December 4, 2024
State Theatre New Jersey presents Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland on Saturday, December 14 at 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$99.
Featuring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats, and musicians and singers, the performance takes audiences on a journey into a world of music, cirque, and more. With new costumes, music, and storylines, the all-new show blends the grace and daredevil athleticism of circus performers with a musical mix of seasonal favorites. more
ARTIST TALK: Painter Claude Winn will discuss her work at the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” event on Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center.
On Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m., painter Claude Winn will be the featured speaker for the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” series at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center. Winn, a Princeton Makes cooperative member, creates abstract paintings that she calls “meditations,” reflecting her interdisciplinary background.
During the event, Winn will discuss her work and the influences of her art heroes, including William de Kooning, Wassily Kandinsky, and Helen Frankenthaler. A visual and theatre artist, Winn’s interest in art began in childhood when she spent hours in museums studying the works of great artists. more
“DRINKING SONG”: This oil on linen work is featured in “Sean Mount / New Paintings,” on view December 7 through February 2 at SFA Gallery In Frenchtown. An opening night reception is on Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Following up on his successful show in 2023, Lambertville artist Sean Mount returns to SFA Gallery in Frenchtown with “Sean Mount / New Paintings,” on view December 7 through February 2. An opening night celebration is on Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.
A self-taught oil and watercolor artist, Mount is also a keen naturalist, mushroom forager, and bird-watcher. Known for his paintings of fog-shrouded woods and sun-dappled creeks, his work is recognized as fortifying the rich legacy of New Hope School Impressionism.
This exhibit comes on the heels of a major achievement in Mount’s career, the purchase of a very large oil painting, Querencia/Altar, by the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., where it is currently on view. more
The Olivia & Leslie Foundation + Johnson Park Student Art Show, to he held on Saturday December 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arts Council of Princeton, will showcase the artistic accomplishments of students from the Olivia & Leslie Foundation Art + Math program.
This special event provides an opportunity to see their creativity come to life and celebrate their efforts as a community. There will also be an arts supplies giveaway and refreshments.
The Arts Council of Princeton is located at 102 Witherspoon Street.
“FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION”: More than 150 works by 70 artists will be on view at Dupree Gallery Lambertville December 7 through January 24. An opening reception is on Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. (Photo by Sierra Humes)
Dupree Gallery Lambertville will present “Freedom of Expression” December 7 through January 24, 2025. An opening reception is on Saturday, December 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. This open call exhibition features over 150 eclectic works of art by 70 artists from around the country.
The exhibition is curated by artist and gallery owner James E. Dupree and draws from his extensive professional network of established artists, along with submissions from independent artists who responded to the open call. “Freedom of Expression” showcases a wide variety of mediums — including painting, drawing, prints, fiber art, wood carving, photography, collage, and more — offering an impressive range of styles and techniques. Artwork is priced from $125 to $4,800. more
PLEASING THE PALATE: “We have a wonderful staff,” says Caron Wendell, co-owner of Lucy’s Kitchen & Market. “We are very proud of them. Many have been with us for over 10 years, and some for as many as 20 years or more.” Shown are staff members who are ready to help customers select choices from the display case filled with a variety of tempting treats.
By Jean Stratton
Step inside Lucy’s Kitchen & Market at 830 State Road, and you are immediately glad you came. Just entering this cheerful market, where nearly all the food is prepared on site from scratch, will tempt the taste buds.
Lucy’s success story has been going on for a long time. At the current location since 1996, owners Caron Wendell and Joe McLaughlin had initially set up shop in Trenton in 1991, specializing in ravioli. more
MAKING A SPLASH: Princeton University men’s water polo goalie Kristóf Kovács unloads the ball in action earlier this season. Sophomore Kovács has made 316 saves this season in helping Princeton win the Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) tournament. The Tigers, now 23-8, are heading into the NCAA tournament where they are seeded fifth and will face fourth-seeded and host Stanford in the quarterfinal round on December 6 at the Avery Aquatic Center in Stanford, Calif. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Justin Feil
It took a little convincing, but Kristóf Kovács has found just what he was looking for in Princeton University.
