December 18, 2024

With Junior Amanze Displaying Her Potential, Tiger Women’s Hoops Defeats Rhode Island

STANDING TALL: Princeton University women’s basketball player Tabitha Amanze goes up for a shot against Rhode Island last Wednesday. Junior forward Amanze scored 14 points in 15 minutes off the bench to help the Tigers top the Rams 66-54. Princeton, now 6-4, hosts Vermont on December 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Tabitha Amanze joined the Princeton University women’s basketball program in the fall of 2022 as a highly-touted recruit, having been ranked No. 43 in the ESPNW national rankings during her senior year at the Blair Academy.

But getting derailed by a knee injury before she could make her college debut, Amanze was sidelined for the entire 2022-23 campaign. more

Peters Comes Through Down the Stretch As PU Men’s Hoops Edges Monmouth 71-67

SHAKE AND BLAKE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Blake Peters dribbles upcourt in recent action. Last week, senior guard Peter scored 14 points off the bench, including some key 3-pointers, to help Princeton defeat Monmouth 71-67. The Tigers, who improved to 8-4 with the win in the December 10 contest, face Rutgers on December 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Blake Peters acknowledged that the Princeton University men’s basketball team didn’t play its best as it edged visiting Monmouth 71-67 last week.

“I think most players would like to blow teams out, to do that you have to play extremely well; I don’t think we did tonight,” said senior guard Peters, who scored 14 points in 31 minutes off the bench in the December 10 contest as the Tigers improved to 8-4. more

Smiegocki Bringing Emphasis on Preparation In Debut Season Coaching PHS Girls’ Hoops

WINTER WONDER: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Anna Winters, right, drives to the basket in a game last season. Junior star and top returning scorer Winters figures to be a go-to player again for the Tigers with her inside-out game. PHS, which is being guided by new head coach Joe Smiegocki, will be tipping off its 2024-25 season this week by playing at Hightstown on December 17 before hosting WW/P-South on December 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For legendary UCLA men’s basketball coach John Wooden, a key tenet underlying the program’s success as he guided it to 10 NCAA titles in 12 years was the belief that failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

As Joe Smiegocki takes the helm of the Princeton High girls’ basketball team this winter, he is emphasizing that principle. more

Featuring a Drastically Revamped Roster, PHS Boys’ Hoops Aiming to Get in Sync

BESS EFFORT: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Michael Bess Jr., left, heads to the hoop in action last season. Junior guard Bess figures to play a key role for the Tigers this winter. PHS was slated to get its 2024-25 campaign underway this week by hosting Hightstown on December 17 and then playing at WW/P-South on December 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High boys’ basketball team featuring a drastically revamped roster this winter, Pat Noone’s focus is getting everyone on the same page.

“It is a totally new ball club, we only have three guys back who had significant minutes last season,” said PHS head coach Noone, who guided the Tigers to a 11-13 record last season. “Overall, it has been a lot of teaching, a lot of learning.” more

Having Worked Hard to Improve Skills in Offseason PDS Boys’ Hoops Hoping Extra Effort Yields Dividends

PASSING IT ON: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Adam Stewart fires a pass in action last season. Senior guard Stewart brings unselfish play and defensive intensity to the court for the Panthers. PDS is slated to tip off its 2024-25 campaign this week by hosting Allentown on December 17 and Nottingham on December 19 before playing at the Episcopal Academy (Pa.) on December 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Eugene Burroughs is hoping that the work his players on the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team put in this offseason will yield dividends this winter.

“I am really impressed with the kids’ energy and effort; their improved skill over the summer has been great,” said PDS head coach Burroughs, who guided the Panthers to a 7-16 record last season. “When you look at our team as a whole, I think it comes down to how well we play together. It is, ‘Can we mesh the individual skill and development that players have accomplished individually and can we put that together as a team and function within a structure.’” more

With New Coach Reddington Taking the Helm, PDS Girls’ Hoops Aiming to Make Daily Progress

RUF RIDER: Princeton Day School girls’ basketball player Shelby Ruf soars to the hoop in a game last season. Senior Ruf, who also stars in soccer and lacrosse at PDS, will bring athleticism and competitiveness to the Panthers this winter. PDS, is being guided by new head coach Patrick Reddington, will be starting its 2024-25 season this week by playing at Allentown on December 17 and at Nottingham on December 19 before hosting Florence on December 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Patrick Reddington, serving as an assistant coach for a powerhouse Ewing High girls’ basketball team proved to be a transformative experience.

“It was amazing, it really was; I told the girls all of the time that I learned more from them than they learned from me,” said Reddington, who coached at Ewing for two seasons and helped the Blue Devils win the 2023 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title. more

Stuart Hoops Has Strength in Numbers, Primed to Make a Big Jump this Winter

TAYLOR-MADE: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Taylor States dribbles past a foe in a game last season. Junior forward States, the team’s leading returning scorer, is primed for another big season. Stuart will be tipping off its 2024-25 season by playing at the Wilberforce School on December 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Tony Bowman sees strength in numbers with his Stuart Country Day School basketball team as it heads into this winter.

“I have 13 kids, I have never had that many since I have been here,” said Stuart head coach Bowman who guided the Tartans to a 6-6 record last season. “It is great for the team. I am hoping for a better quality of play this year because I have a different mix. They have shown to be resilient and they work hard.” more

December 11, 2024

Seasonal Sounds

Members of the Princeton High School Choir entertained passersby Sunday afternoon on Witherspoon Street. Residents and visitors discuss their holiday plans in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

Council Takes Next Steps for Seminary Redevelopment

By Anne Levin

Princeton Council introduced an ordinance at its Monday, December 9 meeting that approves an application for a tax exemption and PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with the redeveloper of the former Princeton Seminary property on Stockton Street at Hibben Road.

Herring Properties, formally known as HP 108 Stockton Urban Renewal LLC, plans to build a multi-family residential development of 240 units, 48 of which would be designated as affordable housing. The plan, which has been controversial, also includes public open space, 262 parking spots, and the renovation of an existing historic house.

According to a memo by Mayor Mark Freda recommending the agreement to members of Council, the project “will result in significant benefits for the health, welfare, and financial well-being of the municipality and its citizens.” In addition to the 20 percent affordable housing set-aside, Freda notes a $200,000 contribution by the redeveloper to the town’s Sustainable Transportation Fund, the enhancement of the gateway into town, and the creation of jobs during the project. more

Town Health Officer Offers Advice on Flu, COVID-19, RSV

By Donald Gilpin

As the season for cold weather, holidays, and respiratory illnesses advances, the Princeton Health Department will be closely monitoring the health of Princeton residents, particularly those most susceptible to serious sickness.

Deputy Administrator/Director of Health Jeff Grosser stated that his department’s “greatest concerns right now are the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses and ensuring that the community remains prepared.”

He continued, “Of course we focus much of our efforts on our most vulnerable, our younger and older population. With respiratory infections rising, particularly flu and RSV, the focus is on vaccination efforts, public education, and maintaining health care capacity.” more

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