June 13, 2018

After Superb Senior Campaign for PU Baseball, PHS Alum Gross Selected by Astros in MLB Draft

PRO PROSPECT: Ben Gross fires a pitch this spring in his senior season for the Princeton University baseball team. The former Princeton High standout enjoyed a superb final campaign, going 4-5 with 52 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings and a 4.47 ERA as he earned second-team All-Ivy League honors. Last week, he was selected by the Houston Astros in the 34th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.(Photo Courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a breakthrough junior season in 2017 which saw Ben Gross emerge as a star pitcher for the Princeton University baseball team after two years of struggling with injury, the senior righty got off to a rough start this spring. more

Wildberg Soars to 2nd in Long Jump at MOC As PHS Boys’ Track Enjoys Record Breaking Day

WILD RIDE: Princeton High boys’ track star Nils Wildberg flies through the air in the long jump at the Meet of Champions last Saturday at Northern Burlington High. Junior Wildberg took second in the event with a personal record leap of 23’ 8.5. Wildberg is one of 16 athletes from PHS who will be competing at the New Balance Nationals next weekend in Greensboro, N.C. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Nils Wildberg was looking for a new activity in his freshman year at Princeton High and made a fateful decision.

“I first started track in my freshman year in high school in the winter,” said Wildberg, who had focused on soccer prior to entering PHS in 2015. more

Youthful PHS Softball Took Its Lumps But Gained Valuable Lessons in the Process

SPECIAL K: Princeton High softball player Kylee Tucholski makes a play in a game this spring. Freshman pitcher Tucholski was a bright spot for PHS as it finished with a 2-18 record.(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton High softball team ended the season by falling 10-0 to South Brunswick in the opening round of the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional, it marked an important step for the youthful squad.

“We didn’t expect to make the state tournament; we had a lot of girls on the team that were new to the varsity level,” said PHS head coach Marissa Soprano, whose team was seeded 16th in the sectional. more

Posting First Winning Campaign Since 2001, PHS Baseball Was Fueled by Team Chemistry

CLOSING STATEMENT: Princeton High baseball player Alec Silverman follows through on a swing in a game this spring. Senior catcher and Macalester College-bound Silverman enjoyed a big year, batting .400 with a team-high 19 RBIs in helping PHS go 13-9 and advance to the Mercer County Tournament semifinals. It marked the program’s first winning season since 2001. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Enjoying its first winning season since 2001, the Princeton High baseball team boasted a potent mix of pitching, hitting, and fielding in going 13-9.

But PHS head coach Dave Roberts will tell you that the key ingredient to his squad’s success this spring was togetherness. more

PHS Standout Pitcher Durbin Shows His Stuff As Post 218 Baseball Battles Trenton to Standoff

SPECIAL DELIVERY: Teddy Durbin delivers a pitch last week for the Princeton Post 218 American Legion baseball team as it hosted Trenton Post 93/182. Rising Princeton High senior Durbin produced a superb mound effort in the June 5 contest, giving up a run and striking out 10 in six innings of work as the teams tied 2-2 after eight innings in a game to be completed on June 23. Post 218, which dropped to 0-4 after being swept 5-0 and 8-1 by Broad Street Post 313 last Saturday, will look to get on the winning track as it hosts South Brunswick Post 401 on June 13, plays at Hamilton Post 31 on June 14, and then hosts Hopewell Post 339 on June 15, Lawrence Post 414 on June 16, and North Hamilton on June 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a superb spring as the ace for the Princeton High baseball pitching staff, Teddy Durbin picked up where he left off as he took the mound for the Princeton Post 218 American Legion baseball last week against Trenton Post 93/182.

The lanky lefty displayed some dominant form, giving up a run and striking out 10 in six innings of work in the June 5 contest. more

Summer Men’s Hoops Primed for 30th Year As Packer Hall All-Stars Aim to Defend Title

TURNING 30: Zavon Johnson goes after the ball in action last year in the championship series in the Princeton Recreation Department Summer Men’s Basketball League. Johnson helped the underdog Packer Hall All-Stars defeat Majeski to earn the title. Johnson and Packer Hall will be back to defend their title in the league, which tips off its 30th year of action next week with opening night slated for June 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League tips off its 30th year of action this week, the core of 20-something players will be looking to knock off a veteran outfit.

