Princeton Packet

Juneteenth and Pride celebrations

By KATHY CHANG Managing Editor

Mercer County has a number of events lined up to celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month.

Juneteenth What We Commemorate on Juneteenth – A Discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 13 as a virtual program at the Mercer County Library System. For more information call (609) 8823148 or visit mcl.org.

Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in 2021, but do we really understand what this day represents? Dr. Richard Bell, professor of History at the University of Maryland, discusses the struggles of enslaved African Americans during the Civil War and the events leading up to their emancipation on June 19, 1865.

The African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County will hold a Juneteenth Festival from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 15 at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. For more information call (609) 474-4073, email trentonaapride@ gmail.com, or visit taacf.com/ juneteenth-performers.

The festival will feature music, performances, food, and other festivities. Hosted by Kevin “Deekay” Francois, this day-long celebration will feature singer Vivian Green, and other performances by Farafina Kan, Lin Rountree, DJ Fatha Ramzee, Cintron Band, Chelsey Green and the Green Project, DJ Ed Ward, Queen Samut, and more Attend a day of Juneteenth festivities in Princeton from 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. Kick off the day with a Flag Raising with the Municipality of Princeton at Monument Plaza. At 4 p.m., head over

to Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., to participate in the community gathering with crafts and educational activities with partnering anti-racist organizations from the greater Princeton area. Step inside an antique phone booth recording studio, as part of the “Let Freedom Ring” project, where you’ll be prompted to record your own reflections, thoughts, hopes, and dreams for Juneteenth and the future. For more information call (609) 497-0020, email info@princetonsymphony.org or visit princetonsymphony.org.

The finale of the celebration is a concert featuring Robert Ray’s “Gospel Mass” among other choral selections conducted by Vinroy D. Brown. He will be leading the joint choral forces of the Capital Singers of Princeton, Caritas Chamber Chorale, and Elmwood Concert Singers, in addition to vocalists from St. David the King and Union Baptist Church in Trenton. Come be a part of this community-wide event and get your tickets for the evening performance starting at 7 p.m.

Juneteenth Black-owned business marketplace will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness – Conference Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Road. For more information email info@sbdcnj.com.

LGBTQ+ and Pride Month

LGBTQ Film Screening of “A League of Their Own” will show at 2 p.m. June 9 at the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike. For more information call (609) 883-8292 or visit mcl.org.

Trenton Pride Afters Trenton

Pride Center to hold a Trenton Social from 8-11:30 p.m. June 22 at 449 S. Broad St.

Princeton: Primary election

By LEA KAHN Staff Writer

There were no surprises in the June 4 primary for Princeton Mayor and Princeton Council.

Mayor Mark Freda, who sought the Democratic Party’s nomination to run for a second term, received 1,904 votes in the Democratic Party primary. He was running unopposed.

Incumbent Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin and his

running mate, Brian McDonald, received 1,776 votes and 1,801 votes respectively for the Democratic Party nomination for Princeton Council. They were running unopposed.

The Republican Party did not field candidates for mayor or Princeton Council.

The results as of press time June 5 are unofficial and will remain so until they are certified by the Mercer County Clerk’s Office.

‘Community is really important’ Hun School students create autism nonprofit

Two students at the Hun School of Princeton created an Autism Awareness Alliance nonprofit in efforts to celebrate and embrace neurodiversity.

On Saturday April 27, Sean X. and Tom C., hosted “Beyond the Spectrum,” an all-day community event that celebrates Autism Awareness Month. The event was held in downtown Princeton, between the Dinky Bar and McCarter Theatre with over 150 local families with children on the spectrum in attendance. The funfilled celebration kicked off with a keynote speech from Mayor Mark Freda followed by endless activities including musical performances, lion dancing, carnival games, and prizes, according to a press release through the school.

As one of the leaders of the Autism Awareness Alliance, Sean’s goal in hosting this event was to celebrate and embrace neurodiversity within the Mercer County community.

“We aim to enrich the lives of children with autism by fostering awareness and building meaningful interactions between these children and other community members. We also hope to help families find additional resources,” he said.

Sean and Tom established the Autism Awareness Alliance in the

summer of 2023 and soon after partnered with the Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation. After many weekends spent volunteering at the hospital, Sean and Tom decided that they wanted to begin their fundraising efforts. Over the summer, they raised $7,000 for the foundation by attending local farmers markets and other community events in Mercer County. Sean and Tom hope to raise $15,000 by the end of this year.

“Community is really important to both Sean and me,” Tom said. “And community means building connections with every-

one despite our differences and coming together to support each other. We believe that our differences are what make us special to society; we are all human yet we all see the world so differently and that is why we are choosing to put so much of our time and effort into fundraising and creating a network of support for local families with children on the spectrum.”

Tom and Sean, who are part of the Class of 2026, are already busy planning next year’s Autism Awareness Month celebration and are eager to find ways to continue to engage the local community as well as the Hun community.

Princeton school board appoints new Johnson Park School principal

By LEA KAHN Staff Writer

Christopher Sheridan has been named as the new principal at the Johnson Park School, effective July 1.

Sheridan was appointed to the position by the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education at its May 21 meeting. He will earn $146,000 per year.

The new principal succeeds Principal Angela Siso Stentz, who will become the assistant superintendent for human resources in the Princeton Public Schools, also on July 1.

Sheridan, who has been an educator for 17 years, is the assistant principal at the Delran Intermediate School in Delran.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Kathie Foster said Sheridan was chosen following a “robust process” of interviewing candidates for the job.

“We all love Angela. She will be hard to replace, but we are really excited to have Chris join the leadership team,” Foster said.

“Chris’ passion and student-centered vision I think will carry on the legacy of Angela and continue into the future. We are really thrilled to have him join the Princeton Public Schools.”

Sheridan thanked the school board for placing its trust in his leadership capabilities. He said he is looking forward to being a steward of a robust learning community.

“I promise to serve you proudly by putting the betterment of the students at the forefront,” Sheridan said.

The new principal was also welcomed by parent Brooke Cole, whose child is in the second grade at the Johnson Park School.

While the Johnson Park School is losing an amazing principal with Siso Stentz’s promotion, the school

community is very excited to welcome Sheridan, Cole said during the public comment portion of the meeting.

“Our students are super excited and they are so ready to meet you,” she told Sheridan.

