January 29, 2025

Voters Approve $89.1M PPS Facilities Bond Referendum

By Donald Gilpin

 In unofficial results from a Tuesday, January 28 special election, Princeton residents cast their ballots in favor of all three parts of a plan that will provide $89.1 million for repairs, upgrades, and expansion to address capacity issues in the Princeton Public Schools (PPS).

“This outcome shows that voters understand that the continued success of Princeton Public Schools is vital to the community,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Kathie Foster. “With these improvements, our district can prepare for growth and prioritize the neighborhood elementary schools and innovative educational experiences that our community values.” more

Wassailing the Apple Trees

Kingsessing Morris Men dancers were part of the annual celebration on Sunday afternoon at Terhune Orchards on Cold Soil Road. The festival follows the ancient Anglo-Saxon tradition of protecting the trees to ensure a good harvest in the coming year. Attendees discuss their favorite winter activities in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

Array of Area Events to Mark Black History Month

By Donald Gilpin

Black History Month began as a tradition of Black teachers in the segregated South in the 19th and early 20th century commemorating important people and events in Black history during the week of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) and Frederick Douglass’ birthday (February 14).

Almost 100 years ago in 1926, Black History Week was created when African American historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced that the second week of February would be recognized as “Negro History Week.”

In February 1970 Black History Week expanded to become a full month at the urging of Black United Students at Kent State University, and in 1976 President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial. He urged all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”  more

PHS Scholars Shine In National Regeneron Science Talent Search

AWARD-WINNING SCIENTISTS: Princeton High School Seniors, from left, Benjamin Murphy Gitai, Yurai Gutierrez Morales, and Amy Lin were in the nation’s top 300 teen scientists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search. On January 23, Morales was selected as one of 40 finalists, and she will travel to Washington, D.C., in March to compete to become one of the top 10 winners in the country. (Photo courtesy of Mark Eastburn)

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton High School (PHS) Senior Yurai Gutierrez Morales has been selected as one of 40 finalists nationwide in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, competing for a top prize of $250,000.

Based on the originality and creativity of their scientific research, as well as their achievement and leadership inside and outside the classroom, the finalists, who were announced on January 23, were selected from a record number of 2,471 entrants. more

Environmental Impact of Road Salt Is Subject of “Winter Salt Week”

TESTING THE WATERS: Volunteer scientists have been busy monitoring the effects of winter road salting on freshwater streams and lakes. Some 550 participants have collected more than 3,000 chloride measurements across New Jersey.

By Anne Levin

Those white crystals that proliferate on pavements and roadways, to keep vehicles from sliding and humans from falling on winter ice and snow, are the topic of a series in which The Watershed Institute is closely involved.

Winter Salt Week, which runs through Friday, January 31, aims to raise awareness of the environmental consequences of road and sidewalk salt. “Shovel More, Salt Less, Help Keep Freshwater Fresh” is the logo of the initiative, which urges the public not to stop using the salt — just to use less of it. more

Book Launch at Arts Council Introduces Two Publications About its Neighborhood

POETRY AND HISTORY: The Arts Council of Princeton and the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society have partnered on the publication of two books honoring the legacy of the community. The Rev. Gregory S. Smith, shown at right, is the author of a book of poetry, for which the cover was designed by his son. Arts Council Director Adam Welch has written a brief socio-political history “zine” about the neighborhood.

By Anne Levin

Everyone is invited to a book launch party on Sunday, February 2 at the Arts Council of Princeton, where two new publications celebrating the Witherspoon-Jackson Historic District, home base to the nonprofit, will be officially unveiled.

The Rev. Gregory S. Smith, who grew up in the neighborhood, has written a book of poems, titled Reflections from a Vibrant Past. Arts Council Director Adam Welch’s 4-by-6-inch, 56-page “zine,” simply titled Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood, tells the history of the area through artfully arranged text, reproduced maps, photographs, and illustrations. more

Solid Waste, Tennis, Affordable Housing Among Resolutions at Council Meeting

By Anne Levin

In a brief meeting Monday evening, January 27, Princeton Council approved several resolutions involving the fourth round of the town’s affordable housing obligation, solid and bulk waste collection, tennis in Community Park, and other initiatives.

