Town Topics Newspaper, July 24, 2024. by Witherspoon Media Group

Thomas George Exhibition, Sale at Arts Council.

“Table Talk Histories” Previews Changes at Washington Crossing Park 7

Princeton Student Film Festival Coming To PPL 8

Hemingway at 125 — Don’t Give Up and Don’t Forget to Dance 11

NJ Symphony Showcases Rising Composers In Cone Concert 12

Exceeding Expectations in Move to Women’s Pro Soccer, Former PU Star Curry Making Impact for Angel City 20

Producing Superb Final Season for Williams Men’s Lax, PDS Alum Caputo Enjoyed Some Highlight Moments 22

Meadows Neighborhood On Washington Road In Full Swing This Fall

Almost three years since groundbreaking and many more years in the planning, Princeton University’s Meadows Neighborhood on Washington Road is ready to welcome a full complement of graduate students, athletics teams, and more this fall.

“The Meadows Neighborhood will provide a place that is experienced as a natural, yet distinctive extension of the existing campus,” wrote Associate Vice President for Capital Projects Dozie Ibeh.

“The initial projects encourage a lively community of living and learning.”

Construction is complete at the Meadows Apartments, with 379 new housing units for graduate students. Students began moving in in late April and full occupancy is expected by the fall semester.

With the new apartments the University can house many more graduate students and also offer “a number of features that enhance the residential experience and contribute to building a sense of community,” according to Dorian Johnson, executive director of housing and real estate services.

The apartments are equipped with inunit laundry services, study rooms, community spaces, a children’s playroom, a retail cafe, outdoor green space, covered bike racks and an indoor bike room, barbecue grills, and the Racquet and Recreation Center, to be completed this fall. It will be the new home of the University squash and tennis teams and will include indoor courts, locker rooms, coaches’ offices, sports medicine facilities, and a tness center.

Also slated for completion in the fall semester are the softball stadium, Haaga House (home of the varsity women’s rugby team and the men’s rugby club), and adjacent rugby fields. A second phase of roads, pathways, landscaping, and infrastructure is also expected to be completed in the coming months.

“The site placement of buildings on Meadows has been optimized to reduce the overall development footprint and create a walkable campus,” Ibeh wrote. ”Roads are designed as ‘complete streets,’ with facilities shared between cars, bicycles, pedestrians, and generous landscaping and green infrastructure elements.”

Meadows Apartments residents and

Council Votes in Favor of Seminary Apartment Project

Following a public hearing Monday evening, Princeton Council voted to adopt a redevelopment plan for properties at Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) that includes a 238-unit apartment complex on Stockton Street at Hibben Road. The unanimous vote came after comments from numerous residents of the surrounding neighborhood and other areas of Princeton. Most spoke in opposition to the plan, while some others expressed support.

The Council meeting came a few days after the Planning Board reviewed the plan and voted that it was consistent with the town’s Master Plan. Many of the same people who attended the Planning Board meeting turned out at the public hearing to express their concerns, urging Council to delay its decision.

The contract purchaser for the property, Jamie Herring of Herring Properties, would designate 48 of the apartments affordable. Neighbors who are part of the group called the Princeton Coalition for Responsible Development (PCRD) have stressed that they are not opposed to affordable housing. Their concerns, they said, are about density, stormwater, trafc, tree removal, and sensitivity to the historic fabric of the neighborhood — many of which were addressed by members of Council before the vote was taken.

The issue dates back six years, to when PTS rst announced plans to build 105 student apartments at the location, known as the Tennent-Roberts-Whiteley Campus. Following meetings with residents, the project was scrapped and PTS entered into a contract with Herring.

Among the speakers at the public hearing was Robert Simon, an attorney with Herold Law in Warren. Simon said he had led a “protest petition” on behalf of PCRD earlier in the day against Council.

Such an action is “very serious,” Simon said, but “in turn, provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, not just three-minute comments.” [Council allows speakers three minutes at public hearings]. Last January, PCRD filed a suit against the Planning Board, Mayor Mark Freda, and Council for work on the Master Plan. The charges against the mayor and Council were dismissed by Superior Court Judge Robert T. Lougy.

Some of those who spoke complained

Three New Candidates Set to Run for BOE; Betsy Baglio Will Step Down After Nine Years

Amidst recent upheavals on the national political scene, Princeton has its own election excitement coming up in the local race for positions on the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE).

With the ling deadline for the November election just a few days away, the campaign for three spots on the BOE has three new candidates in the race, two incumbents stepping down at the end of the year, and a third incumbent not available for comment.

Betsy Baglio, BOE member for the past nine years, wrote in a July 22 email to Town Topics that she would not be

running for a fourth term. “While I look forward to seeking other opportunities after completing my Board service at the end of this calendar year, I will always remain committed to the success of the Princeton Public Schools as a parent, community member, and educator,” she said. “I will continue to advocate for the well-being and achievement of PPS students (Including equitable access to all opportunities) and support our dedicated faculty and staff.”

Two-term BOE member Brian McDonald announced in January of this

MUSIC ON THE GREEN: Ess Gees performed last Saturday in Palmer Square’s Summer Music Series, which continues on Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m. through September 21.

(Photo by Sarah Teo)

Former PU Star Reelick

Rowing for U.S. Women’s 4 at Paris Games 19

ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

FRIDAY,

Sister City Association Holds

Location: Studio Hillier, 190 Witherspoon Street

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD | RUTH PARKER DAY

Joint Effort Witherspoon Jackson Community Princeton Safe tsStree Fish Fry and Community Meet & Greet | 1:00pm-7:00pm

Location: Elks Lodge, 124 Birch Avenue

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH | DONALD JOHNSON DAY

Joint Effort Witherspoon Jackson Community Princeton Safe tsStree Gospel Music Festival | 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Location: First Baptist Church of Princeton, 30 Green Street

Fundraising Day

On July 14, Bastille Day, representatives and supporters of the Princeton-Colmar Sister City Association gathered together at Blue Bears in the Princeton Shopping Center for a fundraiser, namely an Alsacian “apéro-dinatoire,” prepared by Blue Bears CEO Céline Guillemot, Chairman Éric Guillemot, and their staff.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6TH | FRANK WELLS DAY

Joint Effort Witherspoon Jackson Community Princeton Safe tsStree Community Discussion on The Future of Princeton | 6:00pm - pm7:30

Location: Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7th DORIS BURRELL DAY

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH |

Blue Bears is a French-founded and French-run nonprofit organization, which serves French-inspired food while providing training and meaningful employment for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mayor Mark Freda, who was

Joint Effort Witherspoon Jackson Community Princeton Safe tsStree Jim Floyd Memorial Community Discussion on Paul Robeson, Chip isherF Memorial Art Exhibit, Scholarship 5:00pm - 8:00pm (5:00pm Reception - 6:00pm Program)

Location: Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10th | LAURA WOOTEN DAY

Joint Effort Witherspoon Jackson Community Princeton Safe tsStree Candidate Forum, Panel Discussion on Social Equity And yCommunit Benefits In Princeton | 10:00am-12noon

Location: First Baptist Church of Princeton, 30 Green Street

Youth Basketball Clinic | 10:00 am -12noon

Location: Princeton Middle School

part of the original delegation that formalized the sister city relationship with late Mayor Barbara Sigmund in 1986, was on hand to give a few words of support and announce his upcoming fall trip to France, where he plans to meet with Colmar Mayor Richard Riehm and re-invigorate their relationship. One activity that has endured throughout the decades, with a brief pause during the pandemic, is the highly successful high school exchange between PHS and le lycée Bartholdi. PHS French teacher Malachi Wood, who has been in charge of this exchange program for the past 15 years, told about its ever-growing popularity, involving 45 PHS students the last few times. One of these students, Angelica Cristofanilli,

gave a PowerPoint presentation about their latest stay in Colmar in 2023. Association President Carol Prévost told about Colmar’s regular “weekends de Jumelage” (literally, twinning weekends), to which Colmar invites up to four representatives from each of their six sister cities. These involve homestays in Colmar and visits to neighboring towns and sights, such as Strasbourg and Kaysersberg, plus social events among a very international group, with representatives from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the United Kingdom, as well as occasionally the U.S. The next such weekend is scheduled for Oct 3-7, 2024. Any Princeton resident interested in participating should contact Carol at carolwprevost@gmail.com

Leighton Listens: Councilman Leighton Newlin holds one-on-one conversations about issues impacting Princeton from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: On July 24 at Godfrey Fitzgerald Salon, 15 Witherspoon Street; and July 31 at Hiltons Princeton, 221 Witherspoon Street. All are welcome.

(Weather Site - Princeton Middle School, 217 Walnut Ln

Community Block Festival | 1:00pm - 7:00pm

Location: Princeton YMCA Pavilion, 59 Paul Robeson Place

Community Night Out : Tuesday, August 6 from 5-8 p.m., at 400 Witherspoon Street. Free pool admission, food, face painting, inflatables, DJ, and emergency vehicle displays. Community organizations interested in setting up a table should contact Shahid Abdul-Karim at (609) 921-2100 ext. 255.

Community Meet & Greet | 7:30pm Location: Elks Lodge, 124 Birch Avenue

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11th | JOHN YOUNG DAY

Joint Effort Witherspoon Jackson Community Princeton Safe tsStree Pete Young Sr. Memorial Basketball Games 10:00am-6:00pm

Food Pantry : Arm in Arm’s mobile food pantry is at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, on Monday afternoons through August, from 2-4 p.m. Fresh produce, eggs, milk, frozen proteins, and quality baked goods as well as canned and boxed items and personal care items are available for those in need.

Location: Princeton Middle School, 217 Walnut Ln

Community Meet & Greet | 6:00pm Location: Elks Lodge, 124 Birch Avenue FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JOHN BAILEY - johnbailey062@gmail.com

Lodge, 124 Birch Avenue

Photo Contest : Friends of Princeton Open Space holds the ninth annual Perspectives on Preservation Photo Contest with a submission deadline of September 8. Photos taken at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Open Space area can be submitted by professionals and amateurs; they must have been taken during the past three years. Visit fopos.org for more information.

Donate Art Supplies : Donate on Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to a pop-up art supply thrift shop being held August 3 by West Windsor Arts and Propagate Studio, at West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road. Visit westwindsorarts.org for a suggested list of items.

Backpack and School Supplies Drive : Donate for Princeton children from

and

BASTILLE DAY EVENT: The annual holiday was an opportunity to celebrate the PrincetonColmar sister city relationship at Blue Bears in Princeton Shopping Center. From left are Sylvie Scheeren, Mayor Mark Freda, Carol Prevost, and Elizabeth Monroe.

Works of Former Princetonian Thomas George Featured at Arts Council Exhibition and Sale

“Travels with Thomas George,” an unusual art show and sale featuring about 100 works by the late artist and Princeton resident, will take place at the Arts Council of Princeton’s (ACP) Taplin Gallery August 1-4.

George’s work, which is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, the National Gallery of American Art, the Tate Gallery, and many other museums and collections in the United States and abroad, spans a variety of different subject matter and represents a number of different mediums.

items starting at about $15 and going up to hundreds of dollars. “As you can imagine, John and his brother have lots of his father’s work,” she said. “He was very prolific, and they wanted to start sharing the wealth and getting it out there, unloading storage bins that they have.”

Local scenery — trees of Marquand Park, the pond at the Institute for Advanced Study, and other places people will recognize — as well as sketches of the Maine coast, and art work reflecting his travels in Europe, Japan, and China — will be displayed and available for purchase at the ACP. George spent 30 summers in a house he bought in a small village on a fjord in Norway, where he focused on painting and drawing the surrounding mountains.

TOPICS

Of the Town

“Even though much of my work is basically abstract, I rely on nature for knowledge and inspiration,” Thomas once said, as quoted in his October 29, 2014 obituary in Town Topics. “Looking at nature is where it all starts for me.”

Evans promised “very exciting price points,” and a portion of the proceeds will go to the ACP to support community programs.

“To my father, Tom George, his life was his art,” said John George, as quoted in an ACP press release. “Classically trained, Tom travelled through many

Before his death in 2014, George presented popular local shows at the Princeton University Art Museum in 2005 and at the ACP in 2011. His sons, John and Geoff George, own a large collection of their father’s works, including wood cuts, prints, oils, drawings, pastels, and watercolors.

“It’s going to be set up in a less formal way than our gallery normally is, so it will be fun for people to sift through and find treasures,” said ACP’s Timothy M. Andrews Artistic Director Maria Evans.

“The range is really wide,” said Evans. “There’s so much affordable art work. There are some tiny pieces, some large pieces, and medium pieces. Some are framed, some unframed, and there are also some matted pencil sketches. It’s very diverse.”

Evans worked with John George to price everything. She described stacks of

“TRAVELS WITH THOMAS GEORGE”: The Arts Council of Princeton will be hosting an exhibition and art sale August 1-4 featuring the works of the late internationally celebrated artist and Princeton resident Thomas George. The painting pictured above is George’s “North Garden, Bodnant,” a 1994 watercolor.

stages in his over 60 years as an artist — from realism to impressionism and ultimately to abstraction — with nature always as the foundation of his work.”

He continued, “Tom worked in many media throughout his life. I am hoping, through this event, to share Tom’s legacy and to find ‘good homes’ for the many pieces of my father’s work which I have inherited and which have brought me so much pleasure over the years.”

Evans reflected on the ACP’s association with Thomas George. ”I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas George when he had a solo exhibition in our Taplin Gallery back in 2011,” she wrote. “I was in awe of his talent and how flexible and talented he was in all mediums. Now, years later, it’s super exciting to work with Thomas’ son John and John’s wife Annie in offering Thomas George originals and prints to the public at such reasonable prices. I hope everyone can come out and get a Tom George work (or three) to treasure and enjoy, as there is most certainly something for everyone.”

An opening event is on Thursday, August 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. Gallery hours will be Friday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, August 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also taking place on August 3 will be the ACP’s yART sale with about 30 different vendors setting up their wares in front of the building, in the parking lot, and alongside the building. “It’s sort of like a studio clean-out,” said Evans. “We’ll have ceramic artists, jewelers, printmakers, and painters.”

She added, “It’s a great place to get an original work and a bargain. Last year there were people walking away with armloads of ceramic bowls. One woman said, ‘I got my Christmas shopping done.’”

—Donald Gilpin

Safe, Healthy Home Is Topic of Lecture

Environmental specialist Matthew Manthey and public health nurse Georganne Taylor will speak about how to create a healthier home and a happier life on Tuesday, August 13 at 2 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System.

Topics include indoor air quality, mold prevention, proper ventilation, and safe cleaning practices. This presentation empowers participants to identify and mitigate home hazards, promoting health and overall well-being. Sponsors are the Friends of the Lawrence Library and the Lawrence Township Health Department.

Advanced registration is appreciated. The library is at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Visit mcl.org.

Question of the Week:

“Have you been on, or are you planning, any special trips this summer?”

(Asked Saturday in Palmer Square)

(Photos by Sarah Teo)

Joe: “We went to Michigan together, for a friend’s wedding.”

—Joe Yu and Maggie Ching, Montgomery Township

Nick: “We just went to New Haven for a getaway, and we’re going to Disney next month.”

— Nick Mak and Olivia Ho, Jersey City

Jonathan: “We just got back from Morocco, and now we’re in Princeton visiting. I went to school here, and this is a little getaway for my birthday. We have three girls in college, so we’ll also be moving all of them into dorms the rest of the summer.”