Growing up in Hódmezovásárhely, Hungary, Kovács knew that Princeton was a great academic school. When he started to follow the Tigers men’s water polo team, he saw a program ready to reach a new standard. more
BUCKING UP: Princeton University men’s hockey goalie Arthur Smith makes a save against Ohio State last weekend. Sophomore Smith starred as Princeton swept the Buckeyes in a two-game set, recording 29 saves as the Tigers posted a 3-1 win on Friday before making a career-high 37 stops in a 3-1 win on Saturday. Smith’s heroics got him named as the ECAC Goaltender of the Week. Princeton, now 3-4-1 overall, hosts Union on December 6 and RPI on December 7. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)
By Bill Alden
Arthur Smith could have been rusty as he started at goalie for the Princeton University men’s hockey team last Friday night as it hosted No. 12 Ohio State.
But sophomore Smith, who hadn’t played since November 9 when he took the loss as the Tigers fell 5-1 to Dartmouth, was primed to make the most of his opportunity. more
HAPPY TO HELP: Princeton University men’s basketball player CJ Happy displays his intensity at the defensive end in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, freshman forward Happy scored a game-high and career-high 18 points to help Princeton defeat Division III Nazareth 99-63. The Tigers, who improved to 6-3 with the win, were slated to play at Saint Joseph’s on December 3 before playing at Furman on December 7 and hosting Monmouth on December 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
CJ Happy provided the Princeton University men’s basketball team with a major highlight as it wrapped up play at the Myrtle Beach Invitational.
After Princeton lost its first two games at the event in Conway, S.C., falling 80-62 to Wright State and 83-80 to Texas State, freshman forward Happy erupted for a game-high 16 points to help the Tigers defeat Portland 94-67 on November 24 to end the weekend on a high note. more
HEADS UP: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Anders Hedin heads up the ice in a game last winter. Junior forward Hedin figures to be a key performer for the Tigers this winter. PHS opens its 2024-25 campaign by facing Notre Dame on December 6 at the Mercer County Skating Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
With the Princeton High boys’ hockey team coming off a disappointing 5-13 campaign last winter, Rik Johnson is looking for his squad to display more intensity this season.
“It is still early going, we have had two on-ice practices and then one dry land on Tuesday,” said PHS head coach Johnson, whose team opens its 2024-25 campaign by facing Notre Dame on December 6 at the Mercer County Skating Center. “The vibes are positive, they are high. We definitely seem to be more focused going into the season. I am hoping to improve on last year.” more
GOING AT IT: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Wyatt Ewanchyna brings the puck up the ice in a game last season. Senior forward Ewanchyna, who led PDS in assists last year with 20, will be counted on to be an offensive catalyst for the team again this winter. The Panthers will be opening their 2024-25 season by playing Delbarton on December 12 at SportsCare Arena in Randolph. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
While the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team has utilized a freewheeling, end-to-end style over the years, Scott Bertoli realizes that isn’t always the best fit for his squad.
As PDS head coach Bertoli looks ahead to the upcoming season, he will be instilling a more grind-it-out approach. more
STATE OF JOY: Members of the Stuart Country Day School volleyball team are all smiles as they pose for a photo this season. The Tartans made history this fall, going 11-8 on the way to making the semis of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B state sectional in their first appearance in the tourney. (Photo provided courtesy of Anna Kachmarski)
By Bill Alden
Having been the head coach of the Stuart Country Day School volleyball program since it started varsity play in 2017, Anna Kachmarski has guided the Tartans through some ups and downs.
“Having a smaller school can always be challenging going up against some competing public schools who have hundreds in their classes,” said Kachmarski, the STEM curriculum coordinator at the school, who played volleyball in high school and college. “We have been through a few rebuilding years starting the program and getting it off the ground because when we started the program we actually had a high number of students who were seniors and left after the first year.” more
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Princeton Garden Theatre, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to the Princeton Community for your unwavering support over the last 10 years. While The Garden has been a part of Princeton for more than 100 years, it’s only in the last 10 years we’ve been a nonprofit committed to celebrating all aspects of film. The Garden thrives because of your enthusiasm, attendance, and love for the art of cinema.
We are especially grateful to our members for their commitment to sustaining our historic theater. Member support allows us to continue offering a unique movie-going experience that celebrates the magic of both classic and contemporary films. more
To the Editor:
Two items have recently been discussed by Council for consideration and have elicited public commentary: replacement of the public kiosks on Nassau Street and the renovation of Hinds Plaza.
