September 11, 2024

Computer Coding Opportunities for Children are Available at The Coder School Montgomery

LOOKING GOOD: A group of students at The Coder School Montgomery take a break from coding to try on their new Coder School shirts.

By Jean Stratton

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” —Arthur C. Clarke
Magic is indeed at work at The Coder School Montgomery!

A 7-year-old boy is busy creating a pong game in the coding language of Scratch. An 11-year-old is using the Python coding language to develop a Wordle app. A 16-year-old, also using Python, is designing an advanced app that determines the user’s carbon footprint and makes suggestions on how to minimize it.

The Coder School Montgomery, which opened in 2019 at The Grove at Montgomery, 21 Belle Mead Griggstown Road, just off Route 206 North in Montgomery, is one of 65 Coder School franchises nationwide. Owned by Michael and Dominique Young, it offers computer coding instruction for students ages 7 to 17.

The original Coder School was founded by Hansel Lyn and Wayne Teng in 2014, and now includes 1000 coder coaches, teaching 7,000 students every week.

 more

A Tale of Two Events — D.H. Lawrence and a Perfect Rainbow

(Photo by Leslie Mitchner)

By Stuart Mitchner

If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.

—William Blake

On Britannica’s website “This Day in History: September 11,” an image of the World Trade Center in flames sits beside a photograph of D.H. Lawrence, who was born on that date in 1885. Lawrence is not listed, however, among Wikipedia’s notable September 11 events between 1601 and 1900, such as the the theft of the Hope Diamond (1792), the Battle of Tampico (1829), the anti-Masonic Party convention (1830), or the capture of Gaki Sherocho, the last king of the Kaffa (1897).

You may wonder why the birth of a mere author rates a place on that list. In fact, Britannica has it right. The author of The Rainbow is an event unto himself. Diamonds, battles, conventions, and kings are trivia next to what he produced, not to mention what he was: the Lawrence experience. As his friend Cynthia Asquith once said, Lawrence could make washing dishes an adventure. Imagine standing side by side with Lorenzo, he doing the scrubbing with his sleeves rolled up, holding forth on the American soul while you do the drying. In the Lawrentian overflow, there’s a clarity to everything, the cups and saucers gleaming like porcelain hallucinations. more

McCarter Presents the World Premiere of “Empire Records: The Musical”; Production is a Homecoming for Songwriter, Princeton Native Zoe Sarnak

“EMPIRE RECORDS: THE MUSICAL”: McCarter Theatre Center is presenting “Empire Records: The Musical.” Written by librettist Carol Heikkinen in collaboration with composer and lyricist Zoe Sarnak, and directed by Trip Cullman, the musical will run through October 6 at McCarter’s Berlind Theatre. Above: Liam Pearce and Lorna Courtney. (Photo by Daniel Rader)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

McCarter Theatre is presenting the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical. Adapted from the 1995 coming-of-age comedy film, the show has a book by Carol Heikkinen, the film’s screenwriter; and a score by composer and lyricist Zoe Sarnak.

Performances run through October 6. more

Comedian and Actor Regan is on New Brunswick Stage

FUNNY GUY: Comedian Brian Regan brings his standup show to State Theatre New Jersey on Sunday, October 6. (Photo by Leavitt Wells–Netflix)

State Theatre New Jersey and Live Nation present comedian Brian Regan on Sunday, October 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $49-$223.50.

Critics, fans, and fellow comedians regard Regan as one of the most respected comedians in the country. Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Regan’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills venues across North America. He is a regular guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and has released eight hourlong comedy specials.

Regan co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrelly’s TV series, Loudermilk (Netflix), released in 2024. Farrelly personally cast Regan in the series alongside Ron Livingston, Anja Savcic, Will Sasso, and Mat Fraser. He portrays Mugsy, a recovering addict who is estranged from his family.

State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue. Visit Stnj.org for tickets.

