September 18, 2024

Purchase of Westminster Choir College Property is In Best Interest of Community

To the Editor:

Planning for the future is very difficult to do. I would like to thank our mayor and Council for looking out for the entire community in initiating the purchase of the Westminster Choir College property from Rider University. As someone that served as an elected Township Committeeman/Princeton Councilman for 15 years and 10 years prior on Boards and Commissions, I am supportive when our elected officials look out for the interest of our residents.

The Westminster location is one of the most important developable land mass sites left in Princeton. With all the building of houses, apartments, condos, and townhouses, we are going to need more public facilities. I am sure we are going to need an additional school in the near future. Planning, planning, planning is everything.

I am asking that we all open our minds and try to understand this purchase of the Westminster Choir College site. Making difficult decisions in the beginning can save each of us a lot of additional taxes in the end. My plea is that the mayor and Council continue to do due diligence to make sure the residents have a super win. Let’s get behind this project and continue to watch Princeton become the best town to live in. We are so fortunate to live in Princeton.

Lance Liverman
Former Council President
Witherspoon Street

Lisa Potter and Shenwei Zhao Will Bring Fresh Perspectives to BOE

To the Editor:

Trust takes years to build, but it can be broken in a single moment. For many of us in the Princeton community, that trust was shattered last year when the Board of Education mishandled both the firing of Princeton High School Principal Frank Chmiel and the drama surrounding Superintendent Dr. Carol Kelley. These events exposed a lack of decisive leadership and a failure to address the concerns of the community.

The turning point for many of us came during Frank Chmiel’s “Donaldson” hearing. This was the Board’s chance to acknowledge that the situation could have been handled better, without explicitly apologizing. However, when only two out of 10 board members voted to reinstate Chmiel, it became clear that our voices weren’t being heard. Our concerns as residents and parents were ignored, and any remaining trust in the Board evaporated. more

Meisel is Highly Invested in PPS, Doesn’t Back Away from Complicated Discussions

To the Editor:
There are three precious spots open on the Princeton Board of Education. This year is extremely important. We need to find BOE candidates committed to hiring a superintendent who is invested in our district, not their own agenda, and also not temporary (we are grateful to the lovely temporary superintendents we’ve had in the past five years, but we deserve long-term investment). With so much change and turnover in this district (on all levels) we are missing the opportunity to form our own identity. The identity of our district should not come from how it wants to be perceived but should come from the needs of the kids. It’s not an agenda put upon them, but a collaborative development toward the future together.

Ari Meisel encompasses skills to help bring this district its identity. Ari should fill one of the three open positions.  more

Obituaries 10/18/2024

Maximilian Urquhart Wright

Maximilian Urquhart Wright, a longtime resident of the Princeton area, died unexpectedly on September 12, 2024, at the age of 44.

Max was born on October 4, 1979 at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., to Richard LaFollette and Margaret Walker Wright, with whom Max shared a birthday.  In the early 1980s the family moved to Princeton where Max grew up on Jefferson Road in a loving home that was a hub of activity and community.

Max attended Community Park Elementary School, John Witherspoon Middle School, and The Hun School for high school, from which he graduated in 1998. Max attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and received a BA in 2002.

In his youth Max cultivated a love for the outdoors and biked around Princeton with his friends. He was fond of furry animals of all sizes and over time developed an eclectic musical preference for Bruce Springsteen, Elvis, Guns & Roses, and Willie Nelson. Max rooted passionately for the New York Mets and San Francisco 49ers. His clear favorite local delicacy was a plate of Buffalo wings from Chuck’s Spring Street Café. He looked forward to annual family trips to Greece and the Jersey shore.

A natural “all round athlete,” Max loved the competition and camaraderie that came from participation in many different sports. Whether it was gymnastics, wrestling, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, football, baseball, or lacrosse — Max had a reputation for excelling within Princeton’s local sporting community. He set scoring records in the Dylan Youth Basketball league in middle school and was known to have hit the very first homerun at the then newly constructed Princeton Little League fields by the Shopping Center. At Hun, Max received many state and regional distinctions in both football and lacrosse, serving as a captain to each team.  Max chose Denison University to play both football and lacrosse, the latter of which was consistently nationally ranked, accomplishing two NCCA Division III Final Four appearances during his college career.

