Town Topics Newspaper, March 27, 2024.

Fairgrown Farm, Chubby’s Project Partner to Provide Nourishing Food to Those

Need 5

Princeton Author Emily Raboteau Discusses New Collection of Essays 7

Herrontown Woods Celebration Features Dragons, Lanterns, Community Bonding 9

Found at the Bryn MawrWellesley Book Sale: A Poet of Mountains And His Wife 15

PU Men’s Hoops Loses To UNLV in NIT Opener, But Proud of

Kurtzer Headlines April 7 Event as Peace Coalition Pursues Multiple Initiatives

Daniel Kurtzer, former United States ambassador to Israel and Egypt and currently professor of Middle East policy studies at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, will be the keynote speaker at the Coalition for Peace Action (CFPA) Membership Renewal Gathering on Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m.

“We are pleased to present an outstanding expert on Middle East peacemaking at this time of major war and violence, and imminent starvation,” said CFPA Executive Director the Rev. Robert Moore. “We need all of the insight and guidance we can muster to rapidly end this deeply troubling and divisive war, release the hostages, alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian crisis, and nd a way toward a lasting solution with a just

Taking place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton on Cherry Hill Road and preceded from 2 to 3 p.m. by a free members-only lunch, the event is just one of multiple current CFPA initiatives, including ongoing advocacy for nuclear disarmament, gun violence prevention, a “diplomacy not war” campaign, and their peace voter campaign leading up to the 2024 primaries and

Kurtzer served for 29 years in the U.S. Foreign Service and also as deputy assistant secretary for Near Eastern Affairs and as principal deputy assistant secretary for intelligence and research in addition to serving stints as U.S. ambassador to Egypt in the Clinton administration and to Israel during George W. Bush’s

Kurtzer was a member of Middle East peace teams for Secretaries of State James A. Baker III and Warren Christopher, and he is the co-author of Negotiating Arab-Israeli Peace: American Leadership in the Middle East; co-author of The Peace Puzzle: America’s Quest for Arab-Israeli Peace, 1989-2011; and editor of Pathways to Peace: America and the Arab-Israeli Con ict

Kurtzer was also a member of Secretary of State John Kerry’s Foreign Affairs Policy board and was previously an adviser to the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.

As the 2024 June primary elections approach, CFPA has also been busy in

Continued on Page 8

Arts Council Honors Paul Robeson’s Legacy

In honor of Paul Robeson’s 126th birthday, an eclectic, multi-media celebration will take place at the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) on April 9 at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature historical-personal commentary by neighborhood historian and Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society President Shirley Satter eld; a presentation of the Robeson Clay Project, a multi-disciplinary initiative bringing together ACP artists, Princeton High School (PHS) science students, and Paul Robeson House of Princeton curators; and a amenco performance presented by dancer/choreographer Lisa Botalico and inspired by Robeson’s speech in support of resistance against fascism during the Spanish Civil War.

The clay project, directed by Ryan Stark Lilienthal, the Anne Reeves Artistin-Residence at the ACP, “combined the study of history, science, and sustainability, while commemorating Paul Robeson’s legacy by connecting with the earth at his birthplace and creative expression,” noted Lilienthal.

Using clay from the construction site at the Robeson House at 110 Witherspoon Street, which is currently undergoing renovations, Lilienthal and ACP Executive

Director Adam Welch worked with PHS science students to create artifacts and tiles bearing Robeson quotations.

“The ceramic tiles are imprinted with Robeson’s powerful words and these young artists now have claim to being part of it all,” said Welch. The tiles were red in the ACP ceramic studio and will be on display at the ACP April 9 birthday celebration.

Joy Barnes-Johnson, Princeton Public

Schools science supervisor and also a board member of the Robeson House of Princeton, expressed admiration for the accomplishments of the project.

“As the Paul Robeson House of Princeton strives to ‘make Robeson a household name,’ it is perfectly tting that the ACP and Ryan Lilienthal would want to reclaim soil from the construction site to echo the important history of the Robeson family legacy of social justice work,”

Continued on Page 11

Council Passes Resolution for New Ad Hoc Public Art Study Committee

At its Monday, March 25 meeting, Princeton Council voted in favor of a resolution creating an Ad Hoc Public Art Study Committee.

The group, which is not permanent, is chaired by James Steward, director of the Princeton University Art Museum. Adam Welch, who heads the Arts Council of Princeton, is vice-chair. Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros is on the committee, along with Princeton’s Planning Director Justin Lesko and area residents Jody Erdman, Karey Maurice, Tom Moran, Elizabeth Allan, and Ronah Harris.

Erdman is a real estate agent for Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, and worked for Sotheby’s Auction House in New York. Artist Maurice has worked with the Trenton Artist Workshop Association. Allan is a curator and the deputy director of Morven Museum and Garden, and Moran works as the public arts coordinator for the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Harris works primarily in ber and ceramics, and is the founder of Play Pattern LLC, a digital platform for children to learn arts and technology.

Continued on Page 10

BOOK BONANZA: More than 60,000 books in about 70 categories were featured at the annual Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale, held last Wednesday through Sunday in two gymnasiums at Stuart Country Day School. Book lovers share what they found at the event in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

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Bloom Local Campaign Ushers in Spring

Experience Princeton, the nonprofit that promotes the town through placemaking, marketing, and economic development, has begun the Bloom Local campaign in collaboration with the municipality. The campaign runs through May 26 and celebrates the arrival of spring while fostering civic pride, kindness, and community.

“Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and the Bloom Local campaign embodies the spirit of local pride and community connection that defines Princeton,” said Isaac Kremer, executive director of Experience Princeton.

“Through this initiative, we hope to inspire residents and visitors alike to take good care of our home, engage in acts of kindness, and actively participate in shaping the future of our community.”

Bloom Local encourages collaboration and mutual

support among Princeton organizations and businesses. Activities include a photo contest, in which members of the community can submit photos of Princeton during springtime; business awards, in which Princeton Council recognizes those that create a welcoming, clean, and friendly environment; free saplings given out at Porchfest by the Shade Tree Commission; a mural along Spring Street created by the Arts Council of Princeton; works from the Princeton Makes Artist Cooperative; and flower arrangements by the Garden Club of Princeton.

“Bloom Local will highlight the strong ties among Princeton residents, municipal staff, and our business community,” said Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros. “I’m excited to see all the unique ways participants will embrace the spirit of spring and create a vibrant and welcoming community for all.” Visit experienceprinceton. org for more information.

Topics In Brief A Community Bulletin

Road Closure: Beginning April 8, Witherspoon Street will be closed between Paul Robeson Place and Leigh Avenue for the construction of three raised crosswalks and the milling and paving of the roadway. The project is planned to be finished by April 26. Business on the street will be accessible from John Street.

Morven Plant Sale: Items for spring planting including select, new, and heirloom varieties of perennials, annuals, shrubs, and more, at Morven, 55 Stockton Street. Shop online through April 8. Onsite pickup is Mother’s Day weekend. Morven.org/plantsale. Log and Branch Collection: Began Monday, March 18. Material must be ready for collection by 7 a.m. Visit princetonnj.gov for more information.

Recreation Department Summer Jobs: Apply for work at Community Park Pool in customer service, day camp, or on lifeguard staff. Visit Princetonnj.gov/982/ Seasonal-Employment.

Summer Youth Employment Program: Princeton Human Services has opened applications for those 14-18 years old who live in Princeton, and are enrolled in a Princeton school. Eight week program. Princetonnj.gov.

Free Tax Assistance: The Mercer County AARP Tax-Aide program offers free federal and state tax preparation at Princeton Public Library, the Suzanne Patterson Building, and Nassau Presbyterian Church. Call (888) 227-7669 for specifics. Recycling Buckets Available : Mercer County Improvement Authority has announced that free buckets are available again for residents. In Princeton, buckets can be picked up at 1 Monument Drive. Call (609) 688-2566 for more information.

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PRINCETON IN BLOOM: The Garden Club of Princeton’s Spring French Market on March 28 and the Mother’s Day French Market on May 9 are among the springtime events highlighted in the Bloom Local initiative. (Photo courtesy of the Garden Club of Princeton)

a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for members who pay upwards

of $26 a week, during the summer months, for their share of the season’s harvest. Participants get a box of freshly-picked vegetables and fruit from Fairgrown Farm and the several others with which they collaborate across New Jersey.

TOPICS Of the Town

James Klett, who started Fairgrown Farm seven years ago with his brother, Alex, is enthusiastic about the popular CSA program. But he believes that fresh, nourishing produce should not be limited to those who can afford the weekly supplement. Aware that more than 800,000 people in New Jersey are food insecure, Fairgrown Farm has partnered with The Chubby’s Project, a Hopewell-based nonprofit dedicated to food justice. The joint initiative is designed to provide farm shares for area families who would otherwise not be able to afford them. Fundraising for the project is currently underway.

“We’re trying to raise money to purchase farm shares for local families that are food insecure,” Klett said. “The issue we have in this country is that people don’t have access to good nutrition — fresh produce that is nutrient-dense and healthy. Just because someone is food-insecure doesn’t mean they should have only low-quality food. A lot of people think of food donation as bottom-of-the-barrel, all canned and processed foods instead of organic produce. But it shouldn’t have to be that way.”

Those who receive the shares will get 30 weeks of fresh produce, delivered either directly to their homes, or picked up on the farm. The goal for the first year is to support 70 families in the Hopewell, Princeton, Ewing, and Montgomery area.

“Fairgrown Farm is honored to stand alongside The Chubby’s Project in the fight against hunger, showcasing the impact of local collaboration in making a meaningful difference in the lives of the many people in our community facing food

insecurity,” reads a press release from the farm.

The Chubby’s Project is based at the popular Hopewell eatery Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette. The two different entities work together, operating a lunch program and food pantry that connects recipients, volunteers, donors, and food service workers. The restaurant provides meals, infrastructure, labor, and buys food and packaging at cost. The project pays for the restaurant’s contribution using funds from grants and private donations.

Fairgrown Farm

Continued from Preceding Page

For the initiative, Fairgrown Farm is discounting its shares of seven different vegetables each week. The Chubby’s Project raises the money in order to provide the shares to participants in need at zero cost. Any foodinsecure household in the local area can take part in the program and receive fresh produce from May through November.

Some 30 families currently rely on The Chubby’s Project for a weekly meal. “That’s a fragment of what is needed,” said Klett. “We’re a lot wider than that. There is really a huge need that goes under the radar. Even in Montgomery, the second wealthiest town in the state, there is a huge discrepancy. That is true for Princeton, too.”

Families that take part in the program can not only receive shares, but can opt to visit the farm to pick their own produce.

“There is a whole level of exposure that kids might benefit from,” said Klett. “Parents can bring them out to the farm, and there is an inherent education involved. They get to see how things are planted and how they grow, and that’s important.”

Donations can be made online at gofundme.com/f/ fresh-produce-for-hopewellneighbors, or by contacting The Chubby’s Project at foundation @auntchubbys. com. Intake forms are available on the GoFundMe page.

—Anne Levin

Blue Moon Acres Reopens Market

TOWN TALK©

A forum for the expression of opinions about local and national issues.

Question of the Week:

“What did you find here today?”

(Asked Thursday at the Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale)

(Photos by Sarah Teo)

“A book about the artist Charles Willson Peale, some poetry, some stitchery books, and one on Nassau Hall, where I worked for 28 years.”

—Kristina Miller, Penns Neck

Blue Moon Acres has reopened the market on the Pennington farm as a popup concept, at 11 Willow Creek Drive. New this year, the market will be open on Saturdays starting in April.

The farm’s mission is to offer the most nutritious organically grown produce and locally sourced products. Owners Jim and Kathy Lyons have provided organic food to restaurants for 34 years and want to offer it to their neighbors as well. They want to “bring the community to the farm and to give them a farm experience, to see what plants look like growing in a field, and to cut their own flowers,” said Kathy Lyons.

The market will feature a cut-your-own flower garden, launching in June. Inside the geothermally heated and cooled building will be a selection of Blue Moon-grown certified organic produce, micro greens, eggs, rice, their own line of body products made with herbs grown on the farm, and an array of products from other vendors. New this year are Cherry Grove Farm and Doublebrook Farm meats, Cherry Grove cheeses, Otolith Sustainable seafood, and bent spoon ice cream.

Customers can also sign up for a subscription produce box for weekly pickup at the farm. The farm offers boxes of certified organic produce year-round. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For online shopping, pickup is available at the Pennington and Buckingham, Pa., farms; or shipped.

For more information, visit bluemoonacres.csaware. com/store.

“I speak a few languages, so several things in French and Italian to exercise the mind including this analysis in French of Romeo and Juliet, which seems to be very detailed, so I love that.”

—Ana Traversa, Montgomery

Bobby: “This is a book of obscure English words and the different times of day you could actually use them. I also got another book on the pre-Greek and Roman peoples of the Mediterranean.”

Lauren: “I found this map in the Ephemera room — I like that the illustrations look like woodcut carvings since I’m an illustrator. Plus I found some cool needlework and sewing books.”

—Bobby McGovern and Lauren Nyquist, Philadelphia

Suman: “I’m most excited about a book on Japanese gift wrapping, but there was also a really cool collection of postcards and bookmarks.”

Thomas: “I found this little book by John Updike — it comes with a lot of unique illustrations. I also found a 1950s Russian postcard, and a Mark Twain set for my mom.”

—Suman Kulkarni and Thomas Gosart, Philadelphia

Princeton Author Emily Raboteau

To Discuss New Collection of Essays

Emily Raboteau was 10 years old when her father, Princeton University Religion Professor Albert Raboteau, gave her and her brothers “the Talk.” The subject was the discrepancy in society’s treatment of Blacks and whites.

“Because of white supremacy, some people would think negatively of us, no matter how smart we were, no matter how poised, how well-dressed, well-spoken, or well-behaved,” Raboteau writes in her recently published book Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against “the Apocalypse.” “We would have to work twice as hard to get half as far. There were different rules for Black people and, in particular, for young Black men. The streets were not as safe for my brothers as they were for their white friends…. As a female, I would be preyed upon by men who would try to take advantage of me, and as a light-skinned Black girl who could pass for white, I would hear white people spewing all kinds of ugly untruths about Black folks, whose dignity I would have to defend.”

A few decades later, Raboteau and her husband gave “the Talk” to their own two sons — as her grandmother had to her father. Racial discrimination is just one of the topics of the collection of essays in the book, which Raboteau will discuss at Labyrinth Books on Wednesday, April 3, starting at 6 p.m. The 1994 graduate of Princeton High School will

be in conversation with Elizabeth Harmon, her childhood friend and neighbor and a professor of moral philosophy at Princeton.

Emily Raboteau

“I’m really excited to be talking with Liz about the book,” Raboteau said. “We grew up across the street from each other, at Princeton and Prospect avenues. “We were friends. We played outside. We were the last generation before the internet. She is a philosophy professor in the same department that her dad was in. He died a year after my dad died. We kind of consulted with each other about eulogizing our dads. She’s my only friend like that — so heavily influenced professionally by our parents. So this is a particular way of confirming our friendship.”

Raboteau’s book is earning high praise. A March 12 review by Tiya Miles in the New York Times Book Review called it “a soulful exploration

of the fraught experience of caretaking through crisis.”

Kirkus Reviews described the book as “A thoughtful collection with an urgent message,” while author Teju Cole wrote “Vital work here, by Emily Raboteau … it’s about paying attention to life, and how love is the residue of such attention.”

Central to the book’s 20 essays is the issue of raising two sons in a world where police violence, climate calamities, and pandemics are commonplace. Essays include her visits to Israel and Alaska, a climate diary she kept for a year, the need for home, and the plight of climate refugees. Interspersed throughout are her photographs, including a series in Manhattan documenting a National Audubon Society project to raise awareness of endangered species. A picture she took of her children dressed in scary Halloween costumes inspired her to write, “My young look strong and alert. Good. They will have to be brave for the roadwork ahead.”

Lessons for Survival is Raboteau’s third book; her first in 11 years. She has been writing its essays for the past decade.

“My children are 11 and 12. This is very much a book that was inspired by them and my desire for them, to thrive in a world that feels very unstable,” she said. “And I wanted to work through what it feels like to be a parent in this area of intersecting crises. I wanted to take a hard look at the moment that we’re in.

I decided, with my editor, to put the essays between the covers of a book, and to think about how they relate to one another. There’s a progression in the book.”

Raboteau attended Riverside Elementary School, John Witherspoon (now Princeton Middle School), and Princeton High School. Her mother, who still lives in town, taught for many years at Community Park Elementary School. She and Harmon will likely touch on their Princeton youth in their upcoming discussion.

“We’ll probably give some introduction about our childhoods,” Raboteau said, “and how much [Princeton] has transformed since then. We might talk about how our childhoods are very different from our children’s childhoods. I’m particularly interested in being able to reconnect with Liz. I want to hear her take on parenting. She has her own area of expertise.”

Despite the book’s focus on what is wrong with the world, Raboteau has hope for the future.

“It’s a lot of pressure and a heavy burden for our children, and one of the struggles of parenting in this age is we weren’t prepared by our own elders for this,” she said. “But as Mr. Rogers used to say, ‘Look for the helpers in time of disaster.’ That’s what I do. There are a lot of helpers. A lot of young people are making moves to help. I put ‘the apocalypse’ in quotes in the book title because of what people are working so hard to fix. We can try to stymie the worst -case scenarios. I absolutely do have hope.”

—Anne Levin

Scholar Suggests Backstory For Leonardo’s Mother

At a program on Sunday, April 7 at Dorothea’s House, 120 John Street, Carlo Vecce will talk about his novel, Il Sorriso di Caterina ( Caterina’s Smile ), which recounts, through a combination of fact and imaginative fiction, the story of how Caterina was kidnapped from the Caucasus area of Central Asia, and moved to Florence, then Vinci,

as a slave.

Vecce, a professor at Orientale University in Naples and scholar in the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci, made a surprising discovery about Leonardo’s mother while researching a work of historical fiction.

The event, from 5-7 p.m., is free. Participants are encouraged to bring refreshments to share at a post-program reception. Doors open at 4:45 p.m.

Kurtzer continued from page one carrying out its peace voter campaign, conducting candidate briefings, and starting to prepare its peace voter guides.

The U.S. Senate seat for New Jersey, currently held by Robert Menendez, and the 3rd district congressional seat currently held by Andy Kim, who is running for the U.S. Senate, are two races that CFPA is already targeting.

In a March 25 telephone interview Moore noted that the Democratic Senate primary appeared to be closely contested until Tammy Murphy bowed out on March 24. Kim, the frontrunner, will be participating in a candidate briefing with CFPA

ARDEN

MarchStarting29th

Opening

Love Lies Bleeding

All of Us Strangers

They Shot the Piano Player

in early April. Also in the race for the Democratic nomination, labor leader Patricia CamposMedina completed a 90-minute candidate briefing with CFPA on March 15.

The CFPA candidate briefings focus on the nuclear weapons threat, seeking both to learn the candidates’ views and to provide them with additional information. “We have world class experts on the nuclear weapons danger,” said Moore. “We start with that issue, which is more important than ever now with recent developments. This helps the candidate to be as educated as possible on this major issue that they have to deal with.”

Physicist Frank von Hippel, co-director of the Program on Science and Global Security at Princeton University and the School of Public and International Affairs; and Stewart Prager, Princeton University professor emeritus of astrophysical sciences, affiliated faculty member of the Program on Science and Global Security, and co-founder of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, are among the experts participating in this year’s briefings. Prager was also the director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory from 2009 to 2016.

Mercer County and a number of towns in Burlington and Monmouth counties.

Democratic and Republican primary races for the District 7 congressional seat currently held by Republican Thomas Kean Jr. are uncontested, and the CFPA will be inviting Kean and Democratic candidate Sue Altman to participate in candidate briefings in the coming months. District 7 includes Hunterdon and Warren counties and parts of Somerset, Morris, Sussex, and Union counties.

Following the briefings, the candidates respond in writing to a questionnaire, which provides further information for the CFPA Peace Voter Guide, comparing the candidates on major issues.

“That is to inform the voters,” said Moore. “It’s a voter education instrument. We’re not partisan. We do not advocate. We don’t say vote for this person or that person. We want the voters to know where the candidates stand on the major issues.” CFPA Peace Voter Guides will come out before the June primary and again before the November general election.

Bunbury Foundation Awards

Grant to Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels of Mercer County (MOWMC) has been awarded a grant of $10,000 from The Bunbury Fund – Princeton Area Community Foundation to initiate new diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training programs.

Meals on Wheels of Mercer County was selected based on its impactful meal delivery service to a diverse homebound older adult population throughout Mercer County. Their participants are comprised of Asian, African American, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic, other/multiple, and are primarily 60 or older. The training is designed to improve the team’s empathy, sensitivity, and awareness of needs and communication styles that may differ from their own. MOWMC has hired instructor Monique Jones of Audacity Forward Wellness Group to conduct specialized trainings over a sixmonth course of instruction that began on March 14.

