June 27, 2018

“Tanis” Returns for Limited Engagement at Michener

“TANIS” RETURNS: Daniel Garber’s painting has returned to the Michener Art Museum from its home at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and will remain on view at the Michener through December 30. Philanthropists Marguerite and H. F. Gerry Lenfest presented “Tanis” as a gift to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the stipulation that the painting be returned on loan to the Michener Art Museum every three years.

In 2011, Philadelphia-area philanthropists Marguerite and H. F. Gerry Lenfest presented Tanis as a gift to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the stipulation that the painting be returned on loan to the Michener Art Museum for three months every three years. This year marks its second return under that agreement. Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest are longtime supporters of the Michener Art Museum, which is recognized for its world-class collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings — many of them donated to the museum by the Lenfests — as well as its commitment to preserving and presenting the work of other Delaware Valley artists of all eras and creative disciplines. more

Songwriter Chooses Between Aspirations, Relationships in “Tick, Tick … Boom!”; Princeton Summer Theater Gives Lively Performance of “Rent” Writer’s Musical

“TICK, TICK…BOOM!”: Performances are underway for Princeton Summer Theater’s production of “Tick, Tick … Boom!.” Directed by Victoria Davidjohn, the musical runs through July 8 at Princeton University’s Hamilton Murray Theater. Susan (Allison Spann, left), Michael (Chibueze Ihuoma, center), and Jon (Isaac Piecuch) sing “Louder Than Words,” the show’s closing number. (Photo by Sarah Golobish)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

“The sound you are hearing is not a technical problem,” quips Jon, the protagonist of Tick, Tick … Boom! “It is the sound of one man’s mounting anxiety. I am that man.” He reveals that he is “a ‘promising young composer.’ I should have kids of my own by now, a career, but … I’m trying to work, trying to enjoy what remains of my extremely late 20s, trying to ignore the tick tick booms.” more

Princeton Festival Continues With Concert of Baroque Chamber Music

By Nancy Plum

Princeton Festival is spending the fourth week of this year’s season focusing on the Baroque era of music history, beginning with a chamber orchestra concert last Saturday afternoon. Comprised of six members of The Princeton Festival Baroque Orchestra, the Festival Baroque Chamber Ensemble presented an hour-long performance at Princeton Abbey which felt like a refreshing cool drink on a summer afternoon. The five works performed were, as advertised, “rare gems of the Baroque chamber repertoire,” as four string players, a theorbo, and harpsichord showed that the Festival’s foray into 17th- and 18th-century music was a worthy artistic decision. Princeton Abbey is an unusual liturgical space in that the members of the congregation face one another, rather than the chancel, but perhaps thanks to the recent residency at the Abbey by the American Boychoir, the acoustics were perfect for chamber music. more

Incredibles 2: Parr Family Battles Villain Who Is Hypnotizing Humanity

By Kam Williams

Why it has taken Disney and Pixar 14 years to release a follow-up to The Incredibles? It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and grossed over $600 million at the box office. Meanwhile, creator Brad Bird made Ratatouille (2007), Mission: Impossible (2011), and Tomorrowland (2015) before turning to writing and directing Incredibles 2.

Fortunately this sequel was well worth the wait. Most of the actors who played members of the crime-fighting Parr family are back. Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter reprise their roles as the parents Bob (Mr. Incredible) and Helen (Elastigirl), as do Eli Fucile and Sarah Vowell as baby Jack Jack and 14-year-old Violet. Ten-year-old Dash is now portrayed by Huck Milner, because the original kid’s voice deepened. Samuel L. Jackson has also returned as the family friend and fellow superhero Lucius Best/Frozone. Additions to the cast include Catherine Keener, Isabella Rossellini, and Bob Odenkirk. more

Taking Circuitous Route Back to WNBA, PU Alumna Dietrick Thriving With Atlanta

A DREAM COME TRUE: Blake Dietrick heads to the basket in 2015 during her senior season for the Princeton University women’s basketball team. The star guard is currently in her second stint in the WNBA, playing for the Atlanta Dream. Dietrick has made eight appearances for the Dream, getting a season-high 18 minutes with three points in a 79-72 loss to the New York Liberty on June 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After a brilliant career for the Princeton University women’s basketball team and a stint in an Italian pro league, Blake Dietrick achieved her goal of playing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as she made the opening day roster for the Seattle Storm in 2016.

But Dietrick didn’t stick with the team, appearing in two games for the Storm and then playing in one game for the San Antonio Stars on a seven-day contract. more

Princeton Native Mooney Grows Into Force As Yale Men’s Lacrosse Wins NCAA Title

OVER THE MOON: Yale University men’s lacrosse player Robert Mooney, right, battles for the ball against Duke in the NCAA championship game. Princeton resident and former Lawrenceville School standout Mooney helped the Bulldogs top the Blue Devils 13-11 in the title game to earn the program’s first-ever national crown. Mooney, a rising senior defender, earned second-team All-Ivy League honors this spring. (Photo Courtesy of Yale Sports Publicity)

By Bill Alden

In the early stages of his athletic career at the Lawrenceville School, Robert Mooney stamped himself as a college prospect in both soccer and lacrosse.

But after suffering a injury in the fall of 2013 during his junior season with the Big Red boys’ soccer team, Princeton native Mooney turned his attention to lacrosse.  more

Suffering Injury that Sidelined Him for Senior Season, PHS Quarterback Doran Primed for Sunshine Game

ONE MORE SHOT: Vince Doran prepares to pass for the Princeton High football team during the 2016 season. Last fall, Doran’s senior season was cut short when he broke his collarbone on his first play in the season opener. This Friday, Doran will get a chance to get back on the field as he plays for the West squad in the Sunshine Football Classic at The College of New Jersey. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Vince Doran took the field last August in the season opener for the Princeton High football team, he was poised for a big senior campaign.

Coming off a superb junior campaign that saw the lefty quarterback throw 16 touchdown passes, Doran believed he could build on that success. more

Displaying Flair in All Phases of the Game, PLL Cruises to District 12 Intermediate Crown

GRAND SLAM: Gordon Grandbouche delivers a pitch last weekend for the Princeton Little League (PLL) squad hosted Millstone-Roosevelt in the two-team, double-elimination District 12 Intermediate 50/70 tournament. Grandbouche starred on the mound, at the plate, and in the field as PLL posted a pair of 13-3 wins over Millstone to take the title, its fourth in six years in the competition. The squad will now compete in the Section 3 tournament, which starts on June 29 and is being held in Middletown. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton Little League (PLL) squad hosted Millstone-Roosevelt in the two-team, double-elimination District 12 Intermediate 50/70 tournament last Friday at the Farmview Fields, it was determined to seize the momentum.

“We were really looking to get out to a strong start, right from the get-go,” said PLL manager Jon Durbin. more

Sparked by Bailey’s All-Around Contribution, LoyalTees Tops Majeski, Now 4-0 in Summer Hoops

TEEING OFF: Terrance Bailey of LoyalTees heads to the hoop in recent action in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Monday. Bailey scored 18 points to help LoyalTees defeat Majeski Foundation 73-62 and improve to 4-0. In other action on Monday, Cure Insurance defeated Gomo Health 67-44 and NJ Spiritwear topped Apex Sport 70-43. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a battle of unbeatens when LoyalTees faced Majeski Foundation last Monday evening in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League.

Terrance Bailey and his LoyalTees teammates were primed for the clash at the Community Park courts.

“We knew this was going to be a tough game,” said Bailey. “We just wanted to come out and keep the tone going and set it right.” more

June 20, 2018

Art All Night

All was calm at 8 p.m. Saturday, as viewers strolled through the historic Roebling Wire Works building in Trenton to view some 1,500 works by professional and amateur artists. But gun violence disrupted the festival seven hours later. (Photo by Erica M. Cardenas)

Second Person Charged in Trenton Festival Shooting

By Anne Levin

A second suspect has been charged in the shooting that closed down Trenton’s Art All Night festival early Sunday morning. Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced Tuesday that Davonne White, 26, who remains hospitalized in stable condition, is charged with three weapons offenses.

Already charged in the incident is Amir “Mir” Armstrong, 23, who is hospitalized in critical condition. The exchange of gunfire inside the historic Roebling Wire Works just before 3 a.m. Sunday injured 22 people. Tahaij Wells, identifed as a shooter, is said to have been shot and killed by police. The incident is believed to have been gang related and the festival itself was not a target. more

Dillon Gym No Longer Available to Members Of the Community

By Anne Levin

For decades, members of the local community have been welcome at Princeton University’s Dillon Gymnasium and Stephens Fitness Center. But by the end of the year, use of the pool, squash courts, and other facilities will no longer be open to the public.

“Due to space limitations and student demand for the fitness and recreation facilities at Dillon Gymnasium and the Stephens Fitness Center, the University will no longer offer gym memberships to the general public as of January 1, 2019,” reads a letter sent to members on June 11. “In order to provide you with a transition period to find new fitness and recreation facilities to meet your needs, as of July 1, 2018 we will offer you the option of a half-year membership for non-University patrons. When the term of that membership option concludes at the end of the 2018, members of the general public will no longer be able to purchase a membership.” more

Cochrane Reviews Referendum Plans, Responds to Concerns

By Donald Gilpin

About 100 local residents with a range of concerns and questions about plans for the October 2 Princeton Public Schools facilities bond referendum gathered in John Witherspoon Middle School’s (JWMS) auditorium Monday evening, as Superintendent Steve Cochrane presented “A Vision for Our Schools” and fielded follow-up questions.

For about an hour and fifteen minutes, Cochrane described the needs for more space and infrastructure upgrades, for a plan that aligns those improvements with the district’s educational goals, and a plan to optimize the district’s investment in a first-rate, cost-effective education. more

Governor Visits Riverside to Proclaim Bog Turtle as Official New Jersey State Reptile

BOG TURTLE BILL: Governor Murphy came to Riverside Elementary School Monday to sign a bill designating the bog turtle as the official New Jersey state reptile, culminating two years of campaigning by Riverside and Community Park School students and their teachers Mark Eastburn and Bevan Jones. (Photo by Donald Gilpin)

By Donald Gilpin

“This is your bill. Let’s all have a “shellabration,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, as he signed a bill declaring the bog turtle as the official state reptile before a full house in the Riverside Elementary School gym on Monday afternoon.

The event was the culmination of a two-year effort by students working with science teacher Mark Eastburn at Riverside, with librarian Bevan Jones at Community Park School (CPS), and others throughout the state.  more

Brunch for Good Program Supports Community Causes

By Jean Stratton

Brunch For Good is a new initiative that combines distinctive international cuisines with important community causes. Started this year by Princeton and Hopewell residents Mic Boekelmann and Maricel Hermann, three brunches, two focusing on Filipino cuisine and the other Italian, have been held. The causes have included political action and students working for sensible gun control.

The most recent brunch featured modernized favorites from the Philippine Islands fused with selected European influences. Filipino food has been hailed as the next “hot” cuisine, according to The New York Times and other publications. more

Former Governor Jim Florio Talks About His Political Career

By Anne Levin

Most people recall James J. “Jim” Florio from his years as governor of New Jersey. But the Brooklyn-born Democrat’s political legacy includes much more than his term in Trenton, which lasted from 1990 to 1994.

Prior to being elected governor, Florio was a state assemblyman and congressman. He was the architect of the federal Superfund program that would clean up thousands of toxic waste sites around the country. He is also credited with designating the New Jersey Pinelands as a national preserve. more

Recreation Department Campers Will Get Sponsored Lunches

A partnership this summer between the Princeton Children’s Fund, the Princeton Recreation Department, and Send Hunger Packing Princeton is making it possible for as many as 175 public school students to attend the Recreation Department’s summer camps.

“Because of the generosity of our donors and our partnership with the Princeton Recreation Department, we are able to provide an opportunity for our students to attend camp and engage in active and creative programs, while giving their parents full-day childcare,” said Felicia Spitz of the Princeton Children’s Fund.  more

Micah Rasmussen Named To Direct Rebovich Institute

Micah Rasmussen has been named the new director of The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University. Rasmussen has more than 26 years of experience in political, governmental, and public communication and has spent more than 15 years as an adjunct professor of political science. 

“Micah’s breadth of experience and extensive network inside the State House and out is poised to help expand the awareness and mission of The Rebovich Institute,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs DonnaJean A. Fredeen.  more

Sourlands Hiking Atlas Updates Online Hiking Maps

The Sourland Conservancy has published a new hiking atlas created by former trustee, Kevin Burkman. Burkman is a resident of the Sourland region who specializes in digital mapping for natural resources, urban/environmental planning, and historic land preservation and volunteers as SC’s geographic information systems (GIS) analyst.

Burkman created the Sourland Region Hiking Atlas as a follow-up to Sourland Conservancy’s online hiking maps, which he also developed and continues to update. This new book highlights 24 parks and preserves with hiking trails in the 90-square-mile Sourland region. In addition to shaded relief maps, the atlas also features descriptions for each site, including history, geology, flora and fauna, and information on access and parking. His other work with the Conservancy includes open space analysis, tour maps, and pipeline corridor analysis.  more

School Matters: Week of June 20, 2018

Ten Young People Combatting Prejudice

Ten Princeton students who are working to combat prejudice and promote racial unity were recognized by Not in Our Town at its 2018 Unity Awards 20th Anniversary Event on June 10 at Princeton University’s Carl A. Fields Center.

The students were celebrated for being leaders at their schools in activities that range from starting student groups on racial awareness, to organizing a conference, to being active in a group that helped put together a textbook on racial awareness.

Award winners included PHS students Hamza Nishtar, Valeria Torres-Olivares, Fedlyne Cleophat, Brianna Silva, Leah Williamson, Nina Tillmann, Zainab Qureshi, and Shane Spring; Princeton Charter School eighth-grader Yayla Tur; and John Witherspoon eighth-grader Mojisola Ayodele.

PHS AP Exam Survey

Student Board of Education representatives Amy Wang and Brian Lu have reported to the Board on the Advanced Placement exam survey completed by 423 students. Seventy-seven percent of the students surveyed took at least one exam this year. Of those who did take an AP exam 36 percent took one exam, 19 percent took two exams, 21 percent took three exams, 11 percent took four exams, 7 percent took five exams, and 6 percent took six or more AP exams.

According to Wang and Lu’s report to the Board, the survey indicated that juniors tended to take the most AP courses, and that there is a correlation between students’ stress levels and the numbers of AP exams they took.

Former Mayor Marchand Named To Community Options Board

Community Options has recently named Phyllis L. Marchand to the board of trustees for Community Options Enterprises, which operates several programs as well as entrepreneurial businesses that successfully integrate people with disabilities into the workforce.

Marchand served 23 years as an elected official in Princeton Township, and for 12 years as mayor before retiring in 2009. She recently joined the Community Options board to augment production of their new Princeton VASEFUL flower store, scheduled to open on Witherspoon Street in the fall. more

Cyclist Brings Her Own Family Peloton To Anchor House “Ride for Runaways”

PATTI’S PELOTON: Patti Maslanka will be joined this year on her fifth Anchor House Ride for Runaways by five of her children. From left, Mark, Patti, Jeff, Rebecca, Christopher, and Carolyn Maslanka. (Their dog Oliver will be staying home.) (Photo Courtesy of Christopher Maslanka)

By Donald Gilpin

Patti Maslanka is preparing to ride in her fifth consecutive annual Anchor House Ride for Runaways, setting out from Virginia on July 7 and riding 500 miles back to Trenton by July 14.

Maslanka won’t be alone at this 40th annual ride to raise money for Anchor House, which provides shelter, school, and outreach to youth ages 12 to 21 from Mercer County and throughout the state. She will be joined by five of her children, one as support and four as riders. It is the fourth year for one son, the third for another, the second for one daughter, and the first for another. more

Utopian Melodies On a Sunny Day in Princeton

By Stuart Mitchner

In Michael Robertson’s coda to The Last Utopians: Four Late 19th Century Visionaries and Their Legacy (Princeton Univ, Press 2018), he stresses the necessity of “utopian dreaming” at a time when “nakedly racist and nativist rhetoric” is “permeating political discourse” and “powerful political optimism is in short supply.”

Walking around Princeton after reading The Last Utopians, I saw intimations of utopia everywhere and I was wide awake. It’s like music, a subtle, infectious refrain; wherever you go you hear the utopian melody. Take a perfect day in June on Nassau Street (utopia defined online is “a state in which everything is perfect”): you’ve been browsing in one of the best bookstores in the country, you’re carrying a yellow Princeton Record Exchange bag brimming with great music, and you’ve just passed Dohm Alley with its visionary evocations of Blake, Keats, Shelley, Byron, Wordsworth, and Coleridge. Turn the corner and you come to the rustic parklet in front of Small World, a cozy nook with tree-stump tables.  more

4 Elements Wellness at the Shopping Center Offers Variety of Innovative Holistic Therapies

NATURAL WELL-BEING : “There is nothing like our wellness center in the area, with all the elements we include. Our clients like the whole range of services we offer.” Owner Silvia Fedorcikova (center) of 4 Elements Wellness in the Princeton Shopping Center is shown with staff members Kate Raynor (left) and Christine Flanagan.

By Jean Stratton

Earth, air, fire, and water! These elements are in full force at 4 Elements Wellness in the Princeton Shopping Center. This new wellness center offers an array of holistic therapeutic treatments.

“This is something I have a passion for,” explains owner Silvia Fedorcikova. “I love holistic and natural therapy. I had done research about innovative treatments, including cryotherapy, and I also learned about the upcoming industry in flotation. more

Stylish and Easy-wear Wardrobe Solutions Are Available at NIC+ZOE on Palmer Square

FASHION FORWARD: NIC+ZOE, the women’s boutique on Palmer Square, offers up-to-date, fun, and comfortable fashion, explains Cynthia Saffi, director of marketing. “Our clothing is made to flatter the female form. It moves with you, and it can take you from one activity to the next, from day to night.” Shown from left are store manager Sara Brosious, Cynthia Saffi, and assistant manager Jacque Keck.

By Jean Stratton

Fashion is fun at NIC+ZOE, the women’s shop at 73 Palmer Square West. Opened in November, it is one of eight stores owned by Dorian Lightbown, creative officer and designer.

Headquartered in Massachussetts, the first store was opened in 2015, after Lightbown saw a need to update and creatively coordinate women’s wardrobes. Previously, she had established a thriving online operation. Her idea was so successful that plans to launch more stores, which are named for Nicholas and Zoe, Lightbown’s children, quickly materialized. more