September 25, 2024

Election Race Approaches Final Month; BOE Candidates Square Off October 1

By Donald Gilpin

With races for U.S. president and vice president, U.S. Senate, U.S House of Representatives, Board of Mercer County Commissioners, Princeton mayor and Council, and Princeton Board of Education (BOE) all on the line, the 2024 campaign season is approaching its final month. Vote-by-mail ballots are already available, early voting starts on October 26, and November 5 is Election Day.

On Tuesday, October 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the six Princeton BOE candidates will face each other in a Candidates’ Forum Webinar hosted by the Princeton Parent-Teacher Organization Council (PTOC).

In Princeton the race for three seats on the School Board, with one incumbent and five new candidates running, is drawing the most attention and generating the most lawn signs, while Mark Freda in the race for another term as mayor and incumbent Leighton Newlin and new candidate Brian McDonald in the race for two seats on Princeton Council are unopposed.

In the contest for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Robert Menendez, Democrat Andy Kim is running against Republican Curtis Bashaw; in the 12th District race for Congress incumbent Democrat Bonnie Watson Coleman is running against Republican Darius Mayfield; and in the county commissioners competition a slate of three Democrats is vying against three Republican candidates for three seats.

Information about the Princeton BOE candidates is available on the PTOC website at princetonptoc.weebly.com, in local and social media, and on candidates’ websites, as well as in a continuing flow of letters to the Town Topics Mailbox. For this article Town Topics asked the candidates to provide a statement of no more than 100 words on what they would like local residents to know about them and their candidacy. Their responses follow in reverse alphabetical order. more

Six Homes Showcasing Sustainable Living Are Open to the Public This Saturday

GOING GREEN: This home on Birch Avenue is open again this year for the Princeton Green House Tour. An example of sustainable living, it is one of six included on Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free but reservations for time slots are necessary.

By Anne Levin

Last year’s Princeton Green House Tour was such a success that the planners of the event, the Princeton Environmental Commission (PEC) and the nonprofit Sustainable Princeton, are back with round two. On Saturday, September 28, the public can step inside six homes — two more than last year — to see examples of sustainable living.

“The response was tremendous, which is why at the end of the day we were all exhausted,” said Lisa Marcus Levine, the vice chair of the PEC. “But we said, ‘Let’s do it again.’” more

Princeton Reaches Out to Local Businesses with PSE&G-Backed Sustainability Campaign

By Donald Gilpin

Aiming to help businesses manage their energy use, reduce carbon emissions, and take advantage of PSE&G’s programs and incentives, the Municipality of Princeton has launched its energy efficiency outreach campaign.

As part of Princeton’s participation in the Sustainable Jersey-PSE&G Energy Efficiency Partnership Program, local businesses are encouraged to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment and reduce their energy costs.

Bank of Princeton President and CEO Edward Dietzler noted that his bank had taken advantage of the PSE&G program. “I reached out to PSE&G, thinking they’d be able to demonstrate to us opportunities to save, make things more efficient, and upgrade the system,” he said. more

An Evening of 18th Century Music and Dance Reimagines a Performance in Princeton

By Anne Levin

John Burkhalter is fascinated by colonial-era broadsheet newspapers. Scrolling recently through a database, he came upon an announcement from the New York Journal, dated August 11, 1774, for an evening of music and dance in Princeton at the “Sign of the College” tavern, which was located directly across from Nassau Hall. A man named William Whitehead had leased the tavern from Richard Stockton, the original owner of Morven.

“I was absolutely flabbergasted,” said Burkhalter, known for his performances of early music with The Practitioners of Early Musick. “In terms of 18th century music, this is one of most extraordinary documents.”

