Town Topics Newspaper, August 2, 2023

Joint Effort Safe Streets Begins Friday, Celebrates Princeton’s Black Community

Joint Effort Safe Streets 2023, a 10day celebration of Princeton’s Black community, will be opening on a festive note on Friday, August 4 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Studio Hillier on Witherspoon Street.

Featured events in Friday’s kick-off program will include a special salute to Mamie Oldham and the late Barbara Hillier, recipients of the Jim Floyd Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award; presentation of the Mildred Trotman Community Service Award to Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Carol Kelley; and recognition of Witherspoon Jackson resident and four-time recipient of a Joint Effort Book Scholarship Hailey Young, who graduated from Brown University in May and will be traveling to Botswana in January on a Fulbright Program grant. There will also be remarks by Princeton Mayor Mark Freda and other local officials; acknowledgements of the ancestors and angels by Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin and Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society President Shirley Satter eld; and a vision for the future of Witherspoon Street presented by architect and Studio Hillier principal Bob Hillier (a Town Topics shareholder).

“The whole thing is about acknowledging the contributions of the African American community in Princeton — recognizing some folks we’ll be honoring and dedicating the event to and talking a bit about growing up in the neighborhood and why we chose that theme,” said Safe Streets Founder and Event Coordinator John Bailey.

Young, a 2019 Princeton Day School graduate, is the daughter of Birch Avenue residents Darius and Tracy Young. A creative writing major with a minor in Africana Studies at Brown, Young will be going to Botswana in January, where she will be teaching English to elementary or middle school children for the following 10 months.

On Saturday, August 5, which is Betsey Stockton and Laura Wooten Day, Joint Effort will sponsor a community discussion at the First Baptist Church of Princeton focused on the question “Do Black Lives Still Matter?”

With a panel of individuals who grew up in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, as well as educators, local officials, and other Princeton residents,

Five Candidates in Race for Three BOE Seats

Beth Behrend and Michele Tuck-Ponder will be running for reelection in the November 7 election, and Adam Bierman, Eleanor Hubbard, and Rene Obregon Jr., will be competing with them for three seats on the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE).

BOE member Jean Durbin, the third incumbent whose term is up at the end of the year, had not led for reelection by the July 31 deadline and could not be reached for comment.

Behrend and Tuck-Ponder have both served on the BOE for two three-year terms. Behrend, a Riverside Drive resident, was board president from 2019 to 2021. She has worked as an attorney in New York and Princeton and has been a frequent community volunteer. The youngest of her three children is a rising senior at Princeton High School (PHS).

Tuck-Ponder, a Laurel Circle resident, has served as vice president of the BOE and has held various local offices, including mayor of Princeton Township, over the past 30 years. Her daughter graduated from PHS in 2017 and her son is a rising PHS junior. Tuck-Ponder is executive director of an educational administration nonpro t based in Cherry Hill.

Bierman, who lives on Grover Avenue

and was unsuccessful in two previous campaigns for BOE, works as a teacher at the State Division of Children and Families in Trenton. He has served as an educational administrator, a shop steward for the Communications Workers of America, and a member of the executive board of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization.

Hubbard, who lives on Prospect Avenue, is a Princeton University history professor with three children in the PPS,

one at Princeton Middle School and two at Riverside, where Hubbard is currently garden vice president in the PTO.

She earned her BA and Ph.D. from Harvard University, has served as a NYC Teaching Fellow, and taught for two years at PS 65 in the South Bronx. For eight years she was a trustee of UNOW, the University-affiliated early childhood center, and served one year as board president there.

Obregon is a lifelong New Jersey

Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Dies at 71; New Jersey Politicians Pay Tribute

Sheila Oliver, lieutenant governor of New Jersey, died on Tuesday, August 1, her family announced. A statement on Gov. Phil Murphy’s website calls her a “trailblazer” and someone who “brought a unique and invaluable perspective to our public policy discourse and served as an inspiration to millions of women and girls everywhere, especially young women of color.” She was 71.

Murphy is out of the country, and Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union County) is acting governor, according to the rules of the state constitution. Oliver had been serving as acting governor.

Oliver, of East Orange, had been the state’s lieutenant governor since 2018, and served as the head of the Department of Community Affairs. In 2010 she became the rst African American woman to serve as speaker of the New Jersey Assembly in the state’s history.

New Jersey politicians began to pay tribute to Oliver on Tuesday afternoon.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), called her a dedicated public servant. “Lt. Governor Oliver’s legacy of service and devotion to the people of New Jersey will never be forgotten,” he said in a statement.

Continued on Page 12

(Photo by Grace Roberts)

FULL STEAM AHEAD: Hay rides were among the many activities at the Mercer County 4-H Fair and Wheat Threshing last weekend at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township. Attendees share what they liked best about the fair in this week’s Town Talk on page 6.

Sinéad O’Connor (19662023) is Featured in This Week’s Book Review 16

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TOWN TOPICS

Princeton’s Weekly Community Newspaper Since 1946

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

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

LAURIE PELLICHERO

YUM: Peach pies are among the attractions at Terhune Orchards this weekend. The annual Peach Festival is on August 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each day offers food, music, and many family activities.

Peaches at Their Peak At Terhune Orchards

It’s all about peaches at Terhune Orchards’ Just Peachy Festival on August 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The farm is at 330 Cold Soil Road.

Included in admission are visits with barnyard of animals; interactive, hands-on activities in the Discovery Barn; the Little Tots Farm Store and Junior Mechanics Shop; a scavenger hunt; and old-fashioned games. Pony rides and special summer

crafts are also planned.

The “Eyes of the Wild” educational traveling zoo program features live animals. NJ Bubble Parties presents interactive bubble shows. Live country music is performed by Moss Henry and the Bryophytes on Saturday, and Jimmy Lee on Sunday, from 12-4 p.m.

Available at Pam’s Everything Peachy Food Pavilion are barbecued chicken and pork sandwiches, hot dogs, corn on the cob, gazpacho, Terhune’s famous apple

cider donuts, locally made peach ice cream, and peach pie. The Barn Door Café will offer peach cider, peach slush, peach ice cream, and peach pie a la mode. At the winery, visitors can have a glass of Terhune’s awardwinning Just Peachy wine or sample a flight of red, white, and fruit wines, or peach wine slushes. Across the road from the farm, visitors can pick their own peaches in the peach orchard. To buy tickets, visit Terhuneorchards.com.

Topics In Brief A Community Bulletin

Commemorative Bricks at Community Park Pool: To raise funds for its endowment fund and ongoing support to the Recreation Department Scholarship Program, the community can have a brick paver engraved to honor a loved one or share a positive message. The deadline is September 1. Visit princetonnj.gov or call (609) 921-9480.

Washington Road Closure: Until October, the road is closed at the D&R Canal while the bridge over the canal is removed and rebuilt. A detour using Nassau Street, Harrison Street, and Route 1 will be in place. The towpath will largely be available during the closure.

Outdoor Dining: Princeton Council and staff want to hear opinions and suggestions from residents about the future of outdoor dining in town. Visit princetonnj.gov.

Call for Land Stewards: Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) holds morning or afternoon summer volunteer sessions on August 8, 2-4 p.m. and August 12, 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. under the guidance of FOPOS’ director of natural resources and stewardship to assist with various conservation projects at Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Visit fopos.org.

Blood Drive: At MarketFair August 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass to complete pre-donation screening.

Donate Backpacks and School Supplies: For Princeton children from kindergarten through sixth grade who come from low-income families and attend local public schools. Drop off donations at 1 Monument Drive through August 4. Call (609) 688-2055 with questions.

Keep Storm Drains Clear : The municipality is urging homeowners to keep leaves, branches, and logs off the roads near storm drains. During intense storms, clogged drains can cause flooding and lead to emergency situations. For more information about this and other stormwater-related topics, visit cleanwaternj.org.

Volunteer for Womanspace: The organization, which provides emergency and follow-up services to those impacted by domestic and sexual violence, seeks community members to be trainees for the Womanspace Response Teams of Mercer County. Visit womanspace.org.

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below. Above them, sunflowers, coleus, lariope, Dutch bulbs, ostrich fern, hostas, and numerous other varieties surround and intermingle with raised beds that are tended by a group of nine neighborhood residents.

This community garden, in a lot next to the nonprofit Mercer Street Friends, is especially vibrant this summer. Responsible for the flowers and the garden’s design is Ira Lackey, a Mill Hill resident and a realtor with Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s in Princeton. “He’s our fearless leader,” said Liesl Schubel, who grows vegetables and flowers in one of the beds.

A Garden Grows at Mercer Street Friends And Becomes a Neighborhood Showplace TOPICS Of the Town

The area was unkempt when Lackey first started participating in the com munity garden about four years ago. “I noticed that the paths were a bit over grown,” he said. “Folks would tend their vegetables, but the common areas never really got a lot of attention. I suggested we rein them in, and got mulch to put in the aisles, to make it a cleanerlooking space.”

During the pandemic, Lackey wasn’t able to make his regular trips to his sec ond home in North Carolina, where he has an extensive garden. “I was itching for all the gardening I did there, which was from sunup till sundown,” he said. “So I started doing the gardens in some of my [Mill Hill] neighbors’ houses, in the alleyways, and along the streets. Finally, it dawned on me that the largest area of land in Mill Hill was at Mercer Street Friends.”

Lackey approached the nonprofit’s leadership to ask if the raised bed area could be expanded to make them visible to passersby. They agreed. The following summer, he proposed plant ing perennial beds along the fence. “I thought it would be a much nicer thing for the entire neighborhood to have a garden that ev eryone enjoyed, whether they raised produce there or not,” he said.

Mercer Street Friends has funded the initiative, and Lackey has kept the costs low. “There were lots of sources for material, so I was able to make it very affordable,” he said. “I took tons of perennials from my own yard. One of my clients was selling her house, and had ostrich fern her in her yard. So I gathered that to create a garden of ostrich fern in the corner beneath the cedar trees, and along the front. I took all the hostas that were in a single bed and divided them, and it was enough to create borders along all the walkways.”

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IN FULL BLOOM: Ira Lackey, right, is joined by fellow residents of Trenton’s Mill Hill neighborhood in the community garden they are tending outside the old Quaker meeting house occupied by Mercer Street Friends. Flowers planted by Lackey have passersby gawking and taking photos on their phones.

(Photo by Jeffrey Tryon)

A Garden Grows

Continued from Preceding Page

“He’s done a beautiful job,” said Dave Zboray, who was Mercer Street Friends’ director of facilities and human resources until retiring last week. “And he’s done it all as a volunteer. He took what was a blah lawn and turned it into a showpiece of the street.”

Lackey became part of the Rutgers Master Gardener Program during the pandemic. “I knew people were going to be asking me a lot of questions with the garden, and it would be good if I had some reason to feel I could advise them,” he said. “I learned Rutgers offered this course and I signed up.”

There is a steep incline to the topography of the garden, which didn’t make things easy. “There was a big bare spot, which I later learned was because a huge oak tree had existed there,” Lackey said. “And it is part of the logo for Mercer Street Friends. I decided we could plant something there that would become significant. I chose a lilac bush, but with the incline, there was no way to keep the dirt from washing away.”

In its place, Lackey hauled large stones from a neighbor’s parents’ home in Flemington, and arranged them in a circle, planting perennials inside. This year, there are coleus, dahlias, dusty miller, and painted lady fern in the tree’s former spot. Lisianthus will bloom later. “It is really paying homage to the original oak,” Lackey said.

Lackey moved to Mill Hill five years ago, and has sold several houses in the neighborhood. “I’ve always been interested in Mill Hill. I felt as a community, it desperately needed to recover from the 2008 economic downturn,” he said. “Most communities had recovered fully by 2012, but Mill Hill had not, even by 2018. So I started staging the houses I was showing, and paying a lot of attention to gardening at these properties. The highest sale in the area had not been over $300,000 at the time. We sold one for $400,000, which said there was value.”

Reactions to the garden on Mercer Street have been positive. “There are city and state workers who meander through at lunch time, and I find them taking photos of various plants,” Lackey said. “Neighbors do the same thing. It’s really nice to see.”

—Anne Levin

Question of the Week: “What do you like best about the 4-H Fair?”

“The feeling that you’ve made it to the 4-H Fair — you’ve done all the things to be a member, and really made a contribution to the fair.”

30 years old.”

Reagan: “Seeing the animals!”

Hadley: “My favorite thing is learning about the bugs.”

MaryLouise: “I enjoy seeing the youth and all their talent and how they’re able to display it. And all the traditions like the sewing, the cooking; it’s all brought forward to the next generation.”

Kevin: “We’re fascinated by the animals — we live in the city, if you can call Hamilton and East Windsor cities — so we don’t see these animals very often.”

—James Long, Sara Somogyi, River Martin, and Anthony Robitaille, all of Pennington

—MaryLouise Alu Curto, East Windsor with Kevin Memoli, Hamilton

Council Welcomes Ridgeview Conservancy, “Emerald Necklace” Model for Smart Growth

Conserving Princeton’s forests and wetlands, fostering connections with nature — especially for youth — and providing equitable access to nature for all were the themes last week, as Ridgeview Conservancy Founder, Board Member, and Director of Stewardship Patricia Shanley spoke to the Princeton Council.

In a 30-minute presentation accompanied by 16 illustrative slides and joined at the end by two young Ridgeview Conservancy volunteers (Ridgeview Turtles Trail Stewards), Shanley urged Princeton to embrace the health and community benefits of green space.

Describing Shanley as “an inspiration,” Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros applauded Shanley’s presentation. “Of all the things we’re doing on Council, I would say nothing that we’ve done is more important than conserving those acres,” she said. “There’s no going back, and we couldn’t do it without your inspiration and leadership.”

Council President Mia Sacks, highlighting Shanley’s “vision that has led us through this really significant preservation effort in a short time,” pointed out the value of “smart growth,” the balance sought by Council in trying to foster careful development in the core of the town while preserving key environmentally sensitive areas around the perimeter.

In her speech Shanley repeatedly emphasized the connection between nature

and human health. “The loss and degradation of forests has detrimental impacts on human health,” she said. “It impacts us enormously.”

She explained a new term called “environmental grief,” describing a disease that sets in as people drive or walk by a forest that they loved and see it’s no longer there. “People feel that inside themselves,” she said.

“We don’t have much to work with, so what we’re trying to do in Princeton and many other towns is restore some of the degraded area and make an impact.”

Another key element she mentioned is the necessity of equitable access to green space for the sake of health care. “There is a disparity of health outcomes depending on whether you live near green or not near green,” she said. “It’s a social environmental justice issue. There’s a privatization and corporatization of green space everywhere. Access to greenways for marginalized populations is diminishing globally.”

Access to nature and forests, said Shanley, lowers morbidity and mortality, extending people’s lives by eight to 10 years and more.

“Being near green vastly magnifies the benefits of exercise and recreation, so putting physical exercise and green space together is about the best thing you can do to improve your life span and your quality of life,” she added.

Cognition, mental health, disease regulation, and the

promoting of community are all enhanced by the presence of green spaces. Shanley went on to explain how nature prompts the brain to “release natural opiates” and is “both calming and invigorating.”

She highlighted the synergies between recreation and open space, which together slow aging; diminish incidence of chronic disease; improve cardiovascular health, metabolism, and mood; and improve the capacity to learn and solve problems.

“We know it reduces depression, lowers anxiety and stress, improves selfesteem, and, after all these years of COVID, increases sociability,” she said. “It’s good to help us get out and be together.”

Shanley went on to address the global situation, where 190 countries have agreed to protect 30 percent of the Earth’s land and waters by 2030.

