June 6, 2018

Niedergang, Williamson Win Democratic Primary For Princeton Council

By Donald Gilpin & Anne Levin

In yesterday’s primary election, Democrats Eve Niedergang and Dwaine Williamson earned the highest number of votes for two open seats on Princeton Council. According to unofficial results, Niedergang won 2,363 votes, while Williamson got 1,792. The two seats are to be vacated at the end of the year by longtime Council members Heather Howard and Lance Liverman.

Also vying for the posts on the Council were Democrats Michelle Pirone Lambros, who earned 892 votes; Surinder Paul Sharma, who received 573; and Adam Bierman, who got 514. Alvin McGowen, who dropped out of the race but was on the ballot, earned 140 votes. Lisa Wu, the lone Republican running, will represent her party in the November election.  more

Booker Urges University Graduates: “Tell Your Truth” and “Use Your Power”

HONORARY MEMBER, CLASS OF 2018: U.S. Senator Cory Booker, keynote speaker at Princeton University Class Day on Monday, puts on a 2018 jacket after being named an honorary member of the senior class. (Photo Courtesy of Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite)

By Donald Gilpin

Speaking at Princeton University Class Day on Monday, U.S. Senator Cory Booker urged the 2018 graduates to lead lives of humility and gratitude, and to “tell your truth, embrace the world, and use your power every day.” more

George Washington Lecture At David Library June 13

The David Library of the American Revolution will present “’In a Private Manner, Without Parade or Funeral Oration’: The Funeral George Washington Wanted but Didn’t Get,” a lecture by Mary V. Thompson, on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. It will take place at the David Library, 1201 River Road, Washington Crossing. Although the lecture is admission free, reservations are required, and can be made by calling (215) 493-6776 ext. 100, or by sending an email to rsvp@dlar.org.

In George Washington’s last will and testament, he took care to note that he wanted a simple, private funeral. When Washington died unexpectedly five months after drawing up his will, Congress saw an opportunity to structure national mourning around public commemorations to foster unity and a sense of national identity. more

Bestselling Author Holt Reading at Labyrinth

Jim Holt, New York Times bestselling author of the international bestseller Why Does the World Exist? appears Thursday, June 7, at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. The 6 p.m. reading is part of the Library Live at Labyrinth series.

Holt will discuss and sign copies of his new collection of essays, When Einstein Walked with Gödel: Excursions to the Edge of Thought. According to the Times’ Parul Sehgal, “In these pieces, plucked from the last 20 years, Holt takes on infinity and the infinitesimal, the illusion of time, the birth of eugenics, the so-called new atheism, smart phones, and distraction.  more

Holmes Poetry Prize Goes to Jenny Xie

Poet and Princeton alumna Jenny Xie has been selected as the latest recipient of the Theodore H. Holmes ’51 and Bernice Holmes National Poetry Prize awarded by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creative Writing at Princeton University.

The Holmes National Poetry Prize was established in memory of Princeton 1951 alumnus Theodore H. Holmes and is presented each year to a poet of special merit as selected by the faculty of the Creative Writing Program. The award, currently carrying a prize of $5,000, was first made to Mark Doty in 2011 and has since also been awarded to Evie Shockley, Natalie Diaz, Matt Rasmussen, Eduardo Corral, and Claudia Rankine. more

Grim Report on Kaiwen’s Finances Is Disputed by Rider Administration

By Anne Levin

An examination of 2018 first quarter financial results for Beijing Kaiwen Education Technology, the company to which Rider University plans to sell Westminster Choir College, reveals “continued poor performance,” according to a report by an emeritus faculty member of Rider’s College of Business Administration.

Citing numerous sources, Gerald Klein, who was a professor of organizational behavior and management, noted a loss for the quarter of 45 to 55 million Yuan, revised upward from an earlier estimate of 25 to 35 million Yuan that Kaiwen had projected. “Kaiwen’s solvency and continued functioning continues to heavily rely on the infusion of outside funds, a position of risk,” he said in his report. “The company continues to be reliant on the patience, forbearance, and liquidity of its investors and creditors, which includes the Chinese government. Kaiwen has a business model which, by their own admission, will take perhaps years to implement.” more

West Windsor Moves Forward With Transit Village Plan

By Anne Levin

It has been nearly a decade since West Windsor Township created a redevelopment plan for land adjacent to the Princeton Junction train station. Last month, the township reached a settlement agreement with AvalonBay Properties, the developer of the rental complex on the former site of Princeton Hospital, for a 25-acre site next to the station between Washington Road, Station Drive, and the Dinky train tracks.