The Council also opted to table an item on the consent agenda involving a resolution for the appointment of an Emergency Management Council.

Some Council members have received calls from citizens concerned about the presence of several police and other official cars in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood. Councilwoman Leticia Fraga explained that the proliferation of these vehicles was due to training, and “nothing to be concerned about. This was actually part of a training that the county is conducting and Princeton is hosting,” she said. “It is for defensive tactics training required by the AG [attorney general].” more

Adult Acting Collective at McCarter: “Child-Like Joy” on Wednesday Evenings

“IN IMAGINARY CIRCUMSTANCES”: Jacqueline Knox’s Adult Acting Collective students work on an improv exercise in McCarter’s Berlind Theatre Rehearsal Room, as they step out of their comfort zones and hone their skills every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Photo by Genevieve Bouchonville)

By Donald Gilpin

It’s 6:15 p.m. on a cold January evening, and the students are starting to gather in the rehearsal room at McCarter’s Berlind Theatre for their weekly Adult Acting Collective class. This is not a typical group of students, not even a typical collection of aspiring actors.

Ranging in ages from their 20s to 80s, this group is diverse. “We come from all different walks of life and different backgrounds,” said Simone, who has spent a long career in corporate life and has been taking classes at McCarter for the past few semesters. “We have pharmaceutical executives, writers, lawyers, scientists, and more.” more

School Days and Shootings in McKinley and Dylan’s America

By Stuart Mitchner

McKinley hollered, McKinley squalled
Doctor said, “McKinley, death is on the wall…”

Bob Dylan put President McKinley back in the national consciousness a few years ago in his song “Key West (Philosopher Pirate),” taking the first line from Charlie McCoy’s “White House Blues,” except in McCoy’s version the second line was “Doc said to McKinley, ‘I can’t find that ball,’ “ meaning the second of two bullets fired at close range into the president’s abdomen on September 6, 1901. It happened at the Temple of Music on the grounds of the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. McKinley died on September 14, 1901, a hundred years to the week of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

A New York City surgeon named Charles McBurney, whose discovery of the diagnostic spot for appendicitis is known as McBurney’s Point, was blamed for misleading the press and public with his claim on September 10 that McKinley was “out of danger.” McCoy lets him off the hook by simply having the Doc say “Mr. McKinley, better pass in your checks / You’re bound to die, bound to die.”

After the current president put McKinley’s name back in play on January 20, I checked history.com, which says the highest peak in North America was actually first named Mount McKinley in 1896 by a gold prospector celebrating McKinley’s recent capture of the Republican nomination for president; the name stuck and became official in 1917. In 2015, the Obama administration renamed the mountain Denali, a name the Alaskans had historically championed, which translates “roughly to ‘The Great One.’ “ more

Holocaust Museum Receives Nazi Photos in “Here There Are Blueberries”; McCarter Presents Tectonic Theater Project’s Riveting Pulitzer Prize Finalist

“HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES”: Performances are underway for “Here There Are Blueberries.” Produced by McCarter Theatre with La Jolla Playhouse, and directed by Moisés Kaufman, the play runs through February 9 at McCarter’s Matthews Theatre. Above, from left: Karl Höcker (Scott Barrow), adjutant to the Auschwitz commandant, leaves behind photos that are examined at the Holocaust Memorial Museum by Judy Cohen (Barbara Pitts), Tilman Taube (Luke Forbes), and Rebecca Erbelding (Delia Cunningham). As images are examined, actors (including Nemuna Ceesay) quote comments by the onscreen historical figures. (Photo by Dave Tavani)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

In 2007 the U.S. Holocaust Museum received a mysterious photo album. Retrieved by a U.S. counterintelligence officer, who donated it to the museum on the condition of anonymity, the album contained 116 photos taken at the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp.

