The Falls Township Board of Supervisors officially “deputized” the township mascot, Archie the Fox, on Monday to start up an annual recognition of outstanding community volunteers.
The new “Archie’s Heroes” awards were presented to the inaugural recipients to make note of individuals and families who dedicated their time to maintaining the Kera Gordon and Karen Murphy-Gordon Memorial Garden in Vermillion Hills.
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Recipients were presented with certificates and commemorative drink tumblers during the meeting.
The first “Archie’s Heroes” included three individuals and 11 families who contributed to the upkeep of the memorial garden and the recently restored Craig Doster Footbridge project.
The footbridge was dedicated in May with a moving ceremony.
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Manor Elementary School music teacher Marta Grothman, who spearheaded the memorial garden’s installation and the footbridge restoration, was among those honored. Archie also recognized Glynis Adams and Matthew Potgieter.
The families honored were the South family, the Benedetti family, the Campbell family, the Jimenez family, the Lafelice family, the Lewandowski family, the Lewars family, the Perillo family, the Ricci family, the West family, and the Wiles family.
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Supervisor Chairperson Jeff Dence, reading the proclamation to create the new award, said the honorees help create a “sense of community spirit through their service.”
Falls Township Parks and Recreation Director Brian Andrews expressed hope that Monday’s ceremony would be the first of “many times” the township presents such awards.
Andrews defined the award as a way to acknowledge township residents and friends “who exemplify the highest ideals of public service.”
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“Archie’s Heroes is an award to acknowledge township residents and friends who exemplify the highest ideals of public service,” Andrews said. “Through their dedication, leadership and generosity, they have made meaningful contributions that strengthen our community. This award stands as a symbol of our gratitude and recognition of their lasting impact.”
Grothman presented a framed photo from Manor Elementary School to commemorate the project.
