TT Digital Issue 3-26-25

“Tesla Takedown”

At Lawrence Tesla Protests Musk Actions

Salamander Crossing Brigade

Helps Amphibians Return Safely to Breeding Pools . . 5

Audience Members at PUC Event Will Have Chance to Dance 10

HIP May Event to Feature Economist Jenny Schuetz . . 11

Ending the Month With B Traven’s “Capricious Woman” 16

Boheme Opera NJ Presents Verdi Tragedy . . . . . . . 17

McCarter Stages Legacy of Light 18

PU Women’s Hoops Falls to Iowa State in NCAAs, But Loss Can’t Dim What Tigers

Achieved this Winter 28

Hun Girls’ Hoops Star

D’Agostino, PHS Wrestler

Mele Get the Nod as Town Topics’ Leading Winter

About 500 demonstrators gathered outside the Tesla dealership adjacent to the Mercer Mall in Lawrence Township on Saturday afternoon, March 22 for Tesla Takedown III, a rally against the actions of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“This illegal, unconstitutional onslaught of Elon Musk, along with President Trump, is a grave danger to the continued functioning of our precious U.S. democracy, including checks and balances central to its proper functioning,” said the Rev. Robert Moore, executive director of the Princeton-based Coalition for Peace Action, which organized the rally along with Indivisible Cranbury.

The demonstrators, carrying signs stating “Stop Elon,” “I Traded In My Tesla and You Should Too,” “Nobody Voted for Elon,” “Arrest Elon Musk,” and more lined the road outside the Tesla Dealership on Brunswick Pike/Route 1 from before 2 p.m. until about 3:30 p.m.

There were five counterprotesters, with American flags and MAGA flags and a bullhorn, who spoke and chanted in support of Musk during speeches by Moore and Indivisible Cranbury founder Laura Zurfluh. At one point one of the pro-Musk demonstrators approached the platform where Moore was speaking, and a Lawrence Township police officer on the scene ushered him away from the platform, but the demonstration was peaceful and the disruptions of counterprotesters were relatively minor.

Demonstrators repeatedly called out chants such as “Sell your Tesla, trade it in” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Elon Musk has got to go,” as Moore and Zurfluh paused in their comments to the crowd.

“Musk and his cronies at DOGE have taken control of the Treasury and other departments, with no governmental authority, with illegal access to confidential data on all citizens and companies, and they are gutting our essential infrastructure,” said Zurfluh.

“He is a menace, and he must be stopped.”

Saturday’s demonstration was the third that has taken place outside Lawrence Township Tesla during the past month — all part of the Tesla Takedown movement, which has organized protests across the U.S. and in Europe, urging supporters to

Council Hears Report on Future of Kiosks

Downtown Princeton’s kiosks were back on the agenda at Monday’s meeting of Princeton Council. While no final decision was made about the fate of the two unofficial information stations — one at Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue in front of the Princeton Garden Theatre, the other at Nassau and Witherspoon streets – a degree of compromise was reached after a presentation by the town’s Deputy Administrator Deanna Stockton. Both kiosks need to be removed for a capital improvements project replacing the sidewalks on Nassau Street. It is the next step, once the construction is completed, that was the subject of Stockton’s presentation. The report recommends permanently removing the kiosk at Witherspoon, and transforming the one at Vandeventer into a combination of new electronic signage and the current, informal surfaces where flyers are posted by anyone who wishes to do so.

Council agreed that staff should further explore the idea, including how many sides to allow for the two functions. While most agree that the current kiosks are messy, they serve a purpose and promote free speech, members said. Councilman Leighton Newlin was originally in favor of getting rid of the kiosks, but after hearing what members of the public have said at

his weekly “Leighton Listens” sessions around town, he has changed his mind.

“I really heard them, and I think we need to go back and listen to the public,” he said. “People my age, and those a lot younger, are not for this 100 percent digital concept. What I’m hearing is people want the freedom to put up and take down what they want. The people that live here want that freedom. I think we need to slow down. Maybe the public can help us with a design that could be both digital and analog.”

Councilman Brian McDonald commented that after examining examples of material posted on the kiosks, which were provided to Council members in preparation for the meeting, “I saw community engagement and free speech, and I want to preserve those values. I’m in favor of the continued ability or residents to put things up there,” he said.

Council President Mia Sacks noted that there had been a perception that the postings on the kiosks were “not of

Eisgruber Pushes Back Against Federal Attacks on Research and Universities

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber last week responded to the Trump administration’s withdrawal of $400 million in funding to Columbia University and other threats to universities with an article in The Atlantic speaking out in defense of higher education and the crucial importance of academic freedom.

Titled “The Cost of the Government’s Attack on Columbia,” the article does not mention Princeton University directly, but it is clearly relevant to many of the issues that Princeton is currently facing.

Emphasizing the importance of research universities to “America’s

prosperity, health, and security,” Eisgruber wrote, “The Trump administration’s recent attack on Columbia University puts all of that at risk, presenting the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s. Every American should be concerned.”

The Trump administration has not taken action against Princeton directly, but federal budget cuts for research and other funding, the possible increase of taxes on university endowments, and other funding uncertainties prompted the University to announce a hiring freeze last week.

ABOUT WATER:

participate in an “enviroscape”

Youngsters

demonstration, one of many activities at the World Water Day event on Saturday at the Watershed Institute in Titusville. Participants share their favorite part of the event in this week’s Town Talk on page 6.

(Photo by Sarah Teo)

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OPEN WEDNESDAYS

April 2 through May 7 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Firestone Library/Chapel Plaza

FEATURING

Carlito’s Taco Wagon • Catalina Empanadas • Coffee Club

The Granola Bar • Little Star Foods • Jersey Artisan Judith’s Desserts • Nutty Novelties • Picklelicious Pies and Quiches • Sprouts Flowers • Roper’s Way Farm Terhune Orchards • Tico’s Eatery and Juice Bar • Woo Ri Market ...and more!

Gambero Rosso is Italy’s premiere food and wine publication. Every year producers from throughout the country submit their wines for a

ally curated

The best wines receive a Tre Bicchieri (Three Glass)

Join us April 10 at 6 pm for a multi course, wine-paired dinner with our special guest and friend, Marcello Miali. Marcello will guide us through several of his Tre Bicchieri wines. Reserve early as seating is limited. For tickets: mediterrarestaurant.com/events

TOWN TOPICS

Princeton’s Weekly Community Newspaper Since 1946

DONALD C. STUART, 1946-1981 DAN D. COYLE, 1946-1973 Founding Editors/Publishers DONALD C. STUART III, Editor/Publisher, 1981-2001

Topics In Brief A

Community Bulletin

Leighton Listens: Councilman Leighton Newlin holds one-on-one conversations about issues impacting Princeton from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on March 26 at Jammin’ Crepes, 20 Nassau Street.

Food Pantry: Arm in Arm’s mobile food pantry is at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, on Monday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. Fresh produce, eggs, milk, frozen proteins, and quality baked goods as well as canned and boxed items and personal care items are available for those in need, and different social services agencies are on site. Mcl.org.

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

Scholarship Opportunity : The Dr. Esther Wollin Memorial Scholarship Fund is available to Jewish female, full-time students who will be or are already attending Rutgers University and raised by their Jewish mother in a single-parent household in the Princeton Mercer Bucks Community. Eligibility is based on financial need. Submission deadline is June 2. Visit jfcsonline.org or call Joyce at (609) 987-8100.

Loose Leaf Collection : Began this week. Material must be ready for collection by 7 a.m. on start dates but no sooner than one week prior. Leaf piles must measure no more than 3 feet high and 3 feet wide. Visit princetonnj.gov/445/Public-Works for specifics.

Election Board Workers Needed : The Mercer County Board of Elections is recruiting new workers, who must be registered Mercer County voters or students 1617 years old. Bilingual residents are especially needed. The pay is $300. Apply at mercercounty.org.

Summer Registration for Community Pool and More : To sign up for pool membership, camp offerings, and summer programs, visit register.communitypass. net/Princeton.

Salamander

Continued from Preceding Page

amphibians are known to travel across roads, tunnels have been built to allow their passage. “But there can be potential problems, like dust from the traffic,” said Regan. “You have to maintain the tunnels. And will they definitely go under them?”

Members of the brigade, who wear headlamps and have special gear, are trained by the Sourland Conservancy. They learn how to “scoop and carry,” always in the direction the amphibians want to go. Any creature that gets crushed by a car is removed so it is not recounted and included in the final tally.

Some 29 or 30 people are part of the brigade. One of the advisors watches the weather to determine when the crossing night will likely take place.

“Once it comes, there is a mad rush,” said Regan. “We meet in a safe location where we gear up and get into teams. It depends on whether there are road closures or not. There is always someone gathering data, which gets submitted to the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife department through the Sourland Conservancy.”

At FOHW’s Earth Day celebration on April 12 in Herrontown Woods, there will be amphibian hikes and hands-on display tables near the Veblen House. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Question of the Week:

“What was your favorite part of this event?”

(Asked Saturday at the World Water Day event at the Watershed Institute in Pennington)

(Photos by Sarah Teo)

“The salamander table will be huge. This is a way for people to learn more about what we’re doing,” said Regan, who is a physician. “Our botanists are the physicians of the earth. That’s where I need to learn more.”

—Anne Levin

Daffodil Days in Allentown April 5, 6

Historic Allentown welcomes spring the weekend of April 5 and 6 with the fourth annual Daffodil Days, featuring over 10,000 daffodils, walking tours, “A Tonal Oasis” concert, and activities across town.

On Saturday, April 5, walking tours begin at 10:30 a.m. with a look at Allentown’s historic architecture. At 12 p.m., historian John Fabiano will introduce walkers to the story of Allentown’s role in the Underground Railroad. At 1 p.m., visitors can walk to Allentown’s historic cemeteries to meet the men and women who built the community and influenced the world. All tours are free and start in Allentown Public Library, 16 South Main Street. Register at www.allentownvinj.org.

At 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, “A Tonal Oasis” features music by American composers. Patricia Landy at the piano with Kevin Willois on flute perform works by Muczynski, Still and Burton. Vocalist Yvonne Rondinone will offer selections by Gershwin and Berlin along with songs that say “spring.” Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein rounds out the program, performed by “The Four Seasons Singables” choral ensemble. The concert , at Allentown Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, is free , though donations are gratefully accepted. A reception will follow the concert.

“I liked the fly fishing — now I know how to fish.”

—Grayson Perez, Pennington

“I liked all of the animals inside — a turtle, a snake, a toad, cockroaches, and a tree frog. Plus the Plasma Physics Lab experiments and the water sample tasting.”

—Morgan Perez, Pennington

“I liked all of the activities inside and the animals; they have an American eel and turtles.”

—Michael Xu, Princeton

“I liked painting the glacier. I painted it purple and blue and green.”

—Devyn Riggins, Trenton

On Doctors’ Day, Penn Medicine Princeton Health is privileged to honor our physicians. Our doctors work each day to change lives, save lives, and improve the quality of life for our patients. We wish to extend our gratitude for their dedication to excellence and for always showing the world what comes next as they pioneer new firsts and lead the future of medicine. Penn Medicine physicians - not only do you care for us, you inspire us.

Thank you for everything you do.

Eisgruber

continued from page one

The University has not reduced the numbers of graduate school admissions offers, as other universities have had to do, but The Daily Princetonian student newspaper reported earlier in the month that “Princeton graduate students are becoming increasingly worried about internships, jobs, and funding as uncertainty grows among government and federally supported organizations.”

In an editorial by its editorial board last week titled “Universities are Scared of Trump. Princeton Spoke Out — and Others Should Join Us,” the Princetonian applauded Eisgruber’s Atlantic article, declaring that “Some institutions have been cowed by threats from the federal government. This acquiescence is dangerous … Princeton has rightly stood behind its values by refusing to comply in advance.”

The editorial went on to urge Eisgruber to follow through with plans to defend academic research, pursue litigation against policies that jeopardize its vital functioning, and protect its

other core values, like free inquiry, the well-being of all community members, and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

On March 21, in response to the Trump administration’s $400 million funding freeze on government grants and contracts, Columbia University, in what other college administrators have said may set a dangerous precedent, agreed to revise its policies on protests, security practices, and its Middle Eastern Studies department.

In his Atlantic article Eisgruber reviewed the history of the rise of the American research university in the 20th century, citing “two crucial turning points”: the development of academic freedom and the creation of a strong, successful partnership between the federal government and the country’s research universities. The government and the nation benefited greatly from the universities, and the universities benefited from the government support, “but their budgets became heavily dependent on that single source.”

“If the United States government ever repudiated the principle of academic

freedom, it could bully universities by threatening to withdraw funding unless they changed their curricula, research programs, and personnel decisions,” Eisgruber wrote.

He continued, “That’s what the Trump administration did this month when it canceled $400 million in funding to Columbia without the legally required due process.”

Eisgruber acknowledged “legitimate concerns about antisemitism at Columbia,” but he condemned the government’s disregard for academic freedom and due process in the aggressive actions it took.

He went on to suggest that giving in to the government’s demands would not end the threat. “Nobody should suppose that this will stop at Columbia or with the specific academic programs targeted by the government’s letter,” he wrote, Describing the attack on Columbia as “a radical threat to scholarly excellence and to America’s leadership in research,” Eisgruber, a scholar of constitutional law, wrote, “Universities and their leaders should speak up and litigate forcefully to protect their rights.”

He concluded the article, “Every citizen and officeholder who cares about the strength of our country must also care about free speech, self-governing thought, and the untrammeled quest for knowledge. They, too, should demand a stop to the government’s unwarranted intrusion on academic freedom at Columbia.”

—Donald Gilpin

YWCA Princeton Offers

“Steps 4 Equity”

This April, YWCA Princeton invites the community to join “Steps 4 Equity,” a monthlong initiative designed to engage, educate, and empower individuals to take action for racial justice.

“As we launch this initiative alongside our annual Stand Against Racism, I invite you to join us in creating lasting change,” said YWCA Princeton CEO Rose Wong. “Together, we have the power to make a meaningful impact — let’s stand united and take action today.”

There are different ways for the public to get involved.

The Racial Justice Challenge invites participants to engage daily with resources such as articles, videos, podcasts, and books, exploring systemic racism, social justice, and equity on both national and local levels. This challenge offers an opportunity to learn while making a tangible impact and introducing steps that can be taken in the community to make justice a reality.

“Until Justice Just Is” is a competition for Mercer County high school students who are invited to submit an essay, video, or artwork that answers the question, “What does ‘until justice just is’ mean to you, and how can we take action daily to make justice a reality?” Prizes will be awarded to four winners, ranging from $100 to $500.

The Walk for Equity is a walkathon to raise awareness and funds for the YWCA’s racial justice programs. Prizes will be awarded for the top fundraisers, most

miles walked, and the largest teams.

The Stand Against Racism, an annual event, is April 24 at 6:30 p.m. During this communal gathering, winners of the “Until Justice Just Is” Student Competition and the Walk for Equity prize winners will be announced. This event will feature performances and speakers, creating a space for youth to lead the conversation on racial justice.

YWCA Princeton encourages everyone to take part in one or more of the “Steps 4 Equity” initiatives to advance racial justice, empower youth voices, and help create a more inclusive community. Visit ywcaprinceton.org/steps4equity for more information.

Police Blotter

On March 24, at 1:25 p.m., The Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, Princeton Fire Department and Princeton Police responded to the area of Quaker Road for the report of a vehicle submerged in the Stony Brook. Upon arrival, officers discovered a black Honda Civic partially submerged in the water with no occupants inside. The driver, later identified as a 28-year-old male from Princeton, was found walking along Quaker Road. Following an investigation, he was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Princeton Police headquarters for processing.

He was later released and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. As a result of the incident, Quaker Road was closed to all traffic for approximately two hours.

On March 20, at 8:31 a.m., the Princeton Fire Department, Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad and the Princeton Police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a vehicle fire on Witherspoon Street near Small World Coffee. Upon arrival, responders found a 2007 red Acura, which had been parked in a marked stall on the west side of Witherspoon Street, with heavy smoke and active flames coming from the engine block. The fire department extinguished the fire and the vehicle was later towed from the scene. No injuries were reported. Due to the incident, Witherspoon Street was temporarily closed to all traffic between Nassau Street and Spring Street. Once the fire was fully extinguished and the area deemed safe, the scene was turned over to the Princeton Fire Marshal’s Office for further investigation. Unless noted, individuals arrested were later released.

Council continued from page one any particular relevance, and it was just junk. But I saw all sorts of flyers for emotional well-being, group activities, music lessons, education, and political and faith activities. I’m thinking about the importance of civil society and I feel very strongly that written materials are important.”

The kiosks were installed in the late 1980s and began life as public phone booths and newspaper box receptacles. Over time, they have taken different forms, eventually becoming a place to post flyers for everything from searches for roommates to meetings of special interest groups. Attempts by the town to clean them up or remove them have met with considerable public protest.

Stockton said she welcomes ideas of what the kiosks might look like in the future. While a two-sided replacement is proposed, that idea can be expanded to include additional sides. “We are a town full of architects and I’m sure there are a thousand opinions of what a kiosk could look like,” she said.

Members of the public who want to offer suggestions can email the staff at engineering@princetonnj.gov.

Also at the Monday meeting, Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber made his annual visit

to the Council, reporting on University issues and answering questions from Council members. While he is excited about more than a dozen new projects including the reopening of the Princeton University Art Museum, Eisgruber said the current political climate has created serious matters for higher education, “a kind of crisis we have not faced for 70 years since the Red Scare.”

Cuts being made to research funding in universities and agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the threat to academic freedom — about which Eisgruber recently wrote in the March 19 issue of The Atlantic — are major concerns, he said.

McDonald asked Eisgruber to clarify the definition of an endowment, since he has heard some people say Princeton’s is a large, discretionary source of funding that can be used for any purpose. Eisgruber said he welcomed the question because the University’s endowment is currently under attack.

The endowment is “a collection and a product of the gifts the University has received over time, with a promise to steward them for future generations,” he said. “People think of it as a kind of savings account for rainy day purposes, and that misunderstands what an endowment really is. It is much more like a retirement annuity. It needs to pay out every year. It is really critical that people understand what

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is going on with endowments and how to protect them.”

Sacks commented that local politics can seem trivial compared to what is going on in society as a whole. “How can you inspire us in our own little world here to try to fight for the preservation of civil society?” she asked.

Eisgruber responded that work on issues that might seem mundane needs to continue. “Part of what we have said to our own [University] community is that everybody needs to continue to persist in their mission. And that applies with regard to the town as well,” he said. “These civic institutions are the core of our civic life. I think what is really important in these times is to know what it is we stand up for, and stand up for it and be willing to speak for it — everything from universities to libraries to houses of worship. Far from being distracted, we need to recognize that this is a time to double down and speak up.”

In other matters, Assistant Municipal Engineer Jim Purcell reported that improvements to cell phone service are underway due to upgrades by Crown Castle with equipment from Verizon. He also reported that the town’s food scraps drop-off program that started in October has been expanded to include additional container sites at Littlebrook and Riverside elementary schools, and on General Johnson Road near the entrance to Johnson Park Elementary School. The town hopes to add more sites in coming months, creating a total of 12.

The next meeting of Council is April 14. Visit princetonnj. gov for more information.

—Anne Levin

Baldeo Named New PPS Asst. Sup. of Special Services

Margarita Baldeo will join the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) on May 27 as assistant superintendent of special services. She will be taking over from Interim Director of Student Services Annie Kosek.

The PPS Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved the appointment at its March 18 meeting, also elevating the position from the “director” level to the “assistant superintendent” level in the best interests of the students we serve,” according to BOE President Dafna Kendal.

In a press release the BOE noted that Baldeo, who has 18 years’ experience in special education and mental health services and has spent the past three years as the director of special services in the Upper Freehold School District, “has dedicated her career to supporting students, families, and educators in creating environments where all children can thrive.”

Before her service in Upper Freehold, Baldeo was a child study team member and supervisor of student services in the Hamilton Township School District. She is a licensed clinical social worker.

“We are thrilled to welcome Margarita to the district,” said Kendal, emphasizing in particular the value of Baldeo’s bilingualism in English and Spanish. “Our district is renowned for its outstanding special education services, but there’s always room for improvement. Margarita is dedicated to working collaboratively with families and staff to ensure the best outcomes for all students.”

Baldeo received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in clinical social work from Rutgers University and completed school administrative certifications through NJEXCEL and Thomas Edison State University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical social work at Rutgers, focusing on developing tiered mental health support systems for students.

“As a bilingual educator, Margarita is committed to ensuring that all families feel welcomed, involved, and empowered in their children’s education,” said Kendal. “We are excited to have a child-centered educator leading our special education programming.”

Baldeo stated, “I am honored to join Princeton Public Schools as assistant superintendent of student services and bring my passion for student well-being, equity, and inclusive education to this incredible district.”

Senior Center Workshop on Understanding Hospice Care The Center for Modern Aging Princeton (CMAP) invites the community to a free hybrid workshop, “What Is Hospice?”, on Tuesday, April 1, from 4-5 p.m. Available both in person at CMAP’s Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning, 101 Poor Farm Road, and via Zoom, the session is designed to help attendees better understand hospice care and the importance of early planning. Participants will gain insights on what hospice care is and how it differs from other care services, why it is important to start planning early, common questions and concerns about hospice, and resources to help ease decision-making for the future.

Hospice care is an essential service designed to provide comfort, dignity, and support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. This free workshop offers a welcoming space to ask questions and help ease concerns about end-of-life planning. Individuals, caregivers, and families are urged to attend. Registration is required, and there is no fee to participate. Visit cmaprinceton.org.

Margarita Baldeo

Moore stated, “This must stop now.” In his remarks to the crowd, Moore pointed out that actions taken by the Trump administration are “unconstitutional and lawless, and that’s why so many cases are being filed in court.” He mentioned the dismantling of USAID and the Department of Education, large cuts in IRS staffing and Medicaid that will likely bring catastrophic results.

