Share My Meals Forms New Partnership With Public Schools
Share My Meals (SMM), the Princetonbased nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity and reducing food waste, has formed a new partnership with Princeton Public Schools (PPS).
Learning French at PHS Involves Some Turns on the Dance Floor 5
PU Donates Technology Equipment to Enhance Education in NJ Prisons 7
Sparked by a Career Day From Star Guard Chea, PU Women’s Hoops
Defeats Penn 74-60 . . 28
Senior Guo Stars in Home Finale for PHS Boys’ Swim Team As it Wins Sectional Quarter Before Falling at Summit in Semi 31
The collaboration allows for surplus prepared meals from the district’s schools to be safely recovered and redistributed to families and residents in Princeton on a weekly basis. The first deliveries were made on January 10.
This is SMM’s second collaboration with a K-12 public school district, and its second with Pomptonian Food Service, the PPS’ food service provider. It follows a successful initiative with the Morris School District.
“Partnerships like this highlight the importance of community-driven solutions,” said Meg Lembo, director of outreach of Share My Meals, in a release. “We’re thrilled to partner with Princeton Public Schools and Pomptonian Food Service to create meaningful change right here in Princeton.”
According to SMM, approximately 10 percent of Mercer County residents face food insecurity.
“At the same time, in cafeteria settings where food is prepared at high volume, there is often some unavoidable food surplus that goes to waste due to various constraints,” reads the release. “By redistributing surplus meals, Share My Meals and its partners address both issues simultaneously.”
This program also reduces the environmental impact of food waste. SMM hopes to expand this model to additional school districts in New Jersey and beyond.
SMM was founded in January 2020. When the pandemic hit two months later, the nonprofit switched from its original premise of recovering meals from corporations to buying meals at cost from local restaurants and delivering them to families and seniors who needed them.
Assisting the effort was the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), which last summer awarded SMM $125,000 to establish a statewide Meal Recovery Coalition.
The partnership with the schools also reduces the environmental impact of food waste. SMM hopes to expand this model to additional school districts in New Jersey and beyond.
Town to Hire Planning Firm for Westminster Campus
At its meeting on Monday night, February 10, Princeton Council took another step toward figuring out the future of the former campus of Westminster Choir College.
Council approved a resolution authorizing the hiring of the Newark consulting firm Topology “for professional planning services related to the Westminster Choir College property, including the adaptive reuse of historic buildings on the property,” according to a memo to Council members from Princeton Planning Director Justin Lesko.
The professional service agreement is for work in four phases, the first of which is expected to take place for up to 15 months and not exceed $115,000.
The town announced its intention to acquire the 25-plus-acre site bordered by Walnut Lane, Hamilton Avenue, Franklin Avenue, and Linden Lane from Rider University, for approximately $50 million last
year. Rider, which merged with Westminster in 1992, attempted to sell the campus in 2019. When that effort was unsuccessful, Rider relocated the faculty and students from Westminster to its Lawrence Township campus. The Princeton campus has been mostly unoccupied since then. The process of condemning the property under eminent domain is underway. According to Council President Mia Sacks, the town is working collaboratively with Rider University and Princeton Theological Seminary, both of which had been involved in litigation over the campus, and neither contest the municipality’s legal right to acquire the property.
“This large, geographically significant site, located in the heart of the community, adjacent to Princeton High School and Princeton Middle School, is uniquely positioned to meet various public and community needs that we hope would honor the cultural and historical significance of
the property,” Sacks said in a statement she released on Tuesday.
Topology’s plan for the work includes developing “an informed project vision, including four small group stakeholder meetings and a virtual public outreach exercise,” according to Lesko’s memo to Council.
“Acquisition of the property will ensure that the residents of Princeton will be in the driver’s seat to determine the future of this critical property,” Sacks said. “Our town has many pressing educational, recreational, cultural, and municipal facilities needs. The opportunity to acquire this key site for public use was not one that we could, in good conscience, walk away from. We know that current residents and future generations will benefit from our willingness to act boldly to protect the public’s interest.”
Democratic Candidates For Governor to Debate In Princeton on Feb. 16
With primary day less than four months away and a slew of candidates from both parties vying to be the next governor of New Jersey, the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO) is hosting a Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 16 at the Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton Street.
Mayors Ras Baraka of Newark and Steve Fulop of Jersey City, former Montclair Mayor now New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Head Sean Spiller, and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney will take the debate stage on Sunday to promote their views in the race to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy, who is completing his second four-year term, the limit for New Jersey governors.
U.S. Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, who are also in the race, will not be present, but State Senator John McKeon will be standing in for Sherrill. Mia Sacks, Princeton Council president, will moderate the proceedings, which will also be livestreamed to the PCDO Facebook page.
“There are a lot of strong and well known candidates on both sides in this race, certainly on the Democratic side,” said PCDO President Jeffrey Oakman.
Council approved several other resolutions at the meeting, including one to Continued on Page 10
TREE TAPPING: Sandy Ogg, right, a volunteer at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township, led a demonstration at the Maple Sugaring event held Saturday at the farm. Attendees share what they learned in this week’s Town Talk on page 6.
(Photo by Sarah Teo)
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On February 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Rosalind Doremus, owner of My Backyard at Nectars, will unveil the secrets to designing and maintaining a garden that remains beautiful, functional, and alive even in the coldest months.
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The event, which is copresented by The Watershed Institute and Sourland Conservancy, is also available on Zoom. Doremus will demonstrate how native plants can transform a winter landscape into a vibrant haven for both the eyes and the ecosystem.
Proudly serving the Princeton community since 1962!
Proudly serving the Princeton community since 1962!
Titled “ The Winter Garden – Beautiful and Alive as any Season ,” the talk will explore the understated beauty of the winter garden, focusing on its “bones” and showcasing native plants that thrive in the colder months. Doremus will share practical tips for winter garden maintenance, emphasizing how a well-planned garden can support the ecosystem year-round.
This free event is part of the Talk of the Sourlands series, designed to educate and inspire audiences on topics related to nature and conservation. Registration for in-person
YEAR-ROUND GARDENS: Rosalind Doremus will speak about winter gardens and more at The Watershed Institute on February 27. and online attendance is required. Donations are always appreciated.
Doremus has lived in New Jersey her whole life. She began working at nurseries at the age of 16, quickly learning each plant that crossed her path. At 25, she had started working at Pleasant Run Nursery, where she not only broadened her plant pallet but also began to understand the true importance of planting native and green infrastructure. Learning about native plants came to be one
of her biggest passions. At the age of 33, she was awarded Young Professional of the Year by the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association. She is a Certified Nursery Landscape Professional, believing that continued education and networking with other industry professionals is of great importance. At 38, she opened My Backyard at Nectars garden center in Titusville. Register at tinyurl.com/ SC-WinterGarden.
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 February 12 at LiLLiPiESBakery, Princeton Shopping Center; February 19 at Say Cheese, 183D Nassau Street; and February 26 at Blue Bears, Princeton Shopping Center.
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.
February 22, 2025 | 3-5 p.m. ET 4200 Princeton Pike, Princeton, NJ 08540
Learn more: www.ptsem.edu/seedswap
Sourland “Stew Crew”: On February 17 at 9 a.m., help maintain planted sites, remove invasive plants, and fix fences in the Sourlands. No experience is necessary. RSVP at Stewards@sourland.org.
Volunteer Land Stewards Wanted: Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) seeks volunteers for stewardship sessions on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.; and Wednesday, February 19 from 1-3 p.m. at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Work Help restore forest areas, remove invasive plants, and plant native trees and shrubs. Register at fopos.org/events-programs.
Skating Safety : The Department of Recreation posts daily guidelines about skating on Community Park North Pond, Smoyer Pond, and Lake Carnegie. If any are safe to skate on, a white flag will be raised. Only skate during daylight hours and never skate alone. Visit princetonrecreation.com.
Wilkinson, far left, who teaches both French and
movement a part of the French curriculum provides a unique
French at
Princeton High School Involves Some Turns on the Dance Floor
It would make sense to assume that the curriculum of a high school French course is focused on France. But the language is spoken widely in other parts of the
world, inspiring Princeton High School (PHS) French teachers Janelle Wilkinson and Gyselle North to broaden the perspective of the classes they teach to three levels of students.
“The French-Speaking World of West Africa” is the theme of the course for French levels 4-6, this month and next. Since Wilkinson also teaches dance at PHS, she has started a unit for the students on West African dance. Last Friday, Wilkinson had students out on the floor of the school’s dance room, learning elements of such dances as the Zaouli from the Ivory Coast, and the Dogon mask dance from Mali — taught all in French, of course.
TOPICS Of the Town
The students picked up the movements quickly. Taking two steps to the right and two to the left, they followed Wilkinson’s lead as she added some flinging arms and turns in each direction.
“They were very talented,” she said later, referring to the first of three classes taught the dances. “I was kind of surprised at how good they were. The boys, in particular, really impressed me.”
that focuses on the Francophone world, they will graduate with the knowledge that French is not only spoken in France and Europe, but in many regions all over the world,” Wilkinson wrote in an email. “Learning another language, in general, helps students understand different cultures and perspectives, and learning about the Francophone world, and specifically Africa, will enable our students to become informed and involved global citizens who can think critically.”
The French 4-6 curriculum focuses on a different Francophone region each year, rotating every three years. Next year is North Africa; the following will be the Americas. The idea is to provide a connection between dancers and ancestors, and dancers and animals, specifically using masks that the students make to embody spirits (the masks weren’t used during the first movement session).
There are numerous types of West African dance, and different ethnic groups have different dances and different styles. Among the dances the students learn in French class is the Sinté from Guinea, which is an individual dance originally performed to inform young adults of the trials they may encounter as they mature, Wilkinson said.
“By exposing our students to a three-year curriculum
FRANÇAIS:
Wilkinson said that the unit on West African dance coincides with Black History Month. “While this month is very important for our Black community, we feel strongly at Princeton High School that we celebrate Black history not only during February, but 365 days a year,” she said in an email. “Gyselle and I have reflected this in our year-long curriculum.”
While the students in the first class learning the dances happened to be all white or mixed race, the two other classes are much more racially diverse, she pointed out.
Wilkinson, who grew up in Rochester, N.Y., and danced on cruise ships and in New York before switching her focus to teaching, has been at PHS for 29 years. She started the school’s dance program, which was an immediate hit with students. On average, some 75 to 80 students clamor to take the class, but there is only room for about 60.
“It has evolved into a dynamic class and curriculum, meaning that I change it based on trends and music and student needs and desires,” said Wilkinson. “It’s never static. I have to keep it fresh, for me but most importantly for the students.”
Dance students are immersed in styles ranging from country line dancing to the Charleston, ballet to contemporary, Latin to American barn dance. Wilkinson teaches Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and “Thriller,” especially around Halloween.
A forum for the expression of opinions about local and national issues. Question of the Week: “What did you learn today? Did anything surprise you?”
(Asked Saturday at the Maple Sugaring event at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township.)
“I didn’t know that sap looked like water when you get it from the tree — completely. And you can tap other types of maple trees, not just sugar maples.”
conditions that affect sap flow.”
Hazel: “I learned that sap has to be cooked so hot to become maple syrup!”
Adrianne: “We also got to take ice from the pond and carry it with tongs to the ice house. We were standing on ice!”
“I had one student for three years, who came over as an ELL (English Language Learner) from Brazil. She was very shy and quiet,” Wilkinson said. “Dance was a challenge for her. Now, she just volunteered to do two assemblies for me. I would never have guessed that this student would be taking a risk instead of sitting in the corner. Another one, if she could have melted into the wall, she would have been happier. And she had two left feet. After six months, I have watched her become not just a better dancer, but more confident in her body. And she’s socializing. It’s so exciting to see these transformations.”
Merging dance with French was a logical step to take.
“It’s a natural progression,” Wilkinson said. “We learn a lot in [French] class about the arts, whether it’s the music, Impressionism, or maybe a new singer. As a dance teacher, this is my wheelhouse. I teach about dances from different parts of the world. So this was a perfect opportunity, because students learn better by doing. I wouldn’t be able to teach them a song, but I can teach them to do a dance.”
—Anne
Levin
well loved and well read since 1946
And
the
Tony: “It takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup — a tremendous amount of work that goes into something we all take for granted.”
the
and chickens!”
Kim: “It makes me consider coming here to get their syrup; tasting it was great. I’d recommend that families come.”
— Tenley Fistick, Holland, Pa.
—Sara, Vinny, Hazel, and Adrianne Saraceno, Tom’s River
Ryan: “I liked
pancakes, horsies,
—Braden, Tony, Ryan, and Kim S., Bristol, Pa.
Weston: “If you cook syrup too long, it could become butter or sugar.”
Robinson: “You put something in the wall of the tree and the syrup comes out.”
Martina: “Robinson’s favorite part was learning to use the long saw.
we loved
18th century-style pancakes.” —Weston, Robinson, and Martina Taylor-Brown, Pennington
PU Donates Technology Equipment to Enhance Education in New Jersey Prisons
More than 300 students at the East Jersey State Prison and at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women will be using 52 laptops and other technology equipment donated by Princeton University, as they gain skills for transitions to college campuses and the job market.
The gift will be used to equip mobile computer labs in the two state prisons as part of the New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education in Prisons (NJ-STEP) consortium and will enhance the work of the Princeton University Prison Teaching Initiative (PTI), according to a Princeton University press release.
“Because of this important donation, our students at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women and at the East Jersey State Prison facility will now have the opportunity to access these laptops as part of their coursework,” said New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, as quoted in the release.
“It not only enhances their educational experience, but it also builds on their overall computer literacy,” she continued. “It prepares them for their next stages in life, in the community, on modern college campuses, and in their careers. And what we truly recognize at NJDOC is that this donation is more than the physical laptops.”
Speaking at a January 29 presentation event, Princeton University Provost Jennifer Rexford praised the work of the PTI and the accomplishments of the partnerships involved. “The prison teaching initiative, PTI as we call it, is really an example of the University’s mission at work in the world and I’m really thrilled that through this donation of mobile laptops that we are able to match Princeton’s mission with these resources,” she said. “We’re also extremely grateful for our partner institutions in higher ed who are also with us today, particularly Rutgers University and Raritan Valley Community College.”
The University’s PTI recruits, trains, and supports volunteer instruction for courses accredited by Raritan Valley Community College and Rutgers School of Criminal Justice for incarcerated students throughout New Jersey.
“With this donation, we celebrate the commitment of our students to their educational journeys, and their resilience, curiosity, and intelligence that inspires us to all continuously improve the educational programming and opportunities we offer,” said PTI Associate Director Jill Stockwell. “These labs, which will be used by incarcerated undergraduates throughout New Jersey, represent a vital step in preparing our students for the 21st century campuses and job markets they will come home to.”
The PTI, founded in 2005, “seeks to bridge Princeton University’s academic and service-driven missions by providing the highest quality post-secondary education to incarcerated students in New Jersey,” the press release states.
Princeton graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff who volunteer receive evidence-based pedagogy training. They diversify their teaching portfolios and they can provide pathways to Princeton’s campus for formerly incarcerated undergraduates through a number of different internship programs.
Since its inception seven years ago, the PTI internship programming has expanded to include three internships and a focus on digital literacy and intensive technology coaching during the summer. Past interns had noted that the computer skills and comfort with technology that they had gained were the most valuable element of the summer program.
“Providing laptops in prison will significantly enhance incarcerated students’ ability to learn by granting them access to essential educational tools,” said PTI alumnus and Rutgers University graduate Ali Muslim. “With the ability to conduct research, draft essays, and explore academic subjects more efficiently, students will be able to engage in deeper, more independent learning.”
Muslim went on to reflect on the experience he had after a long prison term.
“The benefits will also extend beyond prison walls,” he added. “When I was released in 2021 after being incarcerated since 1985, I had never used a laptop, making life on the outside feel like a foreign land. Integrating
this technology into prison education will better prepare individuals for reintegration into a rapidly evolving digital world.”
Gen Van Doren, director of the Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Returning and Incarcerated Student Education (RISE) Program, emphasized the impact of the donation of technology and the value of the partnership with Princeton University and NJ-STEP. “The expansion of technology has the potential to touch every student, whether it’s in English or business classes, communication, science, and math,” she said. “Our students are incredibly proud to call themselves college students and RVCC is really proud to welcome the 400plus RISE graduates since our inception. This donation to me serves as a reminder of what can happen when we have committed partners who are willing to work together in the best interest of our students.”
NJ STEP Director Chris Agans echoed Van Doren’s sentiments and went on to point out the value to the state of New Jersey of the donation and the partnerships.
“I’m talking about the mutual benefits of increased public safety, revitalized communities, intergenerational education, skilled labor, improved earnings, wealth production, creative solutions, and an overall reduction in immediate and collateral costs of crime and prison,” he said. “And that’s not just for any one person or any group — that’s for us collectively as a state. And this is only possible because our consortium continues to work together in this really unique public private partnership.”
—Donald Gilpin
Hunterdon Wine Train Rides Again in 2025
The popular Hunterdon Wine Express will be back this year with 16 dates, starting Saturday, April 26. Tickets are now on sale.
The train has sold out since its first maiden trip in the fall of 2022. Old York Cellars and Black & Western River Railroad were awarded the 2023 Tourism Initiative of the Year Award by the Hunterdon County Economic Development and Tourism Summit & the 2024 Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Award.
“We are thrilled that the Hunterdon Wine Express has been so well received by the public and are excited to expand this initiative with the Black & Western River Railroad. The Hunterdon Wine Express has become an integral component of agritourism in Hunterdon County,” said David Wolin, owner of Old York Cellars.
Passengers begin their journey at the Black River & Western Railroad Station in Flemington, where they board the train for the 25-minute trip to the Ringoes station. Along the journey, the wine ambassador from Old York Cellars shares a brief history of the Winery and wines in New Jersey. Upon arrival in Ringoes, the guests are shuttled by coach to the vineyard.
At the winery, guests will experience a guided Wine, Charcuterie, Cheese and Chocolate Pairing Experience with the winery’s award-winning wines, followed by lunch, prepared by Old York Cellars’ in-house chef, José Diaz. Guests can explore the vineyard, relax with a glass of wine, or listen to live music provided before the return trip to Flemington on the train.
This 3 ½ hour event costs $99/per person. Visit oldyorkcellars.com.
Hopewell Valley Run/Walk
Planned by High School
Two run/walk events, the Hopewell Valley Bulldog Blossom Run/Walk, will take place on Saturday, March 22 at Hopewell Valley Central High School, 259 Pennington/Titusville Road. Proceeds benefit the HVCHS PTO Class of 2026 and 2027 senior events.
The one-mile Fun Run starts at 8:45 a.m., followed by the 5K Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. Both will be held rain, snow, or shine. Age groups range from 15 and under to 80-89. T- shirts will be available to all who register by February 20; later while supplies last. Registration is $20 — $30 before February 20 and $25-$35 from February 21-March 22.
For more information, visit hopewellvalley5K.com.
Westminster continued from
one authorize an agreement with Princeton Mobile Food Pantry for temporary use of 237 North Harrison Street, the former headquarters of Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad (PFARS).
One resolution that sparked some extended discussion was about the appointment of Municipal Court Judge John McCarthy for another three-year term. After some back-and-forth focused on the basis on which an appointment can be made, four members of Council voted in favor, one voted against it, and another abstained. The resolution passed.
The next meeting of Council is on Monday, February 24 at 7 p.m.
—Anne Levin
Police Blotter
Suspect Charged With Possession of a Weapon
On February 10, at approximately 9:32 a.m., the Princeton Police Department received a 911 call reporting a verbal altercation at a business on North Harrison Street. The caller stated that a male suspect had threatened another individual at the scene and referenced having a firearm in a vehicle. Officers responded and located an individual matching the caller’s description — a male in his 30s wearing black sweatpants and a white shirt. He was identified as a 39-yearold Princeton male, and following an investigation, officers placed him under arrest for terroristic threats. A subsequent search of the vehicle in his possession resulted in the discovery of a silver and black Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun, along with two magazines loaded with hollow-point ammunition. He was transported to the Princeton Police Department, where he was processed and formally charged with Terroristic Threats, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Possession of Hollow-Point Ammunition. He was later transferred to the Mercer County Correctional Center.
On February 10, at 12:58 p.m., patrols were dispatched to a business on Nassau Street on the report of an individual with a red
hat and gray shirt, who was reportedly carrying a visible firearm within the establishment. Patrols located an individual nearby matching the description and identified him as a 76-year-old male from Skillman. Subsequent investigation revealed that he was in possession of an unregistered firearm, as well as hollow point ammunition and pepper spray. He was arrested, transported to headquarters and processed, and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. He was released on his own recognizance with a court date.
On February 10 , at 12:27 p.m., an individual reported that her vehicle was burglarized between 10:15 a.m. and 12:27 p.m., while parked in a Lovers Lane parking lot. An unknown person used an object to shatter the front passenger window, and then entered the vehicle and stole the individual’s purse. There are currently no suspects.
On February 8, at 4:56 a.m., patrols responded to Princeton Kingston Road on the report of a suspicious vehicle in the roadway. Subsequent investigation revealed that an unknown person or persons entered a residence on that street through an unsecured garage window and then attempted to steal the vehicle from the garage. Upon attempting to leave with the stolen vehicle, the unknown person struck the garage, causing damage to both the garage and the vehicle. The suspect then abandoned the vehicle in the roadway near the residence and fled the area. There are no suspects at this time.
On February 5, at 9:13 p.m., subsequent to a
motor vehicle stop on Mount Lucas Road, a 63-year-old Princeton male was arrested after he was found to be operating his vehicle while intoxicated. He was processed at headquarters and then released, and was issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Keep Right, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Stop for an Emergency Vehicle.
On February 5, at 4:37 p.m., patrols responded to Christopher Drive on the report of a criminal mischief incident involving bias intimidation. Upon arrival, patrols located anti-Israel graffiti on a street sign, written in red paint on the lower right portion of the sign.
On February 5, at 1:36 p.m., patrols responded to Rosedale Road on the report of a criminal mischief incident involving bias intimidation. They located graffiti on two traffic signs which appeared to be written with a red marker and consisted of “Free Palestine” with a red triangle, and “Zionism kills kids.”
On February 4, at 2:16 p.m., patrols investigated a criminal mischief incident where an individual reported that someone left a poster of the windshield of his car also scratched the passenger side of the vehicle before leaving the area. A follow-up investigation was conducted, which resulted in a 44-year-old male from Princeton being identified as the suspect, who was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief and Harassment. He was released with a court date.
On February 3 at 10:24 p.m., it was reported that an
unknown suspect broke the padlock hasp latch that is affixed to the exterior door of the women’s bathroom located in Grover Park, North Harrison Street. The cost to replace it is $10. There are no suspects.
On February 3 at 3:55 p.m., it was reported that a juvenile was walking west on the Guyot Path, just west of Jefferson Road, when he observed a male in his 30s, approximately 5’7 in height and wearing a dark green hooded jacket with the hood on. It was reported that the juvenile was followed and then chased by the male for no known reason, which caused the juvenile to feel alarmed and harassed.
On February 3, at 8:14 a.m., an individual reported he was added to a group chat on WhatsApp after clicking on an advertisement link on Facebook for an investment group. The individual, from Prospect Avenue, reported he chatted with someone who claimed to be an investment assistant with a financial group, and that he was encouraged to purchase specific stocks. In January 2025, he purchase $282,643.20 worth of a suggested stock, which initially rose in value and
then suddenly plummeted. The individual reported that he was then told to sell the stock at a much lower price that what he paid for it, with the promise that he would be reimbursed for any losses he incurred. He reported that he sold the stock at a significant loss and then realized that the investment group was a scam. He reported he suffered a total monetary loss of $273,156.82, as a result of the incident.
On February 1, at 3:55 p.m., police investigated the report of two stolen handbags. It was reported that the two purses, valued at $2,500 each, were stolen from the inside of an Albert Way walk-in closet located in a master bedroom sometime between January 2022 and January 2025.
On February 1, at 3:32 p.m., an Albert Way resident reported that his son’s bicycle was stolen sometime between December 26, 2024, and February 1, 2025. The caller reported that the bicycle was stored sand secured with a lock in a storage unit, but that lock was cut by an unknown person.
Unless noted, individuals arrested were later released.
