2018-12-08 The Princeton Packet

SERVING PRINCETON, MONTGOMERY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

TIMEOFF

SPORTS

A divine comedy

Looking for a medal

A review of ‘An Act of God’ at the George Street Playhouse. Plus: Previewing two versions of ‘A Christmas Carol.’

Princeton Skating Club’s Hadyn Gock is headed to the national championship.

Page 15A

centraljersey.com SINCE 1786

VOL. 232, NO. 49

Published every Friday

Friday, December 8, 2017

609-924-3244

princetonpacket.com

$1

Ex-county official pleads not guilty to corruption

By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer

Former Mercer County Park Commission executive director Kevin B. Bannon pleaded not guilty Monday to public corruption charges for which the erstwhile government employee and college basketball coach wants to go on trial.

Bannon, accompanied by family and friends at Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton, did not speak during his arraignment before Judge Darlene J. Pereksta. He

stood beside his lawyer, Jack Furlong, who has filed a motion asking the judge to fix a “speedy trial date.”

Bannon, 60, is not interested in reaching a plea bargain, but rather wants his day in front of a jury, said Furlong.

Bannon was charged, in October, in a 10-count indictment with official misconduct and related offenses stemming from his county job and a nonprofit organization that Bannon had run with his brother. The state Attorney General’s Office, which brought the

case following an investigation that included raiding park commission offices last year, accused Bannon of “diverting” thousands of dollars that should have gone to the county to the nonprofit, Friends of Mercer County Parks, that had been formed to aid the Park Commission. He is the only person charged in the case, with the most serious offenses each carrying prison sentences of up to 10 years.

Bannon was fired last year.

The case has taken a toll him, with Bannon’s wife being “harassed”

by at least one former county employee on her Facebook page, the lawyer said.

Furlong said he intends to subpoena records from a law firm, Riker Danzig, the county hired to probe the Bannon matter.

The firm, Furlong said, “interviewed dozens of witness. They reviewed thousands of documents.

They prepped witnesses for appearance before the state grand jury. They conducted field investigation of all manner of facilities and abstracts and talked to indeSee OFFICIAL, Page 7

Kevin Bannon

School proposal aims to curb hateful behavior

By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer

Princeton school officials, having had to confront racist and antiSemtic incidents in their district, want to send a message to the public that they have no tolerance for “hate-motivated behavior.”

Students and staff would be punished for using “slurs,” “negative stereotyping” or making threats electronically, among other things contained in a new policy that will have a first reading at the board meeting next week. That conduct already is prohibited by state harassment, intimidation and bullying laws, school board vice president Dafna Kendal said this week.

But it would seek to help officials, who find themselves confronted by community members asking how the district is addressing such incidents.

“And we can’t say anything because of student privacy issues,” Kendal said Tuesday at a board policy committee when the proposal was discussed. “So the board wants to have something to say, ‘Well look at our policy, these are some of the consequences the students may face.’ “ Based on the proposal, those consequences can include students getting counseling, suspended or barred from extracurricular or cocurricular activities. Staff members also face punishments if they commit such acts, “knowingly allow” them to occur or don’t report them.

The policy, assuming it passes, would be on track to be adopted in January and take effect for the current academic year.

Located in a progressive town By Philip Sean Curran that prides itself on its liberal val- Staff Writer ues, the district was stung by the revelation that Princeton High Holocaust survivor David Tuck sat in a chair, his legs crossed at See PROPOSAL, Page 7 his ankles, in front of a room filled with about 50 Princeton Charter School students who were around his age when the life he knew in Poland changed forever.

“I went through hell,” said Tuck to the fifth-graders listening to him in silence. The timing of his second ever visit to the school coincided with the students reading, in their English class, “Number the Stars,” a historical novel set in World War II Denmark.

Tuck shared how, as a Jewish boy, the world he knew changed and an uncertain world that included working in forced labor camps followed.

Staff photos by Scott Jacobs

Wreath-making workshop Friends from the Princeton location gathered for the “Make Your Own Wreaths” workshop at the Morvan Museum and Garden in Princeton on Dec 3.

At left, Morvan Museum and Garden Assistant Coordinator Nancy Nicosia demonstrates the way to tie a bow for the holiday wreaths during the workshop.

215-354-3146

Holocaust survivor tells students: ‘You have to remember’ He asked the students to picture what had happened to him on Sept. 1, 1939, when all the radio played was “Deutschland uber alles.” World War II had started, Poland was under attack and the country’s more than three million Jews eventually would be targeted for persecution — and extinction.

Tuck told the students that all Jews were required to wear yellow armbands on their left arms and stars of David. After a while, he said, a family friend came to the house saying an order had gone out, they had 48 hours to pack up what they could because they would be relocated. In all, 124 people, including children, were transported on trucks to the Lodz ghetto, he said.

Though actually younger, he would assume a false age as a 15-

Courtesy photo

Holocaust survivor David Tuck visits with some Princeton Charter School students after his recent talk at the school. year-old and be a mechanic. Pre“Anybody tell me why fiftending to be older than he was teen?” he asked the children. “Behad to do with self-preservation, cause at ten (years old), I have no he said.

See SURVIVOR, Page 7

Index Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6A Classified . . . . . . . . . . C/D/E Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1B

Call us Movie Times . . . . . . . . . . . 8B Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A

News: (609) 924-3244 Classified: (609) 924-3250 Advertising: (609) 924-3244 To subscribe: (215) 354-3146

2A The Princeton Packet

www.princetonpacket.com

Friday, December 8, 2017

PRINCETON

Library offers lectures, documentary about Vietnam War

By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer

REASON FOR CHEER While we may look forward to the holidays, many of us ďŹ nd gatherings of friends and family to be quite stressful. Seniors, in particular, might ďŹ nd that the holiday season brings an unwelcome reminder of those who are no longer present to share in the joy of playing the proud parent and grandparent.

Others may wistfully recall past traditions that no longer take place. Whatever the mindset of the family elders, friends and relatives should pay particular attention to their emotional needs. Engaging in conversation that evokes the memory of days past may not only prove to be therapeutic for the older storyteller, but it may also help provide younger family members with a unique glimpse of their family heritage.

The treatment for lupus depends on your signs and symptoms. As your signs and symptoms are and subside, you and your doctor may ďŹ nd that you’ll need to change medications or dosages. To schedule an appointment please call ROBERT PLATZMAN, D.O. at 609-921-8766. The ofďŹ ce is located at 601 Ewing St., Suite C7, in Princeton. I accept Medicare and most insurance. Our website, www. drrobertplatzman.com, has more information about our practice.

P.S. The holiday season may be a good time to begin an outline of the family tree, with help from older relatives’ insights and knowledge of their past.

The Princeton Public Library will spend parts of three months examining the Vietnam War through a series of lectures wrapped around the showing of all 18 hours of the Ken Burns and Lynn Novick documentary about the war.

Princeton was one of 50 libraries nationally chosen to get a “programming kit� for the documentary that includes “public performance rights� for the 10 episodes, through a program by the American Library Association and Washington D.C.’s WETA public television, the ALA said. Libraries had to apply to be selected. “If people only came to

the Ken Burns series, they would obviously learn a lot,� said Hannah Schmidl, National Endowment for the Humanities fellow at the library, who helped put the program together. “But then we wanted to pair it with a couple other things so that people could come to different events.�

The series began Sunday with a lecture by Lloyd Gardner, a historian who taught at Rutgers for nearly 50 years and wrote two books about Vietnam. “And my job is to, in a sense, frame the documentary,� Gardner said in a phone interview Friday.

Burns, Gardner said in an interview, seeks to “take ordinary people, on both

sides and so on, and build up the story from them.� “He wants to talk about people who are acted upon as much as actors,� Gardner said.

A theme through Burns’ TV epics is reconciliation, he said, like in “The Civil War� documentary, at the end, showing the last living veterans of that conflict shaking hands. But unlike that earlier effort, “The Vietnam War� is different, Gardner said. “He had a bunch of historians, on that one, talking and trying to bring up arguments,� Gardner said. “And so all the historians who did not agree with the historians on Burns‘ Civil War then came out and criticized him

for using those historians and not using other historians. So he comes to Vietnam and he decides not to use a single historian. He tried to compensate for the criticism he received by going in the other direction.�

The Vietnam War roiled Princeton, with protests at the university, including when President Lyndon Johnson came to speak on campus in 1966. University archivist Dan Linke will be sharing some of that history when he speaks Jan. 25, starting at 7 p.m., as part of the series. “Some people have had a variety of reactions to the Ken Burns documentary, especially because people,

obviously, who are still alive lived through that era and have very distinct memories — whether or not they served — about various parts of the whole Vietnam era from the ‘60s to the ‘70s,â€? Schmidl said. “So I suspect there’ll be a lot of interest. But it’s also still pretty controversial because people ‌ have very distinct and strong memories and opinions about this part of American history.â€?

On Wednesday, the library screened the first episode of the documentary.

Details about the program, and the complete screening schedule, can be found at the library’s website, www.princetonlibrary.org.

Howard, Liverman non-committal on re-election plans

By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer

Democratic Councilmembers Heather H. Howard and Lance Liverman were noncommittal about whether they intend to run for re-election in 2018, even though the leader of the Princeton Democratic Party said she assumes they will try for another term. “I really enjoy serving and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved,� Howard said Nov.29 when asked about her intentions. “But I don’t think people want electioneering now.�

Liverman said Nov.30 that he doesn’t know if he’ll be a candidate, but he said he would “have a better idea next week.� “This takes a lot of my time,� he said, “and not that I don’t mind doing it. But

I’m behind on other things.�

In January, Liverman will begin his 15th year in municipal government, a tenure that started on the Township Committee and continued on the council of the consolidated municipality. He is the only Princeton native on the governing body, but he has made no secret of his plan to retire to North Carolina after his youngest daughter finishes high school.

In Howard’s case, she was elected in 2011 to the Borough Council, served a year there and, like Liverman, was elected in 2012 to serve on the council of the consolidated Princeton.

She is a former state commissioner of health and senior services, in the administration of Gov. Jon Corzine. Most recently, she was tapped to serve on the transition team of Gov.-

elect Phil Murphy, but she has ruled out working in the Murphy administration as a member of the Democrat’s cabinet.

Even though she and Liverman have not announced what they plan to do, the leader of the Princeton Democratic Party said Nov.30 that she believes at this point that the two incumbents plan to get into the race. “I’m assuming that both of them are going to run,� said Scotia W. MacRae, the party chairwoman, who added Howard and Liverman have not shared their plans with her. “And I don‘t think there’s any opposition to both of them running. So I don’t see any groundswell for different people. “From all indications,�

MacRae said, “it seems like they are going to be still in the mix next year, that they’re talking in ways that

indicate they’re not considering stepping down.�

Though the council election is still a ways away, the political calendar in Princeton works backward, so that all the important decisions — from who’s running to who gets the critical endorsement of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization, the party club — happen well before voters go to the polls. And with the primary serving as the de facto general election in the heavily Democratic town, the race for Princeton Council is decided before the start of summer.

From the time that the consolidation of the borough and the township took effect in January 2013, the face of the governing body has changed, albeit slowly.

Councilman Patrick Simon declined to seek re-election in 2016, while Council

SUMMER

members Jo S. Butler and Bernard P. Miller declined to run this year.

In 2018, the governing body will welcome new members David Cohen and Leticia Fraga, the winners of the uncontested council race in November.

MacRae said the local party is looking to cultivate people to run for office, with an eye toward minority candidates “who would be interested in running at some point,� in her words. “That’s important because we want people who reflect the population of Princeton,� she said. “I feel that both the Hispanic and African-American communities strongly feel that they’ve been under-represented on the Princeton Council for many years. And I think we want to cultivate people in order to make sure to address that issue.�

SALE!!!!

PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND SUNGLASSES

100 Canal Pointe Boulevard Suite 100 *Ă€ÂˆÂ˜ViĂŒÂœÂ˜]ĂŠ ĂŠUĂŠĂˆĂ¤Â™Â‡{£™‡£™Óä Centre Drive, Suite 1B ÂœÂ˜Ă€ÂœiĂŠ/ÂœĂœÂ˜ĂƒÂ…ÂˆÂŤ]ĂŠ ĂŠUĂŠĂˆĂ¤Â™Â‡{䙇ÓÇÇÇ This promotion is not to be combined with any insurance plans and/or with any other promotions and/or discounts, etc. Not applicable to previous purchases and/or when discount is not asked for at time of sale and/or when coupon is not presented at time of sale. Offer excludes Maui Jim & Costa Del Mar brand. See Optical for additional details and exclusions. Offer valid 6/1/17 to 8/31/17. (Grace U. Danieles, N.J. License #NJ31TD-3827)

www.outlookeyecare.com

Friday, December 8, 2017

www.princetonpacket.com

The Princeton Packet 3A

Charlottesville mayor still battling darkest parts of American politics

By Carson Welch Correspondent

When white nationalists and neo-Nazis held a “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Va., leaving one dead and many injured, the city’s mayor, Dr. Michael Signer, was thrown into a windstorm of countrywide outrage.

That rally, on Aug. 12, as well as a smaller KKK rally held earlier in the summer, placed the city in a debate over rightwing extremist groups in America today.

Some later criticized Signer for distancing himself from the city’s handling of the protests, though he subsequently apologized, saying he had “overstepped the bounds” of his role as mayor.

Signer spoke on Wednesday at Princeton, where he graduated magna cum laude as a politics major in the class of 1995, in Richardson Hall. His remarks, titled “Charlottesville and the Future of Democracy,” were

given on the condition that he only represent himself as a private citizen, not on behalf of the City of Charlottesville.

“We are a tolerant, loving, and welcoming community,” Signer said, referencing many of the progressive measures the city has undertaken since he assumed office, including an affordable housing project and an effort to settle around 100 refugees in the Charlottesville community each year. “I want to challenge the idea that my city has been defined by the images that people now see on Vice News.”

Signer went on to speak about the “two Charlottesvilles.” He was careful to note that the city is one of the most progressive in the state, and voted for Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary election. It also has a poverty rate higher than the state average. Renovation projects in the 1960s that

razed entire neighborhoods led to poor standards of living for contemporary low income communities. “This is a part of our history,” he said, just as much as Thomas Jefferson, the city’s famed historical figure.

Two years ago, two of Signer’s colleagues in the city council began the plan to move the Robert E. Lee statue, which had been erected during the Jim Crow era. The city then created a blue ribbon commission on race and memorials, charged with “telling the full story of race through public spaces.”

A circuit judge, though, quickly enjoined the city from moving the statue through a 1997 state law. But the decision had already sparked controversy among alt right groups, who then took the opportunity for a national stage.

“This is what it looks like when a progressive southern city deals at long last with the history that they have with race,” Signer

said of the violent events that took place on Aug. 12.

“The irony is that much of this critical work, particularly on race, is what made us a target for the many forces who don’t want us to change the narrative, to tell the full story of race.”

In the aftermath of the violence, Signer, who is Jewish, was subject to a series of anti-Semitic attacks from the right wing groups that he publicaly condemned. He spoke of one email he received depicting an image of his face photoshopped into a gas chamber, with Robert E. Lee next to him, pressing a green button. In spite of these hateful responses, Signer remains optimistic about the city’s ability to reconcile in the wake of the events of Aug. 12.

“So I hope and believe that the ultimate story of Charlottesville will be the resilience and vision of light and the repudiation of this darkness,” Signer said.

“There’s nothing that’s

wrong with us that what’s right with us can’t fix.”

President Donald Trump’s failure to unambiguously condemn the racism that spurred the violence in Charlottesville garnered further national attention (Signer said the president equivocated “between the far right and far left groups”). Signer had previously been asked to write about Trump for The New Republic, in 2011.

Following the publication of his book, “Demagogue: The Fight to Save Democracy from Its Worst Enemies” (2009), he was asked to hazard an answer at the question posed in the title of his article: “Is Donald Trump a Demagogue?” His answer: “He might aspire to be one — but he doesn’t have the chops.” Although Signer hedged his opinion (“None of this means Trump isn’t worth taking seriously”), many other progressives would consider it an early miscalculation. In

his speech, Signer later used the term “demagogue” to describe Trump.

Signer, over the past few months, has been dealing with the darkest parts of American politics. Perhaps the most important consequence of this, he said, was coming to terms with the ideologies that led to the events, and deciding on the next steps. Those ideologies are not going away overnight, especially in Charlottesville. According to Signer, organizers of the “Unite the Right” rally are filing to hold another event on its one-year anniversary.

“There’s an old saying, ‘When you dance with the devil, you don’t change the devil — the devil changes you,’” Signer said. “That is what I believe has happened to a significant part of our political establishment during this terrible chapter in our history. And the question is not only what will happen as a result of this, it is what we will do.”

No surprises in Princeton University’s 10-year planning document

By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer

Princeton University had no surprises in a planning document to help “guide” Nassau Hall as it looks to expand into West Windsor across Lake Carnegie, accommodate a growing student body and make “wise land-use decisions” in the coming years.

The 166-page-planning framework, released Tuesday, offers steps the university can take in the next 10 years within a “context of potential needs and developments over a thirty-year period.”

“Well, one of the things we’ve said in the plan and in the announcement we

posted (Tuesday) morning is this is just suggesting locations where we could locate facilities,” university Vice President and Secretary Robert K. Durkee said by phone Tuesday. “In some cases, there is a preferred location, in other cases, there are multiple options.

But that’s all this does.”

The university plans to add 500 more undergraduates. A new residential college is “proposed for a site south of Poe/Pardee fields that also could accommodate a second college, either in the near or longer term,” the planning document said.

That will require moving the softball field and the outdoor tennis courts, expected to be relocated to the

new campus in West Windsor.

The document also touched on the “potential” for a mixed-use area along Alexander Street, where the university owns land. Such an idea would need a zoning change by the Princeton Council.

“If rezoned for residential mixed use, the corridor could be developed in a manner that included housing of various kinds, along with some mix of retail, office, innovation partnership and convening space, potentially a hotel and other uses of interest to the community and the university,” the document read.

As an institution, Nassau Hall has taken a long view

of its needs and potential growth. Durkee said the university started to acquire land south of the lake in the early 1920s, “with the idea that a day would come when they would be needed to help support the educational mission.”

“And we have come to a point where it’s time to really begin to make use of at least some of those lands in that way,” he said. “I think this is the moment where we will begin to develop those lands and do it in a way that supports multiple uses.”

He said the “proposal” for the Lake Campus calls for a mixed-use area of athletic, administrative and academic partnership space,

parking, graduate student housing, along with other “amenities.”

In the planning document, the report said the Lake Campus has “more than two hundred and 10 acres east of Washington Road,” with more university-owned land across the street.

“The planning framework focuses all initial development on the east side of Washington Road, while reserving the lands west of Washington Road for future development,” the report said.

The timing of the document’s release comes with new leadership poised to take control of West Windsor. Mayor-elect Hemant

Marathe is due to take office in January, to replace four-term mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh.

The university has talked of building a pedestrian bridge over Lake Carnegie to enable people to get to and from the new campus. But there is no timeline for development starting there or anywhere else.

“It’s a step in the process,” Durkee said, “but it’s too early to know when we would be beginning work on any of the projects.”

University representatives are scheduled to be on hand at the Princeton Council meeting, on Monday, for a presentation.

TOWN FORUM 4A

The Princeton Packet

Friday, December 8, 2017

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Longtime Princeton business thanks loyal customers

To the editor: Well, we had a good run here in Princeton, but after almost 10 years of sharing with you our passion for great wine, craft beer and inspired spirits, this CoolVines store will be closing in early 2018.

While this decision certainly comes with a measure of sadness, the overall story is a happy one, for you helped us launch an innovative business model in a category that had long been stuck in a format that underserved wine enthusiasts. There was too much focus on commercial brand names, point scores and “discounts” rather than value. You helped me personally connect to this amazing town in a meaningful and substantive way.

It offered me the opportunity I was looking for - to be part of the local business community, to participate in many fund-raising collaborations with the Library, The Arts Council, Sustainable Princeton, Corner House and other organizations that are helping to make this town better every day.

It was a delight to partner with the university, with the Keller Center for Entrepreneurship - even conducting taste experiments right in our store with the graduate students in

GUEST OPINION

the Department of Molecular Biology. CoolVines gave me and my family an identity and a connection to Princeton that I sought when I started the business.

But sometimes the destiny of a business, like that of a person, is found not in its original manifestation, but in a path that leads from it to another place. Our little shop in Princeton was discovered by a prominent developer in Jersey City who wooed us to build a store in his planned building in a rising neighborhood in that once beleaguered city. We rolled the dice and it paid off - within a year the Jersey City store was our highest performing store of the three (we also had a store in Westfield, N.J., which we have subsequently sold), and is now outselling our Princeton store 3:1.

We connected well with the market of young urban millennials who enjoy our fresh approach to wine selection and merchandising. And with that success, we have found ourselves in the enviable position of being sought out by other developers who see a “fine wine shop” as a marker of progress in building new neighborhoods.

And so two more stores are underway with Jersey City #2 and, believe it or not - Newark. In that once-great city, the largest in N.J., we will be part of a project involving Whole Foods, Marcus Samuelsson (of Red Rooster, Chopped, Iron Chef fame) and other strong names in re-

tailing and restaurants. Our fingers are crossed much as they were in 2013 when we committed to our first Jersey City store.

In those same years here in Princeton we have seen some changes on “Main Street” in Princeton. The businesses that are now thriving most are those who serve the strong visitors and tourist traffic, and the ones - like us who depend mostly on the resident population, are at best flat. Too many empty spaces on Nassau Street and Palmer Square attest to this. I’ve commiserated with my fellow business owners who rely on this same core of residential customers and all are feeling the impact.