SHOW UP, FORAGE, AND EAT: On Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m., Friends of Princeton Open Space presents local experts Matt and Shannon for a two-hour garlic mustard forage walk at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. During this stewardship session, participants will learn about the origins of garlic mustard, how to identify this invasive yet edible plant, and pick some to take home. The event also includes a tasting of homemade garlic mustard pesto compliments of Matt and Shannon. Register at fopos.org/events-programs.

4/3

Dune: Part 2

Continuing Perfect Days

4/7 - Enviro. Film Fest: Arc of Oblivion, 4pm

In addition to the nuclear threat issue, the CFPA candidate briefings cover the topics of gun violence prevention, “diplomacy not war,” the IsraelHamas war, and more.

CFPA has held briefings for Democratic candidates Carol Murphy, Herb Conaway, and Sarah Schoengood in the Democratic primary race for the District 3 congressional seat, which represents East Windsor, Hamilton, Hightstown, Lawrence, and Robbinsville in

Moore continued, emphasizing the urgency of the nuclear weapons threat in Ukraine and elsewhere, and noting that CFPA has been working for more than 43 years to call for reductions globally in nuclear weapons. “We need to reinvigorate our nuclear abolition efforts,” he said. “We need the public’s attention to be focused on this and we need to focus the people’s power to really make a difference.”

Visit CFPA at peacecoalition. org for more information on the April 7 Membership Renewal Gathering and other CFPA initiatives.

—Donald Gilpin

“MOWMC will implement a strategic plan to increase the diversity, equity, and inclusion understanding of our volunteers, staff and board, and vendors ultimately helping us better serve our diverse population of senior participants,” said Meals on Wheels of Mercer County CEO Amy Flynn. “The training will teach our team to communicate effectively in a variety of cultural contexts. Meals on Wheels of Mercer County works every day to strengthen the lives of our participants — most of whom are socially isolated homebound seniors. We are grateful to the Bunbury Fund for supporting this important new program.”

Meals on Wheels of Mercer County (MOWMC) is a comprehensive nutrition program committed to providing nutritious meals and related services, while easing the social isolation of our homebound participants. The goal is to assist participants, who wish to remain in their homes,

maintain independence, dignity, health, and well-being. MOWMC delivers hot, nutritious, medically tailored meals five days per week to homebound seniors residing in Trenton, Ewing, Princeton, East Windsor, West Windsor, Hightstown, Lawrence, and parts of Hamilton adjacent to Trenton. For more information, visit mealsonwheelsmercer.org.

Montgomery Promenade to Have Whole Foods and More Construction is officially underway at Montgomery Promenade, a 292,700-square-foot center on Route 206 near Princeton Airport. The new mixeduse center, to be built in two phases, will be anchored by a Whole Foods Market.

Other confirmed tenant leases include Ulta, Iron Whale, The Robinson Ale House, Dor L’ Dor NYC, Turning Point , More Than Q, European Wax Center, Spavia, Norman’s Hallmark, Hair Cuttery, and Woof Gang Bakery.

SJC Ventures, a privately held, mixed-use commercial real estate and retail development firm, broke ground in fall 2023 on the 54-acre site that sat undeveloped for

more than 15 years.

Currently on site, clearing has been completed and mass grading has begun. Grading and utility work will continue over the next two to three months to prepare the property for roads and infrastructure.

“It’s extremely satisfying to see this development get underway after working with community leaders and stakeholders for many years,” said Sean MacLaurin, senior vice president of development at SJC Ventures. “After the initial site prep, we will be preparing for slab pouring and vertical construction while simultaneously working with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Somerset County on the road improvements along CR- 518 and SR-206.”

Montgomery Promenade will feature palisades for walking, dedicated open green spaces, outdoor dining, and first-to-market restaurants. The developer is planning new infrastructure to promote walkability and support existing and new traffic patterns. The center is expected to welcome its first openings in the fourth quarter of 2025.

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Herrontown Woods Celebration Features Dragons, Lanterns, Community Bonding

Danni Zhao, Montgomery resident and founder of United Moms, was a frequent visitor to Herrontown Woods with her young family. Inge Regan, Friends of Herrontown Woods (FOHW) board member, often joined them and they chatted as they strolled through the woods.

“As we walked together we got this idea,” said Zhao. “2024 is the year of the wood dragon, and this is the perfect time and Herrontown Woods is the perfect place to celebrate the dragon year in the woods. And Inge suggested we organize

this event together.”

In what Zhao described as “an enchanting display of lights, culture, and community spirit,” Herrontown Woods last month hosted more than 200 participants for its inaugural Lantern Festival, celebrating the last day of the Chinese New Year festivities and the year of the wood dragon, highlighted by a “mesmerizing” lantern walk and dragon parade.

To the beat of red Chinese drums, children and adults carrying colorful dragons paraded through the

winding paths of the Botanical Art Garden, known as “the Barden.” Children sang traditional new year songs, guests enjoyed tea and tangerines, and the Herrontown Woods visitors played traditional games like jianzi and ribbon dancing.

FOHW Board President Steve Hiltner led a group on a lantern walk through the woods to the historic Veblen House, former residence of Oscar Veblen, the renowned Princeton University and Institute for Advanced Study mathematician and Albert Einstein colleague.

“The wood dragon, known for its cooperative, upbeat, and understanding nature, symbolizes a year of growth and stability, especially in relationships,” Zhao wrote in a press release. “It brings both the promise of fortune and new opportunities according to the Chinese zodiac. This made our event at Herrontown Woods particularly special, blending the wood dragon’s symbolism with the serene beauty of nature.”

Zhao, who in recent years both gave birth to a child and completed her Ph.D., emphasized the significance of mothers bonding and supporting each other. “Chinese moms, French moms, American moms — sometimes they don’t connect with each other,” she said. “They use different social media and they speak different languages, but their needs are common. They all have needs, and they have common issues with babies. It can be very lonely for everybody.”

She continued, “The solidarity among mothers has been my anchor, making my path through motherhood and academia far less lonely. Seeing so many families here during this event reaffirms the strength of our community.”

Zhao went on to point out that the Lantern Festival and year of the wood dragon celebration was an auspicious occasion to promote inclusion, particularly for a number of senior citizens. “Some of the grandparents came to take care of their children,” she said. “They often have a language barrier, and they can be isolated. I saw grandparents at the event who are

isolated, but at the event they saw many new faces and made new friends. I saw one lady who cried when she heard the children singing the traditional songs.”

Zhao and Regan were originally expecting about 30 people to attend the event, but when more than 200 people had already registered a week before the event, they had to limit the attendance. Zhao is looking forward to organizing different events in the future to connect the community, and especially mothers from different backgrounds.

Is this the start of a

Chinese New Year Herrontown Woods tradition? “Next year will be the year of the snake,” said Zhao. “We’ll see. If more interest arises, I’ll happy to organize it.” Calling for environmental stewardship — “See it, know it, love it, protect it,” Regan noted that Herrontown Woods welcomes all community members to initiate and organize events, and she invited the community to participate in the Herrontown Woods Earth Day festivities on April 13. Visit herrontownwoods.org for more information.

—Donald Gilpin

Maundy Thursday Service in Chancellor Green Rotunda Princeton University

Thursday, March 28 8:00pm

WOOD DRAGONS AND LANTERNS: Herrontown Woods recently hosted a Lantern Festival and year of the wood dragon celebration, welcoming more than 200 visitors for a dragon parade, traditional Chinese songs and games, a tea party, and a festive community gathering in nature.

(Photo by Kristin Ohrt for Herrontown Woods)

Council continued from page one

The purpose of the committee is “to investigate and evaluate the options that might be available to the municipality for shaping and overseeing a public art program,” as noted on the municipal website. By the end of the year, they are to compile a report with recommendations on how to select artists and the placement of public art, as well as potential sources of funding such as a percent-for-art funding mechanism.

Five ordinances were introduced at the meeting, and five resolutions were approved. Among them was the authorization of a contract for spring tree planting, not to exceed $44,670, which went to Sunset Creations of Belle Mead, which was the lowest bidder for the project. The property leases and management agreements for three sites under the direction of Housing Initiatives of Princeton, at 132 Brickhouse Road, 134 Griggs Drive, and 140 Griggs Drive, were extended.

The next public meeting of Council is at Witherspoon Hall on Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m.

—Anne Levin

JUNCTION BARBER SHOP

33 Princeton-Hightstown Rd Ellsworth’s Center (Near Train Station)

799-8554

Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm; Sat 8:30am-3:30pm

Soup Kitchen Launches Mobile Meals Program

On March 18, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) launched the TASK food truck, a mobile meals program offering free TASK meals at various stops throughout Trenton. In its first phase, the food truck offered TASK’s signature fresh and balanced meals to more than 1,000 people each week in their own neighborhood, making food more convenient and accessible than ever.

desert: most Trenton residents do not live within a half a mile of any of Trenton’s three grocery stores. In a city where transportation is challenging, this greatly impacts people’s ability to access food.

alumni from the same TESU graduating cohort assume key positions in a premier organization such as this is an affirmation of our graduates’ leadership acumen and capacity to shape the future of our profession.”

This project, which marks TASK’s newest step toward its goal to end hunger in Trenton, will initially focus on serving within the city, where 27 percent of people — and 37 percent of children — are living below the poverty line, a rate more than twice the average in New Jersey. Over the past 18 months, TASK has seen a sharp increase in the number of people seeking help. The impact of rising consumer costs, stagnant wages and a lack of affordable housing, along with the end of many pandemic relief programs, have significantly impacted people across the nation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent report indicated that nearly 17 million households across the country are experiencing food insecurity, an increase of nearly 3.5 million households compared to the previous year. These numbers interrupted a years-long trend of declining hunger in the U.S., revealing that seniors and families with children have been disproportionately impacted.

To meet the need, TASK’s kitchen is currently preparing and serving more than 11,000 meals per week — the most in its 42-year history and nearly twice the pre-COVID-19 amount. In addition to their dining room on Escher Street in Trenton’s North Ward, TASK meals are being distributed at an expanded network of 36 additional community meal sites throughout Mercer County and into Bucks County, Pa.

In addition, according to TASK, Trenton is a food

TASK has begun by focusing on three core groups who have been particularly impacted by hunger in the area: families with children, seniors, and the chronically homeless. These groups, who are living in poverty at rates disproportionate to national averages, have represented the most growth in diners at TASK meal sites over the past 18 months. In addition, they often cite transportation as a major obstacle to reliably accessing food. By bringing more meals, more places, TASK believes that it can overcome some of the most challenging barriers to food security and help to improve outcomes for the city’s most vulnerable.

Visit trentonsoupkitchen. org for more information.

Thomas Edison Graduates

Earn Leadership Roles

Two 2022 graduates of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Thomas Edison University (TESU) were recently installed in key leadership positions with the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA)

Ginnette Watkins-Keller of Hamilton Square was inducted as president, and Donna M. Penn of Monmouth Junction as president-elect of NJSNA’s Region 4 in January. The region encompasses Mercer, Somerset, Middlesex, and Hunterdon counties and Bucks County, Pa. WatkinsKeller and Penn were both members of the School’s 2022 DNP graduating cohort.

“We applaud Drs. WatkinsKeller and Penn and look forward to their advocacy, transformative vision and ability to drive legislative action in their new positions,” said Maureen Clark-Gallagher, immediate past president of NJSNA’s Region 4 and assistant dean and director of Distance Learning at the School. “Having two

According to its website, the NJSNA serves as the voice of more than 150,000 registered and advanced practice nurses and is the only professional organization of its kind representing the interests of all registered nurses — regardless of areas of specialization or working environment.

“Membership in the NJSNA offers nurses an opportunity to build valuable networks and connect with other nurses on a local and state level,” said Watkins-Keller, associate director of Clinical Trials Administration at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, who will serve a twoyear term as president of the NJSNA. “Furthermore, there are educational programs, scholarships, leadership opportunities, and legislative advocacy initiatives in which nurses can participate. I find these affiliations personally rewarding, allowing me to connect with other nurses while expanding my knowledge and skills.”

In her search for a doctorallevel nursing program, Penn noted that TESU stood out among others and inspired her to bring the best version of herself to her studies.

“I had already served on the University’s Nursing Advisory Board, so I had firsthand knowledge that the DNP program was both exceptional and affordable. I also liked that it can be completed part time. I found the coursework challenging but stimulating and it inspired me to be the best I could be,” said Penn, who added that she particularly enjoyed forming valuable and enduring relationships with fellow students in her DNP cohort, including Watkins-Keller.

Watkins-Keller said that her TESU coursework prepared her for a role as a nurse leader within her organization, and on a broader level within her discipline encompassing oncology and clinical trials endeavors.

HELPING THE HUNGRY: The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen’s mobile food truck is making the rounds of Trenton neighborhoods where food insecurity is a major problem.

Paul Robeson

continued from page one said Barnes-Johnson. “We are delighted to partner with ACP, students, and families from the community in cementing Robesonian thoughts and artistry in our community.”

Robeson was born and spent his early childhood in Princeton. The son of a former slave who became a preacher, Robeson gained fame for his singing, acting, and athletic accomplishments, as well as for his activist political stance.

Welch, in a recent phone interview, described how the Robeson clay project had come together. He and Lilienthal share a common interest in clay and ceramics. One day last December Liliental was walking past the Robeson House renovation site, and he noticed what looked like clay of unusually high quality.

“A lot of people don’t realize that clay is just beneath our feet, a large part of the world,” Welch noted. “We brought it back to the Arts Council and tested and fired it. It fired beautifully. It’s this gorgeous, deep, red maroon brownish color — an amazing clay.”

They contacted the Paul Robeson House of Princeton, told them their plan for a project using the clay, and asked if they could dig out a couple of five-gallon buckets of clay before the construction project was completed.

“We love this idea of memory, and I really like the idea of the earth and this particular part of the earth in representing history and representing Robeson’s birth house, and we wanted to present our project at the Paul Robeson birthday celebration in April,” said Welch.

Welch and Lilienthal then decided to partner with PHS science teacher James Smirk and his students, who came to the ACP in early March, dug clay at the Robeson House, then returned to the ACP to make small artifacts for themselves and to stamp quotations from Robeson that Welch and Lilienthal had prepared onto clay tiles.

“It’s basically sacred clay, from the home of Princeton’s native son,” said Welch. “It’s beautiful clay and it’s fired, and it’s got a quote by him on it. There will be a set on display at the Robeson House and another set at the Arts Council. Ryan will keep a set, and the Robeson House is going to get the extras.”

Welch pointed out that the ACP is also named the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. “We talked with the students about who Paul Robeson was and why this is significant. We’ve created

a display on Robeson,” he said.

He continued, “I also talked about the clay and Paul Robeson and the significance of the project, and James talked about material culture, objects, and the making of objects and their value. Then Ryan talked about remembrance and memory and why he’s interested in doing this project, and Ben Colbert of the Paul Robeson House of Princeton talked to them about Robeson again before they left.”

Welch added, “It was a great project. Essentially what we wanted to do was to use this opportunity to teach people about naturally occurring clay, about wild clay, and most importantly we wanted to spread the word about Paul Robeson.”

Smirk, who teaches environmental science at PHS, discussed the value of the project for his mixed-age group of 23 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. “It was a great field experience for us,” he said. “We did some nice work that links the work we did in class on soil systems to a real-world application. Some students may look at science as people in lab coats with a bunch of chemistry materials lying around. This brings more direct applications for them. The approach here and the immediacy and location of it really drove home that these things are not just abstract concepts but things you make day to day.”

He added, “We really appreciate any opportunity to approach the community, as well as having an interdisciplinary approach to learning for our students. As a teacher I really appreciate the role that the Arts Council has taken here, including us in a really valuable learning experience, and I hope that this can be an example for future opportunities for our students and our community to work together.”

Barnes-Johnson emphasized the importance of the project from the perspectives of both the legacy of Robeson and the goals of sustainability. “We’re trying to look at sustainability and sustainable development as key goals for students to learn about, so that when they’re adults they make better choices,” she said. “This was the perfect project for us to have kids start to think that in Princeton the soil is clay, so you turn that clay into material to make other things rather than just discard it or watch it erode into our rivers, lakes and oceans, as often happens.”

She went on to note Lilienthal’s focus on memorializing history. “Everyone deserves to remember our history, and these tiles are a way to do it,” she said. Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org for more information on the tile project and the April 9 Paul Robeson celebration.

—Donald Gilpin

What

JUSTICE

Life is taxing

“Don’t take it personally.”

Life is taxing

What the IRS doesn’t tell you!

LIFE IS TAXING — Fringe Bene ts!

“Don’t take it personally.”

Life is taxing

IRS doesn’t

Wages are the one significant expense item that businesses must pay. Sure, having an understanding boss, a flexible work schedule, and a pleasant work environment are great but compensation is always key to retaining talents. Does that mean higher payroll taxes, the by-product of higher employee wages, are unavoidable?

When it comes to deductible business expenses, you cannot claim your personal expenses as Make it business—it is that simple.

“Don’t take it personally.”

You might be surprised. The IRS wants you to take as many deductions What?

When it comes to deductible business expenses, you cannot claim your personal expenses as being Make it business—it is that simple.

No, and there is a way out. Compensate your employees more without paying more payroll taxes through fringe benefits. Yes, you can offer fringe benefits in lieu of a higher raise and this can be a win-win as both employer and employee may save paying additional payroll taxes.

If you want to deduct the cost of a meal (and yes, we all do), you must discuss business to make business meal expense. If you want to travel to Los Angeles and deduct it as an expense, make a commit to a speaking engagement or participate in some legitimate business activity beforehand business portion of costs.

THE ARTHUR LEWIS

If you want to deduct the cost of a meal (and yes, we all do), you must discuss business to make business meal expense. If you want to travel to Los Angeles and deduct it as an expense, make commit to a speaking engagement or participate in some legitimate business activity beforehand business portion of costs.

When it comes to deductible business expenses, you cannot claim your personal Make it business—it is that simple.

When it comes to deductible business expenses, you cannot claim your Make it business—it is that simple.

Our government is sneaky! Long ago, they realized they could taxes to incentivize our behaviors. For example, Clean Energy and Vehicle credits and R&D credits. Don’t you just see your EV written all over your return?

These are just a few of common examples of how to structure legitimate business expenses. There depends

These are just a few of common examples of how to structure legitimate business expenses. depends on your profession and expertise, as well.

What are tax-saving fringe benefits? Per the IRS: a fringe benefit is a form of pay (including property, services, cash, or cash equivalent) in addition to stated pay for the performance of services.

If you want to deduct the cost of a meal (and yes, we all do), you must discuss business meal expense. If you want to travel to Los Angeles and deduct it commit to a speaking engagement or participate in some legitimate business business portion of costs.

business meal expense. If you want to travel to Los Angeles and deduct it as an expense, make a business appointment,

Our government is sneaky! Long ago, they realized they could use taxes to incentivize our behaviors. For example, Clean Energy and Vehicle credits and R&D credits. Don’t you just see your new EV written all over your return?

Here are just six of the fifty different IRS Codes defining tax-excluded fringe benefits:

Key Point: Don’t “take it personally” if you want to deduct business expenses. You must make what you do and what could be of benefit to the person you meet.

105: Benefits received through an employer’s health or accident insurance

When it comes to deductible business expenses, you cannot claim your personal expenses as being

Memorial Scholarship Created Honoring Nurse and Artist

If you want to deduct the cost of a meal (and yes, we all do), you must business meal expense. If you want to travel to Los Angeles and deduct commit to a speaking engagement or participate in some legitimate business portion of costs.

106: Health insurance premiums paid by the employer

119: Meals or lodging provided for the employer’s convenience

These are just a few of common examples of how to structure legitimate depends on your profession and expertise, as well.

Scenario: Josh owns an architectural firm. He likes traveling. What can he plan to deduct for expenses? What can he do to “audit proof” his business deductions?

125: Cafeteria plans

When it comes to deductible business expenses, you cannot claim your personal expenses as

The tax system works hard to create tax benefits for businesses and real estate investors. Why? Because the first creates jobs, and the second provides housing. Since both businesses and estate investments boost the economy, the deductions are

127: Educational assistance programs

As a delivery room nurse, Elizabeth Ward-Rake (Scully) dedicated her life to bringing new children into the world. But those who knew her best say she lived for her art.

These are just a few of common examples of how to structure legitimate depends on your profession and expertise, as well.

Key Point: Don’t “take it personally” if you want to deduct business expenses. what you do and what could be of benefit to the person you meet.

Strategically, Josh could set up business meetings where he wishes to travel. Email correspondence support documentation should he be audited.

129: Dependent care assistance programs

If you want to deduct the cost of a meal (and yes, we all do), you must discuss business to make it business meal expense. If you want to travel to Los Angeles and deduct it as an expense, make a business commit to a speaking engagement or participate in some legitimate business activity beforehand

enjoyed teaching, and she enjoyed learning. The best way to honor her is to make it possible for others to do the same.”

have a business function in mind. You can personal portion of it. You can mix business with personal pleasure when you put business at the

The tax system works hard to create tax benefits for businesses and real estate investors. Why? Because the first creates jobs, and the second provides housing. Since both businesses and real estate investments boost the economy, the deductions are a win-win.

