July 7, 2021

Summer Events At the Princeton Shopping Center Are Scheduled for a Lively Series of Entertainment

AMAZING ARTWORK: “Bring on the Joy” is the theme of this colorful mural at the Princeton Shopping Center. Commissioned by EDENS, the owner of the Shopping Center, it was painted by a team of Arts Council of Princeton artists. “We believe that public art provides an opportunity to build community around creative expression,” explains Melissa Kuscin, Arts Council program/marketing manager. “The impact of a mural is impressive: it brightens and lifts the spirits of those who encounter it, and has the potential to deliver key themes and messages.”

By Jean Stratton

It’s party time at the Princeton Shopping Center!

Friday, July 9 (rescheduled to July 29) will be the launch date of its “Summer Nights Series” of concerts, movies, and DJ parties. It will also dedicate its striking new mural, Bring on the Joy, located on the interior courtyard wall between the Smith’s Ace Hardware and Princeton Mattress establishments.

It couldn’t be a better time to celebrate, as everyone is ready to get out and about after a year and a half of semi-confinement.

We are fortunate in Princeton not only to have a downtown that is alive and lively, but a “village” shopping center, with friendly service and personal attention. And Princeton strives to be a town where the independently-owned establishment can still thrive. The independent entrepreneur is a presence here, appreciated and respected by knowledgeable and interested customers. more

Making the Most of Extra Year of College Lacrosse, Former PU Star McCarthy Helped UNC Reach Final 4

EXTRA SPECIAL: Connor McCarthy heads upfield in a game this spring for the University of North Carolina men’s lacrosse team. Former Princeton University standout McCarthy, who was playing for UNC as a grad student, helped the Tar Heels reach the NCAA Final 4. Midfielder McCarthy tallied 14 goals this spring for UNC, including a game-winner in overtime against Rutgers in a 12-11 victory in the NCAA quarterfinals. (Photo provided courtesy of UNC Athletic Communications)

By Justin Feil

With the season on the line for the North Carolina men’s lacrosse team, Connor McCarthy received a pass from his left and wound up to shoot when he saw daylight ahead of him. Dancing forward, he over-handed a blast into the back of the net that sent UNC into the NCAA Final 4 with a 12-11 overtime win against Rutgers in a quarterfinal clash.

“I definitely have not had any experience like that, no game-winner or anything,” said midfielder McCarthy, a former Princeton University lax standout who was playing at UNC this spring as a grad student.

“To do it like that, with a game-winner in the NCAA tournament having not made the tournament ever was really special and to go out at the end with it was really special. That was a super surreal moment and really cool and I’ll never forget that.”

McCarthy would have loved to have had the same chance the year before as a senior at Princeton and felt the Tigers were in the midst of a special season when the COVID-19 pandemic ended that possibility. more

Hun Baseball’s Applegate, PHS Lax Star Henderson Get the Nod as Top Performers of Spring Campaign

GATE CRASHER: Hun School baseball player Carson Applegate follows through on a swing this year. Junior star Applegate’s exploits with the bat and on the mound helped Hun go 19-2 as the Raiders won the program’s fifth straight state Prep A title along the way. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Carson Applegate started things with a bang this spring in his junior season with the Hun School baseball team.

Leading off in the season opener against LaSalle College High (Pa.), Applegate ripped a triple.

“On the first pitch of the season, he hit off the fence for a triple, that is what he does,” said Hun head coach Tom Monfiletto of Applegate, who has committed to attend the University of Kentucky and play for its Division I baseball program.

“He is aggressive, he is an unbelievable competitor. He is super athletic, he has every tool you could imagine.

Star infielder/pitcher Applegate kept displaying his tools all spring, banging out hits and piling up wins on the mound as Hun produced a season for the ages, going 19-2 and winning the program’s fifth straight state Prep A title.