The site is to include 800 apartments and 37,000 square feet of retail space. The agreement increases the percentage of affordable housing dwellings in the development from the previously proposed 12.5 percent to 16.5 percent. more

Nikon “Small World” Exhibit at State Museum

“SMALL WORLD”: Nikon’s annual “Small World” photomicrography competition features photographic images showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through a microscope. Dr. Bram van den Broek of The Netherlands Cancer Institute took first place in this year’s competition for his photo of a skin cell expressing an excessive amount of keratin. The top 20 images are on view at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton Through July 15.

The New Jersey State Museum is presenting Nikon “Small World” exhibition through July 15. “Small World” is Nikon’s annual photomicrography competition, featuring photographic images showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through a microscope. The top 20 images are included in the exhibition, which is on view adjacent to the Planetarium lobby.  more

“American Moderns” at Michener Art Museum

“YELLOW EXTRACTION”: This painting by Charles Evans is featured in “American Moderns: The Legacy of Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest,” running through October 21 at the James A. Michener Art Museum is Doylestown, Pa. A gallery talk is Thursday, June 7 at 3 p.m.

The James A. Michener Art Museum presents “American Moderns: The Legacy of Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest,” an exhibition that showcases the gifts of the Lenfest family and explores their lasting impact on the museum’s legacy. “American Moderns” will be on view through October 21. more

On D-Day It’s All About Character

By Stuart Mitchner

As soon as news of the Normandy invasion reached the office of baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the games scheduled for June 6, 1944 were cancelled. According to mlb.com, such a thing had happened only once before, on the day President Warren G. Harding died on August 2, 1923. Go figure: this is the man who until recently was considered by many to be the worst American president. And did you know that future Yankee Hall of Famer Yogi Berra was a Seaman Second class in a rocket boat stationed off the coast of Normandy on D-Day providing fire support for the invasion? Interviewed by Keith Olbermann on June 6, 2004, Yogi recalled, “Well, being a young guy [he had just turned 19], I thought it was like the Fourth of July, to tell you the truth. I said, ‘Boy, it looks pretty, all the planes coming over.’ And I was looking out and my officer said, ‘you better get your head down in here, if you want it on.’” more

The Seeing Eye Comes to Princeton

LEADING THE WAY: From left, Seeing Eye puppy raiser Barb Linko (with Hubert), Princeton rising senior Camden Olson (with Koa), Seeing Eye Puppy raiser Yvonne Quinn (with Woody), Seeing Eye staff member Don MacGowan, Seeing Eye graduate Kathy Murray (with Mac), and Seeing Eye Puppy raisers Jenn Wickman (with Jimmy), Ira Fuchs, Laura Fuchs (holding Penny), Patrick Caddeau (with Kato), and Kate Denby (with RG) visited Princeton last Friday. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

Last Weekend during Princeton University Reunions, the Class of ’88 celebrated its 30th reunion. As its community service project, it chose to observe 2018, the Year of the Dog, by supporting service dogs in general and The Seeing Eye, in Morristown, in particular. more

State Agriculture Department Has New Jersey Fresh Website

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher has announced the debut of a new Jersey Fresh website. One of the website’s features is a search function to allow customers to find where the closest Jersey Fresh produce is available.

“This website is an easy-to-use tool for our Jersey Fresh customers,” Fisher said. “It allows shoppers to find out how close they are to farm markets that sell Jersey Fresh products. While making the shopping experience easier for our longtime Jersey Fresh customers, we also believe it will help attract new consumers with its user-friendly features.” more

Selection of Handcrafted Sterling Silver Is Specialty of Downtown Village Silver Shop

One-OF-A-Kind: “Village Silver has a long-standing reputation in the community. People know we have the finest one-of-a-kind merchandise that is truly unique. In addition, we offer the most attentive and helpful customer service.” Valerie White, manager of Village Silver on Witherspoon Street, is shown by a display of the store’s selection of sterling silver.