Sheridan lives with his wife and two sons in Robbinsville.

He has been the assistant principal at the Delran Intermediate School since 2019. He began his career in 2007 as a fifth-grade teacher at the Jersey City Community Charter School and then moved over to the T.G. Connors School in Hoboken.

Sheridan was a teacher and then dean of students and programs for grades K-3 at the Joseph F. Brandt Elementary School, also in Hoboken, from 2012 to 2019.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Montclair State University.

Housing Initiatives of Princeton seeks donated cars for clients

By LEA KAHN Staff Writer

Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) is seeking donors who have an extra or unneeded car to donate for clients who need one to get to work.

HIP helps low-income working families and individuals avoid homelessness by providing transitional housing and temporary rental assistance. It also offers supportive services to help clients get back on their feet.

Many of HIP’s clients have cars, but they are often old and unreliable.

“They would be given to clients on a case-by-case basis,” said Lori Troilo, HIP’s executive director.

A client recently contacted HIP to report that her car needs a significant amount of work that she cannot afford.

The single mother, who is living in one of HIP’s transitional housing units, said a mechanic told her

that her car is not safe and that she should not be driving it at all, Troilo said.

“‘I have no money saved and so even to get it fixed, I would need to get a loan or something. Even though it is dangerous, I need to be able to get to and from work,’” the woman told Troilo.

A client’s need for a reliable car is no different than anyone else’s need, Troilo said.

“It is for transportation to and from work, to pick up children from school, run errands, travel to class or the doctor’s office or to attend backto-school night,” she said. “Having a car also means clients do not need to depend on the frequently unreliable public transportation system or to spend hard-earned dollars on costly ride-share programs.

“There is no question that a lack of public transportation and our reliance on personal vehicles poses a

significant barrier for low-income individuals in their social and economic mobility.

“This, in turn, contributes to the stigma that economically disadvantaged people are the ones who mostly use public transportation,” Troilo said.

A reliable car opens up opportunities for low-income persons, she said. Clients who have a car can consider a better paying job or an advancement opportunity in a town that is not serviced by a bus.

Troilo said HIP’s rental units are located on or near a bus line, but the bus system can be unreliable. Sometimes, a bus is delayed and that causes a problem for a client. If the bus is late, the client loses time and earnings at work.

One client has a young child whose school bus comes after the New Jersey Transit bus to the client’s workplace, she said. The client could

not leave her child alone, so she had to change her work schedule to accommodate the bus transportation.

“If the client had a reliable car, she would not face losing time and money at work,” Troilo said. “It would also mean not having to take two buses and spending hours in transit to go on an errand.”

While HIP prefers that donated cars are in working condition, it can consult with a mechanic to determine whether repairs to a non-working vehicle meet safety requirements and makes economic sense.

Anyone interested in donating a vehicle can get more information by sending an email to info@housinginitiativesofprinceton.org.

Courtesy of The Hun School of Princeton

CALENDAR

East Windsor/Hightstown

The Hightstown High School (HHS) Class of 1984 is seeking class members, as well as other HHS attendees that are friends and siblings of the Class of 1984 to join them as they celebrate their 40th reunion. It will take place on Sept. 28th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hamilton. For more information contact: Debralini@optonline.net, Mindyrobyn@aol.com or connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Classof1984HHS

Hickory Corner Branch Library

Hickory Corner Branch Library is located at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.

June 7 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Story and Snack: Strawberries.

June 7 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Basic Skills Craft for Adults.

June 7 – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.

June 7 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie.

June 8 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Family Fun Time.

June 8 – 2:30-3 p.m. – Slime Time: Fluffy Lemonade Slime.

June 9 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie.

June 10 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Messy Monday.

June 10 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – ESL Conversation.

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 10 – 5-5:30 p.m. – School-age

STEAM: Bees.

June 10 – 7-8 p.m. – Kids Can Paint Like … Beatrix Potter.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults.

June 11 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.

June 11 – 10:30 a.m. to noon – Scrabble for Adults.

June 11 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Read to the Therapy Dog.

June 11 – 7-8 p.m. – NJ Health Insurance Workshop: Special Enrollment Period.

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Discovery Time.

June 12 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Hickory Corner Book Club.

June 12 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Current Events Chat.

June 12 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Chess Club.

June 12 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Evening Storytime.

June 13 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Time.

June 13 – 11 a.m. to noon – Basic Skills

Craft for Adults.

June 13 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Crochet and Knit Corner.

June 13 – 5-5:30 p.m. – Crafternoon: Quilled Turtle Craft.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Virtual) What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 14 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.

June 14 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Dance Party.

June 14 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Basic Skills Craft for Adults.

June 14 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie.

June 14 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Virtual) Teen Advisory Board.

Hightstown Branch Library

Hightstown Branch Library  is located at 115 Franklin, Hightstown.

June 8 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Paint-a-Canvas in Acrylics for adults.

June 8 – 2-3 p.m. – Citizenship Exam Preparation.

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 10 – 6 p.m. – Grades 1-8 Tutoring.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults.

June 11 – 5-8:15 p.m. – Learning English.

June 12 – 10 a.m. – PRIDE – Wiggle, Giggle, Read.

June 12 – 4-5 p.m. – Citizenship Exam Preparation.

June 13 – 10 a.m. – Shape a Story: PlayDoh Story Time.

June 13 – noon to 12:45 p.m. – Guided Meditation.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – (Virtual) What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Planning for Retirement.

June 14 – (Virtual) Teen Advisory Board.

Twin Rivers Branch Library

Twin Rivers Branch Library is located at 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor.

June 10 – 2-3 p.m. – Nonfiction Book Club.

June 10 – 2-3 p.m. – Relax and Draw.

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults.

June 11 – 2-3 p.m. – Only Murders in the Library: Mary and Bill.

See CALENDAR, Page 5A

Honoring the ‘suff ering, sacrifi ce, and triumph’

Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum to hold third annual Juneteenth celebration

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), Central New Jersey’s only museum sharing the history of African Americans since the trans-Atlantic Slave trade, will hold its third annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15, from noon to 4 p.m.

The family-friendly event will take place at the National Historic Register-listed Mt. Zion AME Church and historic True Farmstead in Skillman. Join for live gospel music, original performances, games for kids, and mouthwatering cuisine, including vegan options.

