September 11, 2024

Blending Seasoned Performers with Solid Newcomers, PHS Field Hockey Primed for Another Winning Season

ON A ROLL: Princeton High boys’ soccer goalie Nicolas Holmelund gets ready to roll the ball up the field last Thursday against Hightstown. Senior star and co-captain Holmelund made two saves in the contest as PHS edged the Rams 1-0 to open the season. The Tigers, who tied Cherokee 0-0 last Monday as Holmelund made three saves, will play at Allentown on September 12 before hosting Trenton on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton High field hockey team has gone through preseason, Heather Serverson has been doing a lot of mixing and matching.

“We have been trying to get used to all of the new faces and combining them with the older seasoned players,” said PHS head coach Serverson, who guided the Tigers to 17-3 record last year as they advanced to both the Mercer County Tournament and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 4 sectional final. more

PDS Field Hockey Lacks Strength in Numbers But Has the Talent, Positive Mindset to Excel

GETTING UP TO SPEED: Princeton Day School field hockey player Charlotte Mullen races upfield in action last fall. Senior midfielder Mullen figures to be a key performer for the Panthers this season. PDS, which lost 3-1 to Peddie in its season opener last Friday, plays at Hightstown on September 11 before hosting Lawrence High on September 13 and WW/P-South on September 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Heather Farlow prepared her Princeton Day School field hockey team for the 2024 season, she looked to channel the coaching philosophy that helped the U.S. women’s soccer team earn a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“I am stealing from Emma Hayes and what she did with the U.S. women’s soccer team, making sure that the players really have joy in what they do,” said PDS head coach Farlow, who guided PDS to a 15-4-1 record last fall. more

Gaining Benefits from Last Fall’s Growing Pains, Stuart Field Hockey Produces Promising 3-0 Start

IN SYNC: Stuart Country Day School field hockey goalie Emily Harlan tracks the ball in a 2023 game. Senior star Harlan has been sharp in the early going this season, posting three shutouts as Stuart has started 3-0. The Tartans will look to keep on the winning track when they play at South Hunterdon on September 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Since the Stuart Country Day School field hockey team had only two seniors on its roster last year, a number of young players got thrown into the fire by necessity.

As Stuart headed into its 2024 campaign, Stuart head coach Missy Bruvik believed that going through those growing pains is paying dividends.  more

PPS BOE Candidate Chris Santarpio Has Made a Huge Impact on Schools

To the Editor:

I am writing to voice my strong support for Chris Santarpio, a candidate for a seat on the Board of Education.

My family and I have lived in Princeton for over 14 years, and both our boys have been going to Princeton’s wonderful public schools since their first day of kindergarten. We were lucky enough to be districted for Community Park, where they both had phenomenal experiences in the Dual Language Immersion program. In the many years I’ve lived here, though, I have never seen someone make such a huge impact on our schools in such a short period of time as Chris.  more

Writing in Support of Ari Meisel For Princeton Board of Education

To the Editor:

I write this letter in support of Ari Meisel’s candidacy for the PPS Board of Education. And before I’m accused of bias, of course I’m biased! Ari happens to be my very wonderful brother-in-law.
And it’s from this perspective that I write, because others will be able to compile paragraphs full of his accomplishments, his involvements, his tireless work ethic, his living embodiment — as a father of five — of the saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” Everyone knows this about him. In fact, everyone knows Ari, period. He and my sister moved their family to Princeton almost a year after my husband and I got here, and yet within weeks of arriving, he was the one introducing people to us. It’s his personality. He’s a compulsively friendly, roll-up-his-sleeves kind of guy who gets in there.  more

Candidate Shenwei Zhao Wants Board of Education to Be Open and Accountable

To the Editor:
After spending years of participating and observing, I have decided to run for a seat on the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) this November. It wasn’t an easy decision for me, being a first-generation immigrant, a parent, and a busy business owner. However, it is a step I feel compelled to take.

