May 22, 2019

School Matters 5/22/19

Hun Launches Real-World Immersion Program

Hun School students have embarked on learning experiences that are taking them out of the classroom for three weeks this spring and into the origin of an event, problem, or theory.

Topics and venues in Hun’s new NextTerm program include women and politics in Washington, D.C., social justice in Selma and Memphis, government instability and global forces in Ghana, immigration in Arizona and Mexico, combating food insecurity in New Jersey, civil rights in France, and many more. There are 19 NextTerm courses led by teacher teams and incorporating interdisciplinary skill and content investigation.

“Next Term is immersive like a semester abroad program, but it is also practical and focused, like an internship,” said program co-director Bill Esher. “Consider a hands-on internship where the intern is promoted to project leader immediately after orientation. We gave ourselves the permission to imagine the best possible way to learn and then we created it.”

Mandatory for all underclassmen, grades 9-11, the program will culminate in projects produced by students teams, with each team presenting to a panel of experts during an end-of-term expo in June.

PDS Breaks Ground for New Athletic Center

In a ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, Princeton Day School students, faculty, staff, and special guests celebrated groundbreaking to construct the School’s new athletic and community center.

Head of School Paul J. Stellato was joined by PDS Board of Trustees Head Rebecca Bushnell and three representative students from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools in leading the ceremonies.

Construction on the 35,000-square-foot, LEED-certified athletics and squash center will begin on June 10 with planned completion in the fall of 2020.

Pennington School Student Wins Library of Congress Contest

Pennington School seventh-grader Stevenson Sanderson Bowden placed first in New Jersey in the 2018-19 Library of Congress Letters About Literature contest. Seven other Pennington students also received distinguished honors in the competition sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

In her prize-winning letter to Natalie Babbitt, author of Tuck Everlasting, Sanderson Bowden described how she was affected personally by the book.

“Whatever Will Be, Will Be”  — Doris Day, “Game of Thrones,” and the Power of Song

By Stuart Mitchner

There’s nothing in the world more powerful than a good story,”  said Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) in Sunday’s finale of Game of Thrones. You could say the same thing about a good song. Consider how media coverage of last week’s passing of singer Doris Day (1922-2009) coincided with the online frenzy provoked by the ending of the popular HBO series based on George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire. The answer to all the arguments about what should and should not have happened in episode six can be found in Day’s biggest hit, “Qué Será, Sera” (“Whatever Will Be, Will Be),” the song that drives the fate of The Man Who Knew Too Much, Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller about an assassination plot and a kidnapping. Meanwhile, a hit song from the 1970s, 10cc’s “The Things We Do for Love,” shadows the fate of Game of Thrones, both in the pilot episode and the controversial denouement. 

The title of another Doris Day hit, “Secret Love,” describes what’s revealed to Bran Stark after he climbs the castle tower at King’s Landing and sees Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Cersei having sex. Caught in the act, Jaime pushes the boy off the ledge, treating the move lightly, even giving it a punchline, “The things I do for love.” For viewers who remember the 10cc song, it’s as good as a wink and a nudge across the centuries, like Hamlet quoting “A Hard Day’s Night” on the walls of Elsinore, or Milton’s Satan singing a line from “Satisfaction.” Besides crippling Bran and paving the way for the three-eyed raven who alone knows “what will be, will be” in Westeros, Jaime has pronounced his own fate, the sentence he hears again as he stands before the prophet in the final season. “The things I do for love” sends him back to his sister and his doom. As for everyone fighting over the ending of Game of Thrones, remember Bran warned you, “it is written,” a foregone conclusion, so let’s listen to the song and “Agree to disagree but disagree to part/When after all it’s just a compromise of/The things we do for love.” more

1690 Meets 2019 in New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Concert of Concerti

By Nancy Plum

The orchestral concerto was a musical development of the Baroque era which composers often took to the next level by composing for two or more solo instruments and orchestra. New Jersey Symphony Orchestra brought Johann Sebastian Bach’s double concerto for two violins into the 21st century this past weekend by pairing it with a contemporary work for orchestra, violin, and electric guitar — definitely not a Baroque instrument. Bracketing Friday night’s concert at Richardson Auditorium with 19th-century opera overtures, NJSO conductor Xian Zhang led the ensemble and soloists through the music of Baroque legend Bach and 21st-century musical inventor and Princeton University professor Steven Mackey. more

McCarter’s Berlind Theatre Hosts Jazz in June Series

GRAMMY WINNER: Cecile McLorin Salvant is the first of five acts to appear at McCarter’s Jazz in June.

