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photo by Suzette lucas.

Opportunities: Affordable Housing Lottery

rinceton Community Housing is accepting preliminary applications for nine affordable rental units at its new 195 Nassau Street community, located near the intersection of Nassau and Moore streets in the heart of downtown Princeton.

The development places residents within walking distance of Princeton University, as well as shops, restaurants, and transit options along the Nassau Street corridor.

The apartments are part of Princeton Community Housing’s broader effort to expand access to high-quality, income-restricted housing in the region.

Units will be available to qualified households that meet income and eligibility requirements under New Jersey’s affordable housing guidelines.

As administrative agent, Princeton Community Housing will oversee the application process, verify applicant eligibility, and conduct a random selection lottery to determine placement.

Preference will be given to residents and workers of Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Applicants selected through the lottery will be contacted to complete the next steps in the leasing process, while eligible applicants not selected will be placed on a waiting list for future openings.

Preliminary applications must be submitted by Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m. to be included in the lottery. There is no application fee. The lottery is expected to take place approximately 15 to 20 days after the deadline, with occupancy anticipated in summer 2026.

For information or to apply, visit

Small Business Improvement Grant

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority offers reimbursement grants to small businesses and nonprofits for interior and exterior improvements, including construction, fixtures, and equipment purchases.

The program is designed to help businesses grow, improve operations, and enhance customer-facing spaces. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability. For information, njeda.com.

SCORE Mentoring Program

The SCORE Central New Jersey provides experienced business professionals who offer free mentoring, workshops, and practical resources for starting and growing a business. Entrepreneurs can receive guidance on business planning, marketing, financing, and operations through ongoing support. Services are available year-round. For information, see score.org.

Small Business Consulting

Free advise and training for startups and growing businesses. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center offers no-cost consulting, training programs, and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Advisors provide guidance on business planning, financing, mar-

keting, and operations, with support available for both new ventures and established companies looking to expand. Services are available yearround through regional offices. For information, see njsbdc.com.

Young Performers Workshop Summer Intensive

Centenary Stage Company is accepting applicants for its five-week summer intensive, running Monday, July 6 through Sunday, August 9, with training in acting, voice, dance, and production culminating in public performances during the Summer Festival of Shows. The program serves beginning through advanced performers, with all students accepted following an interview with the program director; auditions are held for placement. Registration deadline is Wednesday, July 1. Tuition is $600, with discounts for additional family members. For information, call 908-9790900 or email centenary.stageco@ centenaryuniversity.edu.

LPN to RN Program

Middlesex College will offer a three-semester program allowing New Jersey Licensed Practical Nurses to earn an associate degree in nursing and prepare for the NCLEX-RN in one year. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and simulation training, and is designed to support working professionals seeking career advancement. Students also gain access to a network of regional healthcare partners. Registration begins August 2026. For information, middlesexcollege.edu.

American Repertory Ballet Auditions

American Repertory Ballet accepts audition submissions for company positions, trainees, and summer programs. Opportunities are open to advanced dancers seeking professional or pre-professional training, with materials reviewed on a rolling basis throughout spring and summer. Programs offer performance opportunities, professional instruction, and exposure to a nationally recognized ballet company. For information, go to arballet.org.

Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program

Rider University is accepting applications for its Veteran Entrepreneurship Training program, a sixweek course designed to help participants develop a business idea or expand an existing venture.

The program is offered through the university’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and is limited to 20 participants to ensure individualized instruction and feedback.

Participants will learn how to evaluate business concepts, conduct feasibility analysis, and build a foundation for launching or growing a venture. The program also provides access to university resources and one-on-one mentorship from experienced business professionals and program alumni.

Sessions will be held Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. from May 13 through June 24 on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus. Applications are open through Friday, May 8, or until capacity is reached. There is no cost to participate. For information or to apply, visit rider.edu/vep.

photos by Jon Sweeney

SURVIVAL GUIDE

Friday, April 10

AI, Capitalism the Focus of IAS Public Lecture

Artificial intelligence and its growing impact on markets, jobs, and business strategy will be the focus of an upcoming public lecture at the Institute for Advanced Study.

John Cassidy, a longtime economics writer for The New Yorker, will present “A.I. and the Crisis of Capitalism: A Historical Approach” on Friday, April 10, at 5:30 p.m. in Wolfensohn Hall.

The talk draws on his 2025 book, Capitalism and Its Critics, and will examine how artificial intelligence could trigger a new phase of economic disruption — and how businesses and policymakers might respond.

For business leaders, the impacts of AI are already underway. Cassidy recently reported in his column that investor reaction to AI has erased “hundreds of billions of dollars of value” across sectors as companies confront the possibility that core functions — particularly in white-collar industries — could be automated or fundamentally reshaped.

Enterprise software firms, financial services companies, and other knowledgebased sectors have been especially exposed, reflecting concern not just about efficiency gains but about structural change. Market swings tied to AI expectations highlight how quickly valuations — and business outlooks — can shift as the technology evolves.

At the company level, Cassidy points to a widening divide in how AI is being deployed. Some firms are using it to augment workers and improve productivity; others are using it to cut headcount or intensify oversight. That split underscores a central question for executives: whether AI will ultimately expand human capability or displace it.

Cassidy’s lecture places that question in a longer historical context. In Capitalism and Its Critics, he examines earlier moments when new technologies transformed the economy, focusing on how those shifts were experienced — and challenged — by workers, thinkers, and policymakers.

He writes about the rise of the factory system in 18th-century England, where mechanization drove major increases in output while reorganizing labor around strict schedules and centralized workplaces.

The system delivered efficiency and growth, but also introduced new forms inequality that became flashpoints for criticism.

Looking back on that transformation, historian Eric Hobsbawm described industrialization as “probably the most important event in world history, at any rate since the invention of agriculture and cities.”

Cassidy’s account also follows capitalism’s expansion beyond national borders, including its connection to global trade and corporate power. Early multinational enterprises such as the British East India Company drew sustained criticism for exploitative practices and market control.

As one contemporary observer wrote, “The roguery practised in this department is beyond imagination.”

Cassidy emphasizes a recurring pattern: technological and economic advances generate substantial growth, but also concentrate power and create pressures on labor markets. Those tensions, he suggests, are not anomalies but built-in features of how capitalism evolves.

That perspective carries direct implications for the current AI situation. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as an unstoppable external force, Cassidy points to a growing body of economic thinking that stresses agency — the idea that policy choices, corporate decisions, and market structures will shape how the technology is deployed and who benefits from it.

John Cassidy, a staff writer at ‘The New Yorker,’ will discuss how artificial intelligence could reshape capitalism during an April 10 public lectu re at the Institute for Advanced Study.

For businesses, that means the outcome is not predetermined. Decisions about hiring, training, capital investment, and technology integration will influence whether AI acts primarily as a productivity enhancer or a labor-reducing tool.

At the same time, broader policy debates — including taxation, regulation, and worker protections — are likely to play an increasing role in defining the competitive landscape.

Cassidy has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1995 and writes the magazine’s regular economics column, “The Financial Page.” Over the years, he has covered globalization, financial crises, inequality, and technological change, often focusing on how large economic shifts affect both markets and workers.

His previous books include How Markets Fail: The Logic of Economic Calamities and Dot.Con: How America Lost Its Mind and Money in the Internet Era

The April 10 lecture is presented through the Dr. S. T. Lee Fund for Historical Studies. Registration is required. More information is available at ias.edu.

Business Meetings

Wednesday, April 1

Networking, BNi Falcons, IHOP, 610 Route 33, East Windsor, 877-264-0500. bninjpa. org. Hybrid meeting. 7 a.m.

