October 9, 2024

Christopher Reeve Documentary Comes to Garden Theatre

The Princeton Garden Theatre will present the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story starting Friday, October 11. Tickets are now available for the run.

Reeve was a 1970 graduate of Princeton Day School (PDS). The film tells the story of his journey as a classically trained actor who, following a horseback riding accident, became a powerful advocate for disability rights. After becoming internationally recognizable, he felt more comfortable in his hometown.

“I can fool a lot of people,” he said when receiving a PDS Alumni Achievement Award in 1990, “but it’s so great to come back to a place and just be me again.”

The Princeton Garden Theatre is at 160 Nassau Street.

Mill Ballet School Honors Mark Roxey

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mill Ballet School in Lambertville honors the legacy of its founder, Mark Roxey, whose Latino heritage has shaped his artistry and passion for dance, fostering an inclusive environment for students and audiences alike.

Roxey began his formal training at The Joffrey Ballet in New York City and has performed and choreographed internationally. His creative vision has touched countless lives through Roxey Ballet and Mill Ballet School.

To celebrate Roxey’s contributions and Hispanic culture, Mill Ballet School has launched Latin Ballroom classes for students of all ages and experience levels.  more

“Available Light” Exhibition Now at David Scott Gallery

“GREEN FIRE ESCAPE”: This watercolor on paper work by Mark Oliver is featured in “Available Light,” on view at the David Scott Gallery in the offices of Berkshire Hathaway, 253 Nassau Street, through December 31. An artist reception is on Saturday, October 19 from 2 to 5 p.m.

David Scott Gallery, 253 Nassau Street, now presents its latest exhibition, “Available Light,” a collection of paintings by New York architect and artist Mark Oliver. Recently named one of the top 100 watercolor artists in the U.S., Oliver’s paintings have appeared in TV shows such as Billions, Ray Donovan, and Gossip Girls. The exhibition runs through the end of the year. An artist reception is on Saturday, October 19 from 2 to 5 p.m.

As a student of architecture at Westminster University, London, Oliver learned something that would become an integral part of his design aesthetic. “We were taught that natural light is the most important element of architecture,” he said. “We had to use it to shape and define, to blur and shade.”  more

“Art at Kings Oaks”

An artist-led group exhibition is at historic Kings Oaks farm, 756 Worthington Mill Road, Newtown, Pa., through October 20. The exhibition features work by 27 artists from across the U.S., Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Russia, Scotland, Thailand, and Ukraine. Paintings, drawings, prints, collages, ceramics, sculptures, textiles, and installation art are on display in two historic farm buildings. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment. For more information, visit kingsoaksart.com or call (215) 603-6573.

“Robert Duran” Exhibition at New Jersey State Museum

“ROBERT DURAN”: A new exhibition on view October 19 through March 16 at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton offers visitors the opportunity to trace the arc of artist Robert Duran’s evolutions and experiments in painting, drawing, and watercolor from about 1967 to the late 1990s.

The New Jersey State Museum will present a new exhibition and accompanying publication featuring the work of an artist who spent the latter part of his life working in New Jersey. “Robert Duran,” opening October 19, offers visitors the opportunity to trace the arc of Duran’s evolutions and experiments in painting, drawing, and watercolor from roughly 1967 to the late 1990s. The exhibition will be on view in the first floor gallery through March 16, 2025. Major support for this exhibition and the accompanying publication has been provided by Karma Gallery. Additional support has been provided by the New Jersey State Museum Foundation through the Lucille M. Paris Fund and the Martha Vaughn Fund. more