McCarter Theatre’s second annual Jazz in June Festival runs June 7-22 at the Berlind Theatre. First up is vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant, accompanied by pianist Fred Hersch, on Friday, June 7 at 8 p.m.

Salvant returns to McCarter after picking up her third Grammy this year for her latest album The Window. Hailed as the heiress to the “Big Three” — Holiday, Vaughan, and Fitzgerald — she is a vocal virtuoso who examines songs rather than simply inhabiting them.

Next, on June 8 at 8 p.m., is bassist Christian McBride and Tip City, with pianist Emmet Cohen and guitarist Dan Wilson. The six-time Grammy award winner is a composer, educator, arranger, and bandleader. He runs his own imprint on the Mack Avenue Music label and hosts The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian, a weekly NPR show on SiriusXM satellite radio.

This performance will be followed by a post-show conversation with the artist. more

“Waves and Ripples” at Princeton Arts Council

“RELATIONSHIP”: This painting by Ting Ting Hsu is featured in “Waves and Ripples,” on exhibit June 1-29 at the Arts Council of Princeton. The show is a collaboration between local artists Hsu and Livia Mosanu. An Artist Talk is June 1 at 2:30 p.m., followed by an Opening Reception from 3 to 5 p.m.

On view June 1-29 at the Arts Council of Princeton, “Waves and Ripples” is a collaboration between two local painters, Ting Ting Hsu and Livia Mosanu, who share many similar life experiences. These experiences are reflected in the artists’ work, their interaction with the environment, and their community.

An Artist Talk is June 1 at 2:30 p.m., followed by an Opening Reception from 3 to 5 p.m. more

“Art of Time” Exhibit At Hamilton Jewelers

“SIDE BY SIDE”: This work by Kim Piotrowski is featured in “Art of Time,” on exhibit in front of Hamilton Jewelers, 92 Nassau Street, on Saturday, June 1. Part of Hamilton Jewelers’ 20th annual Watch Fair weekend, the exhibit will showcase the works of over 25 area artists and benefit the Arts Council of Princeton.

Hamilton Jewelers, Princeton Palm Beach, celebrates the arts in Princeton with “The Art of Time” exhibition on Saturday, June 1 as part of its 20th annual Watch Fair weekend event. The day will showcase over 25 Princeton area artists with works displayed in front of Hamilton’s Princeton location at 92 Nassau Street. It will benefit the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP).

“The exhibit’s guidelines were broad, which I found to be compelling,” says Jacqui Alexander, one of the featured artists. “What the concept of ‘time’ means to me, or looks like to me might be entirely different than another artist’s, so it allows for broad interpretations and a range of responses in a variety of mediums.” more

“Cultural Heritage Exhibition” at WWAC

“IDLI, SAMBAR AND CHUTNEY”: This painting by Sarasvathy TK is part of the West Windsor Arts Council’s “Cultural Heritage Exhibition,” on display at the West Windsor Arts Center through July 12. The show, featuring the work of 30 artists, seeks to examine the expression of cultural heritage through art. An Opening Reception is Sunday, June 9 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Running through July 12, the West Windsor Arts Council presents 30 artists in “Cultural Heritage Exhibition.” This show seeks to examine the expression of cultural heritage through art. Whether it is the food, textiles, festivals, or family traditions, the art demonstrates how these experiences can be shared through visual art. An Opening Reception with the artists will be held Sunday, June 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. Artists will be on hand at the opening to discuss their work.

The jurors for the show are Maria Naumik and Bethay Wildrich, both active in Middlesex County’s arts community. more

Mendelson Converts Plastic into Art

“DONUT ANIMAL ASKOS”: This work by Shari Mendelson was created from repurposed plastic. “Shari Mendelson: Amphorae and Apparitions” is on view at the Hunterdon Art Museum through September 1. (Photo by Alan Wiener)

New York-based artist Shari Mendelson creates works that resemble something you’d expect to see in the antiquities gallery of a fine art museum, but take a closer look.

Mendelson creates her ancient-appearing vessels and figurines using salvaged plastic: juice, soda, and water bottles. She cuts them into pieces and then, using hot glue and acrylic resin, creates new sculptures.

