Committee Talks Recreation, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap to Headline Manalapan Day

Spring was in the air during Wednesday’s Township Committee meeting, as Manalapan’s officials turned their focus from budget matters to upcoming 2011 summer recreation programs.

Committeeman Jordan Maskowitz, the liaison to the Recreation Advisory Committee and the Heritage Committee, began the discussion by announcing that Manalapan's summer camp has ended its enrollment.

“I guess it’s a good thing for the Rec Department but bad for some of the residents,” said Maskowitz.

Within one week, enrollment had reached a cap of 1,025 children; 124 remain on the waiting list. Maskowitz would like to accommodate everyone, but there is an issue with the number of restroom facilities available at the Rec Center. He is currently working with the Board of Health on a sanitary, portable solution.

Maskowitz also announced that there is still room in the seventh-grade travel camp, which is an all-inclusive tour of popular area amusements and attractions. This camp has a maximum capacity of 75 students and enrollment fees will increase by certain deadlines. The first deadline is Friday, March 11. Anyone interested in reserving a space or gaining more information can contact Parks and Recreation at (732) 446-8355 or visit their website.  

Later in the meeting, Maskowitz unveiled this year’s Manalapan Under the Stars event, also known as Manalapan Day. The most celebrated township festival of the year is organized by the Heritage Committee and scheduled to return June 11 to the Rec Center from 4 P.M. to 10 P.M.

According to a letter from event co-chairs, Barbara Miller and Hank Grassi, the event features “children’s rides, informational exhibits, delicious foods, non-stop entertainment” and a “spectacular fireworks display”.

“Every year most residents and families that attend Manalapan Day find that it’s an all-around great event,” said Maskowitz.

During this meeting, the Township Committee awarded a contract to the headlining band, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap. The pop group rose to fame in the late 1960s with their biggest hits, “Woman, Woman”, “Young Girl”, and “Lady Willpower”.

Maskowitz’s announcement was met by eager applause from some residents in attendance.

“Although two members of the Board up here don’t even know who they were,” said Maskowitz, suggesting that Mayor Andrew Lucas and Deputy Mayor Green, the youngest Township Committee members, will have to YouTube it.

In return, Lucas joked that they will waive their rights in Maskowitz’s age discrimination claim. A vote to award the contract was approved unanimously.

Maskowitz reminded everyone that Manalapan Under the Stars is not funded by the Township and relies on the generosity of donations. Any business or individual interested in sponsoring the event may fill out a form available for download on the website.

The event planners are also seeking food, information, and merchandise vendors. If vendors register prior to March 25, they will receive a $25 discount on their space. Flyers are currently being distributed and a form for vendors is available on the township website. Vendors may also contact Susan Lapkin at (732) 446-8303 or email her at info@mtnj.org.

The last item under new business also regarded the Rec Center and a resolution to change the language of its policy regarding championship signage.

“While I’m very happy to support recognition for our youngsters in achieving those milestones- I think it’s absolutely fabulous- I just want to get some clarity on this,” said Committeewoman Michelle Roth.

In the past, the Recreation Center, under the guidance of the Recreation Advisory Board, has been careful about the style and number of signs that are displayed; currently, a championship plaque does not exist.  

Maskowitz said that a space can be set aside for the the special achievements of Township sports; Lucas clarified that plaques would be made only for national or state championship teams.

Resident Jan Zachary is also the Township’s sign maker and offered some insight. The plaques which will be approximately 12 inches by 18 inches and will be added to an existing 8-foot sign located on a walkway near the new addition and the concession kiosk.

“From working in that area for the past 25 years, I can tell you that there’s a lot of foot traffic, football, soccer, and baseball all in that one spot,” said Zachary, responding to an inquiry from Green about whether the signs will be visible. 

“We can have Mr. Zachary and Mr. Maskowitz and the Recreation Advisory Board get the details worked out to present to us when they’re ready,” said Lucas.

Before adjourning, the Committee unanimously passed the resolution to allow for the change.

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