She praised the Council for the work it has been doing to get Princeton up to 27 percent, and offered a goal of working together to increase that number and make connections between the open spaces in Princeton and the surrounding area. She noted Princeton’s beautiful parks and called for “stringing together those gems to create ‘Princeton’s Emerald Necklace.’”

She continued, “They’re beautiful each individually, but if they were strung together with some kind of connection it would be vastly better for the wildlife

and for the people because you could easily reach those places without cars.”

Increases in intergenerational contacts, property values, and tourism, and improvements in public health and the quality of life also arise from enhancement of forests and green spaces, Shanley said.

She went on to talk about “Princeton’s green legacy” and thanked the Council members for their “transformational leadership” in preserving green spaces. “Princeton is such a wonderful place to live,” said Shanley. “Everybody wants every square inch of land to put their homes on. You have not allowed that to happen in particular cases, and we really applaud you. You’ve worked really hard and taken risks and jumped a lot of barriers to save what you’ve saved, and we hope we can continue doing this together.”

Shanley pointed out the importance of the young people involved with the Ridgeview Conservancy and how in many cases their experiences there change their lives. “These kids are going to face a lot of conflict in their lifetime, and we need them to have inspired ideas,” she said. “We need them to have this time in nature so that they have something to draw from to get those ideas. If they’re on their phones for 12 hours a day, which many of them are, they will not be having those ideas.”

She continued, “We need to make nature nearby so they can get there, and we need to make it attractive with nice trails and fun trails. Kids are making the trails for other kids, to pull them in. They will be magnets.”

Shanley described the impact that Ridgeview Conservancy has had on many student participants, the Ridgeview Turtles Trail Stewards — “young people protecting old forests.”

“They come back after college,” she said. “They change their majors to the environmental field. They’re trying to scale up by teaching in the schools to get young kids interested. They feel a sense of purpose. It boosts their mental and physical health, and there are a lot of career opportunities in this because all urban centers will need to be green.”

Kyleigh Tangen, a 17-yearold rising Princeton High School (PHS) senior, described how her work as a Ridgeview Turtle affected her. “Working to restore Princeton’s forests every Sunday is what starts off my week right,” she said in an email. “I feel like restoring the forest restores me. Out of everything I’ve done to fight against climate change, this work feels the most effective. I’m doing something that truly helps the earth, and that relieves the stress I feel about the future of the world.”

Tangen and her father figured out how to do a 26mile hike in a loop around Princeton — an emerald necklace of sorts, and the day she walked that with her father, she said, was “the happiest day of my life.”

She continued, “I had no idea how much open space there was in Princeton. When I walked through the 26-mile loop of trails with my dad, I was not only blown away by the extent, but by how many beautiful places there were that I hadn’t known about.”

Kate Krehel, a 2023 PHS graduate and leader of the Turtles for the past two years, is taking a gap year to work with the Conservancy in helping to expand stewardship to other towns, using Princeton as a template “because of the wonderful effects the experience has had for me, my friends, and others.”

She told the meeting of Councilmembers, “Every Sunday in the woods we learn about flora and fauna, stuff we never learned in school. We help create trails for the public to access so we can share this amazing nature with other people.”

She continued, “Being in nature for me is always so rejuvenating. It relieves academic pressure and stress. We use a lot of technology every day. We’re always on our computers, and having an outlet like Ridgeview Woods, to be off our phones,

away from technology, is always so rejuvenating.

“I always walked in feeling tired and stressed out, and I walked out feeling energized, ready for another week of school. That made me passionate to protect the woods and share them with other people. And another thing it creates is a sense of empowerment. Being able to go and take local action that makes a difference as young people makes us feel really empowered and passionate about this type of stuff. I hope the same admiration and passion can grow in other Princeton residents.”

Erin Kim, a rising PHS senior who, along with Tangen, will be leading the Turtles in the coming year, told the Council how her work with Ridgeview Conservancy has helped to change her life. “Being in the woods and helping to remove invasive species, instead of taking away my time, actually added to it. It helped me focus and perform better in school because of how grounding and anxiety-reducing it was.”

Describing time in the forest as “a massive tonic for your brain, body, and spirit,” Shanley reflected, “I am amazed each week when students show up. I can see that in restoring the forest, they become connected to it and are transformed. To save the Earth, we need more programs to save forests, and to get kids into them.”

—Donald Gilpin

COLLECTING LOGS: Ridgeview Turtles Trail Stewards collect logs to line the trails at the Ridgeview Conservancy. Area students meet in the forest every Sunday with Conservancy Director of Stewardship Patricia Shanley and work to restore the woods and foster connections with nature for all. (Photo courtesy of Ridgeview Conservancy)

Joint Effort Safe Streets

continued from page one the discussion will be “an opportunity to huddle up and compare notes on what is and what’s not happening for African American citizens — not only in Princeton, Mercer County, and New Jersey, but around the country — and getting some divergent points of view based on the theme of growing up in the neighborhood,” according to Bailey.

Citing a nationwide pullback from commitments made to African American communities and organizations, Bailey continued, “Here’s an opportunity to talk about Paul Robeson and Black history; about racism; about whether Black lives still matter; about trust, truth, transparency, and social equity.”

Two legendary figures connected to Princeton will be celebrated: Betsey Stockton, who was enslaved as a child in the household of Princeton University President Ashbel Green in the early 19th century and later became a prominent educator; and Laura Wooten, who died in 2019, a longtime Princeton resident and the longest-serving election poll worker in the United States — 79 continuous years.

The panelists on Saturday will include Not In Our Town members Caroline Clark and Linda Oppenheim, Princeton Public Schools Science Supervisor Joy Barnes-Johnson, West Windsor Councilman Martin Whitfield, and, among those who grew up in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, MuDeen Boyer, Princeton Middle School teacher Jason Carter, Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin, retired corrections administrator Grace Kimbrough, Sharon Campbell, and Satterfield.

The Joint Effort events will continue on Sunday, August 6 with Harold Waxwood Day from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Princeton with a Gospel Festival and Black Family Recognition. The festival will feature a tribute to 12 local Black families, reflections on growing up in the neighborhood by Evelyn Counts, a poem for the occasion by Second Cavalry Baptist Church Pastor Gregory Smith, and musical selections by the First Baptist Church Choir, Sam Frisby and Friends, Karen Yvette Jones, Dennis Rogers, Jennifer Bell, and Westminster Choir College Professor G.

Preston Wilson Jr.

Bailey shared some thoughts about the role that gospel music plays in delivering a message to Black people. “That caused me to think not only about my ancestors, but also about Jewish ancestors and Native American ancestors,” he said, reflecting on what it means to be an American at this point in time “We all have a commonality in pain,” he said, “but the potential for human gain here is important, and gospel music is one of the ways I’ve tried to enhance, commemorate, and encourage my folks. There’s a message in the music.”

Howard Waxwood grew up in Princeton and graduated from Princeton High School and then Rutgers University in the 1920s. He returned to serve as principal of Princeton schools before and after integration. The Waxwood, an apartment building on Quarry Street, was named in his honor.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) will be the location for events on Tuesday, August 8, Albert Hinds Day, with a 6 p.m. community discussion on diversity, equity, inclusion, and the future of Princeton and Mercer County. “I wanted to see and discuss with leaders, people of influence, people who make decisions, people who can make a difference, their thoughts about the importance of examples,” said Bailey. He noted the recent Supreme Court decision on race-based admissions and the current controversy over legacy college admissions. He cited Princeton University’s commitment to move towards a more diverse student population, the hiring of a Black athletic director at Princeton, and Princeton Public Schools’ African American superintendent as “instances of doing the right things” in terms of providing role models for African Americans.

Bailey pointed out that one of the discussion leaders, New Jersey Assemblyman and candidate for Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, has emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at the county level, seeking to make all citizens and municipalities feel wanted and respected in the county.

In addition to Benson, the leaders and panelists for that discussion include Barbara Lawrence, formerly vice president and chief diversity

officer at Rider University, currently vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging at the University of New Haven; New Jersey African American Chamber of Commerce Vice President Phil Woolfolk; Mercer County Community College President Deborah Preston; Mercer County Commissioner Sam Frisby; Sustainable Princeton Executive Director Christine Symington; Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce President Hal English; Princeton Future Founder Sheldon Sturges; former Princeton Councilman Lance Liverman; Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin; JZ Architect and Design Principal Josh Zinder; Princeton Council President Mia Sacks; and former Trenton mayor and principal at Palmer and Associates Douglas H. Palmer.

Albert Hinds, who gave his name to Hinds Plaza in Princeton, was a leader and local historian in the Black community, a legendary presence who lived 104 years in Princeton until his death in 2006.

Joint Effort events later in the week next week include Jim Floyd and Romus Broadway Day at the ACP on Wednesday with an art exhibit, recognition of the Broadway family, discussions, reflections on growing up in the WitherspoonJackson community, and presentation of book scholarships to local students.

Paul Bustill Robeson Day on Saturday morning, August 12, at the First Baptist Church of Princeton, will feature a community discussion and a candidate forum, followed by a community block festival Saturday afternoon on the YMCA field.

The Joint Effort and Bailey Basketball Academy Youth Hoops Clinic will also take place on August 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community Park basketball courts.

On Sunday, August 13, the Pete Young Sr. Memorial Basketball Games will wrap up Joint Effort Safe Streets with an array of games all day for all ages on the Community Park basketball courts.

“John Bailey’s Joint Effort Witherspoon-Jackson Community Princeton Safe Streets program has existed for decades,” wrote Freda. “It is an ongoing effort to unite community members through activities, forums, and sports in numerous locations in Princeton. I will be able to attend a number of these events, and I hope members of the community will try to attend some of these also.”

For more information visit artscouncilofprinceton.org/ safestreets

—Donald Gilpin

can purchase a copy of Town Topics for 75 cents in front of our previous office, 4 Mercer Street, Princeton, or at our new location, 4438 Routh 27 North in Kingston, from our coin-operated newspaper boxes, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

New Home for Princeton Youth Orchestra

On Westminster Choir College Campus

The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) has announced an agreement with Rider University to establish a home base on the campus of Westminster Choir College. The threeyear agreement allows the GPYO to hold rehearsals and training, and set up administrative offices in Westminster’s Cullen Center, including Hillman Hall, the Robert Annis Playhouse, multiple rehearsal rooms, and office space in Williamson Hall.

Following in the footsteps of American Repertory Ballet and Music Together, the GPYO is the latest cultural organization to make use of the Westminster facilities. The campus has been mostly empty since Rider, which merged with Westminster three decades ago, moved the choir college to its Lawrence Township location in 2020. Westminster Conservatory, the community music school, has remained on the campus since the choir college was moved.

The agreement “expands on an earlier partnership whereby the Westminster Conservatory and GPYO extended joint opportunities for students to learn and perform music,” reads a press release about the deal. The organization’s five ensembles had outgrown their previous locations at the Unitarian Universalist Church and All Saints’ Church, both in Princeton.

“It has been a three-year process to get us onto the campus,” said GPYO Executive Director Joseph Capone, who happens to be a 2004 graduate of the choir college. “I’m four offices down from where I started. It feels good to be home.”

Capone and colleagues from the GPYO were exploring the move when COVID-19 changed everything. “On March 16, 2020, we were taking a tour of the campus for this, and that’s the day the world shut down,” Capone said. “So that was that.”

Before COVID-19, the GPYO had approximately 80 students. That number dropped to about 33 during the pandemic. Today, some 200 students are registered.

“It became critical for us to have this happen,” Capone said. “We have grown very quickly in a short period of time, and we have to make sure we’re not burning our staff out. We are looking to continue to expand our work and what we’re doing. We already had a relationship with the Conservatory, which is important.”

Capone attributes the jump in enrollment to two factors. “It’s the quality of

the music education,” he said. “It also has to do with the fact that a number of our peer organizations just didn’t survive the pandemic. People were starving for that inperson contact again. In any school, choir, and orchestra, the numbers are down. We are an opportunity for them to perform with other musicians or by themselves.”

The GPYO was founded at Trenton Central High School more than six decades ago. It has five divisions: the Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Chamber Winds Ensemble, Camerata Strings Ensemble, and Preparatory Strings. All ensembles rehearse weekly on Monday evenings, and perform at least two to three concerts a year. The students also have access to master classes with professional musicians, sectionals, workshops, and a concerto competition.

All of the students are required to be enrolled in their school’s music program. Most also take private lessons, either at Westminster Conservatory or private studios.

Capone is hoping to include more students from outside Princeton in the orchestra’s programs. “We already have a very diverse population in our ensembles, but sometimes there is the mentality that ‘Oh, you’re in Princeton, everybody [who lives there] can afford you.’ That’s not the case,” he said. “I’m looking to increase our awareness of that, and the ability to assist students. Any child who is interested and wants to play should not be turned away because they can’t afford it. I feel very strongly about that, and I know the board does as well.”

Rider has been trying to sell the 22-acre Princeton campus for the past several years, and the future of the site is still to be determined. Asked what would happen to the GPYO if the campus is sold, Capone said there is no contingency plan. “We have a three-year agreement. We would work with the new landlord to either maintain our presence on site, or else we would be back in the situation we were in before,” he said.

The first gathering of students and their families at the GPYO’s new location is Monday, September 11. “It’s very exciting,” Capone said. “There is a big difference between rehearsing and teaching young musicians in a space that’s meant for teaching music as opposed to one that is not.”

—Anne Levin

CFPA to Hold Annual Event on Atomic Bombings

The Coalition for Peace Action (CFPA) will hold its annual commemoration of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Tuesday, August 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Princeton Public Library. The date falls between the atomic bombings of Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.

Keynoting the event will be Princeton University Astrophysical Sciences Professor Emeritus Stewart Prager, an affiliated faculty member with Princeton University’s Program on Science and Global Security and cofounder of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, who will speak on “Opposing the Increasing Peril of Nuclear Weapons.”

CFPA board member Erika DeKranes, Allentown Borough Councilwoman and senior officer of resource mobilization at VisionSpring, will also speak on the subject of nuclear disarmament, and CFPA’s summer intern Sofia DaCruz will give an update on CFPA’s “No Wars, No Warming” campaign.

The program will also include music from The Solidarity Singers of the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council, and there will be an origami peace crane folding activity for all ages. Candle lighting and a moment of silence will conclude the event.

Attendees are invited to bring their own picnic meal to enjoy in Hinds Plaza before the program, with cookies and cold drinks provided by the Princeton Public Library. Those planning to attend the event are encouraged to email jnew@ peacecoalition.org with names and number planning to attend. Visit peacecoalition.org for further information.

“The Coalition for Peace Action has held commemorations of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki bombings every year since our founding in 1980,” said CFPA Executive Director the Rev. Robert Moore. “The purpose is not to look back with 20-20 hindsight to question whether the atomic bombings in 1945 were justified. What’s done is done. Rather, our reason for having these commemorations is to remember the absolute horror that nuclear weapons represent and face the real and growing threat they present today. On this 78th anniversary, we recommit ourselves to working for the global abolition of nuclear weapons so such total destruction can never again be inflicted.”

LHT, Park Commission Host Full Moon Bike Ride

On Saturday, September 30, the Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT) and Mercer County Park Commission will host their eighth Full Moon Bike Ride at Rosedale Lake in Mercer Meadows. The event is a fundraiser for the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, a 501(c) (3) corporation.

The 6-mile loop ride on the LHT and other Mercer Meadow trails will offer twinkling lights under a tree canopy, live music along the trail, glow-in-the-dark features, and a campfire with s’mores near Rosedale Lake.

A bike decorating contest will also be held.

The ride begins at 7:30 p.m. with a special sendoff near the Rosedale Lake parking area, though participants are welcome to arrive later. Registration will open at 7 p.m., as does the campfire and music. Participants can arrive early and bring a picnic dinner.

