April 23, 2025

SUCCESS STORY: 55 years of providing customers with fresh, safe, nutritionally sound organic food and environmentally-friendly products is a remarkable achievement. Princeton’s Whole Earth Center continues to offer healthy choices and helpful information every day. Shown, from left, are deli manager Carmina De Leon, perishables manager Jervis Doctor, and produce manager Bona Thiel.

By Jean Stratton

Fifty-five years and still going strong!

This is the story of Princeton’s Whole Earth Center.

Indeed, its remarkable journey began 55 years ago, when a group of concerned citizens decided to take action. So, on the original Earth Day, April 22, 1970. Barbara Parmet, Hella McVay, Florence Falk, Margot Sutherland, and Susanna Waterman founded The Whole Earth Center. more

To the Editor:

Late morning on a sunny summer day in August 2019 a truck driver looked right, turned left, and lethally crashed into my friend who was crossing the street on the walkway just in front of Princeton University Library.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, in 2023, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes nationwide, 171 of those in New Jersey. But what drives this plot? And who is perpetuating the problem?

There are four mutually antagonist actors. more

April 16, 2025

GREAT GOLFING: This overview shows Springdale Golf Club’s 18-hole, 6,380 yard, par-71 course. Recently renovated, the course is located adjacent to Princeton University’s Graduate College, and is surrounded by a natural setting of exceptional beauty. In the foreground is the famous Cleveland Tower, named for President Grover Cleveland, who was also a Princeton University trustee and later a Princeton resident.

By Jean Stratton

Princeton is unique in many ways.

A famous Revolutionary War battle was fought here, which many believe turned the tide of the war, and ultimately, of history. Princeton served as the capital of the fledgling independent country when the Continental Congress met here for several months in 1783.

One of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. is located in Princeton, and furthermore, the life of the mind is celebrated every day at the Institute for Advanced Study, once the site of Albert Einstein’s endeavors. more

To the Editor:

Congratulations and thank you to Town Council for the courage and clever implementation of eminent domain to bring resolution to the Choir College acquisition. Like many other residents, we wonder and have thoughts about the reuse of this site. Too often, outside consultants with little knowledge of Princeton and the values of its residents are retained at considerable cost with less than ideal results.

Princeton is fortunate in having many bright, creative and successful residents that are available or can be retained to advise on this opportunity. The involvement of Princeton Future and volunteer resources is representative of how community planning can be accomplished that is satisfactory to its residents. The Choir College site could provide a location for mixed and affordable housing, reuse of the existing academic buildings by the PPS or other entities, and providing open space at the existing front lawn.

For example, a 40-year land lease for the vacant rear property to a developer who would pay the bond interest cost apportioned to that part of the site over 40 years could financially provide an incentive for a greater number of affordable units than the typical 20 percent currently required. The developer receives the IRS tax benefits of depreciating his entire construction cost without the expensive initial land cost, while the town ultimately benefits from the land and asset reversion after 40 years.  more

To the Editor:

Once again, Council has demonstrated its disrespect for the residents who elected them and the property owners who pay taxes by rushing to burden us with a large expenditure for the former Westminster Choir College campus, without ascertaining our opinions.

The litigation among Rider University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Westminster Alumni group has been dragging on for years and was unlikely to conclude soon. There was no need to hurry. The Council had sufficient time to solicit and listen to our opinions before undertaking condemnation.

Their stated plans for the property are extremely vague. We all deserve a detailed explanation of their plans, ample opportunity for public comment, and a means to approve future expenditures before any further decisions are made.

Maryann Witalec Keyes
Franklin Avenue

To the Editor:

Blooming now in a yard near you, and probably in your own yard, is a pretty little flower that is big trouble. Lesser celandine, with its low mound of roundish leaves and yellow flowers, may look harmless when it first arrives in your yard, but be forewarned. Unless you remove or spot-spray those first few that show up, they will quickly spread to pave your lawn and garden beds, then spread into your neighbors’ yards as well. Unlike dandelions, which also begin blooming now, lesser celandine poses a serious threat to local nature preserves. Thriving in shade or sun, its poisonous leaves coat natural areas, displacing native wildflowers and cheating wildlife of food.

