FOPOS Hosts Photo Exhibition and Holiday Open Houses 5
Center for Modern Aging Awarded Two Grants 8
PU Ramps Up Indigenous Studies with New Programs 12
Centenary Musings On Franz Kafka (1924-2024) 23
Goalie Smith Comes Up Big with 2 Stellar Efforts, Helping PU Men’s Hockey Sweep No. 12 Ohio State 30
Stuart Volleyball
Produced Historic Season as Young Squad
Made Memorable Playoff Run 34
Municipal Aid Grant Awarded to Municipality For Harrison Street Plan
Princeton has received $818,256 from the State of New Jersey for pedestrian safety between Nassau Street and Franklin Avenue, part of the North Harrison Street Improvements Project.
On November 14, Gov. Phil Murphy announced $150 million in fiscal year 2025 Municipal Aid grants. Princeton is one of 540 cities and towns across the state to be granted funds for advancing road, bridge, safety, and quality-of-life improvements.
Though the grants are competitive, every municipality that applied for funding received one, according to Murphy’s ofce. A total of 595 applications requested $375 million in aid.
“Municipal Aid allows our communities to undertake transportation projects that signi cantly improve the quality of life for New Jersey residents,” said Murphy. “Under our administration’s stewardship, the state is doing its part to help municipalities improve local infrastructure, so we have a safe and efficient transportation system throughout the state.”
In Mercer County, amounts ranged from $272,500 for Hopewell Borough to $969,105 for Trenton. More than 41 percent, or $61.9 million, is going to municipalities with Complete Streets policies. Another $22.2 million is being awarded to 56 communities where the project meets equity criteria to bene t low income and minority populations.
Princeton’s North Harrison Street Improvements Project covers a 2.5-mile stretch of the Harrison Street corridor. At a meeting of Princeton Council on November 18, the consulting rm Michael Baker Inc. provided a rst look at a study of the roadway, which runs from Harrison Street’s southern border to Route 206.
At the meeting, Municipal Engineer/ Deputy Administrator Deanna Stockton said the town was waiting to hear about the grant. News of the grant was delivered soon after.
“It is going to be the rst project out of the Harrison Street Corridor Study, so we’re pleased we were able to get so much money from the state,” Stockton said this week. “It’s competitive with other towns in Mercer County.”
Council Approves Resolution for Firehouse Renovation
A resolution to pay for a study of the Princeton Fire Department’s headquarters at 363 Nassau Street was approved by Princeton Council at its meeting on November 25. Baltimore-based architectural rm Manns Woodward Studios Inc. (MW), a specialist in rehouses, will receive up to $58,800 to come up with a conceptual design for renovating and possibly enlarging the building.
Among the items on the list are future space needs; environmental issues; HVAC and ADA-compliance issues; and accommodations for staff, vehicles, and memorabilia.
“A couple of things have happened since that rehouse was built in 1992,” said Mayor Mark Freda, after Councilman David Cohen noted that the list was extensive. “One thing is that the roof continues to leak, no matter what we’ve done to it. We’re hoping to nd someone that can actually solve that problem.”
Freda noted that six full-time, paid reghters have been hired in recent years, and they are in the building 24 hours a day. “It wasn’t designed for that,” he said. “Additionally, we recently took our re inspectors and made them re inspectors/ re ghters, so they now spend all their
time in that building. We hired a paid re chief. We have a new, paid re official. They are all in a rehouse that was never designed for them all to be there.”
All of the mechanical systems are at their end of life, Freda added. “The electrical system probably needs an update. We’re looking for someone to come in and research the entire building and gure out how we’re going to put all these uses into a building that was never designed for pretty much anything that we now want to do.”
Even though the fire department no longer has trucks at the smaller Chestnut Street rehouse, it still operates there to some degree. Two re department staff members are based at Monument Hall.
Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, who is the town’s re commissioner, said there is a lot of under-utilized space in the Witherspoon Street rehouse. “To retain and attract volunteers, you want to have a more comfortable place,” she said. “So it’s really important that we upgrade.”
Rustin Center Expands Programming, Support In Wake of Post-Election Needs and Concerns
In the face of widespread anxiety over increasing anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and action following the November election, the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (BRCSJ) will be hosting major holiday events on upcoming weekends: a Holiday Drag Show featuring Cissy Walken, Miss Stonewall Inn, on Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. and “Handmade for the Holidays Crafternoon” with Kyle the Craftivist on December 14 at 1 p.m.
Also, on Friday, December 6, there will be a Welcoming the Community
Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. and in the evening at 7 p.m. a post-Thanksgiving folk concert featuring David Brahinsky and friends — all at the BRCSJ headquarters, 12 Stockton Street.
The BRCSJ, a dedicated queer safe space, offers many programs and events in person and online throughout the year, serving more than 10,000 area residents according to a recent BRCSJ email. On Christmas Day it will also be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or later, welcoming anybody
Eight project categories are eligible for funding in the Municipal Aid grant program: roadway preservation,
PRINCETON HOLIDAY TRADITION CONTINUES: The Annual Palmer Square Tree Lighting festivities on Friday evening included musical entertainment on the patio of the Nassau Inn. Attendees share what they are looking forward to this holiday season in
(Photo by Thomas Hedges)
Kristóf Kovács and PU Men’s Water Polo Primed for NCAA Tourney Run 2 9
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Holiday Happenings
Cherry Street Kitchen
Wins Golden Whisk Award
In New Orleans, La., last month, Cherry Street Kitchen of Trenton won the Golden Whisk Award at a gathering of the 2024 Shared Kitchen Summit, hosted by The Food Corridor.
and economic development in their communities by providing shared commercial kitchen space,” according to a press release.
Local chefs, bakers, caterers, food truck operators, mom-and-pop shops, and early-stage food startups took part in the event.
client satisfaction, community building, and business innovation.”
The three-day event , attended by more than 250 shared kitchen owners and operators from across the country, celebrated “the unsung heroes of the food industry who power culinary
The award for Cherry Street Kitchen recognizes “the shared kitchen that has set the highest standard for excellence in areas such as operational efficiency,
Started in 2017 by Barbara and John Vadnais and based in Trenton, Cherry Street Kitchen serves businesses throughout the Route 1 corridor including Princeton, Trenton, New Brunswick, Burlington, Newtown, Pa., and other nearby towns, by providing modern licensed kitchens for shortterm kitchen and bakery rentals.
Leighton Listens: Councilman Leighton Newlin holds one-on-one conversations about issues impacting Princeton from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. On Wednesday, December 4, he is at Holsome Teas and Herbs, 27 Witherspoon Street. On December 11, at Blue Bears in Princeton Shopping Center. On December 18, at Jammin’ Crepes, 20 Nassau Street. On January 8, at Tiger Noodles, 255 Nassau Street.
Holiday Gift Drive: In the lobby at Princeton Airport through December 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., deposit unwrapped gifts for distribution by Mercer County Board of Social Services. PrincetonAirport.com.
Winter Clothing Drive: Through December 31, donations of gently used coats, jackets, scarves, gloves, and other winter wear are being accepted for needy families at The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street. Collection bins are in the lobby TuesdaysThursdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sundays 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Homefront Treasure Trove Holiday Boutique: Through December 22 at 31 West Broad Street, Hopewell. Vintage and collectible décor, dinnerware, furniture, holiday décor, art and jewelry. Proceeds benefit Homefront’s mission to end homelessness in central New Jersey. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; and 12-4 p.m. Sunday. Homefrontnj.org.
Food Pantry : Arm In Arm’s mobile food pantry is at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, on Monday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. Fresh produce, eggs, milk, frozen proteins, and quality baked goods as well as canned and boxed items and personal care items are available for those in need.
Volunteer Land Stewards Wanted: In December, Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) is holding morning and afternoon stewardship sessions. Volunteers will work under the guidance of the FOPOS stewardship staff at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton to help restore riparian and forest areas, remove invasive plants, and plant native trees and shrubs. Dates, start times and registration at fopos.org/events-programs.
Sustainable Princeton “Lending Library ” : Sustainable Princeton offers residents and nonprofits in Princeton the opportunity to borrow sustainable home items such as electric landscape equipment, induction cooktops, and repair tools, for free, for up to two weeks. Visit sustainableprinceton.org for more information.
Free Salt Room Sessions for Breast Cancer Survivors : 4 Elements Wellness Center in Princeton Shopping Center offers free halotherapy sessions to anyone who has survived or is still battling the disease. The 50-minute sessions cleanse the respiratory system, reduce inflammation, and provide stress relief. 4elementswellnesscenter.com.
KITCHEN EXCELLENCE: John and Barbara Vadnais of Cherry Street Kitchen in Trenton were honored with the Golden Whisk Award at an event in New Orleans, La., last month. innovation
BIND WEED”: This photo, taken by Sydney Vine in the Mountain Lakes
is one of the contest photos that will be on display at the Friday, December 6 opening reception and December 7 and 8 Holiday Open Houses for the annual “Perspectives on Preservation Photography Exhibition” sponsored by Friends of Princeton Open Space.
Friends
of Princeton Open Space Hosts Mountain Lakes Photo Exhibition and Holiday Open Houses
A “Perspectives on Preservation Photography Exhibition,” featuring photos of the Mountain Lakes area selected from the annual
Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) Photo Contest, as well as a collection of photographs titled “Geese and Goslings” by Frank Sauer, will be on display this weekend at the Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Avenue.
TOPICS
Of the Town
The opening reception for the exhibition on Friday, December 6 from 6 to 8 p.m., where the contest winners will be announced, is booked up with a waiting list available, but visitors can also see the exhibition at a Holiday Open House on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. In addition, FOPOS is hosting a December Nature Walk, starting at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on December 7.
many photos of wildlife and plants; the second touched on the human history of the preserve, which has included homes, the Mountain Lakes Ice Company, dams, and many trails; and the third category includes photos of people and their activities in the park.
The winner in each category will receive a $100 gift card donated by REI. There is also a children’s category with a number of submissions from the 11-16 age group and a $25 gift card from jaZams as the
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“The Billy Johnson Lakes Nature Preserve is a jewel in the community that so many people are still not aware of,” said FOPOS board member and photo contest organizer Fran McManus. “So come out for the show, and you’re in the park. It’s beautiful. You’re looking over the lake if you come in the daytime. And then you see these photographs that tell you what else there is that you might want to go out and see.”
The contest, which FOPOS has run for the past nine years, requires participants to submit photographs of the greater Mountain Lakes Open Space Area, with this year’s submissions coming in three different categories: Contemplating Nature, Discovering Human Traces on the Land, and Enjoying Mountain Lakes.
“We are always interested in how the public is accessing the preserve and the different reasons that they would be coming to walk our trails,” said McManus. “We felt if we broke the contest out into those categories, we’d get a bit of a window into what people are seeing as they walk along the trail.”
The first category attracted
Preserve,
Wishing You a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.
Hora Feliz – Explore “Beyond Tempranillo” at Mediterra December 16 from 4-6 pm
Spain wines beyond the famed Tempranillo-based blends of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Join us as we welcome Juan Paredes of Spanish Acquisitions on December 16 from 4-6 pm. Juan will guide us through some selections beyond Tempranillo. Limited seating. Snacks and tapas will be served.
Vincenzo Guglietta of Vera Wines, Five at 4PM, December 9th
At Teresa's with some new wines to showcase. Snacks and assaggini will be served for this seated event.
Stock the Shelves –December 12 . Albariño, The Grove, West 508 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Don’t miss these handpicked selections for the season with wines from Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal. Best prices of the year to elevate your celebrations.
FOPOS
Continued from Preceding Page winner’s prize. All photos are for sale, with the proceeds benefiting FOPOS and the work that they do.
“We wanted to engage in a conversation with the people who are using the park and understand what they love and value most about it,” McManus added.
“I love seeing the same photographers coming back year after year,” she continued. “They always surprise me with what they decide to take a deep dive into. Some are really intrigued by the close-ups of plants and manage to capture light in a way that’s always delightful and surprising to me. When I look at these pictures I realize how much there is in the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve.”
McManus went on to note the quality work submitted by both young and adult contestants. “They’re exploring more deeply, which is one of the objectives of the contest, to encourage people to explore the park more deeply and to venture a little further out than they had before,” she said. “The walk around the lake is very popular, but there’s lots more going on.”
forum for the expression of
Question of the Week:
“What are you looking forward to this holiday season?”
(Asked Friday at the Annual Palmer Square Tree Lighting)
(Photos by Thomas Hedges)
Presenting yet another perspective on the park, the second part of the show includes 18 photographs by Sauer, which observe the progression of a family of geese. Sauer, who has been photographing the Mountain Lakes Preserve for many years, followed a family of parent geese and their goslings from the time they were tiny babies in the pond at Pettoranello Gardens until they grew up and made their way over to the lake at Mountain Lakes.
The Saturday morning event will be led by Anna Corichi, FOPOS’ director of natural resources and stewardship, who will take participants on a leisurely walk along the trails of the Preserve. She will highlight some of the sights and sounds of the season, like the witch hazels blooming, the persimmon fruiting, and migrating geese and ducks making their way to warmer climates, according to FOPOS Program Coordinator Jackie Halaw.
“Anna will also update community members about the habitat restoration projects underway at the preserve, and after the walk participants are welcome to warm up inside the Mountain Lakes House at the Holiday Open House, enjoy some warm drinks, and view the fantastic photo exhibition,” said Halaw.
Visit fopos.org for more information about the preserve and these events and to sign up for the December 7 Nature Walk and the waiting list for the December 6 opening reception.
—Donald Gilpin
well loved and well read since 1946
“I’m looking forward to resting, relaxing, and celebrating the New Year.”
—Sandra Francisco, Richmond, Va.
Azhar: “I’m looking forward to the Christmas vibe, and Christmas movies.”
Sadaf: “This holiday I’m looking forward to togetherness. My kids are in college and one is still in Greece, but I’m happy at least to have most of them.”
—Azhar and Sadaf Abbasi, Princeton
“We’re looking to get out and do holiday activities like this — tree lightings, concerts.”
—Gene and Renee Hedden, Roosevelt
Charlotte: “Well, [my sister] Victoria comes home to the U.K., from Princeton. I’m just visiting at the moment.” Victoria: “And I’m looking forward to going home and seeing my family.”
—Charlotte and Victoria Davies, Portsmouth, U.K.
Use code JOY25 to save 10% o tickets for December 10 and 11. Not valid on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with other o ers or on Zone D seats.
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Pictured: 2023 A Christmas Carol Cast. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
Center for Modern Aging Awarded Two Grants to Strengthen Mission
The Center for Modern Aging Princeton (CMAP) has announced the receipt of two grants from the Princeton Area Community Foundation. The grants go toward supporting the organization’s mission to foster a more inclusive, age-friendly community, and strengthen its organizational capacity to deliver impactful programs and services.
A $38,200 Community Impact Grant goes toward the organization’s Community Outreach: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, and combatting ageism through intergenerational programming. This funding will enable CMAP to expand its outreach to underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minority seniors, LGBTQ+ seniors, and those facing social and economic barriers.
The grant is designed to expand on CMAP’s programs that bridge gaps between generations, and to enhance public education to challenge stereotypes about aging. The goal is to celebrate contributions of older adults to society.
“This grant will allow us to strengthen our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable community while addressing ageism through transformative intergenerational connections,” said Drew Dyson, chief executive officer of CMAP.
The second grant is a oneyear award of $74,500 from the Bunbury Fund at the Princeton Area Community Foundation. The grant is designed to develop a program evaluation framework, and increase CMAP’s capacity for data-driven decisionmaking.
“The grant will support the creation of a comprehensive program evaluation system to measure the effectiveness and impact of CMAP’s services, investments in database efficiency to better
manage and analyze program data, as well as staff training and resources to enhance CMAP’s ability to assess and refine programs for long-term sustainability,” reads a statement from CMAP.
“With the support of the Bunbury Fund, we can ensure our programs are not only meeting the immediate needs of our community but also driving meaningful, measurable outcomes that make a lasting difference,” said Dyson.
Founded in 1974 as Tenant Services, the initial program supported the residents of Spruce Circle and the wider community. Incorporation as the community nonprofit, the Princeton Senior Resource Center (PSRC), came in 1978. The PSRC moved into a building on Stockton Street that had previously been a gym for Miss Fine’s School and later part of Princeton Day School, in 1985, and named it the Suzanne Patterson Center.
The PSRC was renamed CMAP last year. The nonprofit now operates many of its programs at a spacious new building on Poor Farm Road while some continue at the Suzanne Patterson Center.
While CMAP receives a small percentage of its budget from the municipality of Princeton, the majority of its support comes from individual donors, foundations, grants, and community and corporate sponsors.
Among the program areas are Living Healthy, Support and Guidance, HomeFriends, GrandPals, Engaged Retirement, Crosstown, and Evergreen Forum. —Anne Levin
African American Museum Launches Funding Campaign
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) in Skillman has announced its End-of-Year Campaign, which aims to raise $80,000 to celebrate eight successful years of working towards its mission.
The campaign is a dollarfor-dollar match to funds raised during the end-ofyear campaign donated by a steadfast believer in the organization’s mission, which is to tell the rich local and regional stories of African Americans from the time of the transatlantic slave trade to the present day.
In addition, this month SSAAM celebrates the 125th anniversary of the museum’s home, the State and National Historic Register-listed Mt. Zion AME Church.
To show appreciation to supporters, SSAAM will gift Black Yankees jerseys, featuring SSAAM’s logo, to donors of $1,000 and above. Donors of $500-$999 will receive a free large canvas tote, also featuring SSAAM’s logo.
With the support of individual donors, business and organizational partners, local/county/state agencies, and foundational and government grantors, SSAAM has been able to hire new staff and acquirie the technology necessary to achieve its goals. A preservation plan is being developed for the historically African American-owned ReasonerTrue House, located adjacent to the Mt. Zion AME Church. Exhibits and collections are being expanded to enrich museum tours and education programming, and community events throughout the year include Juneteenth, the Harverst Home Dinner, Camp Meeting, and “The Head that Wears the Crown” historic hat exhibit and program.
The museum is open to the public two days per month and for special events. For more information, visit ssaam.org.