“If you attended SSAAM’s Juneteenth event last year, you’ll certainly recall how amazing it was to celebrate this holiday of African American freedom from enslavement on the grounds of the historically African American-owned, True Farmstead,” said SSAAM Executive Director Donnetta Johnson.

The True Farmstead was originally owned by William Reasoner, a Black Civil War veteran. His widow Corinda later married Spencer True, a descendant of an enslaved man named Friday Truehart. In 1780, at age 13, Friday Truehart was taken from his mother Dinah in Charleston and brought to New Jersey by his enslaver, the pastor of the Hopewell Old School Baptist Church. He gained his freedom in 1802, at the age of 35.

In the early 1800s, more than 12,000 enslaved people like Friday Truehart lived and labored in New Jersey. SSAAM co-founder Beverly Mills and Board member Patricia True Payne are two of his direct descendants.

“I can’t help but appreciate the importance

of recognizing and honoring the suffering, sacrifice and triumph of those enslaved African men, women and children whose skills, expertise and labor built the wealth of this region and indeed this country,” Johnson said.

“It is outstanding that we get to celebrate Jubilee or Juneteenth, a day commemorating freedom, on the very grounds where the Reasoner and True families most certainly appreciated what it meant to be free from bondage as African American landowners in the Sourland region.”

On the day of the event, free shuttle buses will run from the Montgomery High School parking lot to and from the event at SSAAM every 15 minutes, from 11:45 a.m. through 3:15 p.m. Limited parking will be available at the True Farmstead for the handicapped, those with limited mobility, event vendors and performers. All others should take the convenient shuttle buses.

SSAAM invites all to come together and celebrate this special day of music, art, poetry, fun, and food and join SSAAM in moving Freedom Forward.

Event sponsors include Somerset Patriots, Princeton University Art Museum, and Bloomberg Corporation. The event is also made possible by a generous Preserving Black Churches grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as many local institutions, businesses and corporations.

The event will be held rain or shine at the museum, 189 Hollow Road, Skillman. For more information visit https://www.ssaamuseum.org/juneteenth-2024.

TOWN FORUM

4A The Princeton Packet

HEALTH MATTERS

PBy Omodele Hogan, MD

Address Elevated Blood Sugar Early to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

roduced by the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in your blood and works to keep your blood sugar levels in balance.

However, when the cells in your body become less responsive to insulin a condition known as insulin resistance can develop.

And in some people, insulin resistance can be a precursor to prediabetes and eventually type 2 diabetes.

That is why it is so important to see your doctor for regular check-ups so they can monitor your blood sugar levels and detect any potential problems before they cause serious health complications.

A Finely Tuned Process Begins to Break Down

Glucose is a type of sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for your body. It is a simple carbohydrate found in many foods, such as fruit, bread and pasta.

In simplest terms, glucose provides the energy needed to power your body.

When you eat foods containing carbohydrates, your digestive system breaks them down and sends the glucose into your bloodstream.

Your pancreas responds by releasing insulin, which helps your cells take in the glucose they need for energy. Excess glucose that is not immediately used for energy is stored in the liver and muscles for future use.

If your cells do not respond to insulin as they should — if they are insulin resistant, in other words — your pancreas will keep producing more and more to try to regulate your blood sugar.

Over time, however, your pancreas may not be able to keep up and this finely tuned process can begin to break down, resulting in blood sugar levels that remain elevated. This can lead to prediabetes and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is characterized by fasting blood sugar levels that are higher than normal — between 100 and 125 mg (milligrams)/dL (deciliter) — or an A1C (level) between 5.7 – 6.4%. While these levels are elevated, they are not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Diabetes is characterized by a fasting blood sugar level of 125 mg/dL and over or an A1C of 6.5% and higher.

An estimated 98 million – more than 1 in 3 – adults in

THE STATE WE’RE IN

Ithe United States have prediabetes and another 36 million are estimated to have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

No Early Warning Signs

Insulin resistance and prediabetes typically don’t have any symptoms, which means you could live with the conditions for years and not know it.  If prediabetes progresses to type 2 diabetes symptoms could include:

• Increased thirst.

• Increased urination.

• Blurry vision.

• Feeling very tired.

• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

Left undetected and untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause serious health complications, such as heart attack, stroke, vision loss, or kidney failure.

Are You at Risk?

The risk factors that contribute to the development of insulin resistance and prediabetes are the same risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes. You may be at risk if you:

• Are overweight or obese, especially if the weight is in your abdomen.

• Do not exercise at least three times a week.

• Eat an unhealthy diet.

• Have a family history of diabetes.

• Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Alaska Native person.

• Have polycystic ovarian syndrome.

• Have high blood pressure.

By Alison Mitchell, Co-Executive Director,

• Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. If you are concerned about your risk for high blood sugar, talk to your doctor.  A simple blood sugar test can determine whether you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Take Steps Now to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Later Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your blood sugar and treat prediabetes now before it progresses to type 2 diabetes later.

• Lose excess weight. If you are overweight, losing just 5% of your total weight can help lower your blood sugar and treat prediabetes.

• Eat a healthy diet. Choose foods such as non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins (fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu), healthy fats (olive oil, avocado) and water and unsweetened beverages. Avoid processed foods, foods with trans-fat, sugary drinks and alcohol. Control portion sizes.

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week. To do this, aim for 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. Sit less. Set a timer to remind you to get up every hour to move around and stretch.

• Don’t smoke. Smoking may increase the risk for insulin resistance and prediabetes and can increase the risk for complications from diabetes.

• Be sure to visit your doctor annually for a complete physical and blood glucose test to check your blood sugar levels. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a continuous glucose monitor to reveal how your body responds to the foods you eat and identify opportunities to fine tune your diet to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

Though distinct conditions, insulin resistance and prediabetes are interconnected and play a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes. By eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, you can manage your blood sugar and prevent or slow the progression of more serious disease.

To find a physician with Penn Medicine Princeton Health, call (888) 742.7496 or visit www.princetonhcs. org. Omodele Hogan, MD, is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and is a member of the medical staff at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

If you build it, they will come – pollinators, that is

n the movie “Field of Dreams,” a struggling Iowa farmer hears a voice whispering, “If you build it, he will come.” Acting on a vision, he turns a cornfield into a baseball diamond. The ghosts of old baseball players visit, as well as the farmer’s late father.