Thursday, April 2

Networking, BNi Tigers Chapter, Conference Center at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, 609-570-3237. Networking meeting with business presentations and referral opportunities. bninjpa.org. In-person meeting. 7 a.m.

Networking, BNi Top Flight, Town Diner, 431 Route 130, East Windsor, 609-4438222. bninjpa.org. 7 a.m.

Friday, April 3

Networking, BNi Driven, Elks Lodge #2622, 1580 Kuser Road, Hamilton, 609585-9610. bninjpa.org. . 7 a.m.

Networking, X-Factor BNi, VFW 133, 485 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, 908-4216151. bninjpa.org. 7 a.m.

JobSeekers, Professional Service Group of Mercer County, Princwton Public Library. psgofmercercounty.org. Weekly job search support and networking group. 10 a.m.

Tuesday, April 7

Business Before Business, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, 100 College Road East, Princeton, 609-924-1776. princetonmercerchamber.org. Morning networking event with coffee, breakfast, and opportunities to connect with regional professionals. Register. 8 a.m.

Wednesday, April 8

Networking, BNi Falcons, IHOP, 610 Route 33, East Windsor, 877-264-0500. bninjpa. org. Hybrid meeting with structured networking and member presentations. 7 to 8:30 a.m.

PRE VIEW

DAY-BY-DAY EVENTS, APRIL 1 TO APRIL 8

Event listings: E-mail

events@princetoninfo.com

While many venues have returned to hosting in-person events, others are still taking place online. Event descriptions specify if an event is being held virtually or in a hybrid format. To include your virtual or in-person event in this section email events@princetoninfo.com.

Wednesday April 1

passover begins at sunset.

On Stage

Jelly’s last Jam, Bristol riverside Theater, 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Pennsylvania. www.brtstage.org. Tony Awardwinning musical takes you on a thrilling journey through the life, music, and complex legacy of the self-proclaimed inventor of jazz, Jelly Roll Morton. 7:30 p.m.

What Became of Us George Street playhouse, Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. An intimate story of siblings whose lives take drastically different paths. Their common origin keeps them bound together; how they experience it drives them apart. A lifetime, told from two sides, will determine whether they find their way back to one another. $35 and up. 7:30 p.m.

Music Lectures

plOrk Origins and Futures, a lunchtime Chat, princeton University, Woolworth Center Room 102, Princeton. music.princeton. edu. Lunch and a chat with Princeton Laptop Orchestra founder Dan Trueman and current direcdtor Jeff Snyder. 12:30 p.m.

Dancing

Contra Dance, princeton Country Dancers, Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton. www.princetoncountrydancers.org. Ridge Kennedy with Blue Jersey. $15. 7:30 to 10 p.m. Disco Dancing Night, Cooper’s riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. coopersnj.com. DJ Cesar Cab. $10. 8 p.m.

Wellness

Wild Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower preserve, 1635 River Road, New Hope, PA. www.bhwp.org. Gentle yoga that builds body awareness, strength, flexibility and a better understanding of how humans connect to and reflect natural systems with Priscilla Hayes. Register. Pay what you can, $8 and up. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Jelly Time

‘Jelly’s Last Jam’ is on stage at Bristol Riverside Theater through April 26. Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Jelly Roll Morton.

Faith

prayer labyrinth, Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton. With one path to the center, the path allows one’s mind to focus on meditation or prayer. Through April 3. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Socials

Jersey Art Meetup Arts Council of princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Princeton Comic Makers presents: JERSEY ART MEETUPS (JAM), a weekly social event connecting creatives within the greater Central Jersey area through a shared passion for sequential art and new media. Attendees may use this open workshop space to draw, write, and develop their own artwork, with an opportunity to receive peer review and feedback from other members if desired. Illustrators, animators, writers, and generalists are all welcome to join and discuss their art and career goals, share learning resources, promote current projects, or find friends and collaborators. Must be 16+ to attend. Free. 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday April 2

Live Music

Cosmic Jerry Band, Cooper’s riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. coopersnj.com. Live music with Grateful Dead tribute band. 7 p.m.

Art

receptor Series: Digital paintings by Joe lugara, princeton public library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. princetonlibrary.org. Joe Lugara’s paintings and photographic works have appeared in more than 40 exhibitions in museums and galleries and published in more than 30 magazines On view through June 1. Exhibition opens 9 a.m.

Andy Franz: legacy Exhibition, Anne reid ‘72 Gallery, Princeton Day School, 650 Great Road, Princeton. www.pds.org. Opening reception for exhibition honoring the late artist Andy Franz (19362024), PDS teacher and advisor of 29 years. On view through April 30. 5 to 7 p.m.

On Stage

Lectures

Art of Sugar: Science, Sculpture & Social Change, Arts Council of princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Part-lecture, part-live demonstration with edible artist Linda Khachadurian, who introduces participants to the basics of isomalt, a sugar derived from sugar beets, and explains why this glossy, durable material has become her medium of choice for sculptural work. Register. $25. 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Literati

princeton Memoir Salon, The peacock inn, 20 Bayard Lane, Princeton. One-day literary gathering for adults 55+ who wish to approach personal writing with seriousness, structure and care. $195. eventbrite.com/e/writing-alife-worth-remembering-april2-2026-tickets-1983613557548. 20 Bayard Lane, Princeton. 9 a.m.

Film

princeton French Film Festival: Bardot (2025), Princeton Garden Theatre. 7 p.m. Featuring Q&A with Professor Ericka Knudson. frenchfilmfestival.gradlife.princeton.edu. 160 Nassau Street, Princeton. 7 p.m.

Comedy

Nish Kumar: Angry Humour From a really Nice Guy, McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton. mccarter. org. U.K. political comic Nish Kumar co-host of podcast “Pod Save the U.K.” In the Matthews Theatre. 7:30 p.m.

Friday April 3

Good Friday.

On Stage

Mame Music Mountain Theater 1483 State Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre. org. When the ebullient and convivial socialite Mame Dennis suddenly becomes responsible for the upbringing of her nephew, Patrick, the wealthy sophisticate embraces the challenge, introducing the boy to all of life’s wonders. $36 to $38. 7:30 p.m.

Jelly’s last Jam Bristol riverside Theater, 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Pennsylvania. www.brtstage.org. Tony Awardwinning musical takes you on a thrilling journey through the life, music, and complex legacy of the self-proclaimed inventor of jazz, Jelly Roll Morton. 8 p.m. it’s Never Too late, Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. kelsey.mccc.edu. World premiere musical that weaves together the stories of individuals who discover that it’s never too late to pursue their dreams. $26. 8 p.m.

The Comeuppance, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton. Tickets at arts.princeton.edu. In Berlind Theater. Surreal play by Tony Award and MacArthur Genius Award winner and Princeton alum Branden JacobsJenkins. 8 p.m. Preshow conversation with playwright at 5 p.m.

Dancing

Friday Night Folk Dance princeton Folk Dance, Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton Street, Princeton. www.princetonfolkdance.org. Lesson followed by open dancing. No partner necessary. $10. 8 p.m.

Dance

rider Dances, Bart luedeke Center, rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville. www.rider.edu. Pairing professional dance artists with university dance students to create original, contemporary dance works. 7:30 p.m.

Film

A real pain, Center for Modern Aging, Suzanne patterson Building, 45 Stockton Street, Princeton. www.cmaprinceton. org. Feature film explores family, trauma, and self-discovery through the strained relationship of two cousins. Attend in person or on Zoom. Must register. 1 p.m.

