Town Topics Newspaper, February 8, 2023

Food Donation Act Has Support From Princeton Nonprofit

Early last month, President Biden signed the Food Donation Improvement Act (FDIA), legislation to reduce food insecurity and food waste, into law. Among the organizations supporting the bill was Share My Meals, which was founded in Princeton in January 2020 and has since delivered more than 175,000 meals to people in need.

Share My Meals was part of a coalition of more than 70 nonpro t and corporate leaders, including WeightWatchers, Grubhub, Food Tank, and Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, to push the bill forward. The nonpro t’s involvement came through a family connection.

“A board member of ours is related to a person from WeightWatchers, which is the organization that really set this up,” said Helene Lanctuit, vice president of Share My Meals’ board, who is in charge of food safety protocols, and a consultant for advocacy and sustainability. “So we found out by chance and got in touch, and they were happy to have us. We went to [Washington] D.C. to support it, and it was enacted in December last year.”

According to Share My Meals’ website, more than 1.2 million New Jersey residents are food-insecure. At the same time, 1.5 million tons of food are wasted each year across the state, which raises greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation is actually not new — it amends the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996, broadening and clarifying protections for food donors who might be hesitant about liability for food once it leaves their facility.

“Now we can make a more reassuring case to food service providers that donating through Share My Meals is a safe alternative to throwing out perfectly good meals that can help feed families with food insecurity — a win-win for everyone and the environment,” said Isabelle Lambotte, founder of the nonpro t, in a release.

It was shortly before the pandemic that Lambotte, who was volunteering at a local food pantry, gathered a group of Princeton residents to start a program where volunteers could recover prepared meals from corporate cafeterias and deliver them to families in need. Two months in, COVID-19 had shut down corporate offices, and the program had to change

Continued on Page 12

COVID Wanes, Tripledemic Fears Fade

In December, as winter approached, health officials braced for a harrowing combination of spiking COVID-19 variants, an early flu season, and more patients with RSV and other respiratory illnesses than they had seen in recent memory. Media and others warned that the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic would be followed by a “tripledemic.”

But no such surge has come to pass. COVID-19 numbers continue to decline. The u season seems to have peaked. And the early RSV wave has abated.

“Good news,” said Penn Medicine Princeton Health (PMPH) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Craig Gronczewski in a February 6 phone conversation. “New Jersey was hit particularly hard with a COVID uptick in December, but in the past four weeks hospitalizations and ER visits have gone down signi cantly.”

He continued, “It also looks like influenza as a disease peaked in early December in New Jersey, and serious illnesses and hospitalizations from RSV have trended down as well. From a respiratory illness standpoint things have been tracking very well in the past four weeks

as far as the emergency department is concerned.”

But the news is not all good at PMPH. “We had many fewer COVID cases and hospitalizations than in the previous year, but the number of patients coming to the ER requiring hospitalization actually increased,” said Gronczewski. “I was surprised by the volume of ER visits. The number of patients requiring admission and hospitalization with non-respiratory illnesses was much higher than in years

past. It has been a busier winter than ever. We had to use more hallways for patients than ever before.”

Gronczewski suggested that one reason for the in ux of hospital patients might be “deferred care,” perhaps an unanticipated consequence of the pandemic. “That’s a lot of what I’m hearing from patients and staff — difficulty in getting access to care or getting diagnostic tests or getting appointments with primary care physicians or with specialists,” he said.

HomeFront Will Celebrate Week of Hope With Many Service, Education Opportunities

As HomeFront prepares to celebrate its sixth annual Week of Hope February 13-19, HomeFront CEO Sarah Steward reected on the growing organization’s work in helping local families break the cycle of poverty. “Hope” is a constant theme.

“I see reasons for hope,” she said. “I see challenges, but I do see reasons for hope, and part of that is based on the HomeFront philosophy, which is working family by family. Even when there are big social challenges, I can walk into our

waiting room or into our Family Campus any day and meet dozens of families whose lives are being changed, whose lives are being improved. And that gives me hope that we can tackle this in a big way.” She went on to emphasize the importance of support from the Central New Jersey community. “We know that our community cares deeply for families that have found themselves in difficult times,” she said. “We nd so much hope in the volunteers and supporters that give so

Continued on Page 10

morning. More than 100 people and 70 dogs were on hand for the festivities. Attendees discuss what the new dog park contr ibutes to the community in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

FOR THE DOGS — AND PEOPLE: Mayor Mark Freda and Council President Mia Sacks, shown cutting the ribbon, were among the dignitaries at the grand opening of the Princeton Community Dog Park in Community Park South on Sunday

CHEF’S

TOWN TOPICS

Princeton’s Weekly Community Newspaper Since 1946

DONALD C. STUART, 1946-1981 DAN D. COYLE, 1946-1973 Founding Editors/Publishers

DONALD C. STUART III, Editor/Publisher, 1981-2001

LAURIE PELLICHERO, Editor

BILL ALDEN, Sports Editor

DONALD GILPIN, WENDY GREENBERG, ANNE LEVIN, STUART MITCHNER, NANCY PLUM, DONALD H. SANBORN III, JEAN STRATTON, WILLIAM UHL

Contributing Editors

FRANK WOJCIECHOWSKI,

Topics In Brief

Venue Change: The February 11 Cupid’s Chase 5K race has a new course. Starting at 10 a.m., the race now begins at Princeton High School Performing Arts Center, 16 Walnut Lane. Early registration and warm-ups begin at 8:30 a.m. Register at allittakes. comop.org/Princeton2023.

Volunteer at Mountain Lakes Preserve for Valentine’s Day: Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) for a volunteer stewardship session on Saturday, February 11. Help continue to beautify the entrance to the preserve by removing invasive plants and learn how to identify invasive and native species, and to use tools safely. Registration is required, BYO water bottle and work gloves. Meet at the Mountain Lakes Preserve main parking lot. Morning and afternoon sessions available. To sign up, visit fopos.org/getinvolved.

Pickleball Courts Now Open to the Public : The courts behind Community Park Elementary School and Community Park Pool are open dawn to dusk on a first-come, first-served basis. Free, no reservations required. This is a trial period through April 1.

Ice Skating on the Square : On Hulfish Street behind the Nassau Inn, skate on the outdoor synthetic rink through February 26. Tickets are $10, sold at the door. Visit palmersquare.com.

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

Princeton Farmers Market Winter Market : On Thursdays, February 9 and 23, March 9 and 23, and April 6 and 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Dinky train station lot, 172 Alexander Street. Local farms, baked goods, artisan foods, unique gifts, and more. Princetonfarmersmarket.com.

Free Rabies Clinic: New Jersey residents can get rabies shots for dogs or cats on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, 2 Mount Lucas Road. Park at 1 Valley Road or 400 Witherspoon Street. Pets must be at least 3 months old. Dogs must be leashed; cats in a carrier. All must be accompanied by an adult. (609) 924-2728.

Speak Up for a Child : Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children seeks volunteers to speak up in Family Court for the best interests of Mercer County children removed from their families due to abuse and/or neglect, and placed in the foster care system. Volunteers advocate for the educational, emotional and physical well-being of these children. Upcoming one-hour information sessions are on February 15 and March 1 at 1450 Parkside Avenue, Ewing. Casamb.org.

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

22.

Annual Series at Morven Explores A Different Theme This Year

For this year’s “Grand Homes and Gardens” speaker series, Morven Museum & Garden is venturing into some new territory — literally and figuratively. “Trailblazers and Trendsetters” takes participants beyond the usual palatial mansions

and landscapes to some previously unexplored locations, styles, and time periods.

“This year is a little bit of a departure in that we’ve been focusing on Gilded Age homes a great deal,” said Morven Executive Director Jill Barry of the upcoming series, which begins February 22 and continues March 1, 8, and 15. “By throwing in Manitoga, which is from the 1960s, and Bartram’s Garden, from the 1700s and older than the places we usually feature, we’re pushing the borders on both ends.”

Next on March 8 is “Beauport: Expect the Unexpected,” which explores the home of interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper. “Sleeper salvaged different architecture from other buildings and incorporated them into this house,” said Barry. “He used it as a showroom. He was gay, and it was very unusual at the time for an ‘out’ man to be accepted into society. It helped that he came from a prominent family.”

Located in Gloucester, Mass., the home was built in 1907 on a rock ledge overlooking Gloucester harbor. It is known today as Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House. Sleeper’s clients included Continued on

Located in Garrison, N.Y., Manitoga was the home of mid-century designer Russel Wright. On February 22, Vivian Linares, Manitoga’s director of collections, interpretation, and preservation, will speak about the property, which “stands alone as an iconic and idiosyncratic example of eco-sensitive modernist architecture,” according to a release. “The home’s 75-acre woodland garden, a reclaimed quarry restored to its ‘natural setting,’ is a key illustration of the ecological aesthetic in landscape architecture.”

The Italianate Villa Lewaro in Irvington, New York, was the home of Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire. Walker, a cosmetics and business pioneer, is the subject of a talk by her great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles, author of the book On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker, on March 1. Bundles will bring along copies of her book for signing. Villa Lewaro was designed by architect Vertner Woodson Tandy in 1918 for Walker, who entertained notable leaders of the Harlem Renaissance at the estate.

“She was the first selfmade woman millionaire, and she was African American. She was a force to be reckoned with,” said Barry. “Netflix has her story on right now [ Self Made starring Octavia Spencer]. She hired a Black architect to design her house, so she was promoting others. She was very much a trailblazing trendsetter.”

“TRAILBLAZERS AND TRENDSETTERS”: Villa Lewaro, home of the country’s first self-made female Black millionaire, is among the “Grand Homes and Gardens” being explored at Morven starting February

Morven

Continued from Preceding Page the Duponts, actress Joan Crawford, and art collector/philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner.

“What was interesting about Beauport was that people recognized it for how unusual it was,” Barry said. “So after Sleeper died, the next people to own it, the McCann family, were told by the Duponts of Winterthur, ‘Don’t touch a thing!’ They kept it as it was, and it is uniquely preserved today.”

The final program on March 15 focuses on Bartram’s Garden, America’s oldest surviving botanic garden. Aseel Rasheed, Bartram’s Garden’s public programs director, will speak about the 14-acre expanse in South Philadelphia, which was established by the father of American botany, John Bartram. It is home to a collection of plant species collected, grown, and studied by the Bartram family from 1728 to 1850.

“Today, the site provides communal space and sustainable farming opportunities for its surrounding neighborhoods,” reads the release from Morven. “This talk will explore the history of the Bartram family, the home, and the gardens while also taking the story up to the present day and the site’s groundbreaking role as a space serving the community.”

All of the programs, which begin at 6:30 p.m., will be offered in a hybrid format. The Beauport talk will be presented virtually and livestreamed for an in-person viewing party and virtual audience alike. Those who attend in person get light refreshments inspired by each site; online participants receive recipes to make the drinks (cocktails and mocktails) at home. Tickets are $90 for the series, or $30 for individual talks in person; $70 and $20 virtually.

“It was about 50-50 last year, but we’re probably going to have more people coming in person this year,” said Barry. “It’s a lot of fun, so I think they will be glad they did.”

Morven is at 55 Stockton Street. Visit morven.org for tickets and information.

—Anne Levin

Living History Event Honors Black Soldiers

Trenton’s Old Barracks Museum hosts “Four Centuries of African American Soldiers,” telling the heroic stories of America’s Black warriors spanning 400 years until today, on Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, February 26 from 12 to 4 p.m.

The program includes authentic military artifacts, reenactors, and military veterans sharing their own personal stories. The program pays tribute to the contributions of African American soldiers, sailors, and airmen to the military history of the United States.

Admission is free. The Old Barracks Museum is at 101 Barrack Street in Trenton. Visit barracks.org for information.

Get the scoop from

Question of the Week: “What does the new dog park contribute to the community?”

(Asked Sunday at the grand opening of the Princeton Community Dog Park)

“I think the biggest benefit is having a safe area where dogs can run and exercise, and socialize as well. People have expressed frustration with Princeton’s leash law, so now that we have a secure, safe place to allow dogs off their leashes, I think the overall benefit is huge. It is not only great for dogs, but also for people to recreate here.”

—Jim Ferry, Princeton Animal Control Offi cer, Hopewell, with Heartley

“If my dog is bored, we can always come here and play with other dogs and have fun and be safe.”

“It brings things to both the dogs and the people. My dog does really well off leash, but it’s hard to give her that when we are just walking around the neighborhood. She gets more exercise this way, and socializes more. It’s also a great way for people to connect and get some peaceful time in the morning together.”

—Meytal Higgins, Princeton, with Luna

“What the dog park brings to the community is human connection. It’s about the dogs, but even more than the dogs it’s about the people. It’s the equivalent of the tribal watering hole. It’s where people meet future spouses, where they meet friends, where there’s someone for them in difficult times of trouble, and where they can find support on a daily basis.”

—Mia Sacks, Princeton Council President, with Theo

“This is obviously wonderful for the dogs to have, but I think the park will also help bring unity and just the ability for people to get to know their neighbors. I have lived in town for five years, and the majority of friends I have made have been through my dogs.”

—Tony Lee, Princeton, with Bailey and Riley

—Kira Metelkin, Princeton, with Nala

February 23 – March 12

Wednesday, March 15 / 7:30PM

Ragamala Dance Company: The Fires of Varanasi

Fires of Varanasi: Dance of the Eternal Pilgrim evokes an elaborate ritual where time is suspended and humans merge with the divine. In this theatrical reimagining, the show expands upon the birth-death-rebirth continuum in Hindu thought to honor immigrant experiences of life and death in the diaspora.

Friday, March 17 / 8:00PM

Randall Goosby, violin

Anna Han, Piano

Celebrated American violinist Randall Goosby, whose “lush, warm tone and exceptional technique” is celebrated by NPR and music lovers everywhere performs the Beethoven Sonata No. 9 “Kreutzer”, Revel’s Violin Sonata No. 2 and pieces by Boulanger and Grant Still.

Wuthering Heights. Photo by Steve Taner; Ragamala. Photo by Arun Kumar; Randall Goosby. Photo by Jeremy Mitchell.

Tripledemic Fears Fade

continued from page one

“It seems that patients are having more challenges with that, and it’s often leading to a decline in their overall condition, and they’re ending up in the emergency department.”

Preparations for a tripledemic, however, did not go to waste at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “I feel very fortunate and grateful that our organization really had a proactive plan for the winter surge,” said Gronczewski. “We definitely needed it.”

“Deferral of routine maintenance” is how Dr. George DiFerdinando, internist and chair of the Princeton Board of Health, described the situation. “Seems like people have done that —put it off,” he said. “There are a lot of treatments, screenings and others, that have been missed.”

DiFerdinando noted that the Princeton Health Department is catching up on scheduled maintenance, still keeping a focus on COVID-19 while working with Princeton school administrators and nurses on vaccine audits, seeking to fill any vaccine gaps in the school-age population.

DiFerdinando was not willing to declare the end of the pandemic. “Out of the woods? We don’t know what out of the woods would look like,” he said.

Though COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death from 2020 through mid2022, and there are still more than 500 deaths attributed to COVID-19 per day, it is now no longer among the top five killers in the United States,

according to last week’s New York Times.

“The trends look good,” said DiFerdinando, “but the numbers are unreliable.” He went on to note that many people remain unvaccinated and the booster uptake is only about 33 percent.

“There are deaths that can still be prevented, and while that’s true, there’s still work to do,” he noted.

He went on to voice his concerns about the severe attrition in the health care work force since the beginning of the pandemic, with fewer health care workers and fewer hospital beds than there were before the pandemic.

Gronczewski expressed some optimism that the worst of the pandemic and its strains on all health services was over, but he was not willing to declare a transition from pandemic to endemic.

“I’d leave that up to epidemiologists,” he said. “Whether it’s referred to as a pandemic or endemic, our mission is just to be prepared.”

—Donald Gilpin

WET PAPER IN THE DRIVEWAY?

Sorry. It Happens, even with a plastic bag. We can’t control the weather, but we can offer you a free, fresh and dry replacement paper if you stop by our office at 4438 Route 27 North in Kingston.

Hunterdon Land Trust Hosts Stewardship Saturday

On Saturday, January 21, at Hunterdon Land Trust’s (HLT) first-ever Stewardship Saturday, a team of volunteers spent several hours beneath a cloudy January sky clearing invasive plants such as multiflora rose and autumn olive, which can outcompete native species and harm the overall health of the preserve.

Volunteers also marked a hiking trail in honor of Kingwood Township conservationist Todd Kratzer, who died in 2012. Kratzer was instrumental in getting the Muddy Run property preserved.

Blazing that trail was Todd’s wife, Debbie Kratzer, and daughter, Alie. They cleared the trail and nailed red diamond-shaped HLT markers on trees along the path. Their son, Samuel, helped remove invasives. “I think Todd would be really pleased that we think about him when we come out here, and his message would be to enjoy time with your family, and to get out here, enjoy nature and do what you can to improve the environment,” said Debbie Kratzer.

“We are so grateful for all of the volunteers who joined us at our first-ever Stewardship Saturday workday,” said HLT Stewardship Program Manager Emily Dunn. “Their enthusiasm and hard work allowed us to mark a new trail system in honor of Todd Kratzer, and to make significant headway in removing invasives from the property. Our team is excited to continue to expand stewardship efforts at all of our preserves, and

TRAILBLAZERS: A group of volunteers recently donated their time and energies to attend Hunterdon Land Trust’s first Stewardship Saturday event. hopes that more volunteers will continue to join us at upcoming Stewardship Saturdays.”

The Muddy Run Preserve, 178 Kingwood Locktown Road, is comprised of 66 acres of hayfields, forested areas, and wetlands. The Lockatong Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River, hugs the northern border of the property.

Work at the Muddy Run Preserve also supports the goals of the National Park Service’s Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic Program, whose aim it is to protect the natural, historic, and recreational resources that earned this stretch of the river the Wild and Scenic designation.

Stewardship Saturday

workdays will be held once a month at HLT’s various preserves throughout the county. Visit hunterdonlandtrust. org for future dates.

To register for the next program at the Idell Preserve, 50 Barbertown Road, on February 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., contact Dunn at (908) 237-4582 or email emily@hunterdonlandtrust. org. No prior knowledge or experience is required to participate in a Stewardship Saturday — just enthusiasm to care for natural lands.

Montessori’s Pacifism

Is Topic of Program

On Sunday, March 5, from 5-7 p.m., a program titled “Maria Montessori’s Pacifism” will be presented at Dorothea’s House, 120 John Street.

The Italian educator and physician Montessori (1870–1952) is best known for the teaching method that bears her name. She was also a lifelong pacifist, although historians tend to consider her writings on this topic as secondary to her pedagogy.

In this talk, Erica Moretti, assistant professor of Italian at the Fashion Institute of Technology-SUNY, will reframe Montessori’s pacifism as the foundation for her educational activism, emphasizing her vision of the classroom as a gateway to reshaping society. The event is free. Participants are encouraged to bring refreshments to share at a post-program reception. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. Visit dorotheashouse.org for more information.

Princeton Business Partnership Unveils New Name, Design, and Progress

On January 26, the nonprofit Princeton Business Partnership introduced a new name, new logo, and new website at the fi rst of its monthly “meet-ups.”

