News | Town Topics

June 5, 2024

Artist Talk with David Stier at New Hope Colony Gallery

“STRAIGHT AHEAD”: Artist David Stier, whose work is shown here, will speak at the New Hope Colony Foundation for the Arts on Saturday, June 15 from 4 to 7 p.m.

New Hope, Pa., artist David Stier will offer a glimpse into his artistic journey and creative process during an artist talk on Saturday, June 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the New Hope Colony Foundation for the Arts. Held at the foundation’s gallery at 2594 River Road in New Hope, this event presents a opportunity to hear directly from Stier as he discusses the influence of the New Hope landscape and his connection to the legendary painter William Lathrop.

“THE BIRD WATCHERS”: This work is featured in “Mystery, Memory and Magic: The Art of Lyanne Malamed,” on view June 8 through June 30 at Morpeth Contemporary in Hopewell. An opening reception is on Saturday, June 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Morpeth Contemporary in Hopewell will present “Mystery, Memory and Magic: The Art of Lyanne Malamed,” a posthumous exhibition of paintings by the New Jersey artist (1931-2022), on view June 8 through June 30. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Enigmatic and alluring, Malamed’s work is, in many ways, art “for the ages.” Her depictions of children, mothers, adults, and the elderly represent the entire cycle of human life, including death, with all its joys and sorrows. Her work also explores an afterlife in the traditional Christian context of Heaven, symbolized by a brighter, colorful palette, winged angels, and weightless human forms. Her allegorical use of birds as vessels for souls passed is a clear representation of tethers between the living and the departed. Inspired by both historical and contemporary art, Malamed invented her own visual vocabulary by repurposing traditional poses, garments, and symbolism in striking juxtapositions. more

Beneficial Brick Project

The Middle School at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart has partnered with Send Hunger Packing Princeton to raise awareness around food insecurity. Inspired by the Beneficial Brick project in the Czech Republic, students painted wooden “brick” with colorful images and messaging and set up an exhibit on the Wall of Awareness at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. The public is invited to stop by the exhibit to paint their own brick and add to the exhibit until June 13.

Senior Stroke Fry Goes Out with a Bang in Final Race As PU Women’s Lightweight Varsity 8 Wins IRA Title

STROKE OF BRILLIANCE: Sarah Fry, center, powers the Princeton University women’s lightweight varsity 8 from the stroke seat in a race earlier this spring. Last Sunday, senior star Fry helped Princeton placed first in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship grand final on Mercer Lake. It was the fourth straight IRA title for the varsity 8. The Tigers also won the Commissioners’ Cup as the women’s lightweight team points leader at the regatta for the third straight season with 67 points, one point better than runner-up Stanford. (Photo by Ed Hewitt/Row2k, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Sarah Fry’s dedication page of her thesis features a quote from Theodore Roosevelt.

It’s from a speech in April, 1899, when Roosevelt said: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”

The quote is something that the Princeton University senior who is graduating as a well decorated mechanical and aerospace engineering major and member of the women’s lightweight rowing team has followed over the last five years. more

Brazilian Misasi Enjoyed Ride with PU Men’s Rowing, Helping Tiger Heavyweights Take 2nd in IRA Standings

MAKING HIS MARK: Princeton University men’s heavyweight rower Marco Misasi, center, competes in the seven-seat in a race this spring for the varsity 8. Last Sunday, team captain Misasi helped the varsity 8 take fourth in its grand final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championships on Mercer Lake. Princeton finished second in the Ten Eyck team point standings at the regatta with 266, 12 points behind champion Washington. (Photo by Ed Hewitt/Row2k, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

As a 12-year-old growing up in Brazil, Marco Misasi was a high-spirited kid.

Looking to channel that vigor, Misasi’s parents pushed him to take up rowing.

“What got me into the sport was that I had too much energy as a kid,” said Misasi, a native of Sao Paulo. “My dad asked one of his friends and his son was in rowing and he said you should put him into rowing because rowing is going to drain all of his energy.” more

Fueled by Supportive Culture Molded by Senior Class, Princeton Women’s Open Crew Places 4th at NCAAs

by Bill Alden

In her 27 years as the head coach of Princeton University women’s open crew program, Lori Dauphiny has guided a number of superb teams.