Visit mccc.edu/foundation for information about contributing.

“She could see beauty in anything,” said her husband Phil Rake of Yardley, Pa. “She loved beauty and loved to recreate it. It was so amazing.”

In summary, to deduct business expenses, you need to have a business function in mind. You personal portion of it. You can mix business with personal pleasure when you put business at

Scenario: Josh owns an architectural firm. He likes traveling. What can expenses? What can he do to “audit proof” his business deductions?

Disclosure: e information provided here is for your information only. Personal tax and the nancial situation vary and require a one-on-one consultation and planning to make it yours. Annie Hung, CPA, MBA, CKA Princeton NJ | Princeton Forrestal Village 116 Village Blvd.,

Key Point: Don’t “take it personally” if you want to deduct business what you do and what could be of benefit to the person you meet.

Think finding deductions is hard? Think of it as a treasure starts with a map called the Internal Revenue Codes. If you as a map to the treasure, odds are you are going to be very you think the profession of Certified Public Accountants

Disclosure: The information provided here is for your information only. Personal tax and the financial situation one-on-one consultation and planning to make it yours.

If you want to deduct the cost of a meal (and yes, we all do), you must discuss business to make business meal expense. If you want to travel to Los Angeles and deduct it as an expense, make commit to a speaking engagement or participate in some legitimate business activity beforehand

These are just a few of common examples of how to structure legitimate business expenses. There

Strategically, Josh could set up business meetings where he wishes to travel. support documentation should he be audited.

Disclosure: The information provided here is for your information only. Personal tax and the financial one-on-one consultation and planning to make it yours.

The bottom line is job creation and boosting the economy! So call us, and by all means, enjoy your new-found deductions!

Scenario: Josh owns an architectural firm. He likes traveling. What expenses? What can he do to “audit proof” his business deductions?

In summary, to deduct business expenses, you need to have a business function personal portion of it. You can mix business with personal pleasure when

| www.linkedin.com/in/anniehungcpa | email: annie@atlantiscpa.com

|

Think finding deductions is hard? Think of it as a treasure hunt that starts with a map called the Internal Revenue Codes. If you think of it as a map to the treasure, odds are you are going to be very lost. Why do you think the profession of Certified Public Accountants was created?

It was that love of beauty that inspired Rake to honor his wife’s memory after her recent passing in July 2023. He set in motion the establishment of the Elizabeth Ward-Rake (Scully) Memorial Scholarship at Mercer County Community College (MCCC), an endowed scholarship to be awarded each year to a continuing student majoring in fine arts. Applications are now being accepted, with the first award to be made for the 2024 fall semester.

Strategically, Josh could set up business meetings where he wishes to support documentation should he be audited.

Cali Center III (South Tower) | 140 E Ridgewood Ave., Suite 415 | Paramus, NJ 07652 www.atlantiscpa.com

Disclosure: The information provided here is for your information only. Personal one-on-one consultation and planning to make it yours.

Don’t “take it personally” if you want to deduct business expenses. You must make a Josh owns an architectural firm. He likes traveling. What can he plan to deduct for travel-related

In summary, to deduct business expenses, you need to have a business personal portion of it. You can mix business with personal pleasure when

These are just a few of common examples of how to structure legitimate business expenses. Don’t “take it personally” if you want to deduct business expenses. You must make

| email: annie@atlantiscpa.com

Strategically, Josh could set up business meetings where he wishes to travel. Email correspondence

Disclosure: The information provided here is for your information only. Personal one-on-one consultation and planning to make it yours.

Josh owns an architectural firm. He likes traveling. What can he plan to deduct for

The bottom line is job creation and boosting the economy! So call us, and by all means, enjoy your new-found deductions!

In summary, to deduct business expenses, you need to have a business function in mind. You can personal portion of it. You can mix business with personal pleasure when you put business at the

Strategically, Josh could set up business meetings where he wishes to travel. Email correspondence

Disclosure: The information provided here is for your information only. Personal tax and the financial situation

Annie Hung, CPA, MBA, CKA

In summary, to deduct business expenses, you need to have a business function in mind. You personal portion of it. You can mix business with personal pleasure when you put business at

THE

Rake said that even though his wife attended technical school in Cape May County, earning certification as a licensed practical nurse and going on to become a registered nurse, earning her Bachelor of Science in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing informatics, art remained her passion. As an alumnus of MCCC, he was personally familiar with its visual arts programs. In agreement with his wife’s sisters Eileen Roche, Mary Pat Palombo, Marie Zinno, Kathleen Brown, and Theresa Ward, it was felt that an arts scholarship would be a fitting memorial.

Princeton NJ | Princeton Forrestal Village | 116 Village Blvd., Suite 200

Paramus NJ | Mack Cali Center III (South Tower) | 140 E Ridgewood Ave., www.atlantiscpa.com | www.linkedin.com/in/anniehungcpa | email: annie@atlantiscpa.com

Disclosure: The information provided here is for your information only. Personal tax and the financial one-on-one consultation and planning to make it yours.

JUSTICE

ARTHUR LEWIS AUDITORIUM, ROBERTSON HALL

THE ARTHUR LEWIS AUDITORIUM, ROBERTSON HALL

THE ARTHUR LEWIS AUDITORIUM, ROBERTSON HALL

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

THE ARTHUR LEWIS AUDITORIUM, ROBERTSON HALL

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

| www.linkedin.com/in/anniehungcpa | email: annie@atlantiscpa.com

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Annie Hung, CPA, MBA, CKA Princeton NJ | Princeton Forrestal Village | 116 Village Blvd., Suite 200 | Princeton, NJ 08540 | Paramus NJ | Mack Cali Center III (South Tower) | 140 E Ridgewood Ave., Suite 415 | Paramus, NJ

“I liked the idea — it was a fitting tribute,” said Palombo. “Liz would have loved to inspire young people who are studying art. It’s a great way to share our resources and honor her.”

“Liz never had the chance for formal art training — she would have loved to have had an opportunity like this,” Roche said. “Liz had very capable hands — her hands were the ones you wanted to assist you; she delivered hundreds of babies. She just loved art, and saw it all around, and she approached art in a scientific way, with layers upon layers of paint.”

“We wanted to do something to remember her,” said Rake . “She

At the center of national debates over gerrymandering, abortion, and the growing polarization of the courts, Justice Dallet discusses the role of the judge in a constitutional democracy.

www.atlantiscpa.com | www.linkedin.com/in/anniehungcpa | email: annie@atlantiscpa.com

At the center of national debates over gerrymandering, abortion, and the growing polarization of the courts, Justice Dallet discusses the role of the judge in a constitutional democracy.

At the center of national debates over gerrymandering, abortion, and the growing polarization of the courts, Justice Dallet discusses the role of the judge in a constitutional democracy.

THE JUSTICE

THE JUSTICE JOHN MARSHALL

JOHN MARSHALL JUSTICE

At the center of national debates over gerrymandering, abortion, and the growing polarization of the courts, Justice Dallet discusses the role of the judge in a constitutional democracy.

At the center of national debates over gerrymandering, abortion, and the growing polarization of the courts, Justice Dallet discusses the role of the judge in a constitutional democracy.

JOHN MARSHALL

HARLAN LECTURE

HARLAN LECTURE

IN CONSTITUTIONAL ADJUDICATION

IN CONSTITUTIONAL ADJUDICATION

THE JUSTICE JOHN MARSHALL HARLAN LECTURE IN CONSTITUTIONAL ADJUDICATION

THE JUSTICE

IN HER MEMORY: Phil Rake, right, of Yardley, Pa., is shown with his wife, the late Elizabeth Ward-Rake (Scully), a career delivery room nurse with a passion for the arts. With his wife’s sisters, Rake has created the Elizabeth Ward-Rake (Scully) Memorial Scholarship at Mercer County Community College to benefit young artists.

Mailbox

The

Developer’s Proposed Design Plan

For 344 Nassau Needs Reworking

To the Editor:

When I drive down Route 27 from Kingston, I arrive in a neighborhood of lovely and varied 19th and 18th century homes and commercial buildings and I know I have reached Princeton. Jugtown wasn’t always part of Princeton, though. In the 18th century it was its own place, also known as Queenston. Since the 1980s, Jugtown has been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally as an historic place. While change is inevitable, historic preservation ordinances were put in place to help manage change in historic neighborhoods such as Jugtown.

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has the opportunity and the mandate to exercise that judgement on April 15, when the HPC hears the application of RB Homes to build a four-story apartment building behind, attached to, and over the historic Hornor House at 344 Nassau Street, on the northeast corner of the Nassau and Harrison Street intersection.

Despite pleas from neighbors to the developer and town officials a year ago, the developer has come back with a building design that once again overwhelms the historic building. With tight setbacks from the street, the risk to children on the way to school, pedestrians, and cyclists is aggravated by this proposal. The 45-foot height of the building dwarfs the Hornor House’s 29 feet and clashes with the rest of the historic district as well.

Town Topics readers may have noticed the orange SaveJugtown.org signs that dot the streetscape. Join us in expressing your disapproval of the developer’s plan, and demand that the design comply with the historic preservation ordinance and meet standards for historic design. The HPC meets on April 15 at 4 p.m. at Town Hall. Follow us at SaveJugtown.org

DON DENNY Nassau Street

Sharing Concerns About Proposed Four-Story Addition in Jugtown/Queenston Neighborhood

To the Editor:

As longtime residents of Princeton (we moved here 20 years ago), we are writing to indicate our profound concern over the proposed 16,000-square-foot, four-story addition to 344 Nassau Street, on the NE corner of Harrison Street. The developer’s application proposes 15 residential units, of which three would be affordable. The proposal also includes 15 parking spaces, six for commercial use, in an area where the adjacent streets have no on-street parking. Further, the proposal reduces commercial space in the existing building.

Like so many of the recent development decisions taken

by the municipality, the building, as presently suggested, ignores the historical importance, the aesthetic, and the practical concerns of the area. It’s baffling why this application is preceding through the Planning Development process, particularly as significant neighborhood concerns have been raised in public meetings, and letters like this one to the editor, conveying concerns to public officials.

The proposed building is disrespectful of this neighborhood, which was designated an Historic District in 1986.

Jugtown/Queenston is one of the most notable historic neighborhoods to survive, at least until now, in Princeton. Originally, it was a crossroads settlement founded around 1730. The only older settlements in the area are Stony Brook (1696) and Princeton Village, by what is now called Witherspoon Street (1715). Today, Jugtown/Queenston remains one of our busiest and most important intersections, while the historic roots of the settlement are discernible in the landmark buildings and the harmonious balance of residential and commercial structures of appropriately modest scale, all evident in a gentle evolution over three centuries.

Our concerns, which are shared by many in the community, are as follows: The proposed 4-story design will overwhelm the 18th century original home on that corner; significantly harm the Jugtown Historic District by not conforming to the Historic Preservation Ordinance; worsen the already dangerous traffic and pedestrian conditions at the Nassau-Harrison intersection; and set the precedent for future four-story additions on all corners of this historic crossroads.

The National Register identifies 344 Nassau as “the single and most pivotal building at the Jugtown crossroads” and should not be developed as proposed.

We are not suggesting there be no development at all. The Historic Preservation Ordinance standards could be met by reducing the size of the proposed building to three stories, with a design compatible with the historic district, and an appropriate setback from Harrison Street.

We hope the application, as presented, will be denied. We hope the Planning Board will do what is right for the town and its residents.

RON AND LAUREN B. DAVIS Gallup Road

Princeton University Should Rethink Decision to Close Nassau Swim Club

To the Editor:

Shame on Princeton University. For more than 50 years, Nassau Swim Club has provided Princeton-area residents, Institute for Advanced Study faculty and staff and the University community with a diverse, peaceful, sylvan escape from the heat and hustle and bustle of a New Jersey summer. Nassau, too, provides local kids, exercise, activity, and community engagement unparalleled in today’s screencentric culture.

In October the University informed the Nassau Swim Club Board of Directors that Princeton would terminate the club’s lease in April 2024. The University, which owns the land on which the pool sits cited the pool’s failure to pay taxes owed as the reason for the closure.

Over the past decade the pool has struggled to meet its financial obligations. Dwindling membership thanks to a range of factors has hit Nassau particularly hard. Membership is the pool’s main source of income and, therefore, a decline in that key area inevitably negatively impacted the club’s finances. The University, for years, looked the other way as Nassau was unable to turn a profit and pay its taxes.

It was a shock, then, that Princeton suddenly has decided to close the pool, especially since they informed the board that they have no immediate plans for the site [“Nassau Swim Club Lease Terminated,” February 21, page 1]. Since receiving the letter the Nassau board undertook negotiations to find a way to stay open, remain viable, and increase membership. Crucially, the board tried to enlist the University. Sadly, efforts to convince Princeton that Nassau is more of an asset than a liability fell on deaf ears.

Princeton’s talk of diversity and inclusion; its concern over student, staff, and faculty physical and mental health; and its efforts at community building appear as mere lip service in the face of this closure. Nassau ticks all of these boxes. The pool could be promoted to the University population as a place of solace in troubled times, as an incredibly diverse, close-knit blend of people (on any given day countless languages are being spoken at Nassau), and as a place where a warm, welcoming community is already built.

At a recent public forum, President Eisgruber spoke of the importance of these initiatives, yet when faced with an actual place that fulfills these needs, he sees only the bottom line. And the almighty dollar wins the day.

RICHARD BOLSTER

Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville

101: Fund Executive Board Thanks Princeton University, Community for Support

To the Editor:

On behalf of the entire 101: Fund Executive Board, we extend our most heartfelt gratitude to Princeton University and the incredibly generous contribution of $500,000 to the 101: Fund over the next five years. This transformative gift will make a profound difference in the lives of countless Princeton High School graduates and families in the community. Such meaningful support will enable us to provide essential tuition assistance for college.

The 101: Fund supports PHS graduates aiming to further their education, especially the 10 percent of the student body that qualifies for the free or reduced-price lunch program. 101: Fund scholarship recipients attend two- and four-year institutions such as Mercer County Community College, Rutgers University, Howard University, and Montclair State University — to name just a few of the schools recent graduates have chosen.

During the 2023-24 school year the 101: Fund is supporting 75 students in their first, second, third, or fourth years of college, including 20 students attending MCCC. Many recipients are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.

We would also like to thank the Princeton community for their support of our recent benefit held at Charter Club on campus. The sold out event was a great success and brought together parents, alumni, teachers, local businesses, donors, and sponsors in support of funding future scholarships.

Our volunteer executive board will continue our fundraising efforts to ensure we can maximize the number of students we can help. We thank Princeton University again for their donation which provides a strong foundation upon which we will continue to build.

ANTHONY KLOCKENBRINK President, 101: Fund Moore Street

Nassau Swim Club is Essential Part of PU’s Value, Goodwill Toward Wider Community

To the Editor:

Last week, one month after you published the devastating news “Nassau Swim Club Lease Terminated,” I was again dismayed to hear from those fighting to save this community pool that Princeton University had again refused to grant them the three-year extension for which they have pleaded for months, to give them a more reasonable amount of time in which to organize “members who expressed willingness to support the club with a range of volunteer tasks as well as financial contributions; plans for a capital fundraising campaign among current members and NSC alumni; optimistic plans for a strengthened 2024 budget; extensive plans for increasing membership in the University and IAS communities and in the larger Princeton area; and innovative programs for children” [February 21, page 1]. The night before an open house which the University had been informed had been planned for this past Friday, March 22, to raise further membership, funding, and public support, a University administrator emailed the NSC Board to restate their determination to close the Club and demolish the pool, repeating their perspective that “the ability of the Club to meet its financial and operational obligations remains doubtful” (“Retrospective,” published on NSC’s website). The timing of this refusal could only work to ensure the continued doubtfulness of NSC’s financial

competence. In any case it leaves no room for benefit of doubt, with so much at stake for the town and community.

It is understandable that Princeton University does not want to be in the pool business. It is costly and there is competition from better-supported pools like Community Park and the costly new one at the Life Time fitness center.

On the other hand, the Nassau Swim Club has been a precious resource for a truly diverse community for 60 years. There are Princeton families who have enjoyed summers at this community pool in the woods for multiple generations. It supports families, health and well-being, and community, all in one idyllic place. It is one of the few places I know in Princeton where town residents can gather for exercise, recreation, and community with members of the University and Institute for Advanced Study communities. Beyond all this, the Nassau Swim Club offers swimming lessons and swim teams for children all over Princeton, increasing their well-being, health, and safety.

The University may not want to be in the pool business, but it should be in the business of extending its resources for the benefit of the Town and neighboring institutions. The Nassau Swim Club is an essential part of the University’s value and goodwill toward the wider community in the town of Princeton. Its value to the town’s diverse communities is greater than the cost of supporting a grassroots volunteer organization that is working so hard to better hold up its part of the bargain.

APRIL ALLISTON Basin Street

Responding to University’s Decision To Terminate Nassau Swim Club Lease

To the Editor:

Last week Princeton University told the Nassau Swim Club (NSC) that its lease for the property where the pool is located would not be reconsidered, and would be terminated, in April. Nassau Swim Club is a valuable, muchloved, and important asset for the Princeton community.

Earlier this month Nassau Swim Club’s Board of Directors presented a well-considered five-year business plan to Princeton University administrators to address the NSC’s financial challenges. The board laid out its plan to reestablish its commercial viability, including facility repairs, revenue growth, and fundraising, while maintaining its very successful swim and dive teams, swim lessons, and daily aquatic programs.

Could Princeton University give Nassau Swim Club one year’s grace? Applying its business plan over the next 12 months would enable NSC to begin to recover its financial health and demonstrate that there is a viable solution, instead of ending a pool that has been a valued community amenity for decades.

Since its creation in 1970, NSC has offered a place to cool off from the summer heat and a peaceful repose in the woods between the campuses of Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS). Families have enjoyed NSC’s no-frills, co-op style swim club for generations, and thousands of children and adults have learned to swim there.

Families return year after year with their children who have progressed from swim lessons to NSC’s very spirited swim and dive teams. NSC has been an active member of Princeton Area Swimming & Diving Association (PASDA), placing first or second in its division. Swimming is a valuable life skill that these kids shall keep for the rest of their lives.

It’s hard to comprehend why Princeton University would not see the value of NSC and find some middle ground to compromise. The University’s graduate student housing is located a comfortable walking distance to NSC, and the graduate students and their families would benefit. Princeton’s Community Park Pool is on the other side of town, and on hot summer days can get overcrowded.

Closing NSC would end a community asset that has been highly valued by all ages, for decades.

LISA SERIEYSSOL Olden Lane

New Construction in Town Historic Districts Should Comply with Preservation Standards

To the Editor:

Princeton has a unique sense of place, and amidst the current wave of new housing and commercial development, let’s ensure that new buildings in historic districts meet the goal in the 2014 Historic Preservation Ordinance to “preserve, enhance, and safeguard the heritage of Princeton by preserving the resources in the community that reflect elements of its historic significance.”

The HP Ordinance specifies maintaining and developing “harmonious settings within historic sites and historic preservation districts,” and managing change in them by “encouraging sensitive alteration and/or new construction.” An addition to a historic structure must be “visually compatible with the structures and places within the district to which it is visually related, and act as a backdrop to and not visually intrude upon such structures and places.” Height, size, mass, roof shape, windows, etc., “shall be visually compatible with structures and places within the district to which they are visually related.”

The application currently at the Historic Preservation Commission for a four-story, 15-unit addition, including three affordable units, on the ca. 1760 Joseph Hornor House at 344 Nassau Street does not meet the preservation criteria in its scale and design. The 1986 Jugtown Historic District Nomination describes the Hornor House as “the single most pivotal and important building at the Jugtown Crossroads.” Construction of the addition as proposed would ignore historic preservation guidelines, impair the significance of the building and the Jugtown Historic District, and set a negative precedent for new construction in Princeton historic districts.

The Historic Preservation Commission should reject the design as proposed and recommend a resubmission that complies fully with Historic Preservation Ordinance standards by reducing the addition in scale to three stories with a maximum of 35 feet high, and designing it with visually compatible façades. A three-story addition could still have 15 units with three affordable. The third floor units would not have bedrooms on the fourth floor as in the current four-story plan, and being smaller they would be more affordable. For safety at the crowded intersection, the addition should also be appropriately set back from North Harrison Street.

The addition as currently proposed results from the Affordable Housing Overlay Ordinance, passed in 2020 during the pandemic, that did not take into consideration the Jugtown Historic District and the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Neighbors and residents did not receive notice of the overlay, and therefore could not raise the preservation issues, but are working to have the overlay adjusted in the upcoming 2025 round of affordable housing to recognize the Jugtown Historic District and comply with preservation standards.

The Historic Preservation Commission will hear the current proposal for 344 Nassau Street at its in-person meeting on April 15 at 4 p.m. at Town Hall. If you believe that new construction in Princeton historic districts should comply with existing preservation standards, attend the meeting and make your voice heard. Now is the time to get new construction right in our historic districts to preserve Princeton’s unique heritage.

