May 23, 2018

Lawyers Tell Everything You Want to Know About Sexual Harassment in PCDO Forum

By Donald Gilpin

With the #MeToo movement dominating the national conversation, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sexual Harassment But Were Afraid to Ask” was a timely topic for last Sunday evening’s meeting of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO) at the Suzanne Patterson Center.

Featured speakers were New York lawyers Allegra Fishel, founder and executive director of the Gender Equality Center, and Susan Crumiller, founder and principal attorney of Crumiller P.C., a Manhattan law firm dedicated to fighting gender and pregnancy discrimination, both well versed on the pervasiveness and seriousness of sexual harassment in the workplace and what to do about it.  more

Mercer County Veterans to Observe Memorial Day

Mercer County’s annual Memorial Day observance will take place Sunday, May 27, at 11 a.m. in the Veteran Section at Greenwood Cemetery, 1800 Hamilton Avenue in Hamilton. “I encourage everyone to pause this holiday weekend to honor the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives protecting our freedom,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “All are invited to attend the county’s annual remembrance service at Greenwood Cemetery.” Col. Walter F. Conner, USMC (Ret.), will deliver the keynote address at the event, which is organized each year by the Mercer County Veterans Council and the Division of Veteran Services. The ceremony will conclude with a wreath-laying, 21-gun salute, playing of taps, and benediction.

School Matters: Week of May 23, 2018

40th Annual Science Day at Riverside Elementary

Riverside Elementary School is celebrating its 40th annual Science Day with a whole week of science-related activities, bringing in top scientists from a variety of fields to share their knowledge with students and help inspire them in their scientific studies.

“Fun with Physics” with  Princeton University Physics Professor Christopher G. Tully kicked off the week on Monday with a presentation of feats of physics, a demonstration of the phenomenon of quantum levitation, and an examination of the world of electromagnetic forces.  The students experienced an unusual glimpse of the unseen world of quantum mechanics and a look at how different the world can be when the laws of physics are unleashed.  more

The Parklet is Back

In its original location outside Small World Coffee on Witherspoon Street, the Princeton parklet is returning for the summer. The same structure that was such a hit with the public in 2015 is being re-installed with new features including a green roof. The Arts Council of Princeton is curating the project, which has been designed by architect Joseph Hobart Weiss. Opening day is Saturday, June 9 at 1 p.m. and the public is invited.

Click! Clack! Varoom! Varoom! — Of the Wolfes, Thomas (1900-1938) and Tom (1930-2018)

By Stuart Mitchner

Stretching across two pages of the November 1963 issue of Esquire Magazine is a title flamboyantly geared to catch the reader’s eye: “There goes (VAROOM! VAROOM!) that Kandy-Kolored (THPHHHHHH!) Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby (RAHGHHHH!) around the bend (BRUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM …)”

Left in the dust in the far right corner in relatively tiny letters is the author’s name, Thomas K. Wolfe, soon to become Tom Wolfe. When he died last week at 88, the words most often used by obituary writers scrambling to describe Wolfe’s pop-flavored prose style were “pyrotechnical” or “pyrotechnics.” Variations included “technicolor, wildly punctuated” in the New York Times, where Dwight Garner’s tribute highlighted the “bursts of asterisks, the scattering of exclamation points and ellipses, the syncopated distribution of repeated phrases and capitalized words.” The Washington Post weighed in by rightly drawing attention to “all that onomatopoeia.” more

Princeton Singers Celebrates 35th Anniversary Commemorating Past and Looking Forward

By Nancy Plum

Like a successful garden, it takes a long time to develop and nourish a performing ensemble. Princeton Singers began 35 years ago as a volunteer chorus singing English cathedral music, madrigals, and folksongs, and has grown like a weed under the direction of only two conductors: Founding Director John Bertalot and current Artistic Director Steven Sametz. The ensemble is celebrating its 35th anniversary this season, paying credit to its past and present, while looking ahead to the future. The Singers is especially proud of its emergence as a leading professional vocal ensemble performing a wide range of repertoire with a commitment to contemporary music, and its closing concert of this season demonstrated why the chorus is justifiably proud of its musical heritage. more

“Joy of Nature” Exhibit At the Artists’ Gallery

“TOTEM WINTER WREN”: This watercolor by Beatrice Bork is featured in “Joy of Nature,” a joint exhibit with artist Carol Sanzalone, running June 7 through July 1 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception with the artists will be held on Saturday, June 9 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Fine artists Beatrice Bork and Carol Sanzalone will exhibit paintings expressing their personal visions of the splendor of nature in the featured artists exhibit at the Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, in Lambertville. Their paintings, celebrating the “Joy of Nature,” combine images of Bork’s admiration of animals and Sanzalone’s sense of place through color and texture. They will be on exhibit from June 7 to July 1. more