Comedy

Kevin Downey Jr., Catch a rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Center, West Windsor. catcharisingstar.com. Live comedy. 8 p.m. Gardens

Spring French Market Flower Sale, Mercer island (corner of Nassau Street and University Place). Garden Club of Princeton selling arranged baskets, potted plants, bouquets, and flowers in vases suitable for an Easter lunch table. Funds raised go toward garden club civic projects, which include maintenance of the traffic island. 10 a.m. to noon.

Saturday April 4

Live Music

Bunny Trail Spring Festival, , Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, 609-924-2310. www.terhuneorchards.com. Easter scavenger hunt, petting zoo, barnyard games, pony rides, NJ Bubble Parties show. Farm Food Pavilion and Terhund Winery. Live music with Barbara Lin Band. Noon to 5 p.m.

The Strange Brew Crew, Needle Creek Brewery, 91 Titus Mill Road, Pennington. needlecreek. com. Live music. 1 p.m.

princeton University Chamber Choir Concert, richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, princeton University. Tickets at music. princeton.edu. Spring concert. St. Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach. Performers Julian Gregory of The King’s Singers (Evangelist), Baroque orchestra The Sebastians, and Princeton University Chamber Choir. Conducted by Gabriel Crouch. $16/$6 student.

On Stage

What Became of Us, George Street playhouse, Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. An intimate story of siblings whose lives take drastically different paths. Their common origin keeps them bound together; how they experience it drives them apart. A lifetime, told from two sides, will determine whether they find their way back to one another. $35 and up. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. it’s Never Too late, Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. kelsey.mccc.edu. World premiere musical that weaves together the stories of individuals who discover that it’s never too late to pursue their dreams. $26. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Mame, Music Mountain Theater, 1483 State Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre. org. When the ebullient and convivial socialite Mame Dennis suddenly becomes responsible for the upbringing of her nephew, Patrick, the wealthy sophisticate embraces the challenge, introducing the boy to all of life’s wonders. $36 to $38. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Dance

Andy Franz: Legacy Exhibition Honors

‘Legendary’ Teacher

The Anne Reid Gallery at Princeton Day School presents Andy Franz: Legacy Exhibition, opening on Thursday, April 2 with a public reception from 5-7 p.m.

The exhibition honors the late Andy Franz (1936-2024), PDS teacher and adviser of 29 years, and parent of Susan Murphy and Robert A. Franz, both graduates of PDS.

The exhibition, on display from April 2 through April 30, brings together handcrafted furniture and woodwork by Franz, his students at PDS, and the Nakashima Studio, where he worked as a master craftsman for over a decade.

Franz has been described as a towering figure at Princeton Day School and a true legend among its many impactful educators, Andy Franz’s influence on the school and its students is both deep and enduring.

Franz was born in Palanka, Yugoslavia (then part of Austria-Hun-

The Center Will Not Hold: a Dorrance Dance production, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton. www.mccarter. org. Set to original music by Donovan Dorrance, with live percussion by drummer John Angeles, the work features 11 performers blending street, club and vernacular dance forms. 7:30 p.m.

Family Theater

Cinderella, Music Mountain Theater, 1483 State Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre.org. Reimagining of Cinderella features magical mice, a pumpkin-turned-carriage, and whimsyfilled waltz-worthy numbers. $13. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Film

princeton French Film Festival: resonance Acadie (2025), Arts Council of princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. frenchfilmfestival.gradlife.princeton.edu.

Film about 10 young artists from the Acadian diaspora, who are invited to create a work of art in eight days. Q&A with director Phil Comeau. Noon.

Comedy

Kevin Downey Jr., Catch a rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Center, West Windsor. catcharisingstar.com. Live comedy. 7:30 p.m.

Farmers Markets

West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market, 877 Alexander Road, West Windsor. wwcfm.org. Winter market. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Outdoor Action

princeton Canal Walkers, Turning Basin park, Alexander Road, Princeton. 3 mile walk on the towpath, weather permitting. Free. Register to canalwalkers@googlegroups.com for notices of weather-related cancellations. 10 a.m.

Henhouse Visits, Howell living History Farm, 70 Woolens Lane, Lambertville. howellfarm.org. Step inside a working henhouse and help a farmer make their feed, then reach into a nest box and take out an egg to bring home. howellfarm.org. 10 a.m.

Kingston Historical Society Archivist Team Open Work Session, lock-tender’s House, 39 Old Lincoln Highway, Princeton. www.khsj.org/help. Help society maintain, catalog, and interpret artifacts and documents related to the Village of Kingston. Organize recent acquisitions to the collection, including papers and artifacts related to local history. April 4 is also the opening day for the displays in the Locktender’s House. 10 a.m. to noon.

gary). At a young age, he was forced into a concentration camp, where most of his family members perished.

Franz and his mother were able to escape slavery in 1947, with the help of his father, crossing into Hungary. At the age of 15, Franz apprenticed as a cabinetmaker to help support his parents while attending school.

In 1956, he immigrated to Ellis Island, assisted by a sponsor in Trenton, to begin his new life in America.

Franz worked for the acclaimed furniture designer George Nakashima for over a decade before transitioning to a teaching position at PDS, where he remained until his retirement in 1998. The school’s senior award for excellence in woodworking bears his name, as does the Princeton Day School woodshop. Until his death, Franz attended the award ceremonies each year, personally shaking the hand of every student recognized.

On view in the gallery, alongside photographs and furniture loaned from the Franz family and the Nakashima studio, are dozens of tributes from Franz’s former students.

The exhibition was co-curated

Milling Demonstrations at Historical Walnford, 62 Walnford Road, Allentown. monmouthcountyparks.com. experience the rumble, clack and whoosh of the site’s 19th century gristmill. Starting on Saturday, April 4, the gristmill will resume demonstrations on weekend afternoons. Approximately 15 minutes each demonstration. See how corn was ground into meal in the 19th century. Demonstrations at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Sunday April 5

Easter.

Live Music

Bunny Trail Spring Festival, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, 609-924-2310.

Andy Franz (1936-2024), a long-time teacher at Princeton Day School and a woodworker, is the focus of an exhibition at the school. Opening reception is Thursday, April 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.

by PDS arts daculty member in furniture design, Christopher Maher, and arts faculty member in painting and drawing and director of Anne Reid Gallery Gwen Shockey.

www.terhuneorchards.com. Easter scavenger hunt, petting zoo, barnyard games, pony rides, NJ Bubble Parties show. Farm Food Pavilion and Terhune Winery. Live music with Four the Record. Noon to 5 p.m.

Film

princeton French Film Festival: Jerome’s Secret, Betts Auditorium, princeton University School of Architecture. filmfestival.gradlife.princeton.edu. In 1863 Nova Scotia, a Corsican expatriate and his Acadian wife adopt a young man who has no legs. Q&A with director Phil Comeau. 5 p.m.

For Families

Easter Egg Hunt, Lutheran Church of the Messiah, 407 Nassau Street, Princeton. All are welcome. Free. 9 a.m.

Shockey is also director of the Anne Reid Gallery. The exhibition is also on view in partnership with director of alumni engagement and strategy Amy Gallo.

On Stage

Continued on following page

Tuesday April 7

Dancing

Tuesday Night Folk Dance, princeton Folk Dance, Christ Congregation, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton. www.princetonfolkdance.org. No partner necessary. $5. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Film

princeton French Film Festival: The passion of Joan of Arc (1928), princeton Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau Street, Princeton. Silent film with live musical accompaniment. Part of the Princeton Garden Theater’s “Not So Silent Cinema” program. frenchfilmfestival.gradlife.princeton.edu. Featuring Q&A with Professor Ericka Knudson. 7:30 p.m.