Some 50 business community members and municipal offi cials gathered at the Arts Council of Princeton to offi cially usher in what is now known as Experience Princeton.

On the new website, the organization’s president Aubrey Haines said, “The Experience Princeton brand was developed with many purposes in mind: to welcome visitors from around the world, to uphold Princeton’s reputation for excellence, and to be a responsible, engaged, and forward-thinking ambassador for local business.”

Since Princeton Council passed an ordinance last February creating a Special Improvement District (SID) meant to help revitalize businesses in town, board members and volunteers have been working to develop the brand. A SID is a self-governed and managed nonprofit that constitutes a coalition of businesses and property owners in town, with a goal of helping those businesses. It assists with marketing and acts as a liaison to local government. Each property pays an assessment.

“It’s an interesting time for the organization,” Isaac Kremer, executive director of Experience Princeton, said this week. “We’re in very early phases. Our four teams — streetscape, economic development, administration, and marketing — are meeting regularly and utilizing what we call the strategic doing model, which teaches people how to form collaborations quickly. We prioritize action in the next 30 days,

breaking down the work into bite-sized pieces that the teams can really coalesce around.”

“We’re well on our way now,” said Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, who is the governing body’s liaison to the organization.

“We’ve been working on building a directory and calendar of events that will be comprehensive, and inclusive of every business in town. We’ve never had a full directory. This should take it up a notch or two.”

Currently in the planning stages is 2023 Restaurant Week, taking place March 5-11 at eateries around town. As of Tuesday, 21 were signed up to offer special fi xed price menus. The upcoming event marks its return since the pandemic. “We’ve had two of them in the past. The second was during the week that we ended up shutting down, so that was really unfortunate,” Lambros said. “It will be good to have it back.”

Kremer said the organization is “in the trenches” to try and get more restaurants to sign on. Volunteers are especially valued with this kind of effort. “When you have 68 restaurants in the district, that’s a huge job,” he said. “We need people with good connections to help our outreach and encourage the restaurants to participate, just getting them to say yes.”

Meet-ups are the last Thursday of the month, at 4 p.m. The next one will be at a location to be announced.

“The goal is to move them throughout the district,” said Kremer, “so they won’t all be held in the same area.”

Visit experienceprinceton. org for more information.

—Anne Levin

HomeFront

continued from page one generously of their time and energy to support our neighbors during this week and throughout the year.”

This year’s Week of Hope will include in-person opportunities to work with HomeFront’s staff in delivering meals to families living at local area motels, sorting clothes and stocking shelves at HomeFront’s Free Store in Trenton, and working at HomeFront’s Diaper Resource Center.

There will also be opportunities to learn more about HomeFront’s work, the issues surrounding poverty and homelessness, and the organization’s future plans. There will be a lunch and learn discussion with Steward on Friday, February 17, and on February 14, participants will be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Paint and Sip event at the HomeFront Treasure Trove on West Broad Street in Hopewell.

Founded in 1991, the Lawrence-based HomeFront organization last year relied on more than 3,600 volunteers to support their more than 35 programs and services. The ways for community members to help are numerous and diverse, including support for tutoring, the donation center, employment, adult education programs, food pantries, the Diaper Resource Center, the Free Store, and the ArtSpace program.

“Joining in our Week of Hope provides a way for community members to welcome the new year through service,” said HomeFront Director of Development and Community Engagement Meghan Cubano. “We encourage neighbors to join us, learn something new, and feel the positivity that comes from helping a local family.”

Steward noted how the Week of Hope offers participants a wide range of options. “We know people have different amounts of time and different amounts of energy and different interests,” she said. “There are opportunities for things as simple as dropping off some baked goods or helping wrap diapers for the resource center. There are also educational opportunities.”

She continued, “We’re going to have conversations about HomeFront programs and what the challenges are. We have a wonderful art exhibit that our clients put together that was displayed during the summer and the fall at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and we’ve relocated it back on our Family Campus.”

Steward discussed HomeFront’s challenges in coming out of the pandemic, the effects of which are still present for many of the families that HomeFront serves. “The shortage of affordable housing, the higher rates of hunger, and housing challenges are very real, not just because of the pandemic but because of larger structural factors,” she said.

She emphasized the potential impact of HomeFront’s expanding work in education and job training, with new staff and new programs in place. “The nature of finding your way into a well-paying career has changed,” she said. “Jobs are much more available now, and we’re delighted about that, but how can we help our families find a career, a path that’s going to pay a living wage and support a family? We’ve had to grow and change some of our programs to adapt to that.”

Steward pointed out that the overarching mission of HomeFront remains the same, but the organization

has changed to meet changing needs of the present time. “We are serving many more families with food and diapers and basic necessities than we did before the pandemic, so we’ve had to grow and change our operation to meet that demand. We have more mobile food pantries in different neighborhoods in Trenton or Hamilton or wherever to reach families that maybe can’t reach us.”

Steward returned to the theme of hope. “I’m not naive,” she said. “I see the challenges, but one of the reasons that leads me to hope is that I believe our community cares deeply about our neighbors, and this event is one way that our community expresses its caring. They turn towards organizations like HomeFront because they have this caring and they’re not sure what to do with it, and they need a partner that will help them put energy into service for families that need it. It’s also people who show up to events like this that gives me hope that our community really does care.”

She continued, “People who respond and support us and come out to learn and volunteer give us hope and engage all of us at HomeFront. Not everyone can write a big check, but they can volunteer. They can come and learn about the issues — all very important work in addressing the bigger challenges.”

For more information about the Week of Hope and volunteer opportunities, visit homefrontnj.org.

—Donald Gilpin

Black History Month Events at Public Library

Black History Month is underway at Princeton Public Library with programs and regular series that focus on Black culture, history, and experience taking place throughout February.

At the Black Voices Book Group on Thursday, February 9, at 7:15 p.m., the group discusses A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars by Hakeem Oluseyi and Joshua Horwitz, via Google Meet.

Season one of the Netflix documentary High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America will be screened in the Community Room, preceded by tastings from local chefs. Registration is required. The Monday, February 13 episode at 6 p.m. is “Our Roots” and Monday, February 20 at 6 p.m. features “The Rice Kingdom” and “Our Founding Chefs.”

At an Art Talk Wednesday, February 8 at 7 p.m. Terrance Cummings discusses “Manifesting Love: Prints and Poetry,” the exhibit of his works on view on the second floor of the library through March 25.

An award-winning designer, illustrator, author, and teacher, Cummings will discuss the inspiration and technique behind the works in the exhibit which are accompanied by the poems and haiku of Sonia Sanchez. The talk will take place in the Newsroom. A reception in the Reading Room will follow.

“Korey Garibaldi in Conversation with Kinohi Nishikawa” is on Wednesday, February 22 at 7 p.m. The author discusses his book Impermanent Blackness: The Making and Unmaking of Interracial Literary Culture in Modern America with Nishikawa, Princeton University associate professor of English and African American Studies. This event takes place in the Community Room and is livestreamed on YouTube.

Further information about Black History Month, including book recommendations for all ages, is available in the Black History Resource Guide at princetonlibrary. org.

Celebrate George Washington At Johnson Ferry House

A celebration of George Washington’s birthday will take place Saturday, February 18 from 1-4 p.m. at the Johnson Ferry House at Washington Crossing State Park, on the New Jersey side.

One-Year Subscription: $20

Two-Year Subscription: $25

Subscription Information: 609.924.5400 ext. 30 or subscriptions@ witherspoonmediagroup.com princetonmagazine.com

In the parlor, visitors will find some well-known and not so well-known facts and quotes about the first president. Gingerbread, said to be one of his favorite treats, will be prepared then baked on the winter kitchen hearth. Domestic textiles will be interpreted in the parlor bedchamber, Colonial education and quill pen writing will be ongoing upstairs.

One-Year Subscription: $20

Two-Year Subscription: $25

IN PRINT. ONLINE. AT HOME. IN PRINT. ONLINE. AT HOME.

Subscription Information: 609.924.5400 ext. 30 or subscriptions@ witherspoonmediagroup.com princetonmagazine.com

Refreshments of “1740 ginger snaps” with hot and cold cider will be available. This is a family event for school-age children and older. Admission is free, but $5 is suggested. Call (609) 737-2515 for information.

Experience the arts

at Rider University this Spring

Enjoy a variety of plays, musicals and dance presented by our talented students on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus.

Spring 2023 Season includes:

Clean Slate: A World Premiere Musical

A Co-Production between Rider University & Passage Theater

Music & Lyrics by Kate Brennan

Book by David Lee White

C. Ryanne Domingues, director

Louis Danowsky, music director

February 24 at 7:30 p.m.

February 25 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

February 26 at 2 p.m.

Yvonne Theater – Lawrenceville

Information and Tickets: rider.edu/arts

March 10 at 7:30 p.m.

March 11 at 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

March 12 at 3:00 p.m.

The Mill Hill Playhouse (205 E Front St. Trenton, NJ)

Information and Tickets: passagetheatre.org/cleanslate

Rider Dances: Expanding Communities

Featuring choreographers John Barrella, Jen

Gladney, Merli V. Guerra, Nikola Palivoda, Charly

Santagado, Julia Johnson Thick

March 4 at 7:30 p.m.

March 5 at 2 p.m.

Bart Luedeke Center Theater – Lawrenceville

Information and Tickets: rider.edu/arts

Love and Information

Book by Caryl Churchill

Katharine McLeod, director

March 24 at 7:30 p.m.

March 25 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

March 26 at 2 p.m.

Yvonne Theatre – Lawrenceville

Information and Tickets: rider.edu/arts

Kiss Me, Kate

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter

Book by Sam and Bella Spewack

T. Oliver Reid, director

Robin Lewis, choreographer

Louis F. Goldberg, music director

April 28 at 7:30 p.m.

April 29 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

April 30 at 2 p.m.

Bart Luedeke Center Theater - Lawrenceville

Information and Tickets: rider.edu/arts

Food Donation Act continued from page one course. The nonprofit turned to local restaurants including The Meeting House, Mezzaluna, and The Blue Bears, using New Jersey’s Sustain and Serve Program to buy meals from them at cost and provide them to families and seniors in need. Board members and volunteers delivered 140,000 meals throughout the region. As people began to return to work, Share My Meals was able to return to its original mission of recovering surplus meals, now known as the Meal Recovery Program.

“In October 2021, we reset the operation and started contacting large cafeterias again,” said Lanctuit, “and started working with the eating clubs at Princeton University. We had to put in place a process that would allow us to recover and redistribute foods in a safe way. We had to reassure our food donors this was being done.”

Last year, 63,000 meals were delivered by Share My Meals, serving 1,000 people per week with more than 40 volunteers, 15 community partners, and 30 food donors. “This represents 23 tons and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of

food saved — as well as 100 tons of CO2 diverted from the atmosphere,” reads a release.

Plans for the future of Share My Meals are focused on expansion into Trenton, where the need is especially high. The nonprofit already delivers prepared meals to the Rescue Mission of Trenton and Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.

“I feel we can really grow our impact,” said Lanctuit. “We’re developing a lot of nice tools and processes, and we can really expand our reach. Our objective is to collaborate with other organizations. That’s our main ambition for 2023. We know there is more and more food insecurity, and the needs are there.”

—Anne Levin

School Matters

Updated Demographic Report for PPS

Five-year projections for Princeton Public Schools (PPS) predict the schools’ enrollment will increase from its current level of 3,721 to a peak of 4,154 by the 2027-28 school year, according to a February 8 PPS press release.

The data, which was to be presented at the Tuesday, February 7 Board of Education (BOE) meeting, which took place after press time, noted that total PPS enrollment has increased by 324 students, or 9.5 percent, over the past 10 years. The most recent enrollment peak of 3,855 students was in the 2019-20 school year, followed by two years of declining enrollment during the pandemic.

The projected enrollment numbers for the next five years reflect a continued expansion of the PPS pre-K program, but do not include children who attend pre-K off-site at partner provider locations.

The report, which projects the anticipated impact on enrollment of new housing in the community, was to be presented to the BOE by Michael Zuba, a certified professional planner and the director of public education master planning for SLAM, a national multidisciplinary firm that offers public master planning services for educational entities. His report was expected to include information about housing projects that are planned or in progress. The largest of these is Avalon Princeton Circle, which will consist of 221 apartments and townhouses. Zuba’s data is consistent with the two most recent demographic studies in 2020 and 2021, the PPS press release noted.

BOE President Dafna Kendal pointed out the value of the updated demographics report as the BOE plans for the future. “The accomplishments of our students and the excellence of our educators at Princeton Public Schools continue to attract more families with school-aged children to our district,” she said in the press release. She added that the BOE will discuss the information from the demographic report at the next meeting of the Board on February 21.

In seeking to maximize the capacity of existing schools the district has implemented schedule changes, facilities upgrades, and the addition of classrooms at Princeton High School and Princeton Middle School over the past three years.

New Head of French American School

Dominique Velociter, who joined the school in June 2021 as interim head, has been appointed as permanent head of school for the French American School of Princeton (FASP).

“We are impressed with Ms. Velociter’s enthusiasm, commitment, and passion for the school and are excited about the numerous initiatives she and her team have implemented,” said FASP Board of Trustees Chair Mark Solomon. “We unanimously believe that Ms. Velociter is the right leader for FASP at this important time.”

FASP, located on the St. Joseph’s Seminary campus and offering a bilingual learning experience for children in preschool to grade 8, has grown from five students to 150 since its beginning in 2000. Velociter succeeded the FASP founder and initial head, Corinne Gungor.

“The past year has confirmed what I had envisioned a year ago,” said Velociter. “The school is a perfect fit: an active learning community with remarkable teachers, talented staff, dedicated parents, and, most importantly, brilliant young minds eager to develop bilingually and engage and achieve success in the world.”

Before going to FASP, Velociter served in a range of head of school roles in independent schools around the world. She was the founder and head of school at the French American School of Rhode Island for more than 20 years. She served in head of school positions in New York, California, Bulgaria, and most recently as the superintendent of Dar Jana International School, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Velociter earned a master’s degree in teaching and learning from the University of Paris Creteil, France, and is a Chevalier in the French Order of the Legion of Honor, Order of Merit, and of the Academic Palms.

PHS Holds First Career Day

Princeton High School’s first Career Day was on January 23, with more than 70 professionals and hundreds of students participating in panels, question-and-answer sessions, and informal career discussions, according to a PHS website news bulletin.

Students were able to attend up to six different workshops where panelists presented a short overview of their field and personal career path followed by student questions and then an opportunity to speak informally in breakout groups.

The many fields represented included cyber security, global marketing, nonprofits, construction, banking, fitness, pharmaceuticals, and many more, according to the website.

Students quoted indicated that the event was a great success. “I am definitely more inclined to go into health care now,” said one. “It made me understand that it’s okay to change major or career paths,” said another. And a third observed, “A lot of people said they didn’t know what they were going to do when they were my age, which makes me feel better about how I don’t know what I want to do either.”

“As a parent leader at the high school PTO, I have seen first-hand the teamwork, intelligence, and love for the students that made this first school-wide career event so successful,” said Sasha Weinstein, co-president of the PHS PTO, which collaborated with the Board of Education and the PHS administration to organize the event.

“Our students seeing all these different post-secondary options will help them to be more intentional about their scheduling and planning with their post-secondary life,” said PHS Principal Frank Chmiel. “One of the greatest messages shared that day is that the path to success is not often a linear one. Our career presenters showed that one can find happiness and fulfillment along a winding journey of opportunities to land in just the right place today.”

French Language Immersion

The French American School of Princeton (FASP) has announced that it is accepting applications for its new accelerated French language immersion program for grades 1-3 for the 2023-24 school year. No prior knowledge of French is required.

On Wednesday, February 15 at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 4 at 9 a.m. informa tion sessions will be held at the School at 75 Mapleton Road on the site of the former St. Joseph’s Seminary. For further information about the program and the school call (609) 430-3001 or email admissions@ecoleprinceton.org or visit the school’s website at ecoleprinceton.org

FASP Head of School Dominique Velociter emphasized the advantages of duallanguage immersion. “The ideal time to learn a language is in childhood,” she said in a FASP press release. “We are delighted to welcome older students into our school to offer them not only the ability to learn another language, but also to benefit from the many advantages of a bilingual and multicultural educational setting.”

She continued, “Acquiring, learning, and living a second — or third in many of our students’ families — language gives students a distinct advantage over monolingual programs for intellectually curious students.”

The new accelerated French language immersion program for grades 1-3 is intended to be conducted 30 percent in English and 70 percent in French. “We have designed our new program to appeal to motivated students and families who wish to learn the French language and are looking for a rigorous educational experience,” said Velociter. “To succeed in our program, students must have a solid academic background, especially in English, and be dedicated to meeting high academic expectations.”

PHS Research Team Competes for

Top Prizes in Samsung STEM

A Princeton High School (PHS) team of student scientists has for the second year in a row been named one of eight New Jersey finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition, and PHS is one of 300 public schools in the country to be selected.

The school district has been awarded a $2,500 package for technology and school supplies and the team will find out later this month whether it will be named the state winner and receive an additional $20,000 in technology equipment. Last year’s PHS research team went all the way to win Samsung’s national competition, bringing home a prize of $110,000 for its black soldier fly project to process food waste into animal feed and soap, reducing both food waste and greenhouse emissions in the process.

The Samsung competition challenges students in grades 6 to 12 to explore the role science, technology, engineering, and math can play in addressing some of the biggest issues in their local communities. “The competition is designed to engage students in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems —making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value beyond the classroom,” according to a Samsung press release.

This year’s PHS entry in the Samsung competition is a framework for saltwater aquaponics, growing plants in salt water where shrimp waste is used as fertilizer to help the plants grow. “It’s a really interesting project because both the plants and the fish benefit from it,” said 10th grade team member Sabine Ristad in a February 6 Zoom interview. “The nutrients that the fish put into the water help the plants

Competition

grow. I think it’s cool how they both work together for a greater benefit. I learned a lot from the project about how to build these systems and work with other people.”

The award-winning PHS research program, led by PHS science teacher Mark Eastburn, seems to generate an abundance of groundbreaking, interesting projects.

“I like how the research program encourages you to be really creative and think outside the box,” said sophomore researcher William Ponder. “Not only is Mr. Eastburn encouraging, he’s really passionate about this.”

“The people who change the world aren’t the people who got the best grades in school,” said PHS sophomore research team member Luisa Buss. “It’s the people who are creative enough to think of solutions to global problems.”

Buss, who grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, went on to discuss the impact of the research program and the significance of the salt water aquaponics project. “Research gives us the chance to explore things we wouldn’t get in other classes,” she said. “You do better work when you’re working on something you’re passionate about. This project is something I really care about in general, and it’s an issue that really affects me because the majority of my life I lived in a country where drought was so normal and having enough water was more rare. This could change the way my country operates and lives.”

Eastburn emphasized the significance of the PHS project’s use of salt water. “We have all this salt water sitting around covering our planet — 97 percent of water on Earth is salt wa -

ter. If we can utilize that 97 percent to grow food, the planet will be in much better shape.”

Daniela Gonzalez, a 12th grade member of the team, who is also a finalist in the New Jersey Southern Science and Humanities competition and is currently engaged in at least two other research projects, commented on the PHS Samsung project.

