May
2002
Leadership
Trenton: Orientation to Trenton - past and present
By
Pamela Sims Jones
The
second Leadership Trenton seminar, entitled, "Orientation
to Trenton: Past and Present," was held March 28. It began
with a walk from Thomas Edison State College to the Trenton Public
Library on Academy Street.
After
a continental breakfast, we gathered in the Trentoniana Room,
which is a treat unto itself. Under the guidance of Sally Lane,
director of the Trenton Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Wendy
M. Nardi, curator and librarian of the Trentoniana Room of the
Trenton Public Library, we reviewed the history of Trenton, surrounded
by an eclectic group of artifacts, memorabilia, photos, books
and various images of Trenton's yesteryear. The discussion included
demographics, population shifts, government structure, and immigration
waves in Trenton and the region.
The
Trentoniana Room is a must visit for everyone to better understand
the capital city's settlement in 1679 by Europeans (Quakers from
Yorkshire, England), its historical significance, industrial heritage,
and present-day rebound.
The
next session was a discussion on Trenton's present-day assets,
led by Peter Kasabach, Director of Housing for Isles, Inc. With
a huge on-screen map of the city, we reviewed the various city
landmarks, the demarcation of the four wards, housing and development
growth, income levels per ward, and the city's population growth
and shifts, to name a few.
Then
it was time to get on the bus! We took a wonderful bus tour of
the capital city, cruising through each ward with Mr. Kasabach
and identifying certain buildings and other landmarks (often with
the help of the Fellows) and interjecting historical facts and
figures. Accompanying us on the tour was Dennis Gonzalez, director
of Trenton's Department of Housing and Economic Development, who
gave invaluable information on existing and forthcoming housing
and economic development projects throughout the city.
We
stopped at The Invention Factory, which is under construction
in the historical Roebling Machine Shop. As stated in its promotional
brochure, the goal of the Invention Factory is to "balance
quality family entertainment and educational growth." It
will feature "52,000 square feet of exhibits, workshop space,
and laboratories…a museum dedicated to helping people understand
exciting new developments in the life sciences, medicine, and
health." Kudos to Diane Carroll, executive director of The
Invention Factory, who gave an informative guided tour of the
museum, which will be an exciting and educational asset to Trenton
and the region.
We
returned to Thomas Edison State College for lunch. Afterward,
Alan Mallach, former director of Housing and Development for Trenton,
discussed "Evolving Cities: Common Threads and Implications,"
focusing particularly on Trenton's evolution and implications
for the future. Past and current issues facing Trenton were discussed
followed by a question-and-answer period. Mr. Mallach emphasized
that a city continues to thrive when the people it attracts have
choices.
Richard
Bilotti, publisher of The Times of Trenton, presented "The
Role of the Media in the Community." Mr. Bilotti discussed
the responsibility of a community newspaper, and the dynamics
and nuances of reporting on issues that relate to the political,
social and economic growth of a community at large. A lively question-and-answer
period followed and Thomas O'Neill, executive director of The
Partnership for New Jersey, skillfully moderated the session.
A
walking tour of the new Lafayette Yard Marriott Conference Hotel
was really a treat. Led by John F. Yake, Director of Sales and
Marketing, we were formally welcomed and then briefly introduced
to Dwane Martin, the hotel's general manager. As we began our
tour, it is easy to see why the hotel will be the talk of the
town. It features the contemporary and technological amenities
necessary for a conference hotel, its guest rooms are vibrant
and cozy, and the main dining room, fitness center, lounge areas,
entrances, and overall décor were indeed appealing. Another
plus for a city that is on the move.
A
scrumptious dinner followed, catered by Utopia, after which there
was a class discussion led by Leadership New Jersey's Nelida Valentin,
and a wrap-up session. Once again, it was an informative, productive,
and enjoyable Leadership Trenton seminar.
Note: Kudos to the Leadership Trenton staff, Nelida Valentin,
Director of the Center for Leadership Development, John S. Watson
Institute for Public Policy at Thomas Edison State College. Prior
to each seminar, we receive required readings, updates, and other
pertinent information to prepare us for our sessions along with
informative e-mails throughout the month. This inaugural Leadership
Trenton Class is very fortunate to have such a vibrant, compassionate,
energetic, and focused leader. We are also fortunate to have Thomas
O'Neill's expertise and leadership. In the April issue, I erroneously
wrote that the Leadership Trenton Board of Directors is composed
of Thomas Edison State College and The Partnership for New Jersey.
It is actually composed of various leaders from the region who
are also graduates of Leadership New Jersey. A full listing of
the board members can be obtained by visiting the Web site: www.tesc.edu/leadershiptrenton.
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Pamela
Sims Jones is Deputy Director of the New Jersey Martin Luther
King, Jr. Commemorative Commission at the Department of State.
