Town Topics Newspaper, December 14, 2022

Solidarity Vigil Against Hate, Bigotry to Be Held On Saturday, Dec. 17

A Solidarity Vigil Against Hate and Bigotry will take place at Tiger Park in front of Palmer Square on Saturday, December 17 from 3 to 4 p.m. in response to a recent rise in hate crimes and violence.

Sponsored by the Princeton-based Coalition for Peace Action (CFPA), along with the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (BRCSJ), Not In Our Town Princeton, and the Princeton Community Democratic Organization, the rally will represent a stand against all acts of violence and hatred, online and in real life.

“There has been a huge surge in hate crimes and violence,” said CFPA Executive Director the Rev. Robert Moore. “It’s gotten worse and worse. Spreading these hateful messages is pernicious.”

Moore cited increasing numbers of attacks and threats against LGBTQ, African American, Asian, Jewish, Muslim, and other communities. “These are the people who are being targeted now,” he said. “We need to be proactive to prevent that, and the best way to be proactive is what we’re trying to do with the solidarity vigil on Saturday.”

He continued, “We don’t want these groups to feel that people of good will are just watching and saying, ‘Oh, that’s too bad, but what can I do about it?’ We need to be way more proactive. This event is trying to get ahead of the curve and say, ‘We’re not going to wait for the next hate crime to happen. We’re going to be expressing solidarity with all these victim communities and all people of good will standing together.”

ABC Eyewitness News reported last week that hate crimes were up 70 percent last month in New York City compared to the same month in 2021, with antisemitic attacks rising 125 percent.

“We have normalized hate and I continue to say the biggest spreader of this hate is social media,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in the ABC news report. “What social media is doing to normalize hate, to spread hate, it’s just really alarming.”

Last month, on November 3, the FBI in Newark reported it had received “credible information” of a threat to New Jersey synagogues. The suspected perpetrator was apprehended the next day, but New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy noted, “This remains a tense time for our Jewish

Winter Tripledemic, Health Challenges Loom

COVID-19, u, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are all on the rise, and with cold weather and holiday gatherings bringing people indoors together in large groups, the medical challenges of the weeks and months ahead are daunting.

The particular situations and risks are different for every individual and every family, but in Princeton and throughout the country, people will be living with the threat of these three viruses during the coming months.

Reported cases (unquestionably an undercount) of COVID-19 and COVIDrelated hospitalizations are up more than 25 percent in the past two weeks, and test positivity rates are rising quickly across the country, according to the December 13 New York Times. “The current surge is milder so far than at this point in previous winter waves, but its nationwide scope is concerning,” the Times reported.

In Mercer County, reported daily cases are up 66 percent over the past 14 days, but rates and hospitalization levels for COVID-19 in Mercer remain relatively low.

A December 7 New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) press release urged

New Jerseyans to take precautions to protect themselves against a triple threat of respiratory illnesses “as flu season starts with a vengeance.”

The NJHA article noted, “Among currently active respiratory illnesses, in uenza accounts for the highest number of emergency department visits, while RSV is responsible for the highest number of hospitalizations.” There was a record number of nearly 950 emergency department visits for children with respiratory

illnesses in the days following Thanksgiving, and about 70 percent of New Jersey’s pediatric beds have been lled throughout November.

The press release also reported that New Jersey has already reached “very high” levels of u, still early in a u season that lasts until April.

NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett warned of a challenging season ahead that “will test the health care system’s capacity and resiliency,” and urged

Local LGBTQ+ Liaison Welcomes Same-Sex Marriage Rights Bill

On the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday afternoon, President Biden held a ceremony in which he signed the Respect for Marriage Act, a bipartisan bill that protects same-sex and interracial marriages.

The legislation passed both chambers of Congress last Thursday with 12 Republican senators and 39 Republican members of the House siding with the Democrats to support the bill. In a statement, Biden said the legislation “will give

peace of mind to millions of LGBTQ+ and interracial couples.”

Among them are Princeton residents Nick DiDomizio and Robby Pagels, who were married at their apartment four years ago by then-Mayor Liz Lempert. But this is not the time to sit back, said DiDomizio, who is the LGBTQ+ liaison to the municipality of Princeton, treasurer of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO), and secretary of the town’s Civil Rights Commission.

A HOLIDAY TRADITION: Featuring more than 60 young artists and choreography by Risa Kaplowitz, “The Nutcracker ” was presented by Princeton Youth Ballet at the Princeton High School Performing Arts Center in three performances last weekend. The production was adapted by Talin Kenar.

(Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

Holiday Safety Tips From First Aid and Rescue Squad

Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS) urges families to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season by brushing up on home safety tips that will help minimize risks and hazards.

“With all the decorations, cooking, and activities that come with the holidays, it is important to be safe while also having fun. Taking a few simple and preventative steps can keep your holiday festivities from going from joyful to tragic this season,” said PFARS Chief Matt Stiff.

Starting from December into the new year, hospitals and emergency departments tend to see a sharp increase in accidents and injuries relating to the holidays. According to American Medical Response, the number of cardiac deaths is higher on December 25 than any other day of the year, second highest on December 26, and third highest on January 1. The risk rises due to holiday stress, over-exertion, skipping medications and dietary mistakes. Accidental burns from cooking, falling from a ladder, and allergic reactions from food choices can sometimes lead to injuries and even hospitalization.

Citing tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, PFARS encourages people to decorate

safely, make food safety a priority, stay safe on the roads, take carbon monoxide poisoning seriously, and give safely.

Decorating safely means keeping potentially poisonous plants like mistletoe and holly berries away from children, making sure an artificial tree is fire-resistant, keeping live trees away from fireplaces and other heat sources, and using indoor and outdoor lights

appropriately, among others. Turn off all lights and decorations when going to bed or leaving the home.

Tips for food safety include washing hands, surfaces, or utensils frequently; storing leftovers properly; and making sure food is cut into small enough pieces so as not to cause choking in young children.

For a complete list of recommendations, visit pfars. org.

Annual

Caroling

Join Boards, Commissions or Committees : The municipality is looking to fill vacancies with residents of Princeton who are willing to attend regularly scheduled meetings. Visit princetonnj.gov for more information.

Call for Land Stewards: Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) for morning (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) or afternoon (1-4 p.m.) volunteer sessions under the guidance of FOPOS’ director of natural resources and stewardship, to assist with critical restoration projects at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Weekday and weekend sessions available. Visit fopos.org/getinvolved.

Blood Donors Needed: The American Red Cross needs blood and platelets to keep supplies from dropping ahead of the holidays. All types are needed, especially type O. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) 733-2767 for more information.

Free COVID-19 Test Kits: Available at Princeton Health Department, 1 Monument Drive, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There is limit of four per household; you must reside in Princeton to get the kits.

Free Vision and Dental Services for Low Income Residents : The municipality is offering these services for low-income Princeton residents impacted by the pandemic. For application information, visit Princetonnj.gov.

Flu Shot Clinics : Several clinics are being held throughout the fall at different area locations. For a full list, email healthdepartment@princetonnj.gov.

SARAH

JENNIFER

CHARLES

JOANN CELLA

STAY SAFE: Princeton First Aid & Rescue Square (PFARS) is always on call during the holiday season.

The Princeton Battlefield State Park, site of the battle that turned the tide for George Washington and his troops on January 3, 1777 in the American Revolution, will be receiving state

funding of more than $2 million for restoration and preservation.

The work, focusing on the historic Thomas Clarke House and the Colonnade that stands on the western side of the Mercer Road battlefield, will be completed over the next three years in preparation for the country’s 2026 celebrations of 250 years of independence.

which is a gateway to the Memorial Grove and grave site of an unknown number of American and British dead, Quackenbush said. The masonry of the structure is in serious need of cleaning and repointing.

The Colonnade and Memorial Grove is the site of a wreath-laying ceremony that follows the annual reenactment of the Battle of Princeton, next scheduled for January 8. Organized by the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and other historical heritage groups,

“New Jersey’s contributions to our nation’s independence is undeniable. From the battlefields where the tide of the American Revolution turned, to the many other sites where our nation’s identity was forged, New Jersey was arguably more deeply involved in the cause of independence than any other state,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in his November 29 announcement of an investment totaling $25 million in 10 Revolutionary War sites throughout the state, including Washington Crossing State Park, Trenton’s Old Barracks, the Battle Monument in Trenton, and Rockingham in Kingston, along with the Princeton Battlefield State Park.

“As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, it is important that our historic sites are prepared to welcome the hundreds of thousands of visitors that will undoubtedly travel from around the world to witness these sites in person on such a momentous occasion,” Murphy continued.

“This investment will allow us to revitalize our historic sites and make sure we are prepared when they come.”

At Princeton Battlefield these preparations will take many forms, according to Todd Quackenbush, communications chair and trustee of the Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS). The Clarke House, the only structure on site dating from the battle, will see some much needed repair, and providing ADAcompliant access within the park and its buildings will be a priority.

The main focus of the work, however, will be the restoration of the Colonnade,

TURNING THE TIDE: Princeton Battlefield Park, where George Washington and his American troops defeated the British and helped to change the course of the American Revolution, will

$2 million in state funding for preservation and renovations in the com-

three years. The photo above is from last January’s reenactment of the Battle of Princeton; the next event will take place on January 8, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Princeton Battlefield Society)

communities who are facing a wave of antisemitic activity.”

Noting that a surge in hate speech and violence had been especially evident since 2016, when Donald Trump was running for president, Moore warned of the dangers of hate language online and in person. “The vast majority of people who are trafficking in hate speech probably won’t commit violence, but it normalizes the idea of dehumanizing another person and being willing to act violently against them,” he said. “It fuels that.”

He emphasized, “We need to be standing in solidarity against any and all violent expressions against any group that’s being targeted. If anybody wants to attack the Jewish community, I want to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. I think all of us of good will want to do that. Same thing with the LGBTQ community. Same thing with the African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities.”

Alia Shinbrough, BRCSJ Minister for Queer Liberation, commented on recent threats and acts of violence against the LGBTQ community. “The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice condemns the recent threats and acts of hate and violence directed towards our LGBTQIA community members and our precious and endangered safe spaces. As intersectional social justice workers we hold responsible anyone capitalizing on this politics of hatred and stoking political violence in our collective public life — including those who scapegoat

and target our neighbors over differences in race, religion, sexuality, and gender to propel their own ambitions.”

They continued, “Tender times like these remind us of the vitality of our center’s work for collective liberation, especially in collaboration with dedicated partners like the Coalition for Peace Action. We extend our solidarity and uplift our care to all those in our beautifully diverse communities who are in need of recognition, respect, and indeed love, in this difficult moment and beyond.”

Describing Saturday’s vigil as “a big part of our call to be peacemakers at this time” and a means of fostering “the vision of peace on Earth,” Moore noted, “That’s what we’re all about. Let’s be in solidarity fully and show that solidarity visibly by standing together in this vigil against hate and bigotry.”

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP via email to jnew@peacecoalition.org

—Donald Gilpin

Rider Furniture

Rider University Launches Social Media Major Program

Rider University is now offering the opportunity for students to major in social media. The new Bachelor of Arts in Social Media Strategies program prepares students to strategically create, manage, and curate social media content and use it professionally as an effective communication tool.

The 48-credit program teaches practical communication skills as well as an advanced theoretical understanding of a field that has fundamentally changed the communication and media professions. Coursework exposes students to current digital media trends and prepares them to enter the job market with supplemental multimedia skills in video production, podcasting, and graphic design.

The program culminates with a capstone course in which students work with professional clients under faculty guidance. The social media campaign they create can be used as a standout portfolio piece during a job search.

“Students who complete this program will be ready to plan and execute effective social media strategies across a wide variety of professional settings,” said Nancy Wiencek, an associate professor of communication and the chair of Rider’s Department of Communication, Journalism, and Media.

riderfurniture.com

Mon-Fri 10-6; Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5

Rider has offered a minor in social media strategies since 2018, which has attracted students from a broad range of majors. Career opportunities in the

field are expected to grow by 8 percent by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That rate is faster than the average for all occupations reported by the Bureau.

The program was designed to provide graduates with the qualifications needed to make them competitive across a variety of communications positions beyond a social media specialist, such as a digital marketing coordinator, communication manager, and digital content planner.

The social media strategies program is housed in Rider’s Department of Communication, Journalism, and Media, which capitalizes on its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia to offer valuable internship opportunities in a media-rich region of the United States.

Literacy New Jersey Offers Upcoming Programs

Literacy New Jersey of Mercer County is looking for volunteers to tutor and help adults improve their English literacy skills. The volunteers will work oneto-one or in small groups to teach adults who are learning to speak, read, and write English.

Tutor Training Workshops will take place online on Zoom, Wednesdays, January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, and March 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Participants are expected to attend all training sessions and complete some independent online assignments. Previous teaching experience is not necessary.

Literacy New Jersey Mercer is offering free GED (HSE) classes starting January 11, for Mercer County residents age 18 and older.

These free classes will be held online on Zoom. Classes will run two hours once a week and cover reading, writing, and math materials found on the Hi-Set exam (a high school equivalency or HSE exam to earn an HSE diploma).

Free online citizenship classes will be held on Tuesdays January 10-March 28. These are free 12-week sessions and will be held on Zoom. Students can choose from weekly morning classes or evening classes.

For more information on any of these programs, call (609) 587-6027 or email mercer@literacynj.org to enroll or for more information.

Tell them you saw their ad in

STAYING HEALTHY: From left, Penn Medicine Princeton Health CEO James Demetriades, actress Amy Brenneman, Dr. Pamela Mills, and Dr. Anish Sheth, chief of gastroenterology at Princeton Health, during a daylong wellness conference on Saturday, December 3. Following opening remarks by Demetriades and Sheth, attendees were free to choose a series of educational sessions on topics related to nutrition, exercise, and digestive health. The keynote discussion to close the event was a conversation between Sheth and Brenneman, the Emmy-nominated star of “Judging Amy,” about her health journey.

NOW – DECEMBER 24

THE McCARTER TRADITION IS BACK!

Learn more about the show and get tickets!

“A Christmas Carol is an entertaining, inspiring show that is being beautifully presented by McCarter Theatre Center. For many, attending it has become a holiday tradition. Gather your group, get tickets and see it while you can!” –Broadway World

A Christmas Carol ensamble, Addie Seiler as young Scrooge in the center. Photo by Matt Pilsner.

“Obviously I’m very appreciative of this added protection, but there is more to do,” he said this week. “We have to keep fighting.”

DiDomizio is project manager at Evotec, a drug discovery and development firm. Pagels is the director of research and development at Optimeus, a chemical engineering company. The two met at the University of Delaware and moved to Princeton in 2015. They married after being together for eight years.

“Marriage equality had recently passed in New Jersey, and the decision at the Supreme Court was also recent,” said DiDomizio.

“We just made this decision to have a civil wedding. We had reached out to Liz to see if she’d marry us in our apartment, and she was happy to do it. We had close friends attend, and it was a very special day. I was very appreciative of her coming to do the ceremony.”

As LGBTQ+ liaison to the municipality, DiDomizio has recently encountered a negative resurgence against that community. “I feel like people are riding that wave again,” he said. “I think these protections [the federal bill] are necessary, especially since what happened with [overturning] Roe v. Wade. I never thought things would come around again where same-sex marriage would be called into question at the federal level. But here we are.”

Since 2015, Princeton has been submitting to the Human Rights Campaign

Municipal Equality Index, which examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

Princeton earned a score of 100 this year and last year.

“Every year, the criteria gets a little bit tougher,” said DiDomizio, who has been involved in the submissions since late 2019. “And with a small town like Princeton, there is a lot to compete with in big cities.”

Despite the top scores, there is more that can be done in Princeton to provide services for LGBTQ+ youth or people living with HIV.

“That’s where the continued work comes in,” DiDomizio said. “It’s something I take part in — making sure the municipality is not only held accountable, but thinking about ways we can improve.”

—Anne Levin

Stoutsburg Sourland Museum Names Three New Trustees

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), central New Jersey’s first and only Black history museum, has welcomed three leading African American women to its board of trustees this year.

“SSAAM’s mission of providing a broader and truer American history narrative with the intention of encouraging greater understanding between our diverse communities is so unifying,” said SSAAM Executive Director Donnetta Johnson. “With the addition of three amazingly accomplished women — Jackie Fay, Stephanie Adkins, and Marion Gill, all of whom are inspired and motivated by our mission — SSAAM is poised for the successful launch of our capital campaign to build central New Jersey’s only African American museum complex and environmental center.”

Adkins is executive vice president and chief lending officer at the Bank of Princeton. She also works with the service organization Jack and Jill of America, and is passionate about its mission to provide opportunities for young people to learn leadership skills and build character.

“I joined this board because I believe in SSAAM’s mission,” said Adkins. “I have lived and worked in this area for decades and simply did not know that there was an African American history and legacy here. I want to make sure that people far and wide will understand who Friday Truehart and his fellow travelers were and

what they accomplished.

SSAAM is a treasure.”

Fay is chief of staff for New Jersey Assemblyman Anthony S. Verelli. She has 25 years of experience in human resources for large organizations, with a special interest in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) best practices. She co-planned and co-hosted SSAAM’s “Oxtail Fest” dinner in November 2021, a celebration of the African American culinary tradition that raised more than $85,000 for the organization. As an American of African, Cuban, and Latin American descent, she has an interest in sharing the untold stories of the African American community.

“I believe SSAAM has a unique opportunity to educate future generations of New Jerseyans about the true history of African Americans in our state, something I was denied in New Jersey’s public schools,” said Fay. “All our children should learn about the enormous contributions made by people of color, as well as the hardships they faced.”

Gill is associate director of special projects at Princeton University. Her first project at the University is the expansion and rebuilding of the art museum, due for 2024. She previously served as the director of museum planning and operations for the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, S.C., and spent more than 25 years at the Smithsonian Institution, where she played a key role in the planning and opening of the National Museum of

the American Indian (NMAI) in 2004 and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in 2016.

“SSAAM’s work — preserving, celebrating, and disseminating African American history and culture — is central to understanding the American experience,” said Gill. “I am thrilled and humbled to support this incredible organization.”

Police Blotter

On December 9, at 9:02 a.m., the Police Department received a telephoned report of a suspicious mail collection bin that was left open in the area of Nassau and Witherspoon streets. Further investigation revealed that the collection bin was accessed by an unauthorized individual using a key, who had subsequently stolen all the contents. The investigation was turned over to the U.S. Postal Inspector.