“Not to Be Forgotten” Dual Exhibition at Artists’ Gallery

“DUSK”: This oil on canvas work by Alla Podolsky is part of “Not to Be Forgotten,” her joint exhibition with Laura Rutherford Renner, on view October 10 through November 3 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on October 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville will present “Not to Be Forgotten,” a new exhibit of paintings by Laura Rutherford Renner and Alla Podolsky, October 10 through November 3. An opening reception is on Sunday, October 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Rutherford Renner, from Collingswood, enjoys painting figures engaged in the experience of their environments. She said, “Capturing contemporary life snapshots in two dimensions is an exercise in problem solving and creativity. I enjoy mixing pure colors, keeping my palette simple to create authentic observation. The quiet engagement of brush to palette and brush to board provides daily calm and purpose.” more

Alia Bensliman Showcases Work At Pennington’s Silva Gallery

“SPROUTING MIND”: This mixed media work by Alia Bensliman is featured in “From North Africa to North America,” on view October 11 through December 13 at the Silva Gallery of Art at the Pennington School. A reception is on Thursday, October 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The Silva Gallery of Art at the Pennington School will host “From North Africa to North America,” an exhibition of work by Alia Bensliman, from October 11 through December 13.

A reception, open to the public, will be held on Thursday, October 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with remarks at 7 p.m. more

Simply Sustainable Company in Lambertville Offers Wide Range of Earth-Friendly Products

SUSTAINABLE SPOTLIGHT: “Simply Sustainable offers a carefully-curated selection of environmentally friendly and healthy interior finish and construction products to suit all building styles and budgets.” Co-owners and mother and daughter team Mary Jane Augustine LEED AP, WELL AP (left) and Lia Nielsen LEED GA, WELL AP are shown with 11-month-old Sage (Lia’s son) in the Simply Sustainable showroom.

By Jean Stratton

Earth-friendly concerns are becoming more and more important to people as they contemplate not only the universal environment we all share, but their own individual habitat. What does this mean in terms of product choices — household or construction, indoor, outdoor — also budget, location, carbon footprint, etc.?

Increasing numbers of options are available, all leading both to opportunities and challenges. How best to determine one’s own obligation to the stewardship of the Earth and the most effective ways to implement it? more

Having Emerged as a Force for PU Women’s Volleyball, Sophomore Star Chaney Developing into a Leader for Tigers

POWER HITTER: Princeton University women’s volleyball player Kamryn Chaney displays her hitting form. Sophomore star Chaney leads Princeton and the Ivy League in kills this season with 211. The Tigers, now 4-9 overall and 2-2 Ivy, host Harvard on October 11 and Dartmouth on October 12. (Photo by Greg Carroccio/Sideline Photography, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Kamryn Chaney can fill a stat sheet, but she wants to do even more.

The Princeton University women’s volleyball sophomore star recorded 34 kills in a 3-2 loss to High Point on September 21, a total not seen in more than a decade from an Ivy League player.

“It felt great,” said Chaney, a 6’1 Chicago resident. “I was exhausted after that game, but in the moment the adrenaline was up. We were connecting so well as a team and I was just kind of on. It was like a switch that turned on for me. And I was just kind of hitting wherever and scoring points all over the place. It was a great start for this season.” more

PHS Football Comes Through in Defensive Struggle, Eking Out 3-0 Win Over Holy Cross Prep, Now 3-3

GETTING HIS KICKS: Princeton High football player Carmine Carusone boots the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Friday night, junior star running back/defensive back Carusone kicked an 18-yard field goal in the waning seconds of regulation to provide the margin of victory as PHS defeated previously undefeated Holy Cross Prep 3-0. The Tigers, now 3-3, play at Nottingham on October 12. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In getting off to a 1-3 start this fall, the Princeton High football team was hampered by some injuries to key players.

But getting back to nearly full strength as it hosted Robbinsville on September 28, PHS gave a glimpse of its potential. Jumping out to a 34-0 halftime lead over the Ravens, the Tigers cruised to a 41-6 triumph. more

Junior Forward Walker Displaying Finishing Touch As PHS Field Hockey Headed in the Right Direction

WALK THIS WAY: Princeton High field hockey player Sarah Cate Walker controls the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, junior forward Walker scored two goals as PHS defeated WW/P-North 7-1. The Tigers, who topped WW/P-South 7-0 on Monday to move to 5-5 with Walker chipping in three goals and one assist, host Hopewell Valley on October 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sarah Cate Walker set the tone for the Princeton High field hockey team when it hosted WW/P-North last Wednesday afternoon.

