April 2, 2025

Looking to Build on Last Season’s Progress, PHS Girls’ Lax Primed to Take the Next Step

BORN READY: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Leah Bornstein looks to unload the ball in a game last year. Junior midfielder Bornstein, who tallied 56 goals and 22 assists last year, figures to be an offensive catalyst again for the Tigers this spring. PHS opens its 2025 season by hosting Hopewell Valley on April 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After enduring a disappointing 7-12 campaign in 2023, the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team produced a reversal of fortune last spring, going 12-9 and advancing to the quarterfinals of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 3 sectional.

As PHS looks ahead to the upcoming season, Tiger head coach Katie Federico believes that run will serve as motivation for this year’s squad. more

Bringing his Love of the Game to PDS Boys’ Lacrosse, Coach Kosoff Aiming to Invigorate the Panther Program

BRING IT ON: Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse player Colton Simonds heads upfield in a game last spring. Senior Simonds brings grit and production to the midfield for the Panthers. PDS, which will be led by new head coach Sam Kosoff this spring, was slated to open its 2025 campaign by hosting the Blair Academy on April 1, Notre Dame on April 3, and Hopewell Valley on April 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sam Kosoff fell in love with lacrosse as a youngster.

“I grew up in upstate New York outside of Syracuse and I started playing at a very young age before it was popular to start playing at a young age,” said Kosoff. “I used to go to Syracuse games as a little guy. I just grew up around the sport.” more

With Young Players Poised to Seize Opportunity, Hun Baseball Gets Off to a Promising 2-0 Start

OPENING SALVO: Hun School baseball player Nico Amecangelo follows through on a swing in a game last year. Senior second baseman Amecangelo has gotten off to a hot start this spring, going 5 for 7 with five runs and two RBIs as Hun opened the 2025 season by topping Georgetown Prep (Md.) 8-4 last Thursday and then defeating Lawrenceville 11-4 on Saturday. The Raiders will look to keep on the winning track as they host Gloucester Catholic on April 3, play at Peddie on April 5 and then host the Hill School (Pa.) on April 8. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

Sparked by a group of blue chip seniors, the Hun School baseball team produced a historic campaign last spring, achieving a title triple of winning the Mercer County Tournament, the Prep A tourney, and the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) championship.

While losing such stars as Charlie Batista, Sam Wright, Michael Olender, Ryan Greenstein, and E.J. Balewitz to graduation could result in a rebuilding season, Hun head coach Tom Monfiletto believes that this year’s group has the chance to make some history of its own. more

Dealing with the Void Left by the Exit of Kobryn, Staub, Hun Softball Shows Punch in 7-6 Win Over Lawrenceville

IN THE SWING: Hun School softball player Emma Eisenberg takes a swing in 2023 action. Last Thursday, senior catcher Eisenberg went 1 for 64 and one run to help Hun edge Lawrenceville 7-6 in its season opener. The Raiders host the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Pa.) on April 3 and the Pingry School on April 4 before playing at South Hunterdon in April 5 and at Villa Joseph Marie High (Pa.) on April 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Hun School softball team headed into the spring, it was facing a major challenge as it looked to fill the void left by the graduation of stars and program stalwarts Lexi Kobryn and Jamie Staub.

Kobryn, who is now playing at Villanova, produced a record-breaking career for the Raiders as a pitcher and a hitter with 638 strikeouts and a 0.41 ERA and a batting average of .537 with 123 hits ands 119 RBIs while Staub, now competing for Brandeis, also starred in the circle and at the bat as she had 134 strikeouts and a 0.40 ERA and batted .427 with 88 hits and 61 RBIs. more

Benefiting From Last Season’s Youth Movement, Stuart Lacrosse in Position to be More Competitive

ALL IN: Stuart Country Day School lacrosse player Allison Lee heads to goal in a game last season. Senior midfielder Lee, who tallied 88 goals and 10 assists last spring, is poised for a big final campaign. Stuart opens its 2025 season by hosting WW/P-North on April 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Paige Meszaros took the helm of the Stuart Country Day School lacrosse team last spring, she worked a number of freshmen into the rotation over the course of the season.

While Stuart took its lumps early on with many of the freshmen being new to the game, the Tartans showed growth, going 3-2 in their final five games. more

March 26, 2025

All About Water

Youngsters participate in an “enviroscape” demonstration, one of many activities at the World Water Day event on Saturday at the Watershed Institute in Titusville. Participants share their favorite part of the event in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

Council Hears Report on Future of Kiosks

By Anne Levin

Downtown Princeton’s kiosks were back on the agenda at Monday’s meeting of Princeton Council. While no final decision was made about the fate of the two unofficial information stations — one at Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue in front of the Princeton Garden Theatre, the other at Nassau and Witherspoon streets – a degree of compromise was reached after a presentation by the town’s Deputy Administrator Deanna Stockton.

Both kiosks need to be removed for a capital improvements project replacing the sidewalks on Nassau Street. It is the next step, once the construction is completed, that was the subject of Stockton’s presentation. The report recommends permanently removing the kiosk at Witherspoon, and transforming the one at Vandeventer into a combination of new electronic signage and the current, informal surfaces where flyers are posted by anyone who wishes to do so.

Council agreed that staff should further explore the idea, including how many sides to allow for the two functions. While most agree that the current kiosks are messy, they serve a purpose and promote free speech, members said. Councilman Leighton Newlin was originally in favor of getting rid of the kiosks, but after hearing what members of the public have said at his weekly “Leighton Listens” sessions around town, he has changed his mind. more

“Tesla Takedown” At Lawrence Tesla Protests Musk Actions

“TESLA TAKEDOWN”: About 500 protesters gathered outside the Tesla dealership in Lawrence Township last Saturday to demonstrate against the actions of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), calling for people to sell their Tesla vehicles and Tesla stock and join in on the anti-Musk chants. (Photo by Andrea Kane)

By Donald Gilpin

About 500 demonstrators gathered outside the Tesla dealership adjacent to the Mercer Mall in Lawrence Township on Saturday afternoon, March 22 for Tesla Takedown III, a rally against the actions of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“This illegal, unconstitutional onslaught of Elon Musk, along with President Trump, is a grave danger to the continued functioning of our precious U.S. democracy, including checks and balances central to its proper functioning,” said the Rev. Robert Moore, executive director of the Princeton-based Coalition for Peace Action, which organized the rally along with Indivisible Cranbury.

The demonstrators, carrying signs stating “Stop Elon,” “I Traded In My Tesla and You Should Too,” “Nobody Voted for Elon,” “Arrest Elon Musk,” and more lined the road outside the Tesla Dealership on Brunswick Pike/Route 1 from before 2 p.m. until about 3:30 p.m.  more

Eisgruber Pushes Back Against Federal Attacks on Research and Universities

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber last week responded to the Trump administration’s withdrawal of $400 million in funding to Columbia University and other threats to universities with an article in The Atlantic speaking out in defense of higher education and the crucial importance of academic freedom.

Titled “The Cost of the Government’s Attack on Columbia,” the article does not mention Princeton University directly, but it is clearly relevant to many of the issues that Princeton is currently facing.

Emphasizing the importance of research universities to “America’s prosperity, health, and security,” Eisgruber wrote, “The Trump administration’s recent attack on Columbia University puts all of that at risk, presenting the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s. Every American should be concerned.” more

Princeton Salamander Crossing Brigade Helps Amphibians Return Safely to Breeding Pools

MAKING IT SAFE: Volunteers with the Princeton Salamander Crossing Brigade were on hand recently to help local amphibians cross Herrontown Road without getting squished by cars during their annual migration to breed. Similar efforts take place each year across the globe.

By Anne Levin

On a warm, rainy night a few weeks ago, a group of dedicated volunteers gathered on Herrontown Road to help some tiny residents cross from one side of the road to the other.

Made up of Princeton High School students, Princeton University professors, local experts, and other citizens concerned about safeguarding the all-important amphibian population, the Princeton Salamander Crossing Brigade was on hand to help frogs and salamanders safely reach their breeding grounds along the Princeton Ridge. The migration takes place on a wet night in early spring, and it happens every year.

“They are keystone species,” said Inge Regan, a member of the Friends of Herrontown Woods (FOHW) who has organized the brigade for the past three years. “They feed on insects and worms, and are eaten by larger animals. Without that keystone species, there is a huge impact on the eco-system.” more

Audience Members at Upcoming PUC Event Will Have a Chance to Dance

By Anne Levin

Princeton University Concerts (PUC) is expanding its popular Late Night Annual Chamber Jam to include movement.

Following the concert at Richardson Auditorium on Thursday, April 10 by British saxophonist Jess Gillam, audience members will have an opportunity to learn some simple choreography to music they have just heard — by Benjamin Britten, John Dowland, George Gershwin, and Francis Poulenc, among other composers — with Gillam and piano accompanist Thomas Weaver playing live.

