MCCC Wins $1M Grant; New Program to Bridge Digital Tech Divide
Princeton University Expands Financial Aid
“Real Men Sing A Cappella” Program
Geared to Men Who Like to Sing 5
Oswald Veblen is Focus of Talk at Princeton Public Library 7
Innovation, Collaboration Are Top Priorities In Development of AI Hub
Seeking to close the digital literacy gap among participants from Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) has secured a $1 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and launched a program that will include as many as 125 students in its first year.
Despite research funding cuts, budget cuts, and the threat of a federal tax on its endowment, Princeton University has announced an increase in financial aid for eligible students in its ongoing efforts to increase access to the University and the economic diversity of its student body.
with incomes up to and beyond $350,000, including those at higher income levels with more than one child in college, will receive some grant aid.
$34 billion endowment is not known. University Media Relations declined to comment on budget cuts and the possibility of a significant endowment tax.
9
Out of the Lawrentian Woods — Recalling the Week of the Fox 15
Despite Losing Stars from Ivy Champion Squad, Tiger Women’s Soccer Still Looking Formidable 23
After Helping PHS Swimming Maintain its Winning Ways, Fackler
Salina Min Enjoyed
Helping the CP Bluefish Swim Team Win Another PASDA Crown 25
Joining Coaching Staff of TCNJ Women’s Team 26 Art .
Program participants, recruited from Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) recipients, will be provided with access to training, workplace readiness, industry-recognized certifications, and employment opportunities. During their 12 weeks of self-paced classes, beginning this week for three initial students and expanding in numbers through the coming weeks and months, the participants will receive a laptop with onsite internet access, an individualized digital literacy plan, and other support services.
“Digital literacy is the ability to navigate, understand, and effectively utilize digital technologies in everyday life,” the NJDOL website states. “It has become increasingly important in today’s world, where digital tools are pervasive and shape core aspects of our lives — communication, education, employment, access to resources, socialization, and more.”
The Class of 2029 first-year students, arriving later this week for orientation and preparing to start classes on September 3, includes approximately 25 percent lower-income students eligible for federal Pell Grants. That’s the largest contingent of Pell-eligible students in Princeton’s history, an increase from 21.7 percent last year.
“Through our increased investment in financial aid, we are making the transformative experience of a Princeton education more affordable for more students than ever, “ said Princeton University Provost Jennifer Rexford, as quoted in a Princeton University press release.
The increases in financial aid will ensure that most families with incomes of up to $150,000 per year will receive aid to cover the total cost of tuition plus housing, food, books, and personal expenses. Most families with incomes of up to $250,000 will pay no tuition. Even families
Sixty-nine percent of this year’s 1,409 first-year students qualify for financial aid, with the average aid package estimated at more than $80,000 and payouts from the endowment covering almost 70 percent of the undergraduate financial aid budget. The impact of proposed federal taxes on the University’s approximately
The press release notes, “In 2001, Princeton was the first university in the country to eliminate loans from its financial aid packages. The University meets students’ full financial need with grants that do not need to be repaid, making it possible for students to graduate without debt.” It goes on to state that recent
“No Turn on Red” Among Ordinances Approved at Recent Council Meeting
While much of Princeton Council’s meeting on August 11 was devoted to passage of a resolution in support of the Immigrant Trust Act, the governing body also took action on additional issues and initiatives.
Council passed an ordinance designating additional intersections in town as “no turn on red,” prompted by the Vision Zero Policy that seeks to eliminate traffic injuries and fatalities. The prohibition of right turns on red signals “will remove the conflict between bicyclists in the bike lanes and motorists attempting to cross
over the bike lanes at the Valley Road, Princeton Shopping Center, and Terhune Road intersections with North Harrison Street,” the ordinance reads. It will also help school children safely navigate the North Harrison Street intersections with Hamilton Avenue and Franklin Avenue.
Councilman Leighton Newlin called the ordinance a “game-changer,” adding that recent police reports have noted numerous mishaps. “We have got to slow it down all around town here in Princeton,” he said. “The message is that stopping at
19, 20 Books .
14
21 Classifieds 29 Mercer County Top Producers 16, 17
To Us 22 Obituaries 28
Performing Arts 18
Police Blotter
8
Sports 23
Topics of the Town 5 Town Talk 6
Jill Marcus, MCCC director of community education and training, workforce education, and innovation, led the grant application process and has been managing the creation of the program since the grant was awarded in June. “We are very excited to be the recipient of this grant, which will help bridge the digital divide in the central region of New Jersey,” she said. “We are happy to partner with Ocean County College to provide access to opportunities that strengthen our communities.”
Marcus went on to explain that MCCC is expecting to host about 75 area students at their James Kerney Campus in Trenton, and about 50 participants from eastern New Jersey counties will attend a similar program at Ocean County Community College.
Continued on Page 10
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY: Terhune Orchards co-owner Tannwen Mount, left, cuts a cake at the farm’s 50th Anniversary Community Celebration on Saturday . The event featured wagon rides, live music, children’s games, face painting, wine tasting, a photo exhibit, and more Attendees share what they like best about Terhune in this week’s Town Talk on page 6
(Photo by Sarah Teo)
JUDITH
4 - D A Y E V E N T I N C L U D E S
SPECIAL GUESTS
Jeff Chu
Michael Twitty
Heber Brown
Hanna Reichel
Norm Wirzba
Tink Tinker
WORKSHOPS
Writing with the Land
Composting 101
Native Seed Collection
Cooking with the Earth
Helping Institutions Think Ecologically
The Upside to Downspouts And More!
FOOD AND DRINK
Wine and the Bible
Farm Chef Fest
TOWN TOPICS
Princeton’s Weekly Community Newspaper Since 1946
DONALD C. STUART, 1946-1981 DAN D. COYLE, 1946-1973 Founding Editors/Publishers DONALD C. STUART III, Editor/Publisher, 1981-2001
LAURIE PELLICHERO Editor BILL ALDEN, Sports Editor
DONALD GILPIN, WENDY GREENBERG, ANNE LEVIN, STUART MITCHNER, NANCY PLUM, DONALD H. SANBORN III, JUSTIN FEIL, JEAN STRATTON, WILLIAM UHL Contributing Editors
FRANK WOJCIECHOWSKI,
Day of Cycling and More Set for West Windsor
On Sunday, September 7, West Windsor Recreation and Parks will present the 21st annual West Windsor Bike Fest. This annual tradition, begun in 2004, will feature multiple guided rides of varying lengths for every age and skill level.
Lunch will be served to participants. Families can take part in kid-friendly activities such as an obstacle course and scavenger hunt. Many routes pass by and stop at some local historic sites.
Windsor, will serve as a mid-ride rest point for most riders, where participants can pick up refreshments/ snacks, grab a copy of the West Windsor History Book, and explore the mid-1800s Schoolhouse. The entire mid-1700s museum complex will be open later that day, from 1-4 p.m.
Each ride features something unique for novices and veterans alike. The in-park ride will highlight the indigenous Lenape that were the area’s original settlers, and a mid-1800s crossroads called “Vanhiseville,” most of whose original buildings still stand at the intersection of Hendrickson Drive and North Mill Road.
The event will begin at the West Windsor Community Park pavilion (at the end of Bernt Midland Boulevard), where riders — whether solo or coming as groups — can register for rides of 1.5, 8, 20, and 40 miles long.
Tours will be led and organized by Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance volunteers and members of the Princeton Freewheelers. Meanwhile, the West Windsor History Museum, run by the Historical Society of West
Road Maestro, the area’s premier bicycle mechanics, will be on hand to help bicycles get the last-minute attention they may need. After the ride, participants can have hoagies by Aljon’s and Indian fare by Tript Foods.
Longer rides will explore the Trolley Line Trail, named after an actual early-1900s trolley line that connected much of New Jersey. Routes cut through historic neighborhoods like Grovers Mill, Dutch Neck, and Edinburg. The longest rides go into neighboring towns like Robbinsville and Plainsboro. Register in advance for discounts at BikeFest.Weebly.com.
Help clean storm drains to prevent flooding in local neighborhoods. Cleanup supplies provided. Princetonnj.gov/1694/Adopt-a-Drain.
Donate Gift Cards : Housing Initiatives of Princeton sponsors this drive for families struggling with food insecurity. Cards to grocery stores such as ShopRite Aldi, Target, and Walmart can be mailed to HIP, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton NJ 08540.
Leighton Listens : Councilman Leighton Newlin is available for one-on-one discussions about issues impacting Princeton on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on August 20 at Hinds Plaza; on August 27 at Delizioso, 205 Witherspoon Street; on September 3 at Earth’s End, 45 Spring Street; on September 10 at Tiger Noodles and Small World Café, 252-254 Nassau Street; on September 17 at Chopt Salad, Princeton Shopping Center; and on September 24 at Tacoria, 110 Nassau Street.
Volunteers Needed: For the Princeton Food Task Force to deliver recovered meals, package produce, or tend to community gardens. Visit princetonnj.gov/1476/PrincetonFood-Task-Force to sign up.
Food Pantry: Arm in Arm’s mobile food pantry is at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, on Monday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. Fresh produce, eggs, milk, frozen proteins, and quality baked goods as well as canned and boxed items and personal care items are available for those in On Friday, September 12 from 4-6 p.m., celebrate diversity at Hinds Plaza with cultural displays, music, art, crafts, dance, and more.
ANNUAL TRADITION: The 21st West Windsor Bike Fest is a popular fall event that draws crowds of cyclists, at every level. This year’s event is on Sunday, September 7.
One-Year Subscription: $20
Two-Year Subscription: $25
Subscription Information:
609.924.5400 ext. 30 or subscriptions@ witherspoonmediagroup.com princetonmagazine.com
includes members from ages 22 to 87. The organization is recruiting for its upcoming four-week series in Plainsboro.
“Real Men Sing A Cappella”
One-Year Subscription: $20
Two-Year Subscription: $25
Program Geared to Men Who Like to Sing
Many people associate barbershop quartets with visions of four old white men wearing straw hats and suspenders, harmonizing “Down by the Old Mill Stream” or “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
Subscription Information: 609.924.5400 ext. 30 or subscriptions@ witherspoonmediagroup.com princetonmagazine.com
That image does not fit the Princeton Garden Statesman Barbershop Chorus (PGS), the 56-year-old
a cappella chorus and quartet known for their performances of contemporary pop, doo-wop, show tunes, and jazz as well as traditional barbershop quartets at area parades, nursing homes, shopping malls, and parties.
“It’s not your grandfather’s barbershop quartet anymore,” the organization’s president, Mark Van Bruggen, said in a phone conversation last week. “It’s been modernized. You rarely see people in that old-style getup anymore.”
TOPICS Of the Town
Van Bruggen and other members of the PGS are hoping to attract new members to the upcoming “Real Men Sing A Cappella” program on four Tuesdays between October 7 and 28 at the Plainsboro Recreation & Community Services Center. The program is for experienced singers and novices alike, offering “a welcoming environment to explore the excitement of four-part harmony and the camaraderie of making music together,” according to the PGS website.
It’s all about the enjoyment of singing, said Van Bruggen, as well as the friendships that are formed.
“We’re all amateurs,” he said. “This is a hobby for us. We have guys of various musical abilities. Some can sight read without any rehearsal; others don’t know the g-clef from the bass-clef. It doesn’t matter. Whether you’re singing in a chorale, chorus, or quartet, you just have this camaraderie with the people you sing with.”
There are various theories about the origins of barbershop singing, which is considered a blend of white and African American musical styles.
“It has its beginnings in a dark time,” said Von Bruggen. “Slave owners would hear the slaves singing in the fields, and they were attracted to those harmonies. These men would go to the barbershop and try to imitate those slaves. That turned into what we call barbershop harmony.”
Barbershop harmony’s heyday was during vaudeville, but had begun to fade by the 1920s. It was revived in the 1930s with the
founding of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), and was open only to male singers. Groups of female singers, like Sweet Adelines, began to show up in the mid-1940s.
Van Bruggen started singing while a student at Ewing High School. He began performing with the PGS in 1981.
“I’ve been singing my whole life,” he said. “My father is a Presbyterian minister, so I learned to sing in church. My favorite teacher at Ewing High School was Ed Scheirer, who led the music program. He got me involved with three other guys, and we formed a barbershop quartet.”
Continued on Next Page
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IN HARMONY: The Princeton Garden Statesmen Barbershop Chorus
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A Cappella
Continued from Preceding Page
The harmonies that blend together in this type of singing “can create an expanded sound,” he said. “There are physics to the types of chords that are sung, called overtones. When you have a harmonic that establishes a chord, the sound waves create additional sound waves. It can often sound like five, six — or if you’re good, seven — and that’s when people get goosebumps.”
“Real Men Sing A Cappella” will focus on the chorus as well as barbershop quartets. “We don’t want to downplay what we do as far as barbershop quartets. But when you tell people it’s an a cappella chorus, there is more of an acceptance,” Van Bruggen said. “There can be a stigma associated with barbershop harmony.”
Spots are limited for the upcoming program. For more information and registration, visit gardenstatesmen.org/real-men-sing or call (888) 636-4449.
A forum for the expression of opinions about local and national issues.
Question of the Week:
“What do you like best about Terhune Orchards?”
(Asked Saturday at Terhune Orchards’ 50th Anniversary Community Celebration)
(Photos by Sarah Teo)
All caregivers are fully screened with references and background checks, certified licensed. insured and bonded. Mom and Pap’s is an Accredited Senior Care Service Provider
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The Board of Experience Princeton (EP) is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as our next full-time Executive Director.
This marks an exciting new chapter in Experience Princeton’s history — building on the strong foundation of EP’s first three years and stepping forward into a future defined by community building, economic vitality, and strategic promotion of the Princeton as an ideal place to live, work, and play — or to visit for a day, for an evening, or for a weekend.
Experience Princeton’s mission remains unchanged: to shape, maintain, and grow a flourishing Princeton economy by offering an exceptional experience for residents and visitors, and by advocating for a robust and diverse business community through strong partnerships.
Our next Executive Director will be charged with advancing this mission and ushering in the next phase of growth and impact.
Candidates interested in this exciting opportunity are encouraged to send their resumes to: info@experienceprinceton.org
“You can do this at any age,” said Van Bruggen. “It’s a kind of hobby that can take you through life and give you a lot of joy. I credit my own good health to this.”
—Anne Levin
Correction
In the story “Garden Theatre Marks 50 Years of ‘Jaws’ with a Special Festival and Screenings,” August 13, page 5, the photo is by James Alan Coleman.
Clarification
In the story “Council Votes in Favor of Immigrant Trust Act,” August 13, page 1, Princeton resident John Heilner was quoted as urging “a quieter and better way to communicate.”
Heilner’s quote should have included more of his statement, which began with, “I’m very sorry to strike a sour note, but I feel that I must. The ICE raid of July 24, when 15 men were detained, was 10 days after many speakers first came to the Council meeting of July 14, and started demanding a resolution. This demand was well publicized locally and in state media. Do you think ICE paid us a visit after seeing this in the press? I guess we’ll never know, but it certainly is a coincidence. So I would just ask that we look for better and quieter ways to communicate. I would like to stress that before July 14 and ever since, all the many local trusted immigrant advocates and organizations consciously decided not to publicly push for the ITA because we thought it best for Princeton not to become a target.”
Laura: “This farm has been part of our family life since we moved to Lawrenceville 22 years ago. We’d bring our kids here — they’d feed the animals. It’s part of the fabric of our lives, with a lot of long-term memories.”
Doug: “Our son now has his own apartment, and one of the sure-fire ways to get him to come visit us is to get a box of Terhune
Frank: “There aren’t too many places anymore that have roots in the community like they do here.”
donuts.”
—Laura Teller and Doug Duda, Lawrenceville
Jennifer: “The friendly ambience you can find here, and the community.”
—Jennifer and Frank Kunz, Franklin Township
Lizzie: “I love the pony. But I love cats.”
Rosicela: “I like the vegetables available in the farm store, and the winery.”
Joanna: “I liked the ride-on tractor best.”
—Rosicela Ruiz Diaz, center, with Lizzie and Joanna, Watchung
Morgan: “I like the live music, and we like coming for the pumpkin patch during the fall. Today I was actually really happy about the peach slushie, though! Plus all the stuff that the kids can do.”
—Javier Perez and Morgan Pietrow, Hamilton
Oswald Veblen, Unsung Hero, is Focus of Talk at Princeton Public Library
Steve Hiltner has been fascinated by the life and work of Oswald Veblen since discovering the mathematician’s house in Herrontown Woods 18 years ago. Along with historian Cindy Srnka, Hiltner — a naturalist, writer, and musician who heads the Friends of Herrontown Woods — will present some new research about Veblen at Princeton Public Library on Thursday, September 4 at 7 p.m.
“How Oswald Veblen Quietly Created Einstein’s Princeton” explores Veblen as the unsung hero in shaping Princeton’s scientific and research community. The presentation is a prelude to a performance on September 7 at 3 p.m. of Einstein’s Begonia, a musical by composer Rebecca Pronsky and writer Alexis Roblan, also at the library. Both are co-presented by the library and the Friends of Herrontown Woods.
“I’ve read through a lot of biographies of Einstein, and some of them neglect Veblen altogether,” said Hiltner. “They really don’t give him credit for attracting Einstein to Princeton. It’s all about [Abraham] Flexner and the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS). Flexner wrote an autobiography, and Veblen didn’t. So Flexner’s story penetrated.”
In fact, Hiltner said, Veblen had been setting the stage for Einstein’s arrival in Princeton since first coming here himself in 1905. In 1933, when Einstein was exiled from his home in Germany because of his Jewish faith, it was Veblen who was influential in getting the famed mathematician
to settle in Princeton, where he was first at Princeton University and later at the IAS.
“It’s always kind of fun to see how Veblen flies under the radar,” Hiltner said. “He was always working behind the scenes, and didn’t seem too concerned for getting credit. But his story has been coming out over time. It’s gratifying to see.”
Hiltner cites a chapter on the Veblens in a book by George Dyson as a “guiding light” in his research. With Srnka, who leads walking tours for the Historical Society of Princeton and works as a museum educator, he discovered Veblen’s influence as a visionary. The building at the University of the old Fine Hall, now known as Jones Hall, was largely a result of Veblen’s ideas. The Department of Mathematics moved to a new Fine Hall in the 1960s; the original building houses the East Asian Studies Department].