As explained on my campaign website (ShenweiForBoE.org), which has listed specific guidelines of my positions, I came to the U.S. in 2000 as a student. Immigration is never a simple process for anyone and settling down in a town like Princeton was no exception. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this country and this community have provided us: The ability to live, raise a family, and become active participants in civic life. more

Candidate Ari Meisel Will Be Constant, Consistent Voice of Reason on School Board

To the Editor:

Ari Meisel truly understands what it means to be a leader and pillar in the community. He leads by example and will always fight what he believes is right for his community and all that inhabit it. Ari possesses a unique understanding of business and organizational leadership and is an expert in efficiency and accountability.

What Ari will bring to the School Board is long overdue and a necessity as we navigate the future of Princeton school district and all that it offers its families and most importantly its students. Ari is meticulous and forward thinking, allowing him to understand that in all situations we can do better, and we can be better. He understands that things don’t have to appear to be broken to be fixed. Having been an integral part of the community for many years, Ari understands the deficiencies of our Board policies that lead us to falling short of the best for all our students and families. He is well invested in our school district as all his kids that are of school age attend the Princeton school system, something that is not often said enough.  more

Shenwei Zhao Has the Knowledge, Experience to Serve on the BOE

To the Editor:

We are writing to express our strong support for Shenwei Zhao’s candidacy for the Board of Education (BOE) this November. We have known Shenwei since 2003, when we attended the same graduate school in Ohio. At that time, he had just left his job in Washington D.C. to pursue a Ph.D. in the Department of Communications. From the moment Shenwei arrived on campus, he started to help others.  As one of the few international students from China who have previously worked in the United States, he helped many students settle in. We still vividly remember him driving his 1990 blue Camry, towing the smallest U-Haul trailer he could find, and helping new students move in.

Shenwei worked as a teaching assistant in his department and later secured a research assistant position at Rutgers University. We lost touch for a while, but around 2011, a mutual friend helped reconnect us, as by then, we had all settled in New Jersey. At that time, we lived in a different town but were thinking about moving as our children grew older. Shenwei and his wife encouraged us to relocate to Princeton on the first day of 2017 due to its excellent educational resources. Seven years later, our daughter graduated from Princeton High School (PHS) and is now in college, while our son is a junior at PHS.   more

Obituaries 9/11/2024

John Charles Crutcher

John Charles Crutcher passed away on August 20, 2024, in Nashua, New Hampshire, at the age of 74. He adored literature, sports, music, and travel, but his family was the light of his life. John was also a dedicated political and community activist with great hope for the country’s future.

John was born on October 7, 1949, to William and Joana (Barker) Crutcher in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Growing up, he was very involved in the church and faith became a cornerstone of his life.

A voracious reader, John enjoyed a career in publishing that spanned decades, marketing books to independent bookstores and major chains across the country. He also owned a bookstore in Westchester County, NY, and co-founded Bloomberg’s Book Group. Career and family provided John with the opportunity to live in many regions, nationally and internationally. His last two decades were spent in New Jersey, the United Kingdom, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

In retirement, John dedicated his time to family and community. He coached his two children’s soccer teams and volunteered at their schools, his churches, and several social service agencies supporting low-income families, the hungry, addicted, and unhoused. In Princeton, he served on the Board of Crawford House and was a Deacon at Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church. John helped at his children’s schools and staffed a UK phone bank focused on recovery. Most recently, John was active with the United Way of Greater Nashua, providing literacy education for children and adults, and volunteering at food and school supply drives.

John was predeceased by his parents William and Joana, and sister-in-law Autumn (Goodwin) Crutcher. He is survived by his wife Beth (Stone) Crutcher; children Zachary (Kathryn Franz) and Kira Crutcher; siblings Lynne (Gary) Bird, Wynne Foote, and Lee Crutcher, as well as extended family and friends he dearly loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, in the Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to United Way, The Humane Society, Common Cause, or a charity that represents what John meant to you.

———

George Edmund Wilson

George Wilson, 93, of Monroe Township, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday September 4 with family by his side. George was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Wilson, and is survived by his children, Brett and Ward Wilson, and grandchildren, Emily and Kori Bloom.