—Joy and Jonathan Carroll, Owensboro, Ky.

Zola: “I went to Canada and Vermont, right after school got out.”

Zora: “I went to the Poconos and we rented a house, and we went to Rhode Island and New York.”

—Zola Bunting and Zora Trainor, Princeton

“Table Talk Histories” Program Previews

Changes at Washington Crossing Park

With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence less than two years away, parks, museums, and historic sites related to the 1776 proclamation are busy planning for celebratory events. Among them is the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA), which has some major capital improvements on the drawing board, including a new Museum and Visitors center.

A presentation on those plans is part of “Table Talk Histories,” taking place Sunday, July 28 starting at 1 p.m. at the Park’s Sullivan Grove Pavilion, near the current Visitors Center Museum, in Titusville. Preceding the talk about the museum, local historians and reenactors will be at different tables, each with images and objects focused on a different topic. Among them: Black soldiers during the Revolution, the integrated unit known as the Marbleheaders, smallpox inoculation and treatment in the 1700s, ferry boat operations on the Delaware River, and the Swan Historical Foundation’s collection of Revolutionary War artifacts.

“In my circle, the 250th anniversary is a very big deal,” said Annette Earling, WCPA executive director. “When I was a kid, it was the bicentennial. That was everything. I don’t think this is to that level — maybe 80 percent of that — but everybody is making plans.”

The new Museum and Visitors Center is the centerpiece of improvements planned for

the park in preparation for the anniversary. New roads, branding, and restoration of the Johnson Ferry House are on the list. The park spans more than 3,500 acres along the Delaware River across Mercer and Hunterdon counties. The new Museum and Visitors Center is being funded by corporate business tax revenue with the Preserve New Jersey Act. Additional funds for that project and additional capital improvements were allocated by Gov. Phil Murphy through the American Rescue Plan, according to a release from the WCPA.

Ikon5 Architects is designing the new museum, which will have a multipurpose theater and interactive exhibits, the Swan Historical Foundation’s Collection of Revolutionary War artifacts, and the restoration of a mural created by artist George Harding in 1921. The Swan collection was left to the WCPA by Harry Kels Swan, who was the organization’s historian and curator for many years. It will be on permanent display.

“I’m very excited that we will finally have a great home for the collection, which is one of the best in the world of Revolutionary War artifacts,” said Earling. “Parts of it are in the current Visitors Center, but it’s all jammed together. With this, they’ll be able to have revolving exhibits. There will be lots of storage. It will tell the story of the Ten Crucial Days [where several decisive battles were fought between the Continental Army under George

Washington and the British Army, mostly under Charles Cornwallis].”

Harding was an American muralist and combat artist who worked in both World Wars. His mural of Washington’s Crossing was on a wall of the Taylor Opera House in Trenton, for 50 years.

“In 1971, the theater was demolished, but first the painting was carefully removed and stored — and essentially forgotten for half a century,” reads the WCPA website. “One of our trustees rediscovered the mural in 2021, 100 years after it was painted. The WCPA has raised nearly $90,000 to have this painting restored, moved, and framed.”

The new center will be built as part of one big historic district instead of its current location, which is in the middle of the park and not easy to reach.

“It’s super modern, with a beautiful green roof that blends into the hillside,” said Earling. “The architecture itself is kind of cutting-edge.”

The preview of the Museum and Visitors Center and presentation on the capital improvements is at 3 p.m., following the 1 p.m. “Table Talk Histories” program.

Stan Saperstein, billed as “Hopewell Township’s official town crier,” will lead the presentation. Refreshments will be provided, and reenactors in Revolutionary War period clothing will be on hand. Visit wcpa-nj.com for more information.

“All of this is in preparation for 2026,” said Earling. “There is a lot of excitement.”

—Anne Levin

Washington Crossing Park Hosts Wine-Tasting Event

The 7th Annual Wine on the Waterfront returns to the banks of the Delaware River at 1112 River Road in Washington Crossing, Pa., on Saturday, July 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. The tasting event will offer wine from Pennsylvania and New Jersey wineries, food, and songs from a local jazz musician, all in support of Washington Crossing Historic Park.

Tickets are available in limited supply, and will not be sold at the gate. Visit washingtoncrossingpark. org. Prices are $15 for designated drivers and $40 for general admission.

“Wine on the Waterfront is such a special event, one I look forward to each year. It showcases all the fabulous wine, nature, music, and history of our area in a beautiful setting. If all that weren’t enough, all the proceeds from this event also go towards an incredible cause. It’s your chance to give back while having a great time,” said Jennifer Martin, executive director of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park.

All ticket holders must be 21 or older, and IDs will be checked at the gate. General admission includes a complimentary wine glass and one-ounce wine samples. Crossing Vineyards, Grace Winery, Rebel Hive Meadery, Sand Castle Winery, and Unionville Vineyards are returning vendors while Cyrenity Sips Winery, Mount Bethel Farms, and Paradocx Vineyard are new this year. For the first time, wine will be available for purchase by the glass, bottle, and case,

which attendees can drink onsite or have it packaged to go.

The festival takes place on blankets and chairs, next to the historic Hibbs House Kitchen Garden, which has a variety of 18th century flowers, herbs, and plants that are frequented by native pollinators. Food can be brought from home of purchased from Goodnoe Farm Ice Cream and Local Harvest Pizza.

Live entertainment will be by trombonist Hailey Brinnel and her quartet. Brinnel was a finalist in the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition featured on Spotify’s 2022 and 2023 ‘Best Vocal Jazz’ editorial playlists, and named one of grammy.com’s “10 Emerging Jazz Artists to Watch.”

This fundraiser is organized by the Friends of Washington Crossing Park, which provides educational and historical programming. They help maintain 500 acres of American history and the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. Proceeds go towards the annual Crossing Reenactment, Memorial Day Celebration, and Independence Day Celebration, and more.

New Director Named at Center for Eating Disorders

Rebecca Boswell has been named director of Penn Medicine Princeton Center for Eating Disorders and administrative director of psychiatric services at Princeton Medical Center.

In addition to leading the 22-bed eating disorders unit, Boswell provides

administrative oversight for hospital psychiatric services. The role includes development and oversight of Princeton Health’s emerging behavioral medicine key priority, which includes building out health psychology capabilities across multiple medical services.

“Dr. Boswell’s expertise in eating disorders and in behavioral medicine will serve Penn Medicine Princeton Health well,” said Marguerite Pedley, senior vice president. In addition to Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, Princeton Health includes a behavioral health emergency department, consultative psychiatry serving the entire medical center, and various mental health services for physician offices.

Boswell’s philosophy of care is grounded in trauma-informed and patientcentered strategies to build resiliency, flexibility, and quality of life. A published researcher and ad-hoc reviewer for more than a dozen journals, she has served in various clinical, research, and supervisory roles at the Yale School of Medicine and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She is currently an elected member of the Policy and Planning Board of the American Psychological Association and Visiting Research Faculty at Princeton University.

She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Yale University, and her bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in New Jersey, New York, and through PSYPACT.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, Calif.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE: A rendering from Ikon5 Architects of the new Museum and Visitors Center that is among Washington Crossing Park Association’s preparations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. (Rendering courtesy of WCPA)

Student Filmmakers in This Year’s Festival

Are at Impressively Higher Level

It has been just over two decades since Princeton Public Library debuted its Princeton Student Film Festival (PSFF), screening the works of high school and college students from across the local area, throughout the U.S., and abroad. In that time, entries have gotten increasingly creative and sophisticated.

“This year, we’ve definitely seen some budding auteurs,” said Megan McCafferty, the youth services library associate and the coordinator of the festival, which takes place on Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. “These are films that demonstrate such a strong artistic vision, from the opening title card to the closing credits. I think these young filmmakers are already thinking of branding themselves as creative people, which is really smart to do.”

Genres for the films to be screened include animation, dramatic features, and documentaries. For the first time in the festival’s history, the

PSFF Screening Committee also chose nine honorable mentions in addition to the 10 to be screened at the event. All of the films will be available for viewing online between August 1 and 8.

“It was important to acknowledge outstanding work beyond the 10 official selections,” said McCafferty, who is in her second year heading the festival. Started by longtime Youth Services Librarian Susan Conlon, who recently retired, the festival is designed to give student filmmakers a chance to show their work to a live audience, share their insights, get feedback, and network with other filmmakers.

Taking over from Conlon “was a big honor,” said McCafferty. “We would talk about movies all the time. She knows how much I love movies. As a writer myself, I love stories. I was so on board last year, and I think she appreciated my enthusiasm. To be asked to head the festival

this year was really exciting for me.”

Films to be shown at the festival, which is intended for mature teen and adult viewers, are The Great NJ Debate: Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham, Tomorrow & Forever, Birds of a Feather, Fallout, Au 8éme Jour, Dog Pack, Under the Light of the Harvest Moon, Sacred Soil, Midnight Murder, and The Mayor of Idyllwild. Many of the filmmakers will be on hand to answer questions about their work.

“There are a few that if you had told me they were nominated for Best Short Film at the Oscars, I’d think, sure,” said McCafferty. “It sounds like hyperbole, but the overall technique and creative skills really blew me away this year,” said McCafferty. “We were wowed by the creativity, range, and talent.”

The screening is in the Community Room of the library, which is at 65 Witherspoon Street. Visit princetonlibrary.org/psff for more information.

—Anne Levin

Mercer Master Gardeners Hold Evening in the Garden

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County invite all to the annual Evening in the Garden on Wednesday, July 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event is held at the Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Hopewell Township, on the grounds of Mercer County Stables.

The organization’s seven educational gardens are in bloom. Rutgers Master Gardeners will be on hand to talk about plants and planting, butterflies, pollinator insects, soil, compost, and even weeds. Three mini demonstrations will be held on Planning and Planting Containers, Herb Harvesting and Drying, and Tool Care and Maintenance. The Butterfly Garden will feature a new Swallowtail Host Garden. Mercer County Horticulturist Justine Grey will answer questions about plants and the Rutgers Master Gardener Program.

“We’re always told to stop and smell the flowers,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, “and for 30 years the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County have been helping residents not only smell the flowers but grow their own. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, this event is a great opportunity to pick up some valuable skills and enjoy the company of fellow gardeners.”

The event will be held rain or shine. Registration is not required. Visit mgofmc.org for more information.

Passport Renewal Information

From Mercer County Clerk

Mercer County Clerk

Paula Sollami Covello has announced that the U.S. Department of State has launched a public website tool for updated Online Passport Renewal (OPR). This tool is designed to streamline the passport renewal process, making it more efficient and convenient for U.S. citizens.

The online passport renewal tool aims to save time and effort, providing a user-friendly platform for renewing passports from the comfort of homes. The U.S. department of State created this process to enhance the everyday lives of Americans, offering significant benefits to working families and travelers by giving them more time back in their busy schedules.

“We are excited about this new development from the U.S. Department of State,” said Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello. “The updated Online Passport Renewal tool is a

step forward in our mission to make essential services more accessible and convenient for everyone. I encourage all eligible Mercer County residents to take advantage of this new tool and experience the ease of renewing their passports online.”

Online Passport Renewal is set to accept new applications at 1 p.m. each day. Eligible individuals must first create an account to renew passports online at http://login.gov, applicants will be able to apply online until the daily office threshold is met. The site will close each day once the daily application threshold is reached.

To be eligible, applicants must have a recent 10-year passport and be 25 or older; possess a U.S. passport issued between 2009 and 2015, whether expired or valid; have no change to name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth; and no travel internationally for at least eight weeks after applying. Processing times are the same as for mail-in renewals.

Also, applicants can request routine service only (expedited service is not available online); apply for a regular (tourist) passport (special issuance passports are not eligible); reside in the U.S. or its territories (not eligible if living abroad or with an APO/FPO address); and possess an undamaged passport (not reported lost or stolen). Applicants can pay the passport application fees using a credit/debit card; current fees are found at travel.state.gov.

The Mercer County Clerks Office continues to offer passport renewals services at both of its offices in Trenton on South Broad Street, and Hamilton Township at the Mercer County Connection. The online service is simply an additional option for those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity.

Visit mercercounty.org or call (609) 989-6473 for more information.

Pennington School Gets Edward E. Ford Grant

The Pennington School has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation to support its Student Assistance Fund.

The award was given this past June through a competitive application process, and it requires that the school raise an additional $200,000 in support of the fund over the coming year.

Pennington was one of 12 independent schools and

two associations worldwide to receive the grant.

Established in 1957, the foundation seeks to improve secondary education by supporting U.S. independent schools and encouraging promising practices. It has awarded over $127 million since its inception. Pennington’s Student Assistance Fund provides essential funding to cover the full cost of the Pennington experience for qualified students.

The school launched its first Student Assistance Fund in 2016. It covers such expenses as school supplies, athletic equipment, and activity fees, and provides access to the full range of experiences available to Pennington students. The fund has grown to support approximately 50 students each year.

The fund “is core to our mission,” said Head of School William S. Hawkey. “It ensures that financial barriers don’t prohibit our students from developing individual excellence. It reinforces the strong web of support and care that allows all students to reach their full potential.”

Romance Fiction Program

At the Lawrence Library Celebrate National Romance Awareness Month at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System (MCLS) on Thursday, August 15 at 6 p.m.

Popular romance fiction has been the single biggest market force in contemporary U.S. publishing for decades, according to the library. Award-winning writer Maria Imbalzano will discuss what readers experience through this genre, as well as why she, a former divorce lawyer, chose to write romance novels as her second career. Now living in Lawrence Township with her husband, Imbalzano said she is thrilled that her two adult daughters have become strong, independent women like the heroines in her books. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Advanced registration is appreciated for all events. The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the MCLS is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township. For more information about the library’s programs, call (609) 8838292, email lawprogs@mcl. org, or visit mcl.org.

BUDDING AUTEURS: Films such as “Tomorrow & Forever” by Justin O’Neill are among the entries at the 2024 Princeton Student Film Festival, taking place at Princeton Public Library on July 31.

FREE EXPERTISE: Rutgers Master Gardeners will offer advice on many aspects of gardening at an event on July 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Hopewell Township.

that they were not included in promised meetings about the project. “We repeatedly asked, and were told it was the wrong time,” said Karen O’Connell. “We can’t help but feel we were intentionally shut out.”

Sean Wilentz said, “Bad faith has been attached to this project from the beginning,” adding that the plan is for “a massive, gargantuan complex based on outdated ideas of planning that will turn 206 into a traffic nightmare. When we’ve raised this, we’re called selfish. Anyone who lived through the destruction of Penn Station [in New York City] knows what’s afoot. It’s about misguided planning and good old-fashioned greed.”

Janet Stern urged consideration of the healthy, mature trees on the site. “Removing healthy trees to accommodate development is alarming and counter to public well-being,” she said. “Given the unbearable temperatures and the cooling we know shade trees provide, how can chopping down at least one healthy tree be smart?”

Members of Council addressed these and other comments. Regarding the removal of some trees to allow for the building, Council President Mia Sacks said, “There will have to be some trees that are taken off the site, more than we would like. But it is a top priority for us to maintain trees in the right of way and as many mature trees as we possibly can. That will be locked into the agreement.”

