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Arts council has vision of enhancing community
Bruce Brickman
Guest Column

The Manalapan Arts Council (MAC) is a unique group of volunteers who "get stuff done." MAC's mission, supported by the Manalapan Township Committee, through the Department of Parks and Recreation, is to enhance access to the arts in our Manalapan community and in the western Mon-mouth County region.

Through MAC's "Business Partnership Event Program-ming," we expanded access to artistic performance at local business venues. Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry, a partner in this program, hosted our chamber music ensemble led by Maestro Chiu-Tze Lin. MAC also partnered with Best Buy in a juried logo design contest focused on engaging the creativity of our high school students. Businesses are joining with us to plan additional partnership events.

MAC's Asian Heritage Day last May drew almost 900 people. It featured dancing, drama, music and cultural exhibits from over nine countries. The second annual Asian Heritage Day will be held at Manalapan High School on May 5. It will bring together an exciting program reflecting our region's rich cultural diversity.

Another new MAC event will be a spring piano duo concert for "The Young and Young at Heart" on April 14 at the Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School, featuring Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield and Lillian Livingston. There will be additional performances by guest artists Chiu-Tze Lin, Amanda Newell and Kristen Watkins. These remarkably talented artists will offer a rich musical array to be enjoyed by people of all generations.

"Arts in the Park" is being planned for late summer. This festive MAC program, set in a relaxed natural environment, will invite the public to view and purchase original art work, while enjoying music, refreshments and other events.

MAC is planning an additional new event to encourage creative thinking with children. We are privileged that Cheryl Soback, Manalapan High School's Teacher of the Year, will be leading that effort.

In October, MAC will host an annual gala ball. This phenomenal event will summarize the year with live and videotaped performances. MAC is inviting everyone to support its annual gala ball. There will be music, dancing and great food in an elegant environment. Awards will recognize individuals and groups that have positively contributed to arts and innovation in our Manalapan community as well as in the western Monmouth County region.

Throughout the year, MAC will continue supporting concerts by the Manalapan Battleground Symphony led by Maestro Chiu-Tze Lin. These immensely talented artists continue to provide our community with a rich, diverse and exciting musical experience.

We appreciate the support of Managing Editor Mark Rosman and the News Transcript. They are a terrific example of how members of the business community can sustain MAC's vital mission of fostering creativity and innovation.

The Manalapan Arts Council leadership group includes Bruce K. Brickman, Mike Gross, Sandra Lippman, Judy Drucker, William Ciullo, Marty Gelfond, Lillian Livingston, Barbara Miller, Beatrice Truscelli, Rene McCallum, Butch Budai, Shirley Yang, Cheryl Soback and Jerry Collincini.

Whether a business or an individual, you are invited to join us in encouraging creativity through the arts. Please contact us at Manalapan Parks and Recreation, parksandrec@twp.manalapan.nj.us. Be part of our mission and let's "get stuff done!"

This column was written by Bruce K. Brickman, chair of the Manalapan Arts Council, with the assistance of the other members of the leadership group.