November 28, 2018

Fraga Leads Discussion On Challenges Faced By Immigrants in Politics

By Anne Levin

Sayu Bhojwani

In her book People Like Us: The New Wave of Candidates Knocking at Democracy’s Door, author Sayu Bhojwani recounts stories of immigrants who serve in American politics and the stumbling blocks they have had to overcome in their governmental careers.

Princeton Councilwoman Leticia Fraga, who is of Mexican descent, can relate to these stories. She read the recently published book after agreeing to engage Bhojwani in a discussion of the book at an Author Talk at Princeton Public Library tonight, Wednesday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m.

“It resonated with me immediately,” said Fraga, who was sworn in last January as the first Latin American to serve on Princeton Council and is the former chair of the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund. “Reading it was almost empowering, because I could see that it wasn’t just me who had been having this experience.” more

Soldiers, Civilians, and Authors Will Highlight Battlefield Event at Morven

TEN CRUCIAL DAYS: Princeton Battlefield Society will be hosting three different events relating to the Battle of Princeton beginning on Sunday, December 2 with presentations at Morven Museum and Garden by four Revolutionary War historians, continuing on December 8 with Young Patriot’s Day at Princeton Friends School, and culminating on December 30 with a Battle of Princeton real time tour. (Photo courtesy of the Princeton Battlefield Society)

By Donald Gilpin

“Soldiers and Civilians in Princeton During the Ten Crucial Days: Winter 1776-1777” will be the subject for four Revolutionary War historians on Sunday, December 2 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Morven Museum and Garden on Stockton Street.

Sponsored by Morven and the Princeton Battlefield Society, the four authors, whose books will be for sale during the event, will discuss the people and the military actions of Princeton during a pivotal time in America’s War for Independence. more

Forty-year Veteran Dianne Somers is Hun School’s “Mother of Boarders”

“MOTHER OF BOARDERS”: Hun School ESL teacher and counselor Dianne Somers is the 2018 recipient of the School’s Distinguished Endowed Faculty Chair. As director of the Arthur Rozas International Student Program for more than 20 years, she oversees the students who come to Hun from 26 different countries.  (Photo courtesy of The Hun School)

By Donald Gilpin

For most of the past 40 years, for students boarding at The Hun School of Princeton, the go-to teacher for advice, information, and encouragement on matters personal, academic, and otherwise has been English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and counselor Dianne Somers.

“We call Ms. Somers the ‘Mother of Boarders,’” said Henry Lazarev, a junior from Russia.  “She is the first person you go to with any kind of problem, whether you broke up with someone or you got a C on a physics exam. You can feel safe your conversation will remain between you two.” more

Encountering Patti Smith and Allen Ginsberg on William Blake’s Birthday

By Stuart Mitchner

We begin in the Automat. What better place to launch a column on William Blake’s birthday than with the first encounter between two of his most passionate advocates, Patti Smith and Allen Ginsberg?

Smith’s endlessly readable 2010 memoir Just Kids offers only a few clues as to exactly where and when this chance meeting took place. Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe were living at the Chelsea Hotel at the time (I’m guessing late sixties); “a few doors down” was the Capitol Fishing tackle shop, a favorite source for two artists determined to transform “the insignificant into the divine.” According to Smith, “Horn and Hardart, the queen of Automats, was just past the tackle shop,” which puts the site in question at 202 West 23rd Street.

The routine was “to get a seat and a tray, then go to the back wall where there were rows of little windows. You would slip some coins in to a slot, open the glass hatch, and extract a sandwich or fresh apple pie. A real Tex Avery eatery.” On this “drizzly afternoon,” Patti has eyes for a cheese-and-lettuce sandwich with mustard on a poppy seed roll. After putting all the money she has — 55 cents — into the slot, she can’t get the window open because the price has gone up to 65 cents. When a voice behind her says “Can I help?” she turns around and sees a man with “dark intense eyes” and a “dark curly beard.” Yes, it’s Allen Ginsberg. They’d never met “but there was no mistaking the face of one of our great poets and activists.”  more

“Reflections of Light” at Art for Healing Gallery

“NOCTURNE III”: The paintings of Princeton artist Lucy Graves McVicker are now on display in “Reflections of Light,” The exhibit runs through March 1 at the Art for Healing Gallery at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

The Art for Healing Gallery at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center (PMC) is now featuring “Reflections of Light,” an exhibit of paintings by award-winning Princeton artist Lucy Graves McVicker. It runs through March 1.

A signature member of the American Watercolor Society, McVicker also works in oil, acrylic, and mixed media. Her work has been shown in more than 80 statewide, national, and international exhibitions, including 38 juried competitions.  more

“Gary Saretzky Retrospective” at JKC Gallery in Trenton

Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC’s) James Kerney Campus Gallery (JKCG) presents “Gary Saretzky Retrospective — 1972 to the Present,” an exhibit that chronicles the work and influences of this well-known Lawrence photographer. The show runs through Thursday, January 10. A community reception and artist talk take place on Wednesday, December 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The talk begins at 6 p.m.