When I moved to Princeton 22 years ago, I first noticed lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) coating Pettoranello Gardens, then watched as it spread downstream into Mountain Lakes, turning a once diverse spring landscape into a monotonous yellow declaration of Me! Me! Me! Ever since, I’ve been sounding the warning on my PrincetonNatureNotes blog. People mistakenly called it marsh marigold — a native that is larger and exceedingly rare. More recently, lesser celandine has begun popping up in yards in the Little Brook neighborhood and just about everywhere else. It can spread via seeds and tubers, but primarily through bulblets that grow on its stem. These likely hitchhike from yard to yard on lawnmower equipment.  more

April 9, 2025

To the Editor:

To the many tributes to Dorothea [“Colleagues Offer Tributes to Labyrinth’s Dorothea von Moltke,” April 2, page 7], I would like to add one more.

In the course of an illustrative presidency of Princeton University, molecular biologist Shirley Tilghman advanced the mission of a great research university on several fronts. She also invited Dorothea to create a bookstore for the University and town. The University submitted a plan for the Lewis Arts Complex to the town for approval.   more

To the Editor:

Last May 2024, Ron Berlin went to Princeton Council in person and asked for the Princeton Planning Board to resume in-person meetings with a Zoom option, or a hybrid meeting. Mr. Berlin later submitted the statement he presented to Council to local media.  A few weeks later in June 2024, Planning Board Chair Louise Wilson wrote in response, “With substantial technical improvements that guarantee equity in the broadest sense — a truly level playing field — the Planning Board might one day transition to a hybrid meeting format provided it allows for every participant, in person or remote, to see and hear equally well, to be seen and be heard equally well, at every meeting.”

It’s now April 2025, the pandemic is over, technology has improved, and I would respectively ask the Princeton Planning Board to resume in-person/Zoom hybrid meetings.  As Mr. Berlin well noted last May, in-person meetings allow the community to take the temperature of the room, to see who shows up, and to interact face-to-face. The Zoom format has its benefits for anyone unable to attend, or too shy to speak in a large group or many other reasons, but the Zoom format is also impersonal and a loss for the community to gather and meet people who share a community interest, whether for or against.

Princeton Council has in-person/Zoom hybrid meetings. I would respectfully urge the Council to ask the Planning Board to follow their example and let the public back into the Planning Board meetings, in person. It’s been too long. As Ms. Wilson said, “one day” the Planning Board would transition to hybrid meetings. That “one day” has come.

Carolyn H. Robertson
Mercer Street

To the Editor:

The Princeton Council seems to have been able to circumvent the pending lawsuits against Rider University’s plan to sell the Westminster Choir College property, thereby destroying any hope of the renowned music college being returned to the Princeton campus [“Town Finalizes Westminster Campus Acquisition,” April 2, Page 1]. While there is no specific commitment to what will become of the land and buildings, most concerning is the Council’s lack of commitment or plan for retaining the Westminster Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit community music school with no connection to Westminster Choir College.

A member of the conservatory faculty, I live in Princeton and teach private voice lessons to ages 8-78. The conservatory has rented facilities on the campus for its use since its inception in 1970. It is the premier community music school in New Jersey providing music lessons for students within a 50-mile radius. High-caliber teachers provide private and class lessons in all instruments to students of all ages, abilities, and experience. Participation in the youth programs and orchestras enrich many lives. The Saturday Honors Music Program offers immersion in music history, jazz, music theory, and chamber ensembles. Summer music camps introduce students to various opportunities. Indeed, the strong music and theater programs in elementary through high schools in surrounding towns continue to benefit from the achievements of our students.