This new initiative is presented in collaboration with American Repertory Ballet (ARB). Specifically, the post-concert event will be led by dancer/choreographer/educator Rachel Stanislawczyk, who has created a dance with movement for all levels and abilities. She has already begun to teach a seated version to ARB’s Dance for PD (Parkinson’s disease) classes.

“We first partnered with American Repertory Ballet around our Healing with Music event exploring the effects of music on those dealing with Parkinson’s disease,” said PUC Outreach Manager Dasha Koltunyuk. “Participants from ARB’s Dance for PD chapters danced on the stage of Richardson Auditorium as part of this event. We look forward to welcoming them back, and to welcoming Rachel back, to the stage, this time dancing alongside other members of our community.” more

Housing Initiatives of Princeton May Event Will Feature Economist Jenny Schuetz

By Donald Gilpin

Jenny Schuetz

Leading a conversation focused on helping local families who are housing insecure, housing policy economist Jenny Schuetz, author of Fixer Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems, will be the lead speaker at the Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) annual Spring Gathering on Sunday, May 4 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The public is invited for an afternoon of food, jazz, and discussion, with tickets and sponsorship information available at housinginitiativesofprinceton.org. All proceeds support HIP’s work to help local residents facing eviction, housing instability, and homelessness. The goal is to help individuals and families to acquire stable housing, improved employment, and a network of support services as they build toward a sustainable future.

“The conversation on how to remove barriers low-income families face to securing homes is especially critical at this moment,” said HIP Board Chair Tom Pinneo. We are delighted to host Dr. Schuetz, who is leveraging her research to help drive policies that will provide housing to more families.” more

Ending the Month With B. Traven’s “Capricious Woman”

By Stuart Mitchner

 I was willingly drawn into the whole scene, like a random character in a B. Traven novel.

—Patti Smith, from M Train

Mexico’s Mysterious Stranger” is the way James Agee characterized B. Traven in his February 2, 1948 Time review of John Huston’s film adaptation of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. I’ve been haunted by Traven’s multi-faceted invisibility ever since last week’s column on the “disappearing poet” Weldon Kees, who told a friend in his last phone call in May 1955: “I may go to Mexico. To stay.” My interest in Traven began in earnest on Albert Einstein’s birthday, March 14, Pi Day in Princeton, after hearing that Traven’s The Death Ship (Das Totenschiff), published in German in 1926, is the novel Einstein named when asked what book he’d take to a desert island.

The “American” Sailor

Apparently born in Germany in February 1882, the man who claims never to have laid eyes on his birth certificate died in Mexico City on March 26, 1969, a coincidence it’s hard to ignore on March 26, 2025 — which is why I’m reading Einstein’s desert island novel, subtitled The Story of An American Sailor. The fact that Traven himself translated the book into English helps explain certain peculiarities in the easygoing conversational narrative by a German castaway passing himself off as an American while casually referring to Cincinnati as a city in Wisconsin. Left behind by an American ship, without papers or passport, the sailor is shunted by various immigration authorities from Belgium to Holland to France to Spain, where he boards a massively devastated ship called the Yorikke, no doubt after the “fellow of infinite jest” whose skull Hamlet muses over prior to the “death ship” of Shakespeare’s ending.  more

Boheme Opera NJ Presents Verdi Tragedy “Il Trovatore”

By Nancy Plum

Boheme Opera NJ turned to a story of love, hate, and revenge for this year’s presentation of Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore this past weekend at Kendall Main Stage Theater at The College of New Jersey. With a libretto by Italian playwright Salvatore Cammarano, who based his texts on a play by Spanish dramatist Antonio García Gutiérrez (which in turn was allegedly inspired by real events), Verdi’s 1853 opera was popular from the outset, despite its dark narrative but no doubt aided by the inclusion of traditional Italian tunes audiences would have known. Boheme Opera NJ’s productions on Friday night and Sunday afternoon, presented in Italian with English supertitles, featured a cast of seasoned opera performers, including singers heard in previous Boheme Opera presentations. Artistic director and conductor Joseph Pucciatti brought the story into modern times by focusing on the more sinister aspects of the plot while never losing sight of the luxurious music.

Il Trovatore was unique in that the pivotal action takes place before the opera begins or between scenes. The onstage activity and music convey the emotions of the characters and their response to what has happened, which makes the singers’ jobs that much more difficult. The storyline centers on both the love triangle among Leonora, the Count di Luna, and the mystery troubadour Manrico, and the backstory of Azucena, whose mother was burned at the stake as a witch, compounded by the possibility that Azucena had inadvertently killed her own son in retaliation. The opera was also unusual in its two female roles having equal dramatic and vocal force, and in Friday night’s performance, the singers playing Leonora and Azucena each had their change to command the stage and shine.  more

Female Scientists from Different Times Share Much in “Legacy of Light”; An Elegant, Witty Script Shines in McCarter’s Lively, Exquisite Production

“LEGACY OF LIGHT”: Performances are underway for “Legacy of Light.” Written by Karen Zacarias and directed by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen (assisted by Tiger Brown), the play runs through April 6 at McCarter’s Matthews Theatre. Above: In a meeting that transcends centuries, 18th century scientist Émilie du Châtelet (Lenne Klingaman), left, encounters a modern woman, Millie (Gina Fonseca), who dreams of studying in France to become a fashion designer. (Photo by Daniel Rader)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

Legacy of Light is an example of a play that cannot be fully served by a synopsis, because a plot description is unlikely to do justice to the depth and beauty of the play’s themes and dialogue. It also is an example of a fairly common theatrical conceit — characters transcending their lifetimes to meet each other — that feels fresh and works brilliantly because of deft developed and execution.

In award-winning playwright Karen Zacarias’ elegant and literate comedy, a real-life historical figure, French aristocrat and physicist Émilie du Châtelet (1706-1749), and a contemporary fictional character, astronomer Olivia, share scientific aspirations that are upended by impending motherhood (accidental in Émilie’s case, carefully arranged in Olivia’s).

 more

Thomas Edison Film Festival Presents Short Subjects

ON A LOCAL SCREEN: A still from “The Song of Flying Leaves” by filmmaker Armine Anda of Armenia. The film is one of 10 to be screened on March 27 at the James Stewart Film Theater. (Courtesy of Armine Anda)

The Thomas A. Edison Media Arts Consortium in collaboration with Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts presents a screening of 10 international short films from the Thomas Edison Film Festival’s 2025 touring collection on March 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau Street.

The collection includes animation, documentary, experimental, narrative, and screen dance film genres from Armenia, China, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. Among those scheduled is an award-winning animated short by Princeton Visual Arts Program alum Tyler Benson, class of 2024. more

Environmental Film Fest is Signature Princeton Event

FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS: “Unearth” will be screened at the Princeton Garden Theatre as part of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival.

The Princeton Environmental Film Festival opens Friday, April 4, and runs through Sunday, April 13. A selection of films will be screened both in person in the library’s Community Room and virtually via the Eventive platform. Some will be shown in the Community Room only with others available to stream online only.

There will also be an off-site screening at the Princeton Garden Theatre on Sunday, April 6 and a shadow puppet show Saturday, April 5, at the Arts Council of Princeton. more

Clarinetist Martin Fröst Returns to Richardson

Princeton University Concerts (PUC) welcomes back clarinetist Martin Fröst on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium. Fröst will be joined by violist Antoine Tamestit and the pianist and composer Shai Wosner for a program featuring their own transcriptions of music rooted in folklore and dance.

On the program are works by Dvorák, Brahms, Bach/Gounod, and Wosner. The latter is made up of arranged selections from pieces by Brahms, Lutoslawski, Bartok, and Wosner.

“Clarinetist Martin Fröst made a stunning PUC debut in 2018, and we cannot wait to have him back,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “With Antoine Tamestit’s profound virtuosity on the viola and Shai Wosner’s brilliance at the piano, this promises to be an evening of both exuberance and elegance by three masters of their instruments— one that will have us alternately swooning and tapping their toes.”

Tickets ($30-50 general/$10 students and Admit All Program members) are limited. Call (609) 258-2800.

Comedian from India Brings “Mind Fool Tour”

GLOBAL COMIC: Vir Das is on stage at State Theatre New Jersey on April 12.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Vir Das: Mind Fool Tour on Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $49-$199.

Comedian and Actor Vir Das’ fourth and most recent Netflix comedy special earned Das a 2023 International Emmy nomination for “Best Comedy,” his second overall. His previous Netflix special Vir Das: For India was nominated for a 2021 International Emmy for “Best Comedy” as well.

Landing, which Das also directed, is a story about freedom, foolishness, the West, the East, the notion of home, and what it means to be a citizen of one nation in a global world. The special offers food for thought for both current citizens of India, Indian-American children of immigrants, and even those with no ties to India. Das has performed the show more than 180 times in countries across the globe including a successful run at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. more

Youth Orchestra Marks Founder’s Centennial

The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) celebrates the 100th birthday of its founder, Maestro Matteo Giammario. A visionary in music education and performance, Giammario’s legacy continues to inspire generations of young musicians.

Born in Trenton to Italian immigrant parents from the Puglia region, Giammario developed a deep love for music early on, influenced by the Neapolitan melodies of his Little Italy neighborhood. While he initially aspired to play the guitar in local ensembles, his mother encouraged him to take up the violin — a decision that sparked a lifelong passion for music education and orchestral performance.

Giammario served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, training in Newport, R.I., before being stationed aboard the USS Chester (CA 27) in the Pacific Theater. His service broadened his worldview and deepened his commitment to his fellow veterans, particularly those who were injured or emotionally affected by wartime experiences. more

Turning Back Time with ActorsNET

PAST AND PRESENT: Cast members of “Now and Then,” a romantic “dramedy” by Sean Grennan, on stage through March 30 the Heritage Center in Morrisville, Pa.

ActorsNET presents Now and Then, Sean Grennan’s time-bending romantic “dramedy,” through March 30 at The Heritage Center in Morrisville, Pa.

Inspired by the word “énouement,” the play explores the bittersweet realization of how past choices have shaped the present, and invites audiences to reflect on the inevitability of time’s passage, reminding us that every moment — no matter how fleeting — holds the power to shape our journey.  more

Summer Concert Series In Mercer County Park

County Executive Dan Benson has announced that the Mercer County Park Commission’s Summer Concert Series will kick off its 2025 season on July 11 with Formerly of Chicago — The Players. Performances continue through August 22.

The Friday evening concerts are $5 per ticket. A new, limited-time season pass option offers access to all seven concerts for $25. The lineup includes Yellow Brick Road and All About Joel on July 18; Best of the Eagles on July 25; Yacht Rock Gold Experience and Elliot Lurie on August 1; Big Hix and Tennessee Whiskey on August 8; FEARLESS the Taylor Swift Experience on August 15; and the Earth, Wind, and Fire tribute band on August 22.

As the sun sets, families can bring out blankets and chairs to the expansive Mercer County Park festival grounds. The introduction of free parking last year made the concerts more accessible than ever, leading to record attendance. With the new season pass, patrons can get preferred parking, fast-pass entry, and exclusive perks throughout the season. more

Mozart, Debussy, and More At Methodist Church

CHAMBER CONCERT: Musicians at Princeton United Methodist Church offer a free chamber music concert on Saturday, April 5 at 5 p.m. From left are Paul Manulik, viola; Lindsay Diehl, reader; Jenni Collins, soprano; Scott Collins, clarinet; and Julia Hanna, piano. 

Chamber music will be presented in an intimate setting on Saturday, April 5 at 5 p.m., at Princeton United Methodist Church, on the corner of Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue.

The concert features the works of Mozart, Debussy, and Bernstein, presented by Paul Maniluk, viola; Scott Collins, clarinet; Jenni Collins, soprano, Lindsay Diehl, reader; and Julia Hanna, piano.

This benefit concert is free and open to the public. A reception with light refreshments will follow. Tickets are not required.  All donations will help support the ministries of Princeton United Methodist Church.

“Drama & Irony” Program By Capital Philharmonic

Clipper Erickson

The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey presents a concert titled “Drama & Irony” at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Sandro Naglia conducts.
The program includes works by Rossini, Mozart, and Beethoven. Pianist Clipper Erickson is the soloist in the Mozart Piano Concerto in D minor K 466.

A pre-concert lecture by Joel Phillips takes place at 6:15 p.m. in the lower lobby. At 6:45 p.m., Trenton Music Makers presents a “curtain raiser.”

Tickets are available at capitalphilharmonic.org.

Voices Chorale NJ Performs at Trinity

MOZART AND MORE: David A. McConnell conducts Voices Chorale NJ and the Berks Sinfonietta in the Mozart “Requiem” and the “Requiem” by Brazilian composer Jose Mauricio Nunes Garcia on May 3.

On Saturday, May 3 at 4 p.m., two settings of the Requiem Mass will be presented by Voices Chorale NJ. David A. McConnell, artistic director of Voices, conducts.

Mozart’s Requiem was incomplete when he died in 1791. Garcia completed his Requiem in 1816 after being inspired by Mozart’s masterpiece. Both works will be accompanied at the May program by the 21-piece Berks Sinfonietta Orchestra. more