And so it feels like the right gesture at this point to offer up my slice of the retail wine pie to my comrades in arms on Palmer Square and elsewhere in town. In a few months, I will be closing our store on Spring Street and focusing my energies up north - and hoping that my fellow marchands de vin find sustainable success with the addition of my beloved customers whom I’m reluctantly leaving behind.

Please take care of them. Thank you Princeton for the 10 years of amazing support.

Mark Censits Founder and president

T. Jeffery Clarke

John Witherspoon and the Founding Fathers on the issue of slavery

“There is a tide in the affairs of men, a nick of time. We perceive it now before us.

To hesitate is to consent to our own slavery.

That noble instrument upon your table, which ensures immortality to its author, should be subscribed this very morning by every pen in this house. He that will not respond to its accents and strain every nerve to carry into effect its provisions is unworthy the name of free man.”

With these words, John Witherspoon sought to convince his fellow congressional delegates to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Today there again is a tide in our affairs, where some would seek to paint a false picture of the Founding Fathers on the issue of slavery. This attempt is both intellectually and historically dishonest. The historical fact is that slavery was not the product of, nor was it an evil introduced by the Founders; slavery was introduced in America nearly two centuries before the Revolution. In fact, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Jay noted that there had been few serious efforts to dismantle the institution of slavery prior to the American Revolution, which was actually a turning point in the national attitude toward slavery.

Thomas Jefferson, in his first draft of the Declaration, complained that King Georgeâ⇔¨â⇔¨ “… has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its

most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating and carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither. . . . Determined to keep open a market where men should be bought and sold …”

Benjamin Franklin, in a 1773 letter to Dean Woodward, confirmed that whenever the Americans had attempted to end slavery, the British government had indeed thwarted those attempts. Franklin wrote: “. . . a disposition to abolish slavery prevails in North America, that many of Pennsylvanians have set their slaves at liberty, and that even the Virginia Assembly have petitioned the King for permission to make a law for preventing the importation of more into that colony. This request, however, will probably not be granted as their former laws of that kind have always been repealed.”

In 1774, Franklin and Benjamin Rush founded America’s first anti-slavery society. Rush described slavery as “repugnant to the principles of Christianity.” John Jay was president of a similar society. Other prominent Founding Fathers who were members of societies for ending slavery included Richard Bassett, James Madison, James Monroe, Bushrod Washington, Charles Carroll, William Few, John Marshall and Richard Stockton of Princeton.

As a result of their efforts, Richard

Allen, who was a friend of Benjamin Rush, a former slave and the founder of the A.M.E. Church in America said in his famous address “To the People of Color”: “Many of the white people have been instruments in the hands of God for our good, even such as have held us in captivity, [and] are now pleading our cause with earnestness and zeal.”

John Adams, who to his credit owned no slaves, said of John Witherspoon, “he is as high a Son of Liberty as any man in America.”

Witherspoon preached against slavery in his discourses. He also chaired the New Jersey legislative committee concerned with the abolition of slavery in the state. Ultimately, these efforts in New Jersey began the process of ending slavery in 1804 just 10 years after Witherspoon’s death.

Have you ever heard of John Chavis?

He was the first African-American to receive a college education in the United States. He began his studies for the Presbyterian ministry at the College of New Jersey, where he was personally tutored by the President of the College, John Witherspoon.

Of course, Witherspoon had previously tutored James Madison, the father of our Constitution, as well as African-Americans John Quamine and Bristol Yamma.

In his “I have a dream” speech in 1963, Martin Luther King said: “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent

words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

He also pointed out that it seemed to him that America has defaulted on this promissory note, so far as people of color were concerned.

Now some would say that more than a few of the Founding Fathers were hypocrites. Let us agree that is true in the lens that we view them from today. However, history itself teaches us over and over again not to judge the past through the lens of the present. This is the historian’s fallacy that David Hackett Fisher has called “Presentism.”

Is it incumbent upon all of us to ensure that the promissory note of Liberty is fulfilled for all people? Yes it is. But you ensure that by honoring the terms of the note itself, not by burning down the bank upon which it was written, thereby rendering the note worthless.

T. Jeffery Clarke is a Princeton resident and architect who was the designer of the plinth (base) for the John Witherspoon statue and arranged the details of the statue unveiling in 2001.

All signs point to a green agenda for Governor-elect Phil Murphy

By Michele S. Byers

STATE WE’RE IN

With a new governor taking office in January, New Jersey has a great opportunity to regain its national environmental leadership role.

On the campaign trail, Governor-elect Murphy pledged strong support for the environment, a “green economy” boosted by clean energy jobs, and a renewed emphasis on climate change.

The time to act is now. The Governorelect will inherit a small but diverse state with both the nation’s highest population density and the highest number of Superfund sites. Ensuring clean water, clean air, healthy communities, parks and open spaces, fresh locally grown food, and protected wild

www.princetonpacket.com Founded in 1786 Bernard Kilgore, Group Publisher 1955-1967 Mary Louise Kilgore Beilman, Board Chairman 1967-2005 James B. Kilgore, Publisher, 1980-2016

Mike Morsch

Donna Kenyon

Regional Editor

Executive Editor

Joseph Eisele

Michele Nesbihal

Publisher 2016 - Present

mnesbihal@centraljersey.com

General Manager

145 Witherspoon Street Princeton, N.J. 08542 Corporate Offices

198 Route 9 North, Suite 100 Manalapan, N.J. 07726 © Packet Media, LLC. 2017.

All Rights Reserved.

(609) 924-3244 FAX (732) 780-4678

places and rare species - all in the face of budget limitations and climate change - is a big challenge.

One hoped-for move will be New Jersey rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a collaborative of northeastern states working to reduce carbon emissions. New Jersey was pulled out of RGGI in 2011.

Governor-elect Murphy has pledged to update the state’s Energy Master Plan to set New Jersey on a path to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. To achieve this goal, New Jersey must encourage the continued growth of solar energy and tap its vast potential to generate electricity from appropriately-sited offshore wind.

More top priorities for the Governorelect: Water infrastructure repairs and restoration - New Jersey must modernize and repair its aging water pipes, essential systems that deliver drinking water, remove and treat sewage, and take stormwater off streets. The problem is especially serious in 21 of the state’s oldest cities, where “combined” sewage and stormwater systems are prone to backups and overflows, putting public health in jeopardy. This critical undertaking will also produce lots of jobs.

Energy and Pipelines - New Jersey is awash in proposals for new gas and oil pipelines. These massive linear developments pose serious risks to our water and air, and to the health and safety of communities. Pipelines increase the state’s reliance on the fossil fuels that contribute to climate change, and would undermine the state’s ability to achieve 100 percent clean energy, a goal set by Governor-elect Murphy. Our

Council support and will defend the missions of these superb planning agencies.

Open Space - New Jersey’s open space and farmland protection programs have enjoyed tremendous popularity and success in recent decades, but much more land needs protection. And the state and other agencies must do more to protect New Jersey’s outstanding natural heritage, including our forests and “wildlands” and the rare plants and animals that inhabit them.

Rare species are declining and critical ecosystems are disappearing due to humancaused stresses, climate change, sprawl, forest fragmentation, lack of comprehensive management planning, overabundant deer, invasive species, rising sea level, storms, erosion, and diversions of parkland to nonpark uses. Illegal off-road vehicle use on public lands is rampant and damaging key habitats. Programs to protect rare animals, plants and habitats on public lands need bolstering.

Finally, it’s equally important to focus on urban parks to ensure that all residents of New Jersey can walk out their front doors and access safe parks and trails.

For a complete and comprehensive set of recommendations for the new governor, see “Environmental Agenda ‘18: New Jersey’s Conservation Roadmap,” which was developed by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters in partnership with nearly 30 environmental groups. And to learn more about preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation.org or contact me at info@njconservation.org.

new governor should use the state’s full authority under the Clean Water Act when reviewing proposed pipelines - and reject projects that do not meet its standards.

The Jersey Coast - Superstorm Sandy’s legacy made it clear that New Jersey must prepare for future storms and rising seas along the New Jersey shore and Delaware Bay coastline.

An expected sea level rise of between 1 and 2.8 feet by 2050 will amplify the impact of storms and potentially engulf tens of thousands of homes and businesses. Decades ago, Gov. Thomas Kean called for a plan to oversee coastal development. This should be a top priority for the new governor.

Reinvigorate the NJ Department of Environmental Protection - In recent years, the NJDEP has lost funding and staffing is below 1990 levels, while environmental protection issues have become more complex. The DEP’s mission is to protect our water, air, environment, health and public lands, but its capacity to do so, as well as staff morale, have been compromised. Important regulations to protect resources have been weakened. Our new governor should make wholehearted implementation of NJDEP‘s critical mission a top priority, starting with appointing a new commissioner with the commitment essential to make this happen.

Special Places that Protect our Water: the Highlands and Pinelands Our state’s flagship regional planning laws and plans need support. Governorelect Murphy can make an enormous contribution to water quality, water supply, open space preservation and quality of Michele S. Byers is executive director of life by ensuring that all new appointees to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation in the Pinelands Commission and Highlands Morristown.

Friday, December 8, 2017

www.princetonpacket.com

The Princeton Packet 5A

MONTGOMERY

Superintendent’s contract amended to include pay hike

By Lea Kahn Staff Writer

Superintendent of Schools Nancy Gartenberg will receive an increase in her salary, following the school board’s approval of an amendment to her contract at its Nov. 21 meeting.

The Montgomery Township School District Board of Education voted 6-1 to amend the contract, raising Gartenberg’s base salary from $167,500 to $182,174 on a pro-rated basis, retroactively for the 201718 school year.

Gartenberg will receive an additional $5,000 stipend because the school district includes a high school - for a total salary of $187,174 for the 2017-18 school year.

The “yes” votes were cast by school board president Rick Cavalli and board members Dharmesh Doshi, Dale Huff, Charles Jacey, Amy Miller and Shreesh Tiwari. The lone “no” vote was cast by board member Minkyo Chenette.

The amended contract

calls for Gartenberg to earn $190,917 for the 2018-19 school year, including the $5,000 high school stipend.

She will be paid $194,736 for the 2019-20 school year, including the stipend - the final year of her contract.

Gartenberg’s initial contract was set to expire June 30, 2017, but it was extended by five years in 2015 so that it ends June 30, 2020. The contract included a provision for the school board to negotiate a salary increase “in the event salary cap regulations expire or are amended.”

Gartenberg is among many superintendents who have received salary increases since the state-mandated cap on their salaries has expired. The cap on salaries had been $167,500.

State law allowed for an additional $2,500 stipend which has now been increased to $5,000 - for a superintendent whose district included a high school.

The Hopewell Valley Regional School District Board of Education ap-

proved a salary increase for Superintendent of Schools Thomas Smith earlier this year. He will earn a base salary of $195,415, plus a $5,000 high school stipend.

The Princeton Public Schools Board of Education approved a salary increase for Superintendent of Schools Stephen Cochrane, who will earn $196,584, plus a $5,000 high school stipend.

The decision to increase Gartenberg’s salary met with some opposition from parents, students and the Montgomery Township Education Association. Several speakers argued that Gartenberg should not be granted a salary increase.

Some speakers wanted more information on the merit goals or “key performance indicators“ that would justify additional pay, while others said a decision on a salary increase and amended contract should be made by the newly elected school board members when they take office in January.

State law also allows a superintendent to earn as much as 14.99 percent additional pay, based upon whether the superintendent has met mutually agreed upon goals between the superintendent and the school board.

Scott Mason, the president of the Montgomery Township Education Association, said that even considering that Gartenberg has not received an increase in her base salary due to the cap - although she has received merit bonuses for meeting goals - “we find the rationale to grant this level of compensation hard to absorb.” The increase is about 12 percent.

The Montgomery Township Education Association believes that the superintendent’s salary increase is “inappropriate at this time,” Mason said. Since 2011, the union members have watched their paychecks shrink even as their responsibilities have grown, he said.

Students have continued

to excel academically, Mason said, adding that the teachers union wants the school board to have a “full appreciation” of the role of the staff.

One parent suggested holding off on taking action until after the newly-elected school board members are sworn into office in January. While she does not “begrudge” a raise for the superintendent, she questioned whether it is commensurate with the pay increases that teachers have received.

School board attorney Stephen Fogarty explained that the current school board has the legal authority to take action now to amend Gartenberg’s contract. The current school board began debating whether to amend the contract and increase the salary in February or March, he said.

“This school board began the process of determining whether a salary increase was appropriate and allowed for public hearings on it,” Fogarty said. It is appropriate

for this school board to take action because it has been studying the issue for several months, he said.

Another speaker claimed that Gartenberg had threatened to leave the school district if she did not receive a salary increase an allegation that Cavalli, the school board president, quickly squashed.

“At no time” was such a demand or threat made, Cavalli said.

Wrapping up the discussion on the amended contract and salary increase, Cavalli pointed out that the Somerset County Executive Superintendent of Schools must approve both the merit goals and the pay attached to them.

In addition, Roger A. Jinks, the interim Executive Superintendent of Schools for Somerset County, approved the amendment to Gartenberg’s contract in an Oct. 23 letter to Cavalli.

The letter noted that the provisions of the contract “are in compliance with (state) regulations.”

Stores that sell e-cigarettes to now be licensed

By Lea Kahn Staff Writer

Stores that sell cigarettes - both traditional tobacco cigarettes and the new electronic cigarettes - will be licensed, under an ordinance approved by the Montgomery Township Board of Health last week.

The new licensing law, which takes effect Jan. 1, will help township officials keep tabs on the stores in an effort to keep tobacco products and electronic cigarettes and related devices

out of the hands of young people.

The ordinance covers electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes and the liquids and powders associated with them, as well as traditional tobacco products - cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco and snuff.

Nicotine patches and nicotine chewing gum that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are exempt.

A new state law took effect Nov. 1 that raised the

minimum age to buy tobacco and related products from 19 years old to 21 years old. Would-be purchasers are required to show a photo ID that also lists their birth date.

The ordinance drew support from several of the dozen or so attendees at the Nov. 29 public hearing in front of the Montgomery Township Board of Health.

Township resident Paul Blodgett, who is a former U.S. Navy officer, said the township has a responsibility to enforce the new law to

keep the products out of young people’s hands.

Blodgett said that when he was a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy, there was a common expression “You don’t get what you expect. You get what you inspect.” If stores are left to self-enforce, Blodgett said, “it may not happen.” Everyone needs to be held accountable.

Blodgett said he observed many young sailors using tobacco products which damaged their lungs, cutting short their careers in

the U.S. Navy.

Stephanie Lachenauer, who teaches at the Upper Middle School, said two of her classes discussed the issue. The students are concerned about e-cigarettes, she said, and they are aware that they are being targeted by tobacco companies in their advertising campaigns.

Christine Grossmann, a substance abuse counselor at Montgomery High School, presented a letter of support for the ordinance to the Board of Health from Superintendent of Schools

Nancy Gartenberg, who could not attend the meeting.

Gartenberg wrote that esmoking is on the rise, especially with under-aged persons despite the new age-of-sale enforcement efforts.

The new ordinance, as approved by the Board of Health, sets the initial license fee at $600. The fee drops to $300 at the annual renewal. Itinerant businesses or vendors may not purchase a license to sell electronic smoking devices.

6A The Princeton Packet

www.princetonpacket.com

Friday, December 8, 2017

CALENDAR Sat., Dec. 9

Winter Bird Walk from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington.

An annual walk with Education Director Jeff Hoagland, this is a birdwatcher’s walk. Explore the Watershed Reserve, discovering a variety of common birds and observe their winter activity. Expect an unusual bird along the way.

Bring binoculars, or borrow ours, and dress warmly. Presented with funding from Washington’s Crossing Audubon Society. Free for adults and families with children ages 12 and up.

Sun., Dec. 10

Gospel Choir Winter Concert: “Joy” at 6 p.m., Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary. Attendees will participate in a worship experience that combines both classic and modern gospel songs.

The Princeton Community Democratic Organization will hold its monthly membership meeting on from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., at the Suzanne Patterson Center behind Monument Hall in Princeton.

Doors will open at 7:00.

The program will focus on Democratic priorities following our successes in this year’s election.

Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker and AssemblymanElect Roy Freiman will share their reflections about the election and their top priorities for the coming year. The audience will also have a

chance to voice their concerns about New Jersey as well.

The program will include breakout groups to discuss the top issues and the steps individuals and groups can take to get the state back on the right track.

Fred Stein of the Delaware Waterkeepers will also be presenting to inform us of a proposed chemical waste processing plant in Pennsylvania that may affect New Jersey’s drinking water.

The event is free and open to the public. January’s monthly membership meeting will be on Sunday, Jan. 21, and will include elections of the executive board.

Mon. Dec. 11 Tiny Tot Walks from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington.

You and your toddler will experience nature as we share walks on the Reserve, art activities and story time.

Tiny Tot walks provide a fun introduction to animals, plants and nature in general.

Dress for the weather because we always go outside.

Class size is limited and registration is required. All children must be walking and accompanied by an adult. Children 18-36 months (with an adult).

Class fee per child: $15 ($10 for members).

Joint Princeton PFLAG Transgender-Net meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. at Trinity Church, 33 S. Mercer St., Princeton. Join us for a presentation and dis-

cussion with a panel of Princeton University LGBT Center Peer Educators, who will share their stories, answer questions, and discuss LGBTQ life at Princeton.

PFLAG provides support for families, friends and allies of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals in a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental setting. Refreshments. Newcomers welcome. Serving Central New Jersey and beyond.

Visit www.pflagprinceton.org for more information.

Tues., Dec. 12 Mid-Day Toastmasters will only its only meeting in December from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mercer County Library, 42 Allentown-Robbinsville Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691.

For directions and information: https://4139.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html Guests are always welcome.

Toastmasters International is 93 years old, and the leading nonprofit dedicated to effective oral communication and leadership. Members meet to deliver and evaluate prepared and impromptu speeches in an effort to become better speakers and leaders. Call 800-9WESPEAK or surf http://www.toastmasters.org/.

Wed., Dec. 13 The Sierra Club NJ Central Group will present Professor Richard Buckley, who will discuss tree diseases that have been devastating native trees at 6:30

p.m. in the Student Center/Welcome Center, Room SC 104 (first floor) at Mercer County Community College.

Buckley, director of the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, brings his expertise in diagnostic procedures, best management practices and the timing of treatment. Beginning with the hammering of American Elm Trees by the Dutch Elm Disease, Oaks have been hit by Oak Blight and Oak Wilt; and there is the Boxwood Blight, and the Pine Beetle; and now the Emerald Ash Borer’s ongoing devastation of the Ash Tree. What is happening?

Easy parking close to building. Use the Hughes Drive entrance - parking is straight ahead at the Student Center. Security arm to parking will be up. Follow Sierra signs to room.

RSVP to: Kipatthesierraclub@gmail.com.

The event is free and students are welcome.

Christmas Service: Carols of Many Nations, at 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. (identical services), Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary.

Admission is free to the service, but seating is limited so tickets are required.

For tickets go to ptsem.edu/carols.

A service of readings, choral anthems, and congregational carols led by the Princeton Seminary Chapel Choir. Following the service, caroling will continue on the Seminary quad.

Included in this year’s lineup of Advent carols is

Martin Luther’s “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” (Come now, the savior of the nations). This will be paired with the contemporary Korean composer Geongyong Lee’s hymn “Ososo, ososo” (Come, prince of peace).

For the first time, the choir will sing a verse of Polish, introducing “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” in its original tongue. This new arrangement by Kyle Haugen makes clever use of Chopin’s “Raindrop” Prelude in the piano accompaniment.

Other languages that will be sung during the service are Spanish, Taita, Mandarin, Hindi, and Arabic. Alongside the traditional sounds of choir and organ, the audience will be treated to a jazzy setting of “We Three Kings,” arranged by Michael Gittens, the choral assistant and accompanist of the Chapel Choir.

Sat., Dec. 16 Princeton Ringers Holiday Handbell Concert: “Ring and Sing Glory to the Newborn King!” at 2 p.m., Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary.

The concert will feature a musical celebration of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. There will be an opportunity for the audience to sing along to a selection of popular carols while the Princeton Ringers provide accompaniment.

Under the direction of James Klotz, the Princeton Ringers are comprised of Seminary students, spouses, staff,

and friends from churches across the community.

All events are free and open to the public with the exception of Carols of Many Nations, which requires advance registration.

For more information, visit ptsem.edu/events.

Candle-making Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington.

Celebrate the approaching Winter Solstice and the return of the light by making candles with the teacher-naturalists. We will create hand-dipped candles and sand candles. Learn how to shape candles and add embellishments, then go home with your unique handmade gifts. For adults and families with children ages 8 and up. Fee per person: $20 ($15 for members).

Mon., Dec. 18

Winter Nature Crafts for Home Schoolers from from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington.

We dedicate one Monday per month to families who home school their children. Each month we will offer a different topic. Students may be divided into two groups to ensure the activities are age appropriate.

In this class, children will create with seeds, pods and other natural items. For ages 5 to 12 and families.

Cost is $15 per child ($10 for members).

PACKET BRIEFS La Convivencia seeks donations for families La Convivencia, the Spanish word for “coexistence”, is a new community nonprofit organization in the area whose mission is to honor and celebrate the differences and shared values of a pluralistic community based on the principles of ac-

ceptance, trust and mutual respect. It unites a diverse citizenry through community service, civic engagement and community dialogues to create a more inclusive and peaceful society.

