July 3, 2018

Bringing It On

Members of the Princeton Little League 11-year-old all-star team celebrate after winning the 11-U title at the recently-held USABL (United States Amateur Baseball League) “Bring the Heat” Tourney. Princeton rallied from 5-0 deficit against Monroe in the championship game to prevail 16-11. The team beat Lincroft 6-4 and Gallagher/Sportika 13-10 on the way to final at the tourney, which was held in Toms River and Howell. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Ben Walden, Colton Simonds, Anders Hedin, Travis Petrone, and Mike Prete. In the back row, from left, are Brady Collier, Basil Reiger, Alex Winters, Ed Kuczynski, Luke Haan, and Carter Hillsdon. Not pictured is Sam Lee.

June 27, 2018

JaZams Summer Block Party

Children had fun playing with colorful Plus-Plus construction toys at the annual event Friday evening on Palmer Square West in Princeton. The party also featured lots of crafts, activities, food, and live music. Participants name their favorite toys in this week’s Town Talk on page 6, and more photos can be found on page 24. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

Westminster Sale Is Far From Complete, Opponents Say

By Anne Levin

Last week, Rider University announced it had signed a “Purchase and Sale Agreement” for the transfer of Westminster Choir College to the Chinese company Beijing Kaiwen Education Technology Corporation. But the agreement is hardly a done deal, say opponents of the sale.

Representatives of Rider and Westminster’s faculty, Westminster’s alumni, and members of Rider’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) joined attorney Bruce Afran Monday at a press conference denouncing the University’s June 21 announcement. more

Council Votes Unanimously On First Step of Plan For Seminary Improvements

By Anne Levin

In the first step of a process that would enable Princeton Theological Seminary to add more housing to its Tennent campus, Princeton Council voted unanimously Monday night to direct the town’s Planning Board to study whether the campus should be designated as an area in need of redevelopment.

This tool would allow the town to be more proactive in planning, in turn giving the public a greater ability to provide input and be more involved in the process. The seminary could also contribute financially to affordable housing, not necessarily on the site but in areas across town. Mayor Liz Lempert recused herself from the discussion because her husband is a professor at Princeton University, which has connections to the affordable housing issue. more

Floyd Remembered For Activism at Memorial Service

By Anne Levin

The Princeton community turned out in force last Saturday at Nassau Presbyterian Church for the memorial service of longtime civil servant James Arthur Floyd Sr. Floyd, who was Princeton’s first African American mayor, died May 14 at the age of 96.

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, local historian Shirley Satterfield, Princeton Community Housing director Edward Truscelli, Robert E. Humes of the Mercer County Community College Foundation, and a representative from Floyd’s beloved Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity praised him for his commitment to equality, community, voting rights, freedom for those unfairly incarcerated, and fair housing. Many references were made — in good humor — to Floyd’s forceful personality. more

Nassau Hall Roof Replacement, Cupola Repair Are Center of Nine-Month Restoration Project

REPAIR AND RESTORATION: Princeton University’s historic Nassau Hall will undergo work to replace its existing slate roof and restore and repaint the cupola. The project is expected to be completed next March.

By Jean Stratton

Nassau Hall, Princeton University’s iconic building, is in the midst of a reconstruction project: specifically to replace the existing roof and to repair and repaint the cupola.

Work began on June 18 and is expected to be completed in March 2019. Scaffolding and fencing will surround the entire building to support the craftspeople and materials needed for the project. Building entrances will remain open, however, and staff may continue to work inside. more

Japanese Beetles Return, Threatening Local Plants

THE BEETLES ARE BACK: Leaf skeletonization is the telltale sign of Japanese beetles. Over-the-counter anti-grub pesticides can be an effective way to prevent the invasive species from laying eggs, but by the time they reach adulthood, the best and most effective form of protection is removing them by hand. (Photo by Lamba)

By William Uhl

As the summer weather heats up, Japanese beetles have been emerging across trees and gardens around Princeton. First spotted in 1916 at a New Jersey nursery, the bronze-bodied beetles have become a major problem for East Coast plant life.  more

