January 24, 2024

Pennington Methodists Celebrate 250 Years, Legacy of Service in the Area Since 1774

SERVING THE COMMUNITY: On Youth Night at the Pennington United Methodist Church (PUMC), children make greeting cards to send to shut-ins. The PUMC is hosting a worship and celebration service this Sunday, January 28, along with six other major events later this year, to celebrate 250 years of Methodism in Pennington. (Photo courtesy of Pennington United Methodist Church)

By Donald Gilpin

The Pennington United Methodist Church (PUMC) will be hosting a series of seven different events this year to celebrate 250 years of Methodism in Pennington. The opening worship and celebration service will take place this Sunday, January 28 at 3 p.m. in the PUMC Sanctuary at 60 South Main Street in Pennington.

Sunday’s gathering will include a performance by the Princeton Symphonic Brass Quintet, along with PUMC organist Kathleen Connolly; lots of singing, “something the Methodists love to do,” according to PUMC member Julie Aberger; and a talk by Methodist Bishop John R. Schol, followed by a reception.  more

Small Group of Middle School Parents Protests “Critical Theory” Curriculum

By Donald Gilpin

Protesters — two or three each day—have demonstrated outside Princeton Middle School (PMS) during the past two weeks, calling for revisions to the HiTOPS curriculum on diversity and inclusion.

Holding up signs stating “Stop HiTOPS” and protesting the “indoctrinating” of students, the parent demonstrators have stayed for about 30 minutes each morning on the sidewalk in front of the school, not on school grounds. The police have been in attendance, but there has been no disruption or violence.

On January 12, the second day of their demonstrations, the protesters faced a counter-protest of about 10 parents supporting HiTOPS and the need for LGBTQIA and racial literacy education. more

Science on Saturday Lecture Series Begins Jan. 27 at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab

SCIENCE SATURDAYS: The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory will host a series of six free presentations on cutting-edge scientific topics presented by world-leading experts starting January 27, as part of the Ronald E. Hatcher Science on Saturday lecture series for the science-curious of all ages. (Photo courtesy of Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory)

By Donald Gilpin

Want to learn from expert scientists about the issues making headlines around the world including clean energy solutions? AI art? Natural ways to fight viruses? The story of fusion ignition? Creating quantum technologies and diamonds?

Science on Saturday, now in its 39th year, will return on January 27 at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory PPPL), with the first of a series of six free talks, including presentation and Q&A, running from 9:30 to 11 a.m. each Saturday.

The opening session of the Ronald E. Hatcher Science on Saturday lecture series will feature Rutgers University Computer Sciences Professor Ahmed Elgammal on the controversial topic of “Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Elgammal is the founder and director of the Art and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Rutgers. more

Adventures in Kafka Country: From Prague to Fargo

By Stuart Mitchner

This is an anniversary year for Franz Kafka, who died on June 3, 1924, a doubly noteworthy centenary, given the immensity of the author’s posthumous presence, which suggests that if ever a writer was born on the day he died it was Kafka. No wonder, then, that a photograph of his face dominates the January 24 entry in A Book of Days for the Literary Year (Thames and Hudson 1984) when all he accomplished on that day in 1913 was to interrupt work on a book he never finished. Originally titled The Man Who Disappeared, it was retitled Amerika after his death by his best friend and executor Max Brod, who is best known for ignoring Kafka’s wish that all his unpublished writings be destroyed. more

January 17, 2024

Cultural Leaders Remember Judith Scheide

REFLECTIONS ON AN ICON: Judith McCartin Scheide, left, with Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) Music Director Rossen Milanov during a 2017 sponsor recognition event held by the PSO at Prospect House. The PSO is among several organizations that were beneficiaries of the late Scheide’s generosity. (Photo courtesy of Princeton Symphony Orchestra staff)

By Anne Levin

News of Judith McCartin Scheide’s death on December 29 has inspired numerous tributes from members of cultural organizations in Princeton. With her late husband William H. “Bill” Scheide, Judy Scheide was a prominent philanthropist admired not only for her monetary support of museums and musical organizations, but for her warmth and dedication as well.

