Newton Girl Scouts Free Library Renamed to Honor Michelle Franzone

NEWTON, NJ – The Girl Scout Troop 5688’s little library has been rededicated to honor leader Michelle Franzone.  Newton DPW Administrative Assistant Deborah Danielson led the emotional ceremony at the library’s location on the campus of the Culinary Institute of Sussex County Community College, thanking Franzone’s husband Steve, daughter Ariel, sister Dee and niece Victoria.

“This inspirational library has been through many hardships.  It has undergone many cosmetic changes and repairs in addition to being relocated from Memory Park to its new home, ” Danielson said.

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Franzone died unexpectedly after an illness.

“Though her physical presence is gone, her gift of giving will continue each time the door of the library opens.  Everyone will read her name as they approach the generosity that fills this kiosk,” Danielson said.

Troop member Danielle Penny addressed the group gathered for the ceremony.

“Miss Michelle was more than just our troop leader.  She was a mentor, a friend and guiding light,” Penny said. “Her dedication to our troop was evident in every meeting, every outing and every badge earned.”

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Penny spoke of Franzone’s “unique ability to inspire those around her.”

“She encouraged us to dream big, to explore new horizons and always strive for excellence,” Penny said. “Her lessons extended beyond the girls scout meetings; they were lessons for life.”

She said Franzone was known for having her camera to document all of the girls’ activities but said she thought their leader “found even more joy in capturing our smiles in candid photos.”

The “Leave a Book-Take a Book” little library was the girls’ Bronze award project.  The project was conceived in 2019 when Franzone approached Danielson with the concept. It was soon a reality, Danielson said.

In May 2019 it was dedicated in Memory Park. It soon became the target of vandals requiring several repairs made by a “special DPW elf,” Danielson said.  They finally decided to relocate the library.

First it had to be repaired and “brought back to life” by Ralph Porter.  He took on the project with his grandchildren.  They were all present at the ribbon cutting of the library’s new home and at the recent rededication ceremony.

The girls of Troop 5688 have been together since the 26 of them were Daisy scouts 13 years ago.

“Thank you to the Franzone family for sharing part of Michelle with all of us standing before you today and allowing us to honor her memory,” Danielson said as the library with a dedication plaque bearing Franzone’s name was unveiled.

“Thank you Miss Michelle for everything you’ve given us.  Your legacy lives on in each book that finds a new reader, in each smile sparked by a shared story and in each of us who were lucky enough to have known you,” Penny said.

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