Applegate’s performance in a 10-0 win over Lawrenceville in Hun’s home opener in mid-April exemplified his exploits in 2021. more

Former PHS Star Blue Displaying Scoring Prowess As LoyalTees Aims for 3rd Summer Hoops Crown

BLUE STREAK: Zahrion Blue puts up a shot for LoyalTees last week in Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League action. Former Princeton High star and current Lincoln University standout Blue has helped two-time defending summer hoops champion LoyalTees get off to a 3-0 start in the 2021 campaign. He tallied 35 points in a 69-64 win over Majeski Foundation last Wednesday and then chipped in 17 as LoyalTees edged SpeedPro 64-61 in overtime last Friday and is now the only undefeated team in the league. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Zahrion Blue developed quite a comfort level playing in the Princeton High gym from 2015-18.

Starring for the PHS boys’ basketball team, guard/forward Blue tallied more than 1,000 points in his Tiger career, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic scorers in program history.

So when the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League moved its games from the Community Park courts into the PHS gym due to inclement weather last Wednesday evening, Blue was more than happy to be inside playing for LoyalTees against Majeski Foundation.

“It is my home court,” said Blue, who has gone on to star at Lincoln University. “I scored a thousand in here so I have been doing this three years.”

Displaying his scoring prowess, Blue poured in 15 points as LoyalTees forged ahead 31-28 at halftime.

In the second half, the game turned into a duel between Blue and Majeski’s Anthony DiCaro, who drained five 3-pointers over the last 20 minutes of the contest on the way to a 28-point performance. In the end, though, Blue got the best of the shootout, tallying 35 points as LoyalTees prevailed 69-64.

“I give props to No. 5, he was doing his thing,” said Blue. “I am No. 5 too so I had to get the last laugh in the battle of the fives.”

There have been a lot of smiles over the last few years for LoyalTees as it won league titles in 2018 and 2019 before the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic. more

June 30, 2021

Open House

The Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad offered tours of its new state-of-the-art headquarters on Mount Lucas Road on Sunday afternoon. The event, which had been postponed by the pandemic, also featured live music and ice cream. Visitors share their impressions of the new facility in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Weronika A. Plohn)

School Board Weighs Maintenance Referendum

By Donald Gilpin

A major maintenance referendum to replace leaking, aging roofs at all six district schools and to repair several crumbling facades was on the agenda at last night’s Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) meeting, which took place after press time.

Announcing on Monday, June 28, that it would be discussing its options for undertaking urgent major maintenance projects, the BOE could decide on the details by the end of July, submit its proposal to voters for approval through a bond referendum in January 2022, and start roof replacements in the summer of 2022, according to a June 29 PPS press release. The roof replacement and maintenance projects would be spread out over five years.

The last PPS referendum, $27 million for improvements to all six schools, was passed in December 2018. According to the PPS press release, the debt from prior referendums will mature on February 1, 2022 and 2023, and the proposed future maintenance projects can be completed without increasing debt service above the current levels. more

Witherspoon Street Redesign and Sustainable Landscaping Dominate Council Meeting

By Anne Levin

A work session on the first phase of the plan to redesign part of Witherspoon Street and a presentation on sustainable landscaping were the focus of Princeton Council’s June 28 meeting. While no formal actions were taken, both initiatives were given support to proceed.

A public meeting will be held Wednesday, July 14 for further discussion of the recommendations put forth by Sustainable Princeton, the Princeton Environmental Commission, Quiet Princeton, and others involved in a project to make local landscaping practices more sustainable. Princeton was one of nine cities to receive a $55,000 Partners for Places grant last December, to work toward adopting practices that protect the health of both landscapers and the environment.

Efforts are being made to ensure that the voices of landscapers and residents are heard in coming up with recommendations to amend current ordinances. The Princeton Civil Rights Commission’s Racial Equity Toolkit has been used in the process. The goal is to recommend solutions that are environmentally and socially equitable.

Gas-powered leaf blowers are a major area of interest. “They expose workers and the public to very significant health and daily life problems,” said Tony Lunn of Quiet Princeton, adding that hundreds of residents have said they want a total ban on the machinery, which would involve converting to alternative equipment. Currently, the recommendation is for a seasonal ban.

“The first all-electric landscaping companies are now operating in Princeton,” Lunn said. “We have two on our webpage that use commercial grade equipment. It is not cripplingly expensive, and the operating costs are actually lower, so once you get over the hurdle, you are actually saving.” more

Music, Readings, and Fireworks Mark Fourth of July Celebrations

By Anne Levin

In an account recently provided by Princeton University’s Mudd Manuscript Library, July 4, 1837 was celebrated on campus “with unusual spirit.” There were cannon salutes, a ceremonial procession to the chapel, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and at least eight speeches throughout the course of the day.

While July 4, 2021 won’t include any cannons firing on the Princeton campus or close by, some celebratory activities don’t appear to have changed much in the past 184 years. Readings of the Declaration of Independence and speeches are among the events planned for the local area over the holiday weekend, along with concerts, picnics, and of course, fireworks.

The celebrations get started on Thursday, July 1 at 7 p.m. with fireworks at Rider University. The display is hosted by Lawrence Township. Visit lawrencetownship.com for details.

The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) celebrates America’s 245th birthday on Sunday, July 4 starting at 12 p.m. in Princeton Battlefield State Park. Following remarks by PBS President Michael Russell, there will be a flag raising ceremony accompanied by vocalist Krista Hastings, a graduate of Westminster Choir College.

Command Sergeant Major John Zimmerman of the Army 99th Readiness Group, Fort Dix, will speak about the War of Independence, the Battle of Princeton (in which one of his ancestors served), and the importance of the armed forces today. Will Krakower, the PBS historical educator, will read the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony closes with two more songs sung by Hastings, and more remarks by Russell. more

Helping Those Less Fortunate Is Goal of Two Local Pianists

PLAYING TO GIVE BACK: West Windsor resident Amber Wang, 16, was among the pianists taking part in last weekend’s annual “Performathon.” The event, in which students of Ingrid Clarfield performed on Steinway pianos provided by Jacobs Music Company, raised funds for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

By Anne Levin

Sitting down at the piano bench to practice or perform, Amber Wang and Alyssa Xu often have less fortunate young people in mind. The two 16-year-olds – Amber from West Windsor and Alyssa from Plainsboro – are as committed to helping others as they are to perfecting the intricacies of the music they play.

They were among the students of piano teacher Ingrid Clarfield who played last weekend at the annual “Performathon” held at Princeton Meadows Church. Clarfield’s young pianists were joined by five pupils of other local piano teachers at the event, which raised funds for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

“We are really into the idea of children helping children,” said Amber in a Zoom interview a few days after the concert. “And we know we are really fortunate. We’re not in the hospital. We’re going to school, playing the piano, doing other things, just going through our lives. We want to help those who aren’t so lucky.”

“I’m grateful for all the resources and opportunities I have, and I am happy to be able to support children in the hospital,” said Alyssa. “Our donations go to the Children’s Fund at CHOP, and that covers things not usually supported by traditional charities, like music therapy and pet therapy.” more

Joint Effort Safe Streets Announces Plans For August Witherspoon-Jackson Activities

By Donald Gilpin

“Not Bouncing Back, but Bouncing Forward” will be the theme when the Joint Effort Witherspoon-Jackson Community Princeton Safe Streets program returns this summer with nine days of in-person activities from July 31 to August 8.

Continuing to focus on the historic role of the Witherspoon-Jackson community as the 20th Historic District of Princeton, the 2021 celebration will recognize many stories of family, faith, leadership, history, community, and the future of Princeton with a wide variety of cultural, athletic, spiritual, entertainment, and educational events held at different locations throughout the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood and the larger Princeton community.

“The goal is to bring folks out of the pandemic,” said Joint Effort lead organizer John Bailey. “For the past two years we’ve been inside, dealing with the pandemic, and issues of race, health, unemployment. Folks need a break. But we’re not just bouncing back. We’re bouncing forward.”

Among the highlights of the 2021 Joint Effort will be a series of discussions of a new vision for Princeton with a focus on the future of the Witherspoon Street corridor, the municipal government, public schools, economic development, the future of cannabis in Princeton, and a forum for candidates seeking election to local offices. Also featured will be a community tribute to Joint Effort founder John Young; a meet-and-greet with Carol Kelley, the new superintendent of Princeton Public Schools (PPS), and Frank Chmiel, the new Princeton High School principal; a community block festival featuring Grace Little; a gospel music fest; a basketball clinic and games; and more.  more

A Cannabis Dispensary for Princeton? Many Questions Still To Be Answered

By Donald Gilpin

With many questions still to be answered, the 23-member Cannabis Task Force (CTF) has been doing its homework prior to presenting a recommendation to Princeton Council on the future of cannabis in town.

Many citizens who spoke up at a June 23 public meeting, as well as most of the task force members, favor the establishment of a dispensary in Princeton, but the details about where, how, and who, not to mention, traffic, parking, necessary restrictions, and enforcement, still have to be worked out.

According to CTF Chair Eve Niedergang, the CTF will most likely recommend to Council that Princeton opt out before the state’s August 21 deadline, with the intention of opting in later after further research to resolve issues that are still undetermined.

Despite a Zoom bombing that briefly disrupted the proceedings, last Wednesday’s two-hour public input meeting, attended by more than 50, was productive and informative, said Niedergang. 

“Some people were adamantly opposed, for the sake of their children, as they put it,” said Niedergang. “But most were in favor. Many people were generally positive but had some concerns about messaging or specific locations.”

She reported that the CTF met the next day for its regular session, and decided they needed more time to work out the details of their recommendation. “All the questions we still don’t have answers to really decided that we’re not going to opt in at this point,” she said. “The task force needs to study things further to have some questions answered that we haven’t had time to answer. We intend to present an opt-in ordinance to Council at some point in the fall.” more

Up Close and Inspirational — The Spirit of “Friday Night Lights”

By Stuart Mitchner

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Friday Night Lights is that it is painfully, breathtakingly realistic and yet also exists as some sort of platonic ideal of what human beings can be ….

  —Will Leitch, introducing A Friday Night Lights Companion

When Peter Berg pitched Friday Night Lights to NBC executives in 2006, he accentuated the negative: “I want to build up this all-American quarterback, this hero. This wonderful, beautiful kid with his entire future ahead of him …. And he’s going to break his neck in the first game. We’re going to create this iconic American hero, and we’re going to demolish him.”

Berg is quoted in “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Couldn’t Lose” (a variation on the Dillon, Texas Panthers’ pregame mantra “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose”), an oral history compiled by Robert Mays on grantland.com and posted July 28, 2011. Mays describes the series as the “story of a high school football coach from Dillon, whose improbable victories mirrored those of the critically beloved — but disastrously rated — show itself. In an era when sports television was supposedly at its nadir, when elite storytelling was supposedly only the work of prestige outlets like HBO and AMC, Friday Night Lights (FNL) emerged as the quintessential show about American spirit and uplift at a time when the moral and economic bedrock of our Country seemed most in doubt.”

That was “our Country” a decade ago.  more

Princeton University Concerts Shares Spring Series Plans

CONCERT SERIES: Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason will appear with her brother, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, as part Princeton University Concerts’ spring season. (Photo by Robin Clewley)

Princeton University Concerts (PUC) is planning to transition the series’ concert offerings to a live, in-person format. Although the kinds of gatherings possible on-campus in the coming year is not yet known, PUC is actively working with Princeton University officials to lay the groundwork for a spring 2022 season. At the core of this season, as it has been for 129 years, is a “Concert Classics” series, featuring many artists whose concerts were canceled during the past two seasons due to the pandemic:

Participants include the Takács String Quartet and Julien Labro, Bandoneón; tenor Mark Padmore and pianist Mitsuko Uchida, Uchida with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra; the Ebene String Quartet, the Dover String Quartet, the Tetzlaff String Quartet; and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason with pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. more

Pennsylvania Ballet Troupe Gets New Name

NEW NAME: The Pennsylvania Ballet is now The Philadelphia Ballet. The rebranding reflects a renewed focus and marks a return to live performances.

Pennsylvania Ballet has changed its name to Philadelphia Ballet. Rooted in a nearly 60-year artistic legacy in the community of Philadelphia, the new name is a reflection of the company’s dedication to its home city, and a testament to the spirit of experimentation and evolution that lives at the heart of its artistic mission.

The company is planning a return to the stage with a new season of in-person performances, including world premieres, contemporary works, and classics from October through May.

The decision to become Philadelphia Ballet resulted from a period of reflection on the past, present, and potential future of the company’s goals and values. “Our company’s evolution into Philadelphia Ballet is not just a cosmetic change. After a year of deep hardship, it is more important than ever that our name reflect the communities we serve and embody the true spirit of our company,” said Executive Director Shelly Power. “Philadelphia is at the core of all that we do. It is not only our home but also our inspiration, a city that both embraces its rich history and thrives on experimentation. Furthermore, our late founder, Barbara Weisberger, originally intended to name her company Philadelphia Ballet. Taking this step to evolve our identity not only honors her intentions, but also celebrates our real and intrinsic connection to the communities of Philadelphia.” more

Photo Exhibit at MCCC’s Kerney Campus Gallery

“MOMENTS & MEMORIES”: Images such as this by artist Tim Dill are included in “The Mark and the Memory” exhibition, on view through September 17 at the James Kerney Campus Gallery at Mercer County Community College’s campus in Trenton.

Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC’s) James Kerney Campus Gallery (JKCG) now features “The Mark and the Memory,” an exhibit that explores the role of photography in documenting and processing trauma.

Curated by Ryann Casey, an MCCC adjunct professor and independent curator, the exhibition runs through September 17. A closing reception will take place September 14.

The exhibition examines how the photographic medium uses history, intervention, and self-documentation to address and respond to traumatic experiences. It includes artist interviews, a catalog, and a virtual tour.  more

“Spring Rain”

Cross Pollination Gallery, featuring the work of abstract impressionist SiriOm Singh and fiber artist Ayala Shimelman, is hosting a reopening reception on Saturday, July 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at its new location at 3 North Union Street in Lambertville. Refreshments and live music will be part of the festivities. For more information, visit crosspollinationgallery.com.

“In-Between” Dual Art Exhibit at Artists’ Gallery

“IN-BETWEEN”: “Monhegan Clearing” by Michael Schweigart, above, and “Stillness” by Joe Kazimierczyk, below, are featured in a dual exhibition of their landscape paintings, on view July 8 through August 1 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on Saturday, July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Artists’ Gallery will present “In-Between,” an exhibit of landscape paintings by Joe Kazimierczyk and Michael Schweigart, July 8 through August 1. All are invited to view the exhibit at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville, and attend the opening reception on Saturday, July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.  more

Expert Chimney & Roofing LLC in Fair Lawn Offers High Quality Products and Service

ROOF AND CHIMNEY EXPERTISE: “We work hard to make sure that our customers have the safest and best quality roofs and chimneys.” Eri Iseberi, owner of Expert Chimney & Roofing LLC, is proud of the excellent workmanship of his crews. Shown are photos of recent projects, including roofs and chimneys.

By Jean Stratton

A roof over your head, a fire in the fireplace  — even in the midst of summer, it is not too soon to think about any needed repairs for the chimney and fireplace, so they will be ready to provide a cozy setting for those chilly December days and nights.

Making sure the roof is free of hidden leaks or other damage is important for year-round comfort.

Indeed, care and attention to the roof is crucial at any time. Depending on its age, unseen problems underneath the shingles can cause serious damage.