“This will be a great model for communities, especially ones with limited resources that are close to the ocean,” she said. “It provides them with a way of accessing food and economic resources out of the salt water which they have in abundance.”

Gonzalez went on to emphasize the ecological benefits from the project. “What we’re doing is taking this shrimp poop — with ammonia and nitrates — that becomes fertilizer for the plants,” she said. “It helps the plants grow. So we’re using what would be pollution and we’re repurposing it, recycling it into fertilizer to help plants grow.”

It was Gonzalez, Eastburn noted, who encouraged him to enter the PHS research team’s project in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition for the first time in 2021.

“Solve for Tomorrow was designed to provide schools and teachers with an innovative, problem-based learning approach to STEM education to boost student interest, proficiency, and diversity in STEM,” said Samsung Electronics America Chief Marketing, Citizenship, and Communications Officer Michelle Crossan-Matos in the Samsung press release. “This fresh crop of impressive state finalists is proof that we’re succeeding.”

—Donald Gilpin

SOLVING

research team has been chosen as one of

2023 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. PHS researchers, from left, are Matias da Costa, Nicholas Akey, Yangwenbo (William) Yao, Daniela Gonzalez, Courtney Weber, Sabine Ristad, Luisa Buss, and William Ponder. (Photo courtesy of Mark Eastburn)

FOR TOMORROW: Princeton High School’s

eight New Jersey finalists in the

Mailbox

Town Councilman Shares Insights Gained as a Local Crossing Guard

To the Editor:

About 18 months ago, inspired by what I have learned through my Council duties on the Traffic Safety Committee, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, and the Vision Zero Task Force, I signed up to become a crossing guard. Princeton has a pressing need for crossing guards, and I no longer was satisfied just “talking the talk” — I felt the need to start “walking the walk.”

From my vantage point as a crossing guard at the intersection of Valley Road and Jefferson Road over the past year, I have gotten to see the kinds of driver behavior that endanger not only pedestrians and cyclists, but drivers themselves. I would like to share some of the insights gained.

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.

First a clarification: crossing guards are there to protect vulnerable roadway users — pedestrians and cyclists. We are not there to facilitate automobile traffic, and in fact are trained not to do so. I will never enter the intersection to direct traffic unless there is a pedestrian or cyclist needing assistance. I will from time to time then remain in the intersection to help clear a backlog of cars trying to get through, but that is the extent of the help I will give to drivers.

This intersection is a crossing with only two-way stop signs. Traffic on Valley Road has the right-of-way over other cars, but of course must stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks. In future postings I will focus on other suggestions to improve safety and fl ow, but for now want to focus on the rules governing driver behavior at the stop sign. As I hope we all know, at a traffic signal, when the light is green, drivers going straight have the right-of-way, while those trying to make a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic. At a four-way stop sign, however, drivers have the right-of-way based on the order in which they arrive at the intersection, with no distinction between those going straight and those making a turn.

But what is the rule at a two-way stop sign? If I had to guess, I would say only about 15-20 percent of the drivers coming through my intersection know the answer. I had to ask our traffic safety officer to learn it myself. It turns out that the two-way stop sign is more analogous to the fourway stop sign. In other words, drivers have the right-of-way based on the order in which they arrive at the intersection, and if someone making a left turn gets there fi rst, they can proceed even if there is opposing traffic trying to go straight. Because not all drivers know the rule, please continue to approach these intersections with caution. But next time you come to one when there is already a driver opposite you wanting to turn left, please wave them through before you proceed. Knowing and following the rules of the road is one of the keys to safer, more functional streets.

DAVID E. COHEN Princeton Councilman Witherspoon Street

100-Year-Old Princeton Resident Offers Thoughts on the Month of February

To the Editor:

I would like to share this poem I wrote, as it is particularly timely.

The Cynic in February Why trust a month of varying days. Twenty-eight? Twenty-nine?

A month that trips the tongue, bewilders groundhogs, offers a pale diluted sun to mock our chill.

Beneath fresh layers of snow lies treacherous ice.

Beware that February sky, Blue and serene as a nursery. Storm clouds threaten our springtime fantasies.

Don’t believe lovers who bring valentines.

Red satin can hide a carboard heart, sweet phrases, like soft-centered chocolates, cloy and lacy paper promises may blow away in March.

KATHLEEN HENDERSON DUHAIME Raymond Road

Books

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, February 12 at 4 p.m. The readings will take place at the Princeton Makes store in the Princeton Shopping Center.

The February reading will feature Vida Chu and Bill Wunder. Their readings will be followed by an open mic available to up to 10 audience members who would like to read their original poetry.

Wunder is the co-winner of the 2022 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards. His fourth book, Welcome to Paradise, New and Selected Poems, includes his winning poem. Previous books are Pointing at the Moon (2008) and Hands Turning the Earth (2014). All three are from WordTech editions. Kingdom of Heaven (2015) is from Kelsay Books.

Chu was born in Macau and grew up in Hong Kong. At 17 she came to America, got a degree in biology from the University of Pennsylvania, and stayed. Her poems have appeared in U.S. 1 Newspaper, Kelsey Review, Princeton Arts Review, U.S.1 Worksheets, The Literary Review, and Princeton Magazine She has two books of poems, The Fragrant Harbor and The Thirteenth Lak (both Kelsay Books), and two Pushcart Prize nominations. She lives in Princeton.

Princeton Makes is a cooperative comprised of 34 local artists who work across a range of artistic genres, including painting, drawing, stained glass, sculpture, textiles, and jewelry. Customers can 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.

Newsstand Town Topics

Vida Chu

Bill Wunder

BOOK REVIEW

In a November 2022 essay posted on nautil.us, Santa Fe Institute President David Krakauer refers to SFI member Cormac McCarthy’s “subterranean connections” to James Agee, author of Let Us Now Praise Famous Men (1941), “a book that we keep in our library and that Cormac retrieves from time to time to remind us of the intimate connections between language and image, indigence and character, and the multifarious beauty found far from so-called civilized spotlights.”

I found the phrase “subterranean connections” interesting in relation to the richness of McCarthy’s prose, most recently the striking one-page prologue to The Passenger / Stella Maris (Knopf 2022), now available as a two-volume set. It was while rereading the bravura passage describing Alicia Western’s body hanging among the winter trees that I first noticed intimations of Agee’s prose presence, particularly in lines such as “her hands turned slightly outward like those of certain ecumenical statues whose attitude asks that their history be considered.”

The “multifarious beauty” of Let Us Now Praise Famous Men is reflected in a sharecropper’s mirror in one of the homes Agee and the photographer Walker Evan visited in 1936: “The mirror is so far corrupted that it is rashed with gray, iridescent in parts, and in all its reflections a deeply sad thin zinc-to-platinum, giving to its framings an almost incalculably ancient, sweet, frail, and piteous beauty, such as may be seen in tintypes of family groups among studio furnishings or heard in nearly exhausted jazz records made by very young, insane, devout men who were soon to destroy themselves, in New Orleans, in the early nineteen twenties.”

McCarthy’s prologue to The Passenger ends as the hunter who discovers the body “looked up into those cold enameled eyes glinting blue in the weak winter light. She had tied her dress with a red sash so that she’d be found. Some bit of color in the scrupulous desolation.”

In New Orleans

Agee’s reference to New Orleans provides an underground connection of sorts to the setting of The Passenger, where a word-drunk rogue named John Sheddan is holding amusingly forth at the Napoleon House on “a slight contretemps with the authorities regarding the legitimacy of some medical prescriptions.” His old Knoxville friend Bobby Western, a salvage diving math genius manqué, is his primary audience. When a woman who finds Bobby wildly attractive asks him how he happened to get into the salvage diving business, Sheddan tells her: “Don’t go there, my dear. You don’t want to know. How he secretly hopes to die in the deep to atone for his sins .... You may have noticed a certain reticence in our man. It’s true he does dangerous underwater work for high pay but it’s also true that he’s afraid of the depths .... He is sinking into a darkness he cannot even comprehend. Darkness and immobilizing cold. I enjoy talking about him if he does not .... He’s an attractive man. Women want to save

Cormac McCarthy Returns

him. But of course he’s beyond all that. What say, Squire? How far off the mark?”

“Rave on,” says Western, his preferred response to Big John’s perorations. After Bobby ignores the woman’s come hither looks and abruptly takes his leave, Sheddan riffs on his friend’s personal history: his hometown not Knoxville, alas, but Wartburg Tennessee, near Oak Ridge, his father’s trade at Los Alamos “the design and fabrication of enormous bombs for the purpose of incinerating whole cities full of innocent people as they slept in their beds.” At university in Knoxville, Western was a math major with a four-point average, played mandolin with a bluegrass band, got a scholarship to Cal Tech, dropped out, inherited a lot of money, and drove race cars in Italy where he had an accident that left him in a near-death coma for weeks; meanwhile Sheddan enlivens his narrative with the story of Alicia, the teenage sister Western would take to the clubs he played: “They were openly dating. And she was smarter than he was. And just drop dead gorgeous. A flatout train wrecker.” The punchline: “He’s in love with his sister and she’s dead.” Sheddan neglects to add that Alicia killed herself because she thought Bobby was never coming out of the coma and she couldn’t bring herself to approve the pulling of life support.

Alicia as Medea

Among the strongest chapters in The Passenger is the account of Western’s visit to his grandmother’s house in Wartburg. One morning at dawn he walks down to the old quarry, the walls of which formed an amphitheater opposite a reflecting pool where on a summer evening years ago “he had watched his sister perform the role of Medea alone on the quarry floor. She was dressed in a gown she’d made from sheeting and she wore a crown of woodbine in her hair. The footlights were fruitcans packed with rags and filled with kerosene. The reflectors were foil and the black smoke rose into the summer leaves above her and set them trembling while she strode the swept stone floor in her sandals. She was thirteen. He was in his second year of graduate school at Caltech and watching her that summer evening he knew he was lost. His heart in his throat. His life no longer his.”

When she finished “he stood and clapped. The flat dead echo halting off the quarry walls. She curtseyed twice and then she was gone, striding off into the dark, the shadows of the trees bowing to

her in the light from her lantern where it swung by the bail.”

Back in summer 1980, he “sat on the cold stones with his face in his hands. I’m sorry, Baby. I’m sorry. It’s all just darkness. I’m sorry.”

In a later conversation Long John tells him, “When you’re ninety you’ll be weeping for love of a child.” This follows a typical Sheddan run: “Little I’d like better than to have a look into those intrafamilial sordidities concerning which you remain so circumspect. Hard money says it would make the Greeks look like Ozzie and Harriet.” When he exclaims “Mary’s celestial knickers!” in the same scene, Sheddan sounds very like another of McCarthy’s most useful verbal agents, the Thalidomide Kid, a chiding but companionable apparition Alicia sees whenever she’s off her meds. The Kid enters in the first chapter of The Passenger, appearing to Alicia in a Chicago rooming house in the last winter of her life.

A Hohenzollern Princess

Since the first half of this twopart review was dominated by Alicia and the hallucinatory floor show emceed by the Kid, the plan this week was to focus on Bobby Western. The problem is that the sister continues to intrigue me more than her brother. Despite the fact that she’s been dead since 1972, the wonder of Alicia is that she’s still viscerally, emotionally, and intellectually alive in alternate chapters of The Passenger and particularly in Stella Maris , titled after the psychiatric hospital where she spends the last months of her life; the book contains her conversations with Dr. Cohen, a psychologist. When he asks her why she changed her name, which “was originally Alice,” she dismisses it as her father’s idea of a joke, “Bob and Alice” being fictional characters used as placeholders in discussions of cryptographic systems. So determined was she to change her name to Alicia that she had her brother’s forger friend John Sheddan fabricate a fake birth certificate for her. Asked why, she says, “I was Alice Western from Wartburg, Tennessee and I wanted to be a Hohenzollern princess.”

Earlier in the same session, she reveals a glimpse of the life she dreamed of with her brother. After being asked what she wanted to be if not a mathematician, she says, “What I really wanted was a child. What I really want. If I had a child I would just go in at night and sit there. Quietly. I would listen to my child breathing. If I had a child I wouldn’t care about reality.”

Asked if she said anything to her brother when he was in a coma, “I told him I would rather be dead with him than alive without him.” Says the doctor: “I’ll take that as a forewarning.” Says Alicia: “Your life is set upon you like a dog.”

When in the course of asking the standard questions about her parents, Dr. Cohen touches on the subject of their “war work” at Los Alamos, Alicia says, “I think they were pretty proud of it. But if you think any of this in turn might have something to do with Edwardian dwarves dancing the Charleston in my bedroom at two o’clock in the morning I’d be happy to hear your exposition.”

The publisher calls Stella Maris a coda to The Passenger. The more I read it, and I’ve read it twice, I’d call it a personal triumph for the writer who said, “I was planning on writing about a woman for 50 years. I will never be competent enough to do so, but at some point you have to try.”

Dreaming of Alicia

In her brother’s dreams of her “she wore at times a smile he tried to remember and she would say to him almost in a chant words he could scarcely follow. He knew that her lovely face would soon exist nowhere save in his memories and in his dreams and soon after that nowhere at all.... Don’t be afraid for me, she had written. When has death ever harmed anyone?”

Knoxville 1962

Composed in 1938, James Agee’s peerless prose poem, “Knoxville: Summer 1915,” was set to music by Samuel Barber in 1947 and served ten years later as prologue to his posthumous novel A Death in the Family, which is where Cormac McCarthy would have read it and reread it. At some point during his years at the Santa Fe Institute, he may have told colleagues of the time he salvaged bricks from the ruins of Agee’s family home in Knoxville after it was demolished in September 1962. The bricks were used to build fireplaces for the farmhouse McCarthy was living in at the time. He was 29, four years away from the publication of his first novel, The Orchard Keeper Shooting Palmetto Bugs

Once again, I’m running out of space. Reviewers always beat the Faulkner/Hemingway drum when writing of Cormac McCarthy, who in this extraordinary work actually channels and encompasses so much more, from Joyce’s Nighttown to David Lynch’s Twin Peaks (a whole series about a dead beauty with sequences of dancing dwarves) and the Los Alamos-haunted Twin Peaks: The Return, not to mention the presence of wordslingers on all sides worthy of the ones in David Milch’s Deadwood or Knoxville native Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. And I haven’t mentioned a shooting-Palmettobugs drinking scene as funny as anything in The Big Lebowski (McCarthy obviously got to know the Coen brothers when they made his No Country for Old Men ). And there’s something of Joyce’s Buck Mulligan in McCarthy’s John Sheddan.

—Stuart Mitchner

April 2-21, 2023, at the historic Phillips’ Mill

Call for Art

Online Submissions Only: February 1–28, 2023

Jill Enfield, internationally acclaimed fine art photographer, author and educator, will serve as this year’s juror.

For details, visit phillipsmill.org/photography

By Sharlene Holliday

MUSIC REVIEW

Princeton Audiences Enjoy Encore Performance of Brahms Piano Concerto

Tis the season to hear amazing pianists and the Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major of Johannes Brahms. In January, New Jersey Symphony presented Daniil Trifonov playing this work and next week, Philadelphia Orchestra brings the same concerto to the Kimmel Center stage. Princeton Symphony Orchestra brought its interpretation of Brahms’ majestic c oncerto to Richardson Auditorium this past weekend, featuring pianist Inon Barnatan, a longtime friend of the PSO. Led by Music Director Rossen Milanov, Saturday night’s performance (the concert was repeated Sunday afternoon) brought the Princeton Symphony Orchestra instrumentalists and Barnatan to the Richardson stage for an evening of 19th-century Viennese elegance and drama.

To warm up the audience for the Brahms concerto, the Orchestra presented a work composed in 2020 but influenced by a predecessor to Brahms. Fate runs through some of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most significant works, and American composer Carlos Simon drew from an 1815 journal entry of Beethoven for his one-movement Fate Now Conquers . Simon also derived musical structure for this piece from the second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, creating musical gestures capturing the “unpredictable ways of fate.”

Beginning with fierce playing from the flutes, Fate Now Conquers was Beethoven-esque in its drama, rhythmically led by consistently strong playing by timpanist Jeremy Levine. Carlos Simon packed a great deal of musical action into the five-minute work, and conductor Milanov kept the Orchestra players moving the music forward, complemented by an elegant cello solo from Alistair MacRae.

Princeton Symphony Orchestra returned to Simon’s source material with their gracefully dramatic performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major. Conducting from memory, Milanov built the drama well throughout the four-movement work while maintaining a Viennese lilt. Accents and sforzandi in the strings were always exact, and the overall instrumental palette was consistently light, even when at full strength. The overriding theme of this performance was joy as Milanov used dynamic contrasts, gradual crescendos and Beethoven’s abrupt silences to augment the lean and crisp orchestral playing. Pastoral wind solos were heard through all four movements, including from oboist Lillian Copeland, clarinetist Pascal Archer, flutist Catherine Gregory, and bassoonist Brad Balliett.

The second movement “Allegretto” in particular is a study in musical intensity,

building through a repeated poetic ostinato passed around among instrumental sections. Milanov added dynamic contrasts to create an atmosphere of a methodical courtly dance. Pascal Archer’s clarinet line spoke well over the orchestral palette, and the inner instrumental voices could be well delineated within the texture. An elegant sonority was created between Copeland’s oboe and Gregory’s flute over the relentlessly driving rhythm of the ostinato. The brass sections were clean throughout the work, aiding the ensemble in maintaining drama until the end.

Pianist Barnatan brought his own brand of excitement and animation at the keyboard to Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major. Opening with an affirmative horn solo played by Jonathan Clark delicately answered by Barnatan at the keyboard, the first movement of the concerto was martial, with Barnatan firmly in control. Milanov chose not to conduct certain cadenza-like piano passages, allowing Barnatan to draw out the measures leading to orchestral themes and take his own lyrical time. Descending scales on the piano were light and clean, while full orchestral sections were dramatic. A second Clark horn solo was especially fluid against upper register “raindrops” on the piano, creating an Alpine atmosphere.

Barnatan’s emphasis in the second movement was on “appassionato,” playing a forceful piano solo against lush orchestration and punctuating horns. Once again, Brahms showed his affinity for the horn with extended passages for piano and solo horn, effectively played by Barnatan and Clark. Cellist MacRae gave the hymn-like third movement grace and elegance, while Barnatan provided a languid and impressionistic piano solo. MacRae was also joined in solo passages by oboist Copeland, creating a smooth flow to the movement. Milanov barely conducted in these passages, allowing the music to play itself but effectively leading the Orchestra through transitions. A chipper and playful “Allegretto” closed the concerto, as Barnatan played crisply and precisely, clearly enjoying Brahms’ humorous musical side. As with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s performance last month, an encore between pianist and cellist featured a rarely-heard work for these two instruments, in this case the “Andante” movement of Rachmaninoff’s Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano. Barnatan and MacRae well demonstrated the exquisite sonorities between these instruments as cello and piano worked together as true partners.

