June 20, 2018

Princeton Festival Presents “Madama Butterfly” With Impressive Visuals and Singing

By Nancy Plum

Princeton Festival opened its mainstage opera production this past weekend with an audience favorite in Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Now one of the most popular Italian operas in the repertory, Puccini’s 1904 Butterfly was an unexpected disaster on its premiere night in Milan, leading the composer to revise the opera into the blockbuster it is today. Princeton Festival’s presentation Saturday night at McCarter Theatre Center’s Matthews Theatre was every bit the crowd-pleaser it should be, showcasing several stand-out singers in the process. Some operas lend themselves to restaging in other time periods, but Madama Butterfly is best left in its original timeframe of late 19th-early 20th-century Japan. Set in the harbor town of Nagasaki, Butterfly combined Puccini’s lush orchestrations and melodies with an exotic seaside locale to tug at audience heartstrings. Princeton Festival’s production, sung in Italian with English supertitles, took every advantage of Puccini’s rich melodic writing to convey a poignant storyline.  more

Four-Part Concert Series At Plainsboro Library

The Chinese American Music Ensemble, an adult chorus, will present a program at the Plainsboro Public Library on Sunday, June 24, at 2 p.m. It is one of four concerts by New Jersey-based musicians that will be presented on four separate Sundays at 2 p.m. as part of the library’s Community Fusion program. The ensemble will perform songs of love and passion from China and the West, dating from ancient times to the present.

On July 8, the influence of African American music on western music will be the focus of a concert by the three-person musical group The Drinking Gourd.  more

One-Man Show About Paul Robeson’s Life

On Tuesday, July 31, from 7-9 p.m., the Nassau Presbyterian Church is hosting The World is My Home, which depicts the life of African American artist, activist, and Princeton native Paul Robeson as he fights globally for social justice on behalf of minority workers.  more

After Honing Coaching Skills on Dartmouth Staff, Micir Coming Home to PU Women’s Hoops Program

HOMECOMING: Addie Micir, center, surveys the action during her role as an assistant coach for the Dartmouth College women’s basketball team. Micir, a 2011 Princeton University alum and former star for the Tigers women’s hoops program, is coming home to serve as an assistant coach for her alma mater. (Photo Courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill  Alden

When Addie Micir arrived at Princeton University in the fall of 2007 and joined the women’s basketball team, she developed an instant rapport with head coach Courtney Banghart.

“She has been a mentor of mine since day one when I stepped on campus and she was my coach,” said Micir. more

After Dominating N.J. Competition This Spring, PHS Track Excels at New Balance Nationals

FLYING HIGH: Princeton High boys’ track star Varun Narayan competes in a meet this spring. Last weekend at the New Balance Nationals in Greensboro, N.C., senior star and Carnegie Mellon-bound Narayan posted a mark of 23’ 2.5 in the long jump to finish sixth and earn All-American honors. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After dominating the New Jersey competition this spring by winning the Mercer County Championships, the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional meet, and the state Group 4 title, the Princeton High boys’ track team excelled on the national stage last weekend.

Competing at the New Balance Nationals in Greensboro, N.C., two of the boys’ entries earned All-America honors. more

PHS Boys’ Lax Struggled Down the Stretch, Hampered by Injuries, Inexperienced Lineup

FILLING IN: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse player Evan Filion heads to goal in a game this spring. Junior midfielder Filion was a bright spot for PHS this season, tallying 21 points on 14 goals and seven assists. The Little Tigers posted a final record of 5-12. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team edged Allentown 6-5 in late April, it reached the .500 mark for the first time this spring as it improved to 5-5.

That win turned out to be the high water mark for PHS as it ended the season on a tailspin, losing its last seven games to finish with a 5-12 record. more

Persistence Paid Off for Stuart Lacrosse, Ending Spring With Big Win Over Steinert

GINNED UP:  Stuart Country Day School lacrosse player Gin Gin Plehn looks for an opening in a game this season. Senior star Plehn enjoyed a productive senior campaign as Stuart went 5-11-1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over the course of the spring, the Stuart Country Day School lacrosse team proved to be a study in persistence.

“It really became about everybody doing their part to contribute,” said Stuart head coach Missy Bruvik, whose squad posted a final record of 5-11-1. “Nobody ever gave up all season long. Every day was a positive atmosphere.” more

Going With Youth Movement by Necessity, PDS Softball Laying Foundation for Future

CONTACT HITTER: Princeton Day School softball player Julie Patterson makes contact in a game this spring. Junior catcher Patterson starred at the plate and in the field for PDS, who posted a final record of 1-9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the Princeton Day School softball team, defeating Peddie in early April provided a glimpse of its potential.

