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Hoorn

Hoorn is a city and municipality in the northwest of the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. It is the largest town and the traditional capital of the region of West Friesland. Hoorn is located on the Markermeer, 20 kilometers (12 mi) east of Alkmaar and 35 kilometers (22 mi) north of Amsterdam. The municipality has just over 73,000 inhabitants and a land area of 20.38 km2, making it the third most densely populated municipality in North Holland after Haarlem and Amsterdam. Apart from the city of Hoorn, the municipality includes the villages of Blokker and Zwaag, as well as parts of the hamlets De Bangert, De Hulk and Munnickaij.

Hoorn is well known in the Netherlands for its rich history. The town acquired city rights in 1357 and flourished during the Dutch Golden Age. In this period, Hoorn developed into a prosperous port city, being home to one of the six chambers of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Towards the end of the eighteenth century, however, it started to become increasingly more difficult for Hoorn to keep competing with nearby Amsterdam. Ultimately, it lost its function as port city and became a regional center of trade, mainly serving the smaller villages of West Friesland. Nowadays, Hoorn is a city with modern residential areas and a historic city center that, due to its proximity to Amsterdam, is sometimes considered to be part of the Randstad metropolitan area. Cape Horn and the Hoorn Islands were both named after this city.

Etymology
The origin of the name Hoorn – in archaic spelling Hoern, Horne or Hoirn(e) – is surrounded in myths. According to old Frisian legends, the name comes from Hornus, a bastard son of King Redbad and brother of Aldgillis II, who presumably founded the city in 719 and named it after himself. A different theory claims that the name was derived from a sign depicting a post horn, which hung from one of the taverns established by brewers from Hamburg in the early fourteenth century.

According to Hadrianus Junius, the name could also be a reference to the city's horn-shaped port. Others believed that the name was derived from damphoorn, a weed with a hollow stem that grew in the area at the time of the city's establishment. The chronicler Theodorus Velius rejects this theory, as well as the assertion that the name comes from "Dampterhorn", which was thought to be the only remaining neighborhood of the flooded village of Dampten.

One of the earliest mentions of Hoorn is found in a letter which states that in 1303, a merchant from Bruges was imprisoned in West Friesland near a place called "Hornicwed". This phrase – although it is uncertain whether it actually refers to Hoorn – is a compound of the Middle Dutch words hornic, meaning "corner", and wed, meaning "shallow water". It is likely that the name Hoorn was indeed derived from Middle Dutch hornic, or simply horn, and that the city was named for its location in a sharp bight of (the former) Lake Flevo.

As a descendant of the reconstructed Proto-Germanic *hurnijǭ, the name Hoorn is a cognate with Danish and Norwegian hjørne, Icelandic horn, Swedish hörn(a), and West Frisian herne, which have all preserved the meaning of "corner". In Modern Dutch, however, the word hoorn translates to "horn", both in an acoustic and anatomical sense.

Early history
In the beginning of the eighth century, the threat of Viking raids led to unrest in the Frisian Kingdom, causing many people to leave their hometowns and settle elsewhere. Following this example, Hornus – a bastard son of Redbad – allegedly moved westward along with his companions and, in 719, built a settlement west of the river Vlie, which he named after himself. This legendary settlement did not exist for long, as it burnt down only a few years later.

In the Late Middle Ages, the site of present-day Hoorn was a swampy area that was not at all suitable for agriculture, as opposed to the more fertile inland. Here, overproduction of dairy products led to the establishment of a marketplace within the domain of Zwaag, where excesses could be traded for other goods. This marketplace was located near a sluice in the river Gouw, which was the most convenient passage into the Zuiderzee for the surrounding villages.

The marketplace attracted many foreign traders, most notably from Hamburg and Bremen, who came to sell their goods (mostly beer) to the local population in return for butter and cheese. This also brought three brothers from Hamburg to the area, who recognized its convenient location and decided to each build an inn near the marketplace to increase the sale of their beers. The construction of these buildings was completed in 1316 and led to the expansion of the settlement, as more merchants from Northern Germany and Denmark now visited the place to trade. As a result, the settlement quickly developed into a village, which was then given the name of Hoorn. The town officially became a city in 1357, when Hoorn was awarded city rights by William V, Count of Holland, after a lump sum payment of 1,550 schilden.

The Dutch Revolt
The revolution in Hoorn occurred without bloodshed. The town’s middle classes, after a futile attempt to assert Hoorn’s wish to garrison neither the Spanish army nor the rebel Sea Beggars, and after much debate, voted to open the city’s gates to the Beggars. By that time, Hoorn had already been flanked by the Beggar control of nearby Enkhuizen and Medemblik, and many rebellious exiles from earlier troubles returned to influence the town’s politics.

Dutch Golden Age
Hoorn rapidly grew to become a major port city and a prosperous center of trade, which flourished during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, also known as the Dutch Golden Age. It was the seat of the Committed Councils of West Friesland and the Noorderkwartier (Gecommitteerde Raden) from 1573 to 1795, and the seat of the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier from 1589 to 1795, together with Enkhuizen. Furthermore, the city was an important home base for the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the Dutch West India Company (WIC) and the Noordsche Compagnie.

The city's fleet plied the seven seas and returned laden with precious commodities from the East Indies. Exotic spices such as pepper, nutmeg, cloves and mace were sold at vast profits. With their skill in trade and seafaring, sons of Hoorn established the city's name far and wide. In 1619, Jan Pieterszoon Coen (1587–1629), controversial for his violent raids in Southeast Asia, "founded" the capital of the Dutch East Indies, which he intended to name New Hoorn at first, though it was later decided that its name would be Batavia (present-day Jakarta). A statue of Coen was placed on the city's central square Roode Steen in 1893. In 1616, the explorer Willem Schouten, together with Jacob Le Maire, braved furious storms as he rounded the southernmost tip of South America. He named it Kaap Hoorn (Cape Horn) in honor of his home town.

Eighteenth century to present
Hoorn's fortunes declined somewhat in the eighteenth century. The prosperous trading port became little more than a sleepy fishing village on the Zuiderzee. Following Napoleonic occupation, there was a period during which the town gradually turned its back on the sea. It developed to become a regional center of trade, mainly serving the smaller villages of West Friesland. Stallholders and shopkeepers devoted themselves to the sale of dairy products and seeds. After the introduction of railways and metalled roads in the late nineteenth century, Hoorn rapidly took its place as a conveniently located and easily accessible hub in the network of towns and villages of North Holland. In 1932, the Afsluitdijk was completed, and Hoorn was no longer a seaport.

The years after World War II saw a period of renewed growth. At the center of a flourishing horticultural region, the city developed a highly varied and dynamic economy. In the 1970s, Hoorn was designated as an "overflow" city (groeikern) by the Dutch government to relieve pressure on the overcrowded Randstad region. As a consequence, thousands of people swapped their cramped little apartments in Amsterdam for a family house with a garden in one of Hoorn's newly developed residential areas.

Geography
Hoorn is located in the east of the North Holland peninsula, on the northwestern shore of the Markermeer – the second largest freshwater lake of the Netherlands. The city occupies an arc of land in the south of West Friesland at the northernmost end of a small bay named Hoornse Hop. The landscape of Hoorn is mostly flat and the only elevated areas are the dikes on the southern outskirts of the city. The municipality is part of the safety region Noord-Holland Noord and the water board Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier.

The harbor was enlarged in the mid-17th century by the construction of a peninsula, the Visserseiland (to the west of the harbor), and an artificial island, the Oostereiland (to the east).

Climate
Hoorn has an oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb) strongly influenced by its proximity to the North Sea to the west, with prevailing westerly winds. Both winters and summers are considered mild, although winters can get quite cold, while summers are quite warm occasionally.

Hoorn, as well as most of the North Holland province, lies in USDA hardiness zone 8b. Frosts mainly occur during spells of easterly or northeasterly winds from the inner European continent. Even then, because Hoorn is surrounded on three sides by large bodies of water, nights rarely fall far below 0 °C.

Summers are moderately warm with a number of hot days every month. The average daily high in August is 21.6 °C, and 30 °C or higher is only measured on 1.8 days per year on average (2009–2018), placing Hoorn in AHS heat zone 2. It is also common to have at least a couple of snowy days each year.

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute has one of its weather stations located in Berkhout, a village situated west of Hoorn. Climatological data from this station can be found in the table below. The record extremes range from -21.9 °C to 34.6 °C. The average annual precipitation is 855.5 mm.

Districts
The municipality of Hoorn consists of the city of Hoorn (postal codes 1620–1628) and the villages of Zwaag (postal code 1689) and Blokker (postal code 1695), which are further divided into the following districts:

Architecture
Many of the houses in the historical city center date back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, especially in the area north of the harbor. Other notable buildings include:

 * Hoofdtoren (1464), the former harbor control tower
 * Maria-/Kruittoren (1508), a tower built in late gothic style as part of the city wall
 * Oosterpoort (1578), the only remaining city gate
 * Waag (1609), weigh house at the junction of Grote Oost and Roode Steen
 * Statenlogement (1613), former city hall
 * Burgerweeshuis (1620), the former orphanage in the Korte Achterstraat
 * Statencollege (1632), which houses the Westfries Museum
 * Koepelkerk (1882), a Roman Catholic basilica
 * Claes Stapelhof (1682), a hofje

Hoorn has notable modern buildings as well, such as:
 * Schouwburg Het Park, a theater and congress center that was opened on 25 June 2004 by Queen Beatrix. The opening was delayed, as the fly tower collapsed in the night of 20 April 2001 due to faulty construction work.

Museums
Notable museums in Hoorn include:
 * Westfries Museum
 * Museum of the 20th Century (on the Oostereiland)

Cemeteries

 * Jewish cemetery, Hoorn

Municipal executive
As of 16 June 2022, the municipal executive of Hoorn consists of:

Railways
Hoorn is connected to the Dutch railway network and has two train stations: Hoorn and Hoorn Kersenboogerd. From these stations, it is possible to travel in the directions of Enkhuizen, Alkmaar and Amsterdam. It is also the starting point of the Hoorn–Medemblik heritage railway.

