August 21, 2024

Panel Discussion Planned On Creation of Morven Museum

FROM MANSION TO MUSEUM: Morven Museum & Garden’s panel discussion on the journey from a mansion to a museum will take place on September 12. Key figures in the three-phase restoration project were, from left, Project Director Emily Croll; Policy Advisor Carol Cronheim; Director of the New Jersey State Museum Leah Sloshberg; and President of the Board of Trustees Georgie Schley. (Photo courtesy of Morven Archive).

Morven Museum & Garden will host a panel discussion on the journey from a governor’s mansion to opening as a museum in 2004. The in-person and online event will take place on Thursday, September 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the museum, 55 Stockton Street.

The panel will feature speakers representing both private and public spheres, who were essential to preserving Morven as an educational space. The panelists will share the ins and outs of navigating state politics, researching and restoring an over 200-year-old house, and the challenges of getting support to preserve one of New Jersey’s most historic sites. more

“Tohickon Creek”

This work by Irene Rubin is part of the 10th annual Points of View Art Show, on view August 24 and 25 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Saw Mill at Prallsville Mill in Stockton. An opening reception is on Friday, August 23 from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Progressions” Exhibition Coming to Artists’ Gallery

“CONTAINER”: This painting by Larry Mitnick is part of “Progressions,” his joint exhibition with Alan Klawans, on view September 5 through October 6 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on September 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville will present “Progressions,” an exhibition showcasing the abstract work of illustrator/artist Alan Klawans and architect/painter Larry Mitnick, from September 5 through October 6. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

By using inventive techniques and forms, these artists continue to push the definition of contemporary abstract art.  more

Federation of the Art Song to Present “Easy Breezy Afternoon” Concert on Aug. 31

SINGING IN THE AIR: “We want to educate people and introduce them to this wonderful art form. Part of our program is to help people learn about and understand the art song.” Alta Malberg, president, co-founder, and co-artistic director of The Federation of the Art Song, is shown with vice president, co-founder, and co-artistic director Martin Néron.

By Jean Stratton

“If music be the food of love, play on.”

–William Shakespeare

Music. It is everywhere, and touches us all.

From rap, rock, and pop to country, folk, and blues to Broadway show tunes and jazz to hymns, anthems, and opera, there is a song for everyone. more

Making History On and Off the Water at the Paris Games, PU Rowing Alum Mead Won Gold, Served as Flag Bearer

CARRYING THE FLAG: Nick Mead poses with the U.S. flag during the Closing Ceremony on August 11 at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Former Princeton University men’s heavyweight crew star Mead ’17 served as one of the U.S. flag bearers at the ceremony along with swimming star Katie Ledecky, becoming the first American rower to be so honored. Ten days earlier, Mead rowed for the U.S. men’s four that won the gold medal, earning the first victory in the event for the Americans since the Rome 1960 Games. (Photo provided by Nick Mead)

By Bill Alden

Nick Mead made history on and off the water as he rowed for the U.S. men’s four at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

At the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium flat-water course, former Princeton University men’s heavyweight star Mead ’17 helped his boat win gold on August 1 as it edged runner-up New Zealand in the A final, earning the first victory in the event for the Americans since the Rome 1960 Games.

A week later, Mead was named as one of the flag bearers along with Katie Ledecky for Team USA at the Closing Ceremony, becoming the first American rower to be so honored. more

Dealing with Void Left by Exit of Stellar Senior Class, PU Women’s Soccer Counting on New Faces To Emerge

SAVING GRACE: Princeton University women’s soccer goalie Tyler McCamey makes a save in a game last fall. McCamey starred as Princeton went 10-5-4 in 2023 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, posting a 1.17 goals against average with 52 saves in 19 games. Senior McCamey, who is serving as a team co-captain this fall, will be looking to produce a stellar final campaign. The Tigers open their 2024 season by hosting Miami on August 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University women’s soccer team is hoping it can earn another NCAA tournament home victory to cap this season.

How exactly the Tigers get to that stage, though, is a big question.

