MIDDLETOWN, NJ – At its first-ever Centennial Gala on October 29, the Middletown Public Library will honor the following people who live or work in Middletown and have made it a better place to live.

The Middletown Library will be holding the gala on October 29 to mark its centenary. The gala will take place at the Jacques Reception Center on Palmer Avenue next Friday evening.

“We are very happy to recognize these winners,” said Heather Andolsen, director of the Middletown Library. “As our library celebrates 100 years of service, it is essential that we also seek to honor those in our community whose care and service have contributed so much to the people of Middletown.”

The four winners are:

Joyce Murphy Imagination in Education Award – Linda and Abe Littenberg

Presented in memory of Joyce Murphy, employee of the MTPL Children’s Department, recognizes an individual who shares their inherent kindness, joy and creativity in their interactions with children and supports children’s reading as a way to strengthen their creativity, language, learning and general well-being. This award will be presented to Linda and Abe Littenberg, co-owners of A Child’s Place school in Lincroft. For over 40 years, they have provided a positive environment for young children to create from their own imaginations, be themselves and become eager to explore the world.

Outstanding Philanthropist Award – The Kolber Family

The Outstanding Philanthropist Award recognizes an individual who embodies the best of our caring and generous community and who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to positive long-term change through exemplary care, empathy and generosity to the community. within the community of Middletown. This award will be presented to George, Vita and Richard Kolber who have donated to a range of national and local charities over the past 20 years through the Kolber Family Foundation. The foundation has provided scholarships to the underprivileged, donations to FULFILL, the Monmouth and Ocean Counties Food Bank, and has supported health organizations such as Riverview and Bayshore hospitals, as well as establishments in education such as Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University.

Corporate Generosity Award – Whirl Construction

The Business Generosity Award recognizes a Middletown-based business that embodies a general spirit of giving through contributions of time, leadership and resources in support of local non-profit organizations. This award will be presented to Whirl Construction, a leader in building parks and playgrounds in Monmouth County for almost 40 years. Whirl Construction has donated time, labor and equipment to support significant projects in Middletown, such as the original construction of the WTC Memorial Gardens and recent improvements in honor of the 20th anniversary of the 11 September, including the installation of a new custom brick walkway leading into the gardens. Whirl Construction also supports our veterans and has helped Middletown Social Services with projects that help those in need who have served our country.

Historic Preservation Award – Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq.

The Historic Preservation Award recognizes an individual or organization who has been an outstanding advocate for historic preservation in our community through projects or programs. This award will be presented to Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq., Monmouth County Clerk. As well as being the County Clerk, often referred to as the “Keeper of the Records,” she worked diligently to preserve, protect and educate the public about our history dating back to the 17th century. As a member of Monmouth County, 9/11, and its Aftermath Exhibition Advisory Committee, Clerk Hanlon commissioned a short film to accompany the exhibition which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. film incorporates archival material, original interviews with 9/11 affected Monmouth County residents, widows, survivors, first responders, historians and government officials and will preserve the history of the County Bond of Monmouth with this tragic event.

For more information on the MTPL 100 Years Celebration Gala or to purchase tickets, visit
mtpl.org/gala-donations.

Here is who sat on the library committee to choose the winners: Heather Andolsen, Library Director, Tara Berson, Middletown Communications Director, William R. Bucco, Library Board Chair, Patricia Curtain, Friends of MTPL Treasurer , Thomas Davis, Middletown Lions Club Vice President, Courtney Fiore, Resident, Lindsay Fox, Library Administrator, Susan Gioia, Library Assistant, Walter Johnson, Library Public Information, Susan Kyrillos, Library Administrator, Wendy LaTona, Library Administration, Alannah Perry, Resident, Tony Perry, Township of Middletown Mayor

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