Lectures

Dean’s leadership Series with Sen. Andy Kim, Arthur lewis Auditorium, robertson Hall, princeton University. A Princeton School of Public and International Affairs event. Kim will discuss challenges and complexities of the current global moment and what the United States must do to build resilient strategies that deliver opportunity and security for America. Open to the public; must register at spia.princeton.edu. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.

Kids Stuff

read and Explore: Composting, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence, 609-924-2310. www.terhuneorchards.com. Read stories about worms and compost then make a compost container to take home. For ages 3 and up. Register. $12. 10 a.m.

Gardens

Annual plant Sale: Final Day, Morven Museum & Garden. Order at morven.org/plantsale. Flowers, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs and more. Customers can pick up their orders May 15-18 at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton.

For Seniors

Beginners Art Workshop: Spring Quarter, Center for Modern Aging, Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton Street, Princeton. www.cmaprinceton.org. Waterpainting class Tuesdays through June 30. $135 resident/$150 nonresident. 2 to 4 p.m.

Wednesday April 8

Classical Music

Ébène String Quartet, princeton University Concerts, richardson Auditorium, princeton University. concerts.princeton.edu. Program includes Mozart, String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, K. 421; Ravel, String Quartet; and Brahms, String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 51, No. 2. $33 to $54. 7:30 p.m.

Jazz & Blues

Coltrane 100, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, Princeton. www.mccarter.org. Saxophonists Joe Lovano and Melissa Aldana, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts in a tribute reflecting John Coltrane’s enduring influence. 7:30 p.m.

Pop

Music

Sound Studio Series, State Theater New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. www. stnj.org. Series of intimate, 80-seat performances held in theater’s Sound Studio. With soulful vocals and fearless storytelling, Patrice Pike, the magnetic former frontwoman of Austin’s acclaimed Sister Seven, brings hope, fire, and raw humanity to the stage, tackling hard truths while lifting audiences with resilience and joy. $20 to $30. 7:30 p.m.

Music Lectures

Bob Dylan in America, TigerSide Chats. Virtual event. Historian Sean Wilentz in conversation with Jonathan Taplin, former tour manager for Bob Dylan and The Band. Register to attend online by April 6. alumni.princeton.edu/tigersidechats. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Earth Day Birthday 56

FOR 56 YEARS, WHOLE EARTH CENTER HAS BEEN A GATHERING PLACE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS, ORGANIC FARMERS, AND LOVERS OF REAL FOOD.

MANY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE SHOPPED AT OUR STORE AND BELIEVED IN OUR MISSION.

’It’s

Never Too Late’: New musical by 95-year-old writer at Kelsey Theater

The power of hope, reinvention and second chances takes the stage when Theater To Go presents the world premiere, limited engagement of the new Lou DiPietro musical “It’s Never Too Late,” April 3–12, at the Kelsey Theatre on the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus.

Written by Hightstown resident Lou DiPietro with music by West Windsor native Louis Josephson (currently of New York City), “It’s Never Too Late” is a new musical that tells the story of the ripple effect that a brief encounter between two former lovers has on the lives of seven interconnected characters.

Each struggles to stay afloat while confronting the unexpected turns their lives have taken. With a rich tapestry of characters and a melodic score, the musical invites audiences to embrace change and rediscover their authentic selves— at any age.

DiPietro began writing the play at the age of 90 and now, at 95, is excited to share his work with an audience.

“I’m thrilled to bring this musical to life in such a dynamic way,” said DiPietro. “The themes of resilience and second chances resonate deeply with so many people, and I believe this show will inspire everyone who experiences it.”

Watch an interview with Lou DiPietro about the play: youtu.be/ fZk5yUmlj7o.

More about the show at www. itsnevertoolatemusical.com.

The professional cast consists of

Music

pop-Up Choir princeton, Arts Council of princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. artscouncilofprinceton.org. an allages community singing experience where families, neighbors, and music-lovers come together to sing pop songs in harmony. A phone-free event. Free. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

On Stage

WE INVITE EVERYONE TO JOIN US IN BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE ORGANIC GARDEN STATE!

Trenton Theater Renames Stage to Honor Longtime Patron

Passage Theater Company will rename the Mill Hill Playhouse

“The Larry Hilton Stage,” in honor of long-timegreat donor, patron, producer and friend of the company Lawrence M. Hilton.

Passage Theater remembers Hilton as “a beacon for the theater for nearly 40 years and a steward for all art, music, theater, and education in his hometown of Trenton.”

Milton died on July 2, 2025, at the age of 79.

The naming ceremony will take place with Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora in attendance on Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at the Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street in Trenton.

Admission to the event will be

right on Time: Lou DiPietro and Louis Josephson, collaborators on Kelsey Theater’s premiere musical, “It’s Never Too Late.”

actors from the tri state area, including Phil Zipkin of New Hope, Pennsylvania; Libby Kane of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; Jim Morris, Jim Petro and Jennifer Fischer, all of Hamilton; Charlotte Caldejon of Lawrence; Reba Holley of Pennington; and Neil Devlin, Cassaundra Reed and Brenna Peerbolt, all of New York.

The creative team for “It’s Never Too Late” includes director/producer Ruth Markoe of Lawrence; playwright Lou DiPietro of Hightstown; composer/musical director Lois Josephson of New York; choreographer Laura Ghaffoor of Hamilton; set designer Shawn Simmons of Hamilton; lighting designer Kitty Getlik of Hamilton; sound engineer Eric Collins of

passage Theater renaming of Mill Hill playhouse Stage, Mill Hill playhouse, 205 East Front Street, Trenton. Dedication and mural unveiling in honor of larry Hilton (1946-2025), long-time patron of the passage Theater Company.

Dancing

Contra Dance princeton Country Dancers, Suzanne patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton. www.princetoncountrydancers.org. Bob Isaacs with Janet, Robert, Mark & Lee. $15. 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Lectures

Native plant Nursery Opening lecture: How Flowers Made Our World, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower preserve, 1635 River Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania.

free, with donations in honor of Hilton’s legacy encouraged.

“Larry built our audience and championed Passage Theatre like few others,” said Passage’s Executive Artistic Director Brishen Miller. “This honor was planned before his unfortunate passing, and we were so glad to celebrate him last year at our 40th Anniversary gala. Larry, if you’re watching us now, Passage hopes to forever make you proud.”

The honor is commemorated with a 6-foot-by-5-foot mural painted by Trenton artist Dean Innocenzi. The mural will permanently be affixed to the Passage Theatre stage entrance.

The canvas was donated to the artist by Hilton’s longtime friend and collaborator, the late Mel Leipzig. Friends and supporters can contribute to the Larry Hilton Memorial fund to support Passage Theatre in his honor. Online: passagetheatre.org.

Trenton; and costumer Melissa Rittmann of Ewing.

Dates and showtimes for “It’s Never Too Late” are Fridays, April 3 and April 10, and Saturday, April 4 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances Saturdays, April 4 and April 11, and Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m.

All performances are at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Tickets are $26 for adults and $24 for seniors and students and may be purchased online at www. kelseytheatre.org or by calling the Kelsey Box Office Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, at 609-570-3333.

www.bhwp.org. Join David Haskell in an exploration of the many ways that flowers build, sustain, and animate the living world, human life included. Via Zoom. Register. $15. 7 p.m.

