April 16, 2025
“NUMBER 40”: This photograph by Harold Stetson won Best in Show at this year’s “Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition,” on view through April 18 at Phillips’ Mill in New Hope, Pa.
About two hundred attendees recently gathered for the artists’ reception that opened the Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s 32nd annual “Photographic Exhibition.”
Showcasing 150 contemporary works across many genres, from portraiture to nature to abstraction, the 2025 “Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition” was selected by a panel of three jurors: Jennifer King, an internationally acclaimed landscape and fine-art photographer; Kristen King, a veteran photography instructor in Bucks County, Pa., high schools; and Nora Odendahl, co-chair of the Phillips’ Mill Photo Committee, whose members are responsible for putting on the exhibition. more
Leo Vayn
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie will present two public programs as part of its exhibition “Cultural Connections: Eastern European Artists of Greater Trenton,” which is on view through June 8.
An afternoon with photographer and filmmaker Leo Vayn will screen and discuss Vayn’s documentary The Road to Krasnostav on Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. Produced by the Soviet Russia-born Vayn, the film examines one family’s personal journey through the former Jewish shtetl in Krasnostav, Ukraine, to reconnect with a past that saw the town’s Jewish population executed by the Nazis in 1941. Vayn, of Princeton, is a businessperson and entrepreneur who has dedicated himself to photography and the Tsal Kaplun Foundation, created to preserve Jewish culture and heritage in the former Soviet Union. He is among the 10 area artists with artwork showcased in “Cultural Connections.” Admission is $5 at the door (free for museum members).
“Sorrow & Joy: Ukrainian Art Songs” is planned for Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. This exploration of Ukrainian classical music will include works by Mykola Lysenko, who is considered the father of Ukrainian classical music; Kyrylo Stetsenko, one of Ukraine’s most prolific and important 20th century artists; Vasyl Barvinsky, Ukraine’s first internationally known composer; and Stefania Turkewich, Ukraine’s first female composer. Admission is a suggested donation of $5. more
Artworks Trenton, the city’s nonprofit visual art center, has unveiled an ambitious project to reshape the urban landscape and redefine pedestrian experiences in Trenton. In collaboration with a coalition of nonprofit organizations and local and state government partners, Artworks has announced Phase 1 of the Trenton Artwalk: the commissioning of a public art mural to animate the Route 1/129 underpass.
The proposed mural, a permanent artistic transformation of the underpass’s north wall along Market Street, marks the initial step in creating a visually captivating and pedestrian-friendly Artwalk connecting the Trenton Transit Center with downtown Trenton. This project aims to foster a safer, more inviting passage while promoting healthy living and public transit use among residents, commuters, and visitors. more
“MOTHER”: This oil on canvas painting by Jessie Krause is on view in an exhibit also featuring works by her mother, Sylvette de Aldrey Krause, at Tipple & Rose. A reception is this Thursday, April 17, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Sylvette de Aldrey Krause, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Jessie Krause, from Princeton — mother and daughter, respectively — are showing their paintings together at Tipple & Rose, 210 Nassau Street. A reception is this Thursday, April 17, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Sylvette began showing her work in Princeton in the mid-1960s with shows at the Nassau Club, Gallery 100, the Present Day Club, and other venues around the country. She studied painting at the Whitney School of Art and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid, Spain. Sylvette’s artwork was influenced by her Spanish heritage, using oils and pastels to create textures, strong lines, and rich earthen colors. more
Princeton Makes, a Princeton-based artist cooperative, will ring in the spring with its semi-annual Art at Night, an evening art making party, on Saturday, April 19 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The party will take place at its artist studios and art market in the Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street.
Art at Night will be an evening of creativity and community featuring live model drawing sessions (with supplies provided), a collaborative community art project, hands-on creative activities for all ages, artist demonstrations, live music by goodfellow, a raffle of Princeton Makes artists’ work, and more. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public, though a $10 per person donation is requested and appreciated. more
County Executive Dan Benson has invited seniors throughout Mercer County to submit artwork to the 2025 Mercer County Senior Citizen Art Show (MCSAS), to be held this summer.