On December 5, at 8:55 p.m., an individual reported that the catalytic converter on his mother’s vehicle was cut off and stolen. He be -

lieves it happened while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot on Elm Road sometime from the end of October to the first week in November. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

On December 5, at 7:54 p.m., it was reported that an unknown individual or individuals entered an unlocked vehicle on Harriet Drive between December 4 at 8 p.m. and December 5 at 7:30 a.m. Northing appeared to have been taken from the vehicle, nor was there any damage observed or reported to the vehicle. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

On December 5, at 2:06 p.m., an individual reported that an unidentified male shoplifted several items from a Nassau Street retail store on December 3 at 2:30 p.m. The total value of the stolen items was $653. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

On December 5, at 8:52 a.m., a Lafayette Road West resident reported that, on December 2, an unknown person withdrew $4,600 from her bank checking account using a fictitious form of identification at a branch located in Alabama. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

NJ Transit Study Envisions Multi-Modal Dinky Corridor

A concept plan to upgrade the Dinky train line that runs between Princeton station and Princeton Junction, and enhance service on and around the line, has inspired more than 300 signatures on a petition urging NJ Transit, and the municipality, to go forward with the idea.

“The upgraded Dinky transitway will reduce car traffic. It will cut down commuting times to the Northeast Corridor. It will draw more visitors to our local stores and restaurants,” reads the petition, which is on the website friendsofthedinkycorridor.com. “We believe in transit infrastructure that helps build community. So here’s our message to NJ Transit and local elected officials: let’s get this project on the fast track.”

NJ Transit’s recently released Princeton Transitway Study identifies four alternatives for upgrading the 2.7-mile rail line and developing new mobility opportunities in the corridor. Three involve building; the fourth option is “no build.” The study recommends the first alternative, which is for a “dedicated transit roadway with embedded light rail.”

This would involve electric light-rail cars running on a rail track between the two stations, much like the current Dinky; electric buses on rubber wheels that use both lanes of the corridor but can also leave it to go beyond the stations; on-board WiFi on the vehicles, all of which will be electric; and a bike-and-walk path along the corridor to allow safe crossing over U.S. 1 at the D&R Canal towpath and the Dinky Line trail.

This mixed-use option expands the line past the current terminus on the edge of the Princeton University campus into town; and could possibly extend, in the other direction, past Princeton Junction into West Windsor. Potential new stations would include six in town, and two in the transitway segment at Canal Pointe Boulevard and Roszel Road.

Said to be the shortest rail line in the world, the Dinky has been in use for more than 150 years. The location of the Princeton station has moved twice. It has endured budget cuts, and been threatened with extinction. The trains in use today date from the 1970s, and contain parts that are difficult,

if not impossible, to replace.

Surveys and input from stakeholders were taken into account when coming up with the recommendation, the study reports. Virtual public meetings were held. The goal was not only to improve service along the Princeton Branch line, but also to enhance connectivity, utilize new and emerging transportation technology, and “provide a flexible and scalable system that can respond to changing demand that results from events, as well as from short-term and long-term travel trends,” reads the study.

The enhancements would reduce automobile traffic between Princeton and Princeton Junction, as well as in the town. Bus stops and rail platforms that are level with the fl oor in the bus or train would allow those with mobility challenges to board easily and independently.

The next step in the process would be to advance the recommended alternative to preliminary design, along with the required environmental documentation.

“We have a unique opportunity to revitalize transit in the Princeton region,” reads the Friends of the Dinky website. “This is no longer about the shortest and quaintest commuter line. It’s about taking pride in a faster, more reliable, and comprehensive system — one that extends all the way into Princeton’s central business district and community hubs, and also includes bicycle and pedestrian access.”

—Anne Levin

Antisemitic Threat Reported

At Princeton Middle School

An alleged antisemitic threat of violence against Jews and synagogues during a conversation between two students at lunch in the Princeton Middle School (PMS) cafeteria was reported by PMS Principal Jason Burr in a December 12 email to families, students, and staff.

The “alleged potential threat of violence” was overheard by a teacher, and the PMS Threat Assessment Team met immediately to investigate the credibility of the threat, Burr stated. The alleged threat was also reported to the Princeton Police Department.

“We acted quickly and followed our established protocols, which included consultations and evaluations by both district and external experts,” Burr wrote in the email. “We treat all situations like this with the seriousness they deserve.”

Noting that all threats and hate speech are counter to the values promoted at PMS, Burr added, “We would like to remind the community that any type of threatening hate speech is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, as well as the targeting of any individual or any group. We look forward to working with the Jewish Community Relations Council and other community partners to provide educational resources to our students and staff, as well as counseling for our students.”

Think Global Buy Local

ADVOCACY EFFORT: Svetlana Repic-Qira, executive vice president of Princeton-based Community Options, recently met with U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez in Washington to advocate for children with disabilities internationally. Community Options develops housing and employment for 5,000 people with disabilities across 11 states, and has previously operated in Egypt through USAID. “I want to thank Sen. Menendez for leading the efforts on this important legislation,” said Repic-Qira, shown at left with Menendez. “We are proud to support this bipartisan bill which will advance disability rights and prevent the unnecessary institutionalization of children with disabilities around the world.”

New System for Collecting Waste Will Require Adapting to Changes

Trash was the focus of the Monday, December 12 meeting of Princeton Council. The governing body discussed a new collection system for solid waste that gets underway February 1, once 64-gallon carts are delivered to every residential dwelling during the last two weeks of January.

As the town’s Land Use Engineer Jim Purcell said in his presentation, the goal for the evening was to agree on the maximum number of carts per household, and the annual cost for additional carts if people request them. After some discussion, Councilmembers agreed on staff’s recommendation of one 64-gallon cart per dwelling, and a fee of $300 a year for extra carts. But needing more than one 64-gallon cart is not likely, Purcell said, as Assistant Administrator and Municipal Engineer Deanna Stockton demonstrated by stuffing seven Styrofoamfilled kitchen trash bags into a cart that had been brought in for the occasion. Purcell said the cart can handle up to 200 pounds of waste. Extra trash cannot be put out in bags, as it has been. Only the waste in carts will be collected.

Bulk waste collection, which includes things like

furniture and rugs, will now be once a week, on Wednesdays. Residents will have to schedule the pickups, either by phone, email, the town’s website, or an online app. “A lot of change is happening,” said Councilwoman Eve Niedergang. “We need to educate people so they know what the changes are.”

Costs for trash collection have gone up significantly, and the new program is less expensive for Princeton. At this point, including organic waste would be too costly, but the idea has not been abandoned. “The bid that came in was too expensive, but we are working on a solution for that,” said Purcell.

Public hearings were held for three ordinances, related to public parking spaces for charging electric vehicles; salaries of some municipal personnel; and merging the zone maps of the former Borough and Township. All were passed unanimously.

Councilman David Cohen said one reason the consolidation of the maps is significant is its new format, which is color-coded rather than black and white, making it much more readable.

Council meets next on Monday, December 19 at 7 p.m.

—Anne Levin

Nelson Glass & Aluminum Co.

Peaceful Holiday Season Best Wishes for a 741 Alexander Rd, Princeton • 924-2880

TerraCycle Home Offers Holiday Waste Options

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans throw away 25 percent more trash than any other time of year — amounting to an estimated 125,000 tons of plastic packaging discarded every holiday season — according to the National Environmental Education Foundation. TerraCycle, the Trenton-based recycling company that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials, is doing something to reduce these numbers with TerraCycle Home, a subscription-based pickup service for more than 20 different waste streams local recycling services won’t accept curbside.

“Every year, the holiday season brings joy, cheer, and an unfortunate amount of excess waste into our homes,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “Through TerraCycle Home, we are offering residents across New Jersey and in Eastern Pennsylvania an easy way to recycle any plastic packaging that is not accepted by their curbside recycling program. This way, they can celebrate sustainably this season, without guilt over the excess waste that the holidays produce.”

Through TerraCycle Home, New Jersey residents in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union counties and Pennsylvania residents in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties can subscribe to the service for a wide array of items that are not accepted in curbside recycling bins.

In addition to plastic packaging, the program also collects cosmetics and oral care

packaging; party supplies and disposables; media storage and wires and cords; pet food packaging; plastic toys and sporting goods; milk and juice cartons; plastic bottle caps; cigarette butts; Styrofoam and corks; food and drink pouches; coffee capsules and water filters; worn clothing and eyewear; shoes and footwear; ink and toner cartridges; used cleaning supplies; personal protective equipment, and office supplies.

For more information, visit terracyclehome.com.

Capital Health and St. Francis Get Approval for Transition

Capital Health, St. Francis Medical Center, and Trinity Health have obtained key approvals for Capital Health to take over services from St. Francis.

To ensure there is no disruption of services to the community, the organizations are planning for a December 21 completion of the transaction and services transition. At that time, St. Francis will no longer operate as an acute care hospital, however the site will remain the location for an Emergency Department and several outpatient services. Other services will be relocated.

The approvals come after regulatory reviews by the New Jersey Department of Health of Certificate of Need applications submitted by Capital Health, and approval by the New Jersey Superior Court of the transaction as part of the CHAPA process which included review by the NJ Attorney General’s Office. Parallel to the review process, 30 integration teams comprised of Capital Health, St. Francis

Medical Center, and Trinity team members have been meeting in preparation and anticipation of the transition to ensure that, if approved, there would be no disruption of services for patients in the Trenton and Mercer County community. With these approvals, additional transition information regarding services will be shared with neighbors, patients, and other stakeholders.

“St. Francis has done many great things for the Trenton community, but the current health care landscape has made it unsustainable,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “Without these key approvals, Trenton would have lost desperately needed health care services, including emergency services, behavioral health, and cardiac surgery. This would be devastating to the residents of Trenton and Central New Jersey, This is not a typical corporate transaction, with one organization taking over another to make itself stronger in the

marketplace. In fact, Capital Health has taken a significant risk to try and prevent a health care crisis in Trenton. We are very appreciative of the diligence with which the New Jersey Department of Health reviewed our Certificate of Need applications, and of the attorney general’s review and Superior Court support for the transaction. Capital Health is committed to the city of Trenton, and we will continue to invest in the resources necessary to serve the healthcare needs of our neighbors and broader community.”

Capital Health and St. Francis Medical Center, a member of Trinity Health, entered into a definitive agreement this past January to move forward with Capital Health’s acquisition of St. Francis Medical Center. The addition of St. Francis Medical Center to the Capital Health network of health care services will result in an integrated, comprehensive, and sustainable nonprofit health care system for communities in the greater Trenton area.

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In a December 10 telephone interview, Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center (PMPMC) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Craig Gronczewski acknowledged the challenges facing the hospital and the community, but expressed optimism that those challenges would be met. PMPMC had a record number of emergency room visits in November this year.

“In many way I feel we are more challenged than ever in the emergency department of the hospital, but I feel we are better prepared than ever as well,” he said.

“Even though we’re busier than we’ve been, this is the most comfortable I’ve been heading into winter since before COVID.”

Gronczewski commented on each of the three viruses.

“I think the worst of COVID is behind us,” he said. “It’s still present and clearly impacts our community and our patients, but we’ve gotten much better at understanding how to manage the virus. We’re not seeing nearly as many severely ill patients with COVID coming to the hospital.”

Describing last winter’s Omicron surge as “the most challenging winter of my career,” Gronczewski does not anticipate similar conditions this winter. Based on indicators at this point, he is expecting hospitalizations to be about one-third or one-fourth as high as in past years.

As far as RSV cases at PMPMC are concerned, Gronczewski also expressed cautious optimism. He pointed out that it’s the worst RSV season he’s seen in his 20 years of work in emergency medicine and it’s also unusual to see serious cases in adults. He added, however, “We’re very early in the season, but there are

some very good indicators in the past couple of weeks that it is not taking an exponential trajectory. It’s very present, but not growing outside of what we can manage.”

Gronczewski anticipates a high intensity flu season at the hospital, “much worse than average,” but again, not beyond the hospital’s abilities to manage. “It’s going to bring volume to the ER, volume to urgent care centers, and it’s going to bring more volume to individual practices, and it’s going to cause more staff to pull out of work for themselves or their children who are ill,” he said. “We see this almost every year at this time of year.”

Gronczewski emphasized that extensive planning and the hospital’s preparations for surge capacity were paying off. “We’ve spent a lot of time and money ensuring that we are reinforcing the ER to confront the impact of these three respiratory illnesses in particular that are

representing the outbreak in our community. We’ve done a lot of work over the past months to plan and implement surge capacity,” he said.

“Feel safe, feel protected, but be patient if you need to come to an emergency department — and be kind to our staff,” Gronczewski added in response to a request for advice to the local community. “Be kind and respectful to health care workers. We’ve sacrificed a lot for our community. Being a health care worker in an emergency department is one of the riskiest jobs in the country when it comes to workplace violence.”

He continued, “We do the best we can, and we expect our staff to provide excellent care, to communicate effectively, to be compassionate and respectful, but we also expect mutual respect for anyone in the emergency department, whether you’re an employee or a patient.”

Dr. George DiFerdinando, an internist and the chair

of the Princeton Board of Health, also offered advice for individuals as they confront the prospects of a long winter of COVID-19, flu, and RSV ahead. Anticipating rising numbers of infections for all three viruses in the coming months, DiFerdinando emphasized the value of vaccines and masks.

“We can prevent disease and death, but the persistence that is required is challenging us all,” he said. “This staying with the plan — it’s really hard.” He noted that he’s back to wearing a mask indoors in crowded settings like grocery stores, coffee shops, and other crowded indoor spaces, but he sees only about one in 10 others wearing masks.

DiFerdinando noted that only 35 percent of people over 65, the most vulnerable

group, have gotten the bivalent booster shot. He added, “It’s a good time to get vaccinated,” in the weeks before the holidays when families and friends gather in close proximity.

“We’re all weary of this,” he said. “It’s a balance between acknowledging the weariness and highlighting the fact that we have data that this new bivalent booster works.”

He pointed out that northeastern New Jersey counties are seeing high COVID-19 rates, New York City has reported high rates, and that Mercer County is likely to follow. “We should expect COVID to continue to go up through the holiday season,” he said. “It’s not that COVID is back. It never really went away.”

—Donald Gilpin

Jan: 9, 23 Feb: 6, 20 Mar: 6, 20 Apr: 3, 17 May: 1, 15, Jun: 3, 12, 26

Jul: 10, 24 Aug: 7, 21, Sep: 9, 18 Oct: 2, 16, 30 Nov: 13, 27 Dec: 11, 30

Jan: 2, 16, 30 Feb: 13, 27 Mar: 13, 27 Apr: 10, 24 May: 8, 22 Jun: 5, 19

Jul: 3, 17, 31 Aug: 14, 28 Sep: 11, 25 Oct: 9, 23 Nov: 6, 20 Dec: 4, 18

Jan: 10, 24 Feb: 7, 21 Mar: 7, 21 Apr: 4, 18 May: 2, 16, 30 Jun: 13, 27

Jul: 11, 25 Aug: 8, 22 Sep: 5, 19 Oct: 3, 17, 31 Nov: 14, 28 Dec: 12, 26

Jan: 3, 17, 31 Feb: 14, 28 Mar: 14, 28 Apr: 11, 25 May: 9, 23 Jun: 6, 20

Jul: 8, 18 Aug: 1, 15, 29 Sep: 12, 26 Oct: 10, 24 Nov: 7, 21 Dec: 5, 19

Jan: 4, 18 Feb: 1, 15, Mar: 1, 15, 29 Apr: 12, 26 May: 10, 24 Jun: 7, 21,

Jul: 5, 19 Aug: 2, 16, 30 Sep: 13, 27 Oct: 11, 25 Nov: 8, 22 Dec: 6, 20

Jan: 11, 25 Feb: 8, 22 Mar: 8, 22 Apr: 5, 19 May: 3, 17, 31 Jun: 14, 28

Jul: 12, 26 Aug: 9, 23 Sep: 6, 20 Oct: 4, 18 Nov: 1, 15, 29 Dec: 13, 27

Jan: 5, 19 Feb: 2, 16 Mar: 2, 16, 30 Apr: 13, 27 May: 11, 25 Jun: 8, 22

Jul: 6, 20 Aug: 3, 17, 31 Sep: 14, 28 Oct: 12, 26 Nov: 9, 25 Dec: 7, 21

Jan: 12, 26 Feb: 9, 23 Mar: 9, 23 Apr: 6, 20 May: 4, 18 Jun: 1, 15, 29

Jul: 13, 27 Aug: 10, 24 Sep: 7, 21 Oct: 5, 19 Nov: 2, 16, 30 Dec: 14, 28

Jan: 13, 27

Feb: 10, 24 Mar: 10, 24

Jul: 14, 28 Aug: 11, 25 Sep: 8, 22 Oct: 6, 20 Nov: 3, 17 Dec: 1,15, 29

Mercer County Participates in

Urging Local Planners, Officials to Include Dinky Corridor in Any Long-Range Plans

To the Editor:

The recent report from NJ Transit (NJT) on the Princeton Transitway Study is welcome news for our immediate regional area. If this project were not to continue advancing, we are bound to lose this treasured piece of infrastructure in operation for over 150 years and, apparently, the shortest rail line in the world!

Because of the obsolescence of the equipment in use (45-year-old Arrow III rail cars), the question is not “if” but “how and when.”

The Princeton-West Windsor area forms a vibrant, growing, diverse enclave that would greatly benefit from the development of this public transit axis to improve mobility and cohesion within our region, and our connectivity to the Northeast rail line. Residents and stakeholders should rally behind this project and be involved in guiding its eventual outcome. There is an online petition in support of this project at bit.ly/DinkyPetition which I encourage readers to support.

The NJT process has considered community input but could have done a much better job in its outreach and been more inclusive. Hopefully, that will be corrected going forward. NJT’s analysis has looked at technological, environmental, costsbenefits, ridership patterns, and equity factors in assessing various alternatives.

The fi nal choice came down to a mixed-use option that combines the advantages and convenience of a light rail line with an expansion into the core of Princeton (and possibly into West Windsor at the other end), through a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route, along with a safe side path to bike and pedestrian traffic. This also happens to be the first choice among respondents to two public surveys of riders and community stakeholders in 2021.

This option is expected to provide the highest service frequency (every 6-10 minutes), significantly enhanced mobility, connectivity to other public transit, and will reduce our reliance on automobiles, while creating low environmental impacts and minor right-of-way issues.

Some skeptics have questioned this proposal as an attempt to eventually replace the existing rail service with an extended bus line. The best way to ensure that the future Dinky Corridor becomes the best public transit link it can be for our community is if residents and stakeholders engage in the process, and do so in a positive, constructive way.

For these reasons, I call on our local municipal planners and elected officials to make sure that the Dinky Corridor is

part of any long-range plans, such as the new Princeton Master Plan, by clearly identifying the Dinky Corridor as part of the context of our regional mobility, housing, and economic development planning.

As an area resident for over three decades, and a senior citizen, I am hoping that with any luck, the new Dinky Corridor will become a reality in my lifetime!

Forum Focuses on Providing Equitable, Affordable Housing to NJ Residents

To the Editor:

There was a gratifying turnout of nearly 100 at the December 10 Housing Justice Forum held at the Princeton Public Library (Town Topics Calendar, December 7). Attendees peppered knowledgeable panelists for solutions to the problem of providing equitable and affordable housing to the state’s residents. The event was co-sponsored by the Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs in New Jersey with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Library’s Kim Dorman efficiently organized the event.

