September 11, 2024
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
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
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
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”: 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
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
LOOKING GOOD: A group of students at The Coder School Montgomery take a break from coding to try on their new Coder School shirts.
By Jean Stratton
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” —Arthur C. Clarke
Magic is indeed at work at The Coder School Montgomery!
A 7-year-old boy is busy creating a pong game in the coding language of Scratch. An 11-year-old is using the Python coding language to develop a Wordle app. A 16-year-old, also using Python, is designing an advanced app that determines the user’s carbon footprint and makes suggestions on how to minimize it.
The Coder School Montgomery, which opened in 2019 at The Grove at Montgomery, 21 Belle Mead Griggstown Road, just off Route 206 North in Montgomery, is one of 65 Coder School franchises nationwide. Owned by Michael and Dominique Young, it offers computer coding instruction for students ages 7 to 17.
The original Coder School was founded by Hansel Lyn and Wayne Teng in 2014, and now includes 1000 coder coaches, teaching 7,000 students every week.
(Photo by Leslie Mitchner)
By Stuart Mitchner
If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.
—William Blake
On Britannica’s website “This Day in History: September 11,” an image of the World Trade Center in flames sits beside a photograph of D.H. Lawrence, who was born on that date in 1885. Lawrence is not listed, however, among Wikipedia’s notable September 11 events between 1601 and 1900, such as the the theft of the Hope Diamond (1792), the Battle of Tampico (1829), the anti-Masonic Party convention (1830), or the capture of Gaki Sherocho, the last king of the Kaffa (1897).
You may wonder why the birth of a mere author rates a place on that list. In fact, Britannica has it right. The author of The Rainbow is an event unto himself. Diamonds, battles, conventions, and kings are trivia next to what he produced, not to mention what he was: the Lawrence experience. As his friend Cynthia Asquith once said, Lawrence could make washing dishes an adventure. Imagine standing side by side with Lorenzo, he doing the scrubbing with his sleeves rolled up, holding forth on the American soul while you do the drying. In the Lawrentian overflow, there’s a clarity to everything, the cups and saucers gleaming like porcelain hallucinations. more
“EMPIRE RECORDS: THE MUSICAL”: McCarter Theatre Center is presenting “Empire Records: The Musical.” Written by librettist Carol Heikkinen in collaboration with composer and lyricist Zoe Sarnak, and directed by Trip Cullman, the musical will run through October 6 at McCarter’s Berlind Theatre. Above: Liam Pearce and Lorna Courtney. (Photo by Daniel Rader)
By Donald H. Sanborn III
McCarter Theatre is presenting the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical. Adapted from the 1995 coming-of-age comedy film, the show has a book by Carol Heikkinen, the film’s screenwriter; and a score by composer and lyricist Zoe Sarnak.
Performances run through October 6. more
FUNNY GUY: Comedian Brian Regan brings his standup show to State Theatre New Jersey on Sunday, October 6. (Photo by Leavitt Wells–Netflix)
State Theatre New Jersey and Live Nation present comedian Brian Regan on Sunday, October 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $49-$223.50.
Critics, fans, and fellow comedians regard Regan as one of the most respected comedians in the country. Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Regan’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills venues across North America. He is a regular guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and has released eight hourlong comedy specials.
Regan co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrelly’s TV series, Loudermilk (Netflix), released in 2024. Farrelly personally cast Regan in the series alongside Ron Livingston, Anja Savcic, Will Sasso, and Mat Fraser. He portrays Mugsy, a recovering addict who is estranged from his family.
State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue. Visit Stnj.org for tickets.
Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s (PMCA) Third Annual Play with Words Student Playwriting Challenge invites students in grades 7 through 12 within a 25-mile radius of New Hope to submit 10-minute original plays for consideration. Winners’ works will be given staged readings at the Mill in March.
Submissions are open through January 12, 2025. As part of PMCA’s commitment to providing community service throughout the year, there is no fee to participate in this program. Look for competition rules and entry form at www.phillipsmill.org/drama/play-with-words.