MCCC Gallery Hosts “Mercer County Artists 2018”

“LADY WITH BLUE BIRD”: This mixed media collage by Susan Winter of Hightstown is featured in “Mercer County Artists 2018,” at the MCCC Gallery through July 9.  The show includes 28 pieces by 21 county artists. An awards reception takes place Wednesday, May 23 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The talents of 21 Mercer County artists are on display at the Gallery at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) in “Mercer County Artists 2018,” which runs through July 9. The Gallery at Mercer is located on the second floor of the Communications Building on Mercer’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. more

“View Finders” Exhibit at Michener Museum

“SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA, ICELAND”: This photo by Michael A. Smith is featured in “View Finders: Four Photographic Voices,” an exhibition showcasing the work of four photographers from the Delaware Valley. “View Finders” is at the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., from May 26 to August 26.

Beginning May 26, the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., will present “View Finders: Four Photographic Voices,” an exhibition showcasing the contemporary work of four photographers in the Delaware Valley: Paula Chamlee, Catherine Jansen, Brian H. Peterson, and Michael A. Smith. “View Finders” will be open through August 26. more

Unique Treasure Trove of Captivating Gifts Highlight Heart of the Home in New Hope

CREATIVE CRAFTS: “We focus on functional crafts. Almost all the items are handmade in the U.S. and are specially chosen.” Phyllis Castells, owner of Heart of the Home in New Hope, Pa., for the past 24 years, is shown beside a display of the renowned Campbell Pottery, especially admired for its beautiful shades of blue.

By Jean Stratton

Heart of the Home is filled to the brim with special touches that are a splendid treat for customers. House gifts, wedding gifts, or a special something for yourself are all on hand in a charming setting.

The shop is located at 28 East Main Street in a historic building, notes owner Phyllis Castells. “This is the oldest wood frame house in New Hope, and dates back to between 1760 to 1810. It is the New Hope Flood House, originally built by Dr. Flood. His descendants, many of whom were also physicians, lived in the house over many years.” more

Superb Selection of Antiques and Collectibles Available at Mahbubeh’s Antiques in Hopewell

TRIED AND TRUE: “You try to please your audience. We offer a little bit of everything: furniture, glassware, china, silver, jewelry, linens, and more.” Mahbubeh Stave, owner of Mahbubeh’s Antiques in Hopewell, is shown beside a table setting with vintage glassware and dishes in a springtime display.

By Jean Stratton

For those who appreciate something different, an item with a story to tell, a history, and something with quality craftsmanship and taste, Mahbubeh’s Antiques in Hopewell offers an intriguing selection. Antiques, collectibles, and vintage pieces are all on display in a welcoming, uncrowded setting.

“I enjoy the presentation,” explains owner Mahbubeh Stave. “I do all the displays myself. I don’t want the store to be too crowded, and I want customers to have a nice space to walk around and be able to look at everything.” more

Pope Francis: A Man of His Word – Papal Profile Paints Intimate Portrait of the People’s Pontiff

By Kam Williams

Who is Pope Francis? Baptized Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was born in Argentina on December 17, 1936. He would follow his calling at an early age by entering the seminary while still in his teens.

After being ordained, he began his career teaching theology. He was appointed archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and subsequently named a cardinal three years later by John Paul II.

When he became pope in March of 2013, he made history by being the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first Francis. He took that name in honor of Francis of Assisi, the saint generally regarded as the one most closely mirroring Christ’s compassion for the poor. more

With Junior Star Collins Bringing Talent, Drive PU Women’s Open Crew Primed for NCAAs

PULLING THROUGH: Princeton University women’s rowing star Claire Collins displays her form in a race this spring. Junior standout Collins rowed in the fourth seat to help the open varsity 8 win the Ivy championship regatta earlier this month, earning first-team All-Ivy honors in the process. Collins and the Tigers will be going after another title as the compete in the NCAA Championships from May 25-27 at Sarasota, Fla. (Photo Courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

It didn’t take long for Claire Collins to make an impact in the sport of rowing.

Taking up the sport in the spring of her freshman year at Deerfield Academy (Mass.), Collins was competing for the U.S. National Junior team by that summer.

