News | Town Topics

March 5, 2025

Gallery 14 in Hopewell Features Guest Exhibitors

“GALVANIZE”: This photograph by Danielle Austen is part of a new exhibit on view at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell March 8 through March 30. A reception is on March 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell has works by guest exhibitors Danielle Austen and Richard Armington, along with Gallery 14 members, March 8 through March 30. A Meet the Artists reception is on Sunday, March 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Austen is an award-winning professional fine art photographer specializing in creating intimate portraits of the environment, with a particular emphasis on abstracts found within the landscape. She holds a BFA in fine arts from Cornell University and an MS in communication photography from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Her artistic endeavors include being chosen for seven artist-in-residency programs, six within the National Parks. Over her 25-year career, she has earned numerous awards in local, national, and international competitions. Her work has also been showcased in over four dozen national and international juried exhibitions and numerous group and solo exhibitions, notably at the Monmouth Museum. As an educator, Austen offers classes, workshops, and private consultations and presents on various topics to photographic societies throughout the region. more

Art at Small World

Watercolor paintings by Indrani Choudhury are featured in a solo exhibition on view through April 1 at Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street. An art reception with refreshments is on Friday, March 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Second Annual Members Show, Sale at Phillips’ Mill

“BEST FRIENDS”: This painting by Richard Worzel is part of the Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s Second Annual Mill Members Art Show and Sale, on view March 8, 9, 15, and 16 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Phillips’ Mill in New Hope, Pa.

Members of the Phillips’ Mill Community Association in New Hope, Pa., will be in the spotlight at the Second Annual Mill Members Art Show and Sale. The exhibition will be open for two consecutive weekends, March 8 and 9, and March 15 and 16, from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

The show will feature more than 500 works of art by over 170 artists, all members of Phillips’ Mill Community Association. An array of fine art and crafts will be represented in the non-juried show including paintings and sculpture, jewelry and textiles, mixed media, ceramics, photography, and works on paper. more

With Dora Matching Her Program Assist Record, PU Women’s Lax Cruises to 20-4 Win Over Hofstra

SEVEN UP: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Haven Dora, left, looks to unload the ball against Hofstra last Saturday. Junior attacker Dora dished out a program-record seven assists for a second straight game as the Tigers rolled to a 20-4 win over the Pride. No. 13 Princeton, now 3-1, hosts Penn State on March 5 and Harvard on March 8 in its Ivy League opener. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Haven Dora wears No. 7 for the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team and last week that number took on an added significance for the junior attacker.

On Wednesday, Dora tallied a program single-game record seven assists to help Princeton edge Delaware 15-14. Three days later, Dora matched that feat, getting seven assists as the Tigers rolled to a 20-4 victory over Hofstra in improving to 3-1.

“I am really proud of that,” said Dora, reflecting on the record.“Every single game, I am trying to come out with a team win and if that is what it takes, I am going to keep assisting my teammate. Hopefully at some point. I can break it and get eight. I am looking forward to the rest of the season.” more

Winters Stars as PHS Girls’ Hoops Wins State Opener, Postseason Run Ends with Loss to Franklin in Quarters

DRIVING FORCE: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Anna Winters drives to the hoop last Thursday as fourth-seeded PHS defeated 13th-seeded Trenton Central 61-54 in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 tournament. Junior guard Winters scored a game-high 25 points in the win. The Tigers went on to lose 65-34 to fifth-seeded Franklin last Monday in the quarterfinal round of the tourney to end the winter with a 19-10 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Anna Winters went scoreless in the first quarter as the Princeton High girls’ basketball team fell behind 10-7 to Trenton Central last Thursday in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 tournament.

In the second quarter, junior guard Winters and fourth-seeded PHS got into a groove, outscoring the 13th-seeded Tornadoes 22-3 to seize control of the contest. more

PHS Boys’ Hockey Battles Hard in Postseason Losses, Future Looks Promising with Core of Young Talent

ON THE STICK: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Brendan Beatty, left, goes after the puck in recent action. Last week, senior star and captain Beatty scored two goals as 16th-seeded PHS fell 9-3 to top-seeded Bridgewater-Raritan first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Public sectional tournament. The loss left the Tigers with a final record of 7-12. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Knotted in a 2-2 stalemate with the West Windsor-Plainsboro hockey co-op after two periods in the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) Tournament quarterfinal round, the Princeton High boys’ hockey team raised its game.