Councilman David Cohen, who has been involved in the process since its inception, said he was sorry that PTS’ original plan for the site, which called for fewer units, didn’t work out, “because that was really smart growth,” he said. For those concerned that the complex would lead to added traffic,

“the opposite is actually the case,” he said, because residents will live close enough to town to walk instead of drive.

“To the extent we can provide housing for people who work in Princeton, we will be reducing traffic, not increasing it. Also, we were very careful to limit traffic on Hibben. We were super conscious of keeping most of the traffic out of your neighborhood. To add another 40 or 50 cars, which is what we see in a development like this, is not even noticeable,” he said.

Councilwoman Eve Niedergang addressed concerns about stormwater management. “According to new regulations, it must be kept on site,” she said. “Our engineers and building inspectors will make sure that that is indeed done. We will see an improvement in the area. People whose basements are flooding, I think you’ll see an improvement.”

Sacks responded to concerns about design and materials. “This is not a generic project by any stretch of the imagination,” she said, adding that the stormwater standards and plans for underground parking exceed state standards. “The architecture is not cookie-cutter. If this developer makes a penny off this project, he’ll be lucky. This is a very expensive project and you all in this neighborhood are fortunate that you’re getting this and not some of the stuff that was built in other parts of town. I realize that you think it’s too dense, and you don’t like it, but one of the realities is that we don’t deal in the framework of the ideal.”

The next step in the process is a redevelopment agreement with Herring Properties. The plan is subject to further review by the Planning Board and Council. The full plan is available in the agenda packet from the meeting at princetonnj. gov.

—Anne Levin

those attending athletic events have access to parking in the five-tier, 612-space Meadows Garage, which includes electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to accommodate 40 vehicles at once.

Ibeh noted that dedicated sidewalks and bike lanes are available along Washington Road for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting the Meadows Neighborhood to other areas of the Princeton campus and town, with Tiger Transit also providing regular service to and from the Neighborhood.

The Meadows Neighborhood project has been designed and built to be operationally carbon neutral and to minimize environmental impact, Ibeh added. “The Central Utility Building (CUB) provides the district hot- and cold-water system with geo-exchange to provide heating and cooling,” he wrote. “The Graduate Housing buildings have been built to accommodate the installation of solar panels in the future and are seeking both LEED and Passive House certification.”

The project has also been designed to minimize its impact on the woodlands and Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park to the west.

Johnson pointed out that graduate housing on campus has been in high demand, and he noted that the Meadows Apartments “significantly increases” the number of studios and onebedroom apartments, which are the most requested unit type. There are also twobedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom units spread across the three buildings that make up the new complex.

—Donald Gilpin

Candidates

continued from page one year that he would be running for Princeton Council and would not run for another term on the BOE. Mara Franceschi, who will be completing her first term on the BOE this December, had not filed for reelection as of July 23, and was not able to comment on her status.

The three new candidates, all with children in PPS, include two local businessmen, Ari Meisel and Chris Santarpio, and Cherry Hill Nursery School Director of Administration Erica Snyder.

Meisel is the father of five and a Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania graduate with a diverse career in business, “from founding Less Doing, a productivity education and consulting company, to developing sustainable real estate projects across New York State,” he wrote in an email. He has also written books on productivity, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He serves as a volunteer EMT in Princeton, and teaches first-aid classes.

Meisel is vice chair of the Princeton Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Social, and Economic Equity and Social Services, and he serves on the Princeton Middle School PTO Executive Board.

“Having coached hundreds of executives in a variety of industries, including education, I know what it takes to guide others to feel empowered and get work done,” he said. “My background in productivity and entrepreneurship equips me with a unique perspective on efficiency and

innovation, which I aim to bring to the Board. As an EMT, I have seen the critical importance of children feeling safe and secure in their environments, and I am committed to ensuring that our schools are places where every student feels protected and supported.”

Santarpio, born and raised in New Jersey, earned a BA in business administration (finance) at Villanova University, worked for an investment bank and a financial consulting firm in Boston, then returned to New Jersey in 2003 to work in his family’s business, which serves the industrial sector in the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states. He earned an MBA from Rutgers University with a concentration in finance and supply chain management.

Santarpio moved with his family to Princeton in 2020, where he has been a frequent parent volunteer at Community Park Elementary and has recently served as PTO copresident. His son is a rising third grader, and Santarpio also volunteers for his son’s Little League team.

Santarpio noted turmoil and high administrative turnover at PPS in recent years, and he emphasized the need to have the perspective of current and future elementary school parents more widely represented on the Board.

“I believe that my background in finance and operations, along with my collaborative style and elementary parent perspective, can help move the district forward during this transitional time,” he wrote in an email.

Snyder, the mother of three children in the Dual Language Program at

Community Park, joined Cherry Hill Nursery School in May 2023, after working as an educational consultant and fundraising chair in the previous year. Snyder earned her BA in secondary education from DePaul University, a master’s degree in instructional technology from East Carolina University, and additional certificates in online learning. She taught in Ecuador, Chicago, and Charlotte, N.C., before working as an instructional coach for teachers in project-based learning.

“Working with a wide variety of public institutions has allowed me to see the best in education along with innovative solutions to some of the current challenges facing Princeton today,” Snyder wrote on her campaign website under the heading “Why I Am Running.”

She continued, “These challenges include the reported increase in students coming to the district, the new superintendent search, and the educational gaps in performance for lower-income and Black and brown students.”

Snyder emphasized her goal of improving communication about these challenges and also bringing “fresh ideas and connections with innovative educational partners.” She added, “We need better ideas and strategies to close the gaps that exist in the district.”

The final shape of the 2024 BOE race remains to be seen, with a deadline on Monday, July 29 at 4 p.m. for additional candidates to file papers at the County Clerk’s office if they’re planning to run in the November election.

—Donald Gilpin

The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of Town Topics.

Extending Thanks to Couple Who Unexpectedly Paid Dinner Bill

To the Editor:

Many thanks to the couple who — several months ago and unbeknownst to us — quietly paid our dinner bill at Kristine’s.

We apologize for the delay, and wish to extend our profound gratitude for your kindness and generosity. Please be assured that we will not soon forget your wonderful and completely unexpected gift, and that we will “pay it forward.”

ELLEN SAXON AND VINCE PELOSO Gordon Avenue, Lawrenceville

Every Effort Should Be Made to Keep Steadman Houses in Their Original Form

To the Editor:

When I was in third or fourth grade in Nassau Street School, we were taught a lot about Princeton. We took walking tours of various areas of the town, and were told of the historic significance related to them. I doubt we appreciated a lot of what Mrs. Taylor was telling us; but having had the privilege of living in and around Princeton for almost 60 years, a lot of that history became meaningful.

Now I read in the Town Topics Mailbox that several of the houses built by Charles Steadman are in danger of being “renovated” [“Historical Integrity of Steadman Houses on Alexander Street Needs to Be Preserved,” July 10]. These houses, their history, their architecture, and their proximity to one another offer a glimpse of Princeton’s history. I also read about constant requests to alter the original buildings in other parts of town.

History can be erased by a thousand small cuts. Every effort should be made to reach an accommodation to keep the Steadman houses in their original form. Fittingly, the editorial heading in the July 21, 2024 Maine Sunday Telegram reads, “We don’t know what we’ve got till it’s gone.”

ERIC MIHAN Chamberlain Way, Kennebunk, Maine

Princeton Community Housing Board Leaders Support Goal of Master Plan

To the Editor:

As leaders of Princeton Community Housing (PCH), a nonprofit organization developing and managing welcoming affordable rental homes in Princeton since 1967, we recognize that advocacy is an important part of our mission.

We have a housing crisis in this country. New Jersey alone needs 214,000 more affordable homes for extremely low-income households, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. There is also a dire need for more affordable homes in Princeton, as evidenced in part by the over 1,000 households on PCH’s combined waiting lists. Many of these households are young families starting out, people already working in town, and longtime residents who want to remain in their community. For these reasons, we support the goal of Princeton’s Master Plan to ensure that “Princeton will be a vibrant, growing, and welcoming community with a diverse mix of land uses that

accommodate a broad variety of needs, housing ample and diverse enough to accommodate all who want to live here….”

Princeton citizens are proud to live in a diverse community with housing stock that is available to people of all income levels. This diversity did not happen by accident. Grassroots citizen efforts are the foundation of all the affordable housing organizations in town, including PCH, Housing Initiatives of Princeton, and the Princeton Housing Authority. Our local government has been supportive of these unique groups, and the town is balancing an interest in providing a range of housing opportunities while having the goal of maintaining the character of the neighborhoods that make Princeton a unique and desirable place to live. These are difficult issues to tackle, but we believe the Master Plan embraces this challenge and provides tools to address this balance.

The zoning changes envisioned in the Master Plan, particularly the gentle infill concept, will help facilitate a range of housing opportunities for lower- and middle-income populations in the neighborhoods, such as around the central district of town and the shopping center area, where transportation and other key services are within walking distance. We at PCH look forward to continuing to work with the community and with the tools in the Master Plan to provide additional, much-needed housing opportunities, encourage more socioeconomic diversity, and sustain the neighborhood fabric that is unique to Princeton.

KAREN JEZIERNY

PCH Community Board President

JAMES DEMETRIADES

PCH Development Board President SARA JUST

PCH Community Board PR & Advocacy Committee Chair

KATHLEEN CASSIDY

PCH Community Board Secretary Monument Drive

Resident Shares Thanks for Town’s

Prompt Response After Recent Storm

To the Editor:

Last Tuesday, a violent storm moved through my neighborhood, causing the street tree in front of my house to split in half, with half of the tree falling on my home.

I am writing to thank Officer Stoupas of the Princeton Police Department and the members of the Public Works Department for going above and beyond to ensure my safety during the storm. I am also extremely grateful to our arborist, Taylor Sapudar, and to Justin and his crew from Justin’s Tree Service for their prompt, courteous, and professional handling of the removal of the tree.

The staff of the Municipality of Princeton makes our community a great place to live.

MARYANN WITALEC KEYES Franklin Avenue

If Unchallenged, ICE Operation in Town Poses Danger to Rights of All Foreign-Born Residents

To the Editor:

The term undocumented immigrant conveys an inaccurate and largely pejorative and derogatory condition, attributed to working class residents of Latin American origin who are presumed to lack formal authorization to reside in the United States.

There is a general perception that most of these workers and their families are subject to unceremonious deportation, that they can be arrested on sight, without

a warrant, and that they have no protection under our civil rights laws. This became abundantly clear during the recent “visit” to Princeton of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posse of agents in several unmarked vehicles dangerously driving around town for hours looking for “egregious noncitizen criminals” using “targeted intelligence.”

The immigration status of Latino residents of Princeton is on a spectrum that goes from citizen and permanent resident through a long list of temporary conditions that do not convey permanent status but carry some kind of official documentation (such as asylum applicant, parolee, and those with a whole host of humanitarian visas, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status). Qualifying these immigrants as “undocumented” is factually incorrect but, most importantly, totally unnecessary. Most of them have led productive, law-abiding lives in this country for decades, have formed families, contribute billions of dollars through Social Security and Medicare deductions, sales and income taxes, and are patiently waiting, with millions of others, to become permanent residents and, eventually, citizens. They are, simply, immigrants, who have come to America to exercise their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of which they have been deprived in their country of origin.

The July 10 ICE operation in Princeton, like other misguided enforcement tactics, if unchallenged, poses a danger to the civil rights of all foreign-born (almost one in three) Princeton residents. But everyone else would be at risk of being accosted on the street by armed agents asking us to show documentation of who we are because we may look like a noncitizen or speak a language other than English. Ironically, indiscriminate enforcement such as we saw in Princeton poses a risk to our national security by allowing racial profiling to distract from targeting those who are a real threat but may look and act like citizens or are in fact citizens, like the gunman in the Butler, Pa., fairgrounds.

I am reassured by Congresswoman Watson Coleman’s swift demand for full accountability from the Newark Field Office of ICE and encouraged by Princeton municipal authorities seeking complete transparency as to what happened, and why, and implementing policies to prevent any repetition.

I urge the Princeton community to respond to this incident by forcefully advocating in favor of allocating more resources to legalize immigrants versus terrorizing and pushing them underground.

MARIA

JUEGA Grover Avenue

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

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Hemingway at 125 — Don’t Give Up and Don’t Forget to Dance

Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.

—Ernest Hemingway, from The Old Man and the Sea

Don’t give up, don’t let it get you down,” my 48-year-old son told me when he saw that I was depressed by the post-Biden-debate news cycle. That was before Sunday when the president finally did what he had to do. If nothing else, maybe the media will shut up about how old he is, stop gaslighting his every move, and give him some breathing room.

I’ve been thinking about “don’t” songs. When I promised my son not to let the polls get me down, I thought of John Lennon singing “Don’t Let Me Down.” A friend says “Don’t forget to write,” and my inner jukebox clicks into action, playing “Don’t Forget to Dance,” a song from the early 1980s by the Kinks. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” would make a great campaign anthem for either party this year except that it’s forever associated with the blackout finale of The Sopranos Which reminds me of the 1992 Democratic convention and one of the most effective presidential campaign songs ever, Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow).”

The Big Hug

“Don’t Give Up” sends me to YouTube for the Peter Gabriel-Kate Bush video duet recorded in 1986. Watching it for the first time in decades, I felt the way I did when I had a crush on Kate Bush and envied Gabriel that lovely, revolving, six-minute-long hug. What impressed me most this time was how powerfully Gabriel sang and how resonant the words are today, especially if you’re thinking about what the president and the first lady must have been going through. In the ad preceding the video I found myself face to face with Joe Biden asking for a $5 campaign contribution, which helped make what followed into a first couple duet, Joe singing that he was “taught to fight, taught to win, never thought he could fall,” Jill giving him unconditional support, “Don’t give up on yourself, I’m with you” as she hugs the message into him, “I know you can make it good.”

And “guess what,” as the president might say, “Peter Gabriel’s wife at the time was named Jill, who when asked about the song replied, “When he gets into very deep depressions, I am always saying don’t give up.”

“Don’t Forget to Dance”

Ray Davies’s “Don’t Forget to Dance” is a moving variation on the “Don’t give up” message addressed to a woman on the lonely far side of youth, whose friends and lovers are either married or “vanished.”

For admirers of Ray’s 1967 classic “Waterloo Sunset” (“Every day I look at the world from my window”), the opening line has emotional resonance: “You look out of your window into the night, could be rain, could be snow, but it can’t feel as cold as you’re feeling inside.” The title line, sung with great effect (“no, no, no, don’t forget to dance”) becomes “don’t forget to smile,” and “don’t give in to a sad and lonely heart.”

When Ray sings “Darling, darling, I bet you danced a good one in your time,” Kinks fans may hear “Chilly, chilly is the evening time, Waterloo sunset’s fine.” And as Ray has Waterloo’s couple Terry and Julie “cross over the river,” he imagines the woman at the window going to a party where the next dance would be his, and when she walks down the street and “all the young punks” whistle at her, “a nice bit of old,” she “gives them the eye” even though “she knows she could be their mother.”