“Judy had a kind of audacity as a philanthropist,” said James Steward, director of the Princeton University Art Museum. “She wanted not just to do good work, but to make a real impact, and she put the full creative force of her intelligence into it — not just her financial support. Judy knew that she was setting an example, in the way that true leaders do. Her passing leaves a real gap in this community, which the next generation will need to step up and fill.” more

Wet and Cold Weather Expected to Continue During Coming Week

By Anne Levin

Last week, it was torrential rain. This week, it has been snow, sleet, and ice.

Princeton police, rescue, and emergency crews have been on alert for weather-related problems in recent days. With some more precipitation and frigid temperatures forecast for the rest of this week, they are advising residents and motorists to use common sense on roadways and sidewalks.

“For us, the biggest thing is if the roads are snow-covered or icy, stay home unless you absolutely have to go out,” said Captain Christopher Tash of the Princeton Police Department on Tuesday. “The roads have been okay today, but there is ice out there and it can get worse on the roads and sidewalks.” more

Rev. George Rambow Begins his Ministry At Princeton’s All Saints’ Episcopal Church

By Donald Gilpin

The Rev. George F. Rambow

The Rev. George F. Rambow is the new rector of the All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Princeton. A native of Houston, Texas, Rambow replaces the Rev. Hugh E. Brown, who retired last year after 15 years as All Saints’ rector.

Rambow, who arrived in early December from Mississippi with his wife Emily and two daughters, is not a stranger to Princeton or to All Saints’. He received his M.Div. (2014) and Ph.D. (2019) degrees at Princeton Theological Seminary, and he and his family were previously members of the All Saints’ parish from 2015-19. In Mississippi Rambow served as assistant priest at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville and as lecturer at Mississippi State University.

He explained what brought him back to All Saints’. “It’s very simple,” he said in a phone conversation earlier this month. “It’s the wonderful people of All Saints’. It’s a wonderful church, a wonderful community, with warm and welcoming people, thoughtful people, curious people, joyful people. It’s the people who brought us back. It feels like I’ve come home.” more

Princeton Ski and Sail Offers Camaraderie and a Vast Assortment of Trips and Events

SKIING AND SOCIALIZING: Princeton Ski and Sail Club (PSSC) members enjoyed a sunny day on the slopes of Madonna di Campiglio ski resort in Italy. The more than 300 members of PSSC participate in skiing, sailing, biking, hiking, and a range of social activities all year long. (Photo by Dmitri Rizer)

By Donald Gilpin

To say that Princeton Ski and Sail Club (PSSC) is about more than skiing and sailing would be an extreme understatement.

It all began at the Peacock Inn in 1957 when the owner of the Inn at the time, legendary New Jersey land baron Bryce Thompson, presented the idea for a ski club to a group of friends. “A bunch of people got together at the Peacock Inn and passed the hat around for money to start the club, and off it went,” said longtime club member David Corbishley, who heard the story directly from Thompson a few years ago before Thompson’s death in 2019.  more

School Matters 1/17/2024

Princeton Academy Will Remain Open

Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, an independent K-8 school for boys on Great Road, has announced that it will not close after all at the end of this school year, but has been saved by “remarkable community support” and will continue into the future with “a conservative financial plan providing stability without compromising the school’s mission or programmatic offerings.”

In October 2023, the school, which was founded in 1999 in seeking to meet the need for a “values-based” private school for boys in grades K-8, announced that due to financial challenges it would be closing in June 2024.

Last week’s press release from Princeton Academy states that the October announcement “was met with unwavering support of devoted parents, heartfelt dedication of faculty and staff, steadfast commitment of the community, and the generosity of donors.” more

Photographer of New Jersey Life is Focus of State Museum Exhibition

“DINAH”: Among the photographs on display at the “Discovering Grant Castner” exhibit at the New Jersey State Museum February 3 through September 15 is this 1898 portrait of Dinah Hartman of Milford, mending a garment.

By Anne Levin

As a major repository for items related to fine art, culture, archaeology, and natural history, the New Jersey State Museum is often contacted by people interested in donating items they think curators might find of interest. Many of those queries are respectfully considered and politely refused.

