Mahwah April 4, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Mahwah resident Ariel Murphy has received the Congressional Award for her community service and personal development achievements. Murphy was recognized for various efforts that included spending over 100 hours designing safe and enjoyable events for younger children, including a Goblin Gala Halloween and a maple sugaring outing with her Girl Scout troop. She also planned a Girl Scout tour of Europe, including a hike in Switzerland and a visit to Buckingham Palace in London, England. She participated in the LEGO Robotics Team that programmed a robot to follow colors around obstacles, and refined her musical skills by practicing cello and joining her high school’s Select Strings chamber group and the Glen Rock Pops community orchestra. In addition, Murphy played on her high school volleyball team and trained to run a mile in 10 minutes. Murphy receives Congressional Award for service “Ariel truly embodies the civic-minded spirit of volunteerism and dedication to self-improvement this award represents,” said Congressman Scott Garrett, who presented Murphy with her bronze medal last month. “I know Ariel’s journey to improve her community and become a better citizen is only just beginning with the receipt of this ward. I congratulate her on this important achievement and wish her well in her future endeavors.” The Congressional Award Foundation is a public-private partnership created by Congress to promote and recognize service, initiative, and achievement by America’s youth. Participants, ages 14 to 23, earn the award by setting and achieving challenging goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Participants earn bronze, silver, and gold certificates and bronze, silver, and gold Congressional Award medals. The Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a lunch for members and non-members on Wednesday, April 4 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, 180 Route 17 South in Mahwah. Several MRCC member authors will introduce their recent books. Members are also Regional event to feature local authors welcome to pick up, or drop off, promotional material and literature at the information table. The cost is $35 for Chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. Pre-paid registration is required; an extra $5 will be charged if paid the day of event. Call (201) 529-5566. Ariel Murphy with Congressman Scott Garrett.