To celebrate this discovery, and in anticipation of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) and Morven Museum and Garden are collaborating with Burkhalter on a re-creation of the event. On November 8 at 7 p.m. at Morven’s Stockton Education Center, a reimagination of the evening of music and dance is planned. Burkhalter will play English and small flutes, and Donovan Klotzbeacher will play the harpsichord. Soprano Abigail Chapman and baroque violinist Elizabeth Rouget will also perform, and baroque dance specialist Susan Nabors Braisted will provide the dance component. more

Senior Star Schulze Comes Up Big with Hat Trick As PU Field Hockey Rallies to Edge Rutgers 3-2

AMAZING GRACE: Princeton University field hockey player Grace Schulze controls the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Sunday, senior forward Schulze scored all three goals for No. 18 Princeton as it edged No. 13 Rutgers 3-2. The Tigers, now 4-2 overall and 1-0 Ivy League, play at Columbia on September 27 before hosting No. 1 Northwestern on September 29. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Grace Schulze found the perfect way to end her frustration.

The senior forward scored all three goals in No. 18 Princeton University field hockey team’s 3-2 comeback win at No. 13 Rutgers on Sunday.

“It definitely was a great feeling,” said Schulze. “I think when we play Rutgers, there’s always a lot of emotion. They’re obviously our in-state rivals, so being able to get the comeback win was huge and I think I’ve been struggling with getting goals and getting shots, so I think for me it was a good way to start my scoring for the season.” more

September 18, 2024

Search for Schools Superintendent Continues

By Donald Gilpin

Ratcheting up their search for a permanent leader, the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) Search Committee was set to meet on Wednesday, September 18 with two lead search consultants from School Leadership LLC, a Long Island-based firm hired last week.

Four firms were interviewed by an ad hoc BOE committee, and the BOE noted that School Leadership, which has led many superintendent searches for school districts in the New York metropolitan area over the past 20 years, “had the best combination of search experience as well as familiarity with the Princeton Public Schools.”

One of the lead consultants, Martin Brooks, who has served as superintendent in several Long Island communities, led the Tri-State Consortium, an alliance of public school districts of which Princeton is a member, for 16 years, and in that time he visited Princeton five times.  more

New Advocacy Group Seeks Community Input on Civil Rights Issues

By Donald Gilpin

About 35 local residents, seeking to sharpen the community’s focus on civil rights, have founded a new organization called Civil Rights Princeton (CRP).

“Civil Rights Princeton is a citizens advocacy group intending to serve the cause of civil rights in Princeton, as a sounding board and information source, and, when needed, an advocate and mediator for victims of discrimination in our community,” wrote Walter Bliss, a member of the group and a longtime local resident.

So far the committee has been meeting monthly with an agenda generated mostly by questions brought up by members of the group.

“We’re brand new,” said Lew Maltby, CRP chair and chief organizer. “Nobody knows we’re here. We think that once people know we’re here, they’ll bring complaints to us.” Individuals with concerns, questions or complaints should contact CRP at maltbyadr@gmail.com, he added. more

Noom Moves to New Headquarters in Palmer Square Office Building

By Anne Levin

Noom, the digital health and wellness company known for its psychology-based weight loss program, has moved into a 9,000-square-foot space at 1 Palmer Square. The company also has offices at 5 Penn Plaza in New York City.

Last Thursday, September 12, was move-in day for the company, coinciding with its introduction of Noom GLP-1 Rx, which combines an injectable weight loss drug with a way to taper off of it.

The program “addresses the biggest real-world problems with GLP-1s: poor persistence and lean muscle mass loss,” said Chief Executive Officer Geoff Cook in a press release. “Evidence demonstrates the vast majority of people, six out of seven, are not on these medications forever. They lose lean muscle mass and regain the weight, risking conditions like sarcopenic obesity, leaving them potentially worse off than before they started the medication. People need affordable access to these important medications, and then they need an offramp off of them. We designed Noom to be that offramp. Our goal is not to sell more medications; it’s to achieve sustainable, lasting weight loss for our members.” more

Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs Celebrates 90th Anniversary This Season

FOR THE JOY OF SINGING: Members of the Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs gather each month to sing choral works under the batons of area conductors. There are no rehearsals or auditions, and all are welcome to sing or just listen.

By Anne Levin

At its founding in 1935, the Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs (PSMA) was a small club, hosted by Princeton University’s Music Department. At informal Sunday afternoon meetings, about 20 people gathered to sing selections of choral literature. Accompaniment was by a single pianist.