Audience Members at Upcoming PUC Event Will Have a Chance to Dance

Princeton University Concerts (PUC) is expanding its popular Late Night Annual Chamber Jam to include movement.

enthused about the Dance Jam.

“Tesla Takedown”

continued from page one sell their Tesla vehicles, sell their Tesla stock, and join the demonstrations.

Tesla dealerships and individuals’ Tesla vehicles have been vandalized in protest against Musk and DOGE, but CFPA, Indivisible Cranbury, and Tesla Takedown have all made a point of opposing any unlawful actions. Moore warned protestors at Saturday’s rally not even to call out to drivers passing by.

Since the start of antiMusk protests, Tesla’s stock price has declined more than 40 percent from its peak in December, and sales of Tesla vehicles, especially in Europe, have fallen off significantly in recent months.

“Musk, as a businessman, doesn’t like his bottom line to get worse, and it is getting a lot worse,” said Moore. “The idea is to make him feel pressure to stop doing the things he’s doing and ultimately to resign.”

The peaceful Tesla Takedown movement is planning a “global day of action” this Saturday, March 29, with

demonstrations on tap at hundreds of Tesla dealerships around the world.

Moore noted that CFPA will be cosponsoring a “Hands Off” (e.g. Social Security, Medicaid, etc.) rally on April 5 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Hinds Plaza in Princeton, part of another national coordinated day of action.

Princeton resident and CFPA advocacy committee co-chair Kip Cherry commented on her presence at the rally. “The message is very clear, she said. “We are very concerned about Elon Musk. He should leave the government. I’m extremely concerned about our democracy, and he is upending everything that we believe in.”

She continued, “He has not been appointed democratically to his position. He has not been given that kind of authority by the people, and he’s not using due process. He should leave the government and go back to what he’s supposed to be doing as a CEO.”

Claiming that Trump and Musk are “engaging in lawlessness and cruelty to average citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable,”

“It’s outrageous,” said Moore. “It’s very, very troubling.”

Warning of Musk’s “threat to our democracy,” Zurfluh explained to the demonstrators, “We are here to support those who are marginalized, weakened, and under attack by the rich and powerful. When I was a kid we called people who only picked fights with the smaller kids bullies. And now that behavior is coming from the president of the United States and his DOGE leader Elon Musk. Today we rally to show we love our country, and we won’t let it be stolen from us.”

CFPA advocacy committee co-chair Marc Tolo, who attended the rally with a sign that read “MAGA has run amusk,” explained why he was supporting the anti-Musk demonstrators.

“What’s happening in Washington now is mind-boggling, putting us on the edge of a crisis,” he said. “There are not a lot of things that Congress can do right now. That leaves it to the rest of us to do something about it.”

—Donald Gilpin

Get the scoop from

SpringSquare the

Following the concert at Richardson Auditorium on Thursday, April 10 by British saxophonist Jess Gillam, audience members will have an opportunity to learn some simple choreography to music they have just heard — by Benjamin Britten, John Dowland, George Gershwin, and Francis Poulenc, among other composers — with Gillam and piano accompanist Thomas Weaver playing live.

This new initiative is presented in collaboration with American Repertory Ballet (ARB). Specifically, the postconcert event will be led by dancer/choreographer/educator Rachel Stanislawczyk, who has created a dance with movement for all levels and abilities. She has already begun to teach a seated version to ARB’s Dance for PD (Parkinson’s disease) classes.

“We first partnered with American Repertory Ballet around our Healing with Music event exploring the effects of music on those dealing with Parkinson’s disease,” said PUC Outreach Manager Dasha Koltunyuk. “Participants from ARB’s Dance for PD chapters danced on the stage of Richardson Auditorium as part of this event. We look forward to welcoming them back, and to welcoming Rachel back, to the stage, this time dancing alongside other members of our community.”

“Having the feeling of choreography in your bones when you listen to a piece of music allows you to hear the music differently, and we look forward to giving that experience to our community,” she said. “Dancing to live music is also a gift, and when it’s played by a musician as talented and vibrant as Jess Gillam, then all the better.”

The concert on April 10 marks Gillam’s return to PUC. The first saxophonist to reach the finals of “BBC Young Musician” and the youngest ever soloist to perform at the “Last Night of the Proms” concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, she is also a radio and television performer. During lockdown from the pandemic, she formed her “Virtual Scratch Orchestra,” inviting musicians of any level to come together and play music virtually with her.

On March 6, 34 landscape professionals from 14 locally-owned businesses attended a 4-hour spring landscaping workshop at the Watershed Institute. This workshop marked the fourth in a collaborative series hosted by Sustainable Princeton and The Watershed Institute.

The March training was held in both English and Spanish and focused on spring planting, soil health, mulch application, organic fertilizers, rain garden maintenance, native and invasive plants, as well as a handson opportunity to practice new skills at the Watershed’s demonstration rain garden.

“The record-high attendance at the workshop last fall demonstrated the strong demand for green infrastructure training. Given its success, we hosted the workshop again, proving it as popular as the previous one. Partnering once more with The Watershed Institute, we provided hands-on training to equip landscaping businesses and crew members with the practical skills to install and maintain rain gardens, native plantings, and other green infrastructure solutions that help mitigate flooding and support biodiversity,” said Christine Symington, executive director of Sustainable Princeton. “As we encourage property owners to install rain gardens on their properties or as required by regulations, we also need to support our local landscaping community with resources and training like this workshop.”

STROLLING BUNNY

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY APRIL 5 – 19, 1PM-3PM

PRINCETON PORCHFEST

WITH THE ARTS COUNCIL OF PRINCETON (TOWN-WIDE EVENT) APRIL 26TH, 12PM-6PM

Anyone who attends the concert can attend the postconcert Dance Jam for free. Those who might want to get a head start on the choreography can attend a free workshop with Stanislawczyk at Princeton Ballet School in Princeton Shopping Center on Sunday, April 6 from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. The dance can also be learned via videos that will be posted on PUC’s Facebook and Instagram (@ princetonuniversityconcerts) in the lead-up to the event. PUC Communications and Events Coordinator Alexis Branagan, a former professional ballet dancer and instructor, is especially

“After Jess Gillam’s PUC debut, we immediately started thinking of opportunities to bring her back,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “She’s not only a uniquely talented trailblazer in the world of classical chamber music, but she is also a warm presence who has now connected with PUC audiences in deep and varied ways: performing for our audiences virtually during pandemic lockdowns, appearing on our Performances Up Close series, mentoring Trenton High School students through our Neighborhood Music Project partnership program with Trenton Arts at Princeton, and making profound connections with Live Music Meditation participants. We can’t wait to have her back for a varied and exciting mainstage program on our Concert Classics series followed by what’s sure to be a memorable community experience dancing to her playing during our first dance edition of our Annual Chamber Jam.”

Tickets for the concert and Dance Jam are $30-$50 ($10 students and Admit All Program members). Visit puc.princeton.edu or call (609) 258-9220.

—Anne Levin

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“The Watershed Institute was thrilled to partner with Sustainable Princeton to deliver this program for landscapers,” said Sophie Glovier, chief of strategy and program at The Watershed Institute. “The feedback from participants last year was overwhelmingly positive, and they were interested in learning more. Bringing accessible information about green infrastructure to the landscaping community is vital as we work to combat climate-related flooding issues and challenges to our water quality, like harmful algal blooms. We will share this program design and lessons learned so that other communities across the state can learn from this successful program in Princeton.” Workshop presenters included Fredy Estrada, a former landscape company owner and community liaison consultant; Lucia Middleton, a Community Water Advocate from the Watershed Institute; Steve Tuorto Ph.D., the Watershed Institute’s Director of Science & Stewardship; and Molly Jones, a nonprofit consultant. Representatives from the Municipality of Princeton included Sandra Garrity, Compliance Officer, and James Purcell, Assistant Municipal Engineer, who also presented regulations for working in town.

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Landscaping businesses represented at the workshop included Antonio Barillas LLC, Blue Sky Green Earth, Christian Landscaping, Delis Landscaping, Dogwood Lawn Service, Gregorio Brothers Landscaping, Kenny Martinez, Lawncare Plus LLC, Ludin’s Landscape, Maynor Lawn Services, Osorio Landscaping, Plantlife Landscaping, and Randi Landscaping.

“TESLA TAKEDOWN”: About 500 protesters gathered outside the Tesla dealership in Lawrence Township last Saturday to demonstrate against the actions of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), calling for people to sell their Tesla vehicles and Tesla stock and join in on the anti-Musk chants. (Photo by Andrea Kane)

Housing Initiatives of Princeton May Event

Will Feature Economist Jenny Schuetz

Leading a conversation focused on helping local families who are housing insecure, housing policy

economist Jenny Schuetz, author of Fixer Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems , will be the lead speaker at the Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) annual Spring Gathering on Sunday, May 4 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The public is invited for an afternoon of food, jazz, and discussion, with tickets and sponsorship information available at housinginitiativesofprinceton.org. All proceeds support HIP’s work to help local residents facing eviction, housing instability, and homelessness. The goal is to help individuals and families to acquire stable housing, improved employment, and a network of support services as they build toward a sustainable future.

“The conversation on how to remove barriers low-income families face to securing homes is especially critical at this moment,” said HIP Board Chair Tom Pinneo. We are delighted to host Dr. Schuetz, who is leveraging her research to help drive policies that will provide housing to more families.”

Mercer County has seen increasing numbers of homeless people in recent years, with NJ.com reporting a 24 percent increase in the homeless population in New Jersey in 2024 compared to 2023, and Mercer County registering an increase of almost 31 percent, according to NJ Point-in-Time Count. HomeFront, based in Lawrence and Ewing, states that it shelters more than 450 individuals on any given night, the majority being children.

“We are at a crisis point,” Schuetz stated, in a podcast interview with New York Times columnist Ezra Klein. “And the current approaches [to homelessness] are not working. They are not scaling up, but we haven’t tried something that’s radically different.”

At the HIP Spring Gathering event, Schuetz will explore the problems of housing affordability and supply, including commentary on macroeconomic conditions. She will also discuss policy changes that could help Princeton based on what she has seen in other midsized communities and college towns. A third focus of her talk will include how to change state and local relationships around housing policy, including the Mount Laurel decision and current statewide proposals for New Jersey.

In her more than 25 years in the field of economics and housing policy, Schuetz has worked with the Federal Reserve Bank, Brookings Metro, and currently as vice

Three Public Schools Awarded “Green” Grants

president of infrastructure and housing at Arnold Ventures, working to expand the housing supply and make it easier to build more and different types of housing.

Jenny Schuetz

Schuetz received a Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University, an M.A. in city planning from M.I.T., and a B.A. in economics and political and social thought from the University of Virginia.

HIP, which has been assisting local residents for 24 years with transitional housing and emergency eviction prevention services, recently announced a new partnership with Arm In Arm and HomeFront, along with funding from Princeton University, that will help to provide rental assistance and security deposit support to neighbors in need.

In a recent newsletter, HIP Executive Director Lori Troilo also announced that HIP will be collaborating with the Princeton YWCA in providing a free computer skills training and workforce development workshop called “Career Kickstart.” HIP has also formed an advocacy team and is finding ways to support statewide and local housing policy discussion and legislation.

In 2024, HIP’s Eviction Prevention Program helped 350 Mercer County children and adults remain in their homes or secure a new one.

Last year HIP’s Transitional Housing Program helped 30 parents and children move from homelessness toward a permanent, affordable home of their own, with improved employment, financial stability, and the necessary support services for longterm success.

A 2023-24 HIP impact study led by two Princeton University interns showed that 92 percent of families helped over the past 13 years through HIP’s Transitional Housing Program are still living in stable housing today, and they all reported that they are employed and better off financially. They also reported that their children had benefited from the academic and enrichment support provided by HIP.

—Donald Gilpin

Three Princeton Public Schools district schools were awarded a $2,000 Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant funded the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Thirteen $10,000 grants and 27 $2,000 grants were distributed to support a diverse range of sustainability initiatives, including outdoor gardens and classrooms; composting, waste reduction, and recycling programs; student health and wellness; inclusive, diverse, and equitable school environments; biodiversity projects; and student safety.

Community Park Elementary School’s sustainability initiative focuses on transitioning away from disposable service ware in its cafeteria. The grant will help the school purchase a full set of cutlery and the supplies needed to collect and sanitize the utensils.

“We are grateful for the grant and the ability to take this important step towards sustainability at Community Park Elementary School,” said Principal Dineen Gruchacz. This grant will help us replace disposable service ware with reusable, reducing waste while teaching our students the value of sustainability.

Littlebrook Elementary School’s sustainability initiative focuses on expanding their transition to reusable wares. The grant will help the school purchase additional sets of classroom service ware for events and parties, replenish silverware in the cafeteria, and replace ketchup packets with ketchup dispensers.

“We are grateful for this Sustainable Jersey-NJEA grant, which will help Littlebrook Elementary further our commitment to sustainability,” said Principal Luis Ramirez. “Expanding our collection of reusable wares supports our growing student body while reducing waste and fostering environmental responsibility.”

Princeton Middle School’s sustainability initiative focuses on vermicomposting and gardening. The grant monies will be used to build a worm composting center and four grow boxes.

“We are thrilled to expand our hands-on sustainability initiatives with this grant,” said Principal Jason Burr. “These resources will empower students to design, build, and maintain a new composting system, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship,”

“Congratulations to all the grant recipients,” said Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon. “We hope this funding serves as a catalyst for transformative sustainability initiatives, sparking greater awareness and positive change throughout your

community. A special thank you to NJEA for providing the essential financial support that makes these projects a reality.”

An independent BlueRibbon Selection Committee evaluated the grant proposals.

Garden Theatre Offers

Two Summer Camps

The Garden Theatre is presenting a pair of weeklong summer film camps this July. The two distinct experiences will allow kids the chance to learn the building blocks of cinema as well as gain an understanding of the filmmaking process itself. Both camps can be attended together this summer.

“Elements of Film” — which debuted at the Garden last summer — will take place from July 7-11. Camp is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and is open to rising fifthseventh graders.

Campers will explore film history and visual literacy through key cinematic elements, such as story, sound, and camera technique. Campers also can hone their director’s eye by visualizing their ideas, starting with storyboarding sessions and then turning those into moving pictures with intuitive filmmaking software.

This five-day program will impart a discerning sense of storytelling and the visual arts that will not only serve budding filmmakers and content creators but any young person who wants to be a conscientious consumer of all media.

“Intro to Filmmaking,” the new camp designed as a follow-up to “Elements of Film,” will take place July 14-18. Campers will dive into the essentials of the filmmaking process, learn about the importance of the various jobs on a film set, and how to begin writing for the screen. Using DSLR cameras and more sophisticated editing software, campers will work as a team to produce a short film with a shared vision. Their families will be invited to a special screening of the finished product.

“Intro to Filmmaking” will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and is open to rising sixth-eighth graders. Tuition for “Elements of Film” is $500 for the general public and $475 for members of the nonprofit Garden Theatre. Tuition for “Intro to Filmmaking” is $600 for the general public and $575 for members. Visit princetongardentheatre.org/ filmcamp for more information or to register. Inquiries can also be directed to Julia Mahony, the Garden’s educational programs director, at jmahony@renewtheaters.org.

Weddings

Micaela Lynch Dussel and Brooks Philip Herr

Micaela Lynch Dussel will be married on Saturday March 29, 2025 to Brooks Philip Herr at The Church of St. Mary’s in Roslyn, N.Y. Father Timothy Valentine will celebrate the nuptial mass assisted by The Rev. David A. Davis from Nassau Presbyterian Church.

Katherine Dussel McBride is her sister’s matron of honor, and Gardiner Cromwell Knox Herr is his brother’s best man.

Dr. Dussel, a third-year pediatrics resident at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Dussel of Glen Head, New York. She graduated from Williams College and received a Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University. Her father is a Certified Public Accountant and her mother, Anne L. Dussel, is a Clinical Development Process Quality Lead at Pfizer.

Mr. Herr, the son of The Hon. Mark S. Herr and Rachel P. Herr of Princeton, New Jersey, is a member of the investor relations and business development team at Silver Rock Financial. He graduated from Hamilton College. His father is the Principal at Mark Herr Communications. His mother is the Treasurer at Mark Herr Communications.

FIERCELY INDEPENDENT LOCALLY OWNED

Skillman, and Rocky Hill Town Topics

Tiger’s Tale Restaurant Celebrates 40 Years By Giving Back to Montgomery Community

The Tiger’s Tale restaurant in Skillman, Montgomery Township, has been serving its customers good food and comfort, and, as its slogan goes, “lifting spirits since 1985.”

And despite a plethora of new dining establishments locating, or planning to locate, in Montgomery’s new shopping centers and nearby, The Tiger’s Tale is still keeping its customers happy, way beyond happy hours.

This year, as part of its 40th year anniversary celebration, it is holding monthly events and fundraisers for organizations “that make Montgomery Township a remarkable community,” said owner Cory Wingerter.

That’s partly because the restaurant, known for its burgers, sandwiches, beer, seafood, and a friendly, gleaming wooden bar, has been a community gathering place. In fact, like television’s Cheers where everybody knows your name, said Wingerter, customers ask for their favorite bartender and wait staff.

Asked what he thought was the enduring appeal of The Tiger’s Tale, Wingerter credited his staff. “We have very good staff and great management,” he said. “Location, location, location is important, but it’s the people you hire.” He noted that “Everyone does a little of everything” and when a customer needs help, they are taken care of. With all the choices around, as a business, we have to be at the top of our game.”

The Tiger’s Tale is known for its eclectic menu of many different entrees, and it seems that all are customer favorites. “We have tried to pare down the menu, but people say that they come here specifically for this or that item, and it’s hard to take off menu items,” he said.

Wingerter, who is the president of the Montgomery Business Association, and active in in the National Restaurant Association, had been involved in restaurants in Monmouth County. When The Foolish Fox in Skillman came up for sale in 1985, he and Adrian Stevens, both

graduates of the renowned Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, decided to buy it. Before it was The Foolish Fox, it was Mimi’s Deli, and previously, the tavern Black Bart’s at a time when Montgomery was “a sparsely populated township with plenty of farming, hunting, and winding country roads,” according to The Tiger’s Tale website. Around 1980, brothers Joe and David Monier, who were friends of Wingerter and Stevens, purchased Black Bart’s and called it The Foolish Fox, building the 40-seat rectangular bar and added the grill behind the bar — the first in the area. When the Monier brothers wanted to sell, Wingerter and Stevens purchased the restaurant.

The Montgomery community has supported it ever since, and the restaurant’s fundraising nights are a way to give back to the community, said Wingerter. Customers order from a special menu (like a five-alarm chili to support the fire company), and $1 of each order goes to the

designated organization. Once in a while the Tiger’s Tale rounds out the amount.

In April, the Montgomery Special Education PTA will be the beneficiary; in May, SAVE – a Friend to Homeless Animals; in June, Montgomery Friends of Open Space; in July, Princeton Elks Lodge 2129; in August, Montgmoery EMS Squad 47 Rescue; in September, Montgomery/Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance; in October, Move Over Breast Cancer; in November, Montgomery Township Food Pantry; and in December, Montgomery/ Rocky Hill Rotary Club.

Earlier this year, The Tiger’s Tale donated to Montgomery PBA #355 Law Enforcement; Boy Scout Troops 46 and 850, and Girl Scout Troop SU#75; and Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Companies #1 and #2.

Each month will feature special dinners and tailored events, such a possible clambake for the Friends of Open Space. The year-long celebration will culminate in December with a grand finale event to honor all the organizations, and celebrate four decades in the community.

While it has been reported that there have been discussions of Tiger’s Tale moving nearby, no decision has been made, said Wingerter. Meanwhile, The Tiger’s Tale’s

green awning and welcoming flags continue to mark the Route 206 and Highway 518 intersection.

The Tiger’s Tale is open Sunday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. It can be reached at (609) 924-0262, or by emailing info@tigerstalenj. com. For more information, visit tigerstalenj.com.

Lawn, Plainfield, and more communities as the State Film Commission’s filmready communities.

The certification from the New Jersey’s Film Ready Communities Program helps communities garner the economic benefits that come from the exploding video and production industry, according to the Film Commission.

—Wendy Greenberg Office of Aging and Disability Needs Survey Participants

Montgomery Might Become A Film-ready Community When the Academy Award-nominated film A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, opened last year, some local filmgoers were aware that a scene was filmed at the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum in she Skillman section of Montgomery Township.

The advance logistics and paperwork led the township to consider becoming a film-ready community. An ordinance designating it may come up for approval at the April 3 Township Commissioners meeting, said a township clerk. It was on the agenda for March 21 (a special Friday meeting).

If it is approved by the township, Montgomery could join Franklin, Hillsborough, South Bound Brook, Watchung, Cranford, Fair

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services needs senior citizens’ help in planning necessary programs and services for people aged 60-plus, caregivers, and people living with disabilities. By participating in a needs assessment survey, those groups can help guide the office in making decisions about the most needed communitybased senior services in Somerset County. The office is requesting feedback from seniors in all towns in Somerset County to help plan for future services and benefits available to seniors. The survey is due March 31. Go to: surveymonkey. com/r/2025ADRCPlanning Survey.

Those who do not have online access can request a paper copy at the Senior Center at Otto Kaufman Community Center, 356 Skillman Road.

A LONGSTANDING TALE: The Tiger’s Tale restaurant at Route 206 and Highway 518 in Montgomery is celebrating 40 years by offering specials to give back to the community. (Photo courtesy of The Tiger’s Tale)

Books

Jennifer Weiner to Appear at Princeton Public Library Fundraiser on April 7

When author Jennifer Weiner makes her ninth Princeton Public Library-sponsored appearance to discuss her 20th novel for adults, The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits, it will be something of a full-circle event for the author and the library. Weiner will appear Monday, April 7 at 3 p.m. at the Nassau Club as part of the Beyond Words fundraising series hosted by the Friends and Foundation of Princeton Public Library.