But the film is about more than baseball. A deeper message is that if you create something needed and wanted, those it was intended for will find their way.

The quote from “Field of Dreams” comes to mind when thinking of insect pollinators, which are essential to nature’s food web and human food production, but are struggling to survive at a time when non-native plants are spreading and pesticide use is wiping out beneficial insects.

Many conservation groups and park commissions throughout New Jersey are responding to the loss of pollinators by building their own fields of dreams – native wildflower meadows where bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators can thrive.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 80% of the plants that produce fruits and vegetables worldwide require pollination. While some plants can be pollinated by wind, most require insect pollinators to carry grains of pollen from flower to flower.

Here in the Garden State, many apiarists keep domesticated honeybees on farms, or truck hives from farm to farm to pollinate crops. But honeybees are not native to New Jersey – they were brought here from Europe – and shouldn’t be considered a replacement for wild native pollinators.

According to the Xerces Society, which works to conserve invertebrates, North America has more than 3,600 native wild bee species, and many aren’t doing well: “Twenty-eight percent of bumble bee species are considered threatened, and more than 40 percent of invertebrate pollinator species (particularly bees and butterflies) may face extinction in the coming decades.”

In a blog post, the Xerces Society noted that introduced

honeybees harm native pollinators by causing food shortages when their hives are placed adjacent to healthy natural habitats.

The solution? Keep building new and restoring degraded pollinator habitats.

“Creating pollinator habitat has broad benefits from increasing biodiversity to combating climate change, and such habitat can be situated anywhere—in backyards, on balconies and porches, on rooftops, in office landscapes, in local parks and community gardens,” said the Xerces Society. “Honeybees are fascinating to observe and manage, and can inspire people to learn more about insects. But a better approach to bee conservation is to focus on habitats for native pollinator species. Know that if you build good habitat, they will come!”

For native pollinators to thrive, they need native plants – not exotic imports from other parts of the world. Many pollinators are “specialists,” meaning they have evolved to depend on certain plants. For example, monarch butterfly caterpillars eat only the leaves of native milkweed plants. Adult monarchs can feed themselves by sipping nectar from a variety of flowers, but they must lay their eggs on milkweed in order for the next generation to survive.

In New Jersey, pollinator meadows are typically planted with a diversity of native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs. In addition to milkweeds, popular species include bee balm, common yarrow, red columbine, serviceberry, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, wild bergamot, mountain mint, various aster and goldenrod species, American witch hazel, swamp verbena and pussy willow.

And while pollinator meadows usually cover several acres, native plants also do well in smaller spaces like yards and gardens. In his book “Nature’s Best Hope,” ecologist and professor Dr. Douglas Tallamy urges homeowners to use native plants to create little havens of biodiversity that he

calls “Homegrown National Parks.”

Another important way to support pollinators is by reducing or eliminating the use of chemical pesticides. The class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, or “neonics” for short, is especially dangerous to pollinators.

Neonics affect insects’ nervous systems, causing paralysis and death. Recent studies also point to neonics as the most likely cause for declining numbers of farmland and grassland birds – including many found in New Jersey, such as bobolinks, savannah and field sparrows, kingbirds and many swallow species.

In January 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the “Save the Bees” bill to limit neonic use. The law banned neonic applications in non-agricultural settings such as gardens, lawns and golf courses. However, neonics are still allowed for agricultural uses, and are widely used in growing corn and soybeans.

This past December, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the nation’s strongest neonic ban, known as the “Birds and Bees Protection Act.” In addition to banning neonics for residential use, the law will prohibit the sale of corn, soybean, and wheat seeds coated with neonics, effective in 2029.

Now that our large, agricultural neighboring state to the north has moved to prohibit most neonics for agriculture, New Jersey should step up and do the same. This action would help populations of our state’s insect pollinators, as well as our birds, waterways, and food supply.

The late biologist and author E.O. Wilson called insects “the little things that rule the world” for their critical role in sustaining ecosystems. “If we were to wipe out insects alone on this planet, the rest of life and humanity with it would mostly disappear from the land. Within a few months,” he wrote.

Let’s help our bees, butterflies and birds – and ourselves — by banning neonics and creating more pollinator habitat. If you build it, they will come!

For more information on pollinators and creating habitat, go to https://www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation. For a focus on New Jersey pollinators and plants, check out https://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/gardens/pollinatorgarden/.

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.

Courtesy of Bill Lynch

Coral hairstreak

CALENDAR

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Time.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – (Virtual) What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Bingo.

June 14 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Teen Advisory Board.

Child Passenger Seat Inspections

To promote child passenger safety, Mayor Janice S. Mironov, members of council and the police department will be hosting free Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspections for East Windsor Township residents, underwritten by a New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety Division grant.

Participants will have their child car seats inspected to ensure proper installation and will receive educational materials on how to properly and safely restrain children passengers.

The program will be held on several dates at the following locations:

• Wednesday, July 10

• Tuesday, Aug. 6

• Monday, Sept. 16

Dates July 10 and Sept. 16 – inspections will be held from 3-7 p.m. at the East Windsor Township police/court building, 80 One Mile Road. On Aug. 6, the inspection will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the East Windsor PAL

complex, 30 Airport Road, during National Night Out. Sunday, June 16 Jazz for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Americana Kitchen and Bar team up for their 4th annual Jazz4Dads Father’s Day Dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m., 359 U.S. 130, East Windsor. The event aims to raise funds to strengthen the organization’s year-round awareness campaign to advocate for men’s wellness by supplying accurate information about prostate cancer while increasing exposure to live Jazz music. For more information visit https://jazz4pca.org.

Hillsborough

Photo submissions

The Administration/Clerk’s Office invites Hillsborough residents to share scenic photos of Hillsborough for the annual township calendar and planner. In the past, the calendar has showcased the township’s gorgeous open space and scenic locations including wildlife, farmland, parks, and rivers. When submitting photos, please don’t include people and pets, and avoid objects that distract including roofs, fences, and car windows. Please save pictures with your name and the location’s name before sending them to Deborah Ng at debng@hillsborough-nj.

You will also need to fill out a photo release form that is located on the Hillsborough Township website.

Hillsborough Branch Library

The library is part of the Somerset County Library System at 379 S. Branch Road. For more information on the events visit sclsnj.org.

June 7 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Explorer.

June 8 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Saturday Drop-in Fun.

June 10 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Basic English Conversation Group.