The photos contained none of the images conveying the gruesomeness of the camp. Instead, they showed Nazi officers looking blithe and relaxed — as though they were on vacation — leading what appear to be normal lives, far removed from their grisly duties.  more

“Simon & Garfunkel Story” Is a Concert-Style Tribute

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS: A musical about the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel is on stage at the State Theatre in New Brunswick on February 7 at 8 p.m.

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Simon & Garfunkel Story on Friday, February 7 at 8 p.m.

New Brunswick is among 60 U.S. cities on the current North American tour of the immersive concert-style tribute show, which covers the duo’s humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry, to their success as one of the best-selling music groups of the’60s, as well as their dramatic split in 1970.  more

Baroque Music for Lutes By the Dryden Ensemble

LUTE DUETS : Daniel Swenberg is one of two to perform at the Unitarian Church on February 16.

The Dryden Ensemble returns with its new artistic director, Daniel Swenberg, in a program entitled “A 26-Course Feast: Baroque Lute Duets” on Sunday, February 16 at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 50 Cherry Hill Road. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.

Lutenists Swenberg and Dušan Balarin will perform 17th- and 18th-century duets for the Baroque lute. While performances of Baroque lute duets are extremely rare, there is a significant repertoire from the early 17th century to the close of the 18th. The program begins and ends with duets from the center of the lute’s final flourishing—the court of Wilhelmine, Margrave of Bayreuth (Fredrick the Great’s sister). Works by Telemann and other composers are also on the program. more

Ireland’s Abbey Theatre Is Topic of Conversation

Ruth McGowan
(photo by Hazel Coonagh)

In a new partnership with the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s national theater, the Abbey’s Ruth McGowan, literary and new work director, and Derbhle Crotty, well-known Irish actor and associate artist, will be in conversation around writing and performing in Ireland on February 7 at 4:30 p.m.

The event takes place at the James Stewart Film Theatre, 185 Nassau Street, and is part of the Fund for Irish Studies series at Princeton University. Moderator is Fund for Irish Studies Co-chair Jane Cox. Admission is free but tickets are required. Visit tickets.princeton.edu/online.

McGowan and Crotty will discuss writing and performing in Ireland and perhaps offer readings from some Irish plays. Founded as a national theater for Ireland in 1904 by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, the Abbey Theatre celebrates both the rich canon of Irish dramatic writing and the potential of future generations of Irish theater artists. In December, the Abbey’s Artistic Director and Co-director Caitríona McLaughlin and Head of Producing Jen Coppinger shared their points of view in the inaugural conversation that marked the start of a new partnership between Princeton’s Fund for Irish Studies and the Abbey. more

Theatrical Live Rendition of Album at McCarter

McCarter Theatre Center, in partnership with Princeton University’s Humanities Council and co-produced by Jill Newman Productions, presents two-time Grammy Award winner Meshell Ndegeocello in No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, a theatrical live rendition of her 2024 album, on Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Baldwin was a prolific writer of essays, novels, plays, and poetry; and an activist who spoke out about Black oppression. This year marks the centennial of Baldwin’s birth, which is celebrated by the release of one of multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter/producer Meshell Ndegeocello’s No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin. more

Acclaimed Guitarist Performs “Up Close” in Princeton

GUITAR VIRTUOSO: Raphael Feuillatre makes his Princeton University Concerts debut at Richardson Auditorium on February 5.

On Wednesday, February 5, Princeton University Concerts (PUC) will continue its Performances Up Close series and Live Music Meditation series with the PUC debut of award-winning 28-year-old Djibouti-French classical guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre.

PUC’s Performances Up Close programs invite the audience to sit alongside the musicians on the stage of Richardson Auditorium for an hour-long program, making for an intimate, informal, and schedule-friendly concert experience. At 6 and 9 p.m., Feuillâtre will perform a program grounded in translating works originally written for baroque instruments into music for the classical guitar. The repertoire includes works by Julián Arcas, J.S. Bach, François Couperin, Jacques Duphly, Augustín Barrios Mangoré, Astor Piazzola, Pancrace Royer, Miguel Llobet Solés, and Francisco Tarrega. more

Multi-Instrumentalist on Stage at McCarter

Seven-time Grammy nominee Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), known as a revolutionary force in jazz, will perform at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, on Thursday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.