—Nancy Plum

Princeton Symphony Orchestra will present its next Classical Series performances on Saturday, March 11 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 12 at 4 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium. Conducted by Sameer Patel, this concert will feature the world premiere of William Harvey’s “Seven Decisions of Gandhi,” as well as music of Borodin and Tchaikovsky. Ticket information can be obtained by visiting princetonsymphony.org

Alexi Kenney Violin

Thu, Feb 16, 2023 | 7:30PM

SHIFTING GROUND: weaving together music for solo violin and violin/electronic by J.S. Bach and composers of our time.

puc.princeton.edu | 609-258-9220

Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall

$25-$40 General; $10 Students

Gourmet

Performing Arts

sing the roles of Harvey and Soprano, respectively.

Opening weekend features a Friday night performance by the 2023 Grammy Award-winning trio Time For Three . Saturday evening’s Aretha: A Tribute stars vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Devlin, and is followed Sunday by a piano recital featuring Christopher Taylor

your life or just enduring it.”

Cat Miller, the play’s director and newly appointed general manager of the NET, hopes that the show will inspire the audiences “to remember that the examined life may require more work and risk more pain, but it is ultimately worth so much more in the end.”

FESTIVAL PLANS: Metropolitan Opera baritone Will Liverman, who just won a Grammy Award, is among the performers coming to the 2023 Princeton Festival on the grounds of Morven.

Opera, Broadway and More

Planned for Princeton Festival

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced plans for the 2023 Princeton Festival , the majority of which takes place June 9-25 in the tented pavilion built seasonally on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden.

Events range from a Rossini’s opera The Barber of Seville to independent tributes honoring Aretha Franklin and Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., plus orchestral concerts, chamber music and dance, a Juneteenth celebration, a Family Day, and performances by ensembles and three 2023 Grammy Award winners.

“ We wanted to create a

Festival that was fun, yet relevant — connecting with new audiences through music, dance, and theater — proving that age-old art forms can be fresh and full of meaning for today’s arts lovers,” said Music Director Rossen Milanov.

Milanov conducts the opera, which is sung in the original Italian with English subtitles, and starring Festival opera veterans Kelly Guerra as Rosina and Nicholas Nestorak as Count Almaviva. Anchoring the Festival is Andrew Lippa’s theatrical oratorio I Am Harvey Milk, which celebrates the life of the first openly gay man to hold public office in California. Lippa, the show’s creator, will conduct, and Adam Kantor and Scarlett Strallen

Later in the Festival, Broadway’s Next Hit Musical offers an evening of improv as audience members come up with ideas for a hit Broadway tune to be converted into an instant show by a quick-witted cast. Marking Juneteenth, a celebration is planned with community events and a song recital by Metropolitan Opera star baritone and 2023 Grammy Award winner Will Liverman

Also scheduled are a collaboration of the 2023 Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet with American Repertory Ballet, concerts with The Claremont Trio and Boyd Meets Girl , and Baroque music with The Sebastians at Trinity Church. Mazel Tov Cocktail Party, conceived and created by clarinetist David Krakauer and Kathleen Tagg, is described as a “good vibes explosion.” The Festival culminates with a Family Day with fun-filled activities leading up to a production of Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf featuring Really Inventive Stuff’s Michael Boudewyns.

2023 Princeton Festival tickets are available now, and range in price from $10 - $125. While most performances take place at Morven Museum & Garden, some are located inside at Trinity Church. For dates, times, program information, and tickets, visit princetonsymphony.org/festival

Drama by Edward Albee

On Morrisville Stage

A Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Edward Albee brings a “nameless fear” to the Heritage Center stage as ActorsNET presents A Delicate Balance on weekends through February 12.

Wealthy, middle-aged couple Agnes and Tobias have their complacency shattered when Harry and Edna, longtime friends, appear at their doorstep. Claiming an encroaching, nameless “fear” has forced them from their own home, these neighbors bring doubt, recrimination, and ultimately solace, upsetting the “delicate balance” of Agnes and Tobias’ household.

The sudden arrival of Agnes and Tobias’ daughter and a three-time divorcee, Julia, as well as constant sideline commentary from Agnes’ younger sister, Claire, further complicates the situation.

“It’s a cautionary tale of deep insecurities, viciousness, and dysfunction that the characters seek to bury under faux pleasantries,” said producer Karolina Matyka. “It really makes you think whether or not you truly know yourself and those around you, and whether you are enjoying

The Heritage Center Theatre is located at 635 North Delmorr Avenue in Morrisville, Pa., near the Calhoun Street Bridge. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Doors open a half-hour before show time. Visit actorsnetbucks.org.

Princeton Folk Music Society

Presents Singer/Instrumentalist

On Friday, February 17 at 8 p.m., singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Moira Smiley will perform at Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane. The concert is presented by the Princeton Folk Music Society.

Smiley draws on many different song traditions including Appalachian, Celtic, early music, eastern European, shape-note singing, classical song, and jazz. She plays banjo, accordion, piano, and body percussion. Smiley has toured globally and is known for composing and performing with vocal ensembles, but her solo performances have a character of their own.

Tickets are $5-$25. Visit princetonfolk.org.

New Jersey Symphony

Announces 2023–24 Season

The New Jersey Symphony’s 101st season will highlight Music Director Xian Zhang’s vision to explore the musical heritage of the American orchestral works.

“For many years, I’ve dreamed of an Americanthemed season,” said Zhang. “We begin with a great kickoff featuring Dvorák’s “New World Symphony” alongside the music of Duke Ellington, William Grant Still, and contemporary composer Valerie Coleman. “The American Dream” in January celebrates the music of Leonard Bernstein, and we will also present the world premiere of Rob Kapilow’s We Came to America, which reflects on the diverse experiences of American immigrants. Our season finale will include Daniil Trifonov’s return to perform Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, plus music from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and a brandnew work by our resident

artistic catalyst, Dani Bernard Roumain. It’s very meaningful as an American orchestra to frame our season around American voices highlighting our musical identity. We are proud that our commitment to diversity and inclusion spotlights many distinct performers, conductors, artists, and composers with which we’re so privileged to work.”

Zhang continued, “One of the most refreshing features of the New Jersey Symphony’s 2023–24 season is our presentation of 12 pieces by 11 living composers, many of whom are women and people of color. We’ve commissioned new works from Jessie Montgomery, Daniel Bernard Roumain, and Anna Clyne. Plus, we will finally premiere Tyshawn Sorey’s For Marcos Balter with Jennifer Koh, which was delayed due to the pandemic. We are also proud to feature music by Kevin Puts, Reena Esmail, Augusta Read Thomas, Gabriela Montero, and David Ludwig, among others.”

Guest conductors during the season include Ruth Reinhardt, Joseph Young, Robert Spano, Jun Märkl, and Markus Stenz. Classical highlights of the season include Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with Joshua Bell as soloist, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with August Hadelich. Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story ; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”; Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra; Elgar’s Enigma Variations; and Orff’s Carmina Burana are also listed.

For a full listing of concerts and related events, visit njsymphony.org.

Summer Faculty Announced

By Princeton Ballet School

Gillian Murphy, artistic associate of American Repertory Ballet and principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, and Unity Phelan, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, will be joining Princeton Ballet School as special guest instructors for select classes during the 2023 Advanced Summer Intensive.

Princeton Ballet School is the official school of American Repertory Ballet. The Advanced Summer Intensive is a five-week program that attracts serious dance students from around the world who wish to improve their technique and artistry.

Unity Phelan

In addition to Murphy and Phelan, the faculty includes Kathleen Moore, Michael Crawford, Ryoko Tanaka, Rebeca Maso, Luis Napoles, and Ana Novoa. For more information, visit arballet.org.

(Photo by Adam Ewing)

Gillian Murphy

VERSATILE VOCALIZING: Moira Smiley brings her music to Christ Congregation Church in a concert presented by the Princeton Folk Music Society on February 17.

PULITZER-WINNING DRAMA: The cast of ActorsNET’s production of “A Delicate Balance,”

MUSICAL PAIR: The indie-folk duo Damsel comes to Princeton Makes in Princeton Shopping Center on Sunday, February 19 at 4 p.m., for the “Java Jam” coffeehouse. Beth Meyers, left, combines her vocalizing with playing viola and ukulele, while Monica Mugan, right, sings and plays guitar and ukulele. The two integrate their background as classical chamber musicians with folk music leanings to create an intricate instrumental sound around tight vocal harmonies. Admission is free.

“Classics in Color”

Chamber Music Concert

Trio Brillante will perform music for flute, oboe, and piano by composers of Black and Hispanic heritage on Sunday, February 12, 3 p.m., at St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church, 1746 South Clinton Avenue in Trenton.

Katherine McClure, flute; Melissa Bohl, oboe; and Esma Pasic-Filipovic, piano, met teaching at Westminster Conservatory, where they performed as a faculty ensemble for many years. McClure and Bohl are members of the Capital Philharmonic New Jersey, which is sponsoring the event.

McClure began her career in Paris and is now an active chamber and orchestral player in the tristate area. As principal flutist she performs with the Strauss Symphony of America, the Riverside Symphonia, and New Yorkbased Lyons Chamber Players. In addition, she plays flute and piccolo with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, the American Repertory Ballet Orchestra, Bay Atlantic Symphony, and Vox Amadeus of Philadelphia, among other regional groups. McClure teaches flute at Westminster Conservatory and the Lawrenceville School and maintains a private studio in Kingston. On the lighter side, she has toured with the Irish Tenors, Patti Lupone, Lee Ann Rimes, Linda Ronstadt, and, most recently, with Marie Osmond in Atlantic City.

Conservatory at Nassau, and the outreach series Music at St. Michael’s in Trenton. She also teaches oboe at the Peddie School and maintains a private studio.

Pasic-Filipovic earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, where she studied with Arbo Valdma. She has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and with orchestras in the former Yugoslavia, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, and the United States. She was staff accompanist at the University of Sarajevo, the Vienna Hochschule für Music, and Westminster Choir College. Until June 2022 she was on the faculty of Westminster Conservatory, where she taught piano and was director of the Honors Music Program. Her students have performed in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, performed with the Westminster Community Orchestra, and are frequent prize-winners at the regional and international level. In 2022 she was selected as a winner of the Steinway Top Teacher Award. She now maintains a private studio in Princeton.

For tickets, visit capitalphilharmonic.org.

Westminster Conservatory Presents Annual Showcase

The Westminster Conservatory will present its annual showcase featuring ensembles and students on Sunday, February 19 at 3 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium.

Performing will be the Westminster Community Orchestra conducted by Dr. Ruth Ochs; Westminster Community Chorus conducted by Alicia Brozovich; Julianna Banfe and Julianna Wong, students of the Honors Music Program; and Evan Chang, Zoë Eby, and Joanna Hou, winners of the Westminster Conservatory Piano Competition. Each soloist will perform with the Community Orchestra. The concert also includes the world premiere of The Tundra by Westminster Choir College of Rider University senior Kyle St. Sauveur.

Chang is a junior at High Technology High School in Lincroft. He has been studying piano for 11 years and is currently a student of Ena Barton. He is a third-year student at the Honors Music Program at Westminster Conservatory. He will perform the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Concert No. 20 in D minor, K 466.

Eby, a senior at Princeton High School, has been playing the piano for 13 years. She has studied with Esme PasicFilipovic for the past 10 years,

R&B TRIO: Boyz II Men, the best-selling rhythm and blues group of all time, comes to the State Theatre New Jersey on Friday, February 10 at 8 p.m.

and currently studies with Phyllis Lehrer. Also a violinist, she has been a member of the Princeton High School Orchestra since her freshman year and is currently co-concertmaster. She will perform the second movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor.

Hou is a freshman at Princeton High School. She has studied piano under Jessica Reyde-Castro for nine years and also studies with Hanchien Lee. At Westminster Conservatory, she has won a previous Concerto Competition and multiple Achievement Award piano competitions. Hou has played at Carnegie Hall for Music Fest and has won first place in the Crescendo Little Mozarts Competition. She will perform the first movement of the Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor.

Banfe and Wong, students in Westminster’s Honors

Music Program, are coached by Danielle Sinclair. They will perform “Che soave zeffiretto” from The Marriage of Figaro.

Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults and $10 for students/seniors. They can be purchased through the Princeton University Box Office at (609) 258-9220, online at tickets.princeton.edu, or at the door the day of the performance. For more information on the concert and the performers, visit rider.edu/arts.

Award-Winning “Boyz” at State Theatre New Jersey State Theatre New Jersey presents Boyz II Men on Friday, February 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $59$234.

Boyz II Men redefined popular R&B, winning four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three

Billboard Awards, a 2011 MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a Casino Entertainment Award for their residency at the Mirage Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, which launched in 2013.

The trio has sold 64 million albums and continues to craft new albums. Past hits include: “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day,” “Motownphilly,” and many others.

In 2011, Boyz II Men marked their 20th anniversary by releasing a landmark album, fittingly titled Twenty. The album contains the group’s first original material in nearly a decade as well as a dozen remastered classic hits.

State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue. Visit stnj.org for tickets.

February 2 - Iain Quinn Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Bohl is the principal oboist of the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, the Orchestra of St. Peterby-the-Sea, the Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra, and the American Repertory Ballet Orchestra. She plays oboe and English horn with the Plainfield Symphony and performs regularly with many other area musical organizations, including the Garden State Symphonic Band and the Central Jersey Symphonic Orchestra. At Westminster Conservatory she teaches oboe and is head of the woodwind, brass, and percussion department. She has coordinated several faculty performance series, including the Kaleidoscope Chamber Series, Gallery Concerts, the noontime series Westminster

February 9 * Thomas Sheehan

“STORM COMING”: This painting is part of “Paintings and Sculptures by Leroy Johnson,” on view at The Gallery at Mercer County Community College through March 24. The public is invited to an opening reception on February 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Communications Building on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus.

Works by Leroy Johnson

At The Gallery at MCCC

The Gallery at Mercer County Community College now presents “Paintings and Sculptures by Leroy Johnson.” The exhibition is on view through March 24, with an opening reception on February 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Gallery is located on the College’s West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road in the Communications Building. It is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 12 to 7 p.m.

Johnson, who passed away in 2022, was born in 1937 in the Eastwick community of Southwest Philadelphia. He was a self-proclaimed “urban expressionist” whose work was shaped by African American history and life in the inner city. Largely self-taught, Johnson sought to create mixed media through painting, collage, and assemblage sculpture within the “Arte Povera” movement — an Italian art movement from the late 1960s to 1970s whose artists explored a range of unconventional processes and non-traditional “everyday” materials.

Exhibiting widely, Johnson considered his works a tapestry of the past, present, and future. Former shows include those at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Tirza Yalon Kolton Ceramic Gallery (Tel Aviv), Gloucester County College (Sewell), and the Camden County Historical Society, to name a few. He received grants from the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, the Independence Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Council on the

Arts; and was a 2014 Pew Fellow at the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage. In 2019 he was an artist-in-residence at the Barnes Foundation’s public-facing studio on the sidewalk and was a participating or resident artist for many community-based art projects, including at IleIfe, The Village of Arts and Humanities, Taller Puertoqueno, the Church of the Advocate, and St. Francis Academy.

In a 2019 interview for WHYY public radio, Kathleen Greene, Barnes’ curator of public programs, described Johnson as “A constant heartbeat within the Philadelphia artistic scene … always present, always working, and always relevant.”

Lucas Kelly, director of The Gallery at Mercer County Community College said, “I am proud to bring Leroy Johnson’s work to MCCC. An icon of Philadelphia’s art community, through his work he acts as a documentarian, contributor, critic, and champion of the ever-changing cultural landscape of the city. His work is as much a mirror as it is a scene. Special thanks to Genevieve Carminati of the Leroy Johnson Estate for helping to make this exhibition a reality.”

A fan of jazz, Johnson once described how he would like to be remembered. “I want history to see me as an artist who had something to say, and saying it in an elegant way,” he said. “Like Thelonious Monk, playing my own notes.”

The exhibition at The Gallery at MCCC is free and is open to the public. For more information, visit mccc.edu/ gallery or email gallery@ mccc.edu. Note that masks are recommended but not required.

“Where Color Meets Memory” On View at Arts Council

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) will show “Where Color Meets Memory,” an exhibition of collaged paintings and atmospheric sculpture by artists Dolores Poacelli and Katie Truk, February 11 through March 11 in the Arts Council’s Taplin Gallery. The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, February 11 from 3-5 p.m.

Poacelli and Truk have an intuitive relationship to color and form while applying metaphors of human emotions. Brilliant colors cascade through their pieces, charging their compositions and rejecting static confines of interior space.

Poacelli’s collaged paintings are pools of energetic colors and anthropomorphic shapes that rhythmically dance from foreground to background in rich textured atmospheres.

Truk’s sculpture are also rich in textured atmospheres. She plays with light on her vivid kaleidoscopes of layered transparent pantyhose as the viewer shifts their movement and viewpoint.

“Relationships are never easy,” said Poacelli, “especially those between color, shape, texture, space. And especially tension. No matter what the medium or material — everything from recycled aluminum press plates to cardboard — I attempt to create a tension in each piece: the all-important proportion, the placement and relationship of one shape to another shape and one color to another color in search of an essence, a simplicity. The relationship of the work to the viewer hopefully connects the universal to the personal.” In “Where Color Meets Memory,” Poacelli’s anthropomorphic shapes are floating, clinging, existing in interior spaces, employing intense color and collage.

Truk’s pieces are a marriage of sensual malleability of pantyhose and the rigidity of wire. Internal conversation and motion are induced within the static confine. Thread binds and extends the aggression and vulner -

“15/38/27”: This work by Katie Truck is featured in “Where

tion of pantyhose and wire

February 11 through March 11 at

Arts Council

are “Train of Thoughts,” collaborative mixed media works by Donna Payton, Kathleen Preziosi, and Libby Ramage, drawings by Mary Dolan, and the Princeton Sketchbook Club library collection.

The Arts Council of Princeton is located at 102 Witherspoon Street. For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.

“Color has the subliminal power to invoke emotions and memory,” said Truk. “Just like our other senses, it can transport us back through time to an experience or reaction. I use color intentionally or instinctively to manipulate that subconscious mood while implying movement to the static forms within the presented microcosm. Though all of my artworks being exhibited are from different series, the one uniting denominator is color.”

Also on view in the Arts

Council of Princeton’s Paul Robeson Center for the Arts

“New Year, New Art” at Gallery 14 in Hopewell Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell kicks off its spring season of exhibits with a members exhibition of new works and favorite pieces on view February 11 through March 5. In “New Year, New Art,” each member will be showing a selection of work in an eclectic show that highlights the diversity of photography and styles.

A Meet the Artists event is on Sunday, February 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.

“Midway through the season we want to show off

what the members have to offer,” said Philip “Dutch” Bagley, gallery president.

“With both longtime members and new members, we look forward to bringing the community an exciting array of photographic fine art.”

An opening reception is on Saturday, February 11 from 3-5 p.m. ability, echoing life’s twists, turns, and pulling within our rigorous regulations and expectations. Pantyhose is strong yet unique in color and composition. Each has its own breaking point and beauty in complexity of layered strength and texture. Free of pedestal or directed viewpoint allows change in perspective, which is necessary to explore the depth of understanding of the whole picture.

The exhibit will feature works by all of the member artists: Alina Marin-Bliach, West Windsor; John Clarke, Pennington; Alice Grebanier, Branchburg; Larry Parsons, Princeton; Charles Miller, Ringoes; Philip “Dutch” Bagley, Elkins Park, Pa.; Martin Schwartz, East Windsor; Joel Blum, East Windsor; John Strintzinger, Elkins Park, Pa.; Mary Leck, Kendall Park; David Ackerman, Hopewell; Scott Hoerl, Yardley, Pa.; and Bennett Povlow, Elkins Park, Pa. Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography is located at 14 Mercer Street in Hopewell.