Ray was 42 when he recorded “Don’t Forget to Dance.” In the video he plays a double role: singing on the bandstand with the Kinks and cruising the dance floor as a mustached rogue. Imagine him singing this song now, having turned 80 a month ago, and looking it, with his ever-extraordinary Shakespearean face (think Richard the Third) resembling a topographic map of the slings and arrows, nooks and crannies of a lifetime. But I know he’d sing it better than ever now, even if he had to whisper the words. It was his song in 1986 and it’s his song in 2024. So here I am, an old man remembering old songs by old singers when Kamala Harris shows up on the ad before the video asking for a $10 contribution, already raising money and looking young and dashing and eager for the biggest dance of her life.

a towering, almost full page image of the ever-extraordinary spire of the Chrysler Building, the news being that this “Jewel of the Manhattan Skyline” is losing “its luster” and “showing its age.” Not unlike the besieged 81-year-old president, who has cognition problems, moves haltingly, and sometimes gets his words mixed up, the 77-story building has bad cell service, elevator troubles, and lacks natural sunlight, plus the revolving entrance doors sometimes jam and there are cracks in the ceiling of the “majestic lobby.”

ago he was the “great Goldschmidt,” the National League’s Most Valuable Player. So far this year he’s hitting .225 with just 37 RBIs and had been moved down to the seventh spot in the batting order when he slammed that home run and brought his team to life.

Given the documented history of the Chrysler’s owners and occupiers, I’m not optimistic about the future of this metropolitan treasure. Will the immensity of its charisma be enough to save it? In 2019, according to Anna Kodé’s excellent indepth story, the building sold for around $150 million to “Signa, an Austrian real estate company, and RFR, a New Yorkbased development firm.” About a decade earlier, “a 90 percent stake in the building was sold to the government of Abu Dhabi for $800 million. Late last year, after Signa filed for insolvency, “an Austrian court ruled that it would have to sell its share of the building, throwing the Chrysler’s future into question.” Kodé received an email from a representative for Signa’s liquidator, saying that the company’s stake in the building has been “transferred to the sale process” and that talks are “ongoing.” A representative for RFR “declined to comment” for the story.

What’s the worst that could happen? Surely no one’s going to do a Penn Station and tear down the most beautiful skyscraper in the world. But what if the man who’s running for president bought the Chrysler Building and renamed after himself? Don’t go there. Don’t even think about it.

Never Give Up

“Don’t Give It Up”

As much as I resent the New York Times for playing Javert to Biden’s Jean Valjean, and even though I do my best to ignore it at breakfast, there’s no denying how often the paper puts something useful or usefully upsetting on my plate. Sunday it was

I don’t know how many times over the years my baseball wife has watched me hanging on when the St. Louis Cardinals are behind by as many as eight runs. “How can you stand it?” she says. “You never give up, it’s crazy.” Sunday the Cardinals ended the first series of the season’s second half with a win set in motion when their slumping best hitter Paul Goldschmidt hit his 14th home run, a hopeful sign after what had been the roughest first half of his illustrious career. Two years

Hemingway’s Birthday Sunday’s game coincided with Ernest Hemingway’s 125th birthday, which is why I referred to “the great Goldschmidt,” echoing the old fisherman Santiago’s references to “the great DiMaggio” in The Old Man and the Sea . Goldschmidt is 36, not exactly an old man but if you measure your life in hits and homeruns, it’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall. Assuming Goldy finally hits his stride in the second half of the season, Cardinal fans could be in for an exciting ride even as the country careens toward election day.

I think Hemingway would admire Goldschmidt. He goes about his business quietly and with dignity. He fields the first base position brilliantly, with grace, and if there’s a prose to hitting, Goldschmidt at his best hits the way Hemingway writes at his best.

In an article by John Denton on mlb. com, Goldschmidt’s manager Oliver Marmol recalls a game during his 2022 MVP season: “He hits a ball to left field for a double and he comes into the dugout and he’s shaking his head. He sits next to me, and I said, ‘You don’t like that?’ And he said, ‘That ball needs to be in the stands; I can’t miss that pitch.’” He “goes into the next at-bat and he gets the same pitch and hits it into the stands and sits down next to me and says, ‘That’s where that pitch needs to land.’ When he’s feeling good, that’s how the game is to him. He knows what he needs to do, and he does it.”

56 Million Views

The “Don’t Give Up” video made by Peter Gabriel (now 74) and Kate Bush (now 65) has, so far, 56 million views and 25,000 comments on YouTube. The song’s enduring power has been recognized by celebrities like Elton John, who said it played “a big part in his rebirth” and by actor Matthew Perry, who wrote “Don’t give up” when signing copies of his autobiography and apparently asked that the song be played at his funeral. The video appeared on MTV soon after my son entered the school system and needed to hear those three words at least once a week until he graduated. Now he needs to hear “Don’t give up” almost every day of his life. Some days so do we all.

—Stuart Mitchner

MONUMENTS AND MYTHS

New Jersey Symphony Showcases Rising Composers in “New Scores” Concert

The America of Sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French

MONUMENTS AND MYTHS

and Daniel Chester French

MONUMENTS

OMONUMENTS AND MYTHS

The America of Sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French June 29–January 5, 2025

MONUMENTS AND MYTHS

The first exhibition exploring the legacies of Gilded Age sculptors who created our Nation’s most recognizable monuments.

The America of Sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French

The first exhibition exploring the legacies of Gilded Age sculptors who created our Nation’s most recognizable monuments.

June 29–January 5, 2025

The first exhibition exploring the legacies of Gilded Age sculptors who created our Nation’s most recognizable monuments.

Monuments and Myths: The America of Sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts, Chesterwood, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Saint-Gaudens Memorial in partnership with Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park. Major support for the accompanying publication has been provided by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art. Support for the exhibtion and the publication has been provided by the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation.

Monuments and Myths: The America of Sculptors

Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts, Chesterwood, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Saint-Gaudens Memorial in partnership with Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park.

n the 55th anniversary of man landing on the moon, it was ﬁtting that New Jersey Symphony showed Princeton the future of musical composition. As part of its commitment to contemporary works, the Symphony sponsored its annual, weeklong, tuition-free Institute devoted to “enhancing the careers of four emerging composers” who, through indepth coaching and rehearsals with the Symphony, were able to hone their craft and “move the ball forward” with orchestral music. This year’s culminating Edward T. Cone Composition Institute concert was held last Saturday night at Richardson Auditorium, featuring new pieces exploring a wide range of ideas. Conducted by Christopher Rountree, the performance brought well-deserved attention to four distinctive individuals with clear futures in the performing arts.

The first exhibition exploring the legacies of Gilded Age sculptors who created our Nation’s most recognizable monuments.

Major support for the accompanying publication has been provided by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art. Support for the exhibition and the publication has been provided by the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation.

The Michener Art Museum presentation of Monuments and Myths: The America of Sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French has been generously supported by the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program, Worth & Company, Inc., Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation, and the Michener Art Museum’s 35th Anniversary Initiative.

Daniel

Conveying the story of someone unknowingly entering the world of the spirits, this piece captured Cosme’s own background living in numerous regions of the world. A Stranger in a Festival of Spirits began with a percussive bang introducing the subtle atmosphere of a forest, with graceful wind solos, including from oboist Michelle Farah, emulating a person anxiously peeking around unfamiliar territory. Fear was depicted by a woodblock, and as the traveler became more comfortable in the spirit world, lyrical solos from concertmaster Eric Wyrick and principal hornist Kyle Hoyt contrasted well with more complex passages. Cosme also asked for a different acoustical sound from the quintet of New Jersey Symphony horns by having them lift the bells of their instruments. This inventive work ended peacefully, with delicate playing from ﬂutist Gen Shinkai, accompanied by harpist Lynette Wardle.

Composer Leigha Amick believes that music has the potential to “reﬂect on both the current and the timeless human experience, to provide grounds for intellectual fascination, and to quench the need for emotional expression.” Her extensive repertory, for both instrumental and vocal ensembles as well as electronics, has been performed nationwide. Amick’s Cascade, inspired by a composition by American Carl Stone for electronics, bagpipes and organ, was built around an altered passacaglia in which the character changed with each of a series of harmonic cycles.

Daniel Chester French (1850–1931), Abraham Lincoln, model, 1909–12, cast 1912. Bronze, H. 37½ inches. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA. Gift of Daniel Chester French Foundation, NT 69.38.251. Courtesy American Federation of Arts. Photo by Bruce Schwarz.

michenerartmuseum.org

Abraham

MA.

1909–12, cast 1912. Bronze,

Daniel Chester French Foundation, NT 69.38.251. Courtesy American Federation of Arts. Photo by Bruce Schwarz.

Under Rountree’s conducting, Cascade moved from percussive and disjointed to calm and still by the end of the work. New Jersey Symphony’s percussion section cleanly introduced the opening harmonic progression against pizzicato strings. Each harmonic cycle was of a different nature, embedded in a light texture often resembling cascading notes. Amick’s appealing piece moved well through quick meter shifts to close in a lush orchestral palette.

New Zealander Jessie Leov was inspired by a painting by a fellow New Zealand artist to create a piece rooted in duality and “shifts of perception.” Speculations on a Rainbow took the audience behind Leov’s interpretation of the painting, with contrasts of consonance and dissonance, particularly layered within the wind instruments. Speculations opened with bell-like percussion, gradually building tension through repeated rhythmic patterns. The New Jersey Symphony players well demonstrated the complexity of lines within each instrumental family. Rhythmic motives were heard from all parts of the stage over a pointillistic underpinning, with the brass sections providing an especially solid foundation to the sound.

The composers selected for the Cone Institute reﬂected a world-wide representation, and Filipino Paul Cosme brought centuries-old Asian traditions into his imaginative A Stranger in a Festival of Spirits

The ﬁnal Cone Institute composer on the program, Santiago Beis, is of Uru-Brazilian background, but chose to explore the Czech concept of “spletna,” a term coined by Leoš Janácek describing the acoustical “twining” which he claimed occurred for a millisecond when one chord changes to another. Through the one-movement Spletna, Beis addressed the question of “does sound cease to exist when it stops?” Beginning with the viola section, Beis drew creative effects from all instrumentals, ranging from languid strings to muted trumpets to sliding trombones. A second contrasting section featured effectively percussive winds, brass, and piano, with a third part highlighting winds and solo trombone successfully leading back to closing strings.

Institute

Director and Princeton University Professor Steven Mackey has always included something of his own repertoire on the Institute’s culminating performance, and the 2013 Urban Ocean demonstrated how Mackey has captured slices of America in his music. Commissioned by Long Beach, Calif.’s Aquarium of the Pacific, Urban Ocean depicted the dichotomy of dense marine life so close to an equally as dense population base, together with the challenge of how ocean and land life can successfully co-exist. In New Jersey Symphony’s performance, swirling winds portrayed the waving kelp and other ﬂora under the sea while the diverse populations, cultures and busy professional lives of those on land were illustrated through intricate rhythms and hectic instrumental activity in a smooth ﬂow. Through it all, the immense majesty of the sea returned periodically to remind everyone who was really the boss, as the two worlds eventually achieved a delicate balance. Mackey’s piece balanced well with the innovative output of the four Cone Institute composers, concluding an evening of music all worthy of being heard again.

—Nancy Plum

Chester French (1850–1931),

Lincoln

model,

H. 37½ inches. Chesterwood, Stockbridge,

Gift of

Performing Arts

MILESTONE FOR A MAESTRO: Princeton Symphony

celebrates his 60th birthday in the coming concert

Single Tickets Available For Orchestra Concerts

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) box office is now open for the 2024-25 season, which celebrates Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov’s 60th birthday. Guest artists will include violinists Leila Josefowicz and Aubree Oliverson, pianist Orli Shaham, Princeton University’s Performers-inResidence So Percussion, and pianist Natasha Paremski.

Milanov has programmed favorite works including concertos by Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and Viet Cuong’s Re(new)al. Beethoven’s Triple Concerto will feature concertmaster Basia Danilow and principal cellist Alistair MacRae with pianist Steven Beck.

In addition to Viet Cuong, other living composers whose works will be featured this season include Gemma Peacocke, Michael Abels, and Carlos Simon. There are also symphonies by Brahms, Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Beethoven; an all-Mozart concert conducted by Gérard Korsten, plus choral music by Brahms and Tchaikovsky performed by Rider University’s Westminster Symphonic Choir. Milanov regularly collaborates with artists of the orchestral world, and leads The Princeton Festival. He

is also the music director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and chief conductor of the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra in Ljubljana. He has conducted operas presented by Komische Oper Berlin and Opera Columbus, as well as the Spanish premiere of Tchaikovsky’s Mazzepa and Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle with Opera Oviedo (awarded best Spanish production for 2015). He has conducted over 200 concerts with the Philadelphia Orchestra and performances with the New York City Ballet, Zurich Ballet, and La Scala Ballet in Paris. He presents education projects with Carnegie Hall and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and leads the PSO’s BRAVO! concerts for school children.

He is a 2011 ASCAP award winner and a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School.

All performances take place on select Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m., at Richardson Auditorium on Princeton University’s campus. Milanov conducts all but the all-Mozart program in February and this season’s Holiday POPS! concert featuring Andrea Ross, which will be conducted by John Devlin. Visit princetonsymphony. org or call (609) 497-0020.

Playwright Competition

Calls for Submissions

Drama at Phillips’ Mill is accepting submissions for its 7th Annual Emerging Playwright Competition. The first 50 entries received by August 18 will be considered for the competition.

The Emerging Playwright Competition welcomes submissions from playwrights living within a 100-mile radius of Phillips’ Mill. All plays must be original, unpublished short works which

have not been previously produced on stage. There is a nonrefundable fee of $10 for each script entered (no more than two).

A panel of judges, including veteran juror Judith Hallberg, Glenn Steinberg of The College of New Jersey, and Wilbert Turner, Professor of English at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, will evaluate all scripts and select up to six winning entries. Each winning play will receive a $100 cash prize and a public reading on the historic Mill stage before a live audience on Saturday, November 23. The staged readings will again be hosted by the Mill’s Theater Resident, Griffin Horn. A New Hope native and playwright, Horn holds a B.A. in Drama from Kenyon College and an M.F.A. in Playwriting from Temple University. “ I’ve been working with Phillips’ Mill as their Theatre Resident for almost a year now, and I’ve been so grateful for the chance to work with the playwrights, actors and artists that come through the Mill,” he said. Phillips’ Mill is located at 2619 River Road in New Hope, Pa. Visit phillipsmill. org for submission guidelines and other information.

Think Global Buy Local

Sunday, June 2

Summer at the Chapel

Sunday, July 21

David

David Buschman

Chaplain, Athletes in Action

Sunday, June 9

Sunday, June 2

Eli

David

Eli Henry Princeton Theological Seminary

Sunday, June 16

Jessica Campbell

Associate Pastor at First Methodist Church of Moorestown

Sunday, June 23

Denise Carrell

PHD Coordinator at

Sunday, June 16

Jessica

Sunday, June 30

Rachael McConnell

Rachael

Sunday, July 7

Regina D. Langley

African Methodist Episcopal Church Itinerant Elder

Sunday, July 14

Shannon Daley-Harris

Associate Dean of Auburn Theological Seminary

Tiffany S. Murphy Pastor, Parkside United Methodist

Sunday, July 28 Ali DeLeo Pastor, Swarthmore United Methodist Church in Swarthmore,

Sunday, August 4

Byron E. Brought Pastor,

Sunday, August 11

Sunday, August 18 Melissa

Sunday, August 18

Sunday, August 25

Fitzgerald Robertson, II Student, Princeton Theological

Summer Bites Town Topics

Town Topics Summer Bites

OPENING NIGHT: Exhibiting fiber artist Sandra Eliot stands by her and other artists’ work during the opening night of “Structures and Constructions in Fiber” at the New Hope Art Center in New Hope, Pa., on June 29. The exhibit is on view through August 18. (Photo

Fiber Art Exhibit at New Hope Arts Center

“Structures and Constructions in Fiber” opened on June 29 and runs through August 18 at the New Hope Arts Center in New Hope, Pa. The juried exhibit features over 80 original, contemporary fiber artworks from more than 30 artists across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Notable artists in various national and international collections include Marilyn Cowhill, Rita Romanova Gekht, Bojana Leznicki, Nelly Kouzmina, Susan MartinMaffei, Michael Ross, MaryAnn Sievert, and Katie Truk.