June 10 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Line Dancing with Pam. June 11 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – My First Adventure.

June 11 – 11 a.m. to noon – Tech Bytes.

June 11 – 1-2:30 p.m. – English Conversation Group.

June 12 – 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Mid-Week Movie Night.

June 13 – 4-5 p.m. – Pride Hangout. Juen 14 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime with Mr. John. June 14 – 6-9 p.m. – PRIDE Prom 2024.

Hopewell Valley

Saturdays at Howell Living History Farm The farm is located at 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township and is a facility of the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information on the events listed call 609-737-3299 or email info@howellfarm.org. June 8 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Old Time Baseball Game – Rag Ball.

The Pennington School celebrates student athletes

The Pennington School celebrates numerous student athletes who have committed to teams at colleges or universities for the fall of 2024.

Hailey Adamsky will be playing soccer in the Ivy League, and Keane Brown, Justin Davidyock, Kieran Karp, Morgan Kotch, Matthew Lynch, and Kendall Malmros will all be playing Division I soccer. Also continuing their soccer careers in college are Pablo Carnicer Cozar, who will play at the Division II level, as well as Felix Shapiro and Sophia Murphy, who will both play for Division III teams. Dowon Zio Kim has committed to playing Ivy League basketball and Morgan Matthews will be playing Division I basketball. Bryce Meccage has committed to Division I baseball and Emma Nelson has committed to Division I field hockey. Paloma Szyfer will also continue her field hockey career at the Division III level. Also playing at the Division III level are Polaris Hayes, tennis; and Quaadir Durden and Nicholas Esposito, lacrosse.

The following students, listed by hometown, have committed to playing a sport in college.

In New Jersey:

• Basking Ridge: Dowon Zio Kim, basketball, Princeton University

• Crosswicks: Matthew Lynch, soccer, Rutgers University

• Hamilton: Morgan Kotch, soccer, Villanova University

• Lawrenceville: Hailey Adamsky, soc-

cer, University of Pennsylvania–Wharton; Morgan Matthews,

• basketball, George Washington University; Sophia Murphy, soccer, Stevens Institute of Technology

• Pennington: Pablo Carnicer Cozar, soccer, University of Tampa; Kieran Karp, soccer, University of

• South Carolina, Bryce Meccage, baseball, University of Virginia

• Princeton: Felix Shapiro, soccer, Carleton College

• Trenton: Polaris Hayes, tennis, California Institute of Technology

• West Orange: Paloma Szyfer, field hockey, Oberlin College In Pennsylvania:

• New Hope: Keane Brown, soccer, US Naval Academy; Kendall Malmros, soccer,

• Fordham University

• Newtown: Justin Davidyock, soccer, US Military Academy at West Point

• Philadelphia: Quaadir Durden, lacrosse, College of Wooster

• Yardley: Nicholas Esposito, lacrosse, Hampden-Sydney College; Emma Nelson, field hockey, Quinnipiac University

‘The Pennington School is an independent coeducational school for students in grades 6 through 12, in both day and boarding programs. The curriculum is college preparatory, with an emphasis on individual excellence, fostering the development of the whole student through academics, athletics, community service, and the creative and performing arts.

The Pennington School holds

183rd commencement

The Pennington School held its 183rd Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 1. Head of School William S. Hawkey, Ph.D. granted diplomas and certificates to the 104 members of the Class of 2024, which includes students from six states and five countries outside the United States.

The Commencement speaker was Dr. Jacob N. Shapiro, professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University.

Senior prizes were awarded on May 31. Polaris Hayes of Trenton and Zixi Yu of Belle Mead were valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Hayes earned The George Parnos Award for Excellence in Science which is awarded for individual excellence in scientific challenges. She also shared The Howard Cressman Memorial Award for Excellence in Mathematics with Yu. Additionally, both Hayes and Yu earned certificates in applied science and were recognized as members of the Cum Laude Society. In the fall, Hayes will attend California Institute of Technology and Yu will attend Princeton University.

Students from New Jersey include:

• Basking Ridge: Dowon Zio Kim

• Belle Mead: Zixi Yu

• Bordentown: Ashton Gabrielle Bridges, Ananya Reddy Madireddy

• Branchburg: Tyler Robert Bryant Hope

• Cresskill: Brett Samuel Morr

• Crosswicks: Matthew Jude Lynch, Jr.

• Ewing: Onan Javier Benedith, Micah Breyanna Bowser, Jonah William Celentana, Samantha Joan Lambdin, Cassidy Downs Zelt

• Flemington: Shayna Mehta

• Hamilton: Mackenzie Ann Kotch, Morgan Elizabeth Kotch

• Lambertville: Makayla Veronica Tudor

• Lawrence Township: Tristan Remi Hocquaux

• Lawrenceville: Hailey Marie Adamsky, Shahrin Naeem Akhtar, Broderick Roy Coddington, Sebastian Drezek, Sandhya Bala Mahadevan, Morgan Alexis Matthews, Mason Hammer Meyerson, Sophia Marie Murphy

• Maplewood: Adam Fisher, Aiden Jonah Haase Monmouth Junction: Jai Pranav Raman, Mia Catherine Seyfarth

• Pennington: Alexander Atwell Brackin, Drew Chadwick Bridges, Pablo Carnicer Cozar, Mei Mei Li Castranova, Thomas Wilder Craig, Owen Scott Doughty, Ishan Gupta, Anna Jane Hallgren, Emily Elizabeth Howe, Kieran Ryan Karp, Shinyi Li, Bryce Robert Meccage, Sanjana Jyothy Padmanabhan, Lucas Matthieu Sweetman, Teagan Ceri Walsh

• Piscataway: Nkechinyelum Ellen Nwoye

• Princeton: William Joseph Arthur, Maya Marie Brooke, Benjamin Michael Graziano-Kastner, Hadrian Lynn, Maya Meehan-Ritter, Natsuki Miller, Alexander Wise Philbrick, Felix Waite Shapiro

• Princeton Junction: Jack Alexander Bluni, Olivia Elena Davis, Gabriella Grace DiRusso*

