MONTGOMERY: Boy Scout, Jewish Center recognized by committee

By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
   MONTGOMERY — When Boy Scout Jesse Smith of Troop 850 began his food drive in late October, he hoped to collect at least 500 items to help the Crisis Ministry of Trenton.
   But after less than a month, his drive had generated such an outpouring of support from the community and corporations he was able to amass more than 2,500 donations.
   With New Jersey still struggling in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Jesse’s efforts ended up helping storm victims statewide through his donation to the Crisis Ministry.
   His hard work also earned him his Eagle Scout rank — the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting.
   Friends, family and fellow scouts gathered on Jan. 17 to watch the Township Committee pass a proclamation honoring the Eagle Scout and his service and commitment to the community. Standing before the committee, Jesse emphasized being an Eagle Scout symbolized more than just a sign he had completed all the necessary requirements.
   ”It really shows if you work hard at something and you’re really dedicated, you can achieve your goals,” he said. “I worked at this for years and everything I learned came to pay off – it’s amazing to me.”
   The food drive wasn’t Jesse’s first choice for a project. However, after being contacted by the Crisis Ministry he figured his successful track record with food drives would allow him to help out those in need. From fellow troop members and leaders to students at Orchard Hill Elementary and the Upper Middle School, everyone wanted to contribute. Even Sunny Delight donated a big case of its orange juice product to the drive.
   He attributed his success to the life skills he learned through his journey from a Cub Scout to his new rank as an Eagle Scout. In addition to communication, he emphasized that leadership was essential not only to his project, but in life.After seeing the happy reaction of the Crisis of Ministry and knowing his collection was helping out the storm-battered shore communities, Jesse said he realized how important projects like this are to others.
   The committee commended Jesse for his accomplishment and encouraged him to continue his efforts and keep working toward his goals. Committeeman Rich Smith, an Eagle Scout himself, said he likes to use the word “tenacity” when describing people like Jesse and his parents.
   ”Don’t stop with things like this in our township,” he told Jesse. “If more people did community service like this, our township would be a much better place.”
   The Township Committee also passed another proclamation that night to honor the victory of “Chanukah for the Record,” the community celebration held by the Jewish Center of Princeton that broke a Guinness Record. On the fourth night of Chanukah last December, hundreds of people simultaneously lit 834 menorahs, surpassing the old world record of 782.
   ”It was really a wonderful broad community event, it truly was wonderful,” said Mayor Ed Trzaska. “Congratulations to everyone.”
   Neil Wise, the program director and man behind the event, accepted the award on behalf of the Jewish Center.
   The event brought in community members of all ages, religions and backgrounds from all over the central Jersey region. Mr. Wise recalled how people were coming in via cars, vans and even one airplane that flew in from Long Island.
   Considering the many table captains, floor monitors and 15 community judges – one of which was Montgomery’s own Mayor Trzaska — Mr. Wise said the hardest thing about making the event a reality was finding a place to house it.
   ”We called malls and hotels and everyone was excited to have this program until we told them we were going to light more than 4,000 candles — then they said no thank you,” added Mr. Wise, eliciting laughter from the audience.
   However, Princeton Airport stepped up to the challenge and allowed the Jewish Center of Princeton to take over its hangar for the night.
   ”Ken Nierenberg, the owner, has the same kind of personality as me — ‘I’ll say yes, before I know the details.’” said Mr. Wise, again receiving more laughter.
   Mayor Trzaska thanked Mr. Wise for being allowed to be part of “Chanukah for the Record,” but he was curious about one thing: how the Jewish Center was going to top the event this year.
   ”We’ll see you at Passover for the largest Matzo-ball in the country — just kidding,” said Mr. Wise with a laugh. “We don’t set to top an event, we try to reinvent, recreate and think of something new.”