Adults and children of all ages are welcome at the activities around Rosedale Lake, with the expectation that adults supervise their children at all times. The ride itself is open to adults and children aged 12 and above.

Registration for riders is $20 for adults (18 and over) and $15 for youth (12 to 17).

Adult registration is $25 at the event. Visit hltrail.org/ annual-fullmoonride/ for details. The 2023 Full Moon Bike Ride T-shirt will be available for pre-purchase.

Non profits can email info@lht.org for group rates. There is no fee for non-riders, though donations are appreciated. For riders under 18, helmets are required by law. The LHT encourages helmets for all riders for safety reasons, and also highly recommends the use of front and rear bike lights.

Moonlight, even on a clear night, will not fully light the trail in the woods.

Participants should use the park entrance on Federal City Road between Blackwell Road and Old Mill Road in Hopewell Township, and carpool if possible. The rain date is Sunday, October 1, but if rain forces the change, the program will be limited to the bike ride.

Grants to Nonprofits Support Cultural Equity

The New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund has awarded $664,500 in grants to 30 nonprofits statewide.

Since its founding in 2020, the fund has awarded more than $7.4 million to more than 200 organizations across New Jersey. Hosted by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, the fund offers critical grant dollars for many of the state’s smaller nonprofit organizations in the arts, culture, and historical sectors.

The most recent grants were awarded in two phases. Eleven nonprofits received grants from the Fund for the first time, and for the first time, one round of grants was dedicated to history organizations. Among those awarded were the

Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) in Skillman; the Sixth Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops Civil War Reenactors, Trenton; and Young Audiences N.J. and Eastern Pa., based in Princeton.

“Our work gives voice to individuals who were relegated to the margins, by unearthing, preserving, and sharing their stories with the broader community,” said Catherine Fulmer-Hogan, board president of SSAAM.

“This work is essential if we are to imagine and advance a more just and equitable future. We are incredibly grateful to the NJ Arts and Culture Renewal Fund for seeing the value in our mission and for supporting us in its advancement.”

The New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund is an unprecedented collaboration between private and public donors. Jeremy Grunin, president of the Grunin Foundation and Fund cochair, said they are grateful to be entering their third year of grantmaking, as the effects of the pandemic are still being felt in the sector. Grants ranged in size from $2,000 to $50,000, with an average grant size of $22,000.

Candidates continued from page one resident — Princeton for the last 14 years. He has been an active volunteering parent in the activities and schools of his two sons, who are currently rising 10th and 11th graders at PHS.

Obregon, who lives on Walker Drive, is the CEO of Numis Securities Inc., the United States arm of a U.K. investment bank in New York City.

Each candidate was asked to state in about 100 words why they were running for the BOE. Their responses follow.

six years on the BOE; I’d like to continue contributing my experience and expertise to this important work.”

Bierman: “Education and public service are in my family’s DNA. I have taught diverse students worldwide. Currently, I teach teen moms in Trenton. I grew up in Princeton and went through the Princeton public school system. My mother taught at Princeton public schools for over 30 years. My dad was president of the Board of Education in the late’70s. As a devoted educator, I see the firsthand impact of public education on students.”

in the district so that it can focus its resources on meeting our students’ needs, now and in the future.”

League of Women Voters Merges Two Branches

The League of Women Voters of the Princeton Area and the League of Women Voters of East WindsorHightstown Area are merging into a new league, LWV of the Greater Princeton Area. Together the new league has more than 80 members.

Rene Obregon Jr.

Behrend: “I’m running for our children. My youngest graduates next year from PHS, and I want to ensure that all of our children continue to enjoy the benefits and opportunities offered by one of the best public school systems in the nation, for years to come. Public education, by no means perfect, is essential to our democracy. Stewarding and improving our public schools — to better serve every child’s needs — is challenging but deeply rewarding work. I’ve been privileged to serve for

Hubbard: “I am running for the Board of Education because high quality public education is critical for the well-being and advancement of both individual students and our society at large. I want all students in our schools to receive excellent educations with expert teaching and rich and challenging curricula, so they will graduate with strong academic foundations and informed critical thinking skills. I would like to promote effective and positive leadership, good governance, and sound judgment

Obregon: “I believe a strong education is vital for the future career development of all PPS graduates. Where achievement gaps exist, our focus should be on helping those students bridge the gap. Concurrently, we should also push to continually raise the bar for all of PPS — not create obstacles to higher achievement. I believe prudent forecasting and planning is vital to ensure PPS is a good steward of our tax dollars, as we manage the pulling forces of growing enrollment and maintaining high educational standards. I plan to listen and engage with all constituents of the community, and be transparent on all issues. I have the background (finance, consensus, and team-building) and desire to work constructively to move PPS forward. I look forward to engaging with the community to discuss and address the issues at hand.”

Tuck-Ponder: “Throughout my six years on the BOE, I have been an independent voice for equity and

excellence in education for all students. This elusive and challenging goal must be approached with consistency, clarity of intent, and a commitment to fairness. I believe that the voters have recognized that I bring those qualities and strengths to the Board as well as a long record of public service to Princeton and will support my candidacy in the November election.”

In three months, Princeton voters will be asked to cast their ballots for three of the five candidates in the November 7 election.

—Donald Gilpin

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older of all gender identities. With

over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest civic nonprofit organizations.

The new LWV-GPA covers towns spanning three counties including Princeton, Robbinsville, East Windsor, Hightstown, West Windsor, Cranbury, Plainsboro, South Brunswick, Rocky Hill, and Montgomery. The merger will allow for more efficient operation of the previously separate organizations. It became official on July 19 when the new group voted to finalize the action. Visit lwvprinceton.org for more information.

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Beth Behrend

Michele Tuck-Ponder

Eleanor Hubbard

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Clinical Team Wants to Be Part of Dialogue Concerning the Future of Corner House

To the Editor: We are the clinical team at Corner House Behavioral Health who serve the greater Princeton community by helping those struggling with substance abuse and cooccurring mental health issues.

Between January and March of 2023, our executive director and office coordinator resigned. Unfortunately, these two key positions have still not been posted or filled, nor have we been told if or when they will be, leaving us wondering about the fate of our agency.

As the ones on the frontlines of the work here, we understand just how vital and cost-effective our multi-partner model is for the greater Princeton community. On July 5 we wrote a letter to the Corner House Board, Corner House Foundation, Princeton Council, the mayor, the administrator of Princeton Municipality, and the health officer of the Princeton Health Department, to ensure our voices are a part of any upcoming decisions. In this letter, we explained the value of this agency and asked to be a part of any conversations moving forward. Without our voices, those making the decisions do not know about the small miracles that occur behind our closed doors every day with our clients.

We the clinical team — Claudia Brzoza, LSW; Stephanie Neira, LAC; Laura Peoples, PhD, LCSW, LCADC; Cathy Reilly, LSW; Lynn Shell, PhD, APN; and Peter Smith, LSW, LCADC — can’t help but think about Nancy Gryzbek and Dr. Shirley Van Ferney, the founders of Corner House, and the other community members who started this organization over 50 years ago. They were visionaries who saw a need in the post-Vietnam war era, when drug and alcohol use must have seemed out of control. Little did they know what lay ahead: the opioid epidemic of the 90s, increased suicide rates among youth, and a global pandemic that only exacerbated an already increasing mental health and substance abuse crisis. Fortunately, for all of us in the greater Princeton community, Corner House was here all along, quietly helping people recover and heal with dignity.

As of yet, we have not been invited to participate in any conversations. We have firsthand information about how Corner House benefits the community. We also have ideas about how to improve Corner House services. We believe that conversations about the future of Corner House would be more informed, and more beneficial to the community, if we were a part of the dialogue. CLINICAL TEAM OF CORNER HOUSE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Monument Drive

Councilman, Corner House Liaison Newlin Addresses Concerns About the Organization

To the Editor:

I would like to address several letters that have raised concerns about the future of Corner House (CH). Recent changes within the organization’s hierarchy have prompted the Municipality of Princeton to reevaluate the CH business model considering today’s highly populated and competitive mental health/substance abuse market as well as current community needs.

Our goal remains steadfast: to preserve and enhance mental health services for Princeton residents by strengthening CH’s prevention platform and ensuring that a comprehensive range of mental health and substance abuse services are available to a wider and more diverse population of Princeton residents.

We recognize that the value of these services extends far beyond financial considerations. However, as responsible stewards of public resources, we also have a fiduciary duty to exercise proper oversight of taxpayer dollars.

We deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment and dedication of CH staff and affiliates over the years and look forward to continuing our collaboration.

LEIGHTON NEWLIN

Princeton Councilman, Corner House Liaison Witherspoon Street

Extending Thanks to Supporters of Successful Sourland Mountain Festival

To the Editor:

On behalf of the staff, board, and members of the Sourland Conservancy, I would like to sincerely thank our Sourland Mountain Festival guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and community partners who helped make this year’s event so successful. I would also like to thank our gracious host, Unionville Vineyards, for welcoming us all!

It’s been a hot, dry summer on the Mountain, and we’ve all been praying for rain. On Saturday, July 15 our prayers were answered. Between (and during) downpours, intrepid Mountain Fest fans danced and splashed and celebrated! Please visit our website (sourland.org) to enjoy photos of beaming faces and a glorious rainbow embracing the audience.

Proceeds from this event will support the Sourland Conservancy’s education, advocacy, and stewardship efforts. So far this year, our staff and volunteers have created and hosted educational seminars, webinars, hikes, and educational videos.

Over the past three years, Sourland Conservancy and partner staff and volunteers have removed invasive plants and planted and protected over 29,000 native trees in public parks and preserves in the region. We’ve also worked with numerous homeowners to provide critical habitat and connect green spaces, allowing wildlife room to roam and keep their populations healthy.

Since 2019, the 90-square-mile Sourland Mountain region has lost approximately one million trees due to an invasive insect, so we have a lot more work to do. Please invite a friend and join us at the Sourland Spectacular hosted by the Watershed Institute on September 9. To learn more, register, or sponsor a participant, please visit sourlandspectacular.com.

LAURIE CLEVELAND Executive Director, Sourland Conservancy Princeton Avenue, Hopewell

Nose-In Parking Spaces Should Be Considered For One Side of Nassau

To the Editor:

I was pleased to read of Princeton Council’s plans to make upgrades to Nassau Street [“Street Design Consultants Report to Council on Study of Nassau Street,” page 1, July 26]. Considering the paucity of in-town parking, I wonder if any consideration has been given to converting to angled (nose-in) parking on one side of the street — if not everywhere, then perhaps between Bank and Witherspoon streets.

I would imagine that Nassau Street is wide enough to accommodate the minor inconvenience of having to pause to let cars back out of an angled space. As it stands, the current parallel parking scheme causes some delays now, not to mention more than a few near misses as cars have to go around drivers who, having never learned how to parallel park, have to jockey their cars back and forth numerous times to get anywhere close to the curb.

LES SEIFER Chestnut Street

Pleading with Community to Take Pride In Town and Clean Up Trash Messes

To the Editor:

I appreciate all the efforts Princeton government has been making to create a pleasant environment for both residents and visitors. It is heartening to see how much time and resources are being spent, particularly in the Central Business District where my store is situated.

However, as we continue to move forward in this postpandemic era, there is one aspect of town that is very frustrating to me: trash. The municipal lots seem unattended, there are cigarette buts imbedded in the sidewalks, and the trash cans overflow on the weekends. I personally sweep up the litter in the alley next to my store every couple of days and have placed a trash can in front of my store as there is not a single receptacle on South Tulane.

As an example, and the impetus for me to speak out, are two overflowing garbage cans that have been sitting in the alley besides J.McLaughlin (17 Witherspoon Street), at the head of the handicapped spot, for over five weeks!

At Last!

I have made three requests to SeeClickFix, Princeton’s government portal, with photos. I made the second request on July 11 and then got a message on July 21 from Public Works saying that the issue had been addressed. It had not, and my third request was met with a “this is a duplicate request” response.

I am pleading with Princeton, and its shopkeepers and residents, to please take pride in our town and clean up after ourselves.

At Last!

There is a an accounting firm to help hard working individuals, families, and small businesses put their finances in order. We prepare personalized tax plans, lay out tax strategies, and prepare timely tax returns.

JON LAMBERT Princeton Record Exchange South Tulane Street

There is a an accounting firm to help hard working individuals, families, and small businesses put their finances in order. We prepare personalized tax plans, lay out tax strategies, and prepare timely tax returns.

Letters to the Editor Policy

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

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

All letters are subject to editing and to available space.

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

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

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

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

Books

Lane in Lahaska, Pa.

Paperback copies will be available for purchase at the store on the day of the event. Copies of his debut humor book, Junk Sale: Stories & Essays , also will be available for purchase in paperback and hardcover editions. Lombardi will be providing some free samples from the cookbook as well.

Lombardi’s visit comes on Food Truck Thursday at Peddler’s Village, when several trucks will be vending dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Street Road Green in Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Pa. Guests are invited to bring their picnic baskets and appetites and enjoy lawn games and live entertainment by the Nikki Briar Band.

Food Truck Cookbook Author Rolls Into Lahaska, Pa., Bookstore

Author and photographer

Patrick Lombardi and editor

Vincent Parisi are serving up a collection of recipes, profiles, and photos from a homegrown source: the New Jersey food truck.

Lombardi will meet with readers and foodies for a

book signing of The New Jersey Food Truck Cookbook (Arcadia Publishing, $23.99) at the Lahaska Bookshop in Peddler’s Village on Thursday, August 17. He will be signing from 5 to 7 p.m. at the shop on the corner of Route 263 and Carousel

In The New Jersey Food Truck Cookbook, Lombardi and Parisi, in conjunction with the publication BestofNJ.com, present profiles of the best New Jersey food trucks, including easy-tocook recipes from some of their most delectable meals including the Garden State staple pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich from the Jersey Roll truck and shop; BLT lobster rolls from the Surf and Turf Truck; and the roving dessert truck Maddalena’s cheesecake on a stick.

Lombardi was born and raised in New Jersey. The New Jersey Food Truck Cookbook was published earlier this year. He is the founder of the foodfocused outlet DevourNJ. com and currently speaks throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

New York Times Editor Jaworowski To Talk About New Book at Library

New York Times editor and New Jersey resident

Ken Jaworowski will be at Princeton Public Library on Sunday, August 20 to discuss his first novel, Small Town Sins (Holt, $27.99). Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for coffee and pastries. The talk begins at 11 a.m. followed by a book signing.

In the book, just published August 1, the 5,000 residents of Locksburg, Pa., a former coal and steel town which has seen better days, have reason for worry and hope. After years of just scraping by, three residents have their lives upended: Nathan, a volunteer fireman who uncovers a secret stash of money in a burning building and takes it; Callie, a nurse whose patient may not have long to live; and Andy, a recovering heroin addict who undertakes a nightmare mission to hunt down and stop a serial predator.

According to the book synopsis, before long, Nathan’s stolen riches threaten to destroy everyone around him as he tries to cover his haphazard trail of lies. Callie risks her career to grant her young patient a final, and likely illegal, wish. And Andy’s hunger for vigilante justice becomes a fierce obsession that may end in violence.

As their stories barrel toward unexpected ends, Nathan, Callie, and Andy struggle to endure — or escape. They each face their pasts and gamble on their futures, and confront the underside of their rough Rust Belt town.

Publisher’s Weekly says, “Jaworowski skillfully toggles between his plot threads, never sacrificing character development for cheap thrills. Admirers of Scott Smith’s A Simple Plan will be eager for more from this talented storyteller.” Smith, the author of A Simple Plan, says that “Jaworowski is a brilliant storyteller … and a merciless one. His three main characters draw bad card after bad card. It would be a daunting world to visit if it weren’t so redeemed by the startling

generosity and warmth of Jaworowski’s writing: he pulls your heartstrings till they snap. And he’s written a gripping, poignant book.” Jaworowski graduated from Shippensburg University and the University of Pennsylvania. He grew up in Philadelphia, where he was an amateur boxer, and his plays have been produced in New York and Europe.

