July 12, 2023

PU Grad Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Kidnapped by Shiite Militants in Iraq

By Donald Gilpin

Elizabeth Tsurkov

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University graduate student who is an Israeli-Russian dual citizen, has been missing in Iraq for several months and is being held by the Iran-backed Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah, according to an announcement last Wednesday from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

A Ph.D. candidate in the Princeton Department of Politics, Tsurkov was in Iraq conducting research for her dissertation when she was abducted in Baghdad in March.

“Elizabeth Tsurkov is still alive and we hold Iraq responsible for her safety and well-being,” the Israeli prime minister’s announcement stated. Her whereabouts remain unknown, but the announcement added that she visited Iraq “on her Russian passport, at her own initiative pursuant to work on her doctorate and academic research on behalf of Princeton University.”

The Iraq government reported on July 7 that it had initiated an investigation into the kidnapping and was awaiting the results of that investigation. more

History, Adventure, and Lifetime Learning Come Together at Hopewell Public Library

RECIPE FOR READING: “We are set apart  by our size. We are small, and offer a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. At the same time, we are an up-to-date modern library with the technology of today and the latest books in all areas, as well as local history and genealogical records of Hopewell and an extensive collection of Lindbergh material, all offering interesting research opportunities.” Hopewell Public Library Director Barbara Merry is shown in front of the library’s historic building.

By Jean Stratton

“The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,

And all the sweet serenity of books.”

—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Sequestered nooks” provides an apt description of what one finds at the Hopewell Public Library at 13 East Broad Street.

It offers a more intimate setting than many modern libraries today, and is filled with many nooks and crannies, offering surprises, and indeed, the “sweet serenity of books.”

However, it is much more.

Libraries open up new worlds — and the books within, opportunities for great adventures. more

July 5, 2023

Celebrating Independence Day

Montgomery Township hosted festivities and fireworks on Thursday evening at Montgomery High School in honor of the Fourth of July. Attendees share how they like to spend the holiday in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

Zoning Board Rejects Coffee Roasting Proposal

By Anne Levin

Last March, Princeton’s Zoning Board of Appeals first considered an application from Sakrid Coffee to open a new coffee shop, with a coffee roasting operation inside, at 300 Witherspoon Street. Following a lengthy meeting on June 28 — the fourth since the proposal — the board voted 4-3 to reject the idea for a coffee roaster. But the application for a coffee shop, minus the roaster, was approved.

Sakrid has an existing location at the corner of Nassau and Chambers streets. Owners Jonathan Haley and Serge Picard have been roasting their coffee at a facility in Moonachie, and hoped to consolidate by relocating the operation to Princeton. Moving the roasting process to 300 Witherspoon Street would not only cut down on the 110-mile round trips between Princeton and Moonachie, but would also allow customers to observe the roasting process in action. more

Tips for Reducing Trash After Holiday Parties Offered by Municipality

By Anne Levin

Since Princeton Council approved a new solid waste management program earlier this year, most residents of the 7,500 households served by the program have adjusted to the new trash collection system.

But according to the town’s Assistant Municipal Engineer Jim Purcell, there is a small percentage of people who complain that the 64-gallon cart provided by the town is not big enough. And they shouldn’t have to pay the annual fee the town requires for a second receptable, they feel, instead of using their old carts.

It is those residents that Purcell targeted with an article he wrote prior to July 4, anticipating that those hosting barbecues and other celebrations on the holiday, and throughout the summer, might generate more trash than usual. more

Opening of “Oppenheimer” Inspires Tours, Talks, Commemorative Events

By Anne Levin

Local excitement is building for the film Oppenheimer, set to open on July 21 at the Princeton Garden Theatre and across the nation. It was in Princeton that famed physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer — who was instrumental in creating the atomic bomb — lived with his family while serving as director of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) from 1947 to 1966.

Christopher Nolan’s movie stars Cillian Murphy in the title role, supported by Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, and Kenneth Branagh. Portions of the film were shot last summer at the IAS, at Princeton University, and around town, adding to local anticipation. Some Oppenheimer-themed events are planned around the opening. more

Captivated by PU Campus Carillon, Young Musician Promotes its Charms

GETTING THE WORD OUT: Gustavo R. Almirall, a rising senior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, is so passionate about the Princeton University carillon that he has made it his mission to introduce others to its music. He is shown at an event with a poster he made of the carillon playing mechanism and other information about the instrument. (Photo courtesy of Gustavo R. Almirall)

By Wendy Greenberg

Although its chimes create a lovely soundscape across the Princeton University campus, the University carillon is not familiar to many residents and students. But one local high school musician is trying to change that.

