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

September Begins With Dragons, Delon, Baseball, and a Smile

By Stuart Mitchner

However much my wife and I may disagree about other things, we’ve always been in accord about movies, whether it’s the late Alain Delon’s Once a Thief or HBO’s House of the Dragon.

What made the Delon film worth watching was the chance to see him in an American movie from 1965 with stunning location shots of San Francisco from the period when I lived there and was enjoying the first act of a screwball comedy romance with my future wife and viewing partner.

When House of the Dragon debuted two years ago, we gave up after the first episodes. Recently we tried it again out of sheer desperation, found the second season somewhat better, and are now looking forward to the third, which Variety says will go into production in early 2025. As always, the real stars were the dragons. What was lacking besides the sheer fun of Game of Thrones were characters as wild and witty as Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister and as dashing and loveable as Masie Williams’s Arya Stark.  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

Garden Theatre Screens Children’s Film Festival

The Garden Theatre will bring the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) to Princeton on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22. The short films of the festival expose young people to cinema from around the world. The festival debuted at the Garden last year as part of $5 Family Matinees.

The NYICFF was founded in 1997 and “is rooted in the belief of film as a path for young people to understand themselves and others,” according to its mission. Films chosen for the festival span diverse genres, cultures, and geographies, with “the most beloved, audience favorite and award-winning films” selected to tour around the country at museums, libraries, and independent cinemas like the Garden. This year’s showcase features films such as Coquille from France, and Little Fan from Germany. more

George Street Playhouse Announces Upcoming Shows

George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick has announced its roster of plays for the coming season. On the schedule are What the Constitution Means to Me, Gene and Gilda, Small, King James, and The Shark is Broken.

What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck opens the season September 24-October 13. The play delves into the relevance of the U.S. Constitution, and how in touch it is with today’s society. Next, from December 3-22 is Cary Gitter’s Gene and Gilda, which explores the love story of comedians Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. Robert Montano’s Small is about the misunderstood life of being a jockey, touching on family, racism, and addiction. The play runs January 14-18, 2025.

King James, by Rajiv Joseph, is a drama focused on two basketball fans’ friendship, drastic life changes, and the paths that could divide them. The play runs March 18-22. Closing the season April 29-May 3 is The Shark is Broken, by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon. The play dives into the making of the iconic film Jaws, as through the eyes of its stars Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw (Ian Shaw is Robert Shaw’s son). The play is directed by David Saint.

All shows are in the Arthur Laurents Theater at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue. Visit georgestreetplayhouse.org for ticket information.

Robert Beck Solo Show at Morpeth Contemporary

“FIRST LIGHT”: This work is part of “Here and Now,” a solo exhibition featuring the latest paintings by Robert Beck, on view at Morpeth Contemporary in Hopwell September 14 through October 6.  Beck will be part of the exhibition opening reception on Friday, September 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“Here and Now,” an exclusive solo exhibition featuring the latest paintings by Robert Beck, will be on view September 14 to October 6 at Morpeth Contemporary, 43 West Broad Street, Hopewell. This event marks Beck’s first solo exhibition since his acclaimed retrospective at the Michener Art Museum.  Receptions are on Friday, September 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 14, 1 to 3 p.m.

Beck, a pivotal figure and a leading voice in the Bucks County, Pa., art and cultural heritage, continues to explore the substance of contemporary life through his iconic and expressive oil paintings. His narrative-driven pieces, capturing unique but ever-present moments, have garnered Beck solo exhibits at three major museums. more

“Ellarslie Open 41” Juror Talk at Trenton City Museum

“GOD”: Stephanie Magdziak of Princeton is shown with her large-scale drawing that was named Best in Show at the Trenton City Museum’s “Ellarslie Open 41. The exhibition is on view through October 6, and a Juror’s Talk is on Saturday, September 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Kimberly Camp

The juror of Trenton City Museum’s annual “Ellarslie Open,” Kimberly Camp, will give a Juror’s Talk about the 2024 show on Saturday, September 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, located in historic Cadwalader Park. Refreshments will follow the talk and Q&A. Reserve for $25 or $20 for museum members at ellarslie.org/eo41-jurors-talk.

After reviewing 550 entries in the categories of sculpture, painting, works on paper, photography, and digital art, Camp selected 110 pieces by 94 artists for the annual showcase. During her Juror’s Talk, Camp will discuss her process for jurying and for selecting award-winners. Camp awarded Best in Show to Stephanie Magdziak of Princeton for her large-scale drawing GOD. The exhibiting artists, award winners, and online gallery can be viewed at ellarslie.org/eo41. The show is on view online and in the museum through October 6. more

Janine Dunn Wade Named Honored Artist at Juried Show

“PEONIES, PANSIES, AND BADGER”: Janine Dunn Wade, whose work is shown here, has been named Honored Artist of the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill,” on view September 21 to October 27 at the historic mill in New Hope, Pa.