The panelists addressed discrimination in rents, sales, and purchases of housing resulting from the Jim Crow legacy and how zoning and onerous regulations were impeding construction of affordable housing. One of the speakers highlighted a past housing initiative success which could be used as a future template in addressing this issue. When George Romney became secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1968, he pressured predominately white communities into building more affordable housing and ending discriminatory zoning practices. He ordered HUD officials to reject applications for water, sewer, and highway projects from cities and states where local policies fostered segregated housing and dubbed his initiative “Open Communities.” Unfortunately, the initiative was scuttled by the politics of the day and resistance at the local level.

LINDA SIPPRELLE Commissioner, Princeton Housing Authority Victoria Mews

Expanded Child Tax Credit Needs to Be Restored to Reduce Poverty Rate

To the Editor:

The good news is that the child poverty rate in Mercer County has been gradually declining over the last several years. A recent HomeFront presentation at Labyrinth Books showcased what they have been doing to provide housing and other supportive services that reduce poverty for children and families in Mercer County. In addition to their efforts and those of governmental and private groups locally and throughout the county, 2021 saw an even more dramatic drop in the child poverty rate. What led to this significant change was a

short-term expansion of the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC).

With increased allotments, wider coverage, and payments distributed each month, the CTC helped cover such basic monthly expenses as food, rent, and utilities. As a result, it raised an estimated 89,000 New Jersey children from poverty and cut child poverty rates nationwide by over 40 percent.

When the expanded CTC expired a year ago, however, child poverty again rose. The watch words of HomeFront are “helping families break the cycle of poverty.” In order to do that we need the collaborative efforts of the federal and state governments, local municipalities, and the private sector.

The expanded CTC needs to be restored. There is still an opportunity before the end of this year. If Congress tries to extend tax breaks for wealthy corporations, New Jersey members of Congress should follow the lead of Representatives Watson-Coleman and Kim to reject corporate tax cuts unless an expanded, monthly CTC is included. With such proven results to lift our children out of poverty, how can they do no less?

WILMA SOLOMON Tee-Ar Place MARC TOLO

Viburnum Court, Lawrenceville

The writers are volunteers with RESULTS (results.org), an advocacy group that has been committed to ending poverty for over 40 years.

Letters to the Editor Policy

Town Topics welcomes letters to the Editor, preferably on subjects related to Princeton. Letters must have a valid street address (only the street name will be printed with the writer’s name). Priority will be given to letters that are received for publication no later than Monday noon for publication in that week’s Wednesday edition.

Letters must be no longer than 500 words and have no more than four signatures.

All letters are subject to editing and to available space.

At least a month’s time must pass before another letter from the same writer can be considered for publication.

Letters are welcome with views about actions, policies, ordinances, events, performances, buildings, etc. However, we will not publish letters that include content that is, or may be perceived as, negative towards local figures, politicians, or political candidates as individuals.

When necessary, letters with negative content may be shared with the person/group in question in order to allow them the courtesy of a response, with the understanding that the communications end there.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted, preferably by email, to editor@towntopics.com, or by post to Town Topics, PO Box 125, Kingston, N.J. 08528. Letters submitted via mail must have a valid signature.

MARIA JUEGA Grover Avenue

Thoughts on the Fine Art of Vertigo with W.G. Sebald and Franz Kafka

Twenty-one years ago today, W.G. Sebald was driving to Norwich, the city explored in his internationally acclaimed novel The Rings of Saturn. He had just pulled on to the A-146 when his car “failed to follow the curve and drove straight into the opposite lane.” According to the account in Carole Angier’s biography Speak, Silence (Bloomsbury 2021), the horoscope for December 14 “warned that an eclipse of the sun was taking place visible only in North America, but ‘challenging for everyone.’”

Angier’s account has the makings of a passage from Sebald’s first book, Vertigo (New Directions 1999, translated by Michael Hulse) — his failure to follow the curve, his drive straight into the opposite lane, the challenge of the eclipse. Alive and at work, Sebald would drive the moment straight into a prose continuum, another road, or an invisible trajectory, and before you know it you’re staring through a train window with him as he takes you directly into the Arena Chapel in Padua, and suddenly you find yourself in the presence of Giotto’s frescoes, “overwhelmed by the silent lament of the angels, who kept their station above our endless calamities.”

In the distance far below you see Sebald’s car, crushed on the driver’s side, turned “facing the other way” after crashing head-on into the cab of a 38ton truck. Not to worry, by now he’s safe in All’estero, the second chapter, flying on the wings of prose through “the roaring traffic to take the very next train to Verona” while meditating on the hint of vertigo in the “disconcerting” afternoon Franz Kafka spent on his way from Venice to Lake Garda in September 1913. Instead of getting off at Verona, he continues to the railway station at Desenzano, knowing his Czech soulmate had stopped there more than 60 years before, and after finding the WC, he stares into the mirror above the heavy stoneware basin in a room “where scarcely a thing had been altered since the turn of the century,” wondering as he washed his hands if Kafka had gazed into the same mirror. He puts the possibility in play by pointing out nearby graffiti, Il Cacciatore , Italian for “the hunter,” which he reads as a reference to Kafka’s posthumously published story, “The Hunter Gracchus.” After drying his hands, he makes an anonymous contribution, adding the words nella selva nera (“in the snow forest”), his secret sharing of Kafka’s story of a hunter fated to wander all the lands of the earth forever.

Vertigo as Art

Born in Germany in May 1944, the year before the war ended, Sebald would spend the heart of his career, almost 30 years, teaching and writing in England. As he traveled to Manchester to take a junior lectureship teaching German, he was, according to his biographer, “anxious and uncertain.” Refusing to go to England “with a Nazi name like Winfried,” he chose “Max” instead: “M as a reversed W, a for a vowel, and x for the big unknown.” Although it’s not among the reasons Angier offers for the change, when considered in the context of “the big unknown” and Kafka’s role in Vertigo, “Max” also connects Sebald with Max Brod, Franz’s best friend, frequent traveling companion, and the savior of his work.

Sebald’s definition of vertigo as a compound of “dizziness” and “feelings” (the German title was Schwindel. Gefühle. ) relates to his way of swirling invisibly through transitions, leaving the reader happily disoriented, unlike the notion of vertigo popularized by the Hitchcock film of the same name that begins with Jimmy Stewart hanging from a rooftop, gazing in horror down at the street below.

In the third chapter, “Dr. K. Takes the Waters at Riva,” Sebald pays tribute to Kafka’s mastery of the art of vertigo famously envisioned in Shakespeare’s King Lear, when the blind Duke of Glouchester falls without falling from the “dread summit (“How fearful / And dizzy ‘tis, to cast one’s eyes so low!”).

The Kafka Twins

One of the most distinctive facets of the Sebald experience is his way of inserting photos and clippings and ephemera, often without attribution or permission, for instance the amusement park photo showing Kafka amid a group of friends aboard a plane that appears to be suspended above the giant Ferris wheel in Vienna’s Prater. As Sebald points out, “Dr. K is bemused to find that he is the only one who can manage some kind of a smile at such dizzy heights.” The implication is that vertigo is Kafka’s element.

One photograph that Sebald imagined inserting in the All’estero chapter was denied

him. On the bus from Desenzano to Riva, he noticed two twin brothers of about 15 bearing “the most uncanny resemblance imaginable to pictures of Franz Kafka as an adolescent schoolboy.” The twin Kafkas were seated with their parents, a vision that induced a kind of vertigo (“a vertiginous feeling came over me”). After trying to get into a conversation with the boys (all they do is “grin witlessly at each other”), he explains to the parents the reason for his interest, telling them about the “scrittore ebreo from the city of Praga” and asking if they would mind sending him a photograph of their sons to his English address. The suspicious parents find his request “improper” and tell him to “return to his seat right away.” Frustrated and upset to have “no evidence whatsoever to document this most improbable coincidence,” he gets out at the next stop. You have to wonder how often Sebald was rebuffed in his quest for visual material, a process that in itself could make him feel vertiginous.

Vertigo Everywhere

Sebald is along for the ride when Dr. K. is “seized by a creeping paralysis” en route to Trieste, “ensconced in a compartment” on Southern Railways “as the countryside slips by.” Thanks to the swirl of vertigo swaying the movement of Sebald’s prose, Dr. K. is suddenly, “incomprehensibly, really in Trieste” that evening seemingly without moving a muscle. Crossing the Adriatic next morning in “somewhat stormy weather,” he was “afflicted with a slight seasickness,” and when he arrives in Venice, “the waves were still breaking within him.” It was as if vertigo had consumed a city “on the brink of disintegration.”

At the hydropathic establishment in Riva, Dr. K. falls in love with a girl from Genoa he pictures as a mermaid with “water-green eyes,” but they agree to exchange no pictures, not even a single written word, and “to simply let each other go,” and too soon she’s beckoning to him from the railing of a steamer, “a sign in the air which betokened the end.” A day later Gracchus the huntsman arrives, telling his tale of “a fall to his death from the face of a mountain,” a story Kafka “conjured up” to suggest that “the huntsman’s ceaseless

journey lies in a penitence for a longing for love, such as invariably besets Dr. K.”

Homeward Bound

In the fourth and final chapter (the first is a short biography of Stendhal, titled “Beyle, or Love is a Madness Most Discreet”), Sebald returns to his German hometown “W.” The book ends with him reading Samuel Pepy’s diary and dreaming he was walking through a mountainous terrain, ... a range of mountains “which I feared I would not be able to cross. To my left there was a drop into vertiginous depths. I walked to the edge of the road and knew that I had never gazed down into such chasms before...there was nothing but ice-grey shale.” Then “words returned to me as an echo that had almost faded away -- fragments from the account of the Great Fire of London.” And now, where the chasms of ice-grey shale had been, he sees the fire spreading over London, “a gruesome, evil, bloody flame, sweeping, before the wind, through all the City.” He wonders “Is this the end of time?” Now he’s fleeing onto the water, the glare is everywhere, “and yonder, before the darkened skies, in one great arc the jagged wall of fire.”

Driven by the Wind

According to Carole Angier’s biography, the accident that killed Sebald was only the last of a sequence: the first in 1967, “the ones ... in the 1970s, two lucky escapes in the early eighties, two in the year 2000 alone. Fatal accidents and near misses haunt his work .... Everyone knew what a distracted driver he was. So when it happened many friends thought, He’s done it again — lost concentration, drifted into the wrong lane.” Others assumed he’d committed suicide, in spite of the fact that his daughter was in the passenger seat (she was not seriously injured). After a five-month wait, an inquest was held and the results of the post-mortem revealed no trace of drugs or alcohol, no aneurysm. But his heart disease had been serious. One artery “was 80 percent occluded. It was a heart attack waiting to happen.”

At Sebald’s funeral a song from Schubert’s Winterreise was sung — “about a traveller who comes to an inn that is really a graveyard but, like Gracchus, is not let in.” At the end of Kafka’s story, the hunter says, with a smile, “I am here, more than that I do not know, further than that I cannot go. My ship has no rudder, and it is driven by the wind that blows in the undermost regions of death.”

—Stuart Mitchner

MERCER COUNTY

MERCER COUNTY REACHES CRITICAL OVER-POPULATION IN ANIMAL SHELTER

CRITICAL OVER-POPULATION IN ANIMAL SHELTER

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Performing Arts

The Queen’s Cartoonists

Come to State Theatre

NJ

State Theatre New Jersey presents the musical ensemble The Queen’s Cartoonists in “Holiday Hurrah: Yule Love It!” on Friday, December 23 at 8 p.m. The jazz sextet’s show is for audiences of all ages, combining musicianship, multiinstrumentals, comedy, and cartoons.

The Queen’s Cartoonists (TQC) perform live in front of a screen, where cartoons from the golden age of animation, cult cartoon classics, and modern animated films are projected. The band either re-creates a cartoon’s soundtrack note-for-note — performing works from jazz composers like Carl Stalling, Raymond Scott, and Duke Ellington alongside classical giants like Mozart, Rossini, and R. Strauss — or writes their own fresh compositions to accompany the on-screen action. Tying everything together are TQC’s anecdotes about the cartoons and their composers, humor, and elements of a musical circus.

Since their founding in 2015, The Queen’s Cartoonists have sought to answer the question: Is it possible to create jazz and classical music in the 21st century that appeals to everyone?

In their “Holiday Hurrah” the band sets out to find the best of the best (and best of the worst) holiday-related cartoons, films, and jazz. The show includes traditional holiday vocal numbers (“White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells”) paired with jazz arrangements and festive animated films.

$44. State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit STNJ.org for tickets and more information.

Kelsey Theatre Announces Assistive Listening System

toy soldiers, and snowflakes.

“

The Nutcracker at Kelsey Theatre is a beloved annual event for so many families in the area,” said Kitty Getlik, artistic director for Kelsey Theatre. “This abridged version performed by The Dance Connection is a delightful and timeless story and simply a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.”

Borowitz is a comedian and author. His night of stand-up and audience Q&A celebrates the release of his newest book, Profiles in Ignorance

McCarter Theatre Center is at 91 University Place. For tickets, visit mccarter.org.

Hodder Fellows Selected

By Lewis Center for the Arts

Kelsey Theatre, located on the Mercer County Community College campus in West Windsor, has introduced its new, state-of-the-art Hearing Loop Assistive Listening System for patrons with hearing disabilities. Patrons with and without hearing aids may take advantage of this new system that improves audio clarity and enhances the overall theatrical experience.

The Dance Connection, with locations in West Windsor and Hillsborough, is a community of Central New Jersey teachers, parents, and students who appreciate all the possibilities that open up for a child when they study dance.

“There’s also a good amount of novelty and comedy,” said bandleader Joel Pierson. “Don’t forget ridiculous props, Foley sound effects, and even a holidaythemed game show. The show should keep people guessing from start to finish. I want people to think they’ve never seen anything like it before. For younger audiences, I hope this is an introduction to concert halls and a reminder that music can be both serious and fun.”

Tickets range from $24-

Christmas Worship Services

Princeton University Chapel Saturday, December 24 at 8pm Sunday, December 25 at 11am

Shows are Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18 at 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for students, senior citizens, and children. Visit Kelseytheatre.org.

Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts has announced the selection of five Mary Mackall Gwinn Hodder Fellows for the 2023-2024 academic year. This year’s recipients include cartoonist and designer Kayla E., choreographer Moriah Evans, theater artist Modesto “Flako” Jimenez, composer Joseph C. Phillips, Jr., and conceptual artist Charisse Pearlina Weston.

“much more than ordinary intellectual and literary gifts.” Artists from anywhere in the world may apply in the early fall each year for the following academic year. Past Hodder Fellows have included novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; painter Mario Moore; poet Natalie Diaz; choreographer Okwui Okpokwasili; playwright Lauren Yee; and Zimbabwean gwenyambira (mbira player), composer, and singer Tanyaradzwa Tawengwa.

In addition to creating new work, Hodder Fellows may engage in lectures, readings, performances, exhibitions, and other events at the Lewis Center for the Arts, most of which are free and open to the public.

“The sound quality of this new system is a nothing less than marvelous,” said Kitty Getlik, artistic director of Kelsey Theatre. “Theatergoers will be amazed when they hear the vibrant sound produced by the Hearing Loop Listening system.”

The Hearing Loop system, also known as a T-Loop, is the universal standard for assistive listening systems and is the same system that is used at venues such as Lincoln Center. The system works with most modern hearing aids and all cochlear implants that come fitted with telecoils (also known as t-coils) — small copper wires coiled discreetly inside hearing aids. Theatergoers who do not have hearing aids can also enjoy the new system by requesting special hearing loop receivers and headphones at Kelsey Theatre.

“Several of our patrons have told me how much more they have enjoyed performances at Kelsey with this new system,” said Getlik. “It really opens up the live theatre experience for those with hearing disabilities.”

One-Hour “Nutcracker” Is Geared to Families

Theatregoers of all ages are the target audience for The Dance Connection’s family version of The Nutcracker Ballet December 16-18 at Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC’s) Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor.

This one-hour long ballet is set in 19th century Europe to the score by Tchaikovsky. Fully narrated and abridged, the ballet features dolls and sweets coming to life, mice,

Two New Shows Added

To McCarter’s Lineup McCarter Theatre Center has recently announced the addition of two new shows.

On Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m., “For the Love of It” will be presented in partnership with Princeton University’s Jazz Vocal Collective, featuring Camille Thurman. On Friday, May 19 at 8 p.m., comedian Andy Borowitz will appear.

Thurman is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer. The Jazz Vocal Collective is under the direction of Trineice Robinson-Martin, and celebrates life, love, and culture through diverse musical styles and composers.

In making the announcement, Lewis Center Chair Judith Hamera said, “Our 2023-2024 Hodder fellows are a rigorously visionary group: probing the limits and potentials of their chosen media and exploring our most urgent issues in their work, including trauma, interiority, community, resistance, and hope. Mrs. Hodder understood that making complex and compelling art requires time and support. We are ever grateful for her gift and very excited to welcome these five emerging artists to the Princeton University and Lewis Center community.”

Hodder Fellows may be writers, composers, choreographers, visual artists, performance artists, or other kinds of artists or humanists who demonstrate, as the program outlines,

“Jesus Christ Superstar” Film Reunion in Ewing

On Saturday, January 14 at 7 p.m., a 50th anniversary celebration of the film Jesus Christ Superstar will be held at the Villa Victoria Academy Performing Arts Center in Ewing.

In-person appearances will be made by members of the original cast. The film was released in 1973. Larry Marshall (Simon), Kurt Yaghjian (Annas), Bob Bingham (Ciaphas), and Ted Neeley (Jesus) will all attend and give audience members the opportunity to obtain autographs and photos.

Those in attendance will share a private viewing with the actors. This is the only cast reunion scheduled for the Greater Philadelphia/ Trenton/NYC area for 2023.

For more information, visit arts.princeton.edu. w

“NUTCRACKER,” FAMILY STYLE: The New Jersey Dance Connection presents its version, geared to all ages, of “The Nutcracker Ballet” December 16-18 at Kelsey Theatre. (Photo courtesy of The Dance Connection)

CHORAL CELEBRATION: Westminster Choir College of Rider University marked the 30th Anniversary of An Evening of Readings and Carols with performances on December 9 and 10 at Princeton University Chapel. The program is the students’ culminating performance for the fall semester, with performances by Westminster Chapel Choir, Westminster Symphonic Choir, Westminster Jubilee Singers, Westminster Concert Bell Choir, Westminster Choir, and Westminster Alumni Choir.

MUSIC AND ANIMATION: The Queen’s Cartoonists perform in front of a live screen where classic cartoons are projected at State Theatre New Jersey on December 23. (Photo by Jamie Jung)

Christmas Eve Service at 8pm - Join us in the magnificent University Chapel for a very special Christmas Eve Worship Service with Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel at Princeton University. The music prelude begins at 7:30pm with the Chapel community choir, chamber orchestra, and University Organist Eric Plutz.

Christmas Day Service at 11am - Join us at in the magnificent Princeton University Chapel for a Christmas Day Worship Service with Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames, Associate Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel. Music by Eric Plutz, University Organist.