CLIFFORD W. ZINK Aiken Avenue

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Books

King Biographer Jonathan Eig Hosts Theological Seminary Lecture

Jonathan Eig, who recently won the New York Historical Society’s American History Prize for his biography of Martin Luther King Jr., is hosting The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture 2024 on Thursday, April 4 at Princeton Theological Seminary.

The author of King: A Life will speak in person in the Seminary Chapel at 5 p.m., and the lecture will be streamed live on YouTube. More information and a registration link can be found at ptsem.edu.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture is sponsored by the President’s Office, the Association of Black Seminarians, and the Betsey Stockton Center for Black Church Studies. The lecture was established to embrace the heritage of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and “to engage Christian faith with intellectual, political and economic life in pursuit of truth, justice, compassion, and peace.”

Eig is the bestselling author of six books, four of them New York Times bestsellers. King: A Life (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $35)

has been widely hailed. A finalist for the 2023 National Book Critics Circle Award, it was named one of the 10 best books of 2023 by The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Time. It was a New York Times bestseller and notable book of 2023.

Eig’s previous book, Ali: A Life, won a 2018 PEN America Literary Award and was a finalist for the Mark Lynton History Prize. His first book, Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig, won the Casey Award. His fourth book, The Birth of the Pill, will be staged soon as a theatrical production by TimeLine Theatre in Chicago.

Eig is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School. He began his writing career working for his hometown newspaper, The Rockland County (N.Y.) Journal News and went on to work as a reporter for The New Orleans Times-Picayune, The Dallas Morning News, Chicago Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. He’s since appeared on the Today Show, NPR’s Fresh Air, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Let's

Political Leader, Author Abrams Speaks at PU’s Alexander Hall

Known as a political leader in her home state of Georgia, Stacey Abrams is also a New York Times bestselling author.

Abrams discusses her latest novel, Rogue Justice: A Thriller, as part of Princeton University’s J. Edward Farnum Lecture Series on Thursday, April 4, 5-6:15 p.m., at Alexander Hall on the Princeton University campus. Free tickets are required, and can be obtained at

tickets.princeton.edu/online.

The event is co-sponsored by Princeton University, Labyrinth Books, and the Princeton Public Library.

In her latest book, Rogue Justice (Penguin Random House, $18), Supreme Court Clerk Avery Keene is back, after unraveling an international conspiracy in While Justice Sleeps . But as congressional hearings and political skirmishes swirl around her, Keene is

approached at a legal conference by an unassuming young man and fellow law clerk to a federal judge in Idaho. He believes his boss, a judge, was being blackmailed in the days before she died. Desperate to understand what happened, he gives Keene a file, a burner phone, and a fearful warning that there are highly dangerous people involved.

Drawn from today’s headlines and woven with her insider perspective, the suspense novel combines twisting plotlines, wry wit, and clever puzzles. New York Magazine calls it a “thoroughly compelling take on the machinations of Washington and those covetous of power,” while the Washington Post writes that Abrams “delivers another smart, zippy thriller; in Keene, she’s created a dogged and determined hero who could take down a whole slate of bad guys between her morning latte and a late lunch.”

Abrams served as minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives and was the first Black woman in U.S. history to become gubernatorial nominee for a major party. She has launched multiple nonprofit organizations devoted to democracy protection, voting rights and effective public policy. She has also co-founded successful companies, including a financial services firm, an energy and infrastructure consulting firm, and the media company, Sage Works Productions.

Haidu to Discuss Book on Self-Awareness Through Art

Author Rachel Haidu will discuss her new book, Each One Another: The Self in Contemporary Art , with Princeton University art scholar Irene Small on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street.

In her book (University of

Chicago Press, $40), Haidu contends that contemporary art can offer a deeper understanding of selfhood, and can teach us how to understand ourselves as selves. Haidu looks to intergenerational pairings of artists to consider how three aesthetic vehicles –– shape in painting, characters in film and video, and roles in dance –– allow us to gain a better understanding of ourselves, which, she contends, complements our thinking about identity and subjecthood.

She shows how Philip Guston’s figurative works explore shapes’ descriptive capacities and their ability to investigate history, while Amy Sillman’s paintings allow us to rethink expressivity and oneness. Analyzing a 2004 video by James Coleman, Haidu explores how we enter characters through their interior monologues, and she also looks at how a 2011 film by Steve McQueen positions a protagonist’s refusal to speak as an argument for our right to silence. Haidu examines how Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker’s distribution of roles across dancers invites us to appreciate formal structures that separate us from one another while Yvonne Rainer’s choreography shows how such formal structures also bring us together.

Haidu is associate professor of art history and visual and cultural studies at the University of Rochester. She is the author of The Absence of Work: Marcel Broodthaers 1964-1976

Small is professor of art and archaeology at Princeton University. She is the author of Hélio Oiticica: Folding the Frame and of the forthcoming The Organic Line: Toward a Topology of Modernism. This event is co-sponsored by Princeton University’s Humanities Council and Department of Art & Archaeology. For more information, visit labyrinthbooks.com.

Found at the Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale: A Poet of Mountains and His Wife

Twenty years ago, I wrote about “Billy Collins and the Homeless Poets of Bryn Mawr,” my first article on an event that I’ve covered ever since, including the 2020 sale that was canceled after two days because of the pandemic.

Two years ago, my title was “How I Spent $8 at the BMW Book Sale and Came Home Happy.” This year I showed up at 3 p.m. on opening day, spent $13, and came home with a Royal Shakespeare Company curiosity ($1); a paperback copy of the play In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer ($3); a Limited Edition of Daniel Defoe’s Diary of Moll Flanders , illustrated and signed by Reginald Marsh ($6); and a “homeless poet” named Michael Roberts ($3).

Twin Ghost Towns

By the time I arrived at Stuart Country Day School last Wednesday, both gyms were virtually deserted, twin ghost towns, except for volunteers restocking the plundered tables. In Collectors Corner, the rarities I’d noticed on my visit the previous Sunday had been snapped up. Gone (no surprise) was the first hardcover edition of Jack Kerouac’s The Dharma Bums in the original dust jacket, priced at a fraction of the $400 being asked online for copies in similar condition. Among the items buyers had passed over were Freddy Goes to the North Pole and three Signet paperback mysteries by Mickey Spillane — a quick study of my adolescent reading habits, from Freddy the Pig and Jinx the Cat to Mike Hammer.

Homeless No More

Last week’s column was headed “Making Connections,” a fact of life at book sales of this magnitude. What I found in the dead calm of an event adrift in the 3-4 p.m. doldrums was that the best connections are made for you: you don’t choose, you’re chosen. When you see a small hardbound volume of poetry from 1936 by an author whose name suggests a sight rhyme with Michael Robartes, it’s as if the spirit of W.B. Yeats laid it in the palm of your hand and said, “Here you are.”

I picked up the wastrel more than once before I adopted it, finally moved to action by the feel of the textured cloth cover and the thought that in 1921 a 19-year-old English poet named Michael Roberts might have been inspired by Yeats’s Michael Robartes and the Dancer, perhaps having already been drawn to “The Double Vision of Michael Robartes” in Yeats’s previous collection.

Esteeming Mountains

I began reading the 64-page book, simply titled Poems , soon after I got home. I read the first poem aloud to myself, then the second and the third, and on to the end, in two sittings. It was as if I were reading Michael Roberts to life. The book is dedicated to his wife of one year, Janet Adam Smith, a mountaineer like the poet, and to Ottone Bron, “Guide, of Courmayeur,” who had apparently accompanied them in an ascent of Mont Blanc de Courmayeur. Also on the dedication page is an epigraph from the Metaphysical poet Thomas Traherne: “That more esteemeth Mountains as they are / Than if they Gold and Silver were.”

As I read, I found echoes of Yeats and Gerard Manley Hopkins in “Black Funnel Spouting Black” and “Kangchenjunga.” Perhaps the fascination with mountains began with a youthful reading of Yeats’s “When You Are Old,” with its reference to “the pilgrim soul” and to “how Love fled / And paced upon the mountains overhead / And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.”

Books and Strangers

Imagine picking up a book by a stranger and reading it through aloud, carried along by the rhythm and cadence, forcefully voiced, and by insights that reflect the occasion (“Listen, there is a stranger / moving among the books”), from “Neither My Comrades nor My Brothers.” And the closing stanza of “Shining Dark”: “Beethoven deaf and Milton blind, / Melville, forsaken of the valiant mind, / Beyond the inhuman pattern, men, / Broken, ephemeral, undismayed.”

in a dubious mist” on which “We march, uncomprehending, not expecting Time to show us beacons.” In the second stanza, “When we have struggled on a little farther ... a load will be set down.” The third and last stanza: “And maybe no one will ever come, / No other traveller passing that way. / Therefore the load we lifted will be left, / A milestone, insignificant ”

Janet Adam Smith

This being the last column of Women’s History Month, it’s important to note that besides climbing mountains with her husband and bearing four children (the fourth a year before his death at 46 in 1948),

Janet Adam Smith

Waiting at the end of the path I’ve followed is “On Reading Some Neglected Poets,” a poem not included in the 1936 volume that begins, “This is a long road

OBE (1905-1999) was a writer and editor for BBC’s The Listener and T.S. Eliot’s The Criterion, and literary editor of the New Statesman. Among her books are The Faber Book of Children’s Verse , Mountain Holidays , and biographies of Robert Louis Stevenson and John Buchan. Smith also contributed the introduction to her husband’s Collected Poems (Faber 1958), writing, “mountains were the poetry of his life, for in them he found intelligible shapes for his deepest impulses and visions. Rock-ridge and ice-fall gave him exhilaration through effort and struggle; alp and mountain lake serenity through satisfied achievement; and the exhilaration and vitality, the satisfaction and serenity, were carried over into the journeys and resting-places of his life. I see it in terms of a journey to the very end, the last stage, in hospital, taking him to the limits of his body. It took him to a destination which was no more final than the dark hamlet we came down to one winter night with William Empson, or the Mountet hut after we had traversed the Zinalrothorn in a snowstorm.”

The cover of another volume, Selected Poems and Prose (Carcanet 1980) shows Roberts, pipe in hand, at a cafe in Val d’Isère circa 1935. From “Val d’Isère”: “Here is the world made real, not vision only .... Living at our full compass, we were one / With the four elements, and knew the rock, / And the sweet smell of earth, / And ice and fire....”

The Original Owner

Princeton area readers, collectors, dealers, and secondhand bookstore and book sale regulars over the years may recognize the name “Hamilton Cottier” neatly printed on the first page of Poems. Under his address, “192 Mercer Street, Princeton,” he has penned the date “Sep. 25, 1936.” He’s also noted the bookstore where he made the purchase: “Oxford: Blackwell,” and the fact that it received a “favorable review” in the Times Literary Supplement.

According to Find a Grave, Hamilton Cottier (1900-1979) graduated from Princeton University in 1922, was awarded a Rhodes scholarship to study at Oxford, received his master’s degree from Princeton and was a professor of English at the University for decades, eventually becoming a dean. His first wife was the future bestselling novelist Anya Seton, with whom he had two children; his second wife was Janet Frantz.

Making connections, as I inevitably do when the Bryn Mawr-Wellesley book sale is the subject, I can’t resist pointing out that the owner and the poet both married Janets, and that Cottier was born on March 20, the first day of the sale where I found a “neglected poet” named Michael Roberts.

The Other Three

As for the other three BMW foundlings I adopted: Heinar Kipphardt’s play based on the Oppenheimer hearings attracted my interest because of the Academy Award-winning film and its Princeton connections; Pleasure and Repentance (1976), the Royal Shakespeare Company jeu d’esprit by former RSC Director Terry Hands, is a feast of fantastical connections, from Sir Walter Raleigh and Oscar Wilde to Mickey Spillane’s I, the Jury and the Rolling Stones’s “Satisfaction” (an in-your-face sketch of Mick Jagger fronts the cover); and the illustrated Limited Edition of Moll Flanders (1954) features numerous colorful sketches of London low-life by Reginald Marsh (18981954), the master of New York low-life and life writ large.

—Stuart Mitchner

Performing Arts

Environmental Film Festival Is in Its 18th Year at Library

The Princeton Environmental Film Festival, a signature Princeton Public Library event, opens Friday, April 5 and runs through Sunday, April 14. The 18th annual festival features 22 films: eight feature-length documentaries and 14 short films.

Films will be screened in person at the library and streamed virtually, with some films available in both formats. Streamed selections will be available to view April 8-14. There will also be an off-site screening at the Princeton Garden Theatre on April 7. In addition to The Wonder

great love of lieder, concert singing, and storytelling; she is as at home in solo recitals as she is starring in opera productions, including the Metropolitan Opera’s Porgy and Bess and the Royal Opera House’s Così fan tutte

Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and instructions for using the Eventive platform to stream films, can be found at princetonlibrary.org/peff.

South African Star Soprano Brings Program to Richardson

(Photo by Saskia Madlener) and the Worry, pictured above, titles include Inundation District, about rising seas; A Symphony of Tiny Lights , about a man who spent 17 years in silence after witnessing the oil spill in San Francisco Bay; The Asbestos City, a documentary that captures the human story of small-town America in Manville throughout and beyond the events of Hurricane Ida in 2021; and 399: Queen of the Tetons.

All screenings are free. The festival is under the direction of Susan Conlon and Kim Dorman, who curate films with local, regional, and international relevance.

The full lineup, along with the screening schedule,

Making their Princeton University Concerts (PUC) debuts, South African star soprano Golda Schultz and pianist Jonathan Ware will bring the original song cycle, “This Be Her Verse” to PUC audiences on Monday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium.

The program includes works by female composers Clara Schumann, Emilie Mayer, Rebecca Clarke, Nadia Boulanger, and Kathleen Tagg. It reflects Schultz’s

“This Be Her Verse” explores themes of love, nature, folklore, and belief from a distinctly female perspective. In many cases, these lieder reimagine the sound of works by male poets and playwrights, including Henry Bataille, William Blake, Henrich Heine, Maurice Maeterlinck, John Masefield, Albert Samain, Paul Verlainem, Johan Wolfgage von Goethe, and Willam Butler Yeats. In some cases, the female composer has reimagined poems previously composed into lieder by Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann. Also in this program is the three-piece song cycle “This Be Her Verse,” written by multi-instrumentalist Tagg and poet Lila Palmer The work was commissioned by Schultz and Ware.

“Emilie Mayer, whose music was never recorded, was a genius on the level with Beethoven, but she was forgotten the day after she died in 1883,” Schultz said, discussing the program’s curation. “Nadia Boulanger became one of the greatest pedagogues with a touch that defined American culture. Even when we forget these women, what they’ve done still remains.”

“We are thrilled to bring Golda Schultz’s radiance to Princeton University Concerts for the first time with this incredibly thoughtful and beautiful program,”

said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “We are presenting this concert as a tribute to the memory of Maida Pollock, Princeton University Concerts’ former director (1964-1988), who passed away over the summer at the age of 100. I can think of no better way to honor her incredible legacy than with this program that celebrates the vital power of the female perspective.”

Tickets are $10-$50. Visit puc.princeton.edu or call (609) 258-2800.

well loved and well read since 1946

LOUIS CLARK VANUXEM LECTURE

SUNY

Copies of Braiding Sweetgrass , will be handed out to the first 350 in-person attendees.

VISUAL STORYTELLING: “The Wonder and the Worry,” among the features in the upcoming Princeton Environmental Film Festival, follows the careers of former National Geographic Editorin-Chief Chris Johns and his daughter Louise, a young freelance photographer.

FEMALE PERSPECTIVE: Golda Schultz, soprano, makes her Princeton University Concerts debut with pianist Jonathan Ware in “This Be Her Verse.” (Photo by Dario Acosta)

More Choreographers

On Lewis Center Roster

The Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Dance at Princeton University announces three additional artists as Caroline Hearst Choreographers-in-Residence for the 2023-2024 academic year: Roderick George, Gabrielle Lamb, and BRKFST Dance Company.

All the artists are creating new works for Princeton students or guest teaching in spring classes. They join Amy Hall Garner, Shamel Pitts, and Donna Uchizono, who were Hearst Choreographers-in-Residence during the fall semester, and whose work was featured in the Princeton Dance Festival in December.

Launched in 2017, the Caroline Hearst Choreographers-in-Residence Program fosters the Program in Dance’s connections with the dance field. Artists share their work and processes with the Princeton community through workshops, conversations, residencies, open rehearsals, and performances.

Born and raised in Houston, George has danced for Cedar Lake Contemporary

Ballet, Basel Ballet/Theater Basel, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, and The Forsythe Company. During his Hearst residency, he will be guest teaching in the spring dance course, Building Physical Literacies: Practices in Contemporary Dance, an advanced studio course taught by Davalois Fearon and Rebecca Lazier that compares practices and performance methods of diverse approaches to the body and community in contemporary dance. Lamb, choreographer and 2020 Guggenheim Fellow, is based in New York City, where she directs Pigeonwing Dance. Her work has also been presented by the American Ballet Theatre Incubator, the New York Choreographic Institute (an affiliate of the New York City Ballet), the MIT Museum, BalletX, the Juilliard School, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Ballet Collective, Whim W’HIM, Jacob’s Pillow, and Dance on Camera at Lincoln Center. While in residence on campus with her company, Lamb has been choreographing a new contemporary ballet duet that will be performed at the Dance Program’s Spring Dance Festival on March 29

and 30. In addition, she will be guest teaching in Tina Fehlandt’s spring course, Approaches to Ballet: Technique and Repertory.

BRKFST Dance Company, founded in 2014, seeks to create intellectually rigorous, physically demanding works of art through abstraction, breaking, and contemporary dance vernacular, continuously exploring original modes of artistic expression. BRKFST’s egalitarian and choreographic collaboration is rooted in the hip-hop adage, “Each One Teach One.”

Members of BRKFST will be guest artists in the spring course Approaches to Contemporary Dance and Movement Practices: HipHop, and in Introduction to Breaking: Deciphering its Power.

McCarter Announces Cast For Winnie Holzman Play

McCarter Theatre Center has announced the ensemble cast for its production of Choice , the latest play from writer Winnie Holzman. The play will run in the Berlind Theatre from May 8-17.

A Princeton University graduate, Holzman is best known for her work on the

hit musical Wicked and the television series Thirtysomething and My So-Called Life. Choice is described in a press release as “a narrative that weaves comedy, surrealism, and poignant reflection on the essence of choice in our lives.”

The cast includes Broadway and television veterans Ilana Levine, Kate Mulligan, Dakin Matthews, Jake Cannavale, Caitlin Kinnunen, and Barzin Akhavan. McCarter Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen directs.

“This is a dream team, allstar ensemble cast to bring Winnie’s wildly timely, funny, and deeply heartfelt play to life,” said Rasmussen. “I’ve loved Winnie’s humanity and humor ever since I started watching her shows as a kid. It’s been one of the great honors of my career to develop this new version of Choice. It’s such a heartfelt, intergenerational, and wise look into the choices that make up a life — and one I can’t wait to share with audiences.”

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Princeton with a play that means so much to me, and with such an exciting and inspiring director and cast,” said Holzman. “It’s a dream come true.”

Preview performances are May 8-17. Opening night is May 18. Post-Show Discussions are on May 19 and 25 at 2 p.m. An American Sign Language Interpreted Performance is on May 25 at 2 p.m., and an Open Caption and Audio Described Performance is on May 26 at 2 p.m.

Tickets start at $25. Visit McCarter.org or call (609) 258-2787.

Summer Film Camp at Princeton Garden Theatre

The Princeton Garden Theatre has introduced the Garden Theatre Film Camp, a weeklong experience July 15-19 open to children entering the fifth and sixth grades this fall. Over a five-day period, campers will explore film history and develop visual literacy of cinematic elements

such as sound, color, story, and camera technique. This program will engage campers with storytelling skills and visual arts appreciation that will not only serve budding fi lmmakers and content creators, but any young person who wants to be a thoughtful consumer of all media.

In addition to studying engaging and iconic short films, campers will have the opportunity to explore the cinematic craft through activities like storyboarding and sound design sessions. They will hone their “director’s eye” as they utilize intuitive and afford-

able filmmaking software to create their own short movies. While the majority of the camp will take place at the Garden Theatre’s location on Nassau Street, there will be some outdoor activities. Parents will be given a sample itinerary with a list of potential films to be screened after registration. Sessions will take place during the morning and early afternoon. The deadline to register is May 1. The cost is $425 with a discounted price of $400 for members of the nonprofit Garden Theatre. Parents can sign up at princetongarden.org/fi lmcamp.

Monday April 8 at

6:00–6:30

6:30–7:30

ANOTHER ROUND: Members of BRKFST Dance Company are among the three additional artists announced as choreographers in residence at Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts.