Roads
The A7 motorway, which runs from Zaandam to the German border via the Afsluitdijk, passes along Hoorn. The exit Hoorn North connects to the provincial road N302, also called Westfrisiaweg, which runs from Hoorn to Lelystad via the Houtribdijk.

Born
The following is a list of notable people who were born in Hoorn:

Public figures

 * Hadrianus Junius (1511–1575), humanist
 * Cornelis Cort (ca. 1533 – ca. 1578), engraver
 * Rombout Hogerbeets (1561–1625), jurist
 * Willem Schouten (ca. 1567–1625), explorer
 * Jonas Michaelius (1577 – after 1638), clergyman
 * Cornelius Jacobsen May (ca. 1580 – after 1624), explorer
 * Willem Bontekoe (1587–1657), explorer
 * Jan Pieterszoon Coen (1587–1629), colonial administrator
 * Jacques Waben (ca. 1590 – ca. 1634), painter
 * Pieter Anthoniszoon Overtwater (ca. 1610–1682), merchant
 * Birgitta Durell (1619–1683), Swedish industrialist
 * Pieter Coopse (c. 1640–1673), painter and draughtsman
 * Jacob Rotius (1644–1681), painter
 * Martinus Houttuyn (1720–1798), botanist
 * Adrianus Bleijs (1842–1912), architect
 * Johan Messchaert (1857–1922), singer
 * Aaf Bouber (1885–1974), actress
 * Maria Elizabeth van Ebbenhorst Tengbergen (1885–1980), composer
 * Bart Bok (1906–1983), American astronomer
 * Anton Quintana (1937–2017), writer
 * Corine Rottschäfer (1938–2020), model
 * Martin Brozius (1941–2009), actor
 * George Baker (born 1944), singer
 * Cees Renckens (born 1946), physician
 * Joop van Wijk (born 1950), director
 * Simone van der Vlugt (born 1966), writer
 * Ron Blaauw (1967), chef
 * Richard Tol (born 1969), economist
 * Jan van Steenbergen (born 1970), linguist
 * Maria Barnas (born 1973), writer and poet
 * Wytske Postma (born 1977), politician
 * Tim Knol (born 1989), singer-songwriter
 * Stien den Hollander (born 2000), singer and rapper

Sportspeople

 * Johannes van Hoolwerff (1878–1962), Olympic sailor
 * Frans Hoek (born 1956), football player
 * Ruud Heus (born 1961), football player
 * Stephan van den Berg (born 1962), Olympic windsurfer
 * Silvan Inia (born 1969), football player
 * Frank de Boer (born 1970), football player
 * Ronald de Boer (born 1970), football player
 * Minouche Smit (born 1975), swimmer
 * Marja Vis (born 1977), speed skater
 * Marcelien de Koning (born 1978), Olympic sailor
 * Vera Koedooder (born 1983), racing cyclist
 * Coen de Koning (born 1983), Olympic sailor
 * Tine Veenstra (born 1983), bobsledder
 * Adrie Visser (born 1983), track cyclist
 * Wil Besseling (born 1985), golfer
 * Willemijn Karsten (born 1986), handball player
 * Robert Krabbendam (born 1986), basketball player
 * Pim Ligthart (born 1988), road cyclist
 * Ruud Vormer (born 1988), football player
 * Maikel van der Werff (born 1989), football player
 * Roland Alberg (born 1990), football player
 * Nadine Broersen (born 1990), track and field athlete
 * Marco Bizot (born 1991), football player
 * Lorenzo Ebecilio (born 1991), football player
 * Nicole Koolhaas (born 1991), volleyball player
 * Brandley Kuwas (born 1992), football player
 * Sonny Stevens (born 1992), football player
 * Paul Kok (born 1994), football player
 * Bas Schouten (born 1994), racing driver
 * Nadine Visser (born 1995), track athlete
 * Inessa Kaagman (born 1996), football player
 * Maaike Boogaard (born 1998), racing cyclist
 * Dani de Wit (born 1998), football player
 * Dagmar Boom (born 2000), volleyball player
 * Kenzo Goudmijn (born 2001), football player
 * Sontje Hansen (born 2002), football player

Residing
The following is a list of people who were born elsewhere, but are notable (former) residents of Hoorn:

 * David Pietersz. de Vries (ca. 1593–1655), explorer
 * Andreas Cellarius (1596–1665), cartographer
 * Jan Albertsz Rotius (1624–1666), painter
 * Miep Gies (1909–2010), helper of the Frank family
 * Edgar Vos (1931–2010), fashion designer
 * Milly Scott (born 1933), singer and actress
 * Bonnie St. Claire (born 1949), singer
 * Ernesto Hoost (born 1965), kickboxer
 * Sylvana Simons (born 1971), presenter and politician
 * Steven van Weyenberg (born 1973), politician
 * Lobke Berkhout (born 1980), Olympic sailor
 * Dean Saunders (born 1981), singer
 * Ben Saunders (born 1983), singer

Partner cities
Hoorn is twinned with the following cities and municipalities:
 * 🇧🇪 Beersel, Belgium (since 1968)
 * 🇨🇿 Příbram, Czech Republic (since 1992)

Friendships

 * 🇺🇸 Lewes, Delaware, United States
 * Lewes was the site of the first European settlement in Delaware: a whaling and trading post that Dutch settlers led by David Pieterszoon de Vries established in 1631 and named Zwaanendael. Upon their arrival in the Delaware Bay, they entered a kill which De Vries named "Hoornkill" after his hometown Hoorn. Nowadays, the city's Zwaanendael Museum is located in a replica of the Statenlogement, the former city hall of Hoorn. Although Hoorn and Lewes have never officially been partner cities, there is close informal relationship between the two towns. Delegations from Hoorn and Lewes have visited each other's cities in light of Lewes's 375th and Hoorn's 650th anniversary in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

 * 🇲🇾 Malacca City, Malaysia (since 1989)
 * In 1641, the Dutch conquered the colony of Malacca from the Portuguese. During the Dutch rule, the iconic Stadthuys was built – a replica of the first city hall of Hoorn, which was demolished in 1797. Hoorn and Malacca became sister cities in 1989, but the partnership was officially ended in 2005. The cities still maintain an informal relationship as "friendship cities".

title: Hoorn


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Huizen

Huizen is a municipality and a village in the province of North Holland, the Netherlands.

The name "Huizen" is Dutch for "houses" and this usage has been linked to the belief that the first stone houses in the region, instead of the more common sod houses of the time, appeared here. Huizen is part of the metropolitan area of Amsterdam.

History
Huizen was originally an agricultural village, near the Zuiderzee until 1932. During winter the farmers went fishing, which started the development from an agricultural to a coastal village with a thriving fishing industry, stimulated by building the harbour around 1850. After the damming of the Zuiderzee in 1932, the old sea became a lake, and economic activity shifted towards industry and commerce.

In the 1960s the town was designated to build substantially large residential areas, to overcome the housing shortage in the region. From then on, the village took on an influx of people and grew rapidly.

Where the Phohi-flat now stands in Huizen, before World War II was a large transmitter intended to contact the Dutch East Indies, some 12.000 km away.

A post mill that stood in Huizen was dismantled in 1916. It was re-erected in 1919 at the Netherlands Open Air Museum, Arnhem, Gelderland.

Topography
Huizen is part of the Gooi area, well as the home of the rich and famous.

Map of Huizen, March 2014.

Local government
The municipal council of Huizen consists of 27 seats, which at the 2022 municipal elections divided as follows:

• VVD - 5 seats

• Leefbaar Huizen - 4 seats

• Dorpsbelangen Huizen - 4 seats

• CDA - 3 seats

• D66 - 3 seats

• PvdA - 2 seats

• GroenLinks - 2 seats

• ChristenUnie - 2 seats

• SGP - 1 seat

• Transparant Huizen - 1 seat

Transport
With its population of close to 42,000, Huizen is one of the larger Dutch towns without railway connection. On a national level, it's preceded by Drachten and Oosterhout.

Notable people

 * Henk Bos (1901–1979) a Dutch painter
 * Karel Voous (1920–2002) a Dutch ornithologist and author
 * Willem Oltmans (1925–2004) a Dutch investigative journalist and author
 * Dorret Boomsma (born 1957 in Huizen) a Dutch biological psychologist specializing in genetics and twin studies
 * Arnoud Boot (born 1960) a Dutch economist and academic
 * Femke Merel van Kooten (born 1983) a Dutch politician, former member of the Dutch House of Representatives and leader of Splinter

Sport

 * Sofyan Amrabat (born 1996) footballer for Manchester United and the Morocco national team
 * Michiel Dudok van Heel (1924–2003) a sailor, competed at the 1952 Summer Olympics
 * Nick de Jong (born 1942) a retired sailor, competed at the 1964 Summer Olympics
 * Noémi Boekel (born 1984 in Huizen) a Dutch softball player, competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
 * Marlou van der Kulk (born 1993) a Dutch Paralympic swimmer, bronze medallist at the 2012 Summer Paralympics

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Huizen


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Stony Brook Township, Grant County, Minnesota

Stony Brook Township is a township in Grant County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 164 at the 2000 census.

Stony Brook Township was organized in 1877, and took its name from the Stony Brook creek.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.7 square miles (89.8 km$2$), of which 32.8 square miles (85.1 km$2$) is land and 1.8 square miles (4.8 km$2$) (5.31%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 164 people, 60 households, and 49 families residing in the township. The population density was 5.0 people per square mile (1.9/km$2$). There were 73 housing units at an average density of 2.2/sq mi (0.9/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 96.34% White, 3.05% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.05% of the population.

There were 60 households, out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.7% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.3% were non-families. 13.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.7% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 127.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 116.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $42,500, and the median income for a family was $41,875. Males had a median income of $26,042 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,490. About 4.3% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.0% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.