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Mercer County Announces Renovations to Ballpark
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Mercer County Executive Dan Benson joined labor leaders and elected officials at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark on February 3 to sign a new Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for renovations to the stadium and facilities. The PLA guarantees that the $5.7 million project will hire union labor from local building trades unions and will pay employees a living
The project covers the first stage of repairs and upgrades that will bring the 31-year-old ballpark up to date with new MLB guidelines and help attract a minor-league affiliated team back to the venue.
the Mercer County Parks Commission. Also present for the signing were Trenton Thunder co-owners Joseph Plumeri II and Joeph Caruso; County Commissioners Sam Frisby, Nina Melker, and Lucy Walter; Trenton City Council Members Crystal Feliciano and Teska Frisby; and President of the Mercer County Central Labor Council Michele Liebtag.
Ear Piercing by Nurses Comes to Palmer Square Rowan, the mom-founded, women-led company providing ear piercing by licensed nurses only with hypoallergenic jewelry always, has opened its latest studio at 63 Palmer Square West.
No matter the size, each project receives the same superior craftsmanship and detailed project management.
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“For more than three decades, this ballpark has been a cornerstone of our Capital City and of Mercer County, it’s a place that brings families and communities together, and it brings people into Trenton from throughout the Benson. “Today we’re making a commitment that we’re going to do this project the right way by hiring union workers from the building trades, who live right here in Mercer County and have a stake in this com -
“I want to thank County Executive Benson and all the elected leaders who worked together to make this happen.” said Wayne DeAngelo, president of the Mercer County Building and Construction Trades Council. “Our members can’t wait to get to work so that the stadium is at top-shelf when the park reopens for the new season.”
“Our Palmer Square Princeton opening signifies our commitment to providing the safest piercing experience to all,” said Louisa Serene Schneider, founder and CEO of Rowan. “At Rowan, we believe every piercing is a milestone, and every milestone can be celebrated with a piercing. Our Palmer Square Princeton studio is more than just a place to get pierced; it’s a place to celebrate life’s moments, big and small.”
“We built this stadium 30 years ago with union labor, and over 10 million people have come here to enjoy a game in the years since,” said Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, who sponsored legislation securing $6.5 million in state funding for upgrades to the ballpark. “These upgrades will keep people coming far into the future.”
The Trenton Thunder Ballpark is a property of
“Rowan is a thoughtful and exciting addition to Palmer Square’s vibrant mix of distinctive brands and experiences,” said Lori Rabon, Vice President of Palmer Square Management. Their emphasis on safety, quality and personal expression is a wonderful fit for our community. We are so pleased to welcome Rowan to Princeton and look forward to the joy they’ll bring to residents and visitors of the Square.” In addition to offering ear piercing by nurses and hypoallergenic jewelry, Rowan places high importance on hygiene and is backed by a medical advisory board. For more information, visit heyrowan.com.
Tell them you saw their ad in
FEBRUARY
“What we’re trying to do is give this community a chance to hear directly from them about how their visions differ and how they distinguish themselves, so that people can make an informed choice in the June primary.”
Oakman noted that he hopes that Gottheimer and Sherrill will change their minds and decide to join the forum. “It’s a hugely missed opportunity for them as there are over 200 registrants thus far and the livestream will reach many, many more voters,” he said.
Attendees are encouraged to register in advance and send in questions for the candidates through the PCDO Facebook page or the PCDO website at princetondemsit.wixsite.com.
The doors open at 6:15 p.m. Sunday for those registered, and non-registered entry begins at 6:40 p.m., first come, first served.
The six candidates debated earlier in the month in a forum at Rider University during which they presented their ideas on a wide range of issues including Trump administration policies, immigration, education, property
taxes, government transparency, New Jersey Transit and the New York City congestion tax, housing, and state aid to schools.
Those concerns are also likely to dominate the February 16 debate. The PCDO has been collecting a range of questions from its members, and Oakman considered what might be the biggest issue in the upcoming debate. “I think a lot of what’s happening on a daily basis in D.C. is really impacting New Jersey,” he said.
“We have a question in front of us about whether we want a leader who pushes back against that or whether we want somebody who essentially goes along with it,” he continued.
Noting that Trump fared better than expected in New Jersey last November, Oakman anticipates an interesting battle between Democrats and Republicans in the fall of 2025.
“I think it will be a referendum in some ways on the MAGA movement and Donald Trump and how we see New Jersey’s future in that context,” said Oakman. He suggested some of the questions voters will be asking themselves and the candidates, like ‘To what extent are they continuing things that have been happening in the past eight years? Do they think things should be changed? Are there policy issues that haven’t gotten enough attention during the Murphy period? What is your vision for the future in the context of the Democratic race and who do you think reflects that best? Why do you want to be governor and how do you plan to use the apparatus of the state to either work with or oppose aspects
of federal policy that you do or don’t agree with?’”
PCDO Program Manager Jean Durbin added, “We want to get at how the candidates think about certain things, what moves them, why they’re running, what they think they can do to actually help the state, and why they think they can beat the Republican opponent.”
She went on to discuss the role of the PCDO. “Essentially we view ourselves as a purveyor of information for the voters. We bring people together to think about and talk through the issues, to inform the debate,” she said. “We really think it’s important to bring people together as a community, to talk about the issues, and to hear from the candidates how they think they can make the lives of New Jerseyans better.”
In commenting on what’s at stake in the 2025 race for governor, Oakman looked back to the 2016 election of Trump as president followed by Murphy’s election as New Jersey Governor a year later. “Murphy spent a lot of time and effort helping make sure that New Jersey’s values were sustained in a time when at the national level a lot of people were dissatisfied with what happened,” he said. “We went through the COVID experience and the state was critical in making sure that New Jersey came through that with the economy and the public health intact.”
He went on, “We’ve experienced already the importance of having leadership in the state that can respond to what’s happening in D.C. and reflect the values of New Jersey. We’re back in the same boat eight years later, and we have to pick a new leader.”
Oakman noted that the Candidate Forum is being held earlier than usual this year and there would not be a vote to endorse candidates at this time. The PCDO cited the need “to spend as much time as possible bringing the candidates and their platforms to the community to let the community hear from the candidates and facilitate an open, democratic process.” The Mercer County Democratic Convention will follow the PCDO Candidate Forum and will take place on Wednesday, February 19.
—Donald Gilpin
Darkside After Dark Night Market Awaits
Darkside After Dark “Til Death Do Us Part” Night Market is coming to Bensalem, Pa., on Saturday, February 15, from 4 to 11 p.m. at Broken Goblet Brewing, 2500 State Road, Bensalem.
Darkside New Jersey Art & Oddities Expo is owned and produced by The New Jersey (Trenton) Punk Rock Flea Market.
The organizers say to “prepare for a Valentine’s Day revelry of the macabre steeped in darkness with event highlights including dozens of highly-curated vendors showcasing eerie art, oddities and more; thrilling dark arts, sideshow and live music performances to stir your soul.” Also featured will be tarot readings, craft beers, dark spirits, food trucks, and other food options (including vegan options).
While limited tickets will be available at the door, advance tickets can be secured at Njisodd.com.
Talk on Stonemasons
At Dorothea’s House
On Sunday, March 2 from 5-7 p.m., architect Michael Mills will speak at Dorothea’s House, 120 John Street, about the Italian stonemasons who settled in Princeton in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Many buildings on the Princeton University campus were constructed by stonemasons who came from Pettoranello and other places in Italy. These men worked on stone used in many of the Collegiate Gothic University buildings. Mills, an architect who has worked extensively at the University, will show various stone masonry projects on the campus, and focus on the contributions of Italian stone craftsmanship.
A Princeton alumnus, Mills has devoted his career to the preservation and adaptive use design of some of the region’s most significant historic structures. He has lectured at the University’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and at the Association for Preservation Technology’s international conference. He serves as associate graduate faculty in the Rutgers University Cultural Heritage and
Preservation Studies program, and is past president of Preservation New Jersey. The events is free. Participants are encouraged to bring refreshments to share at a post-program reception. Visit dorotheashouse.org for more information.
Lunch and Learn Workshop For National Caregivers’ Day The Center for Modern Aging Princeton (CMAP) will hold a special “Lunch & Learn: Long-Distance Caregivers” event on Friday, February 21, from 12-1 p.m. This free event, held both in-person at CMAP’s Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning location and via Zoom, honors National Caregivers’ Day by providing essential support and resources for those caring for loved ones from afar.
Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges, often leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed with concerns about their loved ones’ well-being, coupled with feelings of guilt and helplessness. This workshop, led by Chris Kellogg of NightengaleNJ, will explore practical tools, local resources, and proven strategies to help caregivers maintain their loved ones’ dignity and independence while finding peace of mind for themselves.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch and join the conversation. Whether supporting an aging parent, relative, or family friend, this program offers an opportunity to connect with others facing similar experiences and gain actionable insights to make caregiving less daunting.
National Caregivers’ Day, observed annually on the third Friday in February, is a time to celebrate and honor caregivers who selflessly provide vital support to those in need. From professional caregivers to family members, these unsung heroes make a tremendous difference in the lives of the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill.
Registration is required for this free event at engage. cmaprinceton.org/component/events/event/897.
FEBRUARY 18 Hanif Abdurraqib & Douglas Stuart Award-winning poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib (There’s Always This
a Princeton tradition!
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FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY: Share My Meals and Princeton Public Schools are making sure surplus meals from the schools are going to Princeton residents in need. From left are Peter Torino, Pomptonian Food Service manager; Shannon Barlow, PPS food systems literacy coordinator; and Tracy Hart, Pomptonian operations manager. (Photo
Share My Meals
continued from page one
“Collaborating with Share My Meals aligns perfectly with our goals of sustainability and community support,” said Shannon Barlow, PPS food systems literacy coordinator. “By donating our surplus meals, we’re not only reducing food waste but also ensuring that students and families in our community have access to nutritious food.”
Candy Vidovich, CEO of Pomptonian Food Service, said the company promotes health and well-being through its programs.
“Partnering with Share My Meals and Princeton
Public Schools allows us to extend that mission beyond the cafeteria, directly impacting families in need and supporting our shared commitment to sustainability,” she said.
—Anne Levin
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DRIVING HUNGER AWARENESS: Volunteers at the Princeton University Wintersession event CANgineering to Raise Awareness and Aid for Food Insecurity in Princeton, in collaboration with Send Hunger Packing Princeton, are pictured with a truck made from cans, which were later distributed to local food pantries.
Henry J. Austin Center Funded for More Hours
Rider Furniture
A large-scale truck fully built out of cans was a highlight of a Princeton University Wintersession event called CANgineering to Raise Awareness and Aid for Food Insecurity in Princeton, in collaboration with Send Hunger Packing Princeton (SHUPP).
The event was led by Princeton University junior Ada Metaxas, who has worked with SHUPP on various initiatives, working with Francis Johnson, a Princeton first-year, and Sarina Hasan, a Princeton junior. The event was open to members of the Princeton University community and was attended by undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and friends and family members.
The event began with a presentation about SHUPP’s mission, and food insecurity in the local Princeton community. The information included that more than 10 percent of Mercer County residents are food-insecure. The event volunteers divided into “task forces” to construct different components of the large-scale truck. One group focused on creating symmetric wheels using cans and duct tape. In approximately 40 minutes, the volunteers completely constructed the truck out of 500 cans and duct tape. The truck was fashioned with a front license plate with the letters SHUPP. While constructing the truck, volunteers overcame various aesthetic and structural challenges.
Subsequently, the cans were distributed in the SHUPP free food pantries around town. This community-building event is a small-scale version of a community-wide CANgineering Competitive Event that SHUPP intends to hold within the upcoming year. Overall, the event was intended to form connections, raise awareness, and help address food insecurity.
Send Hunger Packing Princeton is a 501C3 nonprofit corporation founded over a decade ago specifically to address food insecurity among the students in Princeton. Its motto is, “Because a child should hunger for knowledge, not for breakfast.” SHUPP also oversees 17 raised bed gardens, maintains stock for six free outdoor pantries., and recently built a sensory garden in the YMCA and YWCA parking lot. For more information, visit shupprinceton.org.
Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC) in Trenton has received a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The grant of $377,441 for the first year will enable HJAHC to expand its hours of operation by supporting critical clinical and administrative staff necessary to add weekday evening and weekend hours.
Since health centers serve patients regardless of their ability to pay, expanding operating hours is critical for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by Medicaid and struggle to find affordable care outside of traditional business hours. Many of these patients cannot afford costly visits to urgent care, retail clinics, or emergency departments.
This funding will also help patients overcome common barriers to accessing care, such as bringing a child to the doctor after work or securing a timely weekend appointment when feeling unwell. Additionally, it will connect patients with preventive services and resources that address health-related social needs, ultimately improving health outcomes. Without these expanded hours, many patients might forgo care altogether, increasing health risks and leading to costlier emergency department visits when conditions worsen.
HJAHC will increase its overall capacity by maximizing the use of its current licensed primary care locations. The two health centers are at 321 North Warren Street and 112 Ewing Street in Trenton. Visit henryjaustin.org for more information.
RevolutionNJ Prepares For 250th Anniversary
RevolutionNJ, the State’s official initiative to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026, has announced that over 100 New Jersey communities and 200 New Jersey organizations have officially joined in the 250th preparations.
In 2018 the New Jersey State Legislature charged the New Jersey Historical Commission with planning the State’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. With Crossroads of the American Revolution Association as its non-profit partner, RevolutionNJ was formed.
To help all New Jerseyans participate in this commemoration, RevolutionNJ created the RevolutionNJ Community and Proud Partner programs in 2023. Since then, over 100 communities from around the state and 200 organizations representing a wide range of sectors have joined the initiative.
“Participating in the 250th commemoration is an excellent opportunity to unite New Jerseyans while building a better future for the next generation,” said Sara Cureton, executive director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. “As seen during the 1976 bicentennial, milestone anniversaries can serve as a catalyst to build heritage tourism, strengthen history education in public schools, encourage civic engagement, generate funding for local organizations, and bring together various groups of people around a common cause. Through the RevolutionNJ Community and Proud Partner programs, we aim to provide New Jersey with the tools and resources necessary to achieve these goals in 2026 and beyond.”
“New Jersey is a diverse state in many ways, so we know there will be no onesize-fits-all commemoration,” said Carrie Fellows, executive director of the non-profit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association. “Our goal is to empower New Jersey communities, organizations, and businesses to find their own connection to America’s 250th whether that be through a community clean-up event, the creation of a new symphony, or a fireworks display.”
“2026 will be a unique opportunity for all New Jerseyans to assess the last 250 years of our history and to look forward to the next 250 years,” said New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in her role as New Jersey Secretary of State. “In this endeavor, New Jersey’s businesses, municipalities, counties, and community groups will play an essential role. We hope they will take advantage of the free tools and resources provided by the RevolutionNJ Proud Partner and Community programs to prepare for this special moment in our nation’s and state’s history.” Visit revnj.org/join-us to learn more.
by Krista Galyon)
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Princeton Board of Education Thanks Voters for Supporting Facilities Referendum
To the Editor:
We are writing to thank the voters for supporting the facilities bond referendum that passed on January 28. The passage of all three questions will allow the district to accommodate enrollment growth and better serve current and future students by adding 23 classrooms across four schools, five small group instruction rooms, expanding common areas, and rehabilitating and replacing the HVAC system at Princeton High School.
The total cost of the referendum is approximately $89 million. We recognize this is a large sum of money that will increase taxes on an already highly-taxed citizenry. We are pleased that with the passage of the referendum, we have been approved for approximately $19 million in state aid towards the debt service aid (principal and interest) which will help to lessen the overall tax impact of the projects.
The Board’s focus will now shift to ensuring that these projects are done to specifications, on time, and within the budget. We are confident that our experienced team, the district’s business administrator, construction project manager, and other professionals, projects are completed with fidelity. We will provide up dates on the progress of the projects at future board meet ings and at princetonk12.com/referendum
The passage of the referendum ensures that we have ap propriate spaces in which to educate students. our top priority remains ensuring that all the students we serve have the opportunity and support needed to achieve their full potential, regardless of race, gender, nationality, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, learning difference, socio-economic status, or religion.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools.
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MARCH 1-7, 2025
At Greenwood House Hospice, our families and caregivers LOVE HOW MUCH WE CARE! AND YOU WILL, TOO.
“I am proud and honored to serve as Greenwood House Hospice Medical Director and to work alongside some of the best nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers in the business. Our team provides intimate and comprehensive care for our terminally ill patients. We support not just those in their final months but also their families and loved ones.”
– DAVID R. BARILE, MD Medical Director, Greenwood House Hospice
Hospice is about living the fullest life possible according to a patient’s capabilities within a life-limiting condition. In hospice, your choices guide the care we provide. Hospice care affirms quality of life. Our goal is to prevent and relieve pain, discomfort, anxiety and fear.
We provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones. Hospice care is provided wherever a patient feels most comfortable or where they call home. We help families and caregivers prepare for endof-life challenges and find creative ways to share in life review and legacy projects so that our patient’s wisdom and memories can be treasured for future generations.
Our Hospice Team consists of:
• Hospice Medical Director, a board-certified hospice physician
• Registered Nurses (RNs) monitoring pain, managing symptoms and guiding patient’s plan of care
• Hospice Certified Home Health Aides (CHHAs) providing personal patient care and companionship
• Social Workers supporting patients and families and connecting them with community resources
• Spiritual Counselors providing emotional support and personal counseling
• Bereavement Services offering guidance and education concerning anticipatory grief to families throughout care and bereavement
• Hospice Volunteers assisting with a variety of patient and family personalized support activities
Greenwood House Hospice is a nonprofit, mission-based organization rooted in cherished Jewish traditions and an industry leader in providing high-quality senior health care in the state of New Jersey. Seniors of all faiths are welcome.
Or
Books
Althea Ward Clark Reading Series Presents Abdurraqib and Stuart
Award-winning poet, essayist and 2021 MacArthur Fellow Hanif Abdurraqib (There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension, A Little Devil in America ) and 2020 Booker Prize-winning and bestselling novelist Douglas Stuart ( Shuggie Bain, Young Mungo ) read from their recent work in the 2024-25 Althea Ward Clark W’21 Reading Series. This event is cosponsored by the Lewis Center for the Arts and Labyrinth Books. Abdurraqib and Stuart will read on Tuesday, February 18 at 6 p.m. at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. The Princeton University reading series provides an opportunity for students as well as all in the greater Princeton region to hear and meet outstanding contemporary writers.
Stuart is a Scottish American author and fashion designer. His debut novel, Shuggie Bain (Grove Press, $27), won
the 2020 Booker Prize and was a finalist for the National Book Award. It won both the Debut of the Year and the overall Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. In April 2022, he published his second novel, Young Mungo His short stories have been published in The New Yorker. Abdurraqib is a poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio. His books include the poetry collections The Crown Ain’t Worth Much (Button Poetry, $16) a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Book Prize, and A Fortune For Your Disaster, winner of the 2020 Lenore Marshall Prize; and the essay collection They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, named a book of the year by Esquire and The Los Angeles Review, among others. His essays and music criticism have been published in Pitchfork, The New Yorker, and The New York Times.
Poet Monica Youn To Read at Lewis Center
The Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creative Writing presents a reading by the 2024-2025 Theodore H. Holmes ’51 and Bernice Holmes Visiting Poet Monica Youn, a National Book Award finalist and past Guggenheim Fellow, on Tuesday, February 25 at 6 p.m. in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex on the Princeton University campus.
The reading is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. A book signing will follow with books available for purchase through Labyrinth Books. 122 Nassau Street (labyrinthbooks.com).
Youn, a Princeton alumna, Class of 1993, is the author of four poetry collections, most recently From From (Graywolf Press 2023), which was awarded the Anisfield-Wolf Award, was a finalist for the National Book Award, and the PEN Voelcker Award, and was longlisted for the PEN Jean Stein Award. From From was a New York Times Notable Book and Best Poetry Book of 2023, as well as being named a best book of the year by Time Magazine , NPR, Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Her previous book, Blackacre , was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Kingsley Tufts
Award and the PEN Open Book Award, was longlisted for the National Book Award, and was named a best poetry book of 2016 by the New York Times, Washington Post, and Paris Review. Her book Ignatz was also a finalist for the National Book Award.
Youn has been awarded the Levinson Prize from the Poetry Foundation, the William Carlos Williams Award of the Poetry Society of America, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Witter Bytter Fellowship from the Library of Congress, and a Stegner Fellowship. A former constitutional lawyer, she is a member of the curatorial collective the Racial Imaginary Institute and is professor of English at UC Irvine. She previously taught in Princeton’s Program in Creative Writing. As the Holmes visiting poet and visiting professor of creative writing during this current academic year, Youn has been teaching courses in introductory and advanced poetry.
The Wallace Theater is wheelchair-accessible with an assistive listening system. Guests in need of other access accommodations are asked to contact the Lewis Center at LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week prior to the event date.
Vinson Cunningham, A.M. Homes Discuss Debut Novel at Labyrinth
Author Vinson Cunningham will be in conversation with writer and Princeton faculty member A.M. Homes on Wednesday, February 19, at 6 p.m., to discuss Great Expectations : A Novel, Cunningham’s debut novel. The event is at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street.
A historic presidential campaign changes the trajectory of a young Black man’s life in this “coming of age story that captures the soul of America,” according to The Washington Post. In the novel from The New Yorker staff writer and Pulitzer Prize finalist Cunningham, when the character David first hears the Senator from Illinois speak, he feels deep ambivalence. Intrigued by the Senator’s idealistic rhetoric, he wonders how he’ll balance the fervent belief and inevitable compromises it will take to become the United States’ first Black president.
Great Expectations (Hogarth, $28) is about David’s time spent working for the senator’s presidential campaign, during which he meets people who raise questions of history, art, race, religion, and fatherhood that force David to look at his own life anew and come to terms with his identity as a young Black man and father in America.
Start time: 8:30AM
High School
“Vinson Cunningham’s sparkling debut novel, set during the Obama campaign, earns its comparisons to Henry James,” according to Slate.
Great Expectations has been deemed a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, NPR, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Town & Country, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews, among others. In addition to being a staff writer at The New Yorker, Cunningham cohosts the podcast “Critics at Large” and his writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New York Times Book Review, The Fader, Vulture, The Awl, and McSweeney’s A former staffer on Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign and in his White House, Cunningham has taught at Sarah Lawrence College, the Yale School of Art, and Columbia University’s School of the Arts. Homes’ most recent book is The Unfolding. Her many previous works include This Book Will Save Your Life , winner of the 2013 Orange/ Women’s Prize for Fiction, the short-story collection Days of Awe , and the bestselling memoir, The Mistress’s Daughter She is a Professor in the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creative Writing. This event is cosponsored by Princeton University’s Humanities Council, Princeton’s Program in Journalism, The Princeton Public Library, and Labyrinth Books.
Moore St, Princeton, NJ
5K Registration
Dash
54+
Monica Youn (Photo by Beowulf Sheehan)
On Lincoln’s Birthday: Lights and Shadows, Sandburg, Shakespeare, and Black History
Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is as hard as rock and soft as drifting fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect.” With these words the poet and Lincoln biographer Carl Sandburg began his address to a joint session of Congress on the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, February 12, 1959.
Sandburg made sure to mention some hard truths up front, including the fact that early in his administration, Lincoln “took to himself the powers of a dictator.” As commander of “the most powerful armies till then assembled in modern warfare,” he “enforced conscription of soldiers for the first time in American history. Under imperative necessity he abolished the right of habeas corpus. He directed politically and spiritually the wild, massive, turbulent forces let loose in civil war.” And after failing to get action on compensated emancipation, “he issued the paper by which he declared the slaves to be free under ‘military necessity.’ In the end nearly $4 million worth of property was taken away from those who were legal owners of it, property confiscated, wiped out as by fire and turned to ashes, at his instigation and executive direction.”