The library’s Community Room is wheelchair-accessible and has an assistive listening device system.

BOOK REVIEW The Face of Fame: Sinéad O’Connor and Prince Harry

I have come to regard this matter of Fame as the most transparent of all vanities

—Herman Melville (1819-1891)

In the same circa-June-1851 letter to Nathaniel Hawthorne, Melville made some of his best-known pronouncements about the illusory nature of celebrity. On the verge of completing MobyDick (“In a week or so, I go to New York, to bury myself in a third-story room, and work and slave on my ‘Whale’ while it is driving through the press”), he declared, “What’s the use of elaborating what, in its very essence, is so short-lived as a modern book? Though I wrote the Gospels in this century, I should die in the gutter.”

Melville came to mind as I was reading Celebrity Nation: How America Evolved Into a Culture of Fans and Followers (Beacon Press $26.95) by Princeton resident and former People magazine editor Landon Jones. A St. Louis native and fellow Cardinals fan, Jones drew my attention to Chapter 6, “How Celebrities Hijacked Heroes,” which ends with a page on the great Cardinal slugger Stan Musial (1920-2013). As Jones puts it, “Musial was our Galahad, our Achilles, our Hector — a modest, decent soft-spoken man who did more than anyone to raise St. Louis to its reputation as a good sports town where the fans even clap for the opposing team’s players.”

Baseball and Celebrity

Jones uses Musial to develop his point about the way “the overabundant cheap coins of celebrity have driven the limited supply of the truly heroic out of circulation.” Recalling the one time he had a chance to ask Musial a question in person, he admits he “blew it” by bringing up a decisive play in the 1946 World Series when he could have been talking about Jackie Robinson and the integration of baseball. Jones concludes that “celebrities are more likely to reinforce our preconceptions than to lead us to new ideas. Consequently the culture feels recycled, mired in the same nostalgia I felt when I met Musial.”

The only time I saw Musial at close range was on the courthouse square in Bloomington, Indiana, in October 1960. He was campaigning for John F. Kennedy with a group of celebrities — movie stars Jeff Chandler and Angie Dickinson and author James Michener — who were being subjected to boos and catcalls from a crowd dominated by “Young Republicans” from Indiana University. When Musial took the stage, the crowd saw Galahad, Achilles, Hector, and the soft-spoken nice guy all in one living absolute that middle America knew as Stan the Man and suddenly the jeers turned to cheers.

More Than a Celebrity

The same week that I’ve been reading about the culture of celebrity, the death of

Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor turned the notion on its head, or, you could say, ripped it to pieces, since the media has been obsessively rerunning the moment in 1992 when she tore up a photograph of the Pope on national television. “A Lonely Voice for Change, Until Her Country Changed With Her” is one of several headlines on the full page of coverage the New York Times devoted to her two days after breaking the news. For the “newspaper of record” O’Connor is more than a celebrity, she’s newsworthy on the grand scale, in her own heroic right, her stature based on the raw courage it took to risk infamy and the alienation of “fans and followers” by standing up for her beliefs.

Nothing Compares to Her Channel-surfing one night in 1990 I found myself eye to eye with a stranger who was singing, softly at first, a song I’d never heard before in a voice as inti-

industrial complex as Elizabeth Taylor.” Reporting on a 1994 visit with Diana, the subject of a record 58 People covers, Jones provides some poignant glimpses: “She had a beguiling habit of clapping her hands on her face or crossing them on her chest if something amused her or if she were laughing at herself.” Jones closes the chapter with his “lasting image of the Princess of Wales standing by her doorway, alone, plaintively waving goodbye.”

Prince Harry’s Face

Try ignoring the face on the cover of Prince Harry’s memoir Spare (Random House $36). Can’t be done. There’s a strong hint of “if looks could kill” in the intensity of his gaze that almost makes you feel like an investor in the paparazziinfested machinery of celebrity that destroyed his mother. Go face to face with Sinéad O’Connor in that haunting video and you’re hers, you’re in her song, in her eyes, in her story. You don’t want to get

the Prime Cause in my world. But for him, I wouldn’t be here.” On a separate line he adds, “Neither would my older brother.” And on another line under that: “Then again, maybe our mother would be here. If she hadn’t married Pa.” Harry, or his ghostwriter, uses the same structural emphasis to put a charge into Harry’s loathing of the press. At his mother’s funeral, age 12, he hears “a rhythmic clicking from across the road. The press. I reached for my father’s hand, then cursed myself, because that gesture set off an explosion of clicks.” On a separate line: “I’d given them exactly what they wanted. Emotion, Drama. Pain.” Next line down: “They fired and fired and fired.”

Heroes for Sale

The game my baseball-crazy, sub-teen self played on a board with a spinning arrow is alive and well in 2023 as Fantasy Baseball. My game had round cards for each player, and what a group. You could field a team mixing Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, Ty Cobb and Stan Musial, the one player who was always on my team, just as he remained a St. Louis Cardinal for his entire 22 year career. During the last week of July, with the trade deadline looming, today’s owners play their own billion dollar version of Fantasy Baseball, and in the baseball universe everyone’s talking about the celebrity players who might be sold or traded by fading teams to teams with a shot at the playoffs. The big names that create headlines on ESPN and elsewhere have a certain celebrity status, but the idea of the “hero” has ceased to mean much and no wonder when heroes are bought and sold, further evidence of Jones’s claim that “cheap coins of celebrity” have driven “the truly heroic out of circulation.”

mate as a kiss, so close I could feel the breath of every word. At the end when the screen identified Sinéad O’Connor and the song, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” it was as if MTV read my mind. Prince may have composed the song, but it’s incomparably hers — she’s lived every word, every nuance, every cry from the heart. Watching the video again and hearing the piercing purity of her voice a day after her death at the age of 56, I thought of the passage in her 2021 memoir Rememberings , where after learning she’d been nominated for her first Grammy, she saw her life “roll up as if it were a blanket and vanish. Quick as a flash, like I was a dying person.” As if success were a death sentence. She refused to attend the ceremony.

Princess Di

According to Landon Jones, who headed People during its prime, “It is still hard to assess the celebrity apotheosis that Diana represented in 1994.... Unwillingly or not, she was as much a part of the celebrity-

too close to the neatly groomed Viking warrior on the cover of Spare

When the book begins, Harry has arrived in the U.K. for Prince Philip’s funeral, he’s in the Frogmore Gardens waiting for the other Royals to show up. A “gust of wind” reminds him of Grandpa’s “icy sense of humor” and of the time years ago when a friend of Harry’s asked Philip what he thought of “my new beard, which had been causing concern in the family and controversy in the press. Should the Queen Force Prince Harry To Shave ? Grandpa looked at my mate, looked at my chin, broke into a devilish grin. THAT’S no beard!” — at which Viking Harry’s thinking, “leave it to Grandpa to demand more beard. Let grow the luxurious bristles of a bloody Viking !”

In the next paragraph, Harry remembers that Prince Philip was Diana Spencer’s loudest advocate. “Some said he actually brokered my parents’ marriage. If so, an argument could be made that Grandpa was

Melville’s Harbor

Tuesday having been Herman Melville’s birthday, I’ve just paid a YouTube visit to Sinéad O’Connor’s video rendition of “Harbor,” a stirring song by Melville’s great-great-great-grandnephew Richard Melville Hall, best known as Moby. I strongly recommend watching and hearing the video. Written sometime before or after September 11, 2001, the song appears on Moby’s LP 18 , and conveys a sense of a haunted Manhattan (“I run the stairs away / And walk into the nighttime”) that can be found in some of his great-uncle’s stories and poems and the novel Pierre , written in the aftermath of Moby-Dick. Both novels gave credence to Melville’s thoughts on fame and the short life of “a modern book.” Two decades into the 20th century the so-called Melville Revival was underway, with Moby-Dick soon to be celebrated as one of the great, if not the greatest, American novel.

—Stuart Mitchner

Shop the Arts Council of Princeton's yART sale for creative bargains and unique finds, all handcrafted by local artisans.

Pottery, jewelry, textiles, printmaking, and affordable art supplies await!

Peruse 30+ vendors selling beautiful work at studio clean-out prices.

Set your alarm, grab a Joe to-go, and come on over for the real deals.

Summer Chamber Concerts Series Closes Season with Spirited String Quartet

Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts closed its 56th season last week with a performance by Dalí Quartet, an ensemble of four string players committed to high-quality performance of classical and romantic repertoire, as well as a particular focus on works of Latin America. Violinists Ari Isaacman-Beck and Carlos Rubio, violist Adriana Linares, and cellist Jesús Morales came to Princeton’s Nassau Presbyterian Church last Wednesday night to present a concert of chamber music by Franz Schubert, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and renowned 20th-century Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. Founded in 2004 and currently based in Philadelphia, Dalí Quartet showed in this concert the wellblended sound and combined technical facility these musicians have achieved over the past 10 years.

Throughout Schubert’s all-too-short life in Vienna, the string quartet was one of the most popular forms of instrumental music, with Schubert composing a number of them for his own family ensemble. Written when Schubert was just 16, String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat Major was known as the “Haushaltung” (“Household”) quartet for its suitability for amateur musicians playing in their own homes. Dalí Quartet displayed a rich ensemble sound from the outset of this work, with well-tapered phrases from all the players and unified dynamics. First violinist Isaacman-Beck was a particularly physical player, with all the instrumentalists playing Schubert’s melodic music expressively.

The second movement “Scherzo” featured Schubert’s upbeat rhythmic humor with a contrasting melodic “Trio” suggesting a Viennese folk song. In the “Trio,” Isaacman-Beck’s first violin soared over the rest of the Quartet, and the Dalí players collectively demonstrated great variety in tempi and phrasing. The spirited “Finale” to the work showed clean playing between the two violins, with a teasing and humorous melodic line against delicate pizzicato accompaniment.

Dalí Quartet contrasted Schubert’s Viennese elegance with the raw fire and saucy passion of Piazzolla, Argentina’s musical native son. The tango has been a way of life in Argentina, and through his music, Piazzolla sought to release the dance form from traditional cultural patterns. Piazzolla’s 1956 Tango Ballet

reflected the composer’s time in New York City combined with Argentine musical flavor. Dalí Quartet began the opening “Títulos” (“Titles”) emphasizing the street sounds with an underlying tango rhythm. A bit of Broadway marked the second movement “Calle” (“Street”), and violist Linares brought out the pensive nature of the third movement “Encuentro — Olvido” (“I find — I forget”). This movement was particularly elegant, as the theme moved to first violin with a counter-melody in the viola, all accompanied by the graceful pizzicato playing of cellist Morales.

The fifth movement “Soledad” (“Solitude”) was also poignant, led by Morales in duet with violist Linares. Dissonant effects from the two violins gave way to an expressive melody from Isaacson-Beck. Dalí Quartet closed the six-movement Tango set with the jazzy and streetwise “Retorno a Calle” (“I return to the street”), ending the work on an unusually unsettled chord.

A great admirer of Schubert and some would argue equally as proficient a melodist, Tchaikovsky composed only five pieces of chamber music, three of which were string quartets. Tchaikovsky’s 1871 String Quartet No. 1 in D Major was rooted in the classical chamber tradition as an homage to Schubert, and the Dalí musicians kept phrases fittingly clean. The Quartet players well handled the quick fingering of the first movement’s closing passages, which were clearly a tribute to Beethoven in their ferocity and speed.

Tchaikovsky composed the second movement “Andante” around a Ukrainian folk melody telling of a peasant’s fantasies of love, and the Dalí Quartet well captured the dreaminess of the story. The ensemble uniformly executed the rise and fall of the music, as Isaacson-Beck’s playing in the violin’s lower register matched well with the timbre of Linares’ viola. The Dalí players brought out especially effectively the joy of the closing “Finale,” with nimble playing from cellist Morales and animated energy all around, well complementing the enthusiastic response of the audience at Nassau Presbyterian Church to this concert and the Summer Concerts series as a whole.

—Nancy Plum

VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVORITES!

What’s your favorite area restaurant? Do you have a landscaper that you love? Town Topics Newspaper is happy to announce that its 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards is now open for VOTING FOR THE BEST:

DINING

Al Fresco

Appetizers

Bagel

Bakery

Bar

Burger

Breakfast Sandwich

Caterer

Cheese

Chocolatier

Deli

Farmers Market

Gluten-Free Option

Happy Hour

Ice Cream

Italian Restaurant

Lunch Break

Mexican Restaurant

Pizza

Plant-Based Dish

Seafood Restaurant

Soup

Sushi

Takeout Meals

Vegetarian Restaurant

Wings

FITNESS

Gym

HIIT Class

Physical Therapist

Pilates

Spin Class

Trainer

Yoga

Zumba

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Acupuncture

Barber Shop

Chiropractor

Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentist/Prosthodontist

Dermatologist

ENT Hair Salon

Hair Color/Highlight Stylist

Hospital

Massage

Med Spa/Botox

Nail Salon

Ob/Gyn

Optometrist/Opthalmologist

Orthodontist

Orthopedist

Pharmacy

Plastic Surgeon

Podiatrist

Spa

Senior Care

Speciality Medicine

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Architect

Electrician

Furniture Store

Granite & Marble Store

Home Stager

HVAC

Interior Designer

Kitchen/Bath Designer

Landscape Designer

Nursery/Garden Center

Organic Lawn Care

Outdoor Furnishing Store

Painter

Plumber

Pool Services

Realtor

Roofing

Senior Living

Tree Service

KIDS

After-School Program

Camp

Child Care/Preschool

Children’s Gym

Children’s Dance Lessons

Children’s Martial Arts

Children’s Party Place

Children’s Photographer

Children’s Swim Lessons

Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Pediatrician

Toy Store

Tutoring

RETAIL

Antique Shop

Florist

Bike Shop

Men’s Shop

Pet Supply

Shoe Store

Speciality/Gift Store

Women’s Boutique

SERVICES

Accountant

Animal Boarding/Daycare

Attorney-Lawyer

Auto Detailing

Auto Shop/Mechanic

Car Service/Limo

Cleaners

Financial Advisor/Planner

Grocery Store

Pet Groomer

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

Pet Training

Veterinarian

MISC.

Adult Classes

Arts Festival

Group Outing

Hidden Gem

Live Music Venue

New Business

Night Out

Summer Day Trip

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS SEPTEMBER 13

The winners will be announced in the October 4 and 11 editions of Town Topics Newspaper. Don’t miss your chance to vote for your favorite businesses or services!

The Readers’ Choice Awards is open for online voting now at towntopics.com, or mail to 4438 Route 27, P.O. Box 125, Kingston, NJ 08528. NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED. Must be on original newsprint.

Do you have a suggestion for Town Topics or Princeton Magazine? Submit your response here:

Would you like to sign up for a one-time reader survey? Y/N

If yes, submit your email address here:

Open Concert and Auditions

Held by Voices Chorale NJ

Voices Chorale NJ is inviting all singers to join them for an open summer sing featuring excerpts from the upcoming 2023-24 season, including Saint-Saens’ Christmas Oratorio and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass.

The event is on Monday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Music Together Worldwide Headquarters, 225 Pennington-Hopewell Road, Hopewell. Admission is free though donations are welcome.

Scores will be provided, and light refreshments served. The gathering is an opportunity to practice sight-reading, meet director David A. McConnell, meet other singers, and consider setting up an audition. To do so, contact paulamirabile@ verizon.net . All voice parts are welcome to audition, but tenors and bass/baritones are especially encouraged. For more information, visit voiceschoralenj.org.