Outscoring West Windsor 4-0 in the third period, PHS prevailed 6-2 in the February 5 contest to book a spot in the CVC semis. more

With Senior Captain Bruno Sparking Defense, PDS Girls’ Hockey Rolls Into State Semifinals

RARE AIR: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Aerin Bruno surveys the action in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior defender and team captain Bruno helped spark a superb defensive effort as top-seeded PDS defeated eight-seeded Summit 5-0 in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Girls’ Ice Hockey State Tournament. The Panthers, now 12-2-1, will face fourth-seeded Morristown-Beard in the state semis on March 5 at the Codey Arena in West Orange with the victor to advance to the state final on March 10 at the Prudential Center in Newark. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Aerin Bruno’s right shoulder was heavily taped but she smiled through the pain after helping the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team defeat Summit 5-0 last Friday in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Girls’ Ice Hockey State Tournament.

With PDS having been seeded No. 1 in the tourney and getting a first-round bye, Bruno and her teammates were chomping at the bit to finally get going in the competition. more

Stuart Hoops Pulls Upset in Non-Public Tourney Debut, Loss to Wildwood Catholic in Quarters Can’t Dim Progress

STATE OF PLAY: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Lia States, center, heads to the basket in recent action. Last Friday, freshman guard States scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to help 11th-seeded Stuart upset sixth-seeded Calvary Christian 50-33 in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B tournament. On Monday, Stuart fell 78-43 to third-seeded Wildwood Catholic in the quarterfinal round of the tournament. The Tartans ended the winter with a 6-15 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Stuart Country Day School basketball team geared up to make its debut in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public tournament, Tony Bowman was encouraged by the way his squad was coming together down the stretch.

Playing at Kent Place in its regular season finale on February 25, Stuart rolled to a 54-30 win.

“I think that is the best they have played all year,” said Stuart head coach Bowman. “They listened very well, that was probably our best defensive game.” more

Array of Rock Climbing, Yoga, and Gym Options Are All Featured at the Gravity Vault Princeton

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CLIMBING HIGH: “We believe that new heights can always be reached not only on our walls, but in all parts of life. The best way to achieve these heights is to be together.” This mission statement of The Gravity Vault Princeton emphasizes its focus on meeting challenges vigorously, with skill and dedication, thus accomplishing a rewarding and meaningful result. Shown is the indoor rope climbing wall at the company’s Plainsboro Plaza location.

By Jean Stratton

“It’s a chance to flirt with adventure; an opportunity to break from the ordinary; a really meaningful alternative to a tired fitness format.”

Sound intriguing?

Not to keep you in suspense: it is rock climbing!

Michael Morand, co-owner of The Gravity Vault Princeton, is an enthusiastic advocate of this challenging and exciting activity, and wants to share its benefits and advantages with everyone.

Just opened last December in the Plainsboro Plaza at 10 Schalks Crossing Road in Plainsboro, the 17,500-square-foot facility offers a complete range of indoor climbing opportunities, as well as yoga classes and a fully-equipped gym. more

February 26, 2025

Thawing Out

The D&R Canal in Princeton showed signs of thawing on Sunday as warmer temperatures finally prevailed. Residents and visitors share what they like to do on winter weekends in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

Princeton Affirms Support for Immigrants

By Donald Gilpin

In a statement from the Princeton Mayor and Council issued last Friday, February 21, the town of Princeton has reaffirmed its support for its immigrant residents.

Princeton’s commitment to recognize, support, and serve its immigrant community “remains as strong as ever today,” the posting in English and Spanish on the municipal government website states.

Amidst an onslaught of stringent new federal policies, threats of mass deportations, and stepped up Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in New Jersey and throughout the country, immigrant communities have felt the pressure and anxiety, with some individuals fearful about going out to work or sending their children to school. “The ripple effects of these policies are real and deeply felt in our community,” one Princeton resident wrote in an email to the Council president.

“The new federal administration’s policies on immigration enforcement do not change the work we do for our community,” the statement from Mayor and Council asserts. “Princeton continues to follow the guidance outlined in the New Jersey Attorney General’s Directive 2018-6, which strengthens trust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities. We want to assure all our residents that you are, first and foremost, members of our community, and we remain steadfast in our mission to serve and support you.” more

Princeton Man Charged With Killing Brother in Apartment on Palmer Square

By Anne Levin

Matthew Hertgen, the 31-year-old man arrested last weekend for the murder of his brother Joseph Hertgen, 26, at Michelle Mews Apartments, made his first appearance in court on Monday, February 24. He is due back for a detention hearing on Friday, February 27, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

At about 11:16 p.m. on Saturday night, February 22, Princeton Police responded to a 911 call reporting that there was a fire and a dead body in one of the residences at the luxury complex that is part of The Residences at Palmer Square. Police found Matthew Hertgen, who was determined to be the 911 caller, in the apartment along with the body of the victim “which exhibited various injuries including signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations,” the release from Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey reads. “Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The investigation into the murder, by the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the State Police Crime Scene Unit, led to Matthew Hertgen being charged with first-degree murder along with various third- and fourth-degree offenses related to possession of a knife and a golf club. Hertgen is also charged with one count of third-degree animal cruelty in the death of a cat that was located within the residence. more

Town Renews Status as NJ’s Only Silver-Level Bike Friendly Community

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton has again been designated a Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB).

Princeton is one of four bike friendly municipalities in the state and the only Silver-Level award-winner. West Windsor, Lambertville, and New Brunswick received Bronze-Level recognition. There were 460 communities across the country that were recognized as Bicycle Friendly by the LAB.

“Princeton remains committed to reimagining its roadways beyond a car-centric model, fostering diverse transportation options that promote healthier, more sustainable lifestyles in the community,” said Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, liaison to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee. “We are proud to be a Bicycle Friendly Community for the 12th year in a row.” more

Music in the Movies is Theme of Upcoming Garden Theatre Series

A SAMPLING OF SCORES: Errol Flynn played the lead role in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” to an iconic score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. The film is part of a new program focused on music at the Princeton Garden Theatre.

By Anne Levin

It’s hard to imagine the classic Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho without its score by Bernard Hermann. The same might be said of the 1933 version of King Kong minus its music by Max Steiner; or Lawrence of Arabia without its sweeping accompaniment by Maurice Jarre.

Music in the movies is the theme of “Keeping the Score,” a year-long series of screenings at the Princeton Garden Theatre presenting films with iconic music that is “a primary cinematic element which must be seen and heard in a theater,” reads a press release on the series.

The screenings begin March 13 with King Kong. Programming is scheduled through May 18; the remainder of the year is still being planned. more

2025 Sustainable Home Expo on March 8 Features Resources and Information for All

By Donald Gilpin

Looking to make your home or yard or business more sustainable? Want to learn more about heat pumps, energy-efficient rebates and incentives, solar panels, managing stormwater on your property, transforming your yard with native plants, and even building a sustainable ADU (accessory dwelling unit) on your property?

Solutions to those challenges, abundant information on all sorts of sustainability issues, and answers to your questions will be provided at Sustainable Princeton’s second Sustainable Home Expo on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will take place in the Princeton High School gymnasium in a larger venue than last year’s event with space to accommodate a bigger audience, more vendors, and more classrooms.

HIGHLAND FLING: Andrea Marini plays the young Scotsman in “The Spirit of the Highlands,” Ethan Stiefel’s new take on a historic ballet at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center March 7-9. (Photo by Harald Schrader)

By Anne Levin

For American Repertory Ballet Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel, adapting the 19th century romantic classic La Sylphide was logical — some might say inevitable. The Spirit of the Highlands, which debuts March 7-9 in New Brunswick, draws from several facets of Stiefel’s life and experience.

The ballet is set in a Scottish village; Stiefel is partly of Scottish descent. During his performing career, he danced the male lead in La Sylphide numerous times. He is an admirer of the Danish choreographer Auguste Bournonville, whose 1836 version of the ballet is the one most frequently presented today.

“It was in the back of my mind for a while,” Stiefel said during a phone conversation. “I’d thought about doing a version of La Sylphide that would work well for this company. Because they have more than the technical ability that is needed. I feel they’ve developed their skills very well in terms of creating characters and acting. All of that is required for this.” more

Looking for Christopher Marlowe

By Stuart Mitchner

When I realized last Saturday was George Washington’s birthday, I looked up former president Bill Clinton’s foreword to Shakespeare in America (Library of America 2013), which refers to Washington leaving the “legislative haggling” at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to see a production of The Tempest, which, as editor James Shapiro points out, was “based on the story of the wreck of the Sea Venture off the coast of Bermuda in 1609.” The 42nd president — who remembers a high school assignment requiring him to memorize 100 lines from Macbeth, among them “Life’s but a walking shadow” (“an important early lesson in the perils of blind ambition”) — makes sure to mention the time presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson visited Stratford-upon-Avon. Later in the book, as Abigail Adams recalls, Jefferson “fell upon the ground and kissed it” while Adams “cut a relic from a chair claimed to have belonged to Shakespeare himself.”

In the huryburly of February 2025, stories like these suggest a Monty Python sketch in which the current president and his entourage leave a wrestling match between Kit the Kat Marlowe and Will the Shake at the Kennedy Center for a production of Titus Andronicus at the Folger Library, but only if “that’s the play where some loser gets eaten in a pie.” more

Three-Card Monte Defines Two Brothers’ Relationship in “Topdog/Underdog”; Passage Succeeds with a Gritty, Intimate Staging of a Pulitzer-Winning Drama

“TOPDOG/UNDERDOG”: Performances are underway for “Topdog/Underdog.” Written by Suzan-Lori Parks, and directed by marcus d. harvey, the play runs through March 9 at Passage Theatre. Above, from left: brothers Lincoln (Steven St. Pierre) and Booth (Anthony Vaughn Merchant) play a high-stakes game of three-card monte. (Photo by Habiyb Shu’Aib)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

Three-card monte is a gambling game in which the dealer displays three cards. After shuffling the cards and placing them face down, the dealer challenges players to bet that they can correctly locate a certain card. Showmanship and sleight of hand are crucial to successfully manipulating a player, or “mark,” into losing.

In Topdog/Underdog (2001), playwright Suzan-Lori Parks depicts two African American brothers whose tense relationship comes to be defined by three-card monte.

Lincoln is a former hustler who seems to have put the game behind him; Booth aims to emulate his older brother’s success as a dealer. Both brothers, especially Booth, let the game’s concomitant bluffing and calculation extend from the game to their personal interactions, particularly with each other. more

Princeton University Concerts Presents Longtime String Quartet Partner

By Nancy Plum

Over its history, Princeton University Concerts has developed strong collaborative relationships with a wide range of performing organizations specializing in specific composers, but especially the renowned string ensemble Takács Quartet, with their legendary interpretation of Ludwig van Beethoven. The innovative players returned to Richardson Auditorium last Thursday night with more Beethoven, as well as music of Johannes Brahms and British pianist/composer Stephen Hough. With the Takács seasoned artistic identity and Hough’s virtuosic technique, the full house at Richardson was treated to a performance which easily clarified why the Takács musicians have appeared on the Princeton University Concerts series more than 20 times.

Violinists Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes, violist Richard O’Neill, and cellist András Fejér opened Thursday night’s program with a string quartet from Beethoven’s early period. String Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No. 1, full of the composer’s trademark melodic and rhythmic variety, began with chipper “question and answer” passages which the Takács Quartet played with decisive repetitions before launching into a lyrical opening theme. Throughout the movement, the Quartet made the most of uniform silences and sforzando dynamic effects, with second violinist Rhodes particularly leaning into the score.

The dramatic second movement “Adagio” featured an intense melody from first violinist Dusinberre, with Rhodes and violist O’Neill trading lyrical phrases. The rollicking “Scherzo” was played with playful ornaments, and Beethoven’s Quartet closed with the Takács musicians building intensity well, led by Dusinberre. Fejér had a chance to emerge from the texture with energetic solo playing. more

Traditional Mexican Dances Reflect Several Influences

MEXICAN HERITAGE: Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez comes to State Theatre New Jersey on March 4.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29-$59.

The troupe is composed of more than 70 folk dancers who have performed extensively across Mexico and abroad.

A dancer and a choreographer, Hernández founded Ballet Folklórico de México in 1952. From a very young age, Hernández began a long journey through Mexican culture that would lead her to preserving the traditional dances of Mexico through her work. Today, the company continues to project to the world the beauty of Mexico through movement, from pre-Columbian cultures and Spanish influences to revolutionary times.

With her first performances in 1952, Hernández obtained public recognition as a cultural representative of Mexico. Her success established the company in the Palace of Fine Arts as its permanent venue since October 11, 1959. The repertory includes more than 120 original choreographed works State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit stnj.org for tickets.

So Percussion Appears at PSO Soundtracks Program

“FOUND SOUNDS”: The Princeton-based ensemble Sō Percussion demonstrates their ability to use unusual sounds and found instruments in a talk at Princeton Public Library on March 4. (Photo by Victoria Pickering)

Members of the award-winning ensemble Sō Percussion will give a talk on “Found Sounds” on Tuesday, March 4 at 7 p.m., a presentation of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) Soundtracks Series at the Princeton Public Library.

They will discuss the unique soundscapes which can be created using everyday items. The ensemble regularly incorporates unusual sounds and found instruments in performances, including in works on their 2025 Grammy Award-winning album Rectangles and Circumstance with Caroline Shaw. more

“Foibles and Fables” at Berlind Theatre

The Princeton Playhouse Ensembles of Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater and Music Theater presents “Foibles and Fables: Songs of Magic and Memory!” on Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place.

The musical celebrates music theater storytelling, performance, composition, arranging, direction, and choreography, featuring the work and leadership of current Princeton students and alumni. The Playhouse Ensembles will be joined by Broadway performer Becca Stevens, violist and composer Nathan Schram, and other special guests. Selections from Hadestown, Pippin, Shuffle Along, Stephen Sondheim’s Evening Primrose, and other known works as well as premieres by guest artists and students are on the program. more

Jazz at Lincoln Center Comes to McCarter Theatre

Milton Suggs
(Photo by Jacob Blickenstaff)

Jazz at Lincoln Center brings the soul of New Orleans and the spirit of Mardi Gras to McCarter Theatre on Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. The touring concert, which celebrates the New Orleans Songbook, is led by pianist Luther S. Allison.

Vocalists Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs are joined by a band presenting the music of Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Ellis Marsalis, James Black, Henry Butler, The Meters, Professor Longhair, and more.

“New Orleans is arguably the most important city in the history of Black American Music. The depth of its culture is bar none, and the influence of art from this city has undeniably shaped the development of nearly all genres of music. I am honored to pay tribute to my heroes of the New Orleans lineage with such a tremendous band,” said Allison.

For over three decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has been a leading advocate for jazz, culture, and arts education worldwide. Under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, JALC has brought jazz from New York to 446 cities in more than 40 countries.

McCarter Theatre is at 91 University Place. Visit Mccarter.org for tickets.

Princeton Festival Line-up Announced by Orchestra

FESTIVE FUN: Ryan Shaw and Capathia Jenkins return to the Princeton Festival on June 6 with songs by Prince, Whitney. Houson, Stevie Wonder, and Elvis Presley, among others. This year’s festival runs June 6-21.

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will hold the annual Princeton Festival from June 6-21 on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden. The performing arts showcase includes a concert by soprano Renée Fleming, an evening of songs by Sondheim, Puccini’s opera Tosca, an evening of dance by American Repertory Ballet, and more.

“This year’s Festival will amaze you with its breadth and variety of musical experiences,” said PSO Music Director Rossen Milanov. “Whether you like Classical, Baroque, vocal, pop music or dance and opera, I guarantee you that you will find it in our Festival line-up. Prepare to be transported by exquisite music in a beautiful setting, surrounded by nature.”

Opening Weekend begins Friday, June 6 with “ICON: The Voices That Changed Music” featuring songs by such artists as Prince, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and more, performed by returning Festival artists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lucas Waldin. more

Britpop Choir Plans First Concert in Princeton

SINGING TOGETHER: Bela Nakum will share her love for British music with members of the new Princeton Britpop Choir weekly beginning March 13 at Princeton United Methodist Church.

Princeton area resident Bela Nakum has founded the Princeton Britpop Choir, with a goal of creating a supportive community where all can experience the joy of singing together in harmony. The first class, on Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m., will be held at Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Avenue.

Members of the choir will meet weekly on Thursday evenings.

Though Nakum grew up in the greater Princeton area, she spent summers visiting her family in the United Kingdom and developed a love for British music. While her musical background is in classical choral music, she aims to combine her love of music, the cultures she grew up in, and her desire to create a supportive community — open to everyone from classically trained musicians to those with no experience. more