But a phone call in July 2019 was a different matter. It was about a collection of 1,200 glass plate negatives by Grant Castner, a long-forgotten amateur photographer who lived and worked in Trenton. The call has led to the exhibit “Discovering Grant Castner: The Lost Archives of a New Jersey Photographer,” opening February 3 and running through September 15 at the museum on Trenton’s West State Street. more

January 10, 2024

Council Wants to Consolidate Boards, Commissions

By Anne Levin

At its meeting Monday night, Princeton Council voted to introduce an ordinance that would eliminate the Affordable Housing Board, Human Services Commission, and Civil Rights Commission, streamlining them into one entity called the Community Services Advisory Committee.

A second ordinance would dispense with the Sewer Committee, moving sewer-related issues into the Infrastructure and Operations Committee.

While public comment is not permitted at an ordinance introduction and must wait until the official public hearing (January 22 for these two proposals), some members of the existing boards and commissions have expressed their concerns about the first ordinance in letters to the editor and an email to Council. more

Labyrinth Books Owners Agree to Recognize Their Employees’ Union

By Donald Gilpin

The owners of Labyrinth Books have announced that they will recognize their workers’ choice to unionize with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), following a December request from the Labyrinth workers that their union be recognized and a January 19 date set for a formal vote on unionization.

“Since they announced just before Christmas that they wanted to unionize, we have been in a process of deep reflection and conversation, especially with our management team,” wrote Labyrinth owners Cliff Simms, Peter Simms, and Dorothea von Moltke in a January 9 press release.

They continued, “The past two weeks have convinced us that the majority of the staff that’s eligible to vote is in favor of unionizing. By voluntarily recognizing the union, we are stating our sincere intention to use this organizing moment as an occasion to listen to everyone, make positive changes, and form a united Labyrinth that can do all the work we do better together.” more

PPS Board Prepares for 2024 Challenges; Kendal, Foster Comment on Growing Schools

By Donald Gilpin

With two new members and a third newly sworn in for a third term, the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education is looking to focus on teaching and learning as it addresses the challenges of space limitations and a growing student population.

The public weighed in last Saturday, January 6, at a meeting at the Princeton Middle School (PMS) to discuss expansion plans that are under consideration. Another meeting, which will take place virtually by Zoom, has been rescheduled for this Thursday, January 11, at 7 p.m.  The current plans, which will be reviewed and discussed at Thursday’s meeting, propose expansions at Community Park and Littlebrook schools, a new addition at PMS, additional work at Princeton High School, and demolition of a section of the district’s Valley Road building. A referendum estimated at $85 millions is anticipated in the coming year. more

Arts Council’s “ART OF” Fundraisers Are Designed to Be More Inclusive

ART FOR EVERYONE: Young participants in the Arts Council of Princeton’s inaugural “ART OF” series last year attended a session called “ART OF Play.” The series returns starting Sunday, January 14 with an event geared to crossword puzzle aficionados. A variety of topics follow throughout the spring.

By Anne Levin

For many years, the Arts Council of Princeton’s (ACP) annual fall fundraiser served as a key source of support for the exhibits, classes, and special events held at the nonprofit throughout the year. But admission to these festive events wasn’t cheap, which excluded many of the artists and community members who take part in its programs.

Things changed last year with the new ART OF series of events encompassing a wide range of topics. Instead of one gala party at a steep price tag, there were several — allowing more diverse offerings and lower entrance fees.

ART OF was a success. The Arts Council will unveil a second round of the series on Sunday, with a sold-out session on the world of American crossword puzzles featuring renowned puzzle-maker Mangesh Ghogre. An eclectic list of topics are scheduled throughout the spring, at entrance prices ranging from $55 to $75. A few are free. more

Rich Array of Area Events and Service Opportunities Offered for MLK Jr. Day

By Donald Gilpin

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, January 15, will be celebrated throughout the area as a federal holiday, the only holiday described as a National Day of Service. 

Honoring the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, who was born on January 15, 1929 and was assassinated in1968, MLK Jr. Day has been observed for the past 37 years. This year’s commemorations will include many educational, cultural, and religious events and service opportunities in Princeton and throughout central New Jersey.