A joint project of the County’s Division of Culture and Heritage and its Office on Aging, the show is open to all Mercer County residents 60 or older. The show will be on display from July 1 through August 4 at the Conference Center at Mercer — located on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.
“The annual Senior Art Show is a spectacular display of the creativity and talent of Mercer County residents,” said Benson. “I’m proud that we’re continuing this beloved event, and I can’t wait to stop by and see the artwork for myself.” more
GREAT GOLFING: This overview shows Springdale Golf Club’s 18-hole, 6,380 yard, par-71 course. Recently renovated, the course is located adjacent to Princeton University’s Graduate College, and is surrounded by a natural setting of exceptional beauty. In the foreground is the famous Cleveland Tower, named for President Grover Cleveland, who was also a Princeton University trustee and later a Princeton resident.
By Jean Stratton
Princeton is unique in many ways.
A famous Revolutionary War battle was fought here, which many believe turned the tide of the war, and ultimately, of history. Princeton served as the capital of the fledgling independent country when the Continental Congress met here for several months in 1783.
One of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. is located in Princeton, and furthermore, the life of the mind is celebrated every day at the Institute for Advanced Study, once the site of Albert Einstein’s endeavors. more
NET GAIN: Kaitlyn Chen is all smiles as she cuts down a piece of the net after helping the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team defeat South Carolina 82-59 in the NCAA championship game on April 6 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. Former Princeton University women’s hoops star Chen, who played for UConn as a grad transfer, scored two points and had four assists in 17 minutes of action in the title game. Point guard Chen averaged 7.1 points and 3.2 assists per game this winter as the Huskies went 37-3 on their way to the program’s 12th national championship. (Photo provided courtesy of UConn Athletics)
By Justin Feil
Kaitlyn Chen celebrated winning the NCAA Division I women’s national championship with two basketball families.
First, there was the University of Connecticut team that she helped capture a 12th national title in program history with an 82-59 dismantling of South Carolina in the NCAA championship game on April 6 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. more
Princeton Men’s Lacrosse hosts Brown on April 12, 2025.
MUELLER TIME: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Cooper Mueller helping to key the defense last Saturday as Princeton hosted Brown. Sophomore midfielder Mueller contributed one goal, four ground balls, and one caused turnover as the Tigers defeated Brown 17-6. Princeton, now 9-2 overall and 3-1 Ivy League, clinched a spot in the upcoming Ivy postseason tournament in the process. The Tigers play at Penn (4-8 overall, 1-4 Ivy) on April 19. (Photo by Shelley Szwast, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)
By Bill Alden
Cooper Mueller continued a special family athletic tradition when he decided to join the Princeton University men’s lacrosse program.
His father, Kit Mueller, produced a legendary career for the Princeton men’s basketball program, scoring 1,546 points and getting named as the Ivy League Player of the Year in both 1990 and 1991. more
ON THE BALL: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Meg Morrisroe, right, goes after the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore attacker Morrisroe scored a goal to help Princeton defeat Columbia 17-6 and earn its 11th straight win. The No. 5 Tigers, now 11-1 overall and 4-0 Ivy League, play at No. 18 Penn (6-5 overall, 2-2 Ivy) on April 16 and then host No. 17 Brown (10-3 overall, 4-1 Ivy) on April 19 as the program holds its annual Senior Day celebration. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Coming into its game against visiting Columbia last Saturday, the No. 5 Princeton University women’s lacrosse team was clicking on all cylinders.
The sizzling Tigers brought a 10-game winning streak into the contest, having started the week by topping No. 19 Stony Brook 19-13 last Wednesday. more
FIRST TAKE: Princeton High boys’ tennis player Garrett Mathewson hits a groundstroke in a match last season. Junior Mathewson has starred at first singles as PHS has gotten off to a 1-1 start this spring. In upcoming action, the Tigers host Hightstown on April 17 before competing in the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) tournament on April 21 and 23 at the Mercer County Tennis Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Although the Princeton High boys’ tennis team suffered a 4-1 loss to powerhouse WW/P-South its second match this season, Sarah Hibbert saw reason for optimism.