(Photo by Shane Wynn)

Art

“Inspired Together” Exhibit

At Princeton Public Library Artists Helene Plank and William Plank discuss “Inspired Together,” a joint exhibit of their work, on Wednesday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. at Princeton Public Library. The presentation will be in the Community

Room prior to the exhibit’s official opening in the second floor Reading Room.

Helene Plank gives new life to discarded buttons and beads by combining them to form intricate mosaics on canvas. The materials are hand sewn, rather than glued, to the canvas and are

influenced by artist Georges Seurat and his techniques of optical blending.

The subject matter of William Plank’s acrylic paintings ranges from realistic landscapes and portraits to a variety of abstract concepts and themes. Whether it’s visualizing a piece of

1 at WWA. Clark is also the show’s juror. An opening reception is on April 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

classical music on canvas or painting a landscape in a traditional manner, he wants the imagery shown to resonate with emotion. The artist cites Caspar David Friedrich, Andrew Wyeth, and James Wyeth as influences.

“Inspired Together” will be on view through June 1.

Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon Street. For more information, call (609) 924-9529 or visit princetonlibrary.org.

West Windsor Arts Presents “Leave Your Mark” Art Show

Artists have the unique opportunity to leave their mark in the world through their artwork. Fiona Clark, West Windsor Arts’ artist-in-residence, took that concept a step further when conceiving “Leave Your Mark,” West Windsor Arts’ 2024 Member Art Show.

“For this show, artists were asked to submit work that employs different techniques of mark-making,” said Clark, West Windsor Arts’ first artistin-residence and the juror of the show. “What that means is open to interpretation, but there needs to be some kind of a tactical component — brushstrokes, pencil marks, fingerprints, woven fabric. It will be exciting to see the artist’s hand in their artworks.”

West Windsor Arts will present its annual Member Show from April 9 to June 1, with an opening reception on Friday, April 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

West Windsor Arts has a long-standing tradition of celebrating and promoting its artist members. Member art shows play an important role in boosting community engagement for an arts center, but they also support local artists by giving them the opportunity to showcase their work.

“Our artist members inspire us with their individual creativity, dedication to their work, and collective power to help transform the world around us. It is a very popular event,” said Aylin Green, executive director, West Windsor Arts.

“We are excited to announce that we have added a new award to our lineup this

year,” added Green. “In addition to Best in Show ($100), Exhibition Committee Choice (artist-level membership with a value of $50), and Relevance to Theme ($50), Jerry’s Artarama has donated a $50 gift card for Best Use of Medium. The awardees will be announced at the opening reception.”

The show’s juror, Fiona Clark, is a New Jersey-based artist who specializes in bright, bold, colorful abstracts to spark joy. As an artist-inresidence at West Windsor Arts, she spends time each week in a studio space at the arts center, working on projects and sharing her knowledge and expertise with students and artists.

The accepted artists include:, Zakia Aziz Ahmed, Bettina, Scott Brustein, Brigitte A. Calderon, Fiona Clark, RamiD, Tammy Dawkins, Franne Demetrician, Magda Dodd, Joann Donatiello, Ilene Dube, Jayme Fahrer, Carlo Fiorentini, Lori Fol, Irene Freeman, Rashmi

Cherayil George, Joseph Goldfedder, Janice Gossman, Michael F. Graham, Barry Hantman, Marzena Haupa, Joelle Hofbauer, Carol E. Hoffman, Audrey Jakab and Alejandro Berlin, Margaret Kalvar-Bushnell, René Kammeyer Seeland, Beth Kearney, Nelly Kouzmina, Joy Kreves, Lal, Lori Langsner, Dayle Lehr, Eleni Z. Litt, Lucretia E. McGuff-Silverman, Ann Marie Miller, David P. Olson, Susan Parris, Deborah W. Pey, Helene Plank, William Plank, Susana Plotquin, Kate Pollack, Joe Pruiti, Prachi Purohit, Francine Roche Kay, Elaine Rosenberg, Rooma Sehar, Rupa Sanbui, Elise Schneider, Karen Schoenitz, Joanne Scofield, Christine Seo, Margaret Simpson, Alice Sims-Gunzenhauser, Nancy Tsui, Barbara Weinfield, Andrew Werth, and Jane Yuan.

West Windsor Arts is located at 952 Alexander Road in Princeton Junction. For more information, call (609) 716-1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.

“SUNCATCHER”: This acrylic painting by William Plank is featured in “Inspired Together,” his joint exhibit with Helene Plank, on view at Princeton Public Library through June 1. An art talk and exhibit opening are on March 27 at 6:30 p.m.

“A WANDER THROUGH THE WATER LILIES”: This work by Fiona Clark, artist-in-resident at West Windsor Arts (WWA), is featured in “Leave Your Mark,” the Member Art Show on view April 9 through June

“THIS WAY THROUGH”: This watercolor by Beatrice Bork is featured in “Immersion,” her dual exhibition with Michael Schweigart, on view April 4 through May 5 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on April 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Animal and Landscape

Paintings at Artists’ Gallery Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street in Lambertville, will present “Immersion,” a joint exhibition featuring the works of Beatrice Bork and Michael Schweigart, April 4 through May 5. An opening reception is on Saturday, April 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

In this exhibit, Bork delves deeper into nature close to heart and home. Her watercolors go beyond her meticulously rendered subjects, with underlying themes that make her art both poetic and captivating. In regards to her work, she said, “The careful rendering of my subject and its character, for me, is a reflection of the love and respect I have for animals. The themes in my paintings are imbued with personal reflection — and tend to resonate with nostalgia, humor, hope, or a moment in time.”

Schweigart explores new dimensions in artistic processes, particularly in the early stages of painting. His intricate landscapes and seascapes are rooted in familiar scenes, and take on a fresh perspective. Schweigart combines multiple views of a scene, remaining true to the essence of the place. “Some of the work I have for this show involves new ways in the process,” he said. “My goal is to pay more attention to space, atmosphere, and light with the result of added depth and a moody luminous quality to the work.”

Renowned for her animal art, Bork’s water media creations are a visual journey reflecting her lifelong connection with nature. With a 30year career, Bork holds a signature status with the Society of Animal Artists (SAA) and has received acclaim in international exhibitions, including the prestigious “Art and the Animal.” Notably, she earned the Don Eckelberry Award for exceptional bird art, leading her to explore Trinidad and Tobago’s neo-tropical rainforest. Bork’s artwork has earned

accolades both in regional and global exhibits.

A versatile artist, Schweigart draws inspiration from various landscapes, creating scenes that characterize the regions he explores. His studio work, often a composite of memory, plein air sketches, and photographic images, is a testament to his deep appreciation for nature. Schweigart’s focus on Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maine captures the unique way of life associated with these regions. He works in acrylic on 300-pound hotpressed watercolor paper and oil on various supports. Schweigart’s pieces are featured in public and private collections.

Artists’ Gallery is located at 18 Bridge Street in Lambertville. It is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit lambertvillearts.com.

“Paisaje Imaginario (Imaginary Landscape)” at Gourgaud Gallery Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury, presents “Paisaje Imaginario (Imaginary Landscape),” an exhibition of works by Chilean Artist Facundo Cabrera, on view March 28 through April 25. An opening reception is scheduled for Sunday, April 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Cabrera was born in Chile in 1934, and at a young age migrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he completed his art studies at the School of Fine Arts. He said he always had a passion for art and painting, and through his youth and education, he won several art contests. A major career highlight was painting a portrait of Eva Perone (Argentina’s first lady from 1946 to 1952), which earned him a personal letter of recognition from Perone. Upon his arrival to the United States in 1969, Cabrera created oil paintings of scenic landscapes and portraits for individuals and families until having his own family in the 1980s, and then only painting as a side hobby.

Street, has “Shifting Perspectives: Capturing Moments in Ceramics and Watercolor” through April 13 in the Taplin Gallery. artscouncilofprinceton.org.

David Scott Gallery at Berkshire Hathaway, 253 Nassau Street, has “This Looks Familiar” through May 19.

Ficus Art Gallery, 235 Nassau Street, has “Embrace the Everyday” through May 6. ficusbv.com.

2024, among other exhibits. 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

works by local artist Jessie Krause through April 2. Acrylic paintings by Corinne Pisauro are at the 254 Nassau Street location through April 2. smallworldcoffee.com.

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, Cadwalader Park, Trenton, has “Music to My Eyes” through April 7. ellarslie.org.

In his retirement, Cabrera has enjoyed spending his days painting when he’s not with his granddaughters and passing on his technique and love for art. Through his artwork, he loves to bring to life the beauty of mountains, water passages, and nature. He said he is grateful to show some of his landscape and abstract works in the acryl ics medium publicly for the first time.

Gourgaud Gallery is run by the Cranbury Arts Council, a nonprofit organization which provides arts-oriented pro grams, workshops, and per formances aimed at enrich ing the cultural experiences of the community and keeping the creative spirit alive in adults and children. Their mission is to foster, support, educate, inspire, and promote artists and art appreciation in the community.

Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, has “Cloud Swing” through April 1, “Night Forms” through April 7, and “That’s Worth Celebrating: The Life and Work of the Johnson Family” through the end of

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

Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, has

West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, has “GR8 Works” through April 6. westwindsorarts.org.

Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers, 71 George Street, New Brunswick, has “George Segal: Themes and Variations” through July 31 and “Michelle V. Agins: Storyteller” through December 8. zimmerli.rutgers.edu.

The gallery is located in Town Hall, 23-A North Main Street in Cranbury, and is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit cranburyartscouncil.org.

Area Exhibits

Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, has “Reciting Women: Alia Bensliman and Khailiah Sabree” through March 31. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “Gallery-Wide Group Show” 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 “Christina Fernandez: Multiple Exposures” through April 28. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon

“PAISAJE IMAGINARIO (IMAGINARY LANDSCAPE)”: This painting by Chilean artist Facundo Cabrera is featured in an exhibition of his works at the Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury March 28 through April 25. A reception is on Sunday, April 7 from 1-3 p.m.

“NEAR CAPE PORPOISE”: This acrylic by Michael Schweigart is part of “Immersion,” his joint exhibition with Beatirce Bork, on view April 4 through May 5 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville.

Mark Your Calendar Town Topics

Wednesday, March 27

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Leighton Listens. Councilman Leighton Newlin is on hand to discuss current events with members of the public at LiLLiPiES, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street

2-3 p.m.: “From Individual Creativity to Collective Art: Celebrating Nature, at Princeton Public Library’s STEAM Studio,” 65 Witherspoon Street. Free, registration required. For students in middle or high school. Princetonlibrary.org.

6:30 p.m .: Artists Helene and William Plank discuss “Inspired Together,” a joint exhibit of their work, at Princeton Public Library, prior to the exhibit’s official opening. 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

7 p.m.: Virtual author talk with Mariah Fredericks

on the book The Lindbergh Nanny, sponsored by Mercer County Library System. Register at mcl.org .

Thursday, March 28

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: The Garden Club of Princeton hosts the annual spring flower market at the corner of Nassau Street and University Place. Proceeds fund civic projects, including caring for the All Wars Memorial.

2 p.m.: “NASA and Space Technology,” an interactive, hands-on workshop for future space explorers ages 5-12. At Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Registration required at princetonlibrary.org.

5:30 p.m .: Artist Alia Bensliman in conversation with May Kosba at Art on Hulfish, 11 Hulfish Street. Reception follows. Artmuseum.princeton.edu.

6 p.m.: Author Joyce Carol Oates discusses her writing life and two recent anthologies of crime and horror stories written by women, which she edited, with feminist critic and scholar Maria DiBattista, at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

6 p.m .: Larry Kidder lectures on “The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man,” at the Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton. Free. Barracks.org.

6:30-9 p.m .: Bind Your Own Books, at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. $35. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

7:30 p.m.: “Resonance,” a dance concert by Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts Program in Dance, at Hearst Dance Theater, Lewis Arts complex. Free. Arts.princeton.edu.

8 p.m.: Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts presents the musical She Loves Me at the Wallace Theater, Lewis Arts complex. $12-$17. Arts.princeton.edu.

Saturday, March 30

MARCH

Wednesday, April 3

6 p.m .: Author Emily Raboteau discusses her book Lessons for Survival: Mothering against “the Apocalypse” with Elizabeth Harman at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Labyrinthbooks.com.

8 p.m .: Adam Ant: Antmusic 2024, at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. With guests The English Beat. $35-$59. Stnj.org.

10 a.m .: Garlic mustard forage walk at Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Preserve, Mountain Avenue. Learn about the origins of garlic mustard, taste garlic mustard pesto and get a recipe to take home. Sponsored by Friends of Princeton Open Space. Fopos.org/events-programs.

Thursday, April 4

Considering Following Christ?

Considering Following Christ?

7:30-10 a.m.: Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber’s Trenton Economic Development Committee presents “Economic Development, More Than Just Brick and Mortar,” at Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Executive Park, Route 29. Panel discussion. Princetonmercer.org.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Bunny Trail Spring Festival at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Family activities, playing on the farm. 12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series with live music from 1-4 p.m. Tickets required. Terhuneorchards.com.

10 a.m. and 1 p.m .: Spring Cleanup at Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, volunteers are led by Friends of Princeton Open Space. Moved from March 23. Fopos.org.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Architect J. Robert Hillier speaks at the April monthly membership luncheon of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber, Princeton Marriott at Forrestal. His topic is “Princeton: The Best Little City in the World.” Princetonmercer.org .

10 a.m.-5 p.m .: Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, Cure Arena, Trenton. Exhibitors from across the country, food trucks, DJs, tattooing and piercing, author signings, and more. Tprfm.com.

10:30 a.m .: Rain Gardens 101, a workshop in Spanish for landscape business owners and employees, at Johnson Park Elementary School. Presented by Sustainable Princeton and The Watershed Institute. Sustainableprinceton.org.

12-5 p.m.: Spring Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Music from 1-4 p.m. by Brian Bortnick. Terhuneorchards.com.

Join us on April 1, 8, & 15 at 6:30 p.m. at

Join us on April 1, 8, & 15 at 6:30 p.m. at

Friday, March 29

Sakrid Coffee Roasters

Sakrid Coffee Roasters

300 Witherspoon St. Princeton Register at bit.ly/coffeewithSHC

300 Witherspoon St. Princeton Register at bit.ly/coffeewithSHC

6 p.m.: Gavin Steingo discusses his book Interspecies Communication: Sound and Music beyond Humanity with Gary Tomlinson at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Labyrinthbooks.com.

2 and 7:30 p.m .: “Resonance,” a dance concert by Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts Program in Dance, at Hearst Dance Theater, Lewis Arts complex. Free. Arts.princeton.edu.

7 p.m .: Soprano Sara LeMesh and pianist Allegra Chapman perform “Voices of Identity: Songs of the Jewish Diaspora” at a benefit for Federation of the Art Song. $75. Visit fasong.org for the location, which is a private venue in Princeton.

8 p.m.: Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts presents the musical She Loves Me at the Wallace Theater, Lewis Arts complex. $12-$17. Arts.princeton.edu.

Sunday, March 31

9:15 a.m.: Easter Egg Hunt at Princeton Lutheran Church of the Messiah, 407 Nassau Street. Treats, crafts, hat decorating, and more. Free. Princetonlutheranchurch.org

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Bunny Trail Spring Festival at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Family activities, playing on the farm. 12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series with live music from 1-4 p.m. Tickets required. Terhuneorchards.com.

1-3 p.m .: Vedic Cultural Immersion: Prasadam and Kirtan, at the Princeton YMCA, 59 Paul Robeson Place. Free meal distribution for spiritual purification. Bviscs.org.

4 p.m.: Gathering in solidarity with the October 7 hostages, and a call for their release. Organized by a grassroots group of Israelis in Princeton. At Hinds Plaza.

Tuesday, April 2

10 a.m .: Read and Explore: Getting Ready for Spring, at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. After story time, each child will plant seeds to take home. $12. Terhuneorchards.com.

5 p.m.: Author Jonathan Eig delivers the Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture at the Seminary Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer Street. Live and virtual. Ptsem.edu.

6 p.m.: Author and University of Rochester Professor Rachel Haidu and Princeton University Professor Irene Small discuss Each One Another: The Self in Contemporary Art, at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Labyrinthbooks.com.

7 p.m .: American Repertory Ballet performs “Of Swans and Variants” at McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place. Excerpts from Swan Lake , also Ethan Stiefel’s ballet Variants. Arballet.org or (609) 258-2787.

7-8:30 p.m.: YWCA Princeton’s Stand Against Racism, at ETS Conant Hall, 660 Rosedale Road. Authors Roxane Gay and Kara Alaimo in conversation followed by a book signing. Free. Registration required at ywcaprinceton.org/ standagainstracism.

Friday, April 5

7:30-9:30 p.m .: “A Musical Journey into Space and Time,” with John Henry Goldman on trumpet, Sim Cane on trumpet, Tom Tallitsch on reeds, and Wilbo Wright on upright bass. At West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road. $10-$12. Westwindsorarts.org.

7:30 p.m .: State Theatre New Jersey presents “Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth, a live event exploring the question of whether extraterrestrials have visited Earth. $29-$79. 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Stnj.org.

8 p.m.: Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts presents the musical She Loves Me at the Wallace Theater, Lewis Arts complex. $12-$17. Arts.princeton.edu.

Saturday, April 6

10 a.m .: Read and Explore: Getting Ready for Spring, at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. After story time, each child will plant seeds to take home. $12. Terhuneorchards.com.

3 p.m.: The podcast “Brains On” brings a sciencethemed live show to McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place. Magic tricks, dance moves, mystery sounds, and more. Mccarter.org.

6-10 p.m .: The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey honors James Burke and Debbie Harry (Blondie) at the Hyatt-Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Center Drive. Chsofnj.org.

8 p.m.: Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts presents the musical She Loves Me at the Wallace Theater, Lewis Arts complex. $12-$17. Arts.princeton.edu.

Sunday, April 7

10 a.m.-5 p.m .: Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, Cure Arena, Trenton. Exhibitors from across the country, food trucks, DJs, tattooing and piercing, author signings, and more. Tprfm.com.

12-5 p.m.: Spring Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Music from 1-4 p.m. by Jerry Monk. Terhuneorchards.com.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Hunterdon Land Trust’s Winter Farmers’ Market is at Dvoor Farm, 111 Mine Street, Flemington. Hunterdonlandtrust.org.

2-3 p.m .: Annual membership renewal gathering of the Coalition for Peace Action, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 50 Cherry Hill Road. Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer is guest speaker. Peacecoalition.org.

1:30-3-30 p.m.: Open Houses at the Princeton Eating Clubs: Charter Club, Cloister Inn, Cottage Club, Quadrangle Club, and Tiger Inn. No reservations required. Visit princetonprospectfoundation.org for more information.

2-4 p.m .: Princeton History Walking Tour, sponsored by the Historical Society of Princeton. Starts at Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive. $15. Princetonhistory.org.

Jonathan Shenk, owner of Greenleaf Painters, LLC, isn’t only “a painter for all seasons,” he is “a man for all seasons.” His unique background sets him apart in many ways.

from Greenleaf Painters, LLC

Shenk points out, “As we have grown, we have emphasized better and better, not bigger and bigger.”

He adds, too, that many employees have been with the company from the early years. Operations manager Ryan Munn joined Greenleaf 10 years ago, and others have been associated even longer.

it throughout our historic restoration projects,” says Shenk. “We aim to maintain the original aesthetic of the building so it can appear timeless. With skilled craftsmen and top quality materials, we ensure that the buildings are properly cared for.”

The son of Mennonite missionaries, Jonathan was born in Somalia, and also lived in Kenya. He later moved with his family to the Lancaster, Pa., area.

As a young man, he taught English literature at a high school in the South Bronx in New York, and later studied at the Union Theological Seminary, also in New York. After ordination as a minister, he was posted to a Presbyterian church in Princeton Junction as an associate pastor.

After six years, he decided to head in a new direction, and established his own painting company. Greenleaf Painters, LLC came into existence, and a new adventure began.

Pastoring and Painting

“I would still have relationships with people. And there would be immediate satisfaction seeing the results of the painting,” Shenk explains. “Pastoring and painting both have a relationship with people, and you have the opportunity to help individuals in different ways.”

Opening the company in 2006, he had an underlying concept and plan of operation in mind. “I didn’t want a business that focuses on profit at the expense of relationships. I established a company culture that emphasized a triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit, in that order.”

Painting was not new to Shenk. He had painted houses during summers in high school, and enjoyed the experience. “I opened Greenleaf on my own,” he reports, “and I chose the name because it indicates something young and fresh, and good for the environment.”

As the company grew (now with 16 full-time employees, including three project managers), it moved to its current headquarters at 9C Princess Road in Lawrenceville. As

“We have an environment where our employees want to come to work,” Shenk says. “It is very important for me to establish a work site where our employees take pride in their work. They can make suggestions, share their opinions, and feel they are a real part of the operation.

Three-Legged Stool

“Also,” Shenk continues, “when we interview prospective employees, there is a three-legged stool: attitude, integrity, ability. They need all three. It is very important that everyone works well together.”