Applicants to Play with Words doubled in its second year over its first. The program was presented to a sold-out house. Two 2024 winners — Finn Anderson of Upper Dublin and Matilda Bray of Solebury School (already a published author) — are off to college this fall, pursuing writing as they further their education. Winners Saskia Cooper of The Pennington School and Avigail Wus of Pennsbury High School are participating again this year. more
Rider University will present a variety of performances this season, including choral works, dance events, opera, plays, and musical theater. Westminster faculty members will appear in recital throughout the school year.
The Westminster Choir is scheduled to perform Saturday, October 12 at 7 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 801 West State Street, Trenton. The program is titled “Evensong,” based on the ancient Anglican ritual of Evensong, with Herbert Howells’ Westminster Service and motets of all eras.
Westminster Symphonic Choir presents “American Stories” featuring Joan Tower’s Made in America and Florence Price’s Ethiopia Shadow in America, at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton, on Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. Ruth Ochs conducts those works, while Vinroy D. Brown Jr. leads a rendition of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with soloists Heather Hill and Keith Spencer. The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, Capital Singers of Trenton, and Elmwood Concert Singers also take part. more
“NATURE’S ECHOES”: Works by members of the Trenton Community A-Team are featured in an exhibition at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton through October 29.
The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands (FFAM) presents the Trenton Community A-Team (TCAT) exhibit “Nature’s Echoes” through October 29 at the Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.
TCAT supports, develops, and promotes self-taught, local artists because art can be transformative by reframing the artist’s connectedness to self and others and by enhancing community pride. About nine members of TCAT visited the Abbott Marshlands at the beginning of June, soaking in the sights, appreciating all the natural beauty the marshlands had to offer. Inspired by the experiences of their visit, the artists put paint to canvas, creating their body of work entitled “Nature’s Echoes.” more
“VIRGINIA MURRAY”: This work by Peggy Peplow Gummere is part of “of “Art by Two Generations of Trenton Artists,” on view at the Trenton Free Public Library September 16 through December 17. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The Trenton Artists Workshop Association (TAWA) and the Trenton Free Public Library will present the exhibition “Art by Two Generations of Trenton Artists” at the Trenton Free Public Library September 16 through December 17. It is a continuation of the “Fresh Art” series that showcases the talent of area artists.
An opening reception is set for Saturday, September 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. and a meet the artist event is on December 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. The two mother and son artists are Peggy Peplow Gummere and John Gummere: more
“AXIS GROUNDED”: This painting by Elaine Shor is featured in the “Art Alliance of Monmouth County Invitational Show,” on view through November 2 at West Windsor Arts. An opening reception is on Friday, September 13 from 7 to 8:30 pm.
West Windsor Arts is welcoming artists from the Art Alliance of Monmouth County this fall with open arms and ample gallery space by hosting a special Invitational art show. The public is invited to attend an opening reception at the arts center on Friday, September 13, from 7 to 8:30 pm. The show will be on display through November 2.
“This show represents a new endeavor that West Windsor Arts is making to highlight the work of artists who are members of an artist association from another part of our state,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “By doing this, we are able to expand our artist network, introduce these artists to new audiences, and hopefully bring more awareness, excitement and opportunity to the art scene of our region. We look forward to sharing the work of the very talented members of the Alliance of Monmouth County.” more
TOWER BRIDGE: This work by John Clarke is featured in the Members’ Exhibition on view at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell September 14 through September 29.
Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell will present a special Members’ Exhibition September 14-29 featuring works in photographic styles and perspectives including landscapes, animals, flora, abstracts, black and white, and color. The exhibit will highlight the individual styles and photographic approaches of 14 artists.
“Laid out in salon style, the viewer will move through an ongoing mixture of images and subjects. I always enjoy and look forward to a salon show because of the variety of artistic work,” said member/curator Charles Miller. “It really gives the viewer a chance to see and understand the full range of the printed art form.” more
Paintings by Samantha Renda are on view at Small World Coffee, 254 Nassau Street, through October 1. Renda is a college student whose main artistic expression is through acrylic painting. Her subject matter is inspired mostly by landscapes and animals. Works by 9-year-old photographer Aiden Pesnell are also on view at Small World through October 1.