Her tenure has included the 2006 and 2011 NCAA varsity 8 champions as well as the 2022 NCAA varsity 4 champion. While this year’s squad didn’t win a national title, it will stand out in Dauphiny’s memory.

“They are a special team; this team is very close and they have built a culture that is so supportive,” said Dauphiny. “It really shows. We didn’t just focus on our boats, we focus on the team. We talked about how much of the success comes from our Ivy campaign and from all of the boats.” more

With Mathewson Thriving in Move Up to 1st Singles, Undefeated PHS Boys’ Tennis Makes Sectional Final

FIRST CLASS: Princeton High boys’ tennis player Garrett Mathewson blasts a backhand in a match earlier this spring. Last Friday, sophomore Mathewson produced a straight-set win at first singles to help top-seeded PHS defeat fifth-seeded Middletown South 5-0 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 3 semis. The Tigers, who improved to 16-0 with the win, were slated to host second-seeded WW/P-South in the sectional final on June 4 with the victor advancing to the Group 3 state semis on June 6 at the Mercer County Tennis Facility. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though Garrett Mathewson is just a sophomore, he hasn’t been fazed by moving into the first singles spot this spring for the Princeton High boys’ tennis team.

“It has been great, it feels good to be at first singles,“ said Mathewson. “Last year I was at three, it was kind of hard.”

In facing a higher level of competition this spring in the top singles spot, Mathewson has focused on staying in the moment. more

PHS Boys’ Lax Falls to Northern Highlands in States But Had Big Spring, Highlighted by Making MCT Final

ALL IN: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse player Alex Famiglietti heads upfield in recent action. Junior midfielder Famiglietti tallied two goals and one assist as ninth-seeded PHS fell 13-10 to eighth-seeded Northern Highlands in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 3 tournament on May 24. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 11-8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It proved to be an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu for the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team as it played at Northern Highlands in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 3 tournament.

Last year, PHS headed up to Northern Highlands in the NJSIAA opener and lost 14-12.

In the 2024 state tourney rematch on May 24, the ninth-seeded Tigers found themselves in another nail-biter with eighth-seeded Northern Highlands as the foes were locked in a 9-9 stalemate heading into the fourth quarter. more

May 29, 2024

Princeton University P-rade 2024

Point Marshals Rob Wolk ’91, left, and Bruce McBarnette ’80, center, were among the participants in the annual Reunions Weekend event on Saturday afternoon. Attendees share their favorite places to visit when they come back to town in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

PU Graduates Advised to “Lean Into Life”

CAPS IN THE AIR: Princeton University graduates celebrated on Tuesday in Princeton Stadium, as thousands of family members and friends cheered them on and Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber urged them to “show up in person, fully and humanly” in their lives beyond Princeton. (Princeton University; Office of Communications; Charles Sykes; Associated Press Images, 2024)

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber urged the 1,297 undergraduate degree recipients, 206 earning masters’ degrees, and 403 Ph.D, recipients to “lean into life after Princeton … with the same dazzling energy and imagination you showed while you were here,” as thousands of family members, friends, and guests seated in Princeton Stadium at Tuesday morning’s commencement ceremony cheered them on.

As the berobed procession of graduates, professors, and other academic officials entered the stadium and took their seats on the stage and across the length of the field, the crowd was in a festive mood, the weather was sunny and breezy, and discord that had troubled the Princeton University campus during the past month was mostly not in evidence.

Describing commencement addresses as ”a curious genre of public speaking,” as well as “a vexed genre” in the current polarized political climate, Eisgruber lamented the impossible demands of coming up with an original, profound, wise, and memorable speech. more

Enthusiastic Swimmers Visit Community Pool Over Opening Weekend

By Anne Levin

The official first day of summer isn’t until June 22. But in Princeton, the season unofficially begins each year on Memorial Day weekend with the opening of Community Park Pool.