PHS junior star Garrett Mathewson posted a straight-set win at first singles in the April 8 match while junior Andrew Kuo forced a match tiebreaker at second singles and the second doubles pair of senior Matt Chen and sophomore Emil Kapur lost in two hard-fought sets. more
By Bill Alden
Youth is being served this spring for the Princeton Day School boys’ tennis team.
PDS is featuring a freshman and a sophomore in its singles lineup with a pair of freshmen having seen action at doubles.
While the squad may lack experience, Panther head coach Michael Augsberger believes it has plenty of quality. more
BRINGING THE HEAT: Hun School pitcher Asher DeLue fires a pitch in a 2024 game. Last Thursday, junior DeLue produced a superb effort in a 4-1 victory over Lawrenceville, going five innings with eight strikeouts to get the win on the mound. The Raiders, who fell 8-2 to Christian Brothers Academy last Monday in moving to 6-2, play at Pennington on April 17 and have a doubleheader at the Mercersburg Academy (Pa.) on April 19. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)
By Bill Alden
After pitching just 12 innings for the Hun School baseball team last year, Asher DeLue focused on pumping iron over the offseason in an effort to make a greater impact on the mound this spring.
“It was definitely putting in a lot of work in the weight room,” said junior DeLue. “Team lifts with the guys were great, we do that all winter. Playing club was great but the biggest thing was getting into the weight room and getting stronger.” more
ABBY ROAD: Stuart Country Day School lacrosse player Abby Chirik, center, sprints upfield last Wednesday as Stuart hosted Robbinsville. Junior midfielder Chirik scored a goal in a losing cause as the Tartans fell 16-3 to the Ravens. Stuart, now 0-3, hosts Princeton Day School on April 17 and Pope John on April 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
There is no down time for Abby Chirik when it comes to her athletic pursuits.
Chirik is a three-sport star at Stuart Country Day School, competing for its field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse teams. In her spare time, she plays club soccer year-round. more
To the Editor:
Congratulations and thank you to Town Council for the courage and clever implementation of eminent domain to bring resolution to the Choir College acquisition. Like many other residents, we wonder and have thoughts about the reuse of this site. Too often, outside consultants with little knowledge of Princeton and the values of its residents are retained at considerable cost with less than ideal results.
Princeton is fortunate in having many bright, creative and successful residents that are available or can be retained to advise on this opportunity. The involvement of Princeton Future and volunteer resources is representative of how community planning can be accomplished that is satisfactory to its residents. The Choir College site could provide a location for mixed and affordable housing, reuse of the existing academic buildings by the PPS or other entities, and providing open space at the existing front lawn.
For example, a 40-year land lease for the vacant rear property to a developer who would pay the bond interest cost apportioned to that part of the site over 40 years could financially provide an incentive for a greater number of affordable units than the typical 20 percent currently required. The developer receives the IRS tax benefits of depreciating his entire construction cost without the expensive initial land cost, while the town ultimately benefits from the land and asset reversion after 40 years. more
To the Editor:
Once again, Council has demonstrated its disrespect for the residents who elected them and the property owners who pay taxes by rushing to burden us with a large expenditure for the former Westminster Choir College campus, without ascertaining our opinions.
The litigation among Rider University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Westminster Alumni group has been dragging on for years and was unlikely to conclude soon. There was no need to hurry. The Council had sufficient time to solicit and listen to our opinions before undertaking condemnation.
Their stated plans for the property are extremely vague. We all deserve a detailed explanation of their plans, ample opportunity for public comment, and a means to approve future expenditures before any further decisions are made.