JKCG is located in MCCC’s Trenton Hall, 137 North Broad Street, across the street from the James Kerney Building.

According to Michael Chovan-Dalton, the gallery’s director and curator, Gary Saretzky has been archiving — both professionally and personally — for most of his life. He was the archivist for Educational Testing Service (ETS) for 25 years and has been Monmouth County’s archivist since 1994. Since 1972, Saretzky has also been amassing a more personal archive of his life experiences and observations through photography.  more

Westminster Choir Visits China

Since its founding in 1920, the Westminster Choir has served as an American Choral Ambassador through its tours and performances in 29 countries. In October, they added one more nation to that list: China.

Westminster Choir was the only ensemble from the U.S. invited to participate in the 2018 Beijing International Students Chorus Festival. The trip was supported by Kaiwen Education, the company to which Rider University wants to sell Westminster Choir College. more

“Dandelion Days”

These original fused glass designs by artist Colleen Greene of Fire and Fusion will be among the items at the Arts Council of Princeton’s 25th annual holiday pop-up, Sauce for the Goose Market. The yearly December sale of unique works by area artisans and crafters features ceramics, glassware, ornaments, jewelry, textiles, and other forms of fine art and craft for handmade gifts. Sauce for the Goose Market is on Friday, November 30, 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, December 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pop-up shop is located at the Princeton Shopping Center, next to Metropolis Spa & Salon. For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org or call (609) 924.8777.

Couple Adopts Three Siblings in Inspirational, Real-Life Drama

By Kam Williams

ALL TOGETHER NOW: From left, Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie (Rose Byrne) Wagner form an Instant Family when they adopt siblings Lizzy (Isabela Moner), Lita (Julianna Gamiz), and Juan (Gustavo Quiroz). (Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures)

Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie (Rose Byrne) Wagner are speculators who make a living flipping real estate in their hometown of Atlanta. The couple’s latest acquisition is a fixer-upper with five bedrooms that they hope to sell to Ellie’s sister Kim (Allyn Rachel) and brother-in-law Russ (Tom Segura).

However, Kim and Russ aren’t in the market for a house that needs so much work. Furthermore, they’re childless with no plans to start a family. So, they simply have no use for a place that large. 

Pete and Ellie don’t have kids either, but they have been seriously considering adoption. In fact, they’ve even been checking out photos of available children online.  more

Advanced Skin Therapy and Permanent Cosmetics Offered by Marguerite Hellwich, “The Skin Medic”

NEW LOOK: “I absolutely love my clients. Every person who comes to my office is like my sister, my mother, my brother, my best friend. I want them to feel good about themselves, to have healthy skin, and to have a feeling of well-being.” Skin care specialist and permanent cosmetic artist Marguerite Hellwich, owner of The Skin Medic, is shown performing a microblading procedure to rebuild thinning eyebrows.

By Jean Stratton

Whether it is the inexorable passage of time, injuries, scarring, or other physical conditions, many factors come into play regarding appearance. All can affect how one looks — and ultimately — how one feels.   

Fortunately, a variety of treatments and technologies are available today to help improve many types of skin conditions.

Skin care specialist and permanent cosmetic artist Marguerite Hellwich opened The Skin Medic at 102 Farnsworth Avenue in Bordentown last July. Her office treats people of all ages, from teens to clients over 80. Both men and women benefit from her treatments. more

Not Letting Shoulder Injuries Derail his Senior Season, Payne Helped PU Men’s Water Polo Reach NCAAs

PAINFUL ENDING: Princeton University men’s water polo player Matt Payne fires the ball in recent action. Last Saturday senior star Payne tallied four goals and two assists but it wasn’t enough as 12th-ranked Princeton fell 14-13 in overtime to No. 16 George Washington in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 19-11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Matt Payne will have surgery on one shoulder on December 15 and surgery six weeks later to fix the other one.

Torn labrums caused the Princeton University men’s water polo senior star’s shoulders to repeatedly come out of socket. They ached plenty over the final weeks of the team’s 2018 campaign, but he wasn’t about to miss his last year.

“For me, it was my last season of a 17-year playing career,” said Payne, a 6’2 native of Laguna Beach, Calif.