These days, the PSMA boasts 266 members. An invited orchestra accompanies most works, which span the choral repertoire to include requiem masses by Brahms, Mozart, and Faure; Handel’s Messiah; and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, to name a few. Guest conductors from local choruses and choirs lead each gathering. A programming committee plans each season. more

Princeton University Summer Programs Offer Rich Rewards for Range of Students

By Donald Gilpin

“Access” and “opportunity” are the goals for five different Princeton University summer programs, which this year served about 400 high school, public college, first-generation, lower-income, and transfer students.

Targeting Princeton University students as well as non-Princeton students, the University’s aptly-named Emma Bloomberg Center for Access and Opportunity (EBCAO) this past summer sponsored the following programs: Aspiring Scholars and Professionals (ASAP), Freshman Scholars Institute (FSI), Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP), Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP), and Transfer Scholars Initiative (TSI). more

September 11, 2024

Council Moves to Acquire Westminster Campus

By Anne Levin

At its meeting on Monday, September 9, Princeton Council voted unanimously to introduce two ordinances designed to start the process of acquiring the former Westminster Choir College property.

“This evening the Mayor and Council voted unanimously to introduce two ordinances which begin the process for the Municipality to acquire 101 Walnut Lane, former site of the historic Westminster Choir College,” reads a statement issued by Council President Mia Sacks on Tuesday morning. “The public hearing for Ordinance #2024-35 will be held on September 23 and the public hearing for Ordinance #2024-34 will be held on October 14.

“Acquisition of this property would represent a generational investment — enabling Princeton to more effectively plan for its long-term future — including but not limited to the provision of much-needed educational and recreational facilities for the community and school district, and other public needs.  more

All Six PPS Schools Win Certification From Sustainable Jersey

By Donald Gilpin

With sustainability remaining a high priority in the new school year, Princeton Public Schools (PPS) reports that all six of its schools have achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.

Princeton High School (PHS), Princeton Middle School (PMS), Community Park Elementary (CP), and Riverside Elementary have met the requirements to achieve certification this year, joining Littlebrook Elementary and Johnson Park Elementary, who won certification in 2022. There are 375 certified schools in New Jersey.

“We are all incredibly proud of our schools’ commitment to sustainability and all the hard work that has gone into achieving this certification,” said PPS Interim Superintendent Kathie Foster, as quoted in a press release. “By integrating sustainable practices into our buildings, operations, and curriculum, we are not only reducing our footprint but also inspiring our students to be the changemakers of tomorrow.” more

University Welcomes 1,411 First-Years, Only Small Changes in Racial Diversity

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton University has welcomed 1,411 first-year students in the Class of 2028, the first class admitted following the Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision banning race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions. Comparative numbers reveal little change in racial diversity from other recent first-year classes.

In a statement released at the time of the Court’s decision, Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber emphasized the importance of having a diverse student body and stated that Princeton would “work vigorously to preserve — and indeed grow — the diversity of our community while fully respecting the law as announced today.” more

Serious Music in a Relaxed Atmosphere at “Bach en Bandoneon” Performance

BETWEEN THE KEYS: Pianist Cristina Altamura, artistic director of Altamura Legacy Concerts, brings the Avalos-Solera Duo to Princeton on September 29 for a concert celebrating the Argentinian tango instrument, the bandoneon. The event is a collaboration with the Princeton Tango Club. (Photo by Maria Grazia Facciolá)

By Anne Levin

Should the audience at the September 29 “Bach en Bandoneon” concert at Princeton United Methodist Church (PUMC) be inspired to break into a spontaneous tango at its conclusion, nothing would please the planner of the concert more.

Cristina Altamura, artistic director of Altamura Legacy Concerts, wants the performance — as well as all events in the year-old music series — to be as much a house concert as a serious cultural event.

“I like to just set the stage,” Altamura said. “I want to encourage people to feel welcome, and comfortable to express themselves. It’s a very informal space. We’ll see what happens.” more

“Stand with the Banned” Read-Out Promotes Awareness of Censorship

“STAND WITH THE BANNED”: Author Airlie Anderson, whose children’s book “Neither” is frequently challenged, will participate in the read-out on September 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Hinds Plaza.