PHS junior forward Walker scored a pair of goals as the Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 first quarter lead on the way to a 7-1 win over the Northern Knights.

Walker started the scoring on the day, tallying a goal five minutes into the contest. more

With Sophomore Roth Making Immediate Impact, PHS Girls’ Cross Country Wins Division at Shore Coaches

By Justin Feil

Phoenix Roth is in her first year running cross country for the Princeton High girls’ squad.

It’s the fulfillment of a promise the Tiger sophomore made to her older sister, Robin, last spring during track season.

“I told her that if I qualify for nationals, I would do cross country,” said Roth. “It was like a joke because I didn’t think it was going to happen. And then it did.” more

PDS Boys’ Soccer Starts Well Against Lawrenceville But Misfires Around Goal in Losing 2-0 to Big Red

FIRING AWAY: Princeton Day School boys’ soccer goalie Oren Yakoby fires the ball up the field in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior Yakoby starred in a losing cause, making eight saves as PDS fell 2-0 to Lawrenceville. The Panthers, who moved to 3-7 with the loss, host Trenton Central on October 10 and Allentown on October 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Hosting rival Lawrenceville last Friday afternoon, the Princeton Day School boys’ soccer team got off to a solid start.

Buoyed by a throng on hand at Baker Field for the school’s Fall Tailgate, PDS had the better of play against the Big Red in the early stages of the contest, gaining plenty of possession and generating chances. more

Junior Standout McLaren Leading the Back Line As PDS Girls’ Soccer Goes 5-2 After Slow Start

GETTING AFTER IT: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer player Ella McLaren, left, chases down a ball in recent action. Junior defender McLaren has been leading the back line for PDS this fall. The Panthers, who fell 3-0 to Shawnee last Friday to move to 5-4-1, play at Trenton Central on October 10 and at Allentown on October 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Ella McLaren moved to center back from midfield last fall for the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer team and formed a partnership with Tochi Owunna.

With the pair anchoring the PDS back line to stifle foes, the Panthers caught fire down the stretch, winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public A state title, blanking Mount St. Dominic 2-0 in the final. more

With Senior Star Goalie Harlan Coming Up Big Again, Stuart Field Hockey Battles Hard in 1-0 Loss to Del Val

SAVING GRACE: Stuart County Day School field hockey goalie Emily Harlan makes a save in a game earlier this season. Last Thursday, senior Harlan made 15 saves in a losing cause as Stuart fell 1-0 to Delaware Valley and moved to 4-6. The Tartans are next in action when they play at the Peddie School on October 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Emily Harlan is following in the footsteps of her older sister Lily in her senior season for the Stuart County Day School field hockey, having developed into an inspiring performer for the Tartans.

“I think part of it is being Lily’s sister, she has always been my leader,” said senior goalie Harlan of her older sibling who starred at forward for Stuart and is now playing at Boston University. “She influenced me to get into the game at a young age. She was here when I was here. When I saw her as a leader and then she left, I thought I am going to be like my sister. I am going to step it up.” more

October 2, 2024

Catching On

Princeton University receiver Luke Colella hauls in a 37-yard touchdown pass from Blaine McAllister last Saturday as Princeton hosted Howard in its home opener. The Tigers jumped out to a 7-0 lead on Colella’s TD and went on to defeat the Bison 30-13 to improve to 1-1. For more details on the game, see page 27. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

Sustainable Princeton Reports Progress on CAP

By Donald Gilpin

Sustainable Princeton, working with municipal officials to meet the demands of Princeton’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), delivered a progress report at the September 23 Princeton Council meeting, zeroing in on two specific actions: evaluating, and implementing a plan for, waste streams; and reducing emissions in the built environment.