After college Max worked in the commercial and residential real estate sectors in Boston and San Francisco, while traveling the world when he could.  Max eventually returned to New Jersey to manage residential and farm properties. During this time Max developed a lasting love for golf while maintaining a regular presence at the YMCA on Paul Robeson Place for early morning pick-up basketball.

More than his devotion to any hobby, sport or vocation, Max was passionate about people. He truly loved a vast amount of friends and individuals from across the community. Max is survived by his parents Margaret and Richard Wright of Princeton, his older brother Walker Wright of Oakland, California, his two nephews, Cooper and Sawyer, and numerous loving cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Max’s family and close friends will host a celebration of Max’s life on Thursday September 19 at 1 p.m. at Springdale Golf Club, 1895 Clubhouse Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Robert John Higgins
1927–2024

Robert John Higgins was born in Princeton and remained a lifelong resident. He was an Army veteran who was stationed in Europe during WWII. Bob was also a member of Engine Co. #1 (We Lead, Let Others Follow), Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, and St. Paul’s Church. He was a graduate of Princeton High School and General Motors Institute. Bob retired from Ford Motor Co. after a career spanning four decades.

Bob is predeceased by his wife, Clarice (Chris) Boice Higgins; his parents, James and Julia; his brother, James Jr.; and his sister, Katharine.

Bob is survived by his son, Robert “Bob” Jr. (Janet); his daughter, Lynn Higgins Miller (Paul); his grandchildren, Michele and PJ Miller; and his much-loved great-grandpups, Mulligan (Westie) and Chloe (Frenchie).

A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul’s Church on Tuesday, September 24 at 10 a.m. A burial will follow at Princeton Cemetery, during which time Bob and his beloved wife, Chris, will be laid to rest together, as they desired.

Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Engine Co. #1 or Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad.

———

Ernest Samuel “Chubby” D’Andrea

Ernest Samuel “Chubby” D’Andrea, of Ewing, NJ, formerly of Princeton, NJ, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Serenity Hospice at RWJ – Hamilton, Hamilton Township, NJ, at the age of 89.

He was born in Princeton, NJ, and attended the Princeton schools. After graduation, he worked for the Princeton Township Road Department for over 40 years and Tiger Refreshments at Princeton University. After his retirement he was a crossing guard at Littlebrook School and at the Guyot Avenue/Jefferson Road crossing.

Ernest was a member of the Princeton Elks and life member of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad.

Predeceased by his parents, Ernest P. and Josephine Crocetti D’Andrea, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Jane Duncan D’Andrea; his daughter and her partner, Sarah D’Andrea and Dusty Thayer of Port Leyden, NY; grandson Gregory Griffis and his wife Jaclyn and great-granddaughters Josephine and Guiliana all of Lawrenceville, NJ; sister and brother-in-law Loretta and Steven Derochi of Skillman; nephew Jonathan Derochi of Rocky Hill, NJ; and two nieces and their husbands,Andrea and Luke Moix of California and Elisa and Chuck Welles of Pennsylvania.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul Parish, 214 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow, in the family plot, in the church cemetery.

A gathering of family and friends will be on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542.

Contributions, in his memory, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital can be made, in various ways, at stjude.org/donate.

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Robert Fones Williams

Robert Fones Williams, 96, of Princeton passed away on September 3, 2024, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

Bob was born in Bessemer, AL. After studying mathematics as an undergraduate with R. L. Moore at the University of Texas, he received his doctorate from the University of Virginia. He worked as a professor of mathematics at a number of universities, including Northwestern University and the University of Texas at Austin. At various times throughout his career he was a Member at the Institute for Advanced Study. He liked to say he studied chaos, otherwise known as dynamical systems. Both modern dance and mountaineering were important activities for him. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton.