La Convivencia is passionate about giving back to communities and firmly believe in that giving should be a family affair. Since its start, La Convivencia has success-

Obituaries

Dr. Kern K.N. Chang On Wednesday, November 22, 2017, Dr. Kern K.N. Chang departed peacefully to join our loving God in Heaven. He was 99 years old, and is now reunited with his beloved wife of 70 years, Emily.

Kern epitomized the courageous pioneer who came to this county with only the desire and drive to provide a new life for his family. He was a prolific inventor with a successful career at RCA, culminating in being honored with the David Sarnoff Outstanding Achievement Award in 1967. But above all, he will be remembered as the loving, humble and kind husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will forever be the constant light that guides his surviving family. His hard work, sacrifice and perseverance have created the strong roots that will allow the generations to come to grow and prosper. We miss you, but your spirit is part of us. We will always love and cherish our memories of you.

Kern is survived by his children Joseph W. Chang; Eugene B. Chang and his wife, Susan M. Chang; and Ellen G. Chang. He will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren, Kristin Chang, Ryan Chang, Laura Chang and her husband Kevin Uttich, Jonathan Chang and his wife Catherine Tan, Brandon Schneider, and Kira Schneider; and his great grandchildren, Elizabeth Uttich and Kyran Uttich.

Kern’s family is very grateful for the tremendous group of caregivers that provided love, humor and the highest quality of life for Kern in his later years.

Heartfelt thanks to Debbie, Jennifer, Nancy, Joyce, Cyndee and Alida.

Kern’s funeral services were previously held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kern’s name, to Guthy Jackson Research Foundation, Inc. PO Box 15185, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. www.fluehr.com

fully completed two community services projects led by La Convivencia youth board: silverware packing for TASK and peanut butter and jelly collections for Arm in Arm families.

Now, La Convivencia is running a personal care product drive for Arm in Arm families (formerly known as The Crisis Ministry). Arm In Arm helps about 5,000 families per year across the three program areas: food, housing, and workforce development.

It operates three clientchoice food pantries (two in Trenton and one in Princeton) where families can receive groceries for three days worth of meals at each visit and when available, it also provides personal care items in their pantries. Arm In Arm also has a homeless outreach team that meets with individuals currently living without a roof overhead to help connect them with resources and housing, and a workforce development program helps individuals build job skills and overcome obstacles to be-

coming work-ready. http://arminarm.org People can drop donations at “The House Next Door,” 173 Princeton Hightstown Road, Princeton Junction, N.J., 08550 (next to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church). The labeled plastic bin will be on the porch.

Drop your items in the bin until Dec. 12, 2017.

ACA enrollment period open through Dec. 15 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period to enroll in a health insurance plan for 2018 is now open until Dec. 15, 2017. If you do not have health insurance coverage through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, NJFamilyCare, or other qualifying coverage than you must purchase Marketplace insurance.

For residents that don’t enroll by Dec. 15, they will be unable to get coverage unless eligible for a special enrollment period. In addition, residents could face fines when they file for federal tax return

for the year.

“Health insurance is vital in promoting health and financial security. It’s time for people to check out their options to get their family covered - go to healthcare.gov to find out about affordable options,” Heather Howard, Council Liaison to Health and Human Services Those interested in purchasing Marketplace insurance in New Jersey, contact the Community Education & Outreach Center (UMCPP) at 1-888-897-8979 to schedule an appointment to meet with a specially trained certified application counselor to assist you in enrolling. The office is located at 731 Alexander Road, Suite 103, Princeton, N.J., 08540.

For those eligible and interested in applying for NJFamilyCare (Medicaid), contact Princeton Human Services for assistance applying at 609-688-2055 or apply online at www.njfamilycare.org.

For more information on the ACA or to register for Marketplace insurance, visit www.healthcare.gov.

Princeton Human Services seeks gifts

READING TEA LEAVES Tooth sensitivity is caused by erosion of the tooth’s protective enamel layer, which leaves underlying “dentin” exposed.

This hard, dense, bony tissue, which forms the majority of the tooth’s mass, contains small tubes (“microtubes”) that are empty inside. When outer ends of these tubes are exposed, they allow hot and cold foods and liquids to travel directly to the center of the tooth where the nerve resides, causing pain. While current treatments involve using a material called “nanohydroxyapatite” to block the openings in the microtubes, it is often scrubbed away by brushing. Fortunately, researchers have discovered that by adding a compound found in green tea called “epigallocatechin-3gallate” (EGCG) to “mesoporous silica nanoparticles” (MSN), they can effectively block dentin’s microtubes.

A very good lesson to

remember is that prevention is key to optimum dental health.

Through good habits like choosing a dental-friendly diet and proper brushing and flossing, you have a lot of control over your dental health. One of the most important services we offer is a plan for preventive dental care, including counseling on nutrition, the proper way to brush and floss, and recommendations for oral hygiene products and how to use them.

For an appointment, please call us at 609-924-8300, Montgomery Knoll, 192 Tamarack Circle, Skillman..

Please e-mail your questions or comments to: drjamescally@yahoo.com

P.S. Previous studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3gallate (EGCG), the most active polyphenol in green tea, can effectively battle S. mutans (the bacteria that cause tooth decay).

Princeton’s Human Services Department seeks donors for its nineteenth (19th) Annual Holiday Gift Drive.

For the past 19 years, Princeton Human Services, municipal employees, local businesses, and private donors have made hundreds of Princeton children’s holiday wishes come true by providing them with gifts for the holidays.

With these hard economic times, the need is still great.

That is why this year more than previous years your generosity is needed. Last year, the agency received more than 250 applications and is are expecting to receive just as many, if not more applications. Applications are received for children up to age twelve (12), which includes

1-2 gifts they would like for the holidays, which are not to exceed $75 dollars.

If you are interested in becoming a donor, please visit our website at www.princetonnj.gov/humanservices.html or fill out the appropriate form or call the office at (609) 688-2055 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Volunteers needed for AARP program

AARP Foundation TaxAide is looking to expand its team of volunteers in the Mercer County area for the upcoming tax season. Soon approaching its 50th year, Tax-Aide offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service. Tax-Aide volunteers make a difference in their communities by assisting many older, lower-income individuals who might otherwise miss out on the credits and deductions for which they are eligible.

Tax-Aide volunteers receive training and support in a welcoming environment.

There is need for volunteer tax preparers, greeters, and interpreters. Volunteer tax preparers are required to complete tax preparation training and IRS certification in classes held on weekdays.

AARP Foundation TaxAide has grown remarkably since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968.

The program now involves nearly 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.5 million clients annually at some 5,000 sites nationwide with free tax help. We have 12 sites in Mercer County. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use or volunteer in this program.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in coordination with the IRS. To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide. If interested, contact Carol 609-252-1167.

The Princeton Packet 7A

www.princetonpacket.com

Friday, December 8, 2017

MERCER COUNTY NOTES County clerk announces holiday charity drive

The Mercer County Clerk’s Office will conduct it annual holiday drive to benefit the Trenton and Ewing Animal Shelters. Food and pet supplies, such as warm blankets and toys, are welcome for those that are sometimes forgotten during the holiday season.

The collection box for this drive is at the County Clerk’s Office, 240 West State Street, 6th Floor, Trenton. For further details on our animal shelter drive, please contact Liz Pagano or Dorothy Flego at 609-989-6465.

Also, the County Clerk’s Office annually collects toys and clothing for the Children’s Home Society by adopting one family. This year, however, rather than adopting one family, the office is conducting a general collection so peo-

Official Continued from Page 1

pendent contractors.”

“I find it hard to digest that taxpayers of Mercer County, of which I am one, paid north of three quarters of a million dollars for legal services that extended no further than some minimal advice to the county executive on how to handle this investigation by the Attorney General,” Furlong said.

Julie Willmot, county spokeswoman, said by email Monday that the law firm “prepared no internal investigating involving Kevin Bannon and or the Park Commission for the county of Mercer.”

Asked if the firm did any work in connection with the Bannon case, she answered: “Mercer County and the Mercer County Park Commission does not intend to comment on a pending criminal case initiated by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. Inquiries should be directed to the Attorney General.”

Bannon is a former head men’s basketball coach at Trenton State, Rider and Rutgers universities. His four-year-tenure at Rutgers ended with him being fired in 2001; his teams never

right to live, I can produce nothing.”

He would be sent to labor camps, an ordeal that tested his ability to survive.

His food ration was meager, he said.

“Every morning, I used to wake (at) four o’clock in the morning, to wash myself. And I waited in line for a slice of bread and a coffee in the morning, and a slice of bread and a coffee in the evening and a soup in (the) daytime. I was lucky if I found a potato,” he said.

“And with this, I lived and suffered for five and a half years.”

Put to work constructing a highway, he learned little things, like making sure to eat small bites of bread instead of eating it all at once.

He had no choice but to endure.

“If they looked at somebody who couldn’t work or was sick, (they) took them out and killed them. Just like that,” he said.

Malnourished, he was losing weight. He recalled one day waking up feeling sick — a fact that he kept to himself.

Veteran ID cards available U.S. Military veterans residing in Mercer County should now obtain their county photo identification card that also designates their status as a veteran. The low cost identification card is available to all Mercer County veterans in

acknowledgement for their service rendered to the United States of America.

Veteran ID cards are always available free to U.S. veterans during week of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Week (Dec. 4 - Dec. 15).

Outside of this weeklong period, veterans would pay a special reduced fee of $10, half the normal price for an ID card, which makes now the perfect time for veterans to pick up one for free as Veterans Day approaches.

Veterans can receive their photo ID card by visiting the Mercer County Clerk’s Office at 240 W State Street, 7th floor, in Trenton. The clerk’s office is open from Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For further information on how to obtain a Mercer County photo identification card, call 609-278-7108 or visit www.mercercounty.org.

Police to have access to school security cameras made the NCAA tournament and there was controversy about a now infamous nude free throw shooting contest involving players and a team manager.

Finding himself in a court of law instead of on a basketball court, Bannon sat on a third-row bench, chewing gum and waiting for his case to be heard in the morning.

“We can take Kevin Bannon,” the judge said after going through the morning roll call of defendants. Furlong entered the formal not guilty plea on Bannon’s behalf during an otherwise brief arraignment.

Needing to be fingerprinted afterward, he left the courtroom with his supporters, including former NBA player Greg Grant, who had played in college for Bannon at Trenton State, now called the College of New Jersey. His next court date will be Jan.5.

Bannon’s case will be heard before Pereksta, a Seton Hall Law School graduate and veteran jurist who has been on the bench since 2001 and previously served in the administration of former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman, a Republican.

Survivor Continued from Page 1

ple may bring in clothing, or a toy, for a child (or a parent).

Leave the unwrapped gift with a label denoting the age or size of your recipient. The Children’s Home Society will distribute the gifts to the needy child, teenager, or adult for us.

The December holiday donations should be brought to the County Clerk’s Office by Dec. 18.

The clerk’s office conducts holiday drives knowing that people have limited resources, so any decision to participate is voluntary, but deeply appreciated by all.

“I didn’t tell nobody, because I was afraid to tell. If I tell somebody, they’re going to kill me,” he said.

His ordeal would take him to Auschwitz, where he would get a number tattooed on his left forearm, 141631.

Recalling the words on the gates to the camp, “Arbit macht frei” or “work sets you free,” Tuck said, “The only way to get free is to die.”

He eventually would be liberated by the American Army and then resettle in the United States.

For more than 30 years, Tuck, now in his late 80s, has been going to schools in New Jersey and in Pennsylvania, where he lives in Levittown, sharing his story.

Last year, he spoke to more than 15,000 students.

“You’re the future, you have to remember,” he told the fifth-graders.

After his remarks, he took questions from the students, some of whom later asked for his autograph.

“I just cannot believe that somebody could be treated like that,” said student Magnus Graham, “just because of their religion.”

Legal Notices

Take Notice, that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:10A-8 et seq., application has been made to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, to receive title papers authorizing the sale of 2002, Mercedes, C L K 4 3 0 , WDBLK70G92T112101 on December 27th 2017, and 12pm by means of public/private sale. This described motor vehicle which came into possession of Union Line Garage through abandonment or failure of owners to claim it may be examined at 1545 Reed Rd. Pennington, NJ 08534.

Objections to this sale, if any, should be made immediately in writing to the following address: State of New Jersey, Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Titles Unit, 225 East State Street, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, NJ 08666.

Take Notice, that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:10A-8 et seq., application has been made to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, to receive title papers authorizing the sale of 2004, Mercedes, S500, WDBNG84JX4A430068 on December 27th 2017, and 12pm by means of public/private sale. This described motor vehicle which came into possession of Union Line Garage through abandonment or failure of owners to claim it may be examined at 1545 Reed Rd. Pennington, NJ 08534.

Objections to this sale, if any, should be made immediately in writing to the following address: State of New Jersey, Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Titles Unit, 225 East State Street, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, NJ 08666.

PP,12/8/2017 & 12/15/2017 Fee: $22.40, Aff: $15.00

PP, 2x, 12/8/17, 12/15/17 Fee: $21.70 Aff: $15.00

By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer

Princeton Police will have live access to the hundreds of security cameras across the school district, in a move that a recent state law requires.

The arrangement will be spelled out in a memorandum of understanding between the police and the district, due to take effect at the end of January. Superintendent of Schools Stephen C. Cochrane said Tuesday that access to the cameras would be password protected and limited to only “specific” members of the

department to have remote access to real time footage.

“Not any police officer would have the ability to do that,” he said.

“We are currently working on the specifics of the agreement, so I don’t want to comment on it until it is final and complete,” police Chief Nicholas K. Sutter said Wednesday by email.

Access would be limited to scenarios like a lockdown, an after-hours burglary alarm activation or other crisis determined by Cochrane or a school principal. The district will get an automatic notification, Cochrane said, and each

side “will keep a log of access and compare that on a regular basis.”

“The idea is that if there’s an active shooter in the building, you don’t want your police going in blind,” Cochrane said. “If they can identify where the intruder is and where staff may be, that’s going to help them.”

State lawmakers approved requiring districts with at least one surveillance camera take that step saying police must have the ability to activate the cameras “and view live streaming video.” The three lawmakers representing Princeton — state Sen.

Kip Bateman (R-16), Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) and Andrew Zwicker (D-16) — supported the measure, as did state Assemblyman and Princeton municipal prosecutor Reed Gusciora, D15.

Gov. Chris Christie signed the legislation into law earlier this summer.

Districts had 180 days from the time the law took effect in July to reach agreements with their respective police agencies.

The school board has to approve the agreement between the district and the police department, he said.

feels very strongly that we need to send a message, as (Superintendent) Steve (Cochrane) has, that this kind of behavior is not going to be tolerated,” Kendal said Tuesday.

Kendal, speaking after the policy committee meeting, declined to elaborate on what “incidents” had occurred at the middle school.

The only matter to become public involved a Google spreadsheet, created by

teachers at JW for a science lab, being vandalized with racist, anti-Semitic and sexual messages, the district has said. Cochrane said last month that a student had uploaded the spreadsheet to an online platform, but he had said, at the time, that the district did not know who was responsible for writing the offensive material.

“It was absolutely addressed from a disciplinary and an educational stand-

point,” Cochrane said Tuesday at the meeting.

In terms of the reach of the proposed policy, some officials sounded this week like they want the rules to apply even during nonschool hours, off school grounds.

“The point is, originally we wanted it to be, sort of, any incidents 24/7, regardless of location,” board member Betsy Baglio said Tuesday.

Proposal Continued from Page 1 School students, in 2016, had been found playing a Nazi-vs. Jews-themed beer drinking game in a private home. Then in March, a high school student posted the n-word on Snapchat.

But more recently, officials have seen issues surface in the lower grades.

“With the latest incidents at (John Witherspoon Middle School), the board Legal Notices

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment at its meeting on November 8, 2017 adopted the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Resolution for the following application:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment at its meeting on November 8, 2017 adopted the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Resolution for the following application:

Name of Applicant:

Dennis P. Heller and Barbara J. Skinn –Owners / Applicants

Name of Applicant:

Brett and Catherine Barlag -Owners/Applicants

Location of Property:

617 Mount Lucas Road; Block 2801, Lot 2

Location of Property:

220 Snowden Lane; Block 7503, Lot 10

Nature of Application: C (2) variances to allow a side yard setback of 24 feet and a rear yard setback of 3 feet for a storage shed

Nature of Application: C (1) to permit expansion and raising the roof of the 2nd floor and raising of the garage roof to align with the new 2nd floor roof line with a front yard setback of 26.5 feet on the Leabrook Lane façade

File

Z1717-520

File

Z1717-532

Determination:

Approved with conditions

Determination:

Approved with conditions

Copies of the documents are on file in the Princeton Zoning Department, 400 Witherspoon Street; Princeton, NJ and may be viewed during normal business hours.

Copies of the documents are on file in the Princeton Zoning Department, 400 Witherspoon Street; Princeton, NJ and may be viewed during normal business hours.

PP, 1x, 12/8/17 Fee: $23.10

PP, 1x, 12/8/17 Fee: $23.10

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment at its meeting on November 8, 2017 adopted the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Resolution for the following application: Name of Applicant:

Emily Hoffman and Russell Szurek -Owners and Applicants

Location of Property:

78 Stockton Street; Block 36.02, Lot 24

Nature of Application: C (2) to permit building coverage of 37.2% to allow installation of two air conditioning condensers File

Z1717-526

Determination:

Approved with conditions

PP, 1x, 12/8/17 Fee: $22.05

Take notice that the undersigned shall expose for sale in accordance with R.S. 39:10A-1 at public auction on Friday December 15, 2017 at 11:00 am at South Brunswick Township Municipal Building (Police Lobby) 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 the below described motor vehicles which came into possession of the South Brunswick Township Police Department through abandonment or failure of owners to claim same.

The below listed vehicles may be examined at: Circle Automotive 206 Deans Lane; Monmouth Junction, NJ Chev Acura Yamaha Honda Volvo Saab Jeep

K3500 SX FZ6R Accord V70 9-7X G.Cherokee

Route 1 Southbound, From Nassau Park Boulevard to Quaker Bridge Mall Overpass, Contract No. 008013301, Townships of Lawrence and West Windsor, County of Mercer Federal Project No: NHP-0001(314) UPC NO: 013301 DP No: 17139

Copies of the documents are on file in the Princeton Zoning Department, 400 Witherspoon Street; Princeton, NJ and may be viewed during normal business hours.

1997 2006 2009 2004 1999 2006 1998

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that bid proposals will be received from Bidders classified under N.J.S.A. 27:7-35.2 via the Internet until 10:00:59 A.M. on 12/12/17 downloaded, and publicly opened and read, in the CONFERENCE ROOM-A, 1st Floor F & A Building, New Jersey Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625; for:

1GBHK33F7VF049770 JH4CL96886C002297 JYARJ18E19A001252 1HGCM56844A053653 YV1LZ56DXX2592560 5S3ET13M262805975 1J4GZ78Y2WC118494

Joseph Charmello, Traffic Safety Coordinator South Brunswick Police Department Traffic Services Bureau (732) 329-4000 x7410 jcharmel@sbtnj.net PP, 1x, 12/8/17 Fee: $25.20 Affidavit: $15.00

NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Princeton Public Library, County of Mercer, State of New Jersey, at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ, 08542 on or before, December 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., prevailing time and place, and publicly opened and read for the following:

Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically, the contractor, sub recipient or subcontractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the performance of this contract. The contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 26 in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts. Failure by the contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this contract, which may result in the termination of this contract or such other remedy as the recipient deems appropriate.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44, contractor must submit the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue Business Registration of the contractor and any named subcontractors prior to contract award or authorization.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.51, contractors must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance at the time of bid.

The Department, in accordance with Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252 U.S.C., 49 C.F.R., Parts 21 and 23 issued pursuant to such Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will afford minority business enterprises full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not discriminate against any bidder on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, or handicap in the project award.

Plans, specifications, and bidding information for the proposed work are available at Bid Express website www.bidx.com. You must subscribe to use this service. To subscribe, follow the instructions on the web site. Fees apply to downloading documents and plans and bidding access. The fee schedule is available on the web site. All fees are directly payable to Bid Express.

Plans, specifications, and bidding information may be inspected (BUT NOT OBTAINED) by contracting organizations at our various Design Field Offices at the following locations: 200 Stierli Court Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 Phone: 973-601-6690

One Executive Campus Rt. 70 West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Phone: 856-486-6623

New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Procurement Bureau of Construction Services 1035 Parkway Avenue PO Box 600 Trenton, NJ 08625 HVN, PP 11/24/17, 12/1/17, 12/8/17, Fee: $228.48

Princeton Public Library Cleaning Services

N OTICE Pl ease sen d al l Leg al s ad c o py t o :

Email: legalnotices @centraljersey .com If questions, or to confirm, call:

609-924-3244 ext. 2150

This request for proposals invites prospective bidders who are interested in providing daily cleaning and janitorial service at the Princeton Public Library.

There will be a pre-bid meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Quiet Room on the first floor of the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ, 08542. All prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to attend.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Specifications and bid documents may be obtained at the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, New Jersey, 08542, Administration Office, third floor, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or can be mailed or emailed. Prospective bidders may request these documents by calling 609-924-8822 x1250.

Please be advised the Mercer County Insurance Fund Commission has introduced their 2018 Budget at a meeting held on November 27, 2017. The Commission has scheduled a Public Hearing for December 20, 2017 at 10:30 AM with an Executive Session to be held in Room 211 of the Mercer County Administration Building, 640 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ for the express purpose of the following:

Bids must be submitted on approved bid forms. Bids must be delivered in person or by mail and received at the Administration Office, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ, 08542 prior to 2:00 p.m. on December 20, 2017. No bids will be accepted after that time. All bids must be in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside “Cleaning Services Bid—Administration Office”, as indicated in the General Instructions Item 16. Required documents to be submitted are set forth in Section Three: Required Forms to Accompany All Bid Proposals.

