For 50 years of service in the communities of Heemstede and Haarlem in The Netherlands, Jeane Henny Kirschbaum has been presented the royal golden medal of honor of the knighthood of Oranje Nassau by the burgomaster of Heemstede.
The award included a crystal goblet engraved with the town's coat of arms.During the ceremony, her acts of service were recounted, starting with the risky assignment as a messenger in the underground forces during World War II. Through the years she has been involved with the Red Cross, Rheuma Foundation, Old-age Care, Charitystamps for Youth and other organizations.
Sister Kirschbaum, a member of the Haarlem Ward, The Hague Netherlands Stake, married Christiaan Robert Kirschbaum. They are the parents of three children and have seven grandchildren. Sister Kirschbaum, 73, has had several callings in the Relief Society and Sunday School.
"You cannot stop this lady," the burgomaster said in his tribute. "When we had to terminate the subsidy for her culture afternoons for old people, she continued them on a private scale and found a sponsor. Since 24 years ago she continuously organized these culture presentations every two weeks."
Sister Kirschbaum is also a member of the board of the foundation, "Haarlem is helping Poland," (specializing in medical equipment) and has visited Poland several times with her husband.
