Royal honors and medals of honor for outgoing council members Rensink-Althof and Assink
During the final meeting of the current city council on Tuesday, March 31, Mayor Stapelkamp presented two special awards. Ms. Margret Rensink-Althof received a royal honor, and Mr. Gerrit Assink was awarded the Medal of Honor from the municipality of Aalten. Both served as members of the Aalten City Council for three terms, from March 2014 through March 2026. After twelve years of dedicated service, they have chosen not to seek reelection and are stepping down from their council roles.
Margret Rensink-Althof
Over the past twelve years, Margret Rensink-Althof has served with great dedication as a council member for the GemeenteBelangen faction. She was known for her integrity and passion in her work. She took a particular interest in issues that directly affect residents, such as youth, welfare, health, and elder care.
In recognition of her dedication and achievements, she received a royal honor. She has been appointed a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Gerrit Assink
Gerrit Assink also served as a council member for twelve years, representing the CDA faction. His areas of focus included housing development and the environmental vision. In addition, he was one of the few council members to successfully get a member-initiated proposal—aimed at allowing small wind turbines—approved by the council.
Since he had previously received a royal honor for his long-standing service with the Aalten Fire Department, he has now been awarded the Medal of Honor from the municipality of Aalten. This award is a token of appreciation for his many years of service on the municipal council.