By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN – Two men who have served the community for years have been honored by the Township Committee.
During the committee’s Feb. 22 meeting, Ari Solomon and Dr. Preston Deutsch were saluted for the time, effort and commitment they have shown during their terms on two municipal bodies.
Officials thanked Deutsch for his service on the Manalapan Board of Health. Deutsch served on the panel for 23 years before stepping down at the end of 2016. He chaired the board in 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2012.
Deutsch operated a chiropractic practice in Manalapan prior to his retirement.
After receiving several plaques from municipal officials, Deutsch said, “it was a long run, but we have to move on. I will become a professional babysitter for my grandchildren.”
Solomon has served on the Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for 10 years. He chaired the alliance in 2015 and 2016.
Officials said Solomon continues to speak with young people in the community about the need to make appropriate choices in their lives.
In recognizing Solomon for his ongoing effort to prevent children and adults from making destructive decisions, Manalapan health officer Dave Richardson said, “Ari took an unfortunate incident from his life and uses it to help others.”
In other business, municipal officials announced that Manalapan Day will be held on June 10 and they approved an agreement with an entertainment company that will provide Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes as the headline performer at the annual community celebration in the Manalapan Recreation Center.
And, Mayor Susan Cohen announced that the theme of the 2017 Manalapan photo contest is “Silhouettes and Shadows.” Details about the contest can be found on the township’s website. During Manalapan Day, guests will be able to vote for their favorite photo in the contest and the winner will receive the People’s Choice award.
