January 1, 2025

New Year’s Eve 2024: Beat Muse Joan Adams Vollmer Crashes the Party

By Stuart Mitchner

I am forced to the appalling conclusion that I would have never become a writer but for Joan’s death…

—William S. Burroughs

A book of great beauty and maniacally exquisite insight with a wild and deadly humor…

—Norman Mailer on The Naked Lunch

Joan Adams Vollmer. (Wikipedia)

Dreaming of another fantastical New Year’s Eve party like the Harpo Marx/Charlie Parker/Times Square centenary blast I arranged for 1911/2011, I checked celebrity births for 1924 on the Notable Names Database (NNDB: “Tracking the Entire World”), and found a star-studded cast headed by Marlon Brando, Lauren Bacall, and James Baldwin, with supporting players like presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter sharing a table next to one occupied by country singers Chet Akins and Slim Whitman. For comic relief, you’ve got Brando’s buddy for life Wally Cox (Mr. Peepers), Carroll O’Connor’s Archie Bunker (All in  the Family), Dr. Strangelove’s Terry Southern, and Twilight Zone’s Rod Serling, not to mention Bill Dana (“My name José Jiménez”) and Don Knotts (“Are you nervous?”) from the Steve Allen Show, plus Norm Alden, the coach who drowned in a bowl of chicken noodle soup on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.

Okay, let’s set this year’s party at Birdland just up Broadway from the Royal Roost, site of the 2011 celebration. Among jazz stars born in ‘24, there’s alto saxophonist Paul Desmond (runner up to Charlie Parker in the 1954 Downbeat poll), trombonist J.J. Johnson, pianist Bud Powell, drummer Max Roach, trumpeter and arranger Shorty Rogers, and tenor man Sonny Stitt, plus songs by Dinah Washington, the Divine Sarah Vaughan, and Doris Day, who got her start singing with Les Brown’s Band of Renown. At the ringside table with Brando and Cox are  Marlon’s co-stars Katy Jurado (One-Eyed Jacks) and Eva Marie Saint (On the Waterfront). Fresh from Paris and Rome, respectively, Charles Aznavour (Shoot the Piano Player) and Marcello Mastroianni (La Dolce Vita) are being interviewed by Truman (In Cold Blood) Capote, who is covering the Farewell ‘54 celebration for The New Yorker.  more

New Jersey Symphony Stages Imaginative Interpretation of “Messiah”

By Nancy Plum

New Jersey Symphony closed out the first half of its 2024-25 Princeton series the week before Christmas with an enduring holiday favorite. George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Messiah is always a crowd-pleaser at this time of year, and the Symphony’s performance this season was an especially unique musical experience. Preparing a work of this scope every year under a different conductor keeps the Symphony players on their toes, with each director reimagining the music to their own taste and scholarly background. Guest conductor Jeannette Sorrell, who led a Friday night presentation in Richardson Auditorium (the concert was repeated the following night) brought Baroque-era expertise, creative musical thinking and her own harpsichord skills to lead the Symphony musicians, four vocal soloists and chorus in a version which captured the audience’s attention. 

With close to 50 choruses, arias, and duets and a complete run time of three hours, Messiah has long been subject to excised numbers and abbreviated adaptations for the sake of audience appeal. Handel’s timeless work is a musical arc over three parts, telling the Christmas story and the narrative of the crucifixion and resurrection, together with affirmation of redemption. When conductors adjust the score, the arc and Handel’s overall message cannot help but be affected. Sorrell made most cuts in the second and third parts, while retaining arias which encapsulated the liturgical texts and showcasing popular choruses.  more

“Here There Are Blueberries” Next Production at McCarter

NAZI-ERA DISCOVERY: This photo from the New York Theatre Workshop’s production of “Here There Are Blueberries” shows one of several haunting moments from the play, which is coming to McCarter Theatre January 24-February 9. (Photography by Matthew Murphy)

The national tour of the play Here There Are Blueberries, a co-production with La Jolla Playhouse, comes to McCarter Theatre January 24-February 9. A Pulitzer Prize finalist for 2024, the play is by Moises Kaufman and Amanda Gronich.