Greenleaf focuses on residential, commercial, and historic restoration projects, and covers all of Mercer County, as well as Yardley and New Hope, among other locations, in Bucks County, Pa. The company also works with builders, realtors, and interior designers.

Houses of all sizes, schools, houses of worship, offices, businesses, institutions, etc. have all been painted by the Greenleaf experts. Many projects are with repeat and regular customers.

“We have had ongoing relationships with Kingston Presbyterian Church, Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, and the Governors Lane houses in Princeton,” says Shenk. “We have also painted numerous other homes —both historic and modern — in the area.”

Princeton and the surrounding area are filled with history dating to the American Revolution and even earlier. The region abounds with structures from long ago.

“In New Hope, we worked on a barn house that George Washington had visited,” reports Munn. “Another time,” adds Shenk, “we were working on a 200-year-old house, and when we removed the wallpaper, we found graffiti from World War I.”

Historic Restoration

“We are fans of history, and we strive to preserve

Greenleaf historic restoration projects have included Trenton Friends Meeting House, the Historical Society of Princeton’s Updike Farmstead, the 1867 Sanctuary (formerly Ewing Presbyterian Church), and Bainbridge House in Princeton, among others. The company has also received the Historic Residential Restoration Award for an historic restoration in Lawrenceville.

Exterior and interior projects are equally important, and Greenleaf is very busy with both. A lead-safe certified company, it uses topof-the-line Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint.

Exterior painting usually begins the end of April, and it is a good idea to contact Greenleaf now for a project. “We usually have four or five projects going on at the same time,” reports Shenk.

With expert painters and the use of high quality paint, depending on weather conditions, an exterior paint job can last eight to 10 years, he adds.

Color tastes are very individual, of course, but popular exteriors include variations of sage, slate, and yellow.

Award-Winning

Another thing that is very important is the preparation. “We spend most of the time preparing before painting,” points out Shenk. “The prep time depends on how well the structure has been maintained. We thoroughly scrape off any loose paint, and prime bare wood with an oil-based primer. Our focus is to preserve your investment for years to come. We also have several carpenters/painters on our crew who will skillfully replace any rotting boards.”

Greenleaf is an awardwinning interior painting company. For nine years, it has won the Best of Houzz Award for Customer Service, among other awards. As Shenk reports, “Each interior painting project comes with an extra level of customer care that ensures your safety and peace

TEAMWORK: “Greenleaf Painters works closely with you to ensure your satisfaction. We use high performance paint that is good for you and for the environment. You can count on excellent results.” Shown, from left, are members of the Greenleaf team: Ryan Munn, operations manager; Sean Carty and Frank Danser, project managers; and Jonathan Shenk, president and owner.

of mind. We work closely with customers to address scheduling and work flow. We exercise care when moving furniture and artwork. We cover furniture and doorways with clear plastic to control dust, and we fix cracks and nail pops. We also sand and caulk trim. Every care is taken.”

Interior colors vary with customer preference, and currently neutrals and muted shades of cream, beige, blue, and gray are favored. Munn points out that the open concept design can be a factor. “With this format, clients often like various shades of the same color to flow throughout the rooms.

“On the other hand, accent colors can be really bold. Interior designers often suggest this to add a real pop of color. Also, in the case of children’s rooms, many parents let the kids have input in color choices.”

If people are considering selling their house, they will usually select a neutral palate for the interior, he adds. For many home owners, staging is also favored when selling their house, and Greenleaf has been involved in such projects when painting is needed.

Whether the assignment is indoors or outdoors, or an old or historic house or one that is brand new, Greenleaf’s work is efficient and timely throughout, says Shenk. “We establish a trusting relationship with clients. We do our best to let them know what to expect as to timing and work routine. A project manager visits the job site every day, and many clients say they look forward to our coming

and miss us when the projects are completed.”

Family Dog

Everyone becomes part of the daily activities, it seems. “On one of our projects, the family dog ran around the yard with some of our supplies, which he assumed were his new toys,” says Shenk, with a smile.

Paint products have improved over the years, and this is important for homeowners to know as they decide on the appropriate siding for their house. A number of people today are opting for vinyl or aluminum siding instead of paint.

As Munn points out, however, “A couple of advantages of painting versus replacing siding are that painting maintains the aesthetic quality of the current siding, retaining a historical look, and no construction has to take place. Also, if they are just doing a refresh of the same color, they might even save a little on price.

“Vinyl siding can also be painted if the customer is looking to do a color change,” he adds. “They just need to be vinyl safe colors, which we typically purchase from Sherwin Williams.”

Prospective clients receive a free estimate from Greenleaf, and pricing is competitive, says Shenk. “Although we don’t promise the lowest price, we do promise the highest value.”

Also, points out Munn, “Some people choose to have the work done in phases. This can help with the budget.”

Teamwork

Indeed, whether it is a powder room or an entire

house, customers can count on the Greenleaf expertise.

“We are a small business,” notes Jonathan Shenk. “We have to work together as a team to problem-solve, and this engages us in important ways. We look forward to making each point of contact with the client an excellent experience, and we always try to see things from the client’s point of view.”

“I especially enjoy the fact that in my role, every day is different,” adds Ryan Munn. “It can involve planning, setting up a schedule, and more. It gets very busy in the spring and summer, and then the challenge — and opportunity — becomes putting all the pieces of the puzzle together.”

“And what everyone at Greenleaf Painters looks forward to,” emphasizes Shenk, “is having the chance to become even better, to strengthen our work force, and continue to improve in every way for the benefit of our clients.”

In addition, he points out that a priority for the company is giving back to the community. “This is very important to us, and we make regular contributions, including a portion of our sales, to Habitat for Humanity, and we also sponsor the West Windsor Community Farmers Market.”

For further information, call (609) 750-0030. Visit the website at greenleafpainters.com

—Jean Stratton

ports

PU Women’s

Hoops Falls to West Virginia

in NCAAs

As Mountaineers’ 13-0 3rd Quarter Run Proves Pivotal

Amajor point of emphasis for the Princeton University women’s basketball team as it prepared to face West Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament last Saturday was dealing with the Mountaineers’ stifling press.

“It’s certainly going to be challenging,” said Princeton head coach Carla Berube, reflecting on the Mountaineer defense in a media conference last Friday.

“They are aggressive. They’re athletic. They have quick hands. They run that 2-2-1 press and they have a 1-2-1-1 press, and they make it really difficult. It’s certainly been something we’ve been working on to make sure that we have a good plan in place, and yeah, excited for the challenge ahead.”

Executing their plan, the ninth-seeded Tigers looked sharp in handling the pressure early on, making just five turnovers as they took a 2624 lead into halftime over the eighth-seeded Mountaineers.

“In the first half we took care of the ball really well,” said Princeton senior point guard Kaitlyn Chen. “We really valued every possession and we were able to sort of get into it.”

But in the third quarter, West Virginia turned up the heat on the Tigers, forcing 12 turnovers and going on a 13-0 run as they turned a 29-24 deficit into a 37-29 lead. The Mountaineers never looked back, holding off the Tigers to prevail 63-53.

“They came out with that 1-2-2 at the start of the third quarter and that sort of put a little more pressure on us,” said Chen, who tallied 17 points with two assists in her Princeton finale. “We got a little antsy with the ball and were a little careless with it a few times. I think there was maybe four minutes in the third quarter we didn’t take care of the ball and that was sort of what hurt us.”

As Princeton struggled with the West Virginia pressure, the Tigers started misfiring from the floor.

“And then just we couldn’t score. I think we had some great opportunities, and then yeah, their pressure put us into situations where it was really low shot clock and we were struggling to get good shots,” said Berube, whose team ended the season with a 25-5 record. “I think it was a lot to do with just the West Virginia defense. In the second, I thought there was some late shot clock. Certainly took quite a few at the end just trying to get back in the game. When you’re down 10, you’ve got to make up kind of quickly. So I think a combination. We don’t normally take that many threes, but I think it was a lot to do with their defense and what they were throwing at us that, you know, a lot of them were good looks.”

Tiger sophomore guard Madison St. Rose did hit some shots, ending up with a teamhigh 22 points.

“I would say my confidence definitely changed from last year to this year,” said St. Rose. “But I can only do that with my teammates like Kaitlyn and Ellie [Mitchell] and

Chet [Nweke], they put so much trust in me to be me and just play confident basketball. I just I feel like without them, I wouldn’t be the player I am today, and just moving forward and thinking about how much we are about to lose, and how much — the amount of, I guess, heart and just, I don’t know, life that these seniors have put into this team, it’s really going to suck. I’m really going to miss them so much.”

For Berube, who had guided Princeton to first round wins in the last two NCAA tournaments, the defeat was painful for the proud program.

“This stings — I didn’t think our season would be over tonight,” said Berube. “But it’s basketball. Things happen. Games ebb and flow and you know a lot of credit goes to the Mountaineers for playing a terrific game.”

While some tough things happened to the Tigers, Berube believes her players will benefit from the opportunity of making another trip to the NCAA tournament.

“Hopefully they are like, wow, this is a great experience,” said Berube of the contest which drew a crowd of 14,324 to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. “And you can never take away, being in March Madness and being at this stage, is just amazing. And yes, we lost, but wow, what a season.”

The loss to the Mountaineers marked the final Princeton appearance for an amazing trio of Tiger seniors — Chen, Mitchell, and Nweke.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my entire team, of our senior class in particular, our captains, Ellie, Chet, and Kaitlyn for just giving this program everything that they had,” said Berube. “You couldn’t find three people that care more, that want to be great, that get in the gym and just amazing people to be around. Going to miss them very much. But I think they have left an incredible legacy.”

Chen teared up and buried her head in a towel at the postgame media conference as she reflected on her Princeton experience.

“I mean, playing for Princeton has meant everything to me,” said Chen. “I couldn’t have done anything without

my amazing coaches and teammates, and I think that’s what I’m going to miss the most. It’s going to be tough not being able to play with Madi, Elli, Chet — play for coach and our amazing coaching staff. But this place and this program has given me the best three years, four years of my life, and I’ve met such amazing people, and I’m so grateful for that experience. I couldn’t be happier here than anywhere else.”

Speaking in the locker room after the loss, Mitchell was happy with her final Princeton campaign, notwithstanding the final result.

“I’m super proud of our team and what we accomplished this season,” said Mitchell, who pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds in the defeat. “I’m grateful that I got to be surrounded by this group and this staff. Obviously, this one hurts. There are no two ways about it. We had a great first half, but we made a lot of mistakes. West Virginia had a great third quarter. We were resilient and battled hard, but some of those mistakes in the third quarter made it tough to come back from. It hurts to look back at that since it was a lot of controllables. We are proving that Ivy League basketball, especially Princeton, is high level basketball.”

Berube, for her part, believes the Tigers can keep playing at a high level even as they deal with the loss of Chen, Mitchell, and Nweke.

“We have got some great, talented skilled, hardworking players coming back,” said Berube. “Madi is one of them, Skye [Belker] is another, and there’s a great group that we really haven’t seen too much of that I am just absolutely excited to coach moving forward. It’s a great group coming back.”

In the view of St. Rose, there are some great things ahead for the program.

“I’m just looking forward, since we do have a lot of underclassmen, I feel like we learned so much from the seniors,” said St. Rose. “I think what we’ve learned from this season is definitely going to carry over into next season and I feel like we are just going to be more ready and prepared and hopefully we’ll make back to the March Madness Tournament.”

—Bill Alden

The Tigers

the winter with a 25-5 record.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Tiger Men’s Hoops Falls to UNLV in NIT Opener, But Tigers Proud of Achievements in 24-5 Season

The Princeton University men’s basketball team’s hopes for another memorable postseason run ended last Wednesday night.

The Tigers, who reached the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament last year, suffered an 84-77 loss to UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament at Jadwin Gym.

“We were punching above our weight all season,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson as he reflected on the setback. “We showed up tonight. I mean we’ve been a little banged up and had some stuff going. We just lost some juice here at the end, but that doesn’t take away from what this group is and does.”

Along with the end of the season came the conclusion of the Princeton careers of seniors Matt Allocco and Zach Martini, who helped the Tigers to three straight Ivy League regular season championships after their freshman season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I got into coaching, you just wish you could have guys like this in your program,” said Henderson. “It’s unbelievable. Allocco wasn’t the same since mid-December. He was one of the best college basketball players in the country and then he was hurt and he played through it and we won the league. Three titles. You won’t see anything like those guys.”

Martini showed his experience by taking the lead for the offense early. He had 12 of his 17 points in the first half as the Tigers built a 3836 halftime edge. Allocco scored nine points. Their character is something that Henderson has cherished. Both have another season of NCAA eligibility they could use at another school since the Ivy League does not allow graduate students to play.

“They have an extraordinary will to win,” said Henderson. “Every day in practice the same thing — no plays off, let’s go, all about winning, not about statistics, no body language not once. All about effort. Zach is soaked in sweat every day. If we huddle for five seconds, we have to move. All

effort. It’s an absolute gift to be around them. What a gift. Just the best ever. And their families…”

Sophomore star forward Caden Pierce led Princeton with 22 points and fellow sophomore Xaivian Lee finished with 10 points, most of them late in a desperate attempt to come back. Junior guard Blake Peters scored 12 points and his late 3-pointer brought the Tigers to within 81-77 with 14 seconds left, but that was the final Princeton basket of the season.

“It’s hard to watch tonight because I didn’t think we were us,” said Henderson. “Credit goes to UNLV. It’s a tough way to end the season. I thought we could keep winning, but what a pleasure to be around this group.”

It was the Tigers’ first home loss of the season after 12 straight wins at Jadwin and just the second time that Princeton lost back-toback games this winter as they ended their 2023-24 campaign with a 24-5 record. After falling to Brown in the semifinals of the Ivy Madness postseason tournament on March 16, Princeton tried to bounce back in the NIT. The first half saw each team whistled for only two fouls apiece, and the Runnin’ Rebels showed that their size would be an issue for the Tigers. UNLV came out of halftime with a layup and three 3-pointers to turn a two-point deficit into a five-point lead quickly.

“We just didn’t have it,” said Henderson. “That team is kryptonite for us. Their length and the ball was just flying around.”

When Princeton threw double teams at Running’ Rebels star Rob Whaley Jr., he passed out of it to perimeter players for open shots. When they didn’t double, the rugged 6’7, 260-pound center scored. He finished with a career-high 21 points to lead UNLV.

“We’ve been double teaming and having lots of success all season in stopping teams, and having rotations,” said Henderson. “Holy cow, they were playing with missiles and we were playing with sticks.”

Over the first 16 minutes of the second half, UNLV shot 73.7 percent. They

the first round of the National Invitation Tournament. Senior guard Allocco scored nine points but it wasn’t enough as the Tigers fell 84-77 to UNLV to end the winter with a 24-5 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

finished 47 percent from 3-point range and they outrebounded the Tigers by a 36-23 count. Princeton shot 45.6 percent for the game, just 41.7 percent in the second half. They made 12 of 37 3-pointers.

“Xaivian, Cade, Dalen [Davis], and Mush [Allocco] are just hurt, not well,” said Henderson. “We need that length and we couldn’t stop them. They were so much bigger and faster, which we hadn’t had happen to us all season. Kudos to them.”

Princeton trailed 70-55 with 5:28 left when they put together a rally to give themselves a chance. But even as they clawed back within four points, there were several near-misses beginning with Lee missing a layup that he regularly finishes with ease. Princeton had a great defensive possession end with a foul with 1:13 left when UNLV found Whaley Jr. under the basket with 2 seconds left on the shot clock. Allocco got a great look but missed a 3-pointer that could have made it a 3-point game on the next possession. Then Peters came within inches of a steal on the press and UNLV ended up getting more free throws. Any of those plays could have enabled Princeton to inch closer and put more pressure on UNLV.

“We were down too much,” said Henderson. “It was just too much to come back tonight. I felt great coming into the game. I loved the matchup, I thought we were going to be all right.

It wasn’t. They were really good.”

Princeton was in line to host the second-round NIT game against Boston College had it won. The loss came before 1,708 fans at Jadwin who got a final look at this year’s Tigers.

“We had sellouts this year for the first time since the late ’90s and that means the world to me,” said Henderson. “It’s a culmination of this group, our administrative staff putting us in a position where we can sell those kinds of tickets.

We had a really good team two years ago — we won the league outright and we were on the road as a seven seed against VCU. Hosting tonight is a culmination of where we are.”

Despite the loss and the painful way to end the season, the Tigers walk away knowing they put together another strong year. They won their third straight Ivy regular-season crown, losing only once apiece to Yale and Cornell while sweeping the rest of the league. The Tigers were also 12-1 out of conference in the regular season with their only loss coming against St. Joseph’s. Princeton defeated Duquesne, which won their first-round NCAA tournament game, and felt good about many of their accomplishments this year.

“Everything you do, you want to go to the tournament,” said Henderson. “Eighteen percent of the teams in the country or less make the NCAAs. We hosted an NIT game. It’s 100 percent a success. The seniors are bawling and I’ve done this long enough to know what a gift it is to coach those guys.”

—Justin Feil

While Loss to UNLV in NIT First Round Stung, PU Men’s Hoops has Good Foundation in Place

In the waning seconds of the Princeton University men’s basketball team’s 8477 loss to UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) last Wednesday in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament, senior stars Matt Allocco and Zach Martini left the court at Jadwin Gym for the final time to an extended standing ovation.

But while the exit of the two senior stalwarts will leave a huge void as they were part of three Ivy League regular season championship teams and the historic run to the NCAA Sweet 16 last March, the cupboard is hardly bare for the Tigers.

As the Tigers went 24-5 this winter, sophomore standouts Xaivian Lee and Caden Pierce both earned first-team All-Ivy honors with Pierce being named the Ivy Player of the Year. Shifty guard Lee averaged a team-high 17.1 points and led the Tigers in assists with 108 while athletic forward Pierce averaged 16.6 points and a team-high 9.2 rebounds a game.

Freshman guard Dalen Davis emerged as a key

performer, averaged 6.6 points a game off the bench with 31 3-pointers. Sophomore Jack Scott, a former Hun School star, brought grit and toughness as a reserve guard/forward, contributing 2.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12 minutes a game with 15 steals.

In the wake of the defeat to UNLV, Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson is excited about his sophomore standouts.

“The sophomores are terrific, they are very talented,” said Henderson. “They had great years, they benefited from the sheer grinding of the senior class. We are going to be really different next year with the seniors.”

Junior guard Blake Peters, who started all 29 games this winter and averaged 7.8 points per contest with a team-high 64 3-pointers, will be counted on to fill some of that leadership void.

“Blake is the only senior who has played significant minutes,” noted Henderson. “It is can those guys now hold people to account, which has been a staple for us. Tosan

(last year senior star and current Detroit Piston Tosan Evbuomwan) was constantly, ‘that’s on me.’ That comes with the age.”

After taking a break to refresh after a grueling season, the Tigers will reconvene to turn their attention to next winter.

“We are a little banged up, we will take two to three weeks off,” said Henderson.

“They need to get away from the old man for a little bit and away from my voice and go be students and enjoy the spring and the nice weather. Then we will get back together and talk about our goals for next season. We will have very heavy, lofty goals. We will have a banquet in the spring and celebrate another championship, that is important around here.”

In the age of the transfer portal and NIL (name, image, and likeness) it will be important for Henderson to keep his young stars in the fold.

“It is a good group, there is a lot going on in college basketball,” said Henderson. “I would like to see everybody back, I don’t have my head in the sand, I will tell you that. I have been working hard on it, it is a new landscape.”

—Bill Alden

EXCELLENT PROSPECTS: Princeton University men’s basketball player Xaivian Lee dribbles past a UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) player last Wednesday as Princeton hosted the Runnin’ Rebels in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament. Sophomore guard Lee scored 10 points with six assists and two rebounds in a losing cause as the Tigers fell 84-77 to the Runnin’ Rebels. The defeat left Princeton with a final record of 24-5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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ROUGH NIGHT WITH VEGAS: Princeton University men’s basketball player Matt Allocco looks to get around a UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) defender last Wednesday as Princeton hosted the Runnin’ Rebels in

PU Sports Roundup

Former Hoops Star Langborg

Helps Northwestern Win Opener

Former Princeton University men’s basketball star Ryan Langborg ’23 came up big as ninth-seeded Northwestern rallied to top eighth-seeded Florida Atlantic 77-65 in overtime in the first round of the NCAA tournament last Friday.

Sharp-shooting guard Langborg tallied a gamehigh 27 points to help the Wildcats pull out the victory at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Langborg became the second player to score at least 25 points in an NCAA Tournament game for two schools, according to Sportradar. Jamal Faulkner was the other one, doing it for Arizona State in 1991 and Alabama in 1994. Last season, Langborg averaged 18.7 points in three NCAA Tournament games last year as Princeton advanced to the Sweet 16. He scored the go-ahead basket late in a victory over secondseeded Arizona, tallied 22 points in a second-round win against Missouri and then scored 26 points in an 86-75 loss to Creighton in the Sweet 16.