Opened in 2006, Expert Chimney & Roofing LLC in Fair Lawn has established an excellent reputation for its skill with new roofs, chimneys, gutters, and repair work in all areas. more

PDS Alum Franzoni Helped NJIT Baseball Make History As Highlanders Advanced to NCAAs for the First Time

HISTORIC RUN: Paul Franzoni trots home after hitting a homer for the New Jersey Institute of Technology baseball team against Nebraska in the NCAA Division I tournament. Former Princeton Day School standout and star catcher Franzoni helped NJIT make the NCAAs for the first time in school history. Franzoni, a team captain, hit .236 with six homers and 18 RBIs as the Highlanders went 27-24, getting eliminated in the Fayetteville (Ark.) regional. (Photo provided courtesy of NJIT Media Relations)

By Bill Alden

Paul Franzoni sensed that the New Jersey Institute of Technology baseball team could do some big things in the 2021 season.

“We were really confident, we really liked our team with the guys coming back and some of the new guys coming in,” said Franzoni, a former Princeton Day School standout and senior catcher and team captain for NJIT.

“We moved conferences so that was our first year in the American East [moving from the ASUN conference]. America East is a really good league but we felt we were going to have a good shot to win it so the expectations were high.”

But Highlanders got off to a really bad start, going 3-12 in its first 15 games.

“We just weren’t playing well after a couple of weekends,” said Franzoni.

“The captains would get together and we would be like what are we going to say to these guys. We have just got to play better, we know that we are a really good team. We just have to do it. We had a couple of key guys that were injured.”

NJIT showed they were really good, going 21-10 over the rest of regular season play. “It was a mixture of things. It was those guys coming back, it was us becoming closer as a team and just becoming the team that we knew we were in the fall,” said Franzoni, reflecting on the team’s late surge.

“Everyone started to play better and it didn’t come as a surprise that we started playing better. That was our expectation in the fall.” more

Culminating Stellar High School Baseball Career, Hun Grad Petrone Stars in Carpenter Cup Classic

HAVING A BLAST: Ben Petrone rounds third base after hitting a homer for the Hun School baseball team in a 4-0 win over Poly Prep (N.Y.) on May 6. Last Thursday, Lafayette College commit Petrone hit a homer for the Mercer County all-stars in the Carpenter Cup Baseball Classic championship game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Despite Petrone’s blast, Mercer fell 5-3 to Tri-Cape (N.J.) in the competition which features high school all-star teams from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Ben Petrone would have liked to win the Carpenter Cup Baseball Classic championship, but otherwise has only fond memories of his final high school experience.

The Hun School graduate homered in the first inning to right field at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia last Thursday in the championship game of the tourney which features high school all-star squads from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware to get the Mercer County all-stars on the board first before Tri-Cape (N.J.) rallied to win 5-3 and earn its first Carpenter title.

“It was a pretty awesome way to end my high school career,” said Petrone, a Princeton resident.

“I had a couple big hits this year. That was definitely probably at the top of that list. It was an awesome way to kick off the game and end my high school baseball career. It was pretty awesome.”

Petrone was one of six Hun players selected to the 35th annual Carpenter Cup, which was not played last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Petrone joined Carson Applegate, Ryan DiMaggio, Jackson Kraemer, Ben Romano, and alternate Carson Wehner, in representing Hun after a 19-2 spring season that included Mid-Atlantic Prep League and Prep A championships. The Carpenter Cup selection was a special way to finish especially after missing out on the 2020 season.

“I was definitely excited to be a part of the team,” said Petrone.  more

Led by Freshman Standouts Salzano, Mayer, PDS Softball Produced Winning Campaign

A-PLUS: Princeton Day School softball player Adriana Salzano fires a throw from third base in a game this season. Freshman star and team co-captain Salzano enjoyed a superb debut season, helping the Panthers go 5-4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Angela Parascando focused on the basics when she finally got to guide the Princeton Day School softball team this spring after the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic.

“During practice, we gave them a routine that I have been drilling into them for the four years that I have been here,” said PDS head coach Parascando, who served as an assistant coach for the program in 2018 and 2019 before taking the helm last year.

“Those are all of the fundamental drills that they need to have in games, basic catching and throwing. They are very well versed now. They didn’t have structure and organization and now that they have that, they are more confident on what they are doing and confidence goes a long way. They need to be confident before they can step out on the field and perform well.”

That confidence showed as PDS posted a 5-4 record this spring, ending the season on a high note with a 15-5 win over Rutgers Prep on May 25.