“Shari Mendelson: Amphorae and Apparitions” is on exhibition at the Hunterdon Art Museum (HAM) through September 1. more

Dawn of Hippie Era Revisited Via Rock Music Retrospective

REMINISCING WITH RINGO: Ringo Starr is one of the rock icons interviewed by Jakob Dylan in the rockumentary “Echo in the Canyon.” The film focuses on many stars of the 1960s who settled in the Lauren Canyon suburb of Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment)

By Kam Williams

In the wake of Beatlemania exploding across America in 1964, many aspiring musicians were inspired to start their own rock band. Some settled in Laurel Canyon, a low-rent suburb of L.A that resonated with the “hippie” philosophy.

Among those flocking to the region were future icons like Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Frank Zappa, Michelle Phillips, and Cass Elliot. Some of these musicians forged great groups, like The Byrds; The Mamas and the Papas; and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, while others became rock gods in their own right. more

Help for Variety of Troublesome Conditions from Amala Lymphatic & Massage Therapy

HEALING TOUCH: “People come in for many reasons — assorted aches and pains, including headaches and backaches, also allergies, sinus problems, female hormonal issues, etc. Seventy percent of my practice is lymphatics, and 30 percent advanced technique massage, such as shiatsu.” Licensed massage therapist Jennifer Ruiz, LMT, is the owner of Amala Lymphatic & Massage Therapy in Lawrenceville.

By Jean Stratton

The common denominator for all my clients is that they are feeling challenged somewhere in their health,” explains licensed massage therapist Jennifer Ruiz, LMT, owner of Amala Lymphatic & Massage Therapy at 134 Franklin Corner Road in Lawrenceville.

“I use massage to guide the body to a place where it can self-heal, and keep the body in a healthy state.”

A 2001 graduate of The Swedish Institute of Health Sciences in New York City and recipient of a Forbes 5-Star Award for Excellency, Ruiz uses a multidimensional approach that integrates Eastern and Western philosophy and modalities. She was first licensed in New York, and she practiced in Manhattan for 13 years.

“Each state has its own requirements,” she points out. “In New York, you must get a license, and this entails a year and a half of full-time training to get the degree, and then passing the state exam to obtain the license. more

Jewelry Designer and Goldsmith Robin Hepburn’s Creations Are on Display at Orion Jewelry Studio

CREATIVE CONCEPTS: “The biggest part of the business is my creative design. All the pieces are one-of-a-kind, and I especially enjoy taking the client’s vision and bringing it to life with my creations.” Jewelry designer and goldsmith Robin Hepburn is shown at work, hammering a bracelet in the workshop of her Orion Jewelry Studio in Pennington.

By Jean Stratton

People like jewelry because it often represents a feeling or memory, something to commemorate. Perhaps a milestone event, a wedding, anniversary, or birthday.”

It can also be an heirloom passed down in the family that has special meaning. Or it can be a brand-new piece that is especially beautiful.”

Robin Hepburn, jewelry designer and goldsmith, and owner of Orion Jewelry Studio in Pennington, certainly knows about her subject. She is an expert in the field, and is about to celebrate her 30th year of business in Pennington. Now located in the Shoppes At Pennington, 21 Route 31 North, her studio is both her showcase and her workplace. more

With Seniors Setting Tone for PU Open Crew,  Tigers Dominate Ivy Regatta, Make NCAAs

OPEN MINDED: Members of the Princeton University women’s open crew celebrate last Sunday at Cooper River in Pennsauken, N.J., after the program won the Ivy League championship regatta and earned the the league’s automatic spot in the upcoming NCAA Championships. The Tigers earned five first-place finishes at the event and will finish the season by competing in the NCAA regatta from May 31-June 2 in Indianapolis, Ind. (Photo by the Ivy League, provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton University women’s open crew program had produced a superb regular season, highlighted by its varsity eight going undefeated, Lori Dauphiny was uneasy heading into the Ivy League Championships last weekend.

“I was more nervous than I have ever been in my life,” said Princeton head coach Dauphiny.

“I want the senior class to succeed because this class has brought so much to this team. I really want the best for this senior class so we can’t, as a group, fall short for them.”

