Top 101 Great Reasons to Live in Marlboro Township

Residents can write what they like about Marlboro

MARLBORO - People who love Marlboro are being asked to write about why they adore their hometown for a chance to be published in an upcoming book.

"101 Great Reasons to Live in Marlboro Township, NJ" is a community pride project thought up by one of Marlboro's younger residents.

Joshua Riklan, 9, pitched the idea to his parents, Michele and David Riklan, after seeing other 101 reasons publications his father produced through their company Self Improvement Online Inc.

Joshua's love of the town where he has grown up prompted him to suggest the title to his parents. Needing some help to describe all of the great things about Marlboro, Joshua said he needed to get his fellow residents involved.

"I really couldn't do it alone, I needed help. So the whole of Marlboro is doing it (now)," the youngster said.

Joshua will write the first few pages of the book and discuss the things he loves about Marlboro.

"Marlboro is my hometown and I've lived in Marlboro for my whole life. I love that it's a nice town, it's quiet and there's just nice people in Marlboro. It's a happy place really," Joshua said.

Now it is up to the residents of Marlboro to supply the highlights of the town. People of all ages are welcome to make a submission. Poems, artwork and essays will all be considered for publication.

Essays up to 1,500 words in length can be on all sorts of topics, such as why the township is a great place, a positive story about something that happened in Marlboro, or why the writer would recommend the township as a great place to live.

All entrants are also asked to submit a personal quote or comment about Marlboro. All positive, appropriate quotes submitted will be published in the book regardless of whether the author's essay is selected for publication.

Riklan said a volunteer committee will be responsible for sorting through which submissions make the final cut. She said they hope to have a full range of submissions from all age groups.

The book will also feature historical information about Marlboro and is expected to include a full local business directory.

Riklan said the deadline for submissions is Oct. 31. More information about the guidelines and where to submit work can be found at www.101reasons.com.

The book is expected to be released sometime this winter. Riklan said the volume would be used for fundraising purposes for local organizations.

So far the list of involved organizations includes the Marlboro Community Fund, the Marlboro Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, the Marlboro Jewish Center and the Marlboro Soccer Booster Association, Riklan said.

Anyone seeking more information about selling the volumes can send an email to info@101greatreasons.com.

Joshua is hoping the community pitches in and can reveal many great things about Marlboro. The youngster hopes the Marlboro edition will be a success and that he can go on to produce similar books for other towns throughout New Jersey.