Gustavo Rangel Almirall, a rising senior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, is so captivated by the carillon that he has mounted his own public awareness campaign he calls Project Carillon. Almirall has studied the instrument and its history, and has set up informational tables at events and fairs in the area.  more

Vedic Cultural Program Offers Free Meals and Spiritual Nourishment

By Wendy Greenberg

For more than a decade, a spiritual organization has offered vegetarian meals to the community the last Sunday of each month, and served a side of spiritual nourishment for those who want to partake.

Since 2012 from 20 Nassau Street, and currently from the YMCA at 50 Paul Robeson Place, the Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute has been distributing sanctified vegetarian meals, and also offering, for those who desire, the spiritual piece called kirtan (ecstatic mantra meditation).

The free program, next held on Sunday, July 30 from 1 to 3 p.m., is called Vedic Cultural Immersion: Prasadam & Kirtan. Prasadam refers to the sanctified vegetarian meal, and kirtan, to the spiritual aspect, both practiced in the Vedic culture since ancient times in India, according to the Institute. Prasadam is specially prepared food that has been offered to God and then consumed for spiritual purification. Not only is it vegetarian, but it excludes garlic and onions.  more

Swim Club Tries to Keep Afloat Amid Post-Pandemic Challenges

HISTORIC HAVEN: Broadmead Swim Club, a part of Princeton summers for 60 years, is seeking new members to avoid closure from challenges that have added up since the pandemic. (Courtesy of Broadmead Swim Club)

By Wendy Greenberg

Three years ago, on July 4, 2020, Princeton’s Broadmead Swim Club, which was closed in the pandemic, optimistically posted on social media that it looked forward to 2021. Broadmead did reopen in 2021, but never regained the pre-pandemic level of membership, according to a statement from the club.

This Fourth of July week, the community club, which has been a haven for recreation and relaxation for Princetonians for more than 60 years, is “facing closure,” if it doesn’t add new members.  more

June 28, 2023

July 4 is Celebrated with Area Events

By Wendy Greenberg

July Fourth is an important date in Princeton, not only as the day in 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress, but also as the day in 1783 when Princeton received a letter from the Congress designating it as the home of the new government.

While the Declaration is celebrated, usually with fireworks, at least one event recognizes Princeton’s special place in history, until Congress adjourned on November 4, 1783. more

New Tree Inventory Map Has Benefits For Area Residents

By Wendy Greenberg

A red maple on North Road, an American elm on University Place – these are among more than 18,000 trees in Princeton now included on a publicly accessed map with information about their size and location. What’s more, the municipal arborist has a maintenance record on each one, and can use data to aid decisions about tree removal, planting, and planning.

Princeton’s Street Tree Inventory on 18,167 trees, to be exact, can now be viewed at princetonnj.treekeepersoftware.com. It also shows stumps and vacant tree pits — 19,000 locations in all.

Why does it matter? The benefits are many, according to Princeton Arborist Taylor Sapudar, who explained that a municipal street tree inventory gives the arborist and his staff the data-based tools with which to keep the area’s trees diverse and growing.

Residents can learn what trees they have in front of their houses, and they can learn the environmental benefits of the trees and how to care for them, said Sapudar, who is a New Jersey licensed tree expert and certified arborist. more

Council Votes to Approve Resolution to Continue Consulting on Master Plan

By Anne Levin

At its meeting Monday night, Princeton Council introduced two ordinances and approved several resolutions, including one that authorizes a supplemental professional services agreement with the architecture firm Clarke Caton Hintz for additional services related to the reworking of the town’s master plan.

The town’s municipal staff and a steering committee have been working on revamping the master plan for over a year. The resolution calls for $50,000 to be allotted to the Trenton firm to continue the process. Council President Mia Sacks expressed appreciation to Municipal Planner Justin Lesko “who has moved mountains to make this happen in an incredibly short time,” also recognizing Municipal Administrator Bernie Hvozdovic. Reworking of the plan is still on track to wrap up by the end of this year, “which is nothing short of miraculous,” Sacks said. more

Recovering Addict Runs to Raise Funds for Programs at Rescue Mission of Trenton

RUNNING FOR THE RESCUE MISSION: With supporters joining him on each segment, Allen Collins ran the 72 miles of the New Jersey portion of the Appalachian Trail last Saturday to raise funds for the Rescue Mission of Trenton. (Photo by Michael Mancuso)

By Anne Levin

After some stints in rehab and numerous arrests, Allen Collins knew his drug addiction had spun out of control. It wasn’t until he discovered his true passion — fitness — that things began to fall into place.

Collins is now a disciplined athlete and entrepreneur, and he owns three nutrition supplement stores. He also finds time to volunteer as a faculty member of the Rescue Mission of Trenton’s New Direction program, an intensive course that helps those in recovery realize their potential and, as Collins has, make a new life for themselves. more

Princeton University Concerts Scores Renowned Couple for Healing with Music Series

MUSIC’S RESTORATIVE ROLE: To open the coming season of Princeton University Concerts’ Healing with Music series, musician Jon Batiste and author Suleika Jaouad will talk about how his music helped her cope during her hospitalization for leukemia.