The play is focused on a mysterious album featuring Nazi-era photographs that arrive at the desk of a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum archivist in 2007. As curators unraveled the shocking truth behind the images, the album soon made headlines and set off a debate that reverberated far beyond the museum walls. more

Folk Music Society Presents Mari Black

VIRTUOSIC FIDDLING: Violinist and fiddler Mari Black comes to Christ Congregation Church on January 17 at 8 p.m. (Photo by Glenn Black)

On Friday, January 17 at 8 p.m., the Princeton Folk Music Society presents an evening of virtuosic violin music with multistyle violinist and champion fiddler Mari Black. The concert is at Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane.

Black is known as a master of diverse musical styles and winner of several major international competitions, playing global dance music: Celtic, American, and Canadian fiddling; jazz, tango, and klezmer tunes; original works; and more. A guitarist and a bass player round out Black’s trio. more

“Freestyle Flashback” at State Theatre New Jersey

Judy Torres

State Theatre New Jersey and Fever Records present “Freestyle Flashback 2025,” featuring freestyle artists from the ’80s and’90s, on Saturday, January 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$99.

This concert event features dance-pop and freestyle artists including  TKA (“Maria,” “Come Baby Come”), George LaMond (“Bad of the Heart, “Look Into My Eyes”) Judy Torres (“No Reason To Cry,” “Come Into My Arms”), Noel (“Silent Morning”), Cynthia (“Change On Me,” “Dreamboy Dreamgirl”), Betty D Of Sweet Sensation (“Hooked On You,” “Love Child”), Lisette Melendez (“Together Forever,” “A Day in My Life”), Soave (“Crying Over You”), C-Bank (“One More Shot,” “I Won’t Stop Loving You”), and Joe Zangie (“When I Want You Back”).

Freestyle Flashback is hosted by Sal Abbatiello from Fever Records and Speedy with music by DJ Whiteboy KYS.

State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. For tickets, more information, or group discounts, call at 732-246-SHOW (7469) or visit online STNJ.org.

Upcoming Programs at ARB Include Premieres and More

With performances of The Nutcracker finished for the season, American Repertory Ballet will next focus on Spirit of the Highlands, a ballet by artistic director Ethan Stiefel set for performances at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center March 7-9.

Based on the classic La Sylphide, the ballet reimagines the tale of a Scotsman’s romantic pursuit of a mystical forest spirit. According to information from the company, “Steifel traces his mother’s family roots back to the Scottish Highland Clan Munro, and will infuse his own authentic Scottish heritage into the choreography and overall design aesthetics of this lively and bewitching ballet.”

Stiefel will partner once again with scenic designer Howard C. Jones, costume designer Janessa Cornell Unwin, and lighting designer Joseph Walls. more

“Trio” Art Exhibition at Green Building Center

“HANGRY HIPPO”: This work by Judith Marchand is part of “Trio,” on view January 2 through March 3 at the Green Building Center in Lambertville. An opening reception is on January 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The “Trio” art show will open with a reception on Saturday, January 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Green Building Center at 67 Bridge Street, Lambertville. Visitors can enjoy two floors of artwork by Modern Fossils (Judith Marchand and David Horowitz), David Horowitz Studio, and Mike Mann’s Art. Light refreshments will be served.

The artists said they are happy to exhibit their art in a gallery space provided by an organization that shares their love for our Earth. Marchand and Horowitz both create their work with salvaged materials. Mann’s paintings reflect the beauty of the region, and he travels by bicycle to paint whenever possible. The artists will donate and plant a native tree for every piece sold at their show.  more

Juried Photography Exhibit At Gallery 14 in Hopewell

“AUTUMN GLORY”: This work by Valerie Chaucer Levine is featured in the “Annual Juried Photography Exhibition” on view January 11 through February 2 at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell.

Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography presents its “Annual Juried Photography Exhibition” January 11 through February 2. An awards ceremony and meet the artists reception with light refreshments are on Saturday, January 11 from 1 to 3 p.m.

There were 33 artists accepted into this exhibition with 50 images to be displayed in the gallery.

Gallery 14  Fine Art Photography is a co-op gallery located at 14 Mercer Street in Hopewell. It is dedicated to the promotion of photography as a fine art form. Its members work in all photographic styles.

Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. To make an appointment, email galleryfourteen@yahoo.com. For more information, visit gallery14.org.