He was predeceased by his parents Elgin and Ann (Brown) Williams, and two brothers Elgin Williams and Joe Williams.

Robert is survived by his wife Karen K. Uhlenbeck, a daughter Ellen Lindsay Williams, nieces and nephews Brett Williams, Robert Williams, Cathy Harrison, Nancy Goodhew, Wade Williams, and Carol Kirksmith.

In memory of Bob, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org) or the Bob Williams Endowment for Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics (give.utexas.edu/?menu=OGPNSBW)

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

September 11, 2024

All About Bugs

Participants collected insects for identification on Saturday at the Annual Insect Festival, led by Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County at Mercer County Educational Gardens in Hopewell Township. Participants share what they liked best about the event in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

Council Moves to Acquire Westminster Campus

By Anne Levin

At its meeting on Monday, September 9, Princeton Council voted unanimously to introduce two ordinances designed to start the process of acquiring the former Westminster Choir College property.

“This evening the Mayor and Council voted unanimously to introduce two ordinances which begin the process for the Municipality to acquire 101 Walnut Lane, former site of the historic Westminster Choir College,” reads a statement issued by Council President Mia Sacks on Tuesday morning. “The public hearing for Ordinance #2024-35 will be held on September 23 and the public hearing for Ordinance #2024-34 will be held on October 14.

“Acquisition of this property would represent a generational investment — enabling Princeton to more effectively plan for its long-term future — including but not limited to the provision of much-needed educational and recreational facilities for the community and school district, and other public needs.  more

All Six PPS Schools Win Certification From Sustainable Jersey

By Donald Gilpin

With sustainability remaining a high priority in the new school year, Princeton Public Schools (PPS) reports that all six of its schools have achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.

Princeton High School (PHS), Princeton Middle School (PMS), Community Park Elementary (CP), and Riverside Elementary have met the requirements to achieve certification this year, joining Littlebrook Elementary and Johnson Park Elementary, who won certification in 2022. There are 375 certified schools in New Jersey.

“We are all incredibly proud of our schools’ commitment to sustainability and all the hard work that has gone into achieving this certification,” said PPS Interim Superintendent Kathie Foster, as quoted in a press release. “By integrating sustainable practices into our buildings, operations, and curriculum, we are not only reducing our footprint but also inspiring our students to be the changemakers of tomorrow.” more

University Welcomes 1,411 First-Years, Only Small Changes in Racial Diversity

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton University has welcomed 1,411 first-year students in the Class of 2028, the first class admitted following the Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision banning race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions. Comparative numbers reveal little change in racial diversity from other recent first-year classes.

In a statement released at the time of the Court’s decision, Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber emphasized the importance of having a diverse student body and stated that Princeton would “work vigorously to preserve — and indeed grow — the diversity of our community while fully respecting the law as announced today.” more

Serious Music in a Relaxed Atmosphere at “Bach en Bandoneon” Performance

BETWEEN THE KEYS: Pianist Cristina Altamura, artistic director of Altamura Legacy Concerts, brings the Avalos-Solera Duo to Princeton on September 29 for a concert celebrating the Argentinian tango instrument, the bandoneon. The event is a collaboration with the Princeton Tango Club. (Photo by Maria Grazia Facciolá)

By Anne Levin

Should the audience at the September 29 “Bach en Bandoneon” concert at Princeton United Methodist Church (PUMC) be inspired to break into a spontaneous tango at its conclusion, nothing would please the planner of the concert more.

Cristina Altamura, artistic director of Altamura Legacy Concerts, wants the performance — as well as all events in the year-old music series — to be as much a house concert as a serious cultural event.

“I like to just set the stage,” Altamura said. “I want to encourage people to feel welcome, and comfortable to express themselves. It’s a very informal space. We’ll see what happens.” more

“Stand with the Banned” Read-Out Promotes Awareness of Censorship

“STAND WITH THE BANNED”: Author Airlie Anderson, whose children’s book “Neither” is frequently challenged, will participate in the read-out on September 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Hinds Plaza.