George was born in Minneapolis, MN, on October 30, 1930 to Edmund and Lillian Wilson. He graduated from Shattuck School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Air Force (1952-54) at Shepherd Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX, where his daughter was born. He and several others formed a flying club and he enjoyed flying the small planes the club purchased — flying across country to Florida and Minnesota with his wife and small daughter.

After his service, he worked for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, OH, where his son was born. Following a move to New Jersey, he worked the remainder of his career in advertising, commuting from Princeton to New York City. After “retiring” he owned one of the 10 largest record auctions in the world — specializing in jazz 78s from the ’20s,’30s, and ’40s. At one time his personal collection topped 20,000 records.

He and Carolyn lived in Princeton until her death in 2017. Since then he lived an active life at Rossmoor, playing golf, bocce ball, participating in plays, swimming, and attending discussion groups. He always had a smile, a friendly word, and a joke ready.

A memorial celebration will be held at the Rossmoor Meeting House in Monroe Township on Wednesday September 11 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to one of George’s favorite groups, New Jersey Jazz Society, online at njjs.org/donate or by check mailed to: New Jersey Jazz Society / Mike Kats, Treasurer, 382 Springfield Avenue, Suite 217, Summit, NJ 07091.

———

Jean Friel Hultgren

Jean Friel Hultgren, a former resident of Lawrenceville, NJ, passed away on September 3, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born on December 27, 1939, in Greenville, Alabama, and raised in Bay Minette, Alabama. Jean graduated from Baldwin County High School in 1958, where she was elected Homecoming Queen. She then attended Auburn University, where she was a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Beta Omega chapter and became a graduate in 1962.

In keeping with Jean’s zest for life and social flair, she became a flight attendant where she enjoyed traveling the world with Trans World Airlines. Jean was one of the few commercial flight attendants that flew in and out of Vietnam during the war. Jean was an enthusiastic history buff, known for sending numerous newspaper articles to those she loved. She was active in several organizations including TWA Clipped Wings, The Princeton Battlefield Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Friends of Lafayette, and the Princeton United Methodist Church.Many who knew her recall a true Southern lady who took enormous pride in her country, her children, and her grandchildren.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, William E. Friel and Lois Bailey Friel and of Bay Minette, and by her ex-husband, James Keith Hultgren of Orange Beach, Alabama. Jean is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Talley Hultgren; granddaughter Virginia Jane Hultgren; her daughter and son-in-law Ryan and Jennifer Spradley; and grandchildren Madison and Noah Spradley all of Atlanta. She is also survived by her sisters Nancy Huey of Atlanta, and Ercel Donehoo of Gainesville, Georgia, and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for immediate family was held on Saturday, September 7 at 1 p.m. CST in Opelika, Alabama. A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 12 at noon in the chapel at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, for friends and extended family. Immediately following the service, a celebration of life for friends and family will be held at The Dupont Commons clubhouse, 1650 Dupont Commons Drive, Atlanta, GA 30318.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in her name to Westside Table (westsidetable.org/give) via Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

H.M. Patterson & Son–Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, (404) 261-3510.

———

John Edward von Oehsen

John Edward von Oehsen, a loving son and brother, passed away at the age of 22 on August 26, 2024. John was a selfless, compassionate, and intelligent soul with a big heart, always offering his time and energy to those in need. He was loved by all who were blessed to know him.

John was born in Princeton, NJ, and resided with his family in Hopewell. He attended the Hopewell Valley School District from kindergarten through his graduation in 2020. After attending Lewis and Clark College his freshman year, he transferred to Rutgers University to be closer to his family and friends. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in May of 2024 with a degree in sociology and a minor in statistics. He was then accepted to Rutgers esteemed urban development graduate program at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. John gave his time to many worthwhile causes and spent a summer of service in 2023 interning at Isles, a community development and environmental organization based in Trenton. Most recently, he interned at Rutgers University Institutional Planning and Operations Division.