Any business properly brought before the Board Pending or Anticipated Litigation and Strategies

The Princeton Public Library assumes no responsibility for the loss or the non-delivery of any bid sent to it prior to the bid opening.

The Princeton Public Library reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to waive any minor informalities or irregularities in the Proposal received and to accept the bid which is in the best interest of the Library.

Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27-1. A. 40A: 11-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C 5:34.

Pat McAvenia, Facilities Manager Princeton Public Library PP, 1x, 12/8/17 Fee: $46.20

2018 PROPOSED BUDGET Property Claims Liability Claims Auto Claims Worker Compensation Claims XS JIF POL/EPL Excess Liability Crime Policy Medical Malpractice Cyber Liability Aviation Pollution Liability Expenses TOTAL BUDGET PP, 1x, 12/8/17 Fee: $31.50

75,000 157,000 131,000 4,455,000 2,136,087 143,019 84,199 13,711 36,752 47,544 5,615 30,000 573,535 7,888,462

SPORTS 8A

Friday, December 8, 2017

The Princeton Packet

WHAT’S UP

Early season test will aid Hun, PHS hockey

RESULTS

By Bob Nuse Sports Editor

Will Hare The Princeton High senior finished in 103rd place at the Nike Cross-Country Nationals, which were held in Portland, Ore. last Saturday. Hare finished with a time of 16 minutes, 27 seconds and was the fifth fastest runner from New Jersey in the field of 199 runners from across the nation.

Hare capped off a senior season in which he finished first at the Mercer County Championships, first at the Central Jersey Group IV meet, first at the state Group IV meet, and fourth at the Meet of Champions. He was the fourth overall finisher the Nike Northeast Regional meet a week prior to the national meet.

Princeton U hoops The Princeton University men’s basketball team is 2-6 after a 71-60 loss at George Washington on Wednesday night. Devin Cannady scored 23 points to lead the scoring for the Tigers. Last Saturday, the Tigers dropped an 80-52 decision at Miami. Amir Bell led Princeton with 13 points.

The Tigers will serve as the host to Monmouth on Tuesday at Jadwin Gym. The Princeton women’s basketball team improved to 5-2 with a 53-45 victory at Lafayette on Wednesday.

Leslie Robinson scored 15 points and Bella Allarie contributed 14 to lead the scoring.

The Tigers had defeated Delaware, 78-60, last Saturday at Jadwin Gym. Tia Weledji scored 22 points and Carlie Littlefield sank 15 points in the victory.

Jingle Bells 5k West Windsor resident Jeffrey Chen was the top overall finisher in the Orange Theory Jingle Bells 5k, which was held last Saturday in West Windsor. Chen covered the course in 18 minutes, 6 seconds to finish seven seconds ahead of Princeton resident Edan Rosenberg. Abby Sharar of Millstone was the third overall finisher and top female finisher in the race in 19:03.

Princeton resident Jacob Ferrer finished in eighth place and Keith Moulton of Princeton was 10th overall.

COLLEGE TCNJ soccer The Montgomery High graduate Jessica Goldman and Princeton High graduate Haley Bolden were members of The College of New Jersey women’s soccer team that reached the semifinals of the NCAA Division III women’s soccer tournament.

Goldman, a senior, started all 23 games this season for the Lions. She scored six goals and produced a team-high 10 assists, finishing second on the team with 22 points. Bolden, a sophomore, played in 12 games this season. She had a goal during penalty kicks in the Lions’ national quarterfinal victory over Messiah.

Chase Ta The Montgomery High graduate has started all six games this season for the Skidmore College men’s basketball team. Ta, a junior, is averaging 7.7 points per game and a team-high 6.3 assists per game for the Thoroughbreds.

Ta is second on the team in minutes played (29.5 per game) and leads the team in steals with 14.

Both Tim Chase and Ian McNally were happy that their respective ice hockey teams had a chance to face each other early in the season.

The matchup between Chase’s Princeton High team and McNally’s Hun School team ended in a 3-3 tie last Friday at IceLand in Hamilton, giving both head coaches a chance to see how their team would react against a strong opponent.

“Hopefully we can get some more games in with teams like this to see what our guys have,” said Chase, who is in his first season as the Little Tigers’ head coach. “I think our goaltender (Harry Skopas) played well. I think when we are playing our positions and pressuring, we’re a good team.

When we don’t pressure that is when the other teams look better.”

The tie has been part of a fourgame unbeaten stretch to start the season for Princeton. After opening with an 11-1 victory over Nottingham, the Little Tigers topped South Brunswick, 8-2, prior to the tie with Hun. Princeton improved to 3-0-1 with a 5-2 victory over

Lawrence on Monday.

Through four games the scoring has been balanced for Princeton, with Aidan Trainor leading the way with five goals. Ben Drezner and Stephen Avis each have four goals, while Max Garlock has three. Against Hun, Aidan Trainor, Drezner and Robbie Trainor scored goals.

“We came out a little flat the first period and they were all over us,” Chase said after the tie. “But then we took the momentum back and got a nice lead and then we sat on it a little bit and they jumped back on us.

“Hun was all over us at the beginning. We came out a little flat and they had the jump. It’s a momentum game. If you keep the pressure on and you keep that momentum you ride that. Sometimes it is hard to get it back.”

The tie is the only thing keeping Princeton from a perfect 4-0 start.

“Sometimes you play well and a tie is a good thing,” Chase said.

“I think we gave that game back to them and some of it was we didn’t keep the pressure on.”

After winning its opener against Holy Ghost of Pennsylvania, Hun needed to rally from a 3-

0 deficit to earn the tie with Princeton. Hayden Watson and Kyle Mandleur scored goals in the second period before Guillaume Hebert tied it with a goal with 45 seconds left.

“It was a pretty spirited game for the second one of the season,” said McNally, whose team opened the season with a 5-2 win against Holy Ghost. “(Princeton) had every one of their buddies here and it made it feel like a playoff game for them. We didn’t respond that way initially. Hats off to them.

They played extremely well.”

The Raiders, who were scheduled to face La Salle o Pennsylvaniaon Wednesday, have a tough schedule ahead of them this season. Having someone like Hebert come on and add some offense will be a big help.

“He’s been great,” McNally said of the senior from Quebec.

“He’s playing on our top line. He is kind of the grinder of the group.

He had a similar goal (against Holy Ghost) where he just gets to the net and creates chances. He’s been everything we’ve asked of him and more. Last year was frustrating for him because he didn’t score any points. This year he wants to score goals and he has

two in two games.”

Mandleur will be counted on to provide a bulk of the scoring for the Raiders. After scoring 20 goals a year ago, the University of Vermont commit opened this season with three goals in the first two games. Against Princeton, Hebert and Hayden Watson also added goals.

“Hayden Watson is a sophomore and that was his first goal,” McNally said. “He went all year last year not scoring and then he got us that second goal. We had two vastly different games this week. All of these games through Christmas break are kind of preparing you for the second half.

(Holy Ghost) was one where we probably shouldn’t have won but we wound up winning by a few because we took it to them. And today was one I think we should have won and we didn’t.”

In the end, the Raiders earned a tie thanks to a last-minute goal from Hebert, who along with his teammates had to work hard to earn that result.

“I wish we had won,” Hebert said. “We played pretty bad at the beginning but we just kept working hard and kept going after them.”

Princeton Skating Club’s Gock headed to nationals

By Bob Nuse Sports Editor

Haydn Gock has taken a big step forward on the ice in the past year. And with that step forward, the Hillsborough High freshman and Princeton Skating Club member has altered his long-term figure skating goals.

“My goal is to join Team USA, so I can get to the World Championships or even the Olympics,” Gock said. “Usually you have to win a medal at nationals to be chosen, ultimately it is chosen through a committee.”

Gock will get his first chance to earn a medal at nationals when he heads to San Jose, Calif. later this month for the 2018 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championship, which will be held from Dec. 29 through Jan. 7.

Gock is in his first year competing at the Intermediate Level after previously competing at the Juvenile Level. He will compete at nationals against other top skaters under 18 years old.

“At regionals, I got a silver medal and they take the top four to go on to sectionals,” Gock said.

“At sectionals I ranked in the top four so that is how I qualified for nationals. I feel like I can do much better at nationals. I am currently upgrading my technical game so I can improve that part of my routine.

“I am mainly going to get the experience. But I know I have a chance to get a medal, so I am Courtesy photo striving to do well.”

See GOCK, Page 9 Hadyn Gock will compete later this month for the 2018 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championship.

Yingling twins are welcome additions for MHS swimming

By Bob Nuse Sports Editor

It only took one meet for Haley and Paige Yingling to realize how exciting high school swimming can be.

“I was excited,” said Haley, who along with her freshman sister are newcomers to the Montgomery High lineup this season.

“When I got in everyone, was cheering and there was a lot of excitement. It has been nice. We just had our first meet and everyone was cheering. It felt like a family.

It feels like if you were in a club meet and swimming in a relay. It was that kind of excitement.”

The Yingling sisters helped Montgomery open the season with an 88-82 victory over Hunterdon Central on Tuesday. It was an early-season showdown between two of the state’s top teams.

“They are a very nice addition to the team,” said Montgomery coach Claire Scarpa, whose team was scheduled to serve as the host to the Cougar Relays on Thursday.

“Their sister, Megan, swan for me, so I have known them for a while as Megan’s little sisters. They also swam for me for a couple of years in the summer at Cherry Valley Country Club.

“I am trying to balance out the lineup right now. It’s a matter of figuring out who can do what.”

The victory over Hunterdon Central to open the season was an impressive one. Allison D’Allegro picked up wins in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, while Hailey Roberti won the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle, and Serena Sharpless won the 100 freestyle to lead the way for the Cougars.

The Yingling sisters made an impact in their first meet, as Paige

finished third in the 100 free and fourth in the 100 back, while Haley was fourth in the 500 free.

“I think it was really fun and definitely different than club,” said Paige of her first high school meet. “I like it better because you have more of that fun cheering and you don’t want to let your teammates down. I heard we were two points down going into the last relay and we needed to do well to win.”

The sisters were both part of the 200 free and 400 free relays, swimming on the B relay in each event.

“It is fun being on the same relay,” Paige said. “It’s just fun being on the team. On the high school team you want to get to know all the swimmers on the team. I like that you get to know different people from different See TWINS, Page 9

Courtesy photo

Montgomery High School freshmen Haley Yingling (left) and Paige Yingling (right) helped the team win its opener.

Friday, December 8, 2017

www.princetonpacket.com

Barberis contributes to PHS swim success

Gock Continued from Page 8

Gock began this year’s qualifying competitive season at the North Atlantic Regional FS Championships in Hackensack, where he earned a silver medal in the Intermediate Men’s division. He then went to the Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships in Boxborough, Mass., where he earned a Pewter medal.

Gock is currently coached by Ron Ludington, Laura Jamieson and Irina Romanova at the Delaware High Performance Skating Center, as well as taking private lessons from Trish Ziegler at Mennan Arena in Morristown and training with the Princeton Skating Club, which meets at Princeton Day School’s Lisa McGraw Rink.

Gock’s programs are choreographed by Romanova.

He skates to the songs Paganini Rhapsody Caprice 24 performed by David Garrett for the short program, and Ma Dove Sei by Andrea Bocelli and David Garrett for the long program.

The highlight of his performance at sectionals came when he landed three triple jumps and three double axels in his programs to

earn a berth for the US Championship at the Intermediate level. It’s been a steady progression since starting with the sport 10 years ago.

“I started skating at age 4 when my uncle brought me to try skating in Kansas,” Gock said. “I moved to New Jersey and continued skating here. I started at Flemington and changed my training site to Princeton, which is where I went from recreational to competition level with my skating.”

Gock trains five days a week, all year round. On the weekends he is usually down at the University of Delaware, while he spends three or four days a week training in Princeton.

“What I really like it the sport is aiming for that perfect moment or perfect skate which is mistake free,” Gock said. “No matter how I do, I know I can do it better. Maybe I can hold my position better or do my choreography better. I am always trying to do the best I can to improve.”

Gock joined the Princeton Skating Club four years ago and was introduced to competitive skating by his previous coach, Stan Houston, at the club two years ago.

“At Princeton Skating

Club, I have met many skaters who share the love and passion of skating,” he said. “We learn from each other, no matter it if is jumping, spinning or working on improving program components. I am excited to go to San Jose, and am grateful for the encouragement that my coaches and fellow skaters at PSC have offered to me.”

At nationals, Gock will be looking to take yet another step forward with his progress on the ice.

“I have to focus on improving my component score, which is the score that judges your artistry, which is how well you express your music,” Gock said. “I have had a lot of people help me to get to this point. My mom and my coaches. I just hope to keep improving.“ The Princeton Skating Club is a community of families, athletes, and professionals united by a love of skating. From the recreational skater to the Olympic hopeful, singles to ice dancers, beginners to lifelong enthusiasts, The Princeton Skating Club offers opportunities for all skaters.

For more information on the club, visit www.princetonskatingclub.org.

the Princeton Piranhas club team as well.

“It’s been fun and we’re seeing how it goes and learning about swimming for the high school,” Haley said. “I usually do more of the sprint thing, but (Scarpa) was trying to test different people out to see what they were good at.”

And not only did the Cougars get to try some new

things, but they also came away with an impressive victory.

“It was a nice win,” Scarpa said. “I wasn’t sure how we would do. I put together the best lineup I could. I’m still figuring out where some of the younger kids fit best. It was great to open up with a win, especially against Hunterdon Central, which is one of the best teams in the state.”

Twins

Continued from Page 8

grades and not just the freshmen. You see your teammates in the hallway and they say hi.”

The sisters began swimming together when they were 9 years old and living in Indiana. They moved to New Jersey and stuck with the sport. They swim not only for the Cougars, but

The Princeton Packet 9A

By Bob Nuse Sports Editor

Princeton High swim coach Carly Misiewicz knows what the value that a swimmer like Dan Barberis can bring to the team.

Barberis, a senior, does not swim with a club team.

Yet, once the high school season starts, he is all in with the sport and a big contributor to the Little Tigers’ success.

“The other day when we swam, he was 23.3 (for the 50 free) already, and when we swam Notre Dame (in the season-opening meet), he was also 23.3,” said Misiewicz, whose boys team improved to 2-1 with a 127-41 victory at Notting-

ham on Tuesday. “So he is definitely going to be a solid sprinter this year. We just have little things like the start and turns that we need to work on with him.

“Dan is someone who comes to practice every day and you tell him something to work on and he really soaks it up and really tries to work on it. He is always asking for that feedback.”

Barberis moved away from his usual sprint events and swam the 200 free in the triumph over Nottingham. He was also part of the winning 200 free relay and 400 free relay. The break from sprinting was a little different, but something he enjoyed.

“Today I tried something

new, which is usually a good thing,” Barberis said.

“This was a good teambuilding meet. Normally I do the 50 and the 100 and the two 200 relays. Ever since I started swimming I have never really been good at swimming long distance.

I just developed as a sprinter.”

Since Barberis is not a club swimmer he prepares for the season by participating in X-Cel Swimming’s High School Fall Warmup Program. And once the high school season starts he is in the pool with the Little Tigers every day working to get better. He’s also established himself as one of the Princeton team leaders at practice.

DILLON YOUTH BASKETBALL The 47th season of the Princeton Recreation Dillon Youth Basketball League tipped off on Dec. 2 at Princeton University’s Dillon Gym. That Saturday was filled with games.

In the Boys 4th/5th grade division, Mason, Griffin & Pierson defeated McCaffrey’s, 27-21. Asher DeLue led the way with 17 points for MGP, while Travis Petrone chipped in with eight points. Jonathan Feldman scored nine points in the loss for McCaffrey’s.

In other action, Louis Baldino Painting defeated University Orthopedic, 2220. Griffin Ettenberg scored seven points, with Alexander Betru and Gabriel Sigrist combining to score 11 points. Owen Kelly, Nichola AbiChedid, Matthew Chaim and Archie Smith each scored four points in the loss.

In the Girls Division, Princeton Dental Group took down Lependorf & Sil-

verstein, 34-22, in overtime. Maya Nahas scored 18 points, Sophia Kearns scored 8 points, Irene Dumitriu and Kacey Howes scored four points all in the victory for Princeton Dental Group. Caliper Farms beat Princeton Pettoranello.

In the 6th/7th Grade Boys Division, Princeton Pi edged Restorative Dental, 52-21. William Brandt led the way for Princeton Pi with 18 points, while Jeremy Sallade added 10 points. Will Pittman scored six points in the loss for Restorative Dental. In other action, Majeski Foundation took down Cross Culture, 38-29. Majeski was led by Ethan Roth with 18 points.

Benjamin Tarter added seven points in the win.

Remmick Granozio scored 12 points in the loss for Cross Culture. Baldino & Brothers defeated Princeton Youth Sports, 36-31. Strong performances from Max Blecker (12 points) and Derek Choe (nine points).

Owen Biggs scored 12 points and Wes Yonish scored eight points in the loss for Princeton Youth Sports. Corner House defeated Jefferson Plumbing, 36-29. Kerem Koyluoglu led the way with 14 points, with Frank McLaughlin added 11 points to the victory Jack Durbin came away with a strong 19 points in the loss for Jefferson Plumbing.

In the Senior Boys Division, Matthew Singer scored 16 points, while Luke Wingreen and Jaxon Petron each scored 12 points for Woodwinds in a victory over Ace Hardware. Peter Hare scored eight points in the loss for Ace Hardware. In other action, the Bank of Princeton defeated PNC Bank, 51-37.

Patrick McDonald led the way with 24 points, while Jonah Yuan scored 20 points in the win. James Petrone contributed 13 points and Drew Petrone scored seven points in the loss for PNC Bank.

10A The Princeton Packet

www.princetonpacket.com

Friday, December 8, 2017

Kathleen Turner makes for a terrific deity in “An Act of God” at George Street Playhouse

By Bob Brown

From left: Stephen DeRosa, Kathleen Turner and Jim Walton in “Act of God” at George Street Playhouse.

avid Saint, artistic director at George Street Playhouse, had a flash of inspiration.

He told playwright David Javerbaum he wanted to cast a female for the title role in his production of the comedy, “An Act of God.” Not only did Javerbaum agree, but he reworked some of the dialogue to suit the re-conception. The brilliant result is now on stage through Dec. 23 at George Street’s temporary home on the Rutgers College Farm Road campus in New Brunswick.

In the lead is “legendary star of stage and screen Kathleen Turner” (I’m quoting from her monologue).

It’s one of the deliciously funny things she can say as God, who has taken on her form in the flesh. “She doesn’t even know she’s here.” God particularly likes her work in John Waters’ film “Serial Mom,” which God recommends to us all.

This 90-minute, one-divinity show has two archangels. At God’s right hand is Michael (Stephen DeRosa), and at her left is Gabriel (Jim Walton). Like God, both are in snow-white raiment, but with wings, which God doesn’t need because she’s already at the peak and reclines, as is her wont, on an alabaster-white chaise lounge, sipping occasionally from a kylix-full of God knows what. The point of God’s visit to New Brunswick is to deliver 10 new commandments. God admits she’s been making it up as she goes along, resulting in some dramatic stumbles.

She’s omniscient, but flawed — a sort of scatterbrained approach.

Omniscience with incompetence is a recipe for disaster. After all, God made humanity in God’s own image, so what could you expect? For example, fish were originally supposed to be in the air and the birds in the sea, but it didn’t work out that way, because gills and feathers didn’t function as planned.

Michael circulates through the audience, microphone in hand, relaying questions for the Lord, while Gabriel stands at a lectern, quoting on command from the Bible (a rare Gutenberg, so God claims).

Audience questions (scripted — but attributed to real audience members) are the usual sort of thing. If God is omniscient and all-powerful, why is there evil and punishment? Why not make everything good? God’s escape clause is, “God works in mysterious ways…” which is to say, even God doesn’t know what she’s doing. She only created the universe out of boredom.

After seeing this show, I wondered why Turner

Photos by T. Charles Erickson

wasn’t the original in the first place. With her husky contralto (nearly a baritone), she commands the stage — indeed the air around her. I would believe she could create the earth in six days and place the first human on it.

The kinks had to be worked out on that particular effort, too, after Adam grew bored. What’s a guy to do when there’s nothing or no one to play with?

Warning: The show is larded with generous helpings of adult humor, so it’s not for the little ones. God is no prude. She’s seen it all, and wishes she hadn’t.

But amid all the humor, this show scores some serious points about religion and self-reliance, among other things. God is “a brand.” You cheapen the brand by always calling out God’s name — whether asking for divine help (“Thou Shalt Not Tell Me What to Do”) or invoking God in your triumphs, whether they be personal or sports-related. (Don’t mention the Jets, however.) Some may think joking about religion is blasphemous (I have friends who thought Monty

Python’s “Life of Brian” was insufferable). I thought the show’s treatment of Christ (“My middle son”) was thought provoking at least. The “wuss” who always forgave everyone (“smiting” is the family business, God says) proved to be a really tough guy in the end.

As before, George Street has done a fabulous job with production in this interim space — although I wouldn’t mind seeing shows here all the time. The cloud-spangled set by Timothy R. Mackabee is ethereal, as are costumes by Esther Arroyo. Heavenly musical settings are by Scott Killian. There’s even a humorous musical trio for the finale (everyone is in fine voice).