The notion to convert the somewhat quaint kiosks into a mini–Times Square seems superfluous and a poor aesthetic choice if the intent is to reduce clutter and enhance efficiency of message posting. Glaring neon signage will distract both pedestrians and drivers and will require computer-driven control systems to operate messages. Will pedestrians be more informed by scrolling advertisements and announcements? Persons who currently read postings on the kiosks are unlikely to be attracted to yet another digital screen in order to be informed about local events and interests. more
To the Editor:
I am very dissatisfied with the plans for digging up and changing Hinds Plaza [“Council Hears Report From Consulting Firm on Revitalizing Hinds Plaza,” October 30, page 1]. Why fix something that isn’t broken? The trees are healthy and mature, there are beautiful engravings, and plenty of moveable chairs and tables to eat lunch at.
“The plan also includes removing the mature trees from the plaza. The Princeton arborist states in the proposal that the trees in Hinds Plaza are not healthy. Bill Flemer, of Princeton Nurseries, said in a letter to Town Topics [Mailbox, November 13] that he believes they are mature and there is no reason to replace them. more
To the Editor:
Hinds Plaza is undeniably a cherished and iconic community space in Princeton, a sentiment I feel confident my Council colleagues share. All physical infrastructure, however, requires maintenance and upkeep. Our Engineering Department has identified several issues that must be addressed to ensure the plaza’s longevity and functionality. The recent Council work session was part of a nearly year-long process that included a public open house and survey to gather community input, regular steering committee meetings, and a thorough review of several design alternatives. After the initial concepts were introduced at the work session, Council received many questions regarding the project’s process, scope, and rationale, which I’d like to address here.
Taking a long-term approach to fiscal responsibility — addressing these issues through routine, cost-effective maintenance — will be less costly than allowing problems to compound over time. The need for this project stems from the deteriorated condition of the pavers and concrete, as well as an inadequate stormwater management system that channels rainwater directly from paved surfaces to Harrys Brook. The proposed redesign follows new regulations requiring improved water quality controls through green infrastructure. more
To the Editor:
Thank you for bringing our attention to the Harrison Street Corridor concept plan that was presented to Princeton Council on November 12 [“Council Hears Report on Harrison Street Corridor,” November 20, page 1]. I am glad that pedestrians and cyclists are getting a high priority in planning. While I am at various times, driver, cyclist, and pedestrian, it is hard to consider the needs of all three simultaneously. The concept plan seems to manage this particularly well by proposing separate lanes for bicycles and increasing the sidewalk coverage around the Princeton Shopping Center area. While the “road diet” (reducing four lanes to two) sounded strange to me at first, I realized that Route 206 is one lane in each direction, and that works most of the time.
The plan proposes that the section of Harrison along the shopping center be divided into car lanes, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks in both directions. Pedestrians will find the sidewalks on both sides of Harrison at the shopping center to be a life saver.
The driver in me applauds a traffic light at Route 206 and Ewing Street. Roundabouts at Bunn, Terhune, Valley, and Nassau may help relieve car and truck congestion, and cyclists will be directed to more peaceful roads to avoid much of Harrison Street. Slowing traffic at the D&R Canal will be very helpful to runners, walkers, and cyclists, since the flashing lights are not visible around the sharp corner heading north.
While I am feeling positive so far about the plan, some questions remain in my mind. Will roundabouts have pedestrian crossing lights? Will cyclists need to become pedestrians to safely enter and leave the roundabouts? I find roundabouts to be intimidating as a cyclist, since many drivers are not happy when a bicycle occupies a full lane. Are the new apartments surrounding the Princeton Shopping Center fully considered in the traffic data? I am looking forward to hearing more about this large and complex plan.
Alice Macnow
Bunn Drive
To the Editor:
The kiosks on Nassau Street are the everyman publicity system. No matter how small or poor your organization — at the least you can afford a poster on the kiosk. It may be primitive, but the kiosks are a physical manifestation of the first amendment right to speak in public. Kiosks present ideas to the random people who walk the street. Someone sees a poster on the kiosk and takes action. That is valuable.