It is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment by emailing galleryfourteen@yahoo. com. For more information, visit gallery14.org

Color Meets Memory,” an exhibi-

sculpture by Truk and collaged paintings by Dolores Poacelli, on view

the

of Princeton.

“OPALESCENT WATERS”: This work by Charles Miller is part of “New Year, New Art,” on view February 11 through March 5 at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell. A Meet the Artists reception is on February 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.

“UNTITLED PORTRAIT #16”: This 2020 work by Barbara Bullock is part of “Our His-story Month,” on view through February 26 at the Dupree Gallery in Lambertville. A reception on February 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Our His-story Month”

At Dupree Gallery

For Black History Month, the Dupree Gallery in Lambertville presents “Our Hisstory Month,” is on view through February 26. A reception is on February 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This exhibition showcases the importance of Black voices in the art world, institutions, and society as a whole. The artwork on display is from a range of Black artists from local and national communities. Dupree Gallery is a Black-owned business founded by artist James E. Dupree, a native of Philadelphia. It has locations in both Philadelphia and Lambertville.

“There is an excellent quality, diversity, and range of artists exhibiting in this show,” said Dupree. “They are all a variety of emerging, established, and master artists. I want the legacy I established in my 50 years in Philadelphia to resonate here in Lambertville, and to continue building upon my legacy in the fourth quarter of my life.”

The artists featured in this exhibition are: Barbara Bullock, Bernard Collins, James E. Dupree, Claes Gabriel, E.B. Lewis, Phillip M. McConnell, Alloyius Mcilwaine,

Sana Musasama, Preston Philmore, Serena Saunders, Jose A. Sebourne, Siri0m Singh, Don Stephens, Raphael Tiberino, Roederick Vines, Michael A. Wallace, Richard J. Watson, and Kenny White.

The Dupree Gallery is located at 10 North Union Street in Lambertville and 703 South 6th Street in Philadelphia. For more information, call (640) 2038356 or email DupreeGallery@gmail.com.

Call for Art: Annual Doylestown Arts

Festival

Planning efforts are now underway for the 2023 Doylestown Arts Festival, a celebration of art, culture, and community. This year’s event will return to the historic streets of Doylestown, Pa., on September 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is free to the public and designed for all ages to enjoy.

Festival organizers are accepting independent artist applications and live performer applications online through April 8. Participating artists and musicians will have the opportunity to showcase their unique talents to thousands of locals and visitors in a pop-up outdoor marketplace that takes

over downtown Doylestown. Known for attracting an audience of buyers and collectors, the Doylestown Arts Festival has supported local and regional artists and performers for over 30 years.

The Festival is also seeking partnerships with local art and cultural institutions that are interested in being on site at the annual event.

The Doylestown Arts Festival promotes Doylestown and Bucks County on a national level, including putting a spotlight on Doylestown’s art and cultural district. To round out the experience, the Doylestown Arts Festival is seeking additional applications for art-based activities to help to build an exciting energy throughout the event and unify the town-wide experience around the arts. Applications for art activities and cultural partners are open through April 8. For more information about this year’s festival, visit dtownartsfestival.com.

Works by Alia Bensliman

Now at Lawrenceville School

“From North Africa to North America,” a solo exhibition of works by Alia Bensliman, is on view in the Hutchins Galleries at The Lawrenceville School through April 8. An opening reception is on Thursday, February 16 at 6:30 p.m.

In the exhibition, Bensliman shares with viewers her journey as a Tunisian artist who moved from “a fairly homogenous culture to the very diverse and heterogenous melting pot that is the U.S.” She said this move opened her eyes to new cultures, to different philosophies and views. It also allowed her to learn new techniques and methods. It gave her a feeling of freedom to spread her wings as an artist, to develop her skills, and have a deeper understanding of herself and others.

The Lawrenceville School is located at 2500 Main Street in Lawrenceville. Visit lawrenceville.org for gallery hours. For more information about Bensliman, visit aliabenslimanart.com.

Area Exhibits

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

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

Art on Hulfish, 11 Hulfish Street, has “You Belong Here: Place, People, and Purpose in Latinx Photography” February 11 through May 7. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, has “Where Color Meets Memory” February 11 through March 11 and “Train of Thoughts” February 11 through April 15. An opening reception is on Saturdday, February 11 from 3-5 p.m. artscouncilofprinceton.org.

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

Dupree Gallery, 10 North Union Street, Lambertville, has “Our His-story Month” through February 26. A reception is on February 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. dupreegallery@gmail.com.

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

Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography, 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell, has “New Year, New Art Members Exhibition” February 11 through March

5. A Meet the Artists reception is on Sunday, February 12 from 1-3 p.m. Gallery14. org.

Gourgaud Gallery, 23A-A North Main Street, Cranbury, has “Princeton High School Emerging Artists Showcase 2023” through February 26. cranburyartscouncil.org.

Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, has “Nightforms: Infinite Wave” by Kip Collective through April 2, among other exhibits. Timed tickets required. groundsforsculpture.org.

Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, has “Einstein Salon and Innovator’s Gallery,” “Princeton’s Portrait,” and other exhibits. Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m., Thursday to 7 p.m. princetonhistory.org

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, has “Ma Bell: The Mother of Invention in New Jersey” through March 5 and the online exhibits “Slavery at Morven,” “Portrait of Place: Paintings, Drawings, and Prints of New Jersey, 1761–

1898,” and others. morven. org.

The Nassau Club, 6 Mercer Street, has “Christine Seo: Princeton Solo Show” through June 4. An opening reception is on March 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. christineseo.com.

Phillips’ Mill, 2619 River Road, New Hope, Pa., has “10 th Annual Youth Art Exhibition” through February 19. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. phillipsmill.org.

Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, has “Manifesting Love: Prints and Poetry” and “In Between Doodles” through March 25. princetonlibrary.org.

Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, has screen prints by Ilanit Dotan Fuchs through March 7. “Eoin McInerney” is at the 254 Nassau Street location through February 7. smallworldcoffee.com.

West Windsor Arts Center, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, has “Manifesting Beloved Community” through March 4. westwindsorarts.org.

“RESTING GODDESS”: This work by Alia Bensliman is featured in “From North Africa to North America,” on view in the Hutchins Galleries at The Lawrenceville School through April 8. An opening reception is on February 16 at 6:30 p.m.

ART AT LABYRINTH: Paintings by artist Cliff Tisdell honoring Southern writer Carson McCullers are on exhibit at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street, through February 28. Labyrinth owner Dorothea von Moltke and Tisdell, shown here, hope to stir interest in McCullers’ work with young readers who may not be familiar with her.

Mark Your Calendar Town Topics

Wednesday, February 8

8:30 -9:30 a.m.: Business Before Business, presented by Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber. Virtual networking event. Princetonmercer.org.

11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Black History Month Trivia in the Student Center cafeteria of Mercer County Community College, West Windsor. Free. Mccc.edu.

7 p.m.: “Freedom to All: New Jersey’s African-American Civil War Soldiers,” 435 Nassau Street, presented by Mercer County Library System. Author/historian Joseph G. Bilby is the speaker. Email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register.

7 p.m.: “Jewish Doubt,” a hybrid class sponsored by The Jewish Center Princeton, with Fordham University professor Ayala Fader and Princeton University professor Leora Batnitzky; about Fader’s research in ultra-Orthodox communities focused on those who secretly explored the outside world. Register at bit. ly/Jewishdoubt.

8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton

Country Dancers presents a contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. $15. Bob Isaacs and Alex Burka with Crossing the Millstone. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Thursday, February 9

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Princeton Farmers Market at the Dinky train station lot. Local farms, baked goods, artisan foods, gifts, and more. Free parking.

3-5 p.m.: The film Fruitvale Station is screened at CM 108 on the West Windsor campus of Mercer County Community College, followed by a chat. Free. Mccc.edu.

6:45 p.m.: Mercer’s Best Toastmasters Club meets at Lawrence Community Center, 295 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrence Township. Free. Mercersbest.toastmastersclubs.org.

7 p.m.: Astrophysicists Jill Knapp and Neta Bahcall discuss their contributions to the anthology The Sky is for Everyone: Women Astronomers in Their Own Words , with science writer Liz Fuller-Wright at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

7:30 p.m.: Pianist Fred Hersch performs “Breath by Breath,” responding to illness through jazz, with Drew Gress on bass, Jochen Ruckert on drums, and the Crosby Street String Quartet, at Richardson Auditorium. Presented by Princeton University Concerts. $10-$40. Concerts.princeton.edu.

7:30 p.m.: Opera Theater Rutgers with Rutgers Symphony Orchestra presents La Boheme at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $5$15. Gorutgers.edu/NBPAC

Friday, February 10 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: The Hunterdon Çounty Rug

Artisans Guild holds its monthly meeting at Raritan Township Police Depart ment, 2 Municipal Drive, Flemington. Guests wel come. Hcrag.com.

5:30-8 p.m.: entine’s Day Night Out,” at Princeton MarketFair. Guests receive a gift bag, and there are exclusive shopping experiences. $35. Marketfairshoppes.com.

7:30 p.m.: Opera The ater Rutgers with Rutgers Symphony Orchestra pres ents La Boheme Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Av enue, New Brunswick. $5$15. Gorutgers.edu/NB PAC.

8 p.m.: Boyz II Men per form at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Av enue, New Brunswick. $59$234. Stnj.org.

Saturday, February 11

9 a.m.-12 p.m.: erational Wealth Summit” at Kelsey Theatre, on the Mercer County Community College campus in West Windsor. Homebuyer and financial literacy workshops.

9:30-11 a.m.: and Humans with Williams Syndrome,” with Bridgett von Holdt of Princeton Uni versity. Held at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab as part of the Science on Saturday lecture series. 100 Stellara tor Road. Coffee and donuts at 8:30 a.m. Pppl.gov.

12-5 p.m.: Wine and Chocolate Wine Trail Week end at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Part nering with Pierre’s Choco lates of New Hope, Pa. Live music from 1-4 p.m. Terhu neorchards.com.

1 and 4 p.m.:gie Walker Story , a play about the first Black female bank owner, is performed at Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor. Mccc.edu.

7:30-11 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents an English Country dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. $15. With Judi Rivkin. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

7:30 p.m.: Opera Theater Rutgers with Rutgers Symphony Orchestra presents La Boheme at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $5$15. Gorutgers.edu/NBPAC.

8 p.m.: The Jazz-funk band Solid Bronze performs at Studio 17, 17 Seminary Avenue, Hopewell. $15. Soulselects.com.

8 p.m.: “For the Love of It,” jazz concert featuring Camille Thurman with Princeton University’s Jazz Vocal Collective; new collaboration with McCarter Theatre, at the Berlind Theatre, 91 University Place. $15-$25. Mccarter.org.

Sunday, February 12 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Super Bowl Sunday Flea Market at Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Skillman.

Furniture, kitchen items, an tiques, bric-a-brac, art, linen, jewelry, garden items, toys, and more. (609) 921-8972.

12-5 p.m.: Wine and Chocolate Wine Trail Week end at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Part nering with Pierre’s Choco lates of New Hope, Pa. Live music from 1-4 p.m. Terhu neorchards.com.

2 p.m.: Opera Theater Rutgers with Rutgers Symphony Orchestra presents La Boheme at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $5-$15. Gorutgers.edu/NBPAC.

3 p.m.: Chamber concert, “Classics in Color,” at St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church, 1746 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton. Flutist Katherine McClure, oboist Melissa Bohl, and pianist Esme Pasic-Filipovic perform. Capitalphilharmonic.org.

4 p.m.: The Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs meets at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, Route 206 at Cherry Hill Road, for a choral reading of Beethoven’s Mass in Vocal scores provided $10 (free for students and non-singing guests). Musicalamateurs.org.

Monday, February 13 Recycling

4:30-6 p.m.: “Meet the Superintendent” in the lobby of Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Parents, students, and community members are invited to meet Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Carol Kelley during open office hours. Princetonlibrary.org.

Tuesday, February 14

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

7:30 p.m.: Meeting of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton at Peyton Hall, Princeton University. “Cosmic Clockwork: Occultations, Eclipses, and Transits” by speaker John Church. Also available on Zoom. Princetonastronomy.org.

8 p.m.: The Jersey Tenors perform at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $30-$40. Nbpac.org.

Wednesday, February 15

6 p.m.: Princeton Public Library Board of Trustees meeting, in the Community Room unless otherwise noted. 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

6:30 p.m.: Free screening of 13th, a documentary by Ava DuVernay about race, justice, and mass incarceration, is at YWCA Princeton, 59 Paul Robeson Place. Free. Register at ywcaprinceton.org.

7 p.m.: “The Life of Belle da Costa Greene,” virtual event presented by Mercer County Library System with Princeton University Art Museum docent Jeanne

Johnson. Greene was a prominent librarian who worked at Princeton University library and the Pierpont Morgan Library. Email hopeprogs@mcl.org to reg -

8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Jan Alter with Contra Rebels. $15. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Thursday, February 16

3-5 p.m.: The Hate You is screened in Room CM 108 at Mercer County Community College, followed by a chat. Mccc.edu.

6 p.m.: “Resilience and Joy: A Black History Month Celebration” featuring Trenton Children’s Chorus with artist and poet Phillip McConnell, at Artworks, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton. Free. Capitalharmony.works.

7-8:30 p.m.: Story & Verse Open Mic: Poetry, Storytelling and Spoken Word, at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. This month’s theme is “Bad Romance,” to be interpreted as broadly as the performer wishes. Hosted by Brass Rabbit. Free. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

7:30 p.m.: Violinist Alexi

Kenney presents “Shifting Ground,” with music by Bach and contemporary composers, at Richardson Auditorium. $10-$40. Puc. princeton.edu.

8:30 p.m.: “On Being,” performance by the Lewis Center for the Arts Program in Dance at Hearst Theater, Lewis Arts complex, Princeton University campus. Works by seniors Becca Berman and Leah Emmanuel. Free. Arts.princeton.edu.

Friday, February 17

5:15 p.m.: “Cocktails in the Corridor featuring The Caracas Collection,” artwork presentation with Rebecca Meurer before Shabbat services at The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street. Drinks, snacks, socializing. Register at thejewishcenter.org.

6:30 p.m.: Thomas Edison Film Festival, sponsored by Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts. James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau Street. Screening followed by questionand-answer session. Free. Arts.princeton.edu.

7 p.m.: Celebrate Mardi Gras at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Area musicians perform during the “My Big, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras

Party,” after-hours multimedia celebration of the music and spirit of New Orleans. Princetonlibrary.org.

7:30 p.m.: Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine. With conductor Theodore Kuchar and pianist Oksana Rapita in works by Stankovych, Grieg, and Beethoven at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $17.50-$70. Stnj.org.

8 p.m.: The Princeton Folk Music Society presents multi-instrumentalist Moira Smiley at Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, and livestreamed over YouTube. $5-$25. Princetonfolk.org.

8 and 9 p.m.: “Disorder,” immersive theatrical installation presented by Lewis Center for the Arts Program in Theater at the Wallace Theater, Lewis Arts complex, Princeton University. Free; advance registration required. Arts.princeton.edu.

8:30 p.m.: “On Being,” performance by the Lewis Center for the Arts Program in Dance at Hearst Theater, Lewis Arts complex, Princeton University campus. Works by seniors Becca Berman and Leah Emmanuel. Free. Arts.princeton.edu.

Wide Array of Arrangements, Bouquets, and More Are Available At Wildflowers of Princeton Junction

“To see a world in a grain of sand

And a heaven in a wildflower.”

—William Blake

Flowers are a gift on so many levels. Whether carefully planned as part of a backyard landscape, or blooming free and unrestrained in a meadow, or as artfully designed arrangements and bouquets created by professional florists, they are a continuing miracle of beauty and enjoyment

IT’S NEW To Us

Especially appreciating this wonder of nature is expert horticulturalist Michael Piccioni. Co-owner with Ed Getty of Wildflowers of Princeton Junction, he has a long history in the floral industry.

Originally from Pottsville, Pa., he grew up in a family steeped in the natural world. “My grandfather, who emigrated from Italy, was a farmer, and I grew up surrounded by gardens, From the age of 10, I also helped out in my aunt’s flower shop, and it was all very natural to me.”

He went on to study horticulture at Penn State, and then worked in a flower shop in Philadelphia before he and Getty opened Wildflowers in 1985. Getty specializes in the administrative end of the business, as well as providing technical and lighting services at events.

Rural Setting

Initially located in Grovers Mill, the business later moved to its current location at 315 Cranbury Road in Princeton Junction. The rural setting appealed to the owners. The location was once part of a very large farm, and the 150 year-old building which houses their business was originally a cider mill.

“This area has a lot of history,” points out Piccioni. “Nearby was a depot where riders bought tickets to take the trolley to Newark and New Brunswick. Famous people, such as Woodrow Wilson, spent time here, and Grover Cleveland and the Marquis de Lafayette, of Revolutionary War fame, had houses near here.

“In addition, Grovers Mill was the site of the famous ‘War of the Worlds’ radio broadcast by Orson Welles in 1938.”

His fictitious story was so realistic that many listeners expected the imminent invasion of Martians; word spread rapidly, and Welles had to explain that indeed it was just a story!

“This is really an excellent location,” adds Piccioni. “We love the setting, and its proximity to Princeton is a plus. We get customers from all around the area, as well as from New York City and really all over. We have great word-of-mouth.”

Wildflowers is a full-service florist, offering superb arrangements, bouquets, baskets, and more.

Friendly Service

What is your pleasure? Roses? Tulips? Dahlias?

Orchids? Wildflowers can provide whatever you desire, and with prompt, friendly service, including same day deliveries,

It is known for its unique, original, and imaginative arrangements that set it apart. The style, the technique, the use of color and texture are hallmarks of a Wildflowers creation,

“We always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect,” says Piccioni.

“We are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and personal service. People can call us directly, and we’ll have a conversation. They know they can count on us to create something special.”

He adds that the name “Wildflowers” was appealing for their business. “We liked the natural idea of wildflowers. We grow some of our own plants, and we also forage for them, and often find something special and unusual. We also have access to local wholesalers with a large inventory.”

Wildflowers is set apart in many ways, as its longtime, loyal customers are quick to point out.

“I have never seen anything like this arrangement! It is gorgeous!” “Your arrangements are the longestlasting I have ever had.” “The combination of color and texture is so vivid. Truly amazing!”

These are just some comments that typically describe customers’ pleasure after receiving a Wildflowers creation.

Mother-Son Team

Former Princeton resident and longtime owner of the popular Main Street restaurants, Sue Simpkins has had an ongoing relationship with Wildflowers. She and her son John Marshall were part of a mother-son business team, who enjoyed displaying the Wildflowers designs at the restaurants.

“We began with a consignment arrangement for their flowers at Main Street in Kingston, and we continued our relationship when we opened the Main Street Bistro in Princeton, where they provided weekly floral arrangements for us,” explains Simpkins.