“Mark Sfirri: The Flower Show” Exhibit at Michener Museum

“THE FLOWER SHOW”: Turned wood botanicals by Bucks County artist Mark Sfirri  are featured in an exhibition at the Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pa., through May 4.

Bucks County artist and woodworker Mark Sfirri’s first solo exhibition at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa.,  displays an all-new springtime series, resulting from a two-year obsession with turned wood flowers. This garden of botanical creations is on view through May 4.

The concept for “Mark Sfirri: The Flower Show” emerged when the artist learned that his son’s wedding venue, the Museum for Art in Wood in Philadelphia, did not allow cut flowers at events in order to protect its collection from potential bugs, pests, and pollen. Sfirri decided to make the wedding flowers himself, creating a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom. The preoccupation continued for years as he incorporated different exotic woods, painted elements, and produced more elaborate compositions. more

Setting Goals and Improving Sports Skills is Mission of The Better Athlete Program

WORKING OUT: “In our program, we work on the importance of health, stress reduction, and relationships, as well as helping the students improve their athletic skill and performance. I try to help build physically resilient and mentally strong athletes on and off the field.” Alana Asch, owner of The Better Athlete sports program, enjoys demonstrating workout techniques to her clients.”

By Jean Stratton

Alana Asch’s mission is to help young athletes improve their performance on the field or on the court, and at the same time boost their self confidence in all areas of their life.

Owner of The Better Athlete program, Coach Asch brings special skills to her new endeavor. more

PU, Local High School Teams Made 2024 a Topsy-Turvy Year, Creating a Slew of Highlights Along with Postseason Drama

FINAL PUSH: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell pushes past a foe in a game last season. Power forward Michell was named the Ivy Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in her career and was a second-team All-Ivy choice. She ended her Tiger career with 1,125 rebounds, the most-ever at Princeton for either a men’s or women’s player. Mitchell’s gritty play was a key factor in Princeton’s success last winter as it went 25-5, winning both the Ivy regular season title and the league’s postseason tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over the course of 2024, Princeton University athletic teams and local high school sports programs produced a number of highlight moments along with some dramatic postseason near-misses.

In the winter season, the Princeton University men’s basketball team appeared to be building on the success it experienced during its magic ride to the NCAA Sweet 16 in March 2023, getting off to a 24-3 start on the way to winning its third straight Ivy League regular season crown. Things went awry, though, in the postseason as the Tigers were stunned by Brown in the Ivy tournament semis and then lost to UNLV in the first round of the NIT. The Princeton women’s hoops squad won the Ivy regular season title and tournament and seemed poised for an NCAA run. Facing West Virginia in a first-round contest, the Tigers rallied to trail by seven late in the game but ended up falling 63-53 to end the winter at 25-5. The Princeton women’s squash team brought a 12-2 record into the College Squash Association (CSA) Howe Cup final but fell short of a national title as it lost 6-2 to Trinity.

On the high school scene, the Princeton High girls’ swim team produced a dominant winter, rolling to its third consecutive Mercer County Championships title. Going for their second straight state crown, the Tigers won the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Group B sectional title and then topped Shawnee in the Group B state semis before getting edged 89-81 by fellow powerhouse Chatham in the state final. The Princeton Day School girls’ hockey went 7-3 down the stretch, winning the Librera Cup and advancing to the NJSIAA state tournament semis. The Panthers led 3-1 early in the third period against Immaculate Heart in the semifinal contest, only to fall 4-3. The PDS boys’ hockey team won their NJSIAA Non-Public first round contest and then nearly pulled the upset of the tournament as they battled eventual state champion St. Augustine tooth-and-nail before falling 3-2 in overtime. more

Overcoming Injury to Emerge as a Stalwart for PU Wrestling, Senior Star Stout Primed to End Tiger Career on a High Note

SUCCESS WITHIN HIS GRASP: Princeton University wrestler Luke Stout, top, controls a foe earlier in his Tiger career. Senior star and co-captain Stout is primed to end his final Princeton season on a high note as the Tigers get into the 2025 portion of their schedule. Princeton, now 2-4 in duals, hosts West Virginia on January 4 at Jadwin Gym. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Luke Stout can appreciate his achievements in his first three years for the Princeton University wrestling team.