By Wendy Greenberg

Rallying against an uptick in banned or challenged books, community members can stand against restricting access to books when Princeton area leaders, authors, and advocates read aloud from some of these targeted books.

“Stand with the Banned,” a read-out sponsored by Princeton Public Library, Labyrinth Books, and Princeton University Press, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, will take place on Monday, September 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Hinds Plaza. The library Community Room will serve as a rain location.  more

University Seeks Even-Handed Response As Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Return

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton University continues to negotiate the fine line between allowing free speech on the one hand and maintaining an atmosphere of civility and respect for all on the other, as pro-Palestine student organizers continue to press their cause.

About 150 demonstrators gathered at McCosh Courtyard after the first day of classes last week and marched past Clio Hall and on to Nassau Hall, sites associated with last spring’s Princeton Gaza Solidarity Encampment, which held out for almost three weeks, calling for the University to divest and disassociate from companies with ties to Israel. Princeton avoided the kinds of large-scale demonstrations that roiled many other universities last spring and led to thousands of arrests and the departure of a number of college presidents. more

September 4, 2024

Referendum, Supt. Search on Tap for PPS

By Donald Gilpin

As students and teachers, staff, and administrators, all made their final preparations for Tuesday’s Princeton Public Schools’ (PPS) opening day, Board of Education (BOE) members have been setting their sights on two longer-term goals: the selection of a new superintendent and an upcoming referendum to fund new classrooms and core spaces.

Both BOE initiatives are expected to culminate early next year, with an $85-$90 million referendum vote planned for January 28, 2025 and the BOE hoping, by the first months of next year, to find the right new leader for the PPS to take over from Interim Superintendent Kathie Foster on July 1, 2025. more

Members of Community Encouraged to Participate in Cultural Exchange Night

By Anne Levin

Since Princeton first instituted Welcoming Week nine years ago, efforts have been ongoing to involve the public in this annual celebration of the town’s cultural diversity. The planners of this year’s events, which begin Friday, September 13 and run through Sunday, September 22, are hoping to inspire as many residents as possible to not just attend, but take part.

Cultural Exchange Night, which kicks off the week of events on Friday at Hinds Plaza from 4 to 6 p.m., is designed to do just that. The events are being planned by the Human Services Department and the Princeton Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Economic, Social Equity, and Social Services (C.A.R.E.S.).

“Everyone has an opportunity to take part by sharing a little something about their own country,” said Princeton Councilwoman Leticia Fraga, who is the liaison to the town’s Human Services Department. “That can be a poster board, or a table with arts and crafts, or music, or dancing. In the past, we’d often see people walking around saying, ‘I wish I would have known about this, because I would have been part of this.’ So, we’re trying to get the word out that everyone is welcome to participate.” more

Sustainable Princeton eCommuter Fest at Shopping Center on Saturday, September 14

By Donald Gilpin

Complete with circus acts, a fashion show on bikes, street savvy cycling sessions, music, games, eBike test rides, and more, Sustainable Princeton will be hosting its annual low-carbon eCommuter Fest in the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, September 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rescheduled from September 7).

The focus of this year’s event is walking, biking, public transit, and family fun, but electric vehicles will still be an important part of the festivities.

“eCommuter Fest was an evolution of our Electric Evening event, where we offered EV test drives and EV owner showcases when electric vehicles were novel,” said Sustainable Princeton Executive Director Christine Symington, as quoted in a press release. “Now that the adoption of electric vehicles is well underway, we want to celebrate and inspire our community about the benefits of walking, biking, and using public transportation to get around. Attendees will still have the chance to check out some EV models and learn about EV incentives and how to install a home charger.” more

Anniversary of D&R Canal State Park Marked by Celebratory Events

ALONG THE WATERWAY: Cyclists are among those who frequent the towpath of D&R Canal State Park, which passes through Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. The park was created five decades ago and is celebrating with a series of events beginning September 14.