For the complete list of participating artists, visit newhopearts.org.

“The fiber art exhibit at New Hope Arts Center is a stunning showcase of creativity and craftsmanship,” said Executive Director Christine Ramirez. “Each piece on display is a testament to our artists’ incredible talent and a unique collectible that art enthusiasts can own and cherish. We’re thrilled to offer all these extraordinary works for sale, allowing our patrons to bring a piece of this inspiring exhibit into their homes or offices.”

On each Saturday and

Sunday throughout the exhibition, Curator Rita Gekht will lead a community outreach and participation project titled “Steps for Unity.” In partnership with New Hope Solebury High School, this project is open to the public and offers a chance to observe and learn about fiber art and crocheting. Participants can see the artwork in action, engage with artists, and learn how to crochet, creating threedimensional constructions of colorful ladders. The final art pieces will be displayed at New Hope Solebury High School and will be later auctioned to benefit the arts center.

In addition, the new Community Engagement Series offers interactive gallery talks and demonstrations by participating artists. Seating is limited. The series provides an intimate glimpse into the artists’ processes, journeys, and techniques. Learn more and purchase tickets at newhopearts.org. Upcoming Community Engagement Series events include “Contemporary Quilts and Fabric Constructions” and “Design, Technique and Function in Tapestry Weaving” with Michael J. Ross and Gekht on Thursday, July 25 from 6 to 7 p.m.; and “Weaving Narratives of Time and Place” and “Fall in Love with Felt” with Susan Martin Maffei and Nelly Kouzmina on Thursday, August 1 from 6 to 7 p.m.

New Hope Arts is located at 2 Stockton Avenue in New Hope, Pa. For more information, visit newhopearts.org or call (215) 862-9606.

Call for Art: “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill” Registration for the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill” in New Hope, Pa., opens July 28 and runs through August 25. All submissions must be registered through Smarter Entry during this period and delivered to the mill for in-person jurying on Friday, September 6 or Saturday, September 7. The exhibition will be held at the mill and online, September 21 through October 27, daily from 1 to 5 p.m.

Arts, The Clay Studio, and the University of Maryland. Visit the Mill website to learn more about the jurors: Linda Brenner, Corrinne Chong, Ph.D, Curlee Raven Holton, William Perthes, and Jennifer Zwilling.

Artists can view and download the show’s prospectus at phillipsmill.org/ art/juried-art-show-prospectus. The prospectus outlines a host of details including the link to Smarter Entry, important dates, and guidelines for each of three categories of submissions, as well as tips on photographing your work for best results for the online portion of the show. Note: All artwork must be for sale.

For 95 years, Phillips’ Mill has showcased exceptional art from the region. The Art Show Committee encourages emerging as well as established artists within a 25-mile radius of the Mill to submit their work to be juried by a distinguished panel of jurors from the Barnes Foundation, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine

An entry fee of $35 covers submissions to all three categories –– framed works, sculpture, and unframed works displayed in portfolios throughout the show galleries. Members of the Mill receive a 50 percent discount. One can join online before submitting to take advantage of this member perk. A special discount code will be furnished to all members.

A highlight of each year’s show is the annual Preview Reception for patrons, held the evening prior to the show’s public opening. All submitting artists, accepted or not, receive an invitation to the reception where they can view the exhibition, network with fellow artists and exhibition patrons, and celebrate at the awards presentation. Last year, jurors honored 20 artists with awards totaling $12,000 funded by patrons of the show. Anyone interested in becoming a patron of the exhibition

can donate online. All contributors at the patron level receive an invitation to the Patron Preview Reception along with other benefits. Phillips’ Mill Community Association continues the legacy of founders William Lathrop, Edward Redfield, Daniel Garber, Fern Coppedge and other New Hope School artists by providing a welcoming space for artists to gather and exhibit their work, a tradition begun nearly a century ago. Just as they exhibited the art of their time, Phillips’ Mill takes pride in presenting the art of theirs, from traditional Bucks County landscapes to the modern and abstract, embracing expression in all forms.

Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road, just north of New Hope, Pa. For more information, visit phillipsmill.org, call (215) 862-0582, or email info@ phillipsmill.org.

IS ON

Jewelry by Penelope Plum

by Dave Garrett)

“MARCH AFTERNOON”: A pastel by Donna Ruane Rogers depicting the historic mill where the annual “Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill” has been held for 95 years was selected as this year’s Signature Image. Registration for this year’s show opens on July 28.

Hopewell Valley Arts Council Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is celebrating 10 years since its founding by a group of dedicated volunteers who envisioned a way to involve the community in the arts and support many local artists, a mission that continues to this day.

Over these past 10 years, the HV Arts Council has woven itself into the fabric of the community by being part of the area’s everyday community events and significant cultural celebrations, and creating many of their own public art displays.

The Hopewell Valley Stampede, in 2014, was a valley-wide public art display of 69 life-size oxen decorated by artists and students that raised the initial funds for this nonprofit. Although in the hands of private owners, many of these oxen can still be seen as one drives through the roads of Hopewell Valley.

In 2021, the HV Arts Council displayed 60 decorated spires with “Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees — ArtSpire,” commemorating the loss of native ash trees; the Amazing Pumpkin Carve, now in its 10th year, attracts over 3,000 attendees during the course of a fall weekend; and, in 2023, the HV Arts Council displayed sculptures — large and small — in “Celebrating the Everyday,” honoring of the life of renowned late local artist Seward Johnson Jr.

Beyond these major projects, the HV Arts Council has embarked on “small but mighty” projects, including co-hosting the online artist talks and family art workshops with the

Pennington Public Library; curating a dedicated gallery space at the Global Neuroscience Institute building in Pennington and at the Ottoburger Lounge in Hopewell; and, most recently, taking on a leadership role with Hopewell Tour Des Arts, a free self-guided tour of galleries and spaces of over 60 artists. The HV Arts Council has also presented annual art scholarships to students at HV Central Regional High School since its inception.

According to the HV Arts Council, these art initiatives, in their many forms, provide joy, inspiration, and unifying experiences for the community, while garnering support for the organization and its mission. Despite the challenges of limited resources and ongoing impacts from the pandemic, the HV Arts Council continues its commitment to “celebrate art in the everyday.”

“We have come so far in the past 10 years,” said longtime Executive Director Carol Lipson, “and we are so grateful for the many individuals and businesses who have contributed to our success. We look forward to many more years of creativity and community!”

The HV Arts Council invites the entire community to come and celebrate on Sunday, August 25 at the outdoor area of Brick Farm Tavern from 3 to 7 p.m. for an afternoon of art, music, and summer fare. Early Bird tickets purchased by August 1 for $150; regular tickets are $175. Proceeds will go toward supporting the organization’s activities and mission.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hvartscouncil.org.

Doylestown Arts Festival Returns This September

The Doylestown Arts Festival will return for its 33rd anniversary this September 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The festival remains free to attend and is designed to illuminate the region’s ongoing commitment to arts and culture. For two days the historic downtown Doylestown, Pa., streets will be transformed into a lively outdoor marketplace full of art and music from local and regionally recognized creators.

Founded in 1991, the Doylestown Arts Festival has supported independent artists and musicians for over 30 years, while drawing attention and tourism to the local community. This year’s festival will offer familiar favorites to longtime attendees and an engaging experience for those new to the area and visiting from afar. The two-day street festival will showcase a curated lineup of over 160 artists, 30 performances across five stages of live music, art demonstrations from plein air painting to pottery wheel turning, and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Home to over 8,000 residents as well as the Michener Art Museum, Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, TileWorks, the County Theater, and a downtown featuring galleries, restaurants, and locally owned shops and boutiques, Doylestown is nationally recognized as a destination town.

The Doylestown Arts Festival is made possible by a small volunteer committee of Discover Doylestown and is presented by the Thompson Organization. For more information, visit dtownartsfestival.com.

Area Exhibits

Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, has “Denison Baniwa: Under the Skin of History” through September 1. Artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “Captured Moments” through August 4. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lambertvillearts.com.

Art on Hulfish, 11 Hulfish Street, has “Don’t we touch each other just to prove we are still here?: Photography and Touch” through August 4. Artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Green Building Center, 67 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has an art show by the MUGA Group through December 31. Greenbuildingcenter.com.

Gourgaud Gallery, 23-A North Main Street, Cranbury, has an exhibit by the Creative Collective Art Group through August 29. Cranburyartscouncil.org.

Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, has “Philotechnic Transformation” through August 25, “Slow Motion” through September 1, and “That’s Worth Celebrating: The Life and Work of the Johnson Family” through the end of 2024, among other exhibits. Groundsforsculpture.org.

Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, has “Princeton Reflected: Stories from HSP’s Collection” and “Einstein Salon and Innovator’s Gallery.” Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. Princetonhistory.org

Mercer Museum, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution” through December 31, 2026. Mercermuseum.org.

Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “George R. Anthonisen: Meditations on the Human Condition” through October 13 and “Monuments and Myths: The American Sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French” through January 5. Michenerart museum.org

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, has “Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home,” through March 2. Morven.org.

New Hope Arts, 2 Stockton Avenue, New Hope, Pa., has “Structures and Constructions in Fiber” through August 18. Newhopearts.org.

Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, has photography by Qasim Zia through August 6. Paintings

by Sylvia Hemenetz are at the 254 Nassau Street location through August 6. Smallworldcoffee.com.

Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, has travel photography by Jeffrey Edward Tryon, Town Topics art director, along with work by Kevin Frankenfield Photography and Joseph F. Hendrickson in the Red Barn through August 31. Terhuneorchards.com.

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, Cadwalader Park, Trenton, has “Ellarslie Open 41” through September 29. Ellarslie.org.

West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, has “Throwback Summer” through September 7. 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.

Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, has “WitherspoonJackson Gateway Exhibition” through September 1. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

D&R Greenway Land Trust, 1 Preservation Place, has “Along the Delaware River & Crosswicks Creek” in the Johnson Education Center through September 27. Drgreenway.org.

David Scott Gallery, in the offices of Berkshire Hathaway, 253 Nassau Street, has “Harmonies,” a solo exhibition of paintings by Aida Birritteri, through August 18. For more information, email davidscottfineart@ gmail.com.

Ficus Bon Vivant, 235 Nassau Street, has “Capture the Rhythm” through January 12. Ficusbv.com.

“HOPEWELL VALLEY STAMPEDE”: A valley-wide public art display of 69 life-size oxen decorated by artists and students in 2014 raised the initial funds for the Hopewell Valley Arts Council. Their initial arrival before decoration is pictured here.

DOYLESTOWN ARTS FESTIVAL: The art and music festival in downtown Doylestown, Pa., returns for its 33rd year on September 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

TOWN TOPICS | Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, July 24

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: “Leighton Listens.” Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin is on hand to discuss current events with members of the public at Godfrey Fitzgerald Salon, 15 Witherspoon Street.

2 p.m.: The movie North by Northwest is screened at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Free. Princetonlibrary.org.

5:30-7:30 p.m.: Wine and Flower Arrangements, a class with Pam Mount and Reuwai Mount Hanewald, at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Vases provided. $40. Pre-registration required. Terhuneorchards.com.

Thursday, July 25

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Princeton Farmers Market is at Hinds Plaza. More than 30 vendors with local organic produce, pasture-raised meat and eggs, cheeses, fresh flowers, knife-sharpening, jewelry, and more. Live music. SNAP/EBT cards and matches accepted up to $10 a day. Princetonfarmersmarket.com.

2-6:30 p.m.: Passport Day at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike. Representatives of government offices will be on hand to accept and process applications, renewals, and a take photos. For appointments, call (609) 989-6473.

6 p.m.: Eric Mintel Quartet performs at the Summer Concert Series on the Green at Princeton Shopping Center, North Harrison Street. Free. Princetonshoppingcenter.com.

6-8 p.m.: Dueling Piano Nights on the Green at Palmer Square. Palmersquare.com

6:30-8 p.m.: “Women’s Educational Worlds: Hidden Histories,” at Morven, 55 Stockton Street and online. Professor Lucia McMahon talks about the educational journeys of women in the late 18th century. Morven.org.

8 p.m.: The film Lady Bird is screened at Blair Joline Courtyard, Mathey College, Princeton University. Free. Bring a blanket or chair.

Friday, July 26

5-8 p.m.: Sunset Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Winery and Barn Door Café are open. Music by Bill Flemer and Friends. Terhuneorchards.com.

Saturday, July 27

8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Homestead Princeton Warehouse Sale, 518 Franklin Georgetown Road, Skillman. Discounts on sofas, tables, occasional chairs and gift items. Homesteadprinceton. com.

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: West Windsor Farmers Market at Vaughn lot, Princeton Junction train station. Fresh produce and much more. Wwcfm.org.

10 a.m.: Pam’s Annual Freezing, Canning, and Preserving Class, at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Free but registration requested at terhuneorchards.com.

12-2 p.m.: Summer Music Series on the Green at Palmer Square, with music by JB Rocks. Palmersquare.com.

12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Music by Michael Montemurro. Light fare available; farm store is open. Terhuneorchards.com.

3-7 p.m.: 7th Annual Wine on the Waterfront event on the banks of the Delaware River, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Pa. Wine from several local wineries; jazz. $15 for designated drivers, $40 others. Benefits the Friends of Washington Crossing. Washingtoncrossingpark.org.

5-7:30 p.m.: Rini performs Indian Jazztronica, joined by cellist Dan Kassel, at Nassau Park Pavilion, 510 Nassau Park Boulevard, West Windsor. Also includes hands-on art activities for all ages. Free. Westwindsorarts.org.

Sunday, July 28

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Homestead Princeton Warehouse Sale, 518 Franklin Georgetown Road, Skillman. Discounts on sofas, tables, occasional chairs and gift items. Homesteadprinceton.com.

1 p.m.: Carillon concert by Janno Engelsman at the Princeton University Graduate Tower; listen from the lawn outside. Free, held rain or shine. Gradschool. princeton.edu.

2-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Music by Bill O’Neal and Mary. Light fare available; farm store is open. Terhuneorchards.com.

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.

Monday, July 29 Recycling

Wednesday, July 31

7:30-10 a.m.: The Trenton Economic Development Series of Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber presents Mercer County Executive Dan Benson in a talk, “Trenton: The Heart of Mercer County,” at Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Executive Park, Route 29, Trenton. Princetonmercer.org.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: “Leighton Listens.” Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin is on hand to discuss current events with members of the public at Hiltons Princeton, 221 Witherspoon Street.

2 p.m.: The movie Thelma and Louise is screened at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Free. Princetonlibrary.org.

