Published: August 15, 2008 05:01 pm            

With a smile, she does it all

Several years before the Lord took him home, Rathbun Country Theater’s longtime comedian, Paul “Rufus” Treanor, pointed to the smiling, multi-talented young lady on the stage and said to this Missouri writer, “There’s a story you need to write,” Faye Dickerson added, “She will be an enjoyable interview.”

Pella, Iowa, is clean and beautiful any time of the year, especially near Tulip Festival time, and the people are hardworking, friendly, courteous and helpful. The community exemplifies those old-fashioned American virtues all Americans treasure. Karrie (Klingner) Harkema, a former basketball player and model student of this writer, owns the Cornerstone in Pella. She graciously permitted the interview in the office of her exclusive women’s and children’s store. “I know the family,” Karrie reports. “They are extremely popular, respected, and they care deeply about the community.”

Tiffany (Pol) Van Zante was born on September 17, 1984, and after joining her 4-year-old brother, Tim, she would always be last in the family pecking order. Except for two years of college, all her education was in the Pella schools. Her parents, Merrill and Lana (Geetings) Pol, have always been her role models and were major sources of support throughout her life. “They taught me to set an example for young people in the community,” she maintains. Smiling pleasantly, she says, “Mom inspired Tim and me to pursue music. Because she was extremely shy growing up, she believed that being able to communicate was the way to overcome bashfulness. She encouraged us to become musicians and perform on the stage. Her idea worked.”

At age four Tiffany was learning to play the piano and by age seven the violin. She quickly mastered both instruments, and then she conquered the guitar, drums and a few other instruments. Tim learned to play the piano, cello and bass guitar.

During her childhood, she was a participant in many beauty and talent contests. She won a talent and modeling pageant in Nashville, Tennessee, when she was only five. “Singing and playing music is delightfully relaxing,” she notes.

Acting in community theaters became part of Tiffany’s growing up and continues through her adult years. The K-ACT Theater in Knoxville is an area theater to provide entertainment for the community of Knoxville. “Our lead parts are like school plays except bigger,” she explains, flashing her perpetually bright, cheerful smile. “The whole family’s involved. Mom does some acting. Tim does both acting and music performances. Dad is our main supporter behind the scenes. I’m now on the theater’s board of directors.

While attending Pella High School in a class of 160, she participated in everything related to music, acting, and projects to promote the community. Besides marching and jazz bands, she was a member of the school’s orchestra., choir and National Honor Society. Along with a group of other girls from both Pella high schools, Tiffany belonged to the popular Dutchesses. The purpose was to sing Dutch and dance to promote their beautiful town.

During her senior year, she and several other girls made up the Tulip Court to promote Pella before and during the annual Tulip Festival. Smiling enthusiastically, she reports, “We put on presentations at schools, care centers, and many other places throughout the area. When asked why she devotes so much time to the community, she responds, “Pella is one big, happy, and proud family, and we want visitors to know that.”

She sang many years at the Iowa State Fair, and her family’s variety also performed there. Following graduation from high school in 2003, she attended the University of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls for two years. “Because I missed Pella and my family, I came home to help with the family business.”

Geetings, Inc., and G. I. Warehousing are a trucking and warehousing enterprise. Tiffany explains, “We truck all over the country. Many of the products we transport are made by Pella Windows. I work in the office, along with Tim. He also drives a truck.” Pausing, she adds this serious note, “With the cost of fuel, trucking is a tough business right now.”

Since she wanted the flexibility to work full-time and pursue her love of music, she finished her college education by taking on-line courses,

Seven years ago she started performing at the Rathbun Country Music Theater. Since that time, she’s been a guest quite often. On September 6, 2008, she’ll be back on stage to sing and play one or more of her musical instruments. Milt Albertson, Rathbun’s longtime guitar player, says of Tiffany, “She is amazing. Her warm, outgoing personality and many talents are inspiring attributes. Her smile is contagious.”

In addition to Rathbun and area theaters, she has performed for Sammie Lee in Pella, and for many weddings. “I usually play the violin and sing at weddings,” she states, “but I’ll do whatever the couple wants.”

On April 28, 2007, Tiffany and Jeff Van Zante were married. Born and raised on an Otley farm, Jeff was also Tim’s best friend. “I met Jeff through Tim,” Tiffany says. “He had graduated from Iowa State with a degree in mechanical engineering. He is not a musician but loves music. Besides being an engineer at Pella Corporation he plays a major role in the family’s support system.”

Acting, music and volunteering are not the only activities in the lives of the family. Several years ago the family started driving mini-NASCARs that can reach 100 miles per hour. Tiffany’s face lights up with a huge smile when she explains, “Dad and Tim are good and have won many races. We each have our own car. My car is orange and has the number one circled in silver on each door.” Hesitating momentarily, she says excitedly, “I won my first trophy last week!” Jeff eagerly helps with pit duties.

Racing season is from April to September, and they usually race on weekends at Jamaica, Iowa. “Like music,” she concludes, “racing gets into one’s blood.”

When quizzed about why she and her family give back so much to Pella, her smile lights up the room with this answer, “This community has been tremendously good to us. We feel a responsibility to give something back. The Lord has been good to us, too. As for me, words can’t describe my gratitude for the support and encouragement I’ve received from family and friends.”

And so, this poised, charming and extremely talented young lady does not perform or volunteer for financial gain. With a role model family and many fans providing inspiration, she puts her beautiful Pella first in her life. She is a remarkable success story from small-town America.

        

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