Mahwah September 14, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Jamaica, West Indies native Evangelist Keturah Phillips recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Phillips, now a resident of Mahwah, was born on Aug. 30, 1911. Affectionately known as “Mother Phillips,” she enjoyed over 60 years of partnership in marriage and ministry to the late Reverend Percival Herron Graval Phillips. She is the joyful matriarch of her three children, Jacqueline, Rose, and Charles, and a host of grandchildren, godchildren, and adopted spiritual progeny. Known for her powerful ministry of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, this preacher of the Gospel has ministered throughout Jamaica and in the United States at her husband’s side for over 60 years. As the Mother of Beth Rapha, she is much Evangelist Keturah Elizabeth Henry Phillips receives beloved for her hospital- a hug from her daughter, The Rev. Dr. Jacqueline E. ity, superlative cooking McCullough. skills, and love of beauty. Even at 100, Phillips continues to stand Christ throughout the world. Phillips, who is known for her bold, in intercession for her beloved daughter as the Pastor of Beth Rapha, her family, witty humor, was honored at a “My Fair the saints of Beth Rapha, and the Body of Lady” birthday celebration. Resident marks milestone Open space funds sought by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Township Council has passed a resolution authorizing the administration to submit a project application to Bergen County seeking a matching grant from the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland & Historic Preservation Trust Fund for improvements to the municipal pool and playground area. The application requests a grant of $22,500, which the township would have to match, providing $45,000 for the improvement project. Municipal Pool Manager Marion Crescitelli advised that most of the improvements planned for the pool are to comply with the latest regulations pertaining to individuals with disabilities. The updates would include self operating lifts to get in and out of the pools, handrails for both the intermediate and main pool, and the possibility of adding a sloped entry into the toddler pool. Crescitelli said the intermediate pool needs to be resurfaced and the main pool needs to be repainted with an epoxy coating. In addition, she said the playground structure is located on a hill and is difficult for people with disabilities to access, so she is considering the placement of a new playground structure on flat ground to accommodate the disabled. Mahwah Township Administrator Brian Campion advised the council that Bergen County provides matching grants to municipal governments and to nonprofit organizations for assistance in the development or redevelopment of municipal recreation facilities, and said this grant would further the public interest. (continued on page 18)