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“Colony / Dor Guez” Exhibit

Coming to Art@Bainbridge

Jaffa-based artist Dor Guez’s penetrating transformations of early 20thcentury photographs of Jerusalem are the subject of a thought-provoking exhibition at the Princeton University Art Museum’s galleries at Art@Bainbridge. The exhibition, titled “Colony / Dor Guez,” will be on view through February 12.

“Colony / Dor Guez” brings together photography, film, and installation works the artist created from five years of research in the archives of the American Colony, a charitable Christian community of Americans, and later Swedes, established in Jerusalem in 1881. In the first decades of the 20th century, the artists of the American Colony created hundreds of photographic views of Jerusalem and its surroundings that they disseminated to an international audience eager to see the sites that, described in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim texts, came to be known as the Holy

Land. Guez transforms these historical photographs, exploring the ways that photography was employed to construct an image of the region.

“The powerful work by Dor Guez is a potent and visually arresting rejoinder to the idea that histories are ever settled,” said James Steward, Nancy A. Nasher–David J. Haemisegger, Class of 1976, Director of the Princeton University Art Museum.

In the titular work of this exhibition — Colony, a three-channel video and sound installation — a narrator recounts a tale of feast and famine, interweaving details of a plague of locusts that descended on Egypt, Syria, and Palestine from March to October of 1915 with stories from the Bible. Guez, working from pictures created by the American Colony to document the 1915 locust plague for Ottoman and British imperial authorities, has cropped, sequenced, and choreographed images across a triptych of

screens to create a parable that, in spanning modern and ancient times, suggests that these stories of the past might also provide an allegory for the present.

In another series made in response to photographs of the locust plague, Guez focuses on the doubled pictures of stereo photographs. Stereo views place two identical images flush with one another such that, when viewed through a set of lenses, they create an illusion of deep space. Guez became interested in the symbolic resonances of a set of glass-plate negatives documenting the locust plague that had been damaged in a flood in the 1970s. Underscoring how the latter natural disaster occludes images of the first, Guez replicates pictures taken to document the plague then mirrors the picture along the edge where the image was lost due to the effects of the flood, creating compositions with the form of a Rorschach test. This effect lends a psychological

or conceptual symbolism to the photographs, merging the documents of the two natural disasters and underscoring the subjectivity of both photography and archives in representing historical events.

Guez was born in Jerusalem to a Palestinian family from Lydda on his mother’s side and Jewish immigrants from North Africa on his father’s. His work — often exploring relationships among art, narrative, memory, and displacement — has been featured in numerous solo exhibitions and is included in several international public collections, including the Tate Modern, London; Centre Pompidou, Paris; Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; The Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Jewish Museum, New York; Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University; and the Museum of Modern Art, Bogota.

Art@Bainbridge is a gallery project of the Princeton University Art Museum. It is housed in the restored

colonial-era Bainbridge House at 158 Nassau Street. Admission is free. For more information, visit artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Princeton Makes Artist Coop To Host Winter Art Party

Princeton Makes, the Princeton-based artist cooperative, will host its Winter Art Party on Saturday, December 17 from 12 to 4 p.m. at its artist studios and art market in the Princeton Shopping Center.

Activities at the Winter Art Party include ornament making, greeting card making for kids (and adults), art projects, open studios so visitors can talk with the artists, live music, and a chance to shop in the art market. The event is free, open to the public, and fun for all ages.

Princeton Makes is a cooperative comprised of 32 local artists who work across a range of artistic genres, including painting, drawing, stained glass, sculpture, tex-

tiles, and jewelry. Customers will be able to support local artists by shopping for a wide variety of art, including large paintings, prints, custom-made greeting cards, stained glass lamps and window hangings, jewelry in a variety of designs and patterns, and more. For more information, visit princetonmakes.com.

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“PEARS”: This oil painting by Heather Barros is featured in “Metamorphosis,” a group show on view at Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville through March 31. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday,

lambertvillearts.com

“LOCUST #10”: This work by Dor Guez, part of a series made in response to photographs of the 1915 locust plague, is featured in “Colony / Dor Guez,” on view through February 12 at the Princeton University Art Museum’s galleries at Art@Bainbridge on Nassau Street.

WINTER ART PARTY: Ornament and greeting card making, art projects, open studios, and more are among the activities this Saturday, December 17 from 12-4 p.m. at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center. (Ornaments by Adriana Groza)

Barros Presents Slide Talk Dec. 14

Photographer Ricardo Barros will present “Growing a Unicorn Habitat” at The Watershed Institute in Pennington on December 14 at 7 p.m., hosted by the Princeton Photography Club. Barros is an internationally recognized photographer with works in 11 museums, including

Smithsonian American Art Museum and Museu de arte de São Paulo. The occasion of this talk is Barros’ current show at Princeton University, “An Entanglement of Time and Space,” but this presentation takes a larger view. Barros advocates centering oneself in the present moment, especially when undertaking creative work.

“We all know that unicorns do not exist,” Barros said. “They reside in a world of imagination, so we don’t

bother looking for them. But consider the possibility that our vision is narrowed by what we think we know.

It is as if we are wearing blinders. There are real things out there, just waiting to be imagined. When we discover one, it seems so special as to be magical.

I call these things unicorns.

I think it important that we make room in our work so unicorns can wander in.”

For many of us, this is a learned perspective, if not

a perspective that we must re-learn as adults. Barros illustrates this approach with work and writing from various stages in his experience as a professional artist.

The Watershed Institute is located at 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington. For more information, email ppcnews@icl oud.com or rb@ ricardobarros.com.

ACP, Miya Table & Home Host Daruma Workshop

With the new year approaching, the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) has partnered with Miya Table & Home on a community project to refresh, restart, and recommit to our goals, hopes, and dreams. After a sold out debut in 2021, the Princeton Daruma Workshop is back.

The Daruma is a traditional symbol of perseverance, achievement, and good fortune — an iconic symbol found all over Japan in businesses, schools, and homes. The Daruma is most popular around the new year, made with two white circles for eyes. Once a goal is set or a wish is made, the owner colors in one eye. The other eye is colored in only after the goal is achieved or the wish comes true.

On Tuesday, December 27, the community is invited to design their own Daruma during the Princeton Daruma Workshop from 1-2:30 p.m. During this workshop, local artist Minako Ota will lead attendees to gather ideas and encouragement to customize their Daruma with paint, decoupage, Sharpie, etc. All are encouraged to flex their imagination as Ota demonstrates fun variations to consider and provides the materials to make it all come together.

To celebrate this community effort, the completed Daruma will be on view in a collective display in Miya’s Palmer Square window to kick off the new year.

The $30 registration fee includes the Daruma, materials, and instruction.

For more information and to register, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org. Children under the age of 7 should register with an adult.

Area Exhibits

Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, has “Colony / Dor Geuz” through February 12. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “Metamorphosis” through March 31. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. lambertvillearts.com.

Art on Hulfish, 11 Hulfish Street, has “Samuel Fosso: Affirmative Acts” through January 29. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, has “Annual Member Show” through December 22, “Board Show” through December 22, and “Works in Progress — Dave DiMarchi” through January 4. artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors, 253 Nassau Street, has “Intersection: Four Voices in Abstraction” through January 27.

D&R Greenway Land Trust Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, has “Land, Light, Spirit” through March 10 in the Marie L. Matthews Gallery. drgreenway.org.

Ellarslie, Trenton’s City Museum in Cadwalader Park, Parkside Avenue, has “Curated by Trenton” through January 22. ellarslie.org.

Friend Center for Engineering Education, Princeton University, has Ricardo Barros’ “An Entanglement of Time and Space,” through December 31. ricardobarros.com/entanglement.

Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography, 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell, has “Holiday Art Exhibit and Boutique Sale” through December 18. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. gallery14.org.

Gourgaud Gallery, 23AA North Main Street, Cranbury, has “Beauty of the Earth” through December 28. cranburyartscouncil.org.

Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, has “Nightforms: Infinite Wave” by Kip Collective through April 2, “Roberto Lugo: The Village Potter” through January 8, and “Fragile: Earth” through January 8, among other exhibits. Timed tickets required. groundsforsculpture.org.

Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, has “Einstein Salon and Innovator’s Gallery,” “Princeton’s Portrait,” and other exhibits. Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m., Thursday to 7 p.m. princetonhistory.org. Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “Walk This Way” through January 15, “(re)Frame: Community Perspectives on the Michener Art Collection” through March 5, and “Walé Oyéjidé: Flight of the Dreamer” through April 23. michenerartmuseum.org.

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, has “Ma Bell: The Mother of Invention in New Jersey” through March and the online exhibits “Slavery at Morven,” “Portrait of Place: Paintings, Drawings, and Prints of New Jersey, 1761–1898,” and others. morven.org.

The Present Day Club, 72 Stockton Street, has watercolors and acrylics by Princeton artist David Meadow through December 16. For gallery hours, call (609) 924-1014. davidmeadow.com

Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, has “Karen Wallo” through January 3. “Art Space” is at the 254 Nassau Street location through January 3. smallworldcoffee.com.

Songbird Capital, 14 Nassau Street, has “Shirankala” through January 31. On view Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m. or Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. by appointment (609) 3312624.

West Windsor Arts Center, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, has “Off the Wall Holiday Market” and “Artists for Ukraine” through January 7. westwindsorarts.org.

DARUMA WORKSHOP: The Arts Council of Princeton and Miya Table & Home will present the Princeton Daruma Workshop on Tuesday, December 27 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Led by local artist Minako Ota, attendees will decorate this symbol of perseverance, achievement, and good fortune in anticipation of the new year.

Photographer Ricardo

“SCULPTOR PHILIP GRAUSMAN”: Photographer Ricardo Barros will present a slide talk on his work, including the photo above, on December 14 at 7 p.m. at The Watershed Institute in Pennington. The event is hosted by the Princeton Photography Club.

Mark Your Calendar TOWN TOPICS

Wednesday, December 14

7:30 p.m.: Mercer County Community College Jazz Band performs at Kelsey Theatre on the campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Free.

7:30 p.m.: Westminster Community Orchestra presents “Holiday Chestnuts and Sing-along” at Robert L. Annis Playhouse, Westminster Choir College, Walnut Lane. Conducted by Ruth Ochs. Free; donations accepted for food pantries and service organizations. Rider.edu/arts.

8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents contra dance; Sue Gola with Mind the Gap, at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. $15. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Thursday, December 15

10 a.m.: The 55-Plus Club of Princeton meets at The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street, and via Zoom.

John Kastellec, a professor in the Department of Politics at Princeton University, will speak on “Making the Supreme Court: The Politics of Appointments, 1930-2020.” To join online, visit princetonol.com/ grounds/55plus. Free with a suggested donation of $5.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber’s Women in Business Holiday Brunch, at Springdale Golf Club, 1895 Clubhouse Drive. Princetonmercer.org.

5:30 p.m.: Capital Harmony Works Winter Concert, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 801 West State Street, Trenton. The Children’s Chorus and Trenton Musicmakers perform. Free. Capitalharmony.works.

6-8 p.m.: Holiday Community Night at Pearl S. Buck House, 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, Pa. Tours of the Festival of Trees, activities for children, and more. Free. Pearlsbuck.org.

Friday, December 16

9:45 a.m.-12 p.m.: Career coach Ken Sher discusses how to get noticed on LinkedIn in a Job Seekers event at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

7 p.m.: The Dance Connection presents an abridged version of The Nutcracker at Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $14$16. Kelseytheatre.org.

Saturday, December 17

12-2 p.m.: Spiced Punch entertains on Palmer Square. Palmersquare.com.

12-4 p.m.: Winter Art Party at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center. Activities include ornament and greeting card making, art projects, open studios, live music, and more. Free. Princetonmakes.com.

12-5 p.m.: Cheer the Holiday Season Weekend at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Activities for the whole family. Visit with Santa from 12-3 p.m. Wine tasting from 12-5 p.m.; live

music from 1-4 p.m. Terhuneorchards.com.

12:30-5:30 p.m.: Off the Wall Holiday Market, West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road. Westwindsorarts.org.

1 and 4 p.m.: The Dance Connection presents an abridged version of The Nutcracker at Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $14$16. Kelseytheatre.org.

1-1:30 p.m.: Japanese Stories in Japanese for kids and caregivers at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

3-4 p.m.: Solidarity Vigil Against Hate and Bigotry, Tiger Park in Palmer Square, sponsored by the Coalition for Peace Action, Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, Not In Our Town Princeton, and Princeton Community Democratic Organization. Rescheduled from December 15. RSVP via jnew@peacecoalition. org.

3 and 6 p.m.: Rossen Milanov leads the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday POPS! concert at Richardson Auditorium, featuring Broadway singer Janet Dacal and the Princeton High School Choir. Princetonsymphony.org.

8 p.m.: Danielia Cotton’s “Home for the Holidays,” at Hopewell Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell. Hopewelltheater. com.

Sunday, December 18

10:30 a.m.: All Ages Christmas Pageant at Kingston United Methodist Church, 9 Church Street, Kingston. In person and via Zoom. PrincetonUMC.org.

12-2 p.m.: Spiced Punch entertains on Palmer Square. Palmersquare.com.

12:30-5:30 p.m.: Off the Wall Holiday Market, West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road. Westwindsorarts.org.

1 p.m.: Carillon concert from Princeton University’s Graduate Tower; listen from outside the building. The Princeton Carillon Studio members will play holiday favorites. Arts.princeton. edu.

1 and 4 p.m.: The Dance Connection presents an abridged version of The Nutcracker at Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $14$16. Kelseytheatre.org.

3 p.m.: “The Great British Baking Tour: Holiday Edition,” Zoom event presented by Princeton Public Library. Travel/relocation consultant and former U.K. resident Claire Evans presents a culinary tour inspired by The Great British Baking Show. Princetonlibrary.org.

4 p.m.: The Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs holds an open sing at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 50 Cherry Hill Road. Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors and Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. Musicalamateurs.org.

5 p.m.: “Come, Emmanuel,” free concert with handbell, chancel, and youth choirs, directed by Hyosang Park and Tom Shelton, at Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Avenue. In person and online. PrincetonUMC.org.

Monday, December 19 Recycling

1-3 p.m.: The Women’s College Club of Princeton meets at Morven Education Center, 55 Stockton Street. Sarah Steward and Meghan Cubano of HomeFront will speak. Donation of unwrapped gifts for HomeFront is welcome. Wccpnj. org.

7 p.m.: “Norman Rockwell: An American Phenomenon,” Zoom event presented by Janet Mandel and sponsored by Mercer County Library System. Email hopeprogs@mcl.org to receive a link.

Tuesday, December 20

4 p.m.: Annual Menorah Lghting on the Nassau Inn patio, Palmer Square, with musical entertainment. Palmersquare.com. Wednesday, December 21

6 p.m.: Princeton Public Library Board of Trustees meet either in the Library’s Community Room or via Zoom. Princetonlibrary.org.

7 p.m.: Roxey Ballet and Lambertville Historical Society present “A Very Lambertville Holiday Celebration,” at Music Mountain

Theater, 1483 Route 179, Lambertville. Roxeyballet. org.

7:30 p.m.: MCCC Symphonic Band performs at Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road West Windsor. Classics by Vivaldi, Sousa, and Strauss, plus pops, seasonal favorites, and a traditional holiday sing-along. Reservations are required. Mccc. edu/events.

8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Michael Karcher with Raise the Roof. $15. Princetoncountrydancers. org.

Friday, December 23

7:30 p.m.: The Princeton Symphonic Brass holds its Classics and Carols Holiday Concert at Hillman Performance Center, Westminster Choir College, 101 Walnut Lane. $5-$22. Psbrass. com/tickets.

8 p.m.: The Queen’s Cartoonists in “Holiday Hurrah: Yule Love It” at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Jazz sextet performs against backdrop of screened cartoons. $24-$44. STNJ.org. Sunday, December 25

1 p.m.: The 60 th annual reenactment of George Washington’s Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River, at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Washington Crossing, Pa. Free. Washingtoncrossingpark.org.

2 p.m.: Carillon concert from Princeton University’s Graduate Tower; listen from outside the building. Arts. princeton.edu.

Tuesday, December 27

2 p.m.: The movie The Bad Guys is screened at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org. Wednesday, December 28

8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Ridge Kennedy and Princeton Pickup Band led by Michael Bell. $15; free for ages 35 and younger. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Thursday, December 29

2 p.m.: Kids’ Mad Science Workshop in the Community Room of Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Scientists from Mad Science give a presentation that showcases the science of winter. Princetonlibrary.org.

Saturday, December 31

8 p.m.: The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey presents “A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” with Paula Johns at Patriots Theatre at the War Memorial, Lafayette Street, Trenton. Pre-concert organ recital is at 7:10 p.m. Johns and trumpeter Bob Gravener perform works from the ’40s and ’50s. Capitalphilharmonic.org.

Wednesday, January 4 8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Bob Isaacs with Squirrel’s Chair. $15. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Friday, January 6 8-10 a.m.: Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber holds the Mercer Employer Legislative Committee Monthly Breakfast at The Lobby Club, 17 East Front Street, Trenton.

JANUARY

Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald is the speaker. Princetonmercer.org.

Sunday, January 8 9:45 a.m.: Princeton Battlefield Society presents “Experience the Battle of Princeton” at Princeton Battlefield, 500 Mercer Street. Narrated reenactment followed by a wreath-laying ceremony; tours of Thomas Clarke House; and more. Pbs1777.org.

Tuesday, January 10 7:30-9 p.m.: The Princeton Recorder Society meets on Zoom. For more information, contact jtanne1200@ gmail.com

Wednesday, January 11 8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Sue Gola with Blue Jersey. $15. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Wednesday, January 18 8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Donna Hunt with Clark Mills. Free. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Sunday, January 22 3 p.m.: Open Sing with the Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road. Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers Musicalamateurs.org.

Wednesday, January 25 8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Open Mic led by Bob Isaacs. $15 (free for 35 and younger). Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Music is in the Air at Westrick Music Academy As Voices of Princeton Girlchoir and Boychoir Soar

“It’s like the sun and the moon and the stars — it is everything. It opened up worlds for me.”

This is what music has meant to one performer of choral music, whose career started in Princeton.

And the joy of music is not limited to the performer. It is a shared experience with the listeners, creating a moment that can be inspirational.

Currently, the Girlchoir numbers 215 members and the Boychoir includes 60 members. Rehearsals and classes are held September through May once a week in the evening for one hour to an hour and a half. A twoweek summer camp in August is also available.

Family Association

How special it is when these experiences can be brought to young children.

Musical Excellence

The Westrick Music Academy enables such experiences. A unique organization consisting of the Princeton Girlchoir and the Princeton Boychoir, it offers young students both musical education and performance opportunities.

Headquartered at 231 Clarksville Road in West Windsor, it is a nonprofit organization operated by Executive Director Hilary Butler and a board of directors, focusing on the pursuit of musical excellence.

Named for Janet Westrick, the founder of the Princeton Girlchoir in 1989, it has grown into a significant musical enterprise, adding the Princeton Boychoir in 2017.