“It is the absolute highlight,” said PDS head coach Paul Lano, reflecting on the 21-13 triumph over the Falcons. more

Displaying Championship Form in Opener, Packer Hall Tops Apex in Summer Hoops

NICK OF TIME: Nick Brackett, right, of the Packer Hall All-Stars battles with Elias Bermudez of Majeski Foundation last summer at the Community Park courts in Princeton Recreation Department Summer Men’s Basketball League action. Last Monday, Brackett scored 12 points to help defending league champion Packer Hall defeat Apex Sport 72-56 in the opening night of the 2018 season. In other action on Monday, Majeski defeated Gomo Health 47-32 and LoyalTees edged NJ Spiritwear 60-55. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The Packer Hall All-Stars didn’t look like a title contender in the Princeton Department Summer Men’s Basketball League last year when it lost its first three games on the way to a 2-6 regular season record.

But the squad caught fire at the right time, advancing to the best-of-three championship series as the seventh seed and then proceeding to sweep top-seeded and defending champion Majeski Foundation to culminate an unlikely title run. more

June 13, 2018

Princeton Parklet Returns

The Arts Council of Princeton’s (ACP) third parklet officially opened on Saturday at its debut location in front of Small World Coffee on Witherspoon Street. Sponsors and supporters each said a few words about their part of the parklet and their support for public art in Princeton. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Durrie, owner of Small World Coffee; Jim Levin, ACP board president; Jim Waltman, executive director, The Watershed Institute; Councilman Tim Quinn; Maria Evan, ACP artist director; Kristin Appelget, director, community and regional affairs, Princeton University; Sherry MacLean, MacLean Agency; Councilwoman Leticia Fraga;​ Jim Davidge, Davidge Design Studio; and architect Joseph Hobart Weiss. (Photo Courtesy of ACP)

Princeton Dems Rally to “Flip NJ Blue”

CATCHING THE BLUE WAVE: Princeton Democrats and others rallied Sunday night in a meeting focused on flipping five New Jersey congressional districts from Republican to Democratic in the November election. From left, nominees who spoke included Andy Kim (District 3), Tom Malinowski (District 7), and Josh Welle (District 4). (Photo Courtesy of PCDO)

By Donald Gilpin

“Catch the Blue Wave: Flip NJ Blue!” was the rallying cry on Sunday night, as a crowd of about 170 enthusiastic Democrats filled the Suzanne Patterson Center and made plans to help Democrats win five New Jersey congressional races that have been targeted by the national Democratic Party in its effort to retake control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming November elections. more

FAA Accepts Master Plan for Mercer Airport Improvements

By Anne Levin

With acceptance by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received last week, Trenton-Mercer Airport is now able to pursue plans for upgrading, updating, and modernizing. But these projects at the increasingly popular Ewing Township airport do not include an increase in the size or number of flights, according to Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

“This is just to give people a better experience when they travel in and out,” he said Tuesday. “It’s something we’ve been waiting for a long time. The stamp of approval from the FAA allows us to move forward with scoping plans for a new terminal. The one we have now is about 55 or 60 years old and it lacks many of the modern amenities you’d expect from a growing airport.” more

Princeton, Cranbury Examine Send-Receive Schools Agreement

By Donald Gilpin

With a June 30 deadline approaching for renewal of the Princeton-Cranbury send-receive schools agreement, both school boards have been reviewing the current contract and the possibility of extending it through 2030.

The Princeton Public Schools Board of Education (BOE) was planning to address the matter at last night’s meeting, but it was not known at press time whether or not a vote was taken on the issue. more

PFARS Is Just the Beginning For Young Rescue Workers

CADETS OFF TO COLLEGE: Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS) boasts 18 area high school seniors in its Cadet Program, all headed for four-year colleges. Shown here sporting shirts with the names of the schools they will be attending, the group includes three interested in emergency medicine and several others who plan to study science or medicine.

By Anne Levin

The 18 graduating high school seniors in the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad’s (PFARS) Cadet Program make up one of the largest groups of students to graduate as full emergency medical technicians (EMTs). All of them are headed for college in coming months.  more

Prayer Service and Vigil for Peace Seek Diplomacy Not War With Korea

DIPLOMACY NOT WAR: About 50 people gathered for a multifaith service and candlelight vigil for peace at the Nassau Presbyterian Church on Nassau Street on Sunday night preceding the June 12 summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (Photo by John Lien)

By Donald Gilpin

As preparations were continuing in Singapore for the summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, 50 people gathered at the Nassau Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening for an hour-long multifaith service for peace inside the church followed by a candlelight vigil outside.

Sponsored by the Princeton-based Coalition for Peace Action, the service was organized by the Rev. Dave Davis, senior pastor of Nassau Presbyterian and president of the Princeton Clergy Association, along with CFPA Executive Director the Rev. Robert Moore, and featured contributions from 10 different area faith leaders.  more

Nutritionally Balanced, Free Meals Offered at Princeton Senior Center

By Anne Levin

At several meetings of Princeton Council during the past year, a resident expressed concerns about cancellation of a program providing free meals for senior citizens. On June 5, the municipality announced that the initiative is back, based at the Princeton Senior Resource Center’s Suzanne Patterson Building.