HARRY SITUATION: Princeton University men’s soccer player Harry Roberts sends the ball upfield last Friday night as the Tigers hosted New Hampshire. Senior forward Roberts scored a goal in the contest but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 3-2. The Tigers, who dropped to 0-2 with the defeat, were slated to play at St. John’s on September 10 before hosting Colgate on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Justin Feil
The results haven’t come quite yet, but the Princeton University men’s soccer team is taking steps forward.
The Tigers dropped their second game in a row to start the season, falling 3-2 to New Hampshire last Friday at Roberts Stadium. more
FLYING HIGH: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Naomi Lygas leaps to blast the ball in action last fall. Junior star Lygas has has piled up 30 kills this year as PHS has gotten off to a 3-0 start in regular season play. In upcoming action, the Tigers, who won the Williamstown High in-season tournament last Saturday, host Southern on September 11, Princeton Day School on September 12, and Notre Dame on September 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Despite posting a 30-1 record last fall on the way to winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title and returning a core of five stars from that squad, the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team isn’t resting on its laurels.
“The girls are definitely going to feel good, they know what they have got and what they are returning,” said PHS head coach Patty Manhart. “The focus is just not being complacent. Just because things look good for us on paper doesn’t mean that we don’t have to keep working for our season and into the postseason. I feel like that is the mood.” more
QUARTERBACK SCRAMBLE: Princeton High quarterback Travis Petrone eludes a tackler in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior star Petrone had a 4-yard touchdown run and a 28-yard interception return for a TD in a losing cause as PHS fell 42-14 to Allentown High. The Tigers, now 0-2, play at Ewing on September 13. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Even though the Princeton High football team trailed Allentown 42-7 in the waning moments of the fourth quarter last Saturday afternoon, Travis Petrone wasn’t about to give up.
PHS senior quarterback Petrone took matters into his hands, sprinting into the end zone on a four-yard jaunt to cap a 77-yard drive. more
ON A ROLL: Princeton High boys’ soccer goalie Nicolas Holmelund gets ready to roll the ball up the field last Thursday against Hightstown. Senior star and co-captain Holmelund made two saves in the contest as PHS edged the Rams 1-0 to open the season. The Tigers, who tied Cherokee 0-0 last Monday as Holmelund made three saves, will play at Allentown on September 12 before hosting Trenton on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
As the Princeton High field hockey team has gone through preseason, Heather Serverson has been doing a lot of mixing and matching.
“We have been trying to get used to all of the new faces and combining them with the older seasoned players,” said PHS head coach Serverson, who guided the Tigers to 17-3 record last year as they advanced to both the Mercer County Tournament and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 4 sectional final. more
GETTING UP TO SPEED: Princeton Day School field hockey player Charlotte Mullen races upfield in action last fall. Senior midfielder Mullen figures to be a key performer for the Panthers this season. PDS, which lost 3-1 to Peddie in its season opener last Friday, plays at Hightstown on September 11 before hosting Lawrence High on September 13 and WW/P-South on September 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
As Heather Farlow prepared her Princeton Day School field hockey team for the 2024 season, she looked to channel the coaching philosophy that helped the U.S. women’s soccer team earn a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I am stealing from Emma Hayes and what she did with the U.S. women’s soccer team, making sure that the players really have joy in what they do,” said PDS head coach Farlow, who guided PDS to a 15-4-1 record last fall. more
IN SYNC: Stuart Country Day School field hockey goalie Emily Harlan tracks the ball in a 2023 game. Senior star Harlan has been sharp in the early going this season, posting three shutouts as Stuart has started 3-0. The Tartans will look to keep on the winning track when they play at South Hunterdon on September 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Since the Stuart Country Day School field hockey team had only two seniors on its roster last year, a number of young players got thrown into the fire by necessity.
As Stuart headed into its 2024 campaign, Stuart head coach Missy Bruvik believed that going through those growing pains is paying dividends. more
September 4, 2024