Learning About Sustainability

Sustainable Princeton was a sponsor of the Community Loteria Event held at Community Park on Saturday, June 16. Children and adults played the organization’s recycling dart game, testing their knowledge on proper recycling sorting, to win LED lightbulbs and reusable water bottles. The team at Sustainable Princeton diverted five pounds of recycling and 12 pounds of compost, and not a single plastic water bottle was used at the event. Pictured, from left, are Yamile Slebi, Sustainable Princeton trustee; Jenny Ludmer, outreach manager; and Christine Symington, program director. (Photo by Veronica Olivares-Torres)

Positive Mental Health Is Theme of Festival

As part of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July, Millhill Child and Family Development’s Next Generation Community Leaders (NGCL), will host a community wellness festival on Saturday, July 21 at MLK Elementary School, 401 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton.

The festival is the year–long outcome of the NGCL youth-led civic engagement project and is designed to raise awareness, educate the community about mental wellness strategies, and empower attendees to “Embrace You!” more

School Matters: Week of June 27, 2018

GoFundMe Campaign To Help Save Bog Turtles

Riverside Elementary School science teacher Mark Eastburn and his students have started a GoFundMe campaign to help save bog turtles, which were recently named New Jersey’s official state reptile. With less than 6,000 left in the world, bog turtles are critically endangered in New Jersey, and threatened across their range. All proceeds from the fundraiser will support long-term conservation projects to protect bog turtles in essential habitats. For more information, visit www.gofundme.com/help-save-bog-turtles.

Sustainable Princeton Recognizes Elementary Schools

As the school year comes to an end, Sustainable Princeton has acknowledged the Princeton Public Elementary Schools’ efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship among their students. Sustainable Princeton recognizes that all schools are making great strides to become more sustainable. more

Ripe for the Picking

It’s blueberry season, and Terhune Orchards is holding its annual Blueberry Bash Saturday and Sunday, July 7 and 8. Pick your own berries, hear live music, see a puppet show, and sample food and wine. The farm is at 330 Cold Soil Road. Visit www.terhuneorchards.com for information.

Womanspace Seeks Volunteers To Help Victims of Violence

Womanspace, Inc., a nonprofit agency that provides services to people impacted by domestic and sexual violence, is currently accepting volunteer applications for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Response Teams. The fall training will be held in September. Applications will be accepted until August 1.

In making this announcement, Domestic Violence Victim Response Team Coordinator Heidi Mueller said, “We are very excited to be taking another volunteer class this fall. This program is truly amazing and extensive; not only do these volunteers go on to give crucial information, they also give emotional support to victims.” more

Princeton Climate Institute Gets $40 Million Grant

Researchers at Princeton University and NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) have been awarded up to $40 million over five years to fund a new cooperative institute that focuses on Earth system research. The goal of The Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System (CIMES) is to understand and predict the Earth’s climate system across time scales from days to decades, on local to global scales, and with particular focus on extreme weather and problems of relevance to society, including impacts on marine ecosystems, drought, and air quality. more

4th Annual Ralph Copleman Neighborhood Bike Ride

The annual bike ride to celebrate the life of Ralph Copleman, local environmental advocate and founder/executive director of Sustainable Lawrence, took place on June 9 from 10 a.m. – noon. The free, family-friendly, eight-mile bike ride looped through the parks, neighborhoods, and trails in south Lawrence. more

Farmers Market Reopens At Campus Town in Ewing

The 31 and Main Farmers Market next to the College of New Jersey on Route 31 in Ewing Township has opened for its third season. Fresh produce, artisan products, live entertainment, and the promotion of healthy living are the objectives of the market, which is open on Sundays from noon-6 p.m. July 22, August 19, September 23, and October 21. more

Soundings: Art, Music, and Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick”

JONAH HISTORICALLY REGARDED (DOME): Frank Stella (1936 —), hand colored etching, aquatint, relief, engraving, screenprint and stencil on paper, 186.69 cm x 134.62 cm. Addison Gallery of American Art, Tyler Graphics Ltd. 1974-2001 Collection, given in honor of Frank Stella, 2003.44.300 /©2017 Frank Stella/Artists Rights Society (ARS), NewYork.