The Princeton group rose to the occasion last Sunday, dominating the regatta as it placed first in the varsity four, the varsity four B, the third varsity eight, the second varsity eight, and the varsity eight. more

Special Journey Ends for PU Women’s Lax Seniors As Tigers Fall to Boston College in NCAA Quarters

FINAL SALVO: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Kathryn Hallett heads upfield in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior midfielder Hallett scored four goals in a losing cause as seventh-seeded Princeton fell 17-12 at second-seeded Boston College in the NCAA quarterfinals. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 16-4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Each senior on the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team had the chance to tell their story to the team before a game this season.

They would talk about their journey from freshman year until this, their senior year, through the ups and downs of being a Princeton student, of injuries and setbacks, and of triumphs and titles. It’s a tradition that started five years ago, just before this year’s senior class joined the program.

“It really does personalize everybody and give you a better sense that a lot of kids weren’t starters the moment they got here, and in some cases they had to wait their time and grow and improve, or fight through injury,” said Princeton head coach Chris Sailer.

“Ultimately they were good enough to earn a spot. It’s unusual to have so many seniors that played significant roles for us on the field. But they’re a great example of what can happen if you work hard and bring a great attitude.” more

Petrone Provided Spark for Hun Baseball As it Won Prep A Opener After MCT Loss

COMING THROUGH: Hun School baseball player Ben Petrone follows through on a swing in state Prep A tournament action last weekend. Sophomore second baseman Petrone starred at the bat and in the field as Hun rolled to the title, topping Lawrenceville 11-1 in the opening round on Wednesday and topping Peddie 5-0 in Saturday and 12-0 on Sunday to earn its fourth straight crown in the double elimination competition. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a disappointing 4-0 loss to Hopewell Valley in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals, the Hun School baseball team was determined to rebound as it hosted Lawrenceville in the opening round of the state Prep A tournament last Wednesday.

“We didn’t play like ourselves on Saturday night,” said Hun sophomore second baseman Ben Petrone.

“We were definitely fired up to get back out here and show how good we really are. We want to prove to everyone that we are one of the top teams in the state.”

But appearing to be suffering a bit of a hangover from the defeat to HoVal, the first-seeded Raiders found themselves knotted in a scoreless tie with fourth-seeded Lawrenceville as the game headed into the fourth inning. more

Hun Baseball Enjoys Historic Weekend, Cruising to 4th Straight Prep A Crown

THE RIGHT STUFF: Hun School baseball player Andy Blake fires the ball against Peddie last Saturday in the state Prep A tournament. Post-graduate and Columbia-bound Blake came up big last weekend as Hun defeated Peddie 5-0 on Saturday in a winner’s bracket game and 12-0 a day later to clinch the title in the double-elimination competition. Blake earned a shutout on the mound in the win on Saturday and then chipped in a homer on Sunday. It marked Hun’s fourth straight Prep A title and left the Raiders with a final record of 22-2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As it competed in the state Prep A tournament last weekend, the Hun School baseball team wasn’t just playing for a title.

Bringing a 20-2 record into the action on Saturday, Hun was looking to stamp itself as one of the greatest teams in the history of the proud program.

The Raiders achieved both goals, topping Peddie 5-0 on Saturday in a winner’s bracket contest to earn a spot in the final round and then came back on Sunday to rout the Falcons 12-0 in the double-elimination competition to earn the program’s fourth straight Prep A crown.

Having fallen short of the Mercer County Tournament by losing 4-0 to Hopewell Valley in the semifinals, Hun wasn’t going to leave anything to chance as it went for the Prep A four-peat. more

Projecting Confidence in Taking Leadership Role, Linko Enjoying Big Spring for PHS Girls’ Track

LINKING UP: Princeton High girls’ track star Colleen Linko displays her form in a recent race. Junior Linko produced a superb performance as the Mercer County Championships earlier this month, winning the 200 and 400 and helping the Tigers prevail in the 4×400 relay. Linko will be looking to come big again this weekend as PHS competes in the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional meet at Howell High. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Colleen Linko used to get very nervous before track meets.

The Princeton High junior can’t afford to show her nerves anymore, not as a captain this season.

Her new approach is benefitting her and the girls team. “I’ve been having a great season,” said Linko. “I’ve become a lot more confident in my racing this year which was a problem for me last year. I’d always get super nervous before a race last year and I’d be like, ‘The 400 is so hard and I don’t know if I can do it.’ This year, that wasn’t as much of a problem. This year, because I’m an upperclassmen on the team and a captain, I spend a lot more time looking out for the newer runners and try to radiate positive energy onto them instead of stressing out on my own.”

