Birney Vanderboegh
The class of 1959 would like to nominate Birney Vanderboegh for the Distinguished Alumni award.
Birney has been involved in many local charities and has definitely made a difference in Coloma and surrounding communities.
Birney has been a charter member of the Paw Paw Lake Rotary for many years. In 2001, the local Rotary Club was presented with an opportunity to be a part in the Miracle League for "special athletes". The dugouts were enlarged for wheelchair access. Birney encouraged the club to take on the sole sponsorship for the first year Which they did. Birney promised to make up any dollar difference that was needed to be sure it was successful. That only occurred the first year and the Rotary Club has enjoyed being the sponsor for ongoing years. The Rotary Club presented this project to other Michigan Rotary Clubs at the state meeting this last year.
Birney's efforts were so appreciated that he had the honor of catching the first pitch and he was presented the ball at the start of the 2002 season. This ball resides in his office today, but he says the greatest reward is to see these kids enjoying playing ball and the opportunity to feel normal. The joy is not just the kids, but the parents and relatives. The enthusiasm makes it more than a worthwhile effort. There is cheering and yells of encouragement to each and every child on the ball field. Lots of smiles and laughter. The athlete is supported by "helpers" which encourage more of the community to become involved.
with the Rotary Club, Birney was able to distribute seed corn to area farmers in a community project. He worked on the ice skating rink at Randall Park and later on the children's play park.
Birney worked on the renovation of the par course at Watervliet Community Hospital with the help of a state grant. A wheelchair addition was added, as well.
In support of area farmers and our great fruit growing area, Birney has been involved numerous times in purchasing the first crate of strawberries at auction with the proceeds going to various charities. He purchased the crate by himself in 2009 and the funds were donated.
Birney and his wife, Irma, were two of several Platinum Donors for the Dr. Staff Birthing Center at the Community Hospital in Watervliet.
He was the chairman on the "Grow With Grace" campaign's Business Donations at Grace Christian School when the school was raising funds to build more classrooms and a gymnasium. Birney and Irma participated as major donors. He also helped work in the construction phase of the gym.
Birney has been an active supporter of both the Coloma and Watervliet libraries. When the Coloma Library was next to the railroad tracks, he donated the polished aluminum letters for the sign and continued to make annual donations. Birney and Irma participated in the feasibility study for the new library and pledged an amount to help meet the necessary goal.
The Vanderboeghs made a donation to the Hays Park renovation, which allowed the group to meet their financial goal. Their son designed the ramps and with the help of others built the ramps for the skate park in Birney's building through the Winter. The ramps were installed in the Spring.
For the years the Lions Club had the food tent at the Glad Peach Festival, Birney donated his time for installation of propane gas and fuel as well. He has done this for many other events in the area.
Birney was instrumental in the project of purchasing and installing the beautiful clock in downtown Coloma. Another item he shares every day with everyone that goes through downtown. The class of 1959 contributed a small amount of the purchase price for the clock, but Birney made the real difference by being responsible for the rest of the purchase and all arrangements.
Birney has been steadfast and generous in many, many ways. He has certainly achieved many goals and constantly reaching out to others. This is only some ventures, and the list goes on!
Thanks, Birney! And, a special thanks to Irma, also!