Remove the kiosk and you silence those least able to speak. The idea that you will replace the kiosk with something “digital” is a slap in the face to everyone who does not use a smartphone. You are pushing out the paper era while lots of people can’t read a digital kiosk. more
Martha Mulcahey Klink
September 12, 1948 – November 19, 2024
Martha Mulcahey Klink, 76, of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Martha, known to most as Marty, was born on September 12, 1948, in Jersey City. She was the fourth of eight children, growing up in a bustling and loving home on Legion Place in Paramus, NJ. Marty graduated from Paramus High School in 1966, where she was a “twirling asset” as a Spartan Twirler and an admired “fountain of wit.”
Marty moved to Princeton, NJ, where she raised her family and led an extraordinary life of service and dedication to her family, friends, and students. She earned both a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from what is now known as The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College). Marty was a passionate advocate for her students, dedicating over 25 years to the South Plainfield Public School system as a speech therapist. She made a significant impact on countless lives, especially those of her high-needs students.
Above all, Marty was an incredible mother to Tracy and Chris, offering unwavering love, guidance, and encouragement throughout their lives. She was their greatest champion, celebrating every success with joy and pride. Whether in moments of triumph or challenge, her support was constant, strength boundless, and love steadfast. Through her example of resilience, grace, and humor, she taught them not just how to face life’s obstacles but how to cherish every moment of life.
In retirement, Marty embraced her next great adventure — traveling the world. She loved exploring new places, and her most recent trip to Egypt, where she saw the Great Pyramids and rode a camel, was one of her many treasured memories. Marty was also a proud and enthusiastic Nana, cheering on her grandson, Hudson, at baseball games and celebrating the theater and art accomplishments of her granddaughter, Amelia. A voracious reader and puzzler, Marty found joy in all of life’s moments, but what she loved most was spending time with her family and friends. Whether visiting, laughing, or supporting loved ones, she always made sure to keep everyone connected.
Marty is survived by her loving children, Tracy Schmidt and Chris Schmidt, together with their beloved spouses, Mickael Cauberghs and Angelia Schmidt. She was the proud Nana to her cherished grandchildren, Hudson and Amelia. Marty is also survived by her brother Michael Mulcahey. She also leaves behind dearly loved nephews, nieces, extended family, and lifelong friends who will miss her deeply and forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
She now joins her parents, Robert and Martha Mulcahey, brothers Robert Jr. and Kevin Mulcahey, and sisters Marylou Brophy, Kathleen Diehl Spelkoman, and Margaret Smyth in eternal peace and joy.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity that holds special meaning or reflects a memory shared with Marty.
The ones we love never truly leave us. Their love and memories live on, forever a part of our hearts.
———
In Loving Memory of Keith Allen Webber
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved brother Keith Allen Webber, who left us peacefully on November 13, 2024 at the age of 56, where he lived in Kissimmee, Fla.
Keith Webber was born and raised in Princeton until he moved to Florida after college. He was a security guard, bartender, a pharmacist technician, and cherished friend, who touched the lives of many with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.
He is survived by his brother, Kirk A. Webber of Ewing N.J., sister Kimberly A. Webber of Lawrenceville, N.J., his uncle and aunt, Travis and Wilhelmina Webber of Princeton, his uncle Houston Webber of Caldwell, N.J., and his aunt Yvonne Barclay of Lawrenceville, N.J., and a host of family and friends.
A celebration of life brunch will be held on January 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tower Club, 13 Prospect Avenue, Princeton, N.J. All are welcome to join us in celebrating Keith Allen Webber’s remarkable life.
May his soul rest in peace.
———
George “DeWitt” Boice
8/24/1933 – 10/30/2024
DeWitt was born and raised in Princeton, NJ.
He attended Princeton Day School, Hotchkiss Preparatory School, and Colby College. He married the love of his life, Lorraine Rasimowicz, on 12/28/1957.
He was a member of the Princeton Fire Company #1. He was Captain and President of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad for many years. He and his family moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1978 and then retired and moved to Florida in 2014.
His many accomplishments include working for his dad at Boice Lumber and Fuel Company until 1967. He then started businesses that included Boice Construction, Boice Reality and Management Agencies, the Rocky Mountain Law offices, and Black Magic Kennels. He proudly started the Boulder First Aid and Rescue Squad, a volunteer organization, and helped form the South Jersey Retriever club. He and his wife also started the Centennial Retriever club.