Princeton will open the season with three straight home games, beginning on August 24 when Miami visits for a 7 p.m. start. more

After Progressing in Freshman Season for PU Men’s Track, Former PHS Star Della Rocca Competing in U20 Worlds

IN THE FAST LANE: Zach Della Rocca, right, sprints to the finish line in a race this spring during his freshman season for the Princeton University men’s track team. Former Princeton High star Della Rocca will be running on the international stage next week as he competes for Athletics Australia at the World Athletics U20 Championships which are taking place in Lima, Peru, from August 27-31. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Zach Della Rocca’s progress in his first college track and field year opened the door for his first international competition.

The Princeton High product made big leaps in his first year across town at Princeton University to put himself in position to compete for Athletics Australia at the World Athletics U20 Championships which are taking place in Lima, Peru from August 27-31. more

After Leading Defense for PHS Boys’ Soccer State Champs, Matese Excited to Start Career for Swarthmore Men’s Team

MORE TO COME: Nick Matese, left, marks a Notre Dame High player last fall in his senior season for the Princeton High boys’ soccer team. Star center back and co-captain Matese helped PHS go 22-2 last fall on the way to winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state championship. Matese is currently in preseason training as he starts his college career with the Swarthmore College men’s soccer team. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Nick Matese started playing soccer when he was three years old and saw no reason to leave the game after wrapping up his Princeton High career last fall.

“Soccer has been a big part of my life,” said Matese, who starred at center back last fall as the PHS boys’ soccer team won the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state championship. “There were some really good coaches that inspired me and helped me grow as a player as I was getting into high school. I didn’t really want to give it up just yet.” more

August 14, 2024

Dribble Drill

Kamau Bailey leads youngsters in a dribbling footwork drill on Saturday morning at the joint Effort and Bailey Basketball Academy Youth Basketball Clinic at Princeton Middle School. The free skills clinic was part of this year’s 10-day Witherspoon-Jackson Joint Effort Princeton Safe Streets Summer Program, which concluded on Sunday. Participants share their favorite part of the event in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

Council Renames Committee, Enacts Sign Ordinance

By Anne Levin

An ordinance officially finalizing the name of an advisory committee and the approval of resolutions related to issues including signage, sewer replacement, engineering services, and health services were among the topics at a brief meeting of Princeton Council on Monday evening, August 12.

The governing body voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance that changes the name of the “Advisory Committee on Affordable Housing, Human Services, and Racial, Social and Economic Equity” to “the Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Economic, Social Equity and Services,” also known as the CARES Advisory Committee. The name change refers to the consolidation early this year of the former Civil Rights Commission, Human Services Commission, and Affordable Housing Board into one entity. more

Area Science Teachers Expand Horizons In PU QUEST Program

URBAN HYDROLOGY TOUR: The Watershed Institute’s Jim Waltman led a contingent of K-12 educators and Princeton University-affiliated experts on a hydrology tour of Princeton last week as part of the University’s QUEST program for STEM teachers. (Photo courtesy of Princeton University)

By Donald Gilpin

More than 30 K-12 STEM teachers, representing school districts from across New Jersey, are participating in Princeton University’s QUEST program this summer, immersing themselves a rich variety of learning experiences in the world of science and mathematics.

QUEST is an acronym for “Questioning Underlies Effective Science Teaching,” and Jessica Monaghan, assistant director of STEM in the University’s Program of Teacher Preparation which organizes the QUEST programs, emphasized the power of questioning.

In her August 7 concluding remarks to the QUEST educators and scholars at the second of three week-long programs, she praised the level of engagement of the 10 area public school teachers who had completed last week’s program on hydrology. She noted, “What was so exciting to me as a learner is seeing how your questions evolved over the week.” more

Kopp’s Merges with Pedego Princeton, Ready to Begin New Era This Friday

By Donald Gilpin

Kopp’s Cycle, known as the oldest continually running bike store in the country, will be opening its doors on Friday, August 16, for the start of a new phase in its history that dates back to 1891.