Linko has worked to become an example to the less experienced PHS runners in her new role; she has been someone they can look to for how they can prepare for a busy meet day that includes four events and what it takes to do each event well. more

Babber Emerges as Steady Presence at 3rd Singles, Helping PHS Boys’ Tennis Return to Sectional Final

MANPOWER: Princeton High boys’ tennis Aryaman Babber hits a forehand in state tournament action last week. Senior Babber posted a straight-set win at second singles to help second-seeded PHS defeat third-seeded Colts Neck 5-0 in the  Central Jersey Group 3 sectional semis last Thursday. The Tigers ended up falling 4-1 to top-seeded WW/P-N in the sectional final last Monday as they moved to 11-5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Aryaman Babber knew he had to step up this spring in his senior season for the Princeton High boys’ tennis team.

With PHS losing its top three singles players from the 2018 squad that won the Central Jersey Group 3 sectional title and advanced to the state Group 3 final, Babber moved up to third singles from doubles as the team’s lineup got a major facelift this year.

“After we lost all of our three singles players last year, we thought it was going to be a pretty big challenge,” said Babber. “I think all of players really rose to the challenge.” more

With Senior Stalwarts Going Out With a Bang,PDS Baseball Makes Run to Prep B Title Game

NICE RUN: Princeton Day School baseball player Matt Nyce takes a swing in a game earlier this season. Senior infielder/pitcher Nyce helped PDS enjoyed a special stretch run as the fourth-seeded Panthers advanced to the state Prep B title game. Nyce contributed an RBI as PDS battled second-seeded Rutgers Prep in the title game last Thursday at Diamond Nation in Flemington but it wasn’t enough as the Panthers lost 6-2. The defeat left PDS with a final record of 8-10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Matt Nyce and his teammates on the Princeton Day School baseball team weren’t rattled when they fell behind Rutgers Prep 3-0 in the first inning of the state Prep B title game last Thursday evening.

“This whole season we have gotten down, we had an 8-1 game against Gill St. Bernard’s where we came back and won,” said senior infielder/pitcher Nyce. “Honestly, all of these guys just want to win.”

Nyce started a Panther comeback with an RBI single in the top of the third inning as he drove in Michael Carroll to make it a 4-1 game in the contest played at Diamond Nation in Flemington. more

May 15, 2019

Four of a Kind

Players on the Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse team celebrate after they rallied to defeat Notre Dame 7-6 in the Mercer County Tournament championship game last Thursday at WW/P-North. It marked the fourth straight MCT title for PDS, which ended the spring with a 13-3 record. For more details on the game, see page 32. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski).

Tight PPS Budget Forces Staff Cuts

By Donald Gilpin

For the first time since 2010, Princeton Public Schools will be making reductions in staff, as a divided Board of Education (BOE) grapples with the challenges of moving forwarded with limited resources.

At last week’s more than three-hour public meeting, the BOE voted 6-4 to approve the 2019-2020 budget, which calls for cuts of 10.2 full-time teaching positions and 10 instructional assistants, as well as other cuts and cost-saving measures.

A number of teachers and parents spoke out at the meeting, condemning the cuts as unfair and claiming they would have a disproportionate impact on the most needy students.  more

PU Protests Continue Into Second Week Over Title IX Reform

By Donald Gilpin

Students demanding action in response to their concerns over Princeton University’s sexual misconduct policies have continued their protests into a second week on the main lawn in front of Nassau Hall.

Braving the elements throughout the rainy week since Tuesday afternoon May 7, Princeton Students for Title IX Reform (PIXR), ranging in number from a handful to about 200, continue to insist that the University “acknowledge that this is a crisis on our campus,” and “publicly address our concerns in a way that is oriented toward taking steps to resolve the issues we’re addressing,” said Junior K. Stiefel, one of the protest organizers. “The University has a long history of sending things to committees and collecting data, but not actually taking action.”

A PIXR press release states, “The protest occurring on Nassau lawn is an active demonstration of the pain and indignation caused by the way in which the administration currently addresses sexual and interpersonal violence. As community members continue to suffer, PIXR will continue to push for systemic change.” more

All-Pedestrian Cross Phase To Have Trial at Intersection

By Anne Levin

At a meeting of Princeton Council May 6, it was announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will conduct a two-week trial of a pedestrian-only phase in the crosswalk at the intersection of Nassau Street and Washington Road. The trial begins June 10.