Directed by one of God’s more talented Saints, this show is wickedly funny. Turner, with DeRosa and Walton as two impish archangels, are out of this world. Indulge yourself. You’ll be forgiven for laughing yourself silly.

“An Act of God” continues at George Street Playhouse, 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, through Dec. 23. For tickets and information, go to www. georgestreetplayhouse.org or call 732-246-7717.

Also Inside: McCarter Theatre and Bucks County Playhouse stage different takes on ‘A Christmas Carol’ • Your guide to holiday concerts, theater and family events

2 TIMEOFF

December 8, 2017

ON STAGE

By Anthony Stoeckert

A Story of Redemption The holiday season means it’s time for ‘A Christmas Carol’ at McCarter

E

benezer Scrooge isn’t a bad person. He’s a man who’s been beaten by life from the start. His father was tough on him, he was sent to a boarding school at a young age, his beloved sister died giving birth to her son, and he pushed away the woman he loved in pursuit of riches.

He is a prime candidate for redemption, and that’s the key to playing Scrooge, as Greg Wood is doing in McCarter Theatre’s presentation of “A Christmas Carol,” on stage through Dec. 31.

Wood is returning to the role after making his Scrooge debut last year, which also saw a new production of McCarter’s annual Christmas Carol tradition. Directed by Adam Immerwahr, the new version features the script by David Thompson that McCarter has long used, while making changes in regard to the set and special effects while adding some immersive elements.

Wood says Thompson’s script, which adds details that aren’t in the original Charles Dickens story, is a big factor in the success of McCarter’s ‘Christmas Carol.’

“You really get a sense of why Scrooge became the man he became,” Wood says. “Losing his sister, losing his fiance because of his desire never to be poor again, and never having a home himself because his father sent him away.

And he was sent away because his mother died in childbirth with him, which is the same thing that happened with his sister and Fred [Scrooge’s nephew], which is why Scrooge doesn’t like Fred. There’s this circular doubling back on each other with his history, which you really get a clear sense of in this production.”

One of the show’s most powerful scenes comes when The Spirit of Christmas Past shows Scrooge the moment where he breaks up with Belle, the woman his younger self loved but lost because he ignored her in his pursuit to become rich.

“Every single time I do that, it’s hard for me to get through,” Wood says. “That’s genuine feeling going on out there, which is wonderful, that the story and the adaptation, that you can connect with it on that level.”

Last year marked the first time Wood played Scrooge.

And even though he watches a film version of “A Christmas Carol” every year, he says playing the part helped him realized how much the story means to him.

“Watching ‘A Christmas Carol’ has been a family tradition ever since I can remember,” he says. “I always force my kids to watch it, whether they like it or not. And then I realized how much I look forward to watching it every year, in one of the versions, although the Alastair Sim is proba-

Photo by Matt Pilsner

Cast members in rehearsal for “A Christmas Carol.” Third from left is Tess Ammerman of Princeton, who’s playing Belle.

Photo by T. Charles Erickson

Greg Wood is returning to McCarter Theatre to play Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.” bly my favorite. It sort of dawned on me, after I said yes to do it, how much I actually really do love this story itself.”

Playing Scrooge also helped him realize how the story affects people.

“There was something about last year,” Wood says. “I think it was just the whole of what was going on in the world, and certainly in our country last year, around November and December, when we got to actually doing the show. It was a palpable feeling, not only in the cast but from audience members who would come up afterwards, literally while we were standing on stage still, wanting to shake our hands. I think there’s just something about a person being redeemed by human kindness that everyone wanted to hear.”

If anything, the world is even more chaotic than it was a year ago, and Wood expects audiences to once again find joy in the story.

“I think it’s going to have the same impact, if not more, this year,” he says.

Last year also saw the introduction of a “community ensemble” for which actors from the area are cast in the show.

One of this year’s community ensemble members is Tess Ammerman, who has been seen on area community stages, including at ActorsNET of Bucks County in Morrisville, Pennsylvania.

Ammerman had previously participated in general au-

ditions for McCarter and also participated in a workshop

by Immerwahr when she studied at Rider University, where she received her undergrad degree. Ammerman, who lives in Princeton, didn’t audition for “A Christmas Carol” last year, because she was in a show at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.

“This year, everything lined up and worked out well,” she says.

Ammerman wants to act professionally, and says getting parts at professional stages is important. She also praised community theaters.

“They’re wonderful and we need them, they’re the lifeblood, but they’re also a training facility for people who do want to do this professionally,” Ammerman says. “So it’s always amazing to do the shows in the community, but of course when you’re trying to go for it professionally, getting the professional gigs is always great. And it’s very humbling, especially to be in ‘A Christmas Carol’ here, it’s such a long tradition.”

And for Wood, the community ensemble is a big part of what makes the show special.

“It’s kind of what lifts the production a step above just a really fantastic production of ‘Christmas Carol,’ he says.

“Because these are actually people in the community, they are passers-by, they are bystanders, they are people in ‘London,’ our London, which is Princeton. Their perspective and their point of view is of exactly those people.”

“A Christmas Carol’ is at McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, through Dec. 31. For tickets and information, go to www.mccarter.org or call 609-258-2787.

December 8, 2017

TIMEOFF 3

ON STAGE

By Anthony Stoeckert

Getting Funny With Scrooge Bucks County Playhouse’s new take on ‘A Christmas Carol’ promises lots of laughs

“A Christmas Carol” is a celebration of the holiday season, and the adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale that is coming to the Bucks County Playhouse promises to also celebrate theater and New Hope itself.

“Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Playhouse Christmas Show” is a comedic take on the story of a miser who is shown the way to redemption by ghosts on Christmas Eve. It was written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, and is running at the playhouse, Dec. 8-31.

“It’s a comic version of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ told with five actors playing all of the parts, changing costumes in the blink of an eye, with very minimal sets, but a whole lot of laughs and a big heart,” Rosen says.

Rosen compares the show to the Broadway hit “Peter and the Starcatcher” and its use of “story theater” with cast members providing narration while jumping in and out of their characters.

“One of the fun elements of the show is that it is very much based in the community surrounding the Bucks County Playhouse,” Rosen says. “We’ve done a pretty faithful adaptation, in a funny way, of Dickens’ original story, but we have set it around the turn of last century in the Bucks County area.”

Rosen is familiar with Bucks County Playhouse, having played Nathan Detroit in the theater’s revival of “Guys and Dolls” last summer. One idea that sparked the play, he says, was the song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and the line, “There’ll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories from Christmases long long ago.”

“A Christmas Carol” is that scary ghost story. It may be the most classic of Christmas stories, but it also has some genuine frights. Be ready for some nightmares if you read Dickens’ description of Marley’s Ghost shortly before falling sleep. With New Hope being known for its haunted locales — the Logan Inn and the Aaron Burr House, for example — setting the story there made a lot of sense.

“It has both the story of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and an appreciation for the Bucks County Playhouse as a theater, and the sense of community of people coming together this time of year,” Rosen says.

That will add a layer of fun of audiences. For example, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, tells Scrooge that one day, there will be a Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street.

Rosen and Greenburg wrote the play with New Hope in mind, but the script contains notes as to how it can be adapted to fit other towns.

“We wrote it to be a celebration of the holiday and theaters in communities and the importance of having a theater in your community, and how it’s a meeting place for people to come together and be entertained and watch stories that reflect their own lives,” Rosen says. “That’s certainly

Don Stephenson is playing Scrooge in the Bucks County Playhouse's comedic take on 'A Christmas Carol.' one of the things that draws me to the theater. And every community, any place that does this, has a central theater meeting point. I think the idea is the same, so the show can be adapted to be done anywhere.”

Rosen says the idea for the show was Greenburg’s. The two writers are collaborating on an adaptation of the 1987 movie “The Secret of My Success” for the stage. After they finished a draft of that, Greenburg told Rosen his idea for the Scrooge show.

“That day, we started reading ‘A Christmas Carol’ and writing our version of it,” Rosen says. “Our initial idea was to do a version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ that could be done in any town in America, where it will both celebrate the holiday spirit, as it were, but also be an appreciation of theater, and the people who make theater, and the idea of community.”

Playing Scrooge is Don Stephenson. He is the only member of the cast who plays just one part. Stephenson’s Broadway credits include “The Producers,” “Dracula,” and

GET CONNECTED!

Classifieds

Classifieds Great Content

Great Local News

Local Job Listings

Job

Now taking reservations for your family and business Holiday Parties and New Year’s Eve Celebrations $29

“Rock of Ages.” Playing all the other parts are Evan Alexander Smith, Kate Wetherhead, James Ludwig and Tracey Conyer Lee. Stephenson directed “And the World Goes Round” at Bucks County Playhouse a few years ago, and has previously collaborated with Rosen, Greenburg and director Josh Rose.

“We’ve sort of all worked together in many different capacities,” Stephenson says. “They knew me and I knew them, and I thought the script was really funny, and I thought it had heart to it as well. ‘Christmas Carol,’ if it’s done right, should have a certain kind of poignancy to it.

And I thought the script had the poignant and also had the funny, so it seemed like a no-brainer, since I know all the people involved.”

In playing Scrooge, Stephenson wants to get laughs, but it’s also important that the show pulls the emotional strings within the story.

“I think, for all of us in it, we have to tread that line — how far can we go with the funny and then get back to the seriousness of the show because it’s really a ghost story,” Stephenson says. “It can be scary, these three sort of scary ghosts come and take this guy on this examination of his life. It’s very painful, I think, for Scrooge to see what he used to be versus who he is now and how all of that happened. Think if you had to go see the moments of your life you’re least proud of and relive that and see them in you, it probably wouldn’t be too much fun.”

At quick glance, Scrooge can seem like a cartoonish mean man, but Stephenson says there‘s more to him than that.

“He really transforms, from one thing to another,” he says. “That’s a fun thing to do as an actor, to change, because that’s what the audience really responds to. We start in one place and change trough the course of the show, and for the audience to witness that change is cathartic. I guess you see a little bit of yourself in all of the characters, particularly Scrooge.”

He adds that in terms of comedy, the other four actors in the cast drive a lot of the humor by playing so many different characters.

“They’re so funny and so creative,” Stephenson says.

“They play all of these characters, sometimes they’re standing in one place then flipping around and they’re a completely different person. It’s amazing to watch them.”

“Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Playhouse Christmas Show” is at the Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope, Pennsylvania, Dec. 8-31. Tickets cost $40-$75; www.bcptheater.org; 215-862-2121.

4 TIMEOFF

December 8, 2017

STAGE REVIEW

By Anthony Stoeckert

‘The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular’ A fun holiday comedy at ActorsNET of Bucks County

If you’re looking for something different this holiday season, a break from Scrooge, Nutcrackers and George Bailey, then The Heritage Center Theatre in Morrisville, Pennsylvania is the place to be.

After all, it’s rare that you get a Christmas show where characters joke about a statue of Joseph looking as if it’s getting a prostate exam. And then there’s the blue Baby Jesus, and the story of the “three wise guys” — Manny, Moe and Jack.

It’s all part of the fun of “The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular,” which ActorsNET of Bucks County is staging through Dec. 17.

It’s a fun show, light as air, and this production works in large part because of the all-female cast. Three women play members of the sisterhood, the fourth is a member of a rival church, and the third is a private investigator from Jersey.

The play was written by Bo Wilson, a Virginia-based playwright. It’s a sequel to “The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church,” but you don’t need to have seen that to enjoy the sequel. ActorsNET performed the first play a few years ago, and three actresses from that production: Allison Deratzian as Tina Yates, Virginia Barrie as Bea Litttleton, and Maryalice Rubins-Topoleski as Janet Murchison, the investigator. Joining them is Susan Fowler as Lorraine Jensen and Susan Blair as Lucille Orton, Bea’s rival from the other church.

The play is set in Virginia in 1977. A newscaster reports that President Carter is asking people not to shine Christmas lights because of the energy crisis (ah, the good old days), and K-Mart is making news by opening on Thanksgiving.

The story involves a manger competition between Second Trinity and First Salvation. Bea takes the competition seriously and is aghast to find out Second Trinity’s Baby Jesus has been stolen from the manger. A running gag in-

Susan Fowler and Allison Deratzian in “The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular.” volves her insistence on including the Baby Jesus a week before Christmas when it’s traditionally placed in mangers on Christmas Eve. People argue it doesn’t make sense to show the baby before it was born, but Bea is steadfast — Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men, and the animals weren’t in the manger a week before Christmas either, so why not display the Christ Child?

Oh, and why is it blue? Because it glows angelically under the right light lighting.

Bea is convinced her Baby Jesus was stolen by Lucille, in an attempt to win the contest. So Bea does the only logical thing and steals First Salvation’s Joseph. Bea may be strict, but Lucille’s church is downright dour. Lucille says

television is a tool of the devil, and that “we were were not put on this earth to enjoy it.” As Lorraine says, First Salvation’s members don’t make love standing up because it might lead to dancing.

But Lucille also is dealing with the death of her husband, who led the church, and she just might be ready to loosen up a bit.

These five actresses are a blast to watch, and they all work well together. Barrie has a lot of fun playing Bea. She’s a stickler with a sharp sense of humor, but you can always see Bea’s soft side. Fowler and Deratzian are a sort of team, the two members of the Sisterhood who see a lot of humor in what’s going on. They do a wonderful bit where they act out snippets from classic Christmas specials — their impression of the singing from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a highlight.

Rubins-Topoleski plays the detective who investigates the “crime.” She’s sassy and confident and doesn’t back down from anyone, not even Bea. Susan Blair is proper and buttoned-up as Lucille, and then is all smiles when her character gets a chance to let loose.

It all wraps with a pageant featuring charming performances of songs, and some funny skits, particularly that “Three Wise Guys” bit.

Joe Doyle’s direction is spot-on, getting lots of laughs from he cast while also finding the warmth in these characters. Add in some jokes about the Osmonds and few favorite songs heard over the radio, and it’s hard to leave this play without a smile on your face.

“The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular” continues at The Heritage Center Theatre, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville, Pennsylvania, through Dec. 17. For tickets and information, go to www.actorsnetbucks.org or call 215-295-3694.

THINGS TO DO

HOLIDAYS STAGE “A Christmas Carol,” Music Mountain Theatre, 1483 Route 179 Lambertville. Musical adaptation of Charles Dickens holiday story about Scrooge and the spirits who change his fate, through Dec. 17, $22; www.musicmountaintheatre.org; 609-397-3337.

“The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular,” ActorsNET of Bucks County’s Heritage Center theater, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville, Pennsylvania. The ladies of the Charitable Second Trinity Victory Church have a mystery on their hands after their Baby Jesus is stolen, through

Dec. 17, $20, $17 seniors (62 and up), $10 children 12 and under; www.actorsnetbucks.org; 215-295-3694.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the Drew University campus, 36 Madison Ave., Madison. A group of actors and technicians gather in a 1940s radio station at holiday time to perform a live broadcast of It’s a Wonderful Life. Replete with Foley sound effects, commercials from the era, and sprinkled throughout with a generous dose of humor and music, this charming piece brings the famous story to life, through Dec. 30; www.shakespearenj.org; 973-408-5600.

“A Christmas Carol,” McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton. David Thompson’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story of the miserly Scrooge and the spirits who change his life on Christmas Eve, through Dec. 31; www.mccarter.org; 609-258-2787.

“Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Playhouse Christmas Show,” Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope, Pennsylvania. Comedic take on classic story with five actors, three ladders and lots of music, Dec. 8-31; bcptheater.org; 215-862-2121.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Music Mountain Theatre, 1483 Route 179 Lambertville. Stage version of the “Peanuts” special in which Charlie Brown searched for the true meaning of Christmas, through Dec. 17, $22; www.musicmountaintheatre.org; 609-397-3337. “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Musical adaptation of Clement Moore’s story about children anticipating a visit from Saint Nick, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Dec. 9, 2, 4 p.m., Dec. 10, 2, 4 p.m. $12, $10 seniors/children; www.kelseytheatre.net; 609-570-3333.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical,” State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Musical based on the classic TV special, Dec. 18, 3, 6 p.m., $35$55; www.stnj.org; 732-246-7469.

BALLET “Nutcracker,” Princeton High School Performing Cen-

Festival of Fine Crafts & Gourmet Foods

50 Vendors! Featuring fine artwork, unique handmade crafts, gourmet food, and plant sale. Plus a Fabulous Bake Sale! Something for everyone.

Register with EventBrite Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing 268 Washington Crossing Sat., Dec. 9 Pennington Road 2017 Titusville, NJ 08560

Register for a free gift:

tinyurl.com/y8k6vluj uucwc.org/events/festival-of-fine-crafts-2017/

10am-4pm

ter, 151 Moore St., Princeton. Princeton Youth Ballet presents the holiday classic featuring a cast of 75 young artists, Dec. 9, 4 p.m., Dec. 10, noon. Tickets cost $18-$35; www.princetonyouthballet.org.

“Nutcracker” for kids,” Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Abridged, narrated version of the classic ballet, Dec. 15-17; www.kelseyatmccc.org; 609-5703333.

American Repertory Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” American Repertory Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s ballet featuring professional dancers and students from the Princeton Ballet School: State Theatre of New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. www.arballet.org.

FILM “The Polar Express,” Princeton Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau St., Princeton. Animated movie based on the classic picture book. On Christmas Eve 1959, a young boy wanders outside and happens upon a train called “The Polar Express” headed for the North Pole, Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m. $5; www.thegardentheatre.com; 609-279-1999.

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” Princeton Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau St., Princeton. Frank Capra’s holiday classic starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, who longs for a life outside his hometown, and gets a lesson about the value of his life from an angel, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. (Harp player Andre Tarantiles of Princeton Symphony Orchestra will play live holiday music at 7 p.m.), $11.50; www.thegardentheatre.com; 609-279-1999.

CLASSICAL MUSIC The Jersey Harmony Chorus, All Saints Church, 16 All Saints Road, Princeton. Women’s a cappella chorus singing four-part harmony, presenting holiday show, “Songs for the Season,” featuring the full chorus singing holiday music and presenting their special award-winning competition package, Dec. 8, 8 p.m. For tickets and information, email jerseyharmonytickets@gmail.com or call 732-2366803.

See THINGS TO DO, Page 5

December 8, 2017

TIMEOFF 5

CROSSWORD PUZZLE “IT’S AMAZING” By C.C. BURNIKEL 1 6 12 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 38 41 44 45 46 48 50 51 54 55 60 61 63 64 66 67 69 72 74 75 79 82 84 87 88 90 91 93 94

ACROSS /, on some score sheets Herbal tea Premier League powerhouse Ascended Calligraphy container Top-seller Tehran tinderbox for 14-plus months Getting on in years Asthmatic’s device Super, slangily Batman after Michael Google : Android :: Apple : __ Got the word It borders three oceans Resort near Boston Making the Guinness Book, say Wander (about) Took charge of Long stretches Netflix alternative Down tune Ocean rings Earned Some charges Investment firm T. __ Price World Cup events Plummeted Ne’er-do-well Catch of the day, perhaps Inc., in Toronto Euro divs.

Workout addicts “That’s no kidding” Sault __ Marie Pull Jerry-rigged, in a way Ekberg of “La Dolce Vita” Crime scene figure Recycling center item Stable baby National summer sport of Canada Luanda is its cap.

Mourning on the court Distant Sudden attack

96 99 100 101 106 108 109 113 114 115 117 119 121 123 124 125 126 127 128

Dish alternative Lush Lady Tigers’ sch.

Log holder More offensive Queen in “Frozen” Lackluster finish And the like: Abbr.

Sweetie Mother of Castor Choice word Get going, as an oven It’s not all good ... and it’s literally found in this puzzle’s circles Roll call discovery Figure of speech?

Oddball Agreement often reluctant but still respectful Mischief-makers Thrills

DOWN 1 Teahouse treat 2 Lara’s husband in “Doctor Zhivago” 3 Wedding settings 4 Genuine article 5 Barely beat (out) 6 It may be nervous 7 Reduced to rubble 8 Aspen traveler’s item 9 Cathedral recess 10 Detective fiction genre 11 Movie makeup dept. creations 12 Inferior 13 Cry out loud 14 Flight takeoff fig.

15 ’60s protest 16 What a Facebook post might draw 17 Fish trapped in pots 18 Adams of “Her” 19 __ Tzu

23 27 31 32 33 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 43 47 49 50 52 53 56 57 58 59 62 65 68 70 71 72 73 76 77

Sister of Clio Space devoid of matter Lust, e.g.

Dopey frame, e.g.

Short lines at the post office?

Hardy’s “Pure Woman” Now, in Nicaragua Climbing aids Mole, perhaps Classroom array Shenanigan School since 1440 Violet Crawley’s title in “Downton Abbey” Uncertainties Impose, as a tax Bug catcher One-named Tejano pop star This, to Picasso Plains folks?

Belgium winter hrs.

Social division Remark to the audience Pro with a siren Paternity test letters Uses elbow grease on Comfy slip-on Skinny Impact sound Dabbling ducks Thin as __ Important animal in ’70s U.S.-

China diplomacy 78 Future chicken 80 “Unexpected blends” tea brand 81 Heaps 83 Golf course figure 85 Ben of “Roots” 86 Film lioness 89 Send-__: farewells 92 “Hmm ... “ 95 What “4” may mean: Abbr.

96 Porcelain with a pale green

97 98 102 103 104 105 107 110 111 112 113

glaze Justice Dept. bigwigs Beaning aftermath, sometimes Odysseus’ kingdom Revolting sort?

Formally give Takes courses at home?

