MIDDLETOWN – Businessman Abe Littenberg has been honored as Middletown’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
Township Committee members saluted Littenberg and his wife, Linda, during the April 19 meeting of the governing body.
In addition to presenting Littenberg with a key to the township, Mayor Tony Perry presented Littenberg with a plaque containing a statement in which municipal officials said, “This prestigious award is hereby bestowed upon Abe Littenberg for being a philanthropic
community leader and ardent supporter of Middletown businesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This past year has thrown many small business owners and residents into challenging economic situations and Abe has made it his mission to help others get back on their feet again.
“Abe Littenberg is an effective, efficient and compassionate business leader who has spent
countless hours helping other business owners navigate this pandemic, as well as helping facilitate a COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
“He was able to execute this all while ensuring his own Middletown-based companies, Guttenplan’s Frozen Dough and A Child’s Place, a school he owns with his wife Linda, could adapt to the pandemic and continue to thrive.
“As chairman of the Middletown Economic Development Committee (MEDC), Abe supported the township’s ‘Takeout Thursday’ initiative and small business recovery efforts.
“With the help of MEDC and Lincroft Village Green Association board members, Abe created a database of local restaurants to provide an easy way for community members to order meals from their favorite establishments during the lockdown period.
“As a partner of Guttenplan’s, a facility that produces frozen dough for local supermarkets and nationally for Jersey Mike’s, Abe also worked with Middletown social services and local food banks to donate bread to those struggling with financial burdens.
“Abe and Linda Littenberg have also been recognized for their philanthropic efforts by Lunch Break, and Abe will be accepting the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Good Neighbor Spinnaker Award on behalf of Guttenplan’s in June.
“The Township Committee is honored to have this opportunity to recognize Abe Littenberg for his distinguished service and dedicated entrepreneurial and community-minded spirit. His personal and passionate commitment to bettering the lives of those around him is admired and appreciated.
“We thank Abe Littenberg for consistently donating his time, energy and resources to those who need it most. We are incredibly fortunate to call him one of Middletown’s own.”
Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeewoman Patricia Snell, Committeeman Kevin Settembrino and Committeeman Ryan Clarke joined Perry in thanking the Littenbergs for their efforts and assistance with municipal initiatives.
Littenberg thanked the committee members for presenting him with the award.