December 11, 2024

NJ Leaders to Discuss Protecting Rights; Platkin, Howard, Sinha Join Zwicker Panel

By Donald Gilpin

As the town of Princeton, along with the whole state, prepares to face changing federal priorities from the new Trump administration, a panel of New Jersey leaders will gather on Thursday, December 19 at 6 p.m. in the Nassau Presbyterian Church (Livestream available) to discuss “State of Protection: Strengthening New Jersey’s Rights in Immigration, Healthcare, Environment, and Law.”

NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Princeton University Professor and former New Jersey Commissioner of Health and Senior Services Heather Howard, and ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha will be leading the deliberations, moderated and organized by State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (District 16).

“After the results of the presidential election, I started to think quite a bit about the first Trump administration and what I could do as a member of the N.J. state legislature to protect the people of New Jersey from what we expect will be coming out of Washington, D.C. over the next four years,” Zwicker said in a recent phone conversation.  more

Actor Appearing in “A Christmas Carol” Credits McCarter with Inspiring Her Career

“GOD BLESS US EVERYONE”: Vivia Font, in the back row at right, is happy to be back on stage at McCarter Theatre, playing Mrs. Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol.” Also pictured are Andrea Goss (Christmas Present), Kenneth De Abrew (Bob Cratchit), and Joel McKinnon Miller (Ebenezer Scrooge). (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)

By Anne Levin

For Vivia Font, who plays the role of Margaret Cratchit in McCarter Theatre’s current production of A Christmas Carol, the stage and rehearsal rooms of the venue on University Place feel like home.

It was at McCarter that the actor, who has appeared in regional theater, television, and films, found her vocation as a high school-aged participant in McCarter’s Summer Shakespeare program — first as a student, and later as a teacher. She also appeared at McCarter as a soldier in the annual production of The Nutcracker by Princeton Ballet, now known as American Repertory Ballet.  more

Coalition for Del. River Watershed Celebrates $17 Million in Grants

MARKING A MILESTONE: Enhancing the Health of the Delaware River Watershed was the focus of an awards presentation held by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is celebrating a significant milestone as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announces 45 Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF) awards, totaling over $17 million. Several grants went to projects in New Jersey.

This funding, which includes supplemental funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is made possible through the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (DRBCA) and is administered by the NFWF in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). more

Princeton Public Schools Takes on Positive and Negative Potential of AI

by Donald Gilpin

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving at a rapid rate, bringing huge advantages along with some significant harms to all areas of society, and Princeton Public Schools (PPS) is looking for the best ways to benefit from AI’s potential to enhance the education of its students.

“We’re approaching the AI frontier together, and we’re all riding that balance of using it but also not abusing it,” said PPS Assistant Superintendent Kimberly Tew in a December 3 webinar, sponsored by PPS in collaboration with Common Sense Media, an organization working with the district to develop plans and policies concerning the use of AI in PPS.

Common Sense reports that 70 percent of teens nationwide have used at least one type of generative AI tool, with 53 percent using generative AI for homework help. Only 37 percent of parents with teens using gen AI, however, know that their children are using these tools. more

A Week of Wonders: Emily Dickinson, Hector Berlioz, and John Lennon

By Stuart Mitchner

If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.

—Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

In the opening sentence of Franz Kafka’s unfinished novel Amerika (New Directions), the Statue of Liberty is holding aloft a sword instead of a torch. There are disputes online about whether this was unintended or intentional. Not to worry. With a writer as infinitely suggestive as Kafka, errors can have prophetic consequences, and since he has, in effect, arrived in post-election America for a centenary exhibit at the Morgan Library & Museum, some interesting connections are already in play, notably Barry Blitt’s New Yorker cover depicting a very nervous, verge-of-vertigo Lady Liberty walking a tightrope.