Phillips’ Mill Invites Students to Submit Plays for Challenge

Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s (PMCA) Third Annual Play with Words Student Playwriting Challenge invites students in grades 7 through 12 within a 25-mile radius of New Hope to submit 10-minute original plays for consideration. Winners’ works will be given staged readings at the Mill in March.

Submissions are open through January 12, 2025. As part of PMCA’s commitment to providing community service throughout the year, there is no fee to participate in this program. Look for competition rules and entry form at www.phillipsmill.org/drama/play-with-words.

Applicants to Play with Words doubled in its second year over its first. The program was presented to a sold-out house. Two 2024 winners — Finn Anderson of Upper Dublin and Matilda Bray of Solebury School (already a published author) — are off to college this fall, pursuing writing as they further their education. Winners Saskia Cooper of The Pennington School and Avigail Wus of Pennsbury High School are participating again this year. more

Rider Announces Events on Performance Calendar

Rider University will present a variety of performances this season, including choral works, dance events, opera, plays, and musical theater. Westminster faculty members will appear in recital throughout the school year.

The Westminster Choir is scheduled to perform Saturday, October 12 at 7 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 801 West State Street, Trenton. The program is titled “Evensong,” based on the ancient Anglican ritual of Evensong, with Herbert Howells’ Westminster Service and motets of all eras.

Westminster Symphonic Choir presents “American Stories” featuring Joan Tower’s Made in America and Florence Price’s Ethiopia Shadow in America, at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton, on Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. Ruth Ochs conducts those works, while Vinroy D. Brown Jr. leads a rendition of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with soloists Heather Hill and Keith Spencer. The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, Capital Singers of Trenton, and Elmwood Concert Singers also take part. more

“Nature’s Echoes” Exhibit at Tulpehaking Nature Center

“NATURE’S ECHOES”: Works by members of the Trenton Community A-Team are featured in an exhibition at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton through October 29.

The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands (FFAM) presents the Trenton Community A-Team (TCAT) exhibit “Nature’s Echoes” through October 29 at the Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

TCAT supports, develops, and promotes self-taught, local artists because art can be transformative by reframing the artist’s connectedness to self and others and by enhancing community pride. About nine members of TCAT visited the Abbott Marshlands at the beginning of June, soaking in the sights, appreciating all the natural beauty the marshlands had to offer. Inspired by the experiences of their visit, the artists put paint to canvas, creating their body of work entitled “Nature’s Echoes.” more

“Art by Two Generations” at Trenton Public Library

“VIRGINIA MURRAY”: This work by Peggy Peplow Gummere is part of “of “Art by Two Generations of Trenton Artists,” on view at the Trenton Free Public Library September 16 through December 17. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Trenton Artists Workshop Association (TAWA) and the Trenton Free Public Library will present the exhibition “Art by Two Generations of Trenton Artists” at the Trenton Free Public Library September 16 through December 17. It is a continuation of the “Fresh Art” series that showcases the talent of area artists.

An opening reception is set for Saturday, September 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. and a meet the artist event is on December 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. The two mother and son artists are Peggy Peplow Gummere and John Gummere: more

West Windsor Arts Hosts Art Alliance Invitational Show 

“AXIS GROUNDED”: This painting by Elaine Shor is featured in the “Art Alliance of Monmouth County Invitational Show,” on view through November 2 at West Windsor Arts. An opening reception is on Friday, September 13 from 7 to 8:30 pm.

West Windsor Arts is welcoming artists from the Art Alliance of Monmouth County this fall with open arms and ample gallery space by hosting a special Invitational art show. The public is invited to attend an opening reception at the arts center on Friday, September 13, from 7 to 8:30 pm. The show will be on display through November 2.

“This show represents a new endeavor that West Windsor Arts is making to highlight the work of artists who are members of an artist association from another part of our state,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “By doing this, we are able to expand our artist network, introduce these artists to new audiences, and hopefully bring more awareness, excitement and opportunity to the art scene of our region. We look forward to sharing the work of the very talented members of the Alliance of Monmouth County.” more

Members’ Exhibition at Gallery 14 in Hopewell

TOWER BRIDGE: This work by John Clarke is featured in the Members’ Exhibition on view at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell September 14 through September 29.

Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell will present a special Members’ Exhibition September 14-29 featuring works in photographic styles and perspectives including landscapes, animals, flora, abstracts, black and white, and color. The exhibit will highlight the individual styles and photographic approaches of 14 artists.
“Laid out in salon style, the viewer will move through an ongoing mixture of images and subjects. I always enjoy and look forward to a salon show because of the variety of artistic work,” said member/curator Charles Miller. “It really gives the viewer a chance to see and understand the full range of the printed art form.” more

Art at Small World

Paintings by Samantha Renda are on view at Small World Coffee, 254 Nassau Street, through October 1. Renda is a college student whose main artistic expression is through acrylic painting. Her subject matter is inspired mostly by landscapes and animals. Works by 9-year-old photographer Aiden Pesnell are also on view at Small World through October 1.

Despite Moving to 0-2 with Loss to New Hampshire, Princeton Men’s Soccer Is Showing Improvement

HARRY SITUATION: Princeton University men’s soccer player Harry Roberts sends the ball upfield last Friday night as the Tigers hosted New Hampshire. Senior forward Roberts scored a goal in the contest but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 3-2. The Tigers, who dropped to 0-2 with the defeat, were slated to play at St. John’s on September 10 before hosting Colgate on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The results haven’t come quite yet, but the Princeton University men’s soccer team is taking steps forward.

The Tigers dropped their second game in a row to start the season, falling 3-2 to New Hampshire last Friday at Roberts Stadium.  more

Not Resting on Laurels After Championship Season, PHS Girls’ Volleyball Dominating in the Early Going

FLYING HIGH: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Naomi Lygas leaps to blast the ball in action last fall. Junior star Lygas has has piled up 30 kills this year as PHS has gotten off to a 3-0 start in regular season play. In upcoming action, the Tigers, who won the Williamstown High in-season tournament last Saturday, host Southern on September 11, Princeton Day School on September 12, and Notre Dame on September 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Despite posting a 30-1 record last fall on the way to winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title and returning a core of five stars from that squad, the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team isn’t resting on its laurels.

“The girls are definitely going to feel good, they know what they have got and what they are returning,” said PHS head coach Patty Manhart. “The focus is just not being complacent. Just because things look good for us on paper doesn’t mean that we don’t have to keep working for our season and into the postseason. I feel like that is the mood.” more

Senior Star Petrone Leaving It All on the Field But PHS Football Sputters in Loss to Allentown

QUARTERBACK SCRAMBLE: Princeton High quarterback Travis Petrone eludes a tackler in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior star Petrone had a 4-yard touchdown run and a 28-yard interception return for a TD in a losing cause as PHS fell 42-14 to Allentown High. The Tigers, now 0-2, play at Ewing on September 13. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton High football team trailed Allentown 42-7 in the waning moments of the fourth quarter last Saturday afternoon, Travis Petrone wasn’t about to give up.

PHS senior quarterback Petrone took matters into his hands, sprinting into the end zone on a four-yard jaunt to cap a 77-yard drive. more

Blending Seasoned Performers with Solid Newcomers, PHS Field Hockey Primed for Another Winning Season

ON A ROLL: Princeton High boys’ soccer goalie Nicolas Holmelund gets ready to roll the ball up the field last Thursday against Hightstown. Senior star and co-captain Holmelund made two saves in the contest as PHS edged the Rams 1-0 to open the season. The Tigers, who tied Cherokee 0-0 last Monday as Holmelund made three saves, will play at Allentown on September 12 before hosting Trenton on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton High field hockey team has gone through preseason, Heather Serverson has been doing a lot of mixing and matching.