CAP, adopted five years ago, includes five different categories, 13 objectives, and more than 80 actions to be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve environmental quality, and enhance public health and safety.

The Sustainable Princeton presenters, Executive Director Christine Symington and Program Managers Jenny Ludmer and Alex Dill, pointed out significant progress achieved in working towards the CAP goals. more

Local Events Educate and Raise Funds to Fight Breast Cancer

By Anne Levin

When it comes to breast cancer, the statistics tell the story. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed in her lifetime. In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

But there is hope. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed at the localized stage is 99 percent. Thanks to better screening, increased awareness, and improving treatment options, breast cancer rates have slowly gone down since 1989 — an overall decrease of 43 percent through 2020.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Local efforts to combat the disease include Let’s Talk About Breast Cancer on October 14 from 4-6 p.m. at the Witherspoon Hall parking lot, sponsored by the Princeton Health Department, Princeton Human Services, and Move Over Breast Cancer; and the 7th Annual Beyond Pink Art Show fundraiser on October 24 at MarketFair, sponsored by the YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC). Artworks from that event remain on view through October 27. more

Hispanic Heritage Month in Princeton Offers Cultural and Educational Events

HISPANIC HERITAGE: Princeton Middle School (PMS) students Camila and Nathalia Araizaga have created two bulletin boards honoring their Hispanic heritage. They stand in front of their display at PMS honoring the Hispanic athletes who participated in the 2024 Summer Olympics. (Photo courtesy of Princeton Public Schools)

By Donald Gilpin

National Hispanic Heritage Month extends from September 15 to October 15, a time to “celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of those living in America whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America,” as stated in a September 9 Princeton Council proclamation. Princeton and the surrounding area offer many opportunities to join the celebrations.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP), the Princeton Public Library (PPL), McCarter Theatre, Princeton University, and local schools, as well as the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) in Trenton, are presenting a variety of entertaining and edifying activities to engage the community and respond to Princeton Mayor Mark Freda’s “call upon the people of Princeton to join in this special observance by seeking out celebrations, educational programs, and community activities to learn more about the role Hispanic and Latino Americans have played in our nation’s history.” more

Survival of Railway Club in Rocky Hill Depends on Sale of Washington Street Home

DANGER OF DISMANTLING: The future of the Pacific Southern Railway club’s extensive system of miniature trains and more could be in jeopardy if the club cannot find a buyer for the house in which it is located who is willing to keep it in operation.

By Anne Levin

For the past eight years, the basement of a four-bedroom Cape Cod house at 26 Washington Street in Rocky Hill has been the headquarters of a sprawling model railroad system. This 5,000-square-foot miniature world boasts trains, buildings, bridges, mountains, rivers, and even a circus train. A dispatcher, a trainmaster, three tower operators, and 15 engineers operate the system on a rotating basis.

The railroad is run by the Pacific Southern Railway (PSRY) club, which holds meetings for members and visitors on Wednesday evenings. On October 19 and 20, the club will hold its annual family-friendly train show at the house. The popular event will include hourly demonstrations between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As has been the case for several years, all of the $10 donations support the Rocky Hill Rescue Squad and Volunteer Fire Company. more

PHS Scholarship Fund Receives $110K from Estate of Art Teacher Dave Mackey

By Donald Gilpin

Dave Mackey (Photo courtesy of Hopewell Museum)

The 101: Fund, which for more than 50 years has been providing need-based college scholarships to Princeton High School (PHS) graduates, recently received a bequest of $110,000 from the estate of Princeton Public Schools (PPS) art teacher Dave Mackey, who died at age 89 in May 2023.

Mackey and his wife Becky, a PHS physical education teacher and coach who died in 2000, are well remembered by many PHS graduates and repeatedly described as two of PHS’s most beloved teachers.