By Anne Levin

Passing through four New Jersey counties between Trenton and New Brunswick, the Delaware & Raritan (D&R) Canal was a vital link for the transportation of goods for nearly a century. While its purpose had become obsolete by the 1930s, its history was not forgotten.

In 1973, the canal was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A year later, Gov. Brendan Byrne signed legislation to create the 70-mile D&R Canal State Park. It is the anniversary of that legislation that the nonprofit D&R Canal Watch is celebrating on October 26 with a walk/run/bike event. more

Local Coyote Sightings Have Increased in Recent Months

By Anne Levin

With their pointed ears, slender muzzles, and drooping, bushy tails, coyotes can be mistaken for German shepherds. But coyotes are wild animals that can pose a danger to domestic pets.

In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in sightings of the yellow-eyed “Canis latrans,” the scientific name for the coyote. James Ferry, Princeton’s animal control officer, has been watching the situation since a coyote snatched a small dog, weighing about 15 pounds, from outside a home on Random Road along Route 27 at the end of June.

“We have noticed some activity in Mountain Lakes, Herrontown Woods, and near Littlebrook School,” Ferry said last week. “They’ve kind of always been there. But the number has increased over the last few years.” more

Lafayette’s Triumphal Tour Returns to Princeton, Back After 200 Years

By Donald Gilpin

Sean Wilentz

Two hundred years ago this month, Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey, welcomed the Marquis de Lafayette to campus and presented him with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his contribution to the American cause of independence.

Lafayette was making a triumphal tour of the country at the invitation of President James Monroe and the U.S. Congress more than 40 years after the French soldier and statesman, who was a close friend of George Washington, had led the Continental Army at Yorktown in the final battle of the American Revolution.

Later this month, on September 25 at 10 a.m. as part of a 24-state tour, a Lafayette reenactor provided by the American Friends of Lafayette will share the stage with Princeton University Professor Sean Wilentz at the Nassau Presbyterian Church on Nassau Street for a public lecture on “Lafayette and the Politics of Division.” more

Soprano Emily Newton to Appear at United Methodist in Pennington

Emily Newton

The Pennington United Methodist Church continues its year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Methodism in its community with a recital on September 14 at 3 p.m. by opera singer Emily Newton. The soprano is a close family friend of one of the church’s members, and gave a concert at the church in 2016.

Pianist Joshua Rupley, a colleague of Newton at the University of Augsburg, Germany, will accompany her. The event will benefit the church’s mission projects with a free will offering. A reception will follow the concert.

Newton grew up along the rural Texas coast. She studied jazz arranging and aspired to be a jazz singer. But professors at North Texas State University convinced her to sing opera after hearing her voice.  more

August 28, 2024

PHS Prepares for 2024-25 School Year

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton High School (PHS) is preparing to welcome about 1,550 students next Tuesday for the start of the 2024-25 school year, and, along with a large contingent of new students, there will be new staff members, a new cafeteria, a new food service provider, a new roof, new security vestibules, new classroom doors, and more.

“It’s been a phenomenally busy summer, primarily because of the construction that’s been going on,” said PHS Principal Cecilia Birge. “We’ve never had so much construction. I’ve been in this building for more than 10 years, but this is the first time I’ve seen that all of the projects are coming to fruition at the same time. We’re 99 percent there.”

She pointed out that significant parts of the building had been brightened up and modernized. “The feel of the building has been changed,” she said. “What impresses me this time around is the focus on delivering a physical space to our students and staff so that our educators can really imagine the different possibilities for teaching.” more

Council Passes Resolution Supporting Legislation For Ranked Choice Voting

By Anne Levin

At its meeting Monday night, Princeton Council passed a resolution in support of a bill authorizing the use of ranked choice voting in municipal and school board elections. Sponsored in the state legislature by Sen. Andrew Zwicker, the bill would allow individual towns to adopt the approach through referendums.

Council President Mia Sacks read a statement from Zwicker that said, “When it comes to our elections, we know there are existing reforms that can help make them more fair and open, and make political campaigns more friendly. Everywhere in our country that ranked choice voting has been implemented, voter turnout increases, negativity in campaigns decreases, and public discourse is strengthened.” more