“It’s where Einstein had his first office,” said Hiltner. “Tourists would come looking for it. There was this flyer that said it was designed by an architect but didn’t mention Veblen at all. We had to dig up the back story of how he designed pretty much every detail, including the windows that had math formulas in them. He had been to Europe and studied prominent universities. He was trying to figure out how to bring scholars together, so he designed Fine Hall to have a common room. He was thinking all these things through and incorporating all these ideas into his design.”
Old Fine Hall became the first home of the IAS, which was originally planned for Newark, Hiltner said. Veblen convinced those involved to bring it to Princeton instead.
“He was very persuasive in choosing the first five or six faculty members,” Hiltner said of Veblen. “He was the first; not Einstein, as most people think. He found homes for displaced scholars. All of these different initiatives came together, including the acquisition of the open space. That rural nature of Princeton, which Veblen did a lot of work to preserve, was one of the things that influenced Einstein to come to Princeton, rather than an urban setting like Harvard.”
YWCA Princeton Announces Additions to Executive Team
YWCA Princeton has an nounced the newest members of the executive leadership team. Dennis Washington has joined the staff as the chief ad vancement officer, and Valen cia Petion is the chief human resources officer.
our reach and impact of the organization.”
Admission to the talk, which will include time for questions, is free. Visit princetonlibrary. org for more information.
—Anne Levin
Rider Furniture
“Where
Washington brings over 25 years of leadership experience in education, government, and nonprofit management across multiple states, most recently at Drexel University raising funds for St. Chirstopher’s Hospital for Children. He is a mission-driven executive with a track record of securing millions in funding and empowering historically underserved communities through education, employment, and equityfocused initiatives.
He will be spearheading the organization’s growth, leading fundraising initiatives, and strengthening strategic partnerships.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dennis to our team,” said YWCA Princeton CEO Rose Wong. “His experience in managing capital campaigns and fundraising for higher education institutions will prove invaluable as we expand
Petion brings over 10 years of strategic human resource experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors. Fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole, Petion is known for cultivating inclusive and empowering workplace environments, driving data-informed decision-making, and improving organizational performance through innovative HR practices.
“Valencia has already proven to be an outstanding
addition to the team,” said Wong. “Her innovative approach has driven meaningful progress and measurable success as we advance the strategic plan’s commitment to supporting and empowering our staff.”
YWCA Princeton is now in the second year of its threeyear strategic plan, which focuses on three core priorities: (1) Amplify the mission of YWCA Princeton; (2) Optimize talent, cultivate a healthy organizational culture and advance workforce transformation for the future, and (3) Ensure the organization’s long term financial sustainability.
“With the appointments of Dennis Washington and Valencia Petion, we are advancing our strategic priorities in a meaningful way,” said Wong. “Both bring exceptional expertise, leadership, and passion for serving our community. Their work will strengthen our organization from within while expanding the impact of our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.”
YWCA Princeton. Since 1922, they have been committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Throughout its history, they have continuously evolved to meet the needs of its community offering educational and employment programs for women, hosting community dialogue groups on race relations, providing childcare services, establishing a breast cancer resource center, and delivering English as a Second Language courses.
Rooted in its mission, YWCA Princeton’s philosophy focuses on equipping women and marginalized groups with the skills, support, and confidence they need to thrive.
Dennis Washington Valencia Petion
“No Turn on Red”
continued from page one intersections right on red is just a furtherance of being more careful of how we move around the town. We’re growing, we’re getting a little bit more dense, and we have to be a little more careful.”
Councilman David Cohen urged people to participate in the recently launched Adopt a Drain Program, in which residents sign up to clear a drain in their neighborhoods, especially after a storm.
“This went live at Community Night Out,” Cohen said. “It’s an important thing you can do both to help the municipality meet its storm sewer permit requirements, but also to preserve the water quality of our surface waters in New Jersey.”
Cohen also commented on an ordinance appropriating $775,000 from the Sewer Trust Fund for various improvements. “This is not another ordinance to spend more money,” he said. “This is actually an ordinance to use our trust fund instead of borrowing money to do the work that’s identified in the ordinance.”
Council approved a resolution authorizing $81,200 in engineering services with Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. for the Grover Avenue culvert replacement project, specifically for the design of the Harry’s Brook Tributary culvert which runs under Grover Avenue. The tributary flows through Grover Park between the Princeton Shopping Center and Grover Avenue.
“The current culvert under Grover Avenue consists of
multiple drainage pipes that are inadequate to convey the stream flows expected in future storms,” reads a memorandum from Assistant Municipal Engineer Jim Purcell, in the agenda packet. Improvements in the park that are proposed include elevation of the walkway on boardwalks above the flood elevation, a raised picnic area, rehabilitation of the basketball court, upgrades to the playground, and replacement of the footbridge over the stream.
Cohen said the proposed changes are desperately needed. “It floods repeatedly, and downstream neighbors suffer with flooding of Harry’s Brook. So I’m really happy to see this. We have anticipated it for several years.”
Council voted to adopt the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, with funds totaling $185,428 going toward Princeton Community Housing (heat pumps at Griggs Farm), vision and dental services, and administration.
“A portion of that money will go again to something that has been very successful, which is for dental and medical services for our most vulnerable population,” said Newlin. “It’s a good grant.”
—Anne Levin
Tell
them you saw their ad in
Police Blotter
On August 16, at 12:01 a.m., subsequent to a motor vehicle stop for careless driving, the driver, a 23-year-old from Hamilton, was found to be driving while intoxicated. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters, where he was processed. At the completion of his arrest processing, he was issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Failure to Possess an Insurance Card. He was released to a sober adult.
On August 16, at 2:06 a.m., subsequent to a motor vehicle stop for failure to keep right, the driver, a 58-year-old male from West Windsor, was found to be driving while intoxicated. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters where he was processed. After the completion of his arrest processing, he was issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Failure to Keep Right, and Throwing Debris from a Vehicle. He was later released to a sober adult.
On August 15, at 7:07 p.m., patrols responded to a park located on Mountain Avenue for the report of criminal mischief, later determined to be a bias incident. The complainant reported observing graffiti on the doors to both restrooms. The graffiti stated, “Death to the IDF! Global
Intifada from The River to the Sea.” The complainant estimated that it would cost approximately $300 to repair the doors. There are no suspects at this time.
On August 15, at 7:46 p.m., patrols responded to a park on Snowden Lane for the report of criminal mischief which was later determined to also be a bias incident. The complainant advised that, on August 14 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., an unknown suspect(s) defaced two buildings in the park with graffiti. The graffiti stated, “Global INTIFADA Death to the IDF” and “Feed Gaza,” totaling damages in the amount of $1,450. There are no suspects at this time.
On August 10, at 7:59 p.m., an Erdman Avenue resident reported that his vehicle was stolen from his driveway between 11:20 p.m. on August 8 and 12:20 a.m. on August 9. The incident occurred during the same time frame as a vehicle burglary on Fisher Avenue. The stolen vehicle is valued at approximately $66,000. There are no suspects at this time.
On August 9, at 2:34 p.m., a Fisher Avenue resident reported that her vehicle was burglarized between 9:30 p.m. on August 8 and 2:30 p.m. on August 9. She stated that the vehicle had been parked in the driveway of her residence with the doors left unlocked. Although no items were reported stolen, she advised that several belongings had been moved from their original locations inside the vehicle. There are no suspects at this time.
On August 8, at 4:47 p.m., an individual reported that, on August 5 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., an unknown individual(s), believed to be an employee or employees of a moving company stole her credit card and $100 in cash from her purse. The incident occurred on Bouvant Drive. The stolen credit card was subsequently used to make three unauthorized purchases at a Wawa in North Plainfield. She sustained a total monetary loss of approximately $188.74. There are no suspects at this time.
On August 7, at 11:53 a.m., following a motor vehicle stop for obstruction of windshield for vision, the driver and sole occupant, a 48-year-old male from Princeton, was determined to be driving while intoxicated. He was subsequently arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing. He was issued motor vehicle summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Obstruction of Windshield for Vision. The driver was later released to a sober adult.
On August 6, at 6:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to a park on Alexander Street to conduct a welfare check on a female. Upon arrival, they located the female, who was accompanied by her significant other, a 35-year-old male from Ocean Grove, in a tent in the woods. A subsequent warrant check revealed that the male was wanted by the Neptune Township Police Department. He was taken
into custody, and a search incident to arrest yielded an orange plastic vial containing less than 0.5 ounces of a white powdery substance suspected to be heroin. He was transported to headquarters, processed, and charged with Possession of CDS-Heroin. He was then transferred to the custody of the Neptune Township Police Department.
On August 5, at 4:30 p.m., an individual reported that, while walking on Riverside Drive near Balsam Lane, he was approached by a gray vehicle with an unknown Georgia license plate. He stated that he spoke with the passenger, described as a heavyset woman with black hair, who handed him a bag of costume jewelry. The woman then placed one of the costume chains around his neck and asked for a kiss before leaving the area. He later discovered that two gold chains he had been wearing, valued at $1,000 and $600 respectively, were stolen during the encounter. The total value of the theft is $1,600.
Unless noted, individuals arrested were later released.
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Innovation, Collaboration Top Priorities In Development of Princeton AI Hub
Launched in March of this year by Princeton University along with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Microsoft, and CoreWeave, the NJ AI Hub is pursuing its mission of fostering the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in New Jersey through the collaboration of government, AI researchers, industry, and educational institutions.
Liat Krawczyk, former senior adviser at the U.S. Department of Commerce, in May was named the first executive director of the Hub, which is located on Alexander Road in West Windsor Township in space provided by Princeton University.
The AI Hub is looking to make New Jersey a national leader in AI by connecting companies to AI research and collaborations with research universities and promoting AI research and development.
The Hub is also committed to accelerating innovation, promoting start-up ventures, and providing necessary resources, mentoring, and access to capital.
Through its TechSpark program, Microsoft, as part of its investment in the NJ AI Hub, will be providing expertise and resources for promoting digital skills and employability and helping local organizations to adopt advances in technology.
In June the Hub co-hosted a gathering of state AI leaders, including Gov. Phil Murphy, to discuss how AI offers ways for government to be more efficient, effective, and
transparent in a time of economic uncertainty, tight budgets, and slowed hiring.
More than 100 AI leaders from 25 states met at Princeton University to share ideas, including a focus on AI as a powerful tool to reduce the time government employees spend on manual tasks, to improve their engagement with citizens, and to use public data to increase rather than undermine equity.
In April the AI Hub held a summit for more than 500 leaders from government, business, and education, and since then continues to host frequent smaller gatherings.
“I’m excited to join such an expansive public-private partnership that’s setting precedent for what we need to see across the country,” said Krawczyk as quoted in a Princeton University press release. “At a time when AI’s disruptive impact is just beginning to be felt, I think it’s really important to proactively build toward what we want: to power the workforce for the AI era, drive transformative AI innovation for public benefit, and shape the future of responsible AI governance and innovation.”
Krawczyk’s career has focused on technology, economic development, and innovation. At the Department of Commerce she helped establish a $300 million workforce strategy to support the CHIPS Act’s $37 billion investment in semiconductors.
Before that Krawczyk was vice president of innovation industries at the NYC
Economic Development Corporation. She founded the NYCEDC Childcare Innovation Lab and co-led Cyber NYC, a $100 million initiative to develop New York City’s cybersecurity system. She also worked as head of strategy for a machine learning real estate startup and founded an international education nonprofit.
“Liat Krawczyk brings to the NJ AI Hub a powerful combination of strategic vision, an ability to launch new initiatives, and demonstrated experience in building multi-sector partnerships,” said Princeton University Vice President and Secretary Hilary A. Parker.
“I am confident that, under her leadership, the Hub will simultaneously help to advance some of the University’s highest strategic priorities and fulfill a shared vision that will have a transformative impact on our region.”
NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan echoed Parker’s praise for Krawczyk. “We are excited to welcome Liat Krawczyk as executive director of the Hub,” he said. “Her leadership will play a key role in advancing Governor Murphy’s mission to build upon the state’s legacy in technological innovation. Krawczyk’s background and experience will help keep New Jersey at the forefront of cutting-edge breakthroughs, leading to long-term, sustainable growth across the state.”
He added, “The NJ AI Hub is poised to position New Jersey as a national leader in the rapidly growing AI industry.”
—Donald Gilpin
Rider Furniture
Isles Youth Institute
Selected for Initiative
Isles Youth Institute has been chosen as one of just 17 YouthBuild programs nationwide to launch a new solar workforce training initiative. Through YouthBuild Global and funding from Invest in Our Future, the Trenton-based organization will be providing hands-on solar panel installation training to 15-20 young adults from the Trenton area. This program addresses a critical need in our community, where 29 percent of
young adults lack high school diplomas and only 30 percent of high school graduates pursue post-secondary education. Participants will gain industryrecognized credentials and direct connections to employment opportunities in the growing clean energy sector.
“Our young people are driven, talented, and ready to build meaningful careers in the growing clean energy sector,” said Isles Chief Operating Officer Laura Fenster Rothschild. “By providing hands-on certification
training and direct pathways to employment, we’re empowering Trenton’s youth to achieve their potential and become leaders who will invest back into their community.” The initiative builds on Isles’ existing partnership with Solar Landscape through their workforce nonprofit StepUp Solar, which is providing turnkey training to staff. Visit Isles.org for more information.
Get the scoop from
POLLINATOR PLANT WALK: Ellie DiBartolomeo, Hopewell Conservancy stewardship intern, tends a native plant container in Hopewell Borough. She will lead a Pollination Plant Walk with Kristen Falzon on August 24 at 9 a.m. Walkers should meet at the Hopewell Borough Park Gazebo.
(Photo by Kristen Falzon)
MCCC
continued from page one
WFNJ participants are all on some type of government assistance, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (GA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and AbleBodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD).
Marcus went on to describe the personalized nature of the program. “Each student will be different,” she said. “It’s a very individualized program, self-paced with the guidance of an instructor. If the students are more advanced they will take less time. If they are less advanced they may take more time.”
She noted the eagerness of MCCC teachers and administrators to get the program underway as quickly as possible. “Since this is self-paced students can come in whenever they’re identified. They can start as soon as we bring them in. We’re hoping to have lots of students, but we didn’t want to have to wait for a cohort of students. We wanted to get the process moving.”
The program will continue until May of 2026, and Marcus is hoping for a renewal of the grant from the NJDOL Digital Literacy and Equity Training Grant Program so that MCCC can continue its program through the 2026-27 school year.
Experienced teachers in MCCC’s Community Education
and Training Department who have taught in the continuing education program have been meeting and making preparations with administrators. Each student will have a digital literacy plan, tailored to their specific needs and interests, that will chart their progress in the program. They’ll be given different types of technology projects to work on, and they will also receive training in job readiness.
“We work on their resumes and their interview skills,” said Marcus. “We also will help them do job searching in hopes of getting a job before the end of the grant.”
Marcus explained that participants in the program “are disproportionately not as advantaged as other members of the community and probably do not have much experience with computers and digital technology.”
“Teaching them skills that they need to work in an office environment is what they need in bridging the digital divide,” she said. “Most jobs you take on today require technology experience. Many of these students do not have computers, but if they complete the program they will take a laptop home with them and will earn industryrecognized credentials.”
For registration and additional information on the program, email Jill Marcus at marcusj@mccc.edu.
—Donald
Gilpin
Nelson Glass & Aluminum Co.
Mirrors installed in your frame 741 Alexander Rd, Princeton •
Revolutionary Mile Team Challenge in Downtown Trenton
Registration is now open for the Revolutionary Mile, a team-building event and historical walk through downtown Trenton on Thursday, October 16.
The Revolutionary Mile consists of two signature events: a competitive 1.55mile run and an educational stroll (or “Historic Footsteps” walk) on the same course. Both start at North Warren and West Front streets and engage participants on a tour of the past that supports the future of New Jersey’s capital city.
The Revolutionary Mile is an exciting corporate teambuilding event, where speed meets strategy. Teams of runners and history enthusiasts push their limits on a fast, thrilling, 1½-mile-long course weaving through the heart of Trenton’s historic downtown. With cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks and scenic heritage sites lining the route, every stride is a journey through time.
The challenge begins at 5:30 p.m. (1.55mile run), and 5:35 p.m. (Historic Footsteps). Check in is 4:30 p.m. The entry fee is $20 through October 14; $35 late registration. The course is on downtown Trenton streets and includes historical markers and yellow-umbrella stations.
“Participants will experience downtown Trenton like never before, running or walking through our storied cobblestone streets, surrounded by iconic landmarks, some but certainly not all tied to George
Washington’s 1776 victory at the Battle of Trenton,” said Tom Rust, executive director, Trenton Downtown Association. “It was here in Trenton that the first NBA game was played, where the ratification of the U.S. Constitution was signed and so many more historic events. The yellow umbrellas mark each of these historically significant spots along the route, turning the course into a visually immersive blend of competition and education.”
For information about participating, sponsoring, or making a tax-deductible donation to the Trenton Downtown Association, visit revolutionarymile.com.
Terry Gross Interviews
Ken Burns in Free Event
WHYY has announced that registrations are now open for The American Revolution: An Evening with Ken Burns , a free public event taking place on Thursday, October 9, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden.
This exclusive celebration of history, storytelling, and American identity will include a special preview screening of Ken Burns’ forthcoming documentary The American Revolution (airing on WHYYTV 12 and PBS nationwide on November 16) , followed by a live interview with Burns conducted by Terry Gross, the co-host and co-executive producer of WHYY’s “Fresh Air with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley,” one of public radio’s most popular programs.
“The American Revolution is not just about our past,” said Burns. “It’s about who we are now. I’m honored to join WHYY, Terry Gross, and thousands of viewers in a region so central to the story we’re telling.”
This free event is open to the public with advanced registrations required. WHYY members will receive priority access to VIP seating.