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Landsmeer

Landsmeer is a municipality and a town in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland.

Population centres
The municipality of Landsmeer consists of three villages: Den Ilp, Landsmeer, Purmerland.

Topography
Map of the municipality of Landsmeer, June 2015

Local government
The municipal council of Landsmeer has 15 seats, which at the 2022 local election were divided as follows: • Lokaal Landsmeer - 4 seats

• D66 - 3 seats

• VVD - 2 seats

• Positief Landsmeer - 2 seats

• GroenLinks - 2 seats

• PvdA - 1 seat

• CDA - 1 seat

Town twinning
Landsmeer is twinned with the following towns:

Notable people

 * Sam Olij (1900–1975) a Dutch heavyweight boxer, competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics, member of the national socialist NSB party in WWII
 * Jaap Oudkerk (1937– 2024) cyclist, competed at the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics
 * Bernt Schneiders (born 1959) a Dutch politician, mayor of Landsmeer 1995–2001
 * Cor Bakker (born 1961) a Dutch pianist
 * Enzo Stroo (born 1994) a Dutch footballer

title: Landsmeer


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Langedijk

Langedijk (West Frisian Dutch: Langedìk) is a former municipality in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland and the region of West-Frisia. Langedijk received city rights in 1415.

Langedijk and the former municipality of Heerhugowaard merged into the new municipality of Dijk en Waard on 1 January 2022.

Population centres
The former municipality of Langedijk contained the following small towns and villages: • Broek op Langedijk

• Koedijk (partly)

• Noord-Scharwoude

• Oudkarspel

• Sint Pancras

• Zuid-Scharwoude.

Topography
Map of the former municipality of Langedijk, 2015

Local government
The former municipal council of Langedijk consisted of 21 seats, which at the last elections in 2018 divided as follows: • Dorpsbelang Langedijk (4 seats)

• VVD (4 seats)

• Kleurrijk Langedijk (3 seats)

• CDA (2 seats)

• GroenLinks (2 seats)

• Senioren Langedijk (2 seats)

• PvdA (1 seat)

• Hart voor Langedijk/D66 (2 seats)

• ChristenUnie (1 seat) Elections were held in November 2021 for a council for the new merged municipality of Dijk en Waard, that included Langedijk, which commenced work in January 2022.

Notable people

 * Johannes Hertenberg (1668 in Oudkarspel – 1725) the 19th Dutch Governor of Ceylon from 1723 until his death
 * Theo Nieuwenhuis (1866 in Noord-Scharwoude – 1951) a Dutch watercolor painter, lithograph designer, woodcarver and ceramics and textile designer
 * Berend Tobia Boeyinga (1886 in Noord-Scharwoude – 1969) a Dutch architect, noted for his Calvinist church buildings
 * Laurens Bogtman (1900 in Oudkarspel – 1969) a Dutch baritone
 * Hendrik Jan Marsman (1937 in Sint Pancras – 2012), pen name, J. Bernlef, a Dutch writer, poet, novelist and translator

Sport

 * Jan Langedijk (1910 in Oudkarspel – 1981) a Dutch speed skater who competed at the 1936 and 1948 Winter Olympics
 * Gerard Kamper (born 1950 in Koedijk) a retired Dutch cyclist
 * Jan Blokhuijsen (born 1989 in Zuid-Scharwoude) Dutch long-track speed skater, silver medallist at the 2014 Winter Olympics

title: Langedijk


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Wendell, Minnesota

Wendell is a city in Grant County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 167 at the 2010 census.

History
Wendell was platted in 1889 when the railroad was extended to that point. A post office has been in operation at Wendell since 1887.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.05 sqmi, all land.

Minnesota State Highway 55 serves as a main route in the community.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 167 people, 76 households, and 52 families living in the city. The population density was 159.0 PD/sqmi. There were 87 housing units at an average density of 82.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 76 households, of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.6% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.58.

The median age in the city was 50.2 years. 15% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18% were from 25 to 44; 28.2% were from 45 to 64; and 27.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.7% male and 47.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 177 people, 77 households, and 50 families living in the city. The population density was 168.3 PD/sqmi. There were 84 housing units at an average density of 79.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 77 households, out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.9% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 24.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,625, and the median income for a family was $39,375. Males had a median income of $30,938 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,413. None of the families and 2.6% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 8.7% of those over 64.

Religion
Trinity Lutheran Church in Wendell belongs to the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Catholics in Wendell belong to St. Olaf parish in Elbow Lake, Saint Cloud diocese.

title: Wendell, Minnesota


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Laren, North Holland

Laren is a town and municipality in the province of North Holland, Netherlands. Located in the Gooi region, it is the oldest town in the area. Together with its neighbor Blaricum, Laren is one of the most affluent towns in the Netherlands.

Nationally, Laren is well known for its history as a late 19th-century art colony, preserved in the museum Singer Laren, its retirement home for elderly artists Rosa Spier Huis, as well as its wide array of shops. Laren is part of the Amsterdam metropolitan area, situated east of Amsterdam.

Government
The municipal council of Laren consists of 15 seats, which since 2022 are divided as follows: • Larens Behoud – 4 seats

• VVD – 4 seats

• Liberaal Laren – 2 seats

• D66 – 2 seats

• Groen Laren – 2 seats

• CDA – 1 seat

Demographics
In 2007, Laren had the following demographic data:

 * Birth rate: 7.29 per 1,000
 * Death rate: 17.94 per 1,000
 * NGR: -1.07% per year

In August 2017, there were 11,135 inhabitants in Laren. The municipality has a population density of 897 /km2.

The arts

 * Johan Briedé (1885–1980) artist, illustrated H. G. Wells' books
 * Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898–1972), graphic artist, illustrator and printmaker, lived in Rosa Spier Huis from 1970
 * Barthold Fles (1902–1989) a Dutch-American literary agent, author and translator; lived in Rosa Spier Huis from 1986
 * Maarten Krabbé (1908 in Laren – 2005) a Dutch painter and art educator
 * Hannie Lips (1924 – 2012 in Laren) a broadcaster and TV announcer
 * Anton Mauve (1838–1888), painter, Hague School & Laren School, lived in Laren 1886/1888
 * Johnny de Mol (born 1979 in Laren) a Dutch actor and presenter
 * Albert Neuhuys (1844–1914), painter Laren School
 * Roberto Vander (born 1950 in Laren) a Dutch-Chilean actor and singer
 * Saar de Swart (1861–1951) a Dutch sculptor

Public service

 * Jan van den Brink (1915 in Laren – 2006) a Dutch politician and businessman
 * Gerard Croiset (1909 in Laren – 1980) a Dutch parapsychologist, psychometrist and psychic
 * Paul Joan George Kapteyn (born 1928 in Laren) a judge at the European Court of Justice
 * Pim van Lommel (born 1943 in Laren) a Dutch cardiologist, author and researcher into near-death studies
 * Maria Montessori (1870–1952) an Italian physician and education reformer, lived in Laren 1936/1939
 * Roelof Nelissen (1931–2019) a Dutch politician and businessman; lived in Laren
 * Mona Louise Parsons (1901–1976) a Canadian actress, nurse and member of an informal Dutch resistance network
 * Elbert Roest (born 1954) a Dutch historian, politician, former teacher and former mayor of Laren
 * Henk Zanoli (1923 in Laren – 2015) a lawyer and member of the Dutch resistance in WWII

Sport

 * Willemien Aardenburg (born 1966 in Laren) a former Dutch field hockey player, team bronze medallist the 1988 Summer Olympics
 * Thomas Boerma (born 1981 in Laren) a field hockey player, competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
 * Jacobine Veenhoven (born 1984 in Laren) a Dutch female rower, team bronze medallist at the 2012 Summer Olympics
 * Marcel van der Westen (born 1976 in Laren) a retired Dutch hurdler

title: Laren, North Holland


text:
Medemblik

Medemblik is a municipality and a city in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland and the region of West-Frisia. It lies immediately south of the polder and former municipality of Wieringermeer.

History
Medemblik was a prosperous trading town, when in 1282, Floris V, Count of Holland, successfully invaded West Friesland. He built several fortresses to control the region, one of which was Kasteel Radboud in Medemblik, and awarded Medemblik city rights in 1289. After Floris V was murdered in 1296, the local Frisians besieged the castle, but in 1297 an army from Holland thwarted their efforts to starve out the inhabitants, which included Medemblik citizens.

Several more attacks took place in the following centuries. The most notorious of these happened in June 1517, when Medemblik was attacked from mainland Frisia by about 4000 pirates known as the Arumer Zwarte Hoop, led by Pier Gerlofs Donia and Wijard Jelckama. Many citizens fled to the castle, which the pirates unsuccessfully besieged. Eventually, they took out their fury on the town, which burned to the ground. After this the band continued their marauding path on land throughout present day North Holland.

After Medemblik town walls were constructed in 1572, the castle lost its role as a refuge for the citizens, which led to its partially dismantling in 1578. Over the centuries the castle fell into decay, but in 1889 it became property of the crown and was restored to be used as a courthouse, which function it served until 1934. Anticipating the German invasion, the Rijksmuseum in September 1939 chose the castle as the initial hiding place of Rembrandt's Night Watch.

On January 1, 2007, Medemblik merged with the municipalities of Noorder-Koggenland and Wognum. The new municipality was called Medemblik, even though it was the smallest of the three in population. Again on January 1, 2011, Medemblik merged with Andijk and Wervershoof into the municipality Medemblik.

The new city hall is the former office building of the DSB Bank in Wognum.

Tourism
Medemblik is best known in Europe for its sailing events. Medemblik also has a picturesque small innercity with many 17th and 18th century houses, two big churches, an old orphanage, a town hall and, of course, castle Radboud, which is at the edger of the innercity. The city also hosts the Medemblik steam museum, housed in a decommissioned pumping station.

Transport
A heritage railway connects Medemblik with Hoorn.