Lectures

inaugural lecture of Dr. Matthew Vincent Novenson: Exegesis and Other Kinds of Eisegesis, princeton Theological Seminary, Stuart Hall room 6, 64 Mercer Street, Princeton. ptsem. edu. Lecture interrogates classic practice of biblical exegesis and questions the commonplace that defines exegesis over against its supposed contrast term: eisegesis. Novenson is Helen P. Manson Profesor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Passage Theater will rename its stage after Larry Hilton in a ceremony on April 8.

SPACE FOR LEASE

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Route 518 & Vreeland Drive | Skillman | Somerset County

• Six building complex totaling 47,094 sf (+/-)

• Suites available with separate utilities, entrance, bathroom & kitchenette

• Built-to-suit spaces designed to fit your needs

• 336 Parking spaces with handicap accessibility

• Close proximity to hotels & restaurants in the Princeton & Trenton areas

• Five building complex totaling 50,735 sf (+/-) with retail, medical & office space in one convenient location

• Suites available with separate utilities, entrance, bathroom & kitchenette

• Built-to-suit spaces designed to fit your needs

• High-speed internet access available

• 250 Parking spaces with handicap accessibility

• Easily accessible from Routes 206 & 287 as well as downtown

• Four building warehouse complex totaling 150,000 sf (+/-) situated in a prime location right off Route 31

• All buildings feature 32’ clear ceiling heights, 25’ x 50’ column spacing, heavy power, LED warehouse lighting, 360-degree site circulation, heavy floor load, loading docks &/or drive-ins

• Separate utilities & entrances for each suite

• Full wet sprinkler system throughout

• 270 Parking spaces with handicap accessibility

PRE VIEW

Artist Hope Gaburo: The Making of a Mural

Murals are paintings for the public. They are paintings that make people look, define a place and make people remember. Hope Gaburo is a muralist. She has vision and energy and creates fun memorable places. Her art makes you notice spaces that may have been overlooked. She recently painted a mural inside one of the newer restaurants in Hamilton, Il Dono on Route 33. The mural is both nostalgic and comforting. It seems to be what many people are looking for.

When did you decide to paint murals? Did you start with smaller works?

Hope Gaburo: This is a fun question. Before I started murals, I owned an art gallery/studio at New Hope Arts. I took over my friend’s business after she unexpectedly and tragically passed in 2022. Her name was Erin Simmons, she was a phenomenal artist, and I owe everything I am to her. I wouldn’t have gotten my start without her taking a chance on me and I always will give her credit. I was a part of that gallery, as an artist, but I just painted on canvas and smaller works for the longest time.

It wasn’t until 2023, when I got a call from a local landlord/real estate owner/community member named Tom McMillan, that really changed things for me. He called me because I had a friend who lived in one of his properties in New Hope and asked me if I did murals large scale because he had a 20ft wall he needed some help with. I said, “I do now!” and honestly, I just kept the faith it would all work out in the end. I learned a lot through that project. But yeah, that’s really what started it all.

Did you have a mentor learning to work this large?

Hope Gaburo: Technically, no. I had never worked this large and to be honest, I wasn’t sure if I really could. But someone needed me to and I just kept the faith that it would all work out. And it did! I just am blessed to live in a community amongst many vibrant artists and find inspiration in those around me.

How many murals have you painted in the area?

Hope Gaburo: Hmm, I have to count! At this current moment, I’ve painted close to 20 murals in

April 8

Continued from preceding page

Socials

Jersey Art Meetup, Arts Council of princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Princeton Comic Makers presents: Jersey Art Meetups, a weekly social event connecting creatives within the greater Central Jersey area through a shared passion for sequential art and new media. Attendees may use open workshop

by Thomas Kelly

this area so far. It’s been 3 years since I started, and I don’t paint fast. Painting fast freaks me out, I tend to be super OCD about my work, and I’ll check things more times than I can count. These murals were for businesses, schools, and private clients. I like to work with everybody. It keeps things fun.

How did the mural come about at the new restaurant, Il Dono?

Hope Gaburo: Il Dono came about because the owner, Justin Vitella, is a client of mine from his businesses in Lambertville! I met him through a previous venture with my dear friend, Joe Crozier, from Bridge Street Burgers, when I did a mural there. So, when Justin called about Il Dono opening, I was beyond excited!

Why the black and white and focal-point color combination on this piece?

Hope Gaburo: The black and white was all Justin’s idea— I can’t take credit for that one. He wanted something that resembled a vintage Italian aesthetic, to help portray the story and inspiration behind his restaurant, his grandma! We based it off vintage Italian “Pasta Ambra” pieces and wanted to make it resemble an old photograph. And as time went on, we thought it would be fun to add a pop of color to the spaghetti. You know, it was one of those things where we said, why not?

Is there a lot of collaboration with the clients on designs?

Hope Gaburo: Absolutely. Yes. I won’t do it any other way! My clients are always involved with 100% of the process, from start to finish. It’s not just “my” piece, it’s ours. The ideas come from everything around me. What inspires me or us. I just simply help bring their vision to life! We’re a team and I’m so grateful that I am now at the point where I truly take on projects and do business with people I love. Who are some of your influences and what did you take away from them?

Hope Gaburo: My influences are everything and everyone around me. First, I thank God for what I have and give that credit because I truly never believed this could be my life. I’m not lucky, this is a blessing and I’m thankful that

space to draw, write, and develop artwork with an opportunity to receive peer review and feedback from other members if desired. Illustrators, animators, writers, and generalists all welcome. Must be 16+ to attend. Free. 7 to 9 p.m.

For Seniors

Alzheimers Support Group, Mercer County Connection, 957 route 33, Hamilton. Register at 609-890-9800. Support group provides safe welcoming environment for caregivers to share their experiences, seek advice, and find emoitonal support from others who understand their journey. 2 to 3 p.m.

this is how I give love to the world. Without taking that blind leap of faith back in 2023, I wouldn’t have any of this.

My community of creators and friends around me, the amazingly brilliant artists that live in this river town that are living out their dreams alongside me and with me, my incredibly supportive family and fiancé, who inspire me to say yes to love each and every day. I also think about the ones that aren’t here anymore. I say yes for them, too. My dad died 10 years ago, and there was a time where he was the only person on this planet who believed I’d make it as an artist. He used to make me watch Bob Ross and tell me that it “was my world” and if I could dream something, I could make it happen. Growing up, we didn’t really have any money for me to go to school or anything like that, and my mom got

Jazz Tracks: Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo

Makhathini, Linda

May Han Oh and Jeff “Tain” Watts are at McCarter Theater on Wednesday, April 8 for a musical celebration of John Coltrane’s 100th birthday.

diagnosed with cancer shortly after my dad died. So, the only option I had was to do it for myself, and everyone around me, and use all the love from my world along the way to guide me. What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?

Hope Gaburo: I love this question. Because it’s real. And to be honest, becoming an artist had its fair share of struggles for me personally. When I started out, there were many months when I didn’t know where the rent was going to come from. Living in a town that especially now has become quite monopolized unfortunately as locals have really struggled financially. As the costs of living keep going up. Like the ones keeping this town alive and employed are being pushed out due to rising prices on everything. A one-bedroom apartment here could be three grand.

To some people, they don’t bat an eyelash at that. But to me, that’s a lot. I used to make myself sick worrying and praying for the answer to make rent for my home and my studio. I took on many jobs over the course of several years, just trying to make ends meet. All I knew was that I couldn’t give up. So, I didn’t. And there were so many people who helped me along the way, just because I didn’t throw in the towel.

What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to?

Hope Gaburo: What’s on the horizon for me? Doing exactly what I’m doing now! I wouldn’t change a thing. Getting to work with local businesses and friends, I love this river town and if I was exactly where I am now this year too, I’d be more than content. I just want to make art in the community that I love. To me, that’s really all I need.