PU Concerts Launches “Admit All” Program

A new ticket access

program from Princeton University Concerts (PUC) provides discounted tickets to those enrolled in qualifying aid programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, and public housing, as well as to NJ Families First Discovery Pass holders.

All tickets offered through the “Admit All” program will be $10 or less for qualifi ed applicants. The program is supported by the generosity of Princeton resident and PUC Committee member Reba Orszag.

“Accessibility is at the heart of our mission,” said PUC

Director Marna Seltzer, “and PUC is committed to a price point that is one of the lowest in the region. I try to ensure that there is ‘something for everyone’ throughout each season, and we want to ensure that everyone can experience the world’s greatest musicians among friends, regardless of financial circumstance.”

In the spirit of making music more accessible to all, PUC has multiple free community offerings extending beyond the concert hall, including its annual Live Music Meditation series and community Chamber Jam, new Healing with Music book clubs presented in partnership with the Princeton Public Library, and Dance for Parkinson’s disease classes offered in partnership with American Repertory Ballet.

Regular ticket prices to PUC events range from $15$60 ($5-$10 for students). Artist highlights for the coming season include the Chanticleer vocal ensemble, whose program will center around the a new arrangement of a piece by Princeton alumna Majel Connery (Class of 2001); the Hagen and Doric String Quartets; jazz

pianist Brad Mehldau; Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson playing Bach’s Goldberg Variations; pianists Mitsuko Uchida and Jonathan Biss playing Schubert works for four-hands; baroque violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte alongside harpsichordist Justin Taylor; pianist Hélène Grimaud; South African soprano Golda Schultz; and the trio of violinist Isabelle Faust, cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, and pianist Alexander Melnikov. Visit puc.princeton.edu for more information.

New Show Presents

Best of Pink Floyd

On Thursday, August 17 at 8 p.m., State Theatre New Jersey presents “Brit Floyd — 50 Years of Dark Side” at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Tickets range from $39-$179.

Brit Floyd returns to the stage in 2023 to perform a brand-new production celebrating 50 years of the ground-breaking and iconic musical work, The Dark Side of the Moon. The show will feature classic tracks from the album such as “Time,” “Money,” “Us and Them,” and “The Great Gig in the Sky.”

The set list will also include other highlights from Pink Floyd’s catalogue of albums, including tracks from The Wall , Wish You Were Here , Animals , The Division Bell, Medal, and more. Taking to the stage to perform note-for-note renditions of all these classic Pink Floyd tracks will be the band of musicians that audiences have become familiar with worldwide over the years, featuring longtime guitarist/ vocalist and musical director Damian Darlington, who has played over 2,500 Pink Floyd music-related concerts throughout his career. The band will also feature Ian Cattell, Edo Scordo, Eva Avila, and all the other musicians that have joined the ranks of Brit Floyd over the course of the last decade. Having performed over 1,000 shows since its launch in Liverpool, England in January 2011, Brit Floyd has circled the world; sold out tours across Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East; and performed concerts in London, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, and elsewhere. Visit STNJ.org for tickets.

SUMMER MUSIC: Voices Chorale NJ, led by David A. McConnell, is already preparing for the coming holiday season. The choir is looking for new members.

GREATER ACCESS: A new initiative by Princeton University Concerts will offer discounted tickets to those who qualify for events such as this “Performances Up Close” appearance by pianist Thomas Weaver and saxophonist Jess Gillam. (Photo by Alex Moravcsik)

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Brit Floyd marks “50 Years of Dark Side” at State Theatre New Jersey on August 17. (Photo by Patrick Kealey)

HONORED ARTIST: Pamela Miller is shown with her painting “Badger: A Gentleman and a Scholar.” The recipient of the Honored Artist award at Phillips’ Mill’s “94th Annual Juried Art Show,” Miller was also recognized for this year’s Signature Image honor.

Double Honors for Miller

At Phillips’ Mill Exhibition

Traditions run deep at Phillips’ Mill, and two are the Honored Artist and Signature Image for the Mill’s “Annual Juried Art Show,” now in its 94th year. In an unprecedented coincidence, independent voting for the two honors this year resulted in the selection of artist Pamela Miller as the recipient of both.

Born in New York City and raised in Flushing, N.Y., Miller has lived in Bucks County, Pa., for years. She

earned her degree at Northland College in Wisconsin and taught painting for many years at the New Hope Adult School. Although she began as a potter, Miller is best known for her landscapes. In the 1980s, she began to work with pastels, finding joy in the immediacy of that medium. She has developed her own technique of sharpening her sticks and using them like finely pointed brushes. Miller also enjoys painting portraits of children. Her work has been included in many of Phillips’

Mill’s juried art exhibitions over the years and is also exhibited at the Coryell Gallery in Lambertville. Miller was part of the “Phillips’ Mill 75th Retrospective Invitational” show in 2005.

When determining the annual Honored Artist, the Art Committee considers a living artist who has exhibited in the Phillips’ Mill “Annual Juried Art Show” over a substantial number of years. Miller is a longstanding member of the Art Committee that brings the highly regarded art

exhibition to life each year. Her work cataloguing the images of past annual shows has made a significant impact on the preservation of the history of the Phillips’ Mill juried shows. Nominations are submitted by Art Committee members, voting is confidential, and only the artist selected is made public.

When considering the Signature Image each year, a call goes out for artists to submit an original image of the historic grist mill nestled between scenic Primrose Creek and River Road. Many significant works have earned the title Signature Image since the honor was established in 2013, and this year’s selection offers a fresh and different perspective.

Miller’s pastel The Phillips’ Mill Party Cat captures a loveable tabby sitting outside the Mill. Some 10 years ago, while working with the Art Committee, Miller became acquainted with the fun-loving feline who would hang out at Phillips’ Mill during opening receptions and other special events. Intrigued by its meanderings, Miller said she “once followed the cat to see where it would go,” when describing her inspiration for the painting. “The cat would sit by the side of the road and listen for traffic [to know when it was safe to cross]. It would then come strutting into the Mill to get its chin scratched and to socialize. I now realize how much I like telling stories with my work, especially about the people and places I have seen in Bucks County.”

As the official Signature Image of the 94th show,

“THE

The Phillips’ Mill Party Cat is featured prominently on all of the show’s promotional materials including the prospectus, now available online, as well as the Mill’s website, the invitation for patron support, and show postcards and posters.

The “94th Annual Juried Art Show” will open on September 23 and run through October 29. This year’s prospectus and the link to submit work are available online at phillipsmill. org/art/juried-art-show.

All submissions must be registered online via Smarter Entry by August 27 prior to drop off at the Mill September 8 and 9 for in-person jurying.

Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road in New Hope, Pa. For more information, visit phillipsmill.org.

Art Continued on Next Page

PHILLIPS’ MILL PARTY CAT”: This painting by Pamela Miller was selected as the Signature Image for the “94th Annual Juried Art Show,” on view September 23 through October 29 at Phillips’ Mill in New Hope, Pa. Miller is also the recipient of this year’s Honored Artist award.

ZINE PROJECT: Regular art-making sessions are part of the Arts Council of Princeton’s new community zine project, which is accessible for all skill levels. Sign up at artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Community Zine Project

Welcomes All Skill Levels

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) has announced the new iteration of their popular Princeton Sketchbook Club program: a community zine project.

Short for magazine or fanzines, “zines” are selfpublished books that can be easily reproduced and distributed within a community. They can be about a variety of different subjects from politics to art, mental health, culture, science, activism, and much more.

Participants are invited to join a growing group of creatives that will make zines based on their respective interests to be displayed in a collaborative Zine Library in the ACP’s downtown Paul

Robeson Center for the Arts.

The zine project is open to artists of all ages and skill levels.

“The original Princeton Sketchbook Club was the perfect example of the magic that can be made when a wide range of ages and experience come together with a common focus,” said ACP Program Manager Melissa Kuscin. “The zine project is perhaps even more inclusive — pick any topic that interests you and explore it with whatever materials you’d like. What’s important is that your unique voice comes through.”

Artists can work on their own or join fellow participants for drop-in sessions at the Arts Council on Wednesday evenings, kicking off on August 9 at 6 p.m. At this free gathering, artist and Sketchbook Club

member Christina Freeman will present a beginnerfriendly intro to zines. Freeman will go over basic folds, ideas for binding, and have a zine show-and-tell. Noninstructional art-making sessions will continue every other week to provide opportunities for participants to meet and share their work.

Those interested in joining the project can learn more and register at artscouncilofprinceton.org. A one-time $10 fee includes eligibility to display your finished zine, invitations to the drop-in sessions, Club field trips, and discounts on related workshops. Completed zines are due November 17.

The Arts Council of Princeton is located at 102 Witherspoon Street. For more information, call (609) 9248777 or visit artscouncilof princeton.org.

Plein Air Painting Program At the Trent House Museum

The Trent House Association will host a program of plein air painting sponsored by Artworks and led by teaching artist John Gummere on three Saturdays –August 5, August 12, and August 19 — from 4 to 6 p.m. The sessions will be held on the grounds of the William Trent House Museum at 15 Market Street, Trenton, across from the Hughes Justice Complex. Registration for one, two, or all three sessions can be made at artworks.org/ Events for $35 per session. Plenty of free parking is available at the rear of the m useum property.

Gummere is a Pennsylvania-based painter who began his creative career as an architecture student at Columbia University. He has studied art in a variety of academic institutions including the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Philadelphia College of Arts, and the Tyler School of Art. He paints with oils on canvas or panels in a representational style, with an emphasis on city scenes, landscapes, and interior compositions. His work can be seen at behance.net/ JohnGummere.

During the sessions Gummere will offer instruction on topics such as compositions and perspective. Artworks will supply 11 by 14 inch gessoboard panels, but participants may bring other panels, canvases, or paper if preferred. Participants should bring their choice of oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints; brushes; and supplies for sketching. A landscape easel is suggested. The Trent House will provide folding chairs, canopy tents, and bottled water.

The Trent House grounds offer a variety of subjects including the 1719 historic house, other historic structures, a heritage garden, historic varieties of apple trees, and other tree varieties on the 2-plus acre grounds.

Dueling Piano Nights

Thursdays in July & August 6pm - 8pm

Summer Sidewalk Sale

August 3rdAugust 6th

Movies on the Green

August

The William Trent House Museum is a National Historic Landmark in the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area and on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. The museum is dedicated to sharing the authentic history of the house, property, and people with its communities, connecting the past with today and tomorrow. For more information, visit williamtrenthouse.org.

Applications Available for WWA

Artist in Residence Program

West Windsor Arts (WWA) invites artists to apply for its new Artist in Residence Program, which offers artists the opportunity to become immersed in an nonprofit arts organization through presentation, teaching, curating, and a gallery exhibition. The Artist in Residence is designed for reflection and growth through interaction with an engaged membership. The selected artist will have the ability to share their work with WWA’s passionate audience and to participate in a meaningful exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experience.

The program will take place from January through April 2024. The deadline to submit an application proposal is Sunday, October 1. The selected artist will be notified on Wednesday, October 18.

For more information regarding the application and eligibility requirements, visit westwindsorarts.org/exhibition/artist-in-residence or call (609) 716-1931.

Area Exhibits

Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, has “Victor Ekpuk: Language and Lineage” through October 8. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “A World Reimagined” through August 6. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. lambertvillearts.com.

Art on Hulfish, 11 Hulfish Street, has “Traces on the Landscape” through August 6. artmuseum. princeton.edu.

D&R Greenway Land Trust Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, has “Migration: Movement for Survival” through September 24. drgreenway.org.

Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, has “Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits” and “Spiral Q:

The Parade” through January 7 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 “Einstein Salon and Innovator’s Gallery,” “Princeton’s Portrait,” and other exhibits. Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m., Thursday to 7 p.m. princetonhistory.org

Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “Alan Goldstein: Elemental” through September 4 and “Sarah Kaizar: Rare Air” through November 5. michenerartmuseum.org

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, has “Striking Beauty” through February 18 and the online exhibits “Slavery at Morven,” “Portrait of Place: Paintings, Drawings, and Prints of New Jersey, 1761–1898,” and others. morven.org.

Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, has “Everything’s Fine: Surreal Paintings About Mental Health” August 7 through October 15 in the second floor Reading Room. An Art Talk by Gwenn Seemel is on August 16 at 7 p.m. princetonlibrary.org.

Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, Princeton University, has “Nobody Turn Us Around: The Freedom Rides and Selma to Montgomery Marches: Selections from the John Doar Papers” through March 31. Library.princeton.edu.

Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, has art by Jahnavi Zondervan through September 5. Works by Nicky Belletier are at the 254 Nassau Street location through September 5. smallworldcoffee.com.

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, Cadwalader Park, Trenton, has “Ellarslie Open 40” through September 30. ellarslie.org.

West Windsor Arts Center, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, has “Jump into Pictures” through August 26. westwindsorarts.org.

Middle of the Night Can’t Find Your Town Topics!

Take a stroll down to our previous office at 4 Mercer Street or come to our new location, 4438 Routh 27 North in Kingston, where you can purchase a copy for 75 cents (3 quarters required) from our coin-operated newspaper boxes, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Art Continued from Preceding Page

Mark Your Calendar Town Topics

Wednesday, August 2

6 p.m.: The Princeton Student Film Festival is held in the Community Room of Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Features 10 short works by high school and college students from the Princeton area and beyond. Free. Princetonlibrary.org/psff.

Thursday, August 3

10 a.m.-3 p.m : Princeton Farmers’ Market is at Hinds Plaza. Organic produce, pasture-raised meat and eggs, bread, empanadas, pickles, flowers, and more. SNAP/EBT accepted on eligible purchases. Free parking for one hour in Spring Street Garage. Princetonfarmersmarket.com.

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

6-8 p.m : Michelle Lordi and The Matthew Parrish Trio perform at Princeton Shopping Center as part of the Summer Concert Series. Free, bring a blanket or lawn chair. Princetonshoppingcenter.org.

6 p.m : “All About Bees” at Morven, 55 Stockton Street. Led by Maurice Cosby of Maidenhead Honey Bees, featuring a demonstration hive. Morven.org.

8 p.m.: March of the Penguins is screened at BlaireJoline Courtyard, Mathey College, Princeton University. Free; bring a blanket or chair. Popcorn provided. Sponsored by the University Art Museum. Artmuseum. princeton.edu.

Friday, August 4

5-8 p.m.: Sunset Sips and Sounds at Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winery, 330 Cold Soil Road. Music by Foglight. Terhuneorchards.com.

5-7 p.m : Kick-off reception and WitherspoonJackson Community Salute for the Joint Effort Safe Streets 2023 program, at Studio Hillier, 190 Witherspoon Street. Contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@ gmail.com for information.

6 p.m.: Latin Night : Jose Tabares and Boricua Legends at Mercer County Park festival grounds, West Windsor. Mercercounty.org/parks.

8:15-10 p.m.: Movie Nights on the Palmer Square Green — Luca. Palmersquare.org.

Saturday, August 5

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: West Windsor Farmers Market, Vaughn lot of the Princeton Junction train station. Fresh produce, seafood, poultry, pastured eggs, cheese, baked goods, and more. Entertainment by Just Duet. Westwindsorfarmersmarket.org.

10 a.m : Panel discussion, “Do Black Lives Still Matter?” at the First Baptist Church of Princeton, 30 Green Street. Part of the Joint Effort Safe Streets week of activities. Contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@gmail.com for information.

10 a.m.-4 p.m : Honey Harvest at Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township.

Children’s craft : medallion (from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.). Howellfarm.org.

10 a.m.-5 p.m

nual Butterfly Festival at The Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Penning ton. Tours of the butterfly house, live animals, insect zoo, food, games and more. $10 (or $25 per carload). Thewatershed.org.