By Wendy Greenberg

Rallying against an uptick in banned or challenged books, community members can stand against restricting access to books when Princeton area leaders, authors, and advocates read aloud from some of these targeted books.

“Stand with the Banned,” a read-out sponsored by Princeton Public Library, Labyrinth Books, and Princeton University Press, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, will take place on Monday, September 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Hinds Plaza. The library Community Room will serve as a rain location.  more

University Seeks Even-Handed Response As Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Return

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton University continues to negotiate the fine line between allowing free speech on the one hand and maintaining an atmosphere of civility and respect for all on the other, as pro-Palestine student organizers continue to press their cause.

About 150 demonstrators gathered at McCosh Courtyard after the first day of classes last week and marched past Clio Hall and on to Nassau Hall, sites associated with last spring’s Princeton Gaza Solidarity Encampment, which held out for almost three weeks, calling for the University to divest and disassociate from companies with ties to Israel. Princeton avoided the kinds of large-scale demonstrations that roiled many other universities last spring and led to thousands of arrests and the departure of a number of college presidents. more

Computer Coding Opportunities for Children are Available at The Coder School Montgomery

LOOKING GOOD: A group of students at The Coder School Montgomery take a break from coding to try on their new Coder School shirts.

By Jean Stratton

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” —Arthur C. Clarke
Magic is indeed at work at The Coder School Montgomery!

A 7-year-old boy is busy creating a pong game in the coding language of Scratch. An 11-year-old is using the Python coding language to develop a Wordle app. A 16-year-old, also using Python, is designing an advanced app that determines the user’s carbon footprint and makes suggestions on how to minimize it.

The Coder School Montgomery, which opened in 2019 at The Grove at Montgomery, 21 Belle Mead Griggstown Road, just off Route 206 North in Montgomery, is one of 65 Coder School franchises nationwide. Owned by Michael and Dominique Young, it offers computer coding instruction for students ages 7 to 17.

The original Coder School was founded by Hansel Lyn and Wayne Teng in 2014, and now includes 1000 coder coaches, teaching 7,000 students every week.

 more

A Tale of Two Events — D.H. Lawrence and a Perfect Rainbow

(Photo by Leslie Mitchner)

By Stuart Mitchner

If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.

—William Blake

On Britannica’s website “This Day in History: September 11,” an image of the World Trade Center in flames sits beside a photograph of D.H. Lawrence, who was born on that date in 1885. Lawrence is not listed, however, among Wikipedia’s notable September 11 events between 1601 and 1900, such as the the theft of the Hope Diamond (1792), the Battle of Tampico (1829), the anti-Masonic Party convention (1830), or the capture of Gaki Sherocho, the last king of the Kaffa (1897).

You may wonder why the birth of a mere author rates a place on that list. In fact, Britannica has it right. The author of The Rainbow is an event unto himself. Diamonds, battles, conventions, and kings are trivia next to what he produced, not to mention what he was: the Lawrence experience. As his friend Cynthia Asquith once said, Lawrence could make washing dishes an adventure. Imagine standing side by side with Lorenzo, he doing the scrubbing with his sleeves rolled up, holding forth on the American soul while you do the drying. In the Lawrentian overflow, there’s a clarity to everything, the cups and saucers gleaming like porcelain hallucinations. more

McCarter Presents the World Premiere of “Empire Records: The Musical”; Production is a Homecoming for Songwriter, Princeton Native Zoe Sarnak

“EMPIRE RECORDS: THE MUSICAL”: McCarter Theatre Center is presenting “Empire Records: The Musical.” Written by librettist Carol Heikkinen in collaboration with composer and lyricist Zoe Sarnak, and directed by Trip Cullman, the musical will run through October 6 at McCarter’s Berlind Theatre. Above: Liam Pearce and Lorna Courtney. (Photo by Daniel Rader)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

McCarter Theatre is presenting the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical. Adapted from the 1995 coming-of-age comedy film, the show has a book by Carol Heikkinen, the film’s screenwriter; and a score by composer and lyricist Zoe Sarnak.