On the hither side of Pittsfield sits Herman Melville, shaping out the gigantic conception of his white whale, while the gigantic shape of Greylock looms upon him from his study-window.

—Nathaniel Hawthorne, from The Wonder Book

By Stuart Mitchner

In a December 1850 letter to a friend penned while he was “shaping” the book that became Moby Dick, Melville writes, “I look out of my window in the morning when I rise as I would out of a port-hole of a ship in the Atlantic. My room seems a ship’s cabin; & at nights when I wake up & hear the wind shrieking, I almost fancy there is too much sail on the house, and I had better go on the roof and rig in the chimney.” more

“Airing Out the Attic” At Trenton City Museum

“PORTRAIT OF BEN WHITMIRE”: Elizabeth Ruggles’ painting is featured in “Airing Out the Attic,” an exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Cadwalader Park. It runs July 11 through September 9, with an opening reception on Saturday, July 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.

When the Trenton City Museum opened its doors to the public in 1978, it had already acquired a small collection of decorative art and historical objects, and a few pieces of fine art. Over the last 40 years, the collection has grown to comprise nearly six thousand objects including more than 250 works of fine art, both donated and purchased. more

“Tanis” Returns for Limited Engagement at Michener

“TANIS” RETURNS: Daniel Garber’s painting has returned to the Michener Art Museum from its home at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and will remain on view at the Michener through December 30. Philanthropists Marguerite and H. F. Gerry Lenfest presented “Tanis” as a gift to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the stipulation that the painting be returned on loan to the Michener Art Museum every three years.

In 2011, Philadelphia-area philanthropists Marguerite and H. F. Gerry Lenfest presented Tanis as a gift to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the stipulation that the painting be returned on loan to the Michener Art Museum for three months every three years. This year marks its second return under that agreement. Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest are longtime supporters of the Michener Art Museum, which is recognized for its world-class collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings — many of them donated to the museum by the Lenfests — as well as its commitment to preserving and presenting the work of other Delaware Valley artists of all eras and creative disciplines. more

Songwriter Chooses Between Aspirations, Relationships in “Tick, Tick … Boom!”; Princeton Summer Theater Gives Lively Performance of “Rent” Writer’s Musical

“TICK, TICK…BOOM!”: Performances are underway for Princeton Summer Theater’s production of “Tick, Tick … Boom!.” Directed by Victoria Davidjohn, the musical runs through July 8 at Princeton University’s Hamilton Murray Theater. Susan (Allison Spann, left), Michael (Chibueze Ihuoma, center), and Jon (Isaac Piecuch) sing “Louder Than Words,” the show’s closing number. (Photo by Sarah Golobish)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

“The sound you are hearing is not a technical problem,” quips Jon, the protagonist of Tick, Tick … Boom! “It is the sound of one man’s mounting anxiety. I am that man.” He reveals that he is “a ‘promising young composer.’ I should have kids of my own by now, a career, but … I’m trying to work, trying to enjoy what remains of my extremely late 20s, trying to ignore the tick tick booms.” more

Princeton Festival Continues With Concert of Baroque Chamber Music

By Nancy Plum

Princeton Festival is spending the fourth week of this year’s season focusing on the Baroque era of music history, beginning with a chamber orchestra concert last Saturday afternoon. Comprised of six members of The Princeton Festival Baroque Orchestra, the Festival Baroque Chamber Ensemble presented an hour-long performance at Princeton Abbey which felt like a refreshing cool drink on a summer afternoon. The five works performed were, as advertised, “rare gems of the Baroque chamber repertoire,” as four string players, a theorbo, and harpsichord showed that the Festival’s foray into 17th- and 18th-century music was a worthy artistic decision. Princeton Abbey is an unusual liturgical space in that the members of the congregation face one another, rather than the chancel, but perhaps thanks to the recent residency at the Abbey by the American Boychoir, the acoustics were perfect for chamber music. more

Incredibles 2: Parr Family Battles Villain Who Is Hypnotizing Humanity

By Kam Williams

Why it has taken Disney and Pixar 14 years to release a follow-up to The Incredibles? It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and grossed over $600 million at the box office. Meanwhile, creator Brad Bird made Ratatouille (2007), Mission: Impossible (2011), and Tomorrowland (2015) before turning to writing and directing Incredibles 2.