6 p.m.: Princeton Student Film Festival, with original films by filmmakers ages 14-25 and a postscreening Q&A session, at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

Thursday, August 1 9-11 a.m.: Friends of Princeton Open Space holds a land stewardship volunteer event at Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Preserve, 30 Mountain Avenue, to help with critical trail work, riparian and forest restoration, and invasive species removal. Fopos.org.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Princeton Farmers Market is at Hinds Plaza. More than 30 vendors with local organic produce, pasture-raised meat and eggs, cheeses, fresh flowers, knife-sharpening, jewelry, and more.

JULY-AUGUST

Live music. SNAP/EBT cards and matches accepted up to $10 a day. Princetonfarmersmarket.com.

6 p.m.: Random Acts of Soul performs at the Summer Concert Series on the Green at Princeton Shopping Center, North Harrison Street. Free. Princetonshoppingcenter. com.

6-8 p.m.: Dueling Piano Nights on the Green at Palmer Square. Palmersquare. com.

6 p.m.: Annual Picnic on the Lawn at Little Hall Courtyard, Princeton University. Sponsored by Princeton University Art Museum and the Princeton YMCA. Bring a blanket; stay for family movie night screening of Disney’s Encanto Museum.princeton.edu.

Friday, August 2

6:30 p.m.: Queen Flash performance as part of the Mercer County 2024 Summer Concert series, at Mercer County Festival grounds, Mercer County Park, West Windsor. $5. Mercercounty. org.

5-7 p.m.: WitherspoonJackson Community Day, Joint Effort WitherspoonJackson Community Princeton Safe Streets kickoff reception and salute to ancestors, at Studio Hillier, 190 Witherspoon Street. For more information, contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@gmail.com.

Saturday, August 3

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: West Windsor Farmers Market at Vaughn lot, Princeton Junction train station. Fresh produce and much more. Wwcfm.org.

$5. Westwindsorarts.org.

10 a.m.: Mid-Day Toastmasters meets at Hickory Corner Branch Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor or by Zoom at tinyurl.com/zoomwithmidday. 4139.Toastmastersclubs.org.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Just Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Kids’ activities, traveling zoo, bubble parties, food tent, wine tasting, and more. $15 in advance, $18 day of event (ages 3 and up). Terhuneorchards.com.

11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Annual Peach Festival at Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, Pa. Live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, food and drinks. PeddlersVillage.com.

12-2 p.m.: Summer Music Series on the Green at Palmer Square, with music by Kim & Dave. Palmersquare.com.

1-7 p.m.: Ruth Parker Day, Fish Fry, and Community Meet and Greet. Part of the Joint Effort Witherspoon-Jackson Community Princeton Safe Streets week of events, at the Elks Lodge, 124 Birch Avenue. For more information, contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@ gmail.com.

Sunday, August 4

11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Annual Peach Festival at Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, Pa. Live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, food and drinks. PeddlersVillage.com.

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12:30-3 p.m.: 24th Annual Butterfly Festival at The Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington. $10 per person or $25 per carload. Register at thewatershed.org.

Just Peachy FARM FESTIVAL

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Art supply thrift shop at West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road.

1 p.m.: Carillon concert by Andrea McCrady at the Princeton University Graduate Tower; listen from the lawn outside. Free, held rain or shine. Gradschool.princeton.edu.

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.

5-7 p.m.: Donald Johnson Day, Gospel festival. Part of the Joint Effort Witherspoon-Jackson Community Safe Streets week of events. At First Baptist Church of Princeton, 30 Green Street. For more information, contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@ gmail.com.

S ports

Getting Inspiration, Big Assist from Younger Sister, PU Alumna Reelick Rowing in U.S. 4 at Olympics

For Kelsey Reelick, earning a spot on the U.S. rowing team for the Paris 2024 Olympics turned out to be a sister act.

Former Princeton University women’s open rowing star Reelick ’14 joined the U.S. program in 2018 after four years in the working world, inspired by the success of younger sister, Erin, also a Tiger rowing standout, on the national stage.

“Erin graduated in 2016, she stayed in the area and joined the national team,” said Reelick. “Right off the bat, she won speed orders, she was fantastic in the pair and then she just proceeded to make every boat. She made the 4, she stroked the 8. She won a world championship in the 4 in 2018. She was a huge powerhouse. I was in D.C. and it was wow, that is incredible to see her do that. I want to do that. If she can make it through, I can make it through so I moved to Princeton and started training.”

Working her way up the ladder, the older Reelick made the U.S. 8 in 2022 and competed for the 4 in 2023. Looking to book her spot to the Paris 2024 Olympics in a pressure-packed selection process, Reelick’s chances came down to competing against her younger sister, who had rejoined the program after taking a break from rowing.

“My final seat race was with Erin because we are both on the same side of the boat,” said Reelick. “We went to talk to the coaches. It was just too hard. She said to them put Kelsey at the spot, I will drop out. I owe my spot on the Olympic team to my sister, not only for showing me that I could make it on the national team but also being that person who was by my side helping me through selection camp. Then on the very last seat race, letting me take that spot without making me have to go through that.”

Understandably, Reelick experienced some mixed emotions upon gaining her place on the U.S. squad in such circumstances.

“It was simultaneously wonderful to find out and just exhausting,” said

Reelick. “It was a very tough process. Selection camp, in my mind, is the worst part of rowing. You have this team of people that you train with, that you care for, and you have to be selfish. You have to work for yourself.”

Enjoying a wonderful start to her Princeton career in 2011, Reelick helped the varsity 8 win a gold medal at the NCAA championships as the only freshman in the boat.

“What stands out to me from that is the leadership in the boat,” said Reelick, 32, who took up rowing in New Zealand in 2005 and later moved to Connecticut where she competed for the Connecticut Boat Club and GMS Rowing. “There were a number of seniors in the boat so I was swept up with their leadership and this drive to make it to the grand final and to medal. We won and it was a little bit unbelievable. I was very young. I knew it was a big deal, I didn’t quite know how big. I wasn’t on the same level as these girls who were just grinding away for years to do this. I was lucky to be a part of it.”

Reelick grinded through some ups and downs over the rest of her Princeton career.

“There were highs and lows, freshman year I came in, I was very energized,” said Reelick. “I would say sophomore year and junior year I struggled a little bit. There are a lot of pressures in college as we all know. I got a little bit overwhelmed. I found that I still loved rowing and things started to pick up in my senior year. I felt like I found the love and the joy again. I had a pretty good year, considering that our team wasn’t as full of heavy hitters. We won the Ivy League and did all of these wonderful things.”

While Reelick joined the U.S. program in 2018, she didn’t make a big jump up the ranks until the coaching changes that came in the wake of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 which saw Josy Verdonkschot named as USRowing’s chief high performance officer and Jessie Foglia coming in as the head coach of the USRowing

Training Center.

“I felt that under the new regime, I was able to learn a lot more,” said Reelick. “I didn’t feel like I was caught up in the wave of people just trying to smash our way into the big boats. I was allowed to slow things down and find how I can move the boat by myself in a pair and move the boat to gain speed that way as opposed to feeling a franticness of just being aggressive or muscling it. The new regime allowed all of us to take our time.”

Reelick’s time to shine for the national program finally came in 2022.

“It was a very good year, I made the 8,” said Reelick. “We had a bad final race at world championships, taking fourth place. All in all, it was a bit of a disappointing season but we knew what it was going to take and we knew what could be done. So the next year, we split into a 4 and an 8. I was in the 4 and again we got fourth in the world championships. We had a sense of what we needed to do to start doing really well.”

Looking ahead to Paris, Reelick senses that her 4 has already developed a special chemistry.

“I have to separate the guilt and sadness from the excitement; I am in a boat with three wonderful people,” said Reelick, who will row in second seat with Kate Knifton from the University of Texas at stroke seat, Daisy Mazzio-Manson, a Yale alumna, in three seat, and fellow Princeton alumna Emily Kallfelz ’19 in bow. “We get along really well. They are fantastic, they have helped me get excited about the next thing.”

The boat did well in its international debut, taking third in the World Cup II regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland, this May.

“That was exciting for us because it still feels like a newish lineup, we are still figuring stuff out and what kind of racers are we,” said Reelick, whose boat will start heats at the Paris Games on July 28 with the final slated for August 1. “Are we able to put a lot into the sprint of the race, or can we throw some good moves in the middle? It is how do we operate as a group. I think we have nailed down what we can do. We are still learning. I think that we are going to get our feet under us quickly in Paris. I look forward to seeing what we can

RETURNING TO THE FRAY: Kelsey Reelick, center, competes in the U.S. women’s 4 earlier this year. Reelick, a 2014 Princeton grad and former Tiger women’s open crew star, will be rowing in the U.S. 4 at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. After taking a four-year hiatus from the sport, Reelick returned to rowing to join the U.S. program in 2018 and worked her way up the ranks.

do. We are just hungry, we want to be in the race now.”

Having her Princeton head coach Lori Dauphiny working with the 4 has helped the group make progress.

“She is one of those people that betters the sport,” said Reelick of Dauphiny. “She makes it more exciting, she makes it more competitive. She changes lives. As far as I am concerned, she is the queen of rowing. She is absolutely wonderful. We are very lucky to have her and I am lucky that she gets to coach me again.”

In Reelick’s view, the boat has what it takes to compete for a medal in Paris.

“We are a very unconcerned crew, we are pretty good at staying in the hull and just staying locked in,” said Reelick. “We don’t get shaken very easily. We row very well in all conditions — headwind, crosswind, tailwind. It is unusual to be in a boat that feels so good in a crosswind or a headwind but for whatever reason, we do. It is just adjusting to whatever the conditions are, staying internal and doing what we do best which I think might be our last 1K of the race.”

Looking ahead, Reelick believes that the Paris Games may be her last rowing competition.

“Most likely this is going to be my last hurrah,” said Reelick. “I am already thinking a lot about this boat. I have a group of people around me that I would want to have my last race with which makes me feel like this could be some really wonderful closure. Obviously having a medal would be great but whatever happens, I feel very happy about the past three years. I have had a great time.”

But without a great younger sister, things might not have turned so wonderfully for Reelick.

— Bill Alden

(Photo by Row2k, provided courtesy of USRowing)

Exceeding Expectations in Move to Women’s Pro Soccer, Former PU Standout Curry Making Impact for Angel City

Madison Curry hasn’t taken long to exceed expectations at the professional level.

Recently graduated Princeton University women’s soccer star Curry has become the fifth former Tigers player to compete in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after being selected by Angel City Football Club with the ninth pick of the fourth round. She has played 14 games, including making 13 starts, far more than she ever anticipated already this season.

“It’s been an absolute whirlwind,” said Curry. “I think if you were to ask my expectations at the beginning of the season, it would never be that I would be starting. I was thinking this year would just be a development year for me. To be on the field with the team has been absolutely incredible and incredibly hard in many ways. But I love this team, and I love going to practice every day.”

Curry was named a firstteam All-Ivy League defender in her final three seasons at Princeton, but she wasn’t expecting to have a big impact in her first season with Angel City. For the Southern California native just to be selected after five years (Curry took a gap year) at Princeton by the Los Angeles-based club was mindblowing.

“I never in a million years would have thought I’d get drafted to Angel City just because they had enough defenders, and really good ones at that,” said the 5’5 Curry, who hails from Coto de Caza, Calif. “So to be here has been a really special experience for me and my family, with them being able to come to every one of my home games and me playing in the stadium where I watched so many games growing up. It’s been really surreal being on the other side. I was in the stands growing up and now I’m on the field. It’s really crazy.” Curry was selected by Angel City on January 12, 10 days before her final semester began at Princeton. Curry capably navigated soccer while finishing her degree in neuroscience. Only five players were taken after her in the deepest draft that the NWSL has held, but Curry has quickly become a vital part of her team’s defense

after a swift transition from the college level.

“I think they always tell you it’s a shocking switch,” said Curry. “It stayed shocking for like a month. I still have experiences in games where I’m like oh my gosh, this is what being in the NWSL means. My first game, I was playing against Marta (Brazilian soccer start Marta Vieira da Silva ), and I was thinking, what am I even supposed to do right now? It was crazy. It’s so much faster. You have to make decisions really quick, and I think that’s been the biggest adjustment for me.”

Curry didn’t have much time to watch the professional game before she was playing it. She played the final 15 minutes of Angel City’s March 22 game. She made her first start and became the lowest drafted NWSL player to ever start when she filled in for an ill teammate March 30 against Kansas City. The start was even more memorable when she notched the first goal of her Angel City career.

“I wasn’t supposed to start that game and then I did. I was sort of shell-shocked,” said Curry. “It was Kansas City at their home stadium which is insane. On that goal — first off, at Princeton I didn’t go in the box for corners so going in the box for corners is a new thing for me, and I don’t remember the goal that well because I was blacking out while it was happening. I remember thinking, if I miss it’s going to be horrible because nobody else would miss on this team. The ball just bounced in front of me, it was pure fate. I’d like to say that I did something special, but it was my other teammates who did what they needed to do and I was just in the right place at the right time. We lost that game, so it was a bittersweet thing for sure.”

When Mary Alice Vignola suffered a knee injury, it put Curry in a regular starting role at the same left back spot she mastered at Princeton, and shortly thereafter she had to move to center back and learn a new spot when Sarah Gorden was also injured.

“I hadn’t played it in about seven years and it was different,” said Curry. “I’m like a run-up-the-field type of girl, so I’m trying to learn how

to get a handle on that. You just have to take everything in stride and be able to be vulnerable and ask questions and to be able to get things wrong but not take it personally is huge.”

Even playing left back came with a learning curve. Curry’s obligations were different with Angel City than they had been at Princeton, but she felt she could pick them up fine.

“At club I moved around a bit which was awesome,” said Curry. “I think versatility is a really big gift in this game. Obviously at Princeton I played left back and I was kind of free to go and do wherever I wanted and whatever I felt necessary. It was really awesome. That led me to be the player I am. But it also made this transition harder in the sense that I had to learn the traditional role over again.”

The defender has been a quick study. Through July 20, Curry ranked ninth in tackles won in the NWSL with 27. Every other player ahead of her, though, has had the benefit of playing in more games. Curry has stuck to the traits that made her great for head coach Sean Driscoll’s Princeton squad and has been able to showcase them in the pros.

“I’m not scared of a challenge,” said Curry. “Sean loved that about me — I always wanted to go against the best player and see how I could handle that. My coaches now appreciate that I am willing to go through fire and be the best that I can, even if I’m not always successful or I don’t perform the best ever. I take it in my stride and do what’s best for the team. I think that’s a big part of who I am as a player.”

Curry still sees plenty of growth in her future. She is trying to absorb as many of the suggestions from Angel City’s coaches as she can.

“They’re pushing me to be the next level in possession, just making decisions quicker,” said Curry. “I still get caught in two minds sometimes just because I’m not used to the speed quite yet. It’s not instinct for me to move the ball that fast yet. And also refining my defensive instincts. I am up there in the league in tackles and interceptions. That’s been cool, but now it’s about refining my knowledge. I am at center back now and not left

back for the time being. The principles are a little different, so I’m trying to learn those as quickly as possible so I’m the most comfortable there.”

With each passing week, Curry is growing more accustomed to the NWSL. She already was making her pro debut months before graduating from college, a rapid leap from the college game. She was the only of Angel City’s three draft picks to earn a contract following preseason.