10 a.m.-5 p.m

Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Live music, crafts, traveling zoo, Pam Mount’s food tent, wine tasting, and more. Terhuneorchards. com.

Sunday, August 6 10 a.m.-5 p.m

Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Live music, crafts, traveling zoo, Pam Mount’s food tent, wine tasting, and more. Terhuneorchards.com.

10 a.m : Outdoor yoga at Mountain Lakes House, Mountain Avenue. Ali sha Fowler leads all-levels ashtanga-inspired flow, pair ing breath and movement.

$10 donation suggested, to support Friends of Princeton Open Space. Fopos.org.

1 p.m.: Lynnli Wang plays the Princeton Univer sity carillon at the Graduate School, 88 College Road West. Listen from outside, rain or shine. Free. Arts. princeton.edu.

5-7 p.m : Gospel mu sic festival at First Baptist Church of Princeton, 30 Green Street. Part of the Joint Effort Safe Streets week of activities. Contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@ gmail.com for information.

Tuesday, August 8

9:30 and 11 a.m.: & Pick Program Flowers, hands-on farm activity for children from pre-school to age 8. $12 includes a container of flowers. At Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Terhuneorchards.com.

2-4 p.m Friends of Princeton Open Space holds a Land Steward volunteer session working with the stewardship team on riparian restoration, including invasive species removal, specimen planting, protecting young saplings, and more. Space is limited, sign up at fopos.org/events-programs

6 p.m.: Discussion on diversity, equity, inclusion, and the future of Princeton, at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Part of the Joint Effort Safe Streets week of activities. Contact John Bailey johnbailey062@gmail. com for information.

6 p.m “Slavery and Morven : A Listening Session,” with historical consultant Sharece Blakney, who shares detailed research into the lives of people enslaved by the Stockton family. Presented by Morven, virtual only. Morven.org.

Wednesday, August 9 : Meeting of the Princeton Special Improvement District (Experience Princeton) Board of Directors, at the Nassau Inn, Palmer Square.

5:30 p.m : “I Remember Yesterday, When…A Salute to Our Ancestors.” Panel discussion, food, culture, scholarships, Jim Floyd Memorial Lecture, and Cynthia “Chip” Fisher Memorial Art Exhibition, at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Part of the Joint Effort Safe Streets week of activities. Contact John Bailey johnbailey062@gmail. for information.

Thursday, August 10

10 a.m.-3 p.m : Princeton Farmers’ Market is at Hinds Plaza. Organic produce, pasture-raised meat and eggs, bread, empanadas, pickles, flowers, and more. SNAP/EBT accepted on eligible purchases. Free parking for one hour in Spring Street Garage. Princetonfarmersmarket.com.

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

6-7:30 p.m.: Evening Yoga in the Garden at Morven, 55 Stockton Street. Led by Gemma Farrell at Gratitude Yoga. The event will move into the Stockton Education Center in the event of rain. Morven.org.

6-8 p.m : The Amazin’ Grace and GLB perform at Princeton Shopping Center as part of

AUGUST

the Summer Concert Series. Free, bring a blanket or lawn chair. Princeton shoppingcenter.org.

Friday, August 11

5-8 p.m.: Sunset Sips and Sounds at Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winery, 330 Cold Soil Road. Music by ALBO. Terhuneorchards.com.

5-8 p.m : “Dive into Summer at WaterWorks,” West Windsor WaterWorks, 193 Princeton Hightstown Road. Swimming, waterslide, food, games, silent auction, DJ. Fundraiser for West Windsor Arts. $5. Westwindsorarts.org.

Saturday, August 12

9 a.m. and 3 p.m.: Friends of Princeton Open Space holds the final summer weekend land stewards volunteer session with the stewardship team to perform riparian restoration, including invasive species removal, specimen planting, protecting young saplings, and more. Space is limited, sign up at fopos. org/events-programs.

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Candidates’ Forum and Hot Topics Community Discussion on affordable housing, Witherspoon Street design, cannabis, education, and more, at First Baptist Church of Princeton, 30 Green Street.

Part of the Joint Effort Safe Streets week of activities. Contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@gmail.com for information.

10 a.m.-12 p.m : Joint Effort and Bailey Youth Academy Basketball Clinic, Community Park Basketball Court, 372 Witherspoon Street. Part of the Joint Effort Safe Streets week of activities. Contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@gmail. com for information.

10 a.m.-4 p.m : Potato harvest at Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township. Children’s craft : potato chips (11 a.m.-3 p.m.). Howellfarm.org.

12 p.m.-5 p.m : Jerry Steele performs at Terhune Orchards’ Winery Weekend Music Series, 330 Cold Soil Road. Terhuneorchards.com.

Sunday, August 13

12 p.m.-5 p.m : Michael Montemurro performs at Terhune Orchards’ Winery Weekend Music Series, 330 Cold Soil Road. Terhuneorchards.com.

1 p.m.: Lisa Lonie plays the Princeton University carillon at the Graduate School, 88 College Road West. Listen from outside, rain or shine. Free. Arts. princeton.edu.

2 p.m.: “Trenton Eyewitnesses to Revolution,” at the Trent House, 15 Market Street, Trenton. Larry Kidder talks about Revolutionary War-era Trenton residents. Free. Pre-registration encouraged at Williamtrenthouse.org.

4 p.m : Putman County performs rock and blues at Hinds Plaza. Princetonlibrary.org.

S ports

Making Impact in Move to Midfield for National Team, PU Alum Sowers Helped US Take Gold at World Men’s Lax

Michael Sowers didn’t have a lot of time to celebrate helping the United States reach the pinnacle of the lacrosse world.

After helping Team USA win the gold medal at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, Princeton University graduate Sowers ’20 returned to helping the Waterdogs remain atop the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and was named captain of the Rising Stars team for the PLL All-Star game that was played Saturday to continue a busy July.

“It’s been so cool,” said Sowers. “The U.S. experience was probably the coolest lacrosse experience that I’ve had. I think it almost in a certain way presents a challenge, because you go from this extreme high in winning a gold medal to turning around and going back to the PLL season a week later, where you’re in the middle of that whole journey. It’s a bit of a challenge, but at the same time it kind of resets you. The celebration was a little short-lived because of that. It’s been great, though, to summarize it all.”

Duke University star Brennan O’Neill scored five goals and Sowers scored twice in the United States’ 10-7 win over Canada in the gold medal game on July 1 in San Diego, Calif. Earning its second straight gold at the competition, the U.S.,

guided by Duke head coach John Danowski, became the first country since 2002 to repeat as world champions.

“It was so cool; for me personally, I had a ton of family out there,” said Sowers. “My cousin’s in the Navy out there. I hadn’t seen him in a long time. To be able to do that — one with the team, it’s a bit of a grueling process with five tryouts and you’re trying to build this thing. We had one weekend down at Duke and two weeks together at University of San Diego, and we’re all building up for the same thing. We all want to win gold. To be able to do it, one, with this group of guys, and two, with my family out there, and on home soil, the crowd was amazing. It was probably the coolest experience I’ve had.”

In the gold medal final, Sowers scored his first goal of the game to give the U.S. a 3-2 lead early. He picked up a rebound and fired it by the Canadian goalie. His final one was the last tally of the game to help cap his All-World honors at midfield.

“That’s a really cool honor,” said Sowers, who called 17 points in the tournament on 12 goals and five assists.

“For me, especially playing a little out of position, for one, it could have been anyone on that roster just with the amount of talent we had. How teams were playing us and our roles on the offense,

I think me and Brennan were in similar situations where when you’re playing alongside Tom Schreiber. They only have one LSM, so we were getting shorties for the majority of the tournament and dodging short sticks. I know Brennan is in the same boat, but I haven’t gotten just short sticked coming out of the box in a long time. That made things pretty simple.”

Sowers, an attacker throughout his career, was asked to play midfield for his first senior squad appearance. Sowers, who led the U.S team to gold at the U19 World Championships in 2016 with 11 assists and tied for a team-high of 22 points, was happy to help the senior team in a little different way.

“Any time you play with a group like that, you’re always trying to find your role, and what’s my role with the team,” said Sowers. “Those roles were defined pretty early. For me, it was playing midfield, which is a position I’ve never played before.”

Danowski approached Sowers and O’Neill about playing in the midfield as a possibility after team selection. A few months ahead of the world championships, Danowski, who coached Sowers for his final year of college eligibility as a grad student at Duke in 2021, shared his vision.

“He said, ‘We see you and Brennan similar to Matt Danowski, his son, and Ned Crotty from 2018,’” recalled Sowers. “Those guys in 2018 were former attackmen that came out of the box with Team USA. Their roles were the party starters. They dodged out of box, they got the defense moving, drew a slide, kicked it forward, kept it simple. Also playing down there with Coach D for a year, we ran the same stuff with USA that we did at Duke, so I think we both had a familiarity with the offense that helped us be a little position-less in the sense that we knew what the midfield role was, we knew what the attack role was, we knew what the midfield role from behind the cage was. We just had a great understanding for the offense as Matt and Ned in 2018.”

The combination of O’Neill and Sowers paid dividends with two great scorers and playmakers running out of the midfield. It added to a deep team that dominated the world championships with an unbeaten run to the gold medal. The offense didn’t need to be amazing with a defense that held teams to 4.0 goals per game.

“Obviously we had a great defense,” said Sowers. “It was led by great goaltending. In general it was just a great team. We had great buy-in. Guys enjoyed being around each other. It was a very selfless group. That showed throughout tournament. You had different guys step up in different games. It wasn’t one guy running the show the whole time. It was a real balanced effort definitely from an offensive standpoint, and looking at the tape defensively too. It was just a great team.”

Being a part of a selfless group and being such a selfless player, it was an easy choice for Sowers to accept a new role. He approached his midfield assignment professionally and found value in the different ways to help the team.

“Any time you get a chance to play for Team USA, and play with that group of guys, I just want to be on the field,” said Sowers. “I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do. For me, that was

a cool experience because I’ve never done that before. It kind of simplified the game for me and I know it did for others in the sense that you don’t have to hit a home run or be the one that scores a goal or gets the assist every time. You’re trying to make these little plays to set your teammates up in the best position for them to potentially score or get the assist. We talked about invisible plays in the film room which I think were prevalent throughout the tournament, maybe not to the average spectator, but certainly we were celebrating them in the film room.”

After celebrating the world championships gold, Sowers returned to his Waterdogs team that is the defending PLL champions. Sowers, last year’s championship MVP, has helped the team to a 4-1 start, faster than last year when the team came along from a 2-3 start.

“I think it’s going well,” said Sowers. “We’re 4-1 and a little banged up. Knock on wood, we always seem to get hot at the right time, at least we have the last couple years. I think we’re 4-1 right now but I think the exciting thing is, and I think a lot of my teammates would say this as well, that we feel like our best lacrosse is still ahead of us. We’ve been playing well, but we all know we can take it to another level which is exciting.”

What exactly that looks like is to be seen over the second half of the PLL season. The Waterdogs have last year’s experience to look back on, and they have some key returning players like Sowers who are helping the keep the team hungry for a repeat title.

“The chemistry piece is so huge,” said Sowers. “Obviously there’s a familiarity with each other and our play style. At the same time, because you’re away for an entire three seasons and you’re not playing together in the fall, winter, or spring, it takes time. We’ve shown our talent level, but I don’t know if we’ve fully come together as a unit. That’s our next level.”

Sowers is also making sure he isn’t resting on his recent accomplishments. When his first year in the PLL was lim-

ited severely by injury, last year became his de facto rookie season and it ended with that MVP showing in the title win. He’s trying to be even more consistent as a star this year.

“For me personally, I still feel like my best lacrosse is ahead of me,” said Sowers. “The PLL is a unique game and you’re constantly learning and figuring out the game and the best place to attack defenses. It’s very different than college. Even though I have that year under my belt, I still feel like I’m figuring it out a little. I’m lucky to play alongside guys like Kieran McArdle who’s been playing professional lacrosse for 10 years and I have great guys to learn from. I still feel like my best lacrosse is ahead of me.”

Sowers and other PLL standouts were able to show off their skills over All-Star weekend on July 22 in Louisville, Ken. Sowers and the Rising Stars rallied from an early deficit in the All-Star Game to cut the deficit to 23-19 in the final minutes before the Veterans pulled away for a 26-19 win. The Veterans led, 7-1, early and 15-8 at halftime in the loose contest.

“It’s a cool experience; they’re always unique,” said Sowers, who tallied two goals and two assists last Sunday as the Waterdogs resumed regular season play by falling 19-18 to the Archers in Dallas, Texas in a PLL first-place showdown and moved to 4-2.

“The coolest part of those weekends is you go down there and you get to hang out with people you never do. For me and some of the other young guys, it’s back with JT [Giles-Harris] and Nakeie [Montgomery], who are on two different teams in the PLL. Playing alongside Mac O’Keefe on attack and Asher Nolting — they’re some of my peers that I’ve been playing against for a long time and watching but never had the chance to play with them. That weekend is a great opportunity to do that, but then also hang out with those guys off the field and get to know them. Ideally we’re all playing against each other and or with each other the next 10 years.”

—Justin Feil

WORLD CLASS: Team USA midfielder Michael Sowers, left, looks to elude a Haudenosaunee defender in the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in late June. Former Princeton University standout Sowers ’20 starred as the U.S. won its second straight title in the competition, defeating Canada 10-7 in the gold medal game on July 1. Sowers tallied two goals in the final and totaled 17 points on 12 goals and five assists in the tournament, earning All-World honors at midfield. (Photo by USA Lacrosse)

Former Tiger Men’s Lax Star Schreiber Fought Through Injury, Earning 2nd Gold Medal as US Repeated as World Champions

Coming into the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in late June, Tom Schreiber figured to play a leading role in orchestrating the offense for the U.S. squad.

Former Princeton University standout midfielder Schreiber helped the U.S. win the title in the 2019 World Championship, scoring the winning goal in the waning seconds of a 9-8 win over Canada in the gold medal game. Schreiber’s skill, experience, and leadership led him to be named as one of the captains of the U.S. team for this year’s competition.

As the U.S. got ready to face arch-rival Canada in the opening game of pool play, Schreiber felt things were coming together for the team in the whirlwind competition which saw the U.S. play seven games in 10 days.

“It is actually a pretty quick turnaround. I think we played them on a Wednesday night and we got there on Monday or something like that,” said the 6’1, 200-pound Schreiber, a 2014 Princeton alum who turned 31 in February. “We had a four-day camp at Duke and played against each other the weekend right before and then were teammates a day and a half later, and a day and half after that we are taking on Canada. It is an interesting mental experiment. We became a team pretty quickly and really jelled. You spend a whole bunch of time together with little distraction. It was awesome.”

After tallying two assists to help the U.S. top Canada 7-5 in the opener of Pool A play on June 21, Schreiber faced a major distraction two days later as he took a knock in a 12-3 win over Australia and was sidelined due to concussion protocol.

As a result, Schreiber didn’t play in the team’s final two Pool A games (wins over the Haudenosaunee and England) or its 19-3 win over Israel in the quarterfinals on June 28.

“I ended up missing three and half games; I had to play a little bit of a different role which I was happy to do,” said Schreiber. “It was a little different experience for me. But in some ways being slightly removed from playing for half a tournament you are able to see things from a different vantage point and really appreciate the guys on the team, the tournament, the scope of it all and just take it all in.”

Schreiber returned to action to help the U.S. defeat Australia 11-2 in a semifinal contest on June 29 as it earned a gold medal game rematch against Canada.