On Sunday, Northwestern’s NCAA run ended as they fell 75-58 to top-seeded and defending national champion Connecticut. Langborg tallied 13 points in the defeat, hitting 5 of 7 shots, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range.

PU Women’s Lax

Edges Cornell 13-12

Sparked by Grace Tauckus, the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team edged Cornell 13-12 last Saturday.

Senior attacker Tauckus scored five goals as the Tigers rallied from an early 5-2 deficit to pull out the win in a driving rainstorm.

No. 18 Princeton, now 5-3 overall and 1-1 Ivy League, is next in action when it hosts 14th-ranked Penn on April 3.

Princeton Baseball Goes 2-1 in Cornell Series

Starting its Ivy League campaign on a high note, the Princeton University baseball team went 2-1 against Cornell last weekend in its first league action of the spring.

In a doubleheader Friday, Princeton posted a sweep, winning each game by identical scores of 4-3.

On Sunday, the Tigers fell 15-2 as they dug a 7-0 hole in the first inning. Senior Kyle Vinci made some history for Princeton in the loss, hitting a two-run homer to tie him with Matthew Evans ’99 for most home runs (26) in program history.

The Tigers, now 6-13 overall and 2-1 Ivy League, host Yale for a doubleheader on March 30 and a single game on March 31.

3 Princeton Wrestlers

Compete in NCAAs

A trio of Princeton University wrestlers competed at the 2024 Division I Wrestling National Championships last weekend at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Wrestling at 184 pounds, senior Nate Dugan, the No. 16 seed, was defeated by No. 17 Will Feldkamp of Iowa State on a pin in the first round of the championship bracket. In the consolation bracket, Dugan came back strong, defeating No. 32 Anthony D’Alesio of LIU by a fall in 53 seconds. He then posted an 8-5 win over No. 18 Ryder Rogotzke of Ohio State. Dugan was defeated 14-7 by No. 9 Bennett Berge of South Dakota State to end his tournament run.

At 197, No. 16 Luke Stout fell 9-6 to No. 17 Joseph Novak of Wyoming in the opening round of the tournament. Junior Stout bounced back in the consolation round, edging No. 33 Evan Bates of Northwestern 4-3. However, Stout’s run ended in the next round when he fell 6-1 to No. 18 Nick Stemmet of Stanford.

At 285, No. 22 Matt Cover fell 4-2 to No. 11 Josh Heindselman in the opening round of the championship bracket. In the consolation round, senior Cover lost 5-0 to No. 25 Josiah Hill from Little Rock.

Princeton Fencers

Take 4th at NCAAs

Tristan Szapary provided a highlight as the Princeton University fencing program took fourth at the NCAA Championships last weekend in Columbus, Ohio.

Senior Szapary placed first in the épée, making him the ninth Princeton men’s fencer to win an NCAA individual title and first since 2012.

Szapary held off Notre Dame’s Jonathan HamiltonMeikle 15-14 in the final

after knocking off Harvard’s Henry Lawson 15-9 in the semifinal. Lawson was the top seed after the pool round as he a won 17 of 23 bouts to 16 for Szapary and Hamilton-Meikle.

Szapary’s title is the first for the Princeton men since Jonathan Yergler ’13 won the épée title in 2012, and it’s the sixth épée title in men’s program history.

In the team standings, Harvard placed first with 169 wins between the men’s and women’s fencers, eight in front of Notre Dame’s 161 with Columbia third at 149 and the Tigers fourth at 131.

Other Princeton fencers who earned All-American status through their performance last weekend included Ryan Jenkins, the third-place finisher in the women’s saber; Alexandra Lee, the seventh-place finisher in the women’s saber; Matthew Limb, who took 10th in the men’s saber; Jessica Lin, the ninth-place finisher in the women’s épée; and Ariana Rausch, the seventh-place finisher in the women’s épée.

Princeton Softball

Goes 1-2 at Columbia Battling hard in a tough weekend in New York, the Princeton University softball team went 1-2 in a three-game set at Columbia to open its Ivy League campaign.

In action on Friday, the Tigers split a doubleheader with the Lions, winning the opener 6-5 and then falling 9-3 in the nightcap.

On Sunday, Princeton lost 4-3 as the Lions scored two

runs in the seventh inning to pull out the win. Freshman Sonia Zhang went 2-for3 and hit her first career homer to provide a bright spot in the defeat.

The Tigers, now 10-9 overall and 1-2 Ivy, host Penn for a doubleheader on March 30 and a single game on March 31.

PU Women’s Water

Polo Defeats Iona

Kayla Yelensky led the way as the No. 16 Princeton University women’s water polo team defeated Iona 14-8 last Wednesday.

Junior Yelensky scored five goals to help the Tigers improve to 15-6.

Princeton hosts Wagner on March 28.

Tiger Men’s Volleyball Team Defeats NJIT

Ben Harrington starred as the Princeton University men’s volleyball team defeated NJIT 3-1 last Saturday.

Senior standout Harrington contributed 16 kills to help the Tigers prevail 25-22, 25-20, 24-26, 25-15.

Princeton, now 10-9 overall and 3-3 EIVA, plays at George Mason on March 30.

PU Hockey Star Fillier

Makes All-American Team

Already the first-ever multitime All-American for the Princeton University women’s hockey program, senior forward Sarah Fillier has been named an American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-American for the third time in her career, earning the fifth All-American honor for the program all-time.

Fillier, who tallied 30 goals

and 13 assists this season, is a second-team honoree again in 2024 after earning secondteam honors in 2019 and 2020. Sasha Sherry ’11 was a second-team honoree in 2009 and Kelsey Koelzer ’17 was a first-team honoree in 2016.

Fillier led Division I in goals per game at 1.03, the only player with a higher average than 0.86, and is one of just three players in Division I who has scored 30 goals this season, doing so in just 29 games. It was the 10th 30-goal season in program history and just the third since 2000.

Georgetown, Ontario, native Fillier is also top-six among all active Division I players in career goals (first, 93), career assists (sixth, 101), career points (second, 194), career goals per game (first, 0.78), career assists per game (fourth, 0.84), and career points per game (first, 1.62).

The award adds to the accolades Fillier has won this season, a year that saw her earn her third Kazmaier Award top-10 finalist recognition, her third first-team All-ECAC Hockey honor, and her fourth first-team All-Ivy League award.

Fillier finished her Princeton career ranked second in program history with 101 assists, the most for any Tiger since 1995, fourth in program history with 194 career points, the most since 1995, and sixth in career goals, the most since 2020, and the second-most since 1997, behind only former teammate Carly Bullock ’20, who had 95 goals.

Spending two years away from Princeton to play for the Canada women’s national team, Fillier helped it win an Olympic gold medal in 2022 and a pair of International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships.

PU Men’s Lightweight Crew Defeats Navy

Starting its 2024 campaign on a high note, the Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity 8 defeated Navy last Saturday on Lake Carnegie in the race for the Murtaugh Cup.

Princeton, the defending national champion, posted a time of 5:46.3 over the 2,000-meter course, three seconds better than Navy.

In upcoming action, Princeton will be heading to Overpack Park in Bergen County to face Columbia and Dartmouth. The Campbell Cup will be on the line in the race against Columbia.

CENTURY CLUB: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Coulter Mackesy heads to goal in recent action. Last Saturday, junior attacker Mackesy scored one goal, the 100th of his career, to help Princeton top Harvard 14-11. Freshman attacker Nate Kabiri led the Tiger offense in the win, tallying a career-high five goals. No. 13 Princeton, now 5-3 overall and 1-1 Ivy League, hosts Dartmouth on March 30.

(Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

PHS Girls’ Swimmer Tangen, Tiger Star Wrestler Mele Get Nod as Town Topics’ Leading Winter Performers

Kyleigh Tangen was determined to be the best version of herself this winter in her final season with the Princeton High girls’ swimming team.

“I would like to end on a good note; something I struggle with every time I race is I think of things that could be better,” said senior standout Tangen. “I am worried that when I end the season the only thing on my mind will be how can I do this better next time but there won’t be a next time.”

In looking to fine-tune her sprinting, Tangen branched out in her events this winter, swimming in the 200 freestyle in addition to the 50 and 100 free.

“I have been trying to become a little bit more of a distance swimmer this season and I have been lacking on my sprint events,” said Tangen, who also stars for the PHS cross country program. “I am trying to use the 100 free like a measuring stick, I try to race it every single time as hard as I can like a speed workout. I have to be taking it really seriously. I want to get better in the 200 free, but I wouldn’t say it is my main event. I want to be become more well-rounded.”

PHS head coach Carly (Misiewicz) Fackler pointed to Tangen’s athleticism and competitive fire as keys to making her a very wellrounded swimmer.

“She is also really big into running and cross country,” said Fackler. “She is a competitor, she is an athlete. She wants to win. She gets in the pool and wants to beat every single person that is next to her, and you can’t ask for anything more from an athlete.”

Tangen went on to win a lot of races this winter. She placed first in both the 50-meter and 100 freestyle races at the Mercer County Swimming Championships as the Tigers cruised to the team title.

In the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B sectional tournament, Tangen won the 50-yard and 100 free in each meet as PHS defeated WW/P-South in the semi and Manasquan in the final.

Tangen achieved the 50 and 100 free double as PHS defeated Shawnee in the Group B states semis and won both races as PHS fell 89-81 to Chatham in a dramatic state final showdown.

While Tangen was disappointed to see PHS fall just short of a state title repeat, she saved her best for last.

“Both of the times that I swam today were the fastest I have ever swum,” said Tangen. “Historically, I have always swam the fastest I have ever swum at this meet.”

Fackler credited Tangen with giving her best to the end. “Kyleigh swam her heart out, she had the relay swim of a lifetime,” said Fackler, referring to Tangen’s anchor leg in the 400 free relay where she nearly erased a 1.5 second deficit as she battled Chatham star Kiera Harkins. “She never ceases to amaze me — 23.7 in the 50 free in winning

that and winning the 100 free. They were lifetime bests for her. At this point that is all you could ever ask for. I think if she had another four or five yards in the relay, she would have had her.”

While it may not have been the best ending for Tangen, ultimately she was proud of her efforts.

“I would like to say thank you to all of the senior girls especially,” said Tangen, who finished eighth in the 50-yard freestyle in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions to wrap up her senior campaign. “It has been such a fun ride and I am going to miss them all so much. I am happy that we had the maximum amount of meets this year so I could keep swimming with all of them.”

For playing a leading role in helping PHS enjoy another ride to a state final, Tangen is the choice as the Town Topics’ leading girl performer of the winter season.

Top Boy Performer

Blasé Mele wasn’t shy about expressing confidence in his prospects this winter for the Princeton High wrestling team.

“I think my mentality has changed and I’ve moved toward speaking things into existence,” said Mele. “If I truly believe that I can hang with the best, I need to speak that into existence, talking with coaches, talking with teammates, talking with family members. There’s a time to be humble, but there’s also a time to let everyone know what you’re about.”

Making an early statement, Mele posted a pair of wins over nationally ranked opponents at the Sam Cali Invitational in last December to earn the 138-pound title in the high profile event held on the FDU-Florham campus.

PHS head coach Jess Monzo was not surprised to see Mele come through in the high profile competition.

“I’ve definitely seen a difference in him this year,” said Monzo. “There’s definitely been a confidence in his walk, how he carries himself. I can see the difference in the school just walking around the hallways, everything about him — the way he presents himself, when he’s taken leadership roles in the room, in the halls, in the classroom, there’s something different that I haven’t seen in the last two years. I think it’s a testament to what he’s been doing and the goals he’s setting for himself.”

Mele, for his part, set some high goals for himself this winter.

“I’ve got very lofty expectations with wrestling,” said Mele. “As much as it’s nice to see progression and improvement, I’m a competitor and I love to win. Losing, it eats at me unlike anything else. When I go out on the mat, my only goal is I want to win and assert my dominance over my opponent.”

Producing a dominant campaign, Mele placed first at 138 in the Mercer County

Tournament. He took second in NJSIAA District 17 tourney and third in Region 5 at 138. He culminated his season by taking sixth at 138 at the NJSIAA Boys Wrestling State Championships in Atlantic City to make the podium.

“ It ’s such a hard tournament,” said Mele of the state championships. “ I ’ve been there twice. The environment is like no other. I’ d like to say I’ve competed everywhere, and the environment is like no other. It’s starting to set in how it’s been pretty cool. I have one more year and I ’m shooting for gold. I ’m trying to get Princeton its first state title.”

Monzo was thrilled to see Mele to compete so well in Atlantic City.

“That was the goal at the beginning of the season,” said Monzo. “To be honest, I think his goal was to be a little higher than what he accomplished this year. Going back to December, and at the Sam Cali, he wins the tournament and has two really, really great wins over nationally ranked guys. And those two wins really helped him believe that he could do it, and gave him the confidence that he wasn’t the guy that was just dreaming.”

Mele, for his part, credited Monzo and his staff with helping him achieve his goals.

“My coaches were super great about keeping me focused on what was in front of me,” said Mele, who posted a 41-7 record this winter. “It was, ‘We’re done wrestling, let’s go check our weight and see where we are.’ This was a business trip. I was down there to get something done, to do it for Princeton, to do it for my team. As much as this is a state medal for me, this is a state medal for my wrestling family, my boys. I’ve been practicing with these guys. It’s about time we’ve had someone on the state podium.”

For making PHS program history in a dominant campaign, Mele gets the nod as the top boy performer this winter.

Top Newcomers

Gabby D’Agostino didn’t waste any making an impact as she joined the Hun School girls’ basketball team this winter.

Sophomore guard D’Agostino, a transfer from New Hope-Solebury (Pa.), poured in 47 points in her Hun debut as Raiders fell 83-78 to George School (Pa.) in its season opener.

Hun head coach Sean Costello knew he had something special on his hands in D’Agostino.

“She is very, very good, she is a point guard; it is the most points of any kid I have coached and I have coached really high level kids with AAU,” said Costello. “I had a conversation with Gabby at the beginning of the year and I told her realistically she should be flirting with 30 a lot as fast as we are playing and as good as she is. She can score in a lot of different ways. She does shoot the ball well, she is really quick, and she can get to the foul line. She puts a lot

BREAKING FREE: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Kyleigh Tangen churns to the finish in a 100 freestyle race this winter. Senior star Tangen’s sprinting prowess helped PHS go 14-1 as it won a third straight Mercer County title and advanced to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state final. Tangen won the 50 and 100 freestyle titles at the county meet and won those two races in the 89-81 loss to Chatham in the state final. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

of pressure on the defense. She is also a good passer. She is going to be a pretty highly touted kid.”

In making the transition to Hun, D’Agostino quickly developed a comfort level with her new teammates and the school.

“It has been very, very good. They are so welcoming,” said D’Agostino. “I have only been here for four months, but I feel like I have known all of them my whole life. I am close with absolutely everyone on the team and that makes it so much easier in the classroom as well.”

On the court, D’Agostino looked to trigger the Hun offense with her playmaking and scoring.

“It is whatever they need me to do — I am still kind

of finding my footprint being halfway through the season,” said D’Agostino, who ended up scoring a teamhigh 370 points. “I have to facilitate a little bit more than I did at New Hope and just do whatever I can do to get my teammates open shots. If I have an open shot, I am going to take it because it helps the team.”

D’Agostino also helped the Raiders get on the same page. “The spacing is very good, being able to pass and cut through the lane and being able to have all of those open options,” said D’Agostino. “With them being able to find me and me being able to find them, it is very easy to work with.”

Costello was excited with how well D’Agostino worked

with her teammates.

“It is interesting, you forget sometimes that she is a sophomore,” said Costello. “We ask a lot of her. We are lucky to have her, I think the kids play really well with her. There are kids sacrificing shots and roles and it is a really good team that we are working with.”

Emerging as the go-to player for Hun from day one in her debut season with the Raiders, D’Agostino is the choice as the top girl newcomer.

Eugene Burroughs sensed that guard Gary Jennings would become a key performer for the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team this winter despite being a freshman.

Winter Review

Continued from

“Gary will be one of our primary ball handlers this year, he has a good IQ,” said PDS head coach Burroughs. “He is still learning to play the position. He has a good feel for the game and a good skill set. I am excited to see him grow this season.”

Jennings grew into an exciting performer, leading the Panthers with 213 points and adding 73 rebounds, 20 assists, and a team-high 35 steals.

“Gary found a way to put the ball in the basket, he has a knack of finding ways to score,” said Burroughs. “He was a guy that was thrown into that point guard role. He had some good games and some bad games, which was expected. Offensively he did some great things. For him, it is just growing and developing the other aspects of the game, making plays for his teammates, handling pressure — the things that come with being a primary ball handler at the high school level.”

The growth Jennings displayed as he triggered the PDS offense makes him the pick as the top boy newcomer.

Top Coaches

After going 14-0 on the way to winning the Mercer County championship meet and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state title in 2022-23, the Princeton High girls’ swimming team was primed to make more history this winter.

“You always feel that there is this target on your back, before it was within the county and now I feel like it is more statewide,” said PHS head coach Carly (Misiewicz) Fackler. “I feel like we thrive in those situations. They have said multiple times that they want nothing more than to repeat this year. They got a taste of it last year, but they are ready for some more again.”

Fackler knew it would take a daily commitment from her swimmers to reach those heights again.

“It is taking it meet by meet and week by week,” said Fackler. “They have that end goal in mind but understand also that they we have to accomplish x, y, z before we can even get to that point. I love that the end goal is there and I want it to be there. I think it

is very realistic, very achievable and it is very possible. Especially with the way that counties and the postseason brings something different out of them than the regular season. They rise to the occasion.”

The Tigers rose to the occasion, going 11-0 in regular season meets and rolling to third straight country crown, piling up a winning score of 359 points, more than doubling second-place finisher WW/P-South who came in at 156.

Heading into the state tournament, PHS defeated WW/P-South 120-50 in the NJSIAA Central Group B sectional semis and then topped Manasquan 96-69 in the sectional final. The Tigers then defeated Shane 106-64 in the Group B state semis to set up a state final rematch with fellow undefeated powerhouse Chatham.

“ We were converging to the point that we knew were probably going to meet again at this point,” said Fackler, reflecting on the matchup against Chatham.

“Every race, every set, every warm up, warm down in practice is geared towards moments like this.”

The championship clash produced a number of tense moments as the foes were tied at 23-23 after the 200yard individual medley with PHS pulling ahead 40-38 after the 100 butterfly but then finding itself trailing 75-65 after the 100 backstroke. The Tigers narrowed the gap to 79-77 entering the 400 free relay, the final event. PHS took second and fourth in the relay to fall 89-81 and end the winter at 14-1.

While the Tigers fell just short of a second straight state crown, Fackler was proud of how her swimmers barreled to the end.

“We kept our season going as long as possible, we swam our hearts out,” said Fackler. “I don’t think that there was any race that I would look back on and say coulda, shoulda, woulda.”

For guiding PHS to another historic season and a return trip to the state final, Fackler is the pick as the top coach of a girls’ team.

Coming into this winter, Jess Monzo was confident his Princeton High wrestling program could continue its recent ascent.

In the early going, PHS took its lumps, going 9-8 as

it headed into the Mercer County Tournament in last January with losses to such Colonial Valley Conference foes as Hightstown, Hopewell Valley, Allentown, Notre Dame, and Robbinsville.

Showing their quality and mettle, the Tigers took third at the Mercer County Tournament as they won three individual titles with Blase Mele prevailing at 138 pounds, Cole Rose at 126, and Kwabena Afrifah at 285.

“Overall I’m very pleased with the way we performed,” said PHS head coach Monzo. “As a program, it’s a good thing. We took some bad losses this year to some of these Mercer County schools, so to come back and outshine them at the county level when everyone is here to show the rest of the county where we really are was good.”

Weeks later, PHS produced another good performance as it took fourth at the NJSIAA District 17 tournament as Danny Monga (120 pounds), Cole Rose (126), Blas é Mele (138), Christian Paul (157), and Kwabena Afrifah (285) advanced to Region 5 competition.

“I don’t know the last time Princeton has brought five. We haven’t brought five to the regions since I’ve been here,” added Monzo, whose squad went 11-13 in dual match competition and fell to Hightstown in the Central Jersey Group 4 quarterfinals in the NJSIAA team tournament.

“We’re moving in the right direction. Every year we’re getting a little better, we’re getting a little more competitive. Our younger guys are really starting to like it and wrestle more. When some of these guys first came in, they weren’t doing any offseason wrestling and offseason training. Now they’re looking for the next time to get back on the mat, which is tremendous. It says a lot about who they are as people too. They’re not just doing it to put it on their resume. They’re doing it because they’re starting to like, they’re starting to love it, they’re starting to live it. It’s tremendous.”

PHS ended up bringing one guy to the state championships in Mele. The junior star went on the finish sixth at 138 to make the podium and put the finishing touch on a superb campaign for the Tigers.