“We discovered how very talented they were, and have been impressed with Michael’s natural artistic gift and ability to combine the flowers and create his own one-of-a-kind results. Not only are they gorgeous in the beginning, but they continue to extend their beauty over a long period of time.

“Although I have retired to Florida, every time I have reason to send flowers to Princeton, I always call Wildflowers. And everyone who receives an arrangement or orchid from Wildflowers never forgets it!”

Marshall echoes Simpkins’ comments, adding that he was so impressed with Piccioni’s expertise that he engaged Wildflowers to provide the floral decorations for his wedding.

He emphasizes the originality of Piccioni’s arrangements, so free of the commonplace aspect of the more commercial floral products. ”Michael’s creations are astonishingly,

refreshingly innovative. He takes such care to make them personal and unique.”

Famous Names

Wildflowers’ many customers include people from all walks of life, and among them a number of famous names. The late Toni Morrison enjoyed Wildflowers’ creations, reports Piccioni.

“Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey also were customers. We have had ongoing relationships with Princeton University, the Cranbury Library, Jasna Polana, many churches, restaurants, businesses, and hotels throughout the area.”

Farther afield, New York City’s Waldorf Astoria has also been a client.

Events of all kinds are a specialty, including weddings, parties, picnics, and also funerals. In addition, the firm provides weekly deliveries to individual residences, as well as to companies and institutions.

“We do home planters outside residences, which can be seasonal, with different plants at different times,” adds Piccioni. “Evergreens for winter, flowers for spring, for example. In addition, we decorate people’s houses for the holidays with Christmas wreaths, garlands, and trees, which come from Pennsylvania.

Piccioni is busy all the time with ongoing requests from individuals and companies. Whether it is a big display for an event, or individual arrangement, or a single rose, he gives each his careful attention and special expertise.

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times of all, he says, along with Mother’s Day and Christmas.

Beautiful Flowers

“We were also very busy doing the height of COVID. We did a lot of deliveries to people’s homes. Since they were not going out as often, they wanted to add beautiful flowers to their homes.”

Piccioni and Getty look forward to continuing the business they love.

As Piccioni says, “This is a special business for us. I’ve been in the flower business for 55 years, and I feel I am carrying on what my family did. I am really a conglomerate of everything I learned. I encompass everyone who taught me over the years. I learned from them all. My grandfather, my aunt and her flower shop, were all part of it. I feel I am continuing what they did, and it all comes together.

“And now, we have second generation customers, the children of our original customers, and their children. It is wonderful to continue this tradition, and we really have a special connection with our customers, who are truly friends and family. And our longtime staff members are so important to us. These connections are everything.”

Wildflowers is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Online purchases are also available from the website: wildflowerspj.com. For more information, call (609) 2756060.

—Jean Stratton

FABULOUS

“My arrangements are very personalized, truly one-of-a-kind. Everything is made in-house, and I always try to create something special for the customer.” Michael Piccioni, co-owner of Wildflowers of Princeton Junction, is pleased to create imaginative arrangements, such as those shown here, and he is proud of the firm’s exceptional and longstanding reputation.

FLORALS:

S ports

Austin Helps PU Men’s Basketball Overcome Cornell, Giving Henderson 200th Win on Historic Night for Tigers

History was both celebrated and made as the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Cornell last Friday night.

Before the contest, which matched teams tied atop the Ivy League standings, Princeton held a ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the storied 1996-1998 Tiger teams that posted a 73-13 overall record and a 40-2 league mark.

A large contingent of players and coaches from those squads was on hand and introduced to the cheers of the Jadwin Gym crowd. The last two players recognized were the head coaches facing off in the Ivy showdown, Princeton’s Mitch Henderson ’98 and Cornell’s Brian Earl ’99.

“We were so lucky to be influenced by such great mentors and such great coaches,” said Henderson, noting that former coaches Bill Carmody, John Thomson III, and Howard Levy were all present for the event.

“It is a really rare thing. What you want as a head coach for your team is to experience what we got to experience, which is a really special group of guys with great players and great people. When you come here, you want to make your mark because there have been so many teams before you that

have done so. It was just amazing to see so many people — 25 years is a long time ago.”

That experience has greatly impacted Henderson’s coaching approach.

“There are pieces of Brian, Sydney [Johnson], Steve Goodrich, Bill, Joe [Scott], John and Howie in what I do; almost everything I say is regurgitated from somebody else,” said Henderson, noting that Tiger coach Pete Carril, who passed away this past August, was also a huge influence on his coaching.

“Everything should be cited, and then you have put your own stamp on it. It has never been lost on me, how lucky you get to come here. I felt that today. It was very emotional after those teams walked off the floor. It really hit me hard.”

The clash against Cornell turned into an emotional contest as Princeton found itself trailing 45-35 at halftime before rallying for a hard-earned 89-82 win before a crown of 2,241.

“We were really in trouble, I thought it was a tale of two halves,” said Henderson. “At halftime it was quiet, we were stunned. They really threw everything at us. I thought with 17 minutes left in the game, we started to get deflections, and we started to put it on them a little bit. This group has a lot of toughness.”

That group helped Henderson make some history of his own with the victory marking his 200th career win at Princeton as he became just the third coach in program history to achieve that milestone along with Carril (514) and Franklin (Cappy) Cappon (250).

“Really good players make good coaches and we have had really terrific players and staff,” said Henderson, reflecting on that achievement. “We’re really well prepared and we feel like we have been fortunate to get involved with some really special people and players. I feel like I am the beneficiary of that.”

Princeton has a special player in freshman guard Deven Austin who tallied 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds against Cornell, highlighted by some thunderous dunks.

“It is just stepping up to the challenge and trying to see the challenge that they bring,” said Austin, who stepped up again a night later, scoring 10 points to help Princeton defeat Columbia 88-66 and improve to 16-6 overall and 7-2 Ivy.

“The pressure that they apply to us is something that we have faced before. Stepping up in the big moments is something I have tried to do.”

GETTING IN RHYTHM: Princeton University men’s basketball player Deven Austin dribbles upcourt last Saturday against Columbia. Freshman guard Austin scored 10 points to help Princeton defeat the Lions 88-66. A night earlier, Austin scored 13 points and had eight rebounds as Princeton rallied to edge Cornell 89-82 and give head coach Mitch Henderson his 200th career victory. Princeton, now 16-6 overall and 7-2 Ivy League, plays at Dartmouth on February 11.

Over the course of the season, Austin’s diligence has helped him step into a key role for the Tigers.

“It is working, coming in after practice and before practice trying to get extra shots up,” said Austin, a 6’6, 180-pound native of Vernon, Conn., who is now averaging 5.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game. “The coaching staff just believed in me, I am thankful for that. As the year went on, it is the coaching staff encouraging me and my teammates encouraging me, telling me you are going to be good, you are going to be good. It just brings out the best in me.”

Henderson believes the best is yet to come for the precocious Austin.

“Deven has been working,” said Henderson of Austin, who was later named the Ivy Rookie of the Week. “Deven, in my opinion, can be one of the best defensive players in the league. We want to see that continue to grow. This is a good game to see that.”

Sophomore guard Blake Peters also had a very good game for the Tigers, scoring 16 points in 10 minutes off the bench, hitting on five of seven 3-pointers.

“Really nothing was going through my head; I was watching Top Gun Maverick the other day, and it is “Don’t think, just do,” said Peters, reflecting on his unconscious shooting from the perimeter. “I tried to do that. Cornell kept leaving me and I tried to find the space. I am hearing my teammates on the bench and in the game saying shoot it, shoot it. That gives me a lot of confidence.”

Even though he is coming off the bench, Peters has learned to keep his head in the game.

“You just know your time is coming, I sit on the bench and always try to stay locked in to what they are doing,” says Peters, who has 15 points in 16 minutes of action in an 87-65 loss to Yale on January 28. “I try to see what coverage they are in, that helps me and the others stay locked into the game. You never really know when you are going in. I know what my role is and I am very comfortable with it, so when I go out there I can make shots and big plays.”

Having a weapon like Peters has been a big plus for Henderson.

“Blake was terrific at Yale and here,” said Henderson, who also got 17 points from Tosan Evbuomwan against Cornell with Matt Allocco chipping in 16 points and Caden Pierce contributing 13 points and 10 rebounds. “We have asked a lot of Blake. To get 31 points off the bench in two games; it is really good to get points like that.”

Henderson is hoping the Tigers can stay in a good groove as they play at Dartmouth on February 11.

“We were off from school for so long and I don’t like that for us because you get out of schedule,” said Henderson, whose team is now one game ahead of Yale (16-6 overall, 6-3 Ivy) in the league standings. “It is good to be on a schedule and make sure that your stuff is correct and right. You start to get back into that rhythm. This is the kind of game that you want to see carry over.”

—Bill Alden

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

goals for this year, but the six months after this season ends is going to be pretty important for them. Once you have a framework for danger is around every corner, your training becomes so much more focused. You have a greater sense of urgency. You don’t know what it’s like when you come in as a freshman.”

Princeton is balanced between its experienced and inexperienced wrestlers. They are at different levels and realistically have different goals, but Ayres is hopeful that the new members can pick up on what enabled his top wrestlers to develop well.

“All the guys are doing the same things training-wise,” said Ayres. “How you compete determines what makes them better. Our guys need to take notes. They may stay

for a year to train, but those examples aren’t in the room forever.”

Princeton has had enough bright spots to know it could finish the season on a huge high. The Tigers are focused on being more consistent down the stretch, and bringing to the mat the mentality that they can beat anyone, just as they saw in Nate Dugan as he picked up his biggest win of his career against Cornell.

“We’re hoping it catches on,” said Ayres. “We’re wishing it happened a little sooner. The inconsistencies are killing us. But I think we can beat Penn. We want to be a disrupter. We could win that match even though we’re not supposed to. We have some more things ahead us and we’ll see what we can do.”

— Justin Feil

PU Sports Roundup

Tiger Men’s Hockey

Defeats Dartmouth

Exploding for five goals in the third period, the Princeton University men’s hockey defeated Dartmouth 7-3 last Friday.

Junior forward Ian Murphy led the way for Princeton, tallying three goals and one assist as the Tigers improved to 11-12 overall and 7-9 ECAC Hockey.

In upcoming action, Princeton plays at St. Lawrence on February 10 and at Clarkson on February 11.

PU Women’s Hockey

Edges Dartmouth

Posting its third straight win, the Princeton University women’s hockey edged Dartmouth 2-1 last Saturday. Maggie Connors and Issy Wunder scored the goals for the Tigers as they moved to 12-11-1 overall and 8-10 ECAC Hockey.

In upcoming action, Princeton hosts Union on February 10 and Rensselaer on February 11.

match-high 17 kills to help the Tigers prevail 25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 25-22 in their home opener.

Princeton, now 3-5, hosts CSUN (Cal State Northridge) on February 8 and St. Francis Brooklyn on February 11.

Pole Vaulter Guttormsen

Excels at New Mexico Event

Continuing his superb senior campaign, star pole vaulter Sondre Guttormsen reached new heights as the Princeton University men’s track team competed at the New Mexico Collegiate Invitational last weekend in Albuquerque, N.M.

Guttormsen took first place in the men’s pole vault with a new indoor personal record of 19’4.25. Guttormsen’s latest effort is the fifth highest jump in NCAA history.

In addition, Guttormsen, a native of Ski, Norway, has also now set a new No. 1 alltime Princeton performance, the Ivy League record, and continues to hold the No. 1 performance in the NCAA this year. He will also set a new Norwegian indoor record with the jump in Albuquerque.

In upcoming action, Princeton will compete in the BU David Hemery Valentine

Invitational from February 1011 in Boston, Mass., and the Big Apple Invitational at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, N.Y.

Tiger Women’s Track Competes in NM, NY

Competing in meets in New Mexico and New York City, the Princeton University women’s track team produced several excellent performances.

In the New Mexico Collegiate Invitational last weekend in Albuquerque, N.M., freshman Tessa Mudd took fifth in the pole vault with a best mark of 13’11.

In the Scarlet Knights Open at The Armory in New York City, freshman Alexandra Kelly starred, taking fi rst in both the long jump and triple jump. Senior Maggie Hock placed second in the 600-meter run and freshman Morgan Monesmith took second in the 1,000.

The Tigers will be competing in two meets next weekend as they take part in the BU David Hemery Valentine Invitational from February 10-11 in Boston, Mass., and the Giegengack Invitational in New Haven, Conn.

Sophomore Star Beatty Comes Through in the Clutch

As PHS Boys’ Hockey Rallies to 6-5 Win Over Paul VI

Even though the Princeton High boys’ hockey team trailed Paul VI 4-0 late in the second period last Wednesday, Brendan Beatty and his PHS teammates weren’t fazed.

“We just had to play as one team,” said Tiger sophomore forward Beatty. “We just had to stay positive, nobody had their heads down.”

Beatty produced a positive moment for PHS, scoring a goal with 1:38 left in the second period to get the Tigers on the board.

“I just saw the shot and took the shot and TT Zhao was in front of the net screening the goalie,” said Beatty. “I just took the shot and the goalie didn’t see the puck.”

In the third period, the Tigers buried shots, putting together a furious rally which saw them outscore the Eagles 5-1 over the last 10 minutes of the contest.

“Gabe’s goal to make it 4-2, we got a little energy on the bench,” said Beatty referring to a tally by senior Gabe Silverstein which started the outburst. “We stated making some hits and we started making some plays. That is how we bounced back. We were passing the puck. We did not move the puck in the first and second period.”

Tallying his second goal of the game on a feed from senior standout Ethan Garlock, Beatty knotted the game at 5-5 with 2:38 left in regulation.

“Ethan had the puck oneon-one, nobody was near him,” recalled Beatty. “I just bolted down the ice to get the pass and saw the five hole was open.”

Over the last few games, Beatty has renewed a connection with Garlock.

“I love playing with him, we started playing with each other against Notre Dame a couple of weeks ago,” said Beatty. “I used to play with him back in squirts, we have known each other for years. We have a good connection and we picked it up in the middle of the season.”

Garlock ended up tallying the game winner, finishing in the back of the net with 3.2 seconds left in the third period.

“I did not see the play, I was focused on keeping the puck in,” said Beatty. “I saw the puck went in the net and I just went and celebrated with my teammates.”

Soaking in lessons from his teammates has helped Beatty have a big sophomore year.

“I learned a lot from John O’Donnell and John Zammit, two seniors from last year,” said Beatty, who has tallied 24 points so far this season on nine goals and 15 assists. “They always told me to keep my head up and take the shot if I had a shot.”

Beatty, who also stars in lacrosse, believes that the two sports complement each other for him.

“It is tough because I play lacrosse all year round,” said Beatty, who tallied 23 goals and 25 assists last spring for PHS. “I don’t play club hockey anymore, so this is my first year playing just high school hockey. It is a lot easier and stress-free. I have got a lot of energy on the ice. Playing lacrosse helps with my stamina in hockey because I am running all of the time in lacrosse. That just helps out my legs.”

PHS head coach Rik Johnson, who called a second period timeout when the Tigers fell behind 3-0, was confident that his players could go on a run.

“It was relax and play, all too often we start gripping our sticks too tight,” said Johnson, reflecting on his message in the timeout.

“There was plenty of time left, plenty of game left, and I told them to just play your game.”

Narrowing the gap to 4-2 on the goal by Silverstein changed the tone of the game.

“The two-goal lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey,” said Johnson. “As soon we could pull in a little tighter there with that goal then it felt like there wasn’t

a 2x4 or plywood in front of us. It was, ‘Get the wheel rolling and we can do this.’”

Beatty has emerged as a dangerous player for the Tigers.

“He is like Peter Forsberg (former NHL star); he can go through you or around you, either one,” said Johnson.

Johnson was happy to see Garlock come through with the decisive tally.

“It is nice to see him start to get some of these touches and finishing like that,” said Johnson. “That was good.”

In Johnson’s view, the squad’s big finish was a product of teamwork.

“When they come together and play, they are unstoppable,” said Johnson, who also got goals from Cooper Zullo and Graham Baird in the win. “It is playing as a team and not getting down and sticking with it. Everybody who was out there knew that after that second period, it was just a northsouth game. It was put the pressure on them. It was a team contribution and that is what you need, otherwise you can get shut down. If it is not a team thing, it is easy to shut down.”

With the Tigers starting play in the Mercer County Tournament this week where they are seeded sixth and will face seventh-seeded WWP Hockey Co-op in a quarterfinal contest on February 8 at the Mercer County Skating Center, Johnson believes his squad can do some damage in the MCT.

“I think we are in a good place right now,” said Johnson, whose team defeated Central Bucks South (Pa.) 7-5 last Friday to improve to 11-6-1. “I would like to think this could get us rolling.”

Beatty believes that the resilience displayed by PHS in the win over Paul VI could carry it a long way this winter.

“It shows that we have a lot of heart and that we won’t give up,” said Beatty.

“If you play us and we are down, we are never going give up.”

—Bill Alden

KILLER B: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Brendan Beatty looks for the puck in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, sophomore forward Beatty scored two goals to help PHS rally from a 4-0 deficit to edge Paul VI 6-5. The Tigers, who defeated Central Bucks South (Pa.) 7-5 last Friday to improve to 11-6-1, start play in the Mercer County Tournament this week. The Tigers are seeded sixth in the MCT and will face seventh-seeded WWP Hockey Co-op in a quarterfinal contest on February 8 at the Mercer County Skating Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Artwork by Nicole Steacy

Inspired to Come Up Big for Luo on Senior Day, Devlin Stars as PHS Girls’ Hoops Tops Spotswood

Coming off a tough 36-28 defeat to Trenton Central last Friday, the Princeton High girls’ basketball team was determined to get back on the winning track when it hosted Spotswood a day later.

“We lost yesterday, it was tight,” said PHS junior guard Riley Devlin. “We really knew that this game was important.”

The Tigers had additional motivation when they hit the court as the program was holding its annual Senior Day celebration with the star guard Rachel Luo as the sole honoree for the varsity.

“We were so excited, all we wanted to do was to make sure that it was memorable for Rachel,” added Devlin. “We knew we had to play really tough for Rachel.”

The Tigers played tough from the opening tip-off, jumping out to a 28-12 halftime lead.

“We worked really hard,” said Devlin. “I think we played as a team and we shared the ball.”

PHS kept playing hard in the second half, cruising to 54-26 win as it improved to 10-9.

“We didn’t want to stop there, we knew they could always come back,” said Devlin of the Chargers, who came into the contest with a 16-5 record.

Devlin came through with a big game against Spotswood, totaling 14 points, four rebounds, and one assist.

“I think I have just grown more confident from last year with the support from my teammates,” said Devlin, reflecting on her performance which featured several drives to the hoop. “They are passing it to me and if I am open, I will shoot it, and if they are open, I will pass it.”

That increased confidence stems from the work Devlin put in over the offseason.

“I have worked on rebounding, I have worked on passing and getting assists,” said Devlin. “My driving is just confidence-based. I think last year I was a bit timid.”

The influence of Luo has also helped Devlin become a better player.

“Rachel is just an awesome player,” said Devlin. “She can make shots, she can pass, she can take it to the hoop, she can do everything. Rachel and Gabby [Bannett] are great captains, they take me under their wing.”