• Ridgewood: Elias Sebti

• Robbinsville: Sophia Farajallah, Ava Marie Surtz

• Skillman: Rishi Hirsch Braham Duggal, John Thomas Shamsey

• South Orange: Adina Ann Gregson

• Stockton: John Frederick Hillman

• Summit: Charlotte Leigh Reinhardt

• Trenton: Polaris Chaena Hayes, Brandon Christopher Napoleon

• West Orange: Paloma Rose Szyfer

• West Windsor: Jack Edmond McCune

CONGRATULATIONS

Class of 2024

Accepted: Blair Academy, George School, The Hill School, The Lawrenceville School, The Peddie School, The Pennington School, The Pingry School, Princeton Day School, Solebury School, The Taft School

Montessori makes a difference. Programs for Infants - 8th Grade

Courtesy of The Pennington School

Courtesy of The Pennington School

The Masque of Night Brings Romeo & Juliet to Hopewell, NJ

The New Place Players are set to captivate audiences with their critically acclaimed production, The Masque of Night, in Hopewell, New Jersey. This unique Romeo & Juliet cabaret will be performed at the enchanting Hopewell Mountain Christian Church (11 Mountain Church Rd, Hopewell, NJ 08525) on June 7th and 8th at 8 pm. Tickets are $50 and available at https://www.

eventbrite.com/e/the-masque-of-night-athopewell-mountain-church-june-7-8-tickets873559980417?aff=erelpanelorg.

The Masque of Night offers a fresh, intimate take on Shakespeare’s timeless love story. Directed by Craig Bacon, whose illustrious 40-year career spans New York City and Europe, and co-directed by Janina Picard, a German-born actor and director, this produc-

Cabinet Painting Guru

Kevin Casey, Founder of Cabinet Painting Guru, is a successful entrepreneur. His quality painting experience dates back to when he founded the largest house painting business on Long Island in New York state during his summers while attending College of the Holy Cross. After college, he went on to serve our country flying B-52 bombers as a Captain in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Kevin earned his MBA in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Kevin then held various sales leadership roles building markets for new cancer screening test, like the PSA test for the screening of prostate cancer.

In 1999, Kevin was the first entrepreneur to bring photo sharing to the internet. His venture funded software company was very successful, so if you get a link to see images from a wedding or event that you attended, chances are you are enjoying the technology platform which Kevin and his team pioneered.

When he sold this software company in 2012, he began painting kitchen cabinets –starting with his own.

He is now settled in central NJ and his team’s work delights homeowners who are looking for anything from a cabinet refinishing, cabinet panel/drawer replacement, to a complete kitchen tune-up. Our best customers are those who appreciate quality, attention to detail, and completely understand that “you get what you pay for” – especially when it comes to cabinet painting.

As a business founded by a veteran, the team at Cabinet Painting Guru brings the following 5 Core Values our projects each and every day: RESPECT. We respect you, your time, your home and your kitchen refinishing project. We’ll be treating your home like it is ours – from the initial consultation to the final install.

EXPERIENCE. Our team has decades of experience doing detailed painting. From professional cabinet refinishing to complete kitchen

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seamlessly blends Shakespeare’s iconic text with chamber music and modern songs. The performance features compositions by David Bowie, Depeche Mode, and Rufus Wainwright, alongside original music by the production’s Musical Director, Flavio Gaete. The venue itself adds to the enchanting atmosphere. Hopewell Mountain Christian Church, originally built in 1844 as an African American congregation, has been transformed into a beautiful living and performance space, featuring a stunning barrel vault great room, extensive original millwork, an interior balcony, and the original functioning church bell. This intimate setting, with seating for only 40 guests, enhances the personal and immersive experience of the performance.

The cast includes Actors Studio lifetime member Clara Tristan as Juliet and recent Actors Studio MFA graduate Jorge Carrion Alvarez as Romeo. They are supported by Flavio Gaete, a classical musician from Chile, and Anna Bikales, a harpist and Actors Studio MFA graduate, who bring the characters to life through music and performance.

Audiences can expect a moving and intimate journey into the heart of Shakespeare’s most beloved play.

Don’t miss this extraordinary theatrical event. Secure your $50 at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-masque-of-night-athopewell-mountain-church-june-7-8-tickets873559980417?aff=erelpanelorg.

tion

OBITUARY

David Brooks Smoyer, 1941-2024

David Brooks Smoyer, of Boston, passed away peacefully on June 1 from complications of dementia. He was 82.

David grew up in Princeton, N.J., and treasured memories of his childhood there. Friendships from carefree days as a youth did not fade through the years, nor did the spirit of enthusiastic competition. He returned frequently as an adult, carrying on his youthful passions at Princeton-Dartmouth games, Pretty Brook Tennis Club and around the card table.

His parents, Stanley and Barbara Smoyer, loved Princeton and made it their home for 66 years. The Barbara Smoyer Memorial Park is named in honor of his mother.

Devoted to his wife of 58 years, Mary — their anniversary was June 1 — and their children’s families, David relished sports, travel and community most of all in a lifetime of experiences. He was a master conversationalist, always interested in the adventures and minutia of the lives of his many friends and family.

Born on New Year’s Eve 1941, in Akron, Ohio, David was always very proud of his roots there. He fondly remembered his summer visits with his grandparents and his swims in Turkeyfoot Lake. Inspired by memories of Turkeyfoot, he loved to swim in whatever open water — lake, river, ocean — he came upon.

David was raised to put education first, and he followed up his many accomplishments as a student by spending most of his career working for schools.

He attended Valley Road School, Princeton Country Day, Phillips Academy Andover ‘59, Dartmouth College ‘63 and Harvard Law School ‘66. At Andover and Dartmouth, David won his graduating class’ scholar-athlete award. At Dartmouth, he earned nine varsity letters, in soccer, squash and tennis. A goalkeeper in soccer, he was named to the 1962 All-America first team.

David practiced law for only six months before returning to his first love: sports. He worked as assistant to the commissioner of the North American Soccer League, assistant athletic director at Yale, athletic director at Swarthmore College, and administrator and coach at the Roxbury Latin School in West Roxbury, MA. Of these, it was at Roxbury Latin where he found a home, immersing himself in its community during and outside school hours.

An energetic and creative, if not particularly sophisticated, traveler, David visited 48 states, 40 countries and six continents. His favorite languages were French and Latin, and his favorite countries were France and Egypt. He was known, even for overseas destinations, to leave home with only a backpack and a reservation for the first night. He was an outgoing tourist and loved talking with anyone he met, resulting in many great conversations and warm connections across the globe. A highlight of his travels was taking his seven grandchildren, as each reached age 10, on a trip of their choice.