Regional Chamber Honors
Four Local Business Leaders
Andrew Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers is among four local leaders being honored Thursday, December 5 by the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber at its annual Awards Dinner, to be held at The Stone Terrace by John Henry’s from 5 to 9 p.m.
“This signature event celebrates the achievements that define our region’s vibrant business and nonprofit landscape,” reads a press release from the Chamber.
“From fostering innovation to driving community impact, each honoree’s story is a testament to the power of leadership and dedication.”
Guests at the event will take part in a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and an opportunity to engage with peers and partners across industries. Visit p rincetonchamber.org for ticket information.
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market at Arena
The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market comes to the Cure Arena Friday-Sunday, December 13-15. Hours are 5-10 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The arena is at 81 Hamilton Avenue.
Photo opportunities with GWAR will be available. In addition, hundreds of mak-
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trepreneur of the Year.
FUNDING A LANDMARK: A watercolor of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, which celebrates a milestone this year.
Rustin Center
continued from page one who “needs or wants a safe space to hang with friends and chosen fam.”
“Now more than ever we need to gather together in community and camaraderie, so please come out for these extraordinary events and as always feel free to visit our community activist hub, educational bridge, and dedicated safe space for all our LGBTQIA+ youth and seniors, our intersectional families, and all our beautifully diverse folks,” BRCSJ Chief Activist Robt SedaSchreiber wrote in an email.
In a December 2 phone conversation, Seda-Schreiber, who was recently named LGBTQIA+ History Month Icon by the Equality Forum, and BRCSJ Queer Educator and Local Community Organizer Sara Wasserman discussed some of the challenges that the center and the LGBTQIA+ community are currently facing.
“We are at a very tender time for the queer community and for all of our diverse marginalized communities both locally and nationally,” said Seda-Schreiber. “We at Bayard Rustin Center want to serve as a bright beacon in these dark times.”
In recent weeks the BRCSJ has expanded its hours from five to seven days a week, with volunteers joining in “to host a safe space for anybody who wants and needs safety, community, and, of course, friendship and chosen family,” SedaSchreiber added.
He continued, “Our volunteers and our community stepped up immediately and
said ‘What can I do? How can I be of service?’ They are there because they know the necessity of us being together right now.”
Wasserman noted a “significant influx of visitors” in the wake of the election, “both familiar faces and some fabulous new ones really just needing that mutual support and a place where they’re safe at a time when that’s not really a given. We rallied behind what they needed, in response to what we saw.”
In the context of the new administration’s proposals, she said, “What we’ve noticed most is an overwhelming feeling of despair, a lack of hope, and a true fear for physical and emotional safety, the ability for people to continue existing as they are, being respected for who they are, being able to love who they want. Many different facets of our community are really under attack in the larger society, but our fight isn’t about anger. It’s about how to respond with resilience and love, and continue that queer joy in the face of frustration.”
Wasserman noted that since the election there has been an increase of almost 700 percent nationwide in young people reaching out to support lines and crisis centers for help and guidance.
in addition to its special events, the BRCSJ offers a free monthly mental health support group, “Prideful Minds,” in partnership with Tree of Life Counseling for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies over the age of 18. Interested individuals should
AND FABULOUS: Miss Cissy Walken is the host of the Holiday Drag Show on Saturday, December 7 at the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, where holiday events continue throughout the month. (Photo
email Wasserman at brcsjqueered@gmail.com.
Seda-Schreiber highlighted some of BRCSJ’s upcoming events. “What we need to do now is celebrate queer joy,” he said. “Let your holidays be a drag in the most festive and fabulous way possible.”
The December 7 Holiday Drag Show with Miss Cissy Walken is a fundraiser to support the work of the center, and Seda-Schreiber urges everyone to find more information and buy tickets in advance at rustincenter. org, because “this awesome
annual event always sells out quickly.”
The following weekend, the BRCSJ will be hosting Kyle Burkhardt, “Kyle the Craftivist,” for a Holidays Crafternoon, starting at 1 p.m. December 14. “Make a glam gift for friends, chosen fam, or just for yourself,” the BRCSJ flier urges. Bracelet-making materials, gift boxes and gift boxes are all provided for free.
Visit the BRCSJ website at rustincenter.org for more information on all these events and programs.
—Donald Gilpin
Montgomery Achieves Silver Certification
Montgomery has once again met the requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification at the silver level. Certified towns were announced at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon on November 19 at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference. Sustainable Jersey›s participating communities represent nearly 83 percent of the state’s municipalities.
Montgomery Mayor Neena Singh expressed the town leadership’s enthusiasm and gratitude for this program.
“We are so proud that Montgomery’s Green Team has led the charge to once again achieve silver certification in the statewide Sustainable Jersey program,” she said. “We were among the first certified in 2009 and are one of only 28 New Jersey municipalities able to reach silver level for sustainability this round.”
Montgomery’s point-earning sustainability actions exceeded the 350 points required for silver certification. Sustainability is not just about the environment; it is also about the resilience of the town in the areas of economy, and public health, safety and welfare. Some credited actions were adding new
infrastructure: EV charging stations, a new walking pathway and a public waterline to the community center; supporting a farmers market and food pantry in town; meeting a high standard of public communications and outreach; and events such as a stream cleanup, trails day, and pedestrian safety outreach events.
For the 2024 Sustainable Jersey application cycle, 28 towns achieved certification at the more advanced silver-level to make a total of 68 towns that are silver-certified in the program. Silver-level certification requires that a town submit documentation to show it has completed a balance of the program’s sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 350 points.
“It is an honor to take time to recognize these impressive municipalities and the work they are doing to create a healthy environment for all,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “From advancing energy efficiency to reducing waste and increasing climate resiliency, these towns have demonstrated their relentless commitment to creating a more sustainable future. We will continue to provide the tools, training and financial incentives they need to make progress.”
FESTIVE
courtesy of BRCSJ)
Municipal Aid Grant
continued from page one
roadway safety, quality of life, mobility, bikeway, pedestrian safety, bridge preservation, and pavement preservation. The grants are administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) Division of Local Aid and Economic Development.
Each county gets a share of the total funding based on population and the number of local centerline miles (representing the total length of a given road from its starting point to its end point). NJDOT provides 75 percent of the grant amount when a town awards a contract, and the rest when the project is completed.
Council President Mia Sacks called the grant “welcome news,” adding, “The improvements are designed to facilitate traffic calming, and to enhance bike and pedestrian safety, in keeping with Princeton’s Complete Streets and Vision Zero goals.”
A more detailed study of the North Harrison Street Improvements P roject will be made available to the public in the future. An application for an additional grant will be submitted for the next stage of the plan.
—Anne Levin
Get the scoop from
University Ramps Up Indigenous Studies
Princeton University has recently undertaken a number of initiatives to expand its influence in the field of Native American and Indigenous studies, with J. Kehaulani Kauanui coming on board as the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Professor of Indigenous Studies to help lead the effort.
In a November 14 press release, the University reported that it had expanded academic centers, programs, and scholarly resources to strengthen institutional relationships with Native American and Indigenous communities, as well as seeking to enhance research and scholarship in the field and to recognize and support Native
and Indigenous students and scholars.
A leader in the field of Native American and Indigenous studies, Kauanui, who joined the Princeton faculty this fall and will teach a seminar for seniors and graduate students in the spring titled “Decolonizing Indigenous Genders and Sexualities,” previously served as professor of American studies and anthropology at Wesleyan University from 2000 to 2023. She founded the school’s Indigenous Studies Research Network.
Her work focuses on Indigenous issues related to sovereignty, settler colonialism, self-determination, decolonization, and gender and
sexuality studies. In 2022 she received the American Indian History Lifetime Achievement Award. Her current book project is provisionally titled A Question of Decolonization: Hawaiian Women and a Dilemma of Feminism.
At Princeton Kauanui holds a joint appointment in the Department of Anthropology and the Effron Center for the Study of America. The press release notes that it is anticipated that “she will help bridge work related to Indigenous scholarship across disciplines and will engage faculty and students around these topics in new ways.”
Currently Princeton faculty in more than 20 different academic fields focus on Indigenous studies, offering courses such as Native American Literature, Collecting and Exhibiting Art of the Ancient Americas, and Indigenous Futures: Health and Well-being Within Native Nations, in various departments.
Police Blotter
On November 29, at 11:37 a.m., subsequent to a call on a shoplifting that just occurred at a retail establishment on Nassau Street, an 84-year-old Princeton male was located and placed under arrest. He was transported to the police headquarters where he was charged accordingly and released. He was also found to be in possession of stolen property from a second Princeton retail establishment, and was charged for the second offense as well. The total value of the shoplifted items was $1,268.
Christopher Drive. The damage to the concrete was estimated to be approximately $4,000. The Detective Bureau is investigating.
On November 26, at 5:38 a.m., an individual reported that a male wearing a black winter coat and dark pants entered her unlocked vehicle while it was parked in her drive on Benjamin Rush Lane and attempted to start the vehicle, however there was no key present. The male left the area. Patrols responded and checked the area, but the suspect was not located.
On November 26 at 8:16 a.m., a caller reported that, on November 25, an unknown individual wrote “Free Palestine” and “Gaza Rise” in newly poured concrete on a sidewalk on Christopher Drive. The damage to the concrete was estimated to be approximately $1,000. The. Detective Bureau is investigating.
LAW OFFICE
LAW OFFICE
“I’m excited for the opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty and connections with graduate students and undergraduates,” Kauanui said, as quoted in the University press release. “I am excited to work with the faculty, staff, and students who have been leaders on these issues at Princeton. We can build on what is in place and further develop creative new directions.”
On November 28, at 3:51 a.m., subsequent to a call from a commercial burglar alarm at a building on Einstein Drive, a 23-year-old Princeton male was found to have forced entry into the building and activated the fire alarm. He was placed under arrest, transported to police headquarters, charged accordingly and released.
On November 28, at 9:16 a.m., a caller reported that an unknown suspect forcibly entered a business on Nassau Street and stole approximately $2,000 in cash and checks. There are no suspects at this time.
On November 25, at 12:47 p.m., an individual reported that, between November 20 and November 21, someone stole a piece of construction equipment from a parking lot on State Road. The equipment is valued at $13,100. There are no suspects at this time.
On November 25, at 4:03 p.m., an individual reported that her bicycle, valued at $535, was stolen after it was left unsecured overnight on Wiggins Street. There are no suspects at this time.
LAW OFFICE
LAW OFFICE
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OF ALISANDRA B. CARNEVALE, LLC
OF ALISANDRA B. CARNEVALE, LLC
OF ALISANDRA B. CARNEVALE, LLC
OF ALISANDRA
OF ALISANDRA B. CARNEVALE, LLC
OF ALISANDRA B. CARNEVALE, LLC
OF ALISANDRA B. CARNEVALE, LLC
• Family
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Family Law Divorce
Family Law Divorce
Alisandra B. Carnevale, Esq.
Alisandra B. Carnevale, Esq. Member of New Jersey Bar
Alisandra B. Carnevale, Esq.
Alisandra B. Carnevale, Esq.
New Jersey Bar
Alisandra B. Carnevale, Esq.
Alisandra B.
• Divorce
Family Law Divorce
• REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Alisandra B. Carnevale, Esq.
Member of New Jersey Bar
Alisandra B. Carnevale, Esq.
Family Law Divorce
• Wills/Living Wills/POA
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
• Divorce
Family Law Divorce
Wills/Living Wills/POA
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Court/ Traffic
On November 27, at 7:09 a.m., subsequent to an officer observing an open door, a residence on Terhune Road was found to have been entered unlawfully and damage was caused to the front and rear doors. Nothing in the residence was taken.
Member of New Jersey Bar
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At Princeton two student groups, Natives at Princeton and Native Graduate Students of Princeton, host programs for Native American Heritage Month each November and host other events throughout the year. Another student group, the Princeton Indigenous Advocacy Coalition, “seeks to empower and advocate” for indigenous students and indigenous studies, and for alumni there is the Native Alumni of Princeton affinity group.
On November 27, at 7:41 a.m., a caller reported that, on November 26, an unknown individual wrote “Free Palestine” in newly poured concrete on a sidewalk on
On November 23, at 2:20 p.m., a Newlin Road resident reported that someone used her personal information to withdraw $8,000 from her personal savings and checking accounts at a Philadelphia bank. A suspect is described as a female with gray hair.
Unless noted, individuals arrested were later released.
In addition, the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative at Princeton promotes projects that bring outside scholars and guest speakers together with Princeton faculty and students for cross-disciplinary discussion.
—Donald Gilpin
breaking news, and upcoming events, right to local inboxes.
The one and only place in New Jersey designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute.
NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers the most advanced, patient-centric cancer care for adults and children. Our nationally renowned, multidisciplinary care teams ensure a compassionate, comprehensive approach, creating individualized cancer treatment plans for our patients, who have access to blood and marrow transplant, CAR T-cell therapy, innovative clinical trials, and cellular therapies - all close to home. Together with our NCI Consortium partner, Princeton University, the longest NCI Consortium Cancer Center relationship in New Jersey, we are driving cutting edge research and advancing scientific discoveries into clinical practice. Visit rwjbh.org/beatcancer or call 844-CANCERNJ
Council Approves
continued from page one
Councilman Leighton Newlin questioned why the plan being created is only for the next fi ve years. Freda said that point had been debated.
“The fire department is in a time of fl ux,” Freda said.
“Volunteerism is low. We’re hoping to expand the number of volunteers. At this point, it’s really hard to know what shape or form the fi re department will be in further than five years from now, as far as people are concerned. We just felt that trying to plan out more than five years would be taking a wild-ass guess, to be honest.”
Councilwoman Eve Niedergang, who is stepping down from Council at the end of the year, urged her colleagues to think about climate resilience when considering the future of the fi rehouse.
“If we’re consolidating everything in one spot, we can’t afford to have that one spot be fl ooded or cut off,” she said, referring to the idea of having all operations at the Witherspoon Street building. “I didn’t see anything specific [in the report] about climate resiliency, and I may have missed it, but I want to make sure it’s in the forefront of everybody’s mind. Because we could have a great fi rehouse with all the most appropriate equipment, and if [the department] can’t get where it needs to go, then [the purpose is defeated],” she said.
The concept plan is expected to be completed within six months, according to a communication from Municipal Engineer/Deputy Administrator Deanna Stockton to Council.
—Anne Levin
Think Global Buy Local
Bunbury Fund Grants For Local Nonprofits
The Bunbury Fund at the Princeton Area Community Foundation is awarding nearly $13 million in grants to local nonprofits.
Earlier this year, The Bunbury Fund launched its 10-year anniversary by announcing a plan to sunset the fund and award a series of large-scale grants to local nonprofits. The unrestricted Sunset Grants are intended to significantly enhance grantee partners’ capacity to deliver their missions.
The Bunbury Fund has selected two groups of nonprofits to receive grants totaling $12.75 million of the Fund’s approximate $16 million balance. This includes a pledge to the Community Foundation in recognition of its partnership over the past decade. A third round of grants to another set of nonprofits will be made in 2025.
“The Bunbury Fund is honored to distribute Sunset Grants to 11 nonprofits addressing critical needs across our communities,” said Jamie Kyte Sapoch, lead advisor to the Bunbury Fund. “We have great hope that these awards will have a transformational impact on the important work of each nonprofit, now and into the future. We celebrate this milestone grantmaking opportunity with our partner of the last 10 years, the Princeton Area Community Foundation.”
The first round of Sunset Grants went to Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County, I am Trenton Community Foundation, NonProfitConnect, Outdoor Equity Alliance, The Father Center of New Jersey, and the Trenton Museum Society. The second round will be awarded next year to Anchor House, HomeFront, RISE, the Rescue Mission of Trenton,
and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
The Bunbury Fund was created at the Community Foundation 10 years ago, when a more than 50-yearold private foundation, The Bunbury Company, was converted to a charitable fund focused on capacity building of the nonprofit sector in the Mercer County area. When it was created, the Bunbury Fund Advisors indicated that the Fund would eventually grant out its entire balance through a series of awards to local nonprofits. Two years ago, as part of an evaluation of its impact, mission and long-term intent, the fund advisors began to discuss the timing of a spend-down.
Prior to the Sunsets Grants process, the Bunbury Fund awarded $7 million in grants to local nonprofits. Grants over the past decade were made in support of nonprofits focusing on strengthening their capacity by funding projects, such as strategic plan work, systems upgrades, communications strategies, and governance review.
Pokhrama Foundation Event
To Help Children in India
A fundraiser was held at Trinity Church on November 16 to raise funds for the nonprofit Pokhrama Foundation, hosted by Princeton residents Kuleen Singh and Kunwar Singh. The Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged children in rural India through education.
The Foundation was begun by Ajay Singh in 2016 to provide world-class education to children in rural Bihar, empowering them to compete on a global stage. Singh was recently honored with the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman by the Bihar Foundation USA for his contributions to the state’s development.
Nishtha Singh and Garima Gaur, co-founders and executives of the Pokhrama Foundation, highlighted during the fundraiser the various achievements of their school’s students, the quality of the team that runs the school and foundation in Bihar, and the projects completed through donations received last year from the Princeton and neighboring communities.
The foundation currently educates 325 children across five villages in Lakhisarai. The foundation’s efforts have been particularly focused on encouraging girls’ education. Just last year, of the 57 students admitted, 32 were girls. Additionally, the foundation runs a continuing education program for high school dropouts, preparing them for university entrance exams.
The Foundation has built the Pokhrama Foundation Academy, educating 325 children across fi ve villages in Lakhisarai, Bihar. It has worked to increase girls’ enrollment and offers continuing education programs to support high school dropouts aiming for university attendance.
For information about contributing, visit pokhramafoundation.org/donate.
a Princeton tradition!
has promoted Senior Policy Director Allison McLeod to deputy director.
“Since joining New Jersey LCV as a policy director in 2022, McLeod has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and dedication to the organization’s mission of protecting New Jersey’s environment for future generations,” reads a press release from LCV.
As deputy director, McLeod will continue to direct the organization’s lobbying efforts and campaign strategies, fostering strong relationships with legislative and administrative officials. Additionally, she will take on a broader role in managing New Jersey LCV’s programs and coalitions, working to strengthen partnerships across the state.