The American Revolution is a six-part, 12-hour documentary series directed by Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The series premieres nationally ahead of the nation’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War in 2026. The film
explores the complex origins of the United States through the lens of the eight-year war for independence and the revolutionary ideas that continue to shape the nation.
To begin the event, WHYY will screen curated clips from the series — including segments relevant to the region’s pivotal role in the struggle for independence — and the entire evening will culminate in a wideranging, live conversation between Gross and Burns, which will later be broadcast nationally on an upcoming episode of Fresh Air
The film, narrated by Peter Coyote, includes the first-person voices of nearly 200 individual historic figures, read by a cast of actors, including Adam Arkin, Jeremiah Bitsui, Corbin Bleu, Kenneth Branagh, Josh Brolin, Bill Camp, Tantoo Cardinal, Josh Charles, Hugh Dancy, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Keith David, Hope Davis, Marcus Davis-Orrom, Bruce Davison, Leon Dische Becker, Alden Ehrenreich, Craig Ferguson, Morgan Freeman, Christian Friedel, Paul Giamatti, Domhnall Gleeson, Amanda Gorman, Michael Greyeyes, Jonathan Groff, Charlotte Hacke, Tom Hanks, Ethan Hawke, Maya Hawke, Lucas Hedges, Josh Hutcherson, and numerous others.
This event, presented by WHYY, is part of a larger slate of programming and public dialogue events WHYY will offer centered around the American Revolution and the America 250 commemoration.
For more information about the event and to register, visit whyy.org/events.
Kim Clijsters to Appear At Tennis Fundraiser
On Sunday, September 21, NJTL of Trenton (National Junior Tennis & Learning) will host its 50th Anniversary Gala at Mercer County Indoor Tennis Center and The Boathouse at Mercer Lake in West Windsor. Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters will take the court for an exhibition of drills and match play alongside students and sponsors.
The gala begins with a VIP Meet and Greet with Clijsters, followed by match play, a dinner with live music and an honoree celebration,
a live auction, awards presentation, and open bar. Bill Mountford, director of tennis at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, will be emcee. Coaching support will be from Dave Marshall, former coach of the Bryan brothers and current head coach at Delaware State University.
This year’s honorees are Deborah Sands Gartenberg and the George H. and Estelle M. Sands Foundation, as well as NJM Insurance Group. Visit njtloftrenton. org for more information.
Museum of American Revolution To Mount Special Exhibition
A special exhibition, “The Declaration’s Journey,” is planned for the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia from October 18-January 3. The show will bring more than 120 artifacts from 50 private and institutional lenders together.
The goal is for visitors to experience and understand the Declaration’s ongoing relevance and impact on the world. Several artifacts will be on display to the public for the first time, or are returning to the United States for the first time since the Revolutionary era. The nearly 20 nations whose stories will be represented are just a selection of the more than 100 that have integrated the Declaration’s ideals in their own movements, proving it to be one of the most influential political documents in modern history.
Using objects, documents, and works of art, as well as audio, video, and tactile elements, the exhibit will examine how leaders like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Vicente Guerrero, the Marquis de Lafayette, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi, Harvey Milk, and many more have used the Declaration’s words to inspire hundreds of political revolutions and civil rights movements from the 18th century through to today.
It will include a central media theater experience leading up to the celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. The museum is located at 101 South Third Street. Visit amrevmuseum.org for more information.
Princeton University continued from page one financial aid enhancements “reflect Princeton’s national leadership in access and affordability.”
Total financial aid spending for Princeton University undergraduates in the 2025-26 school year is expected to be about $327 million, up $44 million from 2024-25 totals.
The first-year class includes students from 47 states and Washington, D.C. and international students from 65 countries. Firstgeneration college students make up 16.7 percent of the class, 12.4 percent are children of alumni, 9.2 percent identify as Hispanic or Latino, 7.7 percent multiracial, 27.1 percent as Asian American, and 5 percent as Black or African American.
The University declined to comment on the drop in numbers of African American students in the entering class from 8.9 to 5 percent and the increase in Asian American students from 23.8 to 27.1 percent, but
did note in the press release that “Princeton’s holistic admissions process carefully adheres to the Supreme Court’s decisions in the Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard College and University of North Carolina cases,” which in 2023 prohibited affirmative action in higher education.
The percentage of Class of 2029 first-year students who chose not to identify a race increased to 8.2 percent from 7.7 percent a year ago and from only 1.8 percent two years ago in the class of 2027.
In addition to the new firstyear cohort for the 2025-26 school year, 32 transfer students will join the undergraduate community, 22 having served in the U.S. military, representing the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy. Twenty-seven transfer students from community colleges in New Jersey and across the country will also be matriculating at Princeton University this fall.
—Donald Gilpin
RevolutionNJ Race
Coming to Princeton RevolutionNJ, the state’s official partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution to commemorate the country’s 250th birthday, is hosting a series of 5K races and one-mile family fun walks at historic sites across New Jersey.
The 2025 RevolutionNJ Race Series kicked off on June 7 to commemorate the Haddonfield Skirmish by traversing Croft Farm and Pennypacker Park. On August 9, participants gathered at Monmouth Battlefield State Park to retrace the site’s famous encounter between the Continental and British forces.
The third race in the 2025 RevolutionNJ Race Series will be on September 7 at Princeton Battlefield State Park. Racers and walkers will cross the site of a crucial turning-point in the American Revolutionary War, which capped the 10 days of fighting that began with General Washington crossing the Delaware River. All participants will receive a T-shirt, and runners will receive a finisher’s medal. Awards will be given to the top three fastest runners in each 10-year age category.
WINNING: Student bridge players from Princeton University were named champions in the annual Collegiate Bridge Bowl, recently hosted by the American Contract Bridge League in Philadelphia. The team of four won first place over 29 other university teams and more than 140 student players from the U.S. and Canada. The students collectively won $10,000 in scholarships from the ACBL Educational Foundation. From left are sponsor Mitch Dunitz,
her role as New Jersey’s secretary of state.
“Last year, the RevolutionNJ Race Series brought together a multigenerational crowd to commemorate New Jersey’s history,” said Sara Cureton, executive director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. “We look forward to another wonderful year of connecting New Jerseyans with their past whether they are avid historians, recreational runners, or families looking for new ways to get outside on the weekend.”
A. Pennacchi & Sons Co.
“The RevolutionNJ Race Series highlights the importance of New Jersey’s historic sites and parks as not only places of remembrance, but also as public spaces that foster community health and well-being,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in
¡CONTÁCTENOS!
Participation in the race is $20 for those registering for the one-mile fun walk, and $35 for those registering for the 5K race. For more information, visit revnj.org.
Desayuno saludable, Almuerzo casero, Merienda nutritiva
921-8606 princetonnurseryschool.org enrollment@princetonurseryschool.org
Clases de Música Bilingües con el Currículo de Música Juntos con Español
Clases de Música Bilingües con el Currículo de Música Juntos con Español
CLASIFICACIÓN PARA NIÑOS
Bilingual Music Classes with Music Together con Español Curriculum
Bilingual Music Classes with Music Together con Español Curriculum
Clases de Cocina Bilingües con Chef de la casa
Clases de Cocina Bilingües con Chef de la casa
Bilingual
Bilingual Cooking Classes with In-House Chef
Clases de Arte con el Consejo de las Artes de Princeton
Clases de Arte con el Consejo de las Artes de Princeton
Excursiones a pie locales de Princeton y Excursiones atractivas.
Excursiones a pie locales de Princeton y Excursiones atractivas.
Horas de Cuentos con la Bibliotecaria Infantil de la Biblioteca Pública de Princeton
Horas de Cuentos con la Bibliotecaria Infantil de la Biblioteca Pública de Princeton
PNS empodera
¡ESCANEA PARA APRENDER MÀS!
de apoyo que sean asequibles para todos
Art Classes with the Arts Council of Princeton
Local Princeton Walking Trips and Engaging Field Trips
Tianyang Chen, Katie Hwang, Zhao Yu Ma, Yitao Chen, and Zhouzhou Gu.
Spotlight on Hopewell Valley Town Topics
Hopewell Harvest Fair Gives Back to Community and Needs Volunteers
As its mission plainly states, “The Hopewell Harvest Fair is a volunteer community event designed to provide a day of fun and entertainment for the families and friends of the Hopewell Valley.”
This year’s fair is on September 20, with a rain date of October 4, on the grounds of Hopewell Elementary School, 33 Princeton Avenue, Hopewell. Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
But in addition to the fun and entertainment — live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, children’s games, face-painting, contests, scarecrow-making — and a variety of food from local vendors and farmers, the fair is a way for the community to support its own and give back to the people of Hopewell Valley.
“A lot of people think it’s just a fun day, and it is, but after expenses, we give it all back,” said Heidi Wilenius, who is a former president of the fair trustees, and former chair of the planning committee. “The grant program applications are online, and all nonprofits can apply. We
try to give something to everyone who meets the guidelines, from about $500 to $2,000. We explain to businesses, who are inundated with asks for donations, that giving to the fair is sharing with the entire community.”
About $30,000 in grants were given in the past two years. According to hopewellharvestfair.org, more than $225,000 has been given to community organizations. The 2024 grantees include the Capital Singers of Trenton, Hopewell Valley Chorus, Chubby’s Project, scouting troops, Hopewell Valley Quarry, school scholarships, Sourland Conservancy, and Younity (formerly WomanSpace), among the 19 organizations.
Scott Fulmer, Fair president. “The Fair encourages all of them to bring a fun activity to engage with fairgoers, especially children. Of course, exhibitors are also there to promote services, sell products, and provide educational material on subjects they’re passionate about.”
Each fall a grant ceremony recognizes the grantees, and that networking sometimes results in good working collaborations, said Wilenius.
The Town Square at the fair informs the community about the area’s organizations and services. The Town Square is populated by local businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations, said
Fulmer is also part of the Green Team, which includes representatives from Pennington and Hopewell boroughs and Hopewell Township. It will have a specialized trailer fitted with taps offering filtered and chilled water, returning this year after a popular debut in 2024. Attendees are encouraged to bring their reusable water bottles, as the fair prohibits vendors from selling water in single-use plastic bottles.
The Hopewell Valley Green Team booth in Town Square will offer information about how to host a sustainable event, and will include examples from the Harvest Fair. The team will have materials related to recycling, water and other sustainable living issues as well. Members of the Green Team
will also be helping to move the fair toward the goal of zero waste.
The 37-year-old fair has a long legacy in Hopewell, noted Fulmer. While the Harvest Fair in its current iteration was started in 1987, it was preceded by other events such as Community Day (1970s-1980s), the American Legion Carnival (1960s-1970s), and the Hopewell Fire Department Carnival that ran from 1911 to 1953, according to the Hopewell Valley History Project.
But what the fair looks like from year to year really depends on the number of volunteers. According to the website, “There are contests for everyone: a bake-off, homegrown vegetable contest, kids’ art, photography, and even a doggie dress-up contest for our furry family members — as long as we have volunteers to run them.”
right. We do need more.”
Darlene Walsh, a fair trustee, added that the reality is that “fair does not happen without a crew of volunteers.”
Last year some contests could not be staffed, the group noted, but with a new crop of volunteers, many are returning this year, such as a photography contest, bakeoff, and Lego competition, among the musicians, crafters, inflatables, and booths.
The fair’s 37-year longevity is attributed to the people of Hopewell. “I think why it lasted so long is what an amazing town Hopewell is,” said Wilenius, “It could not exist without the town, and it is a testament to Hopewell, a pretty magical place. If I won the lottery I would not move.”
Added Walsh: “From my perspective, my family has been here 18 years, and I agree. We step up to help each other. We want to celebrate the community.”
“It’s a homegrown country fair,” said Fulmer. “It is an extraordinary effort. A way to educate people, for example, in the Town Square.”
The three fair leaders agree that volunteers are the key to making the fair happen. Shifts are approximately two hours and tasks include ticket taking, ticket selling, door monitor, setup, cleanup, and more.
More information about the fair is at hopewellharvestfair.org. For questions about volunteer shifts, email volunteer@hopewellharvestfair.org.
—Wendy Greenberg
On the day of the fair, said Fulmer, “we organize an army to set things up, and make sure they are in the field running things. There are volunteers in different age groups. Last year high school students collected tickets, and also sorted compostable food waste and recyclables from the regular trash, with guidance from the Green Team.”
“So many people have been involved in the organization of the fair,” added Wilenius. “‘Army’ is
TOWN SQUARE: Information booths on Hopewell Valley services, businesses, and organizations populate Town Square at the Hopewell Harvest Fair in 2024. The fair, which raises money to give grants to nonprofit organizations while being fun and entertaining for all ages, is on September 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Photo by Paul Wesley provided by Hopewell Harvest Fair)
COLOR OUR WORLD: Using the library theme Color Our World, Gallery14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell joined with the Hopewell Public Library for “Capturing Color in Photography,” an August 7 program exploring color, light, and beauty through the camera lens, Shown is a photo by student and Hopewell resident Charles Crawford, who said, “I like to think that this pinecone and its parallel needles are best friends. They grew up right next to each other.” (Photo courtesy of Gallery14 Fine Art Photography)
Spotlight on Hopewell Valley Town Topics
Downtown Hopewell Expects a Festive Fall
Downtown Hopewell is home to “a truly unique and charming collection of locally owned small businesses,” says one of its volunteers, who points out there is free and convenient on-street parking.
With Porchfest, Restaurant Week, and More and Sourland Bread. Special menus and savings at local restaurants are planned, and many merchants have joined in as well. Brick Farm Tavern, Fairgrown Farm, Antiimos Italian Kitchen, Hopewell Farmers Café, and Tomatello’s Latin Cuisine, are among the participating restaurants. For more information, visit downtownhopewell.com/ restaurant-week.
To stay on top of what’s happening, follow the group on Instagram and Facebook at @downtownhopewell, and at downtownhopewell.com. Below are the signature fall events.
Hopewell Porchfest is on September 13 (rain date September 14) from 12 to 5 p.m. The free event, in its third year, has musical performances, art, and other entertainment around town. As of last week, “we have 45 acts on 17 properties throughout the borough,” said volunteer Jarret Crawford. The schedule will be on hopewellporchfest.com.
Downtown Hopewell Restaurant Week, held September 13 to 20, features old favorites like Chubby’s Luncheonette and Nomad Pizza, and well as newer eateries like Hopewell Farmer’s Cafe
Hopewell Tour des Artes, scheduled for September 2728, is marking its 18th anniversary. The annual event opens the doors of local artists’ studios and pop-up art spaces to the public. This curated tour showcases new and innovative work from artists in the Hopewell area, and is free to the public. For more information, visit hopewelltourdesarts.org.
Residents and visitors can stop in many of the downtown shops to pick up a Downtown Hopewell map. Check downtownhopewell. com for updates about the upcoming Holiday Passport shopping event.
—Wendy Greenberg
Town Hall on Sale of Water System Sept. 11
A town hall meeting on the proposed sale of Hopewell Borough’s water system is scheduled for September 11 at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall. The meeting is rescheduled from July 31, which was postponed due to a weather emergency.
The meeting is to inform residents, and offer a chance for questions before the November 2025 public referendum vote on the proposed sale to New Jersey American Water. This would be the second meeting. Topics will include, according to the Borough, critical water system infrastructure needs and projected future operating and debt service costs; impacts of keeping or selling the system on water rates and municipal taxes; and the relationship of the proposed sale to the overall fiscal health of the borough. Borough officials and representatives from New Jersey American Water will be present, and the meeting will be broadcast on Zoom and recorded for later viewing. Additional information is available on hopewellboro-nj.us/water.
Slides and video from the first presentation, which was May 29, can be found on youtube.com/ watch?v=LMvdTiSDBGE.
Pennington Business Group Has Leadership Openings
The board of the Pennington Business Professional Association (PBA) has announced on Facebook and Instagram that, “The PBA board has met and decided to step down from their positions. Their current twoyear term has expired. It was a difficult decision, since the PBA has helped to support and connect Pennington and the Greater Hopewell Valley Business Community for over 40 years.”
They added that, “The annual Holiday Walk event in downtown Pennington will continue and be operated separately as a nonprofit entity. You will be hearing more about that over the next few months.”
“This year’s Holiday Walk will be held on Friday, December 5. Contact Chris Murphy with questions at
The Front Porch (609) 7370071, or email sales@thefrontporchnj.com.
“Open positions for PBA include president, vice president, treasurer, member at large (community liaison), and secretary. For questions or comments about the PBA, email bwest@ callawayhenderson.com or erwinharbat@gmail.com.
Pollinator Planter Walk is Scheduled for August 24
Explore the Hopewell area and learn something along the way. The Pollinator Planter Walk is on Sunday, August 24 at 9 a.m.
The Sourland Conservancy planted and maintains 25 planters throughout town, all planted with native plants to provide mini-habitats for pollinators, and give inspiration to local gardeners.
Walkers should meet at the Hopewell Borough Park Gazebo (next to the Hopewell Post Office, 9 S. Greenwood Avenue). Sourland Conservancy Stewardship Interns Kristen Falzon and Ellie DiBartolomeo will lead the Pollinator Planter Walk to introduce participants to the benefits of planting natives in containers, talk about the individual plants, and possibly share some seeds.
Registration is not required for the free event. The organizers ask, please bring a water bottle, dress for the weather, and wear
comfortable walking shoes.
The group will enjoy a leisurely stroll through town to visit the Adopt-A-Garden planters and the native plant garden at the Hopewell Public Library.
The Adopt-A-Garden planter project is made possible through the support of Downtown Hopewell, Hopewell Borough businesses, individuals, and families. The Sourland Conservancy and the Hopewell Public Library host this event.
The Sourland Conservancy worked with Hopewell Elementary School to plant the Adopt-a-Garden Containers on Earth Day 2024, thanks to the support of Adopt-A-Garden sponsor businesses, families and individuals. This year, the conservancy has used funds that were raised by Downtown Hopewell’s Mocktail Crawl to maintain 25 AdoptA-Garden native planters around town. Most of the plants were purchased from My Backyard at Nectars, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, and Pinelands Nursery.
Watershed Institute Celebrates 50 Years at Watershed Fest
The Watershed Institute is celebrating 50 years of the WaterShed Fest on October 4 at 6:30 p.m., with a special evening called Streams and Dreams.