A multi-instrumentalist in contemporary jazz, Adjuah has been redefining the genre since 2002. His performances blend jazz, soul, funk, and African traditions, continuously pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Adjuah, the grandson of the late Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr., and the nephew of jazz innovator and NEA jazz master saxophonist-composer Donald Harrison Jr., is part of a musical dynasty deeply rooted in New Orleans’ rich jazz heritage. His upbringing in a musical family has played a crucial role in shaping his unique artistic voice.  more

The Film “Amadeus” and The Myth of Mozart

Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) continues its series of Soundtracks Talks at the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, with “Amadeus and the Myth of Mozart” on Wednesday, February 5 at 7 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.

Chris Collier, executive director of the Princeton Garden Theatre, and Michael Pratt, conductor of the Princeton University Orchestra (PUO), will watch and discuss excerpts of the 1984 Academy Award-winning movie Amadeus. Their conversation anticipates the Garden Theatre’s showing of the restored theatrical cut of the film the following evening, Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m.

Collier is the executive director of Renew Theaters, a nonprofit management company that operates four nonprofit, member-supported theaters in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He has worked at Renew since 2007, starting as a manager of his hometown Ambler Theater. Over his 17 years with Renew, the company has doubled in size, both in staff and number of theaters. Collier holds degrees in musicology from Dartmouth College and the University of Oxford, where he focused his research on film music and conducting.  more

Works by Ben Jones at Arts Council

“THE INFINITE INTERWEAVE”: This acrylic, digital print by Ben Jones is part of “Exploring, Expanding the Connections,” on view through February 22 at the Arts Council of Princeton.

The art of Ben Jones, on view in “Exploring, Expanding the Connections” at the Arts Council of Princeton through February 22, is a spiritual journey that continues the struggle for identity, freedom, justice. and love for the salvation of the human family. Jones reveals his sense of responsibility to his ancestral legacy by continuing the work against oppression, exploitation, and hegemony through the symbolic power of his work.  more

“Artifacts of African Diaspora” at MCCC Trenton Campus

“ARTIFACTS OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA”: This artifact will be on display in an exhibition on view February 1 through April 30 at Mercer County Community College’s James Kearney Campus in Trenton. An opening reception is on Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Black History Month Committee, in conjunction with the TRIO Program and American Association for Women in Community Colleges Mercer Chapter, will present “Artifacts of African Diaspora” at the college’s James Kerney Campus, Trenton Hall, 137 North Broad Street, Trenton, February 1 through April 30. An opening reception is on Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The three-month long exhibit will illuminate the historical significance of the African diaspora in visual and musical arts. Visitors will find a variety of artifacts on display including musical instruments, sculptures, books, historical documents, and more that will provide an immersive education about the evolution of African American art and culture from slavery to modern times.  more

“Water Gap Barn”

“Hunterdon County Images,” a collection of paintings by Carol Sanzalone, is on view in the dining room at Bell’s Tavern, 183 North Union Street, Lambertville, through February 28. Inspired by the interaction of texture and patterns created by the many colorful images in and around Lambertville and beyond, Sanzalone has been an exhibiting member of the Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, for 20 years. 

Underwater Symphony” Exhibit Now at Princeton Public Library

“NAUTICAL HARMONY”: This work by Richa Rashmi is featured in “Underwater Symphony,” an exhibit inspired by the underwater world, on view through March 15 at Princeton Public Library.

“Underwater Symphony,” an exhibit of paintings and drawings by artist Richa Rashmi, is on view at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Located in the Technology Center and the hallway on the library’s second floor, the works will be on view through March 15.

The exhibit reflects the intricate beauty of marine life, the mysteries of the deep, and the mesmerizing world beneath the ocean’s surface. It is intended to inspire a greater appreciation for the oceans and their inhabitants. more

High Intensity Workout Designed for Women Is Hallmark of 30 Minute Hit Exercise Program

“I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU!”: “The beauty of our program is its 30-minute time frame, and the hours are flexible. You can come whenever you want. It is a high intensity workout, designed for women, and it’s fun and friendly.” Nancy Ismail, owner of 30 Minute Hit Princeton, demonstrates the “Round House Kick,” a circuit exercise, which helps strengthen the lower body, core, and balance.

By Jean Stratton

As the New Year is upon us, many people start putting together that annual resolution list. What is on yours? A new look, travel, home improvement, maybe losing a few pounds? Perhaps. But for those interested in fitness, exercise, and just moving about with more energy and enthusiasm, there is now something special — and it is specifically for the ladies!

30 Minute Hit Princeton, located in The Market Place at 3885 Route 27, just north of Kingston, opened last April, and offers a high intensity 30-minute workout for women and teenage girls. more

Boosted by the Return of Khramtsov from Injury, PU Women’s Hockey Ties Brown, Defeats Yale

IT’S KK: Princeton University women’s hockey player Katherine Khramtsov goes after the puck last Friday night as the Tigers hosted Brown. Junior forward Khramtsov chipped in two assists as Princeton skated to a 2-2 tie with the Bears through regulation and overtime before the Bears won a shootout 1-0. The Tigers, who beat Yale 3-0 on Saturday to improve 14-8-1 overall and 8-7-1 ECAC Hockey, host Dartmouth on January 31 and Harvard on February 1. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

While the Princeton University women’s hockey team was excited to play its first game at Hobey Baker Rink since December 10 when it hosted Brown last Friday evening, it was particularly meaningful for Katherine Khramtsov.

Having been sidelined from early November to mid-January due to a shoulder injury, junior forward Khramtsov was fired up to be back on home ice. more

Unable to Overcome Another Uneven Effort, Princeton Men’s Hoops Loses 85-76 to Cornell

SHARPSHOOTER: Princeton University men’s basketball player Blake Peters puts up a shot in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior guard Peters scored 20 points off the bench in a losing cause as Princeton fell 85-76 to Cornell. The Tigers, now 14-3 overall and 3-1 Ivy League, host Yale (11-6 overall, 4-0 Ivy) on January 31 and Brown (9-8 overall, 1-3 Ivy) on February 1. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University men’s basketball team survived slow starts and sloppy play through its first three Ivy League games this season.

Not the fourth.

Hosting Cornell last Saturday, the Tigers rallied from a 23-7 first half deficit to take the lead at halftime, then built a small lead in the second half but could never pull away as the Big Red made some big baskets down the stretch to pull out an 85-76 win over Princeton before a crowd of 4,094 at Jadwin Gym. The Tigers dropped out of a first-place tie in the Ivy League after falling to 14-5 overall, 3-1 Ivy League. Cornell improved to 11-6 overall, 3-1 Ivy. more

Sparked by Senior Quartet of Brophy, Gu, Xu Twins, PHS Boys Swimming Pulls Out 4th County Title

STROKES OF BRILLIANCE: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Brophy heads to victory in a freestyle race earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior star Brophy placed first in both the 200-meter freestyle and 100 butterfly at the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) Swimming Championships. Brophy’s superb performance helped PHS finish first in the team standings at the meet. It marked the fourth straight team crown for the Tigers at the county competition, formerly known as the Mercer County Swimming Championships. Brophy, for his part, was named the Most Valuable Swimmer for the boys at the meet. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With Princeton High boys’ swimming team locked in a tense battle against rival WW/P-South for the team title at the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) meet last Saturday, the contest came down to the final event of the competition, the 400-meter freestyle.

Swimming the anchor leg for PHS, senior star David Brophy came through, out-sprinting Nick Straka of Lawrence to the wall at the WW/P-North pool as PHS took first to clinch the title. more