Last summer, the Packer Hall All-Stars, a team comprised mainly of relatively grizzled former College of New Jersey players, produced an unlikely title run, as the seventh-seeded squad swept top-seeded and defending champ Majeski Foundation in the best-of-three championship series. more

June 6, 2018

Eisgruber Tells Graduates to Champion Higher Education

WALKING THROUGH FITZRANDOLPH GATE: Princeton University awarded degrees to 1,281 undergraduates in the Class of 2018 and 563 graduate students at its 271st commencement Tuesday on the front lawn of Nassau Hall. (Princeton University, Office of Communications, Nick Donnoli)

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber, presiding over the University’s 271st commencement ceremony yesterday on the front lawn of Nassau Hall, asked the graduates to become champions of higher education. “The world needs more college degrees,” he said.

A total of 1,281 seniors were awarded undergraduate degrees, three from former classes, and 563 students received graduate degrees. more

Public Schools Revise Referendum Plans, Look to Purchase Thanet Road Property

By Donald Gilpin

The Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) has withdrawn two of the components of its $130 million bond referendum application to expand and renovate district schools, and will seek to purchase two buildings on 15 acres on Thanet Road rather than a Herrontown Road building previously under option..

Driven by the availability of the 100-101 Thanet Road property for $6.5 million as a more practical alternative to the earlier plan, the new proposal will allow the district to relocate administrative offices to Thanet Road and drop plans to construct administrative offices on school property next to John Witherspoon Middle School. more

The Old Guard Leads the Way

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Joe Schein, Princeton ’37, led the Old Guard, classes that graduated 66 years ago or more, at the start of this year’s Princeton University P-rade on Saturday afternoon during reunions weekend. The P-rade is traditionally led by the 25th reunion class, which this year suggested the change and followed right behind. (Photos by Charles R. Plohn)

Niedergang, Williamson Win Democratic Primary For Princeton Council

By Donald Gilpin & Anne Levin

In yesterday’s primary election, Democrats Eve Niedergang and Dwaine Williamson earned the highest number of votes for two open seats on Princeton Council. According to unofficial results, Niedergang won 2,363 votes, while Williamson got 1,792. The two seats are to be vacated at the end of the year by longtime Council members Heather Howard and Lance Liverman.

Also vying for the posts on the Council were Democrats Michelle Pirone Lambros, who earned 892 votes; Surinder Paul Sharma, who received 573; and Adam Bierman, who got 514. Alvin McGowen, who dropped out of the race but was on the ballot, earned 140 votes. Lisa Wu, the lone Republican running, will represent her party in the November election.  more

Booker Urges University Graduates: “Tell Your Truth” and “Use Your Power”

HONORARY MEMBER, CLASS OF 2018: U.S. Senator Cory Booker, keynote speaker at Princeton University Class Day on Monday, puts on a 2018 jacket after being named an honorary member of the senior class. (Photo Courtesy of Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite)

By Donald Gilpin

Speaking at Princeton University Class Day on Monday, U.S. Senator Cory Booker urged the 2018 graduates to lead lives of humility and gratitude, and to “tell your truth, embrace the world, and use your power every day.” more

George Washington Lecture At David Library June 13

The David Library of the American Revolution will present “’In a Private Manner, Without Parade or Funeral Oration’: The Funeral George Washington Wanted but Didn’t Get,” a lecture by Mary V. Thompson, on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. It will take place at the David Library, 1201 River Road, Washington Crossing. Although the lecture is admission free, reservations are required, and can be made by calling (215) 493-6776 ext. 100, or by sending an email to rsvp@dlar.org.

In George Washington’s last will and testament, he took care to note that he wanted a simple, private funeral. When Washington died unexpectedly five months after drawing up his will, Congress saw an opportunity to structure national mourning around public commemorations to foster unity and a sense of national identity. more

Bestselling Author Holt Reading at Labyrinth

Jim Holt, New York Times bestselling author of the international bestseller Why Does the World Exist? appears Thursday, June 7, at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. The 6 p.m. reading is part of the Library Live at Labyrinth series.

