Marlboro Teen Builds Six-Foot Menorah for Holmdel Township

Holmdel Township now has a new menorah for its holiday display, thanks to Marlboro teen Ryan Smith.

Smith, a member of Holmdel Boy Scout Troop 331 and a junior at Colts Neck High School, said he learned last year that the township was in need of a new menorah and decided to make it Eagle Scout project.

"I immediately jumped at this opportunity and spoke with Ms. Deborah Dow from Holmdel Recreation to see if this was something that was possible for me to do for my Eagle Scout project," Smith said. 

After submitting his plan to his troop committee and the Monmouth council, Smith set out to fundraise by bagging groceries at the Shop Rite of Marlboro. Smith and his project team raised $900 for the menorah materials.

"It was a long and arduous process, but one that I will always be proud of," Smith said. "I am excited to attend the lighting ceremony by the Township of Holmdel on and to share this project with the community."

The menorah is six feet tall and made entirely of wood, built to withstand winter weather. It will be lit on Dec. 6 at the Holmdel holiday lighting, 6 p.m. at Town Hall.