Electric bikes (ebikes) will now make up about 60 percent of the inventory, and a new name, Pedego Princeton at Kopp’s, will reflect the priorities of the new owners and operators of the Spring Street shop, which has been shut down since December 1, 2023, though bike repairs and a few sales have continued.

Princeton Property Partners purchased the business and the property early this year, and has teamed up with Wendy Reilley, who will be running the new store, moving her Pedego Princeton operation from its temporary Wiggins Street location where it has sold electric bikes over the past three years. more

PMS Graduates Explore Life in Ecuador, Make Lasting Cultural and Personal Ties

IN THE ANDES: Caminos Princeton, organized by two Community Park Elementary School aides, recently returned from an 11-day expedition to Ecuador, where rising Princeton ninth graders toured the country and spent five days living with Ecuadorian host families. The visiting Princeton contingent is seen here with their Ecuadorian host families. (Photo courtesy of Caminos Princeton)

By  Donald Gilpin

“Travel and cultural exchange can change lives,” wrote Alessandra Clemens-Lores and Queta Alban, Community Park Elementary School aides in the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program.

They proved that assertion again last month in leading 11 Princeton Middle School (PMS) recent graduates on an 11-day expedition through Ecuador that included exploring the Ecuadorian rain forest, rafting on the Yanayacu River, crossing the Andes, touring the capital city Quito, and biking through the lava fields of the volcanic valley of Cotopaxi, as well as community service at a local school in the Amazon, immersion time with Ecuadorian host families, and a focus on social and ecological awareness. more

Send Hunger Packing Princeton (SHUPP) Prepares A Second Community Garden at the YMCA/YWCA

RESTORATIVE: Open to all, the SHUPP Sensory Garden, under construction behind the Princeton YMCA and YWCA, is designed to provide visitors with a calming atmosphere while stimulating the senses.

By Anne Levin

The community garden within the grounds of the Princeton YMCA and YWCA is about to be joined by a second enclosure. Like its predecessor, the Send Hunger Packing Princeton (SHUPP) Sensory Garden will be welcoming to all. But while the original garden invites people to pick any produce and herbs that they need, this one has a different purpose.

The area is described in a release from SHUPP as “a restorative community garden designed to be accessible, inclusive, and safe.”

Ross Wishnick, the founder of the nonprofit, elaborated. “I was in Seattle, visiting my son, and I went to see the sensory garden there. I was impressed by the way it appeals to the five senses,” he said. “It was my thought that it would be nice to have one here in Princeton — a little bit of ‘feel good.’ Then, as I was talking to other people about it, I realized that this kind of garden is good for people who are on the spectrum. It’s calming. So we get a twofer — a nice, comfortable place for everyone, but more than that.” more

Next “Sustainable Minds” Session Explores Concept of 15-Minute Neighborhoods

By Anne Levin

Since holding its first “Sustainable Minds” presentation virtually two years ago, the nonprofit Sustainable Princeton has presented experts on such topics as stormwater management, community solar, and zero-energy buildings. Next in the series, on Wednesday, September 11 at 7 p.m., is “15-Minute Neighborhoods,” which the public can attend live in Princeton Public Library’s Community Room, or online.

Planner Jon A. Carnegie and policy analyst Alex Ambrose will discuss how living within 15 minutes of social services, parks, gathering places, and various amenities creates a more sustainable, resilient, healthy, and equitable neighborhood — the way many towns used to be. Carnegie, the executive director of the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University, recently lead a two-year study of the concept. Ambrose is a transportation and climate policy analyst. more

Princeton Author Margery Cuyler Debuts New Book Series

By Wendy Greenberg

Margery Cuyler

Addy McBean is a math whiz and a problem solver. She “loves anything and everything to do with numbers, from counting her dog’s tail wags to guessing how many books are scattered by her mom’s bed or how many stars are in the sky,” according to the book jacket of Addy McBean, Numbers Queen.