The intersection has long been considered dangerous. In October 2017, a woman was struck and killed by a cement truck turning left onto Washington Road from Nassau Street as she attempted to cross Washington Road. In 2016, the NJDOT had made some changes to traffic signals at those two streets, and at Vandeventer Avenue, in an attempt to make the crossings safer.

The NJDOT had initially rejected the municipality’s request for the pedestrian cross phase. But after a conference call early this month, a pilot program was proposed by the NJDOT. The idea had been suggested in previous studies of crosswalks on Nassau Street by the former Borough, and, more recently, with the municipality’s traffic safety and transportation committees, said Deanna Stockton, municipal administrator. more

Wrongfully Incarcerated for Many Years, They Tell Their Stories at Centurion Event

“I DIDN’T DO IT”: Centurion Founder Jim McCloskey (left) stands with The Savannah Three — from left, Kenneth Gardiner, Dominic Lucci, and Mark Jones — last year when they were finally freed after 26 years in prison on a wrongful conviction. At a family gathering on Saturday, May 11, Centurion celebrated the 63 men and women it has freed from death row or life sentences. (Photo courtesy of Centurion)

By Donald Gilpin

Centurion, a Princeton-based organization working to exonerate innocent individuals in prison, celebrated the 63 men and women it has freed from death row or life sentences at a family gathering at The Westin in Princeton Forrestal Village last Saturday, May 11.

Founded in 1983, Centurion was the first institution in the world dedicated to the vindication of the wrongly convicted. Staff, volunteers, attorneys, families, and friends joined to honor and listen to several exonorees and their lawyers tell their tales of imprisonment, survival, and freedom.

“Buckle up. Here we go,” said Centurion Executive Director Kate Germond, as she welcomed the gathering of 150 and introduced the speakers who would be telling their stories.

Germond described the celebration as “the culmination of Family Gathering weekend, our annual tradition when we bring our exonerees together for a few days of healing, support, and, of course, celebration. Our entire family of exonerees is renewed and bolstered by time spent with the only other people who understand what they’ve been through — each other.” more

Story of French Resistance Leader Draws Overflow Crowd to Library

By Anne Levin

Despite pouring rain, it was standing room only Monday evening at Princeton Public Library, where author Lynne Olson spoke about her best-selling book, Madame Fourcade’s Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led France’s Largest Spy Network Against Hitler, published earlier this year by Random House.

Interviewing the prolific Olson, who was making her third appearance at the library, was William Storrar, director of Princeton’s Center of Theological Inquiry. The story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade is almost unbelievable — but it’s true. Born into privilege, the glamorous young mother of two headed the largest and most influential spy network in occupied France during World War II.

“She did so much to help the Allies win the war, but nobody really knows about her,” said Olson, a former journalist whose previous books include Citizens of London, A Question of Honor, and Last Hope Island. “She was the head of the largest and most influential Allied spying organization, and the only woman. I thought, ‘Why in the world didn’t I know about her? What little I learned made me what to know more.” more

Community Options Honors Individuals

CELEBRATING INCLUSION: At Community Options’ recent ceremony honoring Jovani Rodriguez, Patricia Pavlovsky, and Allen Reigert, those on hand were, from left: Paula Nessler, director of supported employment, Community Options; Assemblyman Dan Benson; Rodriguez, senior food service worker, Aramark; Pavlovsky, assistant program manager, Community Options; Reigert, director of food services, Aramark; Richard Freeman, president and CEO, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton; Hamilton Township Council President Jeff Martin; Scott Crass, constituent services director for Senator Linda Greenstein; and Svetlana Repic-Qira, regional vice president, Community Options.

Community Options, Inc. presented three awards to individuals for outstanding achievements and for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Jovani Rodriguez, Allen Reigert, and Patricia Pavlovsky received awards during a ceremony at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton.

Rodriguez had been a volunteer at the RWJ Hospital in Hamilton for three years through the Community Options STEP21 program. His consistent work ethic and dedication as a volunteer was recognized by Reigert, director of food services for Aramark at RWJ Hamilton.

He recruited Rodriguez to come work for him once he completed STEP21. Working alongside job coach Pavlovsky, Reigert went the extra mile to hold the position for Rodriguez. Both he and Pavlovsky worked to ensure that everything was set up for him to begin working as soon as possible. Today, Rodriguez is a senior food service worker and continues to make great strides towards his independence. more