Performances run through October 6. more

Comedian and Actor Regan is on New Brunswick Stage

FUNNY GUY: Comedian Brian Regan brings his standup show to State Theatre New Jersey on Sunday, October 6. (Photo by Leavitt Wells–Netflix)

State Theatre New Jersey and Live Nation present comedian Brian Regan on Sunday, October 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $49-$223.50.

Critics, fans, and fellow comedians regard Regan as one of the most respected comedians in the country. Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Regan’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills venues across North America. He is a regular guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and has released eight hourlong comedy specials.

Regan co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrelly’s TV series, Loudermilk (Netflix), released in 2024. Farrelly personally cast Regan in the series alongside Ron Livingston, Anja Savcic, Will Sasso, and Mat Fraser. He portrays Mugsy, a recovering addict who is estranged from his family.

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

Phillips’ Mill Invites Students to Submit Plays for Challenge

Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s (PMCA) Third Annual Play with Words Student Playwriting Challenge invites students in grades 7 through 12 within a 25-mile radius of New Hope to submit 10-minute original plays for consideration. Winners’ works will be given staged readings at the Mill in March.

Submissions are open through January 12, 2025. As part of PMCA’s commitment to providing community service throughout the year, there is no fee to participate in this program. Look for competition rules and entry form at www.phillipsmill.org/drama/play-with-words.

Applicants to Play with Words doubled in its second year over its first. The program was presented to a sold-out house. Two 2024 winners — Finn Anderson of Upper Dublin and Matilda Bray of Solebury School (already a published author) — are off to college this fall, pursuing writing as they further their education. Winners Saskia Cooper of The Pennington School and Avigail Wus of Pennsbury High School are participating again this year. more

Rider Announces Events on Performance Calendar

Rider University will present a variety of performances this season, including choral works, dance events, opera, plays, and musical theater. Westminster faculty members will appear in recital throughout the school year.

The Westminster Choir is scheduled to perform Saturday, October 12 at 7 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 801 West State Street, Trenton. The program is titled “Evensong,” based on the ancient Anglican ritual of Evensong, with Herbert Howells’ Westminster Service and motets of all eras.

Westminster Symphonic Choir presents “American Stories” featuring Joan Tower’s Made in America and Florence Price’s Ethiopia Shadow in America, at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton, on Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. Ruth Ochs conducts those works, while Vinroy D. Brown Jr. leads a rendition of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with soloists Heather Hill and Keith Spencer. The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, Capital Singers of Trenton, and Elmwood Concert Singers also take part. more

“Nature’s Echoes” Exhibit at Tulpehaking Nature Center

“NATURE’S ECHOES”: Works by members of the Trenton Community A-Team are featured in an exhibition at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton through October 29.

The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands (FFAM) presents the Trenton Community A-Team (TCAT) exhibit “Nature’s Echoes” through October 29 at the Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

TCAT supports, develops, and promotes self-taught, local artists because art can be transformative by reframing the artist’s connectedness to self and others and by enhancing community pride. About nine members of TCAT visited the Abbott Marshlands at the beginning of June, soaking in the sights, appreciating all the natural beauty the marshlands had to offer. Inspired by the experiences of their visit, the artists put paint to canvas, creating their body of work entitled “Nature’s Echoes.” more

“Art by Two Generations” at Trenton Public Library

“VIRGINIA MURRAY”: This work by Peggy Peplow Gummere is part of “of “Art by Two Generations of Trenton Artists,” on view at the Trenton Free Public Library September 16 through December 17. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Trenton Artists Workshop Association (TAWA) and the Trenton Free Public Library will present the exhibition “Art by Two Generations of Trenton Artists” at the Trenton Free Public Library September 16 through December 17. It is a continuation of the “Fresh Art” series that showcases the talent of area artists.

An opening reception is set for Saturday, September 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. and a meet the artist event is on December 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. The two mother and son artists are Peggy Peplow Gummere and John Gummere: more

West Windsor Arts Hosts Art Alliance Invitational Show 

“AXIS GROUNDED”: This painting by Elaine Shor is featured in the “Art Alliance of Monmouth County Invitational Show,” on view through November 2 at West Windsor Arts. An opening reception is on Friday, September 13 from 7 to 8:30 pm.