Addy is one of latest characters created by Princeton author Margery Cuyler, who was inspired to write about a female math whiz after visiting a second-grade classroom and seeing how creatively math is taught today.

Addy McBean, Numbers Queen, released on July 23, is the latest of Cuyler’s books, and the first in a planned chapter book series for ages 7 and 8, published by Aladdin Quix, an imprint in the children’s publishing division at Simon & Schuster, A chapter book, said Cuyler, fills the gap between a picture book and novels for children over the age of 8. more

Weird and Wayward: Taylor Swift, Wim Wenders, and the Macbeth Curse

By Stuart Mitchner

The long strange trip of this column includes a world-famous 34-year-old singer songwriter from West Reading, Pa.; a 79-year-old film director from Düsseldorf, Westphalia, born August 14, 1945; and a Scottish king slain in battle against his first cousin and rival Macbeth on or around August 14, 1040 — but then Shakespeare had a more productive fate in mind for King Duncan when he wrote Macbeth.

Who’s Afraid?

When the news aired about the terrorist shutdown of Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts that led to thousands of disappointed Swifties singing her music in the streets of Vienna, I put the Tortured Poets Department into my car’s CD player. I was thinking of the 22 fans killed by terrorists at the May 2017 Ariana Grande concert in Manchester as Swift let it all out, “So I leap from the gallows and I levitate down your street, crash the party like a record scratch as I scream — ‘Who’s afraid of little old me?’ And you should be, you should be, you should be!” To paraphrase the song rocking my car, “If you wanted her dead, you should’ve just said so because nothing makes her feel more alive.”  more

Cirque de Paris Debuts at MarketFair

ONE-RING SPECTACLE: Cirque de Paris performs in a tent at Princeton MarketFair starting August 22. Among the major attractions is Reinaldo Monteiro, who performs his “Rola-Bola” act balancing boards stacked on cylinders.

Cirque de Paris presented by Anouchka Bouglione makes its Princeton area debut under the Big Top at MarketFair, 3535 U.S.1, from August 22 through September 1. The cast includes aerialists, jugglers, tightwire dancers, a twirling hula hooper, and clowns. Beyond the ring, audience members of all ages can get involved at a pre-show and intermission with activities and treats.

“When presented with the opportunity to host Cirque de Paris at MarketFair, we were both intrigued and thrilled to be the first city in New Jersey to offer these spectacular shows,” said Anthony Palino, general manager of MarketFair. “We’re proud to present this one-of-a-kind experience to our community, marking a notable and exciting chapter for MarketFair.” more

Fiesta Latina Events Set for Mercer County Park

Mercer County’s 2nd Annual Fiesta Latina, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, in Mercer County Park’s Festival Grounds. The event will feature live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, and more.

“Mercer County is enriched by our diversity, and the Latino community forms an integral part of our county and our culture,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “I’m thrilled for the Fiesta Latina to return this year. Open to all, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy lively music, dance, food, and fun.”

Hours of the festival are 12-7 p.m. both days. On Saturday, Grammy Award nominee and musician Toño Rosario will take the stage along with the salsa group Puerto Rican Power. The day’s celebration will be hosted by comedian Joey Vega, supplemented by a blend of sounds from DJ Ralph Mercado. On Sunday, the music stylings of cumbia, merengue, mariachi, and more will be heard. Headlining will be three-time Grammy salsa and Latin jazz composer and performer Jeremy Bosch, accompanied by Jose Tabares’ All Star Band. more

American Repertory Ballet Announces 2024-25 Season

BACK ON STAGE: Emily Cordies-Maso is among the dancers who will be performing as part of American Repertory’s upcoming season, which includes works by Lar Lubovitch, Antony Tudor, Stephan Martinez, Luis Napoles, and Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel. (Photo by Harald Schrader)

American Repertory Ballet (ARB) has announced its 2024-2025 season, a celebration of classic repertoire alongside new works.