By Anne Levin

When Princeton University Concerts (PUC) approached songwriter/composer/bandleader Jon Batiste and his wife, author/artist Suleika Jaouad, about opening the coming season’s Healing with Music series, “it was definitely a ‘cross your fingers’ moment,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “And it was a complete jaw-drop when they said yes.” more

Princeton University Graduate Among Those Who Perished on Submersible

By Wendy Greenberg

R. Stockton Rush III

Among the five people who died as a result of a widely-covered deep ocean tragedy last week was a Princeton University alumnus whose family had ties to the University.

R. Stockton Rush III had been missing after his submersible craft, The Titan, did not resurface from a June 18 underwater trip to see the wreckage of the Titanic off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. On June 22, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that all five passengers had apparently died after debris found on the ocean floor near the Titanic wreck indicated the craft had suffered a catastrophic implosion. Rush was co-founder and CEO of the company behind the expedition, OceanGate Expeditions, based in Everett, Wash.

Princeton University confirmed Rush’s class year as 1984, and his undergraduate major, mechanical and aerospace engineering.  more

June 21, 2023

Princeton School Board Appoints New Administrators

By Wendy Greenberg

Tiffany Brennan

There will be two new administrators in the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) this fall. At the June 13 Board of Education (BOE) meeting, the Board voted on Superintendent Carol Kelley’s recommendation that Tiffany Brennan be hired as the supervisor of mathematics and business education for grades six through 12, and the board appointed John McCann as Princeton Middle School assistant principal.

Brennan, who is currently the supervisor of science, technology, engineering, and math in the Robbinsville Public School District, is replacing Stephenie Tidwell. McCann is a teacher in the middle school, and replaces Jessica Kilgore, who will be an elementary school principal in another district.

Brennan will supervise the development, implementation, and assessment of the math and business curricula. The search to fill the math position was led by a diverse committee of community members including BOE representatives, parents, educators, and administrators, according to the PPS, and Brennan was the unanimous choice. more

Improvements, Upgrades for Crosswalk, Lawn at 183-185 Nassau Street

By Anne Levin

At its June 12 meeting, Princeton Council passed a resolution providing support for the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) concept plan for improvements to the midblock crosswalk on Nassau Street between Thomas Sweet Ice Cream and Princeton University’s building at 185 Nassau Street. The proposal calls for expanding and upgrading the pedestrian crosswalk.

Concurrently, the University is converting the front lawn of 185 Nassau Street into a space to be inviting to the public as well as the University community. According to Ronald McCoy, University architect, Office of the University Architect, the project is part of “an ongoing portfolio of opportunities to enhance the campus landscape.”

The Betsey Stockton garden, which the University planted in 2018 between Firestone Library and Nassau Street, was an inspiration. Stockton was a prominent African American missionary and educator in the 19th century, and a former slave of University President Ashbel Green. The grasses and flowering plants of that garden serve as a green roof for the library’s B and C floors. more

Princeton Council Recognizes Impact of Nonprofit HiTOPS During Pride Month

By Wendy Greenberg

Although it was during Pride Month when the Municipality of Princeton recognized HiTOPS with a proclamation at the June 12 Council meeting, the organization was lauded for its positive impact on the youth of Princeton all year long.

According to the nonprofit’s mission statement, HiTOPS “fosters strong and healthy young people of all identities by providing inclusive and youth-informed sex education and LGBTQ+ support for young people throughout New Jersey.”

Councilwoman and longtime champion of HiTOPS Eve Niedergang, who presented the proclamation, noted the significant impact HiTOPS has had on the Princeton community. “From their start with Teen Council, a peer sexual health program, to their school-based sex education and teacher training, to their annual Trans Youth Forum, HiTOPS has held youth voice and leadership at the core of their mission,” said Niedergang in a press release. “Plus, they celebrate all things Princeton by hosting the HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon every November.” more

Vintage Baseball Takes the Field for Fun, with 19th-Century Uniforms and History

BAREHANDED “BASE BALL”: In a previous year, “base ball” as it was played in the 19th century, is played in a game sponsored by the Historical Society of Princeton. This year’s game will be played on Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenway Meadows Park in Princeton.

By Wendy Greenberg

It’s a game and a history class. America’s favorite pastime, baseball, is the backdrop for a family day experiencing the game as it used to be played.

The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) is offering vintage baseball, in a game to be played on Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenway Meadows Park, 275 Rosedale Road (Update, June 24: The game has been canceled due to field conditions and impending thunderstorms). more

Keeping Pets Who Fear Fireworks Safe and Secure Over July 4 Weekend

By Anne Levin

Heather Achenbach used to love fireworks. But ever since becoming executive director of SAVE — A Friend to Homeless Animals, her fondness for the summer ritual has diminished.