Held on the first Saturday in October, the Watershed
Fest is the organization’s
annual fundraising event. Proceeds are used to maintain and enhance programs and the work it does to protect and restore the water and natural environment through conservation, advocacy, science, and education.
The festivities include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres under the tent, music by Cold Soil Drifters with dinner and dessert catered by Under the Moon Café, and s’mores around the fire pit.
Dress for this special event is forest formal, described as “a dress code that blends the elegance of formal wear with the natural, rustic elements of a forest setting. This type of attire has been chosen to match our natural surroundings. Forest formal attire allows you to embrace the beauty of nature while maintaining a sophisticated and elegant look.” Attire details are at thewatershed.org.
Seating is limited — purchase tickets at thewatershed.org.
Joseph’s “Freedom Season” Shows How the Year 1963 Changed America
Historian Peniel E. Joseph offers a narrative history of the year 1963 in Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution, marking it as the defining year of the Black freedom struggle— when America faced political strife and violence, and emerged a changed nation.
Joseph will be in conversation with Princeton University Professor of Anthropology Laurence Ralph on Thursday, September 11 at 6 p.m., at the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, in collaboration with Labyrinth Books. Registration, which is
requested but not required, is at princetonlibrary.libnet. info/event/14308566.
The year 1963 opened with the centenary of the Emancipation Proclamation and ended with America in a state of mourning, notes the publisher (Basic Books, $34). “The months in between brought waves of racial terror, mass protest, and police repression that shocked the world, inspired radicals and reformers, and forced the hands of moderate legislators,” the publisher states. By year’s end the murders of John F. Kennedy, Medgar Evers, and four Black girls at a church
in Alabama left the nation determined to imagine a new way forward.”
Freedom Season shows how the upheavals of 1963 planted the seeds for watershed civil rights legislation and renewed hope in the promise and possibility of freedom.
Joseph holds a joint professorship appointment at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the History Department in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin. He is also the founding director of the LBJ School’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD). Prior to joining the UT faculty, he was a professor at Tufts University, where he founded the school’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy to promote engaged research and scholarship focused on the ways issues of race and democracy affect people’s lives. In addition to being a frequent commentator on issues of race, democracy and civil rights, Joseph has written The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. and the award-winning books Waiting ‘Til the Midnight
Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America and Dark Days, Bright Nights: From Black Power to Barack Obama His book Stokely: A Life has been called the definitive biography of Stokely Carmichael.
Ralph is a professor of anthropology at Princeton University and was previously a professor at Harvard University for nearly a decade. Ralph earned his Ph.D. and Masters of Arts degree in anthropology from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Institute of Technology. His research explores how police abuse, mass incarceration, and the drug trade make disease, disability, and premature death seem natural for urban residents of color, who are often seen as disposable. His first book Renegade Dreams received the C Wright Mills Award. His second book, The Torture Letters, explores a decadeslong scandal in which hundreds of Black men were tortured in police custody.
them you saw their ad in
New Book by Dan-el Padilla Peralta Looks at Classicism and Black Life
Princeton University Professor of Classics Dan-el Padilla Peralta discusses his new book, Classicism and Other Phobias, on Wednesday September 10 at 6 p.m. at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Based on the W.E.B. Du Bois Lectures delivered at Harvard University, the book makes a case for why immortalizing Greek and Roman culture as “classical” marginalizes and devalues Black life.
The Library Live at Labyrinth event is cosponsored by The Princeton Public Library, Princeton University’s Department of Classics, Princeton University Press, and Labyrinth Books. Katie Meng Brassel of the University of Pennsylvania faculty will moderate.
According to the publisher (Princeton University Press, $27.95), “Greek and Roman antiquity has been enshrined in disciplines and curricula at all levels of education, perpetuating what the historian of political thought J.G.A. Pocock has called ‘a conceptual dictatorship on the rest of the planet.’ Classicism and Other Phobias shows how the concept of ‘classicism’ lacks the capacity to affirm the aesthetic value of Black life and asks whether a different kind of classicism — one of insurgence, fugitivity, and emancipation — is possible.”
Engaging with the work of trailblazers in Black studies while drawing on his own experiences as a Black classicist, Padilla Peralta situates the history of the classics in the racial and settler-colonialist settings of early modern and modern Europe and North America. He argues that immortalizing ancient Greek and Roman authors as “the classical” comes at the cost of devaluing Black forms of expression. He also examines what is the most effective counter. Padilla Peralta’s books inDivine Institutions: Religions and Community in the Middle Roman Reand Undocumented: A Dominican Boy’s Odyssey from a Homeless Shelter to the Ivy League Padilla Peralta has co-edRome, Empire of Plunder: The Dynamics of Cultural Appropriation (with Matthew Loar and Carolyn MacDonald) and Making the Middle Republic: New Approaches to Rome and Italy, c. 400–200 BCE (with Seth Bernard and Lisa Mignone), and he is a volume editor for the Cambridge History of the African Diaspora . Current projects include 338 BCE: Rome and the Age of Empires, coauthored with Denis Feeney (under contract with Harvard University Press); A People’s History of Rome (under contract with Princeton University Press); and a manifesto on race, racism, and the disciplinary identity of classics, co-authored with Sasha-Mae Eccleston. Moderator Brassel is assistant professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the faculty at Penn, she taught as the Shapiro Faculty Fellow in the Core Curriculum at Columbia and also worked in television production.
Dan-el Padilla Peralta
Out of the Lawrentian Woods — Recalling the Week of the Fox
And suddenly, leaning against the wall beside the doorway, there was, bewilderingly . . . a fox.
—Ford Madox Ford on D.H. Lawrence
Wildlife Service came, there was nothing to collect but a small pile of bones. Looking Beyond
Lawrence’s Supernatural Side?
Sure that Lawrence would have had mixed feelings about those passages from Fox & I, I went, finally, to his 1922 novella
Foxes come and foxes go, but there’s no getting away from the fox “leaning against the wall” who died 95 years ago on March 2, 1930. After referring to the “nature passages” in D.H. Lawrence that “run like fire through his books,” Ford Madox Ford has to admit “that at times when you read him you have the sense that there really was to him a side that was supernatural.” A colossal understatement, but at least it explains why Lawrence just showed up a few weeks short of his 140th birthday.
There was nothing of Lawrence in my thoughts the late June evening a fox trotted up the street and turned into our driveway as if it were the designated route to a comfortable spot near my wife’s herb garden, which is where the photo shown here was taken. Every day that week, at around 7, up the street and down the driveway it came, the last time with a kit in tow. When both nestled together in the same spot, in the waning daylight, it was as if our backyard had a story to tell. Better yet it gave us something to share, and since one visit occurred on the eve of my wife’s birthday, I found a card showing a fox nuzzling a hedgehog that’s still on display two months later.
Nature’s
Story
At the usual hour on the Friday of our week with the fox, the backyard was the setting for a festive family scene as three kits romped and rough-housed while the parents watched, the father from atop the huge Princeton Ridge boulder in the center of the yard. A day later, during the July 4 weekend, we discovered a dead fawn in the bushes at the back of the yard, the mother close by staring down at it, waiting for it to come back to life. After a phone call to the police, we were told nobody would be able to collect the body until Tuesday because it was a long holiday weekend. When we mentioned the foxes, the cop on the other end said, in effect, no worries, “nature has a way of taking care of these things.” All through the “glorious Fourth” we were haunted by an awareness of what was happening out of view at the back of the yard; when the
Not yet thinking of Lawrence, even with his works in the bookcase at my back, I found this sighting in Catherine Raven’s Fox & I (Spiegel & Grau 2021): “I pondered the scene. There sat, just beyond my doorstep, rain soaked and shivering, a few hours after the death of Pope John Paul II, a fox.” The next paragraph is closer to our experience, except for the repeated reference to the Pope, after whose death Raven continued to see the fox: “he strolled up and down my driveway, sunned on my boulders, hunted in my meadow, and absconded with my voles.”
What eventually turned me toward Lawrence was a passage from Fox & I in which Raven is eye to eye with Fox. There was “no sound no smell no movement. Just two amber eyes.... After that, whenever I wanted, I could close my eyes and see Fox’s face just as clearly as if I were still staring at him. I was grateful for the image whenever it appeared. His eyes were beautiful and wet and astonishingly convex.”
A page later, “Our eyes aligned almost perfectly ... I’m not sure I expected anyone to have such kind eyes, but certainly not him.”
The Fox and the two late-20-something female protagonists: gentle, sisterly Banford and Lawrentian-to-the-core March, who had been “keeping watch over the fowls, which the fox had been eating.” Then, as now, it was “the end of August” when March “looked at it all, saw it all, and did not see it..... She lowered her eyes, and suddenly saw the fox. He was looking up at her. Her chin was pressed down, and his eyes were looking up. They met her eyes. And he knew her. She was spellbound — she knew he knew her. So he looked into her eyes, and her soul failed her. He knew her, he was not daunted.”
A later scene begins on “the large rock perched on the high point of my back field,” where Fox had snatched and eaten a bluebird “on my precious Precambrian boulder” upon which he perched as he “pushed his face closer to me, dipping his nose downward and staring with round, open eyes. Even if you had never seen a fox, you would have recognized on the fox sitting before me a face so innocent that you would have concluded that he had never stalked a bluebird, let alone dismembered one.”
No surprise, Lawrence the fox has already made the match, her chin, his eyes, she’s his, he’s hers: “She struggled, confusedly she came to herself, and saw him making off, with slow leaps over some fallen boughs, slow, impudent jumps.... What she would do when she saw him again she did not consider. But she was determined to find him. So she walked abstractedly about on the edge of the wood, with wide, vivid dark eyes, and a faint flush in her cheeks. She did not think. In strange mindlessness she walked hither and thither.... For he had lifted his eyes upon her, and his knowing look seemed to have entered her brain. She did not so much think of him: she was possessed by him. She saw his dark, shrewd, unabashed eye looking into her, knowing her. She felt him invisibly master her spirit....Meanwhile the night fell, and a great moon rose above the pine trees.”
Whether this was what Ford meant by Lawrence’s “supernatural” side, he’s here
at length, alive on the page, like him or loathe him. As for the moon, it belongs to Lawrence after the “Moony” chapter in Women in Love (1920) when Rupert/Lawrence sends it “flying asunder in flakes of white and dangerous fire.”
Songs and Screams
More than once my wife and I have been wakened in the dead of night by an eerie sound from the street — a combination of roar and hiss. There are numerous attempts to describe or explain the sound foxes make at night. You can hear it on YouTube as “the Vixen’s Screech” and “What Fox Screams (Mating Calls) Sound Like.” This is what Lawrence’s March hears: “That night March dreamed vividly. She dreamed she heard a singing outside which she could not understand, a singing that roamed round the house, in the fields, and in the darkness. It moved her so that she felt she must weep. She went out, and suddenly she knew it was the fox singing.”
Taylor’s Version
Since this month of columns began with Taylor Swift’s “August,” I’ve been watching fox-themed videos of two of my favorite songs from 1989 (Taylor’s Version) : In “I Know Places,” “They got the cages, they got the boxes, and guns. They are the hunters, we are the foxes, and we run.” In the video for “Out of the Woods,” as Taylor repeats the chorus, “Are we out of the woods yet? Are we out of the woods yet?” and “Are we in the clear yet? Are we in the clear yet? Good,” the woods are deep dark and luminously Lawrentian, with two luminous foxes racing across the top of the screen, and when Taylor sings of “moving the furniture, so we could dance,” two Fox Gods appear on either side of a supernatural globe the author of The Fox and Women in Love might have dreamed beyond the reach of fiction.
—Stuart Mitchner
Note : Still reading Fox & I, I want to thank Catherine Raven for reminding me of the unimaginable brutality of foxhunting, supposedly outlawed in England since 2004. From what she reports, hounds still kill as many as twenty thousand foxes every year.
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Performing Arts
Princeton Youth Orchestra Looking for Flute Players
Registrations are open for limited spots in the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra’s new Flute Ensemble, dedicated to strengthening young musicians’ playing, developing their skills, and performing a diverse repertoire of flute music.
While the group is inclusive, students are encouraged to already be taking private flute lessons to ensure a strong foundation.
The Federation of the Art Song
Upcoming Event
Heading the ensemble is Sarah Shin, head of the flute department at Princeton University. Shin is a Lecturer of Flute at the University, a member of the Richardson Chamber Players, and a William S. Haynes Artist, performing on a handmade custom 14k white gold Haynes flute. She has performed
internationally and collaborated with major orchestras across Europe. She is a founding member of the Emissary Quartet, and former president of the New Jersey Flute Society, where she co-led initiatives supporting equity and arts access. Visit gpyo.tfaforms.net/27 to register.
Expanded Matinee Schedule
At Community College Theater
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College will present a series of “Matinee Masterpieces” for the entire 2025-26 season. The 53-year-old theater will be offering 2 p.m. matinees both Saturday and Sunday for the upcoming season, while still presenting evening shows. The 2025-26 season features the work of 10 resident semi-professional theater companies in addition to a student company. Comedies, dramas, and musicals with live orchestras are among the productions. No ticket costs more than $30.
Musicals include The Sponge Bob Musical, South Pacific , Young Frankenstein , She Loves Me , The Prom , Seussical the Musical , The Little Mermaid , and Stephen Sondheim’s Company
Additional productions are Drop Dead! , Seasonal Allergies , The Nutcracker , Arms and the Man , Gaslight , Clue Live On Stage! , One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest , The 39 Steps , The Comedy of Errors, and a tribute to Jethro Tull’s album Aqualung by the Reock & Roll Revue. Interactive movie events include Wicked , The Nightmare Before Christmas , White Christmas , and Encanto Visit kelseytheatre.org or call (609) 570-3333 for more information.
The public is invited to join the Federation of the Art Song (FAS) in their annual Labor Day event in a picturesque, private garden in Princeton.
FAS will honor the United States and it’s vast contributions of vocal music during the year of its semiquincentennial.
In addition to a tasty picnic-in-a-bag and delicious dessert reception, FAS will provide an exciting array of singers
19
“MATINEE MASTERPIECES”: Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor has added a series of afternoon shows to its regular season. Comedies, dramas, and musicals with live orchestras are on the schedule.
CALLING YOUNG FLUTISTS: The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra is forming a new Flute Ensemble, open to all players with at least one year of private instruction.
lacquered steel and halogen bulb work is featured in “Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven,”
Michener Art Museum to Present “Interwoven” Exhibit
Anila Quayyum Agha’s light box installation, All the Flowers are for Me , opens on Saturday, September 6 at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa. It is part of the East Coast appearance of a national tour of “Interwoven,” the largest retrospective ever on this Pakistani American artist. Agha opens viewers up to awe and wonder, while challenging the boundaries of art and craft with traditional techniques.
“I do not have a single story,” says Agha. “I have multiple stories that become interwoven to create a tapestry that is colorful, that is varied, that has pattern, that has beauty and light. We have to explore the multiple stories that make our lives.”
“Anila Quayyum Agha:
Interwoven” surveys two decades of the artist’s practice across media, including sculpture, embroidery, painting and drawing. Comprising nearly 40 artworks drawn from key public and private collections, the exhibition illustrates the conceptual through lines across the artist’s practice — interwoven concerns regarding belonging, access to knowledge and divine presence, and mutual solidarity. Whereas previous presentations of Agha’s work have focused on the artist’s signature light box pieces, for which she first gained critical and popular acclaim, this presentation will contextualize her signature light box pieces among her larger body of work.
Agha’s work prompts collective feelings of wonder and contemplation,
disarming audiences with their splendor and allowing them to ponder deep questions regarding the history of women and the role of spirituality. She visually references wide-ranging sources and historical moments that center the interconnectedness of human stories, from the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain to medieval Venice to the American Light and Space movement of the 1960s. Her art demonstrates how the union of cultures can produce aesthetic spaces welcome to all.
Organized by the Westmoreland Museum of Art, “Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven” is at the the Wichita Art Museum before its presentation at the Michener.
The exhibit is made possible by support from the
Henry Luce Foundation, the Terra Foundation for American Art, the Hillman Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The Fine Foundation.
The Michener Art Museum is located at 238 South Pine Street in Doylestown, Pa. For more information, visit michenerartmuseum.org.
Gourgaud Gallery Hosts Solo Art Show by Ehrlich
The Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury Township Town Hall, 23 North Main Street, Cranbury, will host a solo art show by Toby B. Ehrlich from September 7 through 25,
Two openings will be held: on Sunday, September 7 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, September 10 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Ehrlich has been using her creative ability most of her life. As a child, she struggled with reading due to a form of dyslexia which was not diagnosed until she was 13. During this time, art and music served as wonderful outlets. Throughout high school, Ehrlich painted and was a humanities major at Hosfstra University, where she focused her studies on painting, sculpture, and art history.
She enjoys capturing movement in her work and experimenting with a variety of media. Many of her pieces depict feelings of water, nature, music, and people.
Ehrlich continues to study art locally and enjoys opportunities to be creative. She has taught art to older adults, and her work has been seen in many local New Jersey art shows.
Gourgaud Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit cranburyartscouncil.com.
Pop-Up Beer + Wine Garden Fundraiser Returns to ACP
The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP), in partnership with Triumph Brewing Company, Princeton Corkscrew Wine Shop, and Luscious Spirits Craft Distillery, invites the community to its annual Pop-Up Beer + Wine Garden on Saturday, September 20, from 2 to 5 p.m.
This event blends local flavor, live entertainment, and the joy of giving back, creating an afternoon featuring brews from Triumph Brewing Company, wine from Princeton Corkscrew, and craft spirit tastings from Luscious Spirits. Guests will also enjoy live music by Gravity Hill, fresh flowers and produce from Fairgrown Farm, a sizzling grill, and lawn games proceeds from the Pop-Up Beer + Wine Garden directly support the Arts Council’s outreach programs, which annually provide high-quality, accessible art experiences to more than 400 under-resourced youth,
families, LGBTQ+ teens, and low-income seniors.
“Each year, the Beer + Wine Garden reminds us how much our community values connection through the arts,” said Liza Peck, director of development and community engagement. “It’s an afternoon of joy that ensures art programs remain accessible to those who need them most.”
Tickets are available now at artscouncilofprinceton. org, with multiple tiers ranging from $50 for students to $85, which includes a limited-edition handmade 2025 beer stein.
This event is made possible thanks to the support of AvalonBay Communities, Callaway Henderson, Studio Hillier, Patrick de Maynadier, Cameron Manning & Tom Wright, The Bank of Princeton, and Maul Power Group.
For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Let yourself be swept away by irresistible artistry.
“ALL THE FLOWERS ARE FOR ME”: This asercut
on view September 6 through January 11 at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa. (Cincinnati Art Museum. Alice Bimel Endowment for Asian Art)
ART AT GOURGAUD: Works by Toby B. Ehrlich will be on view at Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury Township September 7 through September 25. Opening receptions will be held on September 7 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and September 10 from 12 to 2 p.m.
CHEERS!: The Arts Council of Princeton’s Annual Pop-Up Beer + Wine Garden returns on September 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Arts Council of Princeton)
familiar into something new. While his past work has focused on everyday details like manhole covers and street signage, this exhibition highlights his evocative photographic “portraits” of flowers, each with stylized coloration and cropping, offering a unique reflection on memory and the passage of time.
Werth, on the other hand, marks time through a meditative process, meticulously filling his canvases with thousands of hand-painted, intricate curves. His abstract acrylic paintings, often created while focusing on his breath or music, achieve remarkable luminosity and depth through subtle color transitions. Drawing on his background as a software developer, Werth’s paintings for this exhibition include mathematical elements such as tessellations, tilings, mandalas, and other geometric configurations.
Klawans has been with Artists’ Gallery since 2000 and has exhibited his prints at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Print Center of Philadelphia. Prior to becoming a full-time artist, he worked as a graphic designer, printmaker, and art director.
New York City, including the School of Visual Arts, The New School, and the Art Students League.
through September 25. Opening receptions are on September 7 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and September 10 from 12 to 2 p.m. Cranburyartscouncil.org.
Area Exhibits
Anne Reid ’72 Gallery, Princeton Day School, 650 Great Road, has “Ariel in NJ” September 12 through December 5. A public reception is on September 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Pds.org/ gallery.
Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, has “Léni Paquet-Morante: Extract / Abstract” through November 9. Artmuseum.princeton.edu.
Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “Time of Day(s)” through August 21 and “Marking Time” September 4 through October 5. An artists’ reception is on Saturday, September 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lambertvillearts.com.
Green Building Center, 67 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “Emerging Artists Exhibition” through September 30. Greenbuildingcenter.com.
Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, has “Princeton Reflected: Stories from HSP’s Collection” and “Einstein Salon and Innovator’s Gallery.” Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. Princetonhistory.org Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, has “Historic Morven: A Window Into America’s Past” (ongoing). Morven.org.
Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, Princeton University, has “Fashion, Feminism, and Fear: Clothing and Power in the 19th Century” through April 2026. Princetonlibrary.org.
“Marking Time” Exhibition at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville Artists’ Gallery presents “Marking Time,” an
18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, on Saturday, September 6 from 4 to 6 p.m.
For “Marking Time,” Klawans delves into his extensive archive of travel photographs, transforming the
“BACKYARD TENANT”: This work by Alan J. Klawans is featured in “Marking Time,” his joint exhibition with Alan J. Klawans, on view September 4 through October 5 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. A reception is on September 6 from to 4 to 6 p.m. exhibition featuring new works by Alan J. Klawans and Andrew Werth, Thursday, September 4 through Sunday, October 5. A free reception with the artists will be held at the gallery at
Werth has exhibited regularly throughout New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia for more than 20 years. He has formal degrees in computer engineering and information networking from Carnegie Mellon University and later self-directed an arts education from many of the arts institutions in
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, has “Milagros de Corazón: Wings of Hope in Tin and Paper” through August 29. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Gourgaud Gallery, 23-A North Main Street, Cranbury, has “Summer Exhibition” through August 29 and works by Toby B. Ehrlich September 7
Artists’ Gallery is open every Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, visit lambertvillearts.com. ONLINE www.towntopics.com
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, has “50 Years of Terhune Orchards” September 6 through December 7. A Meet the Artists Open House is on Sunday, September 7 at 1 p.m. Terhuneorchards.com.
West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, has “Home: The Art of Belonging” through September 20. Westwindsorarts.org.
AUGUST
Town Topics
Wednesday, August 20
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Councilman Leighton Newlin is available for oneon-one discussions about issues impacting Princeton at Hinds Plaza.
6 p.m.: The Board of Trustees of Princeton Public Library meets at the library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
7:30-10 p.m.: Contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Karen Justin with Torrent. Princetoncountrydancers.org.
Thursday, August 21
6 p.m.: Meet Johnson Park school principal Stacy Young on the third floor of Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Parents, students, and community members invited. Princetonlibrary.org.
6-8 p.m.: Dueling Pianos on the Green, Palmer Square. Performed by the Flying Ivories, who take requests. Bring chairs and blankets. Bar opens at 5:30 p.m. Rain date: August 28. Free.
7 p.m.: Story & Verse Open Mic at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Hosted by Brass Rabbit. Share a story, poem, or spoken word piece up to 5 minutes long. Free.
Mark Your Calendar
Artscouncilofprinceton.org.
7-8 p.m.: “Five Phases of an IRA,” at Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike. Thrivent financial advisor Michael Kochersperger talks about managing IRA distributions, reducing tax burdens, and adapting to evolving tax legislation. Register at mcl.org.
Friday, August 22
12-8 p.m.: Sunset Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, music, light bites in the apple orchard. Music from 5-8 p.m. by Bill O’Neal & Andy Koontz. Terhuneorchards.com.
1-3 p.m.: August Nature Walk at Mountain Lakes Preserve. Start at Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Avenue. Sponsored by Friends of Princeton Open Space. Fopos.org.
6:30 p.m.: Men of Soul, Earth Wind and Fire tribute at Mercer County Park, West Windsor. $5 ($25 for season pass). Mercercounty.org.
7 p.m.: Dancing Under the Stars at Hinds Plaza, or in Princeton Public Library’s Community Room if it rains. Members of Central Jersey Dance Society
demonstrate basic steps and lead an evening of dance to recorded music of all kinds. Princetonlibrary.org.
Saturday, August 23
9 a.m.-1 p.m.: West Windsor Community Farmers Market, Princeton Junction train station southbound side. More than 50 local farms and vendors. Wwcfm.org.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Fiddlin’ on the Farm at Howell Living History Farm , 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township. Under the trees on the farmhouse lawn. Homemade food, ice cream, wagon rides, and a closing performance featuring 30 fiddlers. Howellfarm.org.
12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, food, farm strolls, and music from 2-5 p.m. by Two of Us. Terhuneorchards.com.
7:30-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a combined Contra and English dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Carl Levine and Helen White. Princetoncountrydancers.org.
Sunday, August 24
12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold
SUMMER AT THE WINERY
Sangria Weekends in August
Terhune’s Own Wine & Fresh Fruit
Fridays 12pm-8pm
Saturday & Sunday 12pm-6pm
Local Music, good food, friends & neighbors!
Soil Road. Wine, food, farm strolls, and music from 2-5 p.m. by Mike Tusay. Terhuneorchards.com.
2 p.m.: People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos “Try It” event in Spanish , at 475 Wall Street. A contemporary short story is read aloud, followed by discussion. Free; light refreshments provided. Peopleandstories.org.
3 p.m.: Trenton Walks : Guided walk through Cadwalader and Stacy parks in Trenton. Gmtma.org/trailhappenings.
Monday, August 25 Recycling
2 p.m.: Woman in Gold is screened at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
Tuesday, August 26
9:30 and 11 a.m.: Read & Pick: Apples, at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Handson farm activity followed by stories. $12 per child. Terhuneorchards.com.
Wednesday, August 27 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Councilman Leighton Newlin is available for one-onone discussions about issues impacting Princeton at Delizioso, 205 Witherspoon Street.
6-7:30 p.m.: Evening Yoga in the Gardens with Gratitude Yoga at Morven, 55 Stockton Street. Donation-based weekly class. Bring a mat, towel, and water bottle. Morven.org.
6:30 p.m.: McCarter Live at the Library. Season preview with McCarter Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and Director of Presented Programming Paula Abreu at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
7:30-10 p.m.: Contra dance at Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Callers’ Open Mic, led by Bob Isaacs with Princeton
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Pickup Band. Princeton countrydancers.org.
Thursday, August 28
7-10 p.m.: Bingo at Congregation Beth Chaim , 329 Village Road, East Windsor. Cash prizes, food, games. Cash only; for ages 18 and up.
Friday, August 29
12-8 p.m.: Sunset Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, music, light bites in the apple orchard. Music from 5-8 p.m. by Three to Get Ready with Bill Flemer. Terhuneorchards.com.
Saturday, August 30
9 a.m.-1 p.m.: West Windsor Community Farmers Market, Princeton Junction train station southbound side. More than 50 local farms and vendors. Wwcfm.org.
12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, food, farm strolls, and music from 2-5 p.m. by Ragtime Relics. Terhuneorchards.com.
Sunday, August 31
10 a.m.-4 p.m.: The 42nd Annual Howell Farm Plowing Match, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township. Free. Howellfarm.org.
12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, food, farm strolls, and music from 2-5 p.m. by Greg McGarvey. Terhuneorchards.com.
Wednesday, September 3
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Councilman Leighton Newlin is available for one-onone discussions about issues impacting Princeton at Earth’s End, 45 Spring Street.
6-7:30 p.m.: Evening Yoga in the Gardens with Gratitude Yoga at Morven, 55 Stockton Street. Donation-based weekly class. Bring a mat, towel, and water bottle. Morven.org.
Friday, September 5
12-8 p.m.: Sunset Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, music, light bites in the apple orchard. Music from 5-8 p.m. by Laundrymen. Terhuneorchards.com.
Saturday, September 6
9-11 a.m.: Meeting of the WitherspoonJackson Neighborhood Association in collaboration with the Arts Council of Princeton at the Arts Council, 102 Witherspoon Street. On the agenda are the Arts Council expansion plans through the CAFÉ Grant program, and a community discussion of Princeton Nursery School. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.
9 a.m.-1 p.m.: West Windsor Community Farmers Market, Princeton Junction train station southbound side. More than
50 local farms and vendors. Wwcfm.org.
10 a.m.: Trenton Walks : Guided hike of the Delaware & Raritan Canal. Gmtma. org/trail-happenings.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Doylestown Arts Festival has musicians on five stages throughout downtown Doylestown, Pa. Food, crafts, live art demonstrations, kids’ activities, and more. Free. Dtownartsfestival.com.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Fall Family Fun Weekend and Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Pony rides, wagon rides, children’s games, haybale mazes, barnyard animals; wine, food, farm strolls, and more. Music from 2-5 p.m. by Meghan Cary. Terhuneorchards.com.
10-11 a.m.: Mid-Day Toastmasters meets at the Hickory Corner Branch Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, and online. Visit 4139.toastmastersclubs.org. to sign up.
12-7 p.m.: Fiesta Latina celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month at Mercer County Park, West Windsor. Music, food, crafts, children’s activities, and more. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Mercercounty.org.
4-7 p.m.: Beer and Garden Pop-up at Princeton Shopping Center Courtyard. Sustainable gardening event featuring Triumph Brewery. Live music, educational booths about sustainable landscaping. Free. Sustainableprinceton.org.
7:30 p.m.: The 10th annual Full Moon Bike Ride , Mercer Meadows Park, starting at the Rosedale Lake section, Hopewell. Sponsored by the Lawrence Hopewell Trail. Open to cyclists and walkers aged 12 and up. Music and a campfire are planned. Rain date is Sunday, September 7 (bike ride only). Lhtrail.org/ annual-fullmoonride.
Sunday, September 7
10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Doylestown Arts Festival has musicians on five stages throughout downtown Doylestown, Pa. Also food, crafts, live art demonstrations, kids activities, and more. Free. Dtownartsfestival.com.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Fall Family Fun Weekend and Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Pony rides, wagon rides, children’s games, haybale mazes, barnyard animals; wine, food, farm strolls, and more. Music from 2-5 p.m. by Mark Miklos. Terhuneorchards.com.
“
Fleurique Design Flower Shop in Lambertville
for Every Occasion
It’s the natural beauty. Flowers make people happy. There is immediate satisfaction whether you are in a garden or when you receive a gift of flowers. Flowers make you feel good.”
Lydia Platonov should know! A certified floral designer, she owns Fleurique Design, located at 46 South Bridge Street in Lambertville.
“I’m passionate about plants, flowers, and the earth,” she explains. “I have also always enjoyed painting, and as an artist, I am happy to be able to combine that with my floral design work. ”
After working in a number of floral shops for several years, she was able to fulfill her hope of having her own business when she opened Fleurique Design.
In addition, Platonov points out that her work is also strongly influenced by her appreciation for history, especially “the timeless charm of old and historic elements.
“Couples often have a vision or theme and the flowers they want,” she explains. ”The location can be a factor too. Also, tropical flowers are popular now, and many brides are choosing a more modern, less traditional, look. They like larger flowers and wild flowers.”
Platonov will provide the flowers for the entire wedding event, including for the bridal party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception.
Other occasions, such as showers, parties, and corporate events, are increasingly in demand as well, and these are all part of her service.
Known for its unique customized designs, commitment to sustainability, and friendly personal customer service, the shop has become a very popular addition to the Lambertville shopping scene since it opened last December.
Growing up in Bucks County, Platonov enjoyed the picturesque scenic surroundings of the area, including not only the Delaware River, but the natural landscapes filled with an abundance of flowers, trees, and foliage of all kinds.
Creative Vision
As a girl, she developed a deep connection both with nature and art. She emphasizes that these two passions — art and nature — guided her toward a career in floral design in which she could combine her love of the environment with her creative vision.
“This love for the past shapes my designs, resulting in floral creations that are romantic, whimsical, and reminiscent of the classic still life paintings and landscapes of bygone eras. Each arrangement tells a story, capturing the elegance and nostalgia of another time, while staying grounded in the beauty of nature.”
Barns to Beaches
At the same time, however, because of her creative talent, she is able to bring a very modern feel to her work. “My arrangements can be more contemporary too, with robust textures, and large flowers, such as anthurium and bigger roses.”
This is often reflected in weddings today, she adds. Weddings are a specialty for her, and they are very varied these days, with assorted themes and locations ranging from barns to beaches.
In general, she reports that roses remain as popular as ever, but often in more unusual colors, such as green, as well as the alltime favorites red, pink, white, and yellow.
“Other popular flowers today are ranunculus, sunflowers, and unique varieties of daisies,” she says. “Also, flowers with earth tone colors are very desirable, including zinnias with muted, earth tone shades. I like to use a fun variety of zinnias with interesting colors and unusual textures.”
Locally Grown
In addition to the variety of events she oversees, Platonov offers a full range of bouquets, cut flowers, and dried flower arrangements and wreaths. She has flowers from all over the world, as well as from local growers.
“We have locally grown
Design owner Lydia Platonov.
culus, lisianthus, astrantia, spring
plants from an organic farm and greenhouse,” she reports.
Customers often walk in to take flowers — or even a single stem — home. Recently, a young man stopped in to pick up a bouquet of cut flowers for his mother’s birthday. A Lambertville resident and regular customer, he had specific colors and flowers in mind, and Platonov was glad to oblige, providing an appealing environmentally-friendly “wrap” for the bouquet.
In fact, the containers (which Platonov likes to refer to as vessels) at Fleurique Design are notably different. As she explains, “I have vessels from natural materials, such as one made from coffee grounds and corn husks. This is available in different colors, and is very durable.”
Touch of Nature
This is very much in keeping with her strong focus on sustainability. “I do my best to be sustainable and environmentally-friendly. I use no plastic and have minimal waste.”
Another very popular service she offers is the subscription package in which customers have a standing order for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deliveries to their home or office. “They can have customized floral arrangements or cut flowers,” notes Platonov. “It can be a seasonal touch of nature in their home. Many people appreciate this opportunity.”
They also appreciate a visit to the shop, which is filled with wonderful floral displays, unusual containers, and a variety of gift products. “I offer handmade items, including candles, incense, perfumes, body serums, antiques, and handmade ceramics from local artists and artisans,” she says.
In addition, Platonov has introduced a series of seasonal events in the shop, featuring area artists. Open to the public, these events further reflect her interest in the full spectrum of art.
Customers are coming to Fleurique Design from all over the area, including Princeton, she reports. Often referred by other customers, they are also finding her online, especially for events. Although the majority of her work is focused in the area, she has had weddings and events in Philadelphia and
upstate New York as well as other locations beyond the immediate area.
Same Day Delivery
Same day delivery within a 25-mile radius is available, and customers can call or order online.
Prices cover a wide range, with single stems starting at $3, $25 and up for cut flower bouquets, and on up for arrangements. She also makes an effort to work with people’s budgets.
Platonov is very encouraged that Fleurique Design has attracted so many enthusiastic customers in
such a short time, and she is happy they know that the shop is something special.
“We are set apart by our unique selection of flowers from all over the world, our unique designs, and our committed focus on sustainability. I’d like to do this for the rest of my life!”
Fleurique Design is open Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, call (609) 2124783. Visit the website at fleuriquedesign.com.
—Jean Stratton
FAVORITE FLORALS: “My specialty is a contemporary look, a bit more avant-garde, with more organic designs, using wild flowers, and different and unusual textures,” says Lydia Platonov, certified floral designer and owner of Fleurique Design. “We offer fresh and dried flowers, sourced sustainably, and we feature a carefully curated selection of blooms, vintage finds, and unique gifts, all chosen with sustainability in mind.” (Photo
CUSTOM CREATIONS: “Fleurique is an eco-friendly flower shop where nature meets elegance. We specialize in custom floral designs for weddings, events, and everyday moments,” says Fleurique
Shown is an arrangement featuring anemones, ranun-
roses, hanging amaranthus, and greenery in a pedestal bowl.
(Photo by Meadowlens Photography).
by Meadowlens Photography).
S ports
Despite Losing Stars from Ivy Champion Squad, Tiger Women’s Soccer Still Looking Formidable
Sean Driscoll compares preseason for his Princeton University women’s soccer team to waking up on Christmas Day.
“You’re checking out all the new things under the tree and then you’re having this incredible amount of hope of what the capacity is,” said Princeton head coach Driscoll.
Driscoll is feeling good about the way the Tigers reported for preseason in response to all that they lost after becoming the first team to win both the Ivy League regular season title and the Ivy Tournament last fall. Gone are seven starters from last year’s 14-5 season, but he’s happy about the development of the returning players since then plus the maturity of the incoming freshmen.
“I’m not going to say it’s going to yield anything,” Driscoll said. “I’m just saying now, at this moment in time, it’s the best I’ve seen so far. It’s been exactly what I would have hoped for.”
The Tigers open their season on August 22 by hosting in-state rival Rutgers. They hit the road for the first time two days later when they play at Loyola.
“I do see a lot of pieces in training and a little bit from our (Penn scrimmage) game that give me real belief, but one game changes everything,” said Driscoll. “Friday will be really interesting. It’s a very, very good opponent and then to hit the road going down to Baltimore, driving up and back the same day, to do that is going to be a challenge too against a very well-coached Loyola team.”
Princeton will trot out a new lineup that is missing key pieces at both ends of the field in leading scorer Pietra Tordin, who left with a year remaining in her college eligibility to play professionally for the Portland Thorns FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, while goalie Tyler McCamey was one of seven seniors to graduate and she signed with another NWSL team, Gotham FC. Fellow 2025 grad Heather MacNab also signed in the NWSL. Another 2025 graduate, Ryann Brown, is using her final year of NCAA eligibility at North Carolina as a grad student transfer.
“Obviously we lost a lot last year in terms of experience and quality and talent and we’ve got a lot of kids playing at the next level now,” said Driscoll. “You’re moving on from a very influential class. I think that’s what’s the most intriguing piece for us is to see what the next iteration is going to be with such a change of losing seven starters from last year. Having said that, the spring was really successful. I thought the kids did a fantastic job and I think that just so far this fall, I think we’re certainly trending in the right direction.”
Each class will be asked to contribute this year. Princeton’s roster is relatively thin with three goalies among their 23 players. But there is talent to put out on the field.
“We’ve got a freshman class that does not look like freshmen,” said Driscoll. “They all look like sophomores, and the way they approach the game is really good. We’ve got a really good senior and junior and sophomore class that are all chomping at the bit for an opportunity to continue to show what they’re capable of.”
Princeton returns only one starter on the back line, but it’s Zoe Markesini, a junior who missed the beginning of 2024 to play FIFA U-20 tournament for Canada. She is a co-captain along with senior forward Ally Murphy. Caroline Cane is a senior who is healthy and looking to start in the center back.
Senior Kelsee Wozniak is a converted forward who saw significant time last year. Julia Johnson, a freshman, is the only other full-time defender listed on Princeton’s roster, but the Tigers have some defending midfielders, part of a deep and mobile midfield group.
The Tigers will need to be stout in the back in front of a new starting goalie, which is a key hole to fill. Princeton’s options to replace McCamey are junior Cecilia Cerone, sophomore Sydney Romano and freshman Carson Proctor. They have been pushing each other daily under the tutelage of assistant Chris Duggan.
“The three of them are unbelievable in terms of training and their habits and their willingness to do whatever it takes to help their team in training win,” said Driscoll. “All three are making some outstanding saves. It’s really elevated the entire training session because they’re so locked in. They get put through it every day by Chris and when they get brought back in with the field players, they are just incredible. And so it’s a really, really cool environment.”
The other big question mark for the Tigers is how to make up for the loss of Tordin, their leading scorer by far with 10 goals in 10 games last year. Six other players last year scored at least three goals, and 23 of their 40 goals are back overall, but they’ll have to be a bit more dynamic overall to make up for Tordin’s absence. Alexandra Barry scored four goals in seven games in an injury shortened season. Returners Brooke Dawahare and Isabella Garces also had four goals apiece while Drew Coomans and Kayla Wong had three goals apiece.
“We have the quality to pose some threats in the attack and I think we will,” said Driscoll. “I just think it comes down to self-belief and confidence, and the only thing that gives you more confidence is scoring a goal. And so until each kid starts to get their groove, it’s a matter of wait and see. But I do like the energy and training. It’s really, really focused. In general we’ve been more clinical with our finishing in training day-to-day which is great.”
Princeton has been playing with a new formation for this season. It would take a player out of the back line
to push her into the midfield. The formation would give Princeton flexibility to float two outside midfielders back and be very defensive, or push midfielders forward more to create an advantage offensively. The Tigers are hoping to find a way to marry those philosophies based on what they need in a game.
“One more number means a better chance for keeping possession,” said Driscoll. “One more number means a better chance of winning the ball that much quicker.”
The upperclassmen have a better sense of what is ahead, but they can’t do it all. That’s where the freshmen can make their presence felt, and the Tigers have seen a lot of confidence out of their first-year players already in training.
“I’ve yet to have a class that acclimated this quickly,” said Driscoll. “It’s really, really interesting. And it’s exactly what we needed because of all the departures.”
Princeton’s opening weekend gives it a great chance to test players and formations against quality competition. Rutgers is 2-0 after shutting out NJIT and Fairfield — Driscoll’s former team before coming to Princeton. Princeton beat Rutgers in 2021 but the Scarlet Knights haven’t lost to the Tigers in the last five meetings in Princeton. The Tigers have to be good on the counterattack and defending when they lose the ball.
“They’ve been really exciting games, really well attended,” said Driscoll. “I expect there’ll be a good crowd on Friday night. So that’ll be a fun atmosphere certainly to introduce some of these kids to their first ever starts or first ever playing in college. I wish it was when school started, it absolutely would be sold out. But I think it’s going to be a really cool environment and it’s a good Jersey battle. I think what’s really cool lately is that the Princeton men and women’s teams are playing Rutgers in a lot of sports, and it’s bringing in a good crowd. They’re good teams.”
After the opener, Princeton turns around to go on the road to Loyola on Sunday. The foes haven’t played since 2021 and the Tigers have won four of the five meetings against the Greyhounds. Loyola is 1-1 after tying Florida Atlantic and then beating St. Peter’s, 2-0.
“We’re going to need to be, to the best of our ability, fresh,” said Driscoll. “We have to rotate players. We’ll have to be really, really intentional with how we handle the weekend with minutes to play, and the elements of playing a big game at home and then turning around and go on the road a day and a half later and trying to get another result.”
The Tigers also can’t get caught up thinking ahead to their third game – when they host a Top 20 Ohio State team on August 28. Princeton will play seven nonconference games as it looks to gain momentum toward
fall. Princeton, the
defending their Ivy crown when they open league play September 19 at Penn.
Earlier this week, the Tigers were picked first in the Ivy League preseason poll by the league’s athletic communications contacts and one media member for each school. Ivy Tournament finalist Brown was picked second, Harvard third and Columbia fourth. Princeton isn’t putting much stock in it. The Tigers prefer to be underdogs.
“I think that it’s a league that’s going to be wide open,” said Driscoll. “Frankly, we lost a lot, Columbia lost a lot and Harvard lost a lot. So three of the top four teams last year lost several starters. I just think that the
league in general is better. I think it’s going to be very, very tight this year given the departures from some of the higher teams and the returners in the league’s depth. I think the teams that maybe finished five, six, seven, eight — I think they’re all going to have something to prove. I just think it’s going to be a wide open league.”
Princeton has a good starting point with a group of hungry returning veterans and a strong class of freshmen looking to be contributors immediately. But the Tigers always put the focus on how they finish, and that will again be true. If they can build on a strong preseason, that bodes well as Princeton looks for its first repeat Ivy
crowns since 2017 and 2018.
“I just hope we’re within range come the playoffs,” said Driscoll, referring to the Ivy tournament which features the teams that finish in the top four in the regular season standings. “That’s the number one focus —get to the playoffs, be really good at home, we have a daunting road schedule and I think what I’m hoping for more than anything is just the DNA of this team is this willingness to work no matter where we go and fight and scratch and claw our way to whatever results we need.”
—Justin Feil a Princeton tradition!
BARRY GOOD: Princeton University women’s soccer player Alexandra Barry, right, boots the ball in a game last season. Sophomore forward Barry, who tallied four goals and five assists for the Tigers in her debut campaign, figures to be a key scoring threat this
defending Ivy League champion, kicks off its 2025 season by hosting Rutgers on August 22.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
PU Hockey Star Pearson Signs
With Maine Mariners of ECHL
Former Princeton University men’s hockey star goalie Ethan Pearson ’25 has signed for his first full professional hockey season, agreeing to terms with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Pearson spent the final portion of the 2024-25 season with the Mariners on a Amateur Tryout Agreement with the organization in March. He did not appear in any games for the Mariners, but dressed in three contests down the stretch.
Over his Princeton career, Pearson a 6’2, 200-pound native of Fredericton, N ew Brunswick, Canada, posted a 3.05 goals against average with a save percentage of .891. He had an overall record of 20-27-4 with five shutouts.
Tiger Men’s Basketball to Face Bradley at ESPN Event
The Princeton University men’s basketball team will start action in the 2025 Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational by facing Bradley on November 24. The tournament will take place from November 24-27 at State Farm Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and features eight teams including Rhode Island, Towson, Liberty, Vermont, Temple, and UC San Diego in addition to Princeton and Bradley.
The Tigers will face the Braves for the second time in history, with the first meeting taking place on January 1, 1948, in Peoria, Ill. Princeton and Bradley will both be playing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports for the first time.
PU Men’s Golfer Greyserman Makes Amateur Round of 64
Princeton University men’s golf rising sophomore star Reed Greyserman qualified for match play at the 125th U.S. Amateur Championship at The Olympic Club in San Francisco last week.
Greyserman finished tied for fifth over the two rounds of stroke play, post ing backto-back rounds of 69 to finish at 138 which was -2 and positioned him as just one of 16 players to finish the 36 holes under par out of the 312 golfers entered in the tournament.
In the match play portion of the competition, Greyserman fell 2 and 1 in the Round of 64 last Wednesday to Tim Wiedemeyer.
Men’s Hockey Coach Syer Helps U.S. Win Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Princeton University
men’s hockey head coach Ben Syer helped guide the U.S. squad to a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last week.
Serving as associate head coach for the U.S. team, Syer was behind the bench as the Americans defeated Sweden 5-3 in the gold medal game on August 16 in Trencin, Slovakia. The gold medal is just the second alltime for Team USA in the 34 years of the tournament and first since 2003.
NHL Draft prospects, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup featured elite under-18 players from the United States, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland. Germany, and Slovakia.
The United States went 2-1 in Group Play, with wins over Slovakia (6-3) and Germany (8-1) to finish second in Group B and advance to the semifinals.
In the semis, the U.S. defeated Canada in a shootout, 4-3, to advance to the gold medal game.
In the final, the U.S. spotted Sweden — the only team to defeat the Americans in group play — a lead just 10 seconds into the game. Team USA responded less than three minute later to tie the game and took a lead one minute after that. After Sweden tied the game at 2-2. Team USA connected on a power play late in the first to take a 3-2 lead into intermission.
Another power-play goal from the United States 45 seconds into the second period extended its lead to 4-2. Sweden narrowed the gap to 4-3 in the second period, The U.S. responded with a third period goal to end the scoring in its 5-3 triumph.
Princeton Men’s Hockey Adds Henningson to Staff
A prominent preseason showcase for upcoming , left, goes after the ball in a game last fall. Rising senior star Ittycheria was recently named as a forward to watch on the United Soccer Coaches’ NCAA Division I Players to Watch List. Ittycheria is one of 20 forwards selected to the Players to Watch List, which recognizes United Soccer Coaches AllAmerican and All-Region players from 2024 who are set to return for the 2025 season. Last fall, Ittycheria scored nine goals and earned second-team All-Ivy League honors as Princeton went 12-7 and won the Ivy postseason tournament. Ittycheria was drafted by D.C. United in the MLS Superdraft 2025 in December in the second round as the 40th pick overall. Ittycheria and the Tigers kick off their 2025 season when they host Rutgers on September 5.
The Princeton University men’s hockey team has added Dan Henningson to its staff as an assistant coach, Tiger head coach Ben Syer announced earlier this week. Henningson is replacing assistant coach Tommy Davis, who has stepped away from collegiate coaching to pursue other professional opportunities.
Henningson and Syer’s relationship goes back almost two decades as Henningson was recruited by Syer while on staff at Quinnipiac University. A two-way defenseman, Henningson appeared in 150 games for the Bobcats from 2005 to 2009, tallying 67 points on 12 goals and 55 assists. He was twice named team MVP and served as assistant captain his junior year and team captain his senior year.
Following the Bobcats’ 2008-09 season, Henningson signed a
contract with the Colorado Avalanche’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. He went on to a four-year professional hockey career that included stops in the AHL and ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League).
In 2009-10, Henningson signed with the WilkesBarre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. He spent time in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers, where he was named team captain and MVP. He also played for the Chicago Express and had
AHL call-ups with Rockford and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Henningson ended his professional career in the AHL with the Binghamton Senators in 2012.
Following his playing career, Henningson transitioned into coaching, joining the Jersey Hitmen club program. Since 2017, he has served as a head coach and skills director within the organization, including coaching the 16U and 18U teams which consistently rank top 25 in the nation.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
After Getting Slowed Down by Weather Issues Early On, CP Bluefish Ended Up with a 10th Straight PASDA Crown
With the rash of thunderstorms that rumbled through the area in June washing out meets, the Community Park Bluefish swim team got off to a slow start this summer.
“We had some issues early on with weather; we got real worried early on as every meet was getting rained out,” said Bluefish co-head coach Mike Uchrin. “Diving had completely finished before we had gotten a single meet in; that is how often it rained. We were panicking a little bit but it gave the kids more time to prepare. They got more practice time in and they were ready to roll once we got the meets in. We ended up using every rain date possible and we got it all in.”
When the Bluefish were able to get in the water, they got up to speed quickly as they produced another dominant campaign, going 6-0 in Princeton-Area Swimming and Diving Association (PASDA) dual meets, (including the PASDA mini meet) to extend their winning streak to 50.
At the PASDA championship meet, the Bluefish took first as they piled up 3,916.50 points with the Ben Franklin Swim Team scoring 1,876 to finish second.
“It was a great season overall,” said Uchrin, noting that program drew more than 260 swimmers and had 12 or 13 teenage assistant coaches, most of whom are current or former Bluefish swimmers. “This is the 10th PASDA championships win in the last 11 years. (There was no meet in 2020 due to COVID.) If you put it all together it is 50 straight regular season wins and 10 straight PASDA championship. We are very proud of that.”
The coaches were proud of Quinten Kushner, who starred for in the Boys 6 & Under division, taking second in the 25-yard freestyle and 10th in the 25 backstroke.
“Quinten was awesome, he really showed up every at practice and also for the meets,” said Bluefish cohead coach Kelsey Schwimmer. “He was ready to go. He improved so much over the season.”
In the 6U girls, Khaya Diamini took second in the 25 back and Hailey Uchrin placed seventh in the 25 free to lead the way for that group.
“Khaya was tentative at the beginning of the year but she came every single day and worked really hard,” said Schwimmer. “She blew it out of the water, she is incredible. She knew what she wanted, she worked hard for it. Hailey also worked really hard, she came in as our fastest 6-and-under girl at champs kind of out of left field. She did amazing, we were really proud of her.”
Manning Xia and Zeeon Zang formed a one-two punch for the 8U boys as Xia took first in the 25 free, 25 back and 100 individual medley while Zang won the 25 breaststroke and took second in both the 25 free and the 100 IM.
“Manning and Zeeon were our two powerhouses — we
were blown away by them,” said Schwimmer. “Manning won PASDA Most Valuable Swimmer (MVP) and set two PASDA records and two team records. He just had an amazing season this year.”
The 8U girls featured plenty of depth as Edie Potts took ninth in the 25 breast, Caroline Hamilton finished sixth in the 25 free, Alanis John took sixth in the 25 butterfly, and Audrey Lee placed ninth in the 25 fly.
“They were part of a real solid group of swimmers,” said Schwimmer. “They have been on the team for a couple of years now. They came in second in the 100 medley relay. They worked really hard to make sure that all of their strokes were technical and legal and they did great with that. They did great.”
Bluefish stalwart Teddy Cotter did great for the 10U boys, taking first in the 100 IM and second in the 25 breast.
“Teddy is a standout swimmer, he is one of three Cotter boys,” said Schwimmer. “It is an incredible family. That is one of the best things about the Bluefish, having that kind of family legacy. Teddy got first overall in the IM, I know he was working really hard for that race. He is such a good team player too. He was in the medley and freestyle relays and they smashed it.
As for the 10U girls, newcomer Salina Min made an immediate impact, placing first in the 25 breast, 25 fly, and 100 IM.
“Salina came in this year, it was her first year on Bluefish and she left us speechless,” said Schwimmer. “She set two team records, she set a PASDA record. She did get the PASDA MVP. In her very first swim in her first meet, she set the team record in the 25 breaststroke. She was just excited to be part of the team. She made friends right away. She was such a great cheerleader for the other girls. She did fantastic. We were so thrilled to have her.”
That group featured two other standouts as Ava Cheng placed first in the 25 free and third in the 25 breast while Alicia Ben took second in the 25 free, 25 fly, and 100 IM.
“Alicia is 9, so she has another year with us at 10-andunder,” said Schwimmer. “She was here working every day. She is the most determined swimmer. If she puts her mind to it, she is going to get it.”
The 12U boys gave the Bluefish some good work as Vaughan Rodricks took first in the 50 fly and fourth in the 100 IM while Alexander Khot finished first in the 50 breast and third in the 100 IM, Jay Wang placed second in the 50 free and third in 50 fly, and James Cotter came in second in the 50 back and 50 breast.
“All season they were great for us, one of the great examples is that 200 medley relay, they crushed our team record,” said Uchrin.“They had been chasing that all season. The combination of James, Vaughan, Alex, and Jay put together a great relay. If you just look across
all of our relays, ages 12 and up, we did so well. The relays are where we really thrive because it shows our depth, it shows the mechanics and techniques we have been working on.”
Oceana Hsieh thrived for the 12U girls, finishing first in the 50 breast and 50 fly and second in the 100 IM. Alexis Julian took first in the 50 back and second in both the 50 free and the 50 free while Alyssa Lee placed second in the 50 back, fourth in the 100 IM, and fifth in the 50 breast and Clementine Nieman came in third in both the 50 breast and the 100 IM.
“You could do an entire article on the 12U girls, the depth of that group is crazy,” said Uchrin. “Oceana won PASDA MVP. She was determined to do it, they were tight races. She worked her tail off to get there. There was a whole bunch of good kids in this group with Alexis, Alyssa, and Clementine as well. They did so well and they are so supportive of one another. They are such a tight-knit group. One of the things that stands out with that group is that they got first and second in both relays. That shows our depth.”
As for the 14U boys, Natan Wysocki and Nathan Ricciardo came up big with Wysocki winning both the 50 free and 100 IM with Ricciardi taking first in the 50 fly and second in the 100 IM.
“Natan and Nathan were putting it together, they were so great,” said Uchrin. “Natan won MVP for that age group. They were pushing it, they were ready to go. They had a great race in all of their races. And then again, if you look at the relays, both of our boys 14-and-under relays won by over five seconds which is an eternity in swimming.”
The 14U girls got some great performances from Adelyn Ben, who took first in the 50 fly and 100 IM, while Joviale Wu was second in the 50 fly and fourth in the 50 free, and Sophia Huang placed third in the 50 fly.
“Adelyn also won MVP,” said Uchrin. “Adelyn always comes ready to rock, she is always focused and ready to go. It was another situation where the girls really stuck together and they ended up winning both relays by over five seconds. If you look at the fly, that was one of our strongest events for the 14U girls. We got first, second, and third.”
Kentaro Bauer was a strong performer for the 18U boys as he finished first in both the 50 breast and the 50 fly. Mark Lackner finished second in the 50 free and third in the 50 back with Shawn Elwood coming in third in the 50 free.
“Kentaro was the PASDA MVP — he ended up solidifying himself as one of the greatest Bluefish ever,” said Uchrin. “He was determined to rewrite our record board. He set four team records this summer. He took down Will Stange’s 50 back team record and Will went to the Olympic trials for backstroke in college. The biggest highlight for Kentaro
was his 50 fly. He set a league record (23.79), not just a team record. That is a big one. I also have to give a shout out to Mark Lackner, who was another one of our coaches. He coached for the 10-and-under group. Because he coaches he didn’t have a lot of time in the water, but he still just muscled through the 50 free.”
The 18U girls produced a lot of highlights as well with Zoe Bitterman taking first in the 50 free and second in the 50 fly, Sabine Ristad placing second in the 100 IM and third in the 50 fly, Caitlin Stubbs coming in third in the 50 free and fourth in the 50 fly, Charlotte Flanagan finishing third in the 100 IM and fourth in the 50 back, and Samantha Kent taking second in the 50 breast and fifth in the 50 fly.
“Zoe is one of the legacy Bluefish — I think she has records back from when she was 6 years old,” said Uchrin. “She won free, it was a real tight race for second in fly. This is Sabine’s senior year; she coached and did a great job with the 8-and-under group. She is so professional and such a team player. She did a great job in IM and fly. She was in a winning relay in her last race.”
Uchrin is proud of how the Bluefish program has maintained its winning tradition over the last decade.
“Overall I think back to how to far we have come over the last 10 championships,” said Uchrin. “Over that time there have been so many clubs that have come and gone like Nassau, Flemington-Raritan, and Cranbury. So to see how far we
ALL IN: Salina Min is all smiles as she took a break in a meet this summer for the Community Park Bluefish swim team. Min helped the Bluefish place first in the team standings at the Princeton-Area Swimming and Diving Association (PASDA) championship meet. Min placed first in the Girls 10 & Under 25-yard breaststroke, 25 butterfly, and 100 individual medley at the meet. In the team standings at the PASDA meet, the Bluefish piled up 3,916.50 points in taking first with the Ben Franklin Swim Team scoring 1,876 to finish second. (Photo
have come and to see how big the support has been in the community, it has just been incredible. It’s hot in the season, it’s tough and it’s fast but it is so fun.”
That focus on fun keeps the swimmers showing up on a daily basis. “I am always surprised at 8 a.m. to see kids out there if we have been out here till 9 at a meet the night before,” said Uchrin. “Especially if you look at some of the seniors. They could just stay in bed and they come walking through every day.”
Schwimmer, for her part, believes that the bonds developed over the summer lead to that dedication.
“We see friendships growing just from the swim
team; it is amazing to see how it brings people together,” said Schwimmer. “They want to be here, the swimmers are excited to come. Even when it is hard or it is hot, they are excited to come be with friends.” As a result, the swimmers are disappointed when the season concludes.
“At the end of the year party, the parents came up to us saying that Bluefish is the best part of the summer and that the kids are so sad that it is done,” said Schwimmer. “It is just something that brings the community together that we look forward to every year. It is so much fun.”
—Bill Alden
by Frank Jacobs III)
After Helping PHS Swimming Maintain its Winning Ways, Fackler Joining Coaching Staff of TCNJ Women’s Team
When Carly Fackler, nee Misiewicz, took the helm of the Princeton High swimming program in 2014, she had some qualms about following in the footsteps of her legendary predecessor Greg Hand.
“I was really excited for the opportunity; I was nervous because I was fairly new to it still,” said Fackler, a former Rider University swimmer who had served one year as an assistant coach for the Tiger program before her promotion. “I was 23 years old and because he had built such a successful program, I didn’t want to let this guy down.”
Hand, who was inducted into the PHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023, gave her words of encouragement.
“He came to me and said, ‘Listen, I would not have retired from teaching and coaching if I didn’t have the utmost confidence in you,’” said Fackler, who has guided both the boys’ and girls’ teams as Hand did before her. “That really put my mind at ease.”
That confidence proved wellplaced as Fackler has helped the boys’ team go to a 13128-1 record with five Mercer County titles, two New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) sectional titles, and two NJSIAA state final appearances in 12 years as the head coach and one as an assistant. As for the girls, she had led them to a 127-20-1 record with six county titles, four NJSIAA sectional titles, three NJSIAA state final appearances, and the 2023 NJSIAA Group B state title in 11 years as a head
coach and one as an assistant.
In reflecting on her success, Fackler credited the influence of Hand.
“Greg really taught me a lot about balance with the constant battle between club swimming and the high school,” said Fackler, who was also a math teacher at PHS.
“He taught me all about flexibility. As a teacher that is a super important skill to have and it trickles over into coaching as well. I learned a lot from him about different types of sets and workouts and how he would have different days that would be focused on different types of workouts.”
Applying those lessons at the next level, Fackler is leaving PHS to become as assistant coach for The College of New Jersey women’s program.
“I have always wanted to get into college coaching, I never really knew how to,” said Fackler. “I am very, very excited. I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
The opportunity arose this July when former PHS assistant coach Haley Crispell told Fackler that she heard that TCNJ women’s swimming head coach Jennifer Harnett was looking for an assistant.
“It all happened very quickly; on a Thursday, Haley had reached out to me and that afternoon — I had reached out to Jen,” said Fackler. “Jen and I talked on the phone on Friday. We had a very nice phone call. She asked me, ‘Do you want to come in on Monday? I can give you a tour and we can talk.’ She offered me the job that Monday.”
Fackler is proud of the job she did guiding the Tigers over the last decade.
“I feel very fortunate and blessed that Greg set up the program that he did and established it to be what it was,” said Fackler. “It already had a very positive culture. My job was to keep it there and to ramp it up if and when I could. Having that positivity on and off the pool deck was really important — whether it was a pasta party on a Friday or Saturday night at someone’s house or everyone dressing up on the day of a meet or whatever the psych is going to be. It was making sure that everyone is bought in from the beginning.”
In developing that positivity, Fackler focused on keeping the lines of communication open with her athletes.
“I always have the approach that I want my swimmers to feel comfortable and confident about coming to talk to me about anything, whether it is swimming-related, schoolrelated, or personal-related,” said Fackler. “I wanted to be somebody they could approach. That was my biggest thing.”
That approach helped Fackler develop some lasting bonds with her swimmers.
“Looking back on it over the years, there are kids that I still keep in touch with that swam in college and that I followed,” said Fackler. “At the Hall of Fame banquet when Greg got inducted, some of those kids like Matt Purdy and Peter
coach how are you doing.”
Seeing her girls’ squad come through with the 2023 state title was a highlight of Fackler’s time at PHS.
“That meant everything; I feel like as a coach that is something you always work for, strive for; and it came true,” said Fackler of the squad that topped Chatham 91-79 in the state final to culminate a 14-0 campaign. “You go into a season and you can always say we have X,Y, and Z, and look at all of the talent that we have. We didn’t graduate anybody or whatever but the fact of the matter is that you never know where any of the other schools are as well, who they are getting in, who moved or transferred, who decided to join a club team and who has now dropped 10 seconds, things like that. I think that team connection, that bond, the chemistry that team had during that season is unmatched.”
Now Fackler is looking to help TCNJ develop that type of chemistry as it pursues titles.
“It is a combination of everything — I told them I am ready and willing and would like to do as much as possible,” said Fackler, noting that the Lions practice on Monday and Thursday mornings and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons with most of the meets on Saturdays. “I will be at all of the practices and then we have lifting and dry land afterwards. It is essentially three hours a day of practice time morning or afternoon. I told Jen that I can work on any event from the 50 to the mile for freestyle and backstroke but I am very confident really with coaching anything.”
Rider and then running a high school program has prepared her well for her new job.
“I think that is going to help me because I have that collegiate experience, but then I also have the experience of coaching high school,” said Fackler. “I have been helping kids with transitioning over to college. I am so excited to get into things on the other side of it. I know the club teams in Jersey. I know what good high school times are right now.”
Having retired from teaching at PHS, Fackler sees herself making a career out of college coaching.
move around from state to state and just follow the jobs,” added Fackler, now 34, who has an infant daughter Harper with her husband Chris. “All of our family is pretty much here.”
As Fackler starts the next act of her swimming life, she acknowledges that her time at PHS laid the foundation for the new role.
“Everything that I have done so far has led me to this,” said Fackler. “I am very grateful and appreciative for everything that Princeton and Greg, especially, has done for me. I am so proud to have been a part of
POSITIVE APPROACH: Carly Fackler shares a light moment with boys’ star Daniel Baytin at a meet during her tenure as the head coach of the Princeton High swimming program. After guiding the Tiger swimmers since 2014, Fackler is heading to the next level as she recently took a job as an assistant coach for The College of New Jersey women
Hun Alum Kraemer Excels on World Stage,
Helping Great Britain Win U-23
Jackson Kraemer was invited to play for the Great Britain squad in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-23 Baseball World Cup last fall in China but was unable to make the trip.
But this summer, former Hun School standout Kraemer, who currently plays for the University of Richmond, was able to play for the Great Britain team in the U-23 Baseball European Championship in the Czech Republic.
Making the most of the opportunity, Kraemer starred in center field and batted .267 with a .713 OPS (onbase percentage plus slugging percentage) and four RBIs in the tourney that saw Great Britain top host Czech Republic 9-7 in the final to win its first-ever Euro title.
For Kraemer, the journey to the Czech Republic was hardly a smooth ride as he had to bounce back from elbow surgery.
“I had multiple bone chips,” said Kraemer, whose mother was born in London, enabling him to get a British passport. “The whole last summer, I did rehab and in the fall, I did rehab. I was able to start getting back in things in the spring but we had our lineup set. It was just do whatever was asked of me that year. I was definitely at full strength this spring. I was happy about that.”
After playing for the Worcester Bravehearts of the Futures Collegiate
Baseball League (FCBL) earlier this summer, Kraemer joined the Great Britain squad in Czech Republic in late July.
“We had meetings over the summer on Zoom, we had a sense of what everyone was and what our mission was,” said Kraemer, who was joined by his younger brother Will, a recently graduated Hun standout, in Worcester and on the British team. “We had a week of training in Prague to just solidify starting roles and all of that stuff in Czech. We kind of jelled together. We did professional collegiate practices to get your individual stuff for pitchers and hitters - bullpens, BP, and infield.”
Great Britain started Group B play by defeating Israel 7-0 on August 5.
“We didn’t know what to expect from Israel because we didn’t get their roster until the night before that first game,” said Kraemer. “They can pull from a lot of good players. We were very skeptical about that, we didn’t want to underestimate them. They had some good guys. It was a good first win for us for sure.”
While the British fell 3-0 to the Czech Republic in its next Group game, Kraemer took some positives from that effort.
“That Czech game was awesome,” said Kraemer. “It was under the lights and there were around 1,500 cheering fans. Our pitchers
Euro Tourney
threw good, we just couldn’t get any runs for our guys. It was a good experience being able to face that.”
Bouncing back from that defeat, Great Britain edged France 4-3 to clinch a spot in the knockout round of the event.
“That was huge; it was 4-2 in the seventh and they made it real close,” said Kraemer. “That was just allaround a good team effort for the pitching side and the hitting side.”
In the semis, the British overcame a 2-0 first inning deficit to top the Nether lands 7-4.
“The Netherlands are a really good team, they are ranked 8th in the world,” said Kraemer, who went 1-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs in the win. “We know that we were going to get a good game against them. We played them in the Eu ropean Cup two years ago in the championship and they beat us pretty bad. We knew this game was impor tant to get revenge for that team before us. Winning that semifinal game would clinch a World Cup appear ance for us next year. It was a hard-fought game. Our bats opened up towards the later part of the game. I was happy to keep adding to that run total that we had.”
Cramman) said this is the second time we have been in this spot and the last time it wasn’t a really good per formance,” said Kraemer. “I think a lot of the guys were just still on the high of mak ing it to that World Cup so our coach said our goal is to qualify but the mission is to win the whole tourna ment. He said that from day one of camp. We knew we were going to see those guys
Achieving that mission seemed unlikely when Great Britain fell behind 7-0 head ing into the bottom of the third. But the British re sponded with five runs in the bottom of the frame and four more in the sixth and help on for a 9-7 win.
“I remember in the out field, we were switching pitchers and I was looking up and thinking it was a good experience to be here,” said Kraemer. “We have the worst odds to come back but it was just relax. The whole team kind of relaxed and just went swinging. We had a home run and then a pop fly to left field and their guy overthrew it. It was crazy, we were just happy to be in a spot where we could keep adding runs. No team in that tournament put a lot of pressure on the Czechs. We knew that if we put a couple of runs, they would start to freeze a little bit. Once it was 7-4, we had full confi dence that we would be able to get those runs.”
“We were all there for a common goal,” said Krae mer. “A lot of teams just called us Americans but we all had some connection to Great Britain. We had that first meeting and we were going around the table and just sharing our lineage. We had kids who had parents who were from England and passed away and they are playing for them. We had a kid who overcame cancer a couple of years ago and he is just grateful to be able to play. All of those people are crying telling the stories. It doesn’t matter if we just met each other, we instantly knew that we all can play for some thing together. I think that is what led our team to having the success that we did.”
For Kraemer, playing with his brother, who is joining the Pepperdine University squad this fall, added to the experience.
Getting a rematch with the Czechs in the final on August 9, the British were determined to earn the title.
“Our coach (Jonathon
In the bottom of the sev enth, the British defense froze for an instant as the right fielder lost a fly ball in the lights with two runners on base and Kraemer swooped in to make the grab for the final out to seal the win.
“The lights there only get so high so any ball that goes up in the air, it is literally a free-for-all; you can’t see it on the way up, you can only see it on the way down,” re called Kraemer. “I have to make sure I can get behind the right fielder if he can’t see it or the left fielder if he can’t see it. On that last play, the right fielder was calling ‘ball, ball, ball’ and I am like all right, he is going to catch it and we are going to win. This is all happening in a span of like an eight sec onds. He tells me he lost it. I am like, ‘We have guys at second and third, if we drop this, they are scoring and it’s a tie game and all hell could break loose.’ I don’t know where the ball is. I am just trying to go where he is. I see it last second sneaking behind my head; I went to go grab it and I caught it. It was just a reaction at that point. It was a tough ball to
Afterward, there was an emotional reaction for the British as they celebrated the landmark title, the first ever for the country in WBSC competition.
“To be able to be the first Great Britain team to win gold in any age group for baseball and softball, that was really huge for us,”
“I knew I was playing with him for the summer in Worcester, that was an awe some time,” said Kraemer. “To be able to play with him for Great Britain was awe some. I think it will probably be one of the last times we will share a field together. It was just awesome to be able to do that with your brother, not a lot of kids can say that.”
Looking ahead to his fi nal campaign at Richmond, Kraemer is hoping to play a lot for the Spiders. In 2024, Kraemer hit .242 in 28 games and also made 11 appearances on the mound. This spring as he came back from injury he went 1-for-2 at the plate in seven games and pitched in four games.
“Our whole outfield has kind of cleared out so there is pretty much a free-forall to get that role,” said Kraemer, who will have one more college season left after graduating from Rich mond and is planning to play as a grad student. “I have been grateful to be on the field there but now I want to secure a role and be an everyday guy for them hit ting. Pitching-wise, I think I am probably going to put that on the back burner and mainly focus on hitting.”
In Kraemer’s view, his experience with the Great Britain team this summer has given him a fresh per spective on the game.
“Playing international baseball is the purest form of baseball, I truly believe,” said Kraemer, who is plan ning to play for the British team when it competes in the U-23 Baseball World Cup next year in Nicara gua. “The stats and how you are doing is irrelevant, the whole mission is to win which I think is how we all used to think about baseball when we were little. To play that loose, to play that free and play on a stage that big and to take that into Rich mond, I think it is going to do me wonders this year.”
Princeton Youth Soccer Accepting Registrations
The newly-formed Princeton Youth Soccer League (PYSL) for children in Grades K-5 is now taking registrations for its inaugural season
The PYSL season is slated to go from September 13 to November 15 (with no games on the weekend of November 8) with a coed K-1 division and divisions for Grades 2-3 and 4-5 with boys and girls being separate. The games will be on Saturdays with a practice component beforehand. All sessions will be at Riverside Elementary School with the K-1 Division playing from 9:30-10:45 a.m., the Grades 2-3 Division playing from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and the Grades 4-5 Division playing from 11 (subject to final enrollment numbers). To learn more about the league and to register, log onto princetonysl.com.
Each Friday afternoon, we send a roundup of the week’s top stories, breaking news, and upcoming events, right to local inboxes.
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GREAT ACHIEVEMENT: Jackson Kraemer, left, and his younger brother, Will, enjoy the moment after they helped Great Britain team win the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-23 Baseball European Championship in the Czech Republic earlier this month. The Kraemer brothers, who both starred for the Hun School baseball program, played a key role in helping Great Britain win the title, its first ever in WBSC competition. The older Kraemer, who currently plays for the University of Richmond baseball team, starred in center field and batted .267 with a .713 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) and four RBIs in the tourney. Will Kraemer, who is joining the Pepperdine University program this fall, played shortstop and second base and hit .222 in the tournament.
(Photo provided by Derrick Kraemer)
Obituaries
Marvin Earl Conover
Marvin Earl Conover, a dedicated mason, contractor, and lifelong member of Somerset County, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the Center for Hope Hospice Facility in Scotch Plains, NJ. He was 90 years old.
Born on October 1, 1934, in Somerville, NJ, Marvin was a proud descendant of the Plymouth colonists and cherished his roots. On his mother’s side, they had come over on the second voyage on the Mayflower and eventually settled as Quakers. His patriotic spirit was evident in his pride in being an American, consistently flying a flag outside his home.
Marvin’s career spanned over 40 years, including being the owner and operator
of M.E. Conover Builders in Skillman, NJ. His commitment to excellence was unparalleled; he believed that if something was to be done, it must be done right. Among his many projects, Marvin built the bar at The Tiger’s Tale (known then as the Foolish Fox) where he met Bobbie, a waitress there who would later become his beloved wife. His dedication to a job well done extended not only to his work as a contractor but also as a landlord, where he took great pride in working on and improving the properties.
A 1953 graduate of Somerville High School, Marvin excelled in track and field, showcasing his limitlessness early in life. His resilience shone brightly through his character, marked by toughness and an unyielding spirit. Despite facing numerous surgeries and health challenges, Marvin was never one to complain about his circumstances or pain. He will be lovingly remembered by his family for his nightly talks, unwavering positivity, and endearing dry sense of humor, which would occasionally give way to warm laughter. A familiar sight to his family and friends, Marvin, (also known as Covey or Earl the Pearl), enjoyed displaying his children’s and grandchildren’s names on the front of his work vehicle and always offered an encouraging thumbs up.
Marvin was enthusiastic about many interests and hobbies. He was an avid fan of the Chicago, St. Louis, and now Arizona Cardinals, as well as the New York Yankees. His love for baseball
and football was matched only by his affinity for golden retrievers and deep-sea fishing during his younger years. He had a remarkable talent for gardening, cultivating stunning rose bushes and thriving tomato plants with his green thumb. Marvin also had a well-known sweet tooth, particularly relishing ice cream, traditional family fruitcake, and lemon meringue pie.
He is survived by his children: Judi John (Steve Grimes) of ChampionsGate, FL, Keith Conover (Kimberly) of Flemington, NJ, Melissa Leonardo of Rocky Hill, NJ, and Robert Ambrose of Ewing, NJ. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, including Danielle Carr (Damon), Kyle Conover (Amanda), Nicole Bruckner (Nick), and Joanna Leonardo, as well as two great-grandchildren, Riley Carr and Luke Conover, with a third great-grandchild on the way!
Marvin was predeceased by his beloved wife, Roberta D. “Bobbie” Conover, with whom he spent 38 wonderful years, his sister, Eloise Pope, and brother-in-law, H. Raymond Pope, as well as his parents, Earl and Grace (Randolph) Conover.
Marvin Earl Conover’s memory will live on within the hearts of his family and friends, as they carry forth the values of hard work, dedication, and positivity he embodied throughout his remarkable life.
Arrangements and interment in Bound Brook Cemetery, Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ, will be held privately under the direction of the Holcombe-
Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit holcombefisher.com.
Joyce M. Murphy
white linen tablecloth: a good bowl of pasta, a glass of Pinot Noir, the perfect crab cake, or an almond pastry.
Michael R. Kagay
Michael R. Kagay, age 82, died on August 11 at the Princeton Medical Center of pneumonia following surgery.
Joyce M. Murphy (nee Shore), age 85, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025. Born in Barrington, New Jersey on March 23, 1940, and raised in Westmont, Joyce spent her life raising her own family, first in Haddonfield, and then settling in Princeton. Joyce had several careers over her lifetime, first as a “candy striper,” then a print ad model, a Realtor, a hostess at Princeton’s Nassau Inn, and an assisted living concierge, but her proudest accomplishment was becoming a funeral director at the age of 38. She was one of the few female funeral directors in a male dominated industry in 1978 and went on to own and operate StewartMurphy Funeral Home in Marlton, NJ. She diligently kept up with her continuing education credits and proudly maintained her license all these years.
He retired in 2005 from The New York Times, where he served as editor of News Surveys and Director of Public Opinion Research. After retirement, he continued to consult for the Times until 2016. Prior to joining the Times in 1987, he was vice president and division head for five years at Louis Harris and Associates, the national polling firm in New York City. Before that he was a faculty member for 10 years at Princeton University, where he taught the University’s courses and seminars on public opinion and polling.
pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
Joyce was a talented pianist, an impeccable decorator, and the consummate entertainer with a flair for delicious and iconic comfort foods. She loved her pool and her flowers, especially tulips, geraniums. and mums, which seasonally adorned all of her homes. She loved things elegantly, yet simply, preferably on a
Ever resilient, Joyce lived many lives. Having children in both her 20s and 40s, the latter kept her preternaturally youthful. Meticulous and organized, she could also be impulsive and often pursued her whims and passions, even when they didn’t seem practical, but she always managed to show everyone that she was right to do so. She loved reminiscing about the old days and time spent with family. Joyce will best be remembered for her beautiful smile, her classic beauty, timeless elegance, generosity, her ironic sense of humor and mild irreverence, which was best appreciated by her grandchildren. Joyce is predeceased by her beloved son, Brett J. Bashaw; by her parents, William J. Shore and Irene F. Carney; her brother, William J. Shore, Jr.; and her cherished aunt, Frances Kay. Joyce is survived by her children, Blair Murphy of Windber, PA, Donna M. Kosco (Andrew Kosco) of Cream Ridge, NJ, and Meghan B. Holl (Joseph Holl) of Franklin Lakes, NJ, and by her eight grandchildren who affectionately called her “MiMom,” Drew Kosco, Haley Kosco, Ireland Kosco, Finley Holl, Cameron Holl, Luna Murphy Zamboni, Luke Holl, and Brett Holl. She is also survived by her dear sister, Barbara Ann Young; her brother-in-law, Charles G. Young III; and her sister-inlaw, Jane Shore; as well as her nephew and nieces, William, Christina, and Carlye Shore. We will all miss her dearly.
A Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Ann in Lawrence Township, NJ, with burial at Princeton Cemetery immediately following where Joyce was laid to rest next to her son, Brett.
Arrangements are under the direction of MatherHodge Funeral Home, Princeton.
In Joyce’s memory memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
He earned his Ph.D. In political science at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and was a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research in Ann Arbor. During 1998-99 he served as national president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research. Michael was a devoted genealogical researcher of his family’s Swiss roots.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.
We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you. ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you. ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience,
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you
pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1942, he was the son of H. Ralph and Harriet (Swain) Kagay. He was a 1963 graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and then spent two years serving in the Peace Corps in India. He and his wife of 60 years, Carol Rhoades Kagay, recently moved to Monroe Village in Monroe Township, N.J., after living for 52 years in Princeton, N.J. Michael was predeceased by his son Christopher R. Kagay, M.D., in 2023 and his brother Stephen W. Kagay in 2014. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter-in-law Sarah White; two grandchildren, Wilder S. Kagay and Eleanor R. Kagay of San Francisco; sister-in-law Dianne Kagay; and two nephews. Donations in his memory may be made to the Princeton Public Library.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.
We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection.
We
We encourage you to make
you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of monument selection. We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you.
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of
We pride ourselves on being a small, personal, and service oriented family business. With five generations of experience, we are here to help guide you through the difficult process of
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you
We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you
ITS EASIER
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT
We encourage you to make an appointment, with no obligation, to discuss the many options available to you
ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE THE PERFECT MEMORIAL
Town Topics CLASSIFIEDS
YARD SALE +
TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIED = GREAT WEEKEND!
Put an ad in the TOWN TOPICS to let everyone know! Call (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com
DEADLINE: Tues before 12 noon tf
HOUSECLEANING: Experienced, English-speaking, great references, reliable with own transportation. Weekly & bi-weekly cleaning. Green cleaning available. Call Susan at (732) 873-3168. 09-24
HOME HEALTH AIDE: 25 years of experience. Available mornings to take care of your loved one, transport to appointments, run errands. I am well known in Princeton. Top care, excellent references. The best! Call (609) 356-2951 or (609) 751-1396. tf
LOLIO’S WINDOW WASHING & POWER WASHING: Free estimate. Next day service. Fully insured. Gutter cleaning available. References available upon request. 30 years experience. (609) 271-8860. tf
JOE’S LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs Commercial/Residential
Over 45 Years of Experience
• Fully Insured • Free Consultations Email: joeslandscapingprinceton@ gmail.com
Text (only): (609) 356-9201 Office: (609) 216-7936 Princeton References
• Green Company HIC #13VH07549500 tf WE BUY SPORTS CARDS Including non-sports cards, sports memorabilia, old books, paper ephemera and other collectibles. (609) 658-5213 08-06-26
EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER/ COMPANION Available Part-Time With Excellent References in the Greater Princeton Area (609) 216-5000 tf BUYING AND FREE APPRAISALS - all watches,
HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST:
Interior/exterior repairs, carpentry, trim, rotted wood, power washing, painting, deck work, sheet rock/ spackle, gutter & roofing repairs. Punch list is my specialty. 40 years experience. Licensed & insured. Call Creative Woodcraft (609) 586-2130 tf THREE VINTAGE-INSPIRED, HAND-SEWN FASHION SAMPLES - Misses size 4 - preserved with care and awaiting new hands to cherish their artistry. A gesture of release, a gift of continuity. Details and photos: https://tinyurl.com/ycy9kycr. Pick-up from Linden, NJ. Email Emily Ann at emilyannfrancesmay@gmail. com.
08-20
GRAND (66”) YAMAHA PIANO TO SELL - a Series C, approximately 18 years old in a matte black finish. $16,500. (609) 468-6568. 09-03
LIONEL, WILLIAMS AND MTH TOY TRAINS, accessories and Atlas tracks for sale in central Bucks County due to moving. Nearly all in original boxes. Moving, bulk sale would be nice, Call (215) 534-1050. 08-27
TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIEDS GET TOP RESULTS!
Whether it’s selling furniture, finding a lost pet, or having a garage sale, TOWN TOPICS is the way to go!
We deliver to ALL of Princeton as well as surrounding areas. (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com
BUYING: Antiques, paintings, Oriental rugs, coins, clocks, furniture, old toys, military, books, cameras, silver, costume & fine jewelry. Guitars & musical instruments. I buy single items to entire estates. Free appraisals. (609) 306-0613. tf
WE BUY CARS
Belle Mead Garage (908) 359-8131
Ask for Chris tf
ESTATE LIQUIDATION SERVICE:
I will clean out attics, basements, garages & houses. Single items to entire estates. No job too big or small. In business over 35 years, serving all of Mercer County. Call (609) 306-0613. tf
PRINCETON TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT: In Griggs Farm development, Princeton Township. End unit, 3 BR, 2.5 baths, hardwood on 1st floor, fireplace, 2 parking spaces. $3,100/mo. (609) 577-5875 or ktpropertyrentals@gmail.com. 08-20
WHAT’S A GREAT GIFT FOR A FORMER PRINCETONIAN?
A Gift Subscription!
Call (609) 924-2200, ext 10 circulation@towntopics.com tf
YARD SALE + TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIED = GREAT WEEKEND!
Put an ad in the TOWN TOPICS to let everyone know! Call (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com
DEADLINE: Tues before 12 noon tf
HOUSECLEANING: Experienced, English-speaking, great references, reliable with own transportation. Weekly & bi-weekly cleaning. Green cleaning available. Call Susan at (732) 873-3168. 09-24
HOME HEALTH AIDE: 25 years of experience. Available mornings to take care of your loved one, transport to appointments, run errands. I am well known in Princeton. Top care, excellent references. The best! Call (609) 356-2951 or (609) 751-1396.
tf
LOLIO’S WINDOW WASHING & POWER WASHING: Free estimate. Next day service. Fully insured. Gutter cleaning available. References available upon request. 30 years experience. (609) 271-8860.
tf
JOE’S LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON
Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs
Commercial/Residential
Over 45 Years of Experience
• Fully Insured • Free Consultations
Email: joeslandscapingprinceton@ gmail.com
Text (only): (609) 356-9201 Office: (609) 216-7936 Princeton References • Green Company HIC #13VH07549500 tf
WE BUY SPORTS CARDS
Including non-sports cards, sports memorabilia, old books, paper ephemera and other collectibles. (609) 658-5213 08-06-26
EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER/ COMPANION
Available Part-Time
With Excellent References in the Greater Princeton Area (609) 216-5000
tf
BUYING AND FREE APPRAISALS - all watches, coins, diamonds, jewelry, silver, paintings, musical instruments, etc. All items wanted. Certified appraiser and buyer. Highest prices paid. 40 years experience. Call Tom at The Time Traveler Antiques: (609) 577-4659. 08-06-26
I BUY ALL KINDS of Old or Pretty Things: China, glass, silver, pottery, costume jewelry, evening bags, fancy linens, paintings, small furniture, etc. Local woman buyer. (609) 921-7469. 08-06-26
HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST: Interior/exterior repairs, carpentry, trim, rotted wood, power washing, painting, deck work, sheet rock/ spackle, gutter & roofing repairs. Punch list is my specialty. 40 years experience. Licensed & insured. Call Creative Woodcraft (609) 586-2130 tf
THREE VINTAGE-INSPIRED, HAND-SEWN FASHION SAMPLES - Misses size 4 - preserved with care and awaiting new hands to cherish their artistry. A gesture of release, a gift of continuity. Details and photos: https://tinyurl.com/ycy9kycr. Pick-up from Linden, NJ. Email Emily Ann at emilyannfrancesmay@gmail. com.
08-20
GRAND (66”) YAMAHA PIANO
TO SELL - a Series C, approximately 18 years old in a matte black finish. $16,500. (609) 468-6568. 09-03
LIONEL, WILLIAMS AND MTH
TOY TRAINS, accessories and
Atlas tracks for sale in central Bucks County due to moving. Nearly all in original boxes. Moving, bulk sale would be nice, Call (215) 534-1050. 08-27
TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIEDS GET TOP RESULTS!
Whether it’s selling furniture, finding a lost pet, or having a garage sale, TOWN TOPICS is the way to go!
We deliver to ALL of Princeton as well as surrounding areas. (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com
BUYING: Antiques, paintings, Oriental rugs, coins, clocks, furniture, old toys, military, books, cameras, silver, costume & fine jewelry. Guitars & musical instruments. I buy single items to entire estates. Free appraisals. (609) 306-0613.
WE BUY CARS
Belle Mead Garage (908) 359-8131
Ask for Chris tf
tf
PART-TIME
Small Princeton law office seeks experienced Administrative Assistant for part-time work. Competitive salary. Flexible hours and schedule. Computer proficiency including Word and Gmail required. Spanish and legal experience helpful, but not required. Responsibilities include calendar management, light bookkeeping, preparation of documents. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. Contact (609) 683-0065. 08-27
PRINCETON CHARTER SCHOOL A US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL SERVING STUDENTS IN GRADES K-8
SEEKS QUALIFIED APPLICANTS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION: ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR
Princeton Charter School Orchestra consists of students in grades 5-8 that meet on a weekly basis for rehearsal in the evening. Interested applicants for this position must have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to inspire and motivate our students. Conductor applicants must be able to effectively lead rehearsals, manage the logistics of performances, select and prepare appropriate repertoire, set expectations, and handle any issues that may arise.
Responsibilities include: 5th - 8th grade PCS Orchestra (Wednesday evenings 5:45 – 7:00 pm; January and May Concerts, Graduation accompaniment – June) and Preparatory Orchestra 3rd and 4th grade (Wednesday Strings 3:15 - 4:30 pm; Thursday WW, Brass, Percussion 3:15 - 4:30; May Concert -separate from 5-8).
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: Head of School, Princeton Charter School, 100 Bunn Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540, or pcsoffice@princetoncharter.org. Princeton Charter School is an equal opportunity employer. Deadline for application is August 31, 2025. Must be a resident of New Jersey or willing to relocate. For more information visit our web site at www.pcs.k12.nj.us. 08-27
ESTATE LIQUIDATION SERVICE:
I will clean out attics, basements, garages & houses. Single items to entire estates. No job too big or small. In business over 35 years, serving all of Mercer County. Call (609) 306-0613.
tf
This week is one of the busiest of the year for moving, as families and students settle into new homes before schools and colleges kick off. With the rush comes an important reminder: safety should be top of mind. Many people are behind the wheel of large trucks or vans they aren crowded neighborhoods or campus areas. Extra caution is key to avoiding accidents on the road.
The same goes for the heavy lifting that comes with moving day and back injuries are all too common when hauling boxes or furniture without the right technique. Take breaks, use proper equipment, and don ask for help. The season ’ down and being careful ensures a smoother, safer move during this hectic time of year.
Beautifully redesigned for seamless indoor-outdoor living, this classic center hall colonial features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a striking whitewashed brick exterior. It also has professionally landscaped gardens, raised beds, a front courtyard, and bluestone patios surrounding a stunning 40x16 inground pool with cabana, pool house, and connecting pergola. An exceptional setting for everyday living and unforgettable entertaining!