Doylestown, Pa.-based artist Janine Dunn Wade has been named Honored Artist of the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill.” She describes the honor as a “dream come true.” Wade has been a contributor to the art show for more than 30 years.

Born in New York City, Dunn Wade received her B.F.A. from Villanova University in 1981, and studied abroad in Paris, Italy, and Mexico. Her work has been widely exhibited, and she has received awards from Phillips’ Mill, the Coryell Gallery, and the American Impressionist Society, among others.  more

Zimmerli Art Museum Announces Fall Programs

The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University–New Brunswick has announced its schedule of free public programs for the fall of 2024, as well as new member experiences. Such favorites as SparkNight, Último Domingo, Art Together, Study Break, and artist talks return, with the addition of monthly highlight tours. Events take place at the Zimmerli, 71 Hamilton Street New Brunswick, unless otherwise noted. For complete details and updates, visit zimmerli.rutgers.edu/events.

The season kicks off with the Fall Opening Reception on Saturday, September 14 from 4 to 7 p.m., which is free and open to the public. Guests can meet Amanda Cachia, guest curator for this fall’s major exhibition, “Smoke & Mirrors.” Cachia selected 14 contemporary artists with disabilities from across the globe who conceptualize access through humor, antagonism, transparency, and invisibility. She developed this unprecedented exhibition to showcase work by artists who are underrepresented in museums, while also encouraging visitors with disabilities and their allies to become active participants in telling their own stories.  more

Fall Calls for Art: West Windsor Arts

West Windsor Arts has announced a schedule of exhibitions for the upcoming year, including its popular Off the Wall Juried Art Show, which is on display each year during their Holiday Market of unique items. These sister shows feature works of original art and handmade items for sale by local artists and artisans, just in time for the holiday season.

“Last year, a sizable number of artists sold their work during the Holiday Market and Art Show. We encourage artists who are looking not only to sell their work in a consignment-style format, but also to be part of a thriving network of artists and art enthusiasts to keep an eye on our upcoming event. We also host community-driven performances throughout the year, and sponsor an artist in residence once a year,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts.

“West Windsor Arts is committed to offering a variety of opportunities for artists of all types to display their works, and their talents, throughout the year,” added Green. “We have built an active community of local artists who have been able to elevate their careers while also enhancing the quality of our programming.” more

Bolstered by the Return of U.S. Olympian Yeager, PU Field Hockey Primed to Get Back on Winning Track

RETURN ENGAGEMENT: Princeton University field hockey star Beth Yeager, center, bolts through two foes in a 2021 game. Yeager, who took a hiatus from Princeton for the 2023-24 school year to play for the U.S. national team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is back with the Tigers for her junior campaign. Princeton starts its 2024 season by heading to Louisville, Ky.,this weekend to face Louisville on September 6 and North Carolina on September 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University field hockey team has Beth Yeager back.

That fact alone gives the Tigers confidence that they can improve on last year, but Princeton has a lot more to be excited about than the return of Yeager, who played for the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“It’s very helpful to have her experience and her leadership,” said Princeton head coach Carla Tagliente. “She specifically has a specialty skill on penalty corners. That’s a lot of goals not in that lineup last year and a lot of playmaking missed. I don’t think we’re by any means a one-person show. We’re the probably the most balanced we’ve been in a long, long time, but having her back is definitely super helpful.” more

Carusone Displays Versatility on Both Sides of the Ball As PHS Football Loses 29-21 at Lawrence in Opener

MULTI-TASKING: Princeton High running back Carmine Carusone turns the corner last Friday night against Lawrence High. Junior standout Carusone rushed for 44 yards and one touchdown, made three catches for 49 yards and a TD, kicked three extra points, and made a team-high 13 tackles but it wasn’t enough as PHS fell 29-21 to the Cardinals in the season opener for both teams. The Tigers host Allentown on September 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Carmine Carusone was not going to be denied.

With the Princeton High football team trailing Lawrence 9-0 in the second quarter last Friday night in the season opener for both teams, Tiger junior running back Carusone caught a pass near the Cardinal 20-yard line and raced down the sideline, breaking several tackles before he dove in for a touchdown.

“I caught the ball and I turned around, I saw a couple of blocks and then I saw a couple of red shirts and then I saw the end zone and I am like, ‘all right, I have got to get there,’” said Carusone. “I saw the finish line and I reached out. I hit one juke move and a couple of guys came on my legs and I just kept driving my legs and tried to get to the end zone.” more

After Making History Last Fall with Group 4 State Crown, PHS Boys’ Soccer Ready to Compete Against Fired-up Foes

IN CONTROL: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Archie Smith controls the ball in action last year. Senior midfielder and team co-captain Smith will be counted on for his production and leadership this fall. PHS, the defending New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state champion, is kicking off its 2024 campaign by hosting Hightstown on September 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a historic 2023 campaign that saw it go 22-2 on the way to winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state title, the Princeton High boys’ soccer team knows that it has a big target on its back this fall.

Despite losing nine seniors to graduation from last year’s squad and with two other stars not coming back this year to play academy instead, PHS head coach Ryan Walsh believes his players won’t be fazed by wearing that bull’s eye. more

Brennan Excited to be Guiding PHS Girls’ Soccer, Applying Lessons She Gained While Playing for Tigers

FANCY FOOTWORK: Princeton High girls’ soccer player Marina Zaldarriaga, right, controls the ball in a game last year. Senior midfielder and co-captain Zaldarriaga is looking to come up big in her final season with PHS. The Tigers, who have a new head coach in Meghan Brennan, open their 2024 campaign by playing at Marlboro on September 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Meghan Brennan is coming full circle as she takes the helm of the Princeton High girls’ soccer team this fall.

Brennan, a 2013 PHS alumna, starred for the Tiger program during her high years before going on to play at Hamilton College. more

With Roberts Taking the Helm of PDS Boys’ Soccer, Panthers Focused on Making Daily Improvement

ON THE BALL: Princeton Day School boys’ soccer player Todd Devin, right, goes after the ball in a 2023 game. Senior midfielder Devin figures to play a key role for PDS this fall. The Panthers, who will be guided by a new head coach, Gary Roberts, were slated to get their 2024 season underway by hosting Hightstown on September 3 before playing at New Egypt on September 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Gary Roberts has built an extensive coaching resume in local soccer circles.

Roberts has helped run the Patriot FC club in Bucks County, Pa., for years, coaching more than 15 teams and 400 players and winning several Pennsylvania USYS State Cups along the way.

On the high school scene, Roberts served as an assistant coach for the Hun School girls’ soccer program, playing a key role tactically as the Raiders won the Prep A title in 2021. He went on to take the helm of the George School (Pa.) girls’ soccer team and helped the program go from a winless record to .500 campaigns. more

Coming Off a Stirring Run to Non-Public A State Title, PDS Girls’ Soccer Aiming to Re-create Championship Focus

A-PLUS: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer player Ava Katz kicks the ball in action last season. Sophomore forward Katz, who tallied five goals and 17 assists last fall in her debut campaign for PDS, figures to be a key offensive weapon this fall for the Panthers. PDS gets its 2024 season going by playing at Peddie School on September 5 and then hosting the Hun School on September 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the players on the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer team have gone through their preseason preparation, the squad’s veterans are looking to reproduce last year’s heroics.

With PDS having ended its 2023 campaign with a stirring run to the program’s first-ever New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public A title, the Panther returners got a boost of confidence from that achievement. more

Developing a Positive Chemistry During Preseason, Hun Boys’ Soccer Emphasizing a Balanced Attack

KICKING OFF: Hun School boys’ soccer goalie Diego Pena clears the ball in a 2022 game. Senior Pena is primed to produce a big final campaign in his third season as starter for the Raiders. Hun kicks off its 2024 season by playing at Hopewell Valley on September 7 and hosting Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Pa.) on September 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Pat Quirk likes the vibe he is seeing around his Hun School boys’ soccer team as it has gone through its preseason training.

“Guys are excited, it is a really great group of kids that are super connected,” said Hun head coach Quirk who guided the Raiders to a 9-9-1 record last fall on the way to the Prep A state semifinals. “They are very supportive of each other. It is a good returning group who because of injuries last year, most of them saw a significant amount of time.”

Hun boasts some exciting players at forward in senior Toba Olaleye (3 goals, 3 assists in 2023), senior Luke Donahue (5 goals), senior Luciano Verduci (3 goals, 2 assists), and senior Hayden Gronczewski. more

August 28, 2024

Move-In Day

Princeton University Class of 2028 students arrived on campus this past Friday. Fall term classes begin on Tuesday, September 3. Newcomers share what they look forward to studying in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

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