A founding resident company of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), ARB presents three programs of dance at its home venue with “Wonderment” in October 2024, the world premiere of Spirit of the Highlands in March 2025, and “Pasión” in May 2025. The Nutcracker will return for the holiday season in November and December 2024 in Princeton, Red Bank, Trenton, and New Brunswick. more

Points of View Art Show Marks 10 Years

“RITA’S DISHES”: This oil painting by Jeanne Chesterton is part of the 10th annual Points of View Art Show, on view August 23, 24, and 25 at the Saw Mill at Prallsville Mill in Stockton. An opening reception is on Friday, August 23 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The first Points of View Art Show was in September 2014. Ten years later, Jeanne Chesterton and Ilene Rubin will host their 10th Points of View Art Show beginning with a reception on August 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. The show continues Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25 from 12 to 5 p.m. each day at the Saw Mill at Prallsville Mill, 33 Risler Street in Stockton.

Showcasing their art this year will be Chesterton and Rubin, along with artists Cheryl Bomba, Jill LeClair, Mike Mann, and Beth Schoenleber. All art is for sale.  more

New Mural at JP

Members of the Parent Teacher Organization at Johnson Park (JP) Elementary School recently collaborated with the Arts Council of Princeton and others on new artwork featuring the JP Pledge. Melissa Kuscin, left, and Lisa Peck of the Arts Council are shown painting the colorful mural in the cafeteria at the school.

Grounds For Sculpture Awarded $288,890 Grant

Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) has been awarded a $288,890 grant by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA). This new level of annual support, which can be anticipated for three years, will enable GFS to maximize its role as a leading cultural institution in New Jersey. This funding will help support general operations, and bolster Grounds For Sculpture’s mission to be more accessible to a diverse array of New Jerseyans while presenting a strong calendar of programming, which includes arts, wellness, and horticultural experiences.

“We are honored to be among the cultural organizations that the State Council on the Arts has awarded this generous operational funding,” said Gary Schneider, executive director of Grounds For Sculpture. “The incredible support the state has contributed to the arts not only provides us vital resources to fulfill our mission, but also helps expand our offerings to engage with a broader, more diverse community.”  more

Honors and Awards at Phillips’ Mill Art Show

“MOMENT OF LIGHT”: The Crystal Springs Farm Award for a Work in the Style of the Pennsylvania Impressionists was given by Kathy and Ted Fernberger to Dot Bunn for her painting in the 2023 “Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill.” This year’s show begins on September 21.

Honors and awards have been a component of the annual “Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill” for decades, recognizing some of the finest work by area artists, as well as honoring people important to the Phillips’ Mill Community Association and its patrons. This year’s show, the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill,” will be held at the historic Mill and online September 21 through October 27, and will feature a wide variety of awards. Art lovers interested in establishing new awards for this year’s show can do so now through August 25.

In addition to an Honored Artist and Signature Image artist, who are selected by the art show committee, a full roster of awards for works juried into the show are bestowed each year. Which works will receive these awards is determined by the art show’s panel of jurors and are funded by patrons of the show, individuals, businesses, and sometimes families who enjoy supporting the Mill, the show, and the artists in this unique way.  more

PU Lax Star Dora Going on Another International Jaunt, Playing for U.S. at Women’s U20 Worlds in Hong Kong

DORA THE EXPLORER: Haven Dora heads to goal this past spring in her sophomore season for the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team. Star attacker Dora, who tallied 20 goals and team-high 49 assists in the 2024 campaign for the Tigers, will be competing for Team USA in the Women’s U20 Championships from August 15-24 in Hong Kong, China.

By Justin Feil

She may not need a map, but Haven Dora is quite the explorer.

Dora was in Italy on the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team’s overseas trip last fall, just months after traveling to London. Now lacrosse will take her to Hong Kong, China, to compete for Team USA in the Women’s U20 Championships from August 15-24.

“It’s really exciting,” said Dora, who will be a junior at Princeton this fall. “I’m honored to be on the team and represent the USA. I think it’ll be really fun to be able to play with a lot of the players that we play against in college and that I’ve played with growing up. I think it’ll be a really awesome experience to go over to Hong Kong and compete against all the other countries.” more