“I think I still have those bouts of imposter syndrome just because it’s my first year, thinking am I really supposed to be out on this field right now, playing with all these amazing players?” said Curry. “In those moments, you just have to go back to everyday when you go to training, you believe in yourself and that’s what I’ve been trying to do. It’s definitely gotten better, but the first couple months I was very much in the hold of imposter syndrome.”

Curry has always challenged herself. She gained experience with the Kansas City Current II and the SoCal Reds FC sides in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. While taking a gap year from Princeton in 2022, she trained back home in California with a semi-pro men’s team.

“I think every team I’ve played on has led me to being able to do this,” said Curry. “With the semipro team, it was the mental aspect. I was never going to physically beat them to a ball. They’re 23-year-old men. But I can try to outsmart them and work my way there. And I think with Princeton, Sean and Mike (Poller, the Princeton assistant coach), they really believed in me and pushed me to be a better player and leader and person than when I showed up to Princeton. I always had talent, but they pushed me in a lot of ways other people haven’t, which was a really cool experience And the fact that I started

to get comfortable being uncomfortable — which I think is a really helpful space — and if I hadn’t learned that prior to Angel City then I don’t think I would have been successful at this level so far.”

Curry has been entirely able to focus on playing soccer after graduating in May. She is enjoying adjusting to the professional lifestyle.

“At Princeton you have to balance being a student and an athlete,” said Curry. “Being both of those things at a very high level, it’s very demanding time-wise. I don’t think we had a lot of time to rest or recover. We were always going, going, going. That was my life for five years. Getting to this point, at first I thought it was fake because you’re at the facility for half the day and then you go home and rest and nourish your body and watch film if you feel up to it and get ready for the next day. For me, it’s been about finding a life outside of soccer so I don’t let soccer take over my whole life. I’ve been trying to pick up new hobbies. I’m trying to read more, and read fun things not scientific articles like I was doing for years and years and years.”

Curry is reading a lot of writer Colleen Hoover’s romance/drama books for now and focusing on helping Angel City improve. The club defeated Club Am é rica, 2-1, in the first game of Summer Cup on July 20. They face Bay FC and San Diego in their next two Summer Cup games and have a friendly scheduled against FC Juarez on August 18 before returning to NWSL regular-season action at San Diego Wave on Aug. 24. Angel City sits 11th out of 14 NWSL teams.

“The team itself is really unified and we all know what we need to do moving forward,” said Curry. “It’s just refining the little things that sort of lead us to the bigger picture of scoring more goals and keeping more out of the net. We’ve had it all there, now we have to get a

little more nuanced, a little more accuracy with passes and passes in the final third and with our defending, it’s just cleaning things up and believing that we’re good enough and we can do this because we very well can. It’s meant to be in the second half of the season, not the first.”

Curry will be doing her part to help her team regardless of where they need to use her. And while she’s thrilled to be back in California playing in the stadium where she once watched games, she is hoping that her schedule allows for her to come support the Princeton team this fall.

“I hope I can come back and watch a game because I love the team still so much,” said Curry. “I’m such a West Coast girl that you’re going to have to rip me from the West Coast to visit. My season goes until November, so I’m hoping there’s a week that lines up with catching one of their games. I’d love to see them.”

The Tigers are proud of the way Curry has made a quick transition into the NWSL. Her expectations for making an impact this season may not have been very high at the start, but with already more than 1,000 minutes under her belt, she looks like a fourth-round steal for Angel City.

“I’m really thankful for my coaches at Angel City for trusting me enough to be on the field in my rookie season as a defender,” said Curry. “That’s really special in and of itself. I think going forward I think I’m not satisfied with how I’m playing and I think I can only grow and get better. Looking for the future, I want to become the best professional player I can be and develop as much as I can and never be satisfied with what I’ve done. I will continue looking at how I can improve and make the team better and create a legacy at Angel City and beyond.”

—Justin Feil

MAKING STRIDES: Madison Curry warms up before a recent game with Angel City Football Club of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWASL). Recently graduated Princeton University women’s soccer star defender Curry has made a solid debut for the club this season, playing in 14 games, including making 13 starts. (Photo provided courtesy of Angel City Football Club)

Princeton Men’s Hockey Reveals 2024-25 Schedule

The Princeton University men’s hockey team has announced its 2024-25 schedule, which will mark the program’s first season under new head coach Ben Syer.

Syer’s debut campaign at the helm of the Tigers will include a 29-game slate that will feature 17 home games at historic Hobey Baker Rink.

In addition to the traditional 11 visits from ECAC Hockey foes, the 2024-25 schedule includes six nonconference home games for the Tigers, with weekend visits from Big Ten opponent Ohio State (November 2930), Hockey East stalwart New Hampshire (January 3-4), and Atlantic Hockey upstart Bentley (January 25-26).

The Buckeyes will be making the first-ever trip to Hobey Baker Rink, while New Hampshire will be making its first trip to Princeton since 1983.

“Announcements like these help build the excitement for everyone around what is to come with Princeton Hockey,” said Syer. “The ECAC is a tough conference to navigate, there are no secrets among the teams and you have to be ready to go every night. We’re also fortunate to have an Ivy League title to play for, and we will get right after that with five of our first six games against Ivy teams. When you mix in

non-conference series with schools from Hockey East, Big Ten, and Atlantic Hockey, we are going to be tested every night and our fans are going to see some teams that have not been to Baker Rink in a long time, if at all. I can’t wait to be behind the home bench at Baker Rink and embrace the energy of everyone in such a historic environment.”

January 17 will most certainly be circled on Syer’s calendar as the Tigers will host Cornell for his first home game against the school where he spent 13 seasons on staff as an assistant coach and associate head coach. His return trip to Ithaca will come early in the season when Princeton visits Lynah Rink on November 23.

The series with Cornell is one of two for the Tigers against ECACH foes that reached a NCAA Regional Final in 2024, the other being the traditional homeand-home with Quinnipiac on January 10-11. The Tigers will host the 2023 national champions first before making the return visit to Hamden, Conn., the following night. That matchup will also mark a reunion for Syer as he coached 12 seasons at Quinnipiac from 19992011, ending his time there as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.

Hoops Alum Cannady Plays For Knicks in Summer League

Former Princeton University men’s basketball player Devin Cannady ’19 competed for the New York Knicks in the NBA’s 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas last week, looking to showcase his skills ahead of his

sixth season of professional basketball.

Cannady, a 6’2, 183-pound guard, scored 18 points in four appearances for the Knicks as they went 2-3 in the event. Previously, Cannady played in parts of two seasons with the Orlando Magic, appearing in 13 games during the 2020-21and 2021-22 seasons. He has averaged 6.5 points and 16.8 minutes a game in his NBA career. In addition, he has played parts of five seasons in the NBA G League, including a 2021 season where he won a G League championship with the Lakeland Magic and was named Championship Game

Most Valuable Player.

Tiger Men’s Fencer Szapary

Named Academic All-American

Recently graduated Princeton University men’s fencing star Tristan Szapary, who won the NCAA é p é e title and earned the Roper Trophy honor as Princeton’s top senior male athlete this year, has been selected as a College Sports Communicators (CSC) first-team Academic All-America.

The selection was made by vote of CSC members. Szapary is one of 16 honorees on the At-Large first team and is the lone fencer on any of the three Division I Academic All-America teams. The At-Large program allows schools to nominate six from men’s teams and six from women’s teams across a range of sports to earn Academic All-District honors, and from there, a CSC committee assembles a ballot to be voted on for Academic All-America. The list of At-Large sports includes beach volleyball, bowling, fencing, field hockey, golf,

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• If you already see specialists, I will “quarterback” your care.

• You will

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FESTIVAL OF STARS: Princeton University women’s hockey player Emerson O’Leary heads up the ice in a 2023 game. Rising junior forward O’Leary and rising sophomore goalie Uma Corniea are heading to the USA Hockey’s National Festival to be held in Lake Placid, N.Y., from August 4-11. Corniea and O’Leary will be part of a pool of players to be selected for the U.S. Collegiate Select team to compete against their Canadian counterparts over three games August 14-17 in St. Catharine’s, Ontario, Canada. Last winter, O’Leary finished third on Princeton with 32 points and second with 25 assists, scoring seven goals.

in 18 games for the Tigers during her freshman campaign, finishing with a 2.30 goals against average and a 7-6-2 record. Former Princeton standout Liz Keady Norton ’ 08 will coach USA Hockey’s U-18 Women’s Select Team.

gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, rowing, skiing, men’s volleyball, water polo, and wrestling.

To qualify for the Academic All-District ballot, student-athletes have to meet both grade point average and competition minimums.

It is the 69th time in award history that a Princeton athlete has earned Academic All-America honors, beginning with Bill Bradley ’65 in 1965. Soccer’s Ryan Clare ‘23, also a first-teamer, was Princeton’s most recent Academic All-America honoree, in 2022. Szapary is Princeton’s 21st firstteam honoree, the fourth

Princeton fencer to be named Academic All-America, and the second Princeton fencer to earn first-team honors, along with Harald Winkmann ’95 in 1994.

On the way to winning the NCAA é p é e title, Szapary, who graduated with a degree in neuroscience, earned his second All-America honor, his second NCAA regional title, his third AllIvy honor, and his second time as an Academic All-Ivy

Tell them you saw their ad in

Corniea played

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

honoree. The NCAA title was the ninth for a Princeton men’s fencer and first since Jonathan Yergler won the title in 2012.

Producing Superb Final Season for Williams Men’s Lax, PDS Alum Caputo Enjoyed Some Highlight Moments

Cal Caputo thrust himself into the national spotlight for a day in April after producing a moment of brilliance for the Williams College men’s lacrosse team.

Tallying a flashy over-theshoulder goal to give Williams a 10-9 triple overtime win against rival Middlebury on April 24, former Princeton Day School standout Caputo’s shot made the ESPN SportsCenter Top 10 Plays of the Day.

“It was quite the surreal 24 hours after that one,” said attacker Caputo. “By the afternoon, everyone I knew sent me a text. There were probably 100 plus. It is like a dream you have when you are going through sports. You always make the SportsCenter sound (“da da da, da da da”) after a cool play.”

Caputo’s highlight goal helped culminate quite a college career for the 5’7, 148-pounder as he came up big with 161 points on 120 goals and 41 assists, the 10th most career points in program history. He was named as an United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Honorable Mention All-American and a New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) AllConference Second Team performer in his senior campaign.

Coming into the spring, Caputo and the Williams attack was primed to pick up the pace.

“We were really excited to be a little more high tempo,” said Caputo. “We returned a lot of guys on the offensive side and a lot of our guys in the middle of the field. We were excited to change our identity a little bit and just be a traditional fast-tempo NESCAC team.”

The Ephs were looking to lean on a senior-heavy squad to produce an exciting season.

“We had a really big senior class so I think as seniors, we had been waiting to be in charge for a while,” said Caputo, who served as a team captain this spring.

“The sense of urgency was really strong. It was just so many seniors and we have been playing together for two years now. I felt like we really matured as a team. There was a strong feeling a lot of confidence and a sense of belief in our team and our senior leadership.”

Caputo gained confidence from coming up with a career-day performance in the season opener, pouring in personal-best eight goals as Williams edged Babson 14-13.

“That was awesome; as a captain this year, I worried a lot more about how the team was looking,” said Caputo. “It was just really nice to start playing again and just worry about my on-the-field job and try to cement that instead of stressing about everyone else. Personally, and as a team, that was a good start.”

As the season went on,

Caputo looked to diversity his game.

“Sophomore year my whole job was just sit on the crease and quick stick it,” said Caputo. “As it has developed through senior year, there was more ball on my stick initiating. I am more of a shoot-first guy but I tried to spread the wealth a little bit more. It comes on transition and the man-up. I tried to add some dodging and feeding as I matured and got older at Williams.”

In late March, the Ephs hit their stride, burying their shots as they defeated Trinity 17-11, topped No. 6

Christopher Newport 1812, and routed Connecticut College 24-8 before falling 17-15 to No. 4 and eventual NCAA Division III national champion Tufts.

“In that four-game stretch I felt we would have beaten anyone in the country if we played them then,” said Caputo, who particularly savored the victory over Christopher Newport as he out-dueled former PDS teammate and close friend Coby Auslander. “It is a little frustrating that we didn’t keep it going as much as I would have liked. We were up 9-1 on Tufts — it was definitely frustrating. I think that was the highest level we have played at in my Williams career. Everyone was contributing, we had freshmen playing like seniors. It was really exciting to be part of.”

After hitting a rough

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patch, losing 12-4 to No. 15 Amherst and 14-6 to No. 12 Bowdoin in a threegame span, the Ephs won their final three regular season games, including the marathon victory over Middlebury.

“We were really close as a group with the way the guys brought in over the remainder of the season,” said Caputo. “We didn’t give up after it was looking a little grim, which is really special.”

In the win over Middlebury, Caputo didn’t give up despite misfiring early in overtime.

doin in the NESCAC quarterfinals to finish with a 9-7 record, Caputo gave his all to the final gun.

always means a lot. The support from it is great.”

Although Caputo considered extending his lax career by playing as a grad student at the University of Virginia, he opted to get into the working world.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETINGS

2024-2025

Princeton Charter School Board of Trustees has scheduled the following Board of Trustee Meetings for the 2024-2025 school year All meetings are regular business meetings unless otherwise noted. All meetings are held at the Marsee Center, on Princeton Charter School’s campus located at 100 Bunn Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.

“I definitely missed a shot or two in the first overtime, I would not have forgiven myself if we lost that game,” said Caputo. “That is one of the things where you just black out and instincts take over. I caught it just a little outside of quick stick range, so I threw a fake in. I have practiced it in the backyard and my basement a million times. I just instinctually threw it. Thank God it went in because the coach probably would have had me walking home. It was great.”

While his senior season ended on a down note as Williams fell 14-4 to Bow-

Princeton Charter School Board of Trustees has scheduled the following Board of Trustee tings for the 2024-2025 school year All meetings are regular business meetings unless otherwise noted. All meetings are held at the Marsee Center, on Princeton Charter School’s campus located at 100 Bunn Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.

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July 18, 2024, Thursday 12 PM

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“My job is certainly to put the ball in the back of the net but at the same time as you mature and get more eyes on you, there are different ways you can add value when you are out there,” said Caputo. “Some games jump more off the score sheet than others, but I felt no regrets in terms of performance. Obviously there is a missed shot here or there but I never walked to the locker room hanging my head about the effort I put in. Anything that I could really control, I was pretty proud of. I would like to think I trending up.”

While Caputo is proud of his All-American and AllNESCAC accolades, the support he got from those close to him meant more than the honors.

“I would trade them for more team success in a second but at the same time it is nice to have that as a way to quantify or tangibly see hard work paying off,” said Caputo. “It is nice and also great to have friends and family seeing it and reaching out. It shows that they have been following and caring about your sports career, it

“I looked into the fifth year route but it wasn’t something I felt like I needed to do,” said Caputo, who took a sales consultant and research position with AlphaSights. “It was just like if I could do it at a really, really high level, I would but otherwise I had a job in New York City living with some of my best friends, so I am looking forward to that.”

Caputo is looking forward to staying in the game during his free time.

“I want to play men’s league 100 percent,” said Caputo. “Coaching is definitely something I would love to do in the future, maybe with Harlem Lacrosse or a program like that.”