Janie Hermann, adult programming manager for the library, recalled the New York Times’ bestselling author’s first appearance at a library event on January 30, 2002, at the library’s temporary location at Princeton Shopping Center.

“Jen had just published her first book, Good in Bed, and was looking to do an event in Princeton, as she is a grad of

the University (Princeton University Class of 1991),” said Hermann. “We did a panel of first-time novelists and she was on a panel with fellow authors Jenny McPhee and Kathleen DeMarco. We must have made a good impression because she’s appeared here and at other venues for special library events like the Book Lovers Luncheon and Summer Reading Soiree and a special Covid event at the Princeton Shopping Center. She even made a surprise appearance when Curtis Sittenfeld was the author at the Book Lovers Luncheon. If you count that surprise pop-in, then Jen has been here 10 times, possibly the most times we’ve hosted any author.”

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits, which publishes on April 8, is set against the backdrop of the music

41 Leigh Avenue, Princeton www.tortugasmv.com

industry and explores ambition, sisterhood, motherhood, and the price of fame. It tells the story of Cassie and Zoe Grossberg, sisters who skyrocketed to pop stardom in the early 2000s as the Griffin Sisters. “After a whirlwind year in the public eye, the band abruptly broke up. Two decades later, Zoe is a suburban housewife, Cassie has retreated from public life, and Zoe’s teenage daughter, Cherry, is determined to become a star — despite her mother’s warnings. As Cherry digs into the truth behind the band’s breakup, long-buried secrets surface, forcing all three women to confront the choices that shaped their lives,” according to the publisher (William Morrow).

Weiner’s appearance is coincidentally part of the April 7 kickoff for Princeton Public Library’s observance of Nationally Library Week, which begins with a community read-aloud of The Great Gatsby by another Princeton University author, F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Weiner’s love of libraries

began in her childhood. “Libraries have always played a big part in my life,” said Weiner. “As a kid, the Simsbury (Conn.) Public Library was my favorite place to visit and bring home bags full of books. In college, I spent even more time reading at Firestone Library on Princeton’s campus.

“When I became an author, the Princeton Public Library was one of the first places to host me. I remember doing a panel event for debut authors with Jenny McPhee — whose father John McPhee had been my professor — and Kathleen DeMarco. I was still in the pinch-me phase of being newly published and was thrilled to be attending a library event as a writer instead of as a reader! Since then, I’ve done eight events at the library and they are always some of the best events of my tours. I can’t wait to visit the library again for The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits Weiner’s books have spent over five years on the New York Times bestseller list, including several times at No. 1, with more than 11 million copies in print in 36 countries. Her novel In Her Shoes was turned into a major motion picture starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, and Shirley MacLaine. Critics have lauded her books for their humor as well as their insight into the complex relationships and issues of contemporary life.

The author uses her social media presence to amplify women’s voices and speak on topics including self-esteem, body positivity, and the way books by women are reviewed and consumed.

Tickets for Weiner’s April 7 appearance at the Nassau Club, 6 Mercer Street, are $175 and include a signed copy of The Griffin Sister’s Greatest Hits and afternoon refreshments. The ticket price includes a tax-deductible donation to Princeton Public Library to expand collections and ensure access to valuable resources for all. For more information, visit princetonlibrary. org/support.

Labyrinth Hosts Poetry Reading With Idra Novey and

Others

Idra Novey, author of several novels, faces the complexities of life on a swiftly heating earth in her new poetry collection Soon and Wholly. She is joined by Monica Youn and Ilya Kaminsky at a poetry reading at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street, on Tuesday, April 1, from 6 to 7 p.m.

This event is cosponsored by Labyrinth Books, the Princeton Public Library, Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts, and Princeton’s Humanities Council.

Open Houses at the Princeton Eating Clubs

Open Houses at the Princeton Eating Clubs

In Soon and Wholly (Wesleyan University Press, $26), the poems juxtapose sweltering days raising children in a city with moments from a rural childhood roaming free in the woods, providing a bridge between those often polarized realities. Novey’s spare, contemporary fables move across the Americas, from a woman housesitting in central Chile, surrounded by encroaching fires, to a man in New York about to give birth to a panda.

Other poems return to the Allegheny Highlands of Appalachia, where Novey revisits the roads and creeks of her childhood.

Princeto rinceton University’s iconic eating clubs where generations of students have taken meals and socialized in historic and architecturally significant clubhouses that date as far back as 1895. Upcoming open houses will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates (no reservations are required):

Princeton Prospect Foundation is pleased to announce free public access to Princeton University’s iconic eating clubs where generations of students have taken meals and socialized in historic and architecturally significant clubhouses that date as far back as 1895. Upcoming open houses will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates (no reservations are required):

Princeton Prospect Foundation is pleased to announce free public access to Princeton University’s iconic eating clubs where generations of students have taken meals and socialized in historic and architecturally significant clubhouses that date as far back as 1895. Upcoming open houses will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates (no reservations are required):

Novey is the author of Take What You Need , a New York Times Notable

Book of 2023 and finalist for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, and two other novels. Her second poetry collection Exit, Civilian was chosen by Patricia Smith for the National Poetry Series. Her fiction and poetry have been translated into a dozen languages and she’s written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The Guardian She teaches creative writing at Princeton›s Lewis Center for the Arts. Kaminsky is the author of Deaf Republic and Dancing In Odessa and has co-edited and co-translated many other books, including Ecco Anthology of International Poetry. His many honors include The Los Angeles Times Book Award, the Guggenheim Fellowship, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Metcalf Award. He is Professor of Creative Writing at the Lewis Center for the Arts. Youn is the author of From From and three previous poetry collections: Blackacre, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, Barter, and Ignatz, a finalist for the National Book Award. She is Visiting Associate Professor of Creative Writing at the Lewis Center for the Arts.

Sun., Oct. 6th: Cannon Club, Colonial Club, Cottage Club, Quadrangle Club, Terrace Club, Tower Club

Sun., Oct. 6th: Cannon Club, Colonial Club, Cottage Club, Quadrangle Club, Terrace Club, Tower Club

Sun., Mar. 30th: Cannon Club, Cap & Gown Club, Colonial Club, Ivy Club, Terrace Club, Tower Club

Sun., Oct. 20th: Cap & Gown Club, Charter Club, Cloister Inn, Ivy Club, Tiger Inn

Sun., Oct. 20th: Cap & Gown Club, Charter Club, Cloister Inn, Ivy Club, Tiger Inn

Sun., Apr. 6th: Charter Club, Cloister Inn, Cottage Club, Quadrangle Club, Tiger Inn

The fascinating origins and evolution of the clubs, along with many archival images and spectacular photos, are presented in The Princeton Eating Clubs, written by awardwinning author Clifford W. Zink in 2017. This beautiful book is available at Labyrinth Books and the Princeton University Store, and on Amazon.

The fascinating origins and evolution of the clubs, along with many archival images and spectacular photos, are presented in The Princeton Eating Clubs, written by awardwinning author Clifford W. Zink in 2017. This beautiful book is available at Labyrinth Books and the Princeton University Store, and on Amazon.

The fascinating origins and evolution of the clubs, along with many archival images and spectacular photos, are presented in The Princeton Eating Clubs, written by award-winning author Clifford W. Zink in 2017. This beautiful book is available at Labyrinth Books and the Princeton University Store, and on Amazon.

For more information, go to: http://princetonprospectfoundation.org

For more information, go to: http://princetonprospectfoundation.org

For more information, go to: http://princetonprospectfoundation.org

BEYOND WORDS: Jennifer Weiner appears April 7 at 3 p.m. at the Nassau Club as part of the Beyond Words fundraising series presented by the Friends and Foundation of Princeton Public Library.

Ece Temelkuran and Razia Iqbal

Discuss “How to Lose a Country”

Ece Temelkuran joins Razia Iqbal in conversation on Tuesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at Labyrinth books, 122 Nassau Street. Temelkuran’s book, How to Lose a Country: The Seven Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship, is a warning to the world that populism and nationalism don’t march fully-formed into government; they creep. Award-winning author and journalist Temelkuran identifies the early warning signs of this phenomenon, sprouting up across the world from Eastern Europe to South America, in order to arm the reader with the

tools to recognize it and take action. Weaving memoir, history, and clear-sighted argument, Temelkuran proposes alternative answers to the pressing — and too often paralyzing — political questions of our time.

Temelkuran is an awardwinning Turkish novelist, a political thinker, and a public speaker whose work has appeared in the Guardian, New York Times, Le Monde, La Stampa, New Statesman, and Der Spiegel, among several international media outlets. She won the Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award for her novel Women

Who Blow on Knots and the Ambassador of New Europe Award for her book Turkey: The Insane and the Melancholy . Her most recent book, Together, was shortlisted for the Terzani Award in Italy. She has twice been recognized as Turkey’s most read political columnist.

Iqbal is John L. Weinberg Visiting Professor at Princeton University’s School for Public and International Affairs. For the last three decades, she worked at the BBC, most recently anchoring Newshour. Iqbal has presented the in-depth interview series Witness History, Talking Books and Dream Builders as well as documentaries for both radio and TV.

This event is sponsored by The Forum on the History of Political Thought in Princeton’s University Center for Human Values, and cosponsored by the university’s Center for Collaborative History, Department of Comparative Literature, Department of English, Department of German, Humanities Council, Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in the Humanities at Princeton, Princeton Writing Program, Program in European Cultural Studies and Program in Law and Normative Thinking.

Latino Poetry Panel at Princeton Public Library

A panel on Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology , is planned for Wednesday, April 2, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. The programming is part of the “Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home” national public humanities initiative, with this panel discussion devoted to the newly published anthology.

The panel will explore

how the groundbreaking anthology celebrates the poetic traditions of Latino America. Registration is requested for the hybrid event at princetonlibrary.libnet. info/event/12452429. The panel will be livestreamed via YouTube, and virtual attendees may place questions in advance through registration.

Moderated by Vivia Font, the panel includes Rigoberto González, editor of the anthology and principal humanities advisor for the “Places We Call Home” project; Vincent Toro, a poet featured in the anthology and humanities advisor for the “Places We Call Home” project; and Newark-based poet and multidisciplinary artist Dimitri Reyes.

“Places We Call Home” seeks to foster nationwide conversation on this vital literature. Funded with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Emerson Collective, Places We Call Home is directed by Library of America and presented in partnership with the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures; the Academy of American Poets; Cave Canem; Poetry Society of America; and the National Book Foundation, among others.

Font is a performer, collaborator, mother and educator. Most recently, she wrote, produced, and acted in HONK (currently in post-production; Quarterfinalist, Filmmatic Short Screenplay). She teaches acting, voice and speech, and performance as vehicle for social, political, and environmental awareness/action, with focuses on Latin America and elsewhere at Princeton University, NYUPlaywright’s Horizons, and Marymount Manhattan College.

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

Thanking All Who Supported Annual Princeton 5K and Kids Dash

To the Editor:

What would you do to support an initiative that is guaranteed to teach hundreds of high school kids how to stay in good physical shape, de-stress after a rigorous academic day, and forge healthy peer relationships grounded in mutual respect, emotional support, and teamwork? And what if this initiative also reduced by up to 24,000 hours (athletes times days times training time) the time these kids spend on their phones each year, while getting them out into our community on a daily basis?

The girls and boys no-cut Princeton High School Cross Country and Track and Field program does just this. And on Saturday, March 22, over 700 runners, joggers, and walkers participated in the Princeton 5K and Kids Dash, the annual fundraising event put on by the PHS Cross Country and Track & Field Boosters, a 501(c)(3), to support these student athletes. Special thanks go to our Gold Sponsors jaZams, Calloway Henderson Sotheby’s Realty, Lawrenceville Foot Care, Princeton Tree Care, and Queenston Realty; and to our Silver Sponsors Freda Howard Interiors, Prime Omega Fitness, Champions Summer Camp, Princeton Orthopaedics Associates, Princeton Pizza Star, and Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy. We also thank our six Bronze Sponsors and six family sponsors, and Fleet Feet Princeton Running Company where we held our packet pickup. All donations directly support the Princeton High School Cross-Country and Track & Field teams. Please check out all our sponsors at Princeton5K.com.

We also want to acknowledge the Princeton Public Schools district and its facilities staff for allowing us to use the PHS PAC parking lot to stage the post-race village. These generous contributors, along with the Princeton Police Department, Princeton Pacers, dozens of parent volunteers, student athletes, and coaches came together to ensure a safe and festive community event and race. It is inspiring to see this level of support for a program that does so much good for so many children in our community.

We’d welcome the community’s continued support for the PHS track team this spring, and for the cross country team in the fall. We hope to see you all next March for the 2026 Princeton 5K and Kids Dash!

GREG ROBINSON

5K co-organizer Clearview Avenue

JOE CAPONE

5K co-organizer

Leavitt Lane

DANIELLE BAHR Booster Club president Prospect Avenue

JANE MANNERS Booster Club board member Wheatsheaf Lane

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Boheme Opera NJ Presents Verdi Tragedy “Il Trovatore”

Boheme Opera NJ turned to a story of love, hate, and revenge for this year’s presentation of Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore this past weekend at Kendall Main Stage Theater at The College of New Jersey. With a libretto by Italian playwright Salvatore Cammarano, who based his texts on a play by Spanish dramatist Antonio García Gutiérrez (which in turn was allegedly inspired by real events), Verdi’s 1853 opera was popular from the outset, despite its dark narrative but no doubt aided by the inclusion of traditional Italian tunes audiences would have known. Boheme Opera NJ’s productions on Friday night and Sunday afternoon, presented in Italian with English supertitles, featured a cast of seasoned opera performers, including singers heard in previous Boheme Opera presentations. Artistic director and conductor Joseph Pucciatti brought the story into modern times by focusing on the more sinister aspects of the plot while never losing sight of the luxurious music.

Il Trovatore was unique in that the pivotal action takes place before the opera begins or between scenes. The onstage activity and music convey the emotions of the characters and their response to what has happened, which makes the singers’ jobs that much more difficult. The storyline centers on both the love triangle among Leonora, the Count di Luna, and the mystery troubadour Manrico, and the backstory of Azucena, whose mother was burned at the stake as a witch, compounded by the possibility that Azucena had inadvertently killed her own son in retaliation. The opera was also unusual in its two female roles having equal dramatic and vocal force, and in Friday night’s performance, the singers playing Leonora and Azucena each had their chance to command the stage and shine.

Soprano Ashley Galvani Bell, portraying Leonora, was expertly up to the challenges of Verdi’s musical and theatrical complexity in a role requiring both a high flexible coloratura voice and the intensity of a tragic heroine. Bell successfully captured the flow of the music, aided by dynamic orchestral swells. Concurrently with this opera, Verdi was composing La Traviata , and one could easily hear the crossover of florid melodic styles. Bell effectively expressed the lyricism of the Act I cavatina “Tacea la notte placida” as well as the fireworks of the third act “D’amor sull’ali rosee” in a scene which she commanded alone onstage.

The role of Azucena, called by Verdi a “strange and novel character,” elicits both derision and empathy from audiences, and

the vocal requirements are more extreme than ornate. Contralto Alison Bolshoi has a history with Boheme Opera of disappearing into roles to create riveting characters onstage, and her portrayal of Azucena was no exception. Walking with a cane and showing utter defeat from life’s trials, Bolshoi smoothly maneuvered the wide melodic range, singing a haunting duet with Manrico while communicating her harrowing story.

Verdi wrote the valiant soldier Manrico as an archetype of romantic lyricism, and tenor John Kun Park fit the bill with a portrayal of a character full of conflict — between his devotion to the unattainable Leonora and his struggle to understand Azucena’s torment. Park and Bell were well matched vocally as two ill-fated lovers, and Park performed the aria “Ah, sì, ben mio, coll’essere” with the passion of a man resigned to his fate.

Baritone Daniel Sutin completed the quartet of principals, singing the role of Count di Luna, also in pursuit of Leonora. As assured as Leonora was in her love for Manrico, di Luna was equally selfconfident, but in hate. Sutin took charge of his emotions from the outset, beginning strongly with extended a cappella passages and convincingly continuing his obsession with both Manrico and Azucena. All four principal singers presented operatic soliloquies authoritatively, leading to the compelling final scene in which all subplots come together in horrific conclusion. Soprano Farrah Chu, baritone Charles Schneider, tenor Matthew Tartza and baritone Kevin Patrick rounded out the cast in smaller, but no less critical roles.

One of the great strengths of Il Trovatore lies in its accessible tunes, often heard from the chorus. For these productions, Boheme Opera NJ assembled a small but crisp ensemble prepared by Laura Isabella. The familiar “Anvil” chorus was sung with precise rhythms, and the offstage “Miserere” chorus added a reverent nature to the scene. Sets were modest, with visual backgrounds depicted by virtual set artist and designer J. Matthew Root’s digital backdrops. Conductor Pucciatti led a clean and meticulous orchestra of instrumentalists who moved effortlessly through Verdi’s ever-changing shifts in tempo and mood. Il Trovatore may have a shocking storyline in which things do not turn out well for many people, but its unforgettable melodies and opportunities to showcase stellar singers have made the opera a fan favorite for more than 150 years.

—Nancy Plum

Jess Gillam Saxophone Thomas Weaver Piano

Thu, April 10, 2025 | 7:30PM Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall

Stay after the concert for a free community Dance Jam with live music!

puc.princeton.edu

$30-$50

Sound Journey with Ruth Cunningham

Female Scientists from Different Times Share Much in “Legacy

An Elegant, Witty Script Shines in McCarter’s Lively,

Exquisite Production

Legacy of Light is an example of a play that cannot be fully served by a synopsis, because a plot description is unlikely to do justice to the depth and beauty of the play’s themes and dialogue. It also is an example of a fairly common theatrical conceit — characters transcending their lifetimes to meet each other — that feels fresh and works brilliantly because of deft developed and execution.

In award-winning playwright Karen Zacarias’ elegant and literate comedy, a reallife historical figure, French aristocrat and physicist Émilie du Châtelet (1706-1749), and a contemporary fictional character, astronomer Olivia, share scientific aspirations that are upended by impending motherhood (accidental in Émilie’s case, carefully arranged in Olivia’s).

Beneath this premise lie monologues that probe deep scientific questions about our world and the universe around us; wry commentary about cultural issues and mores; and poignant conversations in which characters share aspirations, as well as emotions – hopes as well as anxieties –about an uncertain future.

McCarter is continuing its season with Legacy of Light. Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen directs (assisted by Tiger Brown), guiding the talented cast and creative team through a lively, exquisite production.

As the play begins we see a chandelier rise to the ceiling. Because characters spend several lines of dialogue discussing Newton’s (supposed) discovery of gravity via an apple falling from a tree, it is fitting that we see a light fixture – to borrow a phrase from another show — defy gravity.

In mid-18th century France we catch Émilie du Châtelet (portrayed with brisk, feisty charm by Lenne Klingaman) having an affair with Saint-Lambert (a slickly debonair Trey DeLuna). The latter is a pupil of Émilie’s intellectual and romantic partner Voltaire (Allen Gilmore, whose rich baritone voice is well suited to the authoritative delivery of his lines).

Voltaire is (to say the least) displeased by the liaison, and there is a physical confrontation (nicely staged by Fight and Intimacy Coordinator Alicia Rodis), which Émilie attempts to defuse. Immediately, we are introduced to the concept of a fragile balance between opposing forces.

In modern-day New Jersey, we meet Olivia (an exuberant Kimberly Chatterjee, who understands the character’s mixture of a youthful thirst for discovery, and a mature awareness of — and frustration at — her physical and psychological limitations). Olivia is excited by her possible discovery of a nascent planet — new life

The childless Olivia tells her husband Peter that she wants to make another attempt to start a family. (Peter is played

by an affable Zack Fine, who also plays Émilie’s dignified and understanding husband Monsieur du Châtelet). Having survived ovarian cancer, Olivia cannot get pregnant, so the couple decides to try a surrogate mother.

An agency matches the couple with Millie (an energetic and earnest Gina Fonseca), who reveals to them that she hopes to travel to France to study fashion design. Through a conversation Millie has with her controlling brother, Lewis (DeLuna), we discover that she has other motivations for carrying a child to term for Olivia and Peter.

Back in France, Émilie informs SaintLambert that she is expecting his child. He replies that he cannot stay, because he has been commissioned to write for the king.

Émilie fears that she will die in childbirth, and that this gives her only months to finish her scientific research and writings. Olivia, who misses Millie’s first sonogram because of work, fears that she is not cut out to be a mother.

Monsieur du Châtelet and Émilie present their daughter, Pauline (Fonseca), with a gift: material for a dress. Pauline is delighted until she learns that the gown must be a wedding dress, because — despite Émilie having promised her that she can study in Paris — her parents now are arranging a marriage for her. Émilie’s pregnancy makes her fearful for her grown daughter’s future.

Later, characters from one time period meet those from another. Connections between characters are revealed, and we discover that physical similarities between certain characters (effected by the device of dual roles) may not be coincidental.

This production happens not to be the play’s premiere. Legacy of Light debuted in 2009 at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. A production at San Jose Repertory Theatre followed in 2011.

Nevertheless, in the best sense McCarter’s version feels like a debut. This is partly because one of the play’s settings is local; Olivia works in Princeton. (An 18th century character quips, “Perhaps New Jersey is a very enlightened place.”)

But the predominant reason is that Rasmussen’s direction fits the play as tightly as if Zacarias had written the script with this production in mind. Just as the story links the past with the present, all of the design elements link to reinforce the script’s themes, in the process creating exquisite, translucent stage pictures that give the sense of paintings coming to life.

“The structure of Legacy of Light has us going back and forth between worlds and then breaking rules of space and time,” Rasmussen observes in a program note. She adds that the “characters escape the constraints of society and burst into a space of freedom and potential for transformation allowing for new understanding before returning to the ‘normal’ world.”

“Legacy of Light” runs through April 6 at McCarter’s Matthews Theatre. A post-show discussion will follow the performances on March 30 and April 5. For tickets or additional information, visit www.mccarter.org.

Rasmussen’s staging reflects this. She makes considerable use of the entire space of the Matthews Theater; at one point the script has the characters talk to the audience (Klingaman is particularly adept at connecting with individual playgoers). This is a common theatrical concept, but here it is directly connected with the play’s themes. Rasmussen also employs more subtle devices, such as letting characters enter from behind walls.

Honoring the published script’s request, Scenic Designer Andrew Boyce keeps the set “simple and abstract” enough to move seamlessly between time periods; at one point, Émilie and Voltaire are flanked both by chandeliers and an electric lamp. (Sound Designer André J. Pluess contributes to the seamlessness, underscoring transitions between scenes with smooth, syncopated music that often favors string pizzicatos.)

However, the chandeliers and wooden furniture offer a sufficient evocation of the past. French doors bookend the stage; Co-Lighting Designers Jane Cox and Tess James backlight one of the doors to suggest daylight. The juxtaposition of this against the chandeliers, combined with ornate outfits by Costume Designer Raquel Ordano, give the show much of its painting-like quality.

Adorno generally outfits Émilie in blue and white, in imitation of portraits such as those by Marianne Loir or Maurice Quentin de La Tour. Voltaire also wears light blue and white, underlining the rapport between the two intellectuals. Other characters wear bright, rich reds. In one scene, both Émilie and Pauline wear white, blending beautifully with the furniture and lighting.

Two particular tableaux deserve mention. In the first, Olivia gives an astronomy lecture. She is flanked by a starlit sky — an apt image, given that all of the protagonists are concerned about their ultimate place in the universe.

Later — in a reflection of Émilie’s translation of, and commentary on, Newton’s Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica — several characters meet in front of an apple tree that is flanked by a deep blue sky. The tree turns out to be lit; memorably, all of the lighting is dimmed excepted for the chandeliers and the lights on the tree, which in tandem evoke majestic starlight.

Is it possible that Light and Love share the same properties? They must! Love burns…although we cannot see it, smell it, or touch it, we can feel love. It glows.” At its best, theater can be a light to guide us. In many literal ways, Legacy of Light radiantly illustrates this.

—Donald H. Sanborn III “

“LEGACY OF LIGHT”: Performances are underway for “Legacy of Light.” Written by Karen Zacarias and directed by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen (assisted by Tiger Brown), the play runs through April 6 at McCarter’s Matthews Theatre. Above: In a meeting that transcends centuries, 18th century scientist Émilie du Châtelet (Lenne Klingaman), left, encounters a modern woman, Millie (Gina Fonseca), who dreams of studying in France to become a fashion designer. (Photo by Daniel Rader)

Performing Arts

Thomas Edison Film Festival Presents Short Subjects

The Thomas A. Edison Media Arts Consortium in collaboration with Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts presents a screening of 10 international short films from the Thomas Edison Film Festival’s 2025 touring collection on March 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau Street.

The collection includes animation, documentary, experimental, narrative, and screen dance film genres from Armenia, China, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. Among those scheduled is an award-winning animated short by Princeton Visual Arts Program alum Tyler Benson, class of 2024.

Since its inception in 1981, the festival has sought to honor Edison’s legacy by promoting creativity and artistry in the moving image, much like how Edison’s films revolutionized visual storytelling, and his phonograph changed the way people experienced sound. The traveling showcase connects diverse audiences to the works of independent filmmakers worldwide.

Admission is free. For a full schedule of films and more information, visit arts. princeton.edu.

Environmental Film Fest is Signature Princeton Event

The Princeton Environmental Film Festival opens Friday, April 4, and runs through Sunday, April 13. A selection of films will be screened both in person in the library’s Community Room and virtually via the Eventive platform.

Some will be shown in the Community Room only with others available to stream online only.

There will also be an off-site screening at the Princeton Garden Theatre on Sunday, April 6 and a shadow puppet show Saturday, April 5, at the Arts Council of Princeton.

Highlights of the festival include Flow, winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature; Birdsafe, highlighting efforts to create a bird-safe campus at Princeton University; Birdsong, following ornithologist Sean Ronayne as he attempts to record the sound of each of the nearly 200 bird species in Ireland; Seaweed Stories, exploring the wonders of seaweed; Chasing Time , focused on melting glaciers in Iceland; and Unearth, set against the urgent demand for metals and minerals to fight climate change in Bristol Bay, Alaska.

Screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with filmmakers.

On Saturday, April 5, “The Three Little Pigs,” a shadow puppet show with live music, will be presented in partnership with the Arts Council of Princeton as part of PEFF. The performance for all ages features puppets crafted from recycled materials and is performed by the Garden of Shadows. It will take place at 1 p.m. at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street.

The full lineup of PEFF films and events, including screening schedule, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and instructions for using the Eventive platform to stream films, can be found at princetonlibrary. org/peff.

Clarinetist Martin Fröst

Returns to Richardson Princeton University Concerts (PUC) welcomes back clarinetist Martin Fröst on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium. Fröst will be joined by violist Antoine Tamestit and the pianist and composer Shai Wosner for a program featuring their own transcriptions of music rooted in folklore and dance.

On the program are works by Dvorák, Brahms, Bach/ Gounod, and Wosner. The latter is made up of arranged selections from pieces by Brahms, Lutoslawski, Bartok, and Wosner.

“Clarinetist Martin Fröst made a stunning PUC debut in 2018, and we cannot wait to have him back,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “With Antoine Tamestit’s profound virtuosity on the viola and Shai Wosner’s brilliance at the piano, this promises to be an evening of both exuberance and elegance by three masters of their instruments— one that will have us alternately swooning and tapping their toes.”

Tickets ($30-50 general/$10 students and Admit All Program members) are limited. Call (609) 2582800.

Comedian from India

Brings “Mind Fool Tour” State Theatre New Jersey presents Vir Das: Mind Fool Tour on Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $49-$199.

Comedian and Actor Vir Das’ fourth and most recent Netflix comedy special earned Das a 2023

International Emmy nomination for “Best Comedy,” his second overall. His previous Netflix special Vir Das: For India was nominated for a 2021 International Emmy for “Best Comedy” as well. Landing, which Das also directed, is a story about freedom, foolishness, the West, the East, the notion of home, and what it means to be a citizen of one nation in a global world. The special offers food for thought for both current citizens of India, Indian-American children of immigrants, and even those with no ties to India. Das has performed the show more than 180 times in countries across the globe including a successful run at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

As India’s biggest standup comedian and a Bollywood star, Das was the second bestselling live act in the country last year. The Mind Fool tour is stopping in countries on every continent except Antarctica. In addition to his success on the standup comedy stage, Das has created, produced, and starred in multiple series, including the ABC spy drama-comedy Whiskey Cavalier, the thriller Hasmukh for Netflix, and the travel show Jestination Unknown for Amazon. He starred in Judd Apatow’s Netflix feature The Bubble and he is currently developing various TV and film projects. He is also the lead singer for India’s premiere comedy-rock band Alien Chutney State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit stnj. org for tickets.

Youth Orchestra Marks Founder’s Centennial

The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) celebrates the 100th birthday of its founder, Maestro Matteo Giammario. A visionary in music education and performance, Giammario’s legacy continues to inspire generations of young musicians.

Born in Trenton to Italian immigrant parents from the Puglia region, Giammario developed a deep love for music early on, influenced by the Neapolitan melodies of his Little Italy neighborhood. While he initially aspired to play the guitar in local ensembles, his mother encouraged him to take up the violin — a decision that sparked a lifelong passion for music education and orchestral performance.

Giammario served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, training in Newport, R.I., before being stationed aboard the USS Chester (CA 27) in the Pacific Theater. His service broadened his worldview and deepened his commitment to his fellow veterans, particularly those who were injured or emotionally affected by wartime experiences.

Following his military service, Giammario pursued higher education through the GI Bill, earning his undergraduate degree at New York University, a Master’s degree from Columbia University, and a doctorate from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He also studied at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome.

Giammario dedicated much of his career to the Trenton school district, where he served first as a

music educator and later as the director of music education. His impact extended beyond the classroom when he was invited by the American Federation of Musicians Local 62 to conduct the Mercer County Symphonic Orchestra (MCSO), an ensemble of high school, college, and professional musicians. Under his leadership, the MCSO evolved into the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra, with a renewed focus on providing a worldclass experience for student musicians.

Though retired from teaching, Giammario remains an

active composer and arranger, creating works that reflect his Italian heritage, military service, and deep ties to the veteran community. In recognition of his contributions to the performing arts, the GPYO Board has named its soloist performance competition “The Maestro Matteo Giammario Concerto Competition.”

To honor Giammario’s legacy, GPYO is launching a campaign to reach 100 new donors in the next four weeks. Visit gpyo.org for more information.

Continued on Page 22

ON A LOCAL SCREEN: A still from “The Song of Flying Leaves” by filmmaker Armine Anda of Armenia. The film is one of 10 to be screened on March 27 at the James Stewart Film Theater. (Courtesy of Armine Anda)

FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS: “Unearth” will be screened at the Princeton Garden Theatre as part of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival.

GLOBAL COMIC: Vir Das is on stage at State Theatre New Jersey on April 12.

Nearly $1 Billion in real estate sales Put US to work

members of “Now and Then,” a romantic “dramedy”

Performing Arts

Continued from Page 19

Turning Back Time

With ActorsNET

ActorsNET presents Now and Then , Sean Grennan’s time-bending romantic “dramedy,” through March 30 at The Heritage Center in Morrisville, Pa.

Inspired by the word “énouement,” the play explores the bittersweet realization of how past choices have shaped the present, and invites audiences to reflect on the inevitability of time’s passage, reminding us that every moment — no matter how fleeting — holds the power to shape our journey.

“Now and Then is a touching and thought-provoking dramedy that delves into love, destiny, and the impact of our choices,” said Director Karolina Matyka. “As the story unfolds and past and present begin to blur for the characters, the audience is faced with profound questions about what truly matters in life and everything that goes into it like the power of love, the weight of regret, and the infinite possibilities that exist in every moment.”

The play is set in 1981 in Illinois. Just as Jamie (Ernie

Albanesius) is closing Mulligan’s, a cozy Irish dive bar where he works, a desperate last-minute customer (Peter Kierst) offers him and his girlfriend Abby (Jenna Moschella) $2,000 to sit and have a drink with him. The play unfolds from there.

Performances are March 28 and 29 at 8 p.m., and March 30 at 2 p.m. The Heritage Center Theatre is at 635 North Delmorr Avenue, near the Calhoun Street Bridge. Visit actorsnetbucks. org for tickets.

Summer Concert Series In Mercer County Park

County Executive Dan Benson has announced that the Mercer County Park Commission’s Summer Concert Series will kick off its 2025 season on July 11 with Formerly of Chicago — The Players. Performances continue through August 22.

The Friday evening concerts are $5 per ticket. A new, limited-time season pass option offers access to all seven concerts for $25.

The lineup includes Yellow Brick Road and All About Joel on July 18; Best of the Eagles on July 25; Yacht Rock Gold Experience and Elliot Lurie on August 1; Big Hix and Tennessee Whiskey on August 8; FEARLESS the

Jan Kraybill

In Concert

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

at 7:30 p.m. Sandro Naglia conducts.

Taylor Swift Experience on August 15; and the Earth, Wind, and Fire tribute band on August 22.

As the sun sets, families can bring out blankets and chairs to the expansive Mercer County Park festival grounds. The introduction of free parking last year made the concerts more accessible than ever, leading to record attendance. With the new season pass, patrons can get preferred parking, fast-pass entry, and exclusive perks throughout the season.

“The Summer Concert Series is our marquee event, bringing affordable, quality entertainment to our region,” said Benson. “Our new season pass will make it even easier for those who want to take full advantage and I’m proud to confirm that we will continue to offer parking free of charge.”

The series is open to everyone, and children 12 and under are admitted free. Visit mercercounty.org for more information.

Mozart, Debussy and More At Methodist Church Chamber music will be presented in an intimate setting on Saturday, April 5 at 5 p.m., at Princeton United Methodist Church, on the corner of Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue.

The concert features the works of Mozart, Debussy, and Bernstein, presented by Paul Maniluk, viola; Scott Collins, clarinet; Jenni Collins, soprano, Lindsay Diehl,

The program includes works by Rossini, Mozart, and Beethoven. Pianist Clipper Erickson is the soloist in the Mozart Piano Concerto in D minor K 466.

A pre-concert lecture by Joel Phillips takes place at 6:15 p.m. in the lower lobby. At 6:45 p.m., Trenton Music Makers presents a “curtain raiser.”

Tickets are available at capitalphilharmonic.org.

Voices Chorale NJ Performs at Trinity

On Saturday, May 3 at 4 p.m., two settings of the Requiem Mass will be presented by Voices Chorale NJ. David A. McConnell, artistic director of Voices, conducts.

Mozart’s Requiem was incomplete when he died in 1791. Garcia completed his Requiem in 1816 after being inspired by Mozart’s masterpiece. Both works will be accompanied at the May program by the 21-piece Berks Sinfonietta Orchestra.

The concert will feature a 1991 completion of the

Mozart work by scholar Robert Levin. To help audience members appreciate the piece, a pre-concert talk will be presented by McConnell at 3:15 p.m.

McConnell founded Vox Philia in 2012 and co-founded the Berks Sinfonietta chamber orchestra in 2014. Both feature an intergenerational approach to music.

McConnell teaches at Penn State University Berks Campus, and Alvernia University in Reading, Pa.

Tickets and information are available at Voices ChoraleNJ.org.

Garden Theatre Presents First Takes Shorts Series

The Princeton Garden Theatre has announced the inaugural First Takes Shorts Series — a program of short films produced by high school, college, and young independent artists from the community. After the screenings on April 3, the audience will have the opportunity to engage these talented local filmmakers in a live Q&A discussion.

The Garden’s programmers

sifted through 215 submissions to select nine titles across three categories: Student Filmmaker, for high school students; Emerging Filmmaker, for college students; and Indie Filmmaker, for those older than high school or college age.

The program exhibits an eclectic range of style, tone, and genre. Consider Sons of Adam, a sci-fi picture about a religious cult shot in stark black and white. Or Albion Rose, a darkly comedic fantasy that digs into the tense relationship between two sisters. Then there’s A Squonk’s Day, a stop-motion tale that brings to life a whimsical creature who tends to weep spontaneously. Each short will demonstrate the creative vitality of the local commu nity that the Garden seeks to celebrate and promote.

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

The First Takes Shorts Se ries is supported by a grant courtesy of the Vesta Fund. Tickets for the program are available at the box of fice or online at gardentheatre.org/films/ first-take-garden.

PAST AND PRESENT: Cast

by Sean Grennan, on stage through March 30 the Heritage Center in Morrisville, Pa.

CHAMBER CONCERT: Musicians at Princeton United Methodist Church offer a free chamber music concert on Saturday, April 5 at 5 p.m. From left are Paul Manulik, viola; Lindsay Diehl, reader; Jenni Collins, soprano; Scott Collins, clarinet; and Julia Hanna, piano.

Clipper Erickson

MOZART AND MORE: David A. McConnell conducts Voices Chorale NJ and the Berks Sinfonietta in the Mozart “Requiem” and the “Requiem” by Brazilian composer Jose Mauricio Nunes Garcia on May 3.

“Cultural Connections” Exhibit Coming to Trenton City Museum

“Cultural Connections: Eastern European Artists from the Greater Trenton Area,” on view at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie April 5 through June 8, highlights the work of regional artists with Eastern European backgrounds. An opening reception is on April 5 from 2 to 4 p.m., and an artists’ talk is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Also related to the show is a Pysanky Ukrainian Easter Egg Workshop on Thursday, April 19, 6 to 9 p.m., by artist Basia Andrusko of Yardley, Pa.

The artists of Cultural Connections:

Marina Ahun is a Princeton-based artist known in part for her watercolors that explore the architecture of Princeton, Trenton, and New York City. She was born in Soviet Russia, studied at the Imperial Academy of fine Arts in St. Petersburg, and is the licensed and commissioned artist for Princeton University.

Irena Gobernik is a wood and mixed media sculptor in Princeton. She was born in Kazakhstan and studied mathematics at Novosibirsk State University in Siberian Russia during the Soviet era. The former co-owner of the Dalet Gallery in Philadelphia, she specializes in small wood sculptures reflective of her Jewish heritage and marionette portraits.

Olga Gobernik-Kon describes her expressive and colorful work as “painting in glass.” Born in Kazakhstan and a resident of Princeton and Israel, her art is in several private international collections.

Adriana Groza is a painter known for vibrant, fluid, and organic works that capture natural rhythms. Based in Hamilton, she is a native of Transylvania, Romania. A participant in art festivals in

the Middle Atlantic region, she has exhibited in group shows in Trenton and is a member of the Princeton Makes artists cooperative.

Jadwiga (Heidi) Jedrzejczyk is the Polish-born member of a family of artists working in oil. The Trenton resident has exhibited at Mercer County College, Trenton City Museum, Adam Styka Annual Competition in Pennsylvania, and with the Trenton Artists Workshop Association in New York City.

Tatiana Oles is a Moldovaborn artist living and working in Princeton. A member of the Princeton Makes artists cooperative, she began her career as a decorative and pictorial artist but now works in a variety of approaches and mediums, ranging from watercolors to fabric, wood, and glass.

Asia Popinski, a native of Poland, is a painter, photographer, and trained psychotherapist based in Pennington. The subject of a solo exhibition at Trenton Social, she has also exhibited at the Philadelphia Sketch Club, Pennsylvania Center for Photography, and the Arts Council of Princeton.

Jacek (Jack) Szymula is a Trenton and New York City photographer and painter from Gdansk, Poland. A member of the Polish American Photographers Club, his work has been on view at the Dominican Monastery in Gdansk, Polish Consulate in New York, Artists of Yardley Arts Center, Philadelphia Sketch Club, the Trenton City Museum, and the New Hope Arts Center. He is married to artist Ewa Zeller.

Leonid (Leo) Vayn, a Princeton photographer and documentary filmmaker, spent his early life in the Soviet Union during World War II. After business successes in the U.S., he has dedicated himself to photography and to the Tsal

Kaplun Foundation, created to preserve Jewish Culture and Heritage in the former Soviet Union. He and his wife, Irena Gorbernik, actively present exhibitions and concerts featuring work by Eastern European artists in Princeton.

Ewa Zeller is a Polish-born painter living in Trenton. She has had solo exhibitions at the former Druch Studio Gallery in Trenton, PII Gallery in Philadelphia, and the Skulski-Polish Art Center in NJ. A student in both Warsaw and New York City, her work can be found in several public collections, including the Vatican’s Foundation of John Paul II and Trenton City Museum. In addition to being a painter, she is a guard at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City

The exhibition was developed by Trenton Museum Society Exhibition Committee members Liz and Dan Aubrey, and was designed to highlight the existence of artists active in aesthetic traditions outside those of Western Europe and to build awareness and artistic dialogue.

The Trenton City Museum is housed in Ellarslie Mansion in the heart of Trenton’s historic Cadwalader Park. Museum and museum store hours are Thursdays through Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. d. Learn more at ellarslie.org or call (609) 989-1191.

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It’s Photography Month at the Mill

It’s Photography Month at the Mill

It’s Photography Month at the Mill

All art is for sale. April

All

All

Roberto Lugo / Orange and Black

Thursday, April 3, 5:30 p.m. Arthur Lewis Auditorium, Robertson Hall 100

Speakers will consider how Lugo’s work fits within the history of ceramic-making and how the medium has been used for storytelling about people’s everyday lives.

PANELISTS: Carolyn Laferrière, curator Nathan Arrington, professor of art and archaeology Barbara Graziosi, Ewing Professor of Greek Language and Literature and professor of classics

Anna Arabindan-Kesson, associate professor of art and archaeology and African American studies

FACULTY PANEL

32ND

32ND ANNUAL

32ND

32ND ANNUAL

“GALAXY GATEWAY” This work by by Marina Ahun of Princeton is part of “Cultural Connections: Eastern European Artists from the Greater Trenton Area,” on view April 5 through June 8 at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Cadwalader Park.

“SISTERS”: This photograph by Myhanh Bosse has been accepted for the 32nd annual “Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition,” on view March 30 through April 18 at the Phillips’ Mill Community Association in New Hope, Pa.

Art

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“Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition” Opens March 30

With its enduring theme of “Photography as Art,” the 32nd annual celebration of photography and photographers at Phillips’ Mill will open to the public on March 30. The Phillips’ Mill Community Association will hold not only a three-week juried exhibition, but also a weeklong Mill Photo Committee members’ show.

This year, a panel of three jurors undertook the task of selecting 150 photos from the 1,037 submitted by photographers from across the country. The jurors were Jennifer King, an internationally acclaimed landscape and fine-art photographer; Kristen King, a Bucks

County high school teacher of photography for over 35 years; and Nora Odendahl, a frequent exhibitor in past “Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibitions” and co-chair of the Mill Photo Committee.

An accepted artists’ reception will take place on March 29, at which 10 awards will be announced. The juried show will run through April 18. Attendees can expect to see a wide range of photographic subjects, techniques, processes, and styles. Landscapes, portraits, botanicals, architecture, abstracts, street photography, wildlife, black and white, and color — these and more will greet visitors to the historic gristmill.

On Sunday, April 20 the Photo Committee’s “Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Photo Show” will again fill the

walls of the Mill with a variety of works and remain on view through Sunday, April 28. This show will include a special-assignment section with images that have background stories of particular interest.

Gallery hours for both shows are Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 1 to 5 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 1 to 8 p.m. A donation of $5 is requested. All works will be available for purchase.

Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road in New Hope, Pa. For more information, call (215) 862-0582 or visit phillipsmill.org.

the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Princeton Makes Talks Series Features Lundquist

On Saturday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m., painter and illustrator Mary Lundquist will be the featured presenter for the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” series at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center. Lundquist, the illustrator of nine picture books, including as author of Cat & Bunny and The Little Forest Keepers , will discuss her life as an artist and her journey to becoming a published children’s book creator.

Lundquist has worked with publishers such as HarperCollins, Random House, and Bloomsbury. During her talk, Lundquist will show her illustrations, fine art, comics, and ongoing projects while weaving in personal stories.

“I don’t know how to be a person without creating. I hope my presentation and the discussion inspires people to consider why creativity and community matter, especially in trying times,” said Lundquist.

site at marylundquist.com and on Instagram @mary. lundquist.

The event will begin with a reception and light refreshments at 6 p.m. The “Inside the Artist’s Studio” talk series, part of the cooperative’s programming initiatives, offers the public a monthly opportunity to learn about and from its creatives. Artwork by all cooperative artists will be available for purchase.

Princeton Makes is a cooperative of over 40 local artists who work across a range of artistic genres, including painting, drawing, stained glass, sculpture, textiles, and jewelry. Customers can support local artists by visiting their in-store studios and shopping for a wide variety of art, including large paintings, prints, custom-made greeting cards, stained glass lamps and window hangings, jewelry in various designs and patterns, and more. For more information visit princetonmakes.com.

In addition to children’s books, as a fine artist Lundquist paints with watercolor and acrylic, and she draws with colored pencil. She explores themes of home, landscapes, and woman and children. She also creates autobiographical comics, “Dirt Baby Comics,” which reflect her experience as a parent with young children.

“My 2-year-old son, Calvin, wanted to name his soon-to-be-born baby brother “dirt baby” — but we stuck with ‘Dylan.’ It turned out to be, however, perfect for the comic. The quickly drawn comics gave me an outlet during the exhausting time of pregnancy and parenting. They make me laugh and I know others can relate.” Said Lundquist.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Lundquist graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. Since then, she has lived in many places including southern California, northern Vermont, three different cities in the U.K., and the mountains of North Carolina. She currently resides in Princeton with her husband and three kids.

As the featured artist at Princeton Makes, Lundquist’s work will be displayed in the front window throughout March and will be available for purchase. Her work also can be viewed on her web -

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 and “Imagine-Observe” April 10 through May 4. An opening reception is on April 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lambertvillearts.com.

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

Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography, 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell, has works by guest exhibitors Danielle Austen and Richard Armington, along with Gallery 14

members, through March 30. Gallery14.org.

Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, has “Princeton Reflected: Stories from HSP’s Collection” and “Einstein Salon and Innovator’s Gallery.” Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. Princetonhistory.org

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

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

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

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, has “Historic Morven: A Window Into America’s Past.” (Ongoing). Morven.org.

The Nassau Club, 6 Mercer Street, has “Held Together” through June 5. Catherinejmartzloff.com.

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

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

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

Get the scoop from

“BOYS”: Children’s Book Illustrator Mary Lundquist, whose work is shown here, will be the featured presenter for the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” series at Princeton Makes in

MARCH-APRIL

Town Topics | Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, March 26

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 Jammin’ Crepes, 20 Nassau Street.

6 p.m. Journalist Chris Hedges discusses his book A Genocide Foretold: Reporting on Survival in Occupied Palestine at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Labyrinthbooks.com.

8-10:30 p.m.: Princeton Country Dancers presents a Callers’ Open Mic with Bob Isaacs and Blue Jersey at the Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive. Princeton countrydancers.org.

Thursday, March 27

6 p.m. Author Jack Lohmann discusses his book White Light: The Elemental Role of Phosphorus in Our Cells, in Our Food, and in Our World. At Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

6-7:30 p.m.: Abandoned Craft Corner at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Bring materials; join other creative-minded people. Free. Artscouncilof princeton.org.

6:30 p.m.: “Finding Women Ancestors in New Jersey” via Zoom. Strategies for locating New Jersey women in records collections from the Colonial era to the 20th century. Presented by Princeton Public Library. Register at princetonlibrary.org.

7:30 p.m.: The Mahler Chamber Orchestra and pianist Mitsuko Uchida perform at Richardson Auditorium. Works by Mozart and Janacek. Puc.princeton.edu.

7:30 p.m.: Thomas Edison Film Festival screening at the James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau Street. Free. Animation, documentary, experimental, narrative, and other genres. Arts.princeton.edu.

Friday, March 28

9 a.m.: Princeton Walking Club meets at Homestead Princeton, 300 Witherspoon Street. Dress warmly and bring long exercise band. Homestead princeton.com.

10-11:30 a.m.: Friends of Princeton Open Space kicks off a new book club at Mountain Lakes House, Billy Johnson Nature Preserve, 57 Mountain Avenue. The book is Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Registration required. Fopos.org/events-programs.

1-6 p.m.: Warehouse sale at Homestead Princeton, 300 Witherspoon Street. Homestead princeton.com.

8 p.m.: ActorsNET presents Now and Then by Sean Grennan at The Heritage Center Theatre,

635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, Pa. Actorsnetbucks.org.

Saturday, March 29

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Young Adult Empowerment Summit at Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer Street. Presented by Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church. Workshops, speakers, and networking opportunities. Witherspoonchurch.org/events.

10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Nature Walk on the trails of Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Preserve, 57 Mountain Avenue. Registration required at Fopos.org/events-programs.

11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Child and Caregiver Pop-Up: Mindful Movers and Makers, at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Yoga and mindfulness practices. $15. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

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

8 p.m.: ActorsNET presents Now and Then by Sean Grennan at The Heritage Center Theatre, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, Pa. Actorsnetbucks.org.

Sunday, March 30

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

2 p.m.: ActorsNET presents Now and Then by Sean Grennan at The Heritage Center Theatre, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, Pa. Actorsnetbucks.org.

3 p.m.: “Jersey Genius: Author Stephen Crane. From Pennington to Posterity,” Talk by Eric Lubell at The Pennington School. Register at Pennington Library.org/StephenCrane.

4-7 p.m.: Voices Chorale: Off Broad Street Cabaret , at Music Together, 225 Pennington Hopewell Road, Hopewell. Fundraiser with Broadway show tunes, casual supper, and more. Voiceschoralenj.org.

4 p.m.: Princeton Pro Musica performs Carmina Burana with the Roxey Ballet at Kendall Theater, College of New Jersey, Pennington Road, Ewing. Princetonpromusica.org.

Monday, March 31

6:30 p.m.: “The Greatness of Gatsby.” Playwright and former Hodder fellow Martyna Majok and American Repertory Theater director Kelvin Dinkins Jr. discuss Majok’s book for the new musical Gatsby, An American Myth . Includes a performance by Sharon Washington. At Chancellor Green Rotunda, Princeton University. Arts.princeton.edu.

Tuesday, April 1

6 p.m.: Poetry reading with Idra Novey and guests Monica Youn and Ilya Kaminsky. At Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

Wednesday, April 2

7 p.m.: Clarinetist Martin Frost, violist Antoine Tamestit and pianist Shai Wosner perform works by Dvorak, Brahms, Bach/Gounod/, Wosner, Bartok, and Lutoslawski at Richardson Auditorium. $30-$50 ($10 students). Puc.princeton.edu.

7 p.m.: “Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology,” at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, and online. Panel discussion. Registration requested. Princetonlibrary.org.

Thursday, April 3

10 a.m.: Meeting of the 55-Plus Club of Princeton. Allan Westreich, Ph.D., DNA Doe Project, will speak on To Catch a Serial Killer: A Visual Introduction to Investigative Genetic Genealogy. In person at the Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street, and online at princetonol. com/groups/55plus. Meetings are open to all free of charge, with a $5 donation suggested.

2-5 p.m.: Library of Things Pop-Up with Sustainable Princeton, in the lobby of Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Sustainable home items on display. Princetonlibrary.org.

5 p.m.: Theatrical adaptation of The Great Gatsby by Kelvin Grullon, at the Drapkin Studio, Lewis Arts complex, Princeton University. Arts.princeton.edu.

6:30-8 p.m.: Poetry Reading and Open Mic at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike. Maxine Susman and Ilene Millman will read. Registration at mcl.org.

7 p.m.: Brandon Terry with Eddie S. Glaude Jr in conversation at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture. Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Registration required. Princetonlibrary.org.

Friday, April 4

5:30-8:30 p.m.: “One Voice, Many Sounds” gala fundraiser for Capital Harmony Works at Trenton Country Club, Sullivan Way, Ewing. Cocktails and dinner followed by performance by the Trenton Children’s Chorus and Trenton Music Makers. Capitalharmony.works.

5:30 p.m.: The animated film Flow is screened as part of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

Saturday, April 5

10:30 a.m.: Daffodil Days in Allentown, with free walking tours starting at Allentown Public Library, 16 South Main Street. Historic Architecture, Allentown and the Underground Railroad, and Historic Cemeteries are the topics. Register at Allentownvinj.org.

12-5 p.m.: Spring Artisan Market at Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown

Road, Ringoes. Local artisans sell handmade goods. Unionvillevineyards.com

1 p.m.: “The Three Little Pigs” shadow puppet show with live music is presented at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Part of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival. Princetonlibrary.org.

3 p.m.: The film Seaweed Stories is screened as part of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Princetonlibrary.org.

3 p.m.: “Learn to Pray and Heal (A Spiritual Adventure), at Tenacre Community Center, 884 Great Road. Nate Frederick, Christian Science practitioner and lecturer, will speak. Free. No registration required. Email clerk@csprinceton.org for more information

5 p.m.: Birdsafe is screened as part of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, and online. Followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Jared Flesher. At 5:30 p.m ., the film Birdsong is screened. Princetonlibrary.org.

5 p.m.: Choral Evening Service at Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau

Street. “The World Beloved, A Bluegrass Musical” by Carol Barnett. With the church’s adult choir and the Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective. Free will offering will be collected for the Society of St. Andrew. Also livestreamed. Nassauchurch.org.

5 p.m.: Chamber music concert at Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Avenue. Music of Mozart, Debussy and Bernstein. Free but donations welcome. (609) 924-2613.

7 p.m.: Staged reading of original one-act plays by Lawrenceville resident George Point and four New Jersey playwrights at the People Care Center, 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater. Free (donations welcome). Opendoorartscenter.org.

Sunday, April 6

12-5 p.m.: Spring Artisan Market at Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes. Local artisans sell handmade goods. Unionvillevineyards.com

HomeFront’s Treasure Trove Shop in Hopewell Offers Choices For Every Taste and Pocketbook

HomeFront’s Treasure Trove, located at 31 West Broad Street in Hopewell, is engaging, effervescent — and fun! Filled with a variety of high quality items, large and small, old and new, it offers choices for everyone.

IT’S NEW To Us

Whether you’re renovating or downsizing, you will find a wonderful array of opportunities in a relaxed, comfortable setting, with a friendly staff pleased to welcome you, answer questions, and provide advice.

But what’s more, this store’s mission is looking out for others and helping them in a time of need. All proceeds of its sales go to HomeFront, the organization established in 1991 with the aim of ending family homelessness in central New Jersey and breaking the cycle of poverty. Through the provision of shelter and skills for a self-sustaining life, it offers hope for those who often feel hopeless.

HomeFront has developed a sophisticated network of supportive housing and social services for very low income households that are either homeless or at risk of becoming so.

Better Future

“The work of HomeFront is multidimensional. We do much more than provide shelter,” explains founder and former director Connie Mercer. “Our programs and activities are designed to help families who are experiencing homelessness gain skills for self-empowerment and to develop a vision of a better future for them and their children.”

Originally opened in 2020 as a pop-up shop, Treasure

Trove was the idea of current manager and curator/stager Annie Battle and HomeFront art director Ruthann Traylor. Jim Baxter of Baxter Construction provided the double storefront of his building for the shop’s opening and permanent home.

It was a success from the beginning, reports Battle, and a success on many levels. “A lot of people appreciated the fact that they can find something special, and at the same time support an organization like HomeFront. This is very important to them.”

In fact, a number of customers have become volunteers at the store. As one points out, “The store is fun to look at, and you can find something terrific. And then, there is the added attraction that we are able to support HomeFront. This is a win-win!”

“Everything in the store has been donated,” explains manager and volunteer Helen James, who has been volunteering since the shop opened its doors. ‘Also, we now have 30 volunteers. Everyone here is a volunteer.”

Also, adds Battle, “Everything we have is very good quality, in excellent condition, including some higher-end pieces, and all are offered at good prices. We take great care about pricing the items. We’ll research antiques and check out references for other items.»

Destination Place

“I especially like seeking out the furniture — it is my favorite part,” says manager and volunteer Diane Schilke. “Furniture is extremely popular with our customers, and we go to garage sales and estate sales to find it. Wonderful pieces can surprise us, and we have relationships with realtors, and with the estate companies that run the sales, who may donate leftover items.

“We have really become a destination place for furniture. Young people may be furnishing their new house or apartment, and older people could be downsizing. So they may decide to donate something to us, but at the same time, find something for their new home. I am so happy that my grandchildren are now helping deliver furniture to the store. They see the value of what we are doing at Treasure Trove.”

So — what treasures will you find at Treasure Trove?

So many possibilities!

Aforementioned furniture, antiques, collectibles, sterling silver, fine china place settings, glassware, jewelry of all kinds, clocks (including grandfathers) and lamps, rugs, artwork — and so much more.

Sometimes, very unusual items come along, such as a 49-star American flag, or a huge canvas poster (4 feet by 25 feet) from a cattleman’s association — surely a collectible for someone!

Among the furniture, bookcases, desks, tables, chairs, cabinets, and chests are all in demand. Current showpieces include a handsome china cabinet with curved glass front — a standout at $125.

Recently donated from an estate sale, a versatile table features beautiful twin marble top panels. “Suitable for dining room, entry, or bedroom, it is a statement piece for sure,” says Battle.

Three Generations

Another impressive table, this one of solid oak, with claw feet legs, dates to the late 1800s or turn of the century. “According to the donor, it was used as a desk by three generations of the family,” reports Battle. “There is really a story with everything.”

Volunteer Bill Burke agrees, and is particularly interested in those relating to wood. ”I really like wood

a lot, and so I especially enjoy seeing the wood furniture come in. I was a customer here, and then when I found out about the HomeFront connection, I wanted to volunteer. It is so rewarding.”

Indeed, all the volunteers appreciate the opportunity that Treasure Trove affords them to give back, and many have skills and backgrounds that can be especially relevant to different areas of the store.

Andrea Bergman, who is a new volunteer, is such a person. As she points out, “I had worked in retail in home furnishings, so this is very enjoyable for me. I had wanted to volunteer, and was looking into it. I was so glad when I found Treasure Trove and its relationship with HomeFront.”

New items come in all the time, reports Battle, and so keeping up with the displays is an important part of the job. The shop is noted for its colorful eye appeal and engaging decor.

“I love to arrange everything,” she says. “We change things often, so customers will find a new look when they come in. This is one of my favorite things. I remember when I was a little girl, my mother saying, ‘We will really have fun today. We are going to rearrange the living room.’”

Every Week

Customers are coming from all over the area, points out James. “They are regulars, repeats, and many have been with us from the beginning. We have really built relationships with them, and so many have become friends. Some people even come in every week. They know the merchandise changes so frequently, and they don’t want to miss anything.”

She adds, too, that the three managers are very encouraged with the store’s success. “It is really a thrill when we find that in one five-day week, we have made $10,000!”

And, reports Schilke, “Last year we made $295,000! How wonderful is that, and everything goes to HomeFront.”

In addition, she reports that though most of the customers are individuals from the area, occasionally they arrive from elsewhere, and are not the usual visitors. “A movie company was recently filming in New Hope, and they came in to get furniture for the movie. That was fun.”

Donations are crucial to the success of Treasure Trove, and most come from individuals. Those wishing to donate, can bring in smaller items during store hours, and if they have large items, such as furniture, they can send a photo with dimensions. They can also visit the website for specific information.

Pricing the pieces is very carefully handled, points out Battle. Items range from $10 up to $500 for furniture.

“We take this very seriously. Basically everything here is carefully procured, carefully priced, and carefully arranged. We are very selective about what we offer.”

Care and Attention

Customers appreciate the care and attention Treasure Trove volunteers exhibit toward the products, and also the variety of items that are offered.

Hopewell resident Sheila Reynertson has been coming to the store since it opened. “I really love the thrift inventory. I come all the time to see what is new, and there is always something special. What Treasure Trove is doing for HomeFront is so important. I am happy to support its mission. And there is a wonderful, wonderful staff here! Treasure Trove has really become an anchor in Hopewell. It helps our town; it helps create interest throughout the town.”

That is the opinion of many customers who point out that the location on the main street encourages strolling about and visiting other shops in town. It is good for the community as a whole.

Related to that, Schilke notes that “We have joined the Downtown Hopewell Partnership. We share ideas, and we work with the town to bring people to the town.”

Maintaining Treasure Trove as a successful enterprise requires effort, enthusiasm, energy — and money!

Monetary donations from individuals are very welcome. As Battle points out, “We are focused on fundraising, and we reach out to individuals who can help. There are a lot of resources here, and people do want to help when they are asked. We can use assistance with our monthly rent, and also we are trying to raise money for the furniture transportation, and we are grateful for all contributions.

“Actually, we have saved

some money recently. We previously had a paid manager for the store, but the big news is that the three of us — Helen, Diane, and myself — are now the managers. We are the point people. One of us is always here. And we are all volunteers.”

Wonderful Interaction

The managers, who all have their specialties, also point out that they all complement each other and that they are in a very special place, which is on a very special mission. And it is enjoyable in every way.

“It’s fun coming here,” observes James. “I love seeing the people who come in, and I like to help them with their donations and choices. Also, there is wonderful interaction with all the volunteers.”

“This is a very joyful place,” adds Schilke. “It’s a feel good atmosphere for everyone who comes here. It’s wonderful to see the customers enjoying themselves. We are privileged and grateful to be here.”

Battle couldn’t agree more. “I am most proud of being a part of a group effort that does so much to help others in such a joyful and collegial place and atmosphere. In our mission to help HomeFront, I believe that everyone deserves to be surrounded by beauty no matter how simple, and be in a space where they can feel safe and secure.”

All who visit this remarkable store are reminded of the value it places on supporting those in need on so many levels.

“HomeFront’s Treasure Trove. Buy Something You Love. Support A Cause You Believe In.”

Treasure Trove is open Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.

or further information, call (609) 989-9417 ext. 450 or visit the website at HomeFrontNJ. org/Treasure-Trove.

Jean Stratton

TREASURED MOMENTS: “Treasure Trove is more than a place to find a bargain. It is a beacon for our mission and testament to community generosity. This is a special place on so many levels. Spending time here can be filled with treasured moments!” Shown are the managers and volunteers at HomeFront’s Treasure Trove: From left, front row, Diane Schilke, Helen James, and Andrea Bergman; back row, Annie Battle and Bill Burke.

By Karen Zacarías Directed by Sarah Rasmussen

In present-day Princeton, an astrophysicist is discovering new planets while dreaming of starting a family. In 18th century Paris, Émilie du Châtelet — a brilliant physicist whose genius inspired the work of Voltaire and in uenced Einstein and his Theory of Relativity — is running out of time before her baby arrives. Across the ages, but under the same star- lled sky, their stories intertwine in this bright and funny play about life, the universe, and the legacy we leave behind.

Friday, March 28 at 6:00PM

PRIDE25 to

Light

Enjoy light appetizers from Tipple & Rose, specialty cocktails, and a special appearance by the one and only Lady Celestina.

Lenne Klingaman and Allen Gilmore. Photo credit: Daniel Rader

S ports

Tiger Women’s Hoops Falls to Iowa State in NCAAs, But Loss Can’t Dim What Tigers Achieved this Winter

The sting of the seasonending loss to Iowa State last week in the NCAA tournament may sit for a while with the Princeton University women’s basketball team.

But so will the achievements of the young Tigers, including making the program’s sixth straight NCAA tournament appearance.

Their First Four NCAA tournament game against the Cyclones at Notre Dame last Wednesday was a seesaw affair that ended with the Tigers on the wrong side of a 68-63 score against Iowa State, which advanced as the No. 11 seed in Regional 3 to play Michigan and ended up losing 80-74 to the Wolverines. Princeton’s lone senior starter, Parker Hill, finished with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds, while the other four starters are sophomores, and three of them reached double figures in scoring.

“Making it to the NCAA Tournament is quite a feat in any year and definitely in a year where we’re young,” said Princeton head coach Carla Berube after finishing the season 21-8. “We had lost four starters from last year, but I thought Parker and her class were amazing leaders and helped this young team along in playing some really great basketball. We’re certainly upset and sad that we’re not moving

on, but it was a great season nonetheless.”

Princeton picked up one of two at-large bids along with Columbia to give the Ivy League three entrants in the NCAA tournament along with Harvard, which won the league’s automatic bid. The Tigers went back and forth with Iowa State through the first three quarters and could not overcome a deficit in the fourth quarter.

“That third quarter was tough,” said Berube, whose team led 40-25 early in the period. “They came out of halftime and really took it to us and then they kind of sustained that through the rest of the game. I’m really proud of my team and my studentathletes and my staff for an incredible season.”

Princeton trailed only 11-9 midway through the first quarter with one of the Tigers’ sophomores, Ashley Chea, scoring their first seven points of the game. Iowa State scored the next seven points of the quarter to take an 18-11 lead into the second quarter. The Tigers seized control in the second quarter as the outscored the Cyclones 27-7.

“The first quarter we took some shots that just didn’t fall and they weren’t bad shots for us but I think there was definitely an emphasis on making sure we take the best shot we can get in the second quarter,”

said Hill. “And then they fell a lot better because we were more patient and getting each other open more. I think we dialed it back a little bit in terms of how much we were rushing and just were trying to set each other up better.”

Fadima Tall, another sophomore, hit a basket with 16 seconds left in the quarter gave Princeton a 38-25 lead going into halftime. It was a great start to continuing their season.

“I think it’s a lot of just wanting to win for your seniors and for your team,” said Tall. “I think just having that encouragement, that energy from everyone around you, just the stuff we always harp about in practice, doing that was second nature and we wanted to do that the entire game.”

The third quarter was nearly exactly flipped. Iowa State forged ahead of the Tigers, rolling to a 27-9 advantage in the period in the game of runs. The Cyclones held a 52-47 lead going into the final quarter.

“We had some good looks in the first quarter, didn’t knock them down,” said Berube. “In the second quarter we did, and the vice versa happened with Iowa State in the third quarter, so it was a tough quarter. I thought there was just a few breakdowns, especially in transition where they got some

Authors

April 4, 2025

5:00 to 6:15 p.m., McCosh

easy looks from the three.”

Princeton continued to keep the game within two possessions through large parts of the fourth quarter. Sophomore guard Skye Belker got the Tigers as close as they would get late with a 3-pointer with 2:31 to go that left Princeton behind, 64-60. Iowa State closed out the game to end the Tigers season and the careers of the Princeton seniors.

“It’s a little tricky to explain how much it’s meant to me,” said Hill. “I’ve loved the time that I’ve been here. It always sucks to end your season and end on a loss and I think this game was winnable for us which stings a little bit more, but this program means a lot to me. I couldn’t be happier with where I ended up and I look forward to seeing what the rest of them do next year and the year after that.”

Hill produced one of her best all-around games in the face of Iowa State’s center, Audi Crooks, who finished with a game-high 27 points.

“We don’t see players like Audi Crooks in the Ivy League and that was an adjustment,” Hill said. “She obviously played a very great game today. Definitely we were working on being strong and trying not to foul because she does get a lot of and-ones, so trying to play straight up as much as possible and not stay in foul trouble, that was definitely something that I think I managed to do pretty well, just limiting her secondchance opportunities, trying to make shots as hard as possible but she’s a very good scorer and a very good finisher.”

Hill filled a big role for the Tigers this year. She started every game this season for the first time in her career. She started 10 games of the 30 games she played a year ago. Her numbers were up across the board, her scoring average doubling (from 3.5 to 7.3) and her rebounding average nearly doubling (from 2.6 to 4.7) as well. And in the biggest game of the year, she played like a veteran senior.

“Really, really proud of Parker and just the season she’s had, the year she’s had,” said Berube. “It’s been a battle with injuries but to see her playing her best basketball during her senior year, just really proud of her. It’s been fun to watch her journey and the journey of all of our seniors and I’m really, really proud of all of them and Parker definitely.”

Fellow senior Katie Thiers also saw minutes against Iowa State. The senior class leaves behind a young core that helped the Tigers place second in the Ivy League in the regular season even after losing their top player, Madison St. Rose, to a knee

injury in the fourth game of the season. St. Rose will be a senior next year, and Princeton expects four soph omore starters to return. Tall led the Tigers with 19 points and seven rebounds Wednesday.

“Fadima is tough,” said Berube. “I think the begin ning of the season, like the Portland game, you saw a young Fadima, a young, in experienced Fadima to the end of the season here play ing some of her best basket ball of her career thus far.

Just really proud of the work that she puts in and I think she’s going to be a tremen dous player for us and leader and I’ll be looking forward to her future.”

Chea played all 40 min utes against Iowa State and finished with 15 points and three assists. Belker scored 11 points and had four rebounds. Another sophomore, Olivia Hutcher son, contributed six points, three blocks and a pair of rebounds.

“I’ve talked about it a lot, just how much growth that we’ve seen in those sopho mores, especially Ashley and Olivia,” said Berube. “I thought Olivia had a really great game. Defensively, she was awesome. And Fadima as well. So like Fadima said, this is going to sting, but I think it can really fuel them in the offseason and in the

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post-season into the summer and into next fall.”

Princeton will return with high expectations again next winter. The Tigers will be looking to regain the Ivy League title and again advance to the NCAA tournament, this time with a core of players that faced that challenge this year.

“You can’t simulate this kind of experience other than just going through what it’s like to play on this stage, and I’m excited for the future,” said Berube. “It’s hard to think about that right now as I care so deeply about our seniors. They left an incredible legacy, and I think the young group is going to just carry that on.”

—Justin Feil

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STANDING TALL: Princeton University women’s basketball player Fadima Tall looks to unload the ball in recent action. Last Wednesday, sophomore Tall scored a team-high 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a losing cause as Princeton fell 6863 to Iowa State in a First Four NCAA tournament contest. The Tigers ended the winter with a 21-8 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

STAFFORD LITTLE LECTURE

Moderated by RAZIA IQBAL Visiting Professor at the Princeton School for International and Public Affairs

With Star Attacker Kabiri Producing 2nd Half Outburst, PU Men’s Lax Edges Harvard 13-11,

With the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team coming off a disappointing 15-10 loss to Cornell, Nate Kabiri and his teammates were determined to get back on the winning track as they hosted Harvard last Saturday.

“We knew we hadn’t reached our limit at all yet, we just tried to put a good week in,” said sophomore attackman Kabiri.

The No. 6 Tigers, though, didn’t get off to a good start in the high noon Ivy League early season showdown against the No. 12 Crimson before a throng of 2,079 packing Class of 1952 Stadium, trailing 1-0 with six minutes left in the first quarter.

Princeton junior midfielder Chad Palumbo scored two straight goals to spark a 5-0 run as the Tigers build an 8-4 halftime lead.

“Chad really lights a spark for us a lot, luckily a lot of our guys showed up today,” said Kabiri.

Kabiri, who was held scoreless in the first half, showed up big time himself over the last 30 minutes of the contest, tallying two goals and two assists to help the Tigers hold on for a 13-11 win over a feisty Harvard squad as they improved to 5-2 overall and 1-1 Ivy League.

“I just needed to keep working in space a little bit and not getting myself clogged up,” said Kabiri, reflecting on his second-half surge. “I was able to get put in good positions by coach [Jim] Mitchell and my teammates were finishing shots that we had planned beforehand. We are glad those plays worked.”

Coming off a superb freshman campaign which saw him tally 32 goals and 25 assists, Kabiri is looking to be even more of a force this spring

“It is just continuing to be more consistent every game, really trying to show up every single game with just an edge and a chip on my shoulder,” said Kabiri a 6’1, 190-pound native of McLean, Va., who now has

10 goals and 10 assists this season. “It is trying to play more and more aggressive within the team offense.”

Playing on the same attack line with Colin Burns, his high school teammate at Georgetown Prep, and senior star Coulter Mackesy, has helped Kabiri find a comfort level within the Tiger offense.

“I have been playing with Colin since junior high school, we move together well I think,” said Kabiri. “Coulter is amazing, it has been great to play with him. He makes everyone around him better, he draws so much attention. He beats his guy, he helps move the ball, and he plays team ball. Hopefully we can keep building our chemistry throughout the year.”

Princeton head coach Matt Madalon liked the way the Tigers played as they bounced back from the Cornell loss.

“We just had to get back on track,” said Madalon. “We wanted to play better between the lines. This team stressed us out there as well. We wanted to be a little cleaner offensively with more ball movement and wanted to be a little better one-on-one defensively. They were all things that kind of came to fruition this game.”

It did take a while for Princeton to get into a groove against the Crimson as it looked shaky as it trailed 1-0 nine minutes into the contest.

“That is a heck of an offensive group, so we were trying to throw everything at them,” said Madalon. “You compound some mistakes with some failed clears and that puts more pressure on your defense. Coach [Jeremy] Hirsch’s defensive group did a heck of a job getting us out of that rut.”

Palumbo helped get the Tigers out of the rut with his two tallies that came in a 1:55 span.

“They were good, tough plays,” said Madalon. “They short-sticked him and he took advantage so some really nice goals.”

The Tigers showed toughness collectively as Princeton senior star defender Colin Mulshine put the clamps on

Improving to 5-2

Harvard star attacker Sam King, holding him to one goal and one assist. Princeton also stuck to it in the faceoff battle, winning 17-of-27 at the X.

With Harvard scoring three straight goals to end the third quarter and narrow the Princeton lead to 11-9, Madalon urged his players to rely on their game prep.

“For us, it was hey guys, the game plan has been dialed up all game so sit in, be disciplined, and execute,” said Madalon. “It was a just do your job mentality.”

Kabiri executed when it counted with his second half output. “He was really opportunistic and did a good job,” said Madalon of Kabiri. “He got shortsticks and capitalized.”

With Princeton now ranked fourth nationally and playing at No. 18 Dartmouth (7-1 overall, 1-0 Ivy) on March 29, Madalon knows his team will be in for another tense Ivy contest.

“Week in, week out, it is hard,” said Madalon. “It is one week at a time, so on to the next one.”

Kabiri, for his part, believes that the win over Harvard can get the Tigers on a roll.

“Knowing that we can beat the No. 12 team in the country not playing our best is a confidence builder,” said Kabiri. “If we keep playing more consistent and playing better, we will be on a run here.”

—Bill Alden

Rider Furniture

ON THE ATTACK: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Nate Kabiri working around the crease in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore attacker Kabiri tallied two goals and two assists as then-No. 6 Princeton defeated No. 12 Harvard 13-11. The Tigers, now 5-2 overall and 1-1 Ivy League and ranked fourth nationally, play at No. 18 Dartmouth (7-1 overall, 1-0 Ivy) on March 29.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

PU Sports Roundup

Princeton Fencers

Take 4th in NCAAs

Displaying its depth, the Princeton University fencing program placed fourth in the team standings at the NCAA Championships last weekend at Penn State.

Notre Dame took the title with 183 wins as Columbia finished second with 172, and Princeton and Harvard each getting 141 wins, with Harvard getting the tiebreaker for third with a greater margin of victory across the total number of bouts, as the Crimson had 181 more touches than their opponents to Princeton’s 146 more touches than its opponents.

Three Tiger men’s fencers earned All-American honors when their portion of the event wrapped on Friday, with junior foil Brandon Lee (third), sophomore épée Alec Brooke (seventh), and senior épée Nicholas Lawson (ninth) getting top12 finishes.

When the women’s competition closed on Sunday, all five Princeton women earned All-American recognition, with sophomore saber Alexandra Lee placing third, freshman saber Emese Domonkos placing seventh, freshman foil Chin-Yi Kong placing ninth, sophomore épée Hadley Husisian placing third, and fellow épée, freshman Leehi Machulsky, also placing third.

PU Women’s Lax

Defeats Towson

McKenzie Blake led the way as the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team defeated Towson 17-13 last Friday.

Senior attacker Blake scored a game-high six goals and added five draw controls as the Tigers improved to 7-1 overall, posting their seventh straight victory.

No. 9 Princeton is next in action when it plays at No. 10 Yale (7-2 overall, 1-1 Ivy League) on March 29.

Princeton Baseball Sweeps Dartmouth

Jake Koonin starred as the Princeton University baseball team posted a three-game sweep against Dartmouth last weekend in its first Ivy League action of the season.

Junior infielder Koonin went 5-for-13 with two runs and four RBIs in the set. He contributed a hit and one RBI as the Tigers opened the series by topping Dartmouth 8-5 on Saturday. On Sunday, Koonin ripped a two-run single in the bottom of the 14th inning to give the Tigers a 7-6 win in a game that started on Saturday and was suspended after 12 innings. He added a hit and an RBI as the Tigers finished the weekend by defeating the Big Green 8-1 later on Sunday.

Princeton, now 6-15 overall and 3-0 Ivy, plays at Rutgers on March 26 before resuming Ivy action by hosting Columbia with a doubleheader on March 29 and a single game on March 30.

Princeton Wrestlers Compete at NCAAs

Competing in the NCAA Championships last weekend

at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, the Princeton University wrestling team had three of its stars advance to the second round.

Freshman Marc-Anthony McGowan won his first round bout at 125, posting a 4-3 over 20th-seeded Brendan McCrone over Ohio State.

Sophomore Ty Whalen defeated No. 18 Ethan Fernandez of Cornell 4-0 at 149 while senior Luke Stout came through at 197, edging No. 22 Mickey O’Malley of Drexel 4-3.

All three Tigers were defeated in the second round as McGowan fell 4-3 to #4 Vincent Robinson of NC State, Whalen lost on a tech fall to second-seeded Ridge Lovett of Nebraska and Stout in the marquee match of the day lost 4-2 to his younger brother, Mac, of Pitt.

Tiger Men’s Volleyball Defeats Daemen 3-1

Nyherowo Omene starred as the No. 19 Princeton University men’s volleyball team defeated visiting Daemen 3-1 last Saturday at Dillon Gym.

Senior Omene recorded a team-high 18 kills to help Princeton prevail 25-18, 2518, 19-25, 25-22. Omene was later named the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Offensive Player of the Week

The Tigers, now 7-9, will play matches at Sacred Heart on March 28 and 29.

PU Women’s Water Polo Defeats Iona 17-8

Olivia Krotts came up big as the 14th-ranked Princeton University women’s water polo team defeated Iona 17-8 last Wednesday at DeNunzio Pool.

FORD TOUGH: Princeton University softball player Karis Ford waits for a pitch in action last weekend. As Princeton opened its new Cynthia Lynn Paul ’94 Field by hosting Harvard for a three-game set on Saturday and Sunday, sophomore star Ford went 3-for-4 with six walks, three runs, and eight RBIs. Ford’s heroics helped the Tigers post a sweep of Harvard, prevailing 8-0 and 6-0 in a doubleheader on Saturday and then posting a 9-8 win on Sunday. Ford was later named the Ivy Player of the Week. Princeton, now 8-12 overall and 3-0 Ivy, hosts Yale for a three-game set this weekend with a doubleheader on March 29 and a

on March 30.

Sophomore Krotts tallied three goals to help the Tigers improve to 13-5.

In upcoming action, Princeton hosts Brown and Harvard on March 29 and Mercyhurst on March 30.

PU Men’s Lightweight Crew Defeats Navy, Georgetown

Getting its 2025 season off to a positive start, the Princeton University men’s lightweight posted wins over Navy and Georgetown last Saturday on Lake Carnegie.

Getting the racing underway by competing for the Joseph Murtaugh Cup, named after the former Princeton and U.S. lightweight rowing coach, Princeton’s varsity 8 defeated Navy, clocking a

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winning time of 5:37.5 over the 2,000-meter course with the Midshipmen coming in at 5:40.8.

Later in the day, the Tiger top boat defeated Georgetown to earn the Fosburgh Cup for the ninth straight season. Princeton posted a time of 5:48.5, nearly nine seconds better than the 5:57.4 clocked by the Hoyas. Princeton will look to keep on the winning track as its hosts Columbia open March 29 in the race for the Campbell Cup.

Tiger Women’s Swimming Has 2 Make All-America

A pair of Princeton University women’s swimmers, Eleanor Sun and Dakota Tucker,

came up big last weekend as they competed in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way, Wash. Sophomore Sun (4:05.73) and sophomore Tucker (4:08.96) finished 12th and 16th, respectively, in the 400-yard individual medley to earn second-team AllAmerica honors in the event. Overall, Sun competed in three events, also placing 20th in the 200 IM in 1:55.91 and 32nd in the 200 butterfly with a time of 1:55.64. Teammate Heidi Smithwick placed 30th in the 200 fly in 1:55.80.

Enjoy the comfort of cottage-style living with personalized, top-quality care in a warm, intimate setting. Our amenities—from chef-prepared meals to engaging wellness programs—ensure

single game

(Photo provided by Princeton Athletics)

Coming into the winter, junior point guard Gabby D’Agostino was looking to be more of playmaker for the Hun School girls’ basketball team.

“We have so many new people this year, we move the ball so well,” said D’Agostino. “When I am driving if they are doubleteaming, I can kick it out and I have full trust that they are going to make the shot.”

Hun head coach Sean Costello credited D’Agostino with diversifying her game.

“Gabby is just very good,” said Costello. “What you are seeing this year is her ability to pass the ball. She can fill it up quickly but now when teams decide to try to take her away, she is finding her teammates and they are able to knock shots down.”

But Costello didn’t necessarily want D’Agostino to be a pass-first point guard.

“As long as she doesn’t stop trying to score,” said Costello. “She is an unbelievable passer. It is something that she hasn’t really had the opportunity to do a lot. I think the challenge will be for her to find that balance this year, making sure that she is still being aggressive and that alpha scorer but then at the same time distributing and getting other people shots.”

Having been sidelined by appendicitis late in her sophomore campaign, D’Agostino worked hard over the offseason to hone her offensive skills.

“It was kind of hard to get the flow back, the competitive nature back,” said D’Agostino. “I worked on everything, threes, floaters, and lay-ups, just trying to get back in the swing. I was practicing a little longer and lifting a little harder just to catch up with everyone else.”

While D’Agostino’s playmaking helped keep the Raider offense flowing as Hun went 23-6 and advanced to the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) final, that extra training helped her maintain her role as the team’s alpha scorer.

D’Agostino ended up averaging 21.9 points a game, totaling 633 points to bring her career total to 1,448. Down the stretch of the season, D’Agostino had games where she scored 35 points, 31, 36, 37, and 33.

“I think it is just calming everything down, being unselfish,” said D’Agostino, reflecting on her approach. “We don’t care who plays well if we play well as a team.”

For playing extremely well as she excelled as a playmaker while still pouring in points, D’Agostino is the choice as the top girl performer of the high school winter season.

Top Boy Performer

Princeton High star Blasé Mele placed sixth at 138 pounds as a junior at the 2024 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Boys Wrestling State Championships in Atlantic City, but he wanted more coming into his senior campaign.

“It’s such a hard tourna -

ment,” said Mele after that performance. “I’ve been there twice. The environment is like no other. I have one more year and I’m shooting for gold. I’m trying to get Princeton its first state title.”

On a mission, Mele produced a stellar senior campaign this winter as he moved up to 144 pounds. He placed first at the Sam Cali Invitational and the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) championship meet. Heading into state competition, Mele placed second at NJSIAA District 18 and Region 5 tourneys to punch his return ticket to Atlantic City.

Seeded fourth in the state championship meet, Mele rolled to the semifinal, posting a pair of technical fall wins and a major decision on the way to a clash with defending state champion Sonny Amato of RumsonFair Haven. Having lost to Amato in both the District and Region finals, the third time was a charm for Mele as he edged his nemesis 3-2. Coming into the state final against Pope John’s Donny Almeyda, Mele was feeling some butterflies.

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

Mele ended up performing very well, topping Almeyda 7-1 in the final to make history, becoming the first boys’ state champion in PHS history.

“It’s been pretty surreal,” said Mele, who finished the season with a 31-2 record. “A lot of emotions and I’m still kind of getting used to being a New Jersey state champion. But I’m getting there and I’m starting to feel what it means, which is pretty cool.”

PHS head coach Jess Monzo was thrilled to see Mele earn the title.

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

In Monzo’s view, Mele’s loyalty to PHS made his achievement even more special.

“This couldn’t happen to a better kid,” said Monzo. “He’s a kid that that stayed home, that tried to prove to the world and to the state of New Jersey that you don’t need to go to that nationally ranked private or parochial school even if they’re knocking at your door and if they’re making calls and they’re looking and they’re

reaching out. You know you can do it at home if you just believe in yourself and you believe in the coaches and what they’re going to give you.”

Mele, who will be staying home for his college career as he has committed to Princeton University, is proud to have blazed a trail for PHS.

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

For making history by achieving his state championship goal, Mele is the top boy performer this winter.

Top Newcomers

Coming into the winter, Princeton Day School girls’ hockey co-head coach Jamie Davis sensed that he had something special in junior transfer netminder Kelly Stevens.

“Kelly is a really strong goalie,” said Davis.“ She hasn’t been totally tested yet, we have only had one scrimmage. In practice, she stands on her head. She is a competitor, which is nice. She is going to be one of our best players this year.”

Once the regular season started, Stevens emerged as one of the best players in New Jersey. She gave up only seven goals as PDS got off to a 5-0-1 start.

“Kelly has been great,” said Davis. “She is locked in. She likes to compete, she works hard. ”

Competing hard in the Librera Cup in February, Stevens posted two shutouts as PDS topped MorristownBeard 3-0 in the semis and then routed Oak Knoll 7-0 in the final

Raising her game down the stretch, Stevens starred as the top-seeded Panthers went on a run to its first-ever title in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Girls ’ Ice Hockey Tournament. She made 38 saves as PDS topped eighth-seeded Summit 5-0 in the quarterfinal round and came up with 17 stops in a 4-3 overtime win against Mo-Beard in the semis.

In the final, Stevens recorded 20 saves as the Panthers blanked secondseeded Immaculate Heart Academy 7-0 at the Prudential Center in Newark.

“Kelly really pushed for that shutout and she made some big saves,” said Davis, reflecting on the title game. “There are some videos, she made this crazy stick save. She made some butt end saves and she made some high blocker saves.”

Stevens ended up second in the state with a .941 save percentage and first in shutouts with six.

Making a huge impact as she joined the PDS program and helped it win its firstever Non-Public state title makes Stevens the choice as the top girl newcomer.

Blake Hargrove came up big in his debut for the Hun

School boys’ basketball team as it faced Malvern Prep (Pa.) in the season opener.

Sophomore transfer guard Hargrove poured in 31 points to help Hun prevail 85-78

Hun head coach Jon Stone wasn’t surprised to see Hargrove make such an impact.

We have a new player, Blake, who is excellent,” said Stone before the season started. “He is a really strong two-way player. His defense is excellent, he is really quick and strong. He has the ability to get assists and score as well. He is going to be a really good addition for us.”

Hargrove ended up having a really good season, averaging 17.7 points a game

along with 3.8 assists 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 steals. He shot 40 percent from 3-point range and 87 percent from the free throw line and was named a firstteam All-Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) performer.

“Blake’s statistics were really, really impressive, he led us in scoring, he led us in assists, he led us in field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage and steals,” said Stone. “He was our third best rebounder. He had a 15-rebound game and the guy isn’t even 6 feet. He has the ability to do so many things. Even on nights when his shot is not falling or he is not at his best, he does so many things defensively and in other parts of the game that make it hard for you to take him off the floor.”

Hargrove’s immediate import in his first season for Hun earns him the nod as the top boy newcomer.

Top Coaches

Dealing with injuries to some key players, the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team faced adversity before the 2024-25 season even started.

Going into the campaign with just nine skaters plus goalie Kelly Stevens, PDS co-head Jamie Davis still believed the squad can grow into a force.