Fortunately this sequel was well worth the wait. Most of the actors who played members of the crime-fighting Parr family are back. Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter reprise their roles as the parents Bob (Mr. Incredible) and Helen (Elastigirl), as do Eli Fucile and Sarah Vowell as baby Jack Jack and 14-year-old Violet. Ten-year-old Dash is now portrayed by Huck Milner, because the original kid’s voice deepened. Samuel L. Jackson has also returned as the family friend and fellow superhero Lucius Best/Frozone. Additions to the cast include Catherine Keener, Isabella Rossellini, and Bob Odenkirk. more

Taking Circuitous Route Back to WNBA, PU Alumna Dietrick Thriving With Atlanta

A DREAM COME TRUE: Blake Dietrick heads to the basket in 2015 during her senior season for the Princeton University women’s basketball team. The star guard is currently in her second stint in the WNBA, playing for the Atlanta Dream. Dietrick has made eight appearances for the Dream, getting a season-high 18 minutes with three points in a 79-72 loss to the New York Liberty on June 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After a brilliant career for the Princeton University women’s basketball team and a stint in an Italian pro league, Blake Dietrick achieved her goal of playing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as she made the opening day roster for the Seattle Storm in 2016.

But Dietrick didn’t stick with the team, appearing in two games for the Storm and then playing in one game for the San Antonio Stars on a seven-day contract. more

Princeton Native Mooney Grows Into Force As Yale Men’s Lacrosse Wins NCAA Title

OVER THE MOON: Yale University men’s lacrosse player Robert Mooney, right, battles for the ball against Duke in the NCAA championship game. Princeton resident and former Lawrenceville School standout Mooney helped the Bulldogs top the Blue Devils 13-11 in the title game to earn the program’s first-ever national crown. Mooney, a rising senior defender, earned second-team All-Ivy League honors this spring. (Photo Courtesy of Yale Sports Publicity)

By Bill Alden

In the early stages of his athletic career at the Lawrenceville School, Robert Mooney stamped himself as a college prospect in both soccer and lacrosse.

But after suffering a injury in the fall of 2013 during his junior season with the Big Red boys’ soccer team, Princeton native Mooney turned his attention to lacrosse.  more

Suffering Injury that Sidelined Him for Senior Season, PHS Quarterback Doran Primed for Sunshine Game

ONE MORE SHOT: Vince Doran prepares to pass for the Princeton High football team during the 2016 season. Last fall, Doran’s senior season was cut short when he broke his collarbone on his first play in the season opener. This Friday, Doran will get a chance to get back on the field as he plays for the West squad in the Sunshine Football Classic at The College of New Jersey. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Vince Doran took the field last August in the season opener for the Princeton High football team, he was poised for a big senior campaign.

Coming off a superb junior campaign that saw the lefty quarterback throw 16 touchdown passes, Doran believed he could build on that success. more

Displaying Flair in All Phases of the Game, PLL Cruises to District 12 Intermediate Crown

GRAND SLAM: Gordon Grandbouche delivers a pitch last weekend for the Princeton Little League (PLL) squad hosted Millstone-Roosevelt in the two-team, double-elimination District 12 Intermediate 50/70 tournament. Grandbouche starred on the mound, at the plate, and in the field as PLL posted a pair of 13-3 wins over Millstone to take the title, its fourth in six years in the competition. The squad will now compete in the Section 3 tournament, which starts on June 29 and is being held in Middletown. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton Little League (PLL) squad hosted Millstone-Roosevelt in the two-team, double-elimination District 12 Intermediate 50/70 tournament last Friday at the Farmview Fields, it was determined to seize the momentum.

“We were really looking to get out to a strong start, right from the get-go,” said PLL manager Jon Durbin. more