On a key date in Black History Month, whether you’re thinking 1959 or 2025, it’s striking to hear emancipated human beings referred to as “property confiscated.” No less striking is the idea of a poet addressing a joint session of Congress in the same room that would be overrun by a lawless (recently “emancipated”) mob during the January 6, 2021 insurrection. It’s almost as if by opening with the “powers of a dictator” idea, Sandburg somehow anticipated the “turbulent forces let loose” in January 2025 by the newly elected president. As Sandburg makes clear, while Lincoln’s use of these powers, primarily during his first three weeks in office, was urgent and necessary, his ultimate goal was to bring the country together, not to pull it apart. Compare Sandburg’s vision of an abiding leader (who once admitted “I have been controlled by events”) to the president who recently ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop minting the Lincoln penny (among many more consequential dictates): “In the mixed shame and blame of the immense wrongs of two crashing civilizations, often with nothing to say, he said nothing, slept not at all, and on occasions he was seen to weep in a way that made weeping appropriate,
decent, majestic.” And even as “the war winds howled, he insisted that the Mississippi was one river meant to belong to one country, that railroad connection from coast to coast must be pushed through and the Union Pacific Railroad made a reality.”
And perhaps most striking of all is the poet’s pondering of the word “democracy” in regard to people of “many other countries” who “take Lincoln now for their own. He belongs to them .... He had something they would like to see spread everywhere over the world. Democracy?
We can’t find words to say exactly what it is, but he had it. In his blood and bones he carried it. In the breath of his speeches and writings it is there.... He had the idea. It’s there in the lights and shadows of his personality, a mystery that can be lived but never fully spoken in words.”
Knowing Shakespeare
Sandburg’s phrasing on Lincoln’s mystery, his “lights and shadows,” brings to mind the president’s fondness for Shakespeare, whose words were also in “his blood and bones” along with democracy. It wasn’t just that he could recite long passages from Hamlet and Macbeth and Richard III , he actually knew when the speeches he loved had been violated or omitted, as was sometimes the case with the fratricidal king’s soliloquy in Hamlet or the time when the earthy duel of invective between Falstaff and Hal in the first part of Henry IV was dropped altogether, as happened during a performance the president attended at the Washington Theatre in March 1863. Lincoln’s enlightened grasp of the plays is evident in his letter to the actor James H. Hackett, who had played Falstaff in that compromised staging of Henry IV. After complimenting Hackett’s performance (“I am very anxious to see it again”), Lincoln refers to his favorite plays, with Macbeth the most admired (“It is wonderful”), before making a distinction between two soliloquies, declaring that the one spoken by Claudius (“O, my offence is rank”) “surpasses” Hamlet’s “To Be Or Not To Be.”
John Wilkes Booth himself might have been struck by that choice, as would perhaps his brother Edwin, the most acclaimed Shakespearean actor of the day. While “To Be Or Not To be” may have more in common with Lincoln’s “philosophy,” it’s important to note that he’s pondering Claudius’s words (“It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t, / A brother’s murder!”) while planning his speech for the dedication of the Gettysburg national cemetery later that month. With the country embroiled in civil war, “brother slaying brother” (including one instance Lincoln had firsthand knowledge of), it makes sense that he’d be more responsive to the grimly timely “My offence is rank” soliloquy, with its reference to a hand “thicker than itself with brother’s blood,” and to the question, “Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens to wash it white as snow?”
The Shakespearean resonance of Claudius’s words is particularly striking on February 12, 2025, in lines like “May one be pardon’d and retain the offence? / In the corrupted currents of this world / Offence’s gilded hand may shove by justice; / And oft ‘tis seen the wicked prize itself / Buys out the law: but ‘tis not so above: / There is no shuffling, there the action lies.”
Paging Darwin
Aware of the fact that Lincoln and the author of The Origin of Species were both born on February 12, 1809, and given my weakness for the poetry of connections, I recently read “Darwin on Lincoln and Vice Versa,” a January 22, 2009 article in Smithsonian Magazine, in which Lincoln’s law partner and biographer William Herndon refers to the future president’s fascination with Robert Chambers’s Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation (published anonymously in 1844), suggesting that Lincoln was “deeply impressed” by the “universal law of evolution,” having told him one day, “There are no accidents in my philosophy. Every effect must have its cause. The past is the cause of the
present, and the present will be the cause of the future. All these are links in the endless chain stretching from the finite to the infinite.”
That’s a very “written” statement, but whether Herndon took it down as spoken or finessed it, Lincoln’s presence is signified by his assumption of Hamlet’s most quoted line, to his dear friend Horatio, “There are more things on heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
As for Darwin’s view of Lincoln, The Autobiography of Charles Darwin (Dover paperback) includes a letter to an abolitionist friend in America written a few weeks after the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863: “Well, your President has issued his fiat against Slavery — God grant it may have some effect.” After mentioning his “gloomy view about your future,” Darwin says “I look to your money depreciating so much that there will be mutiny with your soldiers & quarrels between the different states which are to pay. In short anarchy & then the South & Slavery will be triumphant. But I hope my dismal prophecies will be as utterly wrong as most of my other prophecies have been. But everyone’s prophecies have been wrong; those of your Government as wrong as any. — It is a cruel evil to the whole world; I hope that you may prove right & good come out of it.”
Lincolnesque
There’s a Lincolnesque story behind the clean-shaven, colorized face on the cover of Ronald C. White’s Lincoln in Private (Random House 2021). As White points out, Lincoln told the photographer Alexander Hesler “that he did not know why people wanted photos of such a homely face. When Hesler insisted on smoothing out Lincoln’s hair,” the future president ran his fingers vigorously through it before sitting, with wild and wonderful results, which the book’s jacket designer understandably cropped, giving Hesler what he wanted a century and a half after the fact. Black History
February 12 is a date to be reckoned with. Lincoln’s centenary was the occasion of the founding of the NAACP, inspired by the 1908 race riot in his hometown, Springfield, Illinois. Two world wars later on February 12, 1946, an honorably discharged Army veteran named Isaac Woodward was beaten blind by South Carolina police, an atrocity that helped galvanize the civil rights movement.
Fresh off its win of a fourth Grammy award, the Philadelphia-based professional chamber vocal ensemble
The Crossing performed in Richardson Auditorium last Tuesday night as part of McCarter Theatre Center’s classical music series. Choruses often specialize in the works of specific composers or time periods, and The Crossing, under the direction of Donald Nally, has built a stellar reputation as an ensemble dedicated to new repertoire. Each of the 16 voices in The Crossing is not only capable of solo performance but is also able to combine with the other Crossing singers to create a unified and impeccablytuned choral palette.
The Crossing came to Richardson to present a single work — the 14-movement poor hymnal of New York composer David Lang. A collector of old hymnals, Lang has written a piece addressing the question of whether the community messages conveyed by hymns of the past are the same as today. Lang’s a capella choral work, commissioned by both The Crossing and a chorus from the Netherlands, fused texts inspired by the Bible and contemporary writings with choral writing well suited to The Crossing’s precise vocal style and technique.
Soprano Anika Kildegaard opened the work with a solo rendition of Lang’s reflective poem on “a poor man.” Members of The Crossing require solid vocal independence and confidence to successfully contribute to this level of choral performance, and Kildegaard commanded the stage well as a lone singer controlling the pace in delivering the text.
As a full chorus, the singers performed with little vibrato and solid collaboration from one another, and as soloists, had no trouble shining on their own. Kildegaard also closed poor hymnal with the same clear vocal tone, baritone Walter Aldrich lyrically conveyed another reflective poem of “what remains when I am gone” and tenor Steven Bradshaw provided an ethereal backdrop to text inspired by early 20th-century
The McCarter
Congregationalist minister, author, and hymnwriter Howard Arnold Walter. Similar to most hymns, Lang’s work was homophonic, containing little counterpoint or passages in which the performers were not all singing the same words at the same time. This was music of palettes, chord streams and colors, with conductor Nally effectively punctuating the texture with dramatic silences. Exact tuning was an understood demand, which The Crossing executed flawlessly. Cadences were uniformly tapered, providing a natural flow to the crisply-presented texts. While most of the fourteen movements began with The Crossing members singing together, two central movements started with the tenors and basses, who created a rich underpinning to the pure soprano sound. Changes in dynamics and key shifts successfully varied the musical treatments of Lang’s texts. The movement “what is mine,” with texts inspired by Elizabeth Warren, Barack Obama and Saint Basil the Great, harkened back to early New England with the open-chord harmonies and stark sound of 18th-century hymnody. Lang set a simple prayer of kindness in a close harmony style, with four words repeated in the melody against a backdrop of cleanly sung syllables. Nally and The Crossing closed poor hymnal with texts inspired by Leo Tolstoy and the 8th-century antiphon “Ubi Caritas,” well utilizing dramatic pauses and allowing the chords to hang in the air.
Devoting an ensemble’s mission to contemporary music can be risky, but with four Grammy awards to its credit, The Crossing has more than proven that the chorus is on the right track in performing works that “explore and expand ways of writing for choir, singing in choir and listening to music for choir.” The Crossing’s high level of singing and commissioning of nearly 190 pieces over its 20-year history assure that 21st-century choral performance is alive and well.
will present modern jazz
—Nancy Plum
by visiting mccarter.org.
Theatre
visionary Chief Adjuah on Thursday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Berlind Theatre, and Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin on Friday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Matthews Theatre. Ticket information about these performances can be obtained
PSO Chamber Series Continues
With Valencia Baryton Project
On Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m., music of the baryton will be showcased at a concert by the Valencia Baryton Project at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. The concert is part of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s new chamber music series.
The baryton is an ancient and little-known 17th- and 18th-century string instrument, a cross between the viol da gamba and lirone, with 10 resonating and plucked strings down its back. The baryton gives the traditional string trio an entirely new dimension.
The Project’s trio consists of Matthew Baker on baryton with violist Brett Walfish and cellist Ismar Gomes
In addition to traditional trios by Haydn, the ensemble will perform works by modern-day composers. Written specially for the Valencia Baryton Project, John Pickup’s Dragonslayer’s Lament (2023) and Steven Zink’s three-movement Baryton Trio No. 1 (2023) demonstrate the versatility of the instrument.
The Valencia Baryton Project was founded by Valencia-based barytonist Matthew Baker, one of only a handful of baryton performers in the world, with the vision of performing the nearly 160 works written by Haydn for the baryton, as well as compositions by other composers, both modern and classical. At the heart of the repertoire is the traditional baryton trio — baryton, viola, and cello — for which Haydn wrote 123 works during his
time as court composer for Prince Esterhazy of Austria.
General admission tickets for each of the four chamber concerts are available for $45 per person. Youths 5-17 receive a 50 percent discount with an adult purchase. Visit princetonsymphony.org or call (609) 497-0020.
Film Series Focuses On Experimental Work
“Seeing the Big Picture: An Experimental Film Series organized by Princeton University Professor Christopher Harris features 16mm analog films by internationally celebrated experimental filmmakers working at the forefront of artists’ films in a variety of idiosyncratic forms, using handmade methods and unconventional materials.
This series of nine screenings running through April 14 at the James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau Street, includes Learning to Be Human , a special program showcasing rare 16mm educational films from the late ’60s and early ’70s on loan from the Harvard Film Archive Each screening is followed by an in-person conversation with the visiting artist.
Screenings are February 10, 17, and 24; March 3, 17, and 31; and April 7 and 14 at 8 p.m. Admission is free. The experimental films to be presented in the series, which began February 3, include
Ruth Ochs leads the the Westminster Community Orchestra in a program on Sunday, February 23 at 3 p.m. in a program titled “Winterlude,” in Hillman Hall, in the Cullen Center, on the Westminster campus, Walnut Lane.
The concert will feature Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major and Borodin’s Overture to Prince Igor, as well as the second-place winners of the Westminster Conservatory Piano Concerto competition. Amanda Wu will perform the first movement from Haydn’s Concerto in D Major; Divya Sreekumar will perform the second and third movements from Bach’s Concerto in F Minor.
There
a variety of idiosyncratic forms, using handmade methods, and unconventional materials. The lineup of filmmakers includes artist and filmmaker Mary Helena Clark on February 10, media artist Melissa Friedling and artist and filmmaker Lana Lin on February 17, filmmaker and anthropologist Kathryn Ramey on February 24, writer and artist Stephanie Barber on March 3, avant-garde/experimental filmmaker Jennifer Reeves on March 17, artist Rhayne Vermette on March 31, and artist and experimental filmmaker Sara Sowell on April 7.
“The projection of artists’ films on 16mm celluloid at the proper size, scale and brightness in a cinema theater has become increasingly rare,” said Harris, “so I hope audiences take advantage of this opportunity to view them as the artists intend. Streaming digital scans of films like these on a laptop is like flipping through a coffee table book compared to visiting the Louvre; the tiny digital reproductions completely lack the size, color, and vibrant richness of real thing. You don’t want to miss it.”
For more information, visit arts.princeton.edu.
Tell them you saw their ad in
“We’ve titled this concert Winterlude because the beautiful pieces we programmed are the perfect antidote to brighten up the dark moods associated with winter,” said Ochs. “While Brahms’ mighty Symphony No. 2 is considered his most uplifting symphony, there are moments of brooding emotions in this piece, much the same as what we experience during the winter months, as we look forward to the arrival of spring. We are also delighted to welcome the second-place winners of the Westminster Conservatory Piano Concerto competition, Amanda Wu and Divya Sreekumar, two very talented young artists.”
Amanda, a fourth grader at Village School in West Windsor, has been studying piano at the Westminster Conservatory with Michael Jacobsen for five and a half years. Divya, a ninth grader at Edison Academy Magnet School, has been studying piano with Galina Prilutskaya at the Conservatory for five years.
Now in her 20th season as the WCO’s music director, Ochs has led the group in performances of major orchestral and choral-orchestral works. Under her leadership, the orchestra continues to feature ensembles and soloists from the Westminster Conservatory and highlight works by local and under-represented composers. Ochs is currently a senior lecturer in the Princeton University Department of Music, where she is in her 23rd season as the conductor of the Princeton University Sinfonia.
The Westminster Community Orchestra presents programs noted for their diverse repertoire and widespread appeal. Members are professional and amateur musicians from New Jer
sey and Pennsylvania. They come from
a suggested admission of $10/person cash will be collected at the door. Visit rider.edu for more information.
TRIO WITH A TWIST: Most people are unfamiliar with the baryton, a 17th- and-18th-century string instrument that is the focus of a performance by the Valencia Baryton Project on February 27 at Trinity Church.
(Photo by Greg Kindred)
Westminster Community Orchestra Presents “Winterlude” Concert
YOUNG SOLOISTS: Westminster Conservatory piano students Divya Streekumar, left, and Amanda Wu are featured in a program by the Westminster Community Orchestra of February 23.
Lordi
Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), with two performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The program features George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco and Tarantella , Jerome Robbins’ In the Night and Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction
Teacher Humor is Topic Of New Brunswick Show State Theatre New Jersey presents “Eddie B. — Teachers Only Comedy Tour 25” on Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m.
In a matter of hours after Eddie B., the teacher comedian, created a series of comical videos titled “What Teachers Really Want to Say” educators all over the country realized that they were not alone, and finally had someone to joke about the things they were reluctant to say out loud.
Shortly after, Eddie B. decided to take his videos to the stage selling out comedy
clubs, theaters, and arenas with his “Teachers Only Comedy Tour” in 2017-18 and the “I’m Already Professionally Developed Tour” in 2019-20. When the pandemic made it impossible for Eddie to see his fans in person, he began performing his “Teachers Only” comedy virtually.
Visit stnj.org for tickets, which range from $25 to $59. The State Theatre is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick.
“Masterworks
in Motion”
By New Jersey Ballet
On Saturday, February 22, New Jersey Ballet will present “Masterworks in Motion” at the New Brunswick
“This program highlights the beauty, innovation and versatility of ballet,” said Artistic Director Maria Kowroski., a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. “From Balanchine’s neoclassical precision to Robbins’ emotional depth and Martins’ contemporary energy, these works showcase the full range of the art form. It is an honor for our dancers to share these masterpieces with audiences.”
New Jersey Ballet was founded in 1958 by Carolyn Clark. Kowroski became the company’s artistic director in 2021 after retiring from the New York City Ballet.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is at 11 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit njpac.org for tickets.
Garden Theatre and YWCA Collaborate on Screening
The Garden Theatre and YWCA Princeton are hosting another free screening to commemorate Black History Month on Sunday, February 16 at 11 a.m.
CHOREOGRAPHERS: Jerome Robbins’
the Night” is on a program that also includes works by George Balanchine and Peter Martins, to be presented by the New Jersey Ballet at two programs on February 22.
“SWAN
of the full-length
Academy of Music March 6-16. Both productions take their cue from the original, choreographed in 1877 by
Petipa. Shown here is New York City Ballet principal dancer
in the company.
A new restoration of Alma’s Rainbow will be screened at the Garden, 160 Nassau Street. Dominique Jean-Louis, the Chief Historian of the Center for Brooklyn History at the Brooklyn Public Library, will lead a post-film discussion.
Alma’s Rainbow is one of the first feature films to be written, produced, and directed by an African American woman – Ayoka Chenzira. It is a coming-of-age picture about Rainbow Gold, a Brooklyn teenager who searches for meaning as she confronts her newfound feelings for boys, unrealistic beauty standards, and the fundamental question of women’s autonomy over their own bodies. The film is a significant contribution to ’90s independent Black cinema and remains relevant in contemporary discussions.
The restoration of Alma’s Rainbow was a collaboration between the Academy Film Archive, The Film Foundation, and Milestone Films. The Garden’s screening was underwritten by YWCA Princeton.
Jean-Louis often writes and lectures of Black history in America, schools and education, and New York City history. Previous to her
position at the Brooklyn Public Library, she was Associate Curator of History Exhibitions at New York Historical Society. She is a former Mellon Predoctoral Fellow in Museum Education at the Museum of the City of New York, where she also contributed to the exhibition New York at Its Core (2016). Her newest exhibit for the Center for Brooklyn History, Trace/s: Family History Research and the Legacy of Slavery in Brooklyn, is on view through August 30.
Actor/Comedian Tracy Morgan Comes to New Brunswick State Theatre New Jersey and The Stress Factory Comedy Club present Tracy Morgan on Saturday, February 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$69.
In May 2024, Paramount+ announced that Morgan will star in the upcoming half-hour comedy series CRUTCH, set in the world of CBS’ hit comedy The Neighborhood. The series centers on Francois “Frank” Crutchfield, a Harlem widower whose empty nest plans are put on hold after his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home.
In August 2023, Morgan released his latest standup special for Max titled Tracy Morgan: Takin’ It Too Far Known for starring on seven seasons of NBC’s 30 Rock, Morgan appeared opposite Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin as Tracy Jordan, the unpredictable star of “Liz Lemon’s” hit variety show, TGS with Tracy Jordan. Morgan received an Emmy nomination in the
with
Supporting Actor category for his work on the show and was nominated multiple years for the Supporting Actor NAACP Image Award. Morgan can be seen in four seasons of TBS’ The Last OG, which he also executive produced and starred. He can be seen in Amazon’s Coming 2 America alongside Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and Jermaine Fowler, which was released in March 2021. He also appeared in Warner Brothers Scoob !, Paramount’s What Men Want , opposite Taraji P. Henson, and voiced the role of “Fox” in Netflix’s 2019 series Green Eggs & Ham
The New Jersey resident was first introduced to television audiences in his role as “Hustle Man” on the hit comedy series Martin . He went on to join Saturday Night Live in 1996 where he appeared for seven seasons and created such memorable characters as “Astronaut Jones” and “Brian Fellows.” After leaving SNL , Morgan went on to star in his own comedy series, The Tracy Morgan Show, and he voiced “Spoonie Luv” on Comedy Central’s Crank Yankers Additional film credits include Cop Out, the remake of the British film Death at a Funeral , First Sunday opposite Ice Cube and Katt Williams , The Longest Yard opposite Adam Sandler, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back , Head of Stat e, Son of No One, Why Stop Now, and Fist Fight For tickets and more information, visit stnj.org.
EDUCATED COMEDY: Eddie B. brings the Teachers Only Comedy Tour 25 to State Theatre New Jersey on March 1.
STAND-UP GUY: Tracy Morgan brings his comedy act to State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on Saturday, February 22.
THREE
“In
LAKE”: Fans
classic ballet are in luck. New York City Ballet’s production by Peter Martins is at Lincoln Center’s Koch Theater February 19-March 2, and the Philadelphia Ballet’s version by Angel Corella is at Philadelphia’s
Marius
Sara Mearns,
dancers
(Photo by Erin Baiano)
27.
“Yesterday’s Dreams” Exhibit At Michener Art Museum
The Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., celebrates the legacy of Bucks County art collector Lewis Tanner Moore in a new exhibition on collecting Black art, “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real.” Moore (19532024) championed the work of Black artists throughout his life, challenging arts institutions to prioritize diversity in their collecting and exhibition practices.
On view from February 15 through July 27, “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real” includes paintings, photographs, sculptures, and works on paper by 35 artists from the collections of Moore and Michener Art Museum.
“I collect [this work] because these are voices that need to be heard, and because they are voices that we need to hear,” said Moore. Thanks to Moore’s guidance and encouragement, the museum added 65 artworks by artists of color to its collection in the past five years.
Moore built a collection of hundreds of artworks over four decades. His love for the arts started in high school when he was struck by the absence of African American artists in his art history textbook at Chestnut Hill Academy. This realization spurred Moore to organize an exhibition at the school in 1969, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to
elevating Black voices in the art world.
“It was amazing to watch Lewis interact with artists and to bear witness to their discourse,” said Curlee Raven Holton, a featured artist in the “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real” exhibition. “Some artists were local and others were nationally recognized, but all prized their connection with him. The artworks that captured Lewis’ attention and interest spoke to his deeply held concerns for social justice, personal redemption, cultural values, and assertions of historical relevance.”
A memorial for Moore was held at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in July 2024, where his great uncle, the 19th-century
painter Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859 –1937), started his art career. The exhibition showcases two paintings by Tanner that were owned by Moore, along with etchings by the artist from the Michener’s collection. “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real” also highlights work by Barbara Bullock, James Brantley, Moe Brooker, Selma Burke, Donald E. Camp, Syd Carpenter, Allan Randall Freelon, Curlee Raven Holton, Paul F. Keene Jr., Louis B. Sloan, Ellen Powell Tiberino, and others who helped shape the Delaware Valley’s creative community. The exhibition’s title is inspired by a mixed media piece by artist Moe Brooker, which the Michener acquired in 2023.
“Moore sought to connect with, learn about, and support Black artists, relishing the journey of discovery itself. I hope visitors share this sense of discovery and adventure in their experience of the artwork in the exhibition,” said Gerry and Maguerite Lenfest Chief Curator Dr. Laura Turner Igoe. With Moore’s industry- wide contributions, the Michener is closer to telling a richer and more comprehensive story about the diverse artists who live and work in greater Philadelphia.
The Michener Art Museum is located at 138 South Pine Street in Doylestown, Pa. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open until 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. Admission is free on the second Sunday of the month with support from Art Bridges Foundation. For more information, visit michenerartmuseum.org.
Awards Presented at Youth Art Exhibition
Local artists of the future were honored at the 12th annual Youth Art Exhibition awards ceremony at Phillips’ Mill on January 25. One hundred and forty-nine works of art representing 147 student artists from 24 Pennsylvania and New Jersey high schools were reviewed by esteemed artist Freda Williams, who selected first, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions from five categories of work — painting, works on paper, photography, 3-dimensional work, and digital art. A Best in Show was also announced and a People’s Choice award — voted on by visitors to the gallery — will be announced at the close of the exhibition. The show runs through February 16.
Best In Show was awarded to Kathryn Sweeney of Council Rock High School North in Newtown, Pa., for her colored pencil drawing, Silent Sound. In her juror’s comments, Williams said she was “deeply impressed with the image’s overall presentation.” She marveled at the skill applied to making such a complex picture with colored pencil adding “The medium was extremely well and effectively handled. The detail speaks of the attention required to achieve the end result and the perspective was unusual.”
First place honors were presented to Richa Palle of West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North for her oil painting Windows and Mirrors ; Chloe Lefkowits of Council Rock High School South for her pen and ink drawing, Grandpa’s Spot ;
Jordan Kalnin of Central Bucks High School South for his ceramic, Teapot ; Becket Washburn of The Pennington School for his photograph, Ascension ; and Juliana Pallican of West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South for her digital illustration, The Epiphany of Bass . For a listing of all award winners, and to view the entire show online, visit the Mill’s website at www. phillipsmill.org
The Youth Art Exhibition is entirely funded by the Phillip’s Mill Community Association, its members, and supporters of the show. No fees are charged to students or schools to participate. No commissions are taken on the sale of artwork. No admission fees are charged to see the show.
Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road, New Hope, Pa. For more information, visit phillipsmill.org or call (215) 862-0582.
Photo History’s Futures: Drew Sawyer
Thursday, February 20 | 5:30 p.m. Friend Center 113
The Princeton University Art Museum and the Department of Art & Archaeology welcome Drew Sawyer, the Sondra Gilman Curator of Photography at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Sawyer will speak about his recent publication, Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines, as part of the Photo History’s Futures lecture series highlighting exciting voices in the field.
Moderated by Andrew Kensett, doctoral candidate in the Department of Art & Archaeology. Reception to follow.
STILL LIFE”: This work by Howard Humbert is part of “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real,” on view at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., February 15 through July
“WINDOWS AND MIRRORS”: This oil painting by Richa Palle of West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North was awarded first place in the painting category in the 12th annual Youth Art Exhibition at Phillips’ Mill in New Hope, Pa.
Continued on Page 24
Dear Neighbors,
Iam delighted to welcome you to the first edition of “Community Connections” in the Town Topics newspaper. For the past seven years, the University has mailed this newsletter to homes throughout Princeton twice a year. Our goal has been to share University news that is of interest to the community and to publicize a range of opportunities for all members of the community to engage in events on campus.
We appreciate the feedback we’ve received about “Community Connections,” including thoughtful suggestions for how we might simultaneously provide more members of the community with more of the content they’re seeking while partnering with an important local institution.
And that is why we’re here, in the pages of “Princeton’s Weekly Community Newspaper Since 1946.” We look forward to increasing the frequency of publication and appearing in Town Topics four times each year. As always, we invite your reactions and suggestions for how we can enhance “Community Connections” moving forward (you can reach me personally at haparker@princeton.edu).
We are grateful to be part of this extraordinary community, and for our many partnerships with local organizations to advance shared priorities that benefit all who live, learn, work, and play here.
Thank you for reading. I look forward to seeing you on campus and around town.
On Campus: (In)Visible History digital tours bring a new light to familiar sites
Princeton University’s campus reflects its centuries of academic excellence. But the University’s history is far more nuanced than what is visible at first glance.
A series of self-guided (In)Visible History tours available to the public on mobile devices and personal computers invites participants to explore this history — on campus or remotely — in a way that encourages a re-examination of the past and its implications for the present and future. Each tour features multimedia elements, including audio, images and videos.
Initially developed by the Campus Iconography Committee in 2018 and updated by the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity to stay current, the five tours focus on Firsts at Princeton, Traditions at Princeton, Women at Princeton, African Americans at Princeton, and Asians and Asian Americans at Princeton.
“We are delighted to continue the important work to develop a more complete narrative of Princeton’s history,” said Shawn Maxam, associate provost for institutional diversity and inclusion.
Users can access the tours via mobile devices or personal computers. A new option on campus is to begin at Frist Campus Center, just west of Washington Road, where a series of (In)Visible
Humanities at Princeton: Taking a big swing at big questions
Pacross time.
Classics professor Barbara Graziosi’s frequency spans millennia.
Graziosi is developing AI-based tools to fill in the
gaps of fragmented ancient texts that are written on stone, papyrus and parchment so those valuable voices from the past are not lost forever.
The endgame for her natural language project “is to make the whole diversity of human expression available to our curiosity, for inspiration for the future,” she said.
Graziosi’s project is exemplary of Princeton’s approach to studying and teaching the humanities,
History banners display QR codes that launch each tour. A brief overview:
Stories of African American Life at Princeton (1 hour, 11 stops)
Beginning at Maclean House, the tour delves into Princeton’s ties to slavery from 1756 to 1822 and traces the University’s transformation over time, into the 21st century. It highlights the challenges, milestones and continuous efforts of the University’s Black students, faculty and staff. Highlight: A stop at Cannon Green tells the story of John Leroy Howard, the first African American student to receive an undergraduate degree from Princeton, in 1947. Howard was one of four Black undergraduates who came to Princeton during World War II through a U.S. Navy training program.
Stories of Asians and Asian Americans at Princeton (1½ hours, 12 stops)
This tour includes stories of international students who enrolled in the 19th century, contributions of notable Asian American scholars and students over time, the creation of Asian American student organizations and their advocacy work for inclusion and cultural awareness, and more.
in which scholarship tackles universal questions and helps society navigate the future of our rapidly changing world. “The humanities imbue us with a deeper understanding of what it means to be human,” said Jarrett.
The University is now embarking on a sweeping new commitment to humanities scholarship to expand its impact on campus, in higher education and in the wider world. A new Princeton Humanities Initiative will bring faculty together from across disciplines to collaborate on shared intellectual projects.
Director Rachael DeLue said the new Humanities Initiative will strengthen interdisciplinary connections and intellectual community across the humanities and beyond. The goal is to supercharge the University’s capacity “to take really big swings at big ideas,” she said.
The initiative will support large interdisciplinary projects and allow the arts and humanities at Princeton “to collaborate in big, substantial ways with external partners — from the National Endowment for the Humanities to public school systems, hospitals and everything in between,” DeLue said.
On the drawing board are international conferences, public and scholarly workshops, new research fellowships, and curricular partnerships with K-12 schools and community colleges.
Partnerships with Princeton’s Program for Community College Engagement, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and the New Jersey
Highlight: A stop at Lockhart Hall spotlights World War II and Princeton’s only Japanese student, Kentaro Ikeda ’44, who was confined to campus due to wartime restrictions that called for the incarceration of people of Japanese descent. Ikeda was one of approximately 4,000 people of Japanese descent approved by the U.S. government to continue their college education under confinement. Lockhart Hall was his dormitory. Its archway was named in his honor in 2022.
Stories of Women at Princeton (1¾ hours, 15 stops)
Women were first formally admitted as students in 1969, but they played a pivotal role at Princeton long before that milestone. Tracing the history of enslaved women in the 1700s, the first female faculty and administrators, and more, this tour offers insight into the challenges and triumphs of women at Princeton.
Highlight: A stop at Alexander Hall tells the story of buildings named for men but financed by women. Here we meet Harriet Crocker Alexander, daughter of a railroad magnate, who donated $350,000 ($10 million-plus today) for the 1892 construction of Alexander Hall to honor three generations of alumni and trustees in her husband’s family.
Stories of “Firsts” at Princeton (1¾ hours, 13 stops)
From academics to athletics to student activism, religion and leadership, this tour features the obstacles faced by the “firsts” among Princetonians of many cultures and identities, their resilience, and the legacies they established. Highlight: A stop at Dillon Gym shares the perspective of student athletes. Princeton has competed in intercollegiate sports since 1864, with the first women’s intercollegiate competition taking place in 1971. Title IX, enacted in 1972, ensured equal access to athletics facilities and competition.
Stories of Traditions at Princeton (1½ hours, 14 stops)
This tour offers a fascinating look at long-standing customs, from eating clubs to the annual Princeton Reunions and the origins of the iconic beer jackets. It also considers how traditions have evolved to be more accessible, inclusive and meaningful.
Highlight: At Nassau Hall, the tour shares the legend surrounding FitzRandolph Gate. This wrought-iron entrance to Princeton’s campus has stood since 1905. According to an enduring myth, students who exit the campus through the gate before commencement will not graduate.
Demara White, Office of Communications
Council of County Colleges will consider humanities curricula in higher education in the state. In March, the international academic conference “Fantasy: A Century” will examine the history and media of fantasy from the 1920s to today.
Professor and Chair of German Devin Fore is co-organizing the event with Kerstin Stakemeier of the Academy of Fine Arts Nürnberg. The visual and performing arts are one key avenue of inquiry, including support for projects like CreativeX that bring together artists, engineers and computer scientists to push the boundaries of creative expression.
In one CreativeX collaboration, Princeton Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Sigrid Adriaenssens has been working for several years with Professor of the Practice in Dance Rebecca Lazier. An affiliated performance, “Noli Timere,” was a February Dance Series offering at the McCarter Theatre Center.
Tony Award-winning lighting designer Jane Cox (“Appropriate”) is a member of the faculty steering group for the new Humanities Initiative and director of Princeton’s Program in Theater and Music Theater. “What’s happening at Princeton is more creative than what’s happening in my very creative professional field of theater-making,” she said.
Emily Aronson and Jamie Saxon, Office of Communications
rinceton University’s humanities faculty keep their intellectual antennas tuned to what Dean of the Faculty Gene Jarrett calls “the frequencies of ideas,” crackling with the collected genius of human culture from across the globe and
One tour stop chronicles Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to campus in 1960. Photo courtesy of the Princeton University Archives
Hilary A. Parker Vice President and Secretary, Princeton University
A humanities course last fall. Photo by Matthew Raspanti, Office of Communications
Research News: Mapping a fly brain to help decode diseases of the human brain
For many heartbreaking diseases of the brain — dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and others — doctors can only treat the symptoms. Medical science does not have a cure.
Why? Because it’s difficult to cure what we don’t understand, and the human brain, with its billions of neurons connected by a hundred trillion synapses, is almost hopelessly complex.
“FlyWire,” a Princeton-led team of scientists and citizen scientists, has now made a massive step toward understanding the human brain by building a neuron-by-neuron and synapse-bysynapse roadmap — scientifically speaking, a “connectome” — through the brain of an adult fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster).
The FlyWire Consortium includes members from more than 146 labs at 122 institutions, with major contributions from teams at Princeton, the University of Cambridge and the University of Vermont.
“The collaborations across diverse areas of expertise in this type of team science consortium have brought the Drosophila brain map to light at an unprecedented pace, paving the way for detailed maps of the human brain and the tailored treatments that could follow,” said John Ngai, director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s BRAIN Initiative, which provided partial funding for the connectome project.
Previous researchers had mapped the brain of a C. elegans worm, with its 302 neurons, and the
National
As America has reflected in recent years on the strength of our democracy in an era of hyperpartisanship, a former deputy chief of staff to Donald Trump and a former chief of staff to Nancy Pelosi have both visited Princeton’s campus at the invitation of the University’s Center for the Study of Democratic Politics (CSDP).
Chris Liddell from the first Trump administration and John Lawrence from former House Speaker Pelosi’s office visited separately within 18 months of each other to share their insights and
brain of a larval fruit fly, with 3,000, but the adult fruit fly is vastly more complex, with almost 140,000 neurons and tens of millions of synapses connecting them.
“Any brain that we truly understand tells us something about all brains,” said Sebastian Seung, Princeton’s Evnin Professor in Neuroscience and a professor of computer science. “With the fly wiring diagram, we have the potential for an unprecedented, detailed and deep understanding.”
“This is a major achievement,” said Mala Murthy, director of the Princeton Neuroscience Institute and, with Seung, a leader of the research team.
“There is no other full brain connectome for an adult animal of this complexity.”
The results of their work were featured in a special issue of the journal Nature about transformational research into the fruit fly brain.
The connectome was built from 21 million images of the fly brain taken by scientists at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Using an AI model built by the Seung lab, the lumps and blobs in those images were turned into a labeled, three-dimensional map by the FlyWire Consortium — an unlikely collaboration among gamers, professional tracers and neuroscientists who are collectively listed as last author on the flagship paper.
Liz Fuller-Wright
aspirations for government as it’s practiced in the nation’s halls of powers.
Inviting such ideologically diverse perspectives is one of the hallmarks of the influential Princeton center, where scholars and practitioners from across the political spectrum find common ground in their shared commitment to strengthening democratic ideals and institutions.
CSDP is a research program within Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). Its affiliated faculty conduct rigorous social science research on the issues of our day. CSDP was established in 1999 and is co-directed by Tali Mendelberg, the John Work Garrett Professor of Politics, and Frances Lee, a professor of politics and public affairs.
The center “provides vital training to future scholars and policymakers,” said Amaney Jamal, dean of Princeton SPIA. “In addition, by welcoming speakers and perspectives from across the political spectrum, CSDP regularly shows us what constructive dialogue looks like on a university campus.”
Prior to the November elections, the center hosted polling experts from across the aisle for a panel on voter concerns, political strategies and the electoral landscape. CSDP has also hosted post-election analyses by campaign consultants, election analysts and scholars with a range of political perspectives.
Rebekah Schroeder Office of Communications
Holiday outreach by campus groups serves community
The University community comes together every year to help brighten the holidays for others.
The Holiday Jam and Toy Drive on Palmer Square collected toys for YWCA Princeton’s St. Nicholas Project. The Women of Princeton employee resource group gathered more than 1,100 reusable bags for the nonprofit Arm in Arm. University employees wrote 200 holiday cards, including drawings created by children at the UNow Day Nursery, sent via Operation Gratitude to military personnel deployed overseas.
The United Way Campaign, a campus-wide effort that supports the community year-round, has collected more than $87,000 in its annual drive that concludes this month. This year’s Holiday Food and Toiletries Drive collected hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food and toiletries to benefit families through UWGMC, Mercer County Community College Food Pantry, Princeton Housing Authority and Send Hunger Packing Princeton. University departments also collected dried spices for the Mercer Street Friends’ Strike Out Hunger initiative.
Feb. 15-July 6
Roberto Lugo art exhibition “Orange and Black,” with Lugo’s contemporary vases displayed alongside a selection of ancient Greek vessels Art@Bainbridge
Feb. 15
Science on Saturday Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (select Saturdays through March 8)
Feb. 25
Building on a decade of rapid growth in innovation and entrepreneurship, Princeton has launched the Office of Innovation to facilitate, cultivate and elevate the University’s expanding innovation pursuits.
The office will be a key resource for faculty, researchers and entrepreneurs who want to help build a collaborative ecosystem that will spur real progress on society’s most pressing challenges and create pathways for brilliant ideas to find their place in the world.
Craig B. Arnold, the Susan Dod Brown Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and vice dean for innovation, has been named Princeton’s first University Innovation Officer and heads the new office.
Arnold is an inventor with 17 granted patents and the founder of three companies based on his Princeton research. He said the new office is committed to “elevating innovation across all fields to match Princeton’s renowned excellence in teaching and fundamental research.”
“Our mission is clear,” he said. “We seek to nurture and support an environment where bold ideas take root, interdisciplinary collaboration thrives and new ways of thinking challenge established norms.”
In recent years, the University has created new funding opportunities to support innovation, expanded programming in academic spaces and built an infrastructure to enhance connections with corporations, among other developments.
Increasing numbers of faculty are engaging with industry, collaborating across divisions, filing patents, licensing intellectual property and starting commercial and nonprofit organizations.
The new office is part of the Office of the Dean for Research. Its goal is “to organize the infrastructure to support innovation under one collaborative umbrella with focused leadership,” said Dean for Research Peter Schiffer, who is also vice president for the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and the Class of 1909 Professor of Physics.
The office also engages in Princeton’s broader efforts to contribute to and develop the New Jersey and regional economic ecosystems. It is based at 34 Chambers St.
Daniel Day, Office of Innovation
Book talk with Eddie Glaude Jr.
“Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own” 219 Aaron Burr Hall
March 7
St. Thomas Choir of Leipzig with Princeton University Glee Club Princeton University Chapel
March 15
Meet the Music: Inspector Pulse Takes His Pulse! The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (curated for ages 6-12) Princeton University Concerts
April 2-May 7
Farmers Market
Wednesdays, Firestone Plaza
April 5
Spring into Science, for 4th-10th graders and their families Frick Atrium and Princeton Neuroscience Institute
April 9
Princeton University Library screens “The Great Gatsby” for Gatsby 100 Princeton Garden Theatre
April 14
Workshop reading of “The Gulf,” a Princeton climate-themed collaboration with The Civilians theater company McCarter’s Berlind Theatre
April 17
Twyla Tharp 60th Anniversary Tour McCarter Theatre Center
April 26
Porchfest Venues in town and on campus
May 8-25
2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Primary Trust” McCarter Theatre Center
, Office of Communications
Video still from Amy Sterling/FlyWire/Princeton
Craig B. Arnold Photo by Nick Donnoli
Twyla Tharp Dance Photo by Mark Seliger
ART AT SMALL WORLD: Works by award-winning wildlife photographer Rebecca DePorte, whose favorite subjects are animals with fur or feathers, are on view through March 4 at the 254 Nassau Street location of Small World Coffee. All photographs were taken in the animals’ natural habitats, none in captivity.
Art
Continued from Page 21 Last Call for ACP Porchfest Applications
The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) announces that the fourth annual Princeton Porchfest will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 12 to 6 p.m. Applications for performers and porch hosts are due by February 13.
Princeton’s Central Business District, about a 15-minute walk. “While the role of our Porch Hosts is incredibly important and necessary to making our event a reality, it might be easier to participate than you think,” said Melissa Kuscin, event organizer and ACP’s programming/marketing manager. “If you have a porch with easy access to electricity, love live music, and want to
Hosts can apply at artscouncilofprinceton.org/porchfest. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 13. Questions can be directed to Kuscin at mkuscin@artscouncilofprinceton.org.
“Members Exhibition” at Gallery 14 in Hopewell
Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell presents its “Members Exhibition” through March 2.
The exhibition features works by the member artists Rebecca DePorte, Hopewell; Jill Mudge, Pennington,; Nanci Hellmuth, Bensalem, Pa., Charles Miller, Ringoes; Philip “Dutch” Bagley, Elkins Park, Pa.; Martin Schwartz, Cranbury; Joel Blum, East Windsor; John Stritzinger, Elkins Park, Pa.; Barbara Warren, Yardley, Pa.; David Ackerman, Hopewell; and Bennett Povlow, Elkins Park , Pa.
Gallery 14 is a co-op gallery of like-minded artists that want to promote photography as a fine art medium. Each artist has their own style and approach to working photographically,
and is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4: p.m. Appointments can also be made to view the exhibition at other times by emailing galleryfourteen@yahoo.com.
Gallery 14 will be offering an ongoing series of exhibitions throughout the year featuring individual members as well as guest artists. For more information on Gallery 14 and its exhibits, gallery14.org
New Exhibition Opening in PU Library’s Milberg Gallery Princeton University Library (PUL) opens a new exhibition in the Milberg Gallery at Firestone Library on February 19.
“The Most Formidable Weapon Against Errors: The Sid Lapidus ’59 Collection & the Age of Reason” celebrates the collecting achievements of Sid Lapidus, Class of 1959. Lapidus has dedicated many years to the acquisition of rare books that trace the emergence of Enlightenment ideas and their influence on politics, medicine, and society, creating a powerful tool for understanding the concepts that have shaped modern American society.
The exhibition is curated by Steven A. Knowlton, librarian for history and African American studies at Princeton University Library. According to Knowlton, “This exhibition showcases Sid’s careful curation of a collection that meaningfully addresses the questions of human liberty in the Age of Reason, and by extension, includes interesting works on medicine and science. Sid was also very considerate in how he donated his collection, placing books with libraries where they would best complement and extend collections to promote research. The exhibition also includes a number items on loan from these institutions.”
In addition to showcasing printed texts from the Lapidus collection, the exhibition features examples of graphic arts and objects from the 18th and 19th centuries that illustrate the topics addressed by the books. Artworks from Thomas Rowlandson, James Gillray, Charles Willson Peale, Isaac Cruikshank, and Paul Revere, among others, are included.
As Lapidus recalled, “My first antiquarian book was purchased in 1959. In a
bookseller’s dusty window, I noticed a small book, a 1792 edition of Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man. The principal theme of my collection was even embedded in the title of [this first purchase].” His collection also encompasses works that trace the progress of scientific thought.
In 2021, the Sid Lapidus ’59 Collection on Liberty and the American Revolution was given to Princeton University Library. The full collection has been digitized and is available for public viewing at dpul.princeton. edu/lapidus. The collection documents the conceptions of human liberty, political order, and scientific reasoning that emerged in the Anglo-American intellectual world between the 17th and 19th centuries.
The exhibition will feature sections on Paine’s The Age of Reason and The Rights of Man, the Stamp Act, slavery and emancipation, Jewish oppression and liberation, medicine, and astronomy and atomic science - all topics covered in Lapidus’ collecting career.
A large majority of items on exhibition are from the Sid Lapidus ’59 Collection on Liberty and the American Revolution. All loaned items are the gifts of Lapidus to other libraries and institutions, including the American Antiquarian Society, the Wolf Law Library at William & Mary Law School, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Center for Jewish History, the New York Historical, and the New York University Health Sciences Library.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, and between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information about the exhibition and public tours, visit library. princeton.edu/lapidus2025.
Lambertvillearts.com.
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, has “Exploring, Expanding the Connections: The Work of Ben Jones” and “Intuitive Nature: Karen Schoenitz” through February 22. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.
D&R Greenway Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, has “When the Land Calls” through February 28 in the Marie L. Matthews Gallery. drgreenway.org.
Gallery 14 Fine Art Photogaphy, 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell, has “Members Exhibition” through March 2 Gallery14.org. Gourgaud Gallery, 23-A North Main Street, Cranbury, has works by Kathleen Maguire Morolda through February 28. Cranburyartscouncil.org. Green Building Center, 67 Bridge Street, Lambertville, has “Trio” through March 3. Greenbuildingcenter.com. Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, has “Princeton Reflected: Stories from HSP’s Collection” and “Einstein Salon and Innovator’s Gallery.” Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. Princetonhistory.org
Mercer Museum, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa., has “The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution” through December 31, 2026. Mercermuseum.org. The Nassau Club, 6 Mercer Street, has “Held Together” through June 5. An opening reception is on February 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. Catherinejmartzloff.com. Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, has “Underwater Symphony” through March 15. Princetonlibrary.org.
Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, has “Roberto Lugo: Orange and Black” through July 6. Artmuseum. princeton.edu.
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.
Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, has photography by Taaha Siddiqui through March 4. Wildlife photography by Rebecca Deporte is at the 254 Nassau Street location through March 4. 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 “Manifesting Beloved Community” through March 1. Westwindsorarts.org.
“MEMBERS EXHIBITION”: This work by Jill Mudge is featured in the current exhibition on view at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell through March 2.
Larry Tritel
Town Topics | Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, February 12
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 LiLLipies Bakery, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street.
3 p.m.: The Apartment is screened at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
7 p.m.: “The African American’s Deep Connection to Land,” virtual presentation by Donnetta Bishop Johnson, former executive director of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum. Sponsored by the Lawrence Headquarters branch of Mercer County Library System. Mcl.org.
7-8 p.m.: “Plan, Act, Achieve: Executive Function Skills for Families ,” presented by the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders. Led by ADHD coach Katherine McGavern at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Njcts.org/community.
7:30 p.m.: Princeton University Concerts presents “Healing with Music: Finding Home in the Music of Iran,” at Richardson Auditorium. Conversation and live performance by Kayhan Kalhor, playing kamancheh; with Deborah Amos. $25 ($10 students). Puc.princeton. edu/admit-all.
Thursday, February 13
2 p.m.: “War and Peace: Citizen Movements in the 60s.” Jeff Laurenti, chair of the Coalition for Peace Action, is the speaker, at Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike. Free. Peacecoalition.org.
5:30 p.m.: Screening of Between Silence and Sin at McCosh Auditorium, Princeton University. Free. Followed by Q&A with director Diana Nicolae. Cineluci.com.
5:30-8:30 p.m.: Pitch Stop VII , hosted by Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce at Grounds for Sculpture, Sculptors Way, Hamilton. Three start-ups compete for a prize package. Princetonmercerchamber.org.
6 and 9 p.m.: The Doos Trio perform at Richardson Auditorium as part of Princeton University Concerts’ Performances Up Close series. Performers are kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor and tabla player Sandeep Das. The audience sits onstage with the musicians. Puc.princeton.edu.
Friday, February 14
10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Meeting of the Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild at the Administration Building, Route 12 outside Flemington (314 State Highway 12). Guests are welcome. Hcrag.com.
12-3 p.m.: Douglass Day at the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, Historic Reasoner-True House, 183 Hollow Road, Skillman. In honor of Frederick Douglass’ chosen birthday, a “transcribe-a-thon” will be held; private tours by docents, birthday cake and more. Also being held at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Free but registration required. Ssaam.org or princetonlibrary.org.
5:30 p.m.: Barre to Bar fundraiser benefiting the Pasadena Humane Society . Hour-long barre class is followed by cocktails, mocktails, and light bites. Minimum donation: $30. At inMotion Fitness & Wellness, 29 Emmons Drive, Suite F-50. Advance registration required at inMotionFW.com.
7 p.m.: “Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience,” at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Stnj.org.
8 p.m.: The play Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is at Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $20-$22. Kelsey. mccc.edu.
Saturday, February 15
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Webinar: “Nuclear Arms Modernization: How Can People of Good Will Respond?” sponsored by the Coalition for Peace Action. Peacecoalition.org.
9:30-11 a.m.: Science on Saturday series at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Lyman Spitzer Building, 100 Stellarator Road; also online. Chao Yan speaks on “Eco-friendly and Energy-efficient: The Role of Direct Recycling in Promoting Sustainability.” Followed by a Q&A. Pppl.gov.
10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.: Love Your Park Day: Join Friends of Princeton Open Space for volunteer stewardship sessions to perform ecosystem restoration and invasive species removal at Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Preserve, 57 Mountain Avenue. Fopos. org/events-programs.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.: OldFashioned Valentine’s Day at Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township. Sleigh, carriage, and hay wagon rides, soup on the stove, children’s craft program. Howellfarm.org.
12-5 p.m.: Wine and Chocolate Weekend at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, light bites, hot cocoa kits, and music from 1-4 p.m. by Chris P. Terhuneorchards.com.
1-4 p.m.: Chinese Lantern Festival , Quakerbridge Mall. Performances, art, hands-on activities for all ages, and more. Free. Worldwiselearning.org.
1-3 p.m.: Artist in Residence Maria Lupo Workshop: Create a Personal Symbol . At West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road. $35 for members, $45 others. Westwindsorarts.org.
1:30-4:30 p.m.: Open House for 2025 Summer Internship Program for high school students at 1435 Capital Management, 23 Orchard Road, Suite 101, Skillman.
2-4 p.m.: Chinese New Year Celebration at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Music, crafts, and other handson activities presented by students from the Mandarin classes and Chinese Club at Princeton High School and the Princeton Chinese Language School. Princetonlibrary.org.
6 p.m.: The Princeton Singers perform “When Morning Comes” at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. Princetonsingers.org.
7:30 p.m.: No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin at McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place. Live theatrical rendition presented by Meshell Ndegeocello and her band. Mccarter.org.
8 p.m.: The play Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is at Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $20-$22. Kelsey. mccc.edu.
8 p.m.: Jazz at Princeton presents the Jazz Vocal Ensemble with guest vocalist Becca Stevens. At Richardson Auditorium. $15 ($5 students). Arts.princeton.edu.
Sunday, February 16
11 a.m.: The film Alma’s Rainbow is screened at the Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau Street. Dominique Jean-Louis of the Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library leads a post-film discussion. Free.
12-5 p.m.: Wine and Chocolate Weekend at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Wine, light bites, hot cocoa kits, and music from 1-4 p.m. by Sarah Teti. Terhuneorchards.com.
1-4:30 p.m.: “Love is in the Square,” at Palmer Square. Special shopping, dining, music, and refreshments, culminating with at 4 p.m. performance by American Repertory Ballet. $45. Palmersquare.com.
2 p.m.: The play Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is at Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $20-$22. Kelsey.mccc.edu.
3 p.m.: The Concordia Chamber Players perform “Lies You Can Believe In,” music by Wagner, Strauss, Mozart, and Missy Mazzoli, at Trinity Church, 6587 Upper York Road, Solebury, Pa. Concordiaplayers.org.
3 p.m.: Chemistry for Kids at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Kids in grades 3-6 learn the basics from Princeton University graduate students. Registration required. Princetonlibrary.org.
4 p.m.: The Dryden Ensemble performs “A 26-Course Feast: Baroque Lute Duets” at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 50 Cherry Hill Road. Free; donations accepted. Drydenensemble.org.
FEBRUARY
Monday, February 17
9 a.m.-12 p.m.: “Powerful Texts that Change Us,” presented by the Paul Robeson House at Princeton Middle School, 217 Walnut Lane. Dr. Mary Marshall and Dr. Jametta Clarke are speakers. Tinyurl.com/ PRHP25TeachIn.
Tuesday, February 18
10 a.m.: Read and Explore: Fur, Feathers, Fluff: Keeping Warm in Winter. At Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Read two stories about animals and make a paper bag animal to take home. $12 per child. Terhuneorchards.com.
6:30-8 p.m.: Family and Friends CPR at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike. Learn how to perform CPR on infants, children and adults. Mcl.org.
7-9 p.m.: The Princeton Ski and Sail Club meets at the Rocky Hill Inn, 137 Washington Street, Rocky Hill. Member Jim Nowicki talks about his cycling tours throughout Asia. Free; snacks provided. For more information, visit rkivle47@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 19 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Leighton Listens. Councilman Leighton Newlin is available to discuss issue impacting Princeton with members of the public at Say Cheese, 183D Nassau Street.
3 p.m.: The Sting is screened at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Gallery Tour at Morven Museum and Garden, 55 Stockton Street: “Inclusive History Updates to Morven’s Permanent Exhibition.” Free. Morven.org.
7 p.m.: “The Tuskegee Airmen: America’s First Black Pilots,” virtual presentation by professor/historian Paul E. Zigo, sponsored by the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System. Mcl.org.
Thursday, February 20 10 a.m.: Meeting of the 55-Plus Club of Princeton via Zoom. Agnieszka Markiewicz will speak on “The Situation in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Free ($5 suggested donation). Princetonol.com/groups/55plus.
Larry Tritel
Tritel
Larry Tritel
Larry Tritel
Tritel
Larry Tritel
Tritel
Non-Surgical Care of Musculoskeletal Pain Is Princeton Spine & Joint Center’s Specialty
An icy sidewalk, driveway, or pathway can be treacherous, and a current reminder that winter is still with us!
Falling on the ice is no fun, and as Dr. Grant Cooper, M.D., co-director of Princeton Spine & Joint Center, explains, “Every season brings its own hardships. In the winter, people may slip on the ice or injure themselves shoveling snow.”
IT’S NEW To Us
Not to mention skiing, sledding, and ice skating accidents, etc. Injured ankles, arms, legs, knees, shoulders, and hips may result, and Cooper and the team at Princeton Spine & Joint Center are ready to help.
Whatever the season, alleviating spine and musculoskeletal pain through non-surgical treatment is the specialty of the Center. Established in 2008 by Cooper and his wife and colleague, Dr. Ana Bracilovic, M.D., the Center now has two offices, located at 601 Ewing Street and 256 Bunn Drive in Princeton.
Summa Cum Laude
A summa cum laude graduate of Princeton University, Cooper attended UMDNJRobert Wood Johnson Medical School, and completed his residency in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at New
York Presbyterian Hospital, The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell in New York. He completed a Fellowship in Spine and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Medicine at the Spine Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.
A dual degree honors graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Bracilovic is a board-certified physician, specializing in the non-operative care of spine, joint, muscle, and nerve pain. After medical school at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson, she completed her specialty training at New YorkPresbyterian Hospital, The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell in New York. In addition, to serving as co-director of Princeton Spine & Joint Center, she is director of Princeton Dance Medicine.
Bracilovic is the author of the gold standard dance medicine text, Essential Dance Medicine, an active member of the International Association of Dance Medicine, a reviewer and contributor to medical journals, and the winner of numerous awards for research in musculoskeletal and dance medicine.
“Every patient is different,” she points out, “and the Center offers individualized care. For some, dancing again, or getting back on the tennis court is the goal. Others want to be able to play with their grandchildren. Everyone has specific goals and ambitions. The most important thing for us is to help people get back to their active lives as quickly as possible.”
Princeton Spine & Joint Center treats people of all ages, including children as young as 8. In addition, the Center has specific areas of focus in regenerative medicine, sports medicine, and dance medicine, with physicians specializing in each of these areas.
Using the most technologically advanced methods and comprehensive examination, the eight doctors and physician assistants at the Center diagnose the causes of their patients’ pain, and
then prescribe a treatment program. They report that over the past decade, increasing numbers of people have become aware of the effectiveness of non-surgical intervention.
Many Options
“As non-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation specialists we emphasize treatment modalities ranging from nutrition and exercise to physical therapy, and when necessary, targeted imageguided injections,” explains Cooper. “There are many options people can utilize to help minimize the impact of wear and tear on their bodies, and remain pain-free, healthy, and active.
“For a whole host of reasons, joints aren’t just capable of movement — they require movement in order to stay healthy. One of the most important roles we play is reducing pain as a barrier to activity and exercise. One of the most exciting aspects of our field is that we continue to evolve and develop new treatments. Treatment approaches are available today that are vastly improved from even five or 10 years ago.”
“There are several nonsurgical treatments available,” adds Bracilovic, “and at different stages of injury and the rehabilitation process, we tailor the treatment options to what each person needs. Treatment plans are individualized, and patients understand that they themselves play a significant role in their healing process.”
A treatment that can be effective is regenerative medicine, which is especially helpful in restoring function to hips, knees, shoulders, hands, ankles, and feet, particularly those afflicted with arthritis, points out Dr. Scott Curtis, co-director of the Sports Medicine and Regenerative Medicine programs.
“Regenerative medicine has helped so many people. This is an evolving sub-specialty that includes multiple specific treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) image guided injections. The overarching goal of regenerative medicine is to help
NON-SURGICAL OPTION:
the body to heal and repair itself.”
“Our focus is non-surgical musculoskeletal care and interventional pain management. The first step in the treatment of any problem is an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. Our goal is to work with you to diagnose and treat the causes of your pain, safely maximize your function, and improve your quality of life.” Dr. Grant Cooper, M.D. (second row, fourth from right) and Dr. Ana Bracilovic, M.D. (first row, third from right), co-directors of Princeton Spine & Joint Center, are shown with their staff. (Photo by Thomas Hedges) field, you’ll learn from your patients that people don’t always fit a chapter in a textbook.”
“One thing we have learned very clearly in spine and musculoskeletal medicine is that you have to take a holistic approach,” explains Dr. Zinovy Meyler, codirector of Princeton Spine & Joint Center’s Interventional Spine Program. “Epidural steroid injections, for example, are a great tool to help alleviate inflammation and pain quickly, but they need to be combined with targeted exercises in order to prevent inflammation and pain from returning.”
Holistic Strategies
“The most common problems we see involve back pain, neck pain, shoulder, hip, and knee pain,” reports Dr. Marco Funiciello, also co-director of the Center’s Interventional Spine Program.
“We have doctors who take care of every musculoskeletal ache and pain, including nerve pain. Most of our patients have focused issues where we can efficiently figure out their problems, fix them, and move on. But it can be a longer process if there is a chronic pain situation. When it is chronic, we can help break that cycle of pain, and figure out holistic strategies to prevent, or at a minimum, slow the pain from recurring.”
Nerve pain, such as sciatica, is another condition the doctors treat.
Patients of all ages are treated at the Center, emphasizes Cooper. “Some people have pain for a while, and just feel that’s how it is. They may think it’s too late to try to take care of it, and don’t realize there are treatments, whatever their age.”
“While it is true that as people age, they may become pre-disposed to aches and pains, we reject entirely the notion that pain is a natural part of aging that patients must accept,” stresses Dr. Peter Murphy, co-director of the Sports Medicine Program. “In fact, we have several 85-year-old and older patients, who, after treatment, have returned to playing sports, and participate in their usual daily activities without pain. Our goal is always to enable people to maximize the quality of their lives at every age.”
Treating each person as an individual is crucial, he adds, as everyone is different. “When you think you know everything about your
Children, including some with scoliosis, young athletes, and performing artists are also among the Center’s patients. They come from Princeton and beyond, including New York and Philadelphia. In the last two years, the Center’s increasing YouTube video presence (with some videos garnering close to a million views), has brought patients from as far away as the Bahamas, Texas, California, and Florida.
Same-Day Appointments
“We have patients who have been referred by current and former patients, others who have found us online, or who have read our books,” reports Cooper. “Also, an important aspect of our practice and that we believe sets us apart is that we offer same-day appointments. and are equipped to help people get better when we first meet them, if possible. We emphasized setting up the practice this way because if people are in pain they don’t want to wait, and they shouldn’t have to wait.
“We have state-of-the-art equipment in both our offices that allows us to help people right away. Also, we take the time to get to know our patients, who are from all backgrounds and professions. We meet weekly to review interesting or difficult cases and discuss the latest research.”
He adds that when appropriate, the doctors reach out to other specialists, such as rheumatologists, surgeons, and neurologists, for additional collaboration.
“Our unwavering commitment is never to deviate from our dedication to give each patient our full attention. A doctor I studied with told me something very important. ‘Just take care of one person at a time, and the rest will take care of itself.’ We always take care of that one person — always.”
Continuing education in non-surgical spine and musculoskeletal treatments is crucial, and the physicians at the Center are foremost in their fields. As Cooper says,” The doctors in our practice are fellowshiptrained and board-certified. Our doctors continue to author books on nonsurgical orthopedics, write and edit papers, and often
participate in educational outreach events within our community.”
Author of 20 books himself, Cooper points out recent titles, such as NonOperative Treatment of the Lumbar Spine, A CaseBased Approach to Neck Pain: A Pocket Guide to Pathology, Diagnosis and Management, and A Clinicians’s Evidence-Based Guide to Supplements. Close Collaboration He notes that these and others are often collaborations. “Many of the recent ones are written with our friends and colleagues at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Dr. Joseph Herrera is the chair of Physical Medicine and Performance at Mount Sinai, and we have been colleagues and coauthors on many of these books. There is a close collaboration between Princeton Spine & Joint Center and Mount Sinai.” Princeton is important to him and to Bracilovic, he adds. They originally met at Princeton High School, went to medical school together, and then trained together at New York Presbyterian in New York. They are grateful to have been able to return to Princeton to work together, and bring up their children here, close to all four grandparents.
“Our medical practice is really an extension of our family,” he points out. “The doctors who have joined us are good friends, amazing doctors, and are also raising their families here. Several of our staff have been with us for more than 10 years.” They all share his and Bracilovic’s dedication to their patients’ wellbeing. As he says,“ For all of our doctors, it is extremely gratifying to see a patient who comes in with terrible pain and leaves without pain. There is no better feeling for us than to be able to have that impact. Always, the welfare of the patient is the most important priority.”
Princeton Spine & Joint Center accepts all major insurance plans, and appointments are available Monday through Friday. (609) 454-0760. Visit the website at www. princetonSJC.com.
—Jean Stratton
S ports
Sparked
by
Hungry Senior Group, Precocious
Sophomores, Tiger Men’s Lax Opening 2025 Aiming for Final 4 Run
As the Princeton Uni -
versity men’s lacrosse team heads into its 2025 campaign, its senior group is looking to come full circle.
“It is a hungry group, it is a senior group that has lived their life the right way,” said Princeton head coach Matt Madalon. “They experienced the Final 4 early on as freshmen, and they have been fighting their tails off to get back there.”
The seniors should get plenty of support this spring from a stellar sophomore group that entered the program being named as the best freshman class in Division I by Inside Lacrosse.
“They made a lot of progress as freshmen, we don’t put a lot of pressure on the young guys,” said Madalon, whose squad is ranked No. 5 and will start its 2025 campaign by playing at No. 10 Penn State (2-0) on February 15. “This year I just think there are more expectations around that crew, they are putting a little more pressure on themselves. It is a really impressive class, hopefully they take another big step forward.”
Senior Coulter Mackesy (40 goals, 24 assists in 2024) and a pair of those sophomores, Colin Burns (26 goals, nine assists) and Nate Kabiri (32 goals, 25 assists), will be triggering
the Tiger offense as its top attack line.
“Mackesy is our captain and he is probably one of the top players in the country; he is a composed, impressive leader and is the offensive QB,” said Madalon, noting that senior Braedon Saris, freshman Cody Lam, and freshman Peter Buonanno will be in the mix at attack. “That is a really strong unit for us. They have some good chemistry. Obviously Kabiri and Burns will keep getting better as they physically mature and are around the college game more. As a unit, I am hoping Mackesy, Kabiri and Burns take a big step forward this year.”
In the midfield, junior Chad Palumbo (26 goals 11 assists) along with Sean Cameron (18 goals, 3 assists), sophomore Tucker Wade (17 goals, 5 assists) and junior John Dunphey (12 goals, 6 assists) will be leading the way.
“There is just a lot of guys up around that unit that return with some pretty good game experience,” said Madalon, who will also be looking at sophomore Carson Krammer along with freshmen Isaac Cruz, Jake Vana and Buonanno in the midfield. “Hopefully that unit continues to grow and step forward. There are some guys that could really step up and play some valuable minutes.”
At face-off, junior Andrew McMeekin emerged as a force last spring, winning 199 of 361 face-offs and scooping up 132 ground balls.
“He really did a nice job last year, he is working his tail off this offseason,” said Madalon of McMeekin who was named the Most Outstanding Player in the Ivy League Tournament.
“He is one guy that really wants to help this team take the next step, he is our kind of leader at that unit. You have got Koby Ginder, he is our backup there. That is a good unit.”
There are plenty of options in the defensive midfield with seniors Liam Fairback and Michael Kelly along with sophomore Cooper Mueller, sophomore Jackson Green, sophomore Owen Fischer, and sophomore Jacob Todd.
“There is not as much game experience as in years past, it is an athletic and a pretty hungry group,” said Madalon. “We are hoping they can get out and mix it up on behalf of our defense.”
Bruising senior Colin Mulshine (13 caused turnovers, 23 ground balls) will be spearheading the Tiger defensive unit along with Michael Bath (26 caused turnovers, 39 ground balls) and sophomore Jack Stahl (1 ground ball).
day to improve on the 11-5 record it posted last year as it fell 16-8 to Maryland in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
“The key for us this year is to make sure that we are great in practice and make sure that every day we come in with the right focus,” said Madalon. “We need to make sure that we are getting better throughout the season and learn from our mistakes. It is a pretty mature group. The preseason happens so quickly, we are excited to get into games. We learn so much about our group over the next two-three weeks.”
That learning process will start with a big test at Penn State this Saturday.
“The opportunity to add them to your schedule was awesome,” said Madalon. “In the past five years, they have been a top 10 team. Our guys always want to try to play the best and we want to provide our guys with the best opportunity. That is a really, really well coached team; that is a great defensive team.”
With the Tigers following the clash against the Nittany Lions with a gauntlet of games that will see it host Maryland on February 22 before playing at Duke on February 28 and North Carolina on March 2, the Tigers will get the chance to see where they stand with the elite programs in the nation.
“We have worked really hard to put ourselves in position where we are ready for this stretch,” said Madalon.
“With the sacrifices the guys have made throughout the offseason just to get themselves ready, we just hope we can come together as a team.”
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“We are hoping that he has a big year for us,” said Madalon of Mulshine. “He has done such a good job for us throughout his career. He is such a calm, quiet leader down there, we are really going to need him this year. Michael Bath has been down there, he has really unique skills. He can take the ball off of you and cover the fast guys. He is really versatile, he is physical. He is a captain, he is a leader down there. Jack Stahl had a good fall, he has that third spot on the depth chart.”
The pair of juniors Cooper Kistler (14 caused turnovers, 33 ground balls) and Nick Crowley (13 caused turnovers, 22 ground balls) will be holding down the longstick midfielder spot.
“Kistler is going to find himself in more of an LSM role this year,” said Madalon. “Kistler and Crowley will lump up around there. They are pretty talented guys. We will have to figure out who the next guys are in the next couple of weeks.”
With the graduation of star goalie Michael Gianforcaro, junior Ryan Croddick (9.89 goals against average, .500 save percentage), a former Hun School standout, has emerged as the starter.
“Ryan has had a nice preseason, we are looking forward to seeing him in the games,” said Madalon. “He is at the top of our goalie depth chart. He is a big athlete in the cage. He is very true to the ball. Hs is very good out of the cage. Colin Vickrey and Carter Johnson are the backups. Those are two good young guys. They will continue to get better and push for time.”
Looking forward, Madalon believes his team will have to make the most of each
—Bill Alden
BURNING BRIGHT: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Colin Burns heads to goal in a game last season. Sophomore attacker Burns, who tallied 26 goals and nine assists last spring, is poised to be even more productive this season. No. 5 Princeton starts its 2025 campaign by playing at No. 10 Penn State (2-0) on February 15.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Sparked by a Career Day from Star Guard Chea, Princeton Women’s Hoops Defeats Penn 74-60
With the Princeton University women’s basketball team hosting Penn last Saturday afternoon and attracting a throng as it held its annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Ashley Chea drew special inspiration.
“It means everything to me, I was that girl once,” said Princeton sophomore guard Chea, reflecting on the event that resulted in a crowd of 2,631 at Jadwin Gym, including hundreds of young girls.
“I am just super incredibly grateful to be in the spot that I am and to be around incredible people. I hope that all of these girls see that. I hope
that they know they can do that as well.”
Giving the fans plenty to cheer about from the opening tipoff, Chea tallied 11 points in the first quarter as Princeton jumped out to a 28-6 lead.
“We came out strong, we set the tone for the entire game,” said Chea, reflecting on the first quarter outburst. “We worked on Penn this entire week. We executed all of our plays and we played super well in the beginning with a lot of confidence.”
Continuing to execute, Chea, a 5’8 native of Los Angeles, piled up a career-high 21 points by halftime and ended up with 25 as Princeton
cruised to a 74-60 win.
“I think that came from my teammates, they instill a lot of confidence in me and my shot,” said Chea, assessing her performance which saw her hit 10-of-15 shots, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range.
“I am just so grateful to be on a team that is so supportive and so inclusive of me.”
Chea acknowledged that she didn’t start the day off in the zone.
“I felt off in shootaround today, it was a weird feeling in game,” said Chea, who was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. “I made all of the shots in the game but I missed all of the shots in shootaround.”
With Princeton playing at Jadwin for the first time since January 18, Chea and her teammates were fired up to be back at home.
“It feels so nice, I think I can speak for my whole team, it is just nice having all of our friends come to watch us play,” said Chea. “It is just fun.”
Princeton head coach Carla Berube enjoyed a very nice
afternoon, earning the 500th win of her career and celebrating the achievement with the players after the game. Berube is now 116-22 overall (.841) as Princeton’s head coach after going 384-96 (.800) at Tufts University.
“It means that I have been doing this for quite a while,” said Berube, reflecting on the milestone. “I have been at two really incredible universities with a lot of great student athletes and coaches. Lauren Dillon has been with me for four years as a player and then however many it has been as an assistant — seven. I am just so grateful to be around so many great people.”
Berube was grateful to see her team roar out of the gate with its 28-6 first quarter onslaught.
“The start was really great, the defense was awesome and it definitely fueled our offense,” said Berube. “We got out and did a great job on the break. We did a great job breaking their press. We made some shots.”
Chea certainly hit a lot of shots for the Tigers. “Ashley was phenomenal, when she is feeling it, she is feeling it,” said Berube. “She has the green light to take most shots. She just got us going.”
After Penn got going with a 19-11 run in the second quarter, the Tigers regained
momentum heading into the second half.
“We lost a little of that in the second quarter but then got it back toward the end of the second quarter and the third quarter,” said Berube. “Penn is a very good team, they are not just going to back down. We needed to just play our game. We were trying to pound the post. We missed some bunnies here and there inside but I thought we did a good job of executing our offense and getting the things we wanted to look at. I thought our defense was a little suspect in the second half for sure. There is definitely room for improvement and things to work on.”
Tiger sophomore guard Belker executed very well down the stretch, scoring 11 of her 15 points on the day in the second half.
“She is just smooth right, she is in the right place at the right time making the right reads,” said Berube. “She gets into the paint for little jump shots.”
Princeton’s twin towers, senior Parker Hill and junior Tabitha Amanze, starred in the paint. Hill contributed eight points and four rebounds into win while Amanze chipped in 12 points and four rebounds.
“Parker and Tabby were great, we have an advantage inside, especially when [Ka-
tie] Collins went out,” said Berube. “They did a great job of scoring inside and sealing well and we found them.”
Like her players, Berube was fired up to be back at Jadwin.