“Allison has proven to be an invaluable asset to New Jersey LCV. Her passion for environmental conservation and her deep understanding of policy makes her the perfect fit for this role,” said Ed Potosnak, executive director, New Jersey LCV.
“We are thrilled to have her stepping into this new position, where she will continue to drive meaningful change
for the environment in our state.”
A lifelong New Jersey resident, McLeod’s passion for environmental conservation began in sixth grade after reading an article that sparked her interest in marine science. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in marine science from the University of San Diego, and she started her career as a marine mammal observer offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Her path eventually led her back to New Jersey, where she served in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Government Relations. There, she supported municipalities across the state with their environmental needs. Prior to joining New Jersey LCV, she was director of personnel and strategic operations in local government. In addition to her work with New Jersey LCV, McLeod is an active member of her community, serving on the Aberdeen Township Zoning Board and as an elected county committeewoman.
“Protecting our state’s environment is my life’s passion, and I am excited to continue working alongside such a dedicated team to address the pressing environmental challenges facing New Jersey,” McLeod said. “ I look forward to building on our progress by advancing policies that promote clean energy, protect our natural resources, and ensure environmental justice for communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution and climate impacts. Together, we can shape a healthier, more resilient future for all New Jerseyans, and I’m deeply committed to making this vision a reality.”
FUNDRAISER FOR EDUCATION FOUNDATION: Transforming the lives of underprivileged children in rural India was the goal of a recent event at Trinity Church.
Brisket Dinner
Serves 8
4 lbs. Slow-cooked Beef Brisket & Brisket Gravy
12 ct. Potato Latkes
2 lbs. Pineapple Kugel
2 lbs. Homemade Applesauce
3- 30 oz. containers Matzah Ball Soup Jewish Apple Cake
$179.99
½ Brisket Dinner Serves 4
2 lbs. Slow-cooked Beef Brisket & Brisket Gravy
6 ct. Potato Latkes
2 lbs. Pineapple Kugel
1 lb. Homemade Applesauce
2- 30 oz. containers of Matzah Ball Soup
$89.99
14-16 lbs. All-Natural Whole Turkey Serves 12-14
2 - 24 oz. containers of Home-Style Turkey Gravy
$129.99
Brisket Dinner for One Slow-Cooked Brisket with Brisket Gravy
Roasted Rosemary Yukon Gold Potatoes
Carrot Tzimmes
Homemade Applesauce
$13.99
A La Carte —
The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of Town Topics.
A Heartfelt Thank You and Invitation From the Princeton Garden Theatre
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Princeton Garden Theatre, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to the Princeton Community for your unwavering support over the last 10 years. While The Garden has been a part of Princeton for more than 100 years, it’s only in the last 10 years we’ve been a nonprofit committed to celebrating all aspects of fi lm. The Garden thrives because of your enthusiasm, attendance, and love for the art of cinema.
We are especially grateful to our members for their commitment to sustaining our historic theater. Member support allows us to continue offering a unique movie-going experience that celebrates the magic of both classic and contemporary films.
It’s a great time to see a movie at the Garden Theatre. Holiday magic comes alive on the big screen with classic favorites of It’s a Wonderful Life and The Polar Express Plus, with award season just around the corner, we’ll be showcasing critically acclaimed releases to prepare for these celebrations. We aspire to have something for everyone to enjoy and bring our community together through the power of storytelling and shared cinematic experiences.
To learn more about becoming a member or to view our upcoming film schedule, please visit our website at princetongarden.org or stop by the theater. We truly appreciate the support of our patrons and look forward to seeing you at the movies!
LIZ LEMPERT Board President
CHRIS COLLIER
Executive
Director
Princeton Garden Theatre Nassau Street
Sharing Thoughts on Proposed Changes to Kiosks and Hinds Plaza
To the Editor:
Two items have recently been discussed by Council for consideration and have elicited public commentary: replacement of the public kiosks on Nassau Street and the renovation of Hinds Plaza.
The notion to convert the somewhat quaint kiosks into a mini–Times Square seems superfluous and a poor aesthetic choice if the intent is to reduce clutter and enhance efficiency of message posting. Glaring neon signage will distract both pedestrians and drivers and will require computer-driven control systems to operate messages. Will pedestrians be more informed by scrolling advertisements and announcements? Persons who currently read postings on the kiosks are unlikely to be attracted to yet another digital screen in order to be informed about local events and interests.
The proposed Hinds Plaza renovations appear to address a problem that does not exist. If the extant trees are indeed aging, a notion called into question by at least one bona fide expert, the simplest and most economical solution is to just replace them — not redesign and reconstruct the plaza. (And get Bill Flemer to oversee the replacement.) Further, the current shrubs that border the sidewalk were installed
to provide a visual and partial physical barrier to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, a function that is served as intended, so why subvert that function and crowd the sidewalk?
Both proposals inspire the impression of paid consultants trying to justify their contract by offering (over-designed) ideas of how to spend tax dollars that could and should be better utilized. Give those proposed renovation funds (and the consultant contracts that produced those ideas) to the housing initiative, for example.
ALAN FREY Dempsey Avenue
Hinds Plaza Provides Joy to The Community Just as It Is
To the Editor:
I am very dissatisfied with the plans for digging up and changing Hinds Plaza [“Council Hears Report From Consulting Firm on Revitalizing Hinds Plaza,” October 30, page 1]. Why fi x something that isn’t broken? The trees are healthy and mature, there are beautiful engravings, and plenty of moveable chairs and tables to eat lunch at.
The plan also includes removing the mature trees from the plaza. The Princeton arborist states in the proposal that the trees in Hinds Plaza are not healthy. Bill Flemer, of Princeton Nurseries, said in a letter to Town Topics [Mailbox, November 13] that he believes they are mature and there is no reason to replace them.
Furthermore, I want to know why two restaurants owned by the JM Group get special treatment with a 20-foot allowance for business tables in a plaza designed for public use? Other restaurants in town do not get equal treatment and the extra outside space for Witherspoon Grill and Kristine’s was for the height of COVID when eating inside was unadvisable.
Finally there is the cost to redo the plaza when it is in a healthy and beautiful state, providing joy to the community.
JOANNE MARSHALL Broadripple Drive
Councilwoman Lambros Addresses Questions Regarding Hinds Plaza Renovation Project
To the Editor:
Hinds Plaza is undeniably a cherished and iconic community space in Princeton, a sentiment I feel confident my Council colleagues share. All physical infrastructure, however, requires maintenance and upkeep. Our Engineering Department has identified several issues that must be addressed to ensure the plaza’s longevity and functionality. The recent Council work session was part of a nearly year-long process that included a public open house and survey to gather community input, regular steering committee meetings, and a thorough review of several design alternatives. After the initial concepts were introduced at the work session, Council received many questions regarding the project’s process, scope, and rationale, which I’d like to address here.
Taking a long-term approach to fi scal responsibility — addressing these issues through routine, cost-effective maintenance — will be less costly than allowing problems to compound over time. The need for this project stems from the deteriorated condition of the pavers and concrete, as well as an inadequate stormwater management system that channels rainwater directly from paved surfaces to Harrys Brook. The proposed redesign follows new regulations requiring improved water quality controls through green infrastructure.
Whenever necessary repairs are undertaken, it’s prudent to consider additional improvements to avoid separate, costly projects in the future. For Hinds Plaza, addressing the need for new pavers, concrete surfaces, and stormwater upgrades presents an opportunity to enhance tree health and create a more adaptive, versatile community space. Given the project’s integrated and holistic approach, we contracted Arterial, a consultant with expertise in streetscape design. The initial concept plans, developed by Arterial, were informed by extensive community outreach and feedback. Key features requested by residents and stakeholders included a flexible public space that accommodates events such as the library’s Children’s Book Festival, the farmers market, and public gatherings, while also ensuring seating, shade, and outdoor dining areas for the two restaurants.
The plaza’s honey locust trees are experiencing crown decline, likely due to the current condition of their planting wells. According to our licensed municipal arborist, these trees are nearing the end of their lives even though they are being treated to improve their vigor. Unfortunately, even routine repairs to the plaza would place significant stress on these trees. New construction would include sub-surface
improvements that support the growth and long-term health of new trees.
It’s important to note that this project is likely years away from receiving funding or beginning construction. Significant work remains, including refining the concept plan, completing the engineering design, and conducting a competitive bid process. We value the feedback we’ve received so far and remain committed to collaborating with residents and stakeholders to refine the concept plan. There will be more opportunities for public input as we continue this process to ensure the fi nal design meets our community’s needs and expectations.
MICHELLE PIRONE LAMBROS Councilwoman, Municipality of Princeton Witherspoon Street
Raising Questions About Roundabouts in Harrison Street Corridor Concept Plan
To the Editor:
Thank you for bringing our attention to the Harrison Street Corridor concept plan that was presented to Princeton Council on November 12 [“Council Hears Report on Harrison Street Corridor,” November 20, page 1]. I am glad that pedestrians and cyclists are getting a high priority in planning. While I am at various times, driver, cyclist, and pedestrian, it is hard to consider the needs of all three simultaneously. The concept plan seems to manage this particularly well by proposing separate lanes for bicycles and increasing the sidewalk coverage around the Princeton Shopping Center area. While the “road diet” (reducing four lanes to two) sounded strange to me at first, I realized that Route 206 is one lane in each direction, and that works most of the time.
The plan proposes that the section of Harrison along the shopping center be divided into car lanes, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks in both directions. Pedestrians will find the sidewalks on both sides of Harrison at the shopping center to be a life saver.
The driver in me applauds a traffi c light at Route 206 and Ewing Street. Roundabouts at Bunn, Terhune, Valley, and Nassau may help relieve car and truck congestion, and cyclists will be directed to more peaceful roads to avoid much of Harrison Street. Slowing traffic at the D&R Canal will be very helpful to runners, walkers, and cyclists, since the flashing lights are not visible around the sharp corner heading north. While I am feeling positive so far about the plan, some questions remain in my mind. Will roundabouts have pedestrian crossing lights? Will cyclists need to become pedestrians to safely enter and leave the roundabouts? I find roundabouts to be intimidating as a cyclist, since many drivers are not happy when a bicycle occupies a full lane. Are the new apartments surrounding the Princeton Shopping Center fully considered in the traffic data? I am looking forward to hearing more about this large and complex plan.
ALICE
MACNOW Bunn Drive
Removing Poster Kiosks Would Be A Disservice to the Community
To the Editor:
The kiosks on Nassau Street are the everyman publicity system . No matter how small or poor your organization — at the least you can afford a poster on the kiosk. It may be primitive, but the kiosks are a physical manifestation of the fi rst amendment right to speak in public. Kiosks present ideas to the random people who walk the street. Someone sees a poster on the kiosk and takes action. That is valuable. Remove the kiosk and you silence those least able to speak. The idea that you will replace the kiosk with something “digital” is a slap in the face to everyone who does not use a smartphone. You are pushing out the paper era while lots of people can’t read a digital kiosk.
Kiosks are for the everyman. Do not remove them. If you must, update with more modern paper poster kiosks. But removing them is a disservice to the community.
ALEXANDER RANDALL 5TH Queenston Place
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.
“I
At Greenwood House Hospice, our families and caregivers LOVE HOW MUCH WE CARE! AND YOU WILL, TOO.
am proud and honored to serve as Greenwood House Hospice Medical Director and to work alongside some of the best nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers in the business. Our team provides intimate and comprehensive care for our terminally ill patients. We support not just those in their final months but also their families and loved ones.”
– DAVID R. BARILE, MD Medical Director, Greenwood House Hospice
Hospice is about living the fullest life possible according to a patient’s capabilities within a life-limiting condition. In hospice, your choices guide the care we provide. Hospice care affirms quality of life. Our goal is to prevent and relieve pain, discomfort, anxiety and fear.
We provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones. Hospice care is provided wherever a patient feels most comfortable or where they call home. We help families and caregivers prepare for endof-life challenges and find creative ways to share in life review and legacy projects so that our patient’s wisdom and memories can be treasured for future generations.
Our Hospice Team consists of:
• Hospice Medical Director, a board-certified hospice physician
• Registered Nurses (RNs) monitoring pain, managing symptoms and guiding patient’s plan of care
• Hospice Certified Home Health Aides (CHHAs) providing personal patient care and companionship
• Social Workers supporting patients and families and connecting them with community resources
• Spiritual Counselors providing emotional support and personal counseling
• Bereavement Services offering guidance and education concerning anticipatory grief to families throughout care and bereavement
• Hospice Volunteers assisting with a variety of patient and family personalized support activities
Greenwood House Hospice is a nonprofit, mission-based organization rooted in cherished Jewish traditions and an industry leader in providing high-quality senior health care in the state of New Jersey. Seniors of all faiths are welcome.
Or
The Princeton Area Community
- Sandra, pantry client
Town Topics Nonprofit Spotlight
JFCS of Greater Mercer County
JFCS serves our neighbors in need through comprehensive social services. We help strengthen the well-being of individuals, families, and communities to build brighter futures in four key areas — addressing food insecurity, providing mental health support, caring for seniors, and offering youth and community engagement programs.
JFCS of Greater Mercer County Holiday Wishlist: Pantry necessities — cereal, oatmeal packets (plain or flavors), rolled oats. Holiday Gifting: Gift cards ($10-$25) for Amazon, VISA, Walmart, or Target.
Meals on Wheels Mercer
“Meals on Wheels of Mercer County (MOWMC) is looking for dedicated delivery volunteers to make a difference for our neighbors in need. Serving over 450 seniors in our community, we need your help to deliver nutritious meals and friendly connections during this holiday season and beyond. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. We offer flexible scheduling and are seeking regular volunteers who can commit to helping weekly or at least once a month. Contact us today by calling (609) 695-3483 or email volunteerservices@ mealsonwheelsmercer.org.
Princeton Area Community Foundation
The Princeton Area Community Foundation makes more good possible. As philanthropy experts, the Community Foundation offers charitable funds that make it easy and tax effective for generous people to give to the causes they care about, both locally and nationally.
Donors receive immediate tax benefits when they open a fund with cash, stock, or other assets.
Long-term charitable funds are invested in the Community Foundation’s high-quality investment pool. When fundholders are ready, they recommend grants from their donor advised funds to their favorite charities, avoiding the administrative burden of multiple charitable tax receipts.
Community Foundation staff handles the administrative work and ensures grants go to nonprofits in good standing. Staff can also share their deep knowledge about regional needs. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $200 million to nonprofits, including over $90 million in the Greater Mercer County region.
With over $260 million of charitable assets under care, the Community Foundation helps connect people, foundations, and companies to the causes that matter most to them.
Accredited by National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the Princeton Area Community Foundation meets the highest standards for philanthropic excellence. To learn more, visit pacf.org or call (609) 219-1800.
Princeton Child Development Institute
For over 50 years, Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI) has provided exceptional care and education for individuals with autism. Our mission is clear: to bring out the best in every learner we serve by providing compassionate care, individualized instruction, and evidence-based intervention. At PCDI, we don’t just teach skills — we build confidence, foster independence, and create pathways to a brighter future.
PCDI’s outcomes are unmatched, thanks to our unwavering dedication to quality and innovation. Our learners gain critical life skills that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them for a lifetime of success. From communication and social development to health and wellness, our comprehensive approach addresses the unique needs of every individual.
Supporting PCDI is more than a gift — it’s an investment in the future. Your generosity helps us provide the resources needed for our learners to grow and succeed. Together, we can continue transforming lives and building brighter futures for individuals with autism. For more information, visit pcdi.org.
Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
TASK spreads holiday cheer for more than 40 years — a warm meal and a welcoming smile make a world of difference to our neighbors in need.
During the winter months, it can be a challenge to help our most vulnerable find the shelter and basics they need to stay safe. However, no matter how bitter the weather outside, TASK’s Escher Street dining room is always welcoming and warm — especially at the holidays!
“Winter is a difficult time for many,” says TASK Senior Director of Radical Hospitality Jaime Parker, noting the sharp increase in requests for items like gloves, hats, and hygiene products. “The holidays are an opportunity to help people prepare for the months ahead, as well as an opportunity to come together and celebrate community.”
TASK kicks off the holiday festivities with a festive singalong concert hosted by Holiday Express. This musical extravaganza gets everyone moving and grooving to classic holiday tunes.
TASK’s adult gift shop offers an opportunity for people to pick up the winter weather gear and necessities they need to keep themselves healthy and warm during the cold winter months.
TASK’s holiday toy shop is a week-long event for local children where caregivers and kids visit TASK to shop for gifts for kids of all ages, from infants to teens.
TASK will also serve our signature holiday meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. If you or a loved one are in need of a meal and some holiday cheer, please join us. All are welcome, no questions asked.
Thanks to you, TASK is able to ensure that everyone in our community has a meaningful opportunity to celebrate — at the holidays and beyond.
TASK, which has served the community since 1982, offers a multitude of resources to encourage self-sufficiency and improve quality of life, including meals, social services, workforce development, creative arts enrichment, and the provision of basic necessities. Learn more at TrentonSoupKitchen.org.
YWCA Princeton
Since 1921, YWCA Princeton has been a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our programs touch lives across generations — from affordable, high-quality child care and workforce development to our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC). At the heart of all we do is our unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering racial justice and equity. But we need your help to continue and expand this vital work. As 2024 draws to a close, please make a taxdeductible gift that makes a difference — a gift that, no matter the size, directly impacts the lives of those we serve. You may donate online at ywcaprinceton.org/donate or mail your contribution to YWCA Princeton, 59 Paul Robeson Place, Princeton, NJ 08540. Thank you for standing with us in partnership in moving our mission forward. Best wishes to all community members for a fantastic 2025!
Books
Two Authors at Second Sunday Poetry Reading at Princeton Makes
Princeton Makes, a Princeton-based artist cooperative, and Ragged Sky Press, a local publisher focused on poetry, will host a Second Sunday Poetry Reading on Sunday, December 8 at 4 p.m. The readings will take place at the Princeton Makes store in the Princeton Shopping Center.
The December reading will feature music-themed poetry by Winifred Hughes and Lynn Levin. Their readings will be followed by an open mic available to up to 10 audience members who would like to read their original poetry.