“When I saw the volume of lost dogs, who run away because they get scared by fireworks, I was amazed,” said Achenbach, who joined the Skillman rescue organization six years ago. “From SAVE’s perspective as a shelter that receives lost and found pets, I can say that every year when fireworks season starts — and it really starts around the Montgomery fireworks [Memorial Day weekend], which happen to be next door to our campus, through July 4 weekend — there is absolutely an uptick in lost dogs. The statistics are pretty high.” more

Mercer County Resident Searches for Liver Donor to Save Her Life

By Anne Levin

Barbara Gerrity

When Barbara Gerrity retired in 2021 from her longtime job at the Philadelphia accounting firm KPMG, she planned to spend her time traveling and relaxing with her husband. Instead, she has taken on another fulltime job — saving her own life.

The 62-year-old Mercerville resident, who has also worked in Princeton and Rocky Hill, has liver disease. She needs a liver transplant in order to survive.

Gerrity spends her days searching for a donor, through every kind of communication she can find — church bulletins, lawn signs, emails, visiting private businesses, and transplant registries (the United Network for Organ Sharing and the National Kidney Registry), as well as her own website.

“I’m trying to get the word out. I’m told it takes time. They don’t give you a time frame,” she said. “It makes me nervous that it’s summer now, and people can be away on vacation. It could be by Christmas, or by Easter. I don’t know when. But whatever day it is, that’s the day it is. A transplant team at the Penn Liver Transplant Program in Philadelphia is ready to go.” more

June 14, 2023

Council Approves 2023 Capital Budget

By Anne Levin

Some much-needed infrastructure improvements are included in Princeton’s 2023 capital budget, which Princeton Council voted to approve at a meeting on Monday night, June 12.

Previously deferred projects funded by the budget include the replacement of eight sanitary sewer pumps, improvements to the sewer system’s pipes, six storm sewer culvert replacements, open space improvements, streetscape projects, and safety and traffic calming projects.

Chief Finance Officer Sandy Webb told Council that an initial request of $47 million, “a huge number,” was reduced to about $35 million following extensive meetings with various municipal departments. The restructuring of some departments included the consolidation of engineering and infrastructure operations. The normal capital budget is around $20 million. more

Four Possible Plans For Community Park Unveiled to Public

By Anne Levin

Four possible concept plans for improvements to Community Park South, the area bordered by Route 206 and Birch Avenue, were presented at a public engagement meeting last Thursday, June 8, at the municipal building.

The meeting was the second public event to be held on the master plan for the park. Citizen feedback about the design proposals is encouraged, through a survey, in English and Spanish, available through June 19 at 9 a.m. on the website princeton.civilspace.io/en/projects/community-park-south-master-plan.

Originally, three options were planned for the park. But a fourth was added after consultants gathered input from the public, a steering committee, and municipal staff over the last few months. A survey that was posted following the first public engagement meeting in March received more than 450 responses, according to representatives of Suburban Consulting Engineers (SCE). more

Area Air Quality Improves, But Residents Should Be Aware as Fire Season Continues

By Wendy Greenberg

Last week’s poor air quality because of billowing and blowing smoke from wildfires in Canada hit Central New Jersey and Princeton hard. And it may not be the last time, as weather experts say a warm and dry season can cause more fires.

But for now, there is good news: the air quality has improved and Monday’s soaking rain has lowered the danger of area brush fires.

On Tuesday, Jeffrey Grosser, Princeton’s deputy administrator for health and community services, said, “Mercer County/Princeton is back into good/green air quality based upon the Air Quality Index (AQI).”

Grosser suggested that “residents should continue to monitor wildfires in our area due to the abnormally dry season we are having.” The weekend saw assorted fires, now controlled or out, in parts of New Jersey such as Browns Mills, Evesham Township, and Lakehurst. more

Composer Reworks “I Am Harvey Milk” for Upcoming Princeton Festival Performances

“I AM HARVEY MILK”: Shown is an October 2014 performance of “I Am Harvey Milk” at Lincoln Center, with composer Andrew Lippa, center, in the title role. The piece has been updated and will be presented by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra on June 23 and 24 at the Princeton Festival, this time with Lippa conducting.

By Wendy Greenberg

Some 10 years ago, composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa was asked by the artistic director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus if he could write a five-minute choral piece about City Supervisor Harvey Milk.

A program of several pieces was planned for a tribute to Milk, an openly gay politician who was assassinated on Nov. 27, 1978 at San Francisco’s City Hall. But Lippa said he was “so inspired by the idea, I considered it more than a creative assignment. I asked to write the entire program.” The full-length piece premiered in San Francisco on June 26, 2013, with Lippa singing the role of Milk.  more