It’s also worth mentioning that the November 11 issue is centered on “The Home Front,” an article subtitled, “Some Americans are preparing for a second civil war.” A few days ago my wife and I watched Alex Garland’s dystopian fantasy Civil War. The week before, we saw London being spectacularly bombed in Steve McQueen’s no less devastating Blitz just as we were also finishing Josh Zetumer’s Say Nothing, a searing miniseries about “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland. more

Princeton University Concerts Presents Award-Winning Vocal Ensemble

By Nancy Plum

The Christmas season and choral music are practically synonymous. To many audience members, the only choral concerts attended during the year are annual Messiah performances or carol sings. The Princeton area has always had many high-quality musical Christmas events to choose from, and one of the finest this year took place this past weekend. Chanticleer, a professional men’s vocal ensemble based in San Francisco, brought its special artistry to the Princeton University Chapel on Saturday night as part of the Princeton University Concerts series. The 12-member ensemble’s music director, Tim Keeler, was a 2011 graduate of Princeton, and the chorus has maintained a close association with the community. The nearly-full house in the Chapel on Saturday night was a tribute to both Chanticleer and the region’s appreciation for choral music in the holiday season.

Saturday night’s concert featured more than 20 choral selections grouped in a variety of ways, including works on the same texts by composers of different eras sung in succession. Chanticleer opened the evening with a candlelight procession singing four settings of a ninth-century Christian hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary. Beginning with the stark open chords of early 15th-century composer Guillaume Du Fay and leading to the complex melodic writing of Renaissance master Tomás Luis de Victoria, Chanticleer’s presentation of “Ave maris stella” traced the evolution of music history at the highest level of singing. With six counter-tenors, the upper voices carried well through the expansive Chapel space as the singers made their way down the long Chapel center aisle. As with most of the music within a given “set,” the works were sung one after another without pause, and before the audience knew it, 150 years of music history had passed, and the musicians were in position on the chancel steps.  more

Giggles Galore

On Saturday, December 14 at 11 a.m., wintry children’s classics come to life with “Merry, Merry Mischief,” at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Kirby Theatre, on the campus of Drew University in Madison. The seasonal “Classics for Kids” offering features actors from the company’s family of artists with scripts in hand, presenting selections from L. Frank Baum, Louisa May Alcott, Clement C. Moore, and others. Visit shakespearenj.org for tickets.

Capital Harmony Works Names Executive Director

Niki Spruill

Capital Harmony Works (CHW) has named Niki Spruill as its new executive director. Spruill has served for the past two years as CHW’s director of development, advancing corporate and community partnerships while also stewarding individual support for programs.

Spruill played a key role in planning and executing last spring’s successful “One Voice” gala, which raised significant funds for the organization.

“We are thrilled to have Niki step into the role of executive director,” said Genevieve Thayer, chair of the board of trustees. “Her deep understanding of the organization, her ability to foster community relationships, and her dedication to creative youth development make her the ideal leader to guide us into the future.” more

Capital Harmony Works Plans Winter Performances

Capital Harmony Works has announced holiday concerts taking place in Princeton and Trenton.

On Saturday, December 14 at 4 p.m., the nonprofit’s Trenton Children’s Chorus joins Voices Chorale NJ in “Sing Out, My Soul,” at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. The program features Vivaldi’s Gloria, performed with chamber orchestra, plus contemporary compositions and arrangements. Tickets can be obtained at VoicesChoraleNJ.org.

Next on Sunday, December 15 at 3 p.m., the Trenton Children’s Chorus joins Passage Theatre Company at Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street, Trenton, for “Passage-Harmony Holiday,” including sing-alongs led by Music for the Very Young. Admission is free but donations are accepted. more

Holiday Events Planned By High School Musicians

Princeton High School’s music department is holding two special events during the holiday season. “Jammin’ With Santa” is Saturday, December 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. The 79th Annual Winter Concert is Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Princeton University Chapel. Both are free.

“Jammin With Santa” features the PHS Studio Band and PHS Jazz Ensemble, and is designed for all ages. In addition to music, there will be crafts, games, face painting, and food. Admission is free but contributions for the PHS Band Students’ Travel Fund will be accepted to benefit band students in financial need. Visit princetonjazz.org for more information.

The Winter Concert includes all orchestras and choirs from the school. Choir alumni will be invited to join the current choirs at the end of the concert, singing the traditional Bach and Handel selections.