“Once we have our injured players back we have a really strong team,” said Davis, who was missing top forwards, senior Eibhleann Knox and junior Brynn Dandy, due to injury. “Un -

TITLE PUSH: Princeton High star wrestler Blasé Mele, top, pushes Pope John’s Donny Almeyda into the mat on the way to defeating him 7-1 in the 144-pound final earlier this month at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State wrestling Championships in Atlantic City. Mele became the first boys’ state champion in PHS history, and only the fourth boy champion from Mercer County. (Photo provided by Jess Monzo)

Winter Review

Knox and junior Brynn Dandy, due to injury. “Until then, it is going to take a little work. We have got good players that don’t get the usual ice time and hopefully they get used to it. We will do some rebuilding and get a couple of key players back and hopefully it all comes together at the right time.”

But even missing those key players, Davis and cohead coach Jade Meier guided the Panthers to a sizzling start as they went 5-0-1 in their first six games. After losing two straight games

in mid-January, PDS went

The Panthers rolled to Librera Cup title in February, topping Morristown-Beard 3-0 in the semis and then routing Oak Knoll 7-0 in the final

Continuing its dominant play in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Girls’ Ice Hockey Tournament, top-seeded PDS topped eight-seeded Summit 5-0 in the quarterfinals and then edged MoBeard 4-3 in overtime in the semis.

Saving their best for last, the Panthers drubbed second-seeded Immaculate

Heart Academy 7-0 in the final at the Prudential Center in Newark, winning the program’s first-ever Non-Public state title and culminating a magical 15-2-1 campaign.

In reflecting on the team’s success, co-head coach Meier pointed to its chemistry.

“They have good relationships with each other, they are all sisters,” said Meier. “It gets a little bit insane on the bench at times but I think it is all for the best. They all want to win.”

Davis, for his part, credited the PDS players for displaying a special work ethic this winter.

“They definitely persevered, they worked really

SUPER SAVER: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey goalie Kelly Stevens guards the crease in a game this winter. Junior transfer Stevens starred as PDS won its first-ever title in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Girls’ Ice Hockey Tournament. Stevens was second in the state with a .941 save percentage and first in shutouts with six. (Photo

hard and that is what I push for,” said Davis. “That is the main thing that differentiates teams – effort and working hard. We had a lot of skill. We probably had more skill than any of the teams but that doesn’t mean that is what wins it. You really have to work for it and I think we worked really hard all year. I know what it is to give 100 percent so I like to push them. They don’t like to hear it, you have got to work hard out there.”

That work resulted in a historic campaign. “For the boys and the girls, they haven’t had this title so it is really great,” said Davis. “We had seven players at one game, eight skaters at another so they battled all year. I am happy for them. I am happy for myself but they are the ones out there earning it. It was exciting for sure, it is a big deal for them. They got the full experience.”

For leading their shorthanded but skilled and determined squad to a firstever NJSIAA state title, Davis and Meier are the top coaches of a girls’ team this winter.

Carly Fackler was expecting some big things from her stellar group of seniors as the Princeton High boys’ swimming team looked forward to the 2024-25 campaign.

“We graduated some pretty talented swimmers but the group of seniors that we have returning is probably one of the standout group of seniors that we have had in a while,” said PHS head coach Fackler. “They are hungry, they are excited.”

The team’s big four of senior stars David Brophy and Daniel Guo along with the Xu twins, David and Jaiden, ended up producing an exciting final campaign.

“They have had the last four years to swim together where they are on different club teams and they see each other at club meets,” said Fackler. “This is the opportunity that they get to forget about club swimming. You put that sense of me away a little bit and you are representing your school so there is the sense of pride as far as that is concerned.”

Showing that pride, the Tigers rallied from an 8274 deficit in a meet against WW/P-South in mid-December to pull out a dramatic 86-84 win that preserved a regular season winning streak which started with a win over Ewing on December 5, 2019.

“Heart, that is what it really comes down to,” said Fackler, reflecting on the comeback which saw the Xu twins move from the 400 free A relay to the B group to ensure a 1-2 finish needed for the win. “We didn’t win the medley relay, that was something we were hoping to get from the beginning. Starting out the first event being down 4-10 could potentially be a blow to the meet. They hung in there and they kept it close the entire time. They knew what they had to do from start to finish.”

PHS went on the post another undefeated regular season, going 8-0 to extend its regular season winning streak to 66 dual meets.

Heading into the postseason, PHS edged WW/ P-South by six points to

place first in the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) championship meet in late January. It marked the program’s fourth straight crown at the county competition, formerly known as the Mercer County Swimming Championships.

The seniors made their last home meet special as they topped North Hunterdon 101-68 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2, Group B quarterfinals.

“As per usual, it is the same story all of the time with them, they stepped up,”

said Fackler, whose team went on to lose to Summit in the sectional semis to end the winter with a 9-1 record.

“They are just such all stars, 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.”

For guiding her squad to yet another memorable championship campaign, Fackler is the choice as the top coach of a boys’ team.

—Bill Alden

by Frank Wojciechowski)

GIFT OF GAB: Hun School girls’ basketball player Gabby D gostino

PHS Baseball Hitting the Ground Running

As Core of Veterans Primed for Big Spring

As the Princeton High baseball team started its preseason training for the upcoming season, it hit the ground running.

“I think our first week was probably one of the better ones that we have had in the last five years, especially from like a commitment, an efficiency, and an energy standpoint,” said PHS head coach Dom Capuano, whose team opens its 2025 season by playing at WW/P-North on March 26. “There wasn’t much redirection, everybody knew what was going on. The upperclassmen led by example and we really moved through those first six practices very well.”

The squad’s veterans have incentive to go hard as the Tigers are coming off an 8-16 campaign.

“The last two years have been a bit of a disappointment; I think they are hungry to make it back to states and to compete for a Division,” said Capuano, whose roster includes five seniors and five juniors. “We have Division realignment this year that makes winning a Division title a lot more attainable (PHS will be playing in the Valley Division of the Colonial Valley Conference along with Hamilton West, Hightstown, Princeton Day School, Trenton, WW/P-North, and WW/ P-South) It doesn’t mean it is a forgone conclusion, we still have to perform.”

Capuano is expecting junior Chase Hamerschlag to perform very well on the mound.

“He is going to be the No. 1 guy, he has definitely

made a lot of strides over the winter and has put in a lot of work,” said Capuano of Hamerschlag, who piled up 34 strikeouts in 19.1 innings with a 4.71 ERA last season. “He didn’t wrestle this year; he concentrated fully on baseball and that is showing in his preparedness. He just really just has to understand how to pitch a little bit and be a little more efficient but the talent is there. He has to understand that he can overpower most people so he doesn’t have to try to make the perfect pitch. He just has to get it in the zone and throw strikes. His velocity probably sits in the high 80s. He has hit the 90s multiple times.”

The Tigers feature depth in the mound corps as seniors James Schiavone, Travis Petrone, Nano Sarceno, Eric Wheeler, and Nathan Nydick all got innings last spring in addition to Hamerschlag.

“I think the first two weeks are going to be a feeling out process and then we will settle in more to roles,” said Capuano. “Those are the big six that I hope to beat most innings. We have some guys behind then who can throw strikes and aren’t bad but with three games a week if we don’t need those other guys that means we are doing good things.”

As for the Tiger hitting attack, Hamerschlag (.308 batting average, 17 runs, 24 hits in 2024), Petrone (.328, 19 runs, 21 hits) and Sarceno (.328, 14 runs, 20 hits) should provide punch at the top of the order.

“It looks like Chase will probably lead off for us to start with probably Travis behind him and Nano behind him,” said Capuano. “They have done some pretty good things so far in our two scrimmages. I think for all of them, it is understanding who they are and what their strengths are and making sure playing to those and not to what the spot in the lineup that says they should be. And then just kind of piecing it together. We are in a position where whoever hits is going to play. A lot of guys are going to play multiple positions.”

As for the PHS defensive alignment, junior Matt Akey is a fixture at catcher and it will be mix and match across the infield with Sarceno, Nydick or sophomore Nick Rizzo at first base, Wheeler, Schiavone or sophomore Charlie Baglio at second, sophomore Will Arns and Hamerschlag at shortstop, Wheeler, Sarceno or Schiavone at third. Petrone will be the starter in center field with junior Elian Duran, sophomore Tyler Fiorentino, junior Max Decker, junior Anders Hedin, and Nydick seeing time in the OF corner spots.

In order for the Tigers to get back on the winning track, Capuano believes his players just need to be themselves.

“The main one is to throw strikes,” said Capuano. “Understanding who we are is important and that is both as a team and as individuals. If we know who we are, then we can be successful. We can’t be who we are not. The boys have been committing to it to a good degree in preseason so we will see.”

—Bill Alden

Lax Aiming to Maintain Winning Ways

Bringing an All-In Mentality into the 2025 Season, PHS Boys’

Before preseason practices even started this spring for the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team, Chip Casto sensed that his players were all in.

“We always set a goal on January 1st that by the beginning of the season on March 10 we have get 500,000 wall ball touches,” said PHS head coach Casto, who guided the Tigers to a 11-8 record and a spot in the Mercer County Tournament final last spring. “It is all self-reported and we have never even gotten past half. This year we were a little over 400,000. It feels like in the offseason they have all put the time in.”

Senior midfielder and University of Vermont commit Brendan Beatty is primed to ball in his final campaign.

“Brendan looks fantastic, he is driven to get better and better because he wants to ride to UVM and be ready to roll,” said Casto of Beatty who tallied 40 goals and 54 assists in 2024. “He is motivating everybody, he is full tilt.”

The PHS midfield will also feature junior Declan Hughes (8 goals, 4 assists in 2024) and sophomore Michael Frenia (2 goals, 1 assist).

“Declan will be on the field as much as possible, he is just a sound ground ball guy who will get a couple of goals here or there,” said Casto. “A real shining star is going to be Michael. He is a big, tough hard shooting middie. He is going to be a good one.”

On attack, senior Braden Barlag (52 goals, 16 assists) will be leading the way along

with sophomore Gavin Pomraning (3 goals), senior Matt Thomson (9 goals, 1 assist), and senior Wyatt Arshan (2 goals, 1 assist).

“Braden is rock solid,” said Casto, noting that it will be hard to fill the void left by the graduation of star attacker Patrick Kenah, who tallied 61 goals and 47 assists last year before heading to Lafayette College to join its men’s lax program.

“Braden and Gavin will carry the ball a lot, the two of them should hopefully carry Patrick’s mantle a little bit.

Matt is a much better offball player, he doesn’t mind playing without the ball. He reads the field and cuts backdoor. It is a great complement to those guys. We are going to rotate people but somebody like Wyatt will play a little attack. He will show up there.”

Junior midfielder Carmine Carusone will be all over the field this spring for the Tigers, handling face-off duties and bolstering the defense. He will be joined in the defensive midfield by fellow juniors Nico Pisapia and Quinn Solvibile.

“We are really excited about Carmine, he is our face-off guy but now he has developed a little better defensively and a little better offensively,” said Casto of Carusone who won 145-of246 face-offs last season. “He is becoming a pretty good well-rounded player. Carmine and Nico are our lead defensive midfielders. Our longstick midfielder will be Quinn. He can get out and run a little, he has got a good stick.”

The trio of senior Jack Crotty, junior Ryan Garlock,

and sophomore Ben Kahn will be leading the PHS defense.

“Jack has shown up, his stick has gotten a lot better,” said Casto. “He is probably the best communicator we have. He really wants to do well, he is earnest. Ryan has really emerged, he will probably start on our close defense. He has done really well. Ben is emerging as a really good close defenseman.”

At goalie, senior Corbin Kasziba, junior Jacob Topolewski and freshman Samuel Gibb will be vying for time in the cage.

“Corbin last year had a lot of injuries last year and never recovered; he seems to be ready to roll, he is 100 percent,” said Casto. “We also have Jake and Sam. We are flush with goalies these days which is nice to have.”

In Casto’s view, the Tigers can have a nice season if they take care of basics.

“Goaltending is always a key, it needs to be good enough,” said Casto. “It is the same for the games, picking up ground balls and being able to finish and get easier goals. We need to take advantage of turnovers and just be more efficient on offense. We don’t have a whole lot of guys so we have to manage the game better and just be smarter.”

—Bill Alden

STICK FIGHT: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse player Brendan Beatty runs through a longstick in a game last season. Senior midfielder and University of Vermont commit Beatty is primed for a big final campaign. PHS opens its 2025 season by hosting Summit on March 29.

(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

HAMMERING IT OUT: Princeton High baseball player Chase Hamerschlag takes a big swing in a game last year. Junior star Hamerschlag should make an impact on the mind and with his bat this spring. PHS opens its 2025 season by playing at WW/P-North on March 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

After Saying Goodbye to Stellar Group of Seniors, PDS Girls’ Lax Reloading with Promising Freshmen

After saying goodbye to a stellar class of seniors from last year’s squad, the Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse team is welcoming a group of precocious freshmen to help fill that void.

“Losing that senior class, it feels like a part of the leadership is gone,” said PDS head coach Lucia Marcozzi, who guided the Panthers to a 15-6 record last spring, sparked by senior stars Tessa Caputo, Kelly Christie, Jesse Hollander, and Katie ZarishYasunas. “We have a lot of freshmen who are super talented. It has been great to have them start seeing how we do it at the varsity level and getting them mixed in a little bit. I think it is just finding those missing pieces on offense with some of the new freshmen coming in and getting their confidence up.”

A key piece to the puzzle for the Panthers this spring will be senior midfielder and Merrimack College commit Shelby Ruf, who tallied 38 goals and 12 assists in 2024.

“Last year we kind of moved Shelby all around; this year, she will definitely be our starting center midfielder,” said Marcozzi, whose team starts its 2025 campaign by hosting Hightstown on April 3. “She is a force on the field, she is so excited for her last season. Her energy is just awesome on the field, just being a senior leader with all of these younger guys jumping up. Last year gave her the confidence to see the field better and beyond just being a defender. She now has

I think this is going to be her year by far.”

Joining Ruf in the midfield will be speedy senior Natalia Soffer (11 goals, 6 assists in 2024).

“Nat is going to be huge, she is so fast,” said Marcozzi. “She has so much ability, she is one of those kids you just can’t take out. That third spot in the midfield will probably go to one of our freshmen.”

On attack, sophomore Ava Fairbanks (20 goals, 8 assists) is poised for a breakout season.

“Ava Fairbanks had a great standout freshman year, she put in a ton of work in over the summer,” said Marcozzi. “Her shot really, really elevated this summer. I am looking to take her out from behind the net and put her more up top in a scoring position.

I think she is going to be a huge asset for us. Going from freshman year to sophomore year, I think she definitely made the jump. She is going to be our leader down there on the attack.”

Junior Luci McKee (12 goals, 2 assists) brings savvy to the attack.

“Luci played great at the elbow spot,” said Marcozzi. “She is great at reading the defense and getting feeds on the inside. She is a good, tricky player, she blossomed a little bit last year in our offense the way we ran it. She did really well and I think this year she is going to take a little bit more of a leadership role as a junior.”

In goal, senior Grace Ulrich will be anchoring the defense.

away from 100 saves on the season and she got sick,” said Marcozzi. “We didn’t have her for the Preps final game or our state run, that was unfortunate. She was crushing it and she is coming back with a vengeance. She wants to get that 100 saves, this is going to be a great season for her to prove herself again.”

PDS boasts a trio of seniors, Cass Salas, Eliza Bailey, and Charlotte Miller, to spearhead the defensive unit.

“Our defense is actually all returning seniors, Cass and Eliza are two returning starters that were go-to defenders last year,” said Marcozzi.

“Everyone turns their head to them, making sure that they are the people we look to on defense. We have Charlotte coming back as another senior defender. Having three seniors in the backfield is so huge for us and four including Grace. The defense is just filled with senior leadership and senior voices which is awesome. I think our defense is going to be our best spot.”

If the squad’s corps of promising freshmen grows quickly, PDS could produce an awesome season.

“I think it is going to be on our attacking end, having the discipline to be consistently running our offense and staying focused on the team attack aspect,” said Marcozzi. “With the mix of upperclassmen stars coming back and a good amount of freshmen and underclassmen put in the mix, everyone has to know their role on attack to make the wheel go.”

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—Bill Alden

RUF AND READY: Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse player Shelby Ruf, center, races through two defenders in action last season. Senior midfielder and Merrimack College commit Ruf figures to be a go-to finisher for PDS this season. The Panthers start their 2025 campaign by hosting Hightstown on April 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

After Showing Progress in 2024 with Late Surge, PDS Baseball Primed

After losing 16 of its first 18 games last spring, the Princeton Day School baseball team went 4-1 down the stretch, earning the program’s first-ever win in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public tournament in the process.

As PDS heads into the 2025 campaign, the squad is primed to build on the progress it made last spring.

“We are OK with where we are but we are eager to continue to grow and build it and elevate the standard,” said Panther head coach Eric Schnepf, whose club starts its 2025 season by playing at Trenton Central on March 26. “The guys are excited, they have been working hard, they are getting physically, mentally and emotionally ready for opening day and for the season.” Schnepf is excited about his mound staff which features senior Dylan Powers, sophomore Mason Roitburg, senior Santino Cignarella, and junior Grayson McLaughlin.

“We return a lot of arms and we have a few new arms coming in so hopefully we have a little bit more depth as well,” said Schnepf. “I am excited with what the pitchers are showing me so far. Dylan had a really good year last year with him on the mound we feel like we can compete with anyone. Mason behind him had a great year as a freshman. I am excited to see how he steps up this year. We are feeling confident in the guys we have coming back and were excited to see what the guys who came in can do.”

As for the batting order, Cignarella figures to be the catalyst for the Panthers from the lead-off spot.

to Keep Making Strides

“Santino did a really good job last year, not just hitting for average but getting on base as he walked a lot,” said Schnepf of Cignarella who batted .421 last year with 18 runs and 24 hits.

“He runs really well he is aggressive and smart. He is good situationally. It is nice to have that table-setter who you can rely on and depend on to get the guys going.”

Another senior, catcher Luke Haan, has been a dependable performer in the middle of the order for PDS.

He batted .328 last spring with nine runs and 20 hits.

“We are very lucky to have had him for three years as a catcher and a middle of the lineup guy,” said Schnepf.

“Being a new coach and coming in to work with these guys for the first time three years ago, you couldn’t ask for a better guy to have as a leader. He has continued to grow as a leader, as a teammate. Physically, mentally and emotionally, he has taken so many strides not just from sophomore year to now but from last year. I am expecting him to come out and be Luke Haan, not trying to do anything crazy, just playing his game.”

Sophomore Keegan Fullman raised his game over the course of last spring, ending up hitting .276 with 11 runs and 16 hits.

“He had a really competitive year at the bat, you are looking at a freshman that is seeing varsity pitching and he did a really good job,” said Schnepf, noting that McLaughlin and sophomore transfer Bailey Mitra should add some hitting punch.

“I think the biggest jump we are going to see from him this year is his mental growth in the box. He has matured physically as well. We are hoping for him to

continue to build on his freshman campaign.”

A pair of freshmen, AJ Doran and Vince Filis, figure to make a big impact this spring.

“They are good young kids, they are great baseball players that want to compete,” said Schnepf. “They want to be thrown into the fire here and overcome the challenges and adversity that they might see.”

The Panthers should be good defensively with the speedy Fullman patrolling center field and Doran in right with some mixing and matching in left field depending on the situation and who is pitching. Across the infield, Haan will be at catcher, Filis at third, Cignarella at short, and Mitra at first with second up for grabs.

Looking ahead, Schnepf believes that his players just need to stay the course to keep making strides.

“I think it is just continuing to improve on the things that we always focus on — are you making the play in the field, on the mound, are you competitive, are you in the zone, are you letting your defense work,” said Schnepf. “Up to bat, are you grinding out at-bats and working to do a job and move the line. As long as the kids continue to take that kind of mentality and approach into each game, they are going to be in good shape. Hopefully it equates to more wins and more games being more competitive. I think the kids just have to come out and continue to do what they have been doing and just continue to improve the physical, mental and emotional parts of their game.”

—Bill Alden

Local Sports

Princeton Post 218 Baseball Holding Player Evaluations

The Princeton American Legion Post 218 baseball team is holding player evaluations/workouts on April 13 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Smoyer Field and on April 27 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Smoyer Park.

The program is open to all interested high school players from Princeton High, Princeton Day School, Hun School, WW/P-South High, WW/P-North High, and Notre Dame High, or any players who live in the towns of Princeton and Cranbury to attend these two sessions. In addition, college-aged freshman born in 2006 are also eligible to play.

The Mercer County American Legion League (MCALL) season runs from late May through mid-July and involves playing approximately 20 games with teams from around the Greater Mercer County Area. The competition level is high and all players will receive adequate playing time to develop their game.

The summer fee is $645. Scholarships are available. For more information on the program and to RSVP for the tryouts, contact Jon Durbin at jonwdurbin@ gmail.com.

Bailey Basketball Academy Offering Spring Programs

The Bailey Basketball Academy (BBA) has announced the schedule for its upcoming spring hoops programs.

Participants will have an opportunity for competitive travel play, individualized instruction, skills development , and fundamentals as well as league play. BBA is led by former Princeton Day School girls’ hoops coach and Philadelphia 76er s camp director and clinician Kamau Bailey.

The BBA spring program will include boys’ travel teams (3rd-8th grades), weekly practices, and the Shot King Shooting Program and Player Development Skill Sessions for elementary and middle school players (boys and girls). BBA will also be offering a new program for kindergarten-2nd grade boys and girls, called “First Hoops FUNdamentals are Fun.”

BBA programs stress fundamentals and team play with emphasis on ball handling, shooting, passing, footwork, speed, agility, movement with and without the ball, one-on-one moves, defense, and other hoops skills.

The spring season skill development sessions for boys and girls will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays with grades 3-6 going from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. and grades 7-8 going from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.