Local government
The municipal council of Medemblik consists of 29 seats, which at the 2022 municipal elections divided as follows:

 * Hart voor Medemblik - 6 seats
 * VVD - 5 seats
 * CDA - 5 seats
 * Gemeentebelangen - 5 seats
 * Morgen! in Medemblik - 4 seats
 * D66 - 2 seats
 * GroenLinks - 1 seat
 * ChristenUnie - 1 seat

Notable people

 * Jan Albertsz Rotius (1624 in Medemblik – 1666) a Dutch painter
 * A. C. Baantjer (1923 in Urk – 2010) a Dutch author of detective fiction and police officer
 * Jan Vriend (born 1938 in Benningbroek) a Dutch classical music composer, conductor, organist and pianist
 * Wim Cool (born 1943 in Gieten) a Dutch business consultant, mediator and politician
 * Bep Vriend (born 1946 in Andijk) a Dutch bridge player and teacher
 * Willem Vogelsang (born 1956 in Medemblik) academic and reserve soldier
 * John Appel (born 1958 in Wognum) a Dutch documentary filmmaker

Sport

 * Edith van Dijk (born 1973 in Haastrecht) a Dutch swimmer and 6-time world champion.
 * Yvonne Spigt (born 1988 in Wervershoof) a Dutch marathon skater and inline skater
 * Irene Schouten (born 1992 in Andijk) a Dutch speed skater, bronze medallist in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games

title: Medemblik


text:
Muiden

Muiden is a city and former municipality in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. It lies at the mouth of the Vecht and is in an area called the Vechtstreek. Since 2016, Muiden has been part of the new municipality of Gooise Meren.

History
The first known reference to Muiden is from 953 when Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, granted the settlement and its toll rights to the Cathedral of Saint Martin, Utrecht. It was called Amuda, meaning "mouth of the (river) A". "A" was the old name for the Vecht river.

In 1122 Muiden was, together with Utrecht, granted some city rights by Emperor Henry V. After the lands around Muiden were given to Count Floris V, he began building Muider Castle at the mouth of the Vecht river. Muiden once again received city rights in 1296.

The first defensive works date from the first half of the 15th century. In 1590 the walls were replaced with earthen mounds with bastions after a design by Adriaen Anthonisz. Muiden was the northern end of the Dutch Water Line.

In 1673 the sea lock in the Vecht river was relocated from Fort Hinderdam to Muiden and in 1676 it was expanded with a sea wall along the Vecht mouth to prevent flooding.

Developments in warfare during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 prompted modernisation, with the construction of forts, part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, which included the Muizenfort, the barracks on the Vestingplein, and the casemates in the ravelins. The layout of the fortification wall was revised.

Fort Pampus Island, part of the former municipality of Muiden, was built from 1887 to 1897. Together with the lighthouse island near Durgerdam and the artillery battery at the Diemer seawall, it was meant to protect the entrance of the IJ Bay and the harbour of Amsterdam.

Geography

The former municipality of Muiden had two population centers: Muiden and Muiderberg.

Attractions

 * Muiderslot (Muider Castle), a well-preserved castle from the Middle Ages
 * Muizenfort, (Mice Fort) a 19th-century fortification part of the Stelling van Amsterdam
 * Fort Pampus Island is an artificial island that is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam (Dutch: Stelling van Amsterdam).

Various regional walking and cycling routes pass Muiden.

Gunpowder factory
In 1702 the hazardous production of gunpowder was removed from the city of Amsterdam. The vroedschap of Muiden granted a permit to Reinier van Cuyk of Amsterdam to build a gunpowder mill just west of Muiden that same year.

The factory flourished during the First World War, was liquidated in 1919, and was restarted in 1922. During the 20th century its production steadily increased and the town grew towards the factory. In 1972 it was renamed "Muiden Chemie". In the 1980s, it was accused of illegal shipments to Iran. In 1990 Muiden Chemie went bankrupt and was taken over by the British company Royal Ordnance, part of British Aerospace. After a fire in 2001 and ongoing concerns over safety, it was decided to close the factory permanently.

Explosions since 1883:
 * January 9, 1883: explosion on the factory premises, resulting in 13 deaths and much damage to the factory and Muiden.
 * 1886: explosion, 2 deaths. Destroyed a part of the factory.
 * 1924/1925: several explosions, 1 death.
 * January 17, 1947: explosion of collected grenades on the factory premises, 17 deaths and much damage in Muiden.
 * 1948: a grenade exploded, 1 death.
 * 1949: explosion in a powder mill, 1 death.
 * June 13, 1963: explosion in the storage depot, no casualties.
 * June 2, 1966: explosion in the TNT factory, many injuries and much damage in Muiden.
 * December 8, 1972: explosion in drying chamber, 2 deaths, much damage in Muiden.
 * May 30, 1983: explosion, 3 deaths.
 * September 9, 1983: explosion, 1 death.
 * August 20, 2001: fire in packing materials storage, no explosions, no casualties.

Local government
Marleen de Pater-van der Meer of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) was the last mayor of Muiden. The municipal council of Muiden consisted of 13 seats, which were divided as follows at the 2014 local elections:
 * People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD): 3 seats
 * Labour Party (PvdA): 3 seats
 * Democrats 66 (D66): 3 seats
 * Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA): 2 seats
 * Ons Muiden Muiderberg: 2 seats

There was an election in November 2015 for the council for the new merged Gooise Meren municipality that commenced work on 1 January 2016, replacing Muiden council.

Notable people

 * Abraham Samson Onderwijzer (1862–1934), rabbi and labour union founder

title: Muiden


text:
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Brooklyn Center is a first-ring suburban city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. In 1911, the area became a village formed from parts of Brooklyn Township and Crystal Lake Township. In 1966, Brooklyn Center became a charter city. The city has commercial and industrial development. The majority of land use is single-family homes. The population was 33,782 at the 2020 census, and the city has become the most ethnically diverse community in the state.

History
Pioneers organized town governments for Brooklyn Township and Crystal Lake Township when Minnesota became a state in 1858. Osseo Road was a main thoroughfare that brought settlers to an area centered around their school, post office, store, meeting hall, and Baptist and Methodist churches. That location thrived as a market gardening community. It abutted the encroaching development of Minneapolis to the south.

Steps were taken to protect the area from annexation by Minneapolis and to retain "simpler public business methods, and extra police protection" by incorporation. The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners accepted a petition to incorporate the Village of Brooklyn Center on January 16, 1911. An election followed, the boundaries were set, and documents filed with the state on February 18, 1911. P.W. Reidhead was the first president. The population was 500.

By 1940, the village saw a need for more organized planning to deal with issues such as sewage and traffic. In 1942, a Planning Commission was established. Farmers were selling their valuable land to housing developers. The decade saw unprecedented population growth, reaching 4,000 by 1950. Brookdale, a new shopping concept by Dayton’s, was constructed in 1960 when the population had grown to over 24,000. In 1963, even more new opportunities for commercial development were presented with the estate of Earle Brown, deceased, the heir of Captain John Martin who had been one of the wealthiest men in Minneapolis.

Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center was the former Cap Martin country estate, built in 1878 and willed to his grandson Earle Brown in 1901. The buildings included the family home, office and garage, housing for the workers, a pump house, multiple barns, a hippodrome, an antique carriage collection, and a restored lumber bunkhouse and cook shanty. It is now a historic site in Brooklyn Center owned by the city and developed into a conference and event center. In April 2021, Daunte Wright was killed by a city police officer. Due to elevated racial tensions and anti-police sentiment because of the concurrent Derek Chauvin trial, riots and looting broke out. California Congresswoman Maxine Waters traveled to the city to hold a rally for the protestors, which only encouraged the rioting. The city worked with Juxtaposition Arts on a permanent memorial to Wright.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.381 sqmi, of which 8.003 sqmi is land and 0.378 sqmi is water. All of Brooklyn Center is in the Upper Mississippi Watershed Basin. The Mississippi River is the eastern boundary of the city and is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area of Minnesota. The North Mississippi Regional Park, at 5700 Lyndale Avenue North, is managed by Three Rivers Park District Board, on which Brooklyn Center is represented in District 3.

Southwestern Brooklyn Center includes Upper Twin Lake (117 acres) and connects to a chain of lakes that discharge into Shingle Creek, which discharges into the Mississippi River. Shingle Creek also runs through Palmer Lake. The city is a member of Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission, which manages the lakes, streams, and wetlands in this area. Palmer Lake Park is a natural environmental preserve of lake and marsh habitat on over 200 acres.

All of Brooklyn Center is in the state's Deciduous Forest Biome. The Plant Hardiness Zone is 4B, with an average minimum extreme temperature of -25 to -20 Fahrenheit. The city has developed and maintains 26 parks and a 20-mile trail system. The majority of land use is single-family homes. The historical route, Osseo Road, was renamed Brooklyn Boulevard by both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park in 1969. Interstates 94 and 694 and Minnesota State Highways 100 and 252 are four of the main routes in Brooklyn Center.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 33,782 people, 11,309 households, and 7,413 families residing in the city. The population density was 4221.2 PD/sqmi. There were 11,665 housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 34.4% White, 27.9% African American, 1.4% Native American, 19.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 8.2% from some other races and 9.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.8% of the population. 29.3% of residents were under the age of 18, 9.0% were under 5 years of age, and 11.5% were 65 and older.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 30,104 people, 10,756 households, and 7,010 families resided in the city. The population density was 3784.1 PD/sqmi. There were 11,640 housing units at an average density of 1462.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 49.1% White, 25.9% African American, 0.8% Native American, 14.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.4% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.6% of the population.

There were 10,756 households, of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% were married couples living together, 18.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.8% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.43.

The city's median age was 32.6. 27.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.1% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 12.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 29,172 people, 11,430 households, and 7,383 families resided in the city. The population density was 3,672.0 PD/sqmi. There were 11,598 housing units at an average density of 1,459.9 /sqmi. The city's racial makeup was 71.39% White, 14.09% African American, 0.87% Native American, 8.79% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.49% from other races, and 3.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.82% of the population.