West Windsor Arts is welcoming artists from the Art Alliance of Monmouth County this fall with open arms and ample gallery space by hosting a special Invitational art show. The public is invited to attend an opening reception at the arts center on Friday, September 13, from 7 to 8:30 pm. The show will be on display through November 2.

“This show represents a new endeavor that West Windsor Arts is making to highlight the work of artists who are members of an artist association from another part of our state,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “By doing this, we are able to expand our artist network, introduce these artists to new audiences, and hopefully bring more awareness, excitement and opportunity to the art scene of our region. We look forward to sharing the work of the very talented members of the Alliance of Monmouth County.” more

Members’ Exhibition at Gallery 14 in Hopewell

TOWER BRIDGE: This work by John Clarke is featured in the Members’ Exhibition on view at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell September 14 through September 29.

Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell will present a special Members’ Exhibition September 14-29 featuring works in photographic styles and perspectives including landscapes, animals, flora, abstracts, black and white, and color. The exhibit will highlight the individual styles and photographic approaches of 14 artists.
“Laid out in salon style, the viewer will move through an ongoing mixture of images and subjects. I always enjoy and look forward to a salon show because of the variety of artistic work,” said member/curator Charles Miller. “It really gives the viewer a chance to see and understand the full range of the printed art form.” more

Art at Small World

Paintings by Samantha Renda are on view at Small World Coffee, 254 Nassau Street, through October 1. Renda is a college student whose main artistic expression is through acrylic painting. Her subject matter is inspired mostly by landscapes and animals. Works by 9-year-old photographer Aiden Pesnell are also on view at Small World through October 1.

Despite Moving to 0-2 with Loss to New Hampshire, Princeton Men’s Soccer Is Showing Improvement

HARRY SITUATION: Princeton University men’s soccer player Harry Roberts sends the ball upfield last Friday night as the Tigers hosted New Hampshire. Senior forward Roberts scored a goal in the contest but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 3-2. The Tigers, who dropped to 0-2 with the defeat, were slated to play at St. John’s on September 10 before hosting Colgate on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The results haven’t come quite yet, but the Princeton University men’s soccer team is taking steps forward.

The Tigers dropped their second game in a row to start the season, falling 3-2 to New Hampshire last Friday at Roberts Stadium.  more

Not Resting on Laurels After Championship Season, PHS Girls’ Volleyball Dominating in the Early Going

FLYING HIGH: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Naomi Lygas leaps to blast the ball in action last fall. Junior star Lygas has has piled up 30 kills this year as PHS has gotten off to a 3-0 start in regular season play. In upcoming action, the Tigers, who won the Williamstown High in-season tournament last Saturday, host Southern on September 11, Princeton Day School on September 12, and Notre Dame on September 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Despite posting a 30-1 record last fall on the way to winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title and returning a core of five stars from that squad, the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team isn’t resting on its laurels.

“The girls are definitely going to feel good, they know what they have got and what they are returning,” said PHS head coach Patty Manhart. “The focus is just not being complacent. Just because things look good for us on paper doesn’t mean that we don’t have to keep working for our season and into the postseason. I feel like that is the mood.” more

Senior Star Petrone Leaving It All on the Field But PHS Football Sputters in Loss to Allentown

QUARTERBACK SCRAMBLE: Princeton High quarterback Travis Petrone eludes a tackler in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior star Petrone had a 4-yard touchdown run and a 28-yard interception return for a TD in a losing cause as PHS fell 42-14 to Allentown High. The Tigers, now 0-2, play at Ewing on September 13. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton High football team trailed Allentown 42-7 in the waning moments of the fourth quarter last Saturday afternoon, Travis Petrone wasn’t about to give up.

PHS senior quarterback Petrone took matters into his hands, sprinting into the end zone on a four-yard jaunt to cap a 77-yard drive. more