The senior at 197 pounds has been a steady contributor in the Tigers lineup since freshman year and qualified each season for the NCAA Championships. more

Tall Raises Her Game with Double-Double As PU Women’s Hoops Tops Middle Tennessee

TALL TALE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Fadima Tall looks to pass through the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Sunday, sophomore guard/forward Tall recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, both career-highs, as the Tigers rolled to a 64-51 victory over Middle Tennessee State. Princeton, which improved to 8-4 with the win, was slated to host LeMoyne on December 31 and then start Ivy League play by hosting Cornell on January 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Fadima Tall realized that she would have to raise her game this winter for the Princeton University women’s basketball team when star guard Madison St Rose went down for the season in November due to a knee injury.

“Personally, I know that I have to contribute more, not only rebounding-wise but offensively,” said sophomore guard/forward Tall, a 6’0 native of Silver Spring, Md. “That is just finding my shot throughout the game and being more of a distributor, looking for those assists and those points on offense.” more

David Xu Helps Key Rally for PHS Boys’ Swim Team As it Edges WW/P-South to Remain Undefeated at 6-0

BREATHLESS PACE: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Xu takes a breath during the breaststroke leg as he placed first in the 200 individual medley to help the Tigers produce a dramatic rally in edging WW/P-South 86-84 on December 19 in their last action before the holiday break. PHS, now 6-0, starts the 2025 portion of its schedule by hosting WW/P-North on January 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

David Xu was primed to give his all for the Princeton High boys’ swimming team as it looked to rally past WW/P-South in a battle of unbeaten squads in the final meet of 2024.

The Tigers found themselves behind the Pirates 82-74 heading into the 400-yard freestyle relay, the final event of the December 19 clash between the rivals. more

With Senior Chorba Excelling in Distance Events, PHS Girls’ Swim Team Produces Strong 5-1 Start

GOING THE DISTANCE: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Elizabeth Chorba heads to a third-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle as PHS faced WW/P-South on December 19 in its last meet of 2024. Chorba took second at the 500 free in the meet as the Tigers fell 91-79 to the Pirates. PHS, now 5-1, starts 2025 action by hosting WW/P-North on January 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton High girls’ swimming team ended 2024 by losing 91-79 to WW/P-South to suffer its first loss in a regular season dual meet since December 17, 2019 (a 93-77 defeat to South), Elizabeth Chorba saw no reason for the Tigers to hang their heads.

“Seeing the score at the halfway mark, some people were a little disappointed,” said senior star and co-captain Chorba reflecting on the December 19 meet. “After that, we shifted our focus to yeah we want to try to get points, but it is also OK if we lose, so just swim for fun and enjoy it. Have a good time.” more

Fueled by Romain’s Emergence as a Star, PHS Girls’ Hoops Looking Formidable at 4-1

HARD DRIVING: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Sephora Romain drives to the hoop in recent action. Last Saturday, junior guard Romain scored eight points and had three rebounds as PHS fell 50-47 to Delaware Valley in the semifinals of the WW/P-South Tournament. The Tigers, who dropped to 4-1 with the loss, were slated to play Somerville on December 30 to wrap up action in the WW/P-S event and then play at Nottingham on January 3 before hosting Hopewell Valley on January 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High girls’ basketball team trailing Delaware Valley 20-10 after the first quarter last Saturday in the semifinals of the WW/P-South Tournament, Sephora Romain went into overdrive.

“I feel like we needed to move more,” said junior guard Romain. “I tried to take it and pick it up. I just took it and went to the hoop.”

Making several forays to the basket, Romain scored eight points as the Tigers outscored Del Val 13-11 in the second quarter to keep PHS in the contest.

Continuing to battle back, the Tigers drew to within 40-37 heading into the fourth quarter. Putting together a 10-3 run, PHS forged ahead 47-46 with 1:33 left in regulation. The Terriers, though, responded by draining four free throws in the waning moments of the contest to pull out a 50-47 win. more

Sparked by Davidson’s 4-Goal Outburst, PHS Girls’ Hockey Ends 2024 with 1st Win

By Bill Alden

Taylor Davidson didn’t waste any time setting the tone for the Princeton High girls’ hockey team as it hosted Newark East Side in its last action of 2024.

Racing up the ice at Hobey Baker Rink, sophomore defender Davidson blasted the puck into the back of the goal to give PHS a 1-0 lead 1:50 into the December 20 contest.