“Our students are from 52 towns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and from 125 different schools in the Princeton area and beyond,” points out Carolyn Sienicki, Westrick’s director of communications. “There are six ensembles in the Girlchoir and three in the Boychoir, including singers from the third through 12th grades. We also have a Poco Voce (‘little voice’ in Italian) program for first and second graders, where they begin to learn musical basics.”

The first step in becoming a member of one of the choirs is the audition. If successful, the new chorister is assigned to a choir and ensemble. Singers are placed by ability, matching each student with the choir that best suits their vocal and musical ability. Age is also a factor, but the stage of musical development is foremost.

275 Members

Ensembles in the Girlchoir include Grace Notes (third through fifth grade), Eighth Notes (grades fourth through sixth), Quarter Notes (fifth through seventh grade), Semi-Tones (sixth through ninth), Concert Choir (seventh through 10th), Cantores (10th through 12th), and Ensemble (a select chamber group of mostly high school aged girls).

The Boychoir offers three ensembles: Apprentice Choir, a beginning choir of unchanged male voices (generally third though sixth grade); Treble Choir, an advanced intermediate choir of unchanged male voices (generally fifth through ninth grade); and Young Men’s Ensemble, an advanced choir of changed male voices (generally eighth through 12th grade).

“At the Academy, the students learn so much,” says Sienicki. “Our mission is to help them find their voice musically and as individuals, and develop confidence. They learn to read music, sing together, and collaborate with others to create something greater than themselves. I have noticed how passionate, how serious, and how dedicated the students are. Also, there is a well-researched and proven connection between learning music and improved academic performance.”

Both the Girlchoir and Boychoir have performed in a wide array of venues for audiences, both nationally and internationally. Performances have taken place at Rutgers University in New Brunswick; in Princeton; in Portugal, Prague, Spain, Vienna, and Montreal; and at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Learning Experience

“The choirs give seven annual performances, including the ‘Children Making a Difference’ benefit concert, where choristers raise funds in lieu of tickets for a cause they choose. We often collaborate with other choirs in the U.S. and abroad,” adds Sienicki. “It’s a wonderful collaborative learning experience.

“Also, last year, the Boychoir sang on the NBC TV show Christmas in the City with Michael Bublé. This year, the Girlchoir will perform in The Nutcracker in conjunction with American Repertory Ballet at the State Theatre in New Brunswick December 16, 17, and 18.”

“We have a lot of exciting upcoming events,” she continues. “On December 22, our advanced Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir ensembles will sing holiday carols at the Princeton Arts Council’s Artist Chalets in Hinds Plaza at the Princeton Public Library. Our advanced Girlchoir will perform with the professional Glassbrook Vocal Ensemble on Sunday, December 18 at Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel.

“All six Girlchoir ensembles will perform the annual ‘United in Song’ event January 29th at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton. In April, we will host a music festival where interested children can spend a day with us, and experience what it is like to sing with us.

“Both Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir will perform at Carnegie Hall in June. You can follow our events page on our website for more details.”

The choirs present music from a wide array of genres, conductors, and composers, explains Sienicki. Notable performances include the North American premier of Tan Dun’s Symphony 1997 with cellist Yo-Yo Ma in Lincoln Center.

“We also commission music,” reports Sienicki. “Professor Rollo Dilworth of Temple University composed ‘Ev’rything’s Gonna Be Alright’ for the fifth anniversary of Princeton Boychoir, debuted internationally in Vienna and Prague, and Ryan Brechmacher composed ‘One Small Voice’ for Princeton Girlchoir, which was debuted at the recent ‘Children Making a Difference’ concert.”

The Academy is supported by tuition from the students, performance tickets, donations from individuals and organizations, and grants from foundations. Scholarships and financial assistance are available for students because, as Sienicki says, “We believe music is for everyone. Many children can come here and find a home. Also, the parents and grandparents are very supportive. We have a family association, and they help run the events.”

Sienicki strongly believes in Westrick’s mission, which is “to provide opportunities to grow through the pursuit of musical excellence in a supportive, collaborative, and joyous environment for youth choristers and musicians of all ages in the central New Jersey and Bucks County communities … enabling individuals to find their voice through the power of music.”

Home Again

“I enjoy the people here so much,” Sienicki says. “Hilary Butler, our executive director; Artistic Director Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins; Westrick Education Director and Boychoir Musical Director Fred Meads; all the associate music directors; and our hardworking staff are all outstanding. This is a warm, welcoming community for creative people.

“Also, we took a lot of pride in how we kept going through COVID. We did not close. We rehearsed and performed virtually. We were able to open again in 2021, taking all the safety precautions, and now we are back to a full, in-person season. Everyone is so happy to be back home again here on site.”

Sienicki is also very proud of the Academy’s continued growth. “We currently have ongoing auditions for all ages, and we look forward to growing even further. And, of course, we welcome donations from everyone, which in turn enables us to offer scholarships and financial assistance.”

“It is exciting to be part of Westrick Music Academy,” she continues. “A place where students receive the best musical training, performance opportunities, a chance to develop one’s confidence and voice, and forge bonds of friendship through shared musical experience. We are giving a child the gift of music that can last a lifetime.”

For further information, call (609) 688-1888.

Website: westrick music.org.

—Jean Stratton

emy’s Princeton Boychoir performed their “Holiday Harmonies” special concert at All Saints’ Chapel in Princeton this past Sunday.

“SPOOKY” SPECIALTIES: The Eighth Notes and Quarter Notes ensembles of the Princeton Girlchoir lent their voices to the Halloween “Spooktacular” concert at Princeton’s Nassau Presbyterian Church last October.

With Freshman Guard Lee Making Big Impact, PU Men’s Hoops Routs Monmouth, Moves to 8-2

Xaivian Lee may weigh around 160 pounds soaking wet, but he is starting to make a big impact for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

Last Saturday night, wiry 6’3 freshman guard Lee tallied a career-high 12 points with four rebounds, two steals, and an assist in 25 minutes off the bench to help Princeton rout Monmouth 91-54 before 1,372 at Jadwin Gym as it improved to 8-2 and posted its eighth straight victory.

“I feel like in the past couple of practices, I have really been focused on trying to take care of the ball and not turn it over,” said Lee, a native of Toronto, Canada, who had no turnovers against the Hawks. “I have been trying to still make plays and play fearless while still taking care of that. I feel that has been good, getting to the rim and finding my teammates. I feel like building my confidence, I did really good tonight with that, especially in the second half.”

Lee’s play has benefited from coaching he has been getting at the college level.

“I feel like being here and being coached everyday has forced me to get a lot better, especially defensively,” said Lee. “I have been trying to make the biggest improvements like locking into the scouts. Compared to high school, every game has a different scout, different personnel, and it is locking into that. I feel that has been my biggest improvement.”

Using his speed has helped Lee hold his own so far this season.

“It is definitely part of who I am, I am a bit on the skinny side as you guys can see,” said Lee, who is averaging 5.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists a game. “I try to use it a lot, just playing to my advantages, knowing where I can get an edge to get by guys and being slippery. It is not just being fast, but like changing pace. That is something I have been working on, not like always being a hundred and using that kind of change of pace. It has been good. On defense I feel like finding the balance between using my speed but also not gambling.”

Learning from veteran guards like senior Ryan Langborg and junior Matt Allocco has aided Lee’s transition.

“It has helped a lot; when I am on the floor with them, there is a lot of trust between us,” said Lee. “I don’t feel scared when I am out there with them because they know what they are doing. They have my back. In games like this where I am out there by myself, it is seeing how they run the team at the start of the game while I am on the bench. I am trying to be able to do that because one day I am going to have to run the team too. In terms of just me being out there, to see how they go about their business has been helpful.”

The bonds developed among the squad’s freshman class has helped them take care of business.

“Off the court, we do everything together,” said Lee, whose classmates include Jack Scott, Caden Pierce, Deven

Austin, and Vernon Collins. “We do our schoolwork together, we eat meals together, we go to and from practice together. We like hanging out, so I feel we have gotten really close off the court. We have a lot of chemistry when we are on the court because we are so close off the court.”

Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson likes what he is seeing on the court as the Tigers have gone on a roll after falling to Hofstra (83-77 on November 7) and Navy (74-73 on November 11) to start the season.

“I think we have something going here,” said Henderson, whose team was slated to face Iona on December 13 at Kean University and then host Delaware on December 16. “In that Hofstra game, we had a shot to go up with 10 minutes left, it was just a really good game for us to play. I knew we were going right there and have a chance to win our games. We have managed to figure out a way to play multiple ways offensively and defensively. The freshmen are coming along really well, they provide such depth for us.”

Lee has been providing more and more for the Tigers as the season has unfolded.

“He has improved so much, he is 160 pounds soaking wet,” said Henderson of Lee.

“We asked him to toughen up one defense and he has been doing all of that That is why he is playing a lot. We have told him to stop looking at the bench and play. He has got real gifts. We have high expectations for him. I told him don’t be afraid to be one of the better players as a young player. He is really coming along.”

In guiding his corps of prized freshmen, Henderson believes that throwing them into the fire is the best approach.

“I think it is important that we treat them like players; if I told them that they were

freshmen all the time, they would stop to rethink what they are doing,” said Henderson. “There are guys their age playing in the NBA and killing it across college basketball, so why not play. Now we are nine games or 10 games in so it is play. You are sophomores now. We have high expectations for what they can and are learning to do. I think the other part about that is that by the time you figure out how to win all the time, you graduate. Playing young guys is really good for us because it helps build the program for years to come.”

In assessing the contest against Iona, which is led by the Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino and is off to a 6-2 start, Henderson was fired up for that matchup.

“We are aware of what we are walking into there, they have NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) ranking of 35,” said Henderson, noting that he attended a Pitino basketball camp at the University of Kentucky as a middle schooler. “This looks to be the best team on the schedule. It is a huge challenge which we are looking forward to. I think it is going to be an awesome environment.”

Lee, for his part, is looking to keep making an impact for the Tigers.

“I feel I understand more about basketball than before,” said Lee. “In previous years, I played for fun, but now I understand the game at a different level. I understand details, I understand there is more to it than going and getting a bucket. There are so many other factors that go into winning. I feel like that has been the biggest adjustment in terms of understanding the game. In terms of the physical aspect, I just go out there, play hard, and see what happens.”

—Bill Alden

LEANING IN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Xaivian Lee curls around a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, freshman guard Lee tallied a career-high 12 points with four rebounds, two steals, and an assist in 25 minutes off the bench to help Princeton rout Monmouth 91-54. The Tigers, who improved to 8-2 with the win as they posted their eight straight win, were slated to face Iona on December 13 and then host Delaware on December 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Sparked by Mitchell’s All-Around Performance,

Princeton Women’s Basketball Defeats Delaware

Last Thursday night, Ellie Mitchell helped the Princeton University women’s basketball team put a scare into perennial national power Connecticut.

Playing at UConn’s Gampel Pavilion before a crowd of 8,731, Princeton forced 27 turnovers and went on a late 21-8 run to cut the Huskies’ lead to 66-64 before succumbing 69-64.

“That was super cool; we gave them a great game, obviously it didn’t end up the way we wanted but we had it down the wire,” said junior forward Mitchell, who had three points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two assists in the defeat. “I think they were nervous, we came up with some great plays. We played a great game. We didn’t shoot super well but we fought the entire time. It was an incredible atmosphere. Obviously we wanted to win, but we are proud of the effort. We almost had them.”

Back at home in Jadwin Gym three days later to host Delaware, Princeton had it going as it topped the Blue Hens 62-47, improving to 6-3.

“We wanted to redeem ourselves, losing always stinks, no matter who you are playing,” said Mitchell, a 6’1 native of Chevy Chase, Md.

“We wanted to come out here strong. We had some ups and downs in the game but we ended well. We got some good stops — that helped us there and we shot

a little bit better.”

In the win over Delaware, Mitchell’s passing and shooting were key as she contributed 10 points and a game-high five assists.

“Credit to my shooters, it is easy to pass it to them and they make the shots,” said Mitchell, who matched her career single-game high with the five assists.

“I am always trying to be more aggressive offensively. It has been a work in progress each year. If the shots aren’t falling, I take pride in my defense. I try to get a rebound and help in that way. I am always looking to develop on both ends of the court.”

Mitchell displayed her characteristic aggressiveness on the boards, grabbing a game-high nine rebounds against the Blue Hens.

“I am just trying to keep moving, I think is fun to throw my body at it,” said Mitchell, who came into the night averaging 13.1 rebounds a game, fourthhighest in the country. “If offense isn’t there, defense and rebounding is something that I can do. It is a lot of fun. It deflates the defense when someone shoots it and we come up with the rebound and get another shot. I think today we really capitalized on that, which is great.”

Princeton capitalized on its collective intensity, reeling off a 9-0 run to end the second quarter and build a 29-20 halftime lead.

“I think we needed more

of that, we have a lot of ups and downs but we have it in us to go on that run,” said Mitchell. “It is keep that adrenaline and attack, attack, and score. That was just a little glimmer of what we can do and what we need to do throughout the season.”

The stifling Tiger defense, which forced the Blue Hens into 26 turnovers, showed what it can do.

“We have such great team chemistry. Our help was there much more than it has been in the past few games, which we have been working on,” said Mitchell. “It is a big focal point and that helped us. You trust your teammates. If I get beat, they are going to be there. Today I think that was really great for us.”

Princeton head coach Carla Berube, a former UConn standout who helped the Huskies win the 1995 NCAA title, enjoyed seeing the Tigers battle her alma mater.

“It was a really fun atmosphere,” said Berube. “I think we put on a pretty good show, with both teams going back and forth towards the end. It was an exciting game.”

It was fun for Berube to get back to her old stomping grounds.

“There is a great familiarity in that gym for me,” said Berube. “It felt like home to me. I have some really good memories there.”

Princeton nearly gave Ber-

ube another great Gampel memory.

“I thought we had a good opportunity to win the game, we just couldn’t execute and get a good shot,” said Berube. “We didn’t get the stops we needed to down the stretch. That’s UConn too, they know how to play in big games.”

The Tigers got the stops they needed in the win over Delaware.

“It was good to be home again, it feels like it has been a long time since we have been here,” said Berube. “I am glad we could pull out the win. Delaware is a very good team, they shoot the ball pretty well from the three. I thought we could have done a better job of defending that but I thought overall our defense was pretty good. It was great inside and we made them turn the ball over quite a bit. I wish it could lead to some more scoring opportunities — we will keep working on our transition offense.”

Berube viewed the 9-0 run at the end of second quarter as a turning point in the contest.

“I called a timeout there in the second quarter and said let’s get this thing going here,” recalled Berube. “We started to make some plays on the defensive end, and saw some shots go down. I think that gave us momentum Then they hit some big shots in the third quarter and cut it to six again. We just needed to make some plays.”

Relying on its calling

card, the Tigers utilized its defense to hold off the Blue Hens

“We clamped down, that is who we are,” said Berube. “It was let’s get those stops, that leads to good stuff and then Kaitlyn [Chen] started to take over a little bit too. She made some shots and plays.”

Berube credited Mitchell with making plays all over the court.

“Ellie is very good right around the hoop with dump off passes to her,” said Berube. “She had five assists, so she is making plays for her teammates. She does a lot of great things for us. Sometimes it is in the box score and sometimes it is just Ellie being scrappy and making us better. She has made some strides. We have all the confidence in her to hit some shots. To get eight to 12 points from Ellie is a really good night.”

A lot of Tigers riots shots against Delaware as Chen scored a team-high 14 points with Julia Cunningham adding 11, Grace Stone scoring eight and Maggie Connolly chipping in six off the bench.

“They are all great scorers, we also got some great contributions off the bench,” said Berube. “Maggie was very good tonight. She just runs our offense really, really well and was just solid all the way around.”

With Princeton playing at Rutgers on December 15, Berube is looking for another great effort before the Tigers go on break.

“There is still some room

to grow,” said Berube. “We have got Rutgers on Thursday, it is a tough place to play there. I have never played against them, so that will be new. It is a battle for New Jersey and then we have some time off from games. I think that it is going to be helpful, just getting some reps in practice.”

Looking ahead to its Ivy League campaign which starts when the Tigers play at Harvard on December 31, Princeton will focus on sharpening up its offense.

“I think just getting better, especially in the offensive end, just working better together,” said Berube.

“I want us to be moving the ball better than we have been. At times, it gets stuck in someone’s hands. I like the way they work every day and get to practice and have fun playing together. We need to just keep building on that.”

While Mitchell likes where the team is nine games into the season, she believes it can get better and better.

“I think there is a lot of room for improvement,” said Mitchell. “We are getting better; sometimes we slip down and then we have a glimmer today where we were great on those 9-0 runs. We have had a great schedule. It is going to help prepare us for the tough Ivy League teams and hopefully the tournament. I am proud of us, it has been a lot of fun.”

—Bill Alden

STANDING TALL: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell, right, pressures a foe in recent action. Last Sunday, junior forward Mitchell tallied 10 points with nine rebounds and five assists to help Princeton defeat Delaware 62-47. The Tigers, now 6-3, play at Rutgers on December 15.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

While PU Wrestling Falls 17-16 to Rutgers on Tiebreaker, Coles Provides Highlight with Breakout Win at 141 Pounds

Chris Ayres has different parts to his job as head coach of the Princeton University wrestling team, but one thing stands out for him.

It’s the chance to help a wrestler develop to reach another level.

“It’s every day what I live for,” said Ayres. “I do a lot of stuff in my job — like fundraising and recruiting — but my favorite thing is trying to push those buttons to figure out how a guy makes a breakthrough. I think it’s all of our coaches’ favorite thing. Our guys were all the best kids in high school, and it’s trying to figure out how to unlock them and make them be the best they can be in college. And it’s not like a linear gradual gain, it’s a big jump. You have a mental shift where you’re like here’s where I am.”

The Tigers staff saw one such jump Sunday. Despite a loss to InterMat No. 17 Rutgers on tie-breaking criteria points after Princeton tied them with five match wins apiece, the Tigers had something to build on with a win at 141 pounds from Danny Coles [The teams were tied 16-16 after the 10 bouts with none of the matches being decided by falls, forfeits, defaults, or disqualifications. That sent the match to the third criteria, total points scored, and Rutgers had a 42-39 edge to win 17-16 on the criteria point.] Princeton’s InterMatranked trio of Patrick Glory, Quincy Monday, and Luke Stout all won as expected along with Blaine Bergey at 165 pounds, but Coles had the most significant win of the day.

The teams were tied 16-16 after the 10 bouts with each winning five and none of the

matches being decided by falls, forfeits, defaults, or disqualifications. That sent the match to the third criteria, total points scored, and Rutgers had a 42-39 edge to win 17-16 on the criteria point.

The Canadian native was the only wrestler on either team to upset an InterMatranked opponent. Coles scored a first-period takedown and a last-period escape in a 4-3 win over eighth-ranked Sammy Alvarez at 141 pounds.