While Caputo enjoyed his fleeting moment in the ESPN spotlight, the highlight of his Williams experience was the bonds he developed with his teammates.

“When I look back, the lacrosse experience is the very first thing that comes to my mind, it was what I loved about Williams,” said Caputo. “It is a cold, challenging school for most of the year. To have 40 of your best friends to go through it with meant the world to me. Those are guys I will be close to for the rest of my life. The relationships I built with my teammates is what I cherish the most about it by far.”

— Bill Alden

August 14, 2024, Wednesday 12 PM

October 9, 2024, Wednesday 7 PM

November 13, 2024, Wednesday 7 PM

August 28, 2024, Wednesday 12 PM

December 11, 2024, Wednesday 7 PM

ember 11, 2024, Wednesday 7 PM

January 15, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM

February 12, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM

ober 9, 2024, Wednesday 7 PM

March 1, 2025, Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM (Board Retreat)

ember 13, 2024, Wednesday 7 PM

March 12, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM

December 11, 2024, Wednesday 7 PM

April 9, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM

May 14, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM

January 15, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM

June 11, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM (Annual meeting)

ebruary 12, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM

ch 1, 2025, Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM (Board Retreat)

ch 12, 2025, Wednesday 7 PM

SHOOTING STAR: Cal Caputo looks to unload the ball in action this spring during his senior season for the Williams College men’s lacrosse team. Former Princeton Day school standout Caputo led Williams in scoring this spring, tallying 61 points on 44 goals and 17 assists as the Ephs went 9-7. Star attacker Caputo totaled 161 points over his college career as he scored 120 goals with 41 assists. (Photo by Shiv Patel, provided courtesy of Williams College Athletics)

Young Comes Up Big for YSU in Summer Men’s Hoops

As It Tops Jefferson Plumbing to Make Playoff Semis

Freddy Young Jr. led the way as second-seeded YSU defeated seventh-seeded Jefferson Plumbing 68-51 last Monday in a quarterfinal matchup as the playoffs got underway in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Former Princeton Day School and Trenton Catholic standout guard Young tallied 19 points and another former PDS star, Ethan Garita, chipped in 15 as YSU improved to 7-2. Charlie Gillikin scored 20 points for Jefferson Plumbing in a losing cause.

In other quarterfinal action, fourth-seeded PATH outlasted fifth-seeded Novi Wealth Partners 61-58 in double overtime. There was plenty of drama in the waning seconds of first overtime as a pair of free throws by Jack Daly gave Novi Wealth a two-point point lead but Donald James Imo hit a short jumper at the buzzer on a full-court inbound pass for PATH to force a second overtime. PATH outscored Novi Wealth 4-1 in the second OT to pull out the win

and improve to 7-2. Tobias Prall poured in 24 points to lead PATH with Rob Owens contributing 11. Kevin Johnson scored 18 points for Novi Wealth with Phil Worland adding 16.

In a playoff play-in game, ninth-seeded SpeedPro defeated eighth-seeded 1911 Smokehouse 65-58 to earn its first win of the season. Finn Lecky scored 18 points and Tom Mills added 14 for the victors. John Armstead scored 21 points and Juwan Harrison contributed 19 for Smokehouse in a losing cause.

SpeedPro, which improved to 1-8, will face top-seeded Princeton Supply (8-0) in a quarterfinal matchup on July 24. In the other quarterfinal game on July 24, third-seeded Lob City (53) will face sixth-seeded J. Majeski Foundation (3-5).

The semifinals are slated for July 26 at the Community Park courts, starting at 7:30 p.m. The opener of the league’s best-of-three championship series is scheduled for July 29 at 8 p.m. at the CP courts.

—Bill Alden

JAM SESSION: Freddy Young Jr. goes in for a dunk in action earlier this season in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Monday, Young scored 19 points to help second-seeded YSU defeat seventh-seeded Jefferson Plumbing 68-51 in a quarterfinal matchup as the league playoffs got underway. The quarterfinals will wrap up on July 24 when ninth-seeded SpeedPro plays top-seeded Princeton Supply and third-seeded Lob City faces sixth-seeded J. Majeski Foundation at the Community Park courts. The semifinals are slated for July 26 at the CP courts, starting at 7:30 p.m. The opener of the league’s best-of-three championship series is scheduled for July 29 at 8 p.m. at CP. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Local Sports

Princeton Rec Department Offering Lifeguard Courses

The Princeton Recreation Department will be offering two American Red Cross Blended Learning Lifeguard Training Courses at Community Park Pool this summer.

Participants will need to complete online coursework from the Red Cross and then complete the in-person portion at CP Pool. The in-person portions will run from July 31- August 2 and from August 7-9 with both sessions running from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants must be 15 years of age or older, be able to swim 300 yards continuously, retrieve a diving brick from a depth of 10 feet, and tread water for two minutes using legs only.

The cost of the program is $340/person. Participants must be present for the entirety of all three days. There are no refunds for individuals that do not complete the coursework or that fail the course or required 300-yard swim.

Individuals can register online at register.communitypass.net/princeton. The course is located under the Tab “ 2024 Lifeguard Certification Programs.” For more info, visit princetonrecreation.com or call (609) 921-9480.

Earthworms eat one and a half times their body weight daily. They then excrete soil nutrient material called worm castings. These castings are Mother Nature’s purest natural form of sustained released plant food and are environmentally safe for plants, animals, and humans.

Worm tea is created by a brewing process which runs water through the castings to capture the nutritious elements and microorganisms in a concentrated liquid form.

By applying worm tea directly to your plants and gardens you put healthy microorganisms back into the soil where they thrive and multiply. Add to a compost pile to accelerate the composting process or use to enhance the soil quality of your landscape. It is an all-natural soil amendment, so you don’t have to worry about overuse.

Use Woodwinds Worm Tea as an alternative to chemical fertilizer for a healthy landscape and environment.

Call WOODWINDS (609) 924-3500 or email treecare@woodwinds.biz to schedule an assessment

Stuart Tennis Camp Still Has Openings

The Stuart Country Day School is holding a girls’ tennis camp on its campus at 2100 Stuart Road in Princeton and there are still openings for the program.

The tennis camp is for players in grades 5-9 and is being held from July 29-August 2 with sessions running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Log onto the Stuart website at stuartschool.org and go the Menu section in the upper right of the home page and hit the “Sports Camps for Girls” link under the Athletics section for more information about the camps.

Joint Effort Safe Streets

Holding Hoops Clinic, Games

The Joint Effort Princeton Safe Streets Summer Program

is sponsoring a youth basketball clinic on August 10 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at the Community Park basketball courts.

The clinic is being directed by former Princeton Day School girls’ hoops head coach and Philadelphia 76ers camp director and clinician Kamau Bailey, who leads the Bailey Basketball Academy (BBA). Attendees at the clinic will get individual skill development opportunities in ball handling, shooting, offense and defense, mental preparation, team play, and a souvenir sports bag.

In addition, on August 11, Joint Effort Safe Streets will sponsor the Pete Young Sr. Memorial Games for Princeton-area youth. These annual games are held each year in the memory of Pete Young

Sr., a Princeton businessman, community advocate, sports enthusiast, and supporter of youth and community programs who was beloved in the Witherspoon-Jackson Community. The games run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will start with youth games and conclude with a final boys’ high school contest.

The rain sites for both programs will be the Princeton Middle School.

For more information on the Joint Effort Safe Streets hoops clinic or games, call (720) 629-0964 or (917) 626-5785, or send an email to johnbailey062@gmail.com or kamau.bailey@gmail.com. Get the scoop from

WISH LIST: Members of the Princeton Little League (PLL) 8U summer travel team are all smiles after they took third in their bracket at the Make-A-Wish New Jersey Tournament held earlier this month in Monroe Township. Princeton went 1-2 in the tournament which included teams from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The PLL squad was comprised of Henry Arns, Ethan Borrus, George Chen, Emerson Crepezzi, Reid Goodrich, Faraz Lateef, Luke Muenzen-Bennett, Jack O’Dowd, Matthew Park, Harry Ray, Henry Reed, Everett Zweig, and Timothy Riley. The team was coached by Joe Arns, Kevin O’Dowd, Kristin Muenzen-Bennett, and Charles Park.

Robert Louis B. Sanz

Robert Louis B. Sanz of Houston, TX, and Princeton, NJ, passed away suddenly of cardiac arrest July 13, 2024 while enjoying a cold morning swim. He was on a pilgrimage visit to his grandfather Arthur G. Boughner’s home, Brookhaven, in Confluence, PA, where he fondly recalled his childhood summers.

Beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle, cousin, devoted Catholic, lifelong student, mentor, philosopher, a mover of mountains, confidant, advisor, coach, golfer, competitor, swim buddy, laugher, toastmaster, storyteller, humorist, champion of the force, animal lover, dog walker, world traveler, gift giver, conversationalist, patriot, warrior, protector, and sincere friend; he will be widely and often missed.

Robert was born October 21,1949 in Washington, DC, to Robert B. Sanz and Elaine Boughner Sanz, and sister Elaine Sanz Engels.

He was a successful amateur golfer from an early age at his home course Congressional Country Club in Potomac, MD, attended Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, MD, and Mercersburg Academy in PA. At Vanderbilt University he would play football and participate in track and field, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy and earning the cherished moniker “Mad Spaniard” as a UDT SEAL.

Following his time in the SEAL Teams he would train with the Master Jhoon Rhee. He met his wife of 51 years, Irene Randel Sanz, while running the family-owned Sanz School of Languages in Washington, DC.

During his next 48-year career in the global energy field, Robert was instrumental in the development of the industry. He built decades-long friendships with trusted comrades across the world. And still, Robert’s most proud and passionate accomplishments are his two children, Regina and Gregory.

Robert was always keen for a proper steak and a chilled dry martini, all the while maintaining a daily morning regimen of exercise and cardamon coffee. Surrounded by his library of history and philosophy, Robert’s written word was profound and compassionate. He was well known for lending his hand to anyone in need, and lived out his faith through his generous spirit, sage advice, tenacity and determination to bring joy to others. He will be sorely missed by many.

Robert was predeceased by his mother Elaine and

father Robert, and sister Elaine.

He is survived by his wife Irene Randel Sanz, daughter Regina L.B. Sanz Dahnoun of Sonoma County, CA, son Gregory L. B. Sanz of Seattle, WA, son-in-law Rachid Dahnoun, sister-in-law Mulan Chan Randel of Santa Fe, NM, niece Tara Engels Mendicino Riles of Houston, TX, nephews Cody W. Randel of Berlin, MD, and Alistair J. Coyte of Concord, NC, and their families, as well as his many beloved pets.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning July 25, 2024 at St Paul Catholic Church, Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ, at 10 a.m.

Final interment to be at a later date in the custody of the U.S. Navy SEALs.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to veterans’ services organizations of your choice or animal rescue charities.

For additional information or to share condolences, please contact The MatherHodge Funeral Home, Princeton, NJ, at matherhodge.com.

James A. Gatsch

James A. Gatsch, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and accomplished architect passed

away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the age of 72. A longtime resident of Lawrenceville, NJ, Jim was the son of the late James “Albert” and Jean Halliday Gatsch.

Jim graduated from Lawrence High School where he was a member of the championship golf team and met and later married his high school sweetheart, Mary Sorrentino. They married in 1975 and built a loving family together. He will be deeply missed by his family; Mary; Chris and Ali Gatsch; his grandchildren, Lucia, Mason and Dominic; Jeanne and Robert Bushar; Jennifer and Thomas Tuffy, Joseph Sorrentino; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim’s life was so accomplished that it cannot be fully captured within the limits of this notice. He attended Virginia Tech, where he earned his Bachelor in Architecture in 1974. He went on to pursue his passion in architecture throughout his career. He was an ardent supporter of the practice of architecture having served on multiple levels within the American Institute of Architecture (AIA), culminating as its Vice President, Treasurer, and Board Member of the nearly 100,000-member association.

Jim shared the sport with his son, Chris, as well as passed on his love for skiing. Jim was proudly promoted to “G-pa” in 2016 and will be greatly missed by his grandchildren.

Services to celebrate Jim’s life will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday July 27 at Wilson Apple Funeral Home, 2560 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ. Condolences are welcome at wilsonapple.com.

For those who feel inclined and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrier Project.

Abby Robinson

Abby Robinson, 76, of New York, NY, passed away on July 13, 2024 at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Princeton, NJ.

Born in Derby, Connecticut, to Herman and Bessie Glazer, Abby spent many years with her family and friends in Connecticut. After high school, Abby moved to NYC and received her Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College. She then completed a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

photographs appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Newsweek, People, Asian Artnews, ART India, and Photographers International.

In addition to photography, Abby enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends.

Predeceased by her parents, Herman and Bessie (Goldstein) Glazer, she is survived by her sister, Dr. Joyce Glazer; her niece Hannah Theodat and her husband Billy, along with their children, Miles and Logan; and many caring and loving friends.

A celebration of Abby’s life is being planned for the fall in conjunction with the School of Visual Arts; details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Planned Parenthood (plannedparenthood. org/get-involved/otherways-give) and/or the Visual Arts Foundation (pages.donately.com/visualartsfoundation/donate).

Trinity Requests Help for Trenton Partner Church

Jim’s contributions to architecture were recognized with numerous accolades. As an accomplished Architect, he was elected to the College of Fellows in 2002 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the profession. With the exception of the Gold Medal, Fellowship is the highest honor the AIA can bestow on a member. He was awarded the Richard Upjohn Fellowship from the AIA and also received the Citation for Outstanding Leadership from AIA New Jersey. He retired from his career as the managing partner of Farewell, Mills & Gatsch, a prominent architecture practice in Princeton.

Abby always had a passion for the Arts and in particular, photography. She established her career as a faculty member at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City in 1977 and taught there for 47 years. Throughout her time at SVA, Abby taught in the undergraduate program, Continuing Education, the Korean Photography Program, and the International Students Program. Over the course of her tenure at the school she touched the lives of hundreds of students. She encouraged them and challenged them with her special warmth, humor and great generosity.

Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, is asking for help for its partner, St. Michael’s Church in Trenton. St. Michael’s, 140 North Warren Street, is holding a Fundraising Reception on Saturday, October 12 from 3 to 6 p.m.

Beyond his career achievements, Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a man of many passions. Outside of his professional life he was an avid golfer and traveled all over to play golf at some of the most renowned courses. He was a past member of Springdale Golf Club for over 10 years and still remembered every detail of his hole-in-one on the 5th hole at the Springdale MemberGuest tournament in 2010.

An accomplished photographer and writer, Abby’s awards and honors include the Asian Cultural Council’s Fellowship Award; American Institute of Sri Lanka Studies Individual Photographer’s Fellowship, Aaron Siskind Foundation, Photo District News Photo Annual Book Award, and the Webby Award. In 1999, Abby was the recipient of the Fulbright Scholar Award Research Program to work for one year in Sri Lanka and India.

Abby’s work was exhibited nationally and internationally with one-person shows in New York, Houston, Portland, Oregon, Barcelona, and Hong Kong. Her

This winter St. Michael’s cast iron boiler sprung a leak, and the HVAC upgrade will be costly. “We are raising funds to demonstrate our fundraising capacity to cover their matching requirements for a matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Spaces,” said Trinity on its website. “To help us along the way, become part of the newly-formed Friends of Old St. Michael’s by clicking on stmichaelstrenton.org/ about/support.”

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 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.