Devlin’s prowess in lacrosse, which saw her tally 54 goals and 13 assists last spring for PHS, has translated to the basketball court.

“Playing midfield, running back and forth really helps me,” said Devlin. “It also helps with eye-hand coordination, catching and shooting and just doing that fast break and pushing it fast. It is what I like to do in lacrosse, and I like to reflect it on the court.”

PHS head coach Dave Kosa liked the way his team pushed hard.

“We played last night and it was a tough one,” said Kosa. “This is the second back-to-back. We lost a couple of weeks ago to

Steinert and then we came back against Piscataway and played really, really well. This is the second back-toback where you are thinking that your team is going to be tired, especially after an emotional loss, and we came out clicking. It is really good to see as the state tournament and county tournament get going.”

The Tigers came out with some extra emotion as they wanted to come up big for Luo, who ended up with 14 points in the win.

“It was something that we talked about in the beginning of the game,” said Kosa of Luo who is heading to West Point this fall.

“She has put in a lot of hard work and commitment; she has played four years. It is great to have somebody in the program that has worked so hard, it is a testament to her dedication. She is an allaround person. She leads by example — it is great for the younger girls to follow her example.”

Devlin’s all-around game has been a big plus for the Tigers this winter.

“When we are hitting from the outside it really opens up the lane,” said Kosa. “Riley is fearless and she takes the ball fearless to the basket. Whether she is getting fouled or knocking down athletic layups, it really helps us as far as scoring the basketball because sometimes we do have trouble scoring. When she is scoring, everybody feeds off of that.”

Freshman Anna Winters, who also scored 14 points against the Chargers, has been bringing some fearless play to the Tigers.

“She is young, she is physical, she loves taking the ball to the basket and then when she gets her outside game going, it just makes us so much tougher,” said Kosa. “We have a trifecta of her, Riley, and Rachel and they are all around 10 points a game. There are some games where we are not hitting, but when we are all clicking like that you can see the result.”

With PHS heading into the Mercer County Tournament, Kosa is looking for his squad to keep clicking.

“You just have to be playing your best basketball, we are going be playing good teams and that its why we picked up this game,” said Kosa, whose team hosts Medford Tech on February 8 before starting action in the MCT. “We have Mount St. Mary’s (on February 7) and Medford Tech, they are two teams that have really good records. We want to continue to play good basketball against the good teams, and I think we are doing that.”

Devlin, for her part, believes that the Tigers will continue to progress.

“We had some games where we didn’t do very well, but I think that we are going to bounce back,” said Devlin. “We are getting better. We are a young team, we are mostly freshmen. We have great leaders.”

—Bill Alden

Jazz Vespers

RILED UP: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Riley Devlin looks to pass the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, junior guard Devlin scored 14 points to help PHS defeat Spotswood 54-26 and improve to 10-9. The Tigers host Medford Tech on February 8 before starting play in the Mercer County Tournament.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

JAMES A. MOFFETT ’29 LECTURES IN ETHICS

PDS Boys’ Hockey Loses at Lawrenceville But Displays Competitive Fire to the End

It was a new venue but the same excitement as the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team faced local rival Lawrenceville School last Thursday evening.

Playing in Lawrenceville’s gleaming new rink, the stands were packed with some fans overflowing to the balcony and others lining the glass. Both student sections were in full voice, chanting at each other.

Fueled by the electric atmosphere, the foes produced a rollicking first period, filled with end-to-end rushes, bone-crunching hits, scraps, penalties, and goals.

“It is tremendous, this is why so many people come out to this game,” said PDS head coach Scott Bertoli. “It is an event for both schools, for both communities. The kids get excited to play in the this game. You don’t get this in any other hockey environment at the high school level, you are not replicating that at the club level. For our kids to have that experience, it is so important.”

Lawrenceville jumped out to a 2-0 lead but PDS answered back with a goal by

freshman standout Brady Logue. After the Big Red added another goal to go up 3-1, the Panthers responded with a tally by senior star Rosh Nissangaratchie. Lawrenceville tacked on two goals in the last 3:42 of the period to extend its advantage to 5-2.

“I thought we played great, there were some unlucky bounces,” said Bertoli.

“I loved our first period.”

While Bertoli didn’t love the way the rest of the game want as the Big Red pulled away to an 8-2 win, he saw some positives from his team’s effort.

“I thought we played well in the second period,” said Bertoli. “We were down early in the second period two of our top three defensemen, that put us at a pretty significant disadvantage. We had to move two of our better forwards back. I was happy with the way our kids competed.”

Freshman star Logue exemplified the competitive fire displayed by the Panthers against the Big Red.

“Brady is good, our freshmen can play,” said Bertoli.

“He is a kid who likes to be around the net, he can score goals. Even at the end, he is down here hounding the puck. He is relentless, I love the way he plays.”

Bertoli liked the way his team kept plugging despite the deficit.

“I loved a lot about what we did today,” said Bertoli.

“I told the guys we are not getting back in this game in terms of the scoreboard but you can play the game the right way. I give Lawrenceville credit too because they buried pucks when they had opportunities.”

With PDS starting action in the Gordon Conference tournament on February 9, Bertoli is hoping that his players will raise their game.

“We just have to find ways to win games, nothing is going to be easy going forward,” said Bertoli, whose squad lost 4-1 to powerhouse Delbarton last Monday to move to 6-8-3.

“We are playing a bunch of very, very talented, deep teams. We have to figure out a way to win hockey games. We need to build off of this, I think there is a lot to take from with the way we played.”

— Bill Alden

Bouncing Back with 2 Wins After Loss to Lawrenceville, Hun Boys’ Basketball Primed for Big Postseason Run

After starting last week by sinking to a low point with a discouraging loss to rival Lawrenceville, the Hun School boys’ basketball team found itself at a crossroads.

Hun head coach Jon Stone was hoping that the 8565 defeat to Lawrenceville on January 31 would be a wake-up call as Hun finished the week by playing at Academy of New Church (Pa.) last Thursday and Solebury School (Pa.) two days later.

Bouncing back, the Raiders rallied to edge ANC 6160 and then cruised to a 7148 triumph over Solebury as they improved to 12-9.

“We had a really gritty, gutty win against ANC,” said Stone. “We trailed the whole game and we were down 15 twice, so for us to come back and win that game on the road was a really good sign.”

In Stone’s view, the comeback had as much do with character as with skill.

“It was mental toughness more than anything else,” said Stone. “We could have packed it in several times. We were just showing a lot of grit and resilience; it was great to see that out of our guys.”

Junior guard Mac Kelly led the way for the Raiders in the win with 19 points and some

clutch buckets.

“Mac was certainly our leading scorer that day, he made big shots, including a couple late when we were making our run,” said Stone of Kelly, who went two of three from three-point range. “He hit a big pull-up three, which made a big difference. When you are up three versus being up one with under a minute to go it is a big deal. He was terrific that game for sure.”

Hun took care of business in the win over Solebury as senior guard Anthony Loscalzo tallied 21 points and post graduate guard Dan Vessey contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

“We started slow and then we got it going,” said Stone. “Loscalzo was really good and Vessey was really good. He didn’t score as much as he normally does but he was just very efficient and steady which was great, Anthony Aririguzoh showed a lot of good signs yesterday too.”

With Hun playing the Peddie School on February 10 in the opening round of the MidAtlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament at Mercersburg Academy (Pa.), Stone believes his squad is headed in

the right direction coming into the postseason.

“We play a really, really good team on Tuesday in Perkiomen, that is going to be a real challenge,” said Stone. “Hopefully that will prepare us for next weekend and we can come in and make some noise.”

Even though sixth-seeded Hun defeated third-seeded Peddie 70-59 on December 11 and 83-75 on January 18, Stones knows the Falcons will pose a challenge for the Raiders.

“They are good, they have got a lot of good guard play,” said Stone. “We are excited for the challenge and looking forward to playing them.”

Stone is excited about his team’s prospects of producing a good postseason run as it will be competing in the Prep A state tourney after wrapping up action in the MAPL competition.

“It is coming together as the right time; being consistent with everything we do is the main thing,” said Stone. “When we are consistent, we are really good. We have shown that we can play with anybody on our schedule this year, we have just got to win. It has been a great group to coach and we are really looking forward to the postseason here. We are excited about making a run, hopefully.”

— Bill Alden

in a game earlier this season. Last Thursday, freshman standout Logue scored a goal in a losing cause as PDS fell 8-2 at Lawrenceville. The Panthers, who lost 4-1 to Delbarton last Monday to move to 6-8-3, will be starting action in the Gordon Conference tournament on February 9.

LOW RIDER: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Brady Logue, right, goes after the puck

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

TURNING A CORNER: Hun School boys’ basketball player Anthony Loscalzo dribbles past a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, junior guard Loscalzo scored 21 points to help Hun defeat Solebury School (Pa.) 71-48. The Raiders, who improved to 12-9 with the win, will play the Peddie School on February 10 in the opening round of the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament at Mercersburg Academy (Pa.). (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Stuart Basketball Shows Improvement, Resilience, Battling Hard in Loss to Pennington in Prep B Tourney

While the Stuart Country Day School basketball team’s 61-34 loss to Pennington in the Prep B state quarterfinals last Saturday was disappointing on one level, the performance actually represented progress for the Tartans.

Having been routed 7126 by Pennington its season opener on December 5, Stuart displayed reliance and grit in the postseason rematch.

“The light is really shining right now,” said Stuart head coach Tony Bowman, whose team moved to 3-5 with the defeat. “The loss to Pennington was a loss only in the record because it was a win for leadership, for mobility, for our effort, and for our conversation and just being together as a team. It was big for us.”

Seventh-seeded Stuart battled to the final whistle

against second-seeded Pennington, getting outscored just 29-27 in the second half.

“We really did well in the third and fourth quarter, it was much closer,” said Bowman. “The girls said, ‘We want more.’ In the beginning of the season, we were kind of distraught. We weren’t wanting to play more games against talented teams. Now they are wanting to play anybody. They want to get on the floor and test their wits. I appreciate that.”

Bowman appreciates the stellar play he is getting from freshman standout Taylor States, who produced a breakout game with 31 points in 53-13 win over Noor-Ul-Iman School on January 20.

“I don’t expect her to score 30 points every game, but I do expect her to score 18 or 20,” said Bowman of the

precocious States who tallied 18 points against Pennington. “That is a lot for a freshman, but she has been doing well. I think it is confidence, good practices, and good work ethic that have helped her. She is a very coachable kid.”

Senior guard Emily Ix, who had 12 points in the loss to the Red Hawks, is providing production and leadership in her final campaign.

“Emily has been consistent; she is a leader, she is my senior,” said Bowman. “She leads on and off the floor. She leads in practice. I am happy to have her, she is a very coachable kid. She has made my life a lot easier. She is a role model in the Stuart community for young ladies.”

As Bowman has returned to the guide the program this winter after coaching the Tartans from 2003-11, he has gotten on the same page with his players.

“As a new coach, the kids were not familiar with me,” said Bowman. “We had that learning curve. They know what I expect now and they know what needs to be done. They put forth the effort. We were kind of shy in the beginning and now we are not as shy.”

Heading into the final weeks of the campaign, Bowman is looking for some more aggressive and sharper play.

“For the rest of the season, it is to finish strong and get balanced scoring,” said Bowman. “Right now, I have

got scoring from Taylor and from Emily. We have to slow down on the turnovers on our frontline turnovers and our backcourt turnovers. We need to get scoring from more than two people.”

The trio of Anna-Rose Bourgin, Abby Chirik, and Rachel Emil-Ashun have been getting better as the season has gone on.

“Anna-Rose is my point guard right now; I need her to be consistent and be a floor leader,” said Bowman. “She is working towards it. Abby has had some decent games. She has come a long way from not starting to starting and being a two guard. Right now we only have six players, and Rachael is the first person off the bench. She has definitely been a spark. She is a small forward; she is getting rebounds and giving us some decent production on offense.”

No matter what happens over the rest of the season, Bowman believes the foundation is being laid for future success.

“They have played well, they don’t give up,” said Bowman. “In beginning, we would get down 10 and we would give up. Now we can be down 15 and they are just plugging away and pushing. Even at the end of the game, they are pushing hard. When the kids want to play hard for you and you are down 10 or 15 points, and it is at the end of the fourth quarter, and there are two minutes left in the game, and they are still playing like it is the first quarter — that is a plus for me.”

— Bill Alden

MAKING

Stuart Country Day School basketball player Taylor States heads to the hoops in recent action. Last Saturday, freshman star States scored 18 points in a losing cause as seventh-seeded Stuart fell 61-34 to second-seeded Pennington in the Prep B state quarterfinals. The Tartans, now 3-5, host Peddie on February 8 and Solebury School (Pa.) on February 10 before starting play in the Mercer County Tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

A STATEMENT:

Girls’ Basketball : Sasha Moise had a big game in a losing cause as Hun fell 61-46 to the Pingry School last Wednesday. Senior star Moise scored a team-high 19 points as the Raiders moved to 10-10. In upcoming action, Hun will be competing in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament from February 11-12 at Mercersburg Academy (Pa).

Boys’ Hockey : Elian Estulin and Scott Richmond scored the goals for Hun as it fell 5-2 to St. Joseph’s Prep (Pa.) last Friday. The Raiders, now 8-11, host Malvern Prep (Pa.) on February 8.

Hun Lawrenceville

Boys’ Basketball : Pulling out a nail-biter, Lawrenceville defeated St. Joseph (Metuchen) 77-73 last Friday. The Big Red, who moved to 9-7 with the win, will be competing in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament from February 10-12 at Mercersburg Academy (Pa.).

Boys’ Hockey : Jumping out to a 5-2 first period lead, Lawrenceville defeated Princeton Day School 8-2 last Thursday. The Big Red, who lost 5-3 to Hoosac School (N.Y.) on Saturday to move to 10-10, face Selects Academy (Conn.) at South Kent (Conn.) on February 8 and play at the Frederick Gunn School (Conn.) on February 11.

PDS

Boys’ Basketball : Mason McQueen starred in a losing cause as PDS fell 59-48 to the Peddie School last Friday. McQueen tallied 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Panthers, now 8-11. PDS hosts Hillsborough on February 8 and then starts action in the Prep B state tournament where it is seeded third and will play at second-seeded Doane Academy in a semifinal contest on February 10. In addition, the Panthers will be starting play in the Mercer County Tournament.

Girls’ Basketball : Mia Hartman had a strong game but it wasn’t enough as PDS fell 43-39 to Lawrence High last Monday. Hartman scored 13 points for the Panthers, who dropped to 2-16. PDS hosts WW/P-South on February 8 and then starts action in the Mercer County Tournament.

Girls’ Hockey : Eibhleann Knox scored the lone goal for PDS as it fell 3-1 to Oak Knoll last Monday. In upcoming action, the Panthers, now 4-4-3, start play in the Libera Tournament on February 10 and then host Portledge School (N.Y.) on February 13.

Boys’ Basketball : Corey Miller had a huge game as Pennington fell 71-65 to the Hill School (Pa.) last Friday. Miller tallied 25 points for the Red Hawks, who dropped to 11-13 with the defeat. Pennington plays at the Haverford School (Pa.) on February 8 and then starts action in the Mercer County Tournament.

Girls’ Basketball : Morgan Matthews starred as second-seeded Pennington defeated seventh-seeded Stuart Country Day School 61-34 in the Prep B state quarterfinals last Saturday. Matthews scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help the Red Hawks improve to 15-4. Pennington will face third-seeded Morristown-Beard in the state Prep B semis on February 10 and will also be starting action in the Mercer County Tournament.

Pennington PHS

Boys’ Basketball : Jahan Owusu scored 17 points but it wasn’t enough as PHS fell 61-44 to Trenton Central last Friday. The Tigers, who dropped to 7-11 with the defeat, will be starting play in the Mercer County Tournament this weekend.

Girls’ Hockey : Unable to get its offense going, PHS lost 6-0 to Westfield last Friday. The Tigers, now 0-14, play at Newark East Side on February 8.

Wrestling : Running into a buzzsaw, fifth-seeded PHS lost 52-12 to fourth-seeded Long Branch last Monday in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 Central Jersey sectional. Victors for the Tigers in the match included Blaise Mele at 132 pounds, Chase Hamerschlag at 165, and Noah Kassas at 215. PHS, now 15-6, has a quad at Marlboro High on February 11.

Local Sports

Princeton 5K Race Slated for March 18

The Princeton 5K is returning on March 18 for its 14th year.

The event annually brings together athletes — young and old, big and small, fast and not as fast — to run or

walk while supporting the Princeton High cross country and track programs.

The in-person race starts in front of Princeton Middle School at 217 Walnut Lane at 8:30 a.m. In 2022, the event will also include a 300-meter kids dash for all children under the age of 10.

Alternatively, there is a virtual option to participate between March 18-25. One can choose when and where to run (or walk) the 5K in that time period.

To register and get more information on the event, log onto runsignup.com/ Race/Info/NJ/Princeton/ PrincetonNJ5K. T-shirts are guaranteed for those who register before February 27. Registration is also available in person on race day.

The Princeton 5K is the largest annual fundraiser for the Princeton High School Cross Country Track and Field Booster (PHSCCTF) a 501(c)(3). All donations directly support the PHS boys’ and girls’ cross-country and track teams.

Recreation Department

Offering Summer Jobs

Applications for all Princeton Recreation Department 2023 seasonal and summer employment opportunities are now available on the department’s website.

Seasonal employment opportunities are available for the following positions: day camp counselor, day camp supervisor, teen travel camp counselor, Community Park Pool lifeguard/swim instructor, Community Park Pool customer service, and seasonal park maintenance.

Instructions on how to apply as well as job descriptions can be found at princetonrecreation.com under “Seasonal Employment.” All interested job seekers are encouraged to apply.

Dillon Youth Hoops

Recent Results

In action last weekend in the Boys’ 4th-5th grade di vision of the Dillon Youth Basketball League, Ivy Rehab defeated Princeton Restorative Dental 40-9, led by 19 points from Dylan Chambers. Jefferson Plumbing defeated Proof Pizza 2014. Ilan Spiegel scored 10 points for the victors while Theo Henderson tallied 10 for Proof. Locomotion defeated Princeton Pettoranello Foundation 28-21. Theodore Hogshire had 12 points for Locomotion while Ali Redjal had 9 points in the loss. Majeski Foundation won 32-23 over Mason Griffin & Pierson as Nathan Stock scored 16 points for Majeski with Alex Spies tallying 19 points for Mason Griffin.

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE: Princeton High School senior student-athletes are all smiles as they gathered together recently to celebrate their commitments to compete at the college level. Seated, from left, are Michelle Peng (MIT, crew); Robin Roth (Rutgers, cross-country and track); and Gianna DiGioacchino (Skidmore, field hockey). Standing, from left, are Madeleine Zang (University of Pennsylvania, golf); Olivia Helms (Hobart William Smith, crew); Andrew Kenny (Northeastern University, cross-country and track and field); Zein Mahana (Boston University, diving); Zachary Della Rocca (Princeton, track and field); Henry Zief (High Point University, track and field); Reece Gallagher (Thomas Jefferson, lacrosse); and Ava Rose (University of Iowa, wrestling). (Photo provided by PHS)

Pizza Den 20-7. Ryan Tague led the Le Kiosk with eight points. PBA #130 edged Ivy Inn 29-25. Aaron Wang tallied 10 points for the victors while Asa Collins had 11 points for Ivy Inn. Eli Salganik scored 12 points to lead Corner House to a 3520 win over Milk & Cookies. Jasper Clayton tallied 18 points for Milk & Cookies.