Levin is a poet, writer, and an adjunct professor of English at Drexel University. Called one of the most “poignantly witty voices of our time” (Bucks County Community College), she is the author of nine books, most recently the short story collection House Parties (Spuyten Duyvil, 2023), named one of the best books of summer by Philadelphia Magazine, and the poetry collections The Minor Virtues (Ragged Sky, 2020) and Miss Plastique (Ragged Sky, 2013). Her poetry, fiction, essays, and translations have appeared in Boulevard, Ploughshares, Smartish Pace, Scientific American, Massachusetts Review, The Saturday Evening Post, Michigan Quarterly Review, and other places. Her website is lynnlevinpoet.com.
Hughes is the author of The Village of New Ghosts , winner of the 2024 Henry Morgenthau III poetry award from Passager Books, as well as two chapbooks, Frost Flowers and NineBend Bridge . Her poems have appeared in Poetry, Poetry Northwest, Atlanta
Review, and International Poetry Review, among other journals. “The Scene Without” was overall poetry winner in the competition for the 2023 Fish Anthology , chosen by Billy Collins and published in Bantry, Ireland. She is a long-time member of U.S. 1 Poets’ Cooperative and former managing editor of U.S. 1 Worksheets.
Princeton Makes is a cooperative comprised of 37 local artists who work across a range of artistic genres, including painting, drawing, stained glass, sculpture, textiles, 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.
Ragged Sky is a small, highly selective cooperative press that has historically focused on mature voices, overlooked poets, and women’s perspectives.
For more information, visit princetonmakes.com.
a Princeton tradition!
Mercer County Library System Holds Winter Reading Program
The Mercer County Library System suggests spending the cold winter months curled up with a good book, notably participating in its 2024-25 Winter Reading Program. The program will run from December 16 through January 25, 2025.
Participants can keep track of books on a Winter Reading bingo sheet., with the goal of completing some of the activities to get five in a row — up, down, across, or diagonal. Then bring the bongo sheet back to your local branch where youths and teens will automatically receive a prize, and adults will be entered into a raffle for a prize.
BIngo sheets are available on the library’s web site at mcl.org, or at any of the nine library branches: Lawrence Headquarters, Ewing, Hickory Corner, Hollowbrook, Hopewell, Hightstown Memorial, Robbinsville, Twin Rivers, and West Windsor. For more information about Winter Reading or any of the programs the library offers, visit mcl.org.
Sustainability Bookstore To Host Holiday Book Fair
The ESG Bookstore, a new, independent bookstore specializing in sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) books at 195 Nassau Street, is holding a holiday book fair Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry to the book fair is free. A selection of more than 500 books on sustainability and ESG published in
2024 will be available for browsing and purchase, serving age groups from 3 to 18 years, young adults and professionals, executives, vacationers, book club members, general readers, and students. The books exclusively focus on sustainable lifestyle at home and in the workplace, and sustainable management of resources, among 30-plus
sustainable topics. Ten workstations are set up at the bookstore to browse these books comfortably. For more information, visit esgbestreads.com.
Winifred Hughes
Lynn Levin
Centenary Musings On Franz Kafka (1924-2024)
While England endeavors to cure the potato-rot, will not any[one]endeavor to cure the brain-rot, which prevails so much more widely and fatally?
—Henry David Thoreau, from Walden (1854)
The epigraph comes by way of the first Arts page in Monday’s New York Times. At least once or twice every year, the Newspaper of Record throws out a line that hooks me. Picture a Dr. Seuss-style fisherman, perhaps the Cat in the Hat, dandling a brain-rot lure as a Dr. Seuss fish leaps out of the water, grinning idiotically while I’m thinking “This is not how I meant to begin a December 4 column on Franz Kafka; no, this is not what I meant to do, not at all, not at all.”
Probably Kafka would love it. As would Frank Zappa, who died on December 4, 1993, having accomplished among many more notable wonders a track called “The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny” on the Mothers of Invention’s third album, We’re Only In It for the Money (a travesty of Sgt. Pepper that memorably pictured four grossly alluring “Mothers” instead of John, Paul, George, and Ringo). In his liner notes, Zappa claims that “The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny,” with its electronic crackling and screeching, is intended to give “a musical approximation” of Kafka’s “In The Penal Colony.”
Kafka’s Diaries
Given my fealty to our publication date, and the Times’ glorification of “brain rot,” I’m beginning in a darker place than I intended, with a nod to Casper Grathwohl, the president of Oxford Languages, who admits that choosing the Word of the Year “is a bit of a dark art.”
Glad to be back in Kafka’s Diaries 19101923 again, a foolproof remedy for “brain rot,” I find him on December 4, 1913, pondering the idea of “a young but mature person” choosing to kill himself: “Such would be my plight now. To die would mean nothing else than to surrender a nothing to the nothing, but that would be impossible to conceive, for how could a person, even only as a nothing, consciously surrender himself to the nothing, and not merely to an empty nothing but rather to a roaring nothing whose nothingness consists only in its incomprehensibility.”
Kafka’s rhapsody on “nothing” makes a kind of incidental music relevant to my original plan, which was a quest to find evidence contrary to the notion that Franz Kafka, like his devoted fan Vladimir Nabokov, was uncomfortable with music. But first, still with “brain rot” as the word of the day, I have to deal with Kafka’s scarily prophetic entry on October 9, 1911 that begins, “If I reach my fortieth year” before intimating what would actually occur on June 3, 1924: “I’ll hardly reach my fortieth birthday, however; the frequent tension over the left half of my skull, for example, speaks against it — it feels like an inner leprosy, which, when I only observe it and disregard its unpleasantness, makes the same impression on me as the skull cross-section in textbooks.”
Girls Singing Brahms
Two months later, on December 11, 1911, Kafka attends a Sunday Brahms concert by the Singing Society at Prague’s Rudolfinum. Seemingly reaffirming his oft-stated “unmusicalness,” the “inability to enjoy music connectedly” since the effect it has is seldom “a musical one,” he admits that the “natural effect of music on me is to circumscribe me with a wall, and its only constant influence on me is that, confined in this way, I am different from what I am when I’m free.” Yet while listening to Brahms’s Tragic Overture , he’s feeling the music, hearing “slow, solemn beats, now here, now there,” while watching “the music pass from one group to another” and following it “with the ear.” Referring to the songs from texts by Goethe (“Beherzigung”) and Schiller (“Nänie”), Kafka also makes somewhat voluptuous note of the way the “melody held open the mouths of the singing girls,” who “stood up on the low balustrade as though on a piece of early Italian architecture.”
The reference to architecture brings to mind a corrective to Kafka’s much-quoted and misunderstood claim “that he was unable to discern between The Merry Widow and Tristan and Isolde .” Quoted in the October 5 Guardian, Will Self points out that “Kafka manages in a single aside to undermine the entire airy and castellated edifice of late German romanticism.”
Flora Klug
According to a post by Aaron Carpenter on jewishstudies.washington.edu, Kafka found a clarification of his Jewish identity at a performance by Yitzhak Löwy’s Yiddish acting troupe at the Café Savoy in Prague. In a diary entry dated October 6, 1911, Kafka describes how he and the other audience members were enthralled when Yiddish actor Flora Klug sang about “jüdische Kinderloch” (little Jewish children).... Kafka was fascinated by these actors, calling them “people who are Jews in an especially pure form.” It was the beginning of “an 11-month intensive study of Yiddish language and culture and many return trips to the theater.”
and finally, my fingertips together, it conquered inner obstacles with my voice’s unceasing calm, provided a constantly expanding panorama for my voice, and finally the whole room round about me dared admit nothing but my voice.” After a loaded pause: “Until my parents, returning from business, rang.” Kafka’s predilection for reading aloud is well documented. Max Brod and various witnesses have said that he was known to “laugh” when reading his own work. It’s also said that he laughed with pleasure while reading aloud the bravura “Nature Theatre of Oklahoma” chapter from his unfinished first novel Amerika (1927). I wonder how he approached the first public reading of The Metamorphosis, which, according to the chronology in Stanley Corngold’s Modern Library edition, he wrote from November 17 to December 7, 1912, “reading parts of the unfinished story aloud to friends on November 24.”
Among the novel’s “Backgrounds” provoded by Corngold are letters to Felice Bauer in which Kafka imagines “how fine it would be to read this story aloud to you and be forced to hold your hand, for the story is a little horrible” and “would give you a real scare.”
On December 19, Kafka refers again to Flora Klug: “Listening to her always lively singing does nothing less than prove the solidity of the world, which is what I need, after all.” Earlier in the same entry, he writes, “the melodies are long, one’s body is glad to confide itself to them.”
Reading as Music
A week earlier, on December 3, 1911, Kafka describes a performative reading of poet Eduard Mörike’s memoir before an audience of his sisters, which “began well enough but improved as I went on,
“Please Not That!”
Writing in 1914 to the first publisher of The Metamorphosis about the illustration for the title page, Kafka worried that the illustrator might want to draw the insect itself: “Not that, please not that!... The insect itself cannot be drawn. It cannot even be shown at a distance.”
With this conundrum in mind, I’ve been exercising my brain wondering how a film might honor Kafka’s wishes. Imagine perhaps a reading presumably by the author himself, cloaked in shadows and played by a gifted actor who shares Kafka’s delight in reading aloud and an ability to make sure “the whole room round about me dared admit nothing but my voice.”
Keep in mind the notes to Felice Bauer referring to the story as “infinitely repulsive” and “extremely voluptuous.” Also keep in mind that the audience is likely to know the gist of the opening paragraph, wherein Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, wakes “to find himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.” There are bound to be anticipatory intrusions of nervous laughter, that, who knows, may cause the author himself to join in, perhaps when he reads lines such as “This getting up early makes anyone a complete idiot. Human beings need their sleep.”
As the necessarily abbreviated reading proceeds, an infectious hysteria unhinges some members of the audience acutely
aware of the fact that a shadow cast by the invisible author is changing shape until it arrives at something resembling the “infinitely repulsive” object on everyone’s mind. The denouement is incited and accompanied by music, as Gregor’s sister begins playing the violin, “beautifully, her face leaned sideways,” thrilling Gregor, who feels “as if the way were opening before him to the unknown nourishment he craved.” Now comes the moment when the intoxicated monster edges into the kitchen, imagining just the two of them, she so touched by his adoration that she bursts into tears, moving Gregor to imagine raising himself to her shoulder to “kiss her on the neck.” Here the reader stops, as if anticipating his parents ringing the bell, as they did during the other reading, the lights go on, chasing the shadows, and the reader’s chair is empty.
The Phantom Ship
Until “brain rot” intruded, the theme of this column was set on December 4, 1872, when the mysteriously abandoned Mary Celeste was discovered adrift on choppy seas about 400 miles east of the Azores. The ship’s fictional afterlife began a decade later with a story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who renamed it Marie Celeste ) and surfaced in the 1935 U.S. release, Phantom Ship, starring Bela Lugosi.
In fact, every one of these columns is haunted by the births, deaths, and various other events recorded on the upcoming date of publication. December 4 has additional significance for Frank Zappa, who was performing with the Mothers at the Montreux casino on December 4, 1971, when someone in the audience set off a flare that torched the roof, eventually destroying the building, with no loss of life because most of the audience was stoned. From the Independent travel section (December 5, 1999): “There is more to Prague than the writer Franz Kafka, whose haunted image is plastered across T-shirts, posters and mugs all over town. It is also full of surprises, a medieval city with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, from the dazzling graffiti of the John Lennon Wall to the appointment a decade ago of the late Frank Zappa as the city’s cultural attaché.” Kafka at the Morgan
In his introduction to The Metamorphosis , Stanley Corngold examines a manuscript page from Kafka’s diary where the line in which Kafka’s claim to be “the midpoint of the intellectual and spiritual life of Prague” has been “inked through again and again.” Corngold refers to “lucky readers who may have seen this diary page on display at Oxford’s Bodleian Library.” According to a press release from the Morgan Library & Museum announcing the current exhibit, which runs through April 13, 2025, the museum will present, “for the first time in the United States, the Bodleian Library’s extraordinary holdings of literary manuscripts, correspondence, diaries, and photographs related to Kafka, including the original manuscript of The Metamorphosis .” —Stuart Mitchner
Performing Arts
LAST OF A TRILOGY: Brittany Fauzer as Georgiana Darcy and Liz Minder as Kitty Bennet in “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley,” on stage in Morrisville, Pa., December 6-22.
ActorsNET’s Holiday Play
Is Tribute to Jane Austen
ActorsNET is visiting the famous Pemberley estate for the third time with Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley, the final play in the Pemberley trilogy. Jane Austen’s characters take the Heritage Center stage once again from December 6-22.
Director Erin Leder returns to put a finishing touch on her extensive work with Gunderson and Melcon’s holiday pieces. She has taken on the first of Christmas at Pemberley plays back in 2022 and has since directed Miss Bennet , then The Wickhams in 2023, and now Georgiana and Kitty
“What I love most about all three plays is how each plot cleverly deviates ever-soslightly from the expected,” said Leder. “Once rehearsals got underway, we all happily discovered that these plays would have no semblance of just glorified Jane Austenstyle fan fiction but instead were beautifully and fullyrealized stories about the joy that comes from charting one’s own path in this world.”
“ActorsNET is honored to be the first theater in the Philadelphia area to present this third and final installment of Christmas at Pemberley. And we’re thrilled to bring back some familiar faces from previous productions as well as introduce four new actors to the Pemberley ‘universe’ to create a seamless and delightful experience for our audience,” said Hayley Rubins-Topoleski, one of the show’s producers.
The Heritage Center Theatre is located at 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, Pa., near the Calhoun Street Bridge. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, December 14 in addition to the regularly scheduled evening performance . The 8 p.m. performance on Saturday, December 14 is a special “Pay What You Can” night with tickets as low as $7, as part of ActorsNET’s goal to make exceptional, live and local theater accessible to everyone.
Visit actorsnetbucks.org for tickets.
with both New York City Opera and the Opera Company of Philadelphia.
Now in its 37th season, the Westminster Community Orchestra presents popular programs noted for their diverse repertoire and widespread appeal. Members are professional and gifted amateur musicians from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They come from all walks of life but share a common goal: the desire to make music for themselves and their community.
Visit rider.edu/about/ events for more information.
Chevy Chase to Appear At State Theatre NJ
Westminster Community Orchestra Presents Annual Concert/Sing-along The Westminster Community Orchestra, conducted by Ruth Ochs, will present their annual family holiday concert “Holiday Favorites and Sing-along” on Wednesday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Hillman Hall, at the Cullen Center, on the Westminster Choir College campus, Walnut Lane.
While the performance is free, the orchestra will continue its long-standing tradition of accepting freewill cash donations at the door to benefit and be distributed to area food pantries and service organizations. Audience members requiring seating assistance should arrive at 7:15 p.m.
The performance will feature Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Dance of the Tumblers” from The Snow Maiden , Frederick Delius’s “Sleigh Ride,” Samuel Coleridge Taylor’s Christmas Overture, “Festive Sounds of Hanukkah” (arranged by Bill Holcombe), and How the Grinch Stole Christmas Westminster Conservatory faculty member Danielle Sinclair will join the orchestra for two traditional carols, “Or vous Tremoussez Pasteurs de Judee” (Make Merry, Shepherds of Judea) and “El Noi de la Mare” (The Child of the Mother), with former Westminster Honors Program student Julianna Wong, mezzo-soprano. The concert will also include other Christmas favorites, and the audience is invited to lend their voices in John Finnegan’s popular Christmas Sing-along. Sinclair has performed with orchestras throughout the country and in numerous operatic roles. She was the Grand Prize Winner of the Opera at Florham Guild Competition, performing on the Apollo Muses Concert Series to critical acclaim. Locally, Sinclair performs frequently in the Westminster Conservatory Faculty Recital Series and with the Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs. She has appeared
State Theatre New Jersey and NJPAC Productions present “An Evening with Chevy Chase & National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p m. This show celebrates the classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, with a special 35th Anniversary screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chase and his wife Jayni.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available, including a personal post-show photo opportunity with Chase.
Chevy and Jayni Chase will share their behind-thescenes stories and personal anecdotes about the making of this movie that has become a Christmas tradition. During the conversation, audience members can ask questions and hear firsthand from Chevy about his career including Saturday Night Live , Caddyshack , and more.
Chase was an original member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. In addition to Caddyshack and National Lampoon’s Vacation , he also starred in Fletch , and Three Amigos.
Tickets range from $45$105. Visit Stnj.org for more information.
Cirque Musica Presents “Holiday Wonderland”
State Theatre New Jersey presents Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland on Saturday, December 14 at 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$99
and musicians and singers, the performance takes audiences on a journey into a world of music, cirque, and more. With new costumes, music, and storylines, the all-new show blends the grace and daredevil athleticism of circus performers with a musical mix of seasonal favorites.
“For 15 years, our beloved Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland has brought holiday joy to audiences across North America. We are so proud to celebrate our 15th anniversary tour with an all-new show that continues to bring an unforgettable, magical experience,” said Stephen Cook, president of TCG Entertainment and producer of Cirque Musica “We look forward to many more seasons working with our talented team, venues, promoters, and partners to help make the holiday spirit come to life for audiences everywhere.”
Since 2010, Cirque Musica has performed for audience members worldwide.
State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Visit Stnj.org.
well loved and well read since 1946
to State
Annual Messiah Sing December 9 at 7:30pm
Princeton University Chapel
Join us for a community sing-along of this magnificent classic with Chapel Choir soloists, University Organist Eric Plutz, and instrumental ensemble. Bring your own score or borrow one at the door. Admission is free. No Tickets Required.
Danielle Sinclair
Repertory Ballet brings its production of the
Nutcracker”
Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue on
22, complete with live orchestra conducted by Kenneth Bean and singers from the Princeton Girlchoir. Shows are December 20 at 7:30 p.m.; December 21 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and December 22 at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $29-$69. Visit Stnj.org. (Photo by Megan Teat)
Princeton Makes Talks Series Features Winn
On Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m., painter Claude Winn will be the featured speaker for the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” series at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center. Winn, a Princeton Makes cooperative member, creates abstract paintings that she calls “meditations,” reflecting her interdisciplinary background.