John especially loved spending time with family and friends near and far. Some of his fondest memories came from family trips to the cabin in Bethel, Vermont. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends — watching movies, listening to music, playing games — and spending time with his loving boyfriend Daniel Simpson.

He is predeceased by his paternal grandfather William von Oehsen and maternal grandmother Dorothy Klesitz. He is survived by his mother and father, Dawn and Stewart von Oehsen, and his sisters Lillian (21) and Anna “Casey” von Oehsen (18). His paternal grandmother Barbara von Oehsen and his uncles, Bill, Barr, and Tom von Oehsen, and their families. John is also survived by his maternal grandmother Pamela Luersen, grandfather Richard Domagalski and their spouses, his Aunt Amy and her family. Additionally, he is survived by a large family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends.

Funeral services were held September 1, 2024 in Trinity Church in Princeton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s honor to HomeFront NJ, a local organization where John volunteered his time to those in need.

John will forever be missed and held in the hearts of his loved ones as he now rests in peace.

———

Curtis Edward Spalding

Curtis Edward Spalding, a longtime resident of the Princeton area, passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 94.

Curt was born on October 16, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, three days before Black Friday. Growing up in Depression-era Chicago was an early lesson in the value of hard work. He graduated from Northwestern University where he met his first wife, Elenore Iverson Spalding, to whom he was married to for over 50 years. At Northwestern, Curt was a competitive varsity diver and was the first coach for the women’s synchronized swimming team.

Curt joined the military after college, serving honorably in military intelligence during the Korean War. Curt joined Mobil Oil Corporation in 1953, holding many human resources and employee benefits positions until his retirement in 1988. He raised his family in the Princeton area, but his career allowed the Spaldings to see the world. The family was also based in in Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and London, England throughout his career.

Curt retired to Bucks County and was a member of the Springdale Golf Club. He spent his later years in Vero Beach, Florida. After Elenore passed away, Curt remarried Ruth Coleman Spalding, spending his later years in her loving company. He was an avid golfer, amateur pilot, and student of American history.

Curt is predeceased by his father, Maurice, mother, Verna, first wife, Elenore, and second wife, Ruth. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Spalding and her husband, Eduardo Beruff; son, Keith Spalding; grandson, Holt Spalding; granddaughter, Rebecca Spalding and Rebecca’s husband, Alexander Plough, and their son Alfred Plough.

The family will be having a small family service to honor Curt’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made online to The Dementia Society of America.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home.

———

Laurence “Jamie” James Peck

Laurence “Jamie” James Peck, 58 of Princeton, NJ, died on September 5, at Penn Medicine Plainsboro Hospital. Born in Queens, NY, in 1965, Jamie spent much of his youth in Maine. He graduated from Bangor High and following a post-grad year at the Gunnery in Washington, Connecticut, went on to Hobart College where he played varsity hockey and majored in English, graduating in 1988.

Son of the late Russell Peck, Jamie is survived by his wife Liza (Wakefield) Peck; four children Griffin, Kirby, Sawyer, Merritt and her fiancé Kevin Halliday; his mother Elaine (Parker) Peck; two brothers Craig Peck (Kim Heyman), Jacob Peck (Ivanna); a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law Wendy Davis and Steve Heaps, JB Wakefield; and parents-in-law Bill and Pam Wakefield. Also part of his family were his nieces and nephews: Edward, Aiden, and Amelia Peck, Dana Davis (Jason Yanowitz), Kylie Davis (Doug Shapiro), Will Davis, Emma and Owen Heaps, Drew, Gray, Tess and Will Wakefield.

Jamie spent his career in pharmaceutical marketing. He was a strategic thinker and had a solid knowledge and deep interest in the economics of and innovations in the healthcare field. He spent the past seven years at Indegene, most recently serving as Vice President, Commercial.

Jamie married Liza in 1991. Showing an early and independent streak, the couple spent their honeymoon working on a Habitat for Humanity building site in Louisiana. He and Liza raised their children in Princeton where Jamie coached a whole lot of youth hockey and, as a hockey dad, advised players, coaches, and referees from an almost respectful distance.