The location, with convenient parking, is easily accessible and safe for children (many of whom walk from their homes or schools). The campus buildings are available for student recitals, concerts, and workshops, etc. Our studios are equipped with upright, studio and baby grand pianos (many with two pianos). Free performances by our faculty are offered throughout the year.

I urge everyone to spread the word that the town Council must not only give vague reference to the idea of retaining the conservatory on campus, but must declare a firm commitment and plan to not allow the fate that befell Westminster Choir College to also demolish the conservatory. View the website: Westminster Conservatory of Music.

Linda Mindlin
Valley Road

April 2, 2025

NEW LOOK: “We look forward to offering more customers the opportunity to give their kitchen a new look, either with painted cabinets or replacement cabinet doors, drawers, and shelving. It’s a great way to add new interest to the kitchen Our talented staff can provide customers with the best quality work at very affordable prices.” Kevin Casey, second from right, owner of Cabinet Painting Guru in Pennington, is shown with his expert team and popular pooch “Mason,” the team mascot.

By Jean Stratton

Kevin Casey wants to give your kitchen a new look!

The most popular gathering place in the house, the kitchen is often called the heart of the home. Not just the domain of the cook, it is a high traffic area not only for family but for friends who visit and so often head for the kitchen.

Eye appeal can add so much to the overall ambiance and comfort level of this companionable place, especially considering the many hours spent within its confines.

This is where Kevin Casey, founder and owner of Cabinet Painting Guru, can bring his and his team’s expertise to give your kitchen a bright new glow. more

March 26, 2025

Micaela Lynch Dussel will be married on Saturday March 29, 2025 to Brooks Philip Herr at The Church of St. Mary’s in Roslyn, N.Y. Father Timothy Valentine will celebrate the nuptial mass assisted by The Rev. David A. Davis from Nassau Presbyterian Church.

Katherine Dussel McBride is her sister’s matron of honor, and Gardiner Cromwell Knox Herr is his brother’s best man.

Dr. Dussel, a third-year pediatrics resident at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Dussel of Glen Head, New York. She graduated from Williams College and received a Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University. Her father is a Certified Public Accountant and her mother, Anne L. Dussel, is a Clinical Development Process Quality Lead at Pfizer.

Mr. Herr, the son of The Hon. Mark S. Herr and Rachel P. Herr of Princeton, New Jersey, is a member of the investor relations and business development team at Silver Rock Financial. He graduated from Hamilton College. His father is the Principal at Mark Herr Communications. His mother is the Treasurer at Mark Herr Communications.

To the Editor:

What would you do to support an initiative that is guaranteed to teach hundreds of high school kids how to stay in good physical shape, de-stress after a rigorous academic day, and forge healthy peer relationships grounded in mutual respect, emotional support, and teamwork? And what if this initiative also reduced by up to 24,000 hours (athletes times days times training time) the time these kids spend on their phones each year, while getting them out into our community on a daily basis?

The girls and boys no-cut Princeton High School Cross Country and Track and Field program does just this. And on Saturday, March 22, over 700 runners, joggers, and walkers participated in the Princeton 5K and Kids Dash, the annual fundraising event put on by the PHS Cross Country and Track & Field Boosters, a 501(c)(3), to support these student athletes.

Special thanks go to our Gold Sponsors jaZams, Calloway Henderson Sotheby’s Realty, Lawrenceville Foot Care, Princeton Tree Care, and Queenston Realty; and to our Silver Sponsors Freda Howard Interiors, Prime Omega Fitness, Champions Summer Camp, Princeton Orthopaedics Associates, Princeton Pizza Star, and Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy. We also thank our six Bronze Sponsors and six family sponsors, and Fleet Feet Princeton Running Company where we held our packet pickup. All donations directly support the Princeton High School Cross-Country and Track & Field teams. Please check out all our sponsors at Princeton5K.com.