A rich variety of sports-spectating represented the rich variety of David’s life. Born a Cleveland Indians fan, he was in New York’s Polo Grounds in 1954 when Willie Mays’ famous World Series catch foiled Cleveland. But he later worked in concessions at Candlestick Park, after the Giants moved to San Francisco, and became a huge admirer of Mays and San Francisco itself, where he and Mary would honeymoon.

Adopting the Red Sox after a move to Boston in the ‘70s, he was in Fenway Park for the legendary Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. He attended U.S. Open tennis for many years, a men’s World Cup in France, Wimbledon in England, the British Open in Scotland, the Olympics in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Inspired by his time as the Swarthmore women’s soccer coach, he was swept up in the frenzy around the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 1999 World Cup. All the while, he got to every Dartmouth game he could, no matter the sport.

In retirement, David continued to play and watch sports. After cycling to Fenway Park, he would seek out a free, or almost free, ticket, putting up one finger in the air. (Year after year, he kept a record: In 2004, he attended 31 games at the total cost of $72.20.)

In the Boston area, David volunteered as a tutor at Squashbusters, the Hyde Square Task Force, the Cape Verdean Task Force and Beacon Academy. He loved living in Jamaica Plain for over 30 years, going to museums and lectures, jogging, biking, playing tennis in Franklin Park and at the Carter Playground, and even swimming once or twice in Jamaica Pond. He also enjoyed many summers in Marion, MA, where, in all weather, he swam three times a day.

David is survived by Mary Howland Smoyer and their children, Laura (Christopher Myers) of Portland, OR, Amy (Jaime Muleiro) of New Haven, CT, and Mark (Jennifer Reese) of Brooklyn NY, and grandchildren: Isabel, Edith, Joseph, Henry, Owen, Javier and Michael.

He also leaves his sister Nancy of Fairbanks, AK. He was predeceased by his sister Janet and his brother, Bill.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in David’s memory may be donated at Squashbusters.org. The burial will be private. A memorial service is being planned for autumn.

CALENDAR

and House Tours – Harvest Bouquet.

June 22 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Old-Fashioned Wash Day – Felted Flowers.

June 29 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Ice Cream Party and Wheat Harvest – Wooden Boat Making and Sailing.

Hopewell Branch Library

Hopewell Branch Library is located at 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

June 7 – 10 a.m. to noon – Mah Jongg in the Morning.

June 10 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 10 – 4-5 p.m. – Crafternoon: Happy Father’s Day Cards.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults.

June 11 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Outdoor Toddler Rock.

June 11 – 4-5 p.m. – Crafternoon: Happy Father’s Day Cards.

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby time.

June 12 – 2-3 p.m. – The Short of It: George Saunders.

June 12 – 4:30-5 p.m. – Reading Rebels: A Guided Reading Book Club.

June 12 – 6-6:30 p.m. – Storytime.

June 13 – 10-11 a.m. – Cribbage and Coffee.

June 13 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Outdoor Storytime.

June 13 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Lego Club.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – (Virtual)

What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 13 – 7-8 p.m. – Sports Book Club.

June 14 – 10 a.m. to noon – Mah Jongg in the Morning.

June 14 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Toddler Rock.

June 14 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Stay and Play.

June 14 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. _ (virtual) Teen Advisory Board.

Pennington Public Library

Pennington Public Library is located at 30 N. Main St. For more information visit www.penningtonlibrary.org.

Through June 30 – Every Saturday –Hopewell Valley Come Outside and Play: Story Stroll and Rock Art.

June 11 – 7:30-8:30 p.m. – Too Busy for Books Book Club.

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Family Storytime.

June 12 – 7-8:15 p.m. – Andy Warhol: One Singular Sensation.

June 13 – 8-9 p.m. – Author Talk with Frieda McFadden.

Sundays at Washington Crossing Park

contact (609) 882-9246.

June 7 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers.

June 7 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Open Lab.

June 7 – 3-4 p.m. – Drum Circle.

June 8 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Mini Scien-

tists: Dinosaurs.

June 8 – 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Information

Table: League of Women Voters of Lawrence Township.

June 9 – 1:30 p.m. – Paper Circuits. June 9 – 2-4:30 p.m. – LGBTQ Film Screening: “A League of Their Own” (1992).

June 10 – Storytime.

June 10 – 11 a.m. – Little Artists.

June 10 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Windows 11: Files and Folders.

June 10 – 2-4 p.m. – Arm in Arm Mobile Food Pantry. June 10 – 4 p.m. – Round Singing.

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 10 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Watercolor

Painting: Ocean and Sun.

June 11 – 10 a.m. – Baby time.

June 11 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Google Drive.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults. June 11 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Quiet Storytime.

June 11 – 3-4 p.m. – CrafterNoon: Rock Painting and Shrinky Dinks.

June 11 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Pokémon Craft Night: Shrinky Dinks.

June 11 – 7-8 p.m. – PFLAG Information Session.

June 12 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Storytime. June 12 – 2-3:25 p.m. – Word Essentials. June 12 – 4-4:45 p.m. – Teen Volunteer Orientation Session.

June 12 – 6:30-7:15 p.m. – Teen Volunteer Orientation Session.

June 13 – 10 a.m. – Storytime. June 13 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Fiction Writers’ Workshop: Sharing Your Words.

June 13 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Word Essentials.

June 13 – 1-3:30 p.m. – Upcycle Challenge: Vehicles. June 13 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Internet: Online Scams and Fraud.

June 13 – 4-4:45 p.m. – Teen Volunteer Orientation Session.

June 13 – 6:30-7:15 p.m. – Teen Volunteer Orientation Session.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – (Virtual) What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 13 – 6:30-8 p.m. – Poetry Circle: Charles Bukowski.

June 14 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers.

June 14 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Open Lab.

June 14 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Teen Advisory Board. June 14 – 4-4:45 p.m. – Teen Volunteer Orientation Session.

The Historic Education Committee of the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) will lead tours of the State Park on various Sundays from 1-2:30 p.m.

EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD HAS A Naturehood

Tickets are free. As space is limited, all tickets must be reserved at Eventbrite. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-washington-crossing-state-park-historic-walkingtours-tickets-634898156477)

Tours begin at the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum with a tour overview and a screening of the film, Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty. Tour guides and state park historians will introduce participants to the Museum’s world-class Swan Historical Foundation Collection of Revolutionary War artifacts. They will also discuss Lloyd Garrison’s painting of Washington’s Crossing, and how it compares to other depictions of the 1776 Crossing.

Next, visitors will walk down Sullivan Drive to the entrance to Continental Lane, where you will engage in a discussion on the reasons why Gen. George Washington chose this spot for his history-changing campaign. From there, participants will walk to the park’s Stone Barn where they will examine a map of the Battle of Trenton and a large diorama of Washington’s Crossing, the March to Trenton, and the Battle of Trenton.

Finally, visitors will walk to the nearby Landing Overlook, where they will discuss the significance of the nearby 1740s Johnson Ferry House, and the importance of ferryboat operations to the Crossing and Landing.

Tours are free but donations to the Washington Crossing Park Association are gratefully accepted. Tours are contingent on the weather. For updates: call the Visitors Center at (609) 737-0623. You may also visit https://www.wcpa-nj.com/historic-tours for more information.

NOTE: There are no park entrance fees until July 1st. After that, a $5 per car (cash only) entry fee applies on weekends until Labor Day.

Contact Information: WCPA, Executive Director Annette Earling, info@washingtoncrossingparkassociation.com.

Lawrence Township

The Lawrence Township Library Branch is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township. For more information

Anne Demarais Nature Center (ADNC)

The center is located at 481 Drexel Ave. Every month, on the first Saturday, Lawrence Township Environmental Education Foundation is sponsoring walks through the meadow at the Lawrence Nature Center and through the Drexel Woods to see the wonders of nature, learn about the history of Lawrence Township and enjoy the great outdoors. Check back on the center’s Events page to see what is coming up and to register for a walk.

Montgomery Montgomery Library is located at 100 Community Dr., Skillman. For more information call (908) 458-8401.

June 11 – 10-11 a.m. – Tuesday Morning Page Turners.

June 11 – 6-7 p.m. – Paper Craft – Origami Butterfly and Crane.

June 12 – 5-6 p.m. – Digital Lab 102. June 13 – 2-3 p.m. – Tech Cafe. June 13 – 6-7:30 p.m. – Pride Month Paint and Snack for Adults.

June 14 – 10:30-11:15 a.m. – Story and Craft.

Princeton

Happenings at McCarter Theater

McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Place, Princeton. For more information about events listed or for tickets visit www.mccarter.org.

FOPOS

Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) has a number of events lined up. For more information visit www.fopos.org.

Happenings at Morven Museum & Garden

Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton St. Hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact info@morven.org.

CALENDAR

CALENDAR

Princeton Public Library

Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon St.

June 7 – 9:45 a.m. to noon – Job Seekers: ChatGPT and AI for the Job Seeker.

June 7 -7-10 p.m. – Dancing Under the Stars.

June 8 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Saturday Storytime!

June 8 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2024

June 8 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Lecture Recitals from the New School for Music Study.

June 8 – 3:30-5 p.m. – Youth: Drop-In Chess Sessions.

June 9 – 3-4 p.m. – Author: Kathleen Grissom.

June 10 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playtime Fun: Puppet Play.

June 10 – 7-8:30 p.m. – English Conversation Group.

June 10 – 7-8:30 p.m. – Workshop: Writers Room Poets.

June 11 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Art: Princeton Sketchers.

June 11 – 10:30 a.m. to noon – English Conversation Group.

June 11 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Outdoor Storytime at Princeton Shopping Center.

June 11 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playtime Fun: Puppet Play.

June 11 – 4-7 p.m. – Mercer County Community ID.

June 12 – 10 a.m. to noon – Drop in and Knit.

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Storytime!

June 12 – 11:30 a.m. to noon – Kids: Baby Storytime.

June 12 – noon to 1 p.m. – Baby Play Group.

June 12 – 4-5:30 p.m. – English Conversation Group.

June 12 – 6-7 p.m. – Lecture: Holly Korbey: “What is Citizenship?”

June 12 – 6:30-8 p.m. – Walnut Lane Film Festival 2024.

June 13 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Storytime!

June 13 – 10:30 a.m. to noon – English Conversation Group.

June 13 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Publishers Summer Book Buzz.

June 13 – 11:30 a.m. to noon – Kids: Baby Storytime.

June 13 – noon to 1 p.m. – Baby Play Group.

June 13 – 1-2 p.m. – Tech: Mac Photos 101.

June 13 – 7:15 -8:30 p.m. – Black Voices Book Group.

June 14 – 9:45 a.m. to noon – Job Seekers: Interviewing from Strengths.

June 14 – 3-4 p.m. – Teens: Take and Make – Dried Flower Bookmark.

Lewis Center of the Arts

Lewis Center of the Arts is located at 122 Alexander St., Princeton.

Center for Modern Aging Princeton

Center for Modern Aging Princeton is located at 101 Poor Farm Road, Building B. For more information contact (609) 751-9699 ext. 105. Programs include in-person, hybrid, or virtual. See CALENDAR

by Patti Varol

CALENDAR

Princeton University Library

Princeton University Library (PUL) to present “Ulises Carrión: Bookworks and Beyond,” the spring exhibition in the Ellen and Leonard Milberg Gallery at Firestone Library. Curated by Sal Hamerman, Metadata Librarian for Special Collections at PUL, and Javier Rivero Ramos, a recent Ph.D graduate from the Department of Art & Archaeology, who is now assistant curator at Art Bridges Foundation in Arkansas. The exhibition runs through June 13. Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Guided tours are available to the public.

Friday, June 7 to Saturday, June 22

Princeton Symphony Orchestra to present the 2024 Princeton Festival. Events are at Morven Museum and Garden, 55 Stockton St. For more information visit princetonsymphony.org/festival or call (609) 497-0020.

West Windsor

West Windsor Community Farmer’s Market – third Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Vaugn Lot.

• June 15

• July 20

• August 17

• September 21 • October 19

Kelsey Theatre at Mercer is located at the Mercer County Community College (MCCC), 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

West Windsor Arts

West Windsor Arts Council, located at 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, is hosting a number of events. For more information, call (609) 716-1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.

West Windsor Branch Library West Windsor Branch Library is located at 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction.

June 7 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Songs and Stories. June 7 – 2-3:30

Novenas