“That’s what you have to do — you have to get one guy to break through,” said Ayres of Coles, who hails from Bragg Creek, Alberta, Canada. “Luke Stout did last year. I think Danny broke through this weekend. They all know how to wrestle. It’s like massaging their minds and getting them to believe that they’re one of the best guys in the country and figuring out how to just do that.”

Coles went 9-8 last year in his first season of college wrestling. He started his sophomore season 0-3, mirroring the start of the Tigers with losses to Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan State. But Sunday he delivered a huge win that could signal a shift in his season.

“That was a perfect match for him,” said Ayres of Coles, who was later named the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Wrestler of the Week for his performance. “Where he was deficient in the past was he couldn’t put seven minutes together. He didn’t have the focus. In this match, it was perfect. He had seven minutes of focus and he did what he had to do. He could have scored more, I think, actually, and we have to get over that hump so next

time he goes out there he scores more points. It’s a big jump for him. Now we have a ’41-pounder. That’s what I talked to the team about. We can’t just count on Pat Glory, and Quincy and Luke Stout. We need other guys to step up. Danny Coles coming through is big for us.”

Ayres has seen it before during his 17 years with Princeton. He points to Monday, currently ranked No. 1 at 157 pounds after making huge strides in a few years to reach the NCAA final last year.

“If you look at Quincy Monday, his freshman year he was just OK honestly,” said Ayres. “Then his sophomore year, it was like this is a different guy. He could beat anyone. Then his junior year, he was like, ‘I’m to win NCAAs.’ So shifts have to happen. We just have to push the buttons to make them happen. When it happens, it’s the coolest thing as a coach. Danny, today could have been one of those days.”

Coles is another wrestler in the Princeton program that Ayres can point to now for taking a step to figure out how to win against a higher level wrestler. The Tigers have been waiting for another breakthrough like they got out of Coles.

“All this stuff is mental,” said Ayres. “You make these jumps — it’s hard to understand. I think from the outside looking in, it’s like a linear thing and they think you just improve a little every day. All it takes is a mind shift. You have to have a mind shift to ‘this what I do, this is how I win’ — and finding that is tough. You have to fail a lot to figure that out. In my own career, I know exact moments where I made a

big jump. And I think Danny Coles made a big jump today. We just have to massage that a bit and make sure he keeps that going.”

Ayres was so focused on how his team was wrestling that he didn’t focus on the criteria points that ultimately decided the match. Princeton’s coaches didn’t ask its underdog wrestlers to just keep their matches close, they wanted their wrestlers to compete for wins. The goal for the Tigers was to continue to improve as wrestlers, not scrape for individual points in matches.

“I think we wrestled well,” said Ayres. “I tell them if they wrestle hard and we lose, we lose. I thought that’s what happened today. On a judge’s scorecard, if you would have judged the match, I think we were more aggressive, I think we had more attempts. I felt good about the match honestly, we just didn’t get the result we wanted.”

MERCER MUSEUM

FONTHILL CASTLE

The team fell to 0-4 with the loss, but even Ayres offered with a chuckle that the Tigers may be the best 0-4 team in the country. Princeton will focus on exams before returning to the mat at the acclaimed Midlands Championships in Illinois from December 29-30. Ayres sees big potential for his team, and plenty of opportunity to prove itself with more challenging teams after Midlands and the Franklin and Marshall Open on January 6.

“It’s not where we want to be 100 percent; this is not where we expected to be,” said Ayres. “But it is what it is and we’re going to get better every weekend. I think we’re going to have a totally different team at Midlands and as we go into a tough schedule. We have Oregon State after Midlands and then we have Arizona State, so it doesn’t get any easier after this match. Rutgers is good, but they’re not Arizona

State-good. We have to do some work to figure it out, but we could beat Arizona State. That’s the funny thing about the game. If a few guys figure it out, we could go in there and beat Arizona State in Tempe. That’s what I’m focused on.”

Princeton got a breakthrough performance out of Coles on Sunday. The next step is for him to sustain it in upcoming matches when the Tigers return to action, something that will help Princeton as a team while also boosting him individually for a strong run by season’s end.

“It’s what we do,” said Ayres. “We’ve honestly never been good early on in a season. But we usually end up well. We do very good in relation to our seeds at NCAAs. This is all practice. For him to break through a bit was good.”

—Justin Feil

BURNING COLES: Princeton University wrestler Danny Coles, right, controls a foe in a match last season. This past Sunday, sophomore Coles edged No. 8 Sammy Alvarez 4-3 at 141 pounds as Princeton battled Rutgers. The teams were tied 16-16 after the 10 bouts with each winning five and none of the matches being decided by falls, forfeits, defaults or disqualifications. That sent the match to the third criteria, total points scored, and Rutgers had a 42-39 edge to win 17-16 on the criteria point. Coles was later named the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Wrestler of the Week, standing out as the only unranked wrestler to top a ranked foe in the matchup. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Posting Weekend Sweep Heading into Break,

PU Men’s Hockey Seeing Hard Work Pay Off

In losing six of its eight first games this season, the Princeton University men’s hockey team played its foes tight but had trouble getting over the hump in close games.

While the defeats stung, Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty wasn’t discouraged by the early stumbles.

“I was happy with where our team was moving towards in our style of play,” said Fogarty. “The loss against Colgate in overtime (3-2 on November 5) was tough but we were playing well. We just didn’t get the results.”

But starting with a 5-1 win over No. 20 RIT on November 26, Princeton has been getting the results since Thanksgiving. Putting together its best weekend of the season, Princeton defeated Union 2-0 last Friday and then edged RPI 6-5 a night later.

“It is very difficult to sweep in our conference, no matter who you are,” said Fogarty.

In getting the sweep, the Tigers showed that they are developing a knack for winning tight games.

“All of our games besides the Clarkson win (6-2 on December 2) and RIT 5-0 win a goalie had been pulled by either side,” said Fogarty, whose team is now 6-7 overall and 5-6 ECACH and tied with Cornell for fourth place in the league standings. “We have been accustomed to playing tight games and having great resolve and composure. It is a sign of a young but mature team that is moving toward being a good to great team that you can win these games

and close out a sweep.”

In the win over Union, Princeton came through in a defensive struggle.

“We had a lot of scoring opportunities; their goalie Connor Murphy played very well and we just persisted through the entire game and finally got a goal in the third period,” said Fogarty, who got goals from Adam Robbins and Noah de la Durantaye in the win.

The Tiger starting goalie, sophomore Ethan Person, played very well, making 22 saves for his fourth shutout of the season — tied for No. 2 all-time in a season by a Princeton goalie and one away from the single-season mark.

“It was another strong performance by Ethan,” said Fogarty of Pearson, who has a goals against average of 2.12 and a save percentage of .920. “It is just getting game time. He didn’t play junior hockey because of COVID. He had just over a game with us last year so now he has had the opportunity to really display his craft in games. He has been playing extremely well. For the goalie position, you need reps and time.”

In addition, the team’s defense has tightened up in front of him.

“Another part is that our defense structure is better than last year,” said Fogarty. “We have eliminated a lot of the Grade A chances against on 5-on-5 and we are winning that battle.”

A night later, Princeton won in a different manner as it outlasted RPI 6-5 in a wild contest that saw Princeton build

leads of 2-0, 4-2, and 6-3 before the Engineers tacked on two late power play goals.

“We create a lot of red zone opportunities and the guys have been rewarded,” said Fogarty. “We were stifled a little bit in the Union game and the guys battled.”

Sophomore forward Jack Cronin has been cashing in his chances, tallying points in five of his last six games and now has seven goals and three assists on the season.

“A player like Jack Cronin as a power play specialist but on the 5-on-5 as well has stepped up,” said Fogarty. “His puck protection led to Noah’s goal against Union, the insurance goal for us to go up 2-0. He has really emerged as an underclassman.”

With 13 players getting on the scoresheet in the win over RPI, the Tigers are developing some offensive balance.

“I am really happy with a lot of our guys; I am proud when I watch the game, all four lines are starting to look the same,” said Fogarty. “Every player has a little different quality, but it looks the same as we go over the boards. We are in a good spot now.”

The play of senior defenseman Pito Walton, who tied his career-high with three assists against RPI, has been spot on.

“He is logging a lot of ice time because he makes things simple,” said Fogarty of Walton, who was named the ECACH Defender of the Week and leads the Tigers in points with 11 on three goals and eight assists. “Over the past of couple of years we have asked

him to do a lot and now he has emerged from a college player to a player who can move into the professional ranks with his style of play.”

Princeton is emerging as a force with its recent surge. “They see the results coming from the work for the past three months, working on and off the ice,” said Fogarty. “I like where our team is at in terms of what we are doing in the games to be successful. I

think it has been gradual for sure after we made a couple of minor changes after the first period against Cornell (a 3-1 loss on November 4). It has been gradual from better, to good, to great.”

With the Tigers on break until they play a two-game set at Colorado College on December 30 and 31, Fogarty believes the trip west will help the team pick up where it left off last weekend.

“We look at it as a second half team bonding experience,” said Fogarty. “We are going to go to a NHL game. We are got to watch the Kings play against the Avalanche. We will get out there and have two excellent quality games against Colorado College. I really liked how we finished the first half of the season, going three for four in league games.”

—Bill Alden

ON A ROLL: Princeton University men’s hockey player Pito Walton goes after the puck in recent action. Last Saturday, senior defenseman and team captain Walton picked up three assists to help Princeton edge RPI 6-5. Walton was later named as the ECAC Hockey Defender of the Week for his performance over the weekend which also included a strong effort on Friday as the Tigers blanked Union 2-0. Princeton, now 6-7 overall and 5-6 ECACH, is on break until it plays a two-game set at Colorado College on December 30 and 31. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

co-winner

Soccer Writer, PU Alum Wahl Passes Away at World Cup

Prominent sportswriter and Princeton University alum Grant Wahl ’96 died last Friday while working at the World Cup in Qatar.

As Wahl covered the quarterfinal between Argentina and the Netherlands , he collapsed in the press box. He was treated on site and was then transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. While his cause of death is unclear, Wahl wrote on December 5 in his newsletter Substack that he had not been feeling well and had sought medical attention in Qatar. He was told that he probably had bronchitis

Wahl, 49, worked for The Daily Princetonian as a reporter and sports editor and went on to write for Sports Illustrated from 1996-2020. At SI, he initially covered basketball and then branched out to soccer. He became one of the preeminent soccer writers in America. He wrote over 50 cover stories for the magazine, including a 2002 piece on then-high school player LeBron James

In addition, Wahl was a soccer correspondent for Fox Sports . After leaving SI, Wahl founded his own podcast and the Substack newsletter. He also wore two acclaimed soccer books, The Beckham Experiment (2009) and Masters of Modern Soccer: How the World’s Best Play the Twenty-FirstCentury Game (2018).

U.S. Soccer and his wife, Celine Gounder ’97, confirmed his death in separate posts on Twitter.

“I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock,” wrote Gounder.

U.S. Soccer, for its part, weighed in with a tribute. “Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us,” U.S. Soccer said in a statement

Princeton University men’s basketball coach Mitch Henderson ’98, discussed Wahl’s death with his squad before it defeated Monmouth 9154 last Saturday at Jadwin Gym.

“I was a good friend with Grant and my friend Jesse Marsch ’96 (a former Princeton soccer star and current coach of Leeds United in the English Premier League) was best friends with him,” said Henderson, speaking in the postgame press conference. “I showed them a picture of Grant and told them Grant always made you feel like you were the most important person he was talking to. There was a kindness to him and a thoughtfulness that was so genuine. He had that effect on everybody. I am a developing soccer fan. I love the game and he was a huge part of that for me. When he started to get in SI, he was always pushing the game. I am devastated for him and his family. I talked to him two months ago for a PAW article on Jesse. I just feel terrible.”

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the Bushnell Cup and be considered this level of player by the Ivy League, said Johnson upon earning the award. “Individual awards are a testament to the support system around you and there is no greater support system than my family which eats, sleeps, and breathes the game in every aspect of life.”

Junior Johnson, a 6’0, 220-pound native of Moorestown, led Princeton and ranked fourth in the Ivy League in tackles (90). Johnson averaged 13 tackles per game over the final two weeks of the season and scored two touchdowns during the year, including a 92-yard fumble return against Penn in the season finale. He averaged 9.9 tackles per Ivy game, the third-best mark in the league.

Yale quarterback Nolan Grooms was named as the winner of the Bushnell Cup for Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year.

From 1970 to 2010, the Bushnell Cup recognized an Ivy League Player of the Year (or co-Players of the Year if there was a tie in voting).

Beginning with the 2010 season, the award was presented as part of the festivities surrounding the NFF Annual Awards Dinner with four finalists named a week prior to the presentation. Beginning with the 2011 season, the award began recognizing Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, honoring each as a recipient of the Bushnell Cup.

Johnson is the 14th Princeton winner of the Bushnell Cup in program history and gives the Tigers back-to-back defensive honorees as star linebacker Jeremiah Tyler won it last season. He’s the eighth Princeton player since 2012 to earn the conference’s highest accolade.

PU Football’s Iosivas Named All-American Princeton University football senior star receiver Andrei Iosivas has been named

a HERO Sports FCS AllAmerican, the organization announced today.

Iosivas, a 6’3, 200-pound native of Honolulu, Hawaii, has garnered national attention all season as he was First-Team All-Ivy, named to the Senior Bowl Watchlist, a Walter Payton Award finalist, and the East-West Shrine Bowl Watchlist.

Iosivas led the Ivy League in receptions (66), receiving yards (943), and touchdown catches (seven) while being ranked ninth in the FCS in receiving yards and 14th in receptions per game (6.6) and 16th in receiving yards. The senior ended his Princeton career ranked sixth all-time in receiving yards (1,909), 12th in receptions (125), and third in touchdown catches (16).

PU Men’s Soccer Star Clare Named Academic All-American Princeton University men’s soccer senior midfielder Ryan Clare has been named a first-team College Sports Communicators Academic All-American as selected by the nation’s collegiate athletics communications professionals.

In the process, Clare made some Princeton men’s soccer history by being the first Tiger selected as a first-team College Sports Communicators Academic All-American.

Clare, a native of Wellesley, Mass., who had previously been named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators, had a breakout season as a senior, earning a first-team All-Ivy League honors after tallying seven goals and two assists. His 16 points were No. 7 among Ivy players and his three game-winning goals were tied for second in the league.

He is the only Ivy Leaguer to earn men’s soccer Academic All-America honors for College Sports Com municators this season. He is the fifth Princeton men’s soccer player to earn Aca demic All-America honors and the second in the last two seasons. He joins former teammate Jack Roberts (third-team; 2021) and his head coach Jim Barlow (second-team; 1991) as well as Cameron Porter (secondteam, 2014) and Patrick Barba (third-team; 2016) as Tigers to receive the honor.

Since [1950] Conte’s has become a Princeton destination; a great old-school bar that also happens to serve some of New Jersey’s best pizza, thin-crusted and bubbly. The restaurant hasn’t changed much since then; even the tables are the same. It’s a simple, no-frills space, but if you visit during peak times, be prepared to wait well over an hour for a table.

We could not have reached this accomplishment without our dedicated employees and customers. Thank you from the owners of Conte’s Serving the Princeton community for over 80 years, and we will continue to serve you another 80 years and more. Mon – 11:30-9 Tues-Fri – 11:30-10:30 Sat – 4-10:30 Sun – 4-9

PU Football Star Johnson Wins Bushnell Cup Defensive Honor Princeton University football star linebacker Liam Johnson was named last Monday as the

of Bushnell Cup for Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year along with Harvard defensive lineman Truman Jones.

SHOWING NO MERCY: Princeton University women’s hockey player Maggie Connors controls the puck in recent action. Last Saturday, senior star forward Connors tallied two goals to help Princeton defeat Mercyhurst 5-1. A day earlier, the Tigers edged Mercyhurst 6-5 in overtime as junior standout Sarah Fillier tallied two goals and an assist, including the game-winning goal in OT. The Tigers, now 7-6-1 overall, are next in action when they host Dartmouth on January 6 and Harvard on January 7 in the Hobey 100 Weekend celebrating the centennial of the Hobey Baker Rink. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Boasting Promising Newcomers, Battle-Tested Veterans, PHS Girls’ Hoops Sees Up-Tempo Style as Key to Success

Boasting a blend of newcomers and some battletested veterans, there is a sense of optimism around the Princeton High girls’ basketball team heading into the 2022-23 season.

“We have a lot of new faces,” said PHS head coach Dave Kosa, who guided PHS to a 10-11 record last

winter. “They are really jelling with one another, we are excited. There are a couple of freshmen that are going to play a lot of minutes, I think they are ready for it. They are pretty talented. It is good that we are going to be young and hungry.”

It is also good for Kosa to have senior Rachel Luo,

junior Riley Devlin, and junior Ava Caruso returning in the backcourt.

“We thrust Rachel into the point guard role last year and she wasn’t really ready for it,” said Kosa. “I think this year we are going to do it more by committee. Riley can play it, Rachel can play it, and Ava can play it. Those are the three guards that will be handling the ball for us.”

Two new faces, freshman Sephora Romain and sophomore transfer Gianna Grippo, should see action at guard.

“Sephora is super athletic, she is going to add a lot of quickness,” said Kosa. “She might be in the mix as the season wears on. Gianna transferred from Bridgewater — she might see some minutes as well. It provides us with depth.”

Junior forward Gabby Bannett provides experience and versatility.

“One player who has really stepped up is Gabby, she is ready to break out this year,” said Kosa. “She will probably be a three (small forward) or a four (power forward). She has put in a lot of work, her commitment is awesome. Her confidence is really growing and she can handle the ball too. Her overall game is versatile.”

Joining Bannett in the frontcourt will be sophomore Luna Bar-Cohen and a pair of freshmen, Anna Winters, and Kate Sharkey.

“Luna is a hard worker, she is going to be one of our post players,” said Kosa, noting that freshmen Quinn Gallagher and Maddie Nieman should also get some minutes in the post. “She is just solid, she is working on her game. She can also knock down the 15-footer. She gives us versatility where everyone can knock down a shot. Anna is solid for us, she is really aggressive. She really does a good job on the boards for us. Katie is more of a four, or a little five (center) for us. She is very versatile as well. She can step out and knock down a perimeter shot. She has a decent handle for a four.”

Getting his players to take better care of the ball and be more efficient offensively are two priorities for Kosa as he has led his team through the preseason.

“The two main things we really want to improve on are cutting down turnovers from last year and scoring the ball,” said Kosa.

“The big thing with Riley, Gabby, and Rachel is that they have been in the program for at least three years now so they understand the system. They are all handling the ball. I think that will help us. They will be our stalwarts with moving the ball.”

With PHS playing at Princeton Day School on December 15 in its season opener, Kosa believes that working hard on the defensive end will be another key to success for his squad.

“It is a matter of us being aggressive defensively,” said Kosa. “The last couple of years we have more of a zone team. This year, we are a little bit smaller but we are quicker and faster. We will be looking to get out and run; we will be looking to get stuff off of our defense.”