There were 11,430 households, of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 or older. The median age was 35. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The city's median household income was $44,570, and the median family income was $52,006. Males had a median income of $36,031 versus $27,755 for females. The city's per capita income was $19,695. About 4.7% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those 65 or older.

Economy

Notable businesses include Surly Brewing Company, and Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, a mixed martial arts training center. The FBI's Minneapolis field office is located in Brooklyn Center.

Top employers
According to the City's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are:

Government
Brooklyn Center is in Minnesota's 5th congressional district.

Law enforcement
The Brooklyn Center Police Department was established in 1953, the city having previously had elected constables and appointed marshals. The department has about 47 sworn officers. The department is organized into a number of divisions and units.

Crime
According to the Uniform Crime Report statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2022, there were 195 violent crimes and 1,008 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Of these, the violent crimes consisted of 1 murder, 38 forcible rapes, 68 robberies and 88 aggravated assaults, while 106 burglaries, 703 larceny-thefts, 187 motor vehicle thefts and 12 acts of arson defined the property offenses.

Notable people

 * Dennie Gordon – TV/film director (Joe Dirt, What a Girl Wants, New York Minute)
 * Marcus Harris – former college football player, and a Brooklyn Center High School alum, was an All-American wide receiver, played for the University of Wyoming, and won the 1996 Fred Biletnikoff Award as the best college wide receiver in the nation.
 * Don Kramer – Minnesota state senator and businessman
 * John Wingard - farmer and Minnesota state representative

title: Brooklyn Center, Minnesota


text:
Naarden

Naarden is a city and former municipality in the Gooi region in the province of North Holland, Netherlands. It has been part of the new municipality of Gooise Meren since 2016.

History
Naarden was granted its city rights in 1300 (the only town in the Gooi with these rights) and later developed into a fortified garrison town with a textile industry.

In 1572, the city was sacked and burnt down, and only 60 people survived the Massacre of Naarden. The massacre was committed by Spanish soldiers against the townspeople of Naarden as part of a punitive expedition against Dutch rebels later known as the Spanish Fury. The destruction of the city galvanized the Dutch rebels, leading them to continue the Dutch War of Independence against Spain.

Naarden is an example of a star fort, complete with fortified walls and a moat. The moat and walls have been restored on numerous occasions, most notably during the French era (1795-1814). After the Battle of Leipzig (1813), the Netherlands were liberated by an allied force of Dutch, Prussian and Russian armies. During this period, Naarden was besieged for months since the French commander didn't believe that Napoleon was captured. In May 1814, the French soldiers left the city in a retreat with honour (see Siege of Naarden (1813–1814).

John Amos Comenius, 17th century Moravian born Czech educator was buried in the city, and his mausoleum is open for visitors.

Despite its earlier importance, Naarden's population was surpassed by Hilversum in the 18th century and today it is smaller than its neighbour Bussum.

The city's distinctive shape made it a rallying point for Allied bombers returning to England after raids on Germany.

Naarden was a separate municipality until 2015. On 1 January 2016, the municipality of Naarden merged with Muiden and Bussum to form the new municipality of Gooise Meren.

Economy
The company Stork B.V. had its head office in Naarden.

Geography

The city of Naarden is located in the municipality of Gooise Meren in the west of the Netherlands. It is situated in the Gooi region in the southeast of the province of North Holland.

Attractions
Naarden is the home of the Dutch Fortress Museum (Nederlands Vestingmuseum). Naarden hosts the bi-annual Naarden Photo Festival and, on Good Friday, a performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in the local church, which is called the Great Church or St. Vitus Church.

The Great Church (Grote Kerk) in Marktstraat dates from the 15th century. Prior to the Protestant Reformation it was named for St. Vitus. It is one of the oldest surviving churches in The Netherlands, having had the good fortune to survive the Spanish invasion of 1572 and the subsequent burning of the town. The church has numerous wooden vaults that are painted with scenes from the Old and New Testaments. These were hidden for many years and were only rediscovered in a recent restoration. The church is the venue for a number of cultural activities such as organ music nights and the bi-annual Naarden Photo festival.

The Spanish House (Spaanse Huis), situated at Turfpoortstraat 27, was originally a church building converted to house migrants. In 1572 Spanish troops conducted a massacre of some 700 inhabitants who had gathered to hear a peace proposal. The Spanish then fired on the assembled citizens, and went on to set fire to the town. A plaque above the lintel of the door and below the eaves commemorates the massacre. In 1615, after the population had reestablished itself, they built the city hall on the site. Part of the building was given over to De Waag (The Scales House), the municipal office entrusted with the verification of weights and measures. The building later served a French garrison as a bakery, turning out over 1000 loaves per day. From 1967 until 1992 it served as the Comenius museum. Today, the historic building serves as the Weegschaal Museum.

Naarden is also the place where John Amos Comenius is buried in a mausoleum on Klooster straat. This place receives many visitors from Czechia, where he was born. Comenius is known as the inventor of our school system with grades and different classes.

Transport
The nearest station is Naarden-Bussum railway station, which has services to Almere, Amersfoort, Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Notable residents

 * Nordin Amrabat (born 1987), football player
 * Willem Arondeus (1894–1943), professional artist, author and Dutch Resistance member
 * Tim Coronel (born 1972), racing driver
 * Tom Coronel (born 1972), racing driver
 * Maarten de Bruijn (born 1965), product designer
 * Annemarie Groen (born 1955), backstroke swimmer
 * Egbert Haverkamp-Begemann (born 1923), art historian
 * Tom van 't Hek (born 1958), field hockey player and coach
 * Frank Martin (1890–1974), Swiss composer who lived in Naarden from 1954
 * Bertil Schmüll (born 1946), engraver
 * Salomon van Ruysdael (~1602–1670), painter

title: Naarden


text:
Niedorp

Niedorp (West Frisian: Nierup) is a former municipality in the north-western Netherlands, in the province of North Holland and the region of West-Frisia. Niedorp, along with neighbouring Barsingerhorn, received city rights in 1415, and since 2012 has been a part of the new municipality of Hollands Kroon.

Population centres
The former municipality of Niedorp consisted of the following small towns and villages: Barsingerhorn, Haringhuizen, Kolhorn, Lutjewinkel, Nieuwe Niedorp, Oude Niedorp, 't Veld, Winkel, Zijdewind.

Archaeology
Prehistoric settlements from the Late Neolithic period were found in De Gouw and the Groetpolder. They are covered by sediment and belong to the Single Grave Culture. In 1995, these sites were submitted to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. They are currently on the tentative list.

Local government
The former municipal council of Niedorp consisted of 15 seats, which at the final election in 2010 divided as follows: Elections were held in November 2011 for a council for the new merged municipality of Hollands Kroon that included Niedorp, which commenced work in January 2012.
 * Democratie Anders (LADA) - 6 seats
 * VVD - 3 seats
 * PvdA - 3 seats
 * CDA - 2 seats
 * Algemeen Belang Niedorp - 1 seat

title: Niedorp


text:
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Brooklyn Park is a suburban city on the west bank of the Mississippi River, upstream from (north of) downtown Minneapolis in northern Hennepin County. It is the sixth-largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The population was 86,478 at the 2020 census. The city still has undeveloped land and farms, including the historic Eidem Homestead, a 1900s working farm that is a popular tourist attraction for families and school field trips. Brooklyn Park is considered both a second- and third-tier suburb of Minneapolis, because much of the land north of 85th Avenue was developed after 2000.

WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Jesse Ventura served as mayor of Brooklyn Park from 1991 to 1995. He was elected governor of Minnesota in the 1998 election on a third-party ticket and served as governor from 1999 to 2003.

Brooklyn Park is listed as a "Tree City USA" and is home to 47 mi of trails and 67 parks, including Rush Creek Regional Trail and the northern section of Palmer Lake Park. The city is also known for Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, on the west side of Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. Rasmussen University, North Hennepin Community College and a campus of Hennepin Technical College are in the city.

History
Settlers from Michigan formally organized town government in 1858 and named the area after their hometown of Brooklyn, Michigan. Formerly Brooklyn Township, the township split in 1911 when the southeast community incorporated into Brooklyn Center. Brooklyn Township incorporated as the Village of Brooklyn Park in 1954, and incorporated as a city in 1969.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.57 sqmi, of which 26.07 sqmi are land and 0.50 sqmi, or 1.87%, are water. The Mississippi River forms the eastern boundary of the city, separating it from Coon Rapids and Fridley in Anoka County.

Interstates 94 and 694 are located in the far southern portion of Brooklyn Park. U.S. Route 169 is located near the western part of the city. State Highway 252, a 4.5 mi north–south highway, is located near the eastern portion of the city. State Highway 610 runs east–west through the northern portion of Brooklyn Park. County Road 81 also serves as one of the main routes.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, the city had 86,478 people and 29,514 households. Its racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 38.9% white, 30.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 19.4% Asian, and 6.5% from two or more races. Separately, Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 5.8% of the population.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 75,781 people, 26,229 households, and 18,763 families living in the city. The population density was 2906.8 PD/sqmi. There were 27,841 housing units at an average density of 1067.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 52.2% White, 24.4% African American, 0.5% Native American, 15.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.6% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.4% of the population.

There were 26,229 households, of which 41.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.5% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.40.

The median age in the city was 32.5 years. 29% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.1% were from 25 to 44; 24.7% were from 45 to 64; and 7.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 67,388 people, 24,432 households, and 17,346 families living in the city. The population density was 2,586.1 people per square mile (998.4 per km2). There were 24,846 housing units at an average density of 953.5 per square mile (368.1 per km2). The racial makeup of the city was 71.44% White, 14.33% African American, 0.57% Native American, 9.22% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.49% from other races, and 2.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race totaled 4,481 residents in the city. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.88% of the population.