Instagram: @yourfriendhope.

Lambertville-based muralist Hope Gaburo with her latest work at Il Dono restaurant in Hamilton.

Dr. Auntie Mixes Flavor, Fundraising, and Community Ties

One of Ewing Township’s most colorful new businesses in recent years is Dr. Auntie’s Gourmet Popcorn — an independent snack shop that opened in 2024.

Dr. Auntie’s Gourmet Popcorn specializes in freshly made popcorn with a variety of flavorful twists. Treats on offer may include fairly standard varieties such as kettle corn, caramel, butter, and cheese.

But those with more adventurous palates might opt for flavors such as cookies and cream, Buffalo wing, blue raspberry, sriracha lime or peanut butter cup.

Dr. Auntie is Cynthia Fulford, 55, who made the decision to start up her own business after a career in academia. She spent 30 years working as a student development officer on college campuses, including The College Of New Jersey before embarking on life as an entrepreneur.

Fulford, who lives in Ewing, is a graduate of Trenton Central High School. She has degrees from Washington and Jefferson College, Syracuse University, and Bowling Green University. She is also a licensed minister and lay leader at Change Church in Ewing.

US 1 interviewed Fulford about starting up a new business in Mercer County, the choices that she made while creating the business, how business is going, and where she hopes to go from here.

US 1: Why did you decide to start a gourmet popcorn business?

Cynthia Fulford: What inspired me to start a gourmet popcorn business was my deep love for connecting people. To me, popcorn is more than just a snack — it’s comfort food that naturally brings people together.

As a student affairs professional, I often used popcorn as a way to draw students, faculty, and staff into shared spaces where they could build relationships and discover common ground. I realized I wanted to continue creating those meaningful connections beyond campus and within the broader community.

As I began researching, I discovered that popcorn consistently ranks as a top snack choice. Not only is it delicious, but it can also be a healthy option. The strong growth potential within the popcorn market confirmed that this idea was both personally fulfilling and financially viable.

Armed with this research and driven by my passion for serving both my church and my community, I felt that starting a gourmet popcorn business was a natural next step in my personal and professional journey.

Beyond building a business, I wanted to create something that could truly bless the community through fundraising and meaningful partnerships. This business allows me to combine purpose, connection, and opportunity in a way that is authentic to who I am.

US 1: Tell us about the name Dr. Auntie.

CF: My family gave me the name “Dr. Auntie” after I earned my doctorate in higher education. It started as a playful term of endearment, a lighthearted way of teasing me about collecting titles— especially since I am also a licensed minister. What began as a joke quickly stuck and became something meaningful.

I chose to use Dr. Auntie as the brand for my business because it reflects both my credentials and my heart. It captures the feeling of being the trusted neighborhood

auntie—someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, caring, and invested in the growth and well-being of others.

US 1: How did you select Ewing as a home for your business?

CF: Ewing is a strong, diverse, and family-oriented community. It is centrally located and easily accessible by major roads, making it convenient for residents and neighboring towns alike.

I wanted to establish my business in a place where local families, schools, churches, and community organizations could easily connect with and access our services. Ewing provides that ideal hub for outreach, engagement, and impact.

US 1: How did you come up with recipes for your popcorn?

CF: We spend a lot of time experimenting in what we call our own version of a test kitchen. When we want to try a new flavor, we announce it to our customers and offer free tastings in exchange for their feedback.

Our customers have helped us refine our recipes by letting us know when a flavor is too salty, too sweet, too spicy—or not bold enough. Using their input, we adjust the recipes to find the perfect balance, ensuring every batch delivers just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the palate.

US 1: How did you come up with the range of flavors that you offer?

CF: Staying true to my love for engagement and bringing people together, I wanted to create a variety of flavors that would appeal to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I initially purchased a gourmet popcorn recipe book, but I soon found myself adjusting many of the recipes and eventually creating original ones.

I carefully consider customer feedback and market trends, then get creative with the spices and flavor oils available to craft unique blends. While it’s important to offer classic favorites, gourmet popcorn should deliver an elevated flavor experience.

I believe in offering something for everyone — sweet, savory, spicy, and seasonal — going beyond the basics to provide memorable and exciting options for our customers.

US 1: Do the flavors stay the same or change? Do you have special flavors?

CF: We keep our core favorites available year-round, but we regularly rotate special and seasonal flavors. Around holidays, sporting events, and community celebrations, we introduce limited-edition options to keep things fresh and exciting. This gives our customers — especially our foodies who love trying new flavors — a reason to come back often.

As a small, local business, we also have the flexibility to create custom flavors for special orders. While we’re capable of making over 100 different flavors, we simply can’t offer that many on the menu at one time. Rotating selections allows us to maintain quality while still providing variety and creativity.

US 1: How is the popcorn made?

CF: Our popcorn is made fresh in-store using wholesome, highquality ingredients. From carefully selected oil and spices to real sugar and chocolate wafers, we’re committed to creating a preservativefree experience whenever possible. We pop our corn in small batches to ensure maximum freshness, quality, and flavor. Our popping

by Joe Emanski

schedule is based on customer demand, but with special fundraising orders, we can pop up to 100 gallons of popcorn in just one hour. After popping, we carefully sift out excess kernels and husks and do our best to remove unpopped kernels to help prevent any unexpected tooth-cracking surprises. We believe you deserve a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a consistently flavorful experience in every bite.

US 1: Tell us about a day in the life of Dr. Auntie’s Gourmet Popcorn.

CF: Every day for me begins with prayer and gratitude. I also care for my special needs adult cousin, making sure he has breakfast, meals for the day, and everything he needs to start his morning.

As the founder of Dr. Auntie’s Gourmet Popcorn, my days are a blend of creativity, strategy, and hands-on work. I track sales trends, update our store board and website, and create social media content to showcase our newest flavors, gift boxes, and fundraising opportunities.

A major focus is building partnerships with schools, nonprofits, colleges, and corporations — helping them raise funds while sharing the joy of popcorn with their communities.

I coordinate orders, manage inventory, and oversee production, making fresh batches daily. Much of my day is hands-on: popping popcorn, preparing orders, cleaning machines, and keeping the store welcoming. Customer service is always the priority.

Running a growing business while balancing personal responsibilities isn’t easy, but the rewards are tangible. Seeing customers smile when they taste something they love reminds me why I started this journey. Every batch, every order, and every connection fuels my passion to grow Dr. Auntie’s Gourmet Popcorn into a statewide and nation business.

US 1: Do you offer fundraising programs as part of the business plan?

CF: Fundraising is a core part of our mission. We offer several ways for organizations to raise funds for their programs.

We have a traditional program. Organizations sell our popcorn, we fill the orders, and they handle delivery. We also offer shipping options upon request.

We also do concession stand sales, where we provide popcorn wholesale at a discount to help schools and groups fund their initiatives. We also do event and PTA vending; we set up popcorn sales at meetings or events and give a portion of the proceeds back to the organization.

Finally, we will work with customers on custom fundraising ideas. We are open to creative ways to help organizations raise money. We are committed to supporting our neighborhood, community, and the organizations that support us. Schools, churches, and nonprofits can earn 50 percent or more profit on sales. Last year alone, we helped local organizations raise nearly $10,000 — most of it without shipping costs cutting into profits.

Supporting youth programs and community initiatives is a priority for us, and we take pride in helping organizations reach their fundraising goals while sharing the joy of gourmet popcorn.

US 1: What are some things you hear from customers?