—Bill Alden

Featuring an Infusion of Young Talent, PDS Girls’ Hoops Looking Competitive

As the Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team has hit the court for the preseason, Seraphine Hamilton likes the mindset and versatility she is seeing from her players.

“We have a more competitive group and a lot of talent,” said PDS head coach Hamilton, who guided PDS to a 5-13 record last winter. “We are pretty fluid, everybody plays everything.”

The Panthers are getting an infusion of talent with the arrival of four freshmen — Ella McLaren, Jules Hartman, Makayla Rondinelli, and Sophie Barber.

“Ella and Jules bring a lot of the similar things to the basketball court that they bring on the soccer field,” said Hamilton, whose team will host Princeton High on December 15 in its season opener. “Jules is really com posed and makes great deci sions under pressure. Ella is attack-oriented and athletic. Mikayla and Sophia come fresh off of their AAU sea son — they are ballers. That is a good addition.”

The return of senior guard Paige Gardner, who stars in lacrosse and has committed to attend Fairfield Universi ty and play for its women’s lacrosse program, brings athleticism to the Panther backcourt.

“I have coached her all four years in basketball; she was a little peanut when she was a freshman and now she is an athletic presence,” said Hamilton. “She has grown; she is a D-I athlete on the court and she knows how to cut across the court from lacrosse. Our offense lends itself to the way that she can play.”

Another multi-sport ath lete, junior Katie ZarishYasunas, who also plays field hockey and lacrosse, gives PDS physical play in the paint.

“Katie is a guard, but she is actually one of our better low post defenders so she ends up finding herself in the key a lot,” said Hamilton. “She is very strong.”

Hamilton depends on junior guard/forward junior Mia Hartman to provide production and leadership.

“Mia looks great, it is going to be really helpful for her to have other shooters on the court,” said Hamilton. “Hopefully she will have a little more time and space this year. I am really lucky to have Mia as one of our leaders this year. She was special when she came in as a ninth grader. She had that focus, but she was also very coachable and always bought into what we were asking. Now we have players coming in who are basketball-focused and Mia is doing a really nice job of taking them under her wing.”

Making big progress from

her freshman season, sophomore Nandini Kolli figures to be a factor this winter.

“Nandini played JV last year and she spent the summer playing AAU,” said Hamilton. “She has improved greatly.”

With such a youthful squad, Hamilton believes that the Panthers have plenty of room for growth this winter.

“We are pretty young, we have to develop confidence early on in the season,” said Hamilton. “There is a lot of learning that has to go on. It is being ready to be on the court, even when we are ninth and 10th graders.”

—Bill Alden

PAIGE ONE: Princeton Day School girls’ basektball player Paige Gardner fires a pass in a game last season. Senior guard Gardner, who also stars in lacrosse, brings athleticism to the backcourt for PDS. The Panthers will be tipping off their 202122 campaign by hosting crosstown rival Princeton High on December 15.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

SURE SHOT: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Rachel Luo puts up a shot in a game last winter. Coming off a superb junior season, senior guard Luo figures to be a key performer for PHS this winter. The Tigers tip off their 2022-23 season by playing at Princeton Day School on December 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Taking Lessons from Tournament Losses Last Year, PDS Boys’ Hoops Emphasizing Scrappy Mentality

As Eugene Burroughs looks ahead to the upcoming season for his Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team, he believes two tournament losses last winter have positively impacted his returning players.

While PDS fell to Trenton Catholic Academy 50-43 in the opening round of the Mercer County Tournament and then lost 69-59 to Doane Academy in the Prep B state final, Burroughs saw those performances as a turning point.

“I think our game at TCA was a moment where I felt our team realized how hard we have to play,” said PDS head coach Burroughs, whose team went 5-13 in 2021-22. “We really competed with a lot of energy; I told them after that game this is the standard of how we have to play. The Doane game was another game where I felt like we played as a team at a high level. It was a physical game, we competed. Having returning kids who have experienced that is a great carryover for them this year. I feel that those guys all have improved their skill set as players. When you have that with the chemistry that our returning guys have, I think you are heading in the right direction.”

As his team has gone through preseason practices, Burroughs is seeing a carryover of intensity.

“Our energy has been great in the preseason, the best it has been since I have been here,” said Burroughs, who is in his third year guiding the program. “I feel my returning players have really just turned the corner on my expectations of them as players with our ability to move the ball on offense and rotate on defense.”

Burroughs is depending on senior guard Jaden Dublin to get things moving for the Panthers this winter.

“Jaden was a great addition for us last year; he is looking great, he is in great shape,” said Burroughs, whose team will start its 2022-23 campaign by hosting WW/PNorth on December 15. “I feel he is going to have a great year. He is more aggressive this year at the offensive end. That is something that our team needs from him. Defensively, he has improved from last year in terms of his understanding of where to be on defense and what the expectations are.”

Another senior guard, Jaden Hall, is also showing aggressiveness.

“Jaden made great strides last year and from what I have seen this year, he has taken another jump in a positive direction,” said Burroughs. “He has been playing great, he has been making shots. He has been driving the ball to the rim and has been making good decisions with the basketball. His defense has been more consistent for longer periods of time which is a great attribute to his game. He has had a great preseason and I am expecting him to have a big year this year.”

Burroughs is expecting senior guard Mason McQueen to be a catalyst for PDS.

“He has been our energy guy, he has given us a spark in the past and I think this year he is going to give us a bigger spark,” said Burroughs. “He

brings energy, he is passionate about the game and he is going to hustle. He is going to compete on both ends of the floor. I am excited to see his growth as an offensive player.

He has definitely improved in his decision-making, his poise, his shooting, and just knowing where guys are on the floor. I think when you are a senior you play with a little more confidence. He has been playing with confidence and it has been great.”

Versatile sophomore Abdoulaye Seydi is playing with a lot more confi dence in his second year with the program.

“Abdoulaye had a great showing in our first couple of scrimmages where you see the improvement from last year to this year,” said Burroughs. “He didn’t play many minutes on varsity last season, he was a swing player. This year, he has had an imprint on our team on defense by showing poise, being confident, making good plays. He still has a window to grow as a ballplayer. The more minutes he plays and the more games he plays in at this level is going to make him even better by the end of the year.”

The sharp shooting of senior Rafael Moore should help him get more minutes this season.

“I feel he is going to have a great year, he is probably one of our better shooters,” said Burroughs. “With the roster of guys that we have, I think that is going to allow him to be really effective for us, helping us spread the floor when teams play zone. His ability to make shots is going to impact our team. We struggled last year at scoring the ball and other teams zoned us a lot.

I think with the core of guys that we have this year, we can shoot the ball better and make more offensive plays.”

Senior Bram Silva fi gures to have an impact with his toughness in the paint.

“Bram has had a great preseason; you can see his

growth physically from last year to this year, his body looks great, he is in great shape,” said Burroughs. “I feel he is going to grow into his own as a basketball player, making plays at the rim and screening. He is doing all that things that he did last year and doing them better now.”

The pair of senior Nico Cucci and sophomore Adam Stewart is primed to do some good things this winter.

“Nino played a few minutes for us last year,” said Burroughs. “He is our back-up center, he had a great showing in our last scrimmage, just doing hustle plays, blocking out, getting rebounds, and helping to move the ball offensively. He is a role player who is going to play a lot for us. Adam is in the mix, he has an opportunity to grow as a basketball player and evolve. I am curious to see the impact he will have. He did a lot of work in the offseason on his body. He was in the weight room and he looks strong. I think he has the ability to be a solid defender for us.”

A newcomer, freshman Jordan Owens, is showing the ability to make an immediate contribution.

“Jordan is a really good shooter, he is still growing as a basketball player,” said Burroughs. “Going from eighth grade to varsity basketball is an adjustment. He is also adjusting to me as a coach and the learning curve of the defense we are playing and trying to learn offensively where to be on the court. He is coming along. He has the ability to make shots and to make some good basketball plays. He has impressed us in practice with his ability to put the ball on the floor and stretch the defense. I think he is going to be a great addition to this core of basketball kids that we have this year.”

With a core of energetic veterans, PDS will be employing an up-tempo style.

“Our strength is our ability to move the basketball, drive

it, shoot it, and make the extra pass,” said Burroughs. “It highlights our whole team, our offense isn’t geared for one person to have 30 shots. On any given day, any one of our players could be a leading scorer. That is how we play, to be interchangeable. For me, it is improving our skill set. Doing that will allow our

players to gain confidence in the skills they have learned and apply them in games.”

In order to win a lot of games this winter, the Panthers will emphasize ball movement and grit.

“Our success really comes down to our ability to be able to share the ball and be a scrappy team on the defen-

sive end,” said Burroughs. “We don’t have a ton of size but we have speed and athleticism. Our guys are quick and they move their feet. We have a chance to be a competitive team. In our first two scrimmages, we started the year like we ended the year last season. I think that is a positive for this group.”

— Bill Alden

Si dd ha rt ha Muk herjee

BOUNCE IN HIS STEP: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Mason McQueen dribbles the ball in a game last winter. Senior guard McQueen’s energy helped spark PDS to the Prep B state final last season. The Panthers start their 2022-23 campaign by hosting WW/P-North on December 15.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Rev. Alison L. Boden,

Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel, Princeton

Music performed by the Princeton University Chapel Choir with Nicole Aldrich, Director of Chapel Music and of the University Chapel Choir, and with Eric Plutz, University Organist. The Chapel Choir will perform a traditional Cameroonian song, a Basque carol arranged by Robert Grogan, as well as a piece by John Bell.

Co-Sponsored by

IN CONVERSATION WITH SHIRLEY TILGHMAN President Emeritus, Princeton University; Professor of Molecular Biology and Public Affairs, Emeritus

LOUIS CLARK VANUXEM LECTURE

Pioneering Oncologist; Researcher; and Pulitzer Prize winning Author

14,

Although Winning Streak Snapped by Holy Ghost, Hun Boys’ Hockey Still Confident Going Forward

Riding a three-game winning streak, outscoring its foes 25-0 in that stretch, the Hun School boys’ hockey team was rolling as it hosted Holy Ghost Prep (Pa.) last Friday evening at the Ice Land Skating Center.

Midway through the second period, it looked like the good times were going to keep coming as Hun took 3-1 lead on Justin Laplante’s second goal of the contest.

Hun head coach Ian McNally liked where his team’s mentality was as it had overcome an early 1-0 deficit against Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference (APAC) rival Holy Ghost with two straight goals in a 50 second span late in the first period to take a 2-1 lead.

“Things were going good so I think the mindset coming into this was more like things are good right now rather than we are playing Ghost,” said McNally. “We didn’t start that well but we responded by scoring goals.”

Unfortunately for the Raiders, Holy Ghost responded with four unanswered goals in the last eight minutes of the second period and never looked back on the way to a 7-3 win.

“They have three or four really good offensive players, and they just hung around

long enough until the momentum changed,” said McNally, whose team moved to 5-4 with the defeat. “It is not like they were coming out of their zone and around all of us scoring goals. We would turn over the puck and they would take advantage of it. They were pesky, and eventually we would make a poor decision with a pass or using a backhand instead of a forehand. We would turn it over and it was ‘oh boy, three guys are coming.’”

Hun boasts a really good offensive player in junior transfer Laplante, who also picked up an assist against Holy Ghost to go with his two goals.

“Justin has been awesome, he is so fast and strong,” said McNally, who also got a goal from Scott Richmond in the loss with Ryan Levesque chipping in three assists. “You can see it happening. There are times where he creates a little space and separation and they see it and pass the puck to him and it is ‘see you.’ You know he is about to blow by everybody. He has definitely found the scoresheet the last three or four games. He has been great, he is certainly one of our more effective players now.”

In the wake of what happened on Friday, McNally is looking for more leadership from his veterans when the team is hit with some misfortune.

“I would hope having gone through this, that the next time there is a little adversity like that, we deal with it,” said McNally. “I am interested in seeing who steps up and leads us from here on out. When you could feel the mood on the bench changing and the score was changing, I am not sure I saw anybody on our team be like, I got this, follow me. We are going to need some of that because there are going to be times every game where it is not going our way.”

With Hun playing at LaSalle College High (Pa.) on December 14 and getting a rematch at Holy Ghost on December 16, McNally is confident that his squad can get back on the winning track.

“We are not going to take much out of this game beyond like we blew it because things have been good,” said McNally. “This isn’t back to the drawing board. It is not that we couldn’t play with them or whatever. We continued to give them opportunities and power plays and it bit us.”

—Bill Alden

With Transfer Kelly Finding a Comfort Level, Hun Boys’ Hoops Heading in Right Direction

Coming from Long Island this fall to join the Hun School boys’ hoops team, Mac Kelly took a while to get up to speed.

“Early on, it is nerve-wracking, it is different,” said Kelly, a 6’1 native of Mineola, N.Y. “The level of play is higher. I have been able to adjust to it and grow. I think now I feel I am right in there. There are no more nerves which is big.”

Last Wednesday as Hun hosted Pennington, Kelly displayed his growth, tallying 28 points, including 24 in the second half, to help the Raiders pull away to a 90-68 victory.

With Hun clinging to a 3332 halftime lead and missing several players due to injury and illness, Kelly was ready to take things to another level in the second half.

“I came into the locker room at halftime, I knew I had to step it up,” said Kelly. “It was a tight game.”

As the second half unfolded, Kelly caught fire, scoring nine straight points for the Raiders as Hun went from leading 4846 to a 57-48 advantage and never looked back.

“That is the best place to be, trying to find yourself in a zone,” said Kelly, reflecting on his second half outburst. “Luckily the ball was finding me. I didn’t have to force too much.”

With Hun outscoring the Red Hawks 57-36 in the second half, a lot of Raiders ended up finding the range.

“Tonight I think the team did a great job with that next man up mentality,” said Kelly. “Guys are out. You don’t necessarily have to fill in for the guys who are out, you just fill in for the team. I thought we really did that, especially in the second half.”

Kelly got set up on several of his baskets on passes from another newcomer, Symeon Efstathiou.

“Just playing pickup I tried to establish a connection with him,” said Kelly of Efstathiou “Since pickup, we were able to establish a good chemistry. It shows out there.”

Kelly believes that coming to Hun will help him show that he can play at the next level.

“It was just the opportunity to get better,” said Kelly. “I love this game. I knew this was an opportunity that could really just make me get better and accomplish a dream I have been chasing all my life, playing at the collegiate level.”

Being on the court with Raider star guards Dan Vessey and Anthony Loscalzo has been a great opportunity for Kelly.

“Playing with those guys is awesome,” said Kelly. “Anthony can really shoot it. Dan is a really great player and I learn a lot from him. Just having those two guys out there makes my job easier.”

Hun head coach Jon Stone was proud of how his players utilized the next man up mentality to get the job done against Pennington.

“We were missing a guy this weekend and we talked about how important it is for the whole team to collectively pick it up and not one person try to take over for the one guy,” said Stone. “We were missing five guys today. When you are missing that many, guys have to step up. We had guys step up and do great job with it. It

was real fun.”

Stone had fun watching his team pull away from Pennington. “We got off to a really good start, our defense let up a little bit and then our execution on offense also let up,” said Stone. “The combination of those things gave us a little bit of a letdown. I think we did a pretty good job of correcting those in the second half.”

Kelly’s really good second half came as no surprise to Stone. “Mac hitting threes and going to the basket and getting some backdoors was big,” said Stone. “He has been solid for us all year and really, really steady. We love him. I think one of the most underrated sides of his game is his defense. He is a really, really good defender and really helps us.”

Efstathiou ’s all-around game was a big plus for Hun. “That is his thing, he really loves to be playmaker and yet we need him to score too,” said Stone of star forward Efstathiou, a native of Athens, Greece who has committed to attend Brown University and play for its men’s hoops program. “He showed flashes of that tonight. We didn’t do as great a job getting him the ball at times. We started to do more of that in the second half

and it opened things up for our guards.”

Senior forward Anthony Aririguzoh chipped in 12 points against Pennington, doing some yeoman’s work in the paint.

“Anthony is so solid for us. Those games where he doesn’t score very much, you can’t put a price tag on the value he stills gives us,” said Stone. “He gives the intensity and the little things that not everybody always sees — the rebounds, the great defense, a blocked shot, or a charge taken. He is capable of scoring.”

The intensity Hun displayed against the Red Hawks carried over into the weekend as the Raiders went 2-1 at the Peddie School Invitational Tournament, topping host Peddie 70-59 last Sunday in a third place game to improve to 5-3.

“There was a lot of balance, a lot of teamwork out there at both ends of the floor,” said Stone, whose team hosts Life Center Academy on December 15 in its last action before the holiday break. “It is going to make us better down the road because guys are getting more experienced now than they might have been otherwise if we had everybody.”

Kelly, for his part, is looking to keep getting better. “I just hope I can continue to play well and see where we go from here,” said Kelly.

—Bill Alden

SWOOPING IN: Hun School boys’ hockey player Elian Estulin, left, tracks down a puck in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior star and team captain Estulin picked up two assists in a losing cause as Hun fell 7-3 to Holy Ghost Prep (Pa.). In upcoming action, the Raiders, now 5-4, play at LaSalle College High (Pa.) on December 14 and get a rematch at Holy Ghost Prep (Pa.) on December 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

MAC ATTACK: Hun School boys’ basketball player Mac Kelly drives to the basket in recent action. Last Wednesday, junior guard Kelly scored 28 points, including 24 in the second half, to help Hun defeat Pennington. The Raiders, who defeated Peddie 70-59 in a third-place game at the Peddie School Invitational Tournament last Sunday in improving to 5-3, host the Life Center Academy on December 15 in its last action before the holiday break.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Girls’ Basketball : Running into a buzz saw, Hun fell 75-43 to Alvik Basket III (Sweden) last Sunday in the She Got Game Classic at the St. James in the Washington, D.C. area. A day earlier, the Raiders started the event by losing 50-42 to Archbishop Spalding (Md.) as Emily O’Dwyer scored 16 points and Sasha Moise added 11. In upcoming action, Hun, now 2-6, will be hosting Germantown Friends (Pa.) on December 13 before competing in the Make-a-Wish event from December 16-17.

game at the Peddie School Invitational Tournament. The Big Red, now 2-1, are next in action when they host Shawnee High on January 6.

Boys’ Hockey : Coming up short in a tight contest, Lawrenceville fell 3-1 to Berkshire Academy (Mass.) last Saturday. In upcoming action, the Big Red, now 1-3, will be competing in its 74th Lawrenceville Invitational Hockey Tournament.

PDS

Boys’ Hockey : Sophomore goalie Noah Vitulli starred in his first career start as PHS defeated Notre Dame 6-1 last Monday in its season opener. In upcoming action, the Tigers play at Hunterdon Central on December 15, face Hopewell Valley on December 19 at Mercer County Park, and then host Brick at Hobey Baker Rink on December 19.

200 medley relay and 400 free relay finish first as the Tigers improved to 2-0. PHS hosts Robbinsville on December 14 before meets at WW/P-North on December 16 and at Ewing on December 20.

Academy (Pa.) 68-66 last Monday. The Red Hawks, now 3-6, host Friends Central (Pa.) on December 15 and then play in the Solebury School (Pa.) Tournament on December 16 and 17.

Girls’ Basketball: Sparked by Morgan Matthews and Izzie Augustine, Pennington defeated the Academy of New Church (Pa.) 52-37 last Wednesday. Matthew scored 24 points and Augustine chipped in 23 as the Red Hawks improved to 5-0. Pennington hosts George School (Pa.) on December 14 and then plays at Notre Dame on December 17.

The Dillon Youth Basketball League is a storied program for the Princeton community that is entering its 51st season. The league consists of both games and clinics. It is open to boys and girls in grades 4-10 who are Princeton residents and non-residents who attend school in Princeton.

Boys’ Basketball : Pulling out a nail-biter, Lawrenceville defeated Pennington School

Girls’ Hockey : Brynn Dandy made a big debut as PDS defeated Cranford High 11-0 last Friday in its season opener. Freshman forward Dandy scored three goals as the Panthers jumped out to a 9-0 lead after one period. PDS plays at the Pingry School on December 13 and at Oak Knoll on December 15 before hosting Randolph High on December 19.

Girls’ Hockey : Cassie Speir scored the lone goal for PHS as it fell 9-1 to Kent Place last Monday. The Tigers, now 0-2, host Randolph High at Hobey Baker Rink on December 16.

Girls’ Swimming : Kyleigh Tangen and Sabine Ristad each won two races as PHS defeated Hightstown 116-54 last Monday. Tangen placed first in the 200 and 500 freestyle while Ristad won the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly to help the Tigers improve to 2-0. In upcoming action, PHS hosts Robbinsville on December 14 before meets at WW/P-North on December 16 and at Ewing on December 20.

Lawrenceville Pennington

Boys’ Swimming : David Xu starred as PHS defeated Hightstown 113-57 last Monday. Xu placed first in the 200 individual medley, took second in the 100 butterfly, and helped both the

Boys’ Basketball : Brandon Russell and Corey Miller each scored 15 points as Pennington edged Germantown

Local Sports

Rec Department Holding Sign Up for Dillon Hoops

The Princeton Recreation Department is now taking registrations for the 2023 Dillon Youth Basketball League.

The Dillon season will take place from JanuaryMarch 2023 and games will be held Saturday mornings at the Hun School. The program is a recreational league intended for players of all skill and experience levels. “Dillon Basketball” is about playing the game the right way, teamwork, and having fun.

To register, log onto register.communitypass. net/princeton under “2022/2023 Winter Sports Programs.” Registration is open until January 2 or until divisions are at capacity. More information can be found online at princetonrecreation.com.

PROCLAIMING VICTORY: Members of the Princeton FC Barcelona team that won the 16U final in the US Youth Soccer (USYS) 2022 National Presidents Cup tournament in July are all smiles as they were honored by the Municipality of Princeton last month. Princeton Mayor Mark Freda read a proclamation to officially recognize November 28 as “Princeton FC National Champions Day” to honor the team’s triumph and in recognition of the contributions the club has made to the Princeton community in general. The team included Jacob Battoglia, Azariah Breitman, Zach Brunell, Brian Donis, Paras Goswami, Connor Hewitt, Izayah Huynh, Kyle Ingersoll, Zeb Jerdonek, Matthew Kim, Chris Lee, Ashwin Lobo, Felipe Matar Grandi, Nick Matese, Francis Savard, Archie Smith, Brandon Urias, Calvin Hopkins, and Liam Kennedy. PFC Executive Director Stoyan Pumpalov is pictured at far left with coach Milen Nikolov at the far right.

OPENING SALVO: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Rosheen Nissangaratchie controls the puck in a game last season. Senior Nissangaratchie tallied one goal and one assist as PDS defeated Bergen Catholic 4-2 in its season opener last Thursday. In upcoming action, the Panthers host Gloucester Catholic on December 15, Seton Hall Prep on December 18, and St. Joseph High (Pa.) on December 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Evelyn Saldick, who had a decades-long career as a public school kindergarten teacher first in Long Beach, NY, and then in Princeton, died at home on December 6, 2022. She was 96.

Born on September 29, 1926 in Ridgewood, NY, to Henrietta (Eichner) and Samuel Diamond, she received her B.S. from New York University School of Education in 1947. Evelyn married Dr. Jerome Saldick in 1951. They lived in Long Island, NY, Cin-

cinnati, OH, and Milford, CT, before moving to Princeton in 1960 where she lived the rest of her life in the same house on Randall Road. She was always happy to return after a day of teaching or from an adventurous trip of which there were many worldwide. Travel almost always included a visit at a local kindergarten class that would become pen pals with hers at Littlebrook School (1961-1985) and Riverside School (1985-86). Modesty and kindness were

Evelyn’s hallmarks. Dedicated to the education of young children, she connected with most 5-year-olds with no more than eye contact and a smile.

Having vigorously claimed never to have worked a day in her life, Evelyn incorporated music into every single day of teaching because she was a fine pianist and her students responded to her soft touch and musicianship. Because showing rather than telling was her preferred method of teaching, she took her students on frequent outings in the area. When school budget cuts forced her to drastically reduce bus trips, she obtained her license in 1972 to drive a 50-seat school bus, and she and her students were back on the road. She earned two sabbaticals from Princeton Regional Schools, first receiving her master’s degree from Rutgers University in 1970; and later awarded the opportunity from the Fullbright International Exchange Program to teach kindergarten in Oxfordshire, England for half a school year in 1985.

For decades after she retired from classroom teaching Evelyn mentored prospective teachers at Princeton University’s Teacher Prep Program and was an enthusiastic participant in Princeton University’s English Conversation Group which offers international graduate students the opportunity to practice English language skills, learn about American customs, and adapt to living in Princeton in a friendly and relaxed setting. She also enjoyed auditing classes at the University on subjects about which she previously knew nothing and applied her knowledge to new experiences.

Preferring the outdoors to any store or restaurant for a visit, she relished her long walks, bicycling with Jerry and the Princeton FreeWheelers, swimming at the Community Pool or in any calm body of water, and even skulling on Lake Carnegie in the early morning with her friend before the University crew came racing by. Evelyn took up jogging with the encouragement and companionship from her daughter, Barbara, often winning trophies in area races.

In 1995 at the age of 69, Evelyn was seriously injured when she was run over by a van while riding her bicycle in town. During her year of rehabilitation to a full recovery, she planned a reunion for all her kindergarten alumni at Littlebrook School in May 1997. Ravioli, Littlebrook’s esteemed stuffed giraffe mascot, which Evelyn nurtured into perpetuity, was the event’s celebrity guest.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband of 62 years Jerome Saldick, and brother Norman Diamond.

Motherhood was Evelyn’s priority, above all else. Despite her aphasia in recent years she was able to communicate effectively. She is survived by her loving daughters, Barbara Lee and Diane. Special friend and kindergarten alumna, Danielle Rollmann, and livein caregiver, Christina Brown, buoyed Evelyn to the end of her happy life.

Funeral took place at The Jewish Center in Princeton on December 9 and burial on Long Island by arrangement with Kimble Funeral Home. As Evelyn believed charity begins at home, she would encourage all to put family first.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ( Dec. 18 )

Holy Communion Rite I at 8am Christmas Pageant at 10:30am Advent Brunch at 11:30am Christmas Eve 12:00 pm Rite I Eucharist 3:00 pm Family Eucharist 5:00 pm Family Eucharist 8:00 pm Festal Eucharist with Choral Prelude 11:00 pm Festal Eucharist with Choral Prelude

Christmas Day 10:30 am Right I Eucharist

Feast of the Holy Name (January 1) 8:00 am Rite I Eucharist

11:00 am Christmas Lessons & Carols at Princeton University Chapel ONLINE www.towntopics.com

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Princeton 16 Bayard Lane, Princeton, NJ

The Rev. Paul Jeanes III, Rector, The Rev. Canon Dr. Kara Slade, Assoc. Rector, The Rev. Joanne Epply-Schmidt, Assoc. Rector, 33 Mercer St. Princeton 609-924-2277 • www.trinityprinceton.org

You are welcome to join us for our in-person services, Sunday Church Service and Sunday School at 10:30 am, Wednesday Testimony meetings at 7:30 pm. Audio streaming available, details at csprinceton.org.

Visit the Christian Science Reading Room Monday through Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm 178 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ For free local delivery call (609) 924-0919 www.csprinceton.org • (609) 924-5801

HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST:

Interior/exterior repairs, carpentry, trim, rotted wood, power washing, painting, deck work, sheet rock/ spackle, gutter & roofing repairs. Punch list is my specialty. 40 years experience. Licensed & insured. Call Creative Woodcraft (609) 586-2130

WASHING &

POWER WASHING: Free estimate. Next day service. Fully insured. Gutter cleaning available. References available upon request. 30 years experience. (609) 271-8860.

JOES

PRINCETON

Over 45 Years of Experience

• Fully Insured • Free Consultations Email: joeslandscapingprinceton@ gmail.com Text (only) (609) 356-9201 Office (609) 216-7936

Princeton References

• Green Company HIC #13VH07549500

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HOUSECLEANING: Experienced, English speaking, great references, reliable with own transportation. Weekly & bi-weekly cleaning. Green cleaning available. Susan, (732) 8733168. I have my own PPE for your protection.

01-25

NEED YOUR FOOD SCRAPS

PICKED UP? Everything on your plate...meat, bones, fish, everything! Call or text The Compost Man! Rates start at $20/month. (609) 955-0924.

12-14

TOO MANY BOOKS? Donate them for college scholarships on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10noon, 281 Witherspoon, Princeton. Details and guidelines at BMandWBooks.com. 12-14

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HOUSE FOR RENT: One-of-a-kind spacious dairy barn conversion with Princeton address, on private estate. Open floor plan, 3 BR, 2 bath, breathtaking 2nd floor versatile room. Fireplace, 2-car garage, central air. Includes lawn maintenance & snow removal. No pets, smoke free, $3,400. Available now. (609) 731-6904. 12-21

THE MAID PROFESSIONALS: Leslie & Nora, cleaning experts. Residential & commercial. Free estimates. References upon request. (609) 2182279, (609) 323-7404. 03-29-23

FOR SALE: BALDWIN ACROSONIC PIANO. Purchased new 1965. Serial no. 787103. Three children studied on it. Original papers. Beautiful instrument, in great shape! $700. Also: 2 flutes that will require new pads. 732-297-6448. 12-14

HOME HEALTH AIDE/COMPANION AVAILABLE: NJ certified and experienced. Live-in or live-out. Driver’s license. References available. Please call Cindy, (609) 227-9873. 12-28

CARPENTRY–PROFESSIONAL

All phases of home improvement. Serving the Princeton area for over 30 yrs. No job too small. Call Julius: (609) 466-0732 tf

ROSA’S CLEANING SERVICE LLC

Offering professional cleaning services in the Princeton community for more than 28 years! Weekly, biweekly, monthly, move-in/move-out services for houses, apartments, offices & condos. As well as, GREEN cleaning options! Outstanding references, reliable, licensed & trustworthy. If you are looking for a phenomenal, thorough & consistent cleaning, don’t hesitate to call (609) 751-2188.

04-06-23

HANDYMAN–CARPENTER:

Painting, hang cabinets & paintings, kitchen & bath rehab. Tile work, masonry. Porch & deck, replace rot, from floors to doors to ceilings. Shelving & hook-ups. ELEGANT REMODELING. You name it, indoor, outdoor tasks. Repair holes left by plumbers & electricians for sheetrock repair. RE agents welcome. Sale of home ‘checklist’ specialist. Mercer, Hunterdon, Bucks counties. 1/2 day to 1 month assignments. CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED, Covid 19 compliant. Active business since 1998. Videos of past jobs available. Call Roeland, (609) 933-9240.

ESTATE LIQUIDATION SERVICE:

I will clean out attics, basements, garages & houses. Single items to entire estates. No job too big or small. In business over 35 years, serving all of Mercer County. Call (609) 306-0613.

06-28-23

WE BUY CARS

Belle Mead Garage (908) 359-8131

Ask for Chris

EXPERIENCED ELDER CARE for your loved one. Compassionate caregiver with 16 years experience will assist with personal care, medication, meals, drive to medical appointments, shopping. Many local references. Call or text (609) 9779407.

HOME HEALTH AIDE: 25 years of experience. Available mornings to take care of your loved one, transport to appointments, run errands. I am well known in Princeton. Top care, excellent references. The best! Call (609) 356-2951 or (609) 751-1396.

LOLIO’S WINDOW WASHING & POWER WASHING: Free estimate. Next day service. Fully insured. Gutter cleaning available. References available upon request. 30 years experience. (609) 271-8860.

JOES LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON

Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs

Commercial/Residential

Over 45 Years of Experience

HOUSECLEANING: Experienced, English speaking, great references, reliable with own transportation. Weekly & bi-weekly cleaning. Green cleaning available. Susan, (732) 8733168. I have my own PPE for your protection. 01-25

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NEED YOUR FOOD SCRAPS PICKED UP? Everything on your plate...meat, bones, fish, everything! Call or text The Compost Man! Rates start at $20/month. (609) 955-0924. 12-14

TOO MANY BOOKS? Donate them for college scholarships on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10noon, 281 Witherspoon, Princeton. Details and guidelines at BMandWBooks.com. 12-14

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I BUY ALL KINDS of Old or Pretty Things: China, glass, silver, pottery, costume jewelry, evening bags, fancy linens, paintings, small furniture, etc. Local woman buyer. (609) 9217469.

10-12-23

BUYING: Antiques, paintings, Oriental rugs, coins, clocks, furniture, old toys, military, books, cameras, silver, costume & fine jewelry. Guitars & musical instruments. I buy single items to entire estates. Free appraisals. (609) 306-0613.

06-28-23

TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIEDS

GET TOP RESULTS!

Whether it’s selling furniture, finding a lost pet, or having a garage sale, TOWN TOPICS is the way to go! We deliver to ALL of Princeton as well as surrounding areas. (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com

AFTER 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS, Franco’s Custom Tailoring and Dry Cleaning (1241 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville) is selling! Excellent location, excellent business model. If interested in making an offer, please call (609) 883-9721 or (609) 9374178.

12-21

KARINA’S HOUSECLEANING:

Honest. Reliable. Looking for house cleaning. Best prices. Week days only. English speaking. Call for estimate. (609) 858-8259.

12-21

WHAT’S A GREAT GIFT FOR A FORMER PRINCETONIAN?

A Gift Subscription! Call (609) 924-2200, ext 10 circulation@towntopics.com

MOVING? TOO MUCH STUFF IN YOUR BASEMENT? Sell with a TOWN TOPICS classified ad! Call (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifi eds@towntopics.com DEADLINE: Tues before 12 noon

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• Fully Insured • Free Consultations Email: joeslandscapingprinceton@ gmail.com Text (only) (609) 356-9201

Office (609) 216-7936 Princeton References

• Green Company HIC #13VH07549500

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HOUSE FOR RENT: One-of-a-kind spacious dairy barn conversion with Princeton address, on private estate. Open floor plan, 3 BR, 2 bath, breathtaking 2nd floor versatile room. Fireplace, 2-car garage, central air. Includes lawn maintenance & snow removal. No pets, smoke free, $3,400. Available now. (609) 731-6904. 12-21

THE MAID PROFESSIONALS: Leslie & Nora, cleaning experts. Residential & commercial. Free estimates. References upon request. (609) 2182279, (609) 323-7404. 03-29-23

HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST: Interior/exterior repairs, carpentry, trim, rotted wood, power washing, painting, deck work, sheet rock/ spackle, gutter & roofing repairs. Punch list is my specialty. 40 years experience. Licensed & insured. Call Creative Woodcraft (609) 586-2130

FOR SALE: BALDWIN ACROSONIC PIANO. Purchased new 1965. Serial no. 787103. Three children studied on it. Original papers. Beautiful instrument, in great shape! $700. Also: 2 flutes that will require new pads. 732-297-6448. 12-14

HOME HEALTH AIDE/COMPANION AVAILABLE: NJ certified and experienced. Live-in or live-out. Driver’s license. References available. Please call Cindy, (609) 227-9873. 12-28

CARPENTRY–PROFESSIONAL All phases of home improvement. Serving the Princeton area for over 30 yrs. No job too small. Call Julius: (609) 466-0732 tf

CLEANING SERVICE LLC

Offering professional cleaning services in the Princeton community for more than 28 years! Weekly, biweekly, monthly, move-in/move-out services for houses, apartments, offices & condos. As well as, GREEN cleaning options! Outstanding references, reliable, licensed & trustworthy. If you are looking for a phenomenal, thorough & consistent cleaning, don’t hesitate to call (609) 751-2188. 04-06-23

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ROSA’S

HANDYMAN–CARPENTER:

Painting, hang cabinets & paintings, kitchen & bath rehab. Tile work, masonry. Porch & deck, replace rot, from floors to doors to ceilings. Shelving & hook-ups. ELEGANT REMODELING. You name it, indoor, outdoor tasks. Repair holes left by plumbers & electricians for sheetrock repair. RE agents welcome. Sale of home ‘checklist’ specialist. Mercer, Hunterdon, Bucks counties. 1/2 day to 1 month assignments. CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED, Covid 19 compliant. Active business since 1998. Videos of past jobs available. Call Roeland, (609) 933-9240.

tf

I BUY ALL KINDS of Old or Pretty Things: China, glass, silver, pottery, costume jewelry, evening bags, fancy linens, paintings, small furniture, etc. Local woman buyer. (609) 9217469.

10-12-23

BUYING: Antiques, paintings, Oriental rugs, coins, clocks, furniture, old toys, military, books, cameras, silver, costume & fine jewelry. Guitars & musical instruments. I buy single items to entire estates. Free appraisals. (609) 306-0613.

06-28-23

TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIEDS

GET TOP RESULTS!

Whether it’s selling furniture, finding a lost pet, or having a garage sale, TOWN TOPICS is the way to go! We deliver to ALL of Princeton as well as surrounding areas. (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com

ESTATE LIQUIDATION SERVICE:

I will clean out attics, basements, garages & houses. Single items to entire estates. No job too big or small. In business over 35 years, serving all of Mercer County. Call (609) 306-0613.

06-28-23

WE BUY CARS

Belle Mead Garage (908)

St. Mary’s residents enjoy the privacy of their own personally decorated apartment, and the presence and companionship of having nearby friends and neighbors with whom to share experiences. St. Mary’s has 78 beautiful suites and apartments for assisted living, including 20 suites in Grace Garden Memory Care Community. Residents receive the care and support they need, and the respect and dignity they deserve. Grace Garden at St. Mary’s Assisted Living helps residents with moderate to moderate-severe dementia maintain their sense of independence, dignity and self-worth, in an assisted living setting.

St. Mary’s offers individualized levels of care, from largely independent to comprehensive, defined by the resident’s need for: