Switching Gears…
What a contrast in temperatures during the weekend of April 5 and 6. On Saturday it was around 20 degrees, but today – Sunday morning – it feels like 5 degrees due to a biting easterly wind. So, on goes the thick coat when walking the dog.
In the Netherlands, the newspaper headlines read “Spanish weather,” while in many Mediterranean countries the rain is pouring down. On April 5, 2025, the first major wildfire in Ede occurred. In the Philips de Jonghpark, a fire had already broken out a few days earlier.
What strikes me is how differently people adapt to changing weather conditions. This morning at 8:30 AM, I saw a man walking by who seemed perfectly comfortable in shorts and a polo shirt. A mistake, because his outfit from yesterday was still hanging on the chair? Or stoic determination: it’s spring, so it must be warm?
There’s something to be said for going with the flow of circumstances – my preferred strategy. But I also deeply respect a stoic mindset, where one doesn’t get thrown off by changing situations. I wonder how that man handles the rest of his life?
In any case, April has started out sunny. Hopefully, it stays that way, because then King’s Day will be a sun-drenched celebration in Blixembosch (see page 9)! Read on to find out what’s happening in the neighborhood! A little flexibility with nature – and some attentiveness – might be just the right approach.
General Members’ Meeting – May 13, 2025
Dear residents of Blixembosch,
It’s already been a year since we looked back at the previous year. When we review the 2024 activity list, it’s quite impressive. We once again reached many people and brought them together for good times.
The next General Members’ Meeting will take place on May 13, where we will provide insight into the financial status of the neighborhood association. There will also be an annual report for 2024, listing all the activities organized under the association’s umbrella. Thanks to all the volunteers!
This annual report is necessary to inform the municipality of our activities and the justification for receiving subsidies. The report will be available digitally, and a preview copy will be available on May 13.
We’ll also be looking ahead, as there’s much more to come. It promises to be a fun evening with snacks and drinks, blending business with pleasure.
We hope to see you on May 13 at 7:30 PM at our neighborhood center, Blixems.
See you then,
The Board
“The Hobby of” Dimmy Vissering
PSV Korfbal is the most sociable club in Eindhoven, where young and old have been playing korfball together and enjoying countless activities since 1913! Dimmy Vissering, chairwoman of PSV Korfbal/RM Verkeersdiensten, loves sharing this message. She hopes many more people will take up korfball.
Do you play yourself?
No, but my children do, and I was a coach and trainer for a long time. I’m now in my third year as chairwoman.
What do you get most out of your hobby?
The connection you have with everyone in the club.
What else does the club do?
Besides korfball, PSV Korfbal offers a wide range of activities for all ages, both inside and outside the clubhouse. Examples include bingo nights, haunted walks, pub quizzes, gala evenings, movie nights, dart tournaments, and parties with live music.
The club also organizes an annual youth camp on its own camping site in Borkel en Schaft, where kids can enjoy forest games, building huts, catching frogs, canoeing on the Dommel, and nighttime adventures. There are also scavenger hunts through the neighborhood and a “Kangoeroe Klup” for children aged 3 to 6, where they can learn to move and get familiar with the ball in a playful way.
In short, PSV Korfbal is more than just a sports club. It’s a place where fun and community are central.
How big is the club?
We have about 225 members. Two years ago, we were chosen as the friendliest club in the Netherlands, and we’re very proud of that. There’s a lot of mutual respect on the field and people treat each other well.
Who should respond to this interview?
Anyone interested in trying korfball from the age of 3 or getting back into the sport. Everyone is welcome for a trial training session. Visit our website: www.psvkorfbal.nl
We also offer training for parents or anyone without korfball experience on Thursdays at Combifit from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. We also provide korfball lessons at elementary schools.
Contact details:
PSV Korfbal/RM Verkeersdiensten
Clubhouse: De Spil, Sportpark Bokt
Eindhovenseweg 41, 5633 BD Eindhoven
Phone: +31 40 242 89 41
Email: secretaris@psvkorfbal.nl
Text by Hans Baaijens
King’s Day in Blixembosch.
This year, King’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Just like last year, the board of our neighborhood association will festively decorate the Ouvertureplein again.
There will be fun attractions for the children from our neighborhood, including bouncy castles, games, and face painting. There will also be lemonade, mandarins, and other treats for the kids – all accompanied by lively music.
And there’s more in store, so prepare to be royally surprised!
There will also be a flea market on the square, where residents can claim a spot to sell their second-hand goods. Of course, items that aren’t sold should be taken home afterward.
The outdoor bar at Blixems will be open, making it a great opportunity for parents to enjoy a drink. Food stalls will also be present with tasty snacks for a small fee. We still have room for more cooks – interested? Sign up via email: voorziter@blixembosch.com.
We also still need volunteers to help the event run smoothly.
The festivities begin at 12:00 PM on April 26, and we hope for a big turnout. Naturally, we’re counting on good weather, but if it rains, the activities will move indoors.
See you on King’s Day!
Board of the Blixembosch Neighborhood Association
Butterflies in Your Garden (Part 2)
Butterflies belong to the order ‘Lepidoptera’, which means ‘scaly wings’. If you look closely at a butterfly’s wings, you’ll see they consist of many tiny scales with specific colors, like red and yellow. These colors appear because the scales absorb light in different ways.
The Meaning of Wing Colors
These colors – like almost everything in nature – serve a purpose. Butterflies are part of the food chain, but of course, they don’t want to be eaten! Their colors warn predators: “I’m toxic!” You might also see butterflies with very dull colors – that’s for camouflage.
Why do you mainly see butterflies in summer?
Butterflies are cold-blooded, so their body temperature depends on their surroundings. That’s why they love the sun. The warmer, the better. They only become active at around 20°C. You’ll often see them basking with wings spread to soak up heat in sheltered places like walls, hedges, and woodland edges. On cold or cloudy days, they stay hidden. From October on, sightings are rare.
How to Create a Butterfly Garden
Making your garden butterfly-friendly is easy. Plant butterfly-attracting plants in a sunny spot. And… it’s actually better not to maintain your garden too strictly! Butterflies love resting in dried-out plants during winter, so don’t remove them until spring when it’s warmer.
Butterfly House: A Luxury Hotel for Butterflies
A winter box is another option for butterflies to overwinter in. Hang it in a sheltered spot out of the wind and rain. Add some dry twigs and leaves for a warm welcome.
Green Play and Environment Working Group
Source: Dutch Butterfly Foundation
Clean-Up on a Sunny Day!
Enthusiastic neighborhood residents, many with children, came to the VTA on March 22 to pick up supplies for a community clean-up. After enjoying coffee and cake, they donned vests, grabbed litter pickers, and got to work together.
Children received bingo cards to check off items of litter they found. Quite a few trash bags were filled! Even laughing gas canisters were found in the bushes! There were also comments on the many cigarette butts.
Afterwards, the children received a certificate with their name on it. By handing in their coloring pages from the Blixemflitsen, they also got a small gift like a coloring book, sticker sheets, or a piggy bank as a souvenir of the beautiful morning. Thanks to Singh, everyone could enjoy a tasty sandwich and lemonade to finish the day.
All in all, a very successful morning!
Tine, Annie, Ineke (Green Play and Environment Working Group)
Family Carnival Blixembosch!
On March 2, the Blixems neighborhood center in Blixembosch was once again filled with carnival joy. The annual family carnival was a vibrant success, featuring a program full of music, magic, and unforgettable moments.
Our radiant youth princess Elsa, together with her charming aides Esmee and Zahra, kicked off the event with a lively conga line that had the entire hall moving. The bands Farine and de Eendracht provided joyful carnival music, while Reflex Drive-in Show played all the best tunes.
A highlight was the performance by clown/magician Frodolino, who amazed young and old with his magical tricks and jokes. The laughter was non-stop!
Another special moment was the visit from His Thirsty Highness Prince Frivolicus, the city prince of Eindhoven, and his entourage. As a grand finale, the Marquis of Eindhoven turned out to be none other than our very own Anco from Blixembosch, who was youth prince two years ago. A proud moment for Anco and all of Blixembosch!
Princess Elsa had the honor of awarding the best-dressed partygoers, leading to many hilarious and colorful moments.
The organizers look back on a fantastic family carnival and want to thank all partygoers, performers, and especially the volunteers who made this afternoon an unforgettable success.
Until next year!
Family Spectacle Blixembosch 2025: The Circus Comes to Town!
Mark your calendars: from August 15 to 17, Blixembosch will once again host its annual Family Spectacle. Three days filled with fun activities for all ages.
As in previous years, expect crowd-pleasers like the MiniDisco, Silent Disco, the thrilling BlixemQuizzz XXL, the sporty family run and relay race, a fun-filled evening party, the toy market for bargain hunters, and the always popular foam party.
But this year comes with a special twist: the theme is Circus! This will shine during the Doemarkt, where kids can learn real circus skills under the guidance of professional circus artist Joris (ZES) – think juggling, acrobatics, and clowning. At the end of the market, the young talents will show off their new skills in a spectacular circus show for all.
The Blixembosch Family Spectacle promises to be another fantastic weekend of fun, connection, and unforgettable memories.
Join us August 15–17 and show that we in Blixembosch know how to throw a great party!
Open Day at Op Noord – April 13, 2025
Looking for a day full of action, fun, and good vibes? Come to the free Open Day at Op Noord! Bring your friends, kids, neighbors, and grandparents and discover what Op Noord has to offer. The outdoor season is open!
When and Where?
Sunday, April 13, 2025 – 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Location: Oude Bosschebaan 11, 5624 AA, Eindhoven
Activities
All activities are free, and the entire activity area will be decorated with inflatable attractions. For the youngest children, there’s a sandbox with a play structure and bouncy castle next to the terrace. Try laser tag, archery, climbing, archery tag, bubble ball, and soccer darts. Test our newest outdoor boulder wall!
Food & Drink
Of course, we’re thinking of your appetite too. Enjoy tasty fries from “het Lopend Vuurtje” (served from an old fire truck). We’ll also serve homemade chicken wraps, great coffee from local Beanbrothers beans, and refreshing Budels beer in our pavilion.
The terrace & pavilion are a great meeting place for all ages.
Our Crew is Ready!
Our enthusiastic instructors are ready to help, answer your questions, and show why Op Noord is the place for sports, play, and relaxation.
Op Noord, active encounters: a surprising place for everyone!
More info and directions: www.opnoord.nl and follow us on socials (@OpNoord)
Appraisal Event: “Tussen Kunst en Kitsch” at St. Petrus Church
How much do you think this glass, jar, painting, or piece of jewelry is worth? It’s a question you might ask a friend or family member if you think it could be priceless. But the experts from Tussen Kunst en Kitsch can answer it like no other.
You’re warmly invited on Saturday, May 17 to St. Petrus Church on Kloosterdreef to have your items appraised by these renowned experts.
Ticket sales start on April 14.
For more information and tickets, please visit our website: www.vriendensintpetrus.nl
Advance ticket price: €10.00
On the day itself (if still available): €12.00
You may bring up to 3 items for appraisal. Accompanying guests or other interested visitors must also have a ticket.
Let me know if you’d like a more concise version, summary, or layout suggestions!