“We have been trying to get used to all of the new faces and combining them with the older seasoned players,” said PHS head coach Serverson, who guided the Tigers to 17-3 record last year as they advanced to both the Mercer County Tournament and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 4 sectional final. more

PDS Field Hockey Lacks Strength in Numbers But Has the Talent, Positive Mindset to Excel

GETTING UP TO SPEED: Princeton Day School field hockey player Charlotte Mullen races upfield in action last fall. Senior midfielder Mullen figures to be a key performer for the Panthers this season. PDS, which lost 3-1 to Peddie in its season opener last Friday, plays at Hightstown on September 11 before hosting Lawrence High on September 13 and WW/P-South on September 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Heather Farlow prepared her Princeton Day School field hockey team for the 2024 season, she looked to channel the coaching philosophy that helped the U.S. women’s soccer team earn a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“I am stealing from Emma Hayes and what she did with the U.S. women’s soccer team, making sure that the players really have joy in what they do,” said PDS head coach Farlow, who guided PDS to a 15-4-1 record last fall. more

Gaining Benefits from Last Fall’s Growing Pains, Stuart Field Hockey Produces Promising 3-0 Start

IN SYNC: Stuart Country Day School field hockey goalie Emily Harlan tracks the ball in a 2023 game. Senior star Harlan has been sharp in the early going this season, posting three shutouts as Stuart has started 3-0. The Tartans will look to keep on the winning track when they play at South Hunterdon on September 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Since the Stuart Country Day School field hockey team had only two seniors on its roster last year, a number of young players got thrown into the fire by necessity.

As Stuart headed into its 2024 campaign, Stuart head coach Missy Bruvik believed that going through those growing pains is paying dividends.  more

September 4, 2024

Special Honor

Lifelong Princeton resident Robert Higgins, 97, center front, was honored last Friday for his 76 years of service to the Princeton Fire Department. With his daughter, center right, and granddaughter, center left, in attendance along with Mayor Mark Freda, far right, Fire Chief Adam Kooker, third from left, and other first responders, Higgins was awarded a plaque from the Princeton Fire Department and Brandywine Princeton and celebrated for his dedication to serving Princeton. (Photo by Stephanie Gaber)

Referendum, Supt. Search on Tap for PPS

By Donald Gilpin

As students and teachers, staff, and administrators, all made their final preparations for Tuesday’s Princeton Public Schools’ (PPS) opening day, Board of Education (BOE) members have been setting their sights on two longer-term goals: the selection of a new superintendent and an upcoming referendum to fund new classrooms and core spaces.

Both BOE initiatives are expected to culminate early next year, with an $85-$90 million referendum vote planned for January 28, 2025 and the BOE hoping, by the first months of next year, to find the right new leader for the PPS to take over from Interim Superintendent Kathie Foster on July 1, 2025. more

Members of Community Encouraged to Participate in Cultural Exchange Night

By Anne Levin

Since Princeton first instituted Welcoming Week nine years ago, efforts have been ongoing to involve the public in this annual celebration of the town’s cultural diversity. The planners of this year’s events, which begin Friday, September 13 and run through Sunday, September 22, are hoping to inspire as many residents as possible to not just attend, but take part.

Cultural Exchange Night, which kicks off the week of events on Friday at Hinds Plaza from 4 to 6 p.m., is designed to do just that. The events are being planned by the Human Services Department and the Princeton Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Economic, Social Equity, and Social Services (C.A.R.E.S.).

“Everyone has an opportunity to take part by sharing a little something about their own country,” said Princeton Councilwoman Leticia Fraga, who is the liaison to the town’s Human Services Department. “That can be a poster board, or a table with arts and crafts, or music, or dancing. In the past, we’d often see people walking around saying, ‘I wish I would have known about this, because I would have been part of this.’ So, we’re trying to get the word out that everyone is welcome to participate.” more

Sustainable Princeton eCommuter Fest at Shopping Center on Saturday, September 14

By Donald Gilpin

Complete with circus acts, a fashion show on bikes, street savvy cycling sessions, music, games, eBike test rides, and more, Sustainable Princeton will be hosting its annual low-carbon eCommuter Fest in the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, September 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rescheduled from September 7).

The focus of this year’s event is walking, biking, public transit, and family fun, but electric vehicles will still be an important part of the festivities.

“eCommuter Fest was an evolution of our Electric Evening event, where we offered EV test drives and EV owner showcases when electric vehicles were novel,” said Sustainable Princeton Executive Director Christine Symington, as quoted in a press release. “Now that the adoption of electric vehicles is well underway, we want to celebrate and inspire our community about the benefits of walking, biking, and using public transportation to get around. Attendees will still have the chance to check out some EV models and learn about EV incentives and how to install a home charger.” more

Anniversary of D&R Canal State Park Marked by Celebratory Events

ALONG THE WATERWAY: Cyclists are among those who frequent the towpath of D&R Canal State Park, which passes through Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. The park was created five decades ago and is celebrating with a series of events beginning September 14.

By Anne Levin

Passing through four New Jersey counties between Trenton and New Brunswick, the Delaware & Raritan (D&R) Canal was a vital link for the transportation of goods for nearly a century. While its purpose had become obsolete by the 1930s, its history was not forgotten.

In 1973, the canal was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A year later, Gov. Brendan Byrne signed legislation to create the 70-mile D&R Canal State Park. It is the anniversary of that legislation that the nonprofit D&R Canal Watch is celebrating on October 26 with a walk/run/bike event. more

Local Coyote Sightings Have Increased in Recent Months

By Anne Levin

With their pointed ears, slender muzzles, and drooping, bushy tails, coyotes can be mistaken for German shepherds. But coyotes are wild animals that can pose a danger to domestic pets.

In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in sightings of the yellow-eyed “Canis latrans,” the scientific name for the coyote. James Ferry, Princeton’s animal control officer, has been watching the situation since a coyote snatched a small dog, weighing about 15 pounds, from outside a home on Random Road along Route 27 at the end of June.

“We have noticed some activity in Mountain Lakes, Herrontown Woods, and near Littlebrook School,” Ferry said last week. “They’ve kind of always been there. But the number has increased over the last few years.” more

Lafayette’s Triumphal Tour Returns to Princeton, Back After 200 Years

By Donald Gilpin

Sean Wilentz

Two hundred years ago this month, Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey, welcomed the Marquis de Lafayette to campus and presented him with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his contribution to the American cause of independence.

Lafayette was making a triumphal tour of the country at the invitation of President James Monroe and the U.S. Congress more than 40 years after the French soldier and statesman, who was a close friend of George Washington, had led the Continental Army at Yorktown in the final battle of the American Revolution.

Later this month, on September 25 at 10 a.m. as part of a 24-state tour, a Lafayette reenactor provided by the American Friends of Lafayette will share the stage with Princeton University Professor Sean Wilentz at the Nassau Presbyterian Church on Nassau Street for a public lecture on “Lafayette and the Politics of Division.” more

September Begins With Dragons, Delon, Baseball, and a Smile

By Stuart Mitchner

However much my wife and I may disagree about other things, we’ve always been in accord about movies, whether it’s the late Alain Delon’s Once a Thief or HBO’s House of the Dragon.

What made the Delon film worth watching was the chance to see him in an American movie from 1965 with stunning location shots of San Francisco from the period when I lived there and was enjoying the first act of a screwball comedy romance with my future wife and viewing partner.

When House of the Dragon debuted two years ago, we gave up after the first episodes. Recently we tried it again out of sheer desperation, found the second season somewhat better, and are now looking forward to the third, which Variety says will go into production in early 2025. As always, the real stars were the dragons. What was lacking besides the sheer fun of Game of Thrones were characters as wild and witty as Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister and as dashing and loveable as Masie Williams’s Arya Stark.  more