During the event, Winn will discuss her work and the influences of her art heroes, including William de Kooning, Wassily Kandinsky, and Helen Frankenthaler. A visual and theatre artist, Winn’s interest in art began in childhood when she spent hours in museums studying the works of great artists.
“I believe in the art’s immense emotional and spiritual power to put us in touch with our deepest selves,” said Winn. “My work is a conversation with the abstract expressionists of the’40s and ’50s.”
Formerly represented by CG Gallery in Princeton, Winn’s art can be found in private collections around the world. Collectors have called her work “inspiring,” “deeply beautiful,” and “a source of continuous joy.”
Winn said of her creative process, “When I start a painting, I have no plan. I follow my intuition without
thinking and am curious to see what will happen. My art reflects my studies and experience in art history, film, literature, yoga, and archetypal psychology. It takes me, and hopefully, my viewers on a quest for the sublime.”
This month, Winn is the featured artist at Princeton Makes, with her work displayed in the front window. Visitors can view more of her paintings in her studio during the event.
The “Inside the Artist’s Studio” talk series, part of the cooperative’s programming initiatives, offers the public a monthly opportunity to learn about and from its creatives.
The event will begin with a reception and light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Artwork by all cooperative artists will be available for purchase.
Princeton Makes is a cooperative of over 40 local artists who work across a range of artistic genres, including painting, drawing, stained glass, sculpture, textiles, and jewelry. Customers will be able to support local artists by visiting their in-store studios and shopping for a wide variety of art, including large paintings, prints, custom-made greeting cards, stained glass lamps and window hangings, jewelry in various designs and patterns, and more.
Additional information is available at princetonmakes.com.
Sean Mount Exhibition
Opening at SFA Gallery
Following up on his successful show in 2023, Lambertville artist Sean Mount returns to SFA Gallery in Frenchtown with “Sean Mount / New Paintings,” on view December 7 through February 2. An opening night celebration is on Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.
A self-taught oil and watercolor artist, Mount is also a keen naturalist, mushroom forager, and bird-watcher. Known for his paintings of fog-shrouded woods and sun-dappled creeks, his work is recognized as fortifying the rich legacy of New Hope School Impressionism. This exhibit comes on the heels of a major achievement in Mount’s career, the purchase of a very large oil painting, Querencia/Altar, by the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., where it is currently on view.
A Solebury, Pa., native, Mount attended George School in Newtown, Pa., and then Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., where he earned degrees in biology and literature. Mount then found work as a decorative painter and muralist, eventually spending a decade in
New York City working in the film and television industry as a scenic artist. During that time, he won three Art Director’s Guild Awards for his work on MR. ROBOT and The Night Of.
More recently, he received a 2019 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
SFA (Schmidtberger Fine Art) Gallery is located at 10 Bridge Street, Frenchtown. Exhibit hours are Thursday through Sunday 12 to 4 p.m., and by appointment. For more information, visit sfagallery.com or call (908) 268-1700.
Johnson Park Student Art Show at Arts Council
The Olivia & Leslie Foundation + Johnson Park Student Art Show, to he held on Saturday December 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arts Council of Princeton, will showcase the artistic accomplishments of students from the Olivia & Leslie Foundation Art + Math program.
This special event provides an opportunity to see their creativity come to life and celebrate their efforts as a community. There will also be an arts supplies giveaway and refreshments.
The Arts Council of Princeton is located at 102 Witherspoon Street.
FALL 2024 LECTURE SERIES
DECEMBER
6
A Conversation with the Abbey Theatre: CAITRÍONA MCLAUGHLIN, artistic director, and JEN COPPINGER, producer, in conversation with Fund for Irish Studies Co-chair JANE COX, on leading the Irish National Theater in changing times.
James Stewart Film Theater 185 Nassau Street
Free and open to the public 4:30 p.m.
ARTIST TALK: Painter Claude Winn will discuss her work at the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” event on Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center.
“DRINKING SONG”: This oil on linen work is featured in “Sean Mount / New Paintings,” on view December 7 through February 2 at SFA Gallery In Frenchtown. An opening night reception is on Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.
“FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION”: More than 150 works by 70 artists will be on view at Dupree Gallery Lambertville December 7 through January 24. An opening reception is on Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 8 p.m.
“Freedom of Expression”
Exhibit at Dupree Gallery Dupree Gallery Lambertville will present “Freedom of Expression” December 7 through January 24, 2025. An opening reception is on Saturday, December 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. This open
call exhibition features over 150 eclectic works of art by 70 artists from around the country. The exhibition is curated by artist and gallery owner James E. Dupree and draws from his extensive professional network of established artists, along with submissions from independent artists who responded
to the open call. “Freedom of Expression” showcases a wide variety of mediums — including painting, drawing, prints, fiber art, wood carving, photography, collage, and more — offering an impressive range of styles and techniques. Artwork is priced from $125 to $4,800. The Dupree Gallery Lambertville is located at 10
North Union Street, Lambertville. After temporarily operating out of The New Hope Arts Center, Dupree Gallery Lambertville officially opened its doors in October 2022, following its relocation from Philadelphia, where it flourished for over 40 years. Dupree Gallery showcases the works of distinguished national and international artists and features vibrant contemporary art across many mediums. For more information, email DupreeGallery@gmail. com, call (640) 203-8356, or visit JamesDupreeArt.com.
Area Exhibits
Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, has “Heléne Aylon: Undercurrent” through February 2. Artmuseum. princeton.edu.
Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “Mostly Small Works” December 5 through January 5. An opening reception is on Saturday, December 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lambertvillearts.com.
Art on Hulfish, 11 Hulfish Street, has “Under a Southern Star: Identity and Environment in Australian Photography” through January 5. Artmuseum.princeton.edu.
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, has “The Super Hero’s Journey” in the Taplin Gallery and “Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story” in the Lower Level Gallery through December 7. Artscouncilof princeton.org.
David Scott Gallery, 253 Nassau Street, has “Available Light,” a collection of paintings by New York architect and artist Mark Oliver, through December 31. David scottfineart@gmail.com.
Ficus Bon Vivant, 235 Nassau Street, has “Capture the Rhythm” through January 12. Ficusbv.com.
Gourgaud Gallery, 23-A North Main Street, Cranbury, has “Flora, Fauna, and Water” through December 27. An opening reception is on December 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cranburyartscouncil.org.
Green Building Center, 67 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has an art show by the MUGA Group through December 31. Greenbuildingcenter.com.
Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, has “That’s Worth Celebrating: The Life and Work of the Johnson Family” through the end of 2024, among other exhibits. Groundsfor sculpture.org.
Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, has “Princeton Reflected: Stories from HSP’s Collection” and “Einstein Salon and Innovator’s Gallery.” Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. Princetonhistory org
Mercer Museum, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution” through December 31, 2026. Mercermuseum.org.
Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “Monuments and Myths: The American Sculptors Augustus SaintGaudens and Daniel Chester
French” through January 5 and “Charlotte Schatz: Industrial Strength” through March 9. Michenerartmuseum.org
Milberg Gallery, Princeton University Library, has “Monsters & Machines: Caricature, Visual Satire, and the Twentieth-Century Bestiary” through December 8. Library.princeton.edu/monsters andmachines.
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, has “Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home,” through March 2. Morven.org.
Russell Marks Gallery at Princeton Windrows, 2000 Windrow Drive, has “Learning Curves: Works from the Beginning Drawing Classes” through December 31.
Silva Gallery of Art at the Pennington School, 112 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, has “Alia Bensliman: From North Africa to North America” through December 13. Silvagallery@ penningtonschool.org.
Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, has “Worldling Art Show,” featuring art from past and present employees, through January 7. The exhibition is also at the 254 Nassau Street location through January 7. Smallworldcoffee.com.
West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, has “Off the Wall Affordable Art Show ” through December 21. Westwindsorarts.org.
Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers, 71 George Street, New Brunswick, has “Michelle V. Agins: Storyteller” through December 8 and “Smoke & Mirrors” through December 22. Zimmerli.rutgers.edu.
(Photo by Sierra Humes)
Town Topics | Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, December 4
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Leighton Listens. Councilman Leighton Newlin is available to discuss current events with members of the public at Holsome Teas and Herbs, 27 Witherspoon Street.
6-9 p.m.: The Watershed Institute hosts the Sip & Shop Holiday Market , offering unique items from local artisans. Free. 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington.
6:30 p.m.: Barry Singer of the Historical Society of Princeton presents a virtual talk , “Princeton and the American Revolution: The Ten Crucial Days,” sponsored by Mercer County Library System. Visit mcl. org to receive a link.
7 p.m.: “Sustainable Minds: The State of Clean Energy .” Experts discuss the situation in New Jersey at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
7:30 p.m.: Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols at Princeton University Chapel, featuring the Chapel Choir and University a cappella groups. Chapel. princeton.edu.
Thursday, December 5
10 a.m.: Meeting of the 55-Plus Club of Princeton at The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street and on Zoom. Allen C. Guelzo of Princeton University will speak on “Saving Our Democracy, Looking to Lincoln.” Free ($5 donation suggested). Visit Princetonol.com/groups/55plus for link.
4 p.m.: Journalist Ambreen Ali , founder of the local news outlet Central Desi, speaks in the Newsroom of Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
5-7 p.m.: Holiday Jam and Toy Drive , held with Princeton University, at Palmer Square. Palmersquare.com.
7:30 p.m.: “An Evening with Chevy Chase and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation ,” at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $45-$105. Stnj.org.
Friday, December 6
4:30 p.m.: Princeton University’s Fund for Irish Studies presents a conversation with Ireland’s Abbey Theatre, at the James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau Street. Free. Arts.princeton.edu .
5:30 p.m.: Holiday Arrangements and Wine Tasting at Terhune Orchards , 330 Cold Soil Road. Terhune owner Reuwai Mount Hanewald shows how to create an arrangement with greens, flowers, berries, and other decorative items. Wine, light fare. $45. Registration required. Terhuneorchards.com.
6-8 p.m. Opening reception for the annual “Perspectives on Preservation” photography exhibit , sponsored by Friends
of Princeton Open Space, at Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Avenue. With wine, light bites, and live music by guitarist Ilan Eisenzweig. RSVP to fopos.org.
7:30 p.m .: “The Amish Project” by Jessica Dickey, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater and Music Theater, at the Wallace Theater, Lewis Arts Complex, Princeton University. Explores the aftermath of the 2006 shooting at an Amish schoolhouse. Free. Arts.princeton.edu.
Saturday, December 7
10-11:30 a.m.: Tai Chi lessons by Todd’s Tai Chi Group at Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street, Plainsboro. Beginners through intermediate. For more information contact gedenfield@aol.com
10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Guided Nature Walk by Anna Corichi of Friends of Princeton Open Space, at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Preserve, 57 Mountain Avenue. Free. Fopos.org/eventsprograms. Registration required.
10 a.m.: Holiday Wreath Workshop at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Pam Mount shows how to create a Colonial Williamsburg-style fresh wreath. $60; registration required. Terhuneorchards.com.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. : Christmas tree and wreath sale : Boy Scout Troop 43 is selling them at the YMCA lot, Paul Robeson Place, through December 24. They can also deliver. Visit princetontroop43.org for link.
12-2 p.m.: Strolling Santa at Palmer Square. With entertainment. Palmersquare.com.
12-4 p.m.: Friends of Princeton Open Space holds a Holiday Open House at Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Avenue. The Perspectives on Preservation Photography Exhibit is on view; refreshments and holiday treats. Free. Fopos.org.
12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, light bites, hot cocoa kits, and music from 1-4 p.m. by Bud Belviso. Terhuneorchards.com.
3 p.m .: Science Saturday in the STEAM Studio of Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princeton University scientists present hands-on activities for students in grades 5-8. Princetonlibrary.org.
4 p.m .: Princeton Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Princeton High School Performing Arts Center. Pyb.booktix.com.
7 p.m.: Holiday Drag Show featuring Miss Cissy Walken at the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, 12 Stockton Street. $25. All are welcome to this fundraiser. Visit rustincenter.org.
7:30 p.m .: Chanticleer presents A Chanticleer Christmas at Princeton University Chapel. Puc.princeton.edu.
7:30 p.m .: “The Amish Project” by Jessica Dickey, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater and Music Theater, at the Wallace Theater, Lewis Arts Complex, Princeton University. Explores the aftermath of the 2006 shooting at an Amish schoolhouse. Free. Arts.princeton.edu.
Sunday, December 8
6:30 a.m.-to 3 p.m.: Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute online conference on “Systems Biology: The Scientific Understanding of Life Beyond Reductionism.” Register at bit.ly/ss2024reg. For more information, visit bviscs.org/ss2024.
11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Third annual “Washington’s Landing in New Jersey ” event at Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville. Encampment on the banks of the Delaware with reenactors, historians, cannon fire, musket drills, and more. Wcpa-nj.com/landing.
12-2 p.m.: Strolling Santa at Palmer Square. With entertainment. Palmersquare.com.
12-4 p.m .: Off the Wall Holiday Market at West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road. One-of-a-kind artisan products and original artwork on view and for sale. Free. Westwindsorarts.org.
12 and 4 p.m .: Princeton Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Princeton High School Performing Arts Center. Pyb.booktix.com.
12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, light bites, hot cocoa kits, and music from 1-4 p.m. by Michael Montemurro. Terhuneorchards.com.
12-3 p.m. : Christmas tree and wreath sale : Boy Scout Troop 43 is selling them at the YMCA lot, Paul Robeson Place, through December 24. They can also deliver. Visit princetontroop43.org for link.
12:30 p.m .: The Lawrence Community Concert Band performs “Tuba Christmas” at MarketFair, 3535 U.S. 1, West Windsor. Christmas carols, with audience participation. Free.
2-3:30 p.m .: People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos “Try It,” for ages 14-94, hear a story read aloud at 475 Wall Street, Princeton. Peopleandstories.org.
2:30 p.m .: Princeton University Organist Eric Plutz and Timberdale Brass present “A Yuletide Feast for Organ and Brass” at Princeton University Chapel. Free.
3 p.m.: The Sustainable Jazz Duo performs original jazz compositions at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
3 p.m.: The Princeton University Sinfonia performs works by Borodin, Sibelius, and Romit Kundagrami ’26 at Richardson Auditorium. $15 (students $5). Music.princeton.edu.
Monday, December 9
7:30 p.m.: Annual Messiah Sing, at Princeton University Chapel. Community sing-along with organ, strings, trumpet, and soloists from the Chapel Choir. Bring a score
or borrow one at the door. Chapel.princeton.edu.
Tuesday, December 10
5:30-8 p.m .: “Holiday Spirits: Festival Cocktails and Cheer,” at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. An evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music by The New York Belles, and more. Stnj.org.
Wednesday, December 11
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Leighton Listens. Councilman Leighton Newlin is available to discuss current events with members of the public at Blue Bears, Princeton Shopping Center.
7 p.m.: Author Michael Gabriele explores the rich history of taverns in Colonial New Jersey at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
7:30 p.m .: Violinist Janine Jansen and pianist Denis Kozhukhin make their Princeton University Concerts debut at Richardson Auditorium with works by Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. Puc.princeton.edu or (609) 258-2800.
Thursday, December 12
7 p.m.: The Lawrence Community Concert
DECEMBER
Band performs “Sounds of the Season” at Lawrence Senior Center, 30 Darrah Lane East. With old-fashioned singalong. Free.
7-10 p.m .: Bingo at Congregation Beth Chaim, 329 Village Road East, West Windsor. Open to those 18 and over. Bethchaim.org.
7:15 p.m.: Black Voices Book Group discusses South to America: A Journey Below the MasonDixon to Understand the Soul of America by Imani Perry, on Google Meet. Princetonlibrary.org.
7:30 p.m.: The Temptations and The Four Tops perform at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $59-$159. Stnj.org.
Friday, December 13
10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild monthly meeting at the Administration Building of Hunterdon County Complex, Route 12 outside Flemington. Hcrag.org.
7-10 p.m.: PHS Big Band Dance featuring all of Princeton High School’s jazz bands including the PHS Studio Band. In the school cafeteria, Walnut Lane. $5 students, $10 adults. Proceeds benefit the band program. Princetonjazz.org.
Lucy’s Kitchen & Market, a Popular Mainstay, Offers Variety of Pasta Specialties and More
Step inside Lucy’s Kitchen & Market at 830 State Road, and you are immediately glad you came. Just entering this cheerful market, where nearly all the food is prepared on site from scratch, will tempt the taste buds.
IT’S NEW To Us
Lucy’s success story has been going on for a long time. At the current location since 1996, owners Caron Wendell and Joe McLaughlin had initially set up shop in Trenton in 1991, specializing in ravioli.
They decided to expand their successful wholesale pasta business in 1996, offering a wide assortment of their pasta and sauces, as well as a variety of other items including sandwiches, soups and salads, side dishes, entrees, and desserts to go.
Pasta is popular, for sure. It’s quick and easy to prepare, and tastes great. People like it hot or cold, in sophisticated recipes or plain and simple, with just a touch of olive oil and garlic.
Freshness and Quality
“All of our pasta is made on the premises, and all of Lucy’s pasta is made with enriched semolina wheat, eggs, water, and salt,” explains Wendell. “Our fillings are made with fresh eggs, cheese, seafood, fresh herbs, and spices. We use no preservatives, filler bases, or processed food substitutes. We produce in small batches to ensure the freshness and quality or our products.”
“We have 35 years’ experience making fresh pasta, and our customers love it,” adds McLaughlin. “And another thing, after all these years, I am still very lucky to work with Caron, my best friend!”
In addition, Lucy’s makes every effort to use locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the freshest results possible, he continues. “As seasons change, we adjust our menu accordingly, using produce at the peak of freshness.”
“We have evolved over the years, adding a variety of new products,” points out Wendell. “We stock carefully selected fresh breads, cheeses, olives, and baked goods. And all of this in addition to our extensive catering menu.
“Also, this year, we have added prepared dishes to go, which are very popular. They are complete meals, and include linguine with white clam sauce; sweet Italian sausage and peppers; wild mushroom risotto; pappardelle Bolognese; and the chicken marsala complete dinner.”