We also want to acknowledge the Princeton Public Schools district and its facilities staff for allowing us to use the PHS PAC parking lot to stage the post-race village. These generous contributors, along with the Princeton Police Department, Princeton Pacers, dozens of parent volunteers, student athletes, and coaches came together to ensure a safe and festive community event and race. It is inspiring to see this level of support for a program that does so much good for so many children in our community.

We’d welcome the community’s continued support for the PHS track team this spring, and for the cross country team in the fall. We hope to see you all next March for the 2026 Princeton 5K and Kids Dash!

GREG ROBINSON
5K co-organizer
Clearview Avenue
JOE CAPONE
5K co-organizer
Leavitt Lane
DANIELLE BAHR
Booster Club president
Prospect Avenue
JANE MANNERS
Booster Club board member
Wheatsheaf Lane

TREASURED MOMENTS: “Treasure Trove is more than a place to find a bargain. It is a beacon for our mission and testament to community generosity. This is a special place on so many levels. Spending time here can be filled with treasured moments!” Shown are the managers and volunteers at HomeFront’s Treasure Trove: From left, front row, Diane Schilke, Helen James, and Andrea Bergman; back row, Annie Battle and Bill Burke.

By Jean Stratton

HomeFront’s Treasure Trove, located at 31 West Broad Street in Hopewell, is engaging, effervescent — and fun! Filled with a variety of high quality items, large and small, old and new, it offers choices for everyone.

Whether you’re renovating or downsizing, you will find a wonderful array of opportunities in a relaxed, comfortable setting, with a friendly staff pleased to welcome you, answer questions, and provide advice. more

March 19, 2025

To the Editor:

As spring fast approaches, avoid these three common tree care mistakes; planting too deeply, over-mulching, and string trimmer laceration.

By far the most egregious of these three mistakes is planting too deeply. Care must be taken that the root collar, the bottom area of the trunk that flares outwards transitioning into roots, is above grade. A root collar below grade can lead to a host of problems such as constricted root respiration, stunted growth, trunk rot and splitting, increased susceptibility to disease, canopy dieback, and girdling roots. A tree that finds itself in this situation is like an animal with a tire around its neck, struggling to survive and unable to thrive. This mistake is pervasive, with more than half of the newly planted trees I come across having fallen victim. Making the effort to plant a tree at an optimal height will pay dividends for decades and in some cases centuries to come. Before planting a tree, inspect the root ball and “Find the flare.” more

To the Editor:

Last month’s article on the horrific event that took place in the Michelle Mews Apartments deserves affirmation [“Princeton Man Charged with Killing Brother in Apartment on Palmer Square,” February 26, page 1]. In the words of The New York Times, it’s paramount to publish “All the News That’s Fit to Print.” The majority of stories in other outlets included gruesome, salacious, and frankly unnecessary details about the tragic murder. The Town Topics understands how to properly execute this storied motto by using critical restraint and discretion.

As a Princeton resident of more than 60 years, and current Michelle Mews tenant, this thoughtful reporting centers the community impacted by such misfortune and our shared humanity.

Dr. Ronnie Davidson
Michelle Mews

To the Editor:

When my kids were little and enjoyed the Disney classic Bambi, one of their favorites parts was in the spring when all the forest creatures became “twitterpated.” This was a euphemism for falling in love, but our family expanded the use to include any time when someone displayed irrational exuberance.

Guess what — spring is here, and Princeton drivers are twitterpated! I would estimate those passing my crossing are driving 5 mph faster on average than they were a month ago, and many always drive 5-10 mph faster than they should, so this is a problem. They are also engaging more frequently in other risky behaviors like darting across the intersection trying to beat oncoming traffic. Please slow down! more

March 12, 2025

BEST IN THE WORLD: Suzanne and Tim Foster, owners of T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelry Design, are shown in the venue of The GemGeneve Jewelry and Gem Show in Switzerland. “This premium trade event showcases the finest vendors of diamonds, colored gems, and pearls in the world, and it is attended by the major jewelry designers and manufacturers in the world,” explain the Fosters, who will attend the annual event this spring.