While Jamie spent most of his adult life in Princeton, Maine held a very special place in his heart. He loved being both on and in the water there: floating, boating, and fishing on sunny summer days and exploring the challenge of ice fishing in midwinter. He vacationed there with his family this summer.

Jamie’s family gathered to mourn his death earlier this week. The world seems a lot quieter and a bit darker without him in it.

Gifts to honor Jamie can be given to SAVE (savehomelessanimals.org/donate).

———

William Paul Krause
January 26, 1932 – September 7, 2024

William “Bill” Krause had an Illinois childhood on a working farm. Along with his siblings, he milked cows before riding a horse to a one-room schoolhouse three miles away.

When Bill was 14, his family moved to Point Pleasant, PA. He enrolled in Lawrenceville Prep, where, upon graduation, he won the Trustee’s Cup. He went to Yale University where he studied architecture. Before graduating, he signed with the Navy and served as a Marine pilot, flying aircraft onto carriers during the Korean War.

While completing his degree at Yale, he met Sylvette de Aldrey, a painting student at the Whitney School of Art in New Haven.

They married, and in 1960 settled in Princeton, raising three daughters and remaining there for the rest of their lives.

Bill began his career as an architect for TechBuilt, a new style of prefabricated building, then became a salesman for their first medical centers. On one of his sales trips, he met a doctor who was testing a system developed by Cornell students to “computerize” patient information. Intrigued, Bill bought the program, and started what became known as Systemedics. The company grew into a national firm which was eventually sold to Equifax.

Bill then became a consultant to American Express, traveling the world with his wife Sylvette.

After retiring from the corporate world, Bill partook in an assortment of entrepreneurial endeavors, which included an art gallery at 14 Nassau Street (Art Ventures), a lighting store in Lambertville, and various small manufacturing businesses. He was keenly interested in solar power energy, holding a few forums of its benefits at his solar home.

Bill was the consummate family man, supporting and encouraging his children in all their endeavors, a trait that carried forth to his grandchildren. His love of Sylvette was immeasurable — theirs was a true love story, which inspired him to write novels based on their lives. Forty summers of family trips to Block Island, where “King Codfish” ruled the tribe, has left indelible memories for the entire extended family. Bill loved people, and was interested in hearing their stories. His curiosity was infectious.

He eventually bought a 4-acre property just outside Princeton, designing a light-filled solar-powered home — one of the prides of his life — and where, last Saturday, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, he closed his eyes for the very last time.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvette, and their three daughters, Jessica Krause, Leslie Krause, and Georgiana (Troy) Sensing; grandchildren Nina (Matt) Palmer, Bianca Scherrei, Abigail (Tyler) Brautigam, Hannah (Michael) Batillo, Thomas Sensing; and four great-grandchildren.

Interment for Bill will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 11:30 a.m. at Washington Crossing Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Family and friends who are joining, please arrive by 11:15 a.m. at the latest.

September 4, 2024

Special Honor

Lifelong Princeton resident Robert Higgins, 97, center front, was honored last Friday for his 76 years of service to the Princeton Fire Department. With his daughter, center right, and granddaughter, center left, in attendance along with Mayor Mark Freda, far right, Fire Chief Adam Kooker, third from left, and other first responders, Higgins was awarded a plaque from the Princeton Fire Department and Brandywine Princeton and celebrated for his dedication to serving Princeton. (Photo by Stephanie Gaber)

Referendum, Supt. Search on Tap for PPS

By Donald Gilpin

As students and teachers, staff, and administrators, all made their final preparations for Tuesday’s Princeton Public Schools’ (PPS) opening day, Board of Education (BOE) members have been setting their sights on two longer-term goals: the selection of a new superintendent and an upcoming referendum to fund new classrooms and core spaces.