Ellarslie Celebrates Final New Exhibitions of 2024

ART AT ELLARSLIE: This oil painting by John Gummere is featured in “Mother + Son Continued: Two Generations of Trenton Artists,” on view at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Cadwalader Park through January 19. A reception is on Friday, December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie will host a reception to celebrate the art and artists of the museum’s final new exhibitions of 2024 on Friday, December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. The two shows in separate galleries throughout the museum’s first floor are “Voices in Color” and “Mother + Son Continued.”

“Voices in Color” features works by artists of the Trenton Community A*Team (TCAT) and curated by Anthony Catanese. The exhibit celebrates the unique voices and styles of TCAT artists in a colorful display of artistry that showcases their talent and creativity. This special event is an opportunity to meet the artists, hear their stories, and honor 25 years of TCAT’s mission to amplify the voices of underrepresented creators in the community. more

Pop-Up Gallery Exhibit at MCCC

Trenton Music Experience (TME), a recently formed nonprofit whose goal is to celebrate the many significant music innovators and influencers who have graced New Jersey’s capital city over the decades, will host its first ever event in January featuring Sarah Dash, one of the city’s best known music influencers.

Dash, a singer with Patti Labelle and the Bluebelles, who also performed with the Rolling Stones and many other music greats, will be the focus of a three-day pop-up gallery exhibit at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) James Kerney Campus, 102 North Broad Street in downtown Trenton from Thursday January 9 to Saturday, January 11.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. Exhibit hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 12 to 3 p.m. Saturday. more

Princeton Makes to Present “Roots and Radiance” Exhibit

“SUNSET BIRD”: This work by Cathy Dailey is featured in “Roots and Radiance,” on view at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center December 16 through January 26. An opening reception is on December 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Princeton Makes, the artist cooperative located in the Princeton Shopping Center, has announced the opening of its upcoming basement exhibition, “Roots and Radiance.” This exhibit will run December 16 through January 26, celebrating themes of growth, grounding, and the energy of new beginnings.

An opening reception will be held on Monday, December 16 from 5 to 7 p.m., offering an opportunity for art enthusiasts and community members to meet the artists, explore their work, and engage in conversations about the inspirations behind the exhibit. Light refreshments will be provided. more

“When the Land Calls” Opening at D&R Greenway

“CIRCLE OF LIFE”: This work by Ellen Rebarber is part of “When the Land Calls,” on view at D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Marie L. Matthews Gallery December 15 through February 28. An opening reception is on December 15 from 1 to 5 p.m.

D&R Greenway Land Trust’s new art exhibit, “When the Land Calls,” opens with a reception on December 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Marie L. Matthews Gallery at the Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place. Featured artists Ellen Rebarber and Mike Benevenia will speak at 2 p.m. about their unique sculptural works, fine art paper bowls, handcrafted jewelry, and bold paintings.

The festive holiday opening offers music and refreshments and includes a Legacy Estate Sale of colored glass, crystal, pottery, and landscape art of Lambertville artist Joseph Shannon. All art is for sale and comes with a gift tag to show that purchases support D&R Greenway’s mission to preserve and care for land and inspire a conservation ethic.  more

Long History of Musical Excellence is Hallmark of Princeton Pro Musica

TAKING A BOW: Princeton Pro Musica Artistic Director Ryan James Brandau acknowledges applause from the audience at last year’s December holiday concert, “A Feast of Carols,” at the Princeton University Chapel. “Our annual December ‘A Feast of Carols’ includes the Christmas music of Bach and Handel and a wide variety of carols from across the ages,” says Kenny Litvack, Princeton Pro Musica’s marketing manager. (Photo by Ron Wyatt).

By Jean Stratton

What is your pleasure? Opera, symphony, choral, Broadway musicals, rock, rap, pop, blues, folk, country?