The BBA boys’ travel team practices will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays with grades 3-6 going from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. and grades 7-8 going from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. BBA teams will play league games on weekends at the Monroe Sports Complex

The First Hoops program will be held on March 29, April 5, and 12 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Littlebrook Elementary School.

The BBA travel team practices and player development skill sessions will be held at the Community Park School and/or the Princeton Middle School.

For more information and to register, contact Kamau Bailey at (917) 626-5785 or kamau.bailey@gmail.com.

Princeton 5K Race Draws 500 Runners

Having become a fixture on the local running scene, the Princeton 5K race drew 500 participants last Saturday morning in its 16th year. Alex Carideo, 26, from Morrisville, Pa., placed first overall in the race, clocking a time of 15:56. Jennifer Rodriguez, 54, from

Bethlehem, Pa. was the first female finisher, taking 22nd in 19:50.

The event is the largest annual fundraiser for the Princeton High cross country and track boosters (PHSCCTF) a 501(c)(3). All donations directly support the PHS boys’ and girls’ c ross country and track teams.

Princeton Athletic Club

Holding 6K Run April 5

The Princeton Athletic Club (PAC) will be holding a 6,000-meter cross country run at the Institute Woods on April 5.

The 6,000-meter run starts at 10 a.m. from the Princeton Friends School and is limited to 200 participants. The event is chip timed. All abilities are invited, including those who prefer to walk the course.

Online registration and full event details are available at princetonac.org.

The PAC is a nonprofit running club for the community. The club, an all-volunteer organization, promotes running for the fun and health of it and stages several running events each year.

Stuart County Day School

Holding Flag Football Camp

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

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

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

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

FULL SPEED AHEAD: Princeton Day School baseball player Keegan Fullman makes contact in a game last spring. Sophomore outfielder/pitcher Fullman is looking to build on a solid debut campaign. PDS opens its 2025 season by playing at Trenton Central on March 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Jael Judith (Judy) Ramirez Bautista, aged 38, mother, daughter, sister, loving partner, friend, and beloved coworker, left us broken hearted and bewildered by her untimely passing from complications of breast cancer on Monday March 10, 2025.

Judy was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, on October 14, 1986. She attended grade school in Oaxaca. Beginning a new chapter in her life she made the brave journey to the United States on her own, ending up in Princeton, NJ.

Judith welcomed her incredible daughter Kaitlen Melgar Ramirez in August of 2008, whom she poured into all of her love, constantly raising her up to reach new levels of achievement.

Kaitlen is her mother’s most incredible legacy, and was her proudest gift of grace. She was

overjoyed when Kaitlen was accepted as a student at Princeton Day School.

After many years of raising her daughter on her own, love and companionship walked in the door when she met Isac H. Roman Santos. Their combined families, including Isac’s two children

Ana Lucia Roman Sanchez and Isac H. Roman Sanchez from a previous marriage, brought Judy much joy and laughter. Isac was Judith’s partner, lovingly caring for her until her final breath.

Judy was also supported by her faith, following the beliefs of Jehovah Witnesses. After working at The Mexicana Grocery store, Judy landed at The Whole Earth Center where for 13 years, she served thousands of customers and touched the lives of her grateful coworkers. Her radiant beauty, smile, and highly infectious laugh will always echo thru our lives. The mystery of where Judy has gone, or why she had to leave us so early will go unanswered, but her love will always remain, shining a light on our dark corners and grief.

In addition to her daughter Kaitlen and partner Isac, Judith is also survived by her mother Maria Guadalupe Bautista and her brother Juan Bautista.

Jael Judith (Judy) Ramírez Bautista, de 38 años, madre, hija, hermana, compañera amorosa, amiga y querida compañera de trabajo, nos dejó con el corazón roto y desconcertado por su prematuro fallecimiento debido a complicaciones de cáncer de mama el lunes 10 de marzo de 2025.

Dr. Owen Shteir

Judy nació en Oaxaca, México, el 14 de octubre de 1986. Cursó la primaria en Oaxaca. Comenzando un nuevo capítulo en su vida, emprendió el valiente viaje a Estados Unidos por su cuenta, llegando a Princeton, Nueva Jersey.

Judith le dio la bienvenida a su increíble hija Kaitlen Melgar Ramírez en agosto de 2008. Derramó en ella todo su amor, impulsándola constantemente a alcanzar nuevos niveles de logro.

Kaitlen es el legado más increíble de su madre y su regalo de gracia más orgulloso. Se llenó de alegría cuando Kaitlen fue aceptada como alumna en la escuela Princeton Day.

Tras muchos años criando sola a su hija, el amor y la compañía la acompañaron cuando conoció a Isac H. Román Santos. Sus familias, incluyendo a los dos hijos de Isaac, Ana Lucía Román Sánchez e Isac H. Román Sánchez, de un matrimonio anterior, le brindaron mucha alegría y risas. Isac fue su pareja y la cuidó con cariño hasta su último aliento. Judy también se vio apoyada por su fe, siguiendo las creencias de los testigos de Jehová.

Después de trabajar en la tienda de comestibles Mexicana, Judy llegó a The Whole Earth Center, donde durante 13 años atendió a miles de clientes y conmovió la vida de sus agradecidos compañeros de trabajo. Su radiante belleza, su sonrisa y su contagiosa risa siempre resonarán en nuestras vidas. El misterio de adónde se fue Judy o por qué tuvo que dejarnos tan pronto permanecerá sin respuesta, pero su amor

Princeton Medical Group Recognizes the Life of Dr. Owen Shteir

(May 30, 1933 – February 9, 2025)

Dr. Owen Shteir, a beloved dermatologist in the Princeton community, passed away on February 9, leaving a legacy of service, and dedication to his patients at Princeton Medical Group, P.A., where he served for more than 30 years.

Beyond being an astute clinician, Dr. Shteir’s characteristic kindness and compassion were evident to those who he encountered.

He was “a most honorable and decent person,” said his partner of 20 years, Dr. Steven Kazenoff, now retired. “He was one of nature’s noblemen. He was a gentleman and a scholar.”

Dr. Shteir was intelligent and articulate, soft-spoken, and well-read, and well-versed in many areas,” added Dr. Kazenoff. A published obituary notes that Dr. Shteir “loved his family, the natural world, art, classical music, and learning.” He excelled in science at an early age when he was a finalist in the prestigious Westinghouse Science Talent Search (now the Regeneron Science Talent Search) as a high school student. He was a graduate of Princeton University, received his medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine, and then joined Princeton Medical Group, retiring in 1995.

Dr. Shteir’s kindness during an interview was the reason for Dr. Kazenoff’s own decision to join the medical group. “I found him to be so nice, I knew I could work easily with him,” he said. They worked well together for over a decade.

A man of many talents and interests, Dr. Shteir was an expert photographer, with a photo appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine, and demonstrated a love of nature, including plants, ferns, and trees, knowing their Latin names, recalled Dr. Kazenoff. His obituary notes his native plant, wildflower and rock garden, and love of the songbirds that visited the garden.

Princeton Medical Group would like to recognize Dr. Shteir for his service to his patients and with the group, where he was highly regarded and respected by his colleagues within the group. Princeton Medical Group, P.A. has been part of the Princeton community since 1946 and Dr. Shteir was an important part of our organization’s history and legacy. We extend our sincere condolences to the Shteir family for their loss.

siempre permanecerá, iluminando nuestros rincones oscuros y nuestro dolor. Además de su hija Kaitlen y su pareja Isac, a Judith también le sobreviven su madre, María Guadalupe Bautista, y su hermano, Juan Bautista.

Felice Gordon

Felice Gordon, a longtime Princeton resident, passed away in her apartment in Princeton Windrows retirement community on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Her funeral took place on Monday, March 17 at Cedar Park Beth El cemetery in Paramus, NJ, with many family members present.

Felice was born on March 29, 1932 in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens. Her family included her parents Robert and Beatrice Dosik, and her younger brother Paul Dosik. Felice was an avid pianist, and her interest in music led her to enroll in New York’s High School of Music and Art. She attended Queens College and subsequently transferred to Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Felice met her future husband Alvin Gordon at a Jewish folk dance event at age 17. Felice was 20 years old when she and Alvin married. Together, they had three sons: Mark (deceased in 2018), Joel, and Neil. Felice and Alvin moved to East Brunswick, NJ, in 1958, and then to Princeton, NJ, in 1970.

Felice was a very intelli gent, academically accom plished woman. In 1982, she earned doctorate in American history, with a focus on wom en’s history. In 1986, Rutgers University Press published “After Winning: The legacy of the New Jersey Suffrag ists 1920 – 1947,” a modified version of her doctoral thesis that explored the New Jersey women’s suffrage movement.

Felice and Alvin had many interests, including folk dancing and participating in a book club, as well as classical music, Broadway musicals, and other performing arts.

Henry W. Jeffers III

Felice and Alvin sold their Princeton home in early 2018 and moved to Princeton Windrows retirement community the same year.

Their son Mark died in 2018, and Alvin died in 2020.

Felice is survived by her sons Joel and Neil, her daughters-in-law Patricia Gordon and Anna Pegler-Gordon, her sister-in-law Ginger Gordon and Ginger’s husband Jim Norman, and her sister-in-law Rosalie Dosik, as well as her seven grandchildren Bernard Gordon, Dora Gordon, Rebecca Coulson, Eli Gordon, Talia Gordon, Maya PeglerGordon, and Naomi PeglerGordon. Felice will be sorely missed by her family.

Memorial contributions in Felice’s name may be sent to The Jewish Center of Princeton.

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, Henry W. Jeffers the III. Henry passed away in his sleep on Thursday, March 13th at the age of 92.

A man of unwavering strength who lived life to the fullest, Henry graduated from Princeton High School. He went on to college and graduated in 1955 from Rutgers University, Cook College of Agriculture. He attended Harvard Business School in 1956, he met through one of his roommates, Joseph Saliba, his future wife, Janet Brox Jeffers. Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1957 and was a member of the Signal Corps where he became a military photographer. He started working for the family business Walker-Gordon Laboratory Company in 1958, Henry held a management position and rose to the position of President in 1971. For all those who knew Henry, he was a man with a curiosity that infiltrated all his many interests. This ranged from his early passions which included Trap and Skeet shooting, saltwater and flyfishing, and growing exotic chrysanthemums. Through the years he developed a passion for astronomy and astrophotography. Henry joined the Nassau Gun Club in 1972 and won numerous trophies. For many years, he and his cooking team hosted the Lady’s Day luncheons. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Henry guided the Walker Gordon Laboratory Company through difficult years which led to the eventual success of prosperity and profitability. He developed company lands for housing developments and restored and leased the IRL Research Facility. Henry was part of a group who were in a partnership with the State, Town, and County connected to the 800-acre Plainsboro Preserve.

In 1982 Henry and his wife, Janet, purchased a home on Martha’s Vineyard and became fully engaged in the East Chop community where he developed a sailing program for children at the East Chop Yacht Club. He was Commodore from 19891999. He retired from Walker-Gordon and spent many joyful summers on Martha’s Vineyard.

Henry’s wife, Janet, passed away in March 2017; he is survived by his children, Katherine Jeffers Goldfarb and husband, Robert, of Princeton, New Jersey; his son, James Jeffers and his wife, Raquel; and his two grandchildren, Juliette and Jasper of Hopewell, New Jersey. It is with these thoughts Henry rests quietly in peace.

A celebration of Henry’s life will be announced in the near future. Arrangements are under the direction of at A.S. Cole Son & Co., 22 North Main Street, Cranbury, NJ.

Jael Judith Ramirez Bautista

Georgia E. Tams died on February 27 in Weaverville, California, following a battle with cancer. Georgia was born in Princeton, but her free spirit carried her to San Francisco, to Chicago, back to New Jersey, and back again to northern California.

Georgia was a fiercely independent woman who had a heart of gold and clever humor, which her family and friends will cherish always.

Georgia attended Bard College at Simon’s Rock and Stuart Country Day School, where she met several of her lifelong friends.

Georgia loved connecting with her nieces and nephews and was proud of her work with the children of the Wicoff Elementary School in Plainsboro.

Georgia was a gifted artist, always writing, always sketching, and often painting. She could pick up any instrument, but particularly piano and guitar, to sing and compose music on the spot.

Georgia’s beloved feline friends regularly featured in her endearing stories and songs. She signed her many

stories, letters, and cards to us with her trademark *star.* Now Georgia’s star shines forever.

Georgia was predeceased by her husband Warren C. Mernone, her parents Theodore and Lorraine Tams, sister Ruth, and brother Simon. She is survived by her partner Hugh Ashley; sisterin-law Daren Hicks (Simon); brother Colin (Debbie) Tams, brother Brian (Laurie) Tams and sister Daphne (Kent) Ireland; and seven nieces and three nephews.

Remember Georgia as you gaze at “Georgia’s Star” — named specifically for her — located in the night sky at the coordinates RA: 13H 40M 44.3S DEC: +54° 40’ 54”. Other memorial services will be private. Donations may be made to Villa Maria by the Sea, a retreat house at the New Jersey shore where Georgia found rest and inspiration.

Daniel J. Skvir

Father Daniel J. Skvir, 79, of Pennington died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Martins Ferry, OH, he grew up in Jersey City, NJ, until he matriculated at Princeton University, Class of

1966. Throughout his life, he remained a true Tigers fan, enjoying decades of football and basketball season tickets. After Princeton, he attended both Union Theological Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Seminary before returning to Princeton. He was a teacher and administrator at Princeton Day School for 41 years. Known as Fr. Dan and the spiritual father of the school, he wore a variety of hats over years (Director of Admissions; teacher of Russian, History and Religion; College Counseling and much more). With his wife, Tassie, he took students to the Soviet Union for years, introducing numerous students (and adults) to Russian culture firsthand. In 1989 Princeton Day School was selected to be one of the first schools to participate in a U.S.-USSR Exchange of high school students. In his heart, he was always a PDS Panther, supporting his students and his own daughters in the classroom, sports fields and life’s endeavors. While a full-time educator, he was always deeply involved in the Orthodox Church of America. In 1989 he was ordained to the priesthood after many years as a deacon and choir director. Shortly thereafter, he began his service as priest chaplain at Princeton University for 35 years, leading its Orthodox Chapel of the Transfiguration.

Son of the late Rev. John and Barbara Skvir of Ss. Peter and Paul’s of Jersey City, NJ, he was married

in 1967 to Tamara Turkevich, daughter of Very Rev. Dr. John Turkevich and Prof. Ludmilla Turkevich. They taught together at PDS for 40 plus years and formed a true partnership in many ways. He is the father to Nika Skvir-Maliakal (Sanjiv) of Stamford, CT, and Kyra Frankel (Joshua) of Brooklyn; brother to Natalea Skvir of Edmonds, WA, and John Skvir of Westwood, MA; devoted grandfather to Sadie and Wylie Frankel of Brooklyn, NY, and Katherine and Madeline Maliakal of Stamford, Connecticut.

A music enthusiast, Father Daniel enjoyed choir directing and was an avid arranger of music for choral singing. He was the Recipient of St. Romanos Award for his work as director, arranger, and collector of liturgical music. He was a translator, along with his wife, of Rachmaninoff’s unfinished and only opera that was orchestrated by Igor Buketoff (Monna Vanna).

Father Daniel was responsible for the world premiere of Maximilion Steinberg’s Passion Week, which had never been performed, 90 years after it had been written. Father Daniel will always be remembered as a March Madness aficionado who loved to follow the NCAA basketball brackets. He was a lifelong Mets fan and the biggest fan of his daughters’ various sports teams, never missing a game! Most of all, he was known for

his calm, wise presence that impacted the lives of hundreds of students, parishioners, friends, and family.

The Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5 until 7 p.m. at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church, 812 Grand Street, Trenton. The Funeral Service will begin at 7 p.m.

The Panahida Service

will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church 812 Grand Street, Trenton. Burial will follow in the St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Cemetery 316 Cassville Road, Jackson, NJ.

For memorial contributions, please refer to the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home website.

Princeton’s First Tradition Worship Service

Sundays at 11am

and the Chapel, Princeton University.

All

University Chapel Choir with Nicole

and

and

DIRECTORY OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES

8:00 am: Holy Communion Rite I 10:30 am: Holy Communion Rite II 5:00 pm: Choral Evensong or Choral Compline 33 Mercer St. Princeton • 609-924-2277 www.trinityprinceton.org

Rev. Paul Jeanes III, Rector

904 Cherry Hill Rd • Princeton, NJ 08525 (609) 466-3058

Vespers 5pm • Sunday Divine Liturgy Pescantified Liturgy Wednesdays during Lent 6pm 930am • www.mogoca.org

Georgia E. Tams

Princeton University Chapel

are welcome.

Preaching Sunday, March 30 is Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames, Dean of Religious Life

Aldrich, Director of Chapel Music

Chapel Choir,

with Eric Plutz, University Organist.

Town Topics CLASSIFIEDS

YARD SALE + TOWN TOPICS CLASSIFIED = GREAT WEEKEND!

Put an ad in the TOWN TOPICS to let everyone know! Call (609) 924-2200 ext. 10; classifieds@towntopics.com

DEADLINE: Tues before 12 noon tf HOME HEALTH AIDE: 25 years of experience. Available mornings to take care of your loved one, transport to appointments, run errands. I am well known in Princeton. Top care, excellent references. The best! Call (609) 356-2951

JOE’S LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON

Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs

Commercial/Residential

Over 45 Years of Experience • Fully Insured • Free Consultations Email: joeslandscapingprinceton@ gmail.com Text (only): (609) 356-9201 Office: (609) 216-7936

Princeton References • Green Company HIC #13VH07549500 tf HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST: Interior/exterior repairs, carpentry, trim, rotted wood, power washing, painting, deck work, sheet rock/ spackle, gutter & roofing repairs. Punch list is my specialty. 40 years experience. Licensed & insured. Call Creative Woodcraft (609) 586-2130 tf

24/7 PROFESSIONAL

NURSES AND AIDES

Personal care, nutrition, social activities, support, respite care & family relief. Live-in and live-out in the greater Princeton and other NJ areas.

Personal Home Care of Hillsborough (609) 216-5000 or (908) 306-0985 tf

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

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

E-Z LAWN CARE AND DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

Low impact • septic repairs free estimates (908) 399-6770 04-02

DOWNTOWN PRINCETON APARTMENTS FOR RENT

1 and 3 bedrooms ranging from $2,250 to $3,790, parking included. Wooden floors and abundant light. (609) 613-0769. 04-02

Knotty pine bookcases a specialty!

SKILLMAN FURNITURE CO. 609-924-1881

Elevated gardens • Slat tables

Writing desks • Small furniture repair skillmanfurniture.com skillmanfurnitureco@gmail.com

tf

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

DEADLINE: Tues before 12 noon tf

HOME HEALTH AIDE: 25 years of experience. Available mornings to take care of your loved one, transport to appointments, run errands. I am well known in Princeton. Top care, excellent references. The best! Call (609) 356-2951 or (609) 751-1396. tf

LOLIO’S WINDOW WASHING & POWER WASHING: Free estimate. Next day service. Fully insured. Gutter cleaning available. References available upon request. 30 years experience. (609) 271-8860. tf

JOE’S LANDSCAPING INC. OF PRINCETON Property Maintenance and Specialty Jobs Commercial/Residential Over 45 Years of Experience • Fully Insured • Free Consultations Email: joeslandscapingprinceton@ gmail.com Text (only): (609) 356-9201 Office: (609) 216-7936 Princeton References • Green Company HIC #13VH07549500 tf HOME REPAIR SPECIALIST: Interior/exterior repairs, carpentry, trim, rotted wood, power washing, painting, deck work, sheet rock/ spackle, gutter & roofing repairs. Punch list is my specialty. 40 years experience. Licensed & insured. Call Creative Woodcraft (609) 586-2130 tf

KELITH GROUP INC. HAS OPENINGS FOR THE POSITION VALIDATION ENGINEER with Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering (any), Technology, Management, or related to analyze validation data, prepare reports including preparation of standard operating procedures by adhering to FDA, cGMP standards. Develop and execute of Validation plans (VP), Validation Protocols (IQ, OQ and PQ) and Summary Reports (Validation summary reports VSR) and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Equipment/System types include PLC, Building Automation System (BAS), Filter Skids and SIP. Perform GAP Analysis, Remediation Plan and maintenance of hybrid systems, close and open record systems in cleaning validation. Work location is Princeton, NJ with required to travel and work from various unanticipated client worksites throughout the USA. Please mail resumes to 5 independence way, Suite 300, Princeton, NJ 08540 (OR) e-mail : hr@kelithgroup.com. 03-26

a

if you stop by our office at 4428C Route 27 in Kingston.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, the Franklin Fire District 4 does hereby notify the public that a Special Meeting of Franklin Fire District 4 will be held on 03-31-2025 at 6:45pm in the Kingston Fire House, 8 Heathcote Road, Kingston, NJ 08528 and Virtual meeting via Google Meet:https:// meet.google.com/kdz-uohr-izo . The purpose of the meeting is to address the termination of the Shared Service Agreement between Franklin Township Fire District 4 and South Brunswick Fire District 3. This will include determining a Shared Service Agreement with other districts and to determine tasks covered in the Shared Agreement that Franklin District 4 is now responsible for. Formal action may/will be taken.

Are Buyers Still Willing to Enter Bidding Wars?

The real estate market has cooled from its frenzied pandemic highs, leaving many wondering if buyers still have the appetite for bidding wars. The answer? It depends.

Rising mortgage rates and economic uncertainty have made buyers more cautious, with many unwilling to engage in aggressive bidding wars. Today ’s buyers are focused on value and affordability rather than overpaying in a competitive standoff. Many will walk away rather than escalate their offers beyond reason.

However, in highly desirable neighborhoods with limited inventory, bidding wars still happen but they’re more strategic. Buyers are selective, often only engaging in bidding wars for homes that check all their boxes.

Sellers who expect multiple offers should price realistically rather than relying on competition to drive up prices. In this new landscape, patience and strategy matter more than ever, both for buyers looking for a deal and sellers hoping to spark demand.