Both BOE initiatives are expected to culminate early next year, with an $85-$90 million referendum vote planned for January 28, 2025 and the BOE hoping, by the first months of next year, to find the right new leader for the PPS to take over from Interim Superintendent Kathie Foster on July 1, 2025. more

Members of Community Encouraged to Participate in Cultural Exchange Night

By Anne Levin

Since Princeton first instituted Welcoming Week nine years ago, efforts have been ongoing to involve the public in this annual celebration of the town’s cultural diversity. The planners of this year’s events, which begin Friday, September 13 and run through Sunday, September 22, are hoping to inspire as many residents as possible to not just attend, but take part.

Cultural Exchange Night, which kicks off the week of events on Friday at Hinds Plaza from 4 to 6 p.m., is designed to do just that. The events are being planned by the Human Services Department and the Princeton Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Economic, Social Equity, and Social Services (C.A.R.E.S.).

“Everyone has an opportunity to take part by sharing a little something about their own country,” said Princeton Councilwoman Leticia Fraga, who is the liaison to the town’s Human Services Department. “That can be a poster board, or a table with arts and crafts, or music, or dancing. In the past, we’d often see people walking around saying, ‘I wish I would have known about this, because I would have been part of this.’ So, we’re trying to get the word out that everyone is welcome to participate.” more

Sustainable Princeton eCommuter Fest at Shopping Center on Saturday, September 14

By Donald Gilpin

Complete with circus acts, a fashion show on bikes, street savvy cycling sessions, music, games, eBike test rides, and more, Sustainable Princeton will be hosting its annual low-carbon eCommuter Fest in the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, September 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rescheduled from September 7).

The focus of this year’s event is walking, biking, public transit, and family fun, but electric vehicles will still be an important part of the festivities.

“eCommuter Fest was an evolution of our Electric Evening event, where we offered EV test drives and EV owner showcases when electric vehicles were novel,” said Sustainable Princeton Executive Director Christine Symington, as quoted in a press release. “Now that the adoption of electric vehicles is well underway, we want to celebrate and inspire our community about the benefits of walking, biking, and using public transportation to get around. Attendees will still have the chance to check out some EV models and learn about EV incentives and how to install a home charger.” more

Anniversary of D&R Canal State Park Marked by Celebratory Events

ALONG THE WATERWAY: Cyclists are among those who frequent the towpath of D&R Canal State Park, which passes through Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. The park was created five decades ago and is celebrating with a series of events beginning September 14.

By Anne Levin

Passing through four New Jersey counties between Trenton and New Brunswick, the Delaware & Raritan (D&R) Canal was a vital link for the transportation of goods for nearly a century. While its purpose had become obsolete by the 1930s, its history was not forgotten.

In 1973, the canal was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A year later, Gov. Brendan Byrne signed legislation to create the 70-mile D&R Canal State Park. It is the anniversary of that legislation that the nonprofit D&R Canal Watch is celebrating on October 26 with a walk/run/bike event. more

Local Coyote Sightings Have Increased in Recent Months

By Anne Levin

With their pointed ears, slender muzzles, and drooping, bushy tails, coyotes can be mistaken for German shepherds. But coyotes are wild animals that can pose a danger to domestic pets.

In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in sightings of the yellow-eyed “Canis latrans,” the scientific name for the coyote. James Ferry, Princeton’s animal control officer, has been watching the situation since a coyote snatched a small dog, weighing about 15 pounds, from outside a home on Random Road along Route 27 at the end of June.

“We have noticed some activity in Mountain Lakes, Herrontown Woods, and near Littlebrook School,” Ferry said last week. “They’ve kind of always been there. But the number has increased over the last few years.” more

Lafayette’s Triumphal Tour Returns to Princeton, Back After 200 Years

By Donald Gilpin

Sean Wilentz

Two hundred years ago this month, Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey, welcomed the Marquis de Lafayette to campus and presented him with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his contribution to the American cause of independence.

Lafayette was making a triumphal tour of the country at the invitation of President James Monroe and the U.S. Congress more than 40 years after the French soldier and statesman, who was a close friend of George Washington, had led the Continental Army at Yorktown in the final battle of the American Revolution.