In the Boys’ 8th-10th grade division, the Sixers defeated the Knicks 46-14 as Isaiah de la Espriella tallied 18 points for the victors. The Nets defeated the Celtics 38-31 as Isaiah Spencer led the way with 16 points. Gabriel Andrade had 12 points for the Celtics. In the Girls’ division,

Delizioso Bakery+Kitchen edged Planted Plate 28-27 as Elena Barreto scored nine points for the victors. Chloe Hunt poured in 21 points for Delizioso. Ficus nipped Woodwinds 21-19 as Luciana Velez and Julia Belardo each had eight points for Ficus while Elisa Schemmann had eight points for Woodwinds.

Princeton Athletic Club

6K Run on April 15

The Princeton Athletic Club will be holding a 6,000-meter cross-country run at the Institute Woods on April 15

The 6,000-meter run starts at 10 a.m. from Princeton Friends School and is limited to 200 participants.

The entry fee is $33 plus a $2.80 fee until March 24, including the optional T-shirt. The fee increases after March 24. Same day registration is $55 and will be limited to credit card only — no cash — and space available. This event is chip timed. All abilities are invited, including those who prefer to walk the course.

Online registration and full event details are available at princetonac.org.

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.

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

We could not have reached this accomplishment without our dedicated employees and customers.

not have reached these accomplishment without our dedicated employees and customers.

Thank you from the owners of Conte’s Serving the Princeton community for over 80 years, and we will continue to serve you another 80 years and more.

Thank you from the owners of Conte’s Serving the Princeton community for over 80 years, and we will continue to serve you another 80 years and more.

in 2001, the couple settled in Ewing, NJ.

Obituaries

Thomas Burchard Arnold passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 24, 2022, after sustaining injuries from a bicycle fall. He was 70.

Born February 12, 1952, in Bronxville, NY, Tom spent his childhood in Old Greenwich, CT, and attended Greenwich Country Day School. He studied at the Pomfret School and completed a postgraduate year abroad at Haileybury in Hertford, England. After graduating from Kenyon

College in Ohio, Tom moved to New York City to work in advertising. In 1980, Tom married Kathleen Reilly and they moved to Princeton, NJ, in 1982 to raise a family. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Tom continued to work in Manhattan for many years until the commute became tiresome. He then spent several years managing the beloved local Halo Farm and Halo Pub ice cream shops. It was during this time that he met Martha Bolster and after marrying

Tom will be remembered for his love of adventure. After several formative canoe camping trips in Maine in his adolescence, Tom became an avid outdoorsman — enjoying kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, and jogging. Tom’s interests took him on a NOLS expedition in 2004 in the Wind River Valley of Wyoming to develop his wilderness and outdoor education and leadership skills. Tom found solace in these pursuits. Through the Bolster family, Tom became acquainted with Camp Dudley in Westport, NY, and spent several summers sharing his love of adventure with campers there and frequently leading overnight hiking trips. He had a unique ability to connect effortlessly with the young and the old. Later he worked at Project U.S.E., Outward Bound, and the PrincetonBlairstown Center, where he was considered an integral part of their outdoor education staff and continued to work during his retirement. Of note, Tom ran 10 marathons — his first and fastest (3 hours and 15 minutes!) was Pittsburgh shortly after his 40th birthday — including the Philadelphia Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

Tom was known for being intellectually curious, a prolific reader of books, and interested in music of many genres — from jazz to funk. He especially loved live music and could always be counted on to go to a concert whether it was Phish’s annual New Year’s Eve gig,

South by Southwest, or the Austin City Limits festival. He was a source of kindness, creativity, gentility, wisdom, and affability.

Tom will be greatly missed by his loving wife Martha Bolster, his daughter Lucy Arnold Gore with former spouse Kathleen Arnold, Lucy’s husband Nick, Tom’s beloved grandchildren Stella and Connor Gore (who adored their “Grampy”), half-sisters Jennifer Arnold and Stephanie Arnold Pacheco, the entire Bolster family, as well as his many great friends. Tom is predeceased by his parents, Stuart Arnold and Ann Reynolds.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held in his honor in 2023. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests contributions be made in his name to Princeton-Blairstown Center.

Cabral Peters; their children Courtney Peters-Manning and her husband Tomas Manning and James David (JD) Peters, Jr., and his wife Meghan Boswell Peters; grandsons Seamus Manning, Conor Manning, Liam Peters, and Rory Peters; and his beloved Springer Spaniel, Tucker. He is also survived by the entire Cambridge School family.

Jim was born on August 20, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised in Quincy, Mass., and met Deborah in 1963 when they were both 15 years old. Their great love story started that day and grew deeper every day until his death. His 30-year career in business took the family through the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Princeton in 1995 to become the President & CEO of E&B Marine, and then Utrecht Art Supplies.

be seen having lunch on the floor of his office, talking about sports and respect and life.

Jim was most proud, however, of his family. He was more than just a Husband, Dad, and Grandpa. He was the best Husband, Dad, and Grandpa. He spent countless hours throwing the ball around, playing hoops in the driveway, setting up trains and trucks and super heroes, captaining his boat with his co-captain grandsons, and listening. He will be profoundly missed.

of Princeton, died on February 5, 2023, of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah

Jim and Deborah founded the Cambridge School in Pennington in 2001. Together, they changed the lives of countless children with dyslexia and other learning differences, giving them the opportunity to learn the way their brains work best and reach their full potential. Jim managed the school’s finances, while Deborah developed the curriculum and oversaw all of the academics. Though Jim was much more than that at the school. He was a constant presence in the hallways, even after he passed on the day-to-day running of the business office to his daughter Courtney. He was a mentor and friend to all of the students, especially the older boys, who often could

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. James Church in Pennington, New Jersey, on Thursday, February 9 at 10 a.m. Viewing will be at Wilson Apple Funeral Home, 2560 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ, on Wednesday, February 8 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HomeFront or the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.

Thomas Burchard Arnold

circulation@towntopics.com

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

LOLIO’S WINDOW WASHING & POWER WASHING: Free estimate.

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

JOES LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON

Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs

Commercial/Residential

Over 45 Years of Experience

• Fully Insured • Free Consultations

Email: joeslandscapingprinceton@ gmail.com

Text (only): (609) 356-9201

Office: (609) 216-7936

Princeton References

• Green Company

HIC #13VH07549500

EXPERIENCED AND PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVER

Available Part-Time

With Excellent References in the Greater Princeton Area (609) 216-5000

WANTED TO RENT BY A WRIT-

ER: a cottage or apartment in Princeton or Hopewell. Ideally, at least 3 rooms in a house or on a farm. Excellent references. (908) 420-1070. 02-08

tf

FOR RENT: ATTRACTIVE ONE

tf

THE PRINCETON WRITING

COACH: A college teacher and professional writer, I deliver expert and enthusiastic guidance to students and adults. Let’s talk! princetonwritingcoach@gmail.com or (908) 420 1070. 02-08

HOUSE FOR RENT: One-of-a-kind

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

02-08

tf

THE MAID PROFESSIONALS:

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

HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST:

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

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.

02-15

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY FLEA

MARKET, Sunday, February 12, 9 until 1, at Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Skillman, near Route 601. Indoors! We will have over 30 people selling a wide variety of items, including: furniture, kitchen, antiques, brica-brac, art, linen, jewelry, garden, toys, etc. Join us and shop for some wonderful bargains. For info, call (609) 921-8972.

02-08

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BEDROOM APARTMENT, 342 Nassau Street, Princeton. Recently purchased, renovated and part of a small mixed use commercial/residential complex at corner of Nassau & Harrison Streets. Parking available “on site” with public bus service nearby. Separate entrance, gas appliances. Competitive rental/lease terms + electric. Call: (609) 2409900.

02-22

CARPENTRY–PROFESSIONAL

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

ROSA’S

CLEANING SERVICE LLC

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

04-06-23

HANDYMAN–CARPENTER:

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

I BUY ALL KINDS of Old or Pretty

Things: China, glass, silver, pottery, costume jewelry, evening bags, fancy linens, paintings, small furniture, etc. Local woman buyer. (609) 9217469.

10-12-23

BUYING: Antiques, paintings, Oriental rugs, coins, clocks, furniture, old toys, military, books, cameras, silver, costume & fine jewelry. Guitars & musical instruments. I buy single items to entire estates. Free appraisals. (609) 306-0613. 06-28-23

TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIEDS GET TOP RESULTS!

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

ESTATE LIQUIDATION SERVICE:

I will clean out attics, basements, garages & houses. Single items to entire estates. No job too big or small. In business over 35 years, serving all of Mercer County. Call (609) 306-0613. 06-28-23

WE BUY CARS

Belle Mead Garage (908) 359-8131

Ask for Chris

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

HOME CARE: Live in, live out. Experienced Polish woman, speaks English. References and car. Please call for more info - Teresa Agnas: (609) 516-4725. 03-15

WHAT’S A GREAT GIFT FOR A FORMER PRINCETONIAN?

A Gift Subscription!

Call (609) 924-2200, ext 10 circulation@towntopics.com

NOT IN PRINCETON ANYMORE?

Stay connected by receiving a mailed subscription!

Call (609) 924-2200 ext 10; circulation@towntopics.com

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

JOES 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

EXPERIENCED AND PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVER

Available Part-Time With Excellent References in the Greater Princeton Area (609) 216-5000 tf

WANTED TO RENT BY A WRITER: a cottage or apartment in Princeton or Hopewell. Ideally, at least 3 rooms in a house or on a farm. Excellent references. (908) 420-1070. 02-08

THE PRINCETON WRITING COACH: A college teacher and professional writer, I deliver expert and enthusiastic guidance to students and adults. Let’s talk! princetonwritingcoach@gmail.com or (908) 420 1070.

02-08

HOUSE FOR RENT: One-of-a-kind spacious dairy barn conversion with Princeton address, on private estate. Open floor plan, 3 BR, 2 bath, breathtaking 2nd floor versatile room. Fireplace, 2-car garage, central air. Includes lawn maintenance & snow removal. No pets, smoke free, $3,400. Available now. (609) 731-6904. 02-08

tf

tf

THE MAID PROFESSIONALS:

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

HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST:

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

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.

02-15

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY FLEA MARKET, Sunday, February 12, 9 until 1, at Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Skillman, near Route 601. Indoors! We will have over 30 people selling a wide variety of items, including: furniture, kitchen, antiques, brica-brac, art, linen, jewelry, garden, toys, etc. Join us and shop for some wonderful bargains. For info, call (609) 921-8972.

02-08

FOR RENT: ATTRACTIVE ONE

BEDROOM APARTMENT, 342 Nassau Street, Princeton. Recently purchased, renovated and part of a small mixed use commercial/residential complex at corner of Nassau & Harrison Streets. Parking available “on site” with public bus service nearby. Separate entrance, gas appliances. Competitive rental/lease terms + electric. Call: (609) 2409900. 02-22

CARPENTRY–PROFESSIONAL

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

ROSA’S CLEANING SERVICE LLC

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

HANDYMAN–CARPENTER:

Painting, hang cabinets & paintings, kitchen & bath rehab. Tile work, masonry. Porch & deck, replace rot, from floors to doors to ceilings. Shelving & hook-ups. ELEGANT REMODELING. You name it, indoor, outdoor tasks. Repair holes left by plumbers & electricians for sheetrock repair. RE agents welcome. Sale of home ‘checklist’ specialist. Mercer, Hunterdon, Bucks counties. 1/2 day to 1 month assignments. CREDIT CARDS

ACCEPTED, Covid 19 compliant. Active business since 1998. Videos of past jobs available. Call Roeland, (609) 933-9240.

tf

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

10-12-23

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

06-28-23

TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIEDS

GET TOP RESULTS!

Whether it’s selling furniture, finding a lost pet, or having a garage sale, TOWN TOPICS is the way to go!

We deliver to ALL of Princeton as well as surrounding areas.

(609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com

ESTATE LIQUIDATION SERVICE:

I will clean out attics, basements, garages & houses. Single items to entire estates. No job too big or small. In business over 35 years, serving all of Mercer County. Call (609) 306-0613. 06-28-23

WE BUY CARS Belle Mead Garage (908) 359-8131

Ask for Chris

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

tf HOME CARE: Live in, live out. Experienced Polish woman, speaks English. References and car. Please call for more info - Teresa Agnas: (609) 516-4725. 03-15

WHAT’S A GREAT GIFT FOR A FORMER PRINCETONIAN?

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

NOT IN PRINCETON ANYMORE? Stay connected by receiving a mailed subscription! Call (609) 924-2200 ext 10; circulation@towntopics.com

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

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

tf JOES LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs

tf

REFINED INTERIORS

Princeton | 609 921-2827 | eastridgedesign.com

Rider Furniture

“Where quality still matters.”

4621 Route 27 Kingston, NJ 609-924-0147

riderfurniture.com

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

THE PRINCETON WRITING COACH: A college teacher and professional writer, I deliver expert and enthusiastic guidance to students and adults. Let’s talk! princetonwritingcoach@gmail.com or (908) 420 1070.

02-08

HOUSE FOR RENT: One-of-a-kind spacious dairy barn conversion with Princeton address, on private estate. Open floor plan, 3 BR, 2 bath, breathtaking 2nd floor versatile room. Fireplace, 2-car garage, central air. Includes lawn maintenance & snow removal. No pets, smoke free, $3,400. Available now. (609) 731-6904. 02-08

HOME HEALTH AIDE/COMPAN-

ION AVAILABLE: NJ certified and experienced. Live-in or live-out. Driver’s license. References available. Please call Cindy, (609) 227-9873. 02-15

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY FLEA

MARKET, Sunday, February 12, 9 until 1, at Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Skillman, near Route 601. Indoors! We will have over 30 people selling a wide variety of items, including: furniture, kitchen, antiques, brica-brac, art, linen, jewelry, garden, toys, etc. Join us and shop for some wonderful bargains. For info, call (609) 921-8972. 02-08

FOR RENT: ATTRACTIVE ONE

The Top Spot for Real Estate Advertising

Town Topics is the most comprehensive and preferred weekly Real Estate resource in the greater Central New Jersey and Bucks County areas.

is

of those sure fire projects that will make your home more functional and beautiful while adding value. You don ’t need to tear out cabinets or walls – a kitchen facelift with appliances, upgraded backsplash, granite countertops and new flooring will often yield a greater return on investment.

2 – Bathroom update. Upgrading bathroom plumbing, fixtures, and floors will provide a good return on investment. Adding another bathroom to a one bathroom home will add even more value for a resale.

3 – New flooring. New upgraded flooring anywhere in your home is another home improvement project that is appealing to buyers. Hardwood floors remain very desirable for living spaces, while tile floors are extremely popular for bathrooms.

4 – Upgraded HVAC. New heating and cooling systems will add value to your home and will also save on energy costs over time.

BEDROOM APARTMENT, 342 Nassau Street, Princeton. Recently purchased, renovated and part of a small mixed use commercial/residential complex at corner of Nassau & Harrison Streets. Parking available “on site” with public bus service nearby. Separate entrance, gas appliances. Competitive rental/lease terms + electric. Call: (609) 2409900. 02-22

CARPENTRY–PROFESSIONAL

All phases of home improvement. Serving the Princeton area for over 30 yrs. No job too small. Call Julius Sesztak:

Every Wednesday, Town Topics reaches every home in Princeton and all high traffic business areas in town, as well as the communities of Lawrenceville, Pennington, Hopewell, Skilllman, Rocky Hill, and Montgomery. We ARE the area’s only community newspaper and most trusted resource since 1946!

Call to reserve your space today! (609) 924-2200, ext 18

Sales Representative/Princeton Residential Specialist, MBA, ECO Broker

Princeton Office 609 921 1900 | 609 577 2989(cell) | info@BeatriceBloom.com | BeatriceBloom.com

• Postcards

• 8.5x11” flyers

• Menus

• Booklets

• Trifolds

• Post its

• We can accomodate almost anything!

Reach over 15,000 homes in Princeton and beyond!

Town Topics puts you in front of your target customer for less than what it would cost to mail a postcard!

• Postcards

• 8.5x11” flyers

• Menus

• Booklets

• Trifolds

• Post its

• We can accomodate almost anything!

Reach over 15,000 homes in Princeton and beyond!

Town Topics puts you in front of your target customer for less than what it would cost to mail a postcard!

TO OUR NJ REALTORS CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

We are thrilled to celebrate the Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty agents who received the NJ REALTORS Circle of Excellence Sales Award for 2022. While we have many top agents who were extraordinarily successful this past year, we congratulate those here who chose to apply for this prestigious award.

Maura Mills Platinum

Jennifer E. Curtis Platinum

Kathryn Baxter Platinum

Barbara Blackwell Platinum

Susan L. DiMeglio Platinum

Clare Mackness Gold

Amy Granato Gold

Michelle Blane Gold

Cynthia ShoemakerZerrer Gold

Linda Twining Gold

Yalian “Eileen” Fan Gold

Beth M. Steffanelli Silver

Danielle Spilatore Silver

Susan Hughes Silver

Nina S. Burns Silver

Lauren Adams Silver

Alana Lutkowski Silver

Anne Setzer Silver

Jennifer Dionne Bronze

Amy Schaefer Bronze Sylmarie Trowbridge Bronze

Ira Lackey, Jr. Bronze

Susan McKeon Paterson Bronze

Prospect Avenue

Princeton, NJ | $2,999,000

Maura Mills: 609.947.5757 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2025712

Newly Priced: Elm Ridge Road

Hopewell Township, NJ | $1,995,000 Princeton Office: 609.921.1050 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2016216

Parkside Drive

Princeton, NJ | $2,950,000

Alana Lutkowski: 908.227.6269 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2026016

Paul Robeson Place Princeton, NJ | $2,575,000

Michael Monarca: 917.225.0831 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2021088

Arreton Road Princeton, NJ | $1,695,000

Barbara Blackwell: 609.915.5000 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2025846

Introducing: Woodmere Way

Hopewell Township, NJ | $1,650,000

Deborah W Lane: 609.306.3442 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2026064

Newly Priced: Great Road

Princeton, NJ | $999,000 Princeton Office: 609.921.1050 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2014492

Introducing: Hopewell Princeton Road

Hopewell Township, NJ | $950,000

Jane Henderson Kenyon: 609.828.1450 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2026290

Introducing: Bethpage Drive

Montgomery Township, NJ | $625,000

Laura A Huntsman: 609.731.3507 callawayhenderson.com/NJSO2002008

Introducing: Jacobs Creek Road

Ewing Township, NJ | $449,000

Nadine Cohen: 908.405.0091 callawayhenderson.com/NJME2026322

Tomahawk Court

Montgomery Township, NJ | $399,000

Kathryn Baxter: 516.521.7771 callawayhenderson.com/3825437

Age Restricted

Introducing: Windrow Drive

Plainsboro Township, NJ | $369,000

Merlene K Tucker: 609.937.7693 callawayhenderson.com/NJMX2004002