There were 24,432 households, out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the city, the age distribution of the population showed 28.8% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 34.9% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 5.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median household income/owner occupied was $88,972. The median household income/renter occupied was $42,541. The combined median income for a household in the city was $64,297. The per capita income for the city was $23,199. About 3.8% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation
The Three Rivers Figure Skating Club operates out of the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center.

Government
Brooklyn Park is served by a seven-member city council, two members for each voting district within the city plus the mayor elected by the entire city. The three districts are West, East, and Central. The mayor is Hollies Winston.

Education
Brooklyn Park is served by three school districts: Osseo Area School District 279, Anoka-Hennepin School District 11, and Robbinsdale School District 281.

High schools serving Brooklyn Park:
 * Champlin Park High School (Anoka-Hennepin District)
 * Cooper Senior High School (Robbinsdale District)
 * Osseo Senior High School (Osseo District)
 * Park Center Senior High School (Osseo District)

Some students attend public schools in other school districts chosen by their families under Minnesota's open enrollment statute.

Maranatha Christian Academy, a private high school, and St. Vincent de Paul Parish School, a Catholic school, are also in Brooklyn Park.

Colleges include North Hennepin Community College, Hennepin Technical College and Rasmussen College.

Notable people

 * Casey Borer, ice hockey player for the Eisbären Berlin of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL)
 * Dave Brat, former congressman from Virginia's 7th congressional district
 * Quinton Hooker (born 1995), basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
 * Ramon Humber, linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League; alumnus of Champlin Park High School
 * Tim Jackman, professional ice hockey player; Park Center High School alumnus
 * Tim Laudner, former Major League Baseball catcher for the Minnesota Twins; Park Center High School alumnus
 * Dave Lindstrom, catcher Detroit Tigers Minors / Texas Tech University; Park Center High School alumnus
 * Pat Neshek, relief pitcher Houston Astros; Park Center High School alumnus
 * Dean Nyquist, attorney and member of the Minnesota Senate
 * Kirby Puckett (1960–2006), Major League Baseball center fielder who spent his entire 12-year career playing for the Minnesota Twins; early in his career, Puckett lived in Brooklyn Park, with his wife, Tonya, who is from Brooklyn Park
 * Jesse Ventura, politician, actor, author, veteran, and former professional wrestler, who served as the 38th governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003; served as mayor of Brooklyn Park from 1991 to 1995
 * Krissy Wendell, ice hockey player, former player for the United States women's national ice hockey team, also standout softball/baseball player who played in Little League World Series; Park Center High School alumna

title: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota


text:
Noorder-Koggenland

Noorder-Koggenland is a former municipality in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. Abbekerk, located in the municipality of Noorder-Koggenland, received city rights in 1414.

The municipality merged into Medemblik in 2007.

Population centres
The municipality of Noorder-Koggenland consisted of the following cities, towns, villages and/or districts: Abbekerk, Benningbroek, Hauwert, Lambertschaag, Midwoud, Oostwoud, Opperdoes, Sijbekarspel, Twisk.

title: Noorder-Koggenland


text:
Champlin, Minnesota

Champlin is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 23,919 at the 2020 census. Champlin is a northern suburb of Minneapolis.

U.S. Highway 169 and Hennepin County Road 12 (CR 12) are two of the main routes in Champlin.

Geography
Champlin lies along the Mississippi River, surrounded by the cities of Anoka, Dayton, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and Coon Rapids, 18 mi northwest of Minneapolis.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 8.73 sqmi, of which 8.17 sqmi is land and 0.56 sqmi is water.

The average elevation is 875 ft above sea level, and the Mississippi River is approximately one-eighth of a mile wide throughout Champlin.

History
The Champlin area was first settled when Father Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan priest from whom Hennepin County gets its name, Michael Accult, and Peter Dulay were captured by Lakota Indians. An Indian trading post was later established in the area. Charles Miles created the first permanent settlement in what came to be named Marshall Township. In 1859, it was split into two towns, Champlin and Dayton. Champlin's name came from U.S. Navy Commodore Stephen Champlin. He was active in the war against England and Canada in 1812 and in the establishment of the Canadian–United States boundary. He died in 1870 in Buffalo, New York.

On August 30, 1853, Stephen Champlin's daughter, Eliza Ellen Champlin, married John B. Cook, a partner of Minnesota's Alexander Ramsey. Cook never resided in Champlin, but he was involved in real estate transactions there and in its incorporation. In 1947, part of the former Champlin Township was incorporated to form the village of Champlin, and on January 2, 1971, as the result of a petitioned order from the Minnesota Municipal Commission, Champlin Township and the village of Champlin consolidated to form the city of Champlin.

Education
The Champlin area is served by Anoka-Hennepin School District 11, with four primary schools, Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Science, Oxbow Creek Elementary, Jackson Middle School, and Champlin Park High School. All the schools are clustered in a neighborhood near the intersection of 109th Avenue North and Douglas Avenue North. Oxbow Creek Elementary School is in Brooklyn Park.

Champlin Elementary School was built in 1938 to serve the primary educational needs of Champlin's schoolchildren. It served approximately 350 students in the 1st through 5th grades each year—about 1/3 as many as the newer Oxbow Creek Elementary, about 3 mi away. Champlin Elementary School received students directly from the Park View Early Childhood Center (converted to the Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Science in 2011). It closed in 2010, due to financial cuts in the district, and has been put up for sale by the city. It merged with Riverview Elementary School to make the Champlin–Brooklyn Academy of Math and Environmental Science. Students began attending the new school during the 2010–11 school year.

Champlin Park High School is one of the state's largest high schools, with approximately 2,975 students in 9th through 12th grades. It is in the Northwest Suburban Conference with large athletic and music programs. Champlin Park High receives students directly from Jackson Middle School.

Jackson Middle School was expanded in 2001 to become one of the state's largest junior high schools. A completely new campus for Oxbow Creek Elementary was built about two blocks southwest of the existing campus. Jackson Middle School then expanded into the former Oxbow Creek Elementary building. In 2006, Jackson Middle School built an observatory, which hosts public viewing nights and provides astronomy education to both its and other Anoka–Hennepin students. Jackson Middle School enrolls approximately 2,356 students in 6th through 8th grades. It receives students directly from Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Science, Dayton Elementary School, Oxbow Creek Elementary, and Monroe Elementary.

Oxbow Creek Elementary's new facility opened in 2001. It is an exact match to Rum River Elementary School, as the school district used the same blueprints to build the two at the same time. Oxbow Creek Elementary provides educational services to 1,090 students in kindergarten through 5th grades.

Champlin–Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Science, formerly Park View Kindergarten, provides kindergarten through 5th grade math and environmental science education.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 24,710 people, 8,328 households, and 6,305 families living in the city. The population density was 2826.1 PD/sqmi. There were 8,598 housing units at an average density of 1052.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.0% White, 4.8% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.1% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 8,328 households, of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.3% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.18.

The median age in the city was 36.8 years. 26.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.1% were from 25 to 44; 30.5% were from 45 to 64; and 6.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.2% male and 49.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 22,193 people, 7,425 households, and 5,925 families living in the city. The population density was 2,713.9 PD/sqmi. There were 7,514 housing units at an average density of 918.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.01% White, 1.41% African-American, 0.43% Native American, 1.65% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.13% of the population.

There were 7,425 households, out of which 50.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.4% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.2% were non-families. 14.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.35.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 33.6% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 38.4% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 3.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $85,831, and the median income for a family was $98,890. Males had a median income of $45,390 versus $32,277 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,041. About 2.3% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 0.8% of those age 65 or over.

City Council
The mayor of Champlin is Ryan Sabas. He serves on the Champlin City Council along with Ward 1 council member Jessica Tesdall, Ward 2 council member Tom Moe, Ward 3 council member Nate Truesdell, and Ward 4 council member Tim LaCroix.

Administration
Champlin is managed on a daily basis by the city administrator and subordinate department heads. The city administrator is Bret Heitkamp, with assistance from Shelly Peterson.

Police
The Champlin Police Department has 26 sworn officers, two community service officers, 15 police explorers, and a civilian support staff of three full-time and three part-time employees. Champlin police officers are dispatched via the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department Communication Division in Golden Valley. The police department is on the city campus at 11955 Champlin Drive.

The police department moved to the Champlin Public Safety Facility in 2008. The facility gives the department adequate space and facilities into the foreseeable future. It includes indoor parking and storage to protect police vehicles.

Fire
Champlin's fire services are provided by the joint Anoka-Champlin Fire Department. Champlin and Anoka have shared a fire department since 1985, with individual fire stations in each city. The Anoka-Champlin Fire Department moved to the Champlin Public Safety Facility in 2008. The facility has three fire truck bays and should meet the city's fire protection needs for the foreseeable future.

The fire department has 41 volunteer firefighters. Averaging 680 calls per year, the department covers 16 sqmi with two aerial trucks, four engines, two grass rigs, two tankers, two boats, one command/rescue truck, two hazardous materials trailers, one Homeland Security truck, one ice rescue sled, and two squads.

One of the state's most traditional fire departments, the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department is distinguished by its tradition of using white vehicles, a nod to the days when Anoka firefighters used white horses to pull their steam fire engines. When motorized vehicles replaced the horse-drawn engines, the department selected white for the color of its motorized equipment.

Potential Secession from Hennepin County
On August 31, 2023, the Champlin City Council held a joint meeting with nearby Dayton to discuss both the city's potential secession from Hennepin County and into neighboring Anoka County. Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas has said that Hennepin County has not repaid Champlin's donations to its infrastructure projects and that one-third of residents' local taxes are sent to the Hennepin County government. Sabas also cited frustration with the county not spending enough money on transportation in the community. Secession would require input from voters, and as of September 2023 has not been approved.

Notable people

 * Darby Nelson (1940 – 2022), writer and politician, lived in Champlin.
 * Kimberly Potter (born June 18, 1972), former Brooklyn Center police officer and veteran since 1995, who accidentally killed 20-year-old Plymouth citizen Daunte Wright was born and raised in Champlin.