Felt the pain “Hot corner” base Ministers Cartesian connection Kathryn of HBO’s “Oz”

115 116 118 119 120 121 122

Old Parmesan bread Eye __ Adheres (to) Settle up Biloxi-to-Mobile dir.

Like Twiggy’s style Places to crash, in ads

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

THINGS TO DO Continued from Page 4

VOICES Chorale, Trinity Episcopal Church, 33 Mercer St., Princeton. Concert titled “Music for the Season of Advent, featuring an assortment of Advent and Christmas pieces in English and Latin by well-known composers and arrangers: JS Bach, William Mathias, Benjamin Britten, Andrew Carter, David Willcocks, Elizabeth Poston, Peter Phillips and John Rutter, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. (A reception to celebrate the season and meet Richard Tang Yuk, Voices Chorale‘ new artistic director, will follow in Pierce Hall.), $30-$35, $10 students/children; www.voiceschorale.org; 609-474-0031.

Capital Singers of Trenton, Sacred Heart Church, 343 S. Broad St., Trenton. Concert celebrating choral works for Hanukkah and Christmas, including Finkelstein’s “Avinu Shebashamayim,” Spring-Rice and Stroop’s “Homeland,” Handel’s “And the Glory of the Lord” from Messiah, and Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata. The singers will be joined

by Cantor Arthur Katlin from Lawrenceville’s Adath Israel Congregation and quartets from Lighthouse Brass and Ascot Brass, Dec. 10, 4 p.m. $22, $20 advance. $15 seniors/children. Admission is free for children under 12; www.capitalsingers.org; 609-434-2781.

Princeton Theological Seminary Winter Concert, “Joy,” Miller Chapel at Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer St., Princeton. Attendees will participate in a worship experience that combines both classic and modern gospel songs, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. Free; www.ptsem.edu.

Christmas Service: Carols of Many Nations, Miller Chapel at Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer St., Princeton. A service of readings, choral anthems, and congregational carols led by the Princeton Seminary Chapel Choir. Following the service, caroling will continue on the Seminary quad, Dec. 13, 3:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required. For tickets, go to ptsem.edu/carols.

Christmas Carol Festival, The Church of St. David the King, 1 New Village Road, Princeton. Sing traditional Christmas carols followed by followed by wassail, coffee, and homemade Christmas cookies and desserts, Dec. 14, 79 p.m. Admission is free, all are welcome; 609-275-7111.

“Handel’s Messiah,” Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus. Performed by members of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Xian Zhang, conductor.

Featuring Erin Wall, soprano; Nancy Maultsby, mezzo-soprano; Miles Mykkanen, tenor; Michael Sumuel, bass-baritone; and the Montclair State University Singers, Heather J. Buchanan, conductor, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., $30-$80; www.mccarter.org; 609-258-2787.

Hopewell Valley Chorus holiday concert, St. James Church, 115 E. Delaware Ave., Pennington. Concert titled “Deck the Halls” will feature music, sacred, secular, classical and contemporary by composers including Mozart, Busto, and PDQ Bach, Jerry Herman and LeRoy Anderson.

Before and after the concert, the audience is invited to shop at a jewelry sale and bid on a handmade quilt or a set of Lenox dinnerware, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. $15, $10 seniors/students; www.hopewellvalleychorus.org; 609-737-3177.

Princeton Ringers Holiday Handbell Concert, Miller Chapel at Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer St., Princeton. Concert titled “Ring and Sing Glory to the Newborn King!” will feature a musical celebration of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. There will be an opportunity for the audience to sing along to a selection of popular carols while the Princeton Ringers provide accompaniment. Under the direction of James Klotz, the Princeton Ringers are comprised of Seminary students, spouses, staff, and friends from churches across the community, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Free; www.ptsem.edu.

Princeton Symphony Orchestra Holiday POPS! concert, Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus. Concert featuring holiday arrangements of carols performed by the PSO and the Princeton High School Choir, Dec. 16, 4 p.m., 7 p.m. www.princetonsymphony.com; 609-497-0020.

Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs, Unitarian

PSO Holiday POPS! Princeton Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Holiday POPS! concert, Dec. 16, with performances beginning at 4 and 7 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium at Alexander Hall on the Princeton University campus. The program will feature music by John Williams from “Home Alone,” Franz Waxman’s “1938 Suite” from “A Christmas Carol,” plus waltzes by Johann Strauss Jr., and a carol sing-along. Tickets cost $40-$50, $25 for 17 and under. For more information, go to princetonsymphony.org or call 609497-0020.

Universalist Congregation of Princeton, Route 206 at Cherry Hill Road, Princeton. Choral reading of Handel’s “Messiah.” Choral singers welcome. No auditions, no rehearsal. Scores will be provided if needed, Dec. 17, 4 p.m. $10; www.princetonol.com/groups/psma.

Bach’s Brandenburgs, Richard Auditorium on the Princeton University campus. This Princeton holiday tradition brings together the 20-plus resident members of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center plus guest artists in an all-star lineup performing one of music’s most enduring masterpieces all in one evening, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., $25-$92.50; www.mccarter.org; 609-258-2787.

JAZZ/POP/ROCK, ETC. The Colors of Christmas, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Concert featuring Peabo Bryson, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., Ruben Studdard and Jody Watley. The concert will feature holidays songs including “Oh Holy Night,” “I’ll Be Home Christmas,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” celebrating the true meaning behind Christmas, Dec. 5, 8 p.m., $45-$85; www.stnj.org; 732-246-7469.

Cathy Graham, “A Swinging Christmas,” The Rrazz Room, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Jazz singer Graham will share jazz and big band versions of holiday favorites, Dec. 8, 8 p.m., $30; www.therrazzroom.com; 1-888-596-1027.

Katie Welsh, Arts Council of Princeton’s Paul Robeson for the Arts, 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Concert of seasonal songs from Broadway and Hollywood musicals. Katie Welsh, accompanied by Stefanie Watson, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., $15. Email musictheatercollective@gmail.com or call 609915-7889.

Glen Burtnik’s XMAS, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Concert featuring performers from across New Jersey to perform holiday favorites, Dec. 9, 8 p.m., $30-$60; www.stnj.org; 732-246-7469.

“Jingle Bell Jazz,” Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 50 York St., Lambertville. Phil Orr (piano), Michael O’Brien (bass) and Sean Dixon (drums) perform American spirituals, English carols, and favorites from Bing Crosby Mariah Carey, Charlie Brown, all transmogrified by swing, gospel, samba, reggae — even klezmer, Dec. 10, 3 p.m. $20 suggested donation at door; www.standrewslambertville.org; 609-397-2425.

Ernie White Band and Friends Best of Christmas Benefit Concert, The Grand Ballroom at Cedar Gardens Banquet, 661 Route 33, Hamilton. For over 16 years Tren-

ton guitarist Ernie White and his Band have spearheaded a rock Christmas concert with the help of area musicians. This year’s concert will feature “Best Of” performances selected from previous shows and will benefit The Hamilton Elks Handicapped Children’s Fund who help our neighbors, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. $25; www.erniewhite.com.

Phil Vassar and Kellie Pickler, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Country Christmas concert featuring hits by Vassar and Pickler, and holiday favorites, Dec. 20, 8 p.m., $35-$75; www.stnj.org; 732-246-7469.

“It’s a Fruitcake” The Rrazz Room, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Tom Orr and Meagan Hill, host and co-host of the former Bucks County Cabaret, will present an evening of merry musical moments and crazy yuletide parodies, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., $20; www.therrazzroom.com; 1-888-596-1027.

The Richie Cole Quartet, “Holiday Madness,” Randy Now’s Man Cave, 134 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown. Holiday concert by jazz saxophonist, Dec. 22, 8 p.m. $15; www.mancavenj.com; 609-424-3766.

MISCELLANY Festival of Trees, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton. The holiday tradition sees the museum’s galleries, hallways and porches decorated by local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations, through Jan. 7. Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10, $8 seniors/students; www.morven.org; 609-924-8144.

Sauce for the Goose, Arts Council of Princeton’s popup location, 301 N. Harrison St., Princeton. The Arts Council of Princeton presents its annual Sauce for the Goose Market, a holiday sale of original work by local artists. The sale features ceramics, glassware, ornaments, and other forms of fine art and craft for gift-giving, Dec. 8, 4-8 p.m.

(Opening reception catered by Chopt Creative Salad Co., 57 p.m.), Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. artscouncilofprinceton.org; 609-924-8777.

Christmas Candlelight House Tour. Tour of five private homes in Hightstown, Dec. 10, 3-6 p.m.. Pre-sale are available at Perennial Home, 119 West Ward St. and cost $10. Tickets will be available on day of tour at 164 N. Main St. The cost for tickets sold that day is $15. For more information, go to www.hewhs.com.

Christmas Tea, Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society, 164 N. Main St., Hightstown. Shop at the Holiday Boutique in the historic freight station and enjoy punch and cookies in the decorated historic home, Dec. 10, 1:30-3 p.m. www.hewhs.

Kwanzaa Celebration, Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Traditional Kwanzaa celebration that may include a variety of songs, dances, African drumming, storytelling, spoken word, poetry and a film. The Kwanzaa cultural symbols that represent values and concepts of this seven day holiday will be available for viewing.

This educational program will be facilitated by Zarinah Shakir, the producer and host of “Perspectives of Interfaith,” Dec. 28, 6 p.m. Registration suggested; www.mcl.org; 609989-6920.

STAGE “An Act of God,” George Street Playhouse, 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick. Comedy in which the Almighty (played by Kathleen Turner) attempts to correct people’s misconceptions of her, through Dec. 23; www.georgestplayhouse.org; 732-846-2895.

MUSIC

JAZZ, CABARET, ROCK, FOLK, ETC. Le Cabaret Francais, The Mansion Inn, 9 So. Main St., New Hope, Pennsylvania. Cabaret hosted by Barry Peterson, with lyric books, sing-along and special performing guests, first Wednesday of each month, 7:45-10 p.m. $10 drink minimum; 215-740-7153.

Hot Sardines, 91 University Place, Princeton. Brass laySee THINGS TO DO, Page 3B

LIFESTYLE 1B

Friday, December 8, 2017

A Packet Publication

PACKET PICKS Dec. 9 Meet Santa at Morven Morven Museum & Garden will host Morning with Santa, with sessions beginning at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Kids can share their Christmas wishes with Santa. There also will be interactive stories, songs, a dance, and a take-home ornament craft sessions.

Admission costs $25 per family. One family up to six people, please no combined groups. Limited to 20 families per session.

Morven is located at 55 Stockton St., Princeton. For more information, go to morven.org; 609-924-8144.

Dec. 10 Candlelight tour at Rockingham Historic Rockingham will present its annual candlelight tour, celebrating Americans who gave their blood, sweat and tears to defend our unalienable rights, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Some of those heroes will be remembered during the tour, with an emphasis on military campaigns in New Jersey. Visitors will be led around the rooms of the historic house by members of the Montgomery Township Live Historians club and hear tales of these brave few. The candlelight tours will also feature period music by John Burkhalter of the Practitioners of Musick. Holiday goodies and warm drinks will be available in Rockingham’s Children’s Museum, and the Museum Store will be open, with its period toys, local honey, books, Rockingham DVDs, quills and tricorn hats.

Rockingham is located on Laurel Avenue/Kingston-Rocky Hill Road (County Route 603) between Route 518 in Rocky Hill and Route 27 in Kingston. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 609-683-7136.

Suggested donation is $5. For more information, go to www.rockingham.net.

Gould lecture at library Former Princeton University President Harold T. Shapiro will deliver the annual Kenneth and Audrey Gould lecture, beginning at 1 p.m., at Princeton Public Library. Shapiro, who is a member of the executive committee and associated faculty of the Princeton Environmental Institute Center for Environmental Research, Education & Outreach, will speak about “The Environment: Understanding the Nature of the Challenge.”

The Kenneth and Audrey Gould Lecture Series was endowed to the library in 2014 by Princeton psychiatrist Kenneth Gould and his wife, financial adviser Audrey Gould. Dr. Gould died in December, 2014, a few months after New York Times columnist Benedict Carey delivered the inaugural lecture of the series.

The library is located at 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. For more information, go to www.princetonlibrary.org or call 609-924-9529.

Great Princeton Youth Orchestra concert The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra will host its senior division winter concert, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Montgomery High School, 1016 Route 601 in Skillman. The concert will be a charity event in support of the rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico due to Hurricane Maria.

The concert orchestra and symphonic orchestra will perform pieces by Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Mendelssohn, and Newbold.

Admission is free. Donations will be accepted. For more information, visit www.gpyo.org.

LOOSE ENDS

Pam Hersh

Yes Virginia, there is common ground Back-to-back events at Labyrinth Books showed the divide may not be as deep as we think Common ground is holy ground.

It is the gift I want to place under the Christmas tree and in front of the Hanukkah menorah this season. I found a glimmer of common ground last week on the grounds of Labyrinth Books in its underground space — the basement of the Nassau Street bookstore, known for its literary programs that stir the intellectual juices.

On Nov. 29, Labyrinth hosted a conversation between one of Princeton’s most well known social justice advocates Anastasia (Stacy) Mann and award-winning historian Nancy MacLean, a Duke University scholar of American social movements.

Twenty-four hours later on Nov. 30, Labyrinth hosted a conversation between one of Princeton’s most well known political reporters Charles Stile and award-winning presidential scholar Alvin Felzenberg, the principal 9/11 Commission spokesman and former adviser to the U.S. Departments of State and Defense.

Wednesday night’s audience was standing room only, the crowd comprising (as far as I could tell) Princeton’s progressive Democrats. It was so crowded that Labyrinth had to make room for attendees by replacing the refreshments/snacks table with additional chairs. Thursday night’s audience was far sparser; some of whom I recognized as being affiliated with Princeton’s Republican Party and politically conservative point of view. As someone who believes it is important to watch both Fox News and MSNBC, I attended both discussions.

My Donna Quixote goal is to help close the political divide by increasing my understanding of what makes the “other side” tick in search of the political Holy Grail — common ground.

Nancy MacLean’s new book: “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America” was described in a Booklist review as “perhaps the best explanation to date of the roots of the political divide that threatens to irrevocably alter American government.”

MacLean makes her point by investigating the life’s work of the economist James McGill Buchanan (born in 1919 and died in 2013), who advanced the field of public choice economics into politics. His argument was that governing should be left to the market. Governments cannot be trusted, because all interest groups push for their own agenda, rather than the public good.

MacLean was unequivocal about her distaste for Mr. Buchanan’s goals, because his work casts doubt that anyone — whether individuals, groups or institutions — could act in the public

Charlie Stile and Princeton Professor Al Felzenberg discussed the life and career of William F. Buckley Jr. at Labyrinth Books last week. good. I found the lecture and conversation mind-blowing, and I left the underground space in hyper angst mode.

I gathered up my courage and showed up the following night at Labyrinth for a discussion that I thought might exacerbate my panic about the future of our nation. Dr. Felzenberg, with a master’s degree and doctorate from Princeton University, spoke about the subject of his latest book: “A Man and His Presidents: The Political Odyssey of William F. Buckley Jr.” Buckley was the writer and activist who popularized modern political conservatism.

His core political convictions sounded similar to those of Mr. Buchanan — opposition to the size and growth of the federal government.

But it seemed to me — a stunningly superficial historical analyst — there was a huge difference. Buckley’s conservatism was in the name of individualism and free enterprise, not simply a cynical rejection of anyone acting in the public good. And Buckley, according to Felzenberg, was thoughtful and possessed a moral and ethical core that allowed him to respond to changes in the world around him.

Specifically Buckley adopted a pro-

gressive view on civil rights and broke with George W. Bush over the war in Iraq.

My panic and despair morphed into a discovery of common ground. I actually had something in common with Buckley, and I, a lifelong registered Democrat, assumed I had something in common with the handful of Princeton Republicans sitting in the room.

Since I have been known to rail against overly aggressive and kneejerk government regulations, maybe I had more in common with the handful of Princeton Republicans in the room than I would have admitted inside the room of Democrats on Wednesday night.

The members of both audiences might be interested to know that their U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman recently spoke about the value and feasibility of finding common ground. Several weeks ago, Watson Coleman, a democrat who represents the 12th Congressional District, was honored at a Stockton University Hughes Center for Public Policy event at which the congresswoman received the “Civility in Government and Politics Award.”

Watson Coleman, who was born in Camden and graduated from Thomas Edison State University, shared an anecdote about the value of seeking common ground.

“The example that sticks in my mind occurred when I was on Stockton’s Board of Trustees,” said Watson Coleman, who was a Stockton trustee from 1981 to 1998. “Stockton was in the throes of change, and the meeting schedule for trustees was intense. It was a long commute, so another board member, Charles Townsend, and I decided to carpool. He was white, rich, Harvard University educated, Mainline Philadelphia heritage, career Republican, a thriving Wall Street executive.

“Neither one of us was someone that the other one would have sought out to befriend. But during the course of many hours of commuting, both of us got beyond the stereotypes. . . . We began seeing one another as individuals rather than categories, and we became great friends. I know I learned from him and I think he learned from me.”

And I learned from her and hope Princeton’s — and the nation’s — political constituencies can do the same.

Deck the hall at Drumthwacket With the arrival of the festive season, the Drumthwacket Foundation in partnership with New Jersey Garden Clubs is continuing its annual tradition, The Holidays at Drumthwacket.

Each of the public rooms of the Governor’s official residence in Princeton are decorated using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the architecture and décor of the historic Greek Revival building.

The Holidays at Drumthwacket includes the following display presentations located throughout the first floor of the residence.

The Garden Club of Mountain Lakes has decorated the foyer with elements of the season, festive greens and traditional fruits. Holiday hues of tangerine, cherry and apple green set the tone from the magnificent staircase to the glittering Christmas tree.

In addition, the display honors New Jersey symbols such as the state bird, the Eastern Goldfinch, the state insect, the honeybee and, of course, New Jersey’s state fruit, the blueberry!

The Garden Club of Stony Brook has adorned the dining room in traditional elegance with a woodland twist.

The tree is decorated with glass ornaments representing the woodlands of New Jersey: white tail deer, squirrels, birds and raccoons. Salmon ribbon, grapevine bird nests sprinkled with seed pearls, and gold-dusted pinecones complete the theme. Floral arrangements of holiday amaryllis, winterberries, and greenery decorate the table set with silver julep cups with greens and winterberries. The two sideboards host an arrangement of white orchids while the fireplaces

The Dining Room at Drumthwacket, designed by The Garden Club of Stony Brook, is decorated in traditional style with a woodland twist. have faux greenery with festive fruit and ribbon throughout.

The West Trenton Garden Club has transformed the parlor into a glittering, white wonderland that envelops the room with a sparkling elegance of white and silver decorations accented with touches of blue and gold.

The Garden Club of Keyport has turned Drumthwacket’s music room into “A Victorian Tea at Christmas.”

The table placed by the fireplace is set

for tea, cakes, and scones; a small mid-afternoon repast. The mantle is decorated with seasonal greens, twigs, and hydrangeas in varying colors from deep purple to palest blue, Fireworks gomphera in hot pink, sedum, celosia, as well as yellow asters. The decor is enhanced throughout with peacock feathers, a Victorian favorite.

The cream, silver, blue, and peacock ribbons are threaded through the garlands to bring unity to the room. Blue and silver Christmas balls and Victo-

rian-style ornaments provide an elegant addition. The beautiful piano and small tables have coordinating displays. Matching tear-drop garlands welcome visitors at the staircase and entryways.

The Garden Club of Essex Fells pays tribute to Drumthwacket’s Scottish-Gaelic heritage by adorning the neo-gothic library to celebrate a warm Scottish Yule.

The name Drumthwacket, which means “wooded hill,” sets the tone for the natural arrays of evergreens and hydrangea, festooned with traditional tartans, plaids, and glimmering gold accents.

The Belvidere Garden Club has decorated the governor’s study with simplistic yet elegant traditional holiday décor. Winter greens, pine cones, pheasant feathers, tartan ribbon, and Scottish theme items decorate the tabletop Christmas tree located in front of the bowed windows and complements the stone fireplace and dark wooden bookcases.

Butlers of Far Hills has decorated the vestible with a fusion of modern and classic holiday décor. The arrangement of calla lilies and lilacs pays tribute to First Lady Mary Pat Christie as they are her favorite flowers.

Self-guided Open House tours are available on select days in December.

While reservations are required, admission and parking on site are free of charge. To make tour arrangements, go to drumthwacket.org/visit/.

Open house tours are available Dec. 10, 13 and 20, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Week of Friday, December 8, 2017

A Packet Publication 2B

3B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, December 8, 2017

THINGS TO DO Continued from TimeOFF Page 5

ered with a rhythm sessions tied together by a lead singer.

And the show also has tap dancing, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. www.mccarter.org; 609-258-2787.

Michael Smith, Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton. Singer-songwriter whose song “The Dutchman” has been covered by Steve Goodman, The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, John Gorka, Suzy Bogguss, The New Kingston Trio, and Celtic Thunder. He has set poetry to music, creating programs such as “And the Poet Sang,” based on the poetry of Federico Garcia Lorca, Pablo Neruda, and others, Dec. 15, 8:15 p.m. Admission costs $20, $10 students under 22, $5 children; www.princetonfolk.org; 609-799-0944.

Soraia, Randy Now’s Man Cave, 134 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown. Full band acoustic concert by rock group led by lead singer Soraia. The band’s songs have been selected as “The Coolest Song in the World” on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, Dec. 15, 8 p.m. $10; www.mancavenj.com; 609-424-3766.

Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton. Concert featuring “Broadway’s Golden Couple” Marin Mazzie (“The King and I,” “Ragtime”) and husband Jason Danieley (“Candide,” “The Full Monty,” “The Visit”) celebrating love and marriage on the Great White Way, Dec. 16, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $72; www.mccarter.org; 609-258-2787.

Daniela Cotton, Hopewell Theater, 5 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell. New York City-based singer-songwriter originally from Hopewell, Dec. 16, 8 p.m. www.hopewelltheater.com; 609-466-1964.

MUSEUMS

Historical Society of Princeton at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road. Frank Lloyd Wright at 150: The Architect in Princeton. The exhibition features architectural drawings by Wright from the Historical Society’s collection, telling the story of Wright’s sole Princeton clients and the Frank Lloyd Wright house that could have been, through Dec. 31. Hours: Wed.-Sun. noon to 4 p.m. $4; princetonhistory.org.

Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine St., Doylestown, Pennsylvania. George Sotter: Light and Shadow, through Dec. 31; Dedicated, Displayed, Discovered: Celebrating the Region’s School Art Collections, through Jan. 7; www.michenerartmuseum.org; 215-3409800.

Princeton University Art Museum, on the campus of Princeton University, Princeton. “Clarence H. White and His World: The Art and Craft of Photography, 1895-1925,” The first retrospective devoted to the photographer in over a generation, the exhibit surveys White’s career from his beginnings in 1895 in Ohio to his death in Mexico in 1925, through Jan. 7; “Making History Visible: Of American Myths and National Heroes,” artists whose work is featured include Titus Kaphar, Thomas Hart Benton, Elizabeth

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, Cadwalader Park, Trenton. Bruce Katsiff at Ellarslie. “DrawCutShootPrintAssemble.” Exhibit featuring six artists who created works on paper. The artworks on paper include several sophisticated processes: collagraphs and digital prints, shaped paintings on paper, watercolor collages, very fine graphite drawings, etching, and mixed media, through Jan. 14. Hours: Wed.-Sat. noon to 4 p.m. www.ellarslie.org; 609989-3632.

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton. “Newark and the Culture of Art: 1900-1960.” The exhibit explores the unique combination of art and industry that made Newark a magnet for modern artists in the early 20th century. Morven’s exhibition celebrates the culture of creativity that flourished alongside John Cotton Dana, the visionary figure in the organization of the Newark Library and Newark Museum. Through his efforts art, industry and society were brought together to inspire the everyday Newark citizen through accessible and beautiful exhibitions.

Dana’s goal was to educate by presenting examples of superior design to the greatest number of people possible, including Newark’s immigrant and working-class population; making art a vital part of Newark’s culture and society.

Morven’s nearly 50 loans hail from public and private collections from across the country and will reflect Dana’s vision by including painting, textiles, ceramics, and sculptures, through Jan. 28, 2018. Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10, $8 seniors/students; morven.org; 609Trenton guitarist Ernie White and other area mu924-8144. sicians will join forces for this year’s Ernie White Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St. (at George Band and Friends Christmas Benefit concert at Street) on the College Avenue Campus of Rutgers, New the Grand Ballroom at Cedar Gardens Banquet in Brunswick. Cats vs. Dogs: Illustrations for Children’s LitHamilton, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. This year’s concert will erature. Featuring more than 40 drawings and collages by feature “best of” performances from previous Frank Asch, Mary Chalmers, Tony Chen, Roger Duvoisin, shows. Proceeds will benefit The Hamilton Elks’ Shari Halpern, Lois Lenski, Ward Schumaker, and Art Seiefforts to help disabled children. The Grand Ballden. The exhibition emphasizes the strength of visual eleroom at Cedar Gardens Banquet is located at 661 ments in storytelling, especially for children learning how to Route 33 in Hamilton. Tickets cost $25. For more read, through June 24, 2018. This exhibit is open to the information, go to www.erniewhite.com. public Fridays through Sundays. Museum hours: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon to 5 p.m. Admission is Catlett, Glenn Ligon, Sally Mann, William Ranney, Faith free; www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu; 848-932-7237.

Ringgold, William Rush, Kara Walker, Carrie Mae Weems, Charles White, John Wilson, and Hale Woodruff, through Jan. 14; “Hold: A Meditation on Black Aesthetics,” Dur“A Quiet Defiance: The Women’s War in Mali,” Anne ing the 1960s, black artists and intellectuals embraced the idea of a black aesthetic as an ideological alternative to Eu- Reid ‘72 Art Gallery at Princeton Day School, 650 Great rocentric notions of beauty and taste. Since then, black aes- Road, Princeton. Exhibit by Katie Orlinsky of photographs thetics has served more broadly as a site of convergence she took in Mali in 2013. Orlinsky is a photographer and across the African diaspora, weaving a history of place- cinematographer based in New York City, and has spent lessness and belonging, support and constraint, holding and more than a decade as a photojournalist covering news and being held. The works in this exhibition, ranging from the feature stories around the world, through Dec. 14.

1950s to the present, embody various ways the aesthetic www.pds.org; 609-924-6700, ext. 1772.

Gallery 14, 14 Mercer St. Hopewell. “Antarctica and realm has enabled re-imaginings of blackness, through Feb. 11; “Rouge: Michael Kenna,” photographs by Kenna Death Valley” by Charlie Gross; “Sea, Sun and Surf, of the Rouge plant in Dearborn, Michigan, through Feb. Coastal New Jersey Landscapes and Seascapes” by George 11. Hours: Tues.-Wed., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 Mattei, through Dec. 17. Gallery hours: Sat.-Sun. noon to a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Admission is free; artmuSee THINGS TO DO, Page 8B seum.princeton.edu; 609-258-3788.

A Rockin’ Holiday

GALLERIES

Your Home from savings to luxury

Maximize entertaining space this holiday season

People who live in compact homes or apartments may find space is at a premium during regular times of the year. When the holidays arrive, decorations, trees and presents can make homes seem even more cluttered. This can make it especially challenging for holiday hosts who want to open up their homes for festive gatherings.

Even if space is at a premium, all it takes is a little ingenuity to entertain successfully.

• Put nonessential furniture and other decor away. It’s impossible for would-be holiday hosts to move all of their belongings out of their homes to create entertaining space. But hosts can certainly cut down on clutter. Check out the flow of a room and then move pieces around as needed to open up floor space. Push tables or large pieces of furniture up against walls. Swap out armchairs for folding chairs. Stow knickknacks in bedrooms or in closets.

• Put benches and wide ledges to use. Narrow benches, such

as those common to picnic tables, can seat three or four comfortably. Do not discount deep window ledges as potential seats, as these areas can be made more comfortable with pillows or cushions.

• Collapse tables after meals. If a sit-down dinner is the goal, set up tables accordingly. Then break down the tables afterward to free up more space. Serve small desserts that can be easily transported from room to room.

• Use islands and counter tops. Tables can take up valuable space. When entertaining a lot of guests, set up an all-purpose counter island and add bar stools. This can be an area for food prep, eating and entertaining.

• Create conversation areas. Encourage guests to spread out by setting up intimate spots in various rooms. This way guests won’t feel the need to congregate in the same space. Bistro tables in a den, a few floor pillows in front of the fireplace and stools by a kitchen island will create conversation areas.

• Expand outside, if possible. Rent a tent that can be warmed with a space heater. If your home has a closed-in porch or patio space, cover screens with insulating plastic to create a comfortable added room.

• Skip a sit-down meal. Large tables take up a lot of space, so serve a buffet, tapas or passed hors d’oeuvres so guests mix and mingle rather than sit down at one large table.

• Use all available surfaces. Invest in some sturdy serving trays that can be placed on television stands, upright speakers, ottomans, or even wooden crates. This will increase the amount of room you have to serve and store items.

• Spread out refreshments. Avoid bottlenecks in common areas by putting food, beverages and other items in various locations.

Fill up the kitchen sink with ice and make it an oversized beverage cooler.

Holiday entertaining requires some creativity when hosting in compact spaces. — Metro Creative Connection

A Packet Publication 4B

The Week of Friday, December 8, 2017

HEALTH MATTERS

Katie Robbins

Staying grounded despite holiday stress

Parties. Food. Friends and family.

What’s not to love about the holidays?

For many people — a lot.

While the holiday season can be filled with warmth and good cheer, it can also be an emotionally charged time of year filled with stress and pressure, especially for women.

Staying grounded and balanced despite holiday stress can help you enjoy the spirit of the season and maintain a sense of peace even if you’re surrounded by chaos.

An added layer of pressure From financial responsibilities to the regular demands of work and family, daily life can be stressful.

So when the holidays come around, they add an extra layer of pressure that can turn the most wonderful time of the year into the most stressful time of the year.

For women, who traditionally feel more pressure to take charge of activities like shopping, decorating, cooking and entertaining, the expectations can be overwhelming. Moreover, for women and men, the holidays tend to stir up feelings of grief and loss as well as conflict and tension, particularly among family members.

And those who already struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders or substance abuse, are also more emotionally vulnerable during the holidays.

In response, many peo-

ple engage in unhealthy behaviors such as overspending, overindulging in eating or drinking or even avoiding the holidays altogether. Too often, these activities leave people feeling worse rather than better.

Healthy coping mechanisms Though the holidays may add stress, there are a number of healthy coping mechanisms that can help you get through — and even enjoy — the season.

• Take care of yourself.

Regardless of how much is on your to-do list, taking care of yourself should be at the top. Maintain a healthy diet, make sure you get enough quality sleep and don’t forget to exercise.

Spend some time outdoors or do something else you love to give yourself a break from the demands. Keeping your mind and body healthy can reduce your vulnerability to stress.

• Identify coping strategies ahead of time. Do you you get anxious at the office holiday party or other social gatherings? Do your family dinners inevitably end in arguments or stir up uncomfortable emotions? Make a plan for dealing with them ahead of time. It may be as simple as pausing to reconnect your mind and body with the present moment or stepping away to take a few deep breaths in the bathroom. And if the situation becomes too overwhelming, have an exit strategy.

Maybe you need to go home to let the dog out or perhaps the babysitter needs to leave early. Having a strategy ahead of time can help you

feel more comfortable and grounded from the start. Additionally, setting a time limit for how long you are going to stay at an event can help you avoid feeling stuck or trapped.

• Allow yourself to set limits, and be realistic. Despite societal pressures to the contrary, not everything needs to be perfect. Set limits on how much money you can spend, and establish realistic expectations. Instead of trying to do it all, focus on the most important holiday tasks and accept that the some things just may not get done. Also set limits on how many invitations to accept.

You don’t have to go to every party and event. Be selective. It’s OK to say no.

• Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the ability to focus on what’s happening in the present moment without worrying about the past or the future. It is the ability to acknowledge your emotions, thoughts and feelings and experience them without judging. Yoga and meditation are often effective tools for practicing mindfulness more formally.

• Be compassionate with yourself. Reframe negative self-talk such as “I will never get all of this done and dinner is going to be a disaster” to “I am doing the best I can in this moment.”

• Make a daily gratitude list. Often, the holidays can cause people to get wrapped up in losses and all the things they don’t have.

Making a short list every day of things you‘re grateful for can help refocus your mind on all the good you do have in your life.

• Take a deep breath —

Our promise to you is a no-hassle

PP-10

Expires 12/22/17

or three. If you’re feeling anxious, whether you’re going to a party, family dinner or other social event, stop and take three deep breaths before you walk out the door. Then, after centering your mind, throw your shoulders back and step out, resolved to enjoy the moment.

When to get help Almost everyone experiences some increased level of stress around the holidays, but for some people it can spiral out of control.

Signs that may signal you or someone you love needs professional help include: • Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety.

• Physical ailments.

• Isolating or avoidance.

• Inability to keep up with routine daily tasks.

Normal holiday stress comes and goes, but when it settles in so that it interferes with work, school and relationships or leaves you with a constant feeling of dread or anxiety, it is time to seek professional counseling.

The Women’s Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health, a unit of Princeton HealthCare System, offers specialized treatment to help women build skills to process emotions, thoughts and behaviors. The program teaches skills for mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Emotion regulation treatment is open to women with a variety of issues in-

cluding those who have a history of trauma, who are in recovery, and who are coping with current life stressors. Treatment is available at Princeton House’s outpatient centers in Princeton, Hamilton, North Brunswick and Moorestown.

For more information about the Women’s Program at Princeton House, visit www.princetonhouse.org or call 888-437-1610.

Katie Robbins, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker and senior primary therapist with the Women’s Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health, a unit of Princeton HealthCare System.

5B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, December 8, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday shopping with tots in tow

Holiday shopping has changed considerably since the dawn of the Information Age. Whereas holiday shopping once required shoppers to spend hours perusing stores at the local mall, nowadays many shoppers get the bulk of their shopping done online.

Shopping online may be convenient, but more traditional holiday shopping still affords shoppers the chance to find great deals, especially at the last minute. Parents may prefer to leave the kids at home when holiday shopping, but sometimes they don’t have a choice. Fortunately, there are ways to manage holiday shop-

ping trips with kids in tow.

• Encourage kids to create shopping lists. Keeping kids engaged on holiday shopping trips can be difficult, especially when shopping at stores that tend to draw crowds and long lines. But parents can engage youngsters by encouraging them to create their own holiday shopping lists for family members and then helping them find those gifts at the mall or wherever they plan to do their holiday shopping. Let kids bring their lists along and check off gifts as they purchase them.

• Let kids do their own shopping. In addition to creating lists, let kids do their own shopping, including paying for gifts they purchase for loved ones. Kids might be more in-

Your Neighborhood Carpet And Flooring Store

terested when holiday shopping if they’re allowed to peruse stores for potential gifts and then purchase gifts with their own money.

• Break up shopping excursions with a meal. Kids enjoy dining out, even if their preferences lean more toward chicken fingers than steak au poivre. By breaking up shopping excursions with meals out on the town, parents can give kids something to look forward to at the onset of the shopping day. Such a break also gives everyone, moms and dads included, a chance to get off their feet and catch their breath.

When the meal is over, promise kids a trip to get some ice cream or hot chocolate at the end of the day so they once again have something to look forward to.

• Schedule some fun time.

While parents pressed for time might not have much time to do anything but shop, kids are likely to grow impatient if the day does not include at least one fun distraction. Look for malls or shopping centers that feature fun things for kids to do, such as carousel rides or visits with Santa Claus. While this might require parents to spend more time at the mall or shopping center than they initially hoped, it can help keep kids engaged while giving them something fun to do at the same time. — Metro Creative Connection

Need Cash for the Holidays?

SOMERSET COUNTY

GOLD BUYERS

LLP

Family owned and operated Christine & Walter Ganz

>À«iÌÃÊUÊ >À«iÌÊ,Õ iÀÃÊUÊ Ài>Ê,Õ}Ã 6 Þ ÊUÊ > >ÌiÃÊUÊ >À`Ü `

-OHAWK s 1UICKSTEP +ANE s -IRAGE s CORETEC

AB CARPET 609-395-5588

Senior Discount Available

Any Sale of $4001 & up or More Flooring Purchase

Any Sale of $2500 to $4000 Flooring Purchase

With coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offers or prior purchases.

With coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offers or prior purchases.

FREE Padding FREE Estimates FREE Installation FREE Removal Of

AB CARPET 609-395-5588

500 OFF

$

CP

250 OFF

$

FREE

CP

Old Carpet Furniture Moving

0RQ )UL DP SP 6DW DP SP RU DP SP

Concordia Shopping Center 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe Township

609-395-5588

WE BUY GOLD, SILVER, DIAMONDS AND COINS FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

BRANCHBURG / WHITEHOUSE 3568 US HIGHWAY 22 WEST SOMERVILLE

(NEXT TO WALMART)

908-823-9000

CASH FOR GOLD

WWW.SOMERSETCOUNTYGOLDBUYERS.COM

A Packet Publication 6B

The Week of Friday, December 8, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday shows at Kelsey for the whole family

Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre continues its holiday offerings with what has become a Kelsey tradition.

The Kelsey Players will present “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and

Dec. 10 at 2 and 4 p.m.

Based on the classic poem that Clement Moore penned as a Christmas present for his children, the show embraces the anticipation and joy of the long-awaited midnight visit by a very special guest. This musical adaptation features Santa,

his eight tiny reindeer, some remarkably talented sugar plums, and the cutest mouse in New York City. The Moore family and their neighbors will create a magical winter wonderland circa 1822 New York for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

Reprising their roles as

Clement and Eliza Moore are Ken Ambs and Diane Wargo.

John Costello will play Mr. Kringle. Featured as the Moore children are Sedona Raphael and Katie Greendorfer.

Tickets cost $12, $10 seniors/children. The theater is collecting new, unwrapped toys, along with new hats, scarves and gloves, during all performances of ‘Twas” for donation to a local charity. A collection box is located in the Kelsey Theatre lobby.

Closing out the Kelsey holiday season is “Nutcracker,” an abridged family version presented by Dance Connection of Hillsborough (formerly known as New Jersey Youth Ballet).

This narrated, one-hour version of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet will be performed Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tickets cost $16, and $14 for seniors and children.

Kelsey Theatre is located on the college’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. For a complete listing of adult and children’s events,go to www.kelseytheatre.net. Tickets also may be purchased by calling 609-570-3333.

Ken Ambs, seated, is poet Clement Moore in “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” With him, clockwise from left, are Sedona Raphael as Margaret, Santa, Diane Wargo as Eliza, and Katie Greendorfer as Charity.

GET CONNECTED! Montgomery Shopping Center 609-924-8282 West Windsor 609-897-0032 (lessons only)

Classifieds

Classifieds Great Content

Great Mikaela Miranda as Clara in Kelsey Theatre’s production of “Nutcracker.”

Local News

Local

Guide to comfortable holiday shopping

During the holiday season, millions of people flock to stores or shop online in order to meet their holiday deadlines.

The National Retail Federation states that, during the holiday retail season of 2016, spending was up by 4 percent over the same period in 2015, and $658.3 billion was spent from November through December.

Consumers have more options today than ever before when shopping for holiday gifts. Shoppers about to get into the holiday shopping swing of things can make the process more comfortable in

various ways.

Use a ride sharing service Take the hassle out of endlessly circling mall parking lots looking for parking spots by taking a cab or ride sharing service to the stores. Drivers can drop you off right at the main entrance, which can increase safety and comfort, particularly on the way home when you have packages in tow.

Dress appropriately Wearing too much clothing can leave you feeling over-

heated and uncomfortable in crowded retail centers. Skip the heavy coat and layer clothing instead. This way you can shed layers as necessary to remain comfortable. Wear flats or walking shoes to protect your feet. Consider bringing along a rolling beach cart so that packages do not weigh you down.

Pack nutritious snacks Hunger can try your patience, which doesn’t bode well when holiday shopping. Eat well before visiting the store and bring along filling, nutritious snacks, such as trail mix

or edamame, so you don’t have to navigate crowded food courts when hunger strikes.

Build in breaks Whether shopping at home or in-store, take breaks from marathon shopping to relax.

Too much focus on spending can impede your ability to enjoy all the wonders of the holiday season. Plan shopping sessions around dining out, visiting or sightseeing.

Holiday shopping can be less of a chore when shoppers prioritize comfort. — Metro Creative Connection

One-Of-A-Kind Consignment Gallery Fine, gently used home furnishings... for all your holiday needs!

All at a fraction l a of origin ! prices

* Dining Room Furniture * Crystal Stemware and Barware * China Sets and Serving Pieces * Sterling Candlesticks 438 US HWY 206 South, Suite 4 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 än nÓ ÎÓÇ£ÊUÊÜÜÜ°« à `i °V

*Expires 1/31/18*

* Jewelry and Giftware * Holiday Linens * Silver Hollow Ware and Utensils * Dept. 56, Radko, and Holiday China

Princeton Shopping Center: 301 N. Harrison Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 Èä Ó{ £ÓÓÇÊUÊÜÜÜ° i v> `V Ã } i Ì°V i > \Ê i v> `V Ã } i ÌJ} > °V

7B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, December 8, 2017

Give Iconic Sports Photos for you Holiday Gifts that will be Cherished Forever!

CARSON WENTZ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

AARON JUDGE NEW YORK YANKEES

JOSH MCCOWN NEW YORK JETS

33% OFF ICONIC SPORTS PHOTOS DICK DRUCKMAN

WWW.GOLDMEDALIMPRESSIONS.COM Richard.druckman@mindspring.com (609)606-9001 (C) (609)240-2024 Discover Gold at our New Location For GOLD MEDAL IMPRESSIONS Windsor Business Park, 196 Princeton-Hightstown Road Building 2A (Entry Off Slayback Drive), West Windsor, NJ 08550

A Packet Publication 8B

The Week of Friday, December 8, 2017

MOVIE TIMES Movie and times for the week of Dec. 8-14. Schedules are subject to change.

HILLSBOROUGH CINEMAS (908-874-8181): Star Wars: The Last Jedi (PG13) Thurs. 6, 7. Ferdinand (PG) Thurs. 5:10, 7:45. Coco (PG) Fri.-Sat. 12:05, 1:35, 2:40, 4:30, 5:15, 7:50, 10:25; Sun. 12:05, 1:35, 2:40, 4:30, 5:15, 7:50; Mon.-Wed. 1:35, 2:40, 4:30, 5:15, 7:50; Thurs. 1:35, 2:40, 5:15, 7:50. Wonder (luxury recliners, reserved seating) (PG) Fri.-Sat. 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30; Sun.-Wed. 1:30, 4:10, 6:50; Thurs. 1:30. Wonder (PG) Fri.-Sat. 12, 2:40, 5:20, 8, 10:40; Sun. 12, 2:40, 5:20, 8; Mon.-Thurs.

2:40, 5:20, 8. Justice League (luxury recliners) (PG13) Fri.-Sat. 1:30, 4:15, 7, 9:45; Sun.-Wed. 1:30, 4:15, 7; Thurs.

1:30, 4:15. Justice League (PG13) Fri.-Sat. 2, 4:45, 7:30, 10:15; Sun.-Thurs. 2, 4:45, 7:30. The Star (PG) Fri.-Sat.

12:15, 2:30, 4:45; Mon.-Wed. 2:30, 4:45; Thurs. 2:30.

Murder on the Orient Express (luxury recliners) (PG13) Fri.-Sat. 12, 2:40, 5:20, 8, 10:40; Sun. 12, 2:40, 5:20, 8; Mon.-Thurs. 2:40, 5:20, 8. Murder on the Orient Express (PG13) Fri.-Sat. 7:05, 9:45; Sun.-Wed. 7:05.

Daddy’s Home 2 (PG13) Fri.-Sat. 12:55, 3:20, 5:45, 8:10, 10:35; Sun. 12:55, 3:20, 5:45, 8:10; Mon.-Wed. 1, 3:20, 5:45, 8:10; Thurs. 1, 3:25. A Bad Moms Christmas (R) Fri.-Sat. 7, 9:30; Sun.-Wed. 7 p.m. Thor: Ragnarok (PG13) (reserved recliners) Fri.-Sat. 1, 3:55, 6:50, 9:45; Sun.-Wed. 1, 3:55, 6:50; Thurs. 1.

MONTGOMERY CINEMAS (609-924-7444): 1945 (NR) Fri.-Sat. 2:45, 5, 7:15, 9:30; Sun.-Thurs. 2:45, 5, 7:15.

Last Flag Flying (R) Fri.-Sat. 1:50, 4:35, 7:20, 10:05; Sun.-Thurs. 1:50, 4:35, 7:20. Three Billboards Outside

Ebbing, Missouri (R) Fri.-Sat. 2, 3:15, 4:40, 6, 7:20, 8:45, 10; Sun. 2, 3:15, 4:40, 6, 7:20. Lady Bird (R) Fri.-Sat. 2, 3:15, 4:15, 5;30, 6:30, 7:45, 8:45, 10; Sun.-Thurs. 2, 3:15, 4:15, 5;30, 6:30, 7:45.

PRINCETON GARDEN THEATRE (609-2791999): Lady Bird (R) Fri. 4:30, 7:15, 9:30; Sat. 1:30, 4:30, 7:15, 9:30; Sun. 2:45, 5:15, 7:45; Mon. 5:30, 8; Tues. 2:30, 8; Wed. 2:3, 5:30, 8; Thurs. 2:30, 6. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Mo (R) Fri. 4, 7, 9:30; Sat. 1, 4, 7, 9:30; Sun. 1, 4, 7; Mon. 5:15, 8; Tues. 2:30, 5:15, 8:30; Wed. 5:15, 8; Thurs. 2:30, 4:30, 8. The Polar Express (G) Sat. 10:30 a.m. Art on Screen: Canaletto & the Art of Venice (NR) Sun. 12:30. National Theatre Live: Follies (NR) Wed. 1 p.m. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) (NR) Thurs. 7:30.

THINGS TO DO Continued from Page 3B 5 p.m. www.photogallery14.com; 609-333-8511.

D&R Greenway Land Trust, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. “Predators and Prey,” fine-art carvings of raptors and songbirds by Greg Pedersen. The works are on private loan by curator/collector Jay Vawter, through Dec. 28.

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.drgreenway.org; 609-924-4646.

LITERATI

Elin Hilderbrand, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. The New York Times best-selling author launches “Winter Solstice,” the final book in her popular Winter Street series. In the book, a celebration of everything we love — and some of the things we endure — about the holidays, the Quinn family gathers at the Winter Street Inn for a more joyous holiday than they’ve experienced in years. But it wouldn’t be a Quinn family gathering if things went smoothly, Dec. 8, 4 p.m.

COMMUTER BUS SERVICE BETWEEN: HILLSBOROUGH AND ND 42 STREET - NY !!

NEW STARTS 6:00AM DAILY Visit us online at www.COMMUTERWIZ.com For fast and convenient ticket purchasing!

732-249-1100

www.facebook.com/SuburbanTransitBus

www.princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

DANCE Princeton Country Dancers, Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton. Soundworkshop led by Paul Prestopino and Eddie Hayduk, Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m., $10; Weekly Wednesday Contra Dance, Dec. 13, 8-10:30 p.m.

(Instruction at 7:30 p.m.), $10; www.princetoncountrydancers.org.

Princeton Country Dancers Winter Cotillion, Trinity Cathedral, 801 W. State St., Trenton. Cavalcade of callers and festive dances with Hold the Mustard. Performances and singing, Dec. 10. Candlelight potluck dinner, 5 p.m.

Dancing, 7-10 p.m. www.princetoncountrydancers.org.

Friday Night Folk Dancing, Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton St., Princeton. One-hour instruction most weeks, followed by request dancing. Fridays, 8-11 p.m. $5; 609-912-1272.

14B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, December 8, 2017

We Are Your Guest Bed Headquarters!

Open Every Day! Monday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-5

Packet Media Group

Week of December 8th 2017

classified

real estate

1D

careers

at your service

real estate

wheels

to advertise, contact Tracey Lucas 908.415.9891 | tlucas@newspapermediagroup.com

Nancy Crell

Sales Representative / Home Staging Professional Office: 609-303-3456 x1009 Cell: 609-964-6155 | Email: Nancy@InStyleRealty.com

Q Q

. How long have you been in Real Estate?

A. I have been in Real Estate for 5 years.

. What are 3 benefits of your business to a buyer or seller that sets apart from the competition?

A. I truly care about my clients and I begin with the knowledge that whether I’m working with a Buyer or a Seller, we’re going to spend a lot of time together: 1) I want them to know what to expect from the start which is outlined in my Buyer Consultation and my Listing Consultation.

I try to make this more of a ‘conversation’ rather than a ‘speech’ so there is ample opportunity for them to ask me questions and for me to get to know their motivation, their particular needs and expectations.

2) I’ve had the pleasure of working with highly experienced professionals from Attorneys, Lenders and Brokers since I’ve started my business all of whom have become my trusted colleagues, teachers and support structure — unofficial members of my ‘team’ so to speak. Together with their combined experience and advice, my clients can have absolute confidence so whatever issues come up, unexpected or not, they know we’ve got their back.

3) I lived and worked in NYC for many years as a Magazine Art Director working on Interior Design and Home Improvement Magazines where I learned a lot about remodeling and design trends. When I moved to New Jersey, I became an Accredited Home Stager and did Staging and Interior Design for a variety of clients including Agents who hired me to stage their listings.

Through various home renovations I’ve done on my own homes, I accrued a list of contractors I knew I could depend upon and seeing their work firsthand in my own home, I felt confident recommending them to my clients. Whether they were moving or staying, I could make their homes look great! I decided to get my Real Estate License and I quickly came to know what it took to get a house sold. On Listing consultations, I would explain to Sellers how to see their home through the eyes of a Buyer.

Without a plan, Sellers may spend money in the wrong places and not enough in others. Depending upon their needs and budget, I would recommend small remodeling projects and/ or repairs, paint colors, furniture placement and accessorizing ideas. I’m always more than willing to jump right in with them and delighted to run the project. As my Real Estate business grew, I now offer my Staging and Design as a Complimentary Service solely for my Listing Clients as part of my marketing plan. I’m beginning to incorporate a Home Staging page on my website.

Q

. If you could give 1 tip to someone looking to buy or sell a home, what would it be?

A. It’s not something you can do in bits and pieces and to be realistic. We need to be fully committed to the process so again, I want my Buyers and Sellers to be prepared and communication is a key component. No two sales or purchases are alike, so I need to stay on top of my game too by keeping up with my education. ’m proud of my designations as SRS, ABR, ASP and Military Relocation Specialist. Along with my ‘team of experts’, I’m always anticipating the next step and strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for my Clients.

1378 Route 206 Skillman, NJ 08558

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

PRINCETON

SOLD

Q

. How do you see the Real Estate industry in the next 3 months?

A. While it is the Beginning of December and the distractions of the Holiday Season are well underway, I know that warmer days are upon us, and as Agents in Real Estate Land, ‘Spring Market begins in January as does the calendar year. I expect many of my Clients will be taking this time for themselves and their families. I’m keeping an eye on inventory, prices and anticipating many changes with continued low inventory and rising interest rates. Real Estate is fluid and we have to make constant adjustments in our expectations, sometimes daily.

The needs of my Buyers vary and everyone has a wish list.

It depends upon the Buyers; those that are up for renovations and those that are not. Some are looking for a home that is move-in ready which can mean many things. Serviceable, renovated or brand new. But, this is not an area where there is a lot of new construction or new developments. Much of the new construction is isolated to individual lots; homes that were torn down in place of new ones. Other investors are purchasing older homes to renovate and put back on the market. With inventory remaining low, I help my Buyer and Seller Clients to be open to the new renovation loan products that my Team Lender provides which in turn, we are in essence, creating the new available inventory.

Q

. What do you do on your free time when you are not doing Real Estate?

A. My passion for design and remodeling does not wane when I’m not at work. I’m always looking for my next remodeling gig at home. During Spring and Summer, I take it outside to the patio and garden; the more I can be outside, the better. I love flea markets and architectural salvage to pick up unusual items for both inside and out. My kitchen now is my space to experiment with new ideas...if you love to eat then you love to cook and the changes are about to happen in there as well...it usually starts with my kids coming downstairs to find that a wall is missing. I spend much of it with my 13 yr old daughter as my older kids are off and on their own. Keeping up with her is keeping me in shape. I’m taking dance lessons and getting back to running.

Q

. What has been your biggest accomplishment since being in the

Real Estate industry?

A. Embracing technology! I’m far from being a Millennial but the Market has changed in recent years and much more of our business is online driven, and so are our Clients and as Agents, we have to keep up and local Market conditions change every day. I’m lucky to be working in an office where there is a high regard for knowing how and where to use technology to benefit our clients, and it’s all about them.

Real Estate is Sales... and it’s not Sales; it still is however, a people business. I’ve learned to listen more, to know and practice what works, while at the same time, being open to doing things differently. There is a place for formulas and another for being open to new ideas, and the day gets away from us quickly, so I’d have to say that time management is the other half of the accomplishment. I have the heart of a teacher and having been influenced by so many of my colleagues in the Business, I’ve learned that among my many roles as an Agent, I’m a guide.

People come to me with a dream for their next steps in life and it’s my job to get them there.

As Agents, we are running our own businesses. There is tremendous pressure and motivation to succeed as we only get paid when we make a sale. Learning to change and not get stuck in our ways is an ongoing process for all of us. It’s kind of like show business; in our industry, we’re only as good as our last performance (or sale) so reinventing ourselves remains a top priority.

LAMBERTVILLE

$359,000

in 3 Days

With Multiple Offers

“I live here.

I work here.”

Servicing Montgomery Township

151 N. Union Street OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 12/10 1-3pm This five bedroom, two and a half bathroom Colonial sits on just under a half acre. West Windsor schools.

With a little bit of attention you will transform this into the home of your dreams.

In one of Lambertville’s best in-town locations, this bright & open home is one of six units in Arnett Manor, a Victorian mansion converted to charming yet modern condos. 2 beds, 2 baths, deep set front porch plus upstairs balcony. Drenched in sunlight!

Marketed by Matthew Jacobs Realtor®

Listed by Nancy Crell

Sales Representative

1378 Route 206, Suite 202 Skillman, NJ 08558

609-303-3456 Ext. 1009

Cell: 609-964-6155

Each office independently owned and operated.

45 N. Main Street Lambertville, NJ 08530

609-397-3007

www.RiverValleyInfo.com

Jennifer Dionne

Sales Associate Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty 4 Nassau Street Princeton, NJ 08542 609.921.1050 Office 908.531.6230 Cell

jenniferdionne.callawayhenderson.com jdionne@callawayhenderson.com

Packet Media Group

Hopewell twp. $1,065,000 609-737-1500 MLS # 7091426

LI NE ST W IN G

Hamilton $208,000 609-586-1400 MLS# 7039182

raritan twp. $660,000 908-782-0100 MLS# 3420494

bridgeton twp. $329,000 215-862-9441 MLS# 7016716

Florence twp. $389,900 609-921270 MLS# 7850829

Hopewell twp. $449,000 609-737-1500 MLS# 7074460

FranKlin twp. $384,900 609-586-1400 MLS # 7031279

Hamilton $269,900 609-298-3000 MLS # 7067937

Hopewell twp. $1,559,000 609-737-1500 MLS # 7016121

Hopewell twp. $594,900 609-737-1500 MLS# 7000577

Kingwood twp. $597,500 908-782-0100 MLS# 3414303

lambertville citY $689,900 609-397-0777 MLS # 6837229

lawrence twp. $319,900 609-737-1500 MLS# 7075446

lawrenceville $1,139,999 609-921-2700 MLS # 6968372

mansField $428,000 609-921-2700 MLS # 7060939

wall twp. $217,500 609-586-1400 MLS # 086154

N PR EW IC E

Hamilton $209,900 609-298-3000 MLS# 7077444

columbus $329,900 609-298-3000 MLS# 7088478

N PR EW IC E

N PR EW IC E

78 carol ln. nortHampton twp. $519,000 215-862-9441 MLS# 7089264

Week of December 8th 2017

LI NE ST W IN G

O

LI NE ST W IN G

Su pe nd n H ay ou 1- se 3

2D

soutH brunswicK $629,900 609-921-2700 MLS# 7052178

pHiladelpHia $375,000 215-862-9441 MLS #7072865

lawrenceville $424,900 609-921-2700 MLS # 7062041

Our Bordentown Office is an Authorized Collection Center for TOYS FOR TOTS. Drop off at our Farnsworth Avenue location until December 17th. ALSO…Our Annual FOOD DRIVE is Underway…

Please drop off any Canned Goods you would like to donate until December 17th.

real estate news To My Past, Present and Future Clients Wishing You A Happy & Healthy 2018

“To me, Real Estate is not only a career, but a passion.”

- Donna

Donna M. Murray

®

Sales Associate, REALTOR Cell: 908-391-8396

donna.murray@foxroach.com 2016 NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award® Winner -Platinum

253 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

609-924-1600

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservice Fox & Roach, REALTORS® President Hosts Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast Event Joan Docktor, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Fox & Roach, REALTORS® hosted a Rise ‘n Shine Breakfast for Main Line sales associates at the Nassau Inn in Princeton. The breakfast gives the agents an opportunity to meet with each other and the president to have a timely idea exchange. The focus is to help agents feel more connected to the company, participate in meaningful dialogue, network with their peers and share best practices. Pictured here; (sitting, l to r) Tasnima Qamar, Princeton Junction Office; Rozana Yoosuf, Princeton Junction Office; Rose Dunn, Princeton Junction Office; (standing, l to r) David Rickel, regional manager; Carol Robinson, Princeton Junction Office; Arlene Pronesti, Hamilton-Robbinsville Home Marketing Center; Linda Pecsi, Princeton Home Marketing Center; Kate Angelucci, Princeton Home Marketing Center; Barry Layne, Princeton Home Marketing Center; Galina Peterson, Princeton Home Marketing Center; and Joan Docktor, president, (BHHS) Fox & Roach, REALTORS® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Fox & Roach, REALTORS® is a part of HomeServices of America, the nation’s second largest provider of total home services. The company has more than 4,500 Sales Associates in over 65 sales offices across the Tri-State area. Through its affiliate, the Trident Group, the company provides one-stop shopping and facilitated services to its clients including mortgage financing, and title, property and casualty insurance. BHHS Fox & Roach is the #1 broker in the nationwide BHHS network of 1400 broker affiliates. Our company-sponsored charitable foundation, Fox & Roach Charities, is committed to addressing the needs of children and families in stressful life circumstances and has contributed over $5.5 million to more than 250 local organizations since its inception in 1995. Visit our Website at www.foxroach.com.

Packet Media Group

Week of December 8th 2017

EMPLOYMENTWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM

3D

FACEBOOK.COM/EMPLOYMENTWEEKLYMAGAZINE

to advertise, call 609.924.3250 | MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:30AM-5:00PM

Looking for work?

Check for opportunities in our

CAREERS section

ShopRite of East Windsor is NOW HIRING! All positions are available, flexible scheduling, competitive pay!

Please apply online at www.shoprite.com Training will be provided, weekends are required.

319 Route 130 East Windsor

Call

609-874-2205 to subsCribe

marketplace

to advertise, call 609.924.3250 | Monday thru Friday 8:30am-5:00pm Auction

Miscellaneous Online Auction Sale RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Ends: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

POSITANO ITALIAN MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 5 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536 Inspection: Thursday, December 7 from 10 AM to 2 PM For more info visit: Comly.com Phone: (215) 634-2500 – Email: auctions@comly.com PA Auctioneers License #AY-000148-L Business Services

Business Opportunity

A PLACE FOR MOM - The nation's largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. Call 1-844-606-0309

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: Do you want to reach over 5 million readers?

Place your 25-word classified ad in over 113 newspapers throughout NJ for $560. Contact Peggy Arbitell 609-359-7381 or visit www.njnewsmedia.com/SCAN/

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800-263-5434 Deliver your message to over 3 million readers! Place a 2x2 Display Ad in 99 NJ weekly newspapers for ONLY $1400.

Call Peggy Arbitell at 609-3597381, email parbitell@njpa.org or visit www.njnewsmedia.com/2x2/.

Ask About our TRI-BUY package to reach NY, NJ and PA! DISH TV. 190 channels. $49.99/mo. for 24 mos. Ask About Exclusive Dish Features like Sling® and Hopper®.PLUS High Speed Internet, $14.95/mo. (Availability and Restrictions apply.) TV for Less, Not Less TV! 1-888-6029637.

Help Wanted DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 844255-5541 or http://www.dental150plus.com/ [TRACKING ITEM2]AD#6118

BOOKKEEPER Part time bookkeeper for small office in Princeton.

QuickBooks. Approximately 2 - 4 hours per week. Send cover letter and resume to: aco@orgonomy.org.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Up to $2,671/mo. (based on paid-in amount) FREE evelation! Call Bill Gordon & Associates 1-800-4507617. Mail: 2420 N. St. NW, Washington, DC. Office: Broward Co. FL., member TX/NM Bar.

EARN $500 A DAY: Lincoln Financial Life Insurance Wants Insurance Agents. Leads, No Cold Calls. Commission Paid Daily. Agency Training. Life License Required. Call 1-888713-6020

AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING - Get FAA certification to fix planes. Approved for military benefits. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-827-1981.

Announcements Keeping an eye on your governments? Manually search the site or register to receive email notifications and/or save your searches. It's a free public service provided by NJ Press Association at www.njpublicnotices.com

Garage Sale

PENNINGTON Saturday December 9 Sunday September 10 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Contents of a Lovely Home!

9' x 13' Handmade Rug, Antique Hutch, Leather Sofa, Art, Crystal, China, Mahogany Wardrobe and Lingerie Chest, Jewelry, Clothing, Outdoor Furniture, Statuary, John Deere Tractor LT-180, Decorative Accessories, and so much more! For photos, visit evelyngordonestatesales.com .

19 West Shore Drive

Packet Media Group

4D

Week of December 8th 2017

at your service

to advertise, call 609.924.3250 | Monday thru Friday 8:30am-5:00pm • SHOWCASED •

Want Customers to Call You? Advertise on this Page.

Choose the builder with 25 years of in-town experience

Call 609-924-3250

Email: pringencon@aol.com

Want Customers to Call You? Advertise on this Page.

Additions, Remodel/Renovations, Insurance work, Kitchens, Custom Trim/Cabinetry, etc.

609-847-2844

Call 609-924-3250

See our work on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JPMoserprops

Painting 00224548.0506.02x02.Allens.indd

Home Improv Spec

Electrical Services

Choose the builder with 25 years of in-town experience

Additions, Remodel/Renovations, Insurance work, Kitchens, Custom Trim/Cabinetry, etc.

609-847-2844

25

Email: pringencon@aol.com

Years in Business

See our work on Facebook www.facebook.com/JPMoserprops

4056867.0422.02x02.RJPaintingLLC.indd

4056757.0415.02x03.CifelliElec.indd Home Repairs

4056971.0429.02x02.GroutGeek.indd

Building Services 4056842.0422.02x02.Twomey.indd

Wanted to Buy

2014 Recipient of NJ Dept.

Historical Preservation Award

609-466-2693 R

I

PE

L

C

CALL JAY AT 609-689-9651

A

S

Contractors

Fair Prices Paid For Cameras and Photo Equipment

NTRY DET

A

Alterations • Additions • Old House Specialist Historic Restorations • Kitchens • Baths • Decks Donald R. Twomey

FULLY INSURED

Princeton, NJ 08540

Caregivers

For Sale

Delivered & Dumped $200 All Split All Seasoned Hardwoods

908-359-3000

Former full time nanny 20 years experience looking for part time child care Resume and references available.

609-883-3947

Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements • Carpentry • Painting Hardscaping • Roofing • Siding • Doors • Windows Tree Service • Junk Removal • And Lots More

One Call does it all! anthonyshandyman.com

Lic#13vh05722200

Call Us TODAY! 609-309-1501 Business Services

Continental Barber Shop The Best Cut in Town A Family Tradition of Excellence

38 Witherspoon Street Princeton, NJ, 609-924-4225

All Your Local News Just A Click Away!

News • Sports • Lifestyle • Entertainment Auto • Real Estate • Classified