Despite some wet weather on Monday, opening weekend saw healthy crowds. “Saturday and Sunday were terrific,” said Evan Moorhead, the town’s director of recreation. “We had over 1,000 people each day. Memorial Day got off to a nice start, though the rain put a damper on things a little later.”

Designed in the 1960s, the pool received a major $6 million overhaul just over a decade ago. Keeping it in top shape “is literally almost a year-round operation,” said Moorhead. “Between the upkeep and the maintenance, there is very little time when we’re not doing something.” more

Princeton Prepares for Pride Month Events: Flag-Raising, Picnic, Dance, and More

By Donald Gilpin

Launching its celebration of diversity, inclusion, and community, Princeton will be hosting a flag-raising, a Pride Picnic, and a Pride Dance Party this Friday on the eve of Pride Month.

Following the annual Pride flag-raising at noon on May 31 at Monument Hall, the fourth annual Princeton Community Pride Picnic will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hinds Plaza on Witherspoon Street outside the Princeton Public Library (PPL).

The picnic promises “a family-friendly event,” with “something for everyone,” and “an array of entertainment and activities,” featuring performances by the Princeton School of Rock and drag performers Lady Celestina and Victoria Courtez, music with DJ Dana K of WPRB 103.3 FM, an interactive art project led by Liz Massa, giveaways, crafts, games, a Makers and Zine Alley, and more. If it rains, the picnic will move inside the library. more

Agrarian Heritage of West Windsor and Plainsboro Is Theme of Upcoming “Farm Day at the Museum”

COLLABORATIVE CELEBRATION: The Schenck Farmstead is the site of a festival on Sunday, June 2, a joint effort of the Historical Society of West Windsor and Plainsboro’s Wicoff House Museum.

By Anne Levin

Until a few decades ago, much of West Windsor and Plainsboro was taken up by acres of farmland. These fields and pastures have since been turned into housing developments, at a rate that can give area historians pause.

But remnants of the rural past still exist. In a first-time collaboration, two history museums will present “Farm Day at the Museum” on Sunday, June 2 from 1-4 p.m. at the historic Schenck Farmstead. The free festival will include museum tours, a petting zoo, crafts for children, agricultural demonstrations, and more. more

PPS Appoints New Johnson Park Principal; Siso Stentz to Be New Asst. Superintendent

By Donald Gilpin

Christopher Sheridan

Christopher Sheridan, currently assistant principal at Delran Intermediate School in Delran, N.J., will be the next principal at Johnson Park Elementary School (JP), succeeding Angela Siso Stentz, who will take on her new role this summer as assistant superintendent for human resources for Princeton Public Schools (PPS).

Sheridan, who has 17 years of experience in education, pointed out his focus as an elementary school administrator and as a teacher of kindergarten and fifth grade. “Some of the most rewarding and impactful experiences during these times have been the six years as a kindergarten teacher and the five-and-a-half years spent as a fifth grade teacher,” he wrote in an email. “Understanding the continuum of these students’ learning and development on the opposite ends in the primary and elementary grade spectrum has prepared me to lead JP.” more

Father Center Honors “Platinum Dads” at Annual Family Fun Day Celebration

By Anne Levin

Back in 1859, the Union Industrial Home for Children was founded in Trenton. What was originally an orphanage is today an organization devoted to helping men gain and meet the responsibilities of fatherhood.

The Father Center of New Jersey’s free programs serve some 1,800 fathers a year. Offices in Trenton and Burlington have recently been joined by a location in Camden, and plans are to expand further across New Jersey.

In the meantime, a Father’s Day-focused party is in the works. On Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Father Center hosts Father Family Fun Day and the 19th annual Platinum Dads Awards, honoring several notable fathers, at We Make, 109 Route 31 north in Pennington. In addition to the ceremony, there will be a moon bounce, refreshments, games, dancing, and family-friendly activities.