“It is a great environment, the crowd was great today,” said Berube. “It is always fun where that second level is open and you see a lot of people there just celebrating girls and women in sports too. There was a lot of young girls in the crowd. We love playing here. We would rather not be on the road so to be back in Jadwin is awesome.”
With Princeton’s homestand continuing as it hosts Brown on February 14 and Yale on February 15, Berube is fired up for another big weekend at Jadwin.
“Now it is on to the next weekend, it is going to be our senior weekend,” said Berube. “Brown is tough, we saw that last weekend (in a 60-47 win on February 1), and Yale too. It is going to be a really important week of practice heading into another big Ivy weekend.” Chea, for her part, believes that the Tigers are heading in the right direction.
“We feel good, we played well today,” said Chea. “I think that is good for our confidence and for everything like that.”
—Bill Alden
CAREER DAY: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ashley Chea dribbles upcourt in a game last year. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Chea scored a career-high 25 points as Princeton defeated Penn 74-60. Chea was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. The Tigers, now 16-5 overall
League, host Brown own February 14 and Yale on
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Looking to Build on Last Season’s Progress, Tiger Women’s Lax Hosting UVA in Opener
The Princeton University women’s lacrosse team won’t have to wait long to gauge its strengths.
The Tigers face a pair of challenging non-conference foes to open their 2025 campaign, hosting Virginia at Class of 1952 Stadium this Saturday and then hosting Loyola on February 23.
“It’s going to be a quick kind of trial by fire, see what we’ve got, see how we compete against the nation’s best,” said Jenn Cook, who is in her third season as head coach at Princeton and guided the Tigers to the second round of the NCAA tournament last spring. “And really I think that helps you learn so much about yourself early in the season that allows you to go back and tweak different things as you head into really, really critical Ivy play throughout March and April.”
Virginia already has a game under its belt, a convincing 20-5 win over Liberty last Saturday. Jenna Dinardo had four goals, and Kate Miller, Abby Manalang, and Jayden Piraino all posted hat tricks. Addi Foster scored twice and assisted on four goals for an offense that had graduated some of its top players. Princeton got a look at the offense and defense they’ll face in their opener.
“They have a bit of a different look, but they do have a core of returners that are incredibly solid,” said Cook. “UVA is a really, really talented team. I think one thing that really jumps off the page for me is Mel Josephson for them in the goal cage. She does really, really well. She had a great year last year. She’s an incredibly talented goalkeeper, so we’re going to have to shoot well this upcoming Saturday and make the most of our opportunities when shooting on cage because she’s an incredibly talented goalie.”
Princeton has the sort of firepower that will give it opportunities to score on the Cavaliers. Last year, Virginia pulled out a 14-12 win over the Tigers in Charlottesville, Va. Princeton has a number of key players back from last year that will be looking to turn the tables. While Princeton graduated Grace Tauckus, who was second on the team last spring with 47 goals, it returns three of its top four scorers in McKenzie Blake (67 goals, 5 assists in 2024), Haven Dora (29 goals, 40 assists), and Jami MacDonald (34 goals, 21 assists).
“Losing Grace and her leadership and her understanding of the game is of course going to always impact any type of team, but I think what’s fantastic is we’re
returning those three core individuals in McKenzie, Haven and Jami,” said Cook. “They know the offense — they know how to lead. They’ve really stepped into that role in stride,, and they really just allow us to have continuity on that offensive end.”
Princeton also said goodbye to a couple of big contributors in the midfield in Kari Buonanno and Sam DeVito. It’s not as though the midfield doesn’t have players back with experience though, it’s just a matter of finding their chemistry together in elevated roles.
“Sophie Whiteway is a returning senior midfielder for us who takes the draw,” said Cook. “Lane Calkins, Maggie Molnar, Colette Quinn, all those guys are in the midfield and they’re returners who have had significant time and know our systems on both sides of the ball. And of course they’re taking more of the lead now. They have that experience, so it’s been pretty seamless.”
Whiteway was second on the team in draw controls last year behind Abigail Roberts, who also returns. The Tigers feel good about the returners that they can use and what they’ll be able to show given their increased opportunity.
The defensive end also returns a lot. The unit
graduated Caroline Burnett, but the remainder of the defense is back in front of goalie Amelia Hughes (13.40 goals against average, 223 saves in 2024).
“On the defensive side of the ball, you have returners like Sam Whiting, Dylan Allen, Abigail Roberts, and then also a sprinkle of other players that have had time in the past in Mia James and Paige Vegna, along with obviously our Ivy League Goalie of the Year, Amelia Hughes,” said Cook. “We’ve been able to implement new things and really lock down certain concepts on the offensive and defensive side of the ball that we have wanted. For us on the defensive side with that maturity allows us to be a little bit more creative, have a little bit more of a lockdown D on certain important individuals.”
The experience returning allows the newcomers time to adjust to the college game before being thrown into the mix. Princeton does have some freshmen who will make an impact this season.
“Grace Mulham on the offensive side of the ball,” said Cook. “On the defensive side of the ball, I would say Zoe Bye is a freshman who could get some good time for us. And Amelia Hughes is our go-to Ivy League goalie of the year, but Elizabeth Gonnella has had a really good fall and preseason as well in the cage.”
They are learning on the fly as Princeton’s wealth of experience gives them a good starting point. The Tigers feel they can start out ahead of some previous seasons.
“Because of the experience that we have, I think
it’s allowed us to really work in some new offensive pieces and defensive pieces through the fall just because we have that experience,” said Cook. “They already have that foundation. Offensively that group in general likes to play fast, and shares the ball incredibly well.”
Princeton took a big step forward last year in an 11-7 season in which it went 6-1 in the Ivy League after going 7-9 overall and 4-3 Ivy in 2023. The Tigers are looking to improve on those marks and win an Ivy title.
“What we’ve been really stressing on both sides of the ball is fundamentals, like playing what we know, playing what we see and just executing the fundamentals at a really high level because that’s all we need to do,” said Cook. “We don’t need to get too overly cerebral. We need to play what we know and play what we see with this group because they’re that talented.”
It’s another strong conference. Cook believes the Ivies are underrated nationally. Last year, they had the second best RPI (Rating Percentage Index) as a conference in March. Yale and Penn are both ranked in the national top 20 along with Princeton. The Tigers open Ivy play March 8 when they host Harvard. By then, the Tigers will have had five non-conference games to prepare. They take on Delaware, Hofstra, and
Penn State before starting the Ivy slate.
“We’re playing really, really good talent outside the league,” said Cook. “The league itself is really talented as well, so I think it all kind of plays into each other. Honestly, I just don’t think the Ivy League has been given the respect that it’s due or the media attention that it’s due because a lot of that goes to the ACC and Big Ten in general. I think the Ivy League’s always been here, always given out of conference opponents a run for their money and challenged them.”
Princeton expects to do its part, beginning Saturday with a difficult opener. The Tigers are looking forward to using their returning experience and working together to improve on last year’s season.
“It’s continuing to play for each other,” said Cook. “I think we did that really, really well last year. We just loved playing together and we really love our teammates, and we really love the game, and we just want to continue to play for each other as long as we can. That is something I want us to continue into this season — playing for each other, making the most of our opportunities, having each other’s backs. And just being relentless in everything that we do and having that belief. That’s really what we’re talking about with our players day in and day out.”
—Justin Feil
MAC ATTACK: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Jami MacDonald, left, goes after the ball in a game earlier in her career. Junior attacker MacDonald, who tallied 34 goals and 21 assists last spring, figures to be a go-to scorer for the Tigers this season. Princeton opens its 2025 campaign by hosting Virginia (1-0) on February 15.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Princeton Men’s Hockey Ties St. Lawrence 4-4
Squandering a late 4-2
lead, the Princeton University men’s hockey team skated to a 4-4 tie with St. Lawrence last Saturday.
Jake Manfre and Brendan Gorman each tallied one goal and one assist for the Tigers as they moved to 10-11-2 overall and 5-9-2 ECAC Hockey.
Princeton plays at RPI on February 14 and at Union on February 15.
Tiger Women’s Hockey Falls to St. Lawrence
Mackenzie Alexander and Sarah Paul each scored goals but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 3-2 to St. Lawrence last Saturday.
The Tigers, now 16-9-2 overall and 10-8-2 ECAC Hockey, host Union on February 14 and RPI on February 15.
PU Men’s Volleyball Falls 3-1 to LIU
Mason Rice and Owen Mellon had 13 kills in a losing cause as the Princeton University men’s volleyball team fell 3-1 (23-25, 2519, 22-25, 18-25) to LIU last Friday.
The Tigers, now 3-4, play at NJIT on February 14.
PU Women’s Water Polo
Defeats UC Santa Barbara 9-7
Wrapping up the Harvard Invitational on a high note, the No. 8 Princeton University women’s water polo team defeated No. 15 UC Santa Barbara 9-7 last Sunday in Cambridge, Mass.
Kayla Yelensky scored four goals to lead the Tigers as they improved to 5-2. In action in the event on Saturday, Princeton fell 7-6 to No. 18 Harvard and 14-11 to No. 11 UC San Diego.
The Tigers face Bucknell and Michigan on February 22 in Cambridge, Mass and then play St. Francis in Providence, R.I. a day later.
Princeton Fencers Excel at Ivy Event
Sweeping four bouts over two days, the Princeton University men’s fencing team won the Ivy League title for the second straight year last Sunday at The Palestra in Philadelphia, clinching the title with a 14-13 win over Columbia.
The men’s title was the 18th all-time for the Tigers and gave the program its first back-to-back Ivy titles since 2016-17. It was the squad’s first outright Ivy League title since 2012, and the first time since that year that Princeton swept through the Ivy round-robin unbeaten at 4-0.
Five Tigers earned All-
Ivy League honors on the men’s side, with Alec Brooke (10-2 record at 2025 Ivies) and Nicholas Lawson (9-2) as first-team épées, Allen Chen (8-4) as a first-team foil, and Matthew Limb (7-5) and Adam Lai (6-5) as second-team sabers.
The women’s team entered Sunday with a chance to win the Ivy title, but a 19-8 loss to Harvard left the Tiger women with only a chance to share the title until Harvard closed out a sweep of its own with a win over Penn as Princeton lost to Columbia 17-10 to finish 4-2 and take third.
Freshman Emese Domonkos (14-4) was the Ivy League saber champion and earned first-team AllIvy honors along with saber teammate Alexandra Lee (13-5). Épée Hadley Husisian (14-4) earned first-team honors while foil Maia Weintraub (116) and Chin-Yi Kong (144) were second-team All-Ivy honorees, as was saber Madeline Sanz (117). Princeton will return to competition on February 23 when it takes part at the Temple Duals in Philadelphia.
PU Women’s Golfer Rao Wins Columbia Classic
For the second time in her career, Princeton University women’s golf star Catherine Rao has finished
atop the leaderboard at the Columbia Classic at the Duran Golf Club in Viera, Fla., this time securing solo medalist honors in the event after sharing the title in 2023.
Junior Rao’s third career medalist honors culminated a stirring comeback as she rallied from an opening +1 in the first round to shoot -7 over her final 36 holes to overtake Illinois State’s Jinyoung Yun who had led by two shots after the second round. Rao ended up carding a winning score of 6-under 210 for the three-round event with Yun and Dartmouth’s Olivia Chong tying for second at 213.
In the team standings, Princeton took second
with a +8 total of 874, four strokes behind champion Illinois State.
The Tigers are next in action when they compete in the River Landing Classic at the River Landing Golf Course in Wallace, N.C., from March 3-4.
PU Women’s Squash Edged 5-4 by Penn
Getting edged in a nailbiter, the third-ranked Princeton University women’s squash team fell 5-4 to No. 5 Penn last Sunday in Philadelphia.
The Tigers got victories in the match at No. 1 from Zeina Zein, at No. 5 from Caroline Eielson, at No. 8 from Liyen Teoh, and at No. 9 from Hermione Cao. Princeton, now 9-2 over -
all and 4-2 Ivy League, hosts Georgetown on February 22 and Virginia on February 23 to conclude regular season play.
PU Men’s Squash Falls To Penn in Ivy Showdown
Coming up short in a clash that decided the Ivy League title, the No. 2 Princeton University men’s squash team fell 6-3 to top-ranked Penn last Sunday in Philadelphia.
The Tigers got wins in the match at No. 6 from Hollis Robertson, at No. 7 from Aly Ibrahim, and at No. 9 from Gordon Lam. Princeton, now 9-1 overall and 5-1 Ivy League, hosts Virginia on February 23 to wrap up regular season action.
GRAND ACHIEVEMENT: Princeton University men’s basketball player Xaivian Lee heads to the hoop in recent action. Last Friday, junior guard Lee scored 11 points to help Princeton defeat Penn 61-59. In so doing, Lee passed the 1,000-point mark in his career. The Tigers, now 16-6 overall and 5-2 Ivy League, play at Brown on February 14 and at Yale on February 15. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)
PHS Girls’ Swimmers Win State Opener
But Fall to Chatham in Sectional Semi
Having won the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Public B state title in 2023 and making the final last year, the Princeton High girls’ swim team was fired up to start another postseason run when it hosted Red Bank Regional last Thursday in the North 2, Group B sectional quarterfinals.
“It is always exciting around tournament time, especially after the high that we had after winning counties,” said PHS first-year head coach Pat Remboski. “The girls were motivated and super excited to swim. We had the first round bye so we were eager to get into the water.”
The Tigers ran into some rough water to open the meet, coming in third in the 200-yard medley relay to fall behind Red Bank 12-2.
“It was a little bit concerning, being down 10 points in the first event but they bounced back and they believed in their training and the whole plan,” said Remboski. “It is a long meet, you can’t get stuck up on one event, you have to move on.”
PHS freshman star Jenna Barry got things moving, winning the 200-yard freestyle in the second event of the meet.
“Jenna has been amazing, she had an incredible finish in her events,” said Remboski of Barry, who also placed first in the 100 free. “She brings a lot of new energy to the team which is super helpful and the other girls are feeding off of it. It is a lot of pressure for a freshman. She did really well at counties and I think that has helped her as we move on. She swims in her big club meets. High school is a bit different animal and she has been handling it well.”
The Tigers ended up handling their business, pulling away to a 103-67 win over the Bucs.
“Red Bank was a really strong team, we said they were pretty comparable to us so getting through that meet is a big confidence boost,” said Remboski. “That type of stuff helps propel you, especially in tournament time. It builds confidence.”
In addition to Barry, junior Annie Flanagan helped propel PHS to the win, winning both the 50 free and 100 backstroke.
“Her 100 back finish was just incredible to watch, she
has been awesome,” said Remboski. “You put her in any event and you can almost guarantee that she is going to win it for us. It has really been fun to have Annie this year.”
Remboski had fun watching junior Nia Zagar perform as she won the 100 breaststroke and took second in the 200 individual medley.
“Nia did amazing, she really stepped up in her events as well,” said Remboski. “We are super, super excited with her swims. The 100 breast really secured the win for us. I think the score was 83-57 and then she took first in the 100 breast to seal the deal. She is just a great teammate to have. She has a lot of energy and keeps it fun.”
Competing in her last home meet, senior star Sabine Ristad placed first in the 500 free and third in the 200 free.
“Sabine had a great meet,” said Remboski. “She is another one of our senior leaders who we can just count on to really step up and provide some important wins.”
Remboski credited his senior group — which includes Priya Bakshi, Elizabeth Chorba, Julia Godfrey, Ella Hernon, Lola Jimenez, Muen Li, Valentine Matthews, and Rachel McInerney in addition to Ristad — with having a great impact on the program.
“All of the seniors are leaders, they are going to be some really big shoes to fill,” said Remboski, who got a first place finish in the 200 IM and third-place in the 100 free from McInerney against Red Bank with Godfrey taking second in the 100 fly and third in the 500 free, Jimenez coming win fourth in the 100 fly, and Chorba taking fourth in the 500 free. “We are happy to have them, we are definitely sad to see them go so we are hoping to push the season as far as we can go.”
Unfortunately for the Tigers, their season came to an end last Monday night as they fell 101-69 to nemesis Chatham in the sectional semis.
“We love swimming against them, they have a great coach and a great team,” said Remboski, whose team faced Chatham in the last two state finals. “Their lineup is just super deep, which is the hardest part and their biggest strength. The girls are fired
up. We had a tough loss against them in the state final last year. We have a little bit of a chip on our shoulder so we are going to go out there and swim our best and just have a good time.”
—Bill Alden
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Senior Guo Stars in Home Finale for PHS Boys’ Swim Team As it Wins Sectional Quarter Before Falling at Summit in Semi
For Daniel Guo and his fellow seniors on the Princeton High boys’ swim team, there was a sense of finality last Friday as the Tigers hosted North Hunterdon in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2, Group B quarterfinals.
Based on the sectional bracket, third-seeded PHS would be on the road for the rest of the tournament if they defeated seventhseeded North Hunterdon.
“We were talking right behind the block before our 200 free relay, the last relay that we had together. at home and it was wow, this is our last home meet,” said Guo, who was joined in the event by classmates David Brophy and the Xu twins, David and Jaiden.
“It was definitely a little bittersweet. It had definitely been a long journey but we have had a lot of fun doing it. I couldn’t ask for better teammates.”
The Tigers kept their journey going, posting a 108-61 win over North Hunterdon.
“I think a lot of the mood is around our general consistency, I think our team thrives on being able to perform in the big moments,” said Guo. “We can be thankful for so many different people on this team. We have had a lot of close moments during the season and also during the past four years but we have always been able to get it done in the end. I think that confidence keeps building and it is like a domino effect.”
Guo performed well in the win over the Lions, placing first in both the 50 and 100 free races.
“I didn’t really know how fast the people on the other team were,” said Guo. “It was looking at everyone else race and being able to do what we need to do to have a lead. I really didn’t feel any worries going into the 50 or 100. I was able to swim pretty carefree which is always a good thing.”
Winning the 50 free in the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) championships in late January helped Guo swim with more confidence.
“I looked at some of the races before me, David Xu in the 200 IM, David Brophy had a great 200 free,” said Guo. “Seeing the people I have been with for four years being able to perform and get it done made me want to get my job done.”
The quartet of Guo, Bro phy and the Xu twins has
done a lot of good work for PHS over the last four years.
“This is a really solid core of the four of us, I think it is more of an acknowledgment that they are there and we can always rely on each other,” said Guo, whose swims club for Whitewaters. “If one of us doesn’t have a good day in a relay, the other people in the four of us will be able to carry their races and at the end of the day we will get the job done.”
Feeding off his classmates, Guo has honed his mental approach to racing. “I have become a lot more mature as a competitor, knowing what I have to do to swim my best, what is good strategy, can I take a rest during this race and conserve energy for the next race,” said Guo.
This winter, Guo has poured his energy into sprint events.
“I really only started doing the 50 and 100 this year,” said Guo, noting that Daniel Baytin was the main sprinter when he came in as a freshman. “I used to swim the 200 free, the 200 IM, the 100 breast, stuff like that. I have really been a flexible swimmer, I have been placed to serve the team.”
PHS head coach Carly Fackler liked the way her team took care of business against North Hunterdon.
“It was nice to have a meet now to get some racing in before Monday,” said Fackler. “I think the whole vibe was happy. I think it was positive. They were excited to get back into things as a team. We swam really well across the board, there were a lot of 1-2-3s and 2-3-4s. We knew coming in that our guys were going to have some pretty good races. We had a good meet today. Today was more getting back into racing, a tune up. We accomplished the job today and that is it, just checking off another box.”
True to form, the squad’s senior core four of Brophy, Guo and the Xu twins led the way in the win. Brophy placed first in the 200 free and second in the 100 butterfly while Jaiden Xu took second in the 200 individual medley and David Xu took second in the 100 backstroke and third in the 200 IM.
“As per usual, it is the same story all of the time with them, they stepped up,” said Fackler, noting that her seniors lost just three meets in their first three seasons with the program. “They
really will do any event. They made me take a picture of the four of them, saying this is our last home meet as seniors. When you hear things like that and that kind of stuff starts to sink in with all of the memories and you are thinking back to freshman year.”
Fackler will have good memories of Guo and the progress he has made over his career.
“Daniel has been someone who over the last four years whose events have really changed and evolved,” said Guo. “He has really excelled and truly developed into one of the top sprinters in the state, not even just Mercer County. We had to figure out what holes we had to fill this year and he fills those holes appropriately for us and makes the best fit.”
The year ended for PHS last Monday as the Tigers fell 96-74 to second-seeded Summit in the sectional semis.
“When you get to this part of the season, you want to have those exciting meets with the ups and the downs,” said Fackler, whose team ended with winter with a 9-1 record. “They are ahead, we are ahead. Obviously you want to be ahead more. Everybody will rise to the occasion. I am excited, I think they are excited for Monday. This is the fun part of the season, this is what you train for.”
Guo, for his part, was confident that the Tigers would give their all to the end of the season.
“We always like to think that we can compete, that is one of the things that I really appreciate about this team,” said Guo. “Whether it is at counties or big meets, at the big moments we can perform. I have no doubt that we will do that, win or lose.”
—Bill Alden
FINAL LAP: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Sabine Ristad displays her freestyle form in a race last year. Last Thursday, senior star Ristad placed first in the 500-yard freestyle and third in the 200 free to help PHS defeat Red Bank Regional 103-67 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2, Group B sectional quarterfinals. The Tigers ended up falling 101-69 to Chatham in the sectional semis last Monday to end the season with an 8-2 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
GUO TIME: Princeton High boys’ swimmer Daniel Guo shows his form in a freestyle race last season. Last Friday, senior Guo placed first in both the 50-yard and 100 freestyle races to help third-seeded PHS defeat seventh-seeded North Hunterdon 101-68 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2, Group B quarterfinals. On Monday, the Tigers lost 96-74 to second-seeded Summit in the sectional semis to end the winter with a 9-1 record.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
PDS Girls’ Hoops Can’t
Overcome Early Deficit
As it Loses 55-39 to Pennington in Prep B Semis
Hosting sixth-seeded Pennington in the Prep B state semifinals last Monday evening, the second-seeded Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team dug an early hole as it fell behind 20-8.
“Pennington is a good team, [Izzy] Augustine came out and hit some deep ones early,” said PDS first-year head coach Pat Reddington. “We wanted to force her into some deep, tougher shots and she ended up hitting them.”
Trailing 20-12 heading into the second quarter, the Panthers tightened things up, fighting Pennington to a 7-7 standstill in the period.
“Our girls battled, the second quarter was a little better so that was good,” said Reddington.
At halftime, Reddington was cautiously optimistic. “We were still in the game,” said Reddington. “We were turning the ball over, self-inflicted, a little bit in the first half. In the second half, the goal was not to do that.”
The Panthers, however, didn’t achieve that goal as the Red Hawks pulled away to a 55-39 win. “It didn’t really happen,” said Reddington. “We had a lot of turnovers.”
While PDS didn’t pull out the win, it made some good things happen in the fourth quarter as it outscored the Red Hawks 13-11 in the period.
“What you can always say about them is that we are
never going to give up,” said Reddington, whose squad moved to 11-8 with the defeat. “That is something we can always build off of. That was something coming onto this year that was important to me is that we don’t have quitters and we don’t have complaining. Everybody just battles.”
Advancing to the Prep B semis marked progress for a Panther program that struggled to a 3-16 record last winter.
“We would have liked to get to the championship game but ultimately this is a successful season based off of last year,” said Reddington. “We are going to continue to build.”
Adding junior guard Juliana Hartman to the squad midway through the season has been a big plus for the PDS.”
“She joined right after the winter break,” said Reddington of Hartman who scored nine points in the loss to Pennington. “She was undecided, she is a big soccer player. She has definitely helped us control the ball. She has helped us defensively. She is usually our defensive stopper. We love having Jules here.”
Two other soccer players, juniors Ella McLaren and Nica Martin, have made a big impact as well this winter. McLaren contributed six points against the Red Hawks while Martin chipped in 10.
“Ella is always banged up because of how hard she
plays,” said Reddington. “Early in the season, she really started to click and then she took a charge and broke her thumb. Nica has been playing good. With Jules, we were able to move her off the ball a little bit as well which helps her get going as well.”
A pair of senior stalwarts, Nandini Kolli and Shelby Ruf, have set a good tone for the team all season long.