What is wonderful about music is that it is a gift for all of us. We are fortunate in Princeton to have many opportunities to enjoy a wide selection of music in many styles and formats. more

With Freshman Gunty Providing a Spark, Tiger Men’s Hockey Defeats Union, RPI

YOUNG GUN: Princeton University men’s hockey player Miles Gunty skates into the crease in recent action. Last Friday, freshman forward Gunty contributed two assists as Princeton defeated Union 2-1. Gunty, who picked up another assist in a 6-2 win over RPI a day later, was later named the ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week. Princeton, now 5-4-1 overall and 3-4-1 ECACH, is next in action when it plays at Army West Point on December 28. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Miles Gunty sensed a different vibe around the Princeton University men’s hockey team last week in the wake of its two-game sweep of No. 12 Ohio State.

“It was huge, this week at practice you could feel the energy every day,” said Gunty. “We are starting to believe a little bit more and last weekend was huge for that. Hopefully we are going to keep it rolling through the rest of the season.” more

PU Women’s Hockey Edges Quinnipiac in OT As Paul’s Finishing Touch Makes the Difference

WORKING OVERTIME: Princeton University women’s hockey player Sarah Paul controls the puck in a game last winter. On Saturday, junior forward Paul scored both goals for Princeton as it edged Quinnipiac 2-1 in overtime. The Tigers, who improved to 9-5 overall and 4-5 ECAC Hockey with the win, were slated to host LIU on December 10 before going on an exam/holiday break. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University women’s hockey team trailing Quinnipiac 1-0 in the third period last Saturday at Hobey Baker Rink, Sarah Paul took matters into her hands.

Junior forward Paul tallied a power play goal with 13:33 left in the third period to knot the game at 1-1 and force overtime. Then at the 2:06 mark of the extra session, Paul slotted a feed from Jane Kuehl into the back of the net to give the Tigers a 2-1 win as they posted their fourth straight win and improved to 9-5 overall and 4-5 ECAC Hockey. more

PHS Girls’ Volleyball Star Lygas, Hun QB Moran Get the Nod as Town Topics’ Leading Fall Performers

SERVING UP A WINNER: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Naomi Lygas blasts a serve in action this fall. Junior outside hitter Lygas starred as PHS went 28-1 and won its second straight New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title. Lygas tallied a team-high 318 kills, breaking the program record for career kills in the process. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Naomi Lygas realized that the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team wasn’t going to sneak up on anyone this fall after rolling to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title in 2023.

“Last year we were the underdogs, we were coming up putting Princeton on the map and this year we had a lot of pressure coming into it so that was a big thing,” said PHS junior outside hitter Lygas. “We were trying to prove ourselves. People have asked us if it is an option not to repeat and we said not really because of how hard we work.”

It didn’t take long for the Tigers to prove that they were going to be dominant once again as they brought a 19-1 record into the Burlington County Scholastic League (BCSL) tournament. PHS ended up rolling to its third BCSL title, defeating Princeton Day School 2-0 (25-6, 25-10) in the final.

In a win over fellow powerhouse Williamstown in mid-October, Lygas moved her career kills total to 736, breaking the previous program record of 724 set by Gillian Hauschild ’20. more

Featuring Battle-Tested, Talented Senior Crew, PHS Boys’ Swim Team Primed for Big Winter

FREE AND CLEAR: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Brophy competes in a freestyle race last winter. Senior star and Colgate University-bound Brophy has helped PHS get off to a 2-0 start this season. In upcoming action, the Tigers have meets at Hightstown on December 13 and at Robbinsville on December 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In its first three seasons with the Princeton High boys’ swim team, the squad’s Class of 2025 has helped the program produce a dominant run.

The Tigers have gone 40-3 in dual meets over that span, winning three county titles, making one New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state final and two North 2 Group B sectional finals. more

As Remboski Takes Helm of PHS Girls’ Swimming, It Should Be Business as Usual for Powerful Tigers

IN THE FAST LANE: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Sabine Ristad displays her freestyle form in a race last season. Senior Ristad will be playing a key role for PHS this winter as she looks to produce another stellar campaign. The Tigers, who have a new head coach in Patrick Remboski, started the season by defeating Lawrence High 94-61 last Thursday. PHS, which improved to 2-0 with a 93-64 win over Steinert last Monday, has meets at Hightstown on December 13 and at Robbinsville on December 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although Patrick Remboski has taken the helm of the Princeton High girls’ swim team, it should be business as usual for the squad.