“I just grew so close to these guys over the last couple years, and the freshmen this year have been the closest I’ve been to a first-year class the whole time I’ve been here, so it really inspired me.” more

Sparked by Return of Senior Standout Cannady, PU Men’s Hoops Rallies for Win at Monmouth

CAN DO: Princeton University men’s basketball player Devin Cannady dribbles upcourt in a game last season. On Saturday, senior guard Cannady scored 21 points to help Princeton overcome a 12-point second half deficit to edge Monmouth 60-57. Cannady, who scored the last eight points of the game for the Tigers, was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. Princeton, now 2-2, plays at Maine on November 28 before hosting George Washington on December 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After being sidelined for the first two games of the season due to a hamstring injury, Devin Cannady didn’t miss a beat as he took the court for the Princeton University men’s basketball team last Wednesday against visiting Fairleigh Dickinson.

“I always do a pretty good job of staying in shape, so it was good to just get back out there and let my legs be free,” said senior guard Cannady. more

Despite Suffering Big Losses to Graduation, PDS Boys’ Hockey Should Remain Formidable

BLUE CHIPPER: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Chip Hamlett handles the puck last season. Senior defenseman Hamlett will be spearheading the PDS defensive unit this winter. The Panthers get their 2018-19 campaign underway this week by hosting St. Joe’s Prep on November 27, Gloucester Catholic on November 29, and Morristown-Beard on December 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team boasts some high-quality players, it is a little thin in numbers compared to past years.

“There is plenty of returning, experienced talent; I expect results, I expect us to play well and to do a lot of things we have done well over the years,” said PDS head coach Scott Bertoli, who guided the Panthers to a 17-8 record last year and a spot in the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League (MAHL) final. more

Featuring Plenty of Offensive Firepower, PHS Boys’ Hockey Has Big Expectations

BIG MAC: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Ryan McCormick, left, goes after the puck in a game last season. Junior forward McCormick figures to be a key producer for PHS this winter. The Little Tigers begin their 2018-19 season this week with games against Hopewell Valley on November 27, Nottingham on November 28, and Robbinsville on November 30, with all three contests to be played at the Mercer County Park rink. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After making two straight runs to the state semifinals, the Princeton High boys’ hockey team is bringing high hopes into the winter.

“The team is excited; there are a lot of expectations,” said PHS head coach Tim Chase, who guided the Little Tigers to an 18-9-2 record and a spot in the Public B state semis last winter in his debut season at the helm of the program. “We are not going to fly under the radar.” more

Boasting a Battle-Tested, Talented Squad, Hun Boys’ Hockey Primed for Big Winter

FAST EDDIE: Hun School boys’ hockey player Ed Evaldi controls the puck in a game last winter. Junior defenseman Evaldi gives Hun skill and speed from the blue line. The Raiders open their 2018-19 season by hosting Bishop Eustace on November 28 and St. Joe’s (Metuchen) on November 30 before playing at Bergen Catholic on December 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Welcoming back a battle-tested squad, Ian McNally is feeling a comfort level with his Hun School boys’ hockey team as it prepares for the 2018-19 season.

“We are skilled and we have an older group than we have ever been,” said Hun head coach McNally, who led the Raiders to a 13-8-1 record last as the program won its fifth straight Mercer County Tournament title. more

Hun Girls’ Hoops Lacks Height in the Paint, Will be Relying on Shooting Skill, Athleticism

FULL SPEED AHEAD: Hun School basketball player Jada Jones races upcourt in action last winter. Senior guard Jones provides production and leadership for Hun. The Raiders were schedule to start their 2018-19 campaign by hosting Germantown Friends (Pa.) on November 27 and Stuart Country Day on December 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over the last three seasons, the Villanova men’s basketball team has utilized deadly outside shooting and defensive intensity to help undersized Wildcat squads win two NCAA crowns.

As the Hun School girls’ basketball team heads into the 2018-19 season, Hun head coach Bill Holup views that formula as the blueprint of success for his program. more

After Rolling to Prep B Crown Last Season, Stuart Hoops Has Pieces in Place to be Great

IN CHARGE: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Nia Melvin heads to the hoop in a game last winter. Sophomore star Melvin will be counted on to the trigger the Stuart offense this winter. The Tartans were slated to tip off their 2018-19 season by hosting Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.) on November 27 and then competing in the Peddie School Invitational from November 30-December 1 and playing at Hun on December 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Understandably, there is a positive vibe around the Stuart Country Day School basketball team as it prepares to start the 2018-19 campaign.

Coming off a memorable winter which saw Stuart roll to its first state Prep B title and with most of its starters returning and the arrival of some talented newcomers, the Tartans are in a very good place. more

November 21, 2018

Perfect 10

Members of the Princeton University football team celebrate after they defeated Penn 42-14 last Saturday at Princeton Stadium to end the fall at 10-0 overall and 7-0 Ivy League. It marked the program’s first undefeated season since the 1964 team went 9-0 and its first outright Ivy title since 1995. For more details on the game, see page 35. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Voters Will Decide on $26.9M Referendum

By Donald Gilpin

With significant tension remaining between the needs of the schools and the financial concerns of the residents, the town of Princeton will vote on December 11 on a $26.9 million scaled down bond referendum to provide upgrades to the Princeton Public Schools (PPS).

Following almost two years of planning and more than 40 public forums, the Board of Education (BOE) in early October decided to postpone some of its plans for a facilities referendum that would have cost taxpayers almost $130 million, and instead voted 10-0 to place on the ballot a single question “addressing the district’s most urgent needs in its aging schools, including safety, security, and HVAC upgrades,” according to a PPS press release from last week.  more

Four PU Seniors Win Rhodes Scholarships For Study at Oxford

By Donald Gilpin

Three Princeton University seniors were among 32 United States Rhodes Scholars chosen for 2019, including a record 21 women. A fourth Princeton senior is one of five recipients  from India.

Nicolette D’Angelo, John Hoffmeyer, Katharine (Kate) Reed, and Samvida Sudheesh Venkatesh, who was named last month as a winner from India, will all begin their studies at Oxford University in October 2019. 

Almost half of the U.S. recipients, named Sunday, are either immigrants or first-generation Americans, according to the Rhodes Trust. Recipients are chosen not only for their scholarly achievements, but also for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in their chosen careers.  more

Council Votes for Ordinance With New Zoning Standards

By Anne Levin

On Monday night, Princeton Council voted unanimously, with modifications, in favor of an ordinance establishing new neighborhood residential zoning standards. The final ordinance requires review by the Zoning Board of Adjustment for houses being torn down on non-conforming lots. Tear-downs on conforming lots that meet all other bulk requirements for the zone in which they are located are not required to obtain variance relief.

The vote came after significant public comment and discussion among Council members, who worked to reword the section of the ordinance that was in question. Originally introduced by Council last month, the measure went to the Planning Board for review before coming back for a final vote. more

PHS Junior Journalist Teams Up With Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta

ACTIVISTS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE:Andre Biehl, Princeton High School junior and reporter for the Latino Migrant Teen Journal, met iconic farmworker and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta in person last month at an event celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month at Rutgers University-Camden. Biehl, who had researched Huerta’s long career on the barricades, interviewed her over the phone last summer, and was excited to finally meet her. (Photo courtesy of Andre Biehl)

By Donald Gilpin

When legendary farmworker and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta addressed a large crowd at Rutgers University-Camden last month, in an event celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, Princeton High School junior Andre Biehl was more than just a casual spectator. 

Before she delivered her speech, Biehl, youth editor and contributing reporter for Latino Migrant Teen Journal, had met Huerta in person to follow up on a phone interview he conducted with her over the summer. A version of that interview will be published soon on the American Anthropological Association blog in advance of its upcoming meeting, where Huerta is giving the keynote speech, and another version of the interview will be published in Latino Migrant Teen Journal. more

Covered Bridge Artisans 24th Annual Studio Tour and Sale

Held this year on November 23, 24, and 25, this self-guided tour features six professional artists’ studios in southern Hunterdon County, with and an additional ten artists in the Cultural Art Center in Sergeantsville. The works being shown are paintings, sculpture, pottery, glass, wooden bowls, hand-spun yarn and weavings, jewelry, basketry, and more. Participant can spend time in each studio talking to the artist and learning the inspiration and techniques of their art. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and a tour map, visit www.coveredbridgeartisans.com. (Photo by Don Schoenleber)

“Lovely as a Tree” at D&R Greenway

“AUTUMN MIST”: This painting by Helen Meyers is featured in D&R Greenway Land Trust’s juried exhibit, “Lovely as a Tree,” on view through January 25 at the Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. An opening reception is Friday, November 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

D&R Greenway Land Trust’s juried exhibition, “Lovely as a Tree,” includes the work of more than 80 artists responding to the words of poet Joyce Kilmer: “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.” The artwork is on view through January 25, 2019 in the Marie L. Matthews Art Gallery at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton.

An opening reception is on Friday, November 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Phone (609) 924-4646 or rsvp@drgreenway.org to register for the reception.   more

Festival of Trees At Morven Museum

Morven Museum & Garden’s 2018 Festival of Trees showcases “Holidays at Morven Through the Centuries,” with juried trees on display November 21 through January 6 in Morven Museum’s newly reimagined galleries.

“Morven’s annual Festival of Trees has been a holiday highlight for years, and this year we’re enhancing it by presenting ‘Holidays at Morven Through the Centuries,’” says Morven Executive Director Jill Barry.

Morven’s Festival of Trees is a juried collection of trees and mantles displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, upstairs and down. This year’s theme invites visitors to tour the newly reimagined first floor galleries, featuring trees inspired by 18th- through 20th-century décor; and the second floor galleries, where imagination runs free. more