“In celebrating Dr. King’s 95th birthday, remember, he didn’t specify when we’d reach the Promised Land,” Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin wrote in an email. “The ongoing struggle for America’s soul echoes from then to now. Black people, integral to America’s foundation, continue fighting for freedom — it’s in our DNA.” more

January 3, 2024

Labyrinth Books Workers Plan to Unionize

By Donald Gilpin

Workers at Labyrinth Books on Nassau Street have announced their intention to unionize with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), “joining a movement of bookstore workers fighting to improve standards across the industry,” according to a RWDSU post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Unionization and collective bargaining will create a better future for this bookstore,” said Rebecca Ziemann, a Labyrinth employee and a leader of the unionization effort, in a speech delivered on December 21 in the bookstore and posted in a video on X and Facebook. “To make Labyrinth the best that it can be we want to make sure that all of our voices are heard.”

The audience of employees, most wearing red T-shirts bearing the RWDSU logo, listened intently and cheered loudly as she spoke. “We care about the outcomes and decisions made in this store and therefore we the workers want a seat at the table,” she said. “We want decisions that affect all of us to be transparent. We want to ensure that when we bring concerns to management they will be taken seriously and addressed promptly. All of that means unionization.” more

Middle School Launches Major Science Initiative; PHS Scientists Advance

By Donald Gilpin

A learning experience called eSTEAM has been bringing together about 75 Princeton Middle School (PMS) and Princeton High School (PHS) students on Saturday mornings over the past three months to work on science and technology projects.

As an extension of the district’s “Focus Forward” strategic plan, eSTEAM aims to increase STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) engagement for seventh graders in particular, who have been working with helpful mentorship from PHS students. The focus from October to December was on orientation and exploration, according to 6-12 Science Supervisor Joy Barnes-Johnson, and this month the students will be preparing for the Mercer County Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF), which will take place in late March.

Barnes-Johnson noted that the three content areas of the students’ work include an environmental project, a project on the physics of fitness and the science of play, and a third emphasis on challenges in science and technology. more

January is Show Time for PHS Studio Band; Big Band Dance, Jazz Festival Coming Up

JAMMIN’ IN LONDON: The Princeton High School (PHS) Studio Band recently returned from a trip to London, where it recorded an album at the Abbey Road Studios and presented three additional concerts. The group is currently preparing for performances at the Big Band Dance on January 12 and the 2024 Princeton Jazz Festival on January 26 and 27, both at PHS. (Photo courtesy of Joe Bongiovi)

By Donald Gilpin

There are no winter doldrums for the Princeton High School (PHS) Studio Band, which is back from its recording session at the Abbey Road Studios in London and is now preparing to host a Big Band Dance in the PHS cafeteria on January 12, then the two-day 2024 Princeton Jazz Festival on January 26-27 in the PHS Performing Arts Center.

The annual Festival, in its 17th year at PHS, is the largest educational jazz festival in New Jersey and will feature more than 700 student musicians. A middle school competition will take place on January 26, and a high school competition on January 27. Education clinics will be held for all festival participants, and there will be special sets both evenings starring guest artist and Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Randy Brecker and acclaimed tenor saxophonist Ava Rovatti performing with the PHS Studio Band. more

Experience the Battle of Princeton At Annual Battlefield State Park Event

BATTLE COMES TO LIFE: The annual reenactment of the Battle of Princeton at Princeton Battlefield State Park is expected to be bigger than ever this year, with participants representing both sides. (Photo by Al Pochek)

By Anne Levin

Judging from the statistics, interest in local history is big.

The crowd at the annual Christmas Day reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware is said to have included some 10,000. And registration for the 247th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Princeton in Princeton Battlefield State Park, set for Sunday, January 7, is well above the previous year.

“We’re preparing for bigger and bigger attendance,” said Todd Quackenbush, communications spokesperson for the Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS). “We’re going to have about 300 reenactors on the field, with artillery on both sides, giving a more realistic feel for how the battle proceeded.” more

Washington Road Bridge Closed For Work Until January 13

By Anne Levin 

Once again, the bridge on Washington Road over the D&R Canal has been closed to motorists. But unlike last year, when the span was unavailable between the end of July and the end of October, this round is expected to last only until January 13.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation closed the bridge Tuesday morning between Nursery Road and Faculty Road, to allow replacement of the temporary bridge bearings, installed during the first closure, with permanent bearings. But local access has been maintained between Route 1 and Nursery Road.