About 11 minutes later, Davidson struck again, tallying her second goal as the Tigers doubled their lead to 2-0. more

Referendum Aims to Solve Capacity Problem; Town is Growing, and Schools Must Keep Up

To the Editor:

On January 28, Princeton residents will vote on a three-question referendum to enable the Princeton Public Schools to accommodate sharply rising enrollment. I’m writing to urge my fellow Princetonians to vote yes on all three questions. Over the past few months, I’ve paid close attention to the district’s referendum planning process, and I am deeply impressed by the care and wisdom with which the planners have worked to meet the district’s urgent needs while maximizing state aid and minimizing cost. 

The primary problem the referendum aims to solve is capacity: Princeton is growing, and the schools must keep up. Over the next five years, over a thousand new housing units will come online, and more are likely. This means that we’ll be welcoming hundreds more students into our schools, most of which are already at or over capacity. If we don’t expand our facilities, class size will go up, elementary school attendance zones will be redrawn (with attendant busing costs), and programming will suffer. Expensive stopgap measures like renting trailers to serve as makeshift classrooms will only go so far, likely making another referendum necessary in another few years.  more

Making Improvements Through Referendum Is Most Responsible Approach District Can Take

To the Editor:

I write in support of the PPS Facilities Bond Referendum and to encourage Princeton voters to approve of the three Referendum questions on the ballot on January 28.

As a longtime resident of Princeton whose children thrived in our schools (grades K-12) quite a few years ago, I feel strongly that Princeton voters today should support the proposed building improvements outlined in the referendum so that the students of today and tomorrow will have the same opportunity to thrive in school as my own kids did.

The proposed improvements are necessary to avoid current and future overcrowding, maintain small class sizes, continue some very important services and programs, create space to serve students better, and allow more students to attend their neighborhood school. From the district’s website and other materials, it is plain to see that much thought and attention has been put into the three referendum questions that address the various needs facing our schools today. more

Supporting Facilities Bond Referendum For Future Generations of PPS Students

To the Editor:

Princeton needs more affordable housing, and I am proud to live in a community that has taken its obligations under the state Mount Laurel Doctrine seriously and encouraged the development of new housing, including much needed affordable units. But with Princeton growing, we need a corresponding expansion in the physical capacity of our schools to house the academic classrooms, music venues, social spaces, and athletic facilities that make our district such a great place to learn. 

Princeton residents know that making a house into a home requires upkeep and investment — that’s why there are so many contractor trucks around town renovating heating and cooling systems, adding additional rooms, and making much needed repairs to aging buildings. Most of these homeowners borrowed money to make these needed repairs, and many take advantage of government programs that defray the cost of renovations. That’s just what Princeton Public Schools is doing with its Facilities Bond Referendum, borrowing a reasonable amount of money that will be invested in the physical plant of our schools, and taking advantage of state funding allocated for this type of building program.

I am supporting the Facilities Bond Referendum so that future generations of students can take advantage of Princeton’s excellent academics and award-winning music programs, and so that more students can walk to neighborhood schools. I hope you will too.

Aaron Shkuda
Moore Street

Encouraging Residents to Vote Yes on Princeton Public Schools Referendum

To the Editor:

As a longtime Princeton resident, I am grateful that the public school system provided excellent education opportunities for our three children and continues to be forward thinking in meeting our students’ needs. The referendum presented to us carefully addresses physical plant, learning needs, and cost efficiency; I fully support passing the full measure.

While our children are now in their 30s, my husband and I feel strongly that all of us in our community have a responsibility to support our schools, just as those before us supported the last very successful building expansion and maintenance. We appreciate the approach to expand rather than build new, and to make use of state funds to reduce costs. But above all we support maintaining small class size and spaces comfortable for learning. more

Obituaries 1/1/2025

Lynne Long

Gwendolyn Marie Long passed away peacefully at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Lynne, as she was called by those who knew and loved her, was born in Moberly, Missouri, on October 29, 1944, to Gwynne and Marjorie Shields, the oldest of four sisters.

She attended high school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart (City House) in St. Louis and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Loretto Heights College in Denver.