Maryann Witalec Keyes
Franklin Avenue
To the Editor:
Blooming now in a yard near you, and probably in your own yard, is a pretty little flower that is big trouble. Lesser celandine, with its low mound of roundish leaves and yellow flowers, may look harmless when it first arrives in your yard, but be forewarned. Unless you remove or spot-spray those first few that show up, they will quickly spread to pave your lawn and garden beds, then spread into your neighbors’ yards as well. Unlike dandelions, which also begin blooming now, lesser celandine poses a serious threat to local nature preserves. Thriving in shade or sun, its poisonous leaves coat natural areas, displacing native wildflowers and cheating wildlife of food.
When I moved to Princeton 22 years ago, I first noticed lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) coating Pettoranello Gardens, then watched as it spread downstream into Mountain Lakes, turning a once diverse spring landscape into a monotonous yellow declaration of Me! Me! Me! Ever since, I’ve been sounding the warning on my PrincetonNatureNotes blog. People mistakenly called it marsh marigold — a native that is larger and exceedingly rare. More recently, lesser celandine has begun popping up in yards in the Little Brook neighborhood and just about everywhere else. It can spread via seeds and tubers, but primarily through bulblets that grow on its stem. These likely hitchhike from yard to yard on lawnmower equipment. more
April 15, 2025
George Britton Somers Jr.
George Britton Somers Jr., 72, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 9, 2025, following a very serious illness. He was born in Washington, DC, and grew up and settled in Princeton, NJ.
George was a graduate of Georgetown University with a BS in Portuguese and a MS in Linguistics. He obtained his JD at Seton Hall University. He was an Attorney since 1983 in private practice in Princeton, NJ, handling primarily defense cases. George was formerly a Deputy Attorney General and an Assistant Prosecutor in Middlesex County. He spoke four languages including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Church and enjoyed playing squash and traveling.
Predeceased by his parents George Britton and Elizabeth Deborah (DiMeglio) Somers; he is survived by his wife of 22 years Hyesook (Lee) Somers; and children Melissa “Missy” Somers, John Somers, and Jeb Somers.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.
———
Franklin D. Moore
Franklin D. Moore, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the age of 79 surrounded by his loved ones. Born on May 13, 1945, in Atlantic City, NJ, and a Plainsboro area resident since 1975, Franklin’s life was one characterized by dedication, passion, and love.
Franklin’s legacy begins with his cherished family. He is survived by his loving wife, Wardell Robinson-Moore; his devoted sons, Franklin R. Moore and his wife Ally, and Joseph R. Moore and his wife Danielle; and his adored grandchildren, Mason, Mya, Kenzie, and Breland. He also leaves behind his caring sisters, Althea LaDrene Greer and Gloria Jean Barlow, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him deeply. He was predeceased by his parents, Dally and Estella Moore, who instilled in him the values of love and service he carried throughout his life.
Franklin’s professional endeavors were as impactful as his personal relationships. After serving in the Army Reserves, he taught in the Philadelphia public schools, followed by teaching as an Adjunct Instructor at Middlesex County College and serving as Assistant Director of admissions. He then moved on to Princeton University where he served as Associate Director of admissions until he became Assistant Dean at NYU School of Law. One of his greatest accomplishments was opening his own title insurance agency, remaining in this field until his retirement. His commitment to education and justice was further demonstrated by his involvement with the Association of Black Admissions and Financial Aid Officers in the Ivy League and Sister Schools, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, serving as Vice Chair of the Board of Union Theological Seminary, and his leadership roles as Chair of the Board of Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick and Co-Chair of the Board of the George Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem.
His interests painted the portrait of a man passionate about life. Franklin’s appreciation for sports cars, especially Corvettes, was well-known. He relished the tranquility of fishing and the camaraderie of playing and coaching basketball. His love for basketball was sparked by playing on Middle Township High School’s basketball team, which, in turn, led him to play for Cheyney University (then Cheyney State). Watching his sons on the basketball court and his son Joe’s lacrosse games were among his greatest joys. His passion for helping people was unmatched. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family, delighting in the growth of his grandchildren in recent years.
Franklin Moore will be remembered as a loving husband, a passionate father, a selfless friend, and a man who touched the lives of many. His memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. Franklin’s life was truly a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the world and the hearts of others.
Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery, 416 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in memory of Franklin D. Moore to the Thrive Charter School, 175 Leonard Avenue, Hamilton, NJ 08610. Condolences at radzieta.com.
April 9, 2025
More than 1,000 demonstrators braved the stormy weather to gather at Hinds Plaza on Saturday to rally against ongoing Trump administration initiatives and demand that the federal government stop interfering with a wide range of health, education, environmental, and personal aspects of their lives and the country’s welfare. Attendees share what brought them to the rally in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)
By Donald Gilpin
With a broad agenda of issues and a sharp focus in opposition to the Trump administration agenda, more than 1,000 demonstrators, undeterred by dark skies and periodic rain showers, arrived at Hinds Plaza at noon on Saturday, April 5, spilling out onto the surrounding sidewalks and into Witherspoon Street, which was closed for the occasion.
“Hands Off!” was the mantra for the rally organized by Indivisible Princeton and Indivisible Cranbury as part of a nationwide day of peaceful protest with hundreds of demonstrations taking place in cities and towns across the country.
In chants and signs and a dozen speeches by representatives of a range of organizations, the message to President Trump, Elon Musk, and the federal government was to stop the destructive interference with health care, schools and colleges, libraries, DEI, immigrants, veterans benefits, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, national parks, free speech, and “hands off our democracy.” more
By Donald Gilpin
Facing the suspension of several dozen federal government research grants, Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber is asserting the University’s commitment to academic freedom and to adherence to due process rights.
In an email to the Princeton University community last week Eisgruber announced that the University had received notifications from government agencies, including the Department of Energy, NASA, and the Defense Department, that they were suspending a number of research grants.
The rationale for the government suspensions was not clear, Eisgruber said, and in an April 6 “All Things Considered” interview with NPR’s Asma Khalid, he noted, “We have not received any communication from the government that explains why these grants were suspended or any requests to do anything in response to the suspensions.” more
By Anne Levin
The countdown is on. Princeton, along with the rest of the country, is gearing up for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026.
The town is among the more than 100 New Jersey communities and 200 organizations that have officially joined in the preparations for the nation’s semiquincentennial, led by Revolution NJ, the State’s official initiative to mark the milestone.
For the past several months, Princeton’s Heritage Tourism Committee and Mercer County’s Division of Travel and Tourism have been regularly meeting to talk about how best to spotlight the town’s critical role in the creation of the country. Key players include the Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS), the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP), Experience Princeton, Morven Museum and Garden, and the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, among other organizations and nonprofits. more
HONORING A NATIVE SON: The Paul Robeson House Princeton pays tribute to the man who spent his life fighting for truth and justice with events April 12-20.
By Anne Levin
On March 31, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill designating April 9 of each year as Paul Robeson Day in New Jersey.
In Princeton, where the famed singer, actor, professional athlete, and influential activist was born on April 9, 1898, the commemorative day is only part of the story. Robeson Week, “a celebration of Legacy, Art, and Community,” takes place April 12-20 with a lineup of events starting with a wreath-laying at the Arts Council of Princeton and concluding with an Easter Sunrise Service at Princeton Cemetery, followed by a breakfast at Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church. more
By Anne Levin
Since the very first Earth Day was organized on April 22, 1970, environmentally-conscious citizens across the globe have been mobilizing to try and protect the planet. The theme this year, “Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet,” is especially relevant as the Trump administration makes no secret of its intention to dismantle climate action.
According to Earthday.org, some 550 cities and towns will be holding Earth Action Day events on and around April 22. As usual, Princeton is among them. Among the environmentally-centered events in which the public can take part are stewardship sessions, cleanups of local preserves, exhibits, and festivals.
Local activities begin on Sunday, April 13 (new date) at Herrontown Woods with a day of exploring and learning in nature from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Stewarding Your Local Environment” is sponsored by Friends of Herrontown Woods at 600 Snowden Lane, and all are invited. Visit herrontownwoods.org for more information. more