“The 101: Fund is incredibly honored and thankful to receive this generous gift from and in memory of Dave and Becky Mackey,” said 101 President Anthony Klockenbrink. “Becky was a previous board member of 101. The gift will enable the 101 to support more PHS students and to support more meaningful scholarships going forward. It is also our hope to establish a named scholarship in their memory.” more

Documentary About Brian Eno is One-Time Event at Garden Theatre

By Anne Levin

The career of innovative musician and producer Brian Eno is the subject of a documentary to be screened on Tuesday, October 8 at the Princeton Garden Theatre. What makes this one-night-only event unique is its use of the latest AI technology, which means it will never be seen the same way twice.

Eno premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival. Landing the screening, which is underwritten by the Princeton Record Exchange, is a coup for the Garden. Kyle Stenger, the theater’s outreach director, thinks it is the only movie house in New Jersey to have the honor.

“It’s a brand-new concept called ‘generative documentary.’ The director, Gary Hustwit, developed this AI software specifically for this movie, and it is re-edited for every showing so it’s different every single time,” said Stenger. “You’re never going to get a version of it that has Eno’s whole life in it. You might get his time with David Bowie in Berlin, or with David Byrne in Talking Heads. That’s what makes it so exciting. It’s a radical concept that is also meant to reflect the experimental process of Eno himself.” more

On Wallace Stevens’s Birthday: Blackbirds, Mountains, Cities, and Cathedrals

By Stuart Mitchner

I’ve just read Wallace Stevens’s “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird,” today being his 145th birthday. Why that particular poem now? Probably because it’s an infectious idea that inspires impersonation. And why 13? Why not 9 or 7? Or 10 to match the number of his birthday month?

When I began writing a few days ago, I was thinking about ways of looking at Italy. What set me off was the Milan cathedral, which rises magnificently from the center of Luchino Visconti’s epic Rocco and His Brothers (1960), a film so “fearsome” (Martin Scorsese’s word) that people screamed “No!” “Stop it!” and “Basta!” when its prolonged explosions of murderous violence were first shown at the Venice Film Festival.

What happened to me? Suddenly, breathtakingly, after one of the movie’s most brutal, harrowing, hard-to-watch scenes, I found myself at the top of the cathedral surrounded by spires and pinnacles, with dizzy-making views of the city and country on all sides while straight scarily down below were tiny streetcars, busses, and human beings. I’m up there with Alain Delon’s Rocco and Annie Girardot’s Nadia, who was beaten and raped in front of Rocco by his brother Simone, mad with jealousy because Rocco and Nadia, a free-spirited prostitute, have fallen, truly, in love. more

“Duel Reality” Inspired by “Romeo and Juliet”

CIRCUS-THEATRE: The 7 Fingers, from Montreal, brings an eclectic take on “Romeo and Juliet” to McCarter Theatre.

McCarter Theatre Center presents Duel Reality, from Montreal-based circus troupe The 7 Fingers, October 9-13. Known for their blend of circus, theatre, illusion, music, and dance, this latest creation is an acrobatic tour-de-force inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Audiences are invited to imagine a world where star-crossed lovers are circus stars, their love story unfolding through acrobatics. This cirque-infused performance portrays the feuding families engaging in increasingly daring battles of skill — while the lovers struggle to escape the escalating conflict. The performance distills the classic love story to its core conflict and transforms the stage into a sporting arena, with the audience/spectators taking sides and cheering on their team.  more

Actor Cary Elwes Talks About “The Princess Bride”

State Theatre New Jersey presents “The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes” on Saturday, October 19 at 8 p.m.

After a screening of the movie The Princess Bride, actor Elwes (Westly) will engage in a moderated discussion for a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film, revealing never-before-shared stories. The moderator is journalist and musician Alex Biese.

A limited number of VIP packages are available and include the best seats in the house, a Meet and Greet with Elwes, and a signed copy of his book, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride.  more