“It was tough coming back as well, getting back out there and trying to be confident and trying to be aggressive,” said Schreiber. “I was over the moon to be able to get out there again. It is not lost on me how special it is and how much of a privilege it is to play at that stage. I will take any game I can get. To miss a few and then be able to come back, it just helps you appreciate it that much more.”

In the final on July 1, Sch -

reiber scored a first quarter goal to help the U.S. jump out to a 2-0 lead and it never trailed as it went on to a 10-7 win and its second straight world crown, becoming the first team to earn a title repeat since 2002 when the Americans won their sixth straight crown.

“We felt ready, we felt prepared; it is so unique because you know that game is more than likely coming,” said Schreiber. “They are a very, very good team. You don’t really know what to expect in terms of how they are going to play, whether it is different matchups, tactics, or whatever. The stakes are as high as they can get in that game, so it is very different from the pool play game. We were dealing with a bunch of injuries, I am sure they were too. It is a pretty amazing feeling going into those games, but once it gets started it feels exactly the same. As that game goes on, you realize ‘oh man, this is the world championship’ and that time is ticking down. You want to make the right plays.”

One of the highlights of the worlds for Schreiber was getting the opportunity to play with Michael Sowers, who followed him as Princeton’s go-player, and Brennan O’Neill, a standout at St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), Schreiber’s high school alma mater.

“It was great, it was very cool for me,” said Schreiber. “It was similar running midfield with Michael and Brennan. Michael, in a lot of ways, was the next guy at Princeton after me. Brennan, in some ways, was the same at St Anthony’s. I have a similar relationship with both of those guys. I am the old guy — it was very, very cool for me to play that role for those two in particular.”

It was very cool for Schreiber to get a goal in the final. “It was good for to get my feet under me a little bit; we did a test run in the semis and played a little bit, not as much as I normally would,” said Schreiber. “It was certainly not the role I normally would have. It was nice for me to get on the board early just to kind of build some confidence. As the game went on, I felt more and more comfortable. I was just happy to do whatever I could.”

Schreiber was happy to see one of his proteges, O’Neill, tally five goals against Canada.

“He was the hot hand; the way we approached the tournament is that we didn’t really care who it is going to be,” said Schreiber. “It is great. If it is somebody else out there, we want to continue to go to him and open things up for him, whether it is getting him the ball in opportune place s or setting good picks or cutting through. We were prepared to do that. We had the personnel where it could have been any one of the nine of us who could have been that

guy.”

The U.S. had a lot of good personnel on its defensive unit as it yielded just four goals a game in the tourney.

“They were incredible, every single matchup is a nightmare for the offense,” said Schreiber. “Our shortsticks were amazing and then if you have to do all of that hard work to get past the defense, you have to deal with Blaze Riorden in goal which has got to be very frustrating. That is not lost on us for a second. Those guys were incredible. They were the backbone of the team, it was great playing with them.”

For Schreiber, the experience of playing in his second straight world tourney and earning another crown was incredible.

“It is just gratitude at the end of the day being part of it; it is so different from any other level of lacrosse just because you are living with these guys,” said Schreiber, who ended up with five points in the tournament on three goals and two assists. “You are eating in a cafeteria every meal and living in the dorms, playing cards at night. You are like a little kid at camp again. We really did come together as a team especially. I would have been thankful for the experience even if we didn’t win. To get the victory, that is what it is all about. It is the cherry on top of that experience. It was amazing, I feel really grateful at the end of it. I was happy that we had a little more wiggle room than the last time.”

Looking ahead, Schreiber would be more than happy to be on the U.S. squad for the 2027 worlds competition.

“I would love to, it is some thing that is definitely a goal of mine,” said Schreiber, who was recently chosen as the No. 1 player in the world by an Inside Lacrosse poll. “I would be a more senior player on that team, without a doubt. I do think there are advantages to having the experience, knowing what to expect. Hopefully I am still at the top of my game at that point, we’ll see.”

Over the rest of the summer, Schreiber will be focused on earning another title as he leads the Archers in the Premier Lacrosse League.

Thank you to our customers for voting

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“We feel really good about our team, like everybody else, every week is a little bit different,” said Schreiber, who scored six points on a two-point goal along with two goals and two assists as the Archers edged the Waterdogs 19-18 in Dallas, Texas last Sunday in a firstplace showdown, moving to 5-1 on the season.

“You are trying to get

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

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

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

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

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

REPEAT PERFORMANCE: Team USA star midfielder and co-captain Tom Schreiber, left, races past a Canadian defender in the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego, Calif. Former Princeton University standout Schreiber ’14 helped the U.S. win its second straight world title as it defeated Canada 10-7 in the gold medal game on July 1. Although Schreiber missed three and a half games in the tournament due to injury, he still tallied five points on three goals and two assists in the competition.

(Photo by USA Lacrosse)

PU Sports Roundup

PU Men’s Hoops Alum Mastaglio

Passes Away Suddenly at Age 47 James Mastaglio ’98, a cornerstone of the Princeton University men’s basketball team’s rise through the national rankings in the mid-1990s, has passed away suddenly at the age of 47.

A beloved member of one of the greatest classes in the history of Tiger basketball, Mastaglio exemplified what a Princeton player should be, with his ability to shoot, pass, dribble, and defend, as well as a mental toughness and team-first mentality. His tragic loss has left everyone associated with the team stunned and heartbroken.

“He was the salt of the earth,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson , a teammate, classmate, and close friend of Mastaglio’s.

“He was an incredible human being. This is crushing for all of his teammates and anyone who knew him. I’m just in shock.”

Mastaglio, who was nicknamed “Stags,” came to Princeton from Garden City High School on Long Island and immediately moved into the starting lineup for Pete Carril’s 1994-95 team, along with fellow freshmen Henderson and Steve Goodrich.

Mastaglio scored 13 points in Princeton’s season opener in his college debut, which set a record for points by a Tiger freshman in his first game that would stand for 14 years. He would play on Carril’s final two Princeton teams, including the 1996 team that defeated UCLA in the NCAA tournament, and then on Bill Carmody’s first two teams, both of which sailed through the Ivy League with perfect 14-0 records.

After playing key minutes off the bench as a junior, Mastaglio started every game his senior season. He was a particularly effective defender, often using his length to disrupt the opponent’s top scorer.

The 1998 team went 27-2 and finished the regular season ranked eighth nationally. The Tigers defeated UNLV in the first round of the NCAA tournament before falling to Michigan State in the second round.

During Mastaglio’s senior season, ESPN analyst Dick Vitale named him to his “All Glue-Guy Team,” calling him “one of the most well-rounded players in the country.”

Mastaglio finished his career with 684 points in 107 games, for an average of 6.4 per game, and he shot just over 50 percent from the field for his career (245-for-489). His contribution to the Tigers, though, was never measured solely through his scoring or his numbers. He was a winning player in every sense of the word, a quality that led his teammates to call him “Big Game James.”

Mastaglio played briefly in Europe after graduation and also coached Garden City, taking the team from a 3-15 record to 15-3 overall and 12-0 in its league. He became a businessman on Long Island, and he and his father Peter were regular visitors to Jadwin Gym every season. He was in Jadwin this

past February along with his teammates for a celebration of the teams from 1996-98. He is survived by his wife Bridgette and his children Olivia, 11, and Kellan, 8.

Mastaglio is the second member of those teams to pass away. Kevin Gillett, a backup center on those teams, passed away in 2021.

Tiger Wrestling Star Monday Joining Program as Asst. Coach

Former Princeton University wrestling star Quincy

Monday ’23 is staying with program, having recently been named as an assistant coach ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Monday is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Princeton history as a three-time All-American and one of four wrestlers in program history with two top-three NCAA Championships finishes.

“As a captain, Quincy was one of the best leaders I have ever worked with, so having him continue his leadership as a coach is going to have a huge impact on the program,” said Princeton head coach Chris Ayres. “Additionally, because Quincy was an undergraduate at Princeton, he will be able to relate to the team in a more impactful way, because he has gone through the Princeton experience.”

Monday made an impact in Princeton wrestling history that few have made. In 2022, Monday and teammate and classmate Patrick Glory ’23 were Princeton›s first NCAA Championships finalists in 20 years and marked the first time in program history that Princeton had two finalists at the same NCAAs.

After finishing runnerup in 2022, Monday was again a high place-winner in the NCAAs as a senior, rebounding from a semifinal loss to win each of his last two matches to finish third overall. Monday made those two place-winning finishes at two different weights, first at 157 pounds and then at 165 as a senior.

“I’m excited to bring to the staff a perspective of someone who just finished wrestling as a Princeton student,” said Monday. “I feel that this can allow me to relate to the needs of our wrestlers. During my time on the team, I was able to lead, but I could only offer so much guidance to others as I was focused on my own competition. In this new role, I’m excited to take a bigger charge in providing guidance and support to our wrestlers, while still actively competing on the senior level.”

Monday’s first All-American finish came in 2020, when he was seeded fifth at the NCAA Championships before the

event was canceled due to the onset of the pandemic. Monday was among those named first-team All-Americans by the NWCA in lieu of an NCAA Championships finish determining the honor.

The three All-American honors make Monday just the third wrestler in program history to earn at least three, alongside Glory and former teammate Matthew Kolodzik ’21. Glory, Monday, John Orr ’85, and Bradley Glass ’53 are the four Tigers to have two topthree NCAA finishes.

Monday also made a major impact away from competition, helping to found Princeton’s Black StudentAthlete Collective, serving as a mentor as part of the Princeton Wrestling Club’s initiative with Trenton Youth Wrestling. His efforts on and off campus and with the program earned Monday, a two-year team captain, the inaugural Chris Sailer Leadership Award at the Princeton Varsity Club banquet to cap his senior year.

As he did on the mat, Monday has an important parental influence to adding a coaching role to a successful wrestling career. Monday’s father, Kenny, a 1988 Olympic gold medalist, has continued his coaching career by reviving the wrestling program at Morgan State, which is set to compete for the first time since 1997 when it takes the mat for the 2023-24 season.

Monday graduated in June with his degree in anthropology. Along the way, Monday was a two-time Academic All-Ivy honoree, earned the EIWA Academic Award three times, and was a four-time NWCA Scholar All-American.

Former Women’s Hoops Star Stone Signs with Cyprus Team

Former Princeton University women’s basketball player Grace Stone ’23 has signed with Anagennisi Germasogeias of Cyprus.

Anagennisi Germasogeias reached the finals of the Cyprus A Division, losing to AEL Limassol in three games.

Stone, a 5’11 native of Glen Cove, N.Y., graduated from Princeton third all-time in program history in games played (118) and fifth in free throw percentage (.802). She tallied 807 points, 405 rebounds, 138 steals, and 55 blocks during her time with the Tigers.

Stone’s senior season was the best of her career as the star guard set personal bests in scoring (10.3), three-pointers (52), and rebounding (3.7), earning second-team All-Ivy honors, her second straight All-Ivy selection.

CAMPING OUT:

Kate Monihan heads up the ice in action last winter for the Princeton University women’s hockey team. Next week, rising senior defender Monihan will be taking part in the Team USA camp for the U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team — previously known as the U22 Select Team. The camp will be held from August 7-13 at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y., as part of the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. Monihan will skate alongside candidates for the U.S. Senior Women’s National Team as well as the U18 National Team. A longtime participant in USA Hockey events, Monihan won a silver medal at the 2019 IIHF U18 World Championships with Team USA. In addition, another Tiger star, rising junior defender Dominique Cormier, will be skating in the Canadian National Women’s Development Team camp from August 9-13 in St. Catherine’s, Ontario. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Princeton Supply Wins Opener of Summer Hoops Final As Kane Shakes Off Bloody Nose to Star Down the Stretch

Michael Kane had a bloody nose with gauze stuffed up his right nostril but was all smiles last Monday night after helping third-seeded Princeton Supply defeat topseeded LoyalTees 66-54 in game one of the league’s best-of-three championship series at the Community Park courts.

With Princeton Supply coming off a 65-30 rout of second-seeded YSU (Young Sports Unlimited) in the league semis last Friday,

Kane and his teammates were looking to build on that performance as they faced LoyalTees.

“We wanted to come out aggressive; we played YSU and we came out and we were the aggressor there,” said Kane. “We pressed them, getting defensive steals. We got out to an early lead and we never gave it up. Going against these guys we know what they are about. They have won the league

to be aggressive all of the time.”

In the early going, Princeton Supply was a bit out of synch as LoyalTees started the game with just four players.

“It was almost working to their advantage because you are not used to playing five on four, it got us a little out of rhythm,” said Kane. “Even if what had gotten off to an early lead, you don’t want to win like that. It is a little unfair, you don’t want

to play the game that way.”

Clinging to a 28-26 lead at halftime, Princeton Supply pulled away in the second half as Kane scored 13 of his 16 points on the evening over the last 20 minutes of the contest with Troy Jones exploding for 28 points as the squad improved to 9-2. Game two of the championship series is slated for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Community Park courts with game three, if necessary, to be played Friday evening at CP.

“We settled in a little bit, everybody got great looks,” said Kane, reflecting on Princeton Supply’s second half surge. “Troy played really great. It started at the defensive end with rebounding and stuff. That played into our favor. Once we got some stops, we could build that lead out a little bit. Out here, defense and rebounding are going to win you games, not so much offense.”

In reflecting on his game, Kane credited a tip from his dad with helping him find his shooting touch down the stretch.

“I saw my dad at halftime and he was telling me to keep my elbow up,” said the 6’4, 185-pound Kane, a former standout at Notre Dame High who went on the play for Drew University where he scored 689 points in his career and averaged 14.0 points a game as senior last winter. “I was shooting with my elbow up and I kept that in the back of my mind and it paid off a little bit.”

For Kane, shooting is just part of what he looks to bring to the court for Princeton Supply.

“My role is to do everything I can to help us win and that is really the most important thing,” said Kane, who got his bloody nose midway through the second half by taking a charge in the paint. “Phil (team manager and coach Phil Vigliano) trusts me to make a lot of the right decisions. I love playing with my teammates too. They are so smart, they look for shots for me. We have played together for so long. Phil saw me and contacted me. I have been playing with these guys for three or four years now. We have got a little chemistry going.”

Princeton Rec Department Offering Lifeguard Course

The Princeton Recreation Department will be offering one more American Red Cross Blended Learning Lifeguard Training Courses session 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 final in-person course option will take place from August 9-11. 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. Each course session will run from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and the cost is $335/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 who fail the course or the required 300-yard swim.

Individuals can resister online at register.communitypass.net/princeton. The course is located under the tab “2023 Lifeguard Certification Programs.” For more information, visit princetonrecreation.com or call (609) 921-9480.

Joint Effort Safe Streets Holding Hoops Clinic, Games

The Joint Effort Princeton Safe Streets Summer Program, in conjunction with the Princeton Recreation Department, Princeton Police Department, Princeton Public Schools, Bailey Basketball Academy (BBA), and PBA No. 130, is sponsoring a free youth basketball clinic on August 12 from 10 a.m.12 p.m. at the Community Park basketball courts.

advocate, sports enthusiast, and supporter of youth and community programs who was beloved in the Witherspoon-Jackson Community.

The nine games start at 10 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. and will include contests featuring youth players, high school boys and girls, and men.

The Joint Effort Clinic and Games are free and open to the public. There will be bags provided for clinic participants and shirts will be provided for those playing in the games. The rain sites for both programs will be the Princeton Middle School.

For more information on Joint Effort Safe streets clinic or games, contact John Bailey at (720) 629-0964 or email johnbailey062@ gmail.com, or Kamau Bailey at (917) 626-5785 or at kamau.bailey@gmail.com

Helene Cody 5K Race Set for September 9

The 15th annual Helene Cody 5-kilometer race and 1-mile fun run is taking place on September 9 with the start and finish line at Heritage Park in Cranbury. The fun run begins at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9 a.m. The 5K is chip-timed and USATF-certified with water stations throughout the course.

Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers overall and in each age group for the 5K. Every fun run finisher will receive a medal and trophies will be awarded to the top three boys and girls. The Cranbury Day celebration will begin immediately after the race on Main Street. Additional race information and on-line registration is available at helenecody. com/5k-and-1-mile-runwalk. html.

(Photo

As Princeton Supply looks to clinch the title in game two, Kane believes that it needs to play together at both ends of the court to overcome a LoyalTees squad that has won three league titles in the last five years.

“It is just do what got us here in the first place, play hard defense,” said Kane.

“We know they are going to score, they are a talented team. We have to keep doing what we do best and that is defense and rebounding. That is going to win us games.”

—Bill Alden

This program is a player development skills clinic for boys and girls age 8 and up. All clinic attendees should bring their own ball. The clinic will be led by Kamau Bailey, the director of BBA, a Philadelphia 76ers camp clinic, and former head coach of the Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team. It will be staffed by community volunteers and members of the Princeton Police Department.

In addition, on August 13, the Joint Effort Safe Streets will sponsor the Pete Young Sr. Memorial Games for Princeton and area youth. These annual games are held each year in the memory of Pete Young Sr., a Princeton businessman, community

This event is the main fundraiser for the Helene Cody Foundation, whose mission is to inspire youth to volunteer, to better their communities and themselves. Prior to her death in 2008, Helene Cody, a Princeton High student, planned to revive the Cranbury Day 5K, a community event that had been discontinued in 2006, as a way to combine her love of distance running and community service for her Girl Scout gold award project.

When she passed away, a classmate organized the first Helene Cody Cranbury 5K in memory of Helene for his Eagle Scout project. Every year since, the Helene Cody Foundation has used the event to bring the community together and use the proceeds to sponsor youth service projects and provide scholarships. All proceeds go directly to the Helene Cody Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity.

RAISING KANE: Michael Kane of Princeton Supply looks to unload the ball in recent action in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Monday night, Kane tallied 16 points to help third-seeded Princeton Supply defeat top-seeded LoyalTees 6654 in game one of the league’s best-of-three championship series. Game two is slated for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Community Park courts with game three, if necessary, to be played Friday evening at CP.

by Frank Wojciechowski)

Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center Now Open at the Princeton Shopping Center

It’s the back; no, the neck. Or is it that troublesome knee, shoulder, or hip?

Whatever the problem and whether it stems from overdoing it on the tennis court, golf course, soccer field, or the myriad other ways one can put too much pressure on all those joints, help is at hand.

physical therapy, points out clinical director Laura Wong, PT, DPT. Whether the condition is from an accident, sports injury, arthritis, or post-surgical, the experienced IPTFC staff incorporates a full program to help the client.

This can include hands-on treatment and specific exercise programs to maintain flexibility and strength. Patients also receive an exercise program to do at home in order to reinforce their on-site care.

another option is Direct Access, which offers the opportunity to receive physical therapy without a doctor’s referral.

“Many patients take advantage of this,” reports Babu. “This enables them to reach out quickly to the physical therapist. Ninety percent of our patients are using this, and it is covered by insurance.”

Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center (IPTFC) opened at the Princeton Shopping Center in May, and is ready with an expert staff and state-of-the-art equipment to help patients find the road of recovery.

Founder and CEO Suresh Babu, PT, DPT, MS, established the first IPTFC in Edison in 2011, followed by another in Kendall Park in 2012. Princeton is the third location, and he looks forward to a special association with the community.

Best Care

A hands-on physical therapist, he also holds a clinical doctorate and an advanced master’s degree in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. In addition, he is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the New Jersey Chapter of Physical Therapy. He has previously served as a clinical instructor at Seton Hall University.

“My goal in opening was to provide people with the best care, incorporating a variety of state-of-the-art techniques now available,” says Babu. “We use cuttingedge technology in combination with manual physical therapy. I wanted to have the very best treatment and equipment possible for our patients.

“I believe successful solutions include three factors: respecting patient values; competent clinical judgement; and incorporating an evidence-based treatment approach.”

In addition, traditional equipment, such as exercise balls, free weights, pulleys, treadmill, balance equipment, resistance machines, and more are all available.

Quality of Life

All ages can benefit from

“Our focus is wellness,” emphasizes Wong, who has degrees from Boston University and Rutgers School of Health Professions. She also had a clinical internship in an outpatient wellness facility while studying in Australia before returning to the U.S. and working in a series of physical therapy locations.

“I have worked in different practices, and nothing is like IPTFC,” she continues. “Every patient here experiences individualized care to help them reach their goal and improve their quality of life. It’s so fulfilling to help people continue to be active and have a good quality of life. For example, the Baby Boom generation is very interested in being active and being on the move. We believe movement is medicine!”

The first step toward wellness at IPTFC is the evaluation, she reports. Common problems that can benefit from an evaluation and treatment by a physical therapist are waking up with a stiff neck, low back pain, ankle sprains, shoulder pain with limited mobility, muscle strains, knee pain, and many other conditions limiting one’s ability to function at a maximum level — at home, at work, or in a recreational sport.

“During the initial visit, the team will evaluate the patient’s history and discuss their current condition,” explains Wong. “Following the evaluation, a thorough examination will be performed in order to identify the cause of pain and/or discomfort. Once the source is discovered, an intricate treatment approach is established to help the patient achieve positive results.”

The evaluation will include a personal history, adds Babu. “If it’s an injury, how did they get it? What is the patient’s range of motion? How is their walking? Exercise? Overall function? And what is their goal? Based on this, we make an individualized plan. We can focus on balance, stretching, and our state-of-the-art technology and equipment.”

“Physical therapy combines strength and mobility in order to restore movement and promote the highest level of function,” points out Babu. “The PT program at IPTFC also offers a variety of prevention methods, wellness activities, and health promotion.”

Cutting-Edge Equipment

The equipment at the IPTFC facilities is the most up-to-date available, he adds. Among the equipment and treatment options are ultra sound, infrared and cold laser, and electrical stimulation.

The cutting-edge equipment includes such advanced “next level” options as robotic physical therapy and robotic laser technology, Redcord Zero Gravity Therapy, EPAT/Shock Wave Therapy, and Solo-Step (overhead track and harness systems), among others.

These systems provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and swelling, include use of slings and bungee cords to prevent pain while exercising, and a series of devices to help numerous conditions, including recovery from stroke, orthopedic surgery, Parkinson’s disease, etc.

In addition to her role as clinical director and handson physical therapist, Wong is a Parkinson’s specialist, and she also supports the addition of new treatments.

“For example, pelvic health is another area we will be refocusing on,” she explains. “It is very important to strengthen these muscles and the core.”

Direct Access

Patients are from Princeton and the surrounding area, and typically come two to three times a week. Sessions are one to one-and-ahalf hours, and the length of time for recovery varies depending on the condition.

“The earlier the patient comes in, the better, and the quicker they can improve,” adds Wong.

In many cases, patients are referred to physical therapy by a doctor, but

He and Wong are very encouraged with the response to IPTFC in the short time it has been open. The number of patients is growing, and the word-of-mouth has been excellent.

Patients have been enthusiastic not only about the professional service, stateof-the-art equipment, and friendly atmosphere, but also by the spacious setting and its attractive blue and white decor.

“Physical therapy can be so beneficial,” point out Wong and Babu. “And think of it this way too: people go to the dentist for regular check-ups — why not go for physical therapy the same way? It is wellness.

“Helping someone to achieve wellness is our priority. We feel we are making an important difference in someone’s life. And we look forward to becoming a real part of the community here in Princeton.”

Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (609) 423-2069 or visit the website at innovativeptnj.com.

— Jean Stratton

“Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center provides patients with the highest standard of care and cutting edge techniques that can maximize the el, and takes a one-on-one approach that focuses on patient education — not only for treatment but also for prevention.”

Suresh Babu, PT, DPT, MS, (right) founder and CEO of Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center, and Laura Wong, PT, DPT, clinical director, look forward helping patients regain a full quality of

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOCUS:

life.

John Joseph Balestrieri

John Joseph Balestrieri, 89, born in Princeton, NJ, on November 23, 1933, as the first American-born child of parents newly immigrated from the Isle of Ischia, passed away under hospice care in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 29, 2023, surrounded by his friends, family, caregiver, and beagle, Penny.

1930s: Raised in a duplex house on Birch Avenue. Son to Salvatore and Maria; brother to Sal, Louis, Dominick, Mary, and Fanny. Always adventuring with his brothers and their scrappy gang of friends. His first job is with a traveling circus, picking up after elephants, along with his friends, in exchange for show tickets. Later, becomes a four-time marbles champion whose prize is a ticket to his first major league game.

1940s: In high school, he’s talented in baseball, football, basketball, and golf; known as Choo-choo on the football team, Deuce on the basketball team. Also in the marching band until his coaches make him choose. He wins a tournament between caddies

with an impossible shot and is offered a pro-golf apprenticeship, but can’t persuade his mother.

Always a craftsman, he soon becomes a skilled wood carver, furniture maker, and draftsman; his student work is shipped to Chicago and displayed nationally. He has ambitions to be an architect after graduation but is guided by his parents to learn a trade.

1950s: Graduates high school and apprentices as a glazier; soon decides that being suspended by a rope from high buildings is not for him. Then apprentices with a notable area builder; learns how to build houses, and is never one to take shortcuts with his craft. From a job site rooftop, he watches Albert Einstein walk down to the brook and back each day; they wave to each other.

On weekends, he drives tanks in the New Jersey National Guard.

1960s: Starts his own contractor business; builds a furnished house in Princeton for his parents and sisters, and then a house for himself on the Jersey shore. He takes his youngest sister, Fanny, for cancer treatments in New York City; she passes away soon after graduating high school.

Works around Princeton and eventually in the home of a retired policeman and his wife; he meets and falls in love with their daughter, Louise. After many closelysupervised dates, they marry at St. Paul’s Cathedral on September 11, 1970.

1970s: First and only child, John Jr., is born. Their home and apartment building burn down; no one’s injured, but everything’s lost. They move in with his in-laws until he

finishes the home he’s started in Skillman, NJ. Soon, the basement of their new home begins to fill with bowling trophies.

He opens a workshop and hardware store on Witherspoon Street but is forced to shutter it after a few years due to back-to-back economic recessions; he always regrets opening the store instead of accepting an offer to take over a successful cabinet shop business. He sells the shore house.

1980s: Joins the Princeton Elks Lodge and works hard with new friends to raise money and provide equipment for special-needs children; he runs weekly bingo and other fundraisers. Summers are spent camping, or at the beach, with his family. Always a parent who supports his son in whatever he pursues, he continues working as a contractor-carpenter from his new home workshop. He saves money, along with his wife who runs a secretarial business, to surprise their son with his first computer, securing his future career.

1990s: A proud father attends his son’s college graduation.

2000s: Growing older but still possesses the energy of a younger man. His father-inlaw passes, leaving the family to handle his house and possessions. Opens a nearly-new and furniture repair shop behind the Princeton Elks; he enjoys restoring and repairing pieces in the back while listening to Yankees games and entertaining visitors.

2010s: Takes care of his wife as she battles, and succumbs, to lung cancer over three short years. His grown son’s business allows him to

spend more time with him; together they raise a puppy, Penny, plant a garden, and grow figs.

2020s: Sudden heart failure, but has the strength and the will to fight; he undergoes procedures, rehab, and eventually makes a full recovery. During the pandemic, his son and daughter-in-law live with him, managing his care and keeping him safe.

Moves into assisted living at Brandywine, Princeton to spend time with his last living sibling, Mary, before she passes away. He finds new friends, community, and the dance floor. After two broken hips (not related to dancing), he makes further speedy recoveries, and is dancing again.

Undergoes dialysis three times a week to stay alive; it drains his energy, until he can no longer find the strength to continue. He desires to leave the hospitals and return to his home at Brandywine, “a place where I was happy,” surrounded by his family, friends, trusted caregiver, and Penny. We are able to fulfill his dying wish.

Dad, you are greatly loved and will be missed by many. You were always there for your family and friends; generous with your spirit and quick with a joke or humorous remark. Wherever you are, I hope there’s a dance floor and I hope you’re still the first one out there. We love you.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 12 to 1 p.m., with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Pickleball Courts: A Winning Addition to Boost Home Value

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has been gaining popularity among people of all ages. As communities seek to enhance their amenities, the question arises: do pickleball courts add value to a home or does the sound of pickleballs hitting paddles and courts disturb the neighborhood's tranquility?

Beyond being a fun recreational option, pickleball courts have become a desirable feature for homebuyers. A neighborhood with well maintained courts can elevate the overall appeal of the area, attracting potential buyers looking for an active lifestyle.

Pickleball courts foster a sense of community and social interaction, which can enhance the neighborhood's camaraderie. Moreover, the increased demand for homes with access to recreational facilities can positively impact property values over time. Communities must find solutions to noise concerns related to pickleball courts, ensuring they remain a winning addition that enhances home value without compromising the overall living experience.

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ADVERTISING SALES

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Witherspoon Media Group is looking for an Advertising Account Manager, based out of our Kingston, NJ office, to generate sales for Town Topics Newspaper and Princeton Magazine

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The ideal candidate will:

• Establish new sales leads and manage existing sales accounts for both publications

For additional info contact: melissa.bilyeu@ witherspoonmediagroup.com

• Develop industry-based knowledge and understanding, including circulation, audience, readership, and more.

Collaborate with the advertising director and sales team to develop growth opportunities for both publications

Track record of developing successful sales strategies and knowledge of print and digital media is a plus.

Fantastic benefits and a great work environment.

Please submit cover letter and resume to: charles.plohn@witherspoonmediagroup.com

Great Road Montgomery Township, NJ | $6,995,000

Janet Stefandl: 201.805.7402 callawayhenderson.com/id/ZC5L8C

Elm Road Princeton, NJ | $3,950,000

Maura Mills: 609.947.5757 callawayhenderson.com/id/4R8WP5

Mountain Avenue Princeton, NJ | $3,350,000

Barbara Blackwell: 609.915.5000 callawayhenderson.com/id/YXVFZ7

Paul Robeson Place Princeton, NJ | $3,099,000

Michael Monarca: 917.225.0831 callawayhenderson.com/id/76PFBH

Stony Brook Road Hopewell Township, NJ | $2,250,000

Jane Henderson Kenyon: 609.828.1450 callawayhenderson.com/id/N6J2B5

Harbourton Mount Airy Road Hopewell Township, NJ | $1,795,000

Steven Waskow: 609.577.2625 callawayhenderson.com/id/KP6WS6

Newly Priced: Rosedale Lane Princeton, NJ | $1,695,000

Sylmarie ‘Syl’ Trowbridge: 917.386.5880 callawayhenderson.com/id/CGC4QE

Building Lot: Prentice Lane

Princeton, NJ | $1,250,000 (1.5 acres)

Susan L ‘Suzy’ DiMeglio: 609.915.5645 callawayhenderson.com/id/278PX7

Newly Priced: Puritan Court Princeton, NJ | $1,495,000

Jennifer E Curtis: 609.610.0809 callawayhenderson.com/id/2EQNVB

Introducing: Bronson Way

Montgomery Township, NJ | $1,150,000

Valerie Smith: 609.658.0394 callawayhenderson.com/id/JHWPH7

Introducing: Brookstone Drive Princeton, NJ | $1,495,000

Maura Mills: 609.947.5757 callawayhenderson.com/id/DMEM83

Introducing: Lawrenceville Princeton Road

Lawrence Township, NJ | $649,000

Mark Davies: 215.248.2727 callawayhenderson.com/id/ZLWE7C