Festival
Each year, generally on the second weekend in June, Champlin holds the Father Hennepin Festival. The celebration began in 1976 to recognize Champlin's history.

Recreation
The Champlin Mill Pond is within city limits on the northeast corner of 169 and Hayden Lake Road. It is stocked with several species of panfish by the Minnesota DNR, and has a fishing pier, pavilion and park with picnic tables and grills.

title: Champlin, Minnesota


text:
Obdam

Obdam is a village and former municipality in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland and the region of West-Frisia. The municipality ceased to exist on 1 January 2007 when it merged with Wester-Koggenland to form the new municipality of Koggenland.

Population centres
The area of the former municipality contains the following small towns and villages: Berkmeer, Hensbroek, Obdam and Wogmeer (partly).

Train services
Obden has a railway station. It has regular direct services to Hoorn and, by changing trains there, services to Amsterdam.

Chronology

 * 1503 - The van Duvenvoorde family become the Lords of the town.
 * 1610 - Birth of Jacob, Baron van Wassenaer, Lord of Obdam; Son of Jacob van Duvenvoorde van Wassenaer.
 * 1620 - Jacob van Duvenvoorde starts using the van Wassenaer family name and becomes Jacob van Duvenvoorde van Wassenaer.
 * 1665 - Jacob, Baron van Wassenaer, Lord Of Obdam dies during a sea battle with the English while the captain of a Dutch vessel.
 * 1979 - Founding of the new municipality, including the towns of Hensbroek and Wogmeer.
 * 2007 - Obdam municipality merges into the new municipality of Koggenland.

Local government
Before the merger, the last municipal council of Obdam, elected in 2002, consisted of 13 seats, which were divided as follows:
 * CDA - 5 seats
 * Gemeente Partij Obdam - 4 seats
 * PvdA - 2 seats
 * VVD - 2 seats

title: Obdam


text:
Oostzaan

Oostzaan is a municipality and a town in the Zaanstreek, Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. The municipality had a population of 0 in. Oostzaan has a total area of undefined km2 of which undefined km2 is water.

Oostzaan—together with Westzaan and Assendelft—are considered the "mother towns" of the Zaanstreek (the region around the River Zaan), of which they are the three oldest towns. Oostzaan also played a role in the VOC and WIC shipping and shipbuilding.

17th century Oostzaan was the home of the pirate Claes Compaen. Originally a privateer for the Dutch Republic, he soon began to act as a pirate, capturing several hundred ships. A street in Oostzaan is named after him.

The town has a Reformed church with a cruciform groundplan, the Great Church (1760), which contains two ship models that recall the days when Oostzaan was an important sea-faring community. In the Oostzijderveld area of Oostzaan stands a windmill, De Windjager (The Wind Hunter).

Hamlets
Oostzaan consists of several hamlets, Kerkbuurt and the northern part of Zuideinde are the center of Oostzaan.
 * Achterdichting (Get Behind The Seal),
 * De Heul,
 * Kerkbuurt (church neighborhood),
 * Noordeinde (North end),
 * Zuideinde (South end).

Local government
The municipal council of Oostzaan consists of 13 seats, which at the 2022 municipal elections divided as follows: • VVD - 5 seats

• GroenLinks - 3 seats

• CDA - 2 seats

• PvdA - 2 seats

• D66 - 1 seat

Economy
The poultry company Meyn Food Processing Technology is headquartered in Oostzaan.

Notable people

 * Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen (before 1470 – 1533) a Northern Netherlandish designer of woodcuts and a painter
 * Claes Gerritszoon Compaen (1587 in Oostzaan – 1660 in Oostzaan) a Dutch corsair, merchant, a privateer for the Dutch Republic and pirate
 * Albert Heijn (1865 in Oostzaan – 1945) a Dutch entrepreneur who founded Albert Heijn, a Dutch supermarket chain
 * Grietje de Jongh (1924 in Oostzaan – 2002) a Dutch sprinter, competed at the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics
 * Robert Tijdeman (born 1943 in Oostzaan) a Dutch mathematician, specializing in number theory, wrote Tijdeman's theorem
 * Trijnie Rep (born 1950 in Oostzaan) a Dutch former speed skater, who competed at the 1972 Winter Olympics
 * Charles Zwolsman Sr. (1955 in Oostzaan – 2011) a Dutch drug dealer and professional racecar driver
 * Rosemarijn Dral (born 1985 in Oostzaan) a Dutch politician, member of the Dutch House of Representatives since 2024

title: Oostzaan


text:
Corcoran, Minnesota

Corcoran is a rural city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 5,379 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 36.00 sqmi, of which 35.72 sqmi is land and 0.28 sqmi is water. County Roads 10, 19, 30, 50, 116, and 117 are six of the main routes. Minnesota State Highway 55 briefly passes along the southern edge of the city.

Corcoran shares borders with five cities. Maple Grove to the east, Medina to the south, Greenfield to the west, Rogers to the north, and Hanover in the northwest portion of the city. Dayton, Plymouth, Rockford, and Loretto are located close to Corcoran.

History
Corcoran was settled in 1855, and was organized on May 11, 1858. The city is named after Patrick B. Corcoran, the first schoolteacher, merchant, and postmaster of the town. Patrick B. Corcoran was originally from Ireland, but moved to the United States in 1847, and to Hennepin County in 1855. The city of Corcoran was incorporated on December 4, 1948.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 5,379 people, 1,867 households, and 1,543 families living in the city. The population density was 150.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,919 housing units at an average density of 53.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.8% White, 0.4% African American, 0.5% Native American, 3.4% Asian, 1.7% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8% of the population.

There were 1,867 households, of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.2% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 17.4% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.14.

The median age in the city was 44.4 years. 25.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.1% were from 25 to 44; 39.7% were from 45 to 64; and 9.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.0% male and 48.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,630 people, 1,784 households, and 1,512 families living in the city. The population density was 157.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,804 housing units at an average density of 50.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.70% White, 0.20% African American, 0.20% Native American, 1.76% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.87% of the population. 36.3% were of German, 15.4% Norwegian, 7.8% Swedish and 7.0% Irish ancestry.

There were 1,784 households, out of which 47.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.5% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.2% were non-families. 10.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.16 and the average family size was 3.42.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 4.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $78,984, and the median income for a family was $81,322. Males had a median income of $46,491 versus $34,078 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,467. About 0.5% of families and 0.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.5% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Corcoran, Minnesota


text:
Opmeer

Opmeer (West Frisian: Opmar or Obmar) is a municipality and town in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland and the region of West-Frisia.

Population centres
The municipality of Opmeer consists of the following cities, towns, villages and/or districts: • Aartswoud

• De Weere

• Gouwe

• Hoogwoud

• Opmeer

• Spanbroek

• Wadway

• Zandwerven

Topography
Map of the municipality of Opmeer, June 2015

Local government
The municipal council of Opmeer consists of 15 seats, which at the 2022 municipal elections divided as follows: • CDA - 4 seats

• Gemeentebelangen Opmeer - 3 seats

• PvdA/GroenLinks - 2 seats

• Door Samenwerking Vooruit (DSV) - 2 seats

• VVD - 2 seats

• Lokale Partij Opmeer - 2 seats The CDA, VVD and PvdA are in a coalition government.

The town has an online portal with information on services and news.

Notable people

 * Hendrik Bosch (1776 in Spanbroek – 1864) a military officer and colonial government official on the Dutch Gold Coast
 * Johan Carel Marinus Warnsinck (1882 in Hoogwoud – 1943) a Dutch naval officer and naval historian
 * Albert Langereis (1888 in Hoogwoud – 1966) a sports shooter, competed in two events at the 1924 Summer Olympics
 * Robert Slippens (born 1975 in Opmeer) a Dutch racing cyclist, competed in three Summer Olympics
 * Jan Agema (1919 in Opmeer – 2011) Civil engineer, professor at Delft University of Technology and involved in the design and construction of the Delta Works

title: Opmeer


text:
Ouder-Amstel

Ouder-Amstel is a municipality in the Netherlands on the river Amstel, in the province of North Holland. It is 5 km south of the centre of Amsterdam.

Population centres
The municipality of Ouder-Amstel consists of the towns and villages of Duivendrecht, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, Waver.

Topography
Map of the municipality of Ouder-Amstel, June 2015

Local government
The municipal council of Ouder-Amstel consists of 15 seats, which at the 2022 municipal election divided as follows: • Ouder-Amstel Anders - 3 seats

• VVD - 3 seats

• Natuurlijk Belang - 3 seats

• D66 - 2 seats

• PvdA - 2 seats

• GroenLinks - 2 seats

Radio station
The local radio station for Duivendrecht is Jamm fm 104.9 Smooth & Funky.

Notable people

 * Gijsbrecht IV of Amstel (ca.1235–ca.1303) a powerful lord and member of the Van Aemstel family.
 * Wim Eijk (born 1953 in Duivendrecht) a Dutch prelate of the Catholic Church, a cardinal and Archbishop of Utrecht
 * Femke Wolting (born 1970 in Ouder-Amstel) a Dutch independent new media producer
 * Meindert Klem (born 1987 in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel) a rower, competed in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics

title: Ouder-Amstel


text:
Crystal, Minnesota

Crystal is a suburban city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States that is about 5 miles from Downtown Minneapolis. The population was 23,330 at the 2020 census. Minnesota State Highway 100 and County Road 81 are two of the main routes in the city.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.88 sqmi, of which 5.78 sqmi is land and 0.10 sqmi is water.

City routes include Douglas Drive North, 36th Avenue North, 42nd Avenue North, and Bass Lake Road.

Crystal Airport, a small general aviation field, is located within the city limits.

The city is bordered on the north by the city of Brooklyn Park, on the northeast by Brooklyn Center, on the east by Robbinsdale, on the south by Golden Valley, and on the west by New Hope.