“I thought it was a pretty competitive game for us; being that it was their last game, they really wanted to win it after their Senior Day game didn’t go so well [a 19-4 loss to Gill St. Bernard’s on May 24],” said Parascando. more

Despite Taking Some Lumps Down the Stretch, PDS Girls’ Lax Raised the Level of its Game

IN SYNC: Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse player Ella McIntyre brings the ball upfield in a game this spring. Senior defender McIntyre helped PDS go 8-7 and advance to the state Prep B semifinals. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse team lost seven of its last nine games this spring after getting off to a 6-0 start, Jill Thomas still views the 2021 campaign as a success.

“I am going to go back to the beginning and say we are so grateful to have had a season,” said PDS head coach Thomas.

“I think that is the first thing all of the kids would agree to. You start 6-0 and we take care of all of the teams that we normally play and then we hit a stretch where played a lot of the top teams in the state in New Jersey. We played five ranked teams in our last seven games. I think we played some of our best lacrosse in losing efforts.”

The Panthers played hard in their season finale, falling 14-9 at Hillsborough on May 27. more

Showing Growth Throughout 2021 Campaign, Hun Girls’ Lacrosse Sees Bright Future Ahead

GOAL-ORIENTED: Hun School girls’ lacrosse player Abby O’Brien looks for an opening in a game this season. Sophomore star O’Brien triggered the Hun offense, tallying team-highs in goals (70) and assists (13) as the Raiders posted a 7-10 record this spring, advancing to the state Prep A semifinals along the way. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Kathleen Jaeger looks back on her first season guiding the Hun School girls’ lacrosse team, she points to a 12-9 loss to Princeton Day School in mid-May as a defining moment.

“We made up a six-goal gap; it was great to see the girls really step up, believe in each other and trust each other,” said Hun head coach Kathleen Jaeger, who led the Raiders to a 7-10 record.

“That was just incredible, that was the moment we were waiting for all season. I wish the score could have been different but it was the heart of the team that really came out.”

The Raiders showed skill to go with that heart in a 15-7 win over Peddie during the final week of the season as Abby O’Brien tallied six goals in the victory with Ava Olender adding three and Olivia Kim and Maggie Maffia chipping in two apiece. more

Bar-Cohen Enjoying Reunion Tour in Summer Hoops, Playing with Former PHS Teammates on TBT Squad

DRIVE TIME: Former Princeton High boys’ basketball star Gefen Bar-Cohen drives to the hoop last Monday at the Community Park courts for The Basketball Team (TBT) in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Bar-Cohen tallied a game-high 21 points to help TBT prevail 46-42 in overtime. In other action last Monday, Majeski Foundation defeated Caesar’s Bagels & Deli 57-51 and Planet Fitness topped NJ Path Academy 40-29. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Gefen Bar-Cohen was enjoying himself even though The Basketball Team (TBT) got off to a 0-2 start last week in its first season competing in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League.

With TBT being comprised of former Princeton High boys’ players who graduated in the last two years, Bar-Cohen is relishing reconnecting with his former teammates. 

“We just feel fortunate that we can play together again,” said Bar-Cohen, a 2020 PHS grad who committed to play at Kenyon College and took a gap year for 2020-21 and will be starting his college career this fall.

“We didn’t think we would have the chance after high school; we are such a tight group of guys. We love playing with each other and I am glad we can come out here and compete. It was a group decision.”

The group was hungry to get into the win column last Monday as it faced Princeton Supply at the Community Park Courts. Sparked by Bar-Cohen’s production in the paint, TBT pulled out a 46-42 win in overtime to get that first victory. more

June 23, 2021

Commemorating Juneteenth

Local leaders, from left, Tommy Parker, Mia Sacks, Shirley Satterfield, Veronica Olivares-Weber, Leighton Newlin, and Mayor Mark Freda took turns reading a Municipal Proclamation of Juneteenth during the Juneteenth Block Party held Saturday afternoon at the Princeton Family YMCA field. Participants share what brought them to the event in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)