There really is something for everyone’s taste at Lucy’s. Of course, it all began with pasta, and that remains a major focus for customers.
Flavors Galore
“I think we really are a destination place for ravioli,” reports Wendell. “We also have a new extruder machine, which can make all different shapes and sizes of pasta.”
Indeed, choices include pipette, penne, linguine, fettuccine, pappardelle, angel hair, and tortellini.
And there are pasta flavors galore! Spinach, artichoke, pumpkin, roasted red pepper, butternut squash,
and wild mushroom, among many others, are customer favorites.
The sauces are from La Valle, an Italian company, adds Wendell. “They are the growers, the packers, and the importers. We have many different sauces, and they are all popular.”
They include plum tomato and garlic basil pesto, arugula and pesto, pink vodka cream, and the very popular Bolognese (plum tomato, beef, and red wine), and white clam sauce.
Now that the days are feeling more like winter, Lucy’s soups are especially in demand. Pumpkin bisque is a favorite now, along with butternut squash, clam chowder, and that old standby, chicken noodle never goes out of style.
In addition, Lucy’s has a display case filled with an array of ready-to-eat items. From olives to eggplant, roasted red pepper salad to ratatouille, broccoli to Brussels sprouts, the assortment is extensive and inviting. Chicken salad, chicken Milanese, chicken piccata, a variety of dips, spreads, and pâtés — the list goes on.
Big Sellers
And, adds Wendell, “Our empanadas have become very big sellers. We can hardly keep them in. Also in demand is our selection of frozen items, such as lasagna and mac and cheese.”
And don’t forget the sandwiches, all fresh and ready to go. Herb-roasted turkey with French brie and honey mustard (an all-time favorite); Italian combo on a baguette; and fresh mozzarella with roasted red peppers and basil pesto are just some of the choices.
Cheeses are another big
item at Lucy’s. The selection covers a full range from mozzarella and provolone to brie, goat, and many, many more.
The freshness of all their products is a top priority at Lucy’s, re-emphasizes McLaughlin. “We get our fish fresh from Nassau Street Seafood, and eggs from Greenflash Farm in Skillman. Customers know they can rely on the freshness and quality of all our products.”
In addition, those with a sweet tooth are in the right place. Lucy’s pastry chef can be counted on for delicious pies, cakes, cookies, and sweet breads. Chocolate pecan pie was a recent favorite, but there are many other mouth-watering specialties.
The market also offers a number of items from other companies, including apple sauce from Solebury Orchards in Bucks County, Pa., also Small World Coffee, Bent Spoon ice cream, and special ice cream sandwiches from Arctic Ice Cream in Trenton.
Holiday Catering
Catering has become an increasingly large part of the Lucy’s business, points out McLaughlin. “We do a lot for Princeton University, as well as for residential customers. And we will be very busy for the holidays.”
The holiday catering menu is available on Lucy’s website, and offers a full range of choices for Christmas dinner and New Year’s Day brunch.
Dinner includes everything from soup to nuts, with choices of roasted shrimp cocktail, antipasto platter, Lucy’s mac and cheese, creamed spinach casserole, classic mashed potatoes, beef Wellington, duck confit risotto, country ham platter with biscuits, beef bourguignon, and much more.
Desserts include gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting, apple caramel walnut pie, chocolate cheesecake, and Buche de Noel.
New Year’s Day brunch offers broccoli and cheddar quiche or quiche Lorraine; smoked salmon platter; frittata with asparagus, cream cheese, and tomato; almond cheese ring; and croissants.
In addition, latkes, brisket, challah, and rugelach will be available for Hanukkah.
The last day to order for pick up on Christmas Eve is December 19. Buche de Noel must be ordered ahead.
An additional holiday remembrance could be one of Lucy’s gift cards, available in various amounts.
Ultimately, it’s all about people. Staff and customers.
“We have been so fortunate with both,” says Wendell. “Our staff is so special. People can count on them for friendly, knowledgeable service. Our catering manager, Adrienne Donato, has been with us 24 years, and Karley Camelo, our manager has been here for 10.
Our chef has been here nine years, and others for 20 years or more.”
Years and Years
“The loyalty of our customers has been outstanding,” she continues. “They have been coming from Princeton and the area for years and years, and many have become friends.”
A case in point is Princeton resident and longtime customer Carol Golden. “Lucy’s has a wonderful variety of items,” she says. “You can come and take out for lunch or dinner, and I’ve also gotten things for fundraisers, such as appetizers, cheese and olives, and other treats. There is a great chef, and the quality of the food is excellent, always fresh and delicious. And one other thing: it is the cleanest place I have ever seen!”
Lucy’s also has an online business, which was an especially busy part of the operation during COVID-19.
A lot of work and long hours have made Lucy’s the place it is, and Wendell and McLaughlin are grateful and proud that it continues to be a source of pleasure for so many.
“You have to keep on top of the details all the time, so our product is always the best it can be. And we always want to add to our vision. Our interest is food, and we are happy that everyone appreciates what we have for them.”
Lucy’s Kitchen & Market is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, call (609) 9243623. Visit the website at lucystogo.com.
—Jean Stratton
TOWN TOPICS
is printed entirely on recycled paper.
PLEASING THE PALATE: “We have a wonderful staff,” says Caron Wendell, co-owner of Lucy’s Kitchen & Market. “We are very proud of them. Many have been with us for over 10 years, and some for as many as 20 years or more.” Shown are staff members who are ready to help customers select choices from the display case filled with a variety of tempting treats.
S ports
Sparked by Goalie Kovács’s Energy, Competitive Fire, PU Men’s Water Polo Primed for NCAA Tourney Run
It took a little convincing,
but Kristóf Kovács has found just what he was looking for in Princeton University.
Growing up in Hódmezovásárhely, Hungary, Kovács knew that Princeton was a great academic school. When he started to follow the Tigers men’s water polo team, he saw a program ready to reach a new standard.
“It became very clear very soon that this was going to be a dream choice,” said Kovács.
The sophomore goalie felt lucky that Princeton showed so much interest in him, and now it’s the Tigers who feel lucky he’s playing for them. He has fit in well for the Tigers, who are poised to try again for a big breakthrough in the NCAA tournament. Princeton lost 17-13 to UCLA in the NCAA semifinals last year, making its first trip to the final four since the national tournament was expanded in 2015. The Tigers have never reached the championship game, but are hoping to under head coach Dusty Litvak this year. It was one of the selling points that helped bring in Kovács.
“He made it clear what his goals were and what he’s aiming for,” said Kovács. “I was all for it because I love getting challenged and I love the challenge.”
The fifth-seeded Tigers will open their fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance at fourth-seeded and host Stanford in the quarterfinals Friday at the Avery Aquatic Center in Stanford, Calif. The semifinals are slated for Saturday with the championship game scheduled for Sunday, and the Tigers head west with a mix of confidence and prudence.
“This is a very difficult path,” said Litvak. “It’s very realistically possible that if we are to get to Sunday, if we get through Friday and Saturday which is obviously not guaranteed by any means, but if we are to, we may have to play three MPSF (Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) teams.”
A win Friday would put them up against UCLA or Salem (W.Va.) in the semifinals. The other side of the bracket features USC and California Baptist, and Fordham and Long Beach State.
“To think about an East Coast team going west, playing three, not just California schools, but three MPSF teams and coming away with three victories, that’s tough,” said Litvak, referring to MPSF members Stanford, UCLA, and USC. “I think there’s part of us that relishes in the fact that if there’s anybody that’s going to do it, I think we have a group to do it. And not just because of the talent we have, but because of how battle tested we are and how experienced we are.”
Kovács is still young, but has high-end international experience and came on strong in his first season with Princeton last year to post a 14-4 record with 203 saves at a .594 save clip while sharing time in goal with West Temkin.
Temkin transferred before this year — to Stanford, so they’ll see each other on opposite ends Friday — and Kovács has been recordsetting in goal for the Tigers. He was named Most Valuable Player after saving 20 shots in a 17-6 win over Brown as Princeton captured its fourth straight Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) Tournament title on November 24. Those saves gave him a Princeton single-season record of 316 to go with a .521 save percentage.
“I thought I was a bit inconsistent at the beginning of the season, but as we went through the season we played a lot of games and I was gaining my confidence,” said Kovács. “I feel like I’m peaking now. I’m very excited to see what I am capable of. Obviously, the save record doesn’t mean anything because we played a lot of games and we have a really good team. The defense made my job so much easier. I feel like I’ve upped myself so far, and I feel like this is the moment where I’m most confident throughout the season.”
Kovács and Princeton have been tested plenty already through a 23-8 season. They lost by a goal to Pacific, lost in overtime to NCAA No. 1 seed UCLA, lost to Cal but avenged that loss later in the year, lost to unbeaten Fordham, lost to Harvard in overtime but avenged that loss later in the year, lost to UCLA again by two goals in their second meeting, lost to USC, and lost to Pacific for a second time by a single goal.
“We had so many games against top five, top 10 opponents that were all close,” said Litvak. “Whether we won or lost, we were in every game. Most of those we were within two goals. So I think we’re pretty tested and I think that helps build kind of that confidence that we really can compete with
everybody.”
Princeton has not lost since dropping a second tight game against Pacific on October 18. The Tigers stormed through the rest of the regular season and then won their fourth straight NWPC. They beat Brown in the final, not Harvard whom they anticipated having a grudge match against for the title. They won both NWPC Tournament games by 11 goals apiece, stopping Iona, 22-11, in the semifinals before rolling by Brown, 17-6, for their crown with Kovacs playing exceptionally in goal.
“His energy is infectious,” said Litvak of Kovacs. “He’s such a competitor. He works so hard. He loves the sport, he loves the team. His abilities are fun to watch. But it’s more just the person he is, his energy, his attitude, how much he cares for his teammates again. How competitive he is really is a driving force behind our entire team.”
Kovács is looking forward to another chance at the NCAA tournament and the opportunity to be a part of history.
“We are obviously all excited because we see huge potential,” said Kovács. “We are excited to see what we’re capable of. And personally I feel confident that we’re going to do great because we practice really hard and we had a great weekend at the NWPC tournament. I was very satisfied how the team played and reacted. I feel confident. I have a lot of trust in myself and the team. It’s going to be a fun weekend for sure.”
One of the reasons that the Tigers have more confidence this year is that they have the sort of talent in numbers that a team needs in order to make an NCAA run. Princeton has been adding talent each year to position itself for its ultimate goal.
“In the past we’ve had some talent up front that can compete with the West Coast teams, but to sustain it even just through one game with the amount of depth those teams have and then to think about getting through three games, three days in a row against teams
23-8, are heading into the NCAA tournament where they are seeded fifth and will
seeded and host Stanford in the quarterfinal round on December
like that, it just takes a tremendous amount of depth,” said Litvak. “I think we’re way deeper this year than we have been. We have a lot of guys that can play and not a lot of drop off at really every position.”
One area that they don’t have depth is with goalie. Kovács is the only goalie listed on the Princeton roster. Will Garlinghouse has filled in for 26 minutes this year. Kovács has played the other 956.
“It’s definitely exhausting both in practice and games because I have to be in the water 24/7 basically,” said
Kovács. “It’s definitely challenging, but at the end it’s going to be beneficial physically and mentally. Because I’ve practiced a lot, it’s going to be a benefit for me and for the team because I’ve gotten used to the huge amount of reps that I’ve taken and it’s definitely going to help when we’re playing the fourth quarter and we’re playing the second or third game of the weekend.”
In its NCAA opener, Princeton will be the more experienced of the teams despite Stanford’s pedigree. The Tigers have 10 seniors who have made three prior
trips to the NCAAs while Stanford hasn’t been to the NCAA tournament since 2020 (Princeton did not have a season that year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic).
“Obviously we’ve prepared a lot for Stanford’s plays,” said Kovács. “But the key is to focus on ourselves and on our play. I think we can put up a fight against anyone if we play the right way. The main thing is to focus on ourselves and believe that we can beat anyone.”
—Justin Feil
MAKING A SPLASH: Princeton University men’s water polo goalie Kristóf Kovács unloads the ball in action earlier this season. Sophomore Kovács has made 316 saves this season in helping Princeton win the Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) tournament. The Tigers, now
face fourth-
6 at the Avery Aquatic Center in Stanford, Calif.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Goalie Smith Comes Up Big with 2 Stellar Efforts, Helping
PU Men’s Hockey Sweep No. 12 Ohio State
Arthur Smith could have been rusty as he started at goalie for the Princeton University men’s hockey team last Friday night as it hosted No. 12 Ohio State.
But sophomore Smith, who hadn’t played since November 9 when he took the loss as the Tigers fell 5-1 to Dartmouth, was primed to make the most of his opportunity.
“The coaches had been on me about just staying ready,” said sophomore Smith. “Ethan [Pearson] had been playing well. It was just staying ready whenever my number was called.”
Smith proved to be more than ready, making 29 saves to help the Tigers post a 3-1 win over the Buckeyes.
“We had a lot of games that we feel we were in until the very end and just kind of dropped at the end,” said Smith. “To play it through and play focused for 60 minutes, we were happy about that.”
On Saturday, Smith picked up where he left on Friday, recording a career-high 37 saves as Princeton prevailed 3-1 before a fired-up crowd of 1,917 packing Hobey Baker Rink.
“We knew they would come with a push today but we were ready to match their push too,” said Smith, who was later named the ECAC Goaltender of the Week. “It was good.”
Smith credited the defensive effort in front of him with making his job easier.
“It was amazing, they blocked a lot of shots both last night and tonight,” said Smith. “Our defense did a good job of boxing out down low so there wasn’t a whole lot of traffic on a lot of the shots. The shot blocking cuts down my workload by however many they do. It really helps me out.”
The Tiger defense has thrived on the systems employed by new head coach Ben Syer.
“Coach Syer has changed the structure up a little bit, it is a lot more black and white on our end,” said Smith. “We know what our expectations are so that has helped everybody. We have really emphasized communication a lot. Guys are talking a lot more and pointing coverages out. That has helped us out a lot defensively and the offense is just coming.”
Working with senior Pearson has helped Smith get the most out of his potential.
“Ethan and I are great — in practice we are always supporting each other,” said Smith. “We do a lot of goalie skates. I know last weekend when he was playing, I watched his film to learn from him. I am sure he will watch some of the game film from me this weekend. We are pushing each other. Obviously if two goalies could play, we would both want to play but only one of us can play at a time. We are just there to support whoever is going, just for the team.”
Princeton head coach Syer liked the way his team took
care of business last Saturday as the Tigers held off Ohio State and improved to 3-4-1 overall.
“I thought our guys stayed with things here,” said Syer. “We battled, they had some good looks early on and we just grinded away. A lot of credit to the guys, they stayed patient with things. It was really nice to see.”
The Tigers did a lot of good things at the defensive end. “I thought our guys did a really nice job, we blocked a lot of shots,” said Syer. “Our guys back-checked real hard, they were alert. They competed, they were determined. From start to finish, even when things got a little bit hairy, the guys did a really great job, just showing a real commitment to wanting to win.”
Smith showed a composure to go with his will to win. “Arty did an outstanding job, he gave some calmness to our game last night and settled guys down,” said Syer. “I thought he did it tonight, especially when we were killing penalties. He was really dialed in, it was great to see.”
With Princeton knotted in a scoreless tie with the Buckeyes heading into the third period on Saturday, the Tigers dialed in as they got goals from David Ma, Alex Konovalov, and Brendan Gorman to break the game open.
“It was outstanding to see Kovy get his first goal and it was a game winner,” said Syer, who also got an assist
from Jake Manfre in the period after he contributed two goals and an assist in the win on Friday and later got named the ECAC Rookie of the Week. “He has been working real hard here and done a real nice job and got rewarded for it. It was a real nice finish by Gorms. I think more importantly, you start with the beginning of the third period and Ma gets rewarded. It was a nice forecheck to get things rolling.”
In assessing the sweep of Ohio State, Syer believed that playing as a unit was a key to success for the Tigers.
“That is a tough team we played,” said Syer. “They are big, they are strong. It was great for the guys to get
some confidence. The idea of the guys just really coming together as a group. It is having the identity that they can do things together and together they are able to achieve more.”
With Syer getting his first two wins at Hobey Baker Rink in his first season guiding the Princeton program, he is looking forward to another big home weekend as the Tigers host Union on December 6 and RPI on December 7.
“It was a lot of fun to be able to share that with the staff and the guys here,” said Syer. “We have got two really tough teams, two league opponents coming in. We need to battle, they are two well-coached teams that
we are playing. We haven’t done a lot of work on them, but we will get after that tomorrow.”
Smith, for his part, believes that Princeton can build on the way it played against the Buckeyes.
“I definitely like the effort and the details we had today,” said Smith. “I think if we keep playing like that we will continue to win games.”
— Bill Alden well loved and well read since 1946
BUCKING UP: Princeton University men’s hockey goalie Arthur Smith makes a save against Ohio State last weekend. Sophomore Smith starred as Princeton swept the Buckeyes in a two-game set, recording 29 saves as the Tigers posted a 3-1 win on Friday before making a career-high 37 stops in a 3-1 win on Saturday. Smith’s heroics got him named as the ECAC Goaltender of the Week. Princeton, now 3-4-1 overall, hosts Union on December 6 and RPI
With Freshman
Happy Emerging as a Key Performer, PU Men’s Hoops Tops Nazareth in Improving to 6-3
CJ Happy provided the Princeton University men’s basketball team with a major highlight as it wrapped up play at the Myrtle Beach Invitational.
After Princeton lost its first two games at the event in Conway, S.C., falling 8062 to Wright State and 8380 to Texas State, freshman forward Happy erupted for a game-high 16 points to help the Tigers defeat Portland 94-67 on November 24 to end the weekend on a high note.
“It was definitely a confidence builder,” said Happy, who came into the Portland game with just one point in seven games. “It was just getting out there and getting my feel and getting some more experience under my belt. I think that was really helpful.”
Late Wednesday, Happy built on that performance, scoring a game-high and career-high 18 points to help Princeton defeat Division III Nazareth 99-63.
“Going into today, coach (Mitch Henderson) gave us a lot of confidence with the bigs specifically,” said the 6’9, 226-pound Happy, a native of Sterling, Mass. “It was letting us shoot the ball a little bit that really helped me.”