“We’re hoping this medal

DRIVING FORCE: Hun School girls’ basketball player Gabby D’Agostino drives to the hoop in a game this past winter. Sophomore transfer guard D’Agostino made a big impact in her first season with Hun, scoring a team-high 370 points.

can really jumpstart our program again,” said Monzo. “If you look back at all the girls we’ve had too, we were fortunate to have Chloe [Ayres] come through the program, to have Ava [Rose] (the older sister of current PHS star Cole Rose) come through, and the two years prior to Chloe, Alec Bobchin placed. Whether it’s been a boy or a girl those last seven or eight years we’ve had someone standing on a podium somewhere with a medal. It’s great. Not too many programs can say that, and those programs that can are very good. It’s our turn to start building, building to that powerhouse that Princeton can be.”

For his role in getting the PHS program jumping up the ladder of N.J. wrestling, Monzo is the choice as the top coach of a boys’ squad.

— Bill Alden

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

GETTING A GRIP: Princeton High wrestler Blasé Mele, top, controls a foe in a bout last season. Junior Mele went 41-7 this winter, placing first at 138 pounds at the Sam Cali Invitational and the Mercer County Tournament. He placed second in New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) District 17 tourney and third in Region 5 at 138. He culminated his season by taking sixth at 138 at the NJSIAA Boys Wrestling State Championships in Atlantic City.

While PHS Baseball Doesn’t Boast Strength in Numbers, Tigers Feature Quality

While the Princeton High baseball team may not boast strength in numbers this spring, Dom Capuano believes his squad possesses plenty of quality.

“We only have 13 varsity guys but I think we have a good nucleus,” said PHS head coach Capuano, who guided the Tigers to a 6-16 record last year. “The one positive of only having a small group is they can grow together and be closer. That definitely showed yesterday in the scrimmage (against Montgomery on March 21). I was happy about it, we just need to continue forward.”

It will be nearly all hands on deck when it comes to the PHS pitching staff as it starts its 2024 season by playing at Ewing on April 1.

“I think out of 13 guys, eight are going to pitch,” said Capuano, who will be looking for sophomore Chase Hamerschlag, junior James Schiavone, junior Travis Petrone, and junior Jai Justice to lead the mound crew with senior Michael Prete, junior Nano Sarceno, junior Eric

Performers All Over the Diamond

Wheeler, and junior Nathan Nydick also figuring to get some innings.

“Chase pitched a lot for us last year. I am interested to see how he grows. James was hurt all last year so I am interested to see how he performs the rest of the preseason. I think those two will battle it out hopefully for 1A and 1B. Travis is going to be our jack of all trades. I know he has the experience so if we need him in relief especially early in the season, we can rely on him. You can rely on him to be that third starter when you need him. He is going to be someone we can look for in whatever spot we need. Jai is most likely going to do a lot of relief for us.”

Senior star outfielder Alex Winters should be the catalyst for the Tiger batting order from the leadoff spot.

“Having him at the top of the lineup is definitely a luxury to say the least,” said Capuano. “I fully expect him to be flirting with hitting .500 this year. He should steal anywhere from 30-40 bases, if not more. He hit

Bob’s

.385 last year and he went one for his last 19. He is going to do a lot for us.”

Capuano believes his batting order should have a lot of punch.

“I don’t think it is going to be a team where we have to manufacture runs, I think the top half of our lineup is really going to produce,” said Capuano. “We have to always rely on our seniors, [Ben]Walden and Prete are going to be big time. Chase looked good in the scrimmage yesterday. Travis, Nano, James, Wheeler, and Dylan Newman should be in the top half along with Alex.”

The Tiger defense will be mix and match. “It is going change game to game based on who is pitching and who is hitting,” said Capuano. “Going into where we are right now, I have a lot of confidence no matter what those combinations are. We have the guys who can do that.”

Those combinations will showcase the squad’s versatility. “Matt Akey will be at catcher, Wheeler and Chase are going to be the two primary shortstops,” said Capuano. “Ben will be at second base most likely and Jai might have to float over the second. Wheeler could be at third and Schiavone could also be at third base. First base right now is mainly Nano and Nate Nydick with Mike Prete maybe sliding in there. The outfield is mainly Mike, Travis, Alex, and Roman Howe.”

“We need to throw strikes, we don’t want to walk 130 guys again this year,” said Capuano. “I think staying together as a group and being confident in each other is a key. If we are playing

like they should, we will be OK. I think we can definitely be a very competitive this year. We can’t spiral like we did last year.”

— Bill Alden

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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.

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HAMMER TIME: Princeton High baseball player Chase Hamerschlag takes a big swing in a 2023 game. Sophomore Hamerschlag figures to be a key performer for the Tigers this spring. PHS plays at Ewing on April 1 to start its 2024 season. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Starting 2024 Season with a Gauntlet of Tough Foes, Hun Baseball Looking to Develop Early Momentum

As the Hun School baseball team opens its 2024 season this week, it is facing a string of early tests.

“This is probably the most challenging schedule we have had, especially in the beginning of the year, that first week is a gauntlet,” said Hun head coach Tom Monfiletto. “We start off at Lawrenceville (on March 28) and then we play St Peter’s (on April 1) and then we play Pennington (on April 3) and then we play the Hill School (Pa.) (on April 5). Those are going to be some really difficult opponents and then we go down to D.C. and play a doubleheader (on April 6) against two of the better teams in that area, Landon School (Md.) and JacksonReed High School (Washington, D.C.). Having success in that first week will be a huge jump off point and catalyst. Either way, we will learn a lot about ourselves as a team.”

With Hun coming off a 16-7 season in 2023 that saw it win the Prep A state title, Monfiletto believes the Raiders can enjoy another successful spring.

“We have a lot of experience coming back, we have some guys that played in some really big games for its last year that are coming back in the lineup,” said Monfiletto, whose team went on its annual preseason trip to Florida earlier this month where it faced several formidable New England prep school teams featuring a number of Division I commits.

“We added a couple of new pieces in Sam Wright and Carter Klein, our two postgrads, and some freshman and sophomores, players that are going to contribute for the first time this year.”

Monfiletto believes a number of guys will contribute to Hun’s mound corps.

“I would say our arms looked very, very good, that was reassuring,” said Monfiletto, whose pitching staff includes senior Charlie Batista, senior Lucas Henderson, senior Ryan Greenstein, senior Gabe Jacknow, sophomore John Rossman, sophomore Asher DeLue, and sophomore Aidan Heaphy along with postgrads Wright and Klein. “They all looked good, healthy and strong. They have gotten better.”

The Raiders should be strong offensively as they boast punch throughout the order.

“We could score a lot of runs, I would like that to be a little more consistent,” said Monfiletto, whose batting order will feature junior Nico Amecangelo, senior E.J. Balewitz, junior Will Kraemer, senior Tyler Tucker, senior Deacon Bowne, senior Mike Olender, and sophomore T.J. Francis in addition to Wright, Batista, Henderson, Greenstein, Rossman, and Klein.

“I think we definitely have the potential to do that. We are going to see a lot of really, really strong arms. I hope we will improve with that

experience of seeing those arms throughout the year. It was good to see that in Florida and to see what kind of challenge that is going to bring. I think top to bottom we run the bases well.”

Monfiletto will be utilizing different combinations on defense depending on who is pitching on a given day. “We will see what the best mixture is,” said Monfiletto. Bowne is a fixture at catcher and the squad’s returning infielders include Tucker, Kraemer, Amecangelo, Henderson, Greenstein, and Balewitz with the addition of freshman Jackson Staples. The outfield will feature Wright, Batista, and Olender along with Francis, Staples, and junior Antonio Destribats.

In Monfiletto’s view, Hun has the talent to compete with any of its formidable foes and contend for more titles.

“I think as long as our pitching stays consistent and we throw strikes, we will be in every single game,” said Monfiletto. “We have a good amount of good arms which I am really excited about and we have an outstanding catcher. We are able to put runs across the plate. Our ability to play defense and adjust offensively will be two of the major keys to our success this year. If we are facing a really good arm, how do we get on base, how do we move runners, and how do we score when our bats aren’t hot? Then if our bats start to get hot, how do we keep the foot on the gas?”

— Bill Alden

Coming Off 2 Straight Championship Seasons, Hun Softball Primed for Another Stellar Spring

With the Hun School softball team coming off two superb seasons that have seen the program win consecutive Prep A and Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) titles, the Raiders realize that their foes are primed to knock them off their perch.

“They know that there is a big target on their backs and everybody is after us,” said Hun head coach Kathy Quirk, who guided the Raiders to a 15-2 record in 2023. “They have to be confident in themselves.”

Hun gained some confidence from a spring trip to Florida earlier this month.

“We played teams from Canada and then a team from New England,” said Quirk, whose team hosts Lawrenceville on March 28 to start its 2024 campaign. “It was good competition for us.”

The Raiders boast the pitching staff to compete with anyone, led by senior stars Lexi Kobryn and Jamie Staub. Kobryn, a Villanova commit, struck out 178 in 92.1 innings with a 0.76 ERA in 2023 while Staub, who will be playing at Brandeis University next

year, had 25 strikeouts in 18.2 innings with an 1.88 ERA.

“Lexi looks strong, both her and Jamie had good results down in Florida,” said Quirk, whose pitching staff will also include junior Anna Murphy. “We will see how things go, I hope to give Jamie pitching time.”

The versatile Kobryn gives Hun some strong hitting as well, batting .527 with six homers and 31 RBIs last spring.

“She is healthy, she worked out all winter and all fall,” said Quirk, noting that Kobryn will bat third again this spring. “She still works out in the morning — she will come to school at 6 to get work in. I just hope it is good season for her.”

Quirk is hoping that sophomore Sam Jolly, junior Emma Eisenberg, sophomore Rowan Lacy, Murphy, and Staub can also provide some hitting punch.

“We are struggling a little bit offensively, we miss the bats of Kat Xiong and Sammy Kandel,” said Quirk. “Sam Jolly will lead off, I am hoping Emma Eisenberg, Murphy, and Rowan

Lacy can pick up the slack. Murphy struggled a little offensively in Florida, except in her last game when she hit a grand slam inside the park. I think that gave her a little bit of confidence. I am hoping for something big from Jamie.”

Across the diamond, Hun looks strong with the glove. “I have always prided myself on our defense,” said Quirk. “Emma is at catcher, Jamie is at first, and we have Sam at second. Right now we have Kailey Jacobs at short and Bri Riviello at third. She is a really good third baseman.”

In the outfield, Quirk has Murphy in center field and Lacy in right with junior Sophia Troiano, freshman Piper Morey, sophomore Ally McCoy, sophomore Natalia Landamia, sophomore Vasi Bonchev, and freshman Norah Shore in the mix for playing time.

While Quirk believes her squad possesses the pieces for another championship campaign, she knows that isn’t a given.

“I am just hoping for them that they are able to produce and to do what they want to do,” said Quirk. “We have a lot to do between now and Thursday.”

— Bill Alden

WILLPOWER: Hun School baseball player Will Kraemer makes contact in a game last spring. Junior infielder Kraemer, who hit .333 last year, will be looking to have another strong season for the Raiders this spring. Hun gets its 2024 campaign underway by playing at Lawrenceville on March 28.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

SAM’S CLUB: Hun School softball player Sam Jolly heads to first base in action last spring. Sophomore infielder Jolly, who batted .672 in 2023 in her debut season for the Raiders, figures to be an offensive catalyst again for Hun this spring. The Raiders host Lawrenceville on March 28 to start their 2024

Local Sports

Bailey Basketball Academy

Offering Spring Programs

The Bailey Basketball Academy (BBA) has announced the schedule for its upcoming spring hoops programs.

Participants will have an opportunity for competitive travel play, individualized instruction, skills development, and fundamentals as well as league play. BBA is led by former Princeton Day School girls’ hoops coach and Philadelphia 76ers camp director and c linician Kamau Bailey.

The BBA spring program will include boys’ travel teams (2nd-8th grade), weekly practices, and the Shot King Shooting Program and Player Development Skill Sessions

for elementary through high school players (boys and girls). BBA programs stress fundamentals and team play with emphasis on ball handling, shooting, passing, footwork, speed, agility, movement with and without the ball, one-on-one moves, defense, and other hoops skills.

Registration for the BBA spring teams and programs is now underway. The spring season skill development sessions for boys and girls will be held from on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The BBA boys’ team practices will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The BBA spring hoops program starts on April 1 and runs through mid-June. All BBA activities will be held in the Princeton Middle School gym.

For more information, contact Kamau Bailey at

(917) 626-5785 or kamau. bailey@gmail.com.

Princeton Athletic Club

Holding 6K Run April 13

The Princeton Athletic Club (PAC) will be holding a 6,000-meter cross country run at the Institute Woods on April 13.

The 6,000-meter run starts at 10 a.m. from Princeton Friends School and is limited to 200 participants. The 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 PAC is a nonprofit running club for the community. The club, an allvolunteer organization, promotes running for the fun and health of it and stages several running events each year.

or ask

TOUGH COOKIES: Members of the Milk and Cookies squad munch on some cookies after they defeated Sportworld 28-15 in the championship game of the Boys’ 3rd/4th grade division of the Dillon Youth Basketball League earlier this month. The team included Aiden Spies, Casey D’Andrea, Erik Shkuda, Jack DeLuca, Jack Kurpiewski, Kaden Taffer, Liam D’Andrea, Liam Hulsmann, Michael Jia, and Zachary Johnson.

SOLID FOUNDATION: Players on the Majeski Foundation team are all smiles after they defeated Jefferson Plumbing 32-24 in the title contest of the Boys’ 5th/6th grade division of the Dillon Youth Basketball League earlier this month. The team included Alman Farooq, Bartholomew Gore, Conon Odell, Deniz Sabuncu, Jameson Kim, John Henry Strouse, Logan Aguila, Nathan Stock, Nicholas Lopez, and Samuel Frole.

KNICK OF TIME: Members of Knicks squad enjoy the moment after they posted a 42-35 win over the Celtics in the final of the Boys’ 7th/8th grade division of the Dillon Youth Basketball League earlier this month. The team included Ai’Bree Green, Aryan Kondakindi, Duncan Harley, Isaac  Penn, James Rabinowitz, Kevin Q O’Driscoll, Liam McCloskey, Maxwell Von Lau, Moksh Rajpal, and Quinton deFaria.

Obituaries

Elizabeth Mellick Belshaw

Elizabeth Mellick Belshaw, 63, known as Lisa, died after a three-year battle with cancer on Friday, March 22, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving fam-

ily. A longtime resident of Princeton, New Jersey, she was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on October 2, 1960 and grew up in Dover, Delaware and Rumson,

New Jersey before moving to Princeton. She was a graduate of Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut, ’78 and Connecticut College ’82. Lisa was a summer resident of Prouts Neck, Maine, where she most enjoyed playing tennis, sailing, and taking in the many forms of nature. Lisa previously worked for Vogue magazine, and loved her roles as an elementary teacher at Collegiate School and Spence School in New York City, and Princeton Friends School where she later worked in the development office. Most recently, she worked as the Director of Development for the Princeton Public Library.

From 2003-2012, Lisa lived in London where she raised her two daughters. There, she founded her own business designing fashion accessories and was active in local arts organizations, including Kensington Chelsea Women’s Club. Her lifelong love of art led Lisa to live in Florence, Italy, for two years in her twenties where she studied at Studio Art Centers International. Throughout her life, Lisa was a prolific painter and always supported the arts.

Lisa was the daughter of

the late Rt. Rev. G. P. Mellick Belshaw, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Belshaw. She is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth (Lizi) Ham and Alexandra (Zanny) Ham; two brothers, the Rev. Richard Belshaw of Durham, New Hampshire, and George Belshaw of Greenwich, Connecticut; two sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street in Princeton. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate Lisa by wearing a touch of red, her favorite color. A memorial will be held in Prouts Neck, Maine, in August 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (ocrahope.org). Arrangements are under the direction of the MatherHodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

Dr. Gerald (Jerry) P. Sternberg, of Pennington, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2024 at the age of 82.

Born in Jersey City in 1941 to Max and Rose Sternberg, he graduated from Rutgers University in 1963 and the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in 1967. He then served as a captain in the U.S. Army at Fort Hood in Killeen, TX.

In 1969 he moved to Pennington, NJ, to start his dental practice. For over 40 years he practiced dentistry while residing just down the road. He served as president of the Mercer Dental Society where he received many awards and recognitions.

Jerry was an avid golfer as well as an accomplished skier. He enjoyed photography, painting, and traveling. He

was a voracious reader and a committed patron of the arts. Jerry’s philosophy was always to “pay it forward.” In his spirit of generosity, he donated to many organizations and was a frequent blood donor. He loved life and always had a smile on his face. He was the happiest guy anyone knew.

Jerry is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Lois Sternberg; his three children, Adam (Jenet), Michele (David), and Lindsey (Doug); and four grandchildren, Jaden, Brenna, Jackson, and Hannah. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Har Sinai Temple, 2421 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ. Interment is private.

Shiva will be observed at the Sternberg residence in Pennington immediately following the service on Sunday, and on Monday and Tuesday from 6:30–8:30 p.m. with a minyan at 7 p.m. on both evenings.

The family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.

Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. For condolences, please visit OrlandsMemorialChapel. com/Gerald-Sternberg.

Holy Week ServiceS

Maundy Thursday

7:00 pm: Maundy Thursday Liturgy

Good Friday

7:00 am: Good Friday Liturgy

12:00 pm: Stations of the Cross

7:00 pm: Good Friday Liturgy

Holy Saturday

7:00 pm: Easter Vigil with Bishop French Easter Sunday

7:30 am: Holy Communion Rite I

9:00 am: Holy Communion Rite II

11:00 am: Holy Communion Rite II

Happy Easter

6:30am - March 31st Easter

9:30am

11am

Holy Week Services

Maundy Thursday Communion Service

March 28 | 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

March 29 | 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday

7:30 a.m. | Hilltop Park | 782 Bunn Dr. 9:00 & 11:30 a.m. | SHC Sanctuary

More details at: bit.ly/SHCEaster

1025 Bunn Dr. Princeton, NJ 08540 | 609-924-3816 www.stonehillprinceton.org

Religion

Easter Worship by the Lake and at UMC Churches

At two locations — Lake Carnegie and Nassau Street — sunrise services will begin Easter celebrations for the multi-site ministry that serves the greater Princeton and Kingston area, Kingston United Methodist Church and Princeton United Methodist Church. All are welcome.

Kingston UMC will join Kingston Presbyterian Church for the 6:30 a.m. service at Lake Carnegie. Then, Kingston UMC offers Easter worship at 10:30 a.m. at 9 Church Street. Services at Princeton UMC are at 6:30 a.m. and at 10 a.m. (on the lawn at Nassau and Vandeventer). All

worship opportunities in Princeton are available online and on demand at PrincetonUMC.org/events.

On weekdays before Easter, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Princeton UMC opens its doors on Nassau Street for a Labyrinth Walk. Other contemplative opportunities in Princeton will be the services on Thursday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 30 at 10 a.m. Both churches offer services on Good Friday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. In Princeton, Hyosang Park, music director, will lead the choirs and a chamber orchestra in “Seven Last Words” by Michael John Trotta.

For more information, visit PrincetonUMC.org/ events or call (609) 9242613.

English Tea, Evensong

At Trinity Church

A traditional English tea will be served at Trinity Church on Sunday, April 21, from 3 - 4:30 p.m., followed by a Choral Evensong in the historic church.

The event is a fundraiser for the Trinity Church choir. There will be freshly baked savories, sweets, and traditional scones with clotted cream and a tea especially blended for this occasion. The waitstaff will be formally dressed and floral arrangements will be on the tables.

Tickets are $35 in advance, or $40 at the door. Seating is limited. If desired, entire tables can be reserved. To register, contact Pegi Stengel at mstengel329@hotmail.com or call (609) 924-4807 and leave a message. a Princeton tradition!

Princeton’s First Tradition Good Friday Service

March 29 at 12pm

Princeton University Chapel

Open to all.

Preaching Friday, March 29 is Shayna Watson, Associate Rector at Saint James Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA

Princeton’s First Tradition Easter Worship Service

March 31 at 8 & 11am

We

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We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

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We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

ITS

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you

pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

ITS

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you

Princeton University Chapel

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you

We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you

Open to all.

Preaching Sunday, March 31 is Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel, Princeton University.

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL

Music performed by the Princeton University Chapel Choir with Nicole Aldrich, Director of Chapel Music and Chapel Choir, and with Eric Plutz, University Organist.

perience. (609) 271-8860.

HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST:

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Princeton References

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When is the best time to list a home for sale?

Determining the absolute "best" weekend to list your home in the spring can be subjective and depend on various factors such as local market conditions, competition, and personal circumstances. However, in many regions, real estate experts often suggest listing your home in the early to mid spring, typically between late March and mid April.

During this time, the weather is usually improving, and potential buyers are more active in the market after the winter slowdown. Additionally, listing your home during this period allows it to be showcased during the peak home buying season, maximizing exposure to potential buyers.

Ultimately, it's essential to consult with a local real estate agent who has a thorough understanding of your specific market dynamics to determine the optimal timing for listing your home. They can provide insights tailored to your situation and help you make informed decisions.

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