Shortly after graduation, Lynne married David Long at the Basilica of St Louis (old Cathedral), St. Louis, MO. They settled in their first home in Cherry Hill, NJ, where Lynne taught high school history. Shortly thereafter Lynne returned to St. Louis as David was called to active duty (U.S. Army) and subsequently gave birth to their first child. After David’s deployment they moved to New York and finally settled in Princeton, NJ, in 1972 where they raised their four sons.

While her primary focus in life was being a stay-at-home mom to her boys, she nonetheless found many ways to contribute to the betterment of the community. She served on the boards of the St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center and the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey. In addition, she volunteered much of her time to the University Medical Center at Princeton, co-chairing the Center’s two primary fundraising events — The Hospital Fete (the year it celebrated its Silver Anniversary), and, for two years, the Christmas Boutique. In addition, she was chosen and served for 10 years as the first Docent of the Drumthwacket Foundation, which was founded in support of the historic mansion when it became the official residence of the Governor of the State of New Jersey.

While Lynne was beloved and respected for her gentle, soft-spoken demeanor and her kindness, she could also be a fierce competitor, on the tennis court as well as the bridge table, where she excelled, achieving the rank of Bronze Life Master and also serving as an instructor at the Fishers Island Club on Fishers Island, New York, where she and David summered for the past 26 years. And, while it didn’t involve any competition, her completion of the New York Times crossword puzzle every day in ink also attests to her tenacity and mental acuity.

She is survived by her husband, David; and her sisters, Judith Ann Flynn (Anthony) of St. Louis, Deborah Christine Shields of Princeton, and Mary Lucille Frye (Douglas) of St. Louis. She is also survived by her sons, David Ill (Jane), Jeffrey (Jenny), Christopher (Merrill), and Nicholas (Alex); her beloved cousin, Meg Shields Duke; and by her grandchildren, Alexander, Patrick (Rosa), Clare, Marjorie, Megan, Gwynne, Christopher, Kate, James, Annie, Maggie, Austin, Timothy, Sophia, and Aubrey.

She will be laid to rest at the Princeton Cemetery in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the J. Thomas Davidson, MD, Surgical Education Fund of the Princeton Medical Center Foundation.

Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL. A guestbook is available at strunkfuneralhome.com.

December 25, 2024

The Finishing Touch

Creativity was on display at the Gingerbread House Decorating and Family Night event last week at Morven Museum & Garden. Attendees share their favorite holiday traditions in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

Council Approves PILOT for Seminary Site

By Anne Levin

At a meeting of Princeton Council on Thursday evening, December 19, the governing body voted to approve an ordinance granting a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement to the redeveloper of the former Tennent-Roberts-Whiteley campus of Princeton Theological Seminary.

Herring Properties plans to build a 238-unit apartment complex, with 20 percent designated affordable, on a 4.8 acre site. The PILOT agreement exempts the developer from taxes for 30 to 35 years, during which 95 percent in special payments are made to the municipality, and 5 percent to Mercer County.

In a letter to Council earlier in the day, Princeton Board of Education President Dafna Kendal asked that money from those payments be shared with the public schools.  more

Panelists Discuss “New Era for Syria” and the Middle East

By Donald Gilpin

On the morning of December 8, Islamist rebel troops entered Damascus, Syria’s capital. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, ending his 24-year regime, which had followed his father’s 29-year rule. Ahmed al-Shara, leader of the rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly linked to Al Qaeda, has called for their terrorist label to be removed and for the U.S. and others to lift all sanctions on Syria. Many other countries, in addition to Iran and Russia, which withdrew their support for Assad shortly before the coup, are involved in Syria with various conflicting agendas.

“We don’t know how that will end,” said one of the experts at a December 17 panel discussion on “A New Era for Syria,” sponsored by Princeton University’s School for Public and International Affairs. That was a sentiment that all could agree on.

Offering a wide range of knowledge and perspectives, the panelists included Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs Dean Amaney A. Jamal, who also moderated the discussion; Deborah Amos, Princeton journalism professor and a longtime international correspondent at National Public Radio and elsewhere; Zaid Al-Ali, a visiting research fellow and lecturer at Princeton and the Senior Program Manager on Constitution Building for the Arab Region at International IDEA; and Marwan Muasher, who is vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the former foreign minister (2002-04) and deputy prime minister (2004-05) of Jordan. more