By Jean Stratton

What is your choice?

A ring featuring a design of understated, yet sparkling elegance?

A bold and dramatic necklace, showcasing vibrant color and flair?

A classic strand of exquisite South Sea pearls?  more

To the Editor:

Each year, Princeton celebrates Pi Day by honoring the infinite wonder of mathematics and the brilliance of Albert Einstein, who was born on March 14. It is also a time to reflect on Einstein’s commitment to racial equality during an era when Princeton still segregated its neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and other places of business.

While renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to science, Einstein is less known for his fierce advocacy for justice. He spoke out against racism and supported the NAACP. In 1931, he publicly supported the Scottsboro Boys, nine African American teenagers falsely accused of rape in Alabama. In 1946, he joined Paul Robeson, a Princeton native son, in a federal anti-lynching campaign. When W.E.B. Du Bois, a founder of the NAACP, was indicted by the government as a “foreign agent,” Einstein’s willingness to be a character witness influenced the judge to dismiss the case. more

To the Editor:
Good news on sustainability! Princeton is expanding its successful and free food scraps collection program. Three new “scrap shacks” have just opened (near Johnson Park, Littlebrook, and Riverside schools), and more are planned for later in 2025 as the program expands into more neighborhoods. The food scrap program, which began in October 2023, is designed to divert organics from the landfill to Trenton Renewables (trentonrenewables.com). Trenton Renewables partners with cities and businesses of all sizes to recycle food waste into premium compost, organic fertilizer, and renewable biogas. The compost and fertilizer are sent to local farms. Biogas is used on-site to produce electricity that powers the facility and contributes renewable energy to the grid when it’s needed most. By joining the food scraps program, residents can reduce the quantity of trash their household produces, which might reduce the need for a second bin, and at the same time divert trash from landfills. Landfills release methane gas along with other greenhouse gases and leach chemicals into nearby water sources.

This free program is open to all Princeton residents and is especially designed to be useful to apartment dwellers and homeowners who have properties too small to allow for on-site composting. The program also takes meat, dairy, and grease, which are not recommended for backyard composting. Since implementing the program, Princeton diverted almost 20 tons of food scraps from landfills in 2024. We are averaging almost 1.7 tons per month, and we now have 277 registered participants. The hope is that with more “scrap shacks” located conveniently around town, more residents will choose to participate. more

March 5, 2025

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CLIMBING HIGH: “We believe that new heights can always be reached not only on our walls, but in all parts of life. The best way to achieve these heights is to be together.” This mission statement of The Gravity Vault Princeton emphasizes its focus on meeting challenges vigorously, with skill and dedication, thus accomplishing a rewarding and meaningful result. Shown is the indoor rope climbing wall at the company’s Plainsboro Plaza location.

By Jean Stratton

“It’s a chance to flirt with adventure; an opportunity to break from the ordinary; a really meaningful alternative to a tired fitness format.”

Sound intriguing?

Not to keep you in suspense: it is rock climbing!

Michael Morand, co-owner of The Gravity Vault Princeton, is an enthusiastic advocate of this challenging and exciting activity, and wants to share its benefits and advantages with everyone.

Just opened last December in the Plainsboro Plaza at 10 Schalks Crossing Road in Plainsboro, the 17,500-square-foot facility offers a complete range of indoor climbing opportunities, as well as yoga classes and a fully-equipped gym. more

February 26, 2025

To the Editor:
Our democratic norms are being eroded day after day, and we cannot stay silent. Corporations, banks, and financial markets rely on consumer spending. If we disrupt the economy for just one day, we send a clear message. The “24-hour Economic Blackout” is a protest action to show our power.
On Friday, February 28, from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., let’s not make any purchases. Let’s not shop online, or in-store. No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy, Nowhere! Let’s not use credit or debit cards.   Let’s  only buy essentials if absolutely necessary. If we must spend, let’s only support small, local businesses.
Please participate and spread this message.