Having served as an assistant coach for the PHS boys’ and girls’ programs for the last six seasons under head coach Carly Fackler, who is now just coaching the boys, Remboski has enjoyed a smooth transition in leading the squad. more

Having Lost a Corps of Seniors to Graduation, PDS Girls’ Hockey Will Be a Work in Progress

By Bill Alden

Having said goodbye to a stellar group of 10 seniors from last year’s squad, the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team will be featuring new faces in new places on the ice this winter.

“There is a lot of opportunity available, we are just trying to feel it out,” said PDS head coach Jamie Davis, who guided PDS to a 12-6 record and a spot in the semifinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state tournament last winter. “It is going to take a little bit of learning for everyone because we have some players who aren’t used to the ice time and have the opportunity to step up. We also have our players who have been contributors for us.”

With two of the Panthers’ top returning forwards, senior Eibhleann Knox (9 goals and 12 assists in 2023-24) and junior Brynn Dandy (4 goals, 5 assists), currently sidelined by injury, others will have opportunity to step up. more

Mickens Erupts for 23 Points in 2nd Half but Hun Boys’ Hoops Falls to Haverford

A-GAME: Hun School boys’ basketball player AJ Mickens dribbles past a foe in a game last winter. Last Thursday, senior guard Mickens scored 23 points but it wasn’t enough as Hun lost 70-61 to the Haverford School (Pa.). Hun, which fell 86-83 to Northfield Mount Herman (Mass.) last Sunday to move to 3-2, plays at the George School (Pa.) on December 11 and then competes in the 2024 Scholar Roundball Classic at the College of Holy Cross from December 14-15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

AJ Mickens went scoreless for the Hun School boys’ basketball team in the first half as it hosted Haverford School (Pa.) last Thursday evening.

With Hun down 35-22 at halftime, senior guard Mickens acknowledged that it was a tough 18 minutes for the Raiders collectively. more

With Junior Star D’Agostino Focusing on Playmaking, Hun Girls’ Hoops Looking Formidable as it Starts 7-1

DRIVE TIME: Hun School girls’ basketball player Gabby D’Agostino heads to the hoop in a game last winter. Last Wednesday, junior guard D’Agostino tallied 12 points to help Hun defeat the Academy of New Church (Pa.) 67-31. The Raiders, who defeated the Mercersburg Academy (Pa.) 75-58 last Sunday in the Hill School (Pa.) Girls’ Basketball Tournament to improve to 7-1, play at the Perkiomen School (Pa.) on December 11 before competing in the She Got Game Classic at The St. James in Springfield, Va., from December 13-15 and then hosting Tower Hill (Del.) on December 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Gabby D’Agostino carried the scoring load for the Hun School girls’ basketball team last winter as a sophomore.

The sharpshooting guard tallied 370 points in 15 games during her debut campaign with the program, more than the team’s next two top scorers combined. more

December 4, 2024

Princeton Holiday Tradition Continues

The Annual Palmer Square Tree Lighting festivities on Friday evening included musical entertainment on the patio of the Nassau Inn. Attendees share what they are looking forward to this holiday season in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)

Council Approves Resolution for Firehouse Renovation

By Anne Levin

A resolution to pay for a study of the Princeton Fire Department’s headquarters at 363 Witherspoon Street was approved by Princeton Council at its meeting on November 25. Baltimore-based architectural firm Manns Woodward Studios Inc. (MW), a specialist in firehouses, will receive up to $58,800 to come up with a conceptual design for renovating and possibly enlarging the building.

Among the items on the list are future space needs; environmental issues; HVAC and ADA-compliance issues; and accommodations for staff, vehicles, and memorabilia.

“A couple of things have happened since that firehouse was built in 1992,” said Mayor Mark Freda, after Councilman David Cohen noted that the list was extensive. “One thing is that the roof continues to leak, no matter what we’ve done to it. We’re hoping to find someone that can actually solve that problem.” more