Mercer County is now offering nutritionally balanced meals Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for county residents 60 or older, or married to a resident 60 or older. Participants are encouraged to make a donation toward meals received. more

Flag Day Ceremony Dedicated to Wadsworth

The Spirit of Princeton Flag Day ceremony will take place this year, rain or shine, on Thursday, June 14 at noon at the Princeton Municipal Complex Plaza, 369 Witherspoon Street.

This year’s ceremony will be dedicated to the life and community spirit of Ray Wadsworth, one of the founders of The Spirit of Princeton. Wadsworth died May 31. more

Terhune Firefly Festival Sparks Love of Nature

Terhune Orchards holds its annual Firefly Festival on Sunday June 24, from 4-9 p.m. The farm is kept open late into the evening after dark, and participants can bring a blanket and lay down in the grass to watch fireflies blink in the twilight.

Children can dress up as fireflies after painting wings and making antennas in the craft area. They can also decorate bug boxes to use to catch, and later release, a firefly as the sun goes down. more

“A Beautiful Place, a Dangerous Place” — Rock and Roll, Baseball and the American Dream

I had this dream America.

Ray Davies, from “The Great Highway”

By Stuart Mitchner

The fate of this week’s column was decided when I saw a boyhood hero on the obituary page of Friday’s New York Times. The AP photo under the charismatic words St. Louis Cardinal Star shows Red Schoendienst leapfrogging over a baserunner and firing the ball in the direction of the greatest Cardinal of them all, his roommate and close friend Stan Musial.  more

YMCA Youth Summit Set for Late This Month

On Friday, June 29, the YMCA of Princeton will hold the Youth Summit, for Mercer youth ages 14-18, at the Conference Center of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor.

The goal is to bring diverse perspectives, voices, and ideas together to examine the meaning of service and leadership, and organize a service project that will be led and delivered by the participants. The event is presented by ETS and will include workshops by HiTOPS, one love, Novo Nordisk, and the YMCA. more

Summer Reading Soiree at HSP’s Updike Farm Features Benedict

Marie Benedict will be the featured author at this year’s Summer Reading Soiree, a festive celebration of books taking place on Tuesday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m. The event is being held in the restored barn at the Historical Society of Princeton’s Updike Farmstead at 354 Quaker Road.

Benedict will discuss and sign copies of her book, Carnegie’s Maid, during the event, and copies of The Other Einstein, her first historical novel, will also be available. Registration is not required. more

DRBC Spring Photo Contest Winner

“RED SPOTTED NEWT”: Janice Annunziata’s photograph was selected as the winner of the Delaware River Basin’s (DRBC) Spring 2018 Photo Contest. The DRBC’s seasonal photo contest was founded to highlight amateur and professional photography representing the beauty, diversity, function, and significance of the water resources of the Delaware River Basin.

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) has announced that Janice Annunziata’s photograph, titled “Red Spotted Newt,” was chosen as the winner of the commission’s Spring 2018 Photo Contest. Twenty-two photographs were submitted by 15 individuals for the contest. more

“Cosmophilia” Exhibit At D&R Greenway

“THE UNIVERSE IS A GREEN DRAGON”: D&R Greenway Land Trust presents a special exhibition by award-winning environmental artist Cameron (Cami) Davis. “Cosmophilia” will be on view June 21 through July 25 in D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center in Princeton. A reception and lecture are on Thursday, June 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

For a limited time only, D&R Greenway Land Trust is presenting a special exhibition by award-winning environmental artist Cameron (Cami) Davis. “Cosmophilia” will be on view June 21 through July 25 in D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. There will be a reception and lecture on Thursday, June 21, 5:30 to 7 p.m. RSVP at rsvp@drgreenway.org.  more

Concordia Chamber Players Open Princeton Festival With Musical Finesse

By Nancy Plum

Summer brings many traditions to the Princeton area: the P-rade, fireworks on Reunions weekend, and other signs that three months of summer days stretch out ahead. One musical tradition which has become a staple of audience calendars is the Concordia Chamber Players concert which opens the Princeton Festival each year. Concordia Artistic Director Michelle Djokic annually brings an ensemble of refined chamber music players to Miller Chapel, and this year in particular set the tone for the festival with a performance of dramatic late 19th and early 20th-century music. more

Ocean’s 8: Female Gang Hatches Plan to Steal Priceless Diamond Necklace

By Kam Williams

The original Ocean’s 11 (1960) starred Frank Sinatra and a group of fellow Las Vegas headliners called the Rat Pack. The film was remade in 2001 with George Clooney starring as Danny Ocean along with ten other film stars. The story was again set in Vegas and also was about an elaborate casino heist. The picture was such a hit it spawned a couple of successful sequels, Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Thirteen (2007).

Ocean’s 8 is a refreshing departure from the original series. In addition to featuring an all-female gang, the film is set in New York City instead of Las Vegas. more