The City of Crystal allocates over 240 acres for parks and open spaces. It oversees 26 parks along with numerous amenities such as ball fields, courts, playgrounds, trails, and activity areas. Additionally, the Crystal Community Center includes an outdoor aquatic center, a skate park, and a little league baseball complex.

Crystal has been awarded the "Minnesota Star City" designation for economic development.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 22,151 people, 9,183 households, and 5,640 families living in the city. The population density was 3832.4 PD/sqmi. There were 9,634 housing units at an average density of 1666.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 78.1% White, 10.5% African American, 0.7% Native American, 3.9% Asian, 3.0% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.5% of the population.

There were 9,183 households, of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.6% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 38.1 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.5% were from 45 to 64; and 13.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 22,698 people, 9,389 households, and 6,102 families living in the city. The population density was 3,929.3 PD/sqmi. There were 9,481 housing units at an average density of 1,641.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.34% White, 4.20% African American, 0.59% Native American, 3.44% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.03% from other races, and 2.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.51% of the population.

There were 9,389 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 34.6% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,736, and the median income for a family was $54,738. Males had a median income of $39,494 versus $29,673 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,163. About 2.5% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The City of Crystal has a council–manager form of government. Under this plan, the elected members of the council set the policies for the operation of the city. The council hires a city manager, who is responsible for the administration of all city business. The city council members are elected on a nonpartisan basis.

The city council consists of seven members, which include a mayor and six council members. The current mayor is Jim Adams, whose term expires at the end of 2024. Current council members are John Budziszewski, David Cummings, Forest Eidbo, Traci Kamish, Therese Kiser, Taji Onesirosan.

Crystal is located in Minnesota's 5th congressional district, represented by Ilhan Omar, a Democrat.

Education
Crystal is serviced by the Robbinsdale School District. And Osseo Area Schools ISD 279

Notable people

 * Tom Dooher – former president of Education Minnesota, was born in Crystal.
 * Todd Richards – former head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League.
 * Travis Richards - former NHL player.
 * Jeff Schuh – former NFL player, was born in Crystal.

title: Crystal, Minnesota


text:
Purmerend

Purmerend is a city and municipality in the west of the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. The city is surrounded by polders, such as the Purmer, Beemster and the Wormer. Purmerend's population grew relatively slowly until the 1960s, when it increased from around 10,000 to over 80,000 by 2020. This expansion has turned Purmerend into a commuter town; many inhabitants (14,200 in 2011) work, go to school or spend leisure time in Amsterdam. Purmerend is part of the Randstad, one of the largest conurbations in Europe.

The municipality of Beemster merged into the municipality of Purmerend on 1 January 2022. The extended municipality has a population of about 92,000.

Early history
Purmerend was created out of the small fishing village Purmer, which was situated on the land between the Purmermeer (Purmer Lake), the Beemstermeer (Beemster Lake) and the Wormermeer (Wormer Lake) on the south bank of the river De Weere, which used to connect the former Purmermeer and Beemstermeer.

Purmerend was founded by a rich banker and landowner from Amsterdam, Willem Eggert. Count William VI of Holland (Willem VI van Holland) gave him permission to build a fortified castle, Slot Purmerstein, in 1410. The castle was completed in 1413. This led to the foundation of the town of Purmerend. The castle was demolished in 1741, after it had fallen into decline.

In 1434 Purmerend was given city rights and in 1484 “marktrechten”, (the right to organise two “jaarmarkten” annual markets and a “weekmarkt” weekly market) by Count Jan van Egmond. This meant merchants from outside of Purmerend could sell in the market. Before 1484 only food for its own population could be sold.

17th century
By 1500 Purmerend had grown considerably, as can be seen on maps from this period. The town had a rectangular shape and was crossed by two roads: one leading north–south, the other east–west. The draining of the Beemster Lake in 1612 and the Purmer Lake in 1622 resulted in a great loss in fishing grounds to Purmerend. However, the new and fertile soil favoured agriculture and livestock breeding, making Purmerend prosperous again. Purmerend now became the centre of an agricultural region, the produce of which was sold on the markets of Purmerend.

19th century
From 1819 till 1824 the Noordhollandsch Kanaal was constructed. It was dug along existing waterways like the Oude Vaart, which connected Purmerend to the IJ opposite Amsterdam, and along canals that connected Purmerend to Alkmaar. On 20 July 1821 the large Schutsluis Purmerend (Purmerend Lock) was completed just west of the city center.

The Noordhollandsch Kanaal brought increased prosperity to Purmerend. In 1840 the company Brantjes en Comp, trading in wood, was founded. The Firma Dirk Bakker also started to import wood. Meanwhile, Firma Pont from Edam diverted her imports over Purmerend via the Where river. Ships from Norway, Sweden, Russia and America then started to make direct trips to Purmerend to bring wood. Sometimes 12 of these were present at the same time.

The increased commerce and shipping led to the creation of an industry that catered for ships. In turn Purmerend merchants started to equip whalers. In 1866 the establishment of a tow service with 7 tugboats by Gebroeders Goedkoop was one of the last highlights of this period. By about 1880 this boom period for Purmerend was ending, because the new North Sea Canal diverted traffic elsewhere.

20th century
During World War II Purmerend was occupied by German forces on 14 May 1940. After five years of occupation, the city was liberated by Canadian and other allied forces on Wednesday 9 May 1945.

21st century
Purmerend was named Kermisstad van Nederland (Funfair City of the Netherlands) in 2003. The city is also well known for its cattle market, the so-called koemarkt (“cow market”), where cattle are sold and traded, mostly cows and sheep. (52.50823°N, 4.94985°W) After the outbreak of many cattle diseases between 1995 and 2001 the cattle market was closed, but reinstated on a smaller scale in January 2002.

After 400 years in a location in central Purmerender, in 2008 the cattle market was moved to the "Baanstee Oost" industrial area, on the north side of Purmerend. This was done for various reasons, including reduced traffic congestion and more parking space in the city centre, as well as more room for auction grounds and ease of moving trucks at the new site.

Geography
Purmerend lies on a swampy and watery area known as Waterland. When the first settlers began cultivating the land, it consisted mostly of turf (veen), they dug ditches that run parallel to each other to drain excess water. As a side effect of this process, the land began to sink. This resulted in a never-ending battle against the water, and made agriculture near impossible at the time. It also meant that any structure needed to be built on an artificial Terp or natural hill. This applied to Purmerend which was built on the bank of the river De Where, that linked the former Beemster and Purmer lakes.

Districts
Purmerend is made up of the following districts. • Centrum

• Zuiderpolder

• Overwhere-Noord

• Overwhere-Zuid

• De Gors

• De Gors-Zuid

• De Gors-Noord

• West

• Purmer-Zuid

• Purmer-Noord

• Wheermolen

• Weidevenne

• Baanstee-West

• Baanstee-Oost

• Baanstee-Noord

• De Koog

• Molenkoog

• Hazepolder

• Kop van Noord The municipality of Purmerend also contains the towns/hamlets of Purmerbuurt and partially the Purmer. (The Purmer is shared with Edam-Volendam and Waterland)

Public transport
Public transportation is mainly focused on Amsterdam, with several bus services and a train service via Zaandam.

There are 3 train stations in Purmerend, in the north, centre and south. These are:
 * Purmerend Overwhere (North)
 * Purmerend (Centre)
 * Purmerend Weidevenne (South)

The bus station in Purmerend is called "Tramplein" (or, Tram Square). Historically, a tram ("'t Boemeltje") ran from Amsterdam Centraal to Purmerend, ending at the Tramplein. The end stop retained the name even after the tram service was discontinued.

In 1951 The Ramblers had a hit commemorating the tram service "’t Boemeltje van Purmerend".

In 2019, the province of North Holland revealed plans to extend the Amsterdam Metro's Noord-Zuidlijn from Noord station to Purmerend.

Local government

The municipal council of Purmerend consists of 37 seats, which divided as follows in the elections of November 2021:

These were the first elections for the new enlarged municipality that included Beemster. It commenced work on 1 January 2012.

Since 22 September 2022 the mayor of Purmerend has been Ellen van Selm.

Born in Purmerend
Notable people born in Purmerend:
 * Jan Stuyt (1868–1934), a Dutch architect
 * Pieter Oud (1886–1968), a Dutch politician, Minister of finance and Mayor of Rotterdam
 * Jacobus Oud (1890–1963), a Dutch architect, follower of the De Stijl movement
 * Mart Stam (1899–1986), architect, urban planner and chair designer
 * Hendrik de Wit (1909–1999), a Dutch systematic botanist
 * Leen Verbeek (born 1954), a Dutch politician, Mayor of Purmerend from 2003 to 2008
 * Jan van Zanen (born 1961), a Dutch politician, Mayor of Utrecht from 2014 to 2020
 * Hans Klok (born 1969), a Dutch magician, illusionist and actor
 * Duncan Stutterheim (born 1971), a Dutch entrepreneur, founded of the event company ID&T
 * Kim van Kooten (born 1974), a Dutch actress and screenwriter
 * Fleur Agema (born 1976), a Dutch politician and former spatial designer
 * Janey Jacké (born 1992), a Dutch drag performer who competed in Drag Race Holland (season 1) and RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World.

Sport

 * Martin Koeman (1938–2013), a Dutch footballer, a defender, with over 550 club caps
 * Kees Nierop (born 1958), a former Dutch racing driver
 * Edwin Zoetebier (born 1970), a former football goalkeeper with 358 club caps
 * Olaf Lindenbergh (born 1974), a former Dutch footballer with over 450 club caps
 * Vincent van der Voort (born 1975), a Dutch professional darts player
 * Yuri Rose (born 1979), a Dutch former midfielder with over 400 club caps, currently a manager
 * Kees Kwakman (born 1983), a Dutch former professional footballer with over 400 club caps
 * Mitchell Dijks (born 1993), football player, about 150 club caps
 * Jay Gorter (born 2000), a Dutch goalkeeper for Ajax born in Purmerend.

Twin towns — sister cities
Until 2017, Purmerend was twinned with:

title: Purmerend