Event Calendar

Toward the end of March the Annual Membership Meeting is held in accordance with the NAS bylaws. The purpose is to discuss and vote on important issues affecting the Netherlands American Society, review the annual financial report and other items. Also taking place is the nomination and election of the NAS Board of Directors. After all business has concluded, a catered dinner, usually an Indonesian Rijstafel, is served followed by dessert and coffee. A large room, usually a recreation room, is obtained to effectively conduct the meeting.

In late April or early May, NAS celebrates the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands. The party takes place on the Sunday closest to April 30th. Although Queen Beatrix's birthday is January 31st, she chose to celebrate it on her mother's (Queen Juliana) birthday, April 30th (nicer weather than in January for a celebration). For many years the NAS event had been graciously hosted by one of our members at his home in Beverly Hills, but since 2010 it now takes place in Glendale at the home of another generous NAS member. As always, speeches are given and the American and Dutch National Anthems are sung followed by a toast to Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands.

June brings our Hike and Barbecue. The more sports minded NAS members first participate in a casual hike of about 2 to 3 miles, usually in a park in the Santa Monica Mountains. After completing the hike, they then join other members and guests for the barbecue at a NAS member's home.

How can a Dutch organization not have a bicycling event? Therefore, there is a Bicycle Ride, the "Tour de NAS," and lunch. Those with the energy first participate in a casual bicycle ride of about 12 miles typically along a Los Angeles area coastal bicycle path. After completing the ride, they then join other members and guests for lunch at a nice restaurant nearby.

In early October the NAS celebrates Leidens Ontzet. This year, 2011, the event takes plave at a new location in Woodland Hills. Traditionally, haring (herring) on white bread and hutspot met klapstuk (carrot and onion hodgepodge with chuck roast) is served.

The history behind Leidens Ontzet. October 3, 1574. Beseiged by the Spanish, the city of Leiden was stubbornly defended while its citizens suffered starvation. Meeting protesting women, the Burgemeester (Mayor) said, "Cut off my arm and feed it to your children," whereupon they left silently. The rebelling forces had to wait until autumn for the waters to rise, so they could inundate the low lands of Holland. They breached the dikes of the Hollandse IJssel, between Rotterdam and Gouda. The Spanish had to beat a nighttime retreat before the rising waters. This allowed free access for the flat-bottomed boats of the Watergeusen (Water-beggars), delivering white bread and herring. The hutspot (hodgepodge) was found where the Spanish had left it.

The NAS Sinterklaas Party, the final event of the year, is usually held at a member's home on the Saturday evening closest to December 5th. After a visit by Sinterklaas and his helper and the singing of familiar songs, traditional Dutch snert (pea soup with sausage) and broodjes (rolls with ham or cheese) are served. Dessert is usually a Dutch favorite, banket (a marzipan filled pastry).

Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, is an annual event celebrated by the people of the Netherlands, young and old, on the eve of St. Nicholas' Feast Day.
Read the story of Sinterklaas.

For the off months, events such as a luncheon followed by a visit to a museum or other point of interest, a wine tasting tour or a theme outdoor party may be scheduled. There is no event in August.