DeWitt’s favorite lifelong hobby was training Labrador retrievers, he was an outstanding dog trainer. He was an AKC field trial competitor, competing at the national level for many years. He was also an avid hunter, fisherman, skier, golfer, and played hockey and baseball.
He is survived by his loving wife Lorraine of 67 years; his son and best friend, John DeWitt and wife Susan Boice; his beautiful daughter Mimi Ann and husband David Bennett; his grandson Matt Mogul and granddaughter Leighanne and husband Collin Normington.
November 27, 2024
Local businesses are gearing up for holiday season shoppers and Small Business Saturday on November 30. (Photo by Sarah Teo)
By Donald Gilpin
Princeton residents will have a number of opportunities to learn more about the Princeton Public Schools’ (PPS) $89.1 million facilities bond referendum before they vote on a three-part question on January 28, 2025.
Two upcoming forums — a virtual forum on Monday, December 9 at 7 p.m. (link to be shared shortly before the event) and an in-person forum on Saturday, January 11 at 9 a.m. in the Princeton Middle School (PMS) auditorium — will provide information and chances to ask questions.
The community is also invited to tour one or all of the school buildings included in the 2025 bond referendum proposal: Community Park Elementary School on December 10 and January 8 at 3:30 p.m.; Littlebrook Elementary School on January 7 and 14 at 4 p.m.; PMS on December 5, 12, and January 16 at 3:30 p.m.; and Princeton High School (PHS) on December 8 at 10 a.m., 13 at 6:30 p.m., January 15 at 6:15 p.m., January 24 at 5:30 p.m., and January 26 at 10 a.m. more
By Anne Levin
James “Jimmy” Mack
(Photo by Adam Welch)
Princeton Council paid tribute to longtime barber James “Jimmy” Mack at its meeting Monday evening, November 25, at the municipal building.
As a large crowd of Mack’s family, friends, and neighbors looked on, Councilman Leighton Newlin and Mayor Mark Freda read a special proclamation honoring Mack as a fixture in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood since the early 1950s.
Newlin called Mack “a great human, a great humanitarian, a good person, a great family man, a good friend, a mentor, and one hell of a barber.” To visit Jimmy’s Barber Shop at 141 John Street was to be part of “a sanctuary of community where the air vibrated with the hum of clippers, laughter, and soulful melodies, creating a vibrant tapestry of shared experience,” he said, before launching into a brief rendition of the Martha and the Vandellas song “Jimmy Mack.” more
By Donald Gilpin
As the country and the world continue to ponder the results of the 2024 election, Princeton University’s School for Public and International Affairs (SPIA) Center for the Study of Democratic Politics (CSDP) has assembled a panel of experts to help shed light on “What Happened and Why?” The event will take place on Monday, December 2, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Bowl 016 at Robertson Hall on Washington Road.
“This panel will bring together a blend of expertise, perspectives, and professional experiences that we hope will foster a nuanced, informed discussion of the election results,” said Princeton University Politics Professor and CSDP Co-Director Tali Mendelberg, who will moderate the discussion. “In this era of polarization and information silos, it is vital to offer accurate analysis and to represent diverse views about the state of American politics.”
Panelists will include Betsy Ankney, political strategist and Nikki Haley’s campaign manager; CBS News elections analyst and Princeton University Ph.D. graduate Kabir Khanna; Dorian Warren, public affairs commentator and president of Community Change, co-chair of the Economic Security Project, and co-host of System Check; and Lauren Wright, associate research scholar and lecturer in politics and public affairs at Princeton University with a focus on political communication, including media coverage, candidates’ strategies, and public perceptions. more
HIGHEST HONOR: Princeton-raised Dan Schulman was knighted in Paris last month by French President Emmanuel Macron for his contributions to social and economic change. From left are Schulman’s wife, Summerly Schulman; his mother, Ruth Schulman; Macron; and Schulman. (Photo courtesy of Dan Schulman)
By Anne Levin
During his tenure as CEO and president of the financial technology giant PayPal, Dan Schulman was shocked to discover that 70 percent of Americans have a hard time making ends meet.
Schulman, who was raised in Princeton and is a product of the town’s public schools, was even more surprised to learn that over half of his employees — who were paid above market rates — were among those struggling. more