“Nandini and Shelby are always our emotional leaders,” said Reddington. “I don’t know if they had the best games statistics-wise today but they forced their big into traveling a couple of times. They are huge for us. We always go as they go a little bit. I always give then a bunch of credit for playing through most of the 32 minutes. Shelby came out a little bit. They play a lot of minutes for us and they play hard.”
With PDS hosting Somerville High on February 12 and then playing at Stuart Country Day on February 18 before starting play in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state tourney, Reddington is confident his squad will keep playing hard.
“We have Non-Public A coming up to get ready for,” said Reddington. “We have a couple of regular season games left and we might pick up a game or two as well. There is big stuff to build off of going into states and next year as well.”
—Bill Alden
EL TRAIN: Princeton Day School girls’ basketball player Ella McLaren, right, chases down the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Monday, junior guard McLaren scored six points in a losing cause as second-seeded PDS fell 55-39 to sixth-seeded Pennington in the Prep B state semifinals last Monday. The Panthers, now 11-8, will be hosting Somerville High on February 12 and playing at Stuart Country Day on February 18 in regular season action. (Photo by
Having Navigated an Up-and-Down Campaign, Hun Boys’ Hoops Primed for Postseason Run
For the Hun School boys’ basketball team, last week proved to be a microcosm of an uneven campaign.
On Wednesday, Hun posted a solid win 67-46 win over archival Lawrenceville School before losing 102-64 to West Nottingham on Saturday and then topping the Phelps School (Pa.) 105-86 on Monday.
The victory over Lawrenceville was a highlight for the Raiders.
“It was good to beat an elite team and good to get a win,” said Stone, whose team improved to 9-15 with the win over Phelps. “It was back and forth in the beginning, we struggled a little bit and we pulled away in the fourth. It was a little closer than the score let on.”
While that win felt good, Stone acknowledged that it has been a rocky ride this winter.
“We have gone through some growing pains, we have had some guys sick and hurt, things like that,” said Stone, whose squad posted victories over Blair, Hackensack High, and the Peddie School in the last
month. “We have some really good games and some games where we weren’t so good. It has certainly been an up and down year.”
Junior guard Sage Mateo has produced a lot of good games for the Raiders this season.
“Sage has been really good for us all year, he is just very steady,” said Stone of Mateo, who is averaging 10 points a game. “He is a terrific shooter but he does a lot more than that. He rebounds the ball well, he handles the ball, he is a low turnover, high assist guy. He does a lot of good things. He is a good floor leader for us.”
Joining the Hun program this season, sophomore transfer Blake Hargrove quickly emerged as an allaround offensive threat. Hargrove is averaging 18 points per game along with 3.8 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 steals.
“His numbers are really, really good, everything from points to rebounds to steals to assists,” said Stone of Hargrove. “Usually you are happy if one of your players
is just high in one of those categories. He typically does it in all four.”
The pair of senior Evan Brown and junior Seth Clarke has given the Raiders a good one-two punch in the paint.
“Evan provides some scoring for us for sure and Seth is both scoring and rebounding,” said Stone. “He is a real presence inside for us.”
With Hun starting action in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament this week where it is seeded fourth and will host Peddie in a quarterfinal contest on Thursday, Stone believes his squad is primed for a big run.
“We have had some ups and downs here but we are heading in the right direction,” said Stone. “We are poised and ready for the playoff here. When we are at our best, we are tremendously balanced, sharing the ball well on the offensive end and really playing together defensively as well.”
—Bill Alden
now 9-15, are starting action in the
(MAPL) tournament where they are seeded fourth and will host
final contest on Thursday.
Frank Wojciechowski)
SAGE ADVICE: Hun School boys’ basketball player Sage Mateo dribbles upcourt in a game last season. Last Monday, junior guard Mateo scored 14 points to help Hun defeat the Phelps School (Pa.) 105-86. The Raiders,
Mid-Atlantic Prep League
fifth-seeded Peddie in a quarter-
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Hun
Girls’ Basketball : Gabby D’Agostino had a huge game as Hun defeated the Perkiomen School (Pa.) 6555 last week. Junior guard D’Agostino poured in 37 points to help the Raiders improve to 21-5. In upcoming action, Hun will be competing in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament where it is seeded second and will host seventh-seeded Peddie School in a quarterfinal contest on February 13.
Boys’ Hockey : Unable to get its offense going, Hun fell 5-0 to Malvern Prep in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference (APAC) playoffs last Monday. The Raiders, who moved to 5-16-2 with the loss, host Princeton Day School on February 12 at the Ice Land Skating Center.
Boys’ Swimming : Charlie Bronk came up big at the Prep A championships last week. Sophomore Bronk placed first in the 100-yard freestyle in 47.37 at the February 4 meet which took place at the Lawrenceville School.
Girls’ Hockey : Della Gilligan and Layla Sosner each tallied a goal and an assist as third-seeded PDS defeated second-seed Morristown-Beard 3-0 in the Librera Tournament semis last Friday. The Panthers, who improved to 9-2-1 with the win, will face fifthseeded Oak Knoll in the Librera Tournament Final on February 13 at the Codey Arena in West Orange. In addition, the Panthers will face Kent Place on February 19 at RWJBarnabas Hockey House in Newark a regular season contest.
Lawrenceville
Boys’ Basketball : Battling hard, Lawrenceville lost 72-64 to the Pennington School last Friday. In upcoming action, the Big Red will be starting play in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament this week where they are seeded seventh and will play at second-seeded Hill School (Pa.) in a quarterfinal contest on February 13.
School 55-39 last Monday in the Prep B state semis. Augustine poured in 28 points for the Red Hawks, now 10-10. Pennington will play at top-seeded Villa Walsh in the Prep B final on February 12. In addition, the Red Hawks will be competing in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament this week where they are seeded fourth and will be hosting fifthseeded Hill School (Pa.) in a quarterfinal contest on February 13.
PHS
Boys’ Basketball: Sparked by Michael Bess Jr., PHS defeated Allentown 5752 last Friday. Junior guard Bess poured in 25 points as the Tigers snapped a 10game losing streak. PHS, which topped Nottingham 52-38 on Monday in improving to 4-17, plays at Northern Burlington on February 12.
Basketball : Taylor States posted a double-double with 23 points and 17 rebounds but it wasn’t enough as Stuart fell 57-43 to Life Center on February 4. In upcoming action, the Tartans, who moved to 3-12 with the defeat, play at Trenton Central on February 13 before hosting Princeton Day School on February 18.
Local Sports
Dillon Youth Hoops Recent Results
PDS Stuart
Boys’ Basketball : Sparked by Gary Jennings, third-seeded PDS topped second-seeded Doane Academy 55-45 in the Prep B state semifinal contest last Sunday. Sophomore guard Jennings tallied 20 points as the Panthers improved to 9-8. PHS will play at topseeded Morristown Beard in the Prep B state final on February 12.
Boys’ Hockey : Wyatt Ewanchyna, Filip Kacmarsky, and Jake Harrison each had a goal and an assist as fifth-seeded PDS fell 5-4 to fourth-seeded St. Augustine last week in the quarterfinals of the Gordon Cup. The Panthers, who moved to 6-8-1 with the loss in the February 4 contest, face the Hun School on February 12 at the Ice Land Skating Center and then play Gloucester Catholic on February 19 at the Hollydell Arena in Sewell.
Girls’ Basketball : Yijia Song scored eight points in a losing cause as Lawrenceville fell 50-36 to Seneca last Friday. The Big Red, now 5-17, are starting action in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament this week where they are seeded sixth and will play at third-seeded Mercersburg Academy (Pa.) in a quarterfinal contest on February 13.
Pennington
Boys’ Basketball : Sparked by Destine Evans, Pennington defeated the Pioneer Academy 98-65 last Monday. Evans scored 21 points as the Red Hawks improved to 13-10. Pennington will be competing in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament this week where it is seeded third and will host sixth-seeded Mercersburg Academy (Pa.) in a quarterfinal contest on February 13.
Girls’ Basketball : Izzy Augustine starred as sixthseeded Pennington defeated second-seeded Princeton Day
Boys’ Hockey : Jacob Rotenberg starred as fifthseeded PHS defeated fourthseeded WW/P-South 6-2 in the quarterfinal round of the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) tournament last Wednesday. Rotenberg tallied two goals and an assist as the Tigers improved to 7-10. PHS was slated to face top-seeded Hopewell Valley in the CVC semis on February 11 with the victor advancing to the final on February 14.
Girls’ Hockey : Cassie Speir scored the lone goal for fourth-seeded PHS as it fell 10-1 to top-seeded Madison in the semifinal round of the Annis Cup. The defeat left the Tigers with a record of 4-7.
Wrestling : Battling hard in a tri-meet, PHS fell 4139 to Franklin and 44-28 to Manasquan last Saturday. Double winners for the Tigers on the day included Forest Rose at 106 pounds, Josh Hannah at 113, Danny Monga at 126, Cole Rose at 132, Colin Fitzgerald at 139, and Blase Mele at 150, and Noah Kassas at 190. The Tigers moved to 8-11 in duals with the defeats.
Juan Phillipos Garcia Vidalis scored eight points for Luxe Property Group. Sportworld posted a 24-19 win over Dean of Chess. James Freedman scored 13 points for the victors while Liam Aguila chipped in 10. Mason Goldsmith had eight points for Dean of Chess. McCaffrey’s topped Built By Me 34-20. Gabriel Weiss and Rahil Patel each scored 10 points for McCaffrey’s while Noah Ahn had eight points for Built By Me.
39-37. Alex Spies led Back Nine with 16 points and Shail Besler contributed 13 points. Aiden Davidson had 20 points for Princeton Global. K9 Resorts of Hamilton defeated National CSI. Sam Carter had 22 points to lead Locomotion over Princeton Honda while Owen Lee scored 17 points for Princeton Honda.
Mercer Juniors Rowing Club Holding Open House Feb. 26
In action last weekend in the Boys’ Grade 3-4 Division of the Dillon Youth Basketball League, Ivy Inn defeated At Earth’s End. Miquel Pijoan-Hidalgo pouted in 21 points for Ivy Inn while Ronan Gautam scored 11 points for At Earth’s End. Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. defeated Luxe Property Group 31-23 as Aiden Spies led the way with 10 points.
In the Boys’ Grade 5-6 Division, Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC defeated Princeton Pettoranello Foundation. Bartholomew Gore poured in 26 points for MGP while Rohan Gregory had eight points for Princeton Pettoranello. Meeting House earned a 35-25 victory over Ivy Rehab. Logan Aguila led Meeting House with 21 points while Nazir Rollins tallied 12 points for Ivy Rehab. PBA 130 defeated J. Majeski 43-37 as Aidyn Shah scored 16 points and Christian Barr contributed 15 for the victors. Rohnik Verma scored 12 points and Ali Redjal chipped in 11 for Majeski.
In the Boys’ Grade 7/8 Division, Back Nine Golf edged Princeton Global
The Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA)/Mercer Juniors rowing club is holding an open house on February 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Caspersen Rowing Center at 1 South Post Road in Princeton Junction.
The Mercer Juniors program is a nationally competitive rowing club for athletes in grades 9-12. Recent graduates have attended top colleges and universities in the country and Mercer has been represented at the Junior World Championships for four straight years. Those interested in learning more about the open house and the program can log onto rowpnra.org or email coach Jamie Hamp at jhamp@rowpnra.org.
WINTER WONDER: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Anna Winters, holding poster, celebrates with her teammates last Saturday after she hit the 1,000-point mark in her career as PHS hosted Montgomery. Junior guard Winters scored 30 points in the game to help PHS defeat Montgomery 49-39. The Tigers, who improved to 16-6 with the win, are next in action when they continue play in the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) tournament where they are seeded second and will host third-seeded Notre Dame in a semifinal contest on February 12.
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE: Princeton High senior student-athletes are all smiles as they recently celebrated making their commitments to compete at the college level. Pictured from left are Jaiden Xu (Hamilton College – swimming), Walter Gumbinger (Dickinson College – golf), David Xu (Bowdoin College – swimming), Vita Moss-Wang (Wellesley College – rowing), Lois Matsukawa (Swarthmore College – volleyball), Jacqueline Zang (Carnegie Mellon University –golf), and Rica Eleches-Lipsitz (Swarthmore College – track/cross country).
Dr. William (Bill) A. Sweeney
The world lost one the kindest people as Dr. William (Bill) A. Sweeney died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at home surrounded by family. He was 91 years old. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on November 26, 1933, to the late Dr. John and Olive Sweeney, Bill spent his childhood in the Philadelphia area, eventually matriculating at the University of Pennsylvania first as an undergraduate and subsequently to pursue his medical degree.
After serving our nation for two years in the Air Force, Bill transitioned into the career that defined his professional life as a Radiation Oncologist. He was one of the founding members of the Radiology Group of New Brunswick, where for over 40 years Bill served the lo -
cal community with wisdom and grace. He was a former Chairman of the Radiology Department at Saint Peter’s University Hospital and a past President of the Saint Peter’s Executive Committee. Bill was well respected by his co-workers and became a valuable mentor to the next generation of aspiring Radiologists.
Bill and his first wife, Jeanne, eventually settled in Princeton, NJ, and were joined by son John, son Mark, and daughter Rita. Their house on Mercer Street became an open living room to their children and all of their friends. The years flew by in a series of sporting events, ski trips, and tennis matches.
After the untimely passing of Jeanne, Bill found a second chance at happiness when he married Dorothy (Dede) Shannon in 2010. Dede and Bill made it their mission to enjoy and savor life as witnessed by travels to Europe, Patagonia, Bermuda, and many treasured moments on the island of Virgin Gorda.
Bill was a voracious reader and lover of history and could often be found under a floppy hat sitting on a porch with the topic of the day in his hands. His wisdom seemed never ending yet he always made you feel like the smartest person in the room. Bill loved to travel, loved to be on the water, and most of all loved to be with family. Bill was a true gentleman and his warmth, generosity, and kind spirit shown through until the end. In his later days with limited mobility, the sense of humor never wavered and each,
“Good to see you Bill” was met with his reply, “Well it is good to be seen.”
Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy (Dede); his son John (Cary), daughter-in-law Catherine Sweeney, son-inlaw Charley Ehmann; three stepchildren Mike (Sarah) Shannon, Lawrence (Sarah) Shannon, and Courtney Shannon; four grandchildren Evan Sweeney, Heather Sweeney, Charley Ehmann, and August Ehmann; and six step grandchildren, Sam Shannon, Meghan Shannon, Addy Shannon, Peter Shannon, Simon Ehmann, and Ruby Ehmann. Bill was predeceased by his first wife Jeanne Sweeney, son Mark Sweeney, daughter Dr. Rita Sweeney (Ehmann), and brothers Joseph (Joe) Sweeney and John (Jack) Sweeney.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor can be made to SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals, 1010 Route 601, Skillman NJ 08558. SAVE had connected Bill and Dede with their beloved Zeke, who stayed by Bill’s side at all times.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be scheduled for the spring.
Dr. William Parnelle Burks
Dr. William Parnelle Burks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, doctor, and friend, died peacefully at the Princeton Medical Center on January 28, 2025, following a brief illness. He was 91.
Bill was born February 28, 1933, in Elizabeth, NJ, to the late Catherine Parnelle and Harry G. Burks, Jr. The middle of three brothers, he spent his early years in Hillside, NJ, and attended the Pingry School, where he was a standout scholar-athlete, quarterback, and third baseman.
gical Associates as Partner in 1966. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Attending Surgeon at the Medical Center of Princeton, including a tenure as Chief of General Surgery. An expert in arterial vascular surgery, Bill was a doctor of the old school. He offered compassionate care, a steady hand, and trusted counsel to patients, community members, family, and friends.
Throughout his life, Bill committed countless hours to ensuring the durability and vitality of the Princeton area community. Numerous institutions were dear to his heart. He joined the Board of Trustees of Princeton Area Community Foundation (PACF) in 1993, two years after the organization was founded and continued as trustee from 1993 to 2021, serving as Board Chair (1997–2006) during the organization’s critical, early growth years. Bill was a passionate fundraiser and fierce champion of PACF, believing that by raising money for the organization, he could help many nonprofits in the region. Honored as a Trustee Emeritus in 2021, he remained active with PACF until his death, serving on the investment committee and recruiting and mentoring new generations of fundraisers.
Bill also served on the Princeton Medical Center Foundation’s Board of Directors for nearly 20 years, playing an instrumental role in advocating and fundraising for the new hospital campus. In 2012, the Foundation honored Bill as the inaugural recipient of the Physician Philanthropist Award, an honor created in his name, as a tribute to his legacy of service, leadership, and generosity. He was named Trustee Emeritus of Princeton Day School, after a decade of distinguished leadership as Trustee (1970–80) and Board Chair (1975–80), and remained active in that role until his passing.
Bill was a patriarch, a healer, a gentleman, and a trusted and admired friend. He was a keen and curious listener, who somehow always knew the right thing to say. His love of athletics led him to tennis club championships and golf adventures with family and friends. A savvy investor, he delighted in the company of fellow members of the Princeton Investors Group.
of Trinity Church, Bill was a longtime member of the Bedens Brook Club, the Pretty Brook Tennis Club, and the Nassau Club.
Bill was predeceased by the love of his life, Judith S. Burks (1933–2021), whom he met at a tea dance hosted by his mother when he was 17. They were happily married for 66 years and raised four children in the Princeton community. Together with “Hoppy,” “Doc Doc” cherished and inspired their 14 grandchildren. He was their true north.
Bill is survived by his children and their spouses: Katharine and William Hackett (Skillman, NJ), Elizabeth (Holly) Burks and Paul Becker (Lawrenceville, NJ), Deborah and Michael Southwick (Old Greenwich, CT), and William Jr. (Whip) and Katrina Burks (Duxbury, VT), 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his brother, Robert W. Burks (Morristown, NJ).
A service of remembrance will be held at Trinity Church, Princeton (33 Mercer Street), on February 22, 2025, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Judith and William Burks Fund at the Princeton Area Community Foundation and the Princeton Medical Center Foundation.
Carol Lynne Jefferson
Carol Lynne Jefferson née Southwick, a classy woman of grace and wisdom, passed away peacefully on February 4, with her loving husband and daughters by her side. She fought a fierce battle with ovarian cancer. Her bravery was an inspiration.
chairman at Plainsboro Senior Club, past board member of the Crawford House, a sustaining member of the Princeton Junior League, and past Commodore of The Great Oak Yacht Club on the Chesapeake Bay. Carol cherished all the special friendships she made with her fellow members in all these clubs and organizations.
Carol published a children’s book, Beanie and the Dolphin, which she dedicated to her grandchildren. Carol loved to travel and saw a lot of the world thanks to her “do it while you can” attitude! She enjoyed her yearly winters in the Florida Keys, years of boating fun on the Chesapeake Bay, and summers spent at the Jersey Shore. Carol lived a full life and touched the lives of everybody she met. She had a kind and giving spirit, and a caring soul full of love she wasn’t afraid to share. She loved her family fiercely and nothing made her happier than spending time with her grandchildren, her daughters and their spouses, and her dear husband. Carol’s love shines a bright light wherever she is and that light will shine on from heaven.
Carol is survived by her incredibly loving husband of 54 years, Bruce; their daughters and their spouses, Tracy Jefferson Shore and her husband Peter, and Jill Jefferson-Miller and her husband David; Her grandchildren, Molly and Meredith Shore; her brother Bob Southwick of Boone, NC; her sister-inlaw, Shirley Kreszl; her nephews Tom and Doug; her goddaughter Nicole Schofer, and many other relatives and friends who each helped make her life special. Carol believed that she was put on this earth to love people and that she did with all her heart.
Friends and family can visit at Mather Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton on Wednesday, February 12 from 5-8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Princeton on Thursday, February 13 at 10 a.m. The family will have a private burial.
Bill graduated from Princeton University with a BS in Biology in 1955. He was a member of the Quadrangle Club, active in tennis and golf, and quarterback of the sprint (150 lb.) football team, leading the team to an undefeated season in his senior year.
From an early age, Bill aspired to be a physician. He received his MD from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and did his surgical training at St. Luke’s Hospital, New York, advancing to Chief Resident, General Surgery. Following residency, he served as Captain in the United States Army Medical Corps, from 1964 to 1966, including a one-year tour of duty as a trauma surgeon in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit in Vietnam.
Bill joined Princeton Sur -
Bill nurtured and sustained a deep affection for his alma mater Princeton, with yearly appearances in the P-rade, as season ticket holder and regular attendee at football and basketball events, and as a member of the Varsity Club. He served in a leadership capacity for his class, as Alumni Schools Committee regional chair, and, along with classmates in the great Class of 1955, founded Project 55, an organization that provides support for Princeton graduates seeking careers in public service.
For most of his life, Bill spent his summers in Madison, Connecticut, reveling in the company of generations of friends and family and enjoying the view overlooking Long Island Sound from his perch on the front porch. A faithful member
Carol attended Trenton Junior and Trenton State College where she studied music and education. Before having children of her own, Carol gave her love to many little children as a kindergarten teacher at St. Hedwig’s School. She continued to delight in her love for teaching as a substitute teacher at Stuart Country Day School, where her daughters attended. Carol also taught piano for more than 50 years and thoroughly enjoyed the connections she made with her students and their families.
Carol, with her seemingly endless energy, was involved in many clubs and organizations including the Soroptimist Club of Princeton, the Princeton Dogwood Club, the PHCC Auxiliary, the Princeton Lioness Club, and St. Vincent DePaul at St. Paul’s Church. She was a former president of The Present Day Club, past fundraising chairman at Catholic Charities, program
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory can be made to the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Office of Institutional Advancement, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111 (foxchase.org/giving/ways-give/donate-now) or St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 (stpaulsofprinceton.org/st-vincentde-paul-society).
Cathleen Rolston Litvack
Cathleen Rolston Litvack passed away on February 9, 2025. Cate was born in Austin, Texas, on July 18, 1943, to Air Force navigator William Rolston and Edith Sperry. She attended 11 different schools and lived in three countries before she headed to Wellesley College, where she majored in political science. There she met James Litvack, whom she married two days after graduating in 1964. They lived in Cambridge while Jim attended MIT for graduate school in economics and then came to Princeton in 1966 when Jim joined the faculty.
Cate had an incredibly accomplished and varied career in politics and service. In local government, she served on the Princeton Planning, Recreation, and Library boards; two terms on Princeton Township Committee; and two years as Mayor of Princeton Township. She was also on the boards of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, American Red Cross, and First Fidelity Bank of Princeton. She was active in greater New Jersey politics as well, serving as the first female Executive Director of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, and worked on many political campaigns including Rush Holt’s Congressional campaign, Barbara Sigmund’s US Senate campaign, and Bill Bradley’s and General Wesley Clark’s Presidential campaigns.
As Mayor, two of her proudest accomplishments were the negotiation with the Institute for Advanced Studies and Princeton Township to designate the Institute Woods as a protected space, and establishing the Princeton-Pettoranello Sister City Foundation. The Italian government recognized her efforts as well, naming her Cavaliere (Knight of the Italian Republic). She studied Italian whenever she could, and when she gave her grandkids and their friends frequent rides around town, they also had the chance to learn Italian by way of the tapes that played in her car.
Cate was a huge supporter of land conservation and preservation, serving on the Board and as chair of the D&R Greenway for many years, helping to lay the foundation for the wellestablished organization it is today. She combined her love of land preservation and history while serving as the first Executive Director of the Crossroad for the American Revolution for which she secured designation from the federal government for its National Heritage status. Most recently she served on the boards of the Old Barracks Museum, the Advo -
cates for New Jersey History, and Trenton Arts Fund. Cate had an amazing memory for dates and trivia. Her family joked she was a walking encyclopedia, which she proved when she went on Jeopardy! as a contestant — and won! Her drive for launching new initiatives and taking on anything that seemed fun and interesting also included working as VP at J&M Advertising, sales representative at Kea Wines, and even riding the dot-com boom as Vice President of Marketing at govWorks.com.
Cate was an avid gardener, and her gorgeous garden has hosted many events over the more than 50 years she and Jim have lived on Laurel Road. She loved to travel and explore architecture, art and theater. She enjoyed sharing this passion with her daughter on their many adventures together, and later with her grandchildren as well.