CF: Common reactions include: “This is the best popcorn I’ve ever had,” “I love that it’s fresh,” and

“You don’t have a lot of kernels at the bottom!” Many are delighted to discover flavors they didn’t even know existed.

Equally heartwarming is how much customers value supporting a local small business. For us, it’s not just about popcorn — it’s about creating a connection with the community.

Hearing someone say they appreciate what we do is one of the most rewarding parts of running Dr. Auntie’s Gourmet Popcorn.

US 1: How is the shop doing after a couple years in business?

CF: Like many small businesses in today’s economy, we face challenging times and work hard each month to stay open. Despite this, we remain committed to quality, excellent service, and making a meaningful impact in our community.

As a small business, we rely on word-of-mouth, social media shares, and reviews to reach new customers. We also welcome partnerships with corporations, wineries, and specialty shops, offering wholesale pricing to expand our reach. Volunteers and fresh ideas are always appreciated to help us better serve the community.

Although we are still growing as a business and I as a business owner, we are dedicated to staying local and making a difference. As the only popcorn shop in the area, we provide catering for weddings, reunions, corporate events, and birthday parties.

Our ultimate goal is to take our

popcorn even further — with a food truck bringing our flavors to festivals, farmers markets, and events across New Jersey.

US 1: What else might be on the horizon?

CF: We are exploring expanded fundraising partnerships, corporate gifting, subscription programs, farmers markets, and increased community collaborations. Long term, I hope to see Dr. Auntie’s become a recognized regional brand known for quality, integrity, and unforgettable flavor.

We would love to create more local employment opportunities and collaborate with nonprofits to serve as a training site for job seekers. Additionally, we plan to expand our reach with a presence in areas like Quakerbridge, Mercer Mall, or Nassau Boulevard, so we can bring our popcorn to even more people.

Beyond business growth, I’m passionate about sharing the joys and challenges of small business ownership through speaking engagements and advocating for policies that help small businesses thrive.

By engaging with the community and policymakers, I hope to make it easier for local businesses like ours to serve customers, create jobs, and strengthen neighborhoods.

Dr. Auntie’s Gourmet Popcorn, 1400 Parkway Ave., Ewing. Web: draunties.com. Hours: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m.

Top: Cynthia Fulford, AKA Dr. Auntie, in her Gourmet Popcorn shop in Ewing Township. Bottom: Bags of popcorn on display at Dr. Auntie’s. Photos by Suzette Lucas.

liFe in tHe Fast lane proposed Mercer County Budget Targets Development

Mercer County Execu-

tive Dan Benson has proposed a $430 million budget that leans heavily on economic development, infrastructure investment and workforce initiatives while navigating rising healthcare costs and declining federal support.

The 2026 spending plan, delivered March 26 to the Board of County Commissioners, reflects a balancing act between long-term growth investments and mounting structural cost pressures, including employee healthcare, public safety and support for education partners.

For businesses, the proposal signals a mixed environment: continued public investment in infrastructure and redevelopment aimed at supporting job growth and attracting private capital, alongside cost pressures tied to healthcare, labor demand and potential downstream impacts from reduced federal funding that could affect the regional workforce and consumer base.

While total spending would rise by just over 6%, the proposal also includes a slight reduction in the county tax rate — a shift Benson said is tied to rising property values and ongoing economic development across Mercer County.

At the center of the budget is a continued push to position Mercer County as a regional economic hub, with targeted investments in transportation infrastructure, redevelopment projects and business growth initiatives.

By Bill Sanservino

A central component is the ongoing modernization of TrentonMercer Airport, which Benson described as a key asset for regional growth.

The county is completing a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting facility this fall, the first phase of a broader airport upgrade that is expected to include a new terminal and expanded capacity in the coming years.

Officials said the improvements are intended to enhance the passenger experience, support increased air traffic and strengthen the airport’s role in attracting business investment along the Route 1 corridor and across Mercer County.

Additional projects include renovations at Trenton Thunder Ballpark and upgrades to the CURE Insurance Arena, which is preparing to host a new professional hockey team, the Trenton Ironhawks.

Benson said those projects are part of a broader effort to position Trenton as a destination for sports, entertainment and business activity, while generating economic spillover for surrounding communities.

The county is also advancing redevelopment along the South Broad Street corridor in Trenton, with initial phases expected to begin later this year.

Plans for several major privatesector developments are further evidence of economic momentum.

They include Children’s Hospi-

tal of Philadelphia’s planned redevelopment of the former AMC site in Hamilton into a regional medical facility and the continued expansion of BeOne in Hopewell Township, which is expected to bring additional jobs and investment to the area.

The budget also includes new initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for local businesses.

Benson said the county is working to increase participation in its Minority Business Program and plans to launch a Minority Contracting Advisory Board to improve access to county contracts for minority-, women- and veteranowned businesses.

The county is also updating pro-

Mercer County Executive Dan Benson delivers the 2025 State of the County Address last June to a meeting of the Princeton-Mercer Chamber of Commerce. (File photo.)

curement processes to better connect small and local businesses with contracting opportunities, with the goal of strengthening the local business ecosystem and ensuring that county spending supports a broader range of vendors.

Officials said those efforts are part of a broader strategy to align public investment with economic development goals and workforce needs.

The proposed budget totals ap-

proximately $430 million, up from about $403.5 million in 2025, representing just over a 6% increase.

The proposal calls for a 6% spending increase while slightly lowering the county tax rate, and prioritizes funding for education partners, public safety agencies and employee healthcare — three areas that together account for more than 73% of the budget increase.

Despite the increase, the county

Office of Religious Life

Upcoming Events

Thursday 4/2 at 7PM

Chancellor Green Rotunda at Princeton University

Maundy Thursday Service

All are welcome to a special Maundy Thursday service in the Chancellor Green Rotunda. Music by the Princeton University Chapel Choir.

Friday 4/3 at 7PM

Princeton University Chapel

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

Join us for a candlelight service of readings and devotional music.

Sunday 4/5 at 11AM

Princeton University Chapel

Easter Sunday Worship Service

Preaching today is Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames, Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel.

Thursday 4/9 at 12:30 PM

Princeton University Chapel

After Noon Concert

Performing today is Barbara Thomson, Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA.

Scan the QR code to learn more about our offerings.

All events are free and open to all.

Saturday 4/11 at 7:30 PM

Princeton University Chapel

Annual Milbank Memorial Concert

The Princeton University Chapel Choir and orchestra present Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Dona Nobis Pacem. Composed in 1936, the work is both a searing indictment of war and a profound foretelling of peace.

Sunday 4/12 at 11AM

Princeton University Chapel

Sunday Worship Service

Preaching today is Rev. Stanford Adams ‘00, Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas.

Wednesday 4/15 at 5:30 PM

Princeton University Chapel

Sound Journey

Sound healing practitioner Ruth Cunningham presents composed and improvised music for meditation, contemplation, and prayer.

Thursday 4/16 at 12:30 PM

Princeton University Chapel

After Noon Concert

Performing today is Zac Schurman, New York, NY.

Sunday 4/19 at 11AM

Princeton University Chapel

Sunday Worship Service

Preaching today is Rev. Dr. Brittany Longsdorf, Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel.

Wednesday 4/22 at 8PM

Princeton University Chapel Jazz Vespers

An inclusive experience of poetry, music, and quiet centering, featuring jazz saxophonist Audrey Welber, pianist Adam Faulk, and members of the Chapel Choir.

Thursday 4/23 at 12:30 PM

Princeton University Chapel

After Noon Concert

Performing today is Charles Higgs, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Milton, GA.

Sunday 4/26 at 11AM

Princeton University Chapel

Sunday Worship Service

Preaching today is Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames, Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel.