Several detours will be in place until the work is completed. Those traveling southbound on Washington Road will be directed to turn left on Faculty Road, turn right onto South Harrison Street, turn right onto Route 1 southbound, and then stay right on Route 1 to take the “All Turns” lane to County Road 571/Highstown/Princeton back to Washington Road. more

Three Kings Dance Celebration Features Lisa Botalico’s Students

FLAMENCO FIRE: This summer, the dance studio at the Arts Council of Princeton will be named for Lisa Botalico, who has taught Spanish dance there for 25 years.

By Anne Levin

When Lisa Botalico moved from New York to Princeton with her family in 1998, she worried that her flourishing career as a flamenco dancer, teacher, and choreographer would suffer.

But it wasn’t long before the Arts Council of Princeton hired her to teach. Two levels of classes soon grew into eight. Botalico, whose students will perform as part of the Arts Council’s “Dia de Los Reyes Magos” (Three Kings Day) celebration on Saturday, January 6, is a mainstay of the nonprofit — so much so that starting in June, the organization’s dance studio will bear her name. more

Tipple & Rose Tea Parlor on Nassau Street Offers Array of Tea, Lunch, and Retail Options

TEA AND MORE: “Opening a new business and learning a new market is always a challenge. You have to resonate with the community, and it’s important to appeal to the community without losing your identity. We have had great support from everyone, and more people are finding us all the time.” Doria Roberts, left, and Chef Calavino Donati, owners of Tipple & Rose Tea Parlor, are enthusiastic not only about the extensive variety of teas they offer, but also the high quality dining opportunities and the array of gifts featured in their retail section. (Photo by Eric Cash)

By Jean Stratton

Pleasures abound at Tipple & Rose, where gracious living is the heart of this charming tea parlor and gift shop.

Customers are considered “guests” and owners Doria Roberts and Chef Calavino Donati are “hosts” at the emporium, which opened at 210 Nassau Street in 2021.

The spacious setting includes three sections, explains Roberts. “We have the Mercantile retail area; the tea parlor, where people can have tea and dine; and the Cottage, another dining area where they can have bottomless pots of tea and spend quiet time studying or working on their computer. Here at Tipple & Rose, you can shop, eat, and drink tea, and work or study in the Cottage.” more

December 27, 2023

Town Sees Year of Change, Controversy, Progress

“WE WANT CHMIEL!”: On March 20, about 170 demonstrators — students and parents — at Princeton High School (PHS) called on the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Carol Kelley to rescind their decision to remove Frank Chmiel as PHS principal. Chmiel was not reinstated, and Kelley later resigned. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

By Donald Gilpin and Anne Levin

Steeped in history and tradition but changing every day, Princeton seemed to gain momentum in 2023 in its role as a hub of innovation in government, education, culture, political activity, and entertainment. The weekly Town Topics calendar of events was packed this year, but all that activity did not come without conflict and debate, as one look at the “Mailbox” section would show. more

December 20, 2023

Princeton Public Schools Looking to Expand

By Donald Gilpin

Facing the challenges of a growing community and overcrowded schools, the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) are planning for major expansion over the next three or four years.

The plans, presented by consultants and the district’s long term facilities planning committee (LTFPC) at a public meeting last week, call for expansion and improvements at Princeton Middle School (PMS) and Community Park and Littlebrook elementary schools; additional work at Princeton High School; and demolition of the older section of the district’s Valley Road building.

Total preliminary costs are estimated at $81 million to $85 million, with a fall 2024 anticipated referendum date. If Princeton voters approve the referendum, September of 2027 should see completion of the projects with “students in seats.” more

NJ, PU Announce New Collaboration for Artificial Intelligence Hub

By Anne Levin

At a presentation on Monday in the Chancellor Green Library at Princeton University, a new hub for artificial intelligence (AI) was announced by Gov. Phil Murphy and University President  Christopher L. Eisgruber.

A collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the initiative puts Central New Jersey and the University at a key position in the AI boom. On April 11, the University and the state will cohost a conference designed to bring together leaders of industry, academia, and government to discuss AI and its capabilities.

AI is defined as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Murphy said AI has the capability to help find new cures for diseases and new solutions for battling climate change.  more