“It accelerated pretty quickly,” said Collins, a native of McLean, Va. who also starred at volleyball and swimming at Deerfield.  more

Showing Progress in Late Surge, NCAA Run; Tiger Women’s Lax Sees Good Times Ahead

SERIOUSLY GOOD: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Kyla Sears heads to goal in a game this season. Freshman attacker Sears produced a sensational debut campaign for the Tigers, scoring 83 points on 64 goals and 19 assists to set the Princeton and Ivy League record for most goals and points by a freshman. The play of Sears helped Princeton go 9-2 in its last 11 games on the way to going 13-6, winning the Ivy tournament and advancing to the second round of the NCAA tourney. With Sears returning along with four of the team’s other five top scorers this spring and the whole defense, the future looks bright for the Tigers. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In late March, the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team dug an early hole against visiting Syracuse and ended up losing 17-16 to the Orange as a late rally fell short.

Just over six weeks later, the foes met for a rematch in the opening round of the NCAA tournament and this time, Princeton jumped out to an early lead and then produced a late comeback to pull out a 12-11 double overtime triumph over the Orange. more

Yang’s Strong Play at Third Singles a Key As PHS Boys’ Tennis Wins Sectional Crown

THIRD PARTY: Princeton High boys’ tennis player Kevin Yang fires a serve in a match this spring. Last Monday, senior star Yang won at third singles to help second-seed PHS defeat fourth-seed Summit 3-2 in the North Jersey 2, Group 3 sectional finals. The Little Tigers, now 18-2, will face South Group 3 champions Moorestown in the Group 3 state semis on the morning May 23 at Mercer County Park with the victor advancing to play the winner of the Montville-WW/P-South semi in the afternoon. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kevin Yang was thrust into the first singles position for the Princeton High boys’ tennis in 2017 during his junior season and benefitted from the challenge.

“Being first singles, I got a lot more good matches and a lot of experience,” said Yang, who played third singles as a sophomore but moved up the pecking order in 2017 when first singles star Noah Lilienthal and second singles standout Jerry Gu decided not to play for PHS due to other commitment. more

Pontrella Comes Through in Clutch Situations As Hun Baseball Wins 3rd Straight Prep A Crown

SAFE AND SOUND: Hun School baseball Chris Pontrella slides home to score a run in recent action. Last Sunday, senior outfielder Pontrella chipped in three RBIs to help top-seeded Hun edge second-seeded Blair 5-4 in the state Prep A championship game. It was the third straight Prep A crown for the Raiders, who ended the spring with a 15-6 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Chris Pontrella didn’t have a hit as the Hun School baseball team played the Blair Academy in the state Prep A championship game last Sunday.

But senior right fielder Pontrella turned out to be Hun’s key batter in the contest, knocking in three runs with two sacrifice flies and a squeeze play as the top-seeded Raiders pulled out a 5-4 win over second-seeded Blair, earning its third straight Prep A title in the process and ending the spring at 15-6. more

Prevailing on Appeal After Narrow Defeat, Stuart Track Declared Prep B Co-Champions

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Stuart Country Day School star high jumper Allison Walsh clears the bar in an an indoor meet. Earlier this month, senior standout Walsh placed first in the high jump at the the state Prep B outdoor championship meet. While Stuart had initially finished second to Villa Walsh by one point at the May 7 competition, it was declared as co-champions of the meet last week after an appeal. With the Tartans having won the Prep B indoor title this past winter, it marks the first time the program has both track titles in the same school year.

By Bill Alden

Competing in the state Prep B outdoor championships, the Stuart Country Day School track team believed it had done enough to win the meet.

Stuart piled up 115.50 points at the competition held on May 7 at Newark Academy, highlighted by senior star Michelle Kwafo winning the 100 meter dash, the 200, and the 100 hurdles with classmate Allison Walsh taking first in the high jump and the 4×400 relay ending the meet with a win and a school record. more

May 16, 2018

James Floyd, Former Mayor, Dies at 96

PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY: James Floyd’s influence on Princeton, especially the Witherspoon-Jackson district, touched many over several decades.

By Anne Levin

James Floyd, Princeton’s first African American mayor and longtime civil servant, died Monday morning. A community activist who worked tirelessly to promote civil rights, he was a mentor to many and a familiar figure to anyone involved in local politics. He was instrumental in getting the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood designated a historic district.

“Jim Floyd was a change agent,” said Princeton Councilman Lance Liverman, who grew up in Princeton and knew Floyd nearly his whole life. “This is my definition of someone who truly has changed the direction or path others may have gone. Jim was a mover and shaker in the area of affordable housing in Princeton. This was his passion.” more

Princeton’s 8th Annual Wheels Rodeo Rescheduled Due to Weather

This year, The Princeton Police and Princeton Human Services will host the 8th annual Wheels Rodeo on Sunday, May 20 due to the weather. The event was originally to be held on Saturday, May 19. The event will be held from 10 am – 1 pm on Sunday, May 20, at the Community Park Pool Parking lot located at 400 Witherspoon Street. more

DACA Clash May Go to Supreme Court; Locals Welcome Aid for Dreamers

By Donald Gilpin

Last week Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation into law that will grant access to state aid at public and private colleges and universities for New Jersey DREAMers. Qualified students will be permitted to apply for aid starting in the fall 2018 semester, making New Jersey the 10th state in the country to offer state financial aid to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and undocumented students.

“When policies at the federal level have purposely and systematically excluded immigrants in our communities, New Jersey stands up,” said Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund Executive Director Adriana Abizadeh. “Our state legislature is showing the country that immigrants are valued in our state.  more

Iran Entanglements Ignite Two Rallies, In Town and at P.U.

RALLY FOR IRAN DIPLOMACY: Princeton University physicist Rob Goldston urges his Hinds Plaza audience to oppose President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement last Wednesday at a rally organized by the Princeton-based Coalition for Peace Action. (Photo by John Lien)

By Donald Gilpin

American politics continues to interweave and often clash with Iranian politics, and last week those entanglements precipitated two rallies in Princeton.

The first took place in Hinds Plaza on Wednesday to protest against President Trump’s announcement that the United States would be withdrawing from the nuclear agreement with Iran; and the second was held on Friday evening at Princeton University outside Frist Campus Center to show support and solidarity for Xiyue Wang, a Princeton graduate student who has been imprisoned in Iran for almost two years. more

Annual Week of Summer Camp Helps Children of Ailing Parents

RELIEF FROM GRIEF: Friendships were renewed at a recent Friends and Family Day held by the Princeton University chapter of Camp Kesem, which helps children with a parent suffering from cancer. The event was held on the campus for the first time as part of an effort to attract more students to participate in the all-volunteer organization.

By Anne Levin

Witnessing a parent’s fight with cancer can be devastating for a child, even when the battle against the disease is ultimately won. Giving kids a break from their worries and grief is the goal of Camp Kesem, a nationwide organization of college students that sponsors week-long summer programs at camps and camp sites throughout the nation.

Princeton University established a Camp Kesem chapter four years ago. Earlier this month, the students held a Friends and Family Day in front of Frist Campus Center, drawing some 80 visitors to an event described by sophomore Ashley Dong, whose camp name is “Cloud,” as “a sort of reunion.” Dong is one of the chapter’s outreach coordinators. more

Read and Pick Summer Programs at Terhune Orchards

Children love learning about where their food comes from. Read and Pick is an innovative, educational program that combines a hands-on activity with a story highlighting that aspect of farming. Children (ages preschool to 8 years) gather around a storyteller to listen to stories about fruits, vegetables, pollinators, or farming equipment. Read and Pick programs are held biweekly on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Please call (609) 924-2310 to register or register online at terhuneorchards.com/read-pick-sign-up.

William E. Hutnik Is Named Educator of the Year By New Jersey Council of Teachers of English

EDUCATION EXCELLENCE: “Each year is different, and the students are different. I love the fact that they are engaged in the work, and that I can learn from them too. In the beginning of my teaching career, I thought I would be the one to do the talking and teaching, but now I feel the teaching should come from the students.” William E. Hutnik, Upper School English teacher at The Pennington School, is shown in front of Old Main, one of the oldest buildings at the school.

By Jean Stratton

The greatest gift a teacher can impart to a student is a love of learning. This will begin a lifelong journey of exploration, discovery, and enlightenment.

William E. Hutnik is such a teacher.

For 20 years in the English Department at The Pennington School, he has been inspiring students not only to read great literature, but also, through his collaborative strategies, has encouraged them to exchange ideas and sharpen critical thinking skills. more

School Matters: Week of May 16, 2018

Littlebrook Science Students Dream About Their Future

Littlebrook Elementary School (LB) is gearing up for its ninth annual Science Expo on Friday, May 18. Each of the approximately 300 students from kindergarten through fifth grade will participate in up to 15 different 20-minute presentations by dozens of parents and other science experts and enthusiasts who have volunteered their time.

“I’m so grateful to the many parents and community members who give up their day to engage with our kids,” said LB science teacher Martha Friend. “Taking an entire teaching day to focus on science sends a powerful message to our students: Science is a vital component of all of our lives.” more