By Donald Gilpin
Princeton Public Schools (PPS) is scheduled to decide this month, most likely at their May 8 Board of Education (BOE) meeting, on an arrangement for Cranbury students to continue to attend Princeton High School (PHS). more
May 2, 2018
Air travel can be an unpredictable experience for even the most seasoned traveler. For children, especially those with special needs, it can be overwhelming.
To help families prepare for air travel, the County of Mercer, Trenton-Mercer Airport and the Mercer County Special Services School District have organized a program called Let’s Investigate Flying Together (LIFT), which is designed to allow children with autism to become familiar with Trenton-Mercer Airport, airport procedures, and the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) process ahead of their air travel trip. The exercise is the airport’s inaugural effort. more
The Hopewell Public Library presents a talk about local wildflowers on May 2, 7 p.m., at the Hopewell Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue in Hopewell Borough. Admission is free.
Speaker Rachel Mackow will featuresher photographs of the native flowering plants of the Sourland ridge. She will focus on wildflowers that thrive in the Sourlands’ mature forests, touching on plants of both upland and wetland habitats. She will discuss plant life cycles, pollinators, medicinal and traditional uses, and native plant conservation. more
On Sunday, May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Princeton Public Library will host an event in which participants will explore genealogy resources and tools for researching and preserving their family history.
Co-sponsored by the Historical Society of Princeton, “Research Your Roots” features presentations by genealogy experts, including librarian, author, and archivist Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer, who will give the keynote address on evaluating online genealogical information and an additional presentation on how to ensure you are researching the correct person. more
By Stuart Mitchner
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Friends of the Princeton Public Library Book Sale, I’m finally reading the copy of Barnaby Rudge that was given to me by a British couple who inscribed it in memory of the evening we spent at the King’s Head (Dickens’s Maypole), the novel’s primary setting. If I hesitate to use “Dickensian” to describe this memorably thoughtful, kind, and caring couple, it’s because my understanding of the term conflicts with online definitions that stipulate “poor social conditions” and “comically repulsive characters.” more
By Anne Levin
Mimi Schwartz’s first memories of creative writing are from her early childhood, when she wrote and performed birthday poems for her German/Jewish immigrant family in Forest Hills, New York. Successive efforts included scripts for summer camp “color wars,” and having a story she wrote in fifth grade mimeographed and tacked onto the classroom bulletin board.
From these auspicious beginnings came a career as a published author and educator. Schwartz’s latest work, When History is Personal (University of Nebraska Press), is a series of stories about 25 key moments in her life. Some of them take place in Princeton, Schwartz’s home since the 1960s. She will read from the book at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at Labyrinth Books. more
U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith will be reading from her latest collection Wade in the Water (Graywolf Press) at Labyrinth Books on Monday, May 7 at 6 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts.
According to The New York Times, “Smith’s new book is scorching in both its steady cognizance of America’s original racial sins … and apprehension about history’s direction …. These historical poems have a homely, unvarnished sort of grace.” more
Princeton Montessori School has won authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to students in grades six-eight. It is one of only seven schools in New Jersey to offer this program at the middle school level, joining a community of 4,000 IB World Schools across the globe.
“We are so proud of our dual accolades, American Montessori accreditation and now International Baccalaureate authorization, as they help us guarantee the optimal learning environment for our students,” Princeton Montessori Head Michelle Morrison said. “Earning the IB authorization for the middle school assures parents that our Montessori approach to creating a holistic, empowering, and inquiry-based environment for early adolescents is matched by a curriculum that meets an international standard of excellence.” more
MAGNOLIA GLASS: This fused glass window by Karen Caldwell will be on view at the Sunflower Glass Studio in Stockton during the Sunflower & Friends Open Studio Tour on May 5 and 6 in Stockton. The event is in support of the annual Hunterdon Art Tour.
Sunflower Glass Studio in Stockton is participating in this year’s Hunterdon Art Tour, and Karen and Geoff Caldwell, makers of fused and stained glass windows, have invited artist friends from the Delaware River Valley area to set up booths surrounding their studio. “The Hunterdon Art Tour is an exciting venue connecting so many wonderful artists who live in our county,” says Karen Caldwell. “I wanted to make our location special and inviting for people, so I invited some very dear friends to participate with us.” Sunflower and Friends Open Studio Tour is May 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. more
“REVOLUTION”: This original watercolor was donated by artist Leon Rainbow for the Tombola lottery at the Arts Council of Princeton’s spring art and wine benefit, Pinot to Picasso, to be held on Friday, May 18. This year’s theme is “Vintage 1968: Vinyl & Velvet,” in honor of ACP’s 50th anniversary.
In celebration of the Arts Council of Princeton’s (ACP) 50th year, the theme of their signature spring art and wine benefit, Pinot to Picasso, is “Vintage 1968: Vinyl & Velvet.” The “art party” will take place on Friday, May 18, 6-10 p.m. at the Technology Center of Princeton, 330 Carter Road. Approximately 400 guests are expected to attend the celebration to include a salon-style exhibition, gourmet tastings from local restaurants, wines from around the world, and dancing. more
By Nancy Plum
In a true “town and gown” collaboration, the Princeton University Orchestra presented one of its most substantial Stuart B. Mindlin Memorial Concerts ever this past weekend at Richardson Auditorium. Joined by the University Glee Club, Princeton Pro Musica, Princeton High School Women’s Choir, and three international vocal soloists, the orchestra put the crowning stroke on conductor Michael Pratt’s 40th anniversary season leading the ensemble. In performances Friday and Saturday night, more than 300 musicians took the stage for Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, requiring an extension to the stage at Richardson. Friday night’s opening performance showed this piece to be a work just as timely now as at its premiere in 1962, and proved to be music that musically pulls two world conflicts into contemporary times. In another achievement for the University Orchestra, the concert was broadcast live on local radio, and was to be rebroadcasted at a later date. more
FLOORS AND MORE: “White and gray are favored in cabinet colors today, and also blueberry has become very popular. It has a warm, traditional look.” Christina Hughes (left), operations manager of Regent Flooring Kitchen & Bath and Kelli Long, kitchen and bath designer are shown in front of a handsome blueberry cabinet and with polished granite countertops in Regent’s spacious new showroom.
By Jean Stratton
Once upon a time, independently-owned family businesses were prominently present on the retail landscape. Unfortunately, that is no longer the norm, and it makes Regent Flooring Kitchen & Bath all the more special. It is a tribute to the outstanding reputation, knowledge, and skill of this company that it is one of a selected number of such businesses still going strong, and in addition, is now celebrating its 55th anniversary. more
STANDING TALL: Princeton University men’s lacrosse goalie Tyler Blaisdell makes a save in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior star Blaisdell enjoyed the big home finale of the Tigers, making 10 saves to help Princeton defeat sixth-ranked Cornell 14-8. The Tigers who just missed making the Ivy League postseason tournament, moved to 8-5 overall and 3-3 Ivy. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Tyler Blaisdell helped get the Senior Day festivities underway for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team last Saturday as he was one of the first members of the squad’s Class of 2018 to be introduced.
Smiling broadly, senior goalie Blaisdell strode to the center of the field at Class of 1952 Stadium arm in arm with his parents, greeting his other classmates as they were honored before the Tigers battled No. 6 Cornell. more
STICKING WITH IT: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse player Ben Drezner unloads the ball in recent action. Junior attacker Drezner and the Little Tigers, now 5-7, start play in the Mercer County Tournament this week where they are seeded fourth and slated to host a quarterfinal contest on May 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Playing at undefeated Hightstown last Friday, the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team faced an uphill battle.
“We were a little strapped, we had some guys injured,” said PHS head coach Chip Casto, whose team brought a three-game winning streak into the contest. more
SECOND ACT: Princeton High boys’ tennis player Jerry Gu smacks a backhand in action last week at the Mercer County Tournament. Junior Gu won the title at second singles to help PHS tie WW/P-North for second in the team standings behind champion WW/P-South. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Noah Lilienthal was back where he belonged as he competed for the Princeton High boys’ tennis team last week as the Mercer County Tournament.
After winning the MCT title at first singles as a freshman in 2015 and then taking second the next year, Lilienthal took a hiatus from the PHS team last spring due to other commitments. The skilled senior lefty returned to the team and playing in his final MCT, he advanced to the first singles final in the stadium court last Thursday at the Mercer County Park’s tennis complex. more
G-WHIZ: Hun School softball player Gigi Venizelos takes a swing in recent action. Sophomore shortstop Venizelos has helped Hun post five straight wins after a 1-4 start. Hun plays at the Hill School (Pa.) on May 2, hosts WW/P-North on may 3, plays at Hopewell Valley on May 5 and hosts Pingry on May 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
After putting together a 14-2 record on the way to the state Prep A title in 2017, the Hun School softball team struggled in the early going this spring.
Hun went 1-4 in its first five games, including losses to Lawrenceville, WW/P-South and Blair Academy, as it failed to display the sharp play that was a constant last spring. more
ON A MISSION: Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse player Elon Tuckman heads upfield in a game earlier this spring. Last Monday, senior star Tuckman tallied a goal and an assist in a losing cause as second-seeded PDS fell 8-4 to third-seeded Lawrenceville in the state Prep A semis. The Panthers, now 7-5, will start competition in the Mercer County Tournament this week. PDS, which has won two straight MCT titles, is seeded second and will host a quarterfinal contest on May 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Elon Tuckman has hit some major milestones this spring in his senior season with the Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse team but he isn’t dwelling on personal stats.
While he is proud to have achieved both 100-goal and 200-point career marks in the 2018 campaign, Tuckman is focused more on collective goals for the Panthers. more
April 25, 2018
The sky above Terhune Orchards will be filled with brightly colored kites in a variety of shapes and sizes on May 5 and 6 for Kite Days, the annual tradition to welcome spring at the farm. Bring a kite, make one at the farm, or fly one already made in the 10-acre pasture. The days also include games, races, wagon rides, animals, music, food, and wine for the grownups. Admission is $8 for ages 3 and up. Visit www.terhuneorchards.com for more information. (Photo Courtesy of Terhune Orchards)
By Donald Gilpin
Addressing needs for more space and major infrastructure upgrades, the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education last week sent their proposal for a $129,863,570 bond referendum to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for review and approval.
On track to go to voters on October 2, the proposal, that would include more than $56M for extensive renovations to Princeton High School, about $40M for the creation of a new 5/6 School on the Valley Road site, and about $15M for upgrades at the elementary schools and John Witherspoon Middle School, was approved at the Board’s April 17 meeting by an 8-1 margin. more
By Donald Gilpin
With two open seats on Princeton Council — Heather Howard and Lance Liverman stepping down at the end of the year — six candidates, all Democrats, have been gearing up for the June 5 primary that will most likely determine the winners in the November election.
Adam Bierman, Michelle Pirone Lambros, Alvin McGowen, Eve Niedergang, Surinder Sharma, and Dwaine Williamson are all vying for the two available spots. Niedergang received the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO) endorsement for Council, and Williamson received the PCDO’s support for Council. They both also won the Princeton Democratic Municipal Committee (PDMC) vote to determine recommended ballot placement. more
By Anne Levin
The introduction of a new municipal arborist, a report on pedestrian safety efforts, and some new ordinances related to the ongoing harmonization of the former Princeton Borough and Princeton Township were among the topics at the Princeton Council meeting on Monday, April 23.
The governing body voted to bring back to Princeton a county nutrition program for the elderly, which has been operating in Lawrence for the past five years. The program will be returned to the Princeton Senior Resource Center. more
QUICK HIT: While vaping pens and e-cigarettes might appear harmless to teens, there are multiple concerns about their effects. A program on April 30 addresses the issue for parents and students.
By Anne Levin
With exotic flavors like mint, mango, and tutti-frutti, e-cigarettes and similar devices have become a big hit among teenagers. According to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, vaping — inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by these devices — is now more popular with young people than regular cigarettes. more
The public is invited to a benefit plant sale hosted by Kale’s Nursery and Landscape Service on Friday, April 27. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will go to support the work of the LMS Landscape Committee that includes planting and maintaining the beautiful flowering baskets in the historic village.
The plant sale will be held rain or shine from 6-8 p.m. at Kale’s, 133 Carter Road There will be live music, refreshments, and a demonstration of container-garden planting by Kevin Bullard, Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional (CNLP). A variety of annual and perennials will be available for sale along with shrubs and trees. Kale’s also carries soil, grass seed, mulch, fertilizer, and an extensive inventory of gardening tools, pots, and supplies. more
CREATIVITY, FOOD, AND FUN: The Arts Council of Princeton’s Communiversity ArtsFest is set for this Sunday, April 29, 1-6 p.m., featuring seven stages of continuous live entertainment and more than 200 booths. (Photo Courtesy of the Arts Council of Princeton)
By Donald Gilpin
Princeton is looking forward to welcoming more than 40,000 visitors for the 48th annual Communiversity ArtsFest this Sunday, April 29, from 1-6 p.m.
With artists, art activities, continuous live performances on seven stages, more than 200 booths, and a wide array of foods and entertainments, Communiversity is presented by the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) in collaboration with the students of Princeton University and the town of Princeton. more
Continuing the new tradition of the Friends Annual Book Sale being held in the spring, the 2018 Friends of the Princeton Public Library Book Sale will take place May 4-6 in the library’s Community Room.
This year’s sale includes thousands of books for all ages and across a wide variety of topics. Most books are priced between $1 and $3, with art books and special selections priced higher. On the last day of the sale (Sunday), everything will be sold at half price. more