Thursday 4/24 at 7:30PM

Princeton University Chapel

James Kealey in Concert

Mr. Kealey is the First Prize and Audience Prize winner of the 2022 American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP), and Director of Music and Fine Arts at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mawr, PA.

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tax rate would decrease slightly to 51 cents per $100 of assessed property value, down from 52 cents last year.

For a home assessed at $300,000, the county portion of the tax bill would decrease by about $30 annually under the proposed rate, falling from roughly $1,560 to $1,530.

Benson said the reduction reflects rising property values and economic development across the county, though he cautioned it remains too early to determine how the change will affect municipal tax bills.

The overall impact on residents’ will vary depending on municipal and school taxes, as well as changes in property assessments.

Benson said the county’s ability to make those investments is tied to improvements in its financial condition over the past two years.

When the current administration took office, Benson said, audits and financial statements were overdue, internal records were disorganized and the county was carrying millions of dollars in deferred costs.

He said efforts to improve financial management and stabilize the budget have led to a positive outlook from Moody’s, strengthening the county’s credit position.

That improved outlook has already resulted in lower borrowing costs, including a recent bond issuance that saved nearly $1 million annually compared to projections.

Those savings, Benson said, allow the county to reinvest in infrastructure and capital projects while maintaining fiscal stability.

The administration has also focused on reducing operating costs by consolidating offices into county-owned buildings, including relocating workforce development programs and planning additional moves supported by state funding.

Officials said those changes are expected to reduce long-term leasing costs and improve efficiency.

In addition to those internal pressures, Benson said federal policy changes are creating new financial challenges for the county.

Mercer expects to lose approximately $6.5 million in funding for its Continuum of Care program, which supports permanent housing for vulnerable residents, along with reductions in public health funding and impacts from cuts to SNAP and Medicaid programs.

Nearly 85,000 Mercer County residents rely on Medicaid, including a large number of children, increasing the potential strain on lo-

ary Services. 609-462-5734. eewhiting@live.com.

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cal healthcare providers and county services as federal support declines.

The loss of federal funding is expected to have ripple effects beyond county government, placing additional pressure on municipalities, nonprofit organizations and healthcare systems that rely on those programs.

Reductions in housing, food assistance and public health funding could increase demand for local services, particularly in communities with higher concentrations of vulnerable residents.

New federal work requirements tied to benefits programs are also expected to increase administrative burdens on county agencies, par-

The loss of federal funding is expected to have ripple effects beyond county government.

ticularly the Mercer County Office of Training and Employment Services, which will be responsible for expanded eligibility verification.

Benson said the state is expected to provide some support to help offset those impacts, but emphasized that counties will still need to absorb a significant share of the financial strain.

Benson said the primary pressures shaping the budget are largely outside of the county’s control and fall into three main categories.

The first is increased support for affiliated institutions, including Mercer County Community College and the Special Services School District, which together will receive an additional $3.27 million.

Those institutions are facing rising operating costs while adapting to changes in enrollment and workforce demands.

The community college, for example, is expanding career and technical education programs, including a mobile biotechnology lab developed in partnership with Johnson & Johnson to help train students for jobs in the life sciences sector.

The Special Services School District, which serves students whose needs cannot be met in traditional school settings, is also facing enrollment and administrative

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challenges, prompting closer coordination with county officials to stabilize costs and services.

The second major cost driver is public safety, with an additional $3.9 million allocated to the Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, correctional facilities, youth detention and emergency management operations.

Benson said the investment is aimed at modernizing facilities, strengthening emergency response capabilities and protecting vulnerable populations across the county.

The third and largest cost pressure is employee healthcare.

The county recently transitioned its workforce out of the State Health Benefits Plan, a move officials said reduced projected cost increases from approximately 31% to about 17.5%.

Even with those savings, healthcare costs still rose by $12.3 million and remain a significant driver of overall spending.

Benson said the county is now exploring similar changes for other agencies, including the Mercer County Improvement Authority and the Board of Social Services, in an effort to control long-term costs.

Beyond large-scale projects, the budget includes a range of investments that directly affect municipalities across Mercer County.

Using American Rescue Plan Act and Community Development Block Grant funding, the county has committed more than $5 million to upgrades at several county libraries, including roof and HVAC improvements.

Additional funding has supported the purchase of wheelchair-accessible senior transportation vehicles for East Windsor, Ewing, West Windsor and Trenton, as well as a public health vehicle for Hamilton.

The county has also funded a backup generator for a firehouse in Hightstown and continues to expand shared services agreements with municipalities, including road resurfacing projects and emergency response coordination.

Benson said the county is also preparing to provide direct support to businesses affected by the closure of the Clarksville Road Bridge in West Windsor through an emergency declaration.

In Trenton, the county is investing more than $1 million in the rehabilitation of the South Ward and Reading senior centers, restoring facilities that had been closed for years and expanding services for

older residents.

The county has also established a new Office of Food Security, working with nonprofits including Arm in Arm, TASK and Meals on Wheels to address food access and support families across the region.

Before outlining the budget, Benson briefly acknowledged the recent deaths of two former county officials — Sheriff Gil Lugossy and Commissioner Keith Hamilton. He called them dedicated public servants and noting their decades of service to Mercer County.

Benson acknowledged that economic uncertainty and rising costs will continue to present challenges for the county.

“But I’m not going to sugarcoat it,” Benson said. “There are a lot of challenges that we still have to navigate.”

He said those challenges include rising healthcare costs, ongoing federal policy changes and affordability pressures facing residents.

“But I know one thing,” Benson said. “We are ready for whatever comes next.”

TESU Expands Credit Path For CTE Students

Thomas Edison State University is expanding a statewide effort to convert high school career training into college credit, a move aimed at accelerating workforce entry and reducing education costs.

The initiative, completed through a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Jersey Department of Education, was announced March 2 in Trenton following a pilot program funded by $250,000 in federal Perkins Leadership funds.

At its core, the program evaluates Career and Technical Education coursework and related training to determine whether it qualifies for college credit through TESU’s Professional Learning Review process, creating a direct pipeline from high school programs into postsecondary credentials and employment.

The effort targets two persistent pressures in New Jersey’s economy — rising higher education costs and workforce shortages in skilled

trades — by allowing students to enter the job market faster and with less debt.

“Thomas Edison State University was founded on the principle that learning should be recognized wherever and however it occurs,” said Merodie Hancock, president of TESU. “This initiative strengthens New Jersey’s workforce while expanding opportunity for students and families across the state.”

Students in participating CTE programs can earn college credit for classroom instruction, workplace training, and industry-recognized certifications, while schools can strengthen program value and eligibility for additional Perkins funding.

“By bridging the gap between high school and postsecondary education, we are expanding pathways for CTE program completers to enter the workforce with advanced credentials,” said Jeffrey Harmon, TESU’s vice provost for Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Effectiveness.

The model builds on earlier efforts that have already demonstrated cost and time savings. A 2023 partnership with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America allowed students to earn up to 16 college credits through pre-apprenticeship training, reducing tuition costs by as much as $7,000.

Under the expanded framework, students may earn between six and 40 college credits depending on their program, significantly shortening the time required to complete a degree.

“This partnership marks a momentous step forward for Career and Technical Education students across New Jersey,” said Jorden Schiff, assistant commissioner for Teaching and Learning Services at the state Department of Education. “We are opening doors to anywhere from six to 40 college credits, giving students a powerful head start.”

With the pilot complete, TESU has launched a website to onboard additional schools and expand the program statewide, with a focus on aligning training with employer needs and strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline.