Town Topics Newspaper, March 12, 2025. by Witherspoon Media Group

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Council Approves Acquisition of Vacant Land

Princeton Open Space (FOPOS), noted that the property is important to wildlife for food, mating, and cover. It is also key to meeting the challenges of climate, flood mitigation, and population level changes. Representing Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, board member and parent Mark Sullivan spoke in favor of the acquisition, as did Mike Pisauro of The

“It will help preserve the wetlands, to make sure they are better protected,”

to my hometown,” she wrote in an official statement. “For me, this isn’t about politics — it’s about investing in the future of Princeton — which means balancing growth with sustainability; strengthening our infrastructure; ensuring our public school system has the resources in needs; and creating an environment in which small businesses can thrive. Most importantly, it’s about making Princeton a place where our children will want and

provided by Jess Monzo)

Along with eating healthy and regular exercise, your best bet for good colon health is to get a colon cancer screening. Individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45. Individuals at higher risk should speak to their doctor about getting screened sooner. Regular screening can detect and prevent colorectal cancer in its earliest stages, which is when the cancer is most treatable. Should your screening indicate the need for treatment, we offer the latest options, from complex surgical procedures and radiation therapy to clinical trials and precision medicine. The best screening is the one that gets completed, so schedule yours now at rwjbh.org/colonscreening

SUGARCANE

Screening and

in-person

discussion with filmmaker Emily Kassie.

March 19, 2025

7 pm

Princeton Garden Theater

Open to public

In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on the grounds of a residential school for First Nations children run by the Catholic Church in Canada. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools was brought to light, sparking a national outcry against a system designed to destroy Indigenous communities. This debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, SUGARCANE, illuminates the beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to persevere. Rated R.

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

Teachers Choose Charity For Annual Donation

Every year, teachers from Hopewell Valley School district donate to a local institution that helps students with substance abuse or behavioral health issues. This year, the recipient was Penn Medicine Behavioral Health’s Adolescent Program.

Teachers Adam Shrager and John Zalot recently collected funds from their colleagues.

Princeton House offers intensive outpatient and partial hospital programs for tweens and adolescents in Hamilton, North Brunswick and Moorestown. Additional outpatient programs for adults are in those locations; and also in Princeton and Eatontown via telehealth. Princeton House also provides inpatient treatment for adults with a mental health or substance use disorder, or both, at its Princeton location.

Visit princetonhouse.org for more information.

Human Services Seeks Youth for Summer Jobs

Princeton Human Services has opened the application process for the annual Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which for years has been an opportunity for Princeton youth to gain real-world, professional work experience.

Last summer, SYEP provided 40 young people jobs in a variety of municipal departments and local nonprofit organizations. In addition to summer employment, the program includes job readiness training, financial coaching, and career development.

Participants must live in Princeton, be between the ages of 14 and 18 as of July 7, and their family income must not exceed 400 percent of the 2024 U.S. Federal Poverty Level.

Participants work 25 hours a week and earn $14.53 an hour for eight weeks during the summer.

The application deadline is Friday, April 25. Applications are available at the Princeton Human Services office in Monument Hall. They can also be downloaded online at princetonnj. gove/755/Summer-YouthEmployment-Program. Anyone with questions can call (609) 688-2055 or email humanservices@ princetonnj.gov.

JUNCTION

BARBER

SHOP

33 Princeton-Hightstown Rd Ellsworth’s Center (Near Train Station) 799-8554

Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm; Sat 8:30am-3:30pm

Topics In Brief A Community Bulletin

Leighton Listens: Councilman Leighton Newlin holds one-on-one conversations about issues impacting Princeton from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on March 12 at Maman, 43 Hulfish Street; March 19 at Amazing Thai, 260 Nassau Street; and March 26 at Jammin’ Crepes, 20 Nassau Street.

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 need, and different social services agencies are on site. Mcl.org.

Sustainable Princeton “Lending Library” : Sustainable Princeton offers residents and nonprofits in Princeton the opportunity to borrow sustainable home items such as electric landscape equipment, induction cooktops, and repair tools, for free, for up to two weeks. Visit sustainableprinceton.org for more information.

Volunteer Land Stewards Wanted: On March 12, 15, and 19, join Friends of Princeton Open Space to help with ecosystem restoration and invasive species removal at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Morning and afternoon sessions are available, depending on the date. Register at fopos.org/events-programs.

FACULTY FUNDERS: From left are: Hopewell Valley School District teacher Adam Shrager, Princeton House Behavioral Health (Hamilton) staff member Shacarah Fordjour; Princeton House Clinical Manager Child/Adolescent Program Laura Hannifan, Princeton House child and adolescent psychiatrist Madhurani Khare, and Hopewell Valley teacher John Zalot.

Image: Emily Kassie/Sugarcane Film LLC

Contemporary Comedy at McCarter Theatre Explores Women in Science, Three Centuries Apart

How does being a woman scientist in 18th century France compare to following a similar path in 21st century Princeton? That, along with other questions about career, family, love, and astrophysics form the

basis of Legacy of Light , a comedy by Karen Zacarias opening at McCarter Theatre March 19 and running through April 6.

First produced in 2009 at Washington’s Arena Stage, where Zacarias is a playwright-in-residence, the play intertwines the stories of French scientist Emilie du Chatelet, who lived from 1706 to 1749, with that of a modern-day astrophysicist. The six characters in the ensemble include Chatelet and another historical figure, Voltaire.

TOPICS Of the Town

“The play is very buoyant. There’s a lot of joy in it,” said McCarter’s Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen, who is directing the production. “We’re right now doing run-throughs, and it’s just great fun. Karen Zacarias is here, and she’s been wonderful.”

To reflect changes in science that have taken place in the 16 years since Legacy of Light premiered, Zacarias has done some rewriting. “She actually got back into it, because the science has changed,” said Rasmussen.

The website scientificwomen.net identifies Emilie du Chatelet as a French mathematician, physicist, and author during the Age of Enlightenment.

with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring by former President Biden, for her work with prisons. A connection was made.

“We’ve learned so much from her about the concrete astrophysics in the play,” said Rasmussen. “She’s been generous with her time, meeting with me, our dramaturg Julie Felise Dubiner, and the cast. We’ve been so inspired by her own teaching journey and her knowledge. I loved delving into the science of this play, and what astrophysicists are thinking when they look at the stars.”

“Her crowning achievement is considered to be her translation and commentary on Isaac Newton’s work Principia Mathematica ,” it reads. “Voltaire, one of her lovers, declared in a letter to his friend King Frederick II of Prussia that du Chatelet was ‘a great man whose only fault was being a woman.’ ”

“She’s been lost to history in too many ways,” said Rasmussen. “She was an amazing scientist who made incredible contributions, which were built upon by Einstein. People will learn a lot.”

To consult on the scientific themes in the play, McCarter reached out to Princeton University’s Astrophysics department. Through their children, Rasmussen knew of Professor Jenny Green, who was recently honored

CREATIVE TEAM: Preparing “Legacy of Light” at McCarter Theatre has been a happy collaboration for, from left: Karen Zacarias, Gina Fonseca, Allen Gilmore, Lenne Klingaman, Trey DeLuna, Kimberly Chatterjee, Zach Fine, and Sarah Rasmussen.

Tony Award-winning lighting designer and Princeton University professor Jane Cox returns to McCarter to light a show for the first time in nearly two decades, joined by co-lighting designer Tess James.

“The set and costumes are gorgeous, and the lighting is amazing,” said Rasmussen. “Jane Cox said ‘I have to work on this.’ ”

In one sense, Legacy of Light reminds Rasmussen of a Shakespeare play. “There are moments of gravity, but then also a lot of joy and heart,” she said. “The play is about the ongoing legacy of Voltaire and Emilie, but also the family legacy of what we pass on to people we love through the work we do in the world. It all feels very life-affirming.”

Rasmussen has been an admirer of Zacarias’ work for years. “I’d known about this play for a long time. Our dramaturg was one of the first to read it,” she said. “We read it out loud, and we knew. The combination of its setting in Princeton and in France is so much fun. It felt like something our audience would enjoy. It has a lot of intellectual heft, but beauty and grace as well. It has a contemporary story line, but h a sweeping drama that takes you to another place in time.”

McCarter Theatre is at 91 University Place. Visit mccarter.org for ticket information.

—Anne Levin

Hunterdon Rug Artisans Hold Summer School

A forum for the expression of opinions about local and national issues.

Question of the Week:

“What sustainable practices do you keep or plan to keep at home?”

(Asked Saturday at the Sustainable Home Expo at Princeton High School) (Photos by Sarah Teo)

Join us on Friday, March 14, for a paired wine dinner with Bodegas Campillo. Located in the Golden Mile of the D.O. Rioja, these wines are a celebration of tradition and craftsmanship.

WINE DINNER WITH BODEGAS CAMPILLO

Friday, March 14 - 6-8 PM • Tickets $99

FOR THE TABLE

Tomate Tartar with assorted Spanish cured meat & cheeses

Paired with Blanco Rioja Fermentado en Barrica ‘23

FIRST

Fideos | Spanish Chorizo Pasta, Tomato Sauce, Manchego CheesePaired with Campillo Cuvée ‘21

MAIN

Grilled Lamb | Saffron, Piquillo, Papas Bravas Paired with Tempranillo Gran Reserva ‘16

DESSERT

Churros | Dark Chocolate, Tempranillo-poached Pears, Vanilla, Cinnamon Paired with Vino de Autor 57 ‘16

Please note that we cannot accommodate dietary restrictions for this event.

For tickets: enoterra.com/events/ 4484 NJ-27, Kingston

The Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild (HCRAG) is holding its regional school July 28-August 1 at J.P. Case Middle School, 301 Case Boulevard, Flemington. Sessions are held Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Instruction is offered with Laura Kenyon, Sarah Guiliani, Emily Williams, and Janet Williams. The fee is $275. In order to attend registrants must be members of HCRAG. Registration for school is required as teacher choice and participation is limited. Visit hcrag.org for additional information.

Additionally, the Guild will sponsor a Beginner’s Workshop on learning to hook rugs in the traditional manner from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30. The workshop will be led by a certified rug hooking instructor who is a member of the Guild. Beginners are encouraged to bring lunch and to stay for the afternoon to continue working on their projects with those attending rug school. The workshop is intended for adults, but children ages 12-18 can participate if accompanied by an adult.

Visit hcrag.org for additional information.

JUNCTION BARBER SHOP

33 Princeton-Hightstown Rd Ellsworth’s Center (Near Train Station) 799-8554

Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm; Sat 8:30am-3:30pm

“Our family recycles, and we recently got an EV. We try to always thrift and sell back — Greene Street is a great place to do that.”

—Elif Cam, Princeton

interested in anything sustainable. I’m a big proponent of water quality, native plants, and energy efficiency.”

—Annette Loveless, Lawrenceville

Christopher: “We learned a lot about native plants today. We compost, and so we gather up all our leaves, but we learned not to shred up those leaves since it’s not as good for the insects.”

—Benjamin, Barbara, and Christopher Fruendt, Princeton

“We’re renters, but want to figure out how to tap into solar, whether it’s a community program or mobile setup in our backyard. I’m also excited about doing more native plants in our garden. The Hopewell Native Plant Swap had free seeds at the Hopewell Public Library, which helped me get started.”

—Emily Dubie, Lawrence Township

GOLD STANDARD IN SENIOR LIVING

We are proud to announce that Maplewood at Princeton have been honored with the prestigious Reputation 800 Award This recognition, based entirely on resident and family reviews, is reserved for communities that uphold the highest standards in customer satisfaction and brand trust Reflected in this distinction is our unwavering dedication to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where residents feel at home and families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well cared for

At Maplewood Senior Living, we go beyond providing care we create meaningful experiences for our residents and their families every day From engaging programs and seasonally inspired dining to compassionate, personalized support, every detail is thoughtfully designed to promote well-being, connection, and fulfillment This recognition validates our team’s passionate commitment to our core values and the trust our community places in us

JOIN A COMMUNITY WHERE WARMTH, CARE, AND EXCELLENCE COME TOGETHER EVERY DAY.

Maplewood has been nothing short of extraordinary! The associates are incredibly compassionate, attentive, and always go above and beyond to ensure mom’s comfort and well-being. The community itself is warm and welcoming, offering a wide range of programs that keep my mother engaged and happy It’s clear that everyone there truly cares for the residents as if they were family My mother has never felt more at ease, and our family has peace of mind knowing she’s in capable, loving hands I couldn’t be more grateful for Maplewood! - Ed

Power of Sports to Shape Female Leaders

Is Focus of April 26 Conference at Stuart

With an emphasis on cultivating leadership skills through sports, the “She Leads, She Wins” Girls Athletics and Leadership Conference will take place at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Stuart is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever middle school girls’ leadership conference and athletics clinics, an exciting and inspiring event designed to empower young women both on and off the field,” said Stuart Interim Director of Athletics Missy Bruvik. “This unique program will encourage middle school girls to try new sports, take risks, and develop leadership skills that will serve them well in athletics, academics, and beyond.”

Sponsored and organized by the National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart, along with LaunchBreak and LetHerPlay, the event is designed to empower middle school female athletes in grades 5-8.

Participants will spend the morning on April 26 refining their skills in basketball, cross country, tennis, field hockey, or lacrosse, led by Stuart’s coaching staff. The afternoon will include a keynote address by Gia Fruscione, Stuart 1996 graduate, a member of Stuart’s Athletics Hall of Fame, and also founder and executive director of LetHerPlay. Interactive leadership development sessions fostering teamwork, resilience, and confidence will also be featured in the

afternoon.

“It is critical for young girls to experience firsthand how sports participation builds leadership skills and to learn from women who have developed confidence, resilience, and teamwork through athletics,” said Marissa Muoio, director of the National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart. “The link between sports and leadership is well documented, and we are fortunate to partner with LaunchBreak and LetHerPlay to bring visibility to this path for girls. Beyond the well-being benefits of sports, we see how participation fosters discipline, collaboration, and the ability to navigate challenges — essential traits of strong leaders.”

Describing the event as “a celebration of collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment,” Bruvik promised athletic growth in the morning, leadership development in the afternoon, and lunch provided for all participants in between.

“Our sports clinics will offer expert coaching tailored to all skill levels, from beginners picking up a stick or a racquet for the first time to seasoned athletes eager to refine their techniques and prepare for high school competition,” Bruvik wrote in an email. “These sessions will be led by experienced Stuart coaches and accomplished Stuart players, creating an engaging and supportive environment for young athletes to build confidence and skills.”

The afternoon sessions, Bruvik said, will be led by

Stuart alumni “who credit athletics as an integral part of their success stories.” They will discuss how sports helped them to acquire leadership abilities and resilience and to achieve personal growth.

Featured speakers will include Kelly Fitzpatrick — Stuart Hall of Fame member and former field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse player — who will speak about leadership and her role models; Lauren Klein, Stuart basketball alumna now playing for Susquehanna University, who will discuss communication, teamwork, and balancing academics with athletics; and Michelle Kwafo, a former Stuart track and field athlete who attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and is a national champion in the 100 meter dash, who will speak about self-confidence and overcoming challenges.

To register and learn more about the Girls Athletics and Leadership Conference at Stuart, including group rates and sponsorship opportunities, visit stuartschool.org/ galc.

—Donald Gilpin

Shirley Satterfield Honored With Betsey Stockton Award

On Sunday, March 9, Princeton historian and longtime resident Shirley Satterfield was honored with the Betsey Stockton Award. The ceremony was held at Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church.

“Gifts of Women Sunday” is designed to reflect on and celebrate how women enrich the life of the church. The program chose to recognize Satterfield, who founded the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, “for her dedication to our congregation,” reads a post from the church about the event. “Ms. Shirley has been a guiding light in our community. This is our chance to celebrate her incredible impact.”

The program included a service, guest speaker, biography reading, music, and a performance by the church’s Verse Speaking Choir. Mayor Mark Freda honored Satterfield with a proclamation on behalf of the town. She also received proclamations from State Sen. Shirley Turner and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman.

Visit witherspoonchurch. org for more information.

Traitor?

NEW IN TOWN: A grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony was held February 28 by Apple Montessori Princeton Preschool and Daycare, at its new location tucked away on 2.6 wood acres at 48 Carter Road, just off Route 206 near downtown Lawrenceville. The school offers infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten programs and plans to include a saltwater swimming pool. Visit applemontessorischools.com for more information.

equity in the Municipality of Princeton.

The payments will be $1,500 per eligible residence. Homeowners will have 90 days to deposit their checks and may use the funds for any purpose.

To be eligible to receive a payment homeowners had to qualify for the New Jersey ANCHOR program for a Princeton property owned and occupied as a primary residence in 2021, had 2021 New Jersey gross income of no more than $150,000, and still owned the same residence as of December 1, 2024. The ANCHOR program eligibility for calendar year 2021 is being used as this was the most recent eligibility year available on December 31, 2024.

FOPOS Plans Events

For Month of March

Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) invites the public to explore the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve this month.

“It is a time of renewal when you can witness the signs of spring emerging as the land wakes up from its winter rest,” reads a release.

Among the events planned are volunteer sessions in the forest restoration project site on March 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., March 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and March 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The FOPOS Book Club will discuss the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer on March 28 from 10-11:30 a.m., at Mountain Lakes House. Princeton University faculty member and FOPOS volunteer Diana Newby will lead the talk. The book explores how humans can learn from and care for plants as fellow living beings.

A nature walk is planned for March 29 at 10 a.m. Participants will search for signs of spring, from migrating birds to the first wildflowers pushing through the earth. The stewardship team will lead. Visit fopos.org to sign up and get further information.

Eligible homeowners will receive checks directly from CFNJ starting in the week of March 16. Questions should be directed to CFNJ at (973) 267-5533.

of New Jersey (CFNJ) following a voluntary gift by Princeton University — announced by the University last year — to support socioeconomic diversity and

Shirley Satterfield

Council Approves continued from page one said Pisauro. “We really support this and really appreciate Princeton’s leadership on this.”

Patricia Shanley of The Ridgeview Conservancy and members of The Ridgeview Turtles youth conservation group also commented in favor of the acquisition.

Updating Council on the transit study being conducted by Nelson Nygaard, Stockton said the consultants have held four open houses, targeted stakeholder interviews, and public surveys since being hired by the town in September 2024. Short-term and longterm strategies will be identified next, and a presentation to Council will be made in the near future.

Municipal finance officer Sandra Webb made a presentation introducing the 2025 budget, which at $77,982,417.10 is 3.5 percent higher than last year’s final appropriations. A public hearing will be held on April 14. Details of the budget are available on the agenda of the Monday meeting (March 10) at princetonnj.gov.

The next meeting of Council is Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m.

—Anne Levin

Town Topics

Mia Sacks

continued from page one

Sacks has chaired Council’s Infrastructure and Operations Committee, the Legal and Governance committees, and the Affordable Housing, Planning and Redevelopment Committee. She is a member of the Planning Board, and has served as Council liaison to the Princeton School Board, Sustainable Princeton, and the Friends of Herrontown Woods.

Sacks

As chair of the Affordable Housing, Planning and Redevelopment Committee, Sacks oversaw implementation of Princeton’s third round Mt. Laurel affordable housing obligation. The town’s focus on redevelopment and revitalizing stranded assets was recognized by New Jersey Future with a 2024 Smart Growth Award. Regarding Open Space, Sacks has collaborated with Mercer County and the State of New Jersey to preserve more than 200 acres of environmentally sensitive land within Princeton. Her work with Sustainable Princeton “expedited progress on Princeton’s Climate Action Plan goals and prioritized climate change mitigation and resilience policies

throughout the municipality,” her statement reads.

Among Sacks’ priorities is public transit. She was responsible for transitioning the municipality to a new system and service provider that enabled the town to partner with the University in coordinating and linking routes for expanded access throughout Princeton, her statement reads.

Along with Lambros and former Councilwoman Eve Niedergang, Sacks worked to establish a new framework for shared priorities with Princeton University focused on sustainability, resiliency, socioeconomic diversity, emergency services, and municipal infrastructure. The discussions led to a commitment from the University to a series of planned contributions totaling $50 million over five years.

CLASS OF CHAMPIONS: Princeton Councilman David Cohen has been chosen to take part in a national initiative related to Complete Streets.

Councilman David Cohen Goes “Back to School”

Mercer County’s Vision Zero Action Plan.

The recently announced awards total more than $3.8 million. All told, the Bunbury Fund has distributed a total of $17,139,000 in 74 grants to 55 regional nonprofits as part of a sunset process.

The sunsetting of the Bunbury Fund caps 75 years of philanthropic grantmaking with roots in the private foundation that was The Bunbury Company. These Sunset Grants mark the Bunbury Fund’s ten-year anniversary as a donor advised fund (DAF) which opened at the Community Foundation in 2015.

Sacks testifies regularly in the state legislature and represents Princeton frequently as a panelist. She was instrumental in passage of New Jersey’s first Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance, which became a model for other towns throughout the state.

Before serving on Council, Sacks chaired Princeton’s Dog Park Task Force. She continued her work once elected, leading to a 1.7-acre dog park located within the Community Park recreational complex as well as permitted off-leash hours.

The Primary Election is June 10. The General Election takes place on November 4.

—Anne Levin

In support of the Active People, Healthy Nation Initiative, Smart Growth America (SGA) has announced that Councilman David Cohen will be part of the 2025 class of the Champions Institute. The Champions Institute is a program created to help local elected officials define, design, build, and evaluate Complete Streets in their communities.

Cohen was selected as one of the many local elected officials from across the U.S. and its territories.

“I’m excited to be working with a really stellar group of individuals from all over the country, and from communities of varying sizes, to up my game in learning how to better advocate for active transportation in Princeton,” said Cohen. “Active transportation is a triple benefit to any community, as evidenced by the diverse sponsorship of the program. Building for active transportation makes communities more livable, it makes our streets safer, and it enhances public health.”

Local leaders who are selected will have the opportunity to learn from an array of national experts and former local elected officials in the areas of public health, policy, street design, and project implementation. At the completion of the Institute’s program, champions will be experts in promoting community reforms to create safer streets for everyone including people walking, biking, taking public transit and driving. Champions will be prepared to support plans, policies, and funding that promote family-friendly activities in environments that encourage healthier lives.

After participants complete their work in the Champions Institute, SGA will provide continuing support to the local champions as they serve their communities. Newly trained Complete Streets Champions will work with other local leaders, to share their expertise and ideas. The goal is to create a network of more Complete Streets Champions who will help build and expand safe and convenient places to play, walk, and roll to enjoy destinations across the country.

Visit smartgrowthamerica. org for more information.

County Seeks Feedback On Traffic Safety

County Executive Dan Benson has urged Mercer residents to complete a survey on traffic safety which will be used to inform

Vision Zero is a worldwide effort to eliminate traffic fatalities, while promoting equitable access to safe and healthy transportation for all. Mercer County is working in collaboration with the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (Greater Mercer TMA) and with all 12 of the county’s municipal governments in order to develop a Vision Zero Action Plan, with the goal of ending fatalities and serious injuries on our roads by 2050. The completed plan will include a prioritized list of actions that can be undertaken to make Mercer’s roads safer.

“No Mercer resident should have to worry whether it’s safe for their family to bike to work, drive to the supermarket, or walk to school,” said Benson. “Together we can make Mercer safer, but in order to do this successfully we need to hear from residents about their experiences, their needs, and their concerns.”

The survey is open to anyone who lives in, works in, or frequently travels through Mercer County. Those who complete the survey will have the option of entering a raffle for a $100 gift card. The survey can be found at shorturl.at/gXJWG.

Responses will be accepted through the end of March. Residents can also contribute to the Vision Zero Action Plan by identifying intersections and locations which present particular safety concerns. This data will help inform the county and its partners regarding the hotspots in greatest need of attention. To report a concern, visit shorturl. at/8mZJN.

“Collaborating on Vision Zero with Mercer County and its municipalities helps bring everyone on board to create safer roads for Mercer residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Greater Mercer TMA Executive Director Cheryl Kastrenakes. “When we team up, we can make a real difference in reducing roadway fatalities and building safer, more connected communities.”

To learn more about the project, visit mcvisionzero-greatermercertma.hug. arcgis.com.

Bunbury Fund Awards Grants to Local Nonprofits

More than four dozen local nonprofits will receive grants from The Bunbury Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation to help strengthen their work and impact in the region.

“The Bunbury Fund Advisors hope all the sunset grants will amplify what has always been at the heart of our grantmaking — the opportunity to promote greater effectiveness and innovation for the greater good of our communities,” said Jamie Kyte Sapoch, Lead Advisor to the Fund. “We are grateful to the Community Foundation for incubating and enabling our heightened ability as grantmakers through the good stewardship of our financial assets.”

Over the last 10 years, The Bunbury Fund has awarded more than $24 million to almost 100 top nonprofit organizations across the region.

The most recent grants include unrestricted support in recognition of a nonprofit’s contributions to the community as well as funding through Bunbury’s last competitive cycle for capacity-building work.

“As a DAF, we never envisioned being perpetual grantmakers,” said Sapoch. “We started this process two years ago, when we saw a moment to leverage our own capacity by spending down — and significantly investing — in organizations making meaningful impacts within the communities they serve.”

Among the nonprofits receiving grants are Anchor House, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County, the Center for Modern Aging, Dress for Success Central New Jersey, Friends of Princeton Open Space, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, HiTOPS, Homefront, Housing Iniatives of Princeton, I Am Trenton Community Foundation, Isles, Princeton Community Housing, Nonprofit Connect, and The Watershed Institute.

For a full list of grantees, visit pacf.org.

Mercer County Students Prepare for March 22 Science and Engineering Fair

The 72nd Annual Mercer Science and Engineering Fair will be taking place on March 22, and about 80 middle school and high school students from schools throughout the County are putting the finishing touches on their innovative projects.

At Princeton University for the first time and in person for the first time since before the COVID pandemic, this year’s competition will give students an opportunity to present their projects, meet like-minded peers, and engage with experts in the fields of science, engineering, and technology.

“Whether they have an innovative invention or a fresh scientific discovery, this is their chance to make an impact!”

wrote Chad Colvin, executive director of Princeton Museum of Innovation and Leadership, which is sponsoring this year’s fair along with the Princeton Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department and the Mercer County Science and Engineering Club. The event will be held in the Computer Science Building on the University campus.

Winners in the March 22 competition, which will include a grand champion and a reserve champion as well as winners in individual categories such as animal science, behavioral and social science, biomedical science, environmental science, software and

embedded systems, math, physics, engineering, chemistry, materials, and more, will go to Columbus, Ohio in May for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) administered by the Society for Science. ISEF is the largest pre-college STEM competition in the world.

On April 27 from 2 to 4 p.m., before they travel to the ISEF competition, first-place winners are invited by the Princeton Museum of Innovation and Leadership (PMIL) to present their projects at the Princeton Public Library. With limited space available, preregistration is recommended at princetoninnovationmuseum.org.

At the Science Fair these projects will be judged by professors, leaders in industry, and other professionals, who will review the students’ project notebooks and papers, oral presentations, posters, and exhibits. Some of the judges have participated in this event for more than 30 years. Also assisting this year will be a number of Princeton University students and young alumni. Colvin is impressed with the projects he has heard about so far. “The students are coming up with very big ideas on the environment, on health-related fields, and other issues,” he said. “They’re very innovative, and dynamic.”

—Donald Gilpin

Isles Participates in Philadelphia Flower Show

The Urban Agriculture Team of Isles, Inc., the Trenton-based community development and environmental organization, provided additional support for the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show following their recent volunteer. The flower show ran through March 9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Led by Otha Caldwell, director of food and gardens; and Nicole Russo, director of urban agriculture, the Isles team — which includes AmeriCorps members from the Trenton Community Corps program — initially volunteered as “stagers,” helping to position and arrange nearly 200 plants for judging, including orchids, ferns, and succulents.

“It was an awesome experience to be able to help stage all these various different plants for judges,” said Caldwell. “The team was placed all over in different positions to support the flower show.”

Impressed by the team’s professionalism and expertise, show organizers invited the Isles group to return on March 7 and take on expanded responsibilities. The team continued some of their staging work while primarily serving as tour guides, helping visitors navigate the extensive exhibition, locate specific flowers on the map, and enhancing the overall guest experience at the prestigious event.

For Isles, participation in the show represents more than just volunteer service; it provides valuable exposure for the organization’s

urban agriculture initiatives and creates networking opportunities with potential partners and supporters.

“It’s a good way for Isles to get the word out in terms of what we’re doing in Urban Agriculture, dealing with community partnerships with schools and addressing food apartheid,” Caldwell said. “The fact that we can go to Philadelphia and make those kinds of connections and partnerships is valuable for our organization.”

Isles’ urban agriculture programs address hunger, food access, and community disinvestment in Trenton by providing resources that empower residents to take action and make healthy choices. The organization currently supports over 70 community and school gardens, offering technical assistance to local residents, teachers, students, and community-based organizations, as well as gardenbased environmental education to schools and summer programs.

Direct beneficiaries of this work include more than 200 community gardeners and family members, 45 teachers, and 1,100 students throughout the Trenton area.

For more information about Isles and its programs, visit isles.org.

TerraCycle Urges Actions On Global Recycling Day

TerraCycle, the Trentonbased recycling company and leader in sustainability, invites individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities to join the journey towards a circular economy on March 18, which is Global Recycling Day.

For more than 20 years, TerraCycle has pioneered recycling solutions as part of their mission to eliminate waste and develop practical solutions for today’s complex waste challenges.

“TerraCycle remains at the forefront of recycling innovation, developing new ways to collect and process materials that have long been considered unrecyclable,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of the company. “Our in-house team of scientists and material application specialists work every day to push the boundaries of what can be recycled, helping us move the world from a linear economy to a circular one.”

TerraCycle sponsors free recycling programs; zero waste box solutions; industry-specific recycling solutions; regulated, universal, and hazardous waste recycling, and waterway waste prevention.

To learn more, visit terracycle.com.

Paul Robeson House continued from page one from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include a wreath laying at the bust of Robeson in front of the ACP (also known as the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts), a presentation by the Alphas, a tour of the Robeson House, and coffee, pastries, and conversation.

In a recent letter to supporters, the PRHP Board of Directors emphasized how the Robeson legacy strengthens the community, especially in difficult times. “At the Paul Robeson House of Princeton, we’re committed to carrying forward Paul Robeson’s legacy as a beacon of strength, resilience, and inspiration for all,” they wrote.

Colbert pointed out a number of recent PRHP initiatives, particularly in developing relationships with Princeton schools and the Robeson Charter School in Trenton, both online and in person, as well as with the ACP and Morven Museum and Garden.

PRHP Program Committee Chair and Board Member Joy Barnes-Johnson described the Robeson Scholars and Fellows Program, which next month will be sending out its 2025 call for high school and college students who are looking to make a positive change in their communities. Through scholarship, artistry, and athleticism, the program is designed to inspire young people to extend the Robeson legacy of civic engagement into the 21st century.

Robeson Scholars are recognized annually with a monetary prize to support work they are doing in their field or community. Local recipients include Princeton High School seniors Sheena Ash and Asma Qureshi; Taylor-Faith McKie, a Fellow/Scholar in 2020; Jocelyn Brobbey, a 2021 Scholar; and

Amanda Guadelupe, a 2024 Scholar Affiliate.

Guadelupe, a junior at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, will be conducting a workshop on Japanese Kintsugi pottery in honor of Paul Robeson’s artistry.

Barnes-Johnson also mentioned two Paul Robeson film screenings that will be taking place in April and May. On Wednesday, April 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Edison Public Library will present Native Land, a semidocumentary film narrated by Robeson that exposes violations of civil liberties and workers’ rights. BarnesJohnson will lead the follow-up discussion.

On Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. the Garden Theatre in Princeton will be screening the silent film Borderline, which features Robeson and his wife Eslanda “entangled in a complex web of interracial relationships,” according to the PRHP website. Colbert, who along with fellow Board Members Denyse Leslie and Shirley Satterfield, represented the PRHP at a recent New Jersey State Senate meeting, emphasized the importance of the Robeson legacy.

“We are very proud of our ability to draw attention to this very important American,” he said. “The theme of making Robeson a household name is a serious one, and one where we believe we have made some progress. This town and this community and this state are much more informed about the life and legacy of Paul Robeson.”

For further information and to contribute to the development campaign, visit ThePaulRobesonHouse ofPrinceton.org.

—Donald

Gilpin

Isles Participates in Philadelphia Flower Show

For Isles, participation in the show represents more than just volunteer service; it provides valuable exposure for the organization’s urban agriculture initiatives and creates networking opportunities with potential partners and supporters.

Police Blotter

On March 10, at 1:36 p.m., an individual reported that, between October 2024 and the time of the report, an unknown individual damaged a shed on the Witherspoon Street property by breaking a lock. Nothing was reported missing from the shed.

On March 8, at 10:18 a.m., a Jefferson Road resident reported that over the past month they had been in contact with individuals purporting to be representatives of the New Jersey State Police who were allegedly investigating a theft of identity and international drug trafficking crimes. The suspect or suspects persuaded the person to send them funds in order to protect them from seizure due to the “ongoing investigation.” That person provided funds via gold coins they purchased totaling $169,530.01 which were later provided to the suspects, whose identities are not known. The Princeton Detective Bureau is investigating.

On March 4, at 2:06 p.m., an individual reported that an unknown person or persons used her email address to deceive her client into sending a sum of $5,600. The client was instructed to send the money to an unknown Zelle account and as a result the individual suffered a monetary loss of $5,600. There are no suspects at this time.

On March 2, at 12:10 p.m., patrols responded to a residence on Prospect Avenue to investigate a theft. An individual reported that her wristlet wallet and assorted keys were stolen from the residence on February 27, sometime between 9 and 11 p.m. There are no suspects at this time.

On February 28, at 10:22 a.m., an unknown suspect or suspects forged and deposited six checks, totaling $14,500 from an operations account belonging to an organization on Mount Lucas Road. It is unknown if the organization suffered any monetary loss, as they were coordinating with their banking institution regarding the fraudulent activity.

bank account and deposit the funds via “Coinflip” (a digital currency platform Bitcoin ATM) and purchase gift cards in order to avoid being arrested. She later withdrew the money from her bank account but was unsuccessful in depositing it. She attempted to withdraw additional funds but her bank account was flagged because someone attempted to gain access to it. She did not suffer any monetary loss as a result of the incident.

On February 24, at 11:50 p.m., subsequent to a motor vehicle stop on Wiggins Street for disregarding a traffic control device, the driver, a 41-year-old Princeton male, was found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing, and later released from custody. He was issued summonses for being an unlicensed driver, driving with a suspended driver’s license, failure to observe a traffic control device, failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Unless noted, individuals arrested were later released.

On March 7, at 3:24 p.m., patrols responded to a commercial business on Nassau Street on a report of a suspected shoplifting in progress. The caller advised that there were several individuals in the business concealing merchandise. Upon arrival, police made contact with two 19-year-old males from Philadelphia, who were found to be in possession of stolen merchandise. Both individuals were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters where they were processed, and charged with shoplifting and later released from custody. All of the stolen merchandise was recovered.

On February 27, at 12:15 p.m., the Detective Bureau investigated an incident of cyber harassment, commonly referred to as “Zoom bombing,” that occurred during a Princeton Environmental Commission meeting. During this incident, three unknown individuals posted “alarming and pornographic content during the Zoom meeting,” according to police reports. The Detective Bureau is following up on the incident.

On February 25, at 1:31 p.m., a Harris Road resident reported that an unknown male identified as “Marshall John Thomas” contacted her by phone approximately two weeks ago, and advised her that there was a warrant out for her arrest for contempt of court. She was advised to withdraw funds from her

Direct beneficiaries of this work include more than 200 community gardeners and family members, 45 teachers, and 1,100 students throughout the Trenton area.

For more information about Isles and its programs, visit isles.org.

The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of Town Topics.

Honoring Genius, Science, Art, And Truth on Princeton Pi Day

To the Editor:

Each year, Princeton celebrates Pi Day by honoring the infinite wonder of mathematics and the brilliance of Albert Einstein, who was born on March 14. It is also a time to reflect on Einstein’s commitment to racial equality during an era when Princeton still segregated its neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and other places of business.

While renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to science, Einstein is less known for his fierce advocacy for justice. He spoke out against racism and supported the NAACP. In 1931, he publicly supported the Scottsboro Boys, nine African American teenagers falsely accused

Jazz Vespers

of rape in Alabama. In 1946, he joined Paul Robeson, a Princeton native son, in a federal anti-lynching campaign. When W.E.B. Du Bois, a founder of the NAACP, was indicted by the government as a “foreign agent,” Einstein’s willingness to be a character witness influenced the judge to dismiss the case.

Einstein and residents of the African American community shared strong relationships and he was welcomed in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood. When Marian Anderson, a world-renowned opera singer, was invited to perform at The McCarter Theatre, she was denied a room at the Nassau Inn due to its whites-only policy. Einstein invited Anderson to stay at his home with his daughter. And, even after Robeson was blacklisted by the U.S. Government, Einstein continued to invite him to Princeton, and publicly supported him.

In 1946, Einstein gave a speech at Lincoln University, where he declared racism a “disease of white people.” In the same year, he published an essay, “The Negro Question,” in Pageant magazine, writing: “There is, however, a somber point in the social outlook of Americans. Their sense of equality and human dignity is mainly limited to men of white skins. Even among these there are prejudices of which I as a Jew am clearly conscious; but they are unimportant in comparison with the attitude of the “Whites” toward their fellow-citizens of darker complexion, particularly toward Negroes … I can escape the feeling of complicity in it only by speaking out… Your ancestors dragged these black people from their homes by force; and in the white man’s quest for wealth and an easy life they have been ruthlessly suppressed and exploited, degraded into slavery. The modern prejudice against Negroes is the result of the desire to maintain this unworthy condition.”

You can find more information about Einstein in Einstein on Race and Racism by Fred Jerome and Rodger Taylor, and Kathryn Watterson’s book based on interviews with Princeton residents, I Hear My People Singing.

As we continue our march towards racial justice and equality in Princeton, we can build upon the legacy of Einstein and the African American community of the mid20th century.

SHIRLEY SATTERFIELD Quarry Street

LINDA OPPENHEIM South Harrison Street

WILMA SOLOMON Tee-Ar Place

YAEL NIV Franklin Avenue

Environmental Commission Shares News of Expanded Food Scraps Collection Program

To the Editor:

Good news on sustainability! Princeton is expanding its successful and free food scraps collection program. Three new “scrap shacks” have just opened (near Johnson Park, Littlebrook, and Riverside schools), and more are planned

to local farms. Biogas is used on-site to produce electricity that powers the facility and contributes renewable energy to the grid when it’s needed most. By joining the food scraps program, residents can reduce the quantity of trash their household produces, which might reduce the need for a second bin, and at the same time divert trash from landfills. Landfills release methane gas along with other greenhouse gases and leach chemicals into nearby water sources.

This free program is open to all Princeton residents and is especially designed to be useful to apartment dwellers and homeowners who have properties too small to allow for onsite composting. The program also takes meat, dairy, and grease, which are not recommended for backyard composting. Since implementing the program, Princeton diverted almost 20 tons of food scraps from landfills in 2024. We are averaging almost 1.7 tons per month, and we now have 277 registered participants. The hope is that with more “scrap shacks” located conveniently around town, more residents will choose to participate.

Signing up is easy. Just go to princetonnj.gov/1425/FoodScrap-Drop-Off-Program and follow the link to register. You will take a short “quiz” on dos and don’ts, and the municipality will then send you an information packet containing assigned drop off location, a list of acceptable materials, and other operational instructions. As soon as you complete these easy steps, you will be on your way to doing your part to help the environment and reduce your trash volume.

The Environmental Commission hopes more Princeton residents will take advantage of this beneficial free program.

Letters to the Editor Policy

Town Topics welcomes letters to the Editor, preferably on subjects related to Princeton. Letters must have a valid street address (only the street name will be printed with the writer’s name). Priority will be given to letters that are received for publication no later than Monday noon for publication in that week’s Wednesday edition. Letters must be no longer than 500 words and have no more than four signatures.

All letters are subject to editing and to available space.

At least a month’s time must pass before another letter from the same writer can be considered for publication.

Letters are welcome with views about actions, policies, ordinances, events, performances, buildings, etc. However, we will not publish letters that include content that is, or may be perceived as, negative towards local figures, politicians, or political candidates as individuals.

When necessary, letters with negative content may be shared with the person/group in question in order

ANNE SOOS Chair, Environmental Commission Hun Road

Books

Fund for Irish Studies Presents Novelist Niall Williams at Labyrinth March 20

The Fund for Irish Studies Presents a reading by Niall Williams on Thursday, March 20 at 5 p.m. at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street.

Williams, born in Dublin, is the author of nine novels, including History of the Rain , which was longlisted for the Booker Prize and Four Letters of Love, which will soon be a motion picture starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne. His most recent novel, This Is Happiness , was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards Book of the Year and longlisted for The Walter Scott Prize.

The Fund for Irish Studies is a partner of Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts. It is designed to put the creative and performing arts at the heart of the Princeton experience. This mission is based on the conviction that exposure to the arts, particularly to the experience of producing art, helps each of us to make sense of our lives and the lives of our neighbors.

This event is cosponsored by Princeton University’s Fund for Irish Studies, Department of English, Humanities Council and Lewis Center for the Arts, and Labyrinth Books.

Philly’s Storied Sandwiches Star at Lahaska, Pa., Bookstore Event

Join author Mike Madaio

as he signs A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches: Steaks, Hoagies, Iconic Eateries, & More at the Lahaska Bookshop on Saturday, March 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., Route 263 in Peddlers Village, Lahaska, Pa.

Philadelphia boasts some of the most delicious original sandwiches and passionate sandwich aficionados. From the classic cheesesteak to the delectable roast pork, the city’s cultural and ethnic diversity has resulted in many of America’s most established meals between bread. Join author and bona fide sandwich obsessive Madaio as he journeys through the history and eateries behind Philadelphia’s most iconic sandwiches and discovers some unsung heroes along the way (The History Press, $24.99).

Madaio is a food and wine writer based outside of Philadelphia. His career began with the creation of Main Line Dine, a popular restaurant and dining blog covering the Philadelphia suburbs, and his writing has appeared in publications such as Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, and Edible Philly. He has also achieved Italian wine ambassador certification from the Vinitaly

International Academy. His previous book for The History Press, Lost Mount Penn: Wineries, Railroads and Resorts of Reading, covered the wine house scene in and around Reading, Pa. in the 1800s.

A signed copy of the book can be ordered through the website at doylestownbookshop.com/madaio, and for a personalized copy, note who the book should be inscribed to in the comments section at checkout.

Ted Chiang Speaks on Generative AI and Art Award-winning author Ted Chiang gives a lecture as part of the Humanities for AI (artificial intelligence) series on “The Incompatibilities Between Generative AI and Art” presented by The Princeton University Center for Digital Humanities and its partners, including Princeton Public Library. The lecture is on Tuesday, March 18 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in 50 McCosh Hall at Princeton University. Free and open to the public, registration is required, and can be found at princetonlibrary.libnet.info/event/12940870 or at cdh.princeton.edu/ events/2025/03/tedchiang.

Chiang’s fiction has won four Hugo Awards, four Nebula Awards, six Locus Awards, and the PEN/Malamud Award, and has been reprinted in The Best American Short Stories. His first collection, Stories of Your Life and Others , has been translated into 21 languages, and the title story was the basis for the Oscar-nominated film Arrival. The New York Times chose his second collection, Exhalation , as one of the 10 Best Books of 2019. As a 2023 TIME100 Most Influential Person in AI, Chiang is described as “perhaps the world’s most celebrated living sciencefiction author.”

This event is part of “Humanities for AI” — a series of projects, initiatives, and conversations that centers humanities values and approaches in the development, use, and interpretation of the field broadly known as AI. While the discourse around AI often prioritizes innovation and acceleration, a humanistic perspective highlights continuities, explores context, and fosters critical engagement with algorithms, systems, data, and tools. At a time when the scale of AI is increasingly large, a humanistic approach values attention to smaller scales and a more deliberate pace.

The program is presented in partnership with Princeton University’s Center for Digital Humanities, the Humanities Initiative “Media and Meaning” project, and the Princeton Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (AI Lab) and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Mathis, Hacker Read in Althea Ward Clark Series

The Althea Ward Clark W’21 Reading Series continues its current season with a reading by bestselling novelist Ayana Mathis, author of The Unsettled and The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, and Marilyn Hacker, a National Book Award-winning poet, translator, and author of Calligraphies and A Stranger’s Mirror.

The reading, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program Creative Writing at Princeton University, begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. The event is free and open to the public, with the authors’ books available to purchase and have signed.

Mathis is a novelist and essayist based in New York City. The Unsettled , her most recent novel, was named a New York Times and Washington Post Notable Book of 2023, as well as a best book of 2023 by The New Yorker, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Oprah Daily. Her first book,

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie , was a New York Times bestseller, a selection for Oprah’s Book Club 2.0, and a New York Times Notable Book and NPR Best Book of 2013. Additionally, the novel was long listed for the 2014 Dublin Literary Award and named a finalist for Hurston/Wright Foundation’s 2013 Legacy Award in Fiction. Mathis’ essays and criticism have been published in The Atlantic, T Magazine, The Financial Times, Rolling Stone, Guernica, Glamour, and elsewhere. Her most recent nonfiction, a five-part New York Times essay series entitled Imprinted by Belief, explores the intertwining of faith and American literature. Mathis received her M.F.A. from The Iowa Writers’ Workshop and is pursuing her Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary. A 2024-25 Berlin Prize Fellow, she currently teaches at Hunter College in the M.F.A. Program. She was recently announced as a 2025-26 Hodder Fellow at Princeton.

Hacker is the author of 19 books of poems, including Calligraphies, Desesperanto, Blazons , and A Stranger’s Mirror, as well as two collaborative books, Diaspo/Renga , written with Deema Shehabi, and A Different Distance , written with Karthika Naïr. Her 22 volumes of translations from the French include Claire Malroux’s Daybreak , Samira Negrouche’s The Olive Trees’ Jazz , and Guy Goffette’s Charlestown Blues . Hacker’s first collection of poems, Presentation Piece , won the 1975 National Book Award and was the Academy of American Poets’ Lamont Poetry Selection. Her other honors include the Academy of American Poets’ Lenore Marshall Award, the Poets’ Prize, two Lambda Literary Awards, an Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the PEN Voelcker Award, and the Argana International Poetry Prize from the Beit as-Shir/ House of Poetry in Morocco. Elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 2008, Hacker has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Ingram Merrill Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. She lives in Paris and New York.

The 2024-25 Althea Ward Clark W’21 Reading Series will conclude with several student readings. On April 15, select students in spring creative writing courses will read from their recent work, and on April 21 and 22, seniors in the program will read from their independent work in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and literary translation.

Ayana Mathis (Photo by Beowulf Sheehan)

Marilyn Hacker (Photo by Alison Harris)

The Human Story: Prokofiev, Chekhov, War, and a World of Books

Afew days ago I listened to Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony and have been buoyed by the joyous ambiance of this 13 minutes of music ever since. In the colorful image accompanying the piece on YouTube, Prokofiev is lounging on a cane chair surrounded by greenery, one leg casually balanced on the other, one arm slung over the back of the chair, holding a score he’s been working on, a pencil in his other hand. He’s dressed casually in a dark brown zippered jacket, and he’s looking good, touches of color in his cheeks, no glasses, in his thirties or forties, prime of life, and as in other photos from this period (see his wikipedia page), he looks more like a Russian David Bowie than the generic image of the severe, bespectaced composer.

Finding Out More

Hoping to find out more about this music, I drove over to Labyrinth Books and bought Claude Samuel’s Prokofiev (Calder and Boyars 1971). Next I plunged into my email archive and came up with a tenyear-old message from an old college friend telling me he’s been “on a Prokofiev kick” and thinks of him, fondly, as “Rachmaninoff Gone Mad.” After praising “his terrific and terrifically showy, piano music,” my friend says, point blank: “I hate the Classical Symphony.”

Undaunted, and curious to know more about the “terrifically showy” piano music, I consulted Samuel’s book and found that between 1913 and 1917, Prokofiev was “literally devoured by the passion for composition,” completing not only the Classical Symphony but the Visions Fugitives, piano sonatas 3 and 4, and an opera based on Dostoevsky’s The Gambler. Samuel says to keep in mind that the St. Petersburgbased composer “paid hardly any attention” to the outbreak of revolution “during the bloody years of 1916 and 1917.”

As for the symphony, formally Symphony No. 1, Prokofiev’s goal was to compose a score without the piano. According to a quote from his autobiography, he spent the summer of 1917 “reading Kant and working hard, having deliberately left my piano in town.” Here’s Samuel’s account of what happened when the 22-year-old pianist introduced his Piano Concerto No. 2 at Pavlosk, St. Petersburg in September 1913: As “doubts begin to flit across the mind of the astonished public, some express their indignation out loud, some get up and find salvation in retreat. ‘This music is enough to drive one mad!’ says someone.” As the concert ends, the remaining members of the audience are “whistling and shouting.” Calling it “a fiery performance,” the concerto’s conductor declares, “The daring and assurance of the young barbarian captivated and convinced the public.”

Born in the Ukraine

I’d been planning a column on the Bryn Mawr-Wellesley book sale until the unintended consequence of Prokofiev’s symphony, which became more consequential when I learned that the composer had been born in 1891 (“the year of the centenary of Mozart’s death”) in Sontsivka, “a small village situated in the basin of the Donetz” when Ukraine was part of Russia. In Samuel’s words, Prokofiev, “a man of precision,” stated in his memoirs that he “first saw the light of day on Wednesday, 23rd April, at five in the afternoon.”

Samuel neglects to point out that the man who composed the ballet Romeo and Juliet shared a birthday with Shakespeare, perhaps because Samuel thought Shakespeare seemed an awkward fit in a chapter titled “A Child of Holy Russia.”

On November 9, 2024, Russian troops entered Sontsivka, and captured it in mid-December.

Three Years Ago

Shortly after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in late February of 2022, I noted that Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was born an easy drive from the razed port city of Mariupol, where hundreds of men, women, and children perished during the bombing of the theater in which his plays were regularly performed. In April 2022, I inserted Dr. Astroff’s speech from the first act of Uncle Vanya into the carnage of Mariupol, as if he were tending to the survivors:

“Such dirt there was, and smoke! Unspeakable! I slaved among those people all day, not a crumb passed my lips, but when I got home there was still no rest for me; a switchman was carried in from the railroad; I laid him on the operating table and he died in my arms under chloroform, and then my feelings that should have been deadened awoke again, my conscience tortured me as if I had killed the man. I sat down and closed my eyes ... and thought: will our descendants two hundred years from now ... remember to give us a kind word? No, they will forget.”

There’s a photo of Putin from 2003 looking grim and uncomfortable during a visit to the Chekhov house museum in Yalta, where he ignored the plea for funding from a staff that had been witness to the museum’s steady degradation since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Fifty years

before Putin’s visit, Prokofiev and Joseph Stalin died on the same day, March 5, 1953. Since “the child of Mother Russia” lived near Red Square, which was besieged by crowds mourning Stalin, his coffin had to be moved by hand through back streets in the opposite direction of the masses of people going to view Stalin’s body. Stalin was buried in the Kremlin wall, while Prokofiev and Chekhov were buried in Moscow’s Novodevichy Cemetery. Sharing Beethoven By chance not design, March 5 was also the day I encountered Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony. An hour later, also on YouTube, I watched Daniel Barenboim conduct the West-Eastern Divan orchestra in a performance of Beethoven’s Sixth. It was my way of sharing the music with a friend who had offered me tickets to Sunday afternoon’s performance of the Sixth by the Princeton Symphony. Several scheduling conflicts included a Sunday visit to the set up of the Bryn Mawr book sale ahead of the March 12 preview, which I’ll report on an the end of this column. What struck me a week ago was the way the Beethoven smoothly, instantly, beautifully extended the spirit of the Prokofiev, the same flow, the same sense of the ongoing human story, the ultimate difference being between a poem of youthful word-drunk genius and a novel by a master. An added benefit was watching the orchestra, a fascinating array of close-up views of the musicians sharing in the creation. Back in the day when a 19-year-old version of me was listening to Beethoven and Brahms, Copland and Gershwin, Basie and Sinatra, I never knew the Sixth as well as the Fifth and neither were as close to the movement of my life as Prokofiev’s 13-minute symphony. The impact of the West-Eastern Divan concert at the 2012 London Proms was intensified by the anniversary of Putin’s invasion and by fresh memories of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and Israel’s devastating response. Here was an orchestra made up of Hispanic, Palestinian, Israeli, Egyptian, Iranian, Jordanian, and Syrian musicians playing the work of a German composer. According to Barenboim, “the Divan is not a love story, and it is not a peace story.” He conceived it with the late Palestinian scholar Edward Said

“as a project against ignorance,” wherein “it is absolutely essential for people to get to know the other, to understand what the other thinks and feels, without necessarily agreeing with it.”

The World in Books

Although the orchestra was formed in 1999, as Barenboim points out, the concept dates back to the early 19th century, “Divan” being the Persian word for “collection of poems” and West-Eastern Divan the title which German poet Goethe gave to his 1819 anthology of poems in the Persian style. In my visit to the book sale set-up at the Stuart Country Day School, I didn’t have time to check out the poetry section, but as anyone who has journeyed through that world of books knows, there’s a good chance that Goethe’s anthology will turn up, if only in a reprinted edition. The sections I surveyed on Sunday were, first, Music, where I was hoping for books on Prokofiev like the formidable Princeton University Press volume Sergey Prokofiev and His World (2008) edited by Princeton professor Simon Morrison, whose biography of Stevie Nicks I reviewed a few years ago. While I found impressive books on Puccini, Debussy, Berg, and inevitably Beethoven, Bach, Brahms and Schubert, I found nothing on Prokofiev. Since there were boxes not yet unpacked, there’s a chance that by the time of Wednesday’s preview, there will books about the composer of The Classical Symphony

After my usual visit to Collector’s Corner, where the rarest volume I noticed was a first edition of Zora Neale Hurston’s Mules and Men, I checked out the overflowing bounty in the Old and Rare section. Books that caught my eye were War On the White Slave Trade (1830); Tik Tok of Oz (1914), a title with ironic 21st century resonance; Watty Piper’s The Bumper Book (1952), and The Chariot Race from Ben Hur (1908), elegantly bound and illustrated. Although I didn’t see it in Collector’s Corner, I should mention the 1894 “Peacock” edition of Pride and Prejudice with its “exquisite gilt cover design, a celebrated example of late Victorian pictorial covers.”

Bowie’s Prokofiev

mentioned a resemblance between David Bowie and Prokofiev in his thirties, and while it may seem a stretch, check out the photo of the composer on his wikipedia page, as well as the one on the wikipedia for David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, a recording Bowie made with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1977. For children all over the world, this “symphonic tale” is their first exposure to classical music. As much as I loved the Classical Symphony, I didn’t know it by heart. I can still whistle Peter’s theme.

—Stuart Mitchner

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Princeton Symphony Orchestra Presents Evening of Music, Dance Traditions, and Percussion

Princeton Symphony Orchestra brought three diverse compositional styles together this past weekend with a program linking music of the early 19th and centuries and featuring one of this country’s most innovative and adventurous instrumental ensembles. Conducted by Music Director Rossen Milanov, the Orchestra presented Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major, paired with works of American composers Carlos Simon and Viet Cuong. Joining the Orchestra in Saturday night’s concert (which was repeated Sunday afternoon) was So Percussion, a quartet of percussionists fresh off a Grammy award win and current Performers-in-Residence at Princeton University.

opening “Hydro” began with the So musicians demonstrating a sort of musical patty-cake with clinking water-filled glasses, answered by pianist Ruoting Li from a corner of the stage. The delicate tuneful passages became stately when taken up by the Orchestra, showing the power and grandeur of water.

Princeton Alliance Church 20 Schalks Crossing Road Corner of Scudders Mill Road and Schalks Crossing Plainsboro, NJ 08536

“Hydro” was linked to the subsequent “Wind” with musicians blowing without pitch into their instruments as the So quartet moved to sets of drums and cymbals. Known for turning household items into inventive instruments, the percussionists derived rhythmic precision from a variety of drums, cymbals and cans of industrial strength duster spray, often while walking around one particular drum which all played simultaneously.

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The four movements of Carlos Simon’s 2022 Four Black American Dances weaved dance and cultural identity into symphonic music, delving into significant and differing dance forms. The opening celebratory “Ring Shout” captured a religious ritual dating back centuries. Opening with spirited brass and wailing woodwinds, Princeton Symphony executed clean syncopation from strings and sliding effects from a trio of trumpets. Percussion played a key role in all four movements, with timpanist Jeremy Levine keeping rhythms precise.

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The final movement, “Solar,” opened with bells and grew to a slow sunrise with a lush string backdrop. The third table of percussion instruments included xylophones, crotales and a metal mixing bowl half full of water. The So musicians moved effortlessly among the instruments against the orchestral accompaniment, creating the overall effect of the sun heating up and sending out solar flares. As interpreted by the two ensembles, Cuong’s imaginative piece served as an imposing acknowledgement of the wonders of nature.

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Concertmaster Basia Danilow provided several quick-moving solo violin lines, especially contrasting a big band palette in the second movement “Waltz.” A quartet of trombones and tuba set a mysterious mood for the closing “Holy Dance,” as Milanov led the sound to a fervent clamor. Nimble cellos and double basses brought the work to a cinematic close, which the musicians drew out with effective drama.

Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners

Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund Orchestra is a 501 C3 non-profit organization

Viet Cuong, whose educational background includes Princeton University, composed Re(new)al in 2018 as a concerto for percussion quartet and orchestra, and as a tribute to “renewable energy initiatives and the commitment to creating a new, better reality for us all.” Audience curiosity was piqued before the music started, as the stage was set up with tables of unusual xylophone instruments and glasses filled with various amounts of water. Audience members watched with rapt attention, perhaps wondering if the staging would be completed before water in the glasses started to evaporate, thus changing pitches.

The members of So Percussion — Jason Treuting, Adam Sliwinski, Josh Quillen, and Eric Cha-Beach — gathered around each of three groups of percussion instruments for the different movements of Cuong’s piece. The

The “nature” theme continued with the evening’s final work. Beethoven subtitled Symphony No. 6 as “Pastoral,” depicting in five movements a leisurely trip to the countryside and gratitude for nature’s pleasures, despite a thunderstorm. Conducting from memory, Milanov took time in the opening phrases to establish a scene of people arriving for a festive event in the countryside. Finding charm in the music, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra players created an atmosphere of serenity, with a bit of fun and frolics, especially from bassoonist Brad Balliett.

The players became the “brook” portrayed in the second movement, expressing the gentle sway of water as Milanov maintained a graceful musical flow. Flutist Sooyun Kim, clarinetist Pascal Archer and oboist Lillian Copeland added elegant passages to complement strong bassoons. The Orchestra closed Beethoven’s Symphony with a return to serenity and reverence emphasizing well the composer’s intended connection between music and the natural world. As Princeton Symphony Orchestra continues to commemorate Milanov’s milestone birthday, Saturday night’s concert was both celebratory and in keeping with the ensemble’s commitment to high quality performance and introducing audiences to new music.

—Nancy Plum

Princeton Symphony Orchestra will present the final concerts of the 2024-25 Classical series on Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 11 at 4 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium. Conducted by Rossen Milanov, these performances feature music of Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff, with guest artists Westminster Symphonic Choir and pianist Natasha Paremski. Ticket information can be obtained by visiting princetonsymphony.org.

2025 LECTURE SERIES

MARCH 20

NIALL WILLIAMS

Acclaimed writer Niall Williams and author of This is Happiness reads from his work

5:00 p.m.

Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St. Free and open to the public

MARCH 21

FINTAN O' TOOLE

4:30 p.m.

James Stewart Theater, 185 Nassau St.

Author, critic and scholar Fintan O’Toole delivers the annual Robert Fagles Memorial Lecture on “Unmasking Conspiracy: Philip Graves and The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” arts.princeton.edu

Oak Ensemble March 20 - 7pm Chamber Series at Trinity Trinity

Performing Arts

Black Oak Ensemble Performs Five Trios

The Black Oak Ensemble performs on Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. on the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) ’s new chamber music series at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. On the program are an arrangement of the aria from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, Vittorio Monti’s Csárdás, based on a Hungarian folk dance, and trios by Gideon Klein, Jean Cras, and Henri Tomasi.

The trio includes violinist Desirée Ruhstrat and cellist David Cunliffe, members of the Grammy-nominated Lincoln Trio, and violist Aurélien Fort Pederzoli, a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Spektral Quartet.

The ensemble are the 2023 winners of the American Prize in Chamber Music Performance and the International Chamber Music Award. Black Oak’s latest CD, Avant l’orage, a double album of French string trios, reached No. 1 in the Billboard Classical Charts in July 2022. Their début album on Cedille Records, Silenced Voices , is dedicated to Jewish composers, most of whom lost their lives during the Holocaust. Recent international tours have taken the Black Oak Ensemble to Amsterdam, Geneva, the Everlasting Hope Festival in Terezin, Paris, Grenoble, Athens, and other major cities. In the U.S., they have appeared at the Newport Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, Chicago Cultural Center, Art Institute of Chicago, and many other venues.

They made their New York debut in 2022 at the Morgan Museum.

Tickets are $45 per person. Youths 5-17 receive a 50 percent discount with an adult purchase. Visit princetonsymphony.org or call (609) 497-0020.

Piano Students Accompany

Silent Film Classics

On March 29, 150 piano students from throughout central New Jersey will recreate the silent film experience at the Bridgewater AMC in Bridgewater. The event is sponsored by the New School for Music Study in Kingston.

One of the important features of the silent-film era was the organ and piano music that brought movies to life. At the upcoming event, students of all ages and levels will provide the soundtrack to classic films starring Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.

“It is truly amazing to see how the music makes these historic films come alive. They are engaging and appealing to audience members of all ages and it is a great way to showcase piano students in live performance,” said the New School’s Administrative Director Rebecca Pennington. The event is suitable for all ages. Audience members can choose to see on film or the full day of movies. Visit ticketleap.events/tickets/ nsms-8/sfc2025.

Garden Theatre to Welcome Oscar-Nominated Director

The Garden Theatre is welcoming filmmaker Emily Kassie to Princeton on March 19 at 7 p.m. for an inperson discussion following a screening of her Oscarnominated documentary, Sugarcane . The event is in partnership with Princeton Humanities Initiative, Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative at Princeton, and the Department of Religion at Princeton University.

Sugarcane , which was codirected by Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat, follows an investigation into abuse and missing children at the Indian residential school NoiseCat’s family was sent to near Williams Lake, British Columbia. The film is a display of communal processing and perseverance in breaking down cycles of intergenerational trauma. It is Kassie’s and NoiseCat’s first feature documentary. Kassie has worked extensively as a visual and investigative journalist covering geopolitical conflict, humanitarian crises, corruption, and the stories of people caught in the crossfire. She has directed, shot and reported numerous films and visual investigations for The New York Times, PBS Frontline, and The Guardian, among others.

Her work has followed the Taliban’s crackdown on women, climate injustice in Nigeria, the exploitation of the refugee crisis, America’s immigrant detention system, drug and weapons trafficking in the Saharan desert, child labor in Turkey, and more. In 2021, she smuggled into Taliban territory

GROUNDHOG DAY AT PHS: The Princeton High School (PHS) Spectacle Theatre will be presenting “Groundhog Day the Musical” March 13 through March 15, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in the PHS Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at princetondrama.ludus.com.

with PBS Newshour correspondent Jane Ferguson to report on their imminent siege of Kabul. Her work on sexual abuse in immigrant detention was used in the senate judiciary hearings on child separation at the US border.

Tickets are available at the box office or online at princetongarden theatre. org/films/sugarcane.

Wine and Comedy at Old York Road Cellars

Wine and Comedy Nights at Old York Cellars in Ringoes is back for the 10th season, hosted by local comic Helene Angley. Comics Buddy Fitzpatrick and Chris Monty will headline the first two shows on April 5 and 19, in the heated tent in the vineyard.

Fitzpatrick performs around the country and has appeared on Comedy Central, ABC and A&E. He was most recently featured in Steven King’s horror-romance best-seller adaptation of “Lisey’s Story” on Apple TV+. Monty’s recent projects include an Amazon Prime comedy special “What’s the Worst That Could Happen,” and appearances in HBO’s “Vinyl” and Amazon Prime’s “Red Oaks.” Host Angley is featured in comedy clubs around the country and on cruise ships around the world.

“We’re excited to bring back our successful Wine and Comedy Nights for its 10th season,” said David Wolin, Owner of Old York Cellars. “Old York Cellars continues to create an unparalleled winery experience in Central New Jersey, fusing the best in local wines with top notch

food, music, and comedy. Wine & Comedy Nights enhance the winery experience with an outstanding mix of established comics and fresh local talent.”

Old York Cellars’ Wine and Comedy Nights are held on the first and third Saturday of each month through November. Doors open at 7 p.m., so guests can partake of wine and authentic Spanish cuisine before the show at 8 p.m. Reservations are required at oldyorkcellars. com/comedy.

Lutist Thomas Dunford Does “Up Close” Concerts On Sunday, March 23, at 3 and 6 p.m., lutist Thomas Dunford will return to Princeton University Concerts (PUC) in a set of hour-long appearances for the Performances Up Close series in Richardson Auditorium. The audience is seated on stage in these informal events.

Following his appearance with the Jupiter Ensemble as part of PUC’s 2022-23 season, Dunford returns with a solo program of works by J. S. Bach, Joan Ambrosio Dalza, John Dowland, Girolame Kapsberger, Marin Marais, and Erik Satie.

“We are thrilled to have Thomas Dunford back,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer.

“He is a rock star in the world of early music, and one of many musicians on our series who is not only a fierce ambassador for their instrument but also a consummate musician. We look forward to hearing his sensitive and exciting playing in our Up Close format.”

In the intimate spirit of PUC’s Performances Up Close concerts, capacity is limited and tickets ($40 general/$10

students) are expected to sell quickly; patrons are encouraged to buy them soon. Reduced cost tickets are available for those who qualify for PUC’s Admit All ticket access program for low-income patrons. Visit puc.princeton. edu or call (609) 258-2800. Before the 3 p.m. concert, patrons can attend a pre-concert Speed Dating event at Maclean House at 1 p.m. This event is part of PUC’s Do-ReMeet series of social events for music lovers, and is an opportunity to meet fellow concertgoers over facilitated 8-minute dating sessions, facilitated by co-host Risa Grimaldi of TheSinglesGroup. com, while enjoying catered hors d’oeuvres from Olsson’s Fine Foods. Tickets to Do-ReMeet include the full experience — both the social event and the concert — for $50/ General and $25/Students. Reduced cost tickets for this Do-Re-Meet experience are available for those who qualify for PUC’s Admit All ticket access program for low-income Patrons.

The community is also invited to listen to Dunford’s music in a mindful, meditative state through a free and unticketed Live Music Meditation on Monday, March 24 in the Princeton University Chapel. Although early arrival is recommended, entry and meditation instruction will begin at 12:30 p.m. Meditation instruction will be provided by Matthew Weiner, Associate Dean in the Princeton University Office of Religious Life. The event will conclude by 1:45 p.m. with a group conversation with the artist about the experience of listening to music mindfully.

Continued on Page 20

(Photo by Julianna Krawiecki)

CHAMBER CONCERT: As part of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s new chamber music series, the Black Oak Ensemble performs at Trinity Church on March 20. (Photo by Ayaka Sano)

Town Topics Princeton Home & Design

Chinese pipa master Jin Yang is the

Blending East and West At Upcoming Concert

The Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra, under its conductor Chiu-Tze Lin, will present a concert, “Bending of the East and West,” on March 16, at 7 p.m. at the Princeton Alliance Church, 20 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro.

The program will feature the Chinese Pipa Master Jin Yang. This collaboration of a Chinese folk instrument soloing with a western classical symphony orchestra is a one-of-a-kind event designed to bring a unique experience in sound.

Yang is the founder of the Chinese Musicians Association of North America. She graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. She received the Golden Bell Award for Music in China, and a Silver Award at the Global Music Awards.

She has collaborated with YoYo Ma in the Silk Road Ensemble and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. Yang is on the faculty of Bard Conservatory, and an instructor at the University of Delaware’s Master Players Concert and Festival. She has also served as a judge for the Hummingbird International Music Competition at the Eastman School of Music. She will perform with the orchestra in the pipa concerto “King Chu Doffs His Armor” by Zhou Long, and “Cloud and Flower Fantasia” by Wang Danhong.

Pipa is a four-stringed Chinese musical instrument plucked like a guitar and having a large body resembling a lute, and a neck with 12 or more frets that leads into the body. These works not only showcase the depth of the pipa but also offer musical interpretations

Music of Sorrow and Hope Saturday March 22 at 7:30pm Princeton University Chapel

of historical narratives and cultural heritage.

Zhou Long is a Pulitzer Prize-winning Chinese American composer. He has blended traditional Chinese music elements with the modern orchestral sound. His “King Chu Doffs His Armor” is a dramatic concerto that portrays the final moments of Xiang Yu, legendary king of the Chu Dynasty.

The “Cloud and Flower Fantasia” by Wang Danhong weaves delicate ornamentations, harmonics, and expressive melodies. The pipa paints a picture of imperial grandeur, balancing beauty with lament in this tale of love and loss.

The program also includes Dvorák’s Symphony No. 8, a composition filled with Bohemian folk influences. In contrast to other works by Dvorak, this symphony is cheerful and optimistic.

General admission is $30, and $25 for seniors, students, and people with special needs. Premium seating is available at $50 Tickets purchased in advance are $20 ($50 for premium seating Visit bravuraphil.org.

“The Marvelous Mr. Meusel” By the Dryden Ensemble

The Dryden Ensemble returns with its new artistic director, Daniel Swenberg, in a program entitled “En Concert: The Marvelous Mr. Meusel “ on Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m. at the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel, 64 Mercer Street. Admission is free, though donations will be accepted. In the early 18th century, lute and harpsichord players would often arrange and expand their solo repertoire for an ensemble. This genre or approach to repertoire is known as playing “En Concert.” The melody lines of a plucked-instrument solo piece would be doubled by a violin, oboe, or flute and the bass line would be reinforced by a cello or viola da gamba.

“En Concert: The Marvelous Mr. Meusel” explores this “en concert” approach,

featuring music from the court of Louis XIV (Couperin and DeVisée), the salons of London (Dieupart), and the palaces of Germany (Meusel and Bach). Gottfried Meusel was the lutenist at the court of Gotha. While he enjoyed the esteem of his colleagues, his early death resulted in his name being lost to history. His concerti for lute, flute, gamba, and continuo will have their American premieres. Flutist Taya König-Tarasevich joins Dryden Ensemble players Daniel Swenberg, lute, Lisa Terry, bass viol, and Webb Wiggins, harpsichord.

The season continues at the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel on Saturday, April 19 at 4 p.m. when the ensemble presents “Baroque Passion: Music for Holy Week,” featuring soprano Clara Rottsolk in sacred arias by Bach and Ferrandini for obbligato violas da gamba, and lute. Visit drydenensemble.org for more information.

Orchestra Announces Lineup For Season at Richardson

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced its 2025-26 Season with a line-up of guest artists assembled by Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov. Violinist Aubree Oliverson returns to the PSO stage along with violinist Bella Hristova, who last performed with the orchestra in 2014. Pianists Maxim Lando and Michelle Cann, harpsichordist Mahan Esfanhani, and Serbian-French cellist Maja Bogdanovic will each be appearing with the PSO for the first time at Richardson Auditorium.

On the program are concertos by Antonín Dvorák, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sergei Prokofiev, Edvard Grieg, and Camille SaintSaëns, as well as the world premiere of a new work for harpsichord and small orchestra by Princeton-based composer Julian Grant. Additional contemporary compositions include Dobrinka Tabakova’s Orpheus’ Comet , Andreia Pinto

Jan Kraybill In Concert

Friday, April 4, 2025 at 7:30pm Princeton University Chapel

GRAMMY-nominated organist Dr. Jan Kraybill will bring a thrilling program to the Chapel’s magnificent Skinner/Mander organ. All are welcome. Free concert. No tickets required.

Correia’s Ciprés, Jessie Montgomery’s Records from a Vanishing City, and Viet Cuong’s Extra(ordinarily) Fancy

“I am always amazed by the Princeton audiences and their curiosity for fresh viewpoints and artistic expression,” said Milanov. “The juxtaposition of new works with beloved classics invites comparison and stimulates dialogue.”

Among the masterworks to be presented are Johannes Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 as orchestrated by Arnold Schoenberg, Felix Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, Dmitri Shostakovich’s First Symphony, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Second

Symphony, and Sergei Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony. Princeton Festival veterans Aubry Ballarò, soprano, Nicholas Nestorak, tenor, and Joseph Barron, bass, will perform the full version of Igor Stravinsky’s Pulcinella

All performances take place on select Saturdays at 7:30pm (a new start time) and Sundays at 4 p.m., at Richardson Auditorium. Milanov conducts all but the February concert. Tickets are currently available by subscription only. Single tickets will go on sale over the summer. Visit princetonsymphony.org or call (609) 497-0020 for the full calendar.

Photo credit: Roy Inman

The Princeton University Chapel Choir and orchestra present W. A. Mozart’s beloved Requiem, paired with Robert A. Harris’s moving organ work “Elegy for the Time of Change.” With Nicole Aldrich, Director of Chapel Music, and Eric Plutz, University Organist.

EARLY MUSIC: Lutenist Daniel Swenberg, new artistic director of the Dryden Ensemble, is among the musicians on the program Sunday, March 16 at Princeton Theological Seminary.

CONCERTOS AND MORE: Grammy-winning pianist Michelle Cann is among the guest artists on schedule for the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s 2025-26 season, which opens October 25-26.

(Photo by Titilayo Ayangade)

BLENDING CULTURES:

guest soloist with the Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra at the Princeton Alliance Church on Sunday, March 16.

CELEBRATING RESCUE DOGS: The Arts Council of Princeton’s Spring 2025 Anne Reeves Artist-in-Residence Victor E. Bell celebrates his love for rescue dogs through ceramic “dogoyles,” to be on view throughout the community this spring.

Artist Victor E. Bell

Celebrates Rescue Dogs

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) has announced Victor E. Bell as their Spring 2025 Anne Reeves Artist-in-Residence.

Bell loves dogs — especially rescue dogs — and the unconditional love we receive from them. He also loves his Princeton community, and so the idea for “dogoyles” — a magical mix of dog, dragon, and gargoyle — was born.

Bell crafts these whimsical ceramic sculptures specifically for locations throughout town that have special meaning to him and many in our community. His finished sculptures will be on view beginning in late May.

“Dogs bring us together as a pack in the same way that tasty food and fun bring us together as a community,” said Bell. “That feeling of protection from your pack’s love is what my sculptures are all about.”

Bell grew up in Princeton and graduated from Rowan University in 2019 with

a Bachelor of Science in management information systems. During his last semester, he took one ceramics class, but could not foresee the art form becoming such a big part of his life. “I work for my family’s small business and, until recently, I did not consider myself to be much of an artist. About three years ago I got my hands back into clay, and I am so grateful. I started taking beginner ceramics classes at the Arts Council where I found a passion for sculpting dogs.”

After getting a solid foundation of skills, Bell continued his practice at Mud Matters, a studio in New York City. Even early in the development of his ceramic practice, Bell knew his goal was to somehow use his clay sculptures to help rescue dogs.

to capture in his sculptures. “Similar to how a gargoyle protects a space by scaring off bad spirits, my gargoyle-esque creatures bring forth the same feeling of safety which a dog provides.”

At the conclusion of his project, 12 of Bell’s finished dogoyle sculptures will be on view in the location that inspired their creation and have special meaning to him and the Princeton community as a whole. The following neighborhood fixtures will display a dogoyle from

“REGREENING THROUGH ART”: Works by Spriha Gupta are on view in the Solley Lobby at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, through March 29. Gupta will be part of a Women’s History Month Artist Talk being hosted by Judith K. Brodsky in the Taplin Gallery on March 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.

May through September: Princeton Garden Theatre, Small World Coffee, Community Park Pool, Conte’s, Princeton Record Exchange, Labyrinth Books, JaZams, Princeton Public Library, Bent Spoon, Hoagie Haven, SAVE, and the Arts Council. Each dogoyle will feature a QR code on their label linking to SAVE and encouraging viewers to give back to rescue dogs and discover this unconditional love for themselves.

“Through creating with my own emotions for my dogs, my hope is these whimsical beasts can inspire others to create with their hands, hearts, and minds,” said Bell.

The Anne Reeves Artistin-Residence Program, named after the ACP founding director, was established by the ACP in 2009 to offer artists the opportunity to conceptualize and create work while providing the community with creative

interaction with working artists in all disciplines. This project would not be possible without the support of Timothy M. Andrews, longtime supporter of the ACP, who has generously underwritten the Anne Reeves Artist-in-Residence program.

To learn more, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org or follow @artscouncilofprinceton.

Continued on Next Page

Tales of Earth and Sun

Why dogs? In 2018, Bell’s family rescued two dogs that changed their lives. “The unconditional love that a dog teaches us is truly otherworldly,” he said, and this feeling of protection is what Bell aims

PERFORMED

Let’s

Tales of Earth and Sun

A Stranger’s Mirror) read from their recent work.

54+

Tales of Earth and

Tales of Earth and Sun

Presented by The Sharmin & Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies

PERFORMED BY Rastak Music Group

Tales of Earth and Sun

Let’s celebrate Nowruz together with stories and inspired by the rich musical traditions of Iran! For more information: iran.princeton.edu.

Let’s

Presented by

The Sharmin & Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani Center Iran and Persian Gulf Studies

PERFORMED BY Rastak Music Group

Aprons Exhibit, History Talk At Trent House Museum

The Trent House Association will open an exhibit of aprons curated by Beverly Keese-Kelley on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. KeeseKelley will share the history of some of the aprons and lead a discussion about women doing domestic work in their own homes and in the homes of others. This free event will be held in the Trent House Visitor Center at 15 Market Street, Trenton. Free parking is available behind the museum’s property.

Area Exhibits

Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, has “Roberto Lugo: Orange and Black” through July 6. Artmuseum.princeton.edu.

GFS Receives More Than $100K in Grants

Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) in Hamilton has been awarded significant grants from The Bunbury Fund at the Princeton Area Community Foundation, The Horizon Foundation of New Jersey (The Horizon Foundation), and M & T Charitable Foundation (M &T). As a result of this funding, GFS will continue its capacity building work; pilot a social prescribing program through a partnership with Penn Medicine Princeton Health (PMPH); and bolster its participation in the Families First Discovery Pass Program (FFDP), which underwrites tickets to GFS for low-income families and individuals in New Jersey. Together, these three initiatives will contribute to the sculpture park’s strategic vision by sustaining and enriching its commitment to building communities and growing connectivity with its visitors.

“We’re delighted these three foundations are generously supporting Grounds For Sculpture,” said Gary Garrido Schneider, GFS executive director. “While we continue to build our organizational capacity, we’ll also be able to provide more visitors with the opportunity to experience the joy and restorative power of our artfilled gardens.”

A $100,000 grant from

The Bunbury Fund will allow GFS to engage two experts to accomplish strategic capacity building initiatives, both of which will help the sculpture park further its EDI Action Plan. The Community Fund previously provided support for a multi-year scope of work focused on EDI, which was led by the firm Tangible Development. With this renewed funding, GFS will work on the next phase of its capacity-building initiative and implementation of the Plan. The first portion of the Fund’s support will go towards purchasing and creating a customized diversity dashboard. The key information the dashboard will feature was refined by a crossdepartmental GFS working group throughout 2024, and aggregates key visitor, member, staff, board, volunteer, and artist data. The remaining support will address pay and job descriptions; there will be a comprehensive survey, pay review, and pay equity analysis, and job descriptions will be revised and/or redesigned. Both capacity building initiatives will help GFS reach its long-term EDI goals and objectives in its 2018-2028 strategic vision.

GFS has received a grant in the amount of $20,000 from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. The award was made through The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and will fund the Prescription to Arts, Nature, and Wellbeing at GFS – A Social Prescribing Program. Social

prescription is the practice of prescribing social activities to improve patient wellbeing through a meaningful activity. Social activities like visiting a museum or park, joining a community group, or taking a dance class all meet these criteria. By virtue of being a sculpture park, GFS affords Social Prescribing Program participants the chance to interact with art and nature with the goal of improving their health.

GFS has also been awarded a grant from The M & T Charitable Foundation (M & T). These funds will be used to support the sculpture park’s participation in the Families First Discovery Pass program (FFDP program). As a member of the FFDP program, GFS is able to offer its arts and horticulture experiences to low-income families and individuals across the state of New Jersey by providing general admission tickets at no cost to the program participant. As equitable access continues to be a focus at the sculpture park, this funding helps GFS reach new audiences.

“We’re excited to have additional support for our participation in the Families First Discovery Pass program this year,” said Sam Hwang, GFS director of guest services. “This will allow us to further our involvement in this program, which welcomed over 8,000 individuals last year.”

For more information, visit groundsforsculpture.org.

A Trenton native and multidisciplinary artist, KeeseKelley began creating art as a youth, under the tutorials of her mother Sudie Keese who taught her sewing, art, and decorating. She compiles her artwork from a sustainable point of view, using what’s readily available such as found, thrifted, and recyclable items, all the while using techniques and methods long known to African artisans.

Keese-Kelley will display her collection of aprons in the Visitor Center and share stories of her mother’s work both in and outside her home. Audience members are encouraged to bring a favorite apron to show off and join the conversation with a story about how a woman in their life has influenced them.

The William Trent House Museum is a National Historic Landmark in the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area and on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail and on the New

Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “Gallery Group Show” through April 6. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lambertvillearts.com.

Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, has “Faces, Places, Unexpected Stories” through March 29. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Gallery 14 Fine Art

Photogaphy , 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell, has works by guest exhibitors Danielle Austen and Richard Armington, along with Gallery 14 members, through March 30. Gallery14.org.

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

Jersey Black Heritage Trail. For more information, visit williamtrenthouse.org well loved and well read since 1946

Mercer Museum , 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution” through December 31, 2026. Mercermuseum.org.

Michener Art Museum , 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “Mark Sfirri: The Flower Show” through May 5 and “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real” through July 27. Michenerartmuseum.org

Milberg Gallery at Firestone Library , Princeton University, has “The Most Formidable Weapon Against Errors: The Sid Lapidus ’59 Collection & the Age of Reason” through June 8. Library.princeton. edu/lapidus2025.

The Nassau Club , 6 Mercer Street, has “Held Together” through June 5. Catherinejmartzloff.com. Princeton Public Library , 65 Witherspoon Street, has “Underwater Symphony” through March 15. Princetonlibrary.org.

Small World Coffee , 14 Witherspoon Street, has warercolors by Andrani Choudhury through April 1. Works by Chuck Wood are at the 254 Nassau Street location through April 1. Smallworldcoffee.com.

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie , 299 Parkside Avenue, Trenton, has “Charles David Viera: Selected Works 2006-2025” through March 30. Ellarslie.org.

West Windsor Arts , 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, has “GR8 Works Art Show” through April 5. Westwindsorarts.org.

“THE NINE MUSES”: This work by Carlos Dorrien can be found at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, which was recently awarded more than $100,000 to support three key initiatives.

(Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography)

MARCH

Town Topics | Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, March 12

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Opening day of the Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale, Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road. $32. Bmandwbooks.com.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Leighton Listens. Councilman Leighton Newlin is available to discuss issues impacting Princeton with members of the public at Maman, 43 Hulfish Street.

7 p.m.: Author Lawrence Ingrassia discusses his memoir A Fatal Inheritance: How a Family Misfortune Revealed a Deadly Medical Mystery with Arnold Levine at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

7 p.m.: Inside Out is screened at the Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau Street; Princeton University Professor Erik Nook speaks. Part of the ProfPicks series. Princetongardentheatre.org.

Thursday, March 13

8-10 a.m.: Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber Legislative Breakfast at Cooper’s Riverview, Trenton. Assembly members Wayne DeAngelo, Tennille McCoy, Verlina ReynoldsJackson, Roy Freiman, and Michelle Drulis dicuss the proposed FY2026 budget. Princetonchamber.org.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: The Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale , Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road. Free. Bandwbooks.com.

5:30-7 p.m.: ART OF the Charcuterie Board , at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Sara Bojarski of Urban Cookery and a representative from Corkscrew Wine Shop are the presenters. $50; to raise funds for programming. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

7 p.m.: King Kong (1933) is screened at the Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau Street, as part of the “Keeping the Score” film music series. Gardentheatre. org/score.

7 p.m.: Moving Forward: A Conversation About Life After Incarceration , at Light of the World Family Worship Church, 2400 South Broad Street, Hamilton Township. Opens with remarks by Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy; Q&A session, refreshments. For more information, email info@ workwellpartnership.org.

Friday, March 14

10 a.m.-8 p.m.: The Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale , Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road. Free. Bandwbooks.com.

3:14 p.m.: Open Archive on Albert Einstein presented at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, by staff of the Historical Society of Princeton. Visitors encouraged to make observations and ask questions. Princetonhistory.org.

6 p.m.: St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Hopewell Valley Golf Club, 114 Pennington Hopewell Road, sponsored by CONTACT of Mercer County. Traditional Irish meal; music by the band Kindred Spirits. $25 ($35 at the door). Contactofmercer.org.

7 p.m.: Pi Day and Einstein Birthday Party Pub Crawl , for ages 21 and older. Register at princetonmimi@gmail.com

7:15 p.m.: Family Fun Night at West Windsor Arts , 751 Alexander Road. Arts and crafts stations, board and card games, building stations with Legos and blocks, and dancing. $5. Westwindsorarts.org.

Saturday, March 15

9:30-11 a.m.: Science on Saturday series at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Lyman Spitzer Building, 100 Stellarator Road; also online. Patrick Murray speaks on “The Science (and Art) of Polling.”

Followed by a Q&A. Pppl. gov.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: The Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale , Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road. Free. Bandwbooks.com.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: 27th Annual Craft Show presented by the Cranbury Education Foundation at The Cranbury School, 23 North Main Street, Cranbury. $5. Over 100 vendors.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Workhorse rides at Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane. Kids 5-12 learn about draft, saddle, and carriage horses; take rides, and help with barn chores. Howellfarm.org.

10:30 a.m.: Einstein Story Time at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Part of Pi Day events. Princetontourcompany.com.

10:30 a.m.: Color Me Mine Princeton celebrates five years with a ribbon cutting, studio tour, and activities including painting, crafts, pottery-making, and more. At Princeton Shopping Center. (609) 581-9500.

11 a.m.: Einstein Lookalike Contest at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Part of Pi Day events. Princetontourcompany.com.

1-2 p.m.: Artist Talk: Women’s History Month , at Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Guest interviewer Judith K. Brodsky will chat with Geneva Anastasio, Bette Blank, and Spriha Gupta about making art and what keeps them motivated in an often-challenging field. Free. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

1-4 p.m.: Studio visit with artist Maria Lupo at West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road. Free. Westwindsorarts.org.

2-4 p.m.: Hands-on workshops related to Einstein’s scientific legacy for kids 5-10 at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Presented by the nascent Princeton Einstein Museum. Princetonlibrary.org.

2:30 p.m.: Einstein Facts and Fun with the Historical Society of Princeton, at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Part of Pi Day events. Princetontourcompany.com.

3:14 p.m.: Dinky train rides with Albert Einstein. Meet at Wawa station. Part of Pi Day events. Princetontourcompany.com.

Celtic music. Princetonlibrary.org.

4 p.m.: The Dryden Ensemble presents “En Concert: The Marvelous Mr. Meusel” at Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel, 64 Mercer Street. Free (donations accepted). Drydenensemble.org.

4 p.m.: The Capital Philharmonic presents “Spring Serenades” in the ballroom of Patriots Theatre at the War Memorial, Lafayette Street, Trenton. Wind musicians led by conductor Sebastian Grand and solo cellist Branson Yeast play Mozart, Dvorak, Strauss, and Ibert. Pre-concert lecture at 3 p.m. in the lower lobby. Capitalphilharmonic.org.

7 p.m.: Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra is at Princeton Alliance Church, 20 Schalks Crossing Road. Featuring Jin Yang, Chinese Pipa master. “Blending of the East and West.” $20$50. Bravuraphil.org.

Monday, March 17

12 p.m.: Pi Recitation Contest at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Followed by the PiRade. Princetontourcompay. com.

4 p.m.: Author Benyamin Cohen speaks about his book The Einstein Effect: How the World’s Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Mind ” at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonhistory.org.

1-3 p.m.: The Women’s College Club of Princeton meets at Morven Museum’s Stockton Education Center, 55 Stockton Street. Pamela Barnett, Dean of the School of the Arts and Communication at The College of New Jersey, speaks on “Education for Community and the Common Good.” Wccpnj.org.

12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, light bites, hot cocoa kits, and music from 1-5 by Shamrock Shenanigans with Mike Tusay. Terhuneorchards.com.

5-8 p.m.: St. Patrick’s Happy Hour at Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes. With food from The Tiger’s Tale.; wine from the vineyard. Unionvillevineyards.com.

7 p.m.: Joanne Ramos, author of The Farm , is joined by SHE Media CEO Samantha Skey for a talk about art in times of polarization at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Registration requested at Princetonlibrary.org.

1 p.m.: Math Circle celebrates Pi Day at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Part of Pi Day events. Princetontourcompany.org.

5-6 p.m.: Panel discussion on the Black church’s role in civil rights and social justice at Princeton Theological Seminary, presented by the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum. Free. Bit.ly/social-justicessaamuseum.org

8 p.m.: Shamrock Tenors are at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $39-$99. Stnj.org.

Sunday, March 16

8-10 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers hosts ScandiDance at Christ Congregation, 50 Walnut Lane. Bring soft-soled shoes. $10. Princetoncountrydancers.org.

Tuesday, March 18

10 a.m.: Read and Explore: Getting Ready for Spring at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Story and educational segment, each child gets seeds to plant at home. $12. Terhuneorchards.com.

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Box Day for the Bryn MawrWellesley Book Sale , Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road. $10 per box. Bandwbooks.com.

11 a.m.-4 p.m.: 27 th Annual Craft Show presented by the Cranbury Education Foundation at The Cranbury School, 23 North Main Street, Cranbury. $5. Over 100 vendors.

12-5 p.m.: Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, light bites, hot cocoa kits, and Irish tunes with Billy O’Neal from 1-5. Terhuneorchards.com.

3 p.m.: Pulse: A Celtic Connection . At Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Traditional

2 p.m.: Respect is screened at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, as part of the “HerStory” movie series. Free. Princetonlibrary.org.

5 p.m.: Author Ted Chiang lectures on “The Incompatibilities Between Generative AI and Art,” at McCosh Hall, Princeton University. More information at Princetonlibrary.org.

6 p.m.: The Althea Ward Clark Reading Series presents readings by Marilyn Hacker and Ayana Mathis at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Labyrinthbooks.com.

Original High Quality Designs are the Specialty at T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelry Design in Yardley

What is your choice?

A ring featuring a design of understated, yet sparkling elegance?

A bold and dramatic necklace, showcasing vibrant color and flair?

A classic strand of exquisite South Sea pearls?

IT’S NEW To Us

All of these — and much more — can be found at T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelry Design in Yardley, Pa. And what is even more striking is that they are all original, unique designs by owners Tim and Suzanne Foster.

Located at 7 West Afton Avenue since 2018, the company has actually been offering the finest jewelry designs since 1982, when the Fosters opened for business.

Timeless Jewelry

In addition, as longtime residents of Yardley, the Fosters have been very involved in the community, including restoring six historic homes, and fundraising for various projects. Tim currently serves on the town’s Historic Review Board.

The husband and wife team are designers with a passion for creating timeless jewelry pieces. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduate gemologist and GIA diamond specialist Suzanne Foster and Senior ASA appraiser, designer, and diamond specialist Tim Foster combine their expertise to provide clients with unique, exceptional creations.

Both knew from a young age that jewelry design was to be their chosen life’s work.

“I started working with jewelry when I was 14,” recalls Tim. “I studied gemology and jewelry design at

GIA, and by the time I was 25, I had my own business.”

Adds Suzanne, “I met Tim when I was 18, and he was already involved in the jewelry business. That was my first exposure to jewelry and jewelry design. I must say I was an instant fan, and was excited to be able to use my creative streak in this new medium and adventure.”

T. Foster & Co. is set apart in many ways, but, in particular, in that all the pieces in the showroom are their own designs. “We are a branded jewelry store with only our original designs that we create with our own team of expert craftspeople,” points out Suzanne. “We are not buying lines of jewelry from other manufacturers like most jewelry chains and independent jewelers.

“In addition, as in-store owners and designers, we have the ability to work directly with our clients to create new designs specifically for them and to reimagine heirloom and sentimental jewelry into new pieces that can be treasured over again.”

Creative Process

“We have a lot of technical knowledge, but it is a creative process with our team,” adds Tim. “We design the jewelry, and then everything is made by our team. Each person has a specialty, cutting, setting, engraving, etc. They are experts in the field, and the quality of the workmanship is superb.”

This teamwork has produced award-winning results over and over again. The Fosters have been honored by the American Gem Trade Association as “Spectrum Award Winners for Excellence in Jewelry Design and Jewelry Manufacturing” in 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2022.”

With 800 entries competing for the awards, this is an exceedingly important appreciation of their work.

“Recognition of design excellence and quality workmanship from our peers is the highest honor,” says Tim. “Our designs are crafted in gold and platinum using only the finest gemstones, diamonds, and pearls. With a commitment to sustainability, all our designs are made from responsibly-sourced materials.”

Also, he points out, when they go to the jewelry trade events in Geneva, Switzerland and Tucson, Ariz. Finding the highest quality stones is both crucial and a challenge. They want to find the very best for their clients.

“When you are buying stones, it can be like finding a needle in a haystack to find the very best quality. You need experience and expertise to recognize it. Color intensity is an important indication of quality, and the very best stone cutters will buy the best quality stones.”

Changes in Taste

Indeed, everything at T. Foster & Co. is about quality and always has been.

That includes identifying and embodying changes in jewelry tastes over the years. This can be an intriguing part of the business, observes Suzanne.

“There have been huge changes in jewelry tastes and design over the years, and that is what makes this industry so exciting. The biggest noticeable change is when the popularity of the precious metal color changes from mostly preferring white gold/platinum over yellow gold and then back again to favor yellow gold. We’ve seen this shift a few times in the last 42 years with yellow gold beginning to rise in popularity now after quire a long hiatus.

“The trends typically start with the younger generation’s metal choice for engagement and wedding jewelry and morphs out from there. Within this very

visible difference, there are always new trends based on popular culture and innovation in jewelry design and manufacturing techniques. Always, though, our designs are classic with a flair. It’s something special for each individual.”

Refined Elegance

Adds Tim, “In the 1980s and ’90s, very elaborate pieces were popular. Now, it’s more understated, refined elegance.”

Another change over time focuses on individual clients, point out the Fosters. “Today, a lot of successful women are buying expensive jewelry for themselves, as a sign of their success and accomplishment. Jewelry has been so popular over time because it is an affirmation of who you are, a reward for your achievement and hard work, and this is something women are especially discovering now.”

Of course, it can also be a wonderful gift to commemorate a loving relationship, or to mark an engagement, wedding, or anniversary, says Suzanne. “The gift of jewelry, whether it is received or self-purchased, is an affirmation and reward for personal achievement and /or taking good care of others, and it brings joy to people.”

“Jewelry always makes people happy,” agrees Tim. “It commemorates special events, including engagements and weddings, and also birthdays, Mother’s Day, graduations, etc. And it is very personal. You can express yourself as an individual with a special piece of jewelry.”

“Also, there can be a story with a piece of jewelry, whether it’s an heirloom passed down through the generations, or a new piece with special meaning,” points out Suzanne.

In fact, another important aspect of T. Foster & Co.’s business is reconfiguring older pieces that may have been handed down in the family as heirlooms.

Family Crest

“People may have inherited an older piece and want it to have a more modern upto-date look, but still want the sentiment it reflects,” explains Suzanne.

These pieces can include everything, from rings and earrings to bracelets and necklaces. Sometimes, an item may have a family crest or special engraving, as well.

Whatever their choices, clients will find an array of opportunities at T. Foster & Co.

As the song says, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!” And over the years, and over the decades, that has not changed. “Diamonds are always the most popular,” reports Suzanne. “But of course, we also have the finest quality beautiful colored gemstones; sapphires, emeralds, rubies. Our stones are from all over the world.

“And pearls. They never go out of style. South Sea pearls are particularly popular. Clients like the larger sizes, and black, golden, and white are all favored, she adds.

“Another thing about our jewelry is that you can wear it every day, not just to parties or galas. Our designs go with anything. You can wear

BEST IN THE WORLD: Suzanne and Tim Foster, owners of T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelry Design, are shown in the venue of The GemGeneve Jewelry and Gem Show in Switzerland. “This premium trade event showcases the finest vendors of diamonds, colored gems, and pearls in the world, and it is attended by the major jewelry designers and manufacturers in the world,” explain the Fosters, who will attend the annual event this spring.

them all the time, and our clients appreciate this.”

“Client For Life”

And once they become a client, they are “a client for life,” she emphasizes.

“We have so many clients of longstanding over the years, and many are from Princeton and the area, as well as Bucks County.”

The showroom’s decor and setting is conducive to offering the jewelry connoisseur a special experience, including enclaves for private selection and individual attention. “We create a total immersion with your jewelry purchase, custom work, or redesign,” points out Suzanne. ‘We’re not just a jewelry store, we are a fun and dynamic experience waiting to happen!”

And, of course, their original designs are a principal

part of that experience. It can be a magical process — from the initial drawing of the design to the manufacture and the completion, says Tim.

“The celebration of the finished product can be thrilling. Clients are so excited. It is wonderful to bring them so much joy and happiness.”

Most clients visit by appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Currently a special sale, offering a 50 percent discount on selected items and 10 percent off on others, is available through Saturday, March 15.

For further information, call (215) 493-6100. Visit the website at tfosterjewelers.com.

—Jean Stratton

ELEGANT AND INVITING: This private showroom at T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelry Design in Yardley, Pa., engages clients with its elegant decor and beautiful displays. Chandeliers, parquet floors, and a welcoming atmosphere set the tone for the array of jewelry designs of owners Tim and Suzanne Foster. “Our showroom reflects the high quality that is here,” says Marketing Director Jennie Loftus. “A person who is looking for something special can find it here, and they will also find integrity, honesty, and warmth. Everything is first class.”

Loominous Design

S ports

Peters Extends His Career with Senior Day Outburst

As PU Men’s Hoops Routs Penn, Makes Ivy Madness

It was Senior Day for Blake Peters as the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Penn last Saturday afternoon and he wanted to make sure it wasn’t his last game in a Princeton uniform.

With a win over the rival Quakers clinching the final spot in the upcoming Ivy Madness postseason tournament without the need for results in other games to go their way, Peters and the Tigers were determined to take care of business.

“We knew what was going on throughout the league so we knew the stakes of the game,” said star guard Peters who was honored in a pregame ceremony along with classmates Philip Byriel and Darius Gakwasi. “You always want to be playing your best basketball at this time of the year.”

Peters ended up playing one of his best games at Princeton, pouring in a career-high 25 points as the Tigers cruised to a 95-71 victory over Penn before a crowd of 3,649 at Jadwin Gym. Princeton, now 19-10 overall and 8-6 Ivy, is seeded fourth in Ivy Madness and will face top-seeded Yale (20-7 overall, 13-1 Ivy) in a semifinal contest on March 15 in Providence, R.I. The victor will advance to the final on March 16 to play for the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

“I did my best Zach Martini impression from last year,” said Peters, referring to one of last year’s senior stars who hit a key three-pointer in a 79-77 win over Cornell on his Senior Night last March. “When you have the guy to my right (Xaivian Lee) passing me the ball and making plays, it is easy. Him and Cade [Pierce] both. We are very close the three of us, I am just really happy that I got the opportunity to play with them. You just have to find the spots and Xaivian will find you. That is what happened.”

For Peters, saving his best for his last in his final appearance in Jadwin was something he will never forget.

“I had three dreams going up - Princeton, Michigan and Stanford and only one of them wanted me,” said Peters a 6’1, 192-pound native of Evanston, Ill. who shot 9-of14 from the floor in the win, including 7 of 12 from 3-point range and became the seventh player in program history to make 200 career 3-pointers. “As I have told so many people, this place has changed my life. The program has changed my life. It has been the greatest honor to represent Princeton. I hope the way I practice, the way I play is a direct reflection of how I feel about this place. I have emotions but I will save the tears for another day, hopefully after three more games. I am really happy with how the four years have gone.”

Lee, for his part, sensed that Peters was primed for a big performance against the Quakers.

“I told him he was going to go for his career high before the game, I said I feel it,” said Lee. “He came out and just

absolutely made shots as usual. It is nice in a game like this where we need to get going a little bit and I think we did a great job. That carries momentum into next weekend obviously. Blake is so consistent, not just his shooting but everything else too. It is real easy to win when he is playing like that and it makes my job a whole lot easier.”

Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson credited Peters with exemplifying what the Tiger program stands for.

“You realize after you have coached for a long time that you are blessed or fortunate, it is a gift to coach people like Blake,” said Henderson. “Every single day, he is Princeton basketball. He gives us everything he has got, he personifies us. He is locked in all of the time. There is never any body language ever. He had to deal with a lot this season and he has always been consistent. I benched him to start the season, I brought him into the game, I started him. I am so humbled and honored to be his coach.”

Henderson is honored to be making a return trip to Ivy Madness in a roller-coaster campaign that saw the Tigers lose six of 10 Ivy games heading into Saturday.

“It is not the path that we thought we would take this season but we are 19-10 and we are in the Ivy League tournament,” said Henderson, who has guided Princeton to seven appearances in Ivy Madness in the eight seasons it has been held. “We know very well what it is like to be the one seed in this tournament. We are looking forward to getting up there. The Ivy League does a great job of making it feel like a tournament atmosphere which it is. We know what that tournament feels like but we know what the one after that feels like even more. There is great incentive. I am just really happy that we get a chance to prepare for it.”

In dominating Penn, the Tigers posted their 13th straight win over the Quakers and tied the all-time series with their longtime rivals at 126-126.

“It is players, really good players and guys that listen; there have been a lot of close games with these guys,” said Henderson, who notched his 251st win at Princeton to pass Franklin “Cappy” Cappon for second place all-time in program history, trailing only Pete Carril’s total of 514.

“In 1905 that series was last tied. It wasn’t that important when I got here or having a streak. There is no love lost between these two programs and certainly not for me. I lost to them four times. I think rivalries are really important

to acknowledge and talk about and that is what is has been like for us.”

For Peters, going 9-0 against Penn is an important achievement.

“It starts with our associate head coach Brett McConnell, he puts a great scout together,” said Peters, reflecting on the streak. “Through my four years, there had been core sets that they have run. He just drills it in us so there is that. But as coach says, it is also the players. We watched a video before the game today with some of the big plays we have had throughout the years against them with guys like Keeshawn Kellman, Tosan Evbuomwan, Ryan Langborg, and Matt Allocco. When you have a lineup like that for two and three years, that definitely helps. It is a full team effort, players and staff.”

Lee accomplished a milestone of his own in the win, producing his second career triple-double as he tallied 23 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.

“I knew I was close, I needed a couple of rebounds, I needed a couple of assists,” said Lee, who is the only player in program history with a recorded triple-double. “I was trying to play as usual and then whatever happens, happens.”

Building on the performance against Penn, Lee believes Princeton can make some good things happen in Ivy Madness.

“I am excited, it is a lot different when you are going in without anything to lose,” said Lee, referring to the 2024 event which saw topseeded Princeton fall 90-81 to fourth-seeded Brown in the semifinal round. “It is a very different experience than coming into the tournament last year. I am happy to be the hunter, not the hunted. Coming in as underdogs, I think that takes a lot of the pressure off. We can just go out there and hoop. We are going to prepare for that super bowl and give it our best shot. We expect to win two games.”

Peters, for his part, is excited for round three with the Bulldogs.

“This is the best Yale team that we have seen,” said Peters of the Bulldogs who topped the Tigers 77-70 and 84-57 in two regular season meetings. “It is going to take a pretty big effort from me, Xaivian, Cade, and the rest of the guys. We are fully prepared for that. We are excited, we don’t back down from a challenge despite what some of the scores have been in the past couple of weeks. We are fully locked in and ready to embrace that.”

way the Tigers played in the win over Penn was a big step forward as they head into the postseason.

“The main thing is that you want to be playing great basketball for 70 possessions, we made real big progress on that front today,” said Henderson. “That is what I am most happy about. Our tails were between our legs a bit last Sunday (after a 102-70 loss at Cornell) but now we can focus on Yale. We have a great familiarity with them. It is taking care of the ball. It is an 11:00 tip so it is be wide awake at 11. We will be ready, these guys will know what to do. They just have to be themselves.”

Despite the inconsistency displayed by the Tigers this winter, Henderson believes the Tigers are in the right frame of mind to do some damage in Providence.

“The main thing about us, one-through-15 is being all on the same page,” said Henderson. “That has been our challenge all season, we made some progress about that this week with some off-court stuff, some good conversations. It is a really good Yale team, so that is the focus. It is trying to find the right mix all season. I think we are on it now. It is go time. I say bring your heater, your fastball. It is time to play.”

—Bill Alden

a Princeton tradition!

READY FOR THE MADNESS: Princeton University men’s basketball player Blake Peters dribbles upcourt in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior guard Peters scored a career-high 25 points to help Princeton defeat Penn 9571 and clinch the final spot in the upcoming Ivy Madness postseason tournament. The Tigers, now 19-10 overall and 8-6 Ivy, are seeded fourth in Ivy Madness and will face top-seeded Yale (20-7 overall, 13-1 Ivy) in a semifinal contest on March 15 in Providence, R.I. The victor will advance to the final on March 16 to play for the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

Henderson believes the

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

With Juniors Allen, Roberts Spearheading Defense, PU Women’s Lax Routs Harvard 20-6 in Ivy Opener

The Princeton University women’s lacrosse team thought it could have a pretty good defense this year.

Dylan Allen and Abigail Roberts were two of the main reasons.

The juniors help spearhead a Tigers defense that has clamped down on its last three opponents. After allowing nearly 14 goals per game in their first three contests, Princeton has allowed just 17 total goals in its last three games combined.

“Making those slight changes in-game that can help us be successful and get the ball back over to the attacking side has been really good,” said Allen. “I think changing our mindsets from not only just not letting other teams score on us, but also just if we can cause turnovers and get the ball to the offensive side so they can score goals and get those points, that really helps us.”

Princeton coach Jenn Cook felt like the returning experience at the defensive end would allow the Tigers to throw some different looks at teams, and that has been the case. Princeton has switched its looks to keep opponents guessing.

“We have held our other opponents to pretty few goals, which has been great,” said Roberts. “And just the seven of us down there willing to really lean into what isn’t maybe the most comfortable defense and just following the game plan has been super helpful.”

Princeton allowed three goals to Harvard in the first quarter of their Ivy League opener Saturday, but still held a 5-3 lead. That lead swelled as Princeton allowed only three goals the rest of the way and shut out the Crimson in the second quarter on their way to a 20-6 rout. Princeton improved to 5-1 overall, earning its fifth straight win since losing 1311 to Virginia in the season opener.

“We’ve made it our mission to make a statement with every single game we play,” said Allen. “I think coming off of the UVA loss – that’s one of the top teams in the country and has been for the last like, decade — but we came out that game on the other side and we were like, ‘We’ve got to turn the switch now, we need to let everyone in the country know we are here to compete.’ I think Harvard’s a great team — we respect them and we wanted to come in hot and we did so in a great way.”

Princeton forced 12 turnovers against the Crimson, all in the first three quarters to amass a big lead on the scoreboard. The offense was in top gear too with a seasonhigh in goals. Jami MacDonald tied a program record for points in a game with 10 on a balanced five goals and five assists. McKenzie Blake was overshadowed but remarkable as well with five goals and an assist and Maggie Molnar had a hat trick. Amelia Hughes stopped 11 shots in goal. The final was in stark

contrast to last year’s when Harvard took Princeton to overtime before the Tigers won.

“We have really been playing our game and just showing other teams what we’re capable of,” said Roberts. “I think we’re excited to do that with Harvard and everyone just did their job right from the get-go. We didn’t want to give them a single second to kind of get their foot in the door. The first quarter was the closest it was, and then after that we really ran away with the game.”

Princeton will try to keep its momentum going in a game at a surging Rutgers team on March 12. The Scarlet Knights, now 5-2, are coming off a win over a ranked Stony Brook team and a win over Hofstra.

“It’s actually one of my favorite games of the year,” said Allen, who is from Hackensack. “We’ve play them every year since my freshman year, and I think it’s like the Battle of Jersey Bowl. It’s always a really fun game. It gets pretty chippy, and I appreciate that. They’re tough competition, so it’s fun.”

It’s the final game before a road contest at Towson on March 21, and another chance for the Tigers to improve their defense.

“We talk about communication is always obviously going to be something we harp on,” said Allen. “We might be able to start off the game talking the whole time and as we’re getting more tired into the game we start get-

ting quieter and that’s never something we want to do. So just communicating throughout the whole game and also, if a team’s coming in and they score the first three goals on us, we’re like we need to make a change right now. Making the change not after three goals but making it after one. Not waiting.”

That’s where the Tigers hope to utilize their increasing experience to help solidify their end even more. Princeton has looked steadily more dominant each game.

In Saturday’s win, Roberts also helped Princeton command a 17-13 edge in draw controls. She had six draws, trailing only Sophie Whiteway for the Tigers. Roberts’ 28 draw controls leads the team this year, and it’s a hugely important piece of what she brings.

“One thing that’s been great this year on the draw is a lot of consistency,” said Roberts. “Some years I’ve been on the team, we’ve rotated four or five girls through our draw taker role, which when you’re losing so often, you really don’t have a choice but to switch things up. But with Sophie and Colette [Quinn] and Maggie Bacigalupo on the draw, mostly Sophie and Colette and sometimes Maggie when we need a different look, it’s just been nice having a lot of

consistency.”

Roberts has been a huge asset on the draw and in her defensive role, something that might not have been expected when she arrived. She was a walk-on out of Independent Schools League power Noble & Greenough in Massachusetts before seeing her role grow each season.

“I came in with pretty low expectations,” said Roberts, a 5’5 native of Wellesley, Mass. “Lacrosse for me has always been here for a good time, not a long time. So, I wasn’t super worried about my performance or my playing time. I was just honestly so happy to be part of a team and out there with my friends that I didn’t care too much. I got into eight games, and I was ecstatic. I was really on top of the world.”

Princeton moved her out of the midfield to defense after her freshman season. She blossomed into a second team All-Ivy defender in 2024 who was second on the team in draw controls (46) and led the team in caused turnovers (23).

“One thing I really struggled with freshman year was having to learn both sides of the ball to such a high extent,” said Roberts. “And honestly, I don’t think I was doing great at it, which maybe was holding me back from being like the midfield -

er I could have been, which is fine because now I play defense. I love it. I had a great sophomore season and so now this year, I guess personally I’m just trying to live up to what I was able to accomplish last year and hopefully past that.”

Allen is also on a great trajectory for the Tigers. She made a handful of starts as a freshman, then appeared in 15 games last year, starting six of them. She caused four turnovers, a number that she’s already more than doubled in the early going this year. She’s trying to be supportive of less experienced teammates this year and improve her own play.

“For me it’s always been about staying calm and feeling confident in my abilities,” said Allen. “I think obviously when you’re an underclassman, you come in a little bit nervous. I didn’t get my opportunities to show up on the field. But I think my role this year has been a lot more of a leadership role. Just being comfortable in those shoes, I know the systems, I know the game plan. I know my teammates trust me and lean on me for support.”

Allen can use her own experiences to help groom the underclass players. She went through it just a couple of years ago and now can help bring them along in her leadership role.

“Just letting them know, we’ve all been in their shoes, like it’s nothing new,” said Allen. “We know there’s a lot being thrown at you and it’s OK to get lost sometimes. Just being there and supporting them if they have questions, making them feel comfortable asking. Or if they need to go in for extra film sessions, things like that, I think I can really help create a better environment for learning and learning at a quick speed, which I know is expected of them.”

Allen and Roberts are key parts of a veteran defensive core that has put their lessons into practice for a Princeton team that has grown stingier with each game, holding opponents in check to build a winning streak.

—Justin Feil

GAIL FORCE: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Abigail Roberts, left, goes after the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, junior defender Roberts came with up six draw controls, two ground balls, and one caused turnover to help Princeton defeat Harvard 20-6 in its Ivy League opener. The Tigers, who have won five games in a row and are now 5-1 overall, play at Rutgers (5-2) on March 12.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Mulshine Helps Key Superb Defensive Performance

As PU Men’s Lax Stifles Rutgers, Wins Meistrell Cup

Colin Mulshine likes the way the defensive unit for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team has come together over the first month of the season.

“This is the closest group I have been a part of throughout my years,” said Princeton senior star defender Mulshine. “We are just looking to keep that going and grow even stronger. We are a lot more connected. We are starting to play as a unit, we talk about that all of the time.”

Last Saturday as Princeton hosted Rutgers in the battle for the Harland (Tots) Meistrell Cup that goes to the winner of the annual clash between the local rivals, the defensive unit had to hold things together for the Tigers found themselves under the gun in the first half. Over the first 30 minutes of the contest, the Scarlet Knights outshot the Tigers 32-18 and built a solid edge in ground balls (21-12) and face-offs (10-1).

“They did a really nice job on the ride forcing a lot of turnovers on our clear,” said Mulshine, a 6’3, 225-pound native of Riverside, Conn., who earned first-team All-Ivy League honors last spring. “We weren’t really expecting them to press us like that. They created some turnovers but we adjusted. We figured it out.”

Tiger junior goalie Ryan Croddick did a great job as the last line of defense, making 17 saves in the first half.

“He is our guy, he is a brick wall, he was gobbling everything up,” said Mulshine of Croddick. “As a defense, they were taking the shots that we wanted them to take and give Croddick some good shots that he could gobble up.”

The Tigers went on to a 11-5 win before a crowd of 1,536 braving a chilly night at Class of 1952 Stadium as they improved to 4-1.

“This is a trophy game, we are playing for the Meistrell Cup,” said Croddick of the hardware, which is named for Harland (Tots) Meistrell who restarted lacrosse at both schools in 1920 (Rutgers) and 1921 (Princeton), after both had dropped their teams in the late 1800s. “This is a big X on the calendar; it is an instate rivalry too. It is an awesome win to get.”

Over the years, Mulshine has developed an awesome connection with fellow senior and star defender Michael Bath.

“We are great friends on and off the field,” said Mushine. “That is what creates the chemistry you see between us.”

As Mulshine heads into the homestretch of his Tiger career, he is feeling a great sense of urgency.

“There are a lot of lasts,” said Mulshine. “This is the last game with Rutgers, it was the last UNC trip last weekend. I am just trying to take it all in.”

With Princeton having posted a pair of Top-10 wins a week earlier by topping Duke 15-14 and North Carolina 1412, Mulshine is hoping for a second trip to the NCAA Final 4.

“Last weekend’s two wins gave us a lot of confidence, it was a couple of juice wins,” said Mulshine, who helped the Tigers reach the NCAA semis in 2023. “To get two in a row against top-10 teams was huge for our confidence and it showed today. Our offense really got going last weekend, they have been on fire. We are trying to take it week by week here.”

Princeton head coach Matt Madalon credited the Tiger defense with holding the fort in the first half against a feisty Rutgers squad.

“I think we might have played 27 of 30 minutes of defense in the first half,” said Madalon. “We played primarily man-to-man today. That was tough, our guys were holding the rope as best they could.”

The pair of Mulshine and Bath help make the Princeton defense very tough.

“Those are our fearless leaders down there; Bath is a captain, Mul has started every game and taken on the toughest matchups since he got here,” said Madalon.

“With the experience those guys have, we are going to have to lean on them a lot.

Mulshine, Jack Stahl, and Bath have played together for a couple of months so hopefully they have some consistent chemistry down there.”

Goalie Croddick, a former Hun School standout, has displayed consistent brilliance in his first season as a starter.

“Croddick back-stopped us; he has been making saves on this field for years, he was just behind [Michael] Gianforcaro,” said Madalon of Croddick who totaled 24 saves on the night to tie the stadium record for a single game and was lated named the Ivy Defensive Player of the Week.

“Coming into the offseason we knew he was going to be our guy. He has done everything he needed to do to put himself in that position and now he is performing and is doing a really good job.”

The one-two attack punch of senior star Coulter Mackesy and sophomore standout Nate Kabiri did really well on Saturday as Mackesy tallied four goals and an assist while Kabiri chipped in three goals.

“Those are guys who are always such premier players,” said Madalon. “Kab and Mackesy are two bona fide guys who are doing a good job. Tucker Wade made a nice individual effort, John Dunphey was creating some opportunities.”

PU Men’s Hockey Falls at Brown In ECACH Playoffs But Tigers Showed Progress in Syer’s Debut at the Helm

As the Princeton University men’s hockey team played at Brown last Friday in an ECAC Hockey playoff single-elimination first round contest, the Tigers kept firing away to the final seconds literally.

Trailing eighth-seeded Brown 3-1 in the waning moments of the contest, ninth-seeded Princeton got a goal from Kevin Anderson with 4.1 seconds left in regulation to make it a 3-2 game. Time ran out on the Tigers as they couldn’t get off another shot and their season came to an end.

“The guys just never quit,” said Princeton head coach Ben Syer, whose team ended the winter with a 12-153 record. “I think that is a trademark of this group. You had guys step up in different ways. David Jacobs was playing on one leg this weekend. There was no quit and that is something our entire staff is extremely proud of about this particular group.”

Syer was proud of how his squad started against Brown as the Tigers jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Jayden Sison.

“These guys are great kids,” said Syer. “They competed, they want to win. To be able to have those guys coming back certainly helps. It is a situation here where some guys really stepped up, guys who were earning their opportunity.”

Princeton stepped up in a big way in late November when it posted a pair of 3-1 wins over then-No. 12 Ohio State.

“I think when I really felt it was the weekend we went up and lost to Colgate and Cornell at the beginning of the year,” said Syer. “It is a tough weekend when you don’t get points and we didn’t score a lot. We come back the next weekend and the guys play their hearts out against Ohio State. I think it is the way that they played and the way that they responded. They had the energy. It was less maybe the result and more of how they respond for me. It was a change, there was a focus, there was a belief.”

Syer enjoyed the response he got from his players this winter.

The Tigers relish the opportunity to play for the Meistrell Cup.“It is hard to get, it is the state championship,” said Madalon. “Rutgers is no joke, this is an absolute battle of a game. We are honored to be able win that Cup and hold it in-house.”

While the win over Rutgers was heartening, Madalon believes the Tigers are just scratching the surface.

“I am happy that we can still get a heck of a lot better,” said Madalon, whose team is now ranked No. 2 by Inside Lacrosse and plays at No. 6 Cornell (4-1) on March 15 in the Ivy League opener for both squads. “We just have to keep working.”

Mulshine, for his part, is hoping for a good result in the clash against Cornell.

“I thought we had some good looks,” said Syer. “I thought our shot volume was better against them that it had been. We were physical. One of the keys for us was to be able to do that and I thought we did. That was something we had talked about in all aspects.”

Princeton yielded a goal in the first minute of the second period and the game turned into a back-and-forth struggle from there.

“I thought we had control,” said Syer. “It as a tough start to the second period there but we had time to regroup.”

In reflecting on his first season at the helm of the Princeton program, Syer focused on tightening things up at the defensive end.

“It was fun,” said Syer, whose 12-win total was tied for the third most victories in program history for coach in his debut season at Princeton. “It was gratifying to see when guys as individuals or as lines followed the process and did it together. You want to give them a chance and when you saw that, that was the most satisfying.”

Going through the process taught Syer some important lessons.

“In terms of challenge, you are always going to have to fight and overcome injuries and different forms of adversity,” said Syer. “There is always going to be challenges when it comes to that and it is how as a coach can you better handle that for your group. I learned even more than I knew I would.”

SHINING STAR:

“I have never been part of a team that beat Cornell, so this is a huge game coming up,” said Mulshine.

—Bill Alden

“It is a good group,” said Syer. “Having the buy-in to know that defense can control and help in the outcome of games, I think that showed.”

While Princeton struggled to score as it averaged 2.4 goals a game, Syer saw progress at that end of the ice.

“We lost a bulk of scoring to graduation and we lost a bulk of scoring with Jack Cronin not being able to play and Kai Daniells was playing just 18 games with his injuries,” said Syer. “If I am not mistaken, that is close to 20 goals taken out of your lineup. It was great to see some other guys really step in. Kevin did well.

Luc Pelletier really started to produce a little bit as well. You had Jake Manfre come in here and being able to produce as well.”

In Syer’s view, the Tigers have a good foundation in place.

One of the better aspects of Syer’s experience was the excitement the Tigers generated at Hobey Baker Rink.

“As a staff and a program, we really appreciated all of the support we had from the fans throughout the year,” said Syer. “It is our goal to protect home ice. It is an area we will continue to talk about and enhance as we go into next year. We hope that can continue and grow as a place for family entertainment to come and enjoy some games.”

Building on the positive culture developed this winter, Syer believes that the Tigers will be even more entertaining going forward.

“They always wanted to win, that is something we have to continue to improve on,” said Syer. “We really felt it as a staff throughout the year. There is still another level to go for us.”

—Bill Alden

Princeton University men s lacrosse player Colin Mulshine, right, clamps down on a Rutgers player last Saturday night. Senior defender Mulshine helped Princeton stifle the Scarlet Knights as the Tigers prevailed 11-5 to earn the Harland (Tots) Meistrell Cup. The Tigers, now 4-1 and ranked No. 2 by Inside Lacrosse, play at No. 6 Cornell (4-1) on March 15 in the Ivy League opener for both squads.

(Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

PU Sports Roundup

Princeton Wrestling Takes 4th in Ivy Tourney

Marc-Anthony McGowan and Luke Stout provided highlights as the Princeton University wrestling team placed fourth last Sunday when the Tigers hosted the inaugural Ivy League Tournament in Jadwin Gym.

Freshman McGowan placed first at 125 pounds while senior Stout won the title at 197. Eligh Rivera placed second at 141 while Ty Whalen (149) and Dan Jones (133) earned third place finishes.

Five Tigers earned automatic bids to the upcoming NCAA Championships including McGowan, Rivera, Whalen, Kole Mulhauser (184) and Stout. The NCAAs are being held in Philadelphia from March 20-22.

In the team standings, Cornell took first with 133.5 points, followed by Penn (129.5), Columbia (114.5), and Princeton (113).

PU Women’s Water Polo Edges Loyola Marymount

Sparked by Rachael Carver, the No. 13 Princeton University women’s water polo team edged No. 12 Loyola Marymount 9-8 last Saturday in Los Angeles, Calif.

Senior Carver tallied five goals as the Tigers improved to 9-2.

Princeton will continue its California swing by playing at No. 23 Pomona-Pitzer on March 12 and No. 4 UCLA

on March 13 before compet ing in the San Diego State Invite from March 14-16.

Princeton Softball Swept at Santa Clara Sophia Zhang starred as the Princeton University softball team got swept in a doubleheader at Santa Clara

Zhang went 1-for-3 with one RBI in the opener as Princeton fell 8-7 in nine innings and then smacked a homer in the nightcap as the

In upcoming action, the Tigers, now 4-9, will be competing in the Missouri Tournament in Columbia, Mo., from March 13-14.

Tiger Men’s Volleyball Falls to UC-San Diego

Mason Rice played well in a losing cause as the No. 19 Princeton University men’s volleyball team fell 3-1 at 13th-ranked UC-San Diego

Freshman Rice piled up 18 kills but it wasn’t enough as the Tritons prevailed 19-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-19.

Princeton, now 6-7, will stay out in California to play CSUN on March 12 and Long Beach State on

Princeton Men’s Squash Loses to Yale in CSA Semis Battling hard, the Prince

through with any more vic tories and ended the season with an 11-2 record.

PU Women’s Squash Falls

To Harvard in CSA Semis

Liyen Teoh provided a highlight as Princeton Uni versity women’s squash team fell 8-1 to Harvard in the College Squash Association (CSA) Howe Cup national team semifinals last Satur day in Philadelphia, Pa.

Junior Teoh posted a 3-1 win at No. 6 for the Tigers, who ended the winter with a final record of 12-3.

Princeton Baseball Goes 1-2 at VCU

Highlighted by an 11-run outburst on Saturday, the Princeton University base ball team went 1-2 in a three-game set at VCU last

After managing just two hits in a 4-0 loss to the Rams on Friday, the Tigers exploded for 14 hits in an 11-4 win a day later. Jack Koonin led the way for Princeton, going 3-for-4 with two runs. Princeton ended the weekend with an 11-0 loss on Sunday.

The Tigers, now 2-9, play at William and Mary on March 12 and then head to Liberty for a four-game set from March 14-16.

Princeton Fencing

saber Alexandra Lee won weapon titles on Saturday at event.

The regional results count for 60 percent of the formula that determines NCAA championship selections, while regular-season results count for the other 40 percent. Selections for the NCAA Championships, which will be held from March 20-23 at Penn State, were slated to be announced on March 11.

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Last Saturday, sophomore

with five assists and five rebounds to help Princeton defeat Penn 67-53 in its regular season finale. The Tigers, now 21-6 overall and 12-2 Ivy League, will be competing in the Ivy Madness postseason tournament this weekend at Providence R.I. where they are seeded second and will face third-seeded Harvard in a semifinal contest on March 14. The victor will advance to the final on March 15 to play for the league’s automatic

to the

tournament.

HITTING HER STRIDE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Skye Belker races past a Harvard defender in a 2024 game.

guard Belker tallied 16 points

bid

NCAA

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

PHS Senior Wrestling Star Mele Makes History, Winning First-Ever Boys’

Blasé Mele’s drive home from Atlantic City was different this year.

For the past years, it had been a return after falling short of his hopes in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Wrestling Championships, but it was different after the Princeton High senior captured the 144-pound weight class Saturday.

“I’ve been on top of the world,” said Mele. “I haven’t stopped smiling since it happened.”

Mele is the first boys’ state champion in PHS history, and became only the fourth boy champion from Mercer County when he scored a 7-1 win over Pope John’s Donny Almeyda in the final.

“Blasé was awesome,” said PHS head coach Jess Monzo. “I don’t think there’s a better word to describe it. The only people that really thought he was going to win are the people from Princeton. There was a lot of people over the weekend that wanted us to win against certain kids, but the only people that believed that were the guys in blue, the guys in his corner — his friends, his teammates. They knew he would do it.”

Taking sixth last year to get a spot on the podium, Mele came into this year’s tournament seeded fourth after finishing second in Region 5 and second in District 18, both times falling to defending state champion Sonny Amato of Rumson-Fair

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State Title for Tigers

Haven. He ran into Amato again, this time in the state semifinals, and after falling 6-3 in districts and 11-3 in regions, and Mele made the most of his final shot at him in high school with a 3-2 win.

“I was more nervous before the state championship than anything else,” said Mele. “I was so nervous. But I just fell back on my training. And I fell back on the words of my coaches and the words of my family and just had faith that it was going to be all right and that I was going to perform at my best. I kind of tried to put aside the desire to win and just focused on doing the next small thing that would get me my goal.”

Mele’s third meeting of the year with Amato on Friday was much different than his first two. He got through the first period scoreless and then it was Mele who took a 3-0 lead in the second period. In each of their first meetings this year, he had trailed, 3-0, after the first period.

“He’s a great wrestler,” said Mele. “I’ve lost to him twice obviously and in both matches I got behind early, and he’s not the type of wrestler that you want to be behind on. You don’t want to be in a deficit against him. So jumping out to the lead kinda of told me that the stuff that I’ve been working on in practice was working and it put me in the mentality of everything is going to plan and it really allowed me to calm some of the nerves.”

Wired from the semifinal match and with the state final ahead, Mele tried to compartmentalize again, to focus on doing all the little things. He didn’t sleep well Friday night, but he also didn’t want to get too wrapped up in his semifinal win that guaranteed at least a silver medal.

“We didn’t train all year to beat one guy,” said Monzo. “We trained all year to be a state champ. I told him, now you have to finish the job because beating him is great. It’s redemption. But the job is not done yet. We came down here on a mission and our mission, our vision quest, was to win a title.”

Mele did so in total control through the final. After a scoreless first period, he went up 3-0 on a takedown in the second period. He was

up 4-1 after an escape early in the third period and built the final margin with a late takedown. Seconds later, he could raise his hands as a state champion, something that was recognized by others at school Monday, but still hadn’t quite registered.

“It’s been pretty surreal,” said Mele, who finished the season 31-2.

“A lot of emotions. A lot of emotions and I’m still kind of getting used to being a New Jersey state champion. But I’m getting there and I’m starting to feel what it means, which is pretty cool.”

Those trips back from AC have seemed long some years, but nothing like the journey to the top for Mele. He didn’t win a match as a freshman state qualifier –something that freshman Forest Rose did for PHS this year with a win Thursday. He didn’t get to the podium sophomore year either, but set himself up with a sixth place finish junior year, and made the leap this year by giving Almeyda his only loss of the season.

“It brings back some bitterness from my past, but at the same time makes this moment so much sweeter because in the past, every year I would leave upset,” said Mele. “I would never leave happy and I would always feel like I was letting down people that believed in me. And this year, I righted the wrong and that was that was big for me.”

Mele is a homegrown talent. He grew up in the Princeton Wrestling Club and is the first to bring home a title to the Tigers at the high school boys level.

“That’s the start of something special,” said Mele. “It means a lot for me to give back to the program and give back to all the people who have helped me and invested time into helping me and this state championship is a way for me to do that. It’s a way for me to give back and it’s a way for me to show that all that effort and all that belief wasn’t for nothing.”

Monzo has been thrilled to see him grow into a champion at PHS. He was just the third to medal at states, and now sealed his place in school history.

“This couldn’t happen to a better kid,” said Monzo. “He’s a kid that that stayed home, that tried to prove to the

world and to the state of New Jersey that you don’t need to go to that nationally ranked private or parochial school even if they’re knocking at your door and if they’re making calls and they’re looking and they’re reaching out. You know you can do it at home if you just believe in yourself and you believe in the coaches and what they’re going to give you.”

Mele won’t be going far after graduation either. He’ll stay close to home to continue to wrestle at Princeton University. He’ll join the Tigers program after reaching the pinnacle of his home

state’s competition.

“It gives me confidence, but the same belief is still there,” said Mele. “I’m still the same wrestler. It kind of validates a lot of my hard work, and it’s definitely going to give me confidence in the future, but at the same time, you know, it’s just an achievement and I still have goals I want to accomplish down the road. To accomplish those goals, I’m going to have to continue to work hard and continue to do the right things on and off the mat.”

“Just the fact that it’s eternalized,” said Mele. “Nobody can ever take away the fact that I’m a New Jersey state champion. And in some states, that’s not really a big deal. But in New Jersey it’s a big deal and there’s no running from that and in this area there’s only been four men to win. And in Princeton, I’m the first.” —Justin Feil

Mele did everything he had to in his final state championship. While outsiders may have doubted him, he lived up to his own and his close supporters’ expectations when he delivered a title that will never be forgotten, even if it its significance is still hard to realize.

TOP POSITION: Princeton High star wrestler Blasé Mele, top, controls Pope John’s Donny Almeyda on the way to defeating him 7-1 in the 144-pound final last Saturday at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City. Mele is the first boys’ state champion in PHS history, and became only the fourth boy champion from Mercer County. (Photo provided by Jess Monzo)

Making the Most of its Return Trip to the Rock, PDS Girls’

Hockey Tops Immaculate Heart in State Final

As the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team piled up wins this winter, the players adopted the mantra ‘Road to the Rock’ to inspire them in their quest to reach the final of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Girls’ Ice Hockey Tournament at the Prudential Center in Newark.

After cruising into the semis by dispatching eighth-seeded Summit 5-0 in the quarterfinal round on February 28, the top-seeded Panthers hit a major roadblock as they faced fourth-seeded and perennial nemesis Morristown-Beard in the state semis last Wednesday at the Codey Arena in West Orange.

The matchup between the rivals turned into a fierce battle as Mo-Beard clogged up the crease in an effort to thwart the Panthers.

“They did a really, really good job of just mucking up the middle, blocking shots,” said PDS co-head coach Jamie Davis. “They were just collapsed down low in front of the net, blocking shots, working hard, clearing pucks, clearing the front of the net.

That was their game plan and we were just kind of battling it.”

The Panthers took a 1-0 lead in the first period only to fall behind 2-1 in the second period. After PDS knotted the game at 2-2 early in the third, the Crimson forged ahead with a goal. With their trip to the Rock hanging in the balance, the Panthers came through as Della Gilligan tallied a goal late in regulation to force overtime and Brynn Dandy found the back of the net in OT to give PDS a dramatic 4-3 win.

“When you are at nine minutes, it is keep going; I think we got it all the way down to three minutes and obviously you get nervous,” said Davis. “We had 40-some shots on net, you have to keep pushing, it is working. They are going to go in and it did. It worked eventually but it was very, very close.”

Arriving at the Rock on Monday, the Panthers faced a familiar foe in second-seeded Immaculate Heart Academy. Last winter, PDS faced IHA in the state semis and was poised to make it to the Rock as it took a 3-1 lead into the third period

JUDITH BUDWIG

only to yield three unanswered goals to suffer a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat, leaving many of the Panthers in tears.

As PDS battled Mo-Beard last Wednesday, Davis’s thoughts turned to that stinging defeat a year earlier.

“That was upsetting, I didn’t want to lose again in the semis,” recalled Davis. “I was like oh my god, I am going to retire.”

In the rematch last Monday evening, the Panthers took a 3-0 lead into the third period but this time they closed the deal, scoring four straight goals to cruise to a 7-0 triumph, prompting a raucous postgame celebration with the players screaming for joy as they piled on goalie Kelly Stevens.

Junior star forward Brynn Dandy led the way for the Panthers, tallying one goal and two assists, getting named as the Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player of the title contest for a PDS squad that made history by winning its first-ever NJSIAA state title to culminate a magical 14-2-1 campaign.

Eibhleann Knox tallied two

goals and three assists in the win with Sam Dandy contributing two goals and one assist, Grace Ulrich chipping in one goal and two assists, and Aerie Bruno adding a goal.

Junior netminder Stevens recorded 20 saves in earning the shutout.

The triumph marked a full circle moment for the Pan -

thers as they lost 7-0 to MoBeard in the 2022 state final in their first trip to the Rock.

“We were at Prudential three years ago and we did not win,” said Davis. “The girls are excited to get back. I don’t know if they fully understand the gravity of this and that you are playing for your school. We will definitely get that in their heads that the school has never won this. Any time you are playing in the Prudential Center, it is such a cool thing.”

As PDS looked to avenge its defeat to IHA, Davis emphasized the basics.

Even though PDS has been shorthanded this season, playing some games with just nine skaters due to injury, Davis believed the squad’s talent and will would make the difference in the final.

“Obviously you get a little tired as the game goes on but we do have a lot of skill and they play hard,” said Davis. “With the skill that we have, I like our shot. I think we are the best team and that we can finish this thing.”

By making the most of their return trip to the Rock with the rout of IHA, the Panthers left no doubt that they were the best girls’ team this winter.

—Bill Alden

“My biggest thing to the girls is always work hard,” said Davis, whose team went 1-1 against the Blue Eagles in two regular season meetings this year. “Immaculate Heart is going to work hard so we have to match that. You have got want it. We have been playing well all year.”

FEELING DANDY: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Brynn Dandy fires a shot in a game earlier this season. Last Monday, junior forward Dandy tallied a goal and two assists to help top-seeded PDS defeat second-seeded Immaculate Heart Academy 7-0 in the final of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Girls’ Ice Hockey Tournament at the Prudential Center in Newark. It marked the first NJSIAA state title for the Panthers, who ended the winter with

14-2-1 record. Dandy was named as the Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player of the title contest.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Battling Hard in OT Loss to Don Bosco in State Quarters, PDS Boys’ Hockey Fell Just Short of Breakthrough Win

Coming into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public state tournament, the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team was primed to finally make a run to the final four.

Sixth-seeded PDS got off to a good start, cruising to a 5-2 win over 11th-seeded St. Joseph (Metuchen) in a first round contest.

“We kind of dominated the game from start to finish, the scoring chances were probably like 25-3; their goalie was unbelievable and kept them in that game,” said Panther head coach Scott Bertoli. “On the scoreboard it looked like a game but we still felt pretty good. We played well, we did what we needed to do.”

In the quarterfinal round, PDS ran into a formidable obstacle as it faced thirdseeded Don Bosco Prep, who defeated the Panthers twice in regular season action this winter.

“The biggest thing was just defensively being more responsible and committed,” said Bertoli, reflecting on the team’s game plan coming into the clash. “The issue with some of those teams when we played them in the past is that we haven’t buckled down defensively like we need to. We haven’t limited chances in transition and all of these teams have really good players. When you give those kids too many chances, eventually they are going to score goals.”

While the Panthers played well throughout the contest, they ended up losing 2-1 in overtime to end the winter with a 10-9-1 record.

“Depth has always been an issue when we play those teams, they are bigger schools,” said Bertoli. “They are two and four times the size of us when you look at their boys population. We knew that they were going to make a push. We felt good and managed it for most of the game. It was a great hockey game.”

Bertoli has no qualms about the effort he got from his players but was frustrated to see his squad fall short of the semis once again.

“I was pleased and felt like we deserved a better fate,” said Bertoli, noting his belief that a hit from behind on a PDS player in OT should have drawn a penalty and given the Panthers a power play. “Do I think we deserved to win the game? Not necessarily, but our effort did for sure. In the first period, we were awesome. That is really our ask - to go up there and put our best foot forward and see where the chips fall. At the same time it was disappointing, here we are again losing in the quarterfinal.”

Senior goalie Calvin Fenton put his best foot forward against Don Bosco, making 31 saves.

Fenton’s effort exemplified a senior group that set an upbeat tone this winter.

“It has been tremendous, the charge was to redefine the culture and push it in a positive direction,” said Bertoli, whose Class of ’25 included Zach Meseroll, Wyatt Ewanchyna, Max Guche, Reilly Gilligan, and Hart Nowakoski in addition to Fenton. “That was priority one for those kids and they knocked it out of the park when it comes to that. Our bench was always positive. We had a lot of adversity this year and there were lots of times where the bench or the locker room could have flipped. We had a little stretch where we lost four games in a row and they never turned on each other. They were positive, they were supportive. As a coach, all I can ask for is that there is a positive culture and the kids are enjoying their experience, they are learning the game, and everyone is pushing in the same direction.”

In Bertoli’s view, it was a positive campaign overall for the program.

We were a little compromised from a depth perspective. There were a few results that we would have liked back, whether because of our starts or our inability to finish a couple of games but overall it was a good year.”

Looking ahead, Bertoli acknowledges that the Panthers need to compete better from start to finish.

“We need to win more games and host those quarterfinal games at our rink. That is the first thing we need to do. You are always going to get yourself a better chance if you are playing at home. That is why teams fight and claw and battle for home ice advantage in every sport. We needed to do that and honestly we were a point or two away from doing that.”

In the early going, PDS showed great commitment as it took a 1-0 lead into the second period.

“Our start in the first period was probably the best first period the program has played in 10 years,” asserted Bertoli. “It was 1-0, it should have been 3-0 and ultimately it needed to be 3-0 to win that game. We generated so many chances off the rush with our end zone offensive play but it expended some of our top guys. We lean heavily on our top guys. We needed to build momentum. Getting off to a good start had been a struggle against these teams earlier so we wanted to avoid that.”

“Calvin played great, he clipped the 1,000 save mark in his career; it is the first time we have had someone do that since Logan Kramsky,” said Bertoli. “Logan was one of the best we have had and he was a four-year starter. It was impressive that Cal, who hasn’t been the starter for the entirety of his time there, was able to do that. He made some big stops and we were great in front of him. We limited chances in transition. I don’t think we gave up a single odd-man rush in the first period.”

“We had some very impressive results, I think our top kids performed unbelievably well,” said Bertoli. “We gave our younger kids some opportunities and they did well when they got those opportunities. The challenge is that it is hard to ask freshmen and sophomores that may lack some size and strength to deal with the competition that we play on a regular basis.

“We need to figure it out; one thing we talked about is that we need to be more consistent in the regular season,” said Bertoli.

Bertoli is confident that PDS can get over the hump to make deeper state runs.

“I think we have identified

some things that we need to do and areas where we can close gaps with those top teams,” said Bertoli, referring to such foes as Delbarton, Don Bosco, and Christian Brothers Academy. “We tied Delbarton, we took Don Bosco into overtime and we beat CBA. But to their credit, they win in those big moments. I think there is the expectation that they are going to win and they win more often than not. We just need to get to that point.”

—Bill Alden

RUSHING FORWARD: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Jake Harrison controls the puck in a game last season. Junior forward Harrison starred as the Panthers went 10-9-1 this winter and advanced to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public state quarterfinals. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

While Hun Boys’ Hoops Posted a 9-17 Record, It Still

Produced Some Memorable Moments

While the Hun School boys’ basketball team posted a disappointing 9-17 record this winter, it still produced plenty of quality performances.

“We had some good moments, we certainly had some good wins; the Blair win (the eventual Mid-Atlantic Prep League and Prep Open champions) was obviously great,” said Hun head coach Jon Stone, whose team also posted memorable wins over Hackensack, Lawrenceville, and the Phelps School (Pa.).

“Even our Malvern Prep win at the beginning to the year was really good. We were down 13 with three minutes to go and came back and won that one. We had some good wins and some good moments. We even had some good moments in losses.”

The Raiders ended the season with two tough losses to rival Peddie in postseason action, falling 72-69 to the Falcons in the MAPL quarterfinals and 77-71 in double overtime in the Prep Open quarters.

“Both of our games with them were really good games,” said Stone. “The second one was double overtime and the first we lost on a last second shot. We certainly had our chances but unfortunately we just didn’t come out on top.”

In Stone’s view, Hun made good progress this winter with its play in the paint.

“I think we grew getting the ball inside, we proved that we had some inside presence,” said Stone. “We got better at getting it inside which in turn helped us get more shots outside as well. I think we developed in that area. We developed in the defensive end as well, we were better there too.”

The squad’s core of seniors, AJ Mickens, Evan Brown, and Jasai Vargas, developed over their time at Hun.

“I appreciate everything they have given to the program,” said Stone. “AJ is going on to play at Emory which is a top academic school and a top Division III basketball school in the country. AJ gave his all and was a captain and certainly developed over the years. He was able to provide a lot for us this year. Evan being new this year, gave us some really good moments as well. He developed and grew as a player. Jasai didn’t get as many minutes as the two other guys but he was a really integral part of our wins against Hackensack and Lawrenceville when other guys were hurt. Whenever he was called upon, he responded.”

Stone rued the loss of the team’s fourth senior, Drae Tyme, to an early season leg injury.

“Tyme is the one we really missed the most; I tried not to think about it during the season because you focus on what you can control,” said Stone. “Now that the season is over, I keep lamenting that we could have been really good with him. He was easily a five-win swing, if not more.”

Hun boasts a good group of returners in sophomore Blake Hargrove, junior Sage Mateo, junior Seth Clarke, junior Luke Wafle, junior Eshan Kulkarni and sophomore Julian Van Hoeck.

“We are excited about who we have coming back,” said Stone. “I think with the addition of one or two guys ... we could be really, really good next year.”

Star guard Hargrove made a huge impact in his debut season with the program.

“Blake’s statistics were really, really impressive, he led us in scoring, he led us in assists, he led us in field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage and steals,” said Stone. “He was our third best rebounder. He had a 15-rebound game and

the guy isn’t even 6 feet. He has the ability to do so many things. Even on nights when his shot is not falling or he is not at his best, he does so many things defensively and in other parts of the game that make it hard for you to take him off the floor.”

Providing a one-two punch in the backcourt with Hargrove, Mateo produced an impressive campaign.

“His statistics from last year to this year just really popped and jumped,” said Stone of Mateo. “Not only that, a lot of his non-statistical categories with just his ability to defend and get in the passing lane and do some things like that. He just really, really grew as a player and just gave us a ton this year for sure.”

Hun football stars Clarke and Wafle gave Hun some needed muscle in the frontcourt.

“They were our big inside presence with their ability to rebound and their athleticism,” said Stone. “Unfortunately Luke was hurt for a good stretch of the season which wasn’t great for us. They both provided a ton of size and inside presence.”

The pair of Kulkarni and Van Hoeck emerged as key performers off the bench.

“Kulkarni continued to grow and get better and will be better still next year,” said Stone. “He gave us another ball handler and the ability to score. Van Hoeck is really, really steady. He is the kind of guy that doesn’t always show up in the box score but does a lot of little things that aren’t necessarily statistical. He gives us a lot of versatility.”

Looking ahead, Stone believes the Raiders can grow into something special.

“I am looking forward to hopefully building and doing better next year,” said Stone.

—Bill Alden

Local Sports

Dillon Youth Hoops Title Game Results

In the title game last Saturday in the Girls’ Grades 3-5 Division of the Dillon Youth Basketball League, top-seeded Pizza Den edged s ixth-seeded PBA 24-14. Liv Nygaard scored 12 points, and Seanna Hsieh added six to lead Pizza Den. Theresa Houshmand-Oregaard scored six points for PBA. In addition to Nygaard and Hsieh, Pizza Den’s roster included Bronte Scholes, Caroline Win, Jane Ridings, Kara Baring, Lois Hoffman-Schwartz, Lyla Smith, Nora Bullinger, and Sarah McPartland. The squad was coached by Julia Belardo and Nanette Schoenberg. In the Girls’ Grades 6-8 Division final, second-seeded Pizza Den edged top-seeded PBA 130 24-23. Pizza Den featured a balanced scoring attack with Jaya Verma scoring eight points, Nava Blitz adding seven points, and Claire McLeod chipping in six. Allegra Shank scored 12 points in a losing cause for PBA. In addition to Verma, Blitz and McLeod, the Pizza Den team included Catherine You, Eme Moorhead, and Laura Pepek . It was coached by Sedona Arminio

I n the Boys’ Grades 3-4 Division final, fourth-seeded Dean of Chess nipped second-seeded Ivy Inn 1513. Leo Cronan scored six points and Mason Goldsmith added five for Dean of Chess. Chase Morgan and Timothy Riley each had four points for Ivy Inn. In addition to Cronan and Goldsmith, the Dean of Chess team included Chase Barr, Danny McGowan, Everett

Zweig , Jack DeLuca, Luca Sherman, Ozzie Roeser, and Remy Kogan. It was coached by Maddie Aboumeri

In the Boys’ Grades 5- 6 Division final, top-seeded J. Majeski Foundation posted a 44-38 victory over second-seeded Meeting House. Christian Barr tallied 14 points to lead the way for Majeski while Aidyn Shah and Everett Cole each added 11 points in the victory. Logan Aguila poured in 25 points for Meeting House. The Majeski squad included Benjamin Heinert, Crawford Whited, D’Andre Kelsey, Liam Nygaard, Liam Nygaard, Sebastian Freeland, and Tyler Spiegel in addition to Barr, Shah, and Cole. It was coached by Charlie Baglio and Chase Colarusso.

In the Boys’ Grades 7-8 Division final, top-seeded Locomotion topped thirdseeded Princeton Honda 4535. Ai’Bree Green scored 23 points to pace Locomotion with Brian Suk adding nine. Asa Collins tallied 15 points and Ilan Spiegel chipped in 13 for Princeton Honda. The Locomotion team included Alexander Arnold, Benjamin Klewe, Henry Ambra, James Carter, John Henry Strouse, Ryan Stone, Sam Carter, and Theo Hogshire in addition to Green and Suk. It was coached by Etienne Garcia and Isiah De la Espriella.

Stuart County Day School

Holding Flag Football Camp

The Stuart Country Day School is holding a flag football camp for girls in grades 3-8 on Fridays from March 28 to May 23 at the school’s Upper Fields on Great Road. The flag football camp is

designed to introduce beginners and those with some experience to the fundamentals of flag football in a fun and positive environment. Players will develop both their technical skills and their understanding of the game through a series of fun games and activities and will also be encouraged to implement offensive and defensive plays.

Lower School parent Greg Barker will be running this program. The cost is $75, and the camp is open to the public.

For more information, log onto stuartschool.org/flagfootball.

Princeton 5K Race

Slated for March 22

The Princeton 5K race is returning on March 22 for its 16th year.

The event annually brings together athletes — young and old, big and small, fast and not so fast — to run or walk while supporting the Princeton High cross country and track programs.

The race starts in front of the Princeton Middle School at 217 Walnut Lane at 8:30 a.m. In addition to the 5K, there is a 300-meter kids dash for children under 10.

To register and get more information on the event, log onto runsignup.com/ Race/NJ/Princeton/PrincetonNJ5K. Registration is also available in-person on race day.

The Princeton 5K is the largest annual fundraiser for the Princeton High Cross Country Track and Field Boosters (PHSCCTF) a 501(c)(3). All donations directly support the PHS boys’ and girls’ cross-country and track teams.

Wellstree.com

Taking care of Princeton’s trees

FINAL PUSH: Hun School boys’ basketball player AJ Mickens elbows past a foe in a game last winter. Senior guard and Emory commit Mickens played well in his final campaign as Hun posted a 9-17 record.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Ruth Steward (née Silberschmidt) passed away on the morning of January 2, 2025.

Ruth was born in Basel, Switzerland, on September 19, 1944, to Robert and Elizabeth Emma Silberschmidt-Veraguth. The night of her birth marked the first time streetlights were illuminated after a long blackout during World War II.

Ruth had a joyful childhood alongside her siblings Sabine, Martin, and Richard. In 1948, the family moved to a large home with a garden in Bruderholz, a vibrant suburb where children played freely in the fields and streets. She formed a lifelong friendship with Christina Lüscher-Ballard in kindergarten, a bond that endured throughout their lives.

As a child, Ruth was frequently tasked with accompanying her brother Richard, who had polio, on school outings, birthday parties, and summer camps. Often the youngest participant, she was doted on and occasionally allowed to bend the rules. With their parents attending international pharmacological congresses during the summer, Ruth and Richard spent many summers in mountain camps throughout Switzerland.

Ruth attended Mädchen Gymnasium, a public girls’ school in Basel, where she pursued a classical curriculum that included French, Latin, and English, alongside mathematics and sciences. She had an innate curiosity about different cultures, nurtured by family trips across Europe. These travels left a lasting impression on her, particularly the poverty she witnessed in post-war Italy and Spain.

Eager to explore the world, Ruth studied at the École d’études sociales in Geneva, earning a degree as a medical technologist in 1965. She then moved to Los Angeles to work as a technician, following her brother Martin and his wife. The cultural contrast between Switzerland and California was striking, but she embraced the era’s vibrant social movements, including the anti-Vietnam War protests and the rise of feminism.

In Los Angeles, she met David Steward, a friend of her brother who worked in the Forest Service and wrote books. Inspired by his passion, Ruth realized she needed a fulfilling career of her own. She and David returned to Switzerland, married in April 1971, and she pursued undergraduate studies in biology, later earning a Ph.D. from the University of Basel in 1978.

The late 1970s were a difficult period for Ruth, as she lost both her brother Richard and her father Robert within a short time. However, she found solace in her research at the laboratory of Walter Gehring, where she became deeply interested in genetics. This passion led her to the University of Virginia, where she joined the laboratory of esteemed Drosophila geneticist T.R.F. Wright. Her groundbreaking research on the dorsal gene, crucial for embryonic development, took her and David to Tübingen, Germany, and later to Princeton University, where she successfully cloned and characterized the gene.

Ruth’s contributions to molecular biology were significant, helping to demonstrate genetic conservation between species and uncovering key developmental pathways. Despite facing challenges as a female scientist in a male-dominated field, she made lasting impacts through her research and mentorship.

In 1994, Ruth became a full professor at the Waksman Institute, where she taught until the spring of 2024. She found great joy in guiding students and postdoctoral researchers from around the world. She particularly cherished the cultural exchanges in her lab, where students celebrated the holidays with dishes from their home countries. Many former students visited her in the final weeks of her life.

Beyond academia, Ruth and David traveled extensively, taking yearly trips to destinations across Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. Some of their most treasured adventures included sailing the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, the Galapagos, Indonesia, and Fiji with David’s longtime friend, David Dillard.

Ruth maintained close ties with her Swiss family, including her sister Sabine and many Silberschmidt and Veraguth cousins. She shared a special bond with Tenzin Dolma (Monica Silberschmidt), with whom she traveled the U.S. in 1967, and Catherine Silberschmidt, with whom she and David spent time in the Swiss mountains. Her lifelong friendship with Claude, a fellow art and literature enthusiast, was another source of great intellectual and personal fulfillment.

A particularly close relationship in Ruth and David’s life was with Botagoz Temirbayeva, an English teacher from Kazakhstan. They met on a flight from New York to San Francisco when Bota was traveling to California as a camp counselor. She later visited Princeton, decided to

stay, and earned a degree in Reading and Language Arts. Over the years, she lived with the Stewards on and off for more than a decade, and they became dear friends. In her final months, Ruth was supported by her nephew Tom, who traveled from Switzerland to be with her. In her final weeks, her niece Eva Silberschmidt-Viala, her nephew Noah Silberschmidt, and Bota Temirbayeva were also by her side.

Ruth will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and former students, whose lives she enriched through her kindness, intellect, and unwavering passion for science and learning.

A celebration of life for Ruth and David Steward will be held at the Quaker Meeting House in Princeton on June 7 at 11 a.m. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by May 1 to Beth Behrend at beth.behrend@gmail.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of MatherHodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

Rosanne Jacks (nee Miller) July 27, 1935 – March 2, 2025

Rosanne Jacks (nee Miller) passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home, surrounded by family and wrapped in her daughter’s loving embrace.

Rosanne was born in Indianapolis, IN, on July 27, 1935, the first child of Mahlon and Loa Miller. She grew up in Fort Wayne, IN, and earned her BA from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. After graduating from DePauw, Rosanne married her college sweetheart, Bob Jacks, in August of 1957. Bob passed away in June 2002, just two months shy of their 45th wedding anniversary.

Rosanne launched her career in special education in Princeton, NJ, while Bob attended Princeton Theological Seminary. After brief moves to Medford, OR, Wyandotte, MI, and Indianapolis, IN, Rosanne and Bob returned to Princeton in 1967. Bob began his teaching career at Princeton Theological Seminary, and Rosanne took time away from teaching to raise a family while

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Margaret Morgan

There will be a service for Margaret Morgan at The Mary Chapel of Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, on March 29, 2025 at 10 a.m. Reception to follow.

Please join us.

earning her MA from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.

When their youngest entered kindergarten, Rosanne resumed her teaching career, first as a teacher at (and later as principal of) The Newgrange School, offering individualized instruction to students who were not learning to their full potential in a traditional classroom setting. Rosanne’s passion for teaching extended into retirement, as she continued mentoring and tutoring young students in her home.

Throughout her life, Rosanne pursued many interests, including extensive volunteer work, gardening (earning the title Master Gardener), reading, knitting, and other fiber arts. Upon retirement, Rosanne discovered a love of travel and enjoyed many globe-trotting adventures with family and friends. Rosanne remained in the Princeton area until 2021, when she moved to Wisconsin to be with her daughter.

Rosanne was a longtime, active member of Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, NJ.

Rosanne is survived by her three children, Daniel (Adrienne Kilin) Jacks, Lisa (Al) Cantrell, and Stephen (Molly) Jacks; her grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew (Jieyang), Marta and Elisa Cantrell, and Ellie and Maia Jacks; and her sister, Cindy (Doug) Shock.

A Memorial Service will be held in the spring. Memorial donations can be made to Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542-4502.

Princeton’s First Tradition Worship Service

Sundays at 11am

Princeton University Chapel All are welcome.

Preaching Sunday, March 16 is Jasmine Gonzalez, Chapel Seminary Intern, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ.

University Chapel Choir with Nicole Aldrich, Director of Chapel Music and Chapel Choir, and with Eric Plutz, University Organist.

Ruth Steward

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Franklin Twp. Fire District 4 – Kingston 2025 Meetings

In-person at the Kingston Fire House at 6:45 pm

Google Meet: meet.google.com/min-ukvm-vir

January 15, Regular Meeting

February 15, Annual Election

February 18, Annual Meeting

March 18, Regular Meeting

April 15, Regular Meeting

May 20, Regular Meeting

June 17, Regular Meeting

July 15, Regular Meeting

NO MEETING IN AUGUST **

September 16, Regular Meeting

October 21, Regular Meeting

November 18, Regular Meeting

December 16, Regular Meeting with Budget Approval

January 13, 2026 with Budget Adoption

February 21, 2026, Annual Election

February 24, 2026, Regular Meeting

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E-Z LAWN CARE AND DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

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CEMETARY PLOTS

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4 plots, Mt Lebanon Cemetery, Iselin, NJ

Beautiful Gardens of David, low headstones, next to road. $2800 each, cash. New. $4000+. Email Don at dongw1607@gmail.com

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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

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WE BUY CARS

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APPLYING TO COLLEGE OR GRAD SCHOOL? Work with the highly experienced Princeton Writing Coach to learn how best to stand out from the competition and navigate the application process. Contact the Coach now for a free consultation. (908) 420-1070. princetonwritingcoach@gmail.com. https://princetonwritingcoach.com. 03-26

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MARKET UPDATE SEMINAR

Join us for an exclusive look at our 2025 market update for Central NJ and Bucks County. We’ll cover key trends in pricing, inventory, and market activity, as well as how factors like interest rates, inflation, and job growth shapes the housing market and what we can expect after the first quarter of the year.

Saturday March 15th at 11:00am RSVP at: www.PrincetonMarketSeminar.com Live interactive presentation through Zoom conference

Introducing: 152 Westcott Road Princeton, NJ | $2,950,000

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Introducing: 17 Woodmere Way Hopewell Township, NJ | $1,725,000

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Introducing: 111 Bertrand Drive Princeton, NJ | $1,345,000

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Introducing: 18 Sherbrooke Drive

West Windsor Township, NJ | $848,000

Jean Grecsek: 609.751.2958 callawayhenderson.com/id/BQVMML

Introducing: 13 East Shore Drive Hopewell Township, NJ | $2,200,000 Sylmarie Trowbridge: 917.386.5880 callawayhenderson.com/id/GZX5SK

Introducing: 7 Foxcroft Drive Lawrence Township, NJ | $1,695,000 Owen (“Jones”) Toland: 609.731.5953 callawayhenderson.com/id/KZ8ZLP

Introducing: 36 South Harrison Street Princeton, NJ | $1,095,000 Owen (“Jones”) Toland: 609.731.5953 callawayhenderson.com/id/JV5FPB

Introducing: 15 Milford Place

Montgomery Township, NJ | $835,000

Beth M. Steffanelli: 609.915.2360 callawayhenderson.com/id/8RC639

Introducing: 360 Spring Hill Road Montgomery Township, NJ | $1,790,000 Stephen Thomas: 609.306.4030 MLS# NJSO2004016

Introducing: 976 Princeton Kingston Road Princeton, NJ | $1,395,000

Kimberly A. Rizk, Eleanor Deardorff: 609.203.4807 callawayhenderson.com/id/V6GS6L

Introducing: 78 Cherry Brook Drive

Montgomery Township, NJ | $925,000

Regina Perry: 908.347.0950 callawayhenderson.com/id/88BB3Z

Introducing: 371 Township Line Road

Montgomery Township, NJ | $699,000

Joel Winer: 908.500.8815 callawayhenderson.com/id/FTMDDE callawayhenderson.com