Princeton head coach Henderson is not surprised to see Happy playing with more confidence.
“We have seen it in practices, he makes shots every single day,” said Henderson, whose team improved to 6-3 with win over Nazareth. “He is a great shooter. What I love is how much his teammates enjoy seeing him do well.”
Henderson loves the versatility Happy can provide for the Tiger offense.
“CJ is very hard on himself, we want him to be the best version of himself going into each game,” said Henderson, who got 16 points from freshman Peyton Seals against Nazareth with seniors Philip Byriel and freshman Jack Stanton contributing 12 points each.
“The more opportunities he is getting to play, it was 14 minutes against Portland, it was 15 minutes tonight, he is performing and contributing. Now the stakes go up, the level of competition goes way up. He is ready for that but he just needs to do it and be in it. It really makes us difficult to guard when you have that kind of shooting at the big man spot.”
In Henderson’s view, the Tigers gained some valuable
HAPPY TO HELP: Princeton University men’s basketball player CJ Happy displays his intensity at the defensive end in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, freshman forward Happy scored a game-high and career-high 18 points to help Princeton defeat Division III Nazareth 99-63. The Tigers, who improved to 6-3 with the win, were slated to play at Saint Joseph’s on December 3 before playing at Furman on December 7 and hosting Monmouth on December 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
lessons from the difficult weekend in South Carolina.
“Myrtle Beach was a great experience for us,” said Henderson, whose team was slated to play at Saint Joseph’s on December 3 before playing at Furman on December 7 and hosting Monmouth on December 10.
“We haven’t been punched the way we got punched by Wright State in a really long time and then had a really difficult loss against Texas State. We had a nice rebound in the seventh place game against Portland. It was real eye-opening for us. We haven’t had many practices. We got back later Monday and we haven’t a chance to do much. We needed to just play and go run, get it out of our systems and smile. It was a really long trip.”
Getting the production on the perimeter from Happy and Byriel makes Henderson smile.
“We are difficult to match up against in some levels because of the Cade [Pierce]/ Xaivian [Lee]/Dalen [Davis] piece,” said Henderson. “When you have a shooting five out there, we like those combinations. We have to find a group that works against every team that we are going to be seeing. Phil getting confident and shooting the way he shot tonight, that really helps us. Our numbers offensively are fine. We have to continue to guard. We have three bigs to do that, we are going to figure out every way we can do it.”
While the game with the Division III Golden Flyers was a mismatch, Henderson felt the Tigers needed the contest as they gird for away tests at Saint Joseph’s and Furman.
“It is difficult to find home games, I did not want to be traveling again,” said Henderson. “We needed to play right before Thanksgiving, it is not ideal. We needed a home game, I am thankful to Nazareth for being able to play. Now it is just knowhow. You have to go on the road against an athletic Saint Joe’s team. You have to go through those things. We may fail at those things but we have got to have those experiences together as a group. It is great challenge for us.”
Happy, for his part, believes things are coming together for him as he gets up to speed in his first college campaign.
“For me, I had a small knee procedure done over the summer,” said Happy. “Just coming back, I feel every single game, every single time I step out on the court, it is just getting more and more comfortable. I am starting to get back into it.”
— Bill Alden
PU Sports Roundup
Tiger Women’s Hoops Edges Temple 62-57
Tabitha Amanze starred as the Princeton University women’s basketball team defeated Temple 62-57 last week.
Junior forward Amanze recorded her first career double-double in the November 26 contest, tallying 12 points and a career-high 11 rebounds.
The Tigers, now 5-2, play at Portland on December 6 and at Utah on December 8.
PU Women’s Water Polo Star Sekulic Helps U.S. Earn Gold
Princeton University women’s water polo junior star Jovana Sekulic helped the United States women’s water polo team earn a gold medal at the 2024 Pan American Games last week.
The U.S. defeated Argentina in the gold medal contest, 18-5, on November 25 as Sekulic scored twice in the game.
Sekulic and the U.S. opened the tournament with a 20-9 victory over Argentina before posting a 27-3 win over Mexico and a then topping Colombia 24-3. After an 18-3 triumph over Brazil, the United States defeated Venezuela, 23-1, to advance to the gold medal game.
Sekulic tallied 13 goals in the tournament, highlighted by hat tricks against Venezuela, Mexico, and Argentina. Earlier this year, Sekulic helped the United States take fourth place at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Princeton Football Has 10 Make All-Ivy
Ten Princeton University football players earned 2024 All-Ivy League recognition as the league announced the honors last week.
Four Tigers earned second-team distinction while six earned honorable mention.
“I am so happy for our guys that were selected by our league coaches to receive All-Ivy recognition,” said Princeton head coach Bob Surace. “It is a tremendous honor for all of them to receive and a credit to the work they have done.”
Senior offensive lineman and team co-captain Tommy Matheson earned secondteam honors after starting all 10 games at guard. He played in 30 consecutive games for Princeton over his last three years.
Three defensive players earned second-team All-Ivy honors. Junior linebacker Marco Scarano ranked third in tackles (8.4 per
game) and second in tackles for loss (1.1) in Ivy games.
Classmate Nasir Hill makes his return to the All-Ivy League second team following another strong season in the defensive backfield.
Hill finished fourth on the team with 59 tackles. Senior defensive lineman Jack DelGarbino followed All-Ivy honorable mention in 2023 with second-team honors to close out a highly productive Princeton career. DelGarbino had 50 tackles on the season.
Senior co-captains Nicholas Hilliard and John Volker both earned honorable mention recognition. Offensive lineman Hilliard matched his 2023 All-Ivy honorable mention by posting another strong season.
Running back Volker finished fifth in the Ivy League in rushing (57.1 yards per game), and capped his career in style, rushing for 130 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown, in a seasonending win over Penn.
Sophomore linebacker Chase Christopher earned his first All-Ivy League recognition by earning honorable mention. He led Princeton and ranked seventh in the Ivy League with 7.2
tackles per game during the season.
Senior placekicker Jeffrey Sexton, senior kick returner AJ Barber, and sophomore punter Brady Clark each earned honorable mention as well. Sexton went 7-for-7 on field goal attempts this fall, including a 51-yarder at Harvard that stands as Princeton’s longest field goal of the 21st century. Clark ranked second in the league in punting average (42.6 yards/kick) and tied for the Ivy lead with nine punts over 50 yards. Barber, who also recorded more than 100 career receptions, finished second in the league with 8.9 yards per punt return.
Senior defensive lineman Collin Taylor was also honored as an Academic All-Ivy. He matched his career high with 30 tackles, adding two sacks.
Correction
The Princeton University men’s water polo picture on page 30 of the November 27 issue included an incorrect photo credit. The shot was actually taken by Shelley Szwast, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics.
WONDERFUL DAY: Princeton University women’s hockey player Izzy Wunder controls the puck in a game last season. Last Saturday, junior forward Wunder tallied a career-high five goals to help Princeton defeat Stonehill 12-1. The Tigers, now 8-5 overall, host Quinnipiac on December 7 and LIU on December 10.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Looking to Rebound from 5-13 Campaign, PHS Boys’ Hockey Ramping Up the Intensity
OPEN HOUSE
With the Princeton High boys’ hockey team coming off a disappointing 5-13 campaign last winter, Rik Johnson is looking for his squad to display more intensity this season.
“It is still early going, we have had two on-ice practices and then one dry land on Tuesday,” said PHS head coach Johnson, whose team opens its 2024-25 campaign by facing Notre Dame on December 6 at the Mercer County Skating Center. “The vibes are positive, they are high. We definitely seem to be more focused going into the season. I am hoping to improve on last year.”
Senior forward Brendan Beatty (14 goals, 13 assists in 2023-24) is showing focus as he heads into his final season of hockey.
“Brendan is going to want to ramp up from last year,” said Johnson of Beatty, a lacrosse star who has committed to play for the University of Vermont men’s lax program. “He is looking to be a captain and really wants to step things up for the final go here.”
Johnson believes that a trio of junior forwards — Anders Hedin (3 goals, 4 assists), Ryan Garlock (1 goal, 3 assists), and Liam “Soup” Campbell (2 goals, 2 assists) — are primed to step up.
“Anders is probably 6’3, 6’4 — he has grown quite
a bit,” said Johnson. “Ryan and Soup are going to be contributors as well. Soup is looking good in practice. I may keep them together on a line. I could also break them up to strengthen us and make us deeper. We will see.”
The Tigers boast some young forwards who should give the squad depth in sophomore Jacob Rotenberg, sophomore Emil Vecchi (2 goals, 1 assist), and sophomore Henry Wilhelm along with freshmen PJ Ross, Sam Gibb, and Baptiste Demurge.
“We have the guys that are sophomores this year; they look more comfortable, that is a big key,” said Johnson. “Wilhelm is probably going to be offense and defense. PJ is going to be a forward. Sam looks good. Baptiste is another forward.”
On defense, seniors Ed Zhao (4 assists) and Jack Zimet (1 goal, 4 assists) will be leading the way along with freshman Abe Arshan, senior Wyatt Arshan (1 assist), and freshman Marvin Zhu.
“Ed and Jack are back,” said Johnson. “Abe looks good, he will probably be a top four defenseman. Wyatt will play defense if we need it. Marvin is a big kid and has been pretty good.”
At goalie, senior Noah Vitulli (322 saves in 2023-24) and freshman Peter Pessutti
will be between the pipes.
“Noah looks improved, like all of the seniors you always want to ramp it up a little bit,” said Johnson. “We did an intrasquad scrimmage and Peter looked pretty good. He is green and you get the mistakes you would expect to see but he also made some nice saves.”
In order to get back on the winning track, the Tigers will have to ramp up things collectively.
“Coach Higgins (assistant coach Cliff Higgins) and I talked about this, they were very relaxed last year,” said Johnson, who guided PHS to a 15-7-1 record in two seasons ago as the squad won the Mercer County Tournament. “For this season, we are going to put the work in. I have stressed this to them in the first three practices. I told them practice is the work time and then we can have fun in the games.”
Johnson likes that way his players have responded so far in the early going.
“Last Wednesday was like a holiday practice, the day before Thanksgiving,” said Johnson. “I was thinking about canceling because it was a 7-8:30 practice. I was like, ‘Oh jeez everybody is going to be gone,’ but almost everybody was there. It was high intensity, it was good.”
—Bill Alden
HEADS UP: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Anders Hedin heads up the ice in a game last winter. Junior forward Hedin figures to be a key performer for the Tigers this winter. PHS opens its 2024-25 campaign by facing Notre Dame on December 6 at the Mercer County Skating Center.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
PDS Boys’ Hockey To Use a Grind-It-Out Approach
As it Strives to Build on Last Winter’s Improvement
While the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team has utilized a freewheeling, end-to-end style over the years, Scott Bertoli realizes that isn’t always the best fit for his squad.
As PDS head coach Bertoli looks ahead to the upcoming season, he will be instilling a more grind-it-out approach.
“I think we want to get back to playing kind of a heavier brand of hockey,” said Bertoli, who guided the Panthers to a 10-8-1 record last year and a spot in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public quarterfinals. “We have to get back to being really good five-on-five in zone offense, using the points, getting in front of the net, and scoring dirty goals.”
Bertoli is encouraged by the way PDS played as it ended last season by battling eventual state champion St. Augustine to a 3-2 loss to overtime in the NonPublic quarters.
“They bought in; in that game against St Augustine, the kids played unbelievably well,” said Bertoli, whose team opens its 2024-25 season by playing Delbarton on December 12 at SportsCare Arena in Randolph. “They implemented the style of play we were looking for. It is a small sample size but hopefully for the returning kids they understand that we are going to have to play that way against the very good teams. We are not going to run up and down the ice with the Delbartons, the Don Boscos, the CBAs and outscore them.”
Bertoli is looking for his trio of veteran forwards — senior Wyatt Ewanchyna (7 goals, 20 assists in 202324), junior Jake Harrison (6 goals, 12 assists), and junior Filip Kacmarsky (10 goals, 4 assists), to be very good this winter.
“We fully expect and need those three to really drive the offense,” said Bertoli. “Those three kids play at a high level on the club scene. They can really play in every situation and be effective in every situation. From a purely offensive talent perspective, those are our three most dynamic players. They had pretty productive years last year.”
While each of those forwards had good stats last year, PDS will need one of them to emerge as a go-to finisher.
“One of them is going to have to step forward as a goal scorer and be a little more selfish,” said Bertoli. “We have been playing Jake and Wyatt together, they have typically been passfirst kids and are tremendous playmakers. They are going to need to shoot the puck and score some goals. Filip has really progressed and developed as a player. He is a very complete player. He is physical, he is strong, and wins most 50/50 puck battles. He has a nice little knack around the net. He gets in on the forecheck. It is impressive. It has been fun to watch him evolve as a player.”
The Panthers boast some impressive depth at forward with senior transfer Zach Meseroll, junior Fred Ringblom (1 goal), sophomore
“Zach is a big powerful kid, he is going to play on one of our top lines and will be a key guy in every situation,” said Bertoli. “Fred is going to get a real opportunity to play with really good players, whether it is with Jake and Wyatt or Filip. He can score goals, he has had success at the club level this year playing for the Chiefs. Holden and Marshall started to see increased minutes last year, both of those kids have looked really good. Colton is a solid defense-first kid. He brings a physical element, he kills penalties.”
On defense, PDS will need to deal with the void left by the graduation of four-year starters Han Shin and Connor Stratton. “You are not going to replace those two kids,” said Bertoli. “They could break pucks out, they could get involved in the offensive end, and shut teams down defensively.”
The Panthers do have a quartet of returners that should break through with some good play along the blue line in senior Max Guche (1 goal, 4 assists), senior Reilly Gilligan, junior Hubert Shin (1 goals, 4 assists), and sophomore Tyler Nevrotski (1 goal, 2 assists).
“We have got four returning kids in Max, Reilly, Huber and Tyler,” said Bertoli. “Those four will be the key, it is just figuring out what the pairings are and who will play on the two power play units. It will take a little bit of time but those are four
GOING AT IT: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Wyatt Ewanchyna brings the puck up the ice in a game last season. Senior forward Ewanchyna, who led PDS in assists last year with 20, will be counted on to be an offensive catalyst for the team again this winter. The Panthers will be opening their 2024-25 season by playing Delbarton on December 12 at SportsCare Arena in Randolph.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
we are really comfortable with.”
Bertoli is comfortable with his two returning goalies, senior Calvin Fenton (351 saves in 2023-24) and sophomore Drew Picker (65 saves). “Calvin has the potential to be an unbelievable goalie, what he did in the Lawrenceville game in what was arguably one of the best goaltending performances I have ever seen,” said Bertoli of Fenton who made 45 saves in a 3-2 win over Lawrenceville last January.
“He was so locked in, he is a kid that is going to make the highlight saves more
often than not. What has held him back a little bit is his lack of focus on some of the routine things; those are things that if you are an elite level goalie are second nature. He has worked to improve in that area. Drew got a little bit of time last year and did well. He is a very, very good goalie. He is big and plays at a high level outside of here.”
In order for PDS to compete at a high level this winter, it will need to excel in special team situations.
“We have the top end guys who should really be effective on the power play,” said
Bertoli. “When you look at the good teams, they make it happen on the power play. Even when they are not scoring, they are generating a ton of chances and it puts pressure on you. We need to be really good on the penalty kill — that will also be a big point of emphasis.”
–Bill Alden
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Soapstone Ornaments supporting programs to empower women and educate girls
Stuart Volleyball Produced Historic Season As Young Squad Made Memorable Playoff Run
Having been the head coach of the Stuart Country Day School volleyball program since it started varsity play in 2017, Anna Kachmarski has guided the Tartans through some ups and downs.
“Having a smaller school can always be challenging going up against some competing public schools who have hundreds in their classes,” said Kachmarski, the STEM curriculum coordinator at the school, who played volleyball in high school and college. “We have been through a few rebuilding years starting the program and getting it off the ground because when we started the program we actually had a high number of students who were seniors and left after the first year.”
Making steady progress, Stuart went 11-6 in 2023, posting its first double-digit win season.
“I would say that the last three years were our key seasons and transitions into us being a successful program,” said Kachmarski. “We were navigating a schedule that was challenging for us, but also to allow the girls to be successful. It was also to look at how are we building a program and how are we maintaining interest in the girls.”
But heading into the 2024 season with only two seniors on the roster, Kachmarski wasn’t sure how successful the team would be this fall.
“Coming into this year, my assistant coach (Annie McGonigle) and I were of the mindset that this could be another rebuilding year having such a young team,” said Kachmarski. “They really took it upon themselves to really push themselves.”
The young players stepped up, producing a superb playoff push as the Tartans advanced to the semis
of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B state sectional in their first appearance in the tourney.
The Tartans caught fire after a 1-2 start, going 7-1 as they got into a rhythm.
“That was the point where we had named our libero (freshman Georgia Glanton), we worked out the kinks and they really started to form as a team,” said Kachmarski. “This year, we had a young team and it was navigating that with a senior setter (Alex Durish). She was working out how to communicate with them. We started to do a lot of bonding outside of practices. That is when they really started to form together and to say we can actually do this.”
A 2-1 loss to Gill St. Bernard’s in the Prep B state tournament in midOctober proved to be a good experience for the young squad.
“Going into it we knew it was going to be a good game,” said Kachmarski.
“Gill as a team is generally strong defensively and we are offensively strong. We knew that it was going to be tight and it would just come down to the last few points.”
Making its debut in the (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B state sectional, Stuart won the key points as it defeated Timothy Christian 2-1 in the quarterfinal round on November 8.
“The girls were so excited and so energetic,” said Kachmarski. “No matter if they are playing or on the sidelines, they just wanted to cheer on their teammates. No matter what happened we have gotten to this place.
I vividly remember that they had one of the best warmup sessions of their season. They said we can do this, we want to do this. Our
girls were in the mindset of we want to win this and we just edged them out. It was a great experience for them. Coming off of that, they started to see themselves as a real volleyball team that is able to actually be successful.”
While the Tartans fell 2-0 to Bishop Eustace in two tightly-contested sets in rhe Non-Public semis three days later, the setback left them hungry for more.
“They were into watching video coverage of the teams that they play and they knew coming in what their challenges would be,” said Kachmarski. “We came into it with a very honest mindset. We are overjoyed to be here but these are the things that we need to do in order to win. As a team, they worked very well together. There was a little more offensive strength coming out of Bishop Eustace in that game. We missed a few blocks and key serves overall. Coming into next year, the girls really want to play Bishop Eustace in season.”
Going 11-8 with a lineup that featured three freshmen and five sophomores, Kachmarski believes the program is in a very good place.
“Overall, we are looking at this as an extremely successful season and also as a way forward for us,” said Kachmarski “Looking at our future, it is looking very bright.”
Stuart will miss its two seniors, Durish and Sophia Feng. “Alex has been our setter for four years, she trained in back of Eva [Nester] who was our setter and graduated last year,” said Kachmarski. “Alex probably had the most experience of any setter we have graduated. She was a player who at her core was not just a good teammate, but she is very Sacred Heart. Alex has centered
us, beginning our matches with prayer and making sure that our girls are always reflecting Stuart in the best way. Sophia started out as a not so confident player but slowly grew over her four years to a state now where on her senior night she had a seven-point service run against Hun. Having the girls see her as an example of this is how you can grow and improve at Stuart is something we really value.”
Sophomore Vlada Sokol gave the Tartans value on the front row.
“Vlada joined us last year as a freshman and made a strong transformation over the summer,” said Kachmarski. “She was trying to find her position when she came to us. We really built her up, saying we think you are going to be a middle hitter based on your strength and the technique you are showing. She had a great season.”
Having starred for the Stuart basketball team over the years, junior Taylor States has emerged as a force on the volleyball court.
“Taylor has shifted to finding joy in volleyball and wanting to actually pursue it in college at the D-II or D-III level,” said Kachmarski. “She is really coming into her own. She always brings the ability to make smart plays. She was very pivotal in our quarterfinal game against Timothy Christian.
We had scouted them and the girls resonated with the idea that they leave back corners open. Taylor had the raw strength to push that ball deep corner. She has a keen eye where she can just see the holes immediately. She is a really strategic volleyball player.”
Freshman Georgia Spirko-Noto developed into a strong performer this fall.
“Georgia is new to our school this year, she came to us as a middle hitter as well,” said Kachmarski.
“We were working with her as a middle and possibly an outside hitter. Georgia comes to us with a lot of blocking experience, that is something that really helps us.”
Taking over the key libero spot, freshman Glanton made a big impact.
“Georgia said very early on as a freshman, this something that I love, this is something that I am going to pursue going into college,” said Kachmarski.
“She said, ‘I am very short and realize that I have a strong hand.’ I think for Georgia, the biggest thing is that she has so much power in her body. She just has the very clear mindset that I will sacrifice my body. She is still learning. I always say a libero in year one, it is not going to be their best season. I always look at year two, year three as probably their peak season. Coming into next year we talked to
her about what we can do and what we can work on.”
A pair of sophomores, Brie Starghill and Maeve Wall, gave the Tartans some good work this fall.
“Brie had a really great season in terms of her defense and ability for coverage,” said Kachmarski. “Maeve, who is our other setter, has really allowed us to be able to set some plays to feed some of our stronger players. She is very much leading our program into being even more offensively strong than it currently is. She is also a key for us on the back row because of her defensive abilities.”
In reflecting on the program’s progress, Kachmarski is looking to inspire her players collectively and individually.
“This is a team that we are going to have for the next two, three years and it is how can we not just be a successful program but make them successful volleyball players,” said Kachmarski, noting that assistant coach McGonigle focuses on guiding the defense while she leads the offense. “Our mindset has always been how can we get these girls to be the best they can possibly be and learn the most about the sport that we love and they love.”
—Bill Alden
STATE OF JOY: Members of the Stuart Country Day School volleyball team are all smiles as they pose for a photo this season. The Tartans made history this fall, going 11-8 on the way to making the semis of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey
Non-Public B state sectional in their first appearance in the tourney. (Photo provided courtesy of Anna Kachmarski)
Hun
Boys’ Basketball: Sparked by Blake Hargrove, Hun defeated Malvern Prep (Pa.) 85-78 last Saturday in its season opener. Sophomore transfer guard Hargrove poured in 31 points in his debut for the Raiders.
A.J. Mickens chipped in 20 points in the win with Evan Brown scoring 14 and Sage Mateo contributing 13. Hun hosts the Haverford School (Pa.) on December 5 before facing St. Andrews (R.I.) on December 7 and Northfield Mount Herman (Mass.) on December 8 with the latter two contests taking place at the Blair Academy.
Local Sports
Dillon Hoops League
Accepting Registrations
The Princeton Recreation Department is now taking registrations for the 2025 Dillon Youth Basketball League.
The Dillon Youth Basketball League is entering its 53rd season and is a cherished tradition in the Princeton community. The league consists of both games and practices. It is open to boys and girls in grades 3-8 who are Princeton residents and non-residents who attend school in Princeton.
The league’s games will be taking place from January-March and will be held Saturday mornings at local schools. 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 “2025 Winter Sports Programs.” Registration is open until January
3, or until divisions are at capacity. More information can be found online at princetonrecreation.com.
Bailey Basketball Academy Offering Winter Programs
The Bailey Basketball Academy (BBA) has announced the schedule for its upcoming winter hoops programs.
The winter lineup will include opportunit ies for competitive travel play, individualized instruction, skills development, and fundamentals as well as league play. BBA is led by former Princeton Day School girls’ hoops coach and Philadelphia 76ers camp director and clinician Kamau Bailey.
The BBA winter program will include two competitive boys travel teams (3rd-8th grade), weekly practices, and Shot King Shooting Program and Player Development Skill Sessions for elementary through high school players (boys and girls) and a BBA two-day shooting and skills camp during the Christmas holiday. BBA programs stress fundamentals and team play with emphasis on ball handling, shooting, passing, footwork, speed, agility, movement with and without the ball, one-on-one moves, defense, and other skills.
The BBA Player Development Skill Sessions will take place every Monday and Wednesday, beginning on December 9 with grades 3-6 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. and grades 7-8 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
The practices for the BBA boys’ travel teams begin on December 10 for grades 3-6 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. and grades 7-8 from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. BBA teams will play games on weekends in the Monroe Sports Center leagues.
The BBA Christmas holiday skills and shooting camp will be held on December 26 and 27. The program is open to elementary and middle school boys and girls. The camp includes a full day option from 9 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m. or half day options from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
In addition, there will be a First Hoops option for players 5-8 years old from 9 to 11:45 a.m.
The BBA travel team and player development sessions will be held at the Princeton Middle School and/or Community Park Elementary School in Princeton. The Christmas holiday sessions will take place at the South Brunswick Community Center gym at Woodlot Park, 124 New Road, Monmouth Junction.
For more information and to register, contact Kamau Bailey at (917) 626-5785 or kamau.bailey@gmail.com.
Princeton Athletic Club
Holding 6K Run on Dec. 7
The Princeton Athletic Club will be holding its annual Winter Wonder Run at the Institute Woods on December 7.
The 6,000-meter run starts at 10 a.m. from the Princeton Friends School and is limited to 200 participants. This event is chip timed. All abilities are invited, including those who prefer to walk the course.
Online registration and full details regarding the event are available at princetonac.org. Same day registration will be limited to credit card only — no cash — and space available.
The Princeton Athletic Club is a nonprofit running club for the community. The club, an all-volunteer organization, promotes running for the fun and health of it and stages several running events each year.
2024-25 WINTER YOUTH HOOPS REGISTRATION
TRAVEL TEAMS FOR BOYS GRADES 3-8
• 2 practices per week, team shirt plus games
• Practices on Tuesday/Thursday
• Grades 3-6, 6:15 to 7:30pm
• Grades 7-8, 7:30 to 8:45pm
• Games will be scheduled for weekends through the Monroe Sports Center League.
• Practices beginning Tuesday, December 10 through March 11.
MONDAY SKILLS SESSIONS
(Open to boys and girls once weekly)
• Grades 3-6, 6:15 to 7:30pm
• Grades 7-8, 7:30 to 8:45pm)
• Skill sessions begin December 9 through March 10
WEDNESDAY SKILLS SESSIONS
(Open to boys and girls once weekly)
• Grades 3-6, 6:15 to 7:30pm Grades 7-8, 7:30 to 8:45pm)
• Skill Sessions begin December 11 through March 12.
THE BBA TRAVEL TEAM PRACTICE AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SKILL SESSIONS will be held at the Princeton Middle School, 217 Walnut Lane(December Only) and Community Park Elementary School, 372 Witherspoon Street(January-March Only).
Martha Mulcahey Klink
Martha Mulcahey Klink, 76, of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Martha, known to most as Marty, was born on September 12, 1948, in Jersey City. She was the fourth of eight children, growing up in a bustling and loving home on Legion Place in Paramus, NJ. Marty
September 12, 1948 – November 19, 2024 graduated from Paramus High School in 1966, where she was a “twirling asset” as a Spartan Twirler and an admired “fountain of wit.” Marty moved to Princeton, NJ, where she raised her family and led an extraordinary life of service and dedication to her family, friends, and students. She earned both a Bachelor of
Science and Masters of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from what is now known as The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College). Marty was a passionate advocate for her students, dedicating over 25 years to the South Plainfield Public School system as a speech therapist. She made a significant impact on countless lives, especially those of her highneeds students.
Above all, Marty was an incredible mother to Tracy and Chris, offering unwavering love, guidance, and encouragement throughout their lives. She was their greatest champion, celebrating every success with joy and pride. Whether in moments of triumph or challenge, her support was constant, strength boundless, and love steadfast. Through her example of resilience, grace, and humor, she taught them not just how to face life’s obstacles but how to cherish every moment of life.
In retirement, Marty embraced her next great adventure — traveling the world. She loved exploring new places, and her most recent trip to Egypt, where she saw the Great Pyramids and rode a camel, was one of her many treasured memories. Marty was also a proud and enthusiastic Nana, cheering on her grandson, Hudson, at baseball games and celebrating the theater and art accomplishments of her granddaughter, Amelia. A voracious reader and puzzler, Marty found joy in all of life’s moments, but what she loved most was spending time with her family and friends. Whether visiting, laughing, or supporting loved ones, she always made sure to keep everyone connected.
Marty is survived by her loving children, Tracy Schmidt and Chris Schmidt, together with their beloved spouses, Mickael Cauberghs and Angelia Schmidt. She was the proud Nana to her cherished grandchildren, Hudson and Amelia. Marty is also survived by her brother Michael Mulcahey. She also leaves behind dearly loved nephews, nieces, extended family, and lifelong friends who will miss her deeply and forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
She now joins her parents, Robert and Martha Mulcahey, brothers Robert Jr. and Kevin Mulcahey, and sisters Marylou Brophy, Kathleen Diehl Spelkoman, and Margaret Smyth in eternal peace and joy.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity that holds special meaning or reflects a memory shared with Marty.
University Chapel Choir with Nicole Aldrich, Director of Chapel Music and Chapel Choir, and with Eric Plutz, University Organist.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
The ones we love never truly leave us. Their love and memories live on, forever a part of our hearts. well loved and well read
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you. ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five of experience, we are
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.
appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you
We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you
In Loving Memory of Keith Allen Webber
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved brother Keith Allen Webber, who left us peacefully on November 13, 2024 at the age of 56, where he lived in Kissimmee, Fla.
Keith Webber was born and raised in Princeton until he moved to Florida after college. He was a security guard, bartender, a pharmacist technician, and cherished friend, who touched the lives of many with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.
He is survived by his brother, Kirk A. Webber of Ewing N.J., sister Kimberly A. Webber of Lawrenceville, N.J., his uncle and aunt, Travis and Wilhelmina Webber of Princeton, his uncle Houston Webber of Caldwell, N.J., and his aunt Yvonne Barclay of Lawrenceville, N.J., and a host of family and friends.
A celebration of life brunch will be held on January 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tower Club, 13 Prospect Avenue, Princeton, N.J. All are welcome to join us in celebrating Keith Allen Webber’s remarkable life. May his soul rest in peace.
George “DeWitt” Boice
8/24/1933 – 10/30/2024
DeWitt was born and raised in Princeton, NJ. He attended Princeton Day School, Hotchkiss Preparatory School, and Colby College. He married the love of his life, Lorraine Rasimowicz, on 12/28/1957.
He was a member of the Princeton Fire Company #1. He was Captain and President of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad for many years. He and his family moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1978 and then
retired and moved to Florida in 2014.
His many accomplishments include working for his dad at Boice Lumber and Fuel Company until 1967. He then started businesses that included Boice Construction, Boice Reality and Management Agencies, the Rocky Mountain Law offices, and Black Magic Kennels. He proudly started the Boulder First Aid and Rescue Squad, a volunteer organization, and helped form the South Jersey Retriever club. He and his wife also started the Centennial Retriever club.
DeWitt’s favorite lifelong hobby was training Labrador retrievers, he was an outstanding dog trainer. He was an AKC field trial competitor, competing at the national level for many years. He was also an avid hunter, fisherman, skier, golfer, and played hockey and baseball.
He is survived by his loving wife Lorraine of 67 years; his son and best friend, John DeWitt and wife Susan Boice; his beautiful daughter Mimi Ann and husband David Bennett; his grandson Matt Mogul and granddaughter Leighanne and husband Collin Normington.
AMERICAN FURNITURE EXCHANGE
WANTED
www.princetonmagazinestore.com
DIRECTORY OF
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
S unday S
8:00 am: Holy Communion Rite I
10:00 am: Holy Communion Rite II
5:00 pm: Choral Compline or Evensong
The Rev. Paul Jeanes III, Rector
The Rev. Canon Dr. Kara Slade, Assoc. Rector Wesley Rowell, Lay Pastoral Associate
33 Mercer St. Princeton 609-924-2277 www.trinityprinceton.org
Area Baha’is Welcome You
“ Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues"-Paris Talks, Abdu'l-Baha
"Without Truthfulness progress and success, in all the worlds of God, are impossible for any soul." -Shoghi Effendi Rabbani
Principles of the Baha'i Faith:
TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIEDS
YARD SALE +
TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIED = GREAT WEEKEND!
Put an ad in the TOWN TOPICS to let everyone know! Call (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifi eds@towntopics.com
DEADLINE: Tues before 12 noon tf
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. tf
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. tf
24/7 PROFESSIONAL NURSES AND AIDES
gmail.com Text (only): (609) 356-9201 Office: (609) 216-7936 Princeton References • Green Company HIC #13VH07549500 tf
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 tf
s Talk Real Estate...
MARKET UPDATE SEMINAR
We invite you to join us for an important discussion on the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement and its implications for the real estate market. This seminar will dig into how this landmark decision may reshape the dynamics of the industry and influence buyer and seller behaviors moving forward.
As inflation moderates and interest rates begin to stabilize, we ’ll analyze the potential impacts of any Federal Reserve projected interest rate cuts on the broader economy and housing market. Our session will cover various critical factors, including interest rates, employment trends, inflationary pressures, and inventory shortages, all in light of the new regulatory landscape.
We will also make our market forecast for 2025 for the Real Estate market across Central NJ and Bucks County.
Saturday December 14th at 11:00am RSVP at: www.PrincetonMarketSeminar.com Live interactive presentation through Zoom conference
PART-TIME HOUSECLEANING AND LAUNDRY. Help with the holidays! Experienced, with excellent references. Please call Ruth at (609) 924-9654. 12-25
CLEANING SERVICES EVERY WEEK, every two weeks or once a month...or even just once! Also on Saturdays and Sundays. I am a responsible person, I do my job conscientiously, I take care of clients’ homes and take their opinions into account. If you need help, call me. I am available anytime. Malgorzata: (609) 594-0991. 12-04
STORAGE UNIT FOR RENT
10 minutes north of Princeton, in Blawenburg, Skillman, Montgomery. Discounted monthly rent: 15x22 $280. Available now. Details at: https://princetonstorage.homestead. com/ or call/text (609) 333-6932. 12-25
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. 12-18
CARING ADULT AVAILABLE
Will help with transportation, household jobs, basement and attic cleaning. Light lawn and property care. Extensive experience working with elderly. Honest and reliable and always punctual. Available for continuous assistance. Have references. Princeton resident for 40 years. John: (609) 756-7163.
HOUSECLEANING
12-04
Excellent references available. Very thorough cleaning. Many years experience. Own transportation. Please call Sandra at (609) 375-6448 or email sanmoreno217@gmail.com. 12-11
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. tf
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. tf
WE BUY CARS
Belle Mead Garage (908) 359-8131 Ask for Chris
Knotty pine bookcases a specialty!
SKILLMAN FURNITURE CO.
609-924-1881
Elevated gardens • Slat tables Writing desks • Small furniture repair skillmanfurniture.com skillmanfurnitureco@gmail.com tf BOSTON UPRIGHT PIANO (Steinway design) 2017 Model UP118S PE with matching bench. $4,400. Original owner, excellent condition. Must inspect before purchase. (732) 236-2665. 12-04
DAYCARE AND OVERNIGHT
DOG SITTING in Princeton Littlebrook home. A large fenced yard and neighborhood walks. Lots of cuddles and loving care. Great rates. Joanne Marshall: (908) 229-0851. 12-11
JOE’S LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs Commercial/Residential 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 tf
Establish new and grow key accounts and maximize opportunities for each publication, all websites, and all digital products.
Collaborate with the sales and management team to develop growth opportunities.
Prepare strategic sales communications and presentations for both print and digital.
Develop industry-based knowledge and understanding, including circulation, audience, readership, and more.
Prepare detailed sales reports for tracking current customers’ activity and maintain pipeline activity using our custom CRM system. •
Positions are full- and part-time and based out of our Kingston, N.J. office. Track record of developing successful sales strategies and knowledge of print and digital media is a plus.
Compensation is negotiable based on experience. Fantastic benefits and a great work environment.
Please submit cover letter and resume to: lynn.smith@princetonmagazine.com melissa.bilyeu@witherspoonmediagroup.com
Professional, Courteous and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Interior Painting, Exterior Painting, and Drywall Repair