Dylan’s “Wind,” Kafka’s “Trial,” and Memorial Day 2024

By Stuart Mitchner

Idiot wind, blowing like a circle around my skull
From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Capitol…

Allen Ginsberg called “Idiot Wind” one of Bob Dylan’s “great great prophetic national songs,” with “one rhyme that took in the whole nation.” Dylan wrote it 50 years ago this summer, first recorded it in New York that September around the time Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon, and recorded it again in December before releasing the final version in January 1975 on the album Blood On the Tracks, which I’ve been listening to ever since Dylan’s 83rd birthday on Friday, May 24.

That same day, with election year winds blowing the word trial trial trial like “a circle around my skull,” I began rereading Franz Kafka’s The Trial, looking ahead to the centenary of Kafka’s death, June 3, 1924, the day Max Brod took charge of the unpublished work that delivered a great writer to the reading world. more

An Ambitious Medieval Prince Searches for His Life’s Purpose in “Pippin”; Theatre Intime, PUP Present a Stephen Schwartz Hit for Reunions Weekend

“PIPPIN”: Theatre Intime and Princeton University Players have staged “Pippin.” Directed by Solomon Bergquist, the musical was presented May 24-26 at the Hamilton Murray Theater. Above, from left: Pippin (Rowan Johnson) contemplates his future, under the dangerous guidance of the Leading Player (Isabella Rivera). (Photo by Elena Milliken)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

Theatre Intime has collaborated with the Princeton University Players to present Pippin (May 24-26) to Reunions Weekend audiences. The musical is an apt fit for a college campus at graduation time; its title character, the fictional first son of Charlemagne, has just completed his studies. The show is an odyssey that follows the prince’s search for his life’s purpose.

Pippin has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist of the current Broadway hit (and upcoming film series) Wicked, in addition to several musicals that include Godspell, The Magic Show, Children of Eden, and the upcoming The Queen of Versailles. The book is by Roger O. Hirson, who also co-wrote the musical Walking Happy. more

“Painting the Garden State” Exhibition at SFA Gallery

“THE MONACO MOTEL”: This painting by Emily Thompson is featured in “Painting the Garden State,” on view June 1 through June 30 at the John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery in Frenchtown. An opening reception is on Saturday, June 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery in Frenchtown presents “Emily Thompson: Painting the Garden State” June 1 to June 30. An opening reception is on Saturday, June 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Thompson looks to the state of New Jersey for her artistic inspiration. Where others might see ugliness and blight, she finds beauty and a never-ending supply of compelling subjects: industrial scenes, roadside architecture and vintage signage, old bowling alleys, motels, and diners. Thompson’s paintings combine these recognizable images with textured, expressionistic brushwork and a broad color palette. A close inspection reveals marks made with gusto and assurance, though Thompson is quick to point out that all the painterly issues and decisions are only in service of the mood and “nostalgic feeling of the painting.” more

Vendor Applications Open for Arts Council’s yART Sale

AFFORDABLE ART: The Arts Council of Princeton is now accepting vendor applications for their annual yART sale, an opportunity for attendees to shop affordable work from local artists cleaning out their studios.

The Arts Council of Princeton is now accepting vendor applications for their second-annual yART sale to be held on Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The yART sale is an outdoor, flea-market style opportunity for attendees to shop affordable work from local artists cleaning out their studios.

“Last year was our first yART sale and it was so much fun,” said Artistic Director Maria Evans. “Once we were set up, people just began to pour in, looking for that special art bargain. Don’t miss this opportunity to clear out your work area and make space for fall.” more

Arts Council Presents “Narratives From My Toy Box” Photo Exhibit

TOY STORIES: The Arts Council of Princeton will host Dot Paolo in a solo photography exhibition, “Narratives from My Toy Box,” June 1 through June 29 in the Taplin Gallery. A gallery opening is on Saturday, June 1 from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) will show “Narratives from My Toy Box,” a solo exhibition of photography by artist Dot Paolo, from June 1-29 in the Taplin Gallery. A gallery opening will be held on Saturday, June 1 from 3-5 p.m. An artist talk will take place on Saturday, June 22 at 2 p.m.

