiclaer allotment association garden committee |
| Cycling Tours | Organizer for seniors (60+), 10+ years |
| Notable Performances | Care centers, Gluren bij de Buren, Bach concerts, Week Against Loneliness |
| Award Significance | Honors exceptional contributions to the city |
| Historical Reference | Named after Lenaert Nicasius, who saved the Our Lady Tower in 1651 |
The municipality of Amersfoort plays a key role in recognizing and celebrating citizens who contribute significantly to the community. By awarding the Lenaert Nicasius Pin, the city highlights the importance of volunteerism and cultural engagement in enhancing local quality of life.
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Read the full translated article below
Municipal Award for Herman van Valkengoed
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Mr. Herman van Valkengoed received the Lenaert Nicasius Pin from the city of Amersfoort upon his retirement as conductor of the Accordion Association Amersfoort.
Since September 1984, he has served as conductor of the Accordion Association Amersfoort (AVA). Under his leadership, AVA performed at numerous events in the city, including care centers, Gluren bij de Buren, the Bach concerts, and the Week Against Loneliness. In doing so, Mr. Van Valkengoed fostered encounters, joy, and connection.
Mr. Van Valkengoed is a connector, warm, engaged, and an outstanding volunteer. For decades, he has made Amersfoort and its surroundings more beautiful with his accordion music, his energy, and his genuine attention to people.
Micheline Paffen-Zeenni
Deputy Mayor
Active for Gardens and Exercise
Since 2008, he has been active as chairman of the garden committee at the Emiclaer allotment association. He assists where needed and ensures that people can meet and garden together.
For more than 10 years, he has also led SRO cycling tours for seniors aged 60 and over in Amersfoort and the surrounding area. He plans routes, ensures safety, provides explanations, and makes sure everyone feels welcome. He also organizes larger cycling tours, sometimes with over a hundred participants. This requires preparation, oversight, and care.
The Lenaert Nicasius Pin
Lenaert Nicasius was the carpenter who in 1651 saved the Our Lady Tower from a major fire. The municipality has awarded the pin since 2012 to residents who make exceptional contributions to the city.