By Jean Stratton

“We have one of the largest selections of handcrafted sterling silver on the East Coast, and we have survived in the Princeton downtown for 42 years! This has been such a good location with lots of traffic and activity.”

Maria Laraia, owner of Village Silver at 39 Witherspoon Street, is justly proud of her store’s longevity. A mainstay on the Princeton shopping scene, it is known for its outstanding sterling silver and its array of jewelry created by the finest artisans. more

PU Men’s Lightweights Just Miss IRA Crown As Junior Hogan Provides Heart, Consistency

HOGAN’S HEROES: Danny Hogan, far right, helps the Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity eight take second at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta last Sunday on Mercer Lake. The Tigers just missed the national title as they finished just behind victorious Columbia, clocking a time of 6:19.514 over the 2,000-meter course with the Lions coming at 6:18.782. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a daily reminder for Danny Hogan and Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity eight of the main obstacle that stood between them and a national title.

Having lost twice to Columbia for its only two defeats of the spring, the boat had its sights firmly set defeating Columbia when the two crews met at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta. more

Senior Coxswain Mirabella Relishes the Ride As PU Women’s Lightweights Take 3rd at IRAs

LIGHT MOMENT: The Princeton University women’s lightweight varsity eight enjoys the moment after taking third place at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta last Sunday at Mercer Lake. It was the second straight bronze medal for Princeton’s top boat at the IRAs. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Megan Mirabella was hoarse but happy after piloting the Princeton University women’s lightweight varsity eight to a third place finish at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta last Sunday at Mercer Lake.

“Working with Paul [Princeton head coach Paul Rassam], we are able to use the time between sprints and IRAs really well,” said a raspy Mirabella, a senior coxswain from North Wales, Pa. “We were really excited to show our improvements and really battle them a lot closer than last year.” more

Displaying Guts, Grit After Hasty Boat Repair, PU Men’s Heavyweights Take 5th in IRA Final

HEAVY DUTY: The Princeton University men’s heavyweight varsity eight churns through the water as it competed in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta grand final last Sunday on Mercer Lake. The Tigers took fifth in the race, which was won by Yale. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It became a nightmare scenario for the Princeton University men’s heavyweight varsity eight as it warmed up for the grand final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta last Sunday morning.

An oar on the Princeton boat got caught in the choppy water on Mercer Lake and snapped back, breaking a stay on the boat. more

Women’s Soccer Star Gregoire, Quarterback Kanoff Earn Princeton’s Top Senior Athletic Awards

LEGENDS OF THE FALL: Princeton University women’s soccer midfielder Vanessa Gregoire, left, and football quarterback Chad Kanoff are shown in action last fall. The two senior standouts won the major awards when the Princeton University Department of Athletics held its Gary Walters ’67 Princeton Varsity Club Awards Banquet at Jadwin Gym. Gregoire earned the C. Otto von Kienbusch Award as the Outstanding Senior Female Athlete while Kanoff received the William Winston Roper Trophy as the Outstanding Senior Male Athlete. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Women’s soccer midfielder Vanessa Gregoire and football quarterback Chad Kanoff produced record-breaking campaigns last fall as they culminated their Princeton University careers.

Gregoire and Kanoff were both named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year in their respective sports. more

Prevailing in Epic Battle Against East Orange, PHS Boys’ Track Wins Group 4 State Title

GROUP EFFORT: Members of the Princeton High boys’ track team show off the plaque they earned for winning the state Group 4 state title last Saturday at Franklin High. PHS scored 81 points to edge runner-up East Orange, which totaled 76. It marked program’s first outdoor Group state title since 1981. PHS is next in action when its athletes compete in the Meet of Champions in June 9 at Northern Burlington High.

By Bill Alden

For the Princeton High boys’ track team, its quest for the state Group 4 title last weekend turned into a two-horse race with perennial power East Orange.

By the end of action on Friday in the two-day competition at Franklin High, PHS was clearly in the mix for the championship. more

Sparking PDS Baseball With Hitting, Leadership, Senior Star Franzoni Enjoyed Superb Final Season

IN THE ZONE: Princeton Day School baseball player Luke Franzoni takes a swing in a game this spring. Senior star and Xavier University-bound Franzoni produced a superb final campaign for PDS, batting .538 with 28 hits, 29 runs seven doubles, four triples, 10 homers, and 25 RBIs in 18 games. His heroics helped the Panthers go 8-11 and advance to state Prep B semifinals. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into this spring, Luke Franzoni was ready to shoulder more responsibility for the Princeton Day School baseball team.

“Clearly we lost some key guys from last year with seniors like Paul [Franzoni], Ryan [Sparks], Chase [Fleming], and Zach [Dudeck],” said the 6’2, 175-pound Franzoni, an infielder/pitcher. “I just wanted to come in with a positive mindset being a senior this year, knowing I am going to be a leader.” more

May 31, 2018

Maya Lin’s “Princeton Line” Will Take Shape Adjacent to Lewis Arts Complex Next Month

COMING SOON: It may look like a huge pile of dirt on the slope down from the new Lewis Arts complex, but the space will be transformed during the next month into an earthwork installation titled “The Princeton Line,” created by internationally-acclaimed artist Maya Lin.

By Donald Gilpin

Just past the Dinky Bar & Kitchen and the Cargot Brasserie, across from McCarter Theatre on a slope extending down from the new Lewis Arts complex, lies a large expanse of dirt enclosed by orange barriers and a metal fence.

“Coming Soon, Maya Lin” reads a sign on the fence, and within the next month that huge dirt space will be transformed into an earthwork installation titled “The Princeton Line,” the latest creation by the internationally-acclaimed artist who first achieved recognition for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. more

May 30, 2018

Up in Arms

Members of the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team celebrate after they defeated Rancocas Valley 9-8 in the Group 4 Central Jersey sectional final last Thursday. The Little Tigers, who improved to 13-10 with the win, were slated to face South Jersey Group 4 champion Clearview (14-6) in the state Group 4 semis on May 29 with the victor advancing to the title game on June 2. For details on the victory over Rancocas Valley, see page 29. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Beta Bike Lanes Win Mostly Positive Reviews

By Donald Gilpin

Experimental bike lanes on Wiggins Street from the Princeton Public Library along Hamilton Avenue to Walnut Lane and Chestnut Street have provoked a range of responses, mostly positive, from cyclists and others.

The lanes will remain on the road through June 12, as road data continue to be collected. “A report analyzing the data will be presented at the June 25th Council meeting,” said Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert, “ and at that same meeting, Council will discuss next steps.” more

Immigration Meeting Participants Strategize To Support LALDEF

By Donald Gilpin

Against a national backdrop of continuing conflict over immigration laws and practices and the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a group of about 70 business owners, academics, and other residents met last Wednesday at the Nassau Street Presbyterian Church to hear from an array of speakers and express their support for the immigrant community.

At the second annual “stakeholders” meeting, sponsored by the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) and the Princeton University Center for Migration and Development (CMD), featured speakers included LALDEF leaders; two students, one a Princeton University senior who is a DACA recipient, partnering with Princeton University and Microsoft in a national lawsuit, the other a Princeton Day School junior participant in LALDEF’s FUTURO program for first and second generation immigrant students; and two experts on immigration, Princeton University Professor Rosina Lozano and CUNY Professor Alberto Vourvoulias, former deputy editor of Time magazine’s Latin America edition.  more

Springdale Golf Club Looks to Future, Affiliates With Nassau Swim Club

By Anne Levin

There is significant history on the grounds of Springdale Golf Club. Right around the fairway of the fifth hole, George Washington’s troops are said to have camped prior to the historic Battle of Princeton in 1777.

But the current focus at Springdale is on the future — specifically, appealing to a broader base of the community.
Central to that mission is a new agreement with Nassau Swim Club, which is nestled in woods within walking distance of the golf club. more

Girls Night Out

More than 1,000 attendees enjoyed the 12th annual Girls Night Out in downtown Princeton on Thursday evening. Sponsored by Palmer Square Princeton, the event featured sales, live music, drink specials, food tastings, and prizes. (Photos by Erica M. Cardenas)