ACEH Will Honor Gary Pepe

In 1996, the city of Holland and the city of Queretaro, Mexico, established a Sister City relationship. In the 10 years since, residents have exchanged many visits—including college and high school students, football players, hospital personnel, musicians, teachers, and government officials.

Holland gave Querétaro equipment for a children’s playground. Querétaro gave Holland the beautiful canterra stone fountain in Kollen Park on Lake Macatawa.

Now the city of Holland and its International Relations Commission are arranging for wrought iron benches at Kollen Park, so visitors of all ages can sit and enjoy the fountain and the people who come to see it.

The ACEH board has voted to purchase one of the benches, which are being made in Puebla, Mexico, and will place on it a plaque honoring the late Gary Pepe, who was Alliance president in 2003.

Gary died at age 54 on May 9, 2005. He was an advocate for justice in the greater Holland community, worked for cross-cultural understanding and an appreciation for diversity, and mentored young people. He had lived in Guatemala and was fluent in Spanish.

An educational program memorial is also being planned for the future. Contributions in Gary’s memory may be sent to the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, 70 West Eighth Street, Holland 49423.