December 11, 2024

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

Municipal Aid Grant Awarded to Municipality For Harrison Street Plan

By Anne Levin

Princeton has received $818,256 from the State of New Jersey for pedestrian safety between Nassau Street and Franklin Avenue, part of the North Harrison Street Improvements Project.

On November 14, Gov. Phil Murphy announced $150 million in fiscal year 2025 Municipal Aid grants. Princeton is one of 540 cities and towns across the state to be granted funds for advancing road, bridge, safety, and quality-of-life improvements.

Though the grants are competitive, every municipality that applied for funding received one, according to Murphy’s office. A total of 595 applications requested $375 million in aid. more

Rustin Center Expands Programming, Support In Wake of Post-Election Needs and Concerns

FESTIVE AND FABULOUS: Miss Cissy Walken is the host of the Holiday Drag Show on Saturday, December 7 at the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, where holiday events continue throughout the month. (Photo courtesy of BRCSJ)

By Donald Gilpin

In the face of widespread anxiety over increasing anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and action following the November election, the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (BRCSJ) will be hosting major holiday events on upcoming weekends: a Holiday Drag Show featuring Cissy Walken, Miss Stonewall Inn, on Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. and “Handmade for the Holidays Crafternoon” with Kyle the Craftivist on December 14 at 1 p.m.

Also, on Friday, December 6, there will be a Welcoming the Community Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. and in the evening at 7 p.m. a post-Thanksgiving folk concert featuring David Brahinsky and friends — all at the BRCSJ headquarters, 12 Stockton Street.

The BRCSJ, a dedicated queer safe space, offers many programs and events in person and online throughout the year, serving more than 10,000 area residents according to a recent BRCSJ email. On Christmas Day it will also be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or later, welcoming anybody who “needs or wants a safe space to hang with friends and chosen fam.” more

Friends of Princeton Open Space Hosts Mountain Lakes Photo Exhibition and Holiday Open Houses

“DEER BIND WEED”: This photo, taken by Sydney Vine in the Mountain Lakes Preserve, is one of the contest photos that will be on display at the Friday, December 6 opening reception and December 7 and 8 Holiday Open Houses for the annual “Perspectives on Preservation Photography Exhibition” sponsored by Friends of Princeton Open Space.

By Donald Gilpin

A “Perspectives on Preservation Photography Exhibition,” featuring photos of the Mountain Lakes area selected from the annual Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) Photo Contest, as well as a collection of photographs titled “Geese and Goslings” by Frank Sauer, will be on display this weekend at the Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Avenue.

The opening reception for the exhibition on Friday, December 6 from 6 to 8 p.m., where the contest winners will be announced, is booked up with a waiting list available, but visitors can also see the exhibition at a Holiday Open House on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. In addition, FOPOS is hosting a December Nature Walk, starting at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on December 7. more

Center for Modern Aging Awarded Two Grants to Strengthen Mission

By Anne Levin

The Center for Modern Aging Princeton (CMAP) has announced the receipt of two grants from the Princeton Area Community Foundation. The grants go toward supporting the organization’s mission to foster a more inclusive, age-friendly community, and strengthen its organizational capacity to deliver impactful programs and services.

A $38,200 Community Impact Grant goes toward the organization’s Community Outreach: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, and combatting ageism through intergenerational programming. This funding will enable CMAP to expand its outreach to underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minority seniors, LGBTQ+ seniors, and those facing social and economic barriers.

The grant is designed to expand on CMAP’s programs that bridge gaps between generations, and to enhance public education to challenge stereotypes about aging. The goal is to celebrate contributions of older adults to society. more

University Ramps Up Indigenous Studies with New Programs and New Professor

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton University has recently undertaken a number of initiatives to expand its influence in the field of Native American and Indigenous studies, with J. Kehaulani Kauanui coming on board as the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Professor of Indigenous Studies to help lead the effort.

In a November 14 press release, the University reported that it had expanded academic centers, programs, and scholarly resources to strengthen institutional relationships with Native American and Indigenous communities, as well as seeking to enhance research and scholarship in the field and to recognize and support Native and Indigenous students and scholars. more

Centenary Musings On Franz Kafka (1924-2024)

By Stuart Mitchner

While England endeavors to cure the potato-rot, will not any[one] endeavor to cure the brain-rot, which prevails so much more widely and fatally?

—Henry David Thoreau,
from Walden (1854)

The epigraph comes by way of the first Arts page in Monday’s New York Times. At least once or twice every year, the Newspaper of Record throws out a line that hooks me. Picture a Dr. Seuss-style fisherman, perhaps the Cat in the Hat, dandling a brain-rot lure as a Dr. Seuss fish leaps out of the water, grinning idiotically while I’m thinking “This is not how I meant to begin a December 4 column on Franz Kafka; no, this is not what I meant to do, not at all, not at all.”

Probably Kafka would love it. As would Frank Zappa, who died on December 4, 1993, having accomplished among many more notable wonders a track called “The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny” on the Mothers of Invention’s third album, We’re Only In It for the Money (a travesty of Sgt. Pepper that memorably pictured four grossly alluring “Mothers” instead of John, Paul, George, and Ringo). In his liner notes, Zappa claims that “The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny,” with its electronic crackling and screeching, is intended to give “a musical approximation” of Kafka’s “In The Penal Colony.” more

ActorsNET’s Holiday Play Is Tribute to Jane Austen

LAST OF A TRILOGY: Brittany Fauzer as Georgiana Darcy and Liz Minder as Kitty Bennet in “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley,” on stage in Morrisville, Pa., December 6-22.