CHIARA NAPPI
Clover Lane

February 19, 2025

CUTTING THE RIBBON: Community officials, customers, and market staff members all attended the ribbon cutting celebrating Kasia Market’s opening in Pike Run Plaza, Route 206 in Belle Mead last December. Featuring a wide range of authentic Korean food, a big selection of fresh fish, meat, and produce, the market also has a sushi bar, Kasia Kitchen hot bar, and The Hungry Tiger restaurant, all on the premises.

By Jean Stratton

To say it is just a Korean market is an understatement! They have their own hydroponic vegetable plantings, displayed in the front of the store. They are all about the freshest and best foods — fresh fish and meat, both familiar and exotic vegetables, sushi bar, informal Kasia Kitchen food bar and Hungry Tiger restaurant. Super Korean fried chicken, bubble tea, as well as a special line of Korean skincare. This is a special place!”

This high praise is from a Princeton resident, whose first visit to Kasia Market was a big success.

Located in Pike Run Plaza, 2311 Route 206 North in Belle Mead, Kasia Market opened in December. Owned by Montgomery Township resident Dennis Ahn, it reflects his vision of offering the freshest, healthiest food, supporting an eco-friendly environment, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers.

“I have a vision of what I want to offer customers and what I want the market to be,” he explains. “I am grateful to be able to share that vision with my staff and customers. I really want to do something good for people’s health. Our food is very healthy, always fresh, and high quality.” more

To the Editor:

In your Feb 12 article on the town’s plan to hire a consulting firm to advise on the best uses of the former Westminster Choir College campus [page 1], you included the sentence, “The Princeton campus has been mostly unoccupied since then.”

Actually, the campus has been — and still is — home to several local performing arts organizations that rent various facilities on the campus. These include the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra, Princeton Pro Musica Choir, Music Together, and the Westminster Conservatory, which provides private music lessons to adults and youth from around Mercer County.

In addition, several other organizations (both from the area and those visiting from afar; last June, a traveling choir from Montreal performed there) have often used Bristol Chapel and other spaces for periodic performances. more

To the Editor:
More than once while driving at night on Nassau Street in Princeton, I almost hit a person crossing the street who was wearing a dark jacket, dark pants, and dark boots, making her or him totally invisible at night.

If you walk at night, for your own protection, please, do wear reflective clothing or a reflective vest so that you are visible while crossing the street at night.

Anna Rosa Kohn
Sturges Way

February 12, 2025

NON-SURGICAL OPTION: “Our focus is non-surgical musculoskeletal care and interventional pain management. The first step in the treatment of any problem is an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. Our goal is to work with you to diagnose and treat the causes of your pain, safely maximize your function, and improve your quality of life.” Dr. Grant Cooper, M.D. (second row, fourth from right) and Dr. Ana Bracilovic, M.D. (first row, third from right), co-directors of Princeton Spine & Joint Center, are shown with their staff. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)

By Jean Stratton

An icy sidewalk, driveway, or pathway can be treacherous, and a current reminder that winter is still with us!

Falling on the ice is no fun, and as Dr. Grant Cooper, M.D., co-director of Princeton Spine & Joint Center, explains, “Every season brings its own hardships. In the winter, people may slip on the ice or injure themselves shoveling snow.”

Not to mention skiing, sledding, and ice skating accidents, etc. Injured ankles, arms, legs, knees, shoulders, and hips may result, and Cooper and the team at Princeton Spine & Joint Center are ready to help.

Whatever the season, alleviating spine and musculoskeletal pain through non-surgical treatment is the specialty of the Center. Established in 2008 by Cooper and his wife and colleague, Dr. Ana Bracilovic, M.D., the Center now has two offices, located at 601 Ewing Street and 256 Bunn Drive in Princeton. more