Paolo’s practice involves collecting vintage toys and objects and employing them in her diorama photographs. “This exhibition combines artworks from a few different series,” she said. “Some of the photographs are narratives about the mishaps that cause the demise of these toys and vintage objects.” more

“Black River Symphony”

This oil on canvas painting by Joe Kazimierczyk is featured in “Beyond Boundaries,” his joint exhibition with Jane Adriance, on view June 6 through June 30 at Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville. An opening reception is on Saturday, June 8 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Helping Students Navigate Journey to College is Mission of Benjamin College Consulting

COLLEGE QUEST: “Higher education is not only about where you go, but also who you want to be in the world. When approached well, I believe the college admissions process can be one of the most significant opportunities for students’ intellectual and emotional growth.” Benjamin Caldarelli, founder of Benjamin College Consulting, is enthusiastic about helping students navigate the college admissions journey.

By Jean Stratton

Strategist. Mentor. Counselor.

These are some of the designations which identify Benjamin Caldarelli in his mission to help students gain admission to college.

But they are not all. As founder of Benjamin College Consulting, he is adviser, coach, collaborator, educator, motivator, encourager, and especially, listener.

All of these identities form the mosaic in which Caldarelli guides his clients on a journey of opportunity and challenge to a successful college admissions destination. more

After PU Softball Earns 1st NCAA Victory Since 2005, Tigers Confident of Future Success on National Stage

SO GOOD: Princeton University softball player Sonia Zhang takes a cut in a game this spring. Freshman infielder Zhang starred as Princeton went 1-2 in the NCAA regional in Lafayette, La. earlier this month posting a 4-2 win over Ole Miss on May 18 to earn its first win in the national tournament since 2005. The Tigers finished the season with a 30-18 record. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University softball team prepared to head to the NCAA regional in Lafayette, La. earlier this month, the squad’s veterans imparted some wisdom gained from their experience at the 2022 national tournament.

“It was good to have a bunch of perspectives from coaches to the juniors and seniors,” said Princeton head coach Lisa Van Ackeren. more

Tiger Women’s Hoops Star Chen, Men’s Fencer Szapary Named as Recipients of PU’s Top Senior Sports Awards

TOP TIGER: Princeton University women’s basketball player Kaitlyn Chen dribbles up the court in a game this past winter. Senior star point guard Chen was named last Thursday as the recipient of the 2024 C. Otto von Kienbusch Award which is presented annually to a Princeton senior woman of high scholastic rank who has demonstrated general proficiency in athletics and the qualities of a true sportswoman. Tiger men’s senior fencer Tristan Szapary was named as the winner of the 2024 William Winston Roper Trophy which is awarded annually to a Princeton senior man of high scholastic rank and outstanding qualities of sportsmanship and general proficiency in athletics. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Kaitlyn Chen played in her final game at Jadwin Gym for the Princeton University women’s basketball squad this past March, she reflected on the special ride she has enjoyed with her teammates.

“This school is just amazing and it is surrounded by such great people,” said Chen, a 5’9 native of San Marino, Calif., who helped Princeton defeat Penn 72-55 that night as the Tigers clinched a tie for the Ivy League regular season crown. “I am just lucky to be here and be able to celebrate this with them. I will just be grateful for all of the memories I have made here and all of the friendships and relationships that I have grown and developed. Those will be with me the rest of my life.” more

PHS Baseball Displayed Plenty of Hitting Punch But Pitching, Fielding Lapses Hurt Down the Stretch

LEADING MAN: Princeton High baseball player Dylan Newman connects in a game this spring. Senior Newman enjoyed a superb final campaign for the Tigers, batting .381 with 24 hits and 11 RBIs. PHS, which fell 12-2 to South River on May 21 in its last game, posted a final record of 8-16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the Princeton High baseball team defeated longtime nemesis Hopewell Valley 7-3 in late April, it appeared that the Tigers were on the right track.

The victory improved PHS to 5-6 and the squad was hoping that beating a powerhouse HoVal squad could be a springboard to a big May.

“After the Hopewell game, we said we can’t let this be a highlight,” said Tiger head coach Dom Capuano. “We have to work forward and we really didn’t.” more