Later this month, on September 25 at 10 a.m. as part of a 24-state tour, a Lafayette reenactor provided by the American Friends of Lafayette will share the stage with Princeton University Professor Sean Wilentz at the Nassau Presbyterian Church on Nassau Street for a public lecture on “Lafayette and the Politics of Division.” more

September Begins With Dragons, Delon, Baseball, and a Smile

By Stuart Mitchner

However much my wife and I may disagree about other things, we’ve always been in accord about movies, whether it’s the late Alain Delon’s Once a Thief or HBO’s House of the Dragon.

What made the Delon film worth watching was the chance to see him in an American movie from 1965 with stunning location shots of San Francisco from the period when I lived there and was enjoying the first act of a screwball comedy romance with my future wife and viewing partner.

When House of the Dragon debuted two years ago, we gave up after the first episodes. Recently we tried it again out of sheer desperation, found the second season somewhat better, and are now looking forward to the third, which Variety says will go into production in early 2025. As always, the real stars were the dragons. What was lacking besides the sheer fun of Game of Thrones were characters as wild and witty as Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister and as dashing and loveable as Masie Williams’s Arya Stark.  more

Soprano Emily Newton to Appear at United Methodist in Pennington

Emily Newton

The Pennington United Methodist Church continues its year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Methodism in its community with a recital on September 14 at 3 p.m. by opera singer Emily Newton. The soprano is a close family friend of one of the church’s members, and gave a concert at the church in 2016.

Pianist Joshua Rupley, a colleague of Newton at the University of Augsburg, Germany, will accompany her. The event will benefit the church’s mission projects with a free will offering. A reception will follow the concert.

Newton grew up along the rural Texas coast. She studied jazz arranging and aspired to be a jazz singer. But professors at North Texas State University convinced her to sing opera after hearing her voice.  more

Garden Theatre Screens Children’s Film Festival

The Garden Theatre will bring the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) to Princeton on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22. The short films of the festival expose young people to cinema from around the world. The festival debuted at the Garden last year as part of $5 Family Matinees.

The NYICFF was founded in 1997 and “is rooted in the belief of film as a path for young people to understand themselves and others,” according to its mission. Films chosen for the festival span diverse genres, cultures, and geographies, with “the most beloved, audience favorite and award-winning films” selected to tour around the country at museums, libraries, and independent cinemas like the Garden. This year’s showcase features films such as Coquille from France, and Little Fan from Germany. more

George Street Playhouse Announces Upcoming Shows

George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick has announced its roster of plays for the coming season. On the schedule are What the Constitution Means to Me, Gene and Gilda, Small, King James, and The Shark is Broken.

What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck opens the season September 24-October 13. The play delves into the relevance of the U.S. Constitution, and how in touch it is with today’s society. Next, from December 3-22 is Cary Gitter’s Gene and Gilda, which explores the love story of comedians Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. Robert Montano’s Small is about the misunderstood life of being a jockey, touching on family, racism, and addiction. The play runs January 14-18, 2025.

King James, by Rajiv Joseph, is a drama focused on two basketball fans’ friendship, drastic life changes, and the paths that could divide them. The play runs March 18-22. Closing the season April 29-May 3 is The Shark is Broken, by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon. The play dives into the making of the iconic film Jaws, as through the eyes of its stars Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw (Ian Shaw is Robert Shaw’s son). The play is directed by David Saint.

All shows are in the Arthur Laurents Theater at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue. Visit georgestreetplayhouse.org for ticket information.

Robert Beck Solo Show at Morpeth Contemporary

“FIRST LIGHT”: This work is part of “Here and Now,” a solo exhibition featuring the latest paintings by Robert Beck, on view at Morpeth Contemporary in Hopwell September 14 through October 6.  Beck will be part of the exhibition opening reception on Friday, September 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“Here and Now,” an exclusive solo exhibition featuring the latest paintings by Robert Beck, will be on view September 14 to October 6 at Morpeth Contemporary, 43 West Broad Street, Hopewell. This event marks Beck’s first solo exhibition since his acclaimed retrospective at the Michener Art Museum.  Receptions are on Friday, September 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 14, 1 to 3 p.m.

Beck, a pivotal figure and a leading voice in the Bucks County, Pa., art and cultural heritage, continues to explore the substance of contemporary life through his iconic and expressive oil paintings. His narrative-driven pieces, capturing unique but ever-present moments, have garnered Beck solo exhibits at three major museums. more

“Ellarslie Open 41” Juror Talk at Trenton City Museum

“GOD”: Stephanie Magdziak of Princeton is shown with her large-scale drawing that was named Best in Show at the Trenton City Museum’s “Ellarslie Open 41. The exhibition is on view through October 6, and a Juror’s Talk is on Saturday, September 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Kimberly Camp

The juror of Trenton City Museum’s annual “Ellarslie Open,” Kimberly Camp, will give a Juror’s Talk about the 2024 show on Saturday, September 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, located in historic Cadwalader Park. Refreshments will follow the talk and Q&A. Reserve for $25 or $20 for museum members at ellarslie.org/eo41-jurors-talk.

After reviewing 550 entries in the categories of sculpture, painting, works on paper, photography, and digital art, Camp selected 110 pieces by 94 artists for the annual showcase. During her Juror’s Talk, Camp will discuss her process for jurying and for selecting award-winners. Camp awarded Best in Show to Stephanie Magdziak of Princeton for her large-scale drawing GOD. The exhibiting artists, award winners, and online gallery can be viewed at ellarslie.org/eo41. The show is on view online and in the museum through October 6. more

Janine Dunn Wade Named Honored Artist at Juried Show

“PEONIES, PANSIES, AND BADGER”: Janine Dunn Wade, whose work is shown here, has been named Honored Artist of the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill,” on view September 21 to October 27 at the historic mill in New Hope, Pa.

Doylestown, Pa.-based artist Janine Dunn Wade has been named Honored Artist of the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill.” She describes the honor as a “dream come true.” Wade has been a contributor to the art show for more than 30 years.

Born in New York City, Dunn Wade received her B.F.A. from Villanova University in 1981, and studied abroad in Paris, Italy, and Mexico. Her work has been widely exhibited, and she has received awards from Phillips’ Mill, the Coryell Gallery, and the American Impressionist Society, among others.  more

Zimmerli Art Museum Announces Fall Programs

The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University–New Brunswick has announced its schedule of free public programs for the fall of 2024, as well as new member experiences. Such favorites as SparkNight, Último Domingo, Art Together, Study Break, and artist talks return, with the addition of monthly highlight tours. Events take place at the Zimmerli, 71 Hamilton Street New Brunswick, unless otherwise noted. For complete details and updates, visit zimmerli.rutgers.edu/events.

The season kicks off with the Fall Opening Reception on Saturday, September 14 from 4 to 7 p.m., which is free and open to the public. Guests can meet Amanda Cachia, guest curator for this fall’s major exhibition, “Smoke & Mirrors.” Cachia selected 14 contemporary artists with disabilities from across the globe who conceptualize access through humor, antagonism, transparency, and invisibility. She developed this unprecedented exhibition to showcase work by artists who are underrepresented in museums, while also encouraging visitors with disabilities and their allies to become active participants in telling their own stories.  more

Fall Calls for Art: West Windsor Arts

West Windsor Arts has announced a schedule of exhibitions for the upcoming year, including its popular Off the Wall Juried Art Show, which is on display each year during their Holiday Market of unique items. These sister shows feature works of original art and handmade items for sale by local artists and artisans, just in time for the holiday season.

“Last year, a sizable number of artists sold their work during the Holiday Market and Art Show. We encourage artists who are looking not only to sell their work in a consignment-style format, but also to be part of a thriving network of artists and art enthusiasts to keep an eye on our upcoming event. We also host community-driven performances throughout the year, and sponsor an artist in residence once a year,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts.

“West Windsor Arts is committed to offering a variety of opportunities for artists of all types to display their works, and their talents, throughout the year,” added Green. “We have built an active community of local artists who have been able to elevate their careers while also enhancing the quality of our programming.” more