Mahwah February 9, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Teen creates church programs; earn Gold Award Stephanie Van Heest, a senior at Mahwah High School, recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. The process of achieving the Gold Award culminates in a 65-hour leadership project planned and implemented by each girl according to her interests and passions. Van Heest’s passion for her church community at The First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey inspired her to create children’s Bible programs, including a Vacation Bible School held last summer. “I wanted to bring the church and the community closer together through my project,” Van Heest explained. The Vacation Bible School program she created was designed for children in kindergarten and first grade. It was open to the public, and 18 children participated. The theme was biblical animals, with lessons focusing on Noah’s ark, Daniel and the lions’ den, Jonah and the whale, “fishers of men,” and “The Lord is my shepherd.” Van Heest created games and crafts to coincide with each day’s theme. To help implement the program, she recruited the assistance of other Girl Scouts to help run activities. At the end of the program, each child painted an animal on a fabric square. The squares were sewn together to create a quilt that hangs in the church. “Stephanie’s planning and execution of the week-long Vacation Bible School was exceptional,” said Florence Ditko, Christian education director at The First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey. “I was able to see her in action, working alongside other Girl Scouts to fulfill her program. The children enjoyed the week, and the parents were most appreciative of Stephanie’s attention to making it fun.” In addition to the Vacation Bible School, Van Heest planned other church events, including a Mom and Me tea, and an intergenerational birthday party celebrating the birthdays of all attendants. “It was wonderful to see the energy behind Stephanie’s desire to bring activities to the church community that would gather generations together,” Ditko added. “She was very organized, thoughtful, and aware, creating events that were enjoyed by the whole community.” Van Heest said she learned new skills during her experience planning and implementing the church events. (continued on page 23) Stephanie Van Heest (left) with her Vacation Bible School students. But STILL can’t lose that Tummy or Cellulite? Call me about VelaShapeTM A NEW Nonsurgical method of Fat reduction and body contouring • Non-invasive • No Anesthesia • No Downtime Beverly Dunn, MD Waldwick, NJ • 201-445-0032 Dieting? Working Out? ����������������������������� �������������������������� ✤ ����������������������������� ✤ �������������������� ✤ �������������������� ✤ ����������������� ✤ ������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������� ������������������ ����������� ������������������������� ������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� ����������������������� ���������������������� ��� Richard A. Cutler, CFP® Craig R. Cutler, CFP® 48 South Franklin Turnpike Suite # 301, Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-934-6400 www.lpl.com/cutlerfinancial craig.cutler@lpl.com richard.cutler@lpl.com No Discounts on Uggs Allowed ������ ���� �������������������������������� ������������������������������� ������������������������������������ ��������������� ������������ See our website for coupons-www.giblingsfootwear.com