ActorsNET is visiting the famous Pemberley estate for the third time with Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley, the final play in the Pemberley trilogy. Jane Austen’s characters take the Heritage Center stage once again from December 6-22.

Director Erin Leder returns to put a finishing touch on her extensive work with Gunderson and Melcon’s holiday pieces. She has taken on the first of Christmas at Pemberley plays back in 2022 and has since directed Miss Bennet, then The Wickhams in 2023, and now Georgiana and Kitty.  more

Westminster Community Orchestra Presents Annual Concert/Sing-along

Danielle Sinclair

The Westminster Community Orchestra, conducted by Ruth Ochs, will present their annual family holiday concert “Holiday Favorites and Sing-along” on Wednesday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Hillman Hall, at the Cullen Center, on the Westminster Choir College campus, Walnut Lane.

While the performance is free, the orchestra will continue its long-standing tradition of accepting freewill cash donations at the door to benefit and be distributed to area food pantries and service organizations. Audience members requiring seating assistance should arrive at 7:15 p.m.

The performance will feature Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Dance of the Tumblers” from The Snow Maiden, Frederick Delius’s “Sleigh Ride,” Samuel Coleridge Taylor’s Christmas Overture, “Festive Sounds of Hanukkah” (arranged by Bill Holcombe), and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Westminster Conservatory faculty member Danielle Sinclair will join the orchestra for two traditional carols, “Or vous Tremoussez Pasteurs de Judee” (Make Merry, Shepherds of Judea) and “El Noi de la Mare” (The Child of the Mother), with former Westminster Honors Program student Julianna Wong, mezzo-soprano. The concert will also include other Christmas favorites, and the audience is invited to lend their voices in John Finnegan’s popular Christmas Sing-along. more

Chevy Chase to Appear at State Theatre NJ

State Theatre New Jersey and NJPAC Productions present “An Evening with Chevy Chase & National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. This show celebrates the classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, with a special 35th Anniversary screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chase and his wife Jayni.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available, including a personal post-show photo opportunity with Chase.

Chevy and Jayni Chase will share their behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes about the making of this movie that has become a Christmas tradition. During the conversation, audience members can ask questions and hear firsthand from Chevy about his career including Saturday Night Live, Caddyshack, and more. more

“Nutcracker” in New Brunswick

American Repertory Ballet brings its production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” to State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue on December 20, 21 and 22, complete with live orchestra conducted by Kenneth Bean and singers from the Princeton Girlchoir. Shows are December 20 at 7:30 p.m.; December 21 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and December 22 at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $29-$69. Visit Stnj.org. (Photo by Megan Teat)

Cirque Musica Presents “Holiday Wonderland”

State Theatre New Jersey presents Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland on Saturday, December 14 at 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$99.

Featuring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats, and musicians and singers, the performance takes audiences on a journey into a world of music, cirque, and more. With new costumes, music, and storylines, the all-new show blends the grace and daredevil athleticism of circus performers with a musical mix of seasonal favorites. more

Princeton Makes Talks Series Features Winn

ARTIST TALK: Painter Claude Winn will discuss her work at the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” event on Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center.

On Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m., painter Claude Winn will be the featured speaker for the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” series at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center. Winn, a Princeton Makes cooperative member, creates abstract paintings that she calls “meditations,” reflecting her interdisciplinary background.

During the event, Winn will discuss her work and the influences of her art heroes, including William de Kooning, Wassily Kandinsky, and Helen Frankenthaler. A visual and theatre artist, Winn’s interest in art began in childhood when she spent hours in museums studying the works of great artists. more

Sean Mount Exhibition Opening at SFA Gallery

“DRINKING SONG”: This oil on linen work is featured in “Sean Mount / New Paintings,” on view December 7 through February 2 at SFA Gallery In Frenchtown. An opening night reception is on Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Following up on his successful show in 2023, Lambertville artist Sean Mount returns to SFA Gallery in Frenchtown with “Sean Mount / New Paintings,” on view December 7 through February 2. An opening night celebration is on Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.

A self-taught oil and watercolor artist, Mount is also a keen naturalist, mushroom forager, and bird-watcher. Known for his paintings of fog-shrouded woods and sun-dappled creeks, his work is recognized as fortifying the rich legacy of New Hope School Impressionism.

This exhibit comes on the heels of a major achievement in Mount’s career, the purchase of a very large oil painting, Querencia/Altar, by the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., where it is currently on view. more

Johnson Park Student Art Show at Arts Council

The Olivia & Leslie Foundation + Johnson Park Student Art Show, to he held on Saturday December 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arts Council of Princeton, will showcase the artistic accomplishments of students from the Olivia & Leslie Foundation Art + Math program.

This special event provides an opportunity to see their creativity come to life and celebrate their efforts as a community. There will also be an arts supplies giveaway and refreshments.

The Arts Council of Princeton is located at 102 Witherspoon Street.

“Freedom of Expression” Exhibit at Dupree Gallery

“FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION”: More than 150 works by 70 artists will be on view at Dupree Gallery Lambertville December 7 through January 24. An opening reception is on Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. (Photo by Sierra Humes)

Dupree Gallery Lambertville will present “Freedom of Expression” December 7 through January 24, 2025. An opening reception is on Saturday, December 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. This open call exhibition features over 150 eclectic works of art by 70 artists from around the country.

The exhibition is curated by artist and gallery owner James E. Dupree and draws from his extensive professional network of established artists, along with submissions from independent artists who responded to the open call. “Freedom of Expression” showcases a wide variety of mediums — including painting, drawing, prints, fiber art, wood carving, photography, collage, and more — offering an impressive range of styles and techniques. Artwork is priced from $125 to $4,800. more