She and Jim played a lot of golf together in their over 60 years as members of Springdale Golf Club. During that time she served on the Board of Governors and chair of the Golf Committee; Cate could out-drive many men, and won the women’s club championship, along with many other tournaments.
Cate’s amazing determination, strength, wit, and graciousness was with her through to the end. In spite of her battle with ovarian cancer, she died peacefully at home with her family around her. She leaves behind her husband of 61 years, James Litvack; daughter Dana Molina and her husband Alberto Molina; grandchildren Catalina Molina and Milo Molina; sister Virginia Parrott Scott (Tim Scott); brother Benjamin Rolston (Lee Ann Ellison); niece and nephew Skye Parrott (Jeremy Malman), and Hank Parrott (Sara Dowling); and great-nieces and nephews Stig Malman, Oona Malman, Nova Malman, Nolan Parrott, and Blake Parrott.
There will be a celebration of life for Cate in April at Springdale. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the D&R Greenway, The Old Barracks Museum, or Trenton Arts Fund.
Raja E. Soudah
Dr. Raja Elias Soudah of Princeton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 9, 2025 at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Antoinette; his children Randa (Brian) of Los Angeles, California, Jumana of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Alex (Dina) of Flemington, New Jersey; grandchildren Alexandra, Anna, Jane, Matthew, Arthur, Claire and Kate; his sister, Dr. Ferial Jumean of Coral Gables, Florida; and many nieces and nephews. He is prede -
ceased by his parents, Elias and Salma Soudah, brother Ibrahim, and sisters Clemanse, Laurice, Alice, and Mary.
Born on April 1, 1930 in Tulkarm, Palestine, Raja carved a path far from his birthplace. Given the opportunity to pursue a scholarship and studies in the United States, he arrived at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, at the age of 24 with enthusiasm and an unwavering drive. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue, a master’s from Penn State University, and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, all in agriculture, supporting himself through school along the way through various odd jobs that were the focal point of many an entertaining story.
Following school, Raja moved to Amman, Jordan, to pursue a career in his field. He met his future wife, Antoinette Saba, while she was working at the United States Cultural Center in Amman. They married in 1968, lived in Istanbul, Turkey, for a brief time, moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then to Iselin, Somerset, and finally Princeton, New Jersey.
After stints at Rohm & Haas and New York Life, Raja concluded that he would be happiest being his own boss. In 1974, he started a small export automotive goods firm with a $500 loan and a typewriter. A natural salesman and entrepreneur, through hard work and grit, he built A.M.E. International into a profitable global business with its own line of products, and worked until he retired reluctantly in his late 80s.
Raja was the quintessential immigrant success story and self-made man, with an intrepid partner in Antoinette, who moved far from home to join him on his adventure. When he wasn’t working, Raja loved to garden, and each summer, he was happiest tending to his large backyard garden, yielding bumper crops of every vegetable you could imagine, including those sourced from his native Middle East. He collected antique clocks and liked nice cars. He traveled widely, and enjoyed Western movies, poker and blackjack, Johnny Walker Black, and beach vacations with his children and grandchildren at his and Antoinette’s home at the Jersey Shore. He was devoted to his family, both immediate and extended. He was deeply grateful for the opportunities America afforded him to build a full and rewarding life. He was an unstoppable force, always moving and moving quickly. He will not be forgotten by those lucky enough to know him.
Family and friends may visit on Thursday, February 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, followed by interment at Princeton Cemetery. Donations in Raja’s memory may be made to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (pcrf.net) or Anera ( anera. org ).
Extend condolences and remembrances at TheKimbleFuneralHome. com.
Sotirios J. Vahaviolos
Dr. Sotirios J. Vahaviolos passed away peacefully in his home in Princeton, New Jersey, on February 6, 2025 at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Aspasia Felice (Nessas) Vahaviolos.
Sotirios was born in Mystras, Greece on April 16, 1946, to Ioannis and Athanasia Vahaviolos. His childhood in Mystras was filled with a large and loving extended family and friends, with wonderful memories of adventures, diligent studies by candlelight, and caring for his beloved olive and fruit trees. Sotirios learned about hard work and grit as an apprentice at his father’s butcher shop. This skill later helped support him during his academic studies by working as a butcher at a local supermarket. Upon arriving in the U.S., Sotirios enrolled at Farleigh Dickinson University where he earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering (graduating first in his class), and later at Columbia University where he received M.S. degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Philosophy, followed by a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.
At the ages of 21 and 19, Sotirios and Aspasia met at a Greek community event, and the rest is history. Together they raised their daughters, Athanasia, Stephanie, and Kristy in West Windsor and then Princeton, New Jersey, with family summer vacations in Greece, which Sotirios always hoped would instill in his daughters a love of his village and of his motherland. Sotirios relished the simple things in life. Loud family gatherings filled with food, laughter, and love were what he enjoyed most. Watching his daughters and nephew grow, gaining sons-in-law, and becoming a grandfather brought him so much joy. He motivated his family to be hardworking and to never forget their Greek roots. Most of all, he admired his wife’s kindness and loyalty. He credited her for creating a beautiful life for them all.
Sotirios’ career revolved around the field of Acoustic Emission and Non-Destructive Testing, first at Bell Labs and later at the company he founded in 1978, Physical Acoustics Corporation which would later become MISTRAS Group, Inc. He worked very hard to realize his dream of taking his company public and managed to do so in 2009 on the NYSE. He was a revered scientist and pioneer in the field he was so passionate about. He was able to industrialize something that was a mere theory and created innovative equipment and services for the Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Transport, and Infrastructure industries to name a few. Throughout his
career, Sotirios was a member of, or held leadership positions in, various industry and scientific organizations including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), the Acoustic Emission Working Group (AEWG), and NDT Academia International.
Sotirios valued the Greek Community and loved his fellow Hellenes. He sought to remain connected to Greece and was active in the Hellenic diaspora while also supporting and giving back to fellow Greeks and Greek-Americans as many had done for him. Some examples of his community involvement include serving as President of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton, NJ where he congregated and enjoyed chanting at church. He was also proud to be named an “Archon” of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle of the Holy Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Additionally, Sotirios was very involved with Greek politics from a young age and was delighted to be chosen for an honorary position on the ballot for the at-large election list for the New Democracy party in 2012.
Sotirios leaves behind his children Athanasia Tia (Nikolaos Koufakis) Vahaviolos, Stephanie Vahaviolos (Michael) Foglia, Kristy Vahaviolos (Georgios) Kyriakopoulos, his nephew
Dimitri Nessas, his beloved sister, Stavroula Xenofanes, and the grandchildren he adored so much - Alexander, Maya, Alana, Melina, Peter, Nicholas Sotirios, and Georgios Panagiotis. He was preceded in death by his parents Ioannis and Athanasia Vahaviolos and his brother, Apostolis Vahaviolos.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at the Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home, 2365 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619. A morning visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619 from 10-11 a.m. followed by funeral services and then a burial at Princeton Cemetery at 29 Greenview Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Memorial contributions may be made in Sotirios’ memory to Columbia Engineering (engineering.givenow. columbia.edu ), specifying the “Electrical Engineering Support Fund,” Columbia Alumni Center, 622 West 113th Street, MC 4524, New York, NY 10025 (and please be sure to note: “In Memory of Sotirios J. Vahaviolos) Or the SPARTA NURSING HOME FOUNDATION “OI AGIOI ANARGYROI” (girokomeio-spartis. gr/?page_id=65) at Episkopou Vresthenis 30, 231 00, Sparti, Greece.
Princeton University Chapel Open to all.
Preaching Sunday, February 16 is Rev. Dr. Lauren Lisa Ng, Senior Program Officer at Berkeley School of Theology, Berkeley, California.
University Chapel Choir with Nicole Aldrich, Director of Chapel Music and Chapel Choir, and with Eric Plutz, University Organist.
Town Topics CLASSIFIEDS
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JOIN CARNEGIE LAKE ROWING ASSOCIATION (CLRA) FOR BEGINNER (NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED) INDOOR ROWING LESSONS and training on ergs and tanks at the Princeton Boathouse with professional coaching. 1.5 hour sessions running now on Sunday 4 pm and Wednesday 5:30 am through the end of March. Free guest membership to try (then $125/year membership) plus $6/ session. No commitment required. Other sessions for experienced rowers are also available. For more information: info@clra.com.
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ESTATE SALE 237 ELM ROAD, PRINCETON
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JOE’S LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs Commercial/Residential Over 45 Years of Experience • Fully Insured • Free Consultations
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KARINA’S HOUSECLEANING: Full service inside. Honest and reliable lady with references. Weekly, biweekly or monthly. Call for estimate. (609) 858-8259. 03-12
TK PAINTING: Interior, exterior. Power-washing, wallpaper removal, plaster repair, deck staining. Renovation of kitchen cabinets. Front door & window refinishing. Excellent references. Free estimates. Call (609) 947-3917. 07-30
TAILORING SERVICE, CLOTHING ALTERATIONS, DARNING AND MENDING, pants hemming and more. Please call Margarita at (609) 533-9130. Many years of experience. 02-19
PRINCETON CLEANING GROUP
Commercial and residential cleaning services. Excellent referrals, affordable and reliable. Also offering carpet cleaning and shampooing. Call for free estimates: (609) 947-7664. 03-26
Knotty pine bookcases a specialty! SKILLMAN FURNITURE CO. 609-924-1881
360 sq ft private office on Nassau St, directly across from the University. Perfect for a small business, includes additional storage room. $1,500 per month. Utilities included. Paid parking available. (917) 520-0384. 02-12
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 TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIEDS GET TOP RESULTS!
Whether it’s selling furniture, finding a lost pet, or having a garage sale, TOWN TOPICS is the way to go! We deliver to ALL of Princeton as well as surrounding areas. (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com
ESTATE LIQUIDATION SERVICE: I will clean out attics, basements, garages & houses. Single items to entire estates. No job too big or small. In business over 35 years, serving all of Mercer County. Call (609) 306-0613. tf
Beatrice’s strong sales and excellent negotiation skills stem from her earned MBA degrees in finance and international business and a lucrative career on Wall Street as a bond trader. Her international upbringing, as well as her foreign language skills, offer a unique service for an all-inclusive clientele. Whether you’re moving to, moving within, or moving from Princeton, Beatrice is your best resource for real estate. Her professionalism, dedication, and the added value of Weichert All-Under-One-Roof is your guarantee for a stress-free home buying and selling experience.
Amanda Botwood
Compass Real Estate, Princeton 100 Overlook Center, 2nd Floor O: (609)710-2021 | M: (609) 727-3255 amanda.botwood@compass.com
amandabotwood.com
Amanda is committed to quality service at every price point — ensuring that buyers’ and sellers’ unique situations and needs are met is always her priority. Providing professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of Princeton and the surrounding areas, Amanda is your go-to real estate resource whatever your buying, listing, or investment goals. Amanda uses her marketing expertise and deep understanding of market conditions, along with COMPASS concierge, to maximize your home’s selling potential. She is committed to supporting homebuyers through the process of purchasing the right property for them. It’s your biggest investment — Amanda understands how important making the right decision is for you.
Circle of Excellence Award Winner 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
Lisa Candella-Hulbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox & Roach, REALTORS
Born and raised in New Jersey, Lisa Candella-Hulbert has worked in the local Princeton real estate market for more than 20 years. With an emphasis on top-notch marketing and negotiating strategies and exceptional client care, Lisa has developed a strong reputation among her peers and community as a highly professional, dedicated, and passionate Realtor.
With a client-first philosophy, relentless work ethic, and commitment to constant improvement, Lisa delivers the elevated level of service and results her clients have come to expect. Whether buying, selling, or investing, you can trust Lisa and her team to guide you every step of the way with professionalism, expertise, and care.
Rocco D’Armiento
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS
Rocco is a full-time residential and commercial Realtor working from Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore. He works with residential and luxury homes, commercial sales and leases, as well as rentals. After college, Rocco became the owner of Cranbury Paint & Hardware in Cranbury until 2004. Rocco had over 200 commercial accounts, giving him great insight into the commercial business world. He was also heavily involved in master planning and zoning and was a board member of the Cranbury Business Association for 30+ years. Because of this experience, he understands the construction of homes and what it takes to repair and maintain a home of any age. Inspired by his own entrepreneurial spirit, Rocco began his real estate career in 2004. Having this past experience with historic homes in the Cranbury and surrounding areas, real estate quickly grew to be a great fit for him. Combine that with his familiarity with the New Jersey and Bucks County, Pa., areas on account of growing up in both, he can offer his clients a wealth of knowledge in both states and a clear picture on commuting between the two. Rocco will now be expanding his business footprint for buyers and sellers to Long Beach Island and the Jersey Shore area on a more regular basis. Whether it be a beach house for yourself, investment, or a summer rental — Rocco can help! Rocco’s reputation and success are direct results from the referrals of his past clients, colleagues, and friends who trust and believe that he has a commitment to each and every one of them.
As a successful professional who is strong and focused, I try to go above and beyond for my clients so that they can achieve their real estate goals. I do this by helping to make the purchase or sale of their home or business a very rewarding experience. For those planning to buy or sell a home/business, my character, knowledge and credibility helps prospective buyers or sellers make the most informed real estate decision of their lives. I have been called realtor of the year by my clients. I am always by their side as a counselor or consultant. I help my clients in ways other agents will not or cannot. Don’t settle for average service in today’s demanding real estate market. You need the best and most knowledgeable. My practiced negotiation skills have helped my clients achieve the price and terms they are expecting and bring their home or property to a successful closing with side by side involvement and peace of mind.
With a rich background spanning from New York to Italy, I bring a global perspective to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania real estate markets. Formerly a Vice President and Controller of an electrical construction company in NJ, my passion for Math and my analytical skills have equipped me to also excel in the diverse and dynamic realm of real estate. Since transitioning from numbers to homes in 2008, this unique blend of skills enables my clients to make well-informed decisions, whether they are buying or selling a home. Additionally, my diplomatic abilities, shaped by years of interacting with diverse cultures, further enhance my effectiveness as a negotiator.
Licensed in both NJ and PA, my passion for real estate is evident through my numerous certifications. I am not just an agent; I am a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, a CB Luxury Property Specialist, a Certified Residential Specialist, and more. These designations reflect my unwavering commitment to excellence. However, it is the heartfelt endorsements from my clients that truly distinguish me. They describe a professional who transforms the often stressful process of buying or selling a home into a positive experience and someone who is consistently accessible and dedicated to making dreams come true. From the initial meeting to the final handshake, I am there to guide, support, and celebrate each milestone with my clients.
When you choose to work with me, you are partnering with a realtor who is not only knowledgeable and diligent but also deeply invested in your happiness and success. I am the professional you want by your side in the ever-evolving real estate landscape. Why Choose Me?
• Expertise: Profound knowledge of market conditions and trends.
• Dedication: Tireless commitment to finding your dream home or selling your property.
Rocco D’Armiento
MEET THE TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS!
Town Topics
• Personal Touch: A friendly, responsive, and reliable guide through the complexities of real estate.
• Results: Proven track record of successful sales even in challenging markets.
• Client Satisfaction: Glowing testimonials that underscore my role as a trusted advisor.
With me, you’re not just gaining a realtor; you’re gaining a friend, a confidant, and a champion for your real estate dreams.
Donna Lucarelli
Realtor Associate Keller Williams Princeton 100 Canal Pointe Boulevard, Princeton Office: (609) 987-8889 | Mobile (preferred): (609) 903-9098 | donnalucarelli25@gmail.com
Former Teacher in WW Princeton Hopewell. 25 years as a Top Producing Realtor. My expertise is pricing homes that sell for the highest possible price. My track record states that from 2008, when the Stock Market Crashed, YTD, I have been able to get my sellers an average max price of 130.4% list price to sale price ratio. I’m looking forward to sharing my expertise with YOU!
Alana Lutkowski is a trusted advisor, a dedicated advocate, and a compassionate ally who takes on her clients’ goals as her own. With a commitment to providing white glove service for over a decade, Alana has earned a reputation as one of the top agents serving the greater Princeton area (Mercer, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Middlesex counties).
With a degree in Marketing and Communications from the University of Pennsylvania, and a background as a luxury retail executive in NYC, Alana brings a unique blend of marketing expertise and customer service excellence to the table. Her authentic approach to selling and buying homes is rooted in trust and integrity.
From the initial consultation to long after the sale is complete, Alana goes above and beyond to ensure her clients feel supported and valued. With a deep understanding of the local market and a keen eye for matchmaking, Alana excels at finding the perfect home for her clients. Her extensive knowledge of the surrounding communities ensures she can service clients across a wide area, regardless of their budget or style. Her strong communication skills and ability to listen ensure that she is always clear about her clients’ goals, able to negotiate skillfully on their behalf, and offer guidance with vet-
ted mortgage brokers, attorneys, inspectors, and contractors. When selling your home, Alana appreciates the complexities of daily life and guides her clients through every step, making the process as stress-free and seamless as possible. Her strong analytical skills and financial insight allow her to interpret and react to real time market data to develop fine tuned sales strategies for each client, elevating the presence of their homes through unparalleled marketing.
As a multimillion-dollar top-producing agent, Alana’s business is built predominantly on referrals and repeat business, a testament to the exceptional service she provides. Alana resides in Princeton with her family and three rescue dogs. Raising two school-aged children, she is involved with the Princeton Public Schools and multiple athletic and cultural organizations in the area. When not selling real estate she loves to travel, renovate her older home, enjoy the outdoors, and take advantage of everything this multicultural, vibrant area has to offer.
Who you choose to partner with shapes your success, especially as we step into another competitive year in the real estate market.
20% compared to last January and interest rates settling into their new norm, our community continues to attract buyers from near and far, while long-standing residents find ways to trade up or downsize.
After transitioning from a successful leadership position in retail buying and sourcing in the U.K. and Asia, I have built a reputation as one of the leading real estate agents in Princeton and its surrounding areas. My analytical skills, financial acumen, and negotiation expertise enable me to develop effective strategies alongside my clients to help them secure their dream home or sell their property for the best possible deal. energy, and authenticity to my work, supporting my clients and ensuring the process is as stress-free as possible. My strong communication skills, combined with my ability to listen attentively, allow me to clearly understand my clients’ goals. This helps me skillfully negotiate on their behalf and nurture ongoing relationships with other agents, attor neys, and vendors, tapping into that reliable network when needed. My commitment to building lasting relationships means that my past clients return again and again. Driven by my passion for interiors and design, I enjoy assisting sellers in staging and preparing their homes for the market. For buyers, I can help them envision how a house can be transformed into their perfect home.
As an active member of the Princeton community, I serve as a board member and treasurer for the Princeton Education Foundation, and I’ve also been involved with the local PTO for Princeton Public Schools. I’m a member of the Princeton Present Day Club and a regular at Lifetime Athletic Club. My family and I love Princeton, where I live with my husband, two teenage daughters, and our dachshund, Larry.
Let’s work together to ensure you achieve your real estate goals this year!
Donna Murray Broker Associate
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox & Roach, REALTORS
Princeton Home Marketing Center 253 Nassau Street, Princeton O: (609) 683-8505 | C: (908) 391-8396
donna.murray@foxroach.com
donnamurrayrealestate.com
Donna has been named as a Five Star Professional for 20132024. She is also a member of Mercer County Top Producers Association and belongs to the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) - Central New Jersey. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Corporate Relocation Specialist. Donna commits to servicing her clients throughout the entire transaction and to exceeding expectations. Her professionalism, negotiating skills, and current inventory awareness keep her sellers and buyers in front of the competition. Working together, she assists them in achieving their real estate goals in a timely worry free manner.
Platinum Level 2024
I EDUCATE you so YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN EDUCATED DECISION.
Call Donna Lucarelli direct at (609) 903-9098 donnalucarelli25@gmail.com
With the solutions-driven mindset and the sophistication of a luxury brand, it supports the aspirational goals Donna has set for her business. Donna and BHHS stand for the same things: integrity, trust, experience, strength, and knowledge.
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Lutkowski, Sales
Associate
LOCAL EXPERTISE. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS.
Alana Lutkowski is a trusted advisor, a dedicated advocate, and a compassionate ally who takes on her clients’ goals as her own. With a commitment to providing white glove service, for over a decade, Alana has earned a reputation as one of the top agents serving the greater Princeton area. As a multimillion-dollar topproducing agent, Alana’s business is built predominantly on referrals and repeat business, a testament to the exceptional service she provides.
Alana
Clare Mackness, Broker Associate
Who You Choose to Partner With Shapes Your Success!
Trust your property to a dedicated professional who recognizes the importance of managing your investment with care. My services are built on a solid foundation of trust and integrity, characterized by transparency, honesty, and a steadfast commitment to my clients.
With a comprehensive understanding of local market dynamics and an extensive network of contacts, I provide exceptional insights and global exposure for your property.
Discover the difference of working with a real estate agent who treats your property as if it were
Local real estate handled with care.
c 609.454.1436 o 609.921.1050 cmackness@callawayhenderson.com
4 Nassau
Robin L. Wallack Broker Associate Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox & Roach, REALTORS Princeton Home Marketing Center
Robin’s experiences in the workplace and the community are both extensive and intensive. She spent many years working as assistant to the director of Career Services at Princeton University. Robin served on the Princeton Regional Board of Education for six years as both president and vice president. Robin also served as vice president of the Mercer County Board of Education, as a Princeton Civil Rights Commissioner, and as a member of the Site Plan Advisory Board.
Robin says, “Real estate is a process, and I will be with you every step of the way. For me, real estate is deeply rooted in relationships. Even after you close on your house, you can always feel free to call me for advice, for help, for information. As one of my customers once said, ‘Once we work with you, we’re velcroed together forever!’ I will be there for you, both as you change and as your real estate needs change. I recognize that ‘home’ means different things to different people and my success is predicated on knowing what my customers expect, and then showing you those homes that meet your specific needs.”
Loominous
A
inviting hallway with a fireplace opens
the spacious living and dining rooms suitable for the most elegant entertaining. Built in a period of skilled craftsmanship, these well-proportioned rooms have high ceilings, deep moldings and other sought after details. First floor rooms flow seamlessly into one another and onto a large porch, facilitating warm weather entertaining. This important home has a circular driveway and is located on almost an acre of land with a three car garage and is waiting for a new owner to make it their own.
University and other cultural venues, this classic Federalist home embodies the community's history of sophistication. A grand, inviting hallway with a fireplace opens to the spacious living and dining rooms suitable for the most elegant entertaining. Built in a period of skilled craftsmanship, these well-proportioned rooms have high ceilings, deep moldings and other sought after details. First floor rooms flow seamlessly into one another and onto a large porch, facilitating warm weather entertaining. This important home has a circular driveway and is located on almost an acre of land with a three car garage and is waiting for a new owner to make it their own.
Offered at $2,450,000
Trimmed, Pruned, and Removed Stump Grinding & Lot
Set in one of Princeton's most prestigious neighborhoods, within a short walk to town, the University and other cultural venues, this classic Federalist home embodies the community's history of sophistication. A grand, inviting hallway with a fireplace opens to the spacious living and dining rooms suitable for the most elegant entertaining. Built in a period of skilled craftsmanship, these well-proportioned rooms have high ceilings, deep moldings and other sought after details. First floor rooms flow seamlessly into one another and onto a large porch, facilitating warm weather entertaining. This important home has a circular driveway and is located on almost an acre of land with a three car garage and is
The crème de la crème of Carnegie models awaits you! Lovingly cared for by its current owners, this Princeton Landing townhouse has it all. Beginning with the gracious entry, the house fans out so that you can appreciate the generous public spaces and the beautifully landscaped grounds. Large windows encourage the interplay between the gardens, deck, and interior. The sliding glass door makes entertaining a pleasure, as you and your guests enjoy this seamless transition from inside to outside. Two private bedrooms, each en suite, of course, are large and nicely situated. The basement and two-car garage provide plenty of storage. Close to Smith House, and the amenities offered by the Association; WW/Plainsboro school system, Princeton mailing address, and easy commuting. Prepare yourself for a real treat! $665,000
Offered at $2,450,000 Judith Stier
MARKETED BY
MARKETED BY
Direct Line: 609.240.1232
Judith Stier Sales Associate Direct Line: 609.240.1232
MARKETED BY: Robin Wallack Broker Associate Cell: 609.462.2340 robin.wallack@foxroach.com