Holt will discuss and sign copies of his new collection of essays, When Einstein Walked with Gödel: Excursions to the Edge of Thought. According to the Times’ Parul Sehgal, “In these pieces, plucked from the last 20 years, Holt takes on infinity and the infinitesimal, the illusion of time, the birth of eugenics, the so-called new atheism, smart phones, and distraction.  more

Holmes Poetry Prize Goes to Jenny Xie

Poet and Princeton alumna Jenny Xie has been selected as the latest recipient of the Theodore H. Holmes ’51 and Bernice Holmes National Poetry Prize awarded by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creative Writing at Princeton University.

The Holmes National Poetry Prize was established in memory of Princeton 1951 alumnus Theodore H. Holmes and is presented each year to a poet of special merit as selected by the faculty of the Creative Writing Program. The award, currently carrying a prize of $5,000, was first made to Mark Doty in 2011 and has since also been awarded to Evie Shockley, Natalie Diaz, Matt Rasmussen, Eduardo Corral, and Claudia Rankine. more

Grim Report on Kaiwen’s Finances Is Disputed by Rider Administration

By Anne Levin

An examination of 2018 first quarter financial results for Beijing Kaiwen Education Technology, the company to which Rider University plans to sell Westminster Choir College, reveals “continued poor performance,” according to a report by an emeritus faculty member of Rider’s College of Business Administration.

Citing numerous sources, Gerald Klein, who was a professor of organizational behavior and management, noted a loss for the quarter of 45 to 55 million Yuan, revised upward from an earlier estimate of 25 to 35 million Yuan that Kaiwen had projected. “Kaiwen’s solvency and continued functioning continues to heavily rely on the infusion of outside funds, a position of risk,” he said in his report. “The company continues to be reliant on the patience, forbearance, and liquidity of its investors and creditors, which includes the Chinese government. Kaiwen has a business model which, by their own admission, will take perhaps years to implement.” more

West Windsor Moves Forward With Transit Village Plan

By Anne Levin

It has been nearly a decade since West Windsor Township created a redevelopment plan for land adjacent to the Princeton Junction train station. Last month, the township reached a settlement agreement with AvalonBay Properties, the developer of the rental complex on the former site of Princeton Hospital, for a 25-acre site next to the station between Washington Road, Station Drive, and the Dinky train tracks.

The site is to include 800 apartments and 37,000 square feet of retail space. The agreement increases the percentage of affordable housing dwellings in the development from the previously proposed 12.5 percent to 16.5 percent. more

Nikon “Small World” Exhibit at State Museum

“SMALL WORLD”: Nikon’s annual “Small World” photomicrography competition features photographic images showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through a microscope. Dr. Bram van den Broek of The Netherlands Cancer Institute took first place in this year’s competition for his photo of a skin cell expressing an excessive amount of keratin. The top 20 images are on view at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton Through July 15.

The New Jersey State Museum is presenting Nikon “Small World” exhibition through July 15. “Small World” is Nikon’s annual photomicrography competition, featuring photographic images showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through a microscope. The top 20 images are included in the exhibition, which is on view adjacent to the Planetarium lobby.  more

“American Moderns” at Michener Art Museum

“YELLOW EXTRACTION”: This painting by Charles Evans is featured in “American Moderns: The Legacy of Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest,” running through October 21 at the James A. Michener Art Museum is Doylestown, Pa. A gallery talk is Thursday, June 7 at 3 p.m.

The James A. Michener Art Museum presents “American Moderns: The Legacy of Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest,” an exhibition that showcases the gifts of the Lenfest family and explores their lasting impact on the museum’s legacy. “American Moderns” will be on view through October 21. more

On D-Day It’s All About Character

By Stuart Mitchner

As soon as news of the Normandy invasion reached the office of baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the games scheduled for June 6, 1944 were cancelled. According to mlb.com, such a thing had happened only once before, on the day President Warren G. Harding died on August 2, 1923. Go figure: this is the man who until recently was considered by many to be the worst American president. And did you know that future Yankee Hall of Famer Yogi Berra was a Seaman Second class in a rocket boat stationed off the coast of Normandy on D-Day providing fire support for the invasion? Interviewed by Keith Olbermann on June 6, 2004, Yogi recalled, “Well, being a young guy [he had just turned 19], I thought it was like the Fourth of July, to tell you the truth. I said, ‘Boy, it looks pretty, all the planes coming over.’ And I was looking out and my officer said, ‘you better get your head down in here, if you want it on.’” more

The Seeing Eye Comes to Princeton

LEADING THE WAY: From left, Seeing Eye puppy raiser Barb Linko (with Hubert), Princeton rising senior Camden Olson (with Koa), Seeing Eye Puppy raiser Yvonne Quinn (with Woody), Seeing Eye staff member Don MacGowan, Seeing Eye graduate Kathy Murray (with Mac), and Seeing Eye Puppy raisers Jenn Wickman (with Jimmy), Ira Fuchs, Laura Fuchs (holding Penny), Patrick Caddeau (with Kato), and Kate Denby (with RG) visited Princeton last Friday. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

Last Weekend during Princeton University Reunions, the Class of ’88 celebrated its 30th reunion. As its community service project, it chose to observe 2018, the Year of the Dog, by supporting service dogs in general and The Seeing Eye, in Morristown, in particular. more

State Agriculture Department Has New Jersey Fresh Website

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher has announced the debut of a new Jersey Fresh website. One of the website’s features is a search function to allow customers to find where the closest Jersey Fresh produce is available.

“This website is an easy-to-use tool for our Jersey Fresh customers,” Fisher said. “It allows shoppers to find out how close they are to farm markets that sell Jersey Fresh products. While making the shopping experience easier for our longtime Jersey Fresh customers, we also believe it will help attract new consumers with its user-friendly features.” more

Selection of Handcrafted Sterling Silver Is Specialty of Downtown Village Silver Shop

One-OF-A-Kind: “Village Silver has a long-standing reputation in the community. People know we have the finest one-of-a-kind merchandise that is truly unique. In addition, we offer the most attentive and helpful customer service.” Valerie White, manager of Village Silver on Witherspoon Street, is shown by a display of the store’s selection of sterling silver.

By Jean Stratton

“We have one of the largest selections of handcrafted sterling silver on the East Coast, and we have survived in the Princeton downtown for 42 years! This has been such a good location with lots of traffic and activity.”

Maria Laraia, owner of Village Silver at 39 Witherspoon Street, is justly proud of her store’s longevity. A mainstay on the Princeton shopping scene, it is known for its outstanding sterling silver and its array of jewelry created by the finest artisans. more

PU Men’s Lightweights Just Miss IRA Crown As Junior Hogan Provides Heart, Consistency

HOGAN’S HEROES: Danny Hogan, far right, helps the Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity eight take second at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta last Sunday on Mercer Lake. The Tigers just missed the national title as they finished just behind victorious Columbia, clocking a time of 6:19.514 over the 2,000-meter course with the Lions coming at 6:18.782. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a daily reminder for Danny Hogan and Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity eight of the main obstacle that stood between them and a national title.

Having lost twice to Columbia for its only two defeats of the spring, the boat had its sights firmly set defeating Columbia when the two crews met at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta. more

Senior Coxswain Mirabella Relishes the Ride As PU Women’s Lightweights Take 3rd at IRAs

LIGHT MOMENT: The Princeton University women’s lightweight varsity eight enjoys the moment after taking third place at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta last Sunday at Mercer Lake. It was the second straight bronze medal for Princeton’s top boat at the IRAs. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Megan Mirabella was hoarse but happy after piloting the Princeton University women’s lightweight varsity eight to a third place finish at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta last Sunday at Mercer Lake.

“Working with Paul [Princeton head coach Paul Rassam], we are able to use the time between sprints and IRAs really well,” said a raspy Mirabella, a senior coxswain from North Wales, Pa. “We were really excited to show our improvements and really battle them a lot closer than last year.” more

Displaying Guts, Grit After Hasty Boat Repair, PU Men’s Heavyweights Take 5th in IRA Final

HEAVY DUTY: The Princeton University men’s heavyweight varsity eight churns through the water as it competed in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta grand final last Sunday on Mercer Lake. The Tigers took fifth in the race, which was won by Yale. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It became a nightmare scenario for the Princeton University men’s heavyweight varsity eight as it warmed up for the grand final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta last Sunday morning.

An oar on the Princeton boat got caught in the choppy water on Mercer Lake and snapped back, breaking a stay on the boat. more