L.A. Parker: Franzini event remembers a woman’s vision
Talk is cheap.
In fact, mottos matter only if people who employ them make their words work.
Caren Franzini, deceased in January 2017, lived a life that accentuated unity and collaboration fueled by a personal acknowledgment that “when we pull together, we move things forward.” Her passing left a void and energy that the City of Trenton could use as dissent and myopic vision cultivates a deterioration of commonality. If Trenton residents ever realize that we list in the same boat then perhaps this city will realize potential.
Tonight, Gov. Phil Murphy joins other distinguished leaders at New Jersey State Museum from 5-8 p.m. to be a part of an elegant evening of cocktails, conversations and collaborations as participants take part in a celebration that honors the legacy of Franzini, former NJEDA CEO and one of the founders of Greater Trenton.
The evening includes a presentation of the Caren Franzini Capital City Award to Anthony R. Coscia, Partner, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP.
Greater Trenton operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic revitalization in New Jersey’s capital city. The Franzini event will attract more than 250 attendees including prominent community, government, and business leaders.
Bernie Flynn, former president and CEO of NJM Insurance Group, initially suggested the creation of The Caren Franzini Capital City Award as an annual celebration that would revisit Caren’s vision and revolutionary work that supports greater Trenton.
Ms. Franzini helped found Greater Trenton and served as the first co-chair of the organization along with Flynn. A press release about this initial event identified Franzini as bold, courageous and relentless.
Those descriptions represent a blueprint for the City of Trenton, underscoring the need for special qualifications for not only government leaders but also community activists and residents who want and are willing to work for a better and Greater Trenton.
Family, friends, leaders and others, undoubtedly miss the energy offered by Ms. Franzini although most know that this special woman, mother, daughter, wife, sister, mover and shaker would hope that we continue her work with the same spirited desire to expand the circle of opportunity, hope and success.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.