July 31, 2024

Lorna Courtney

McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical based on the 1990s cult-classic film. The show runs in McCarter’s Berlind Theatre from September 6-October 6.

This adaptation, featuring an original rock score by Princeton native Zoe Sarnak and a book by the film’s screenwriter Carol Heikkinen, is produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner.

The musical reunites Sarnak with director Trip Cullman (Broadway: Choir Boy, Lobby Hero) and choreographer Ellenore Scott (Broadway: Funny Girl) after their work on Sarnak’s The Lonely Few at McCarter earlier this year.  more

30 X 40

“ON A COUNTRY ROAD”: This painting by Bill Jersey is part of “Surroundings,” his joint exhibition with Claudia Fouse Fountaine, on view August 8 through September 1 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on August 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville will present “Surroundings,” featuring works by Bill Jersey and Claudia Fouse Fountaine, August 8 through September 1. An opening reception is on Saturday, August 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Their last exhibit together highlighted travels around the world and views of different countries; colorful as well as exotic. “Surroundings” brings the focus closer to home, to what we see around us every day. According to the artists, it turns out that can be as inspirational as anything else if we take the time to look carefully. more

“BANK BARN SHADOWS”: Paintings by Jacalyn Beam, whose work is shown here, are featured in “Timeless Art,” her joint exhibition with sculptor Ashby Saunders and painter Aurelia Nieves-Callwood, on view August 3 through September 8 at the New Hope Colony Foundation for the Arts in New Hope, Pa. An opening reception is on Saturday, August 3 from 4 to 7 p.m.

“Timeless Art,” an exhibition of painting and sculpture by three accomplished artists, will be on view August 3 through September 8, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, at the New Hope Colony Foundation for the Arts in New Hope, Pa. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. The exhibition focuses on three artists, two of whom are over 80 years of age, who have continued to paint, sculpt, and create in their chosen medium.

Sculptor Ashby Saunders, from Upper Makefield, Pa., models clay and bronze into exuberant sculptures, often depicting movement. He has been fascinated by clay modeling since childhood. He began sculpting as an adult and studied for two years with sculptor George Anthonisen. Saunders continued to sculpt, while losing his peripheral vision, until he was 85. His work can be seen in public parks in Bucks County.  more

“THE OLD RED BRIDGE – NEW HOPE”: This pastel by Marina Marino is featured in the group exhibition “Along the Delaware River and Crosswicks Creek,” on view through September 27 at the D&R Greenway Land Trust Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place.

D&R Greenway Land Trust, in partnership with CJ Mugavero of The Artful Deposit Gallery in Bordentown, is hosting the “Along the Delaware River and Crosswicks Creek” exhibit through September 27 at the Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The displayed art will be sold to interested buyers, a portion of which will support D&R Greenway Land Trust to preserve land in the Delaware River region.

According to D&R Greenway, art has a long history of portraying life and the beauty along the Delaware River. From Lenape woodcarvings to the New Hope Art Colony, the Delaware River Valley has been home to creative work for thousands of years. Works like The Delaware River at Prallsville by Jeff Gola and The Run by Shawn Campbell show the level of inspiration the Delaware can instill. more

FAMILY FOCUS; “We enjoy helping people keep their house clean and in good order. It enables them to have more flexibility and spend quality time with their family. It is known that a clean house can reduce stress, and make your home more comfortable and provide a better setting for you.” Igor and Teresa Filipovic, owners of Fresh Living Professional Cleaners, enjoy spending time with their own family, including daughters Sabrina, Valentina, and Penelope, shown here in Medvednica Nature Park in Zagreb, Croatia, Igor’s homeland.

By Jean Stratton

You just don’t have time for dusting, mopping, vacuuming, sanitizing, etc., but finding the right person to clean your house can be an ongoing challenge. Some people do a good job, but they don’t always show up on time or even on the day they are expected.

Others are very reliable, but the quality of their work may be lacking. It is always something!

What to do? Check with friends, surf the net, even look through print newspaper ads, stick with what you have?

Fresh Living Professional Cleaners understands this dilemma. Owners Teresa and Igor Filipovic have been there!

 more

OH MAIA: Maia Chamberlain shouts for joy after a win during her Princeton University fencing career. Chamberlain ’22 will be making her Olympic debut as she competes for the U.S. women’s saber team this week in the Paris Games. The women’s saber team event is scheduled for August 1 at the Grand Palais in Paris. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Competing in her first national fencing competition as a 9-year-old, Maia Chamberlain was a bit spooked by the cacophony of hollering she encountered at the San Jose Convention Center.

“Fencing is like a whole other ballgame, you don’t realize how much people scream in fencing; it is a very loud sport,” said Chamberlain. “I walked in and the whole venue was just like people screaming their heads off for the touch. The first thought I had walking in there was, ‘I am in a murder house?’ It feels like people are killing each other, that is what it sounds like.”

Undeterred, Chamberlain killed it in the competition, taking third in the U-10 saber in a harbinger of things to come. Over the years, Chamberlain moved up the national ladder, excelling in national competitions and placing second in U20 women’s saber at the 2016 Junior World Cup.

 more

FAB FOUR: Former Princeton University men’s heavyweight rowing star Nick Mead 17, far left, competes in the U.S. men’s four. Last Sunday, Mead helped the four place first in its opening heat at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The U.S. will go for a gold medal as it competes in the A final on August 1 at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. (Photo by Row2k, provided courtesy of USRowing)

By Bill Alden

As the Paris 2024 Olympics got underway last weekend, Princeton University rowing alums put themselves in medal contention with a number of superb performances.

Last Sunday, Nick Mead ’17 helped the U.S four win its opening heat and advance to the A final on August 1 as it earned a shot at a medal. Rowing from the bow seat, Mead helped the boat post a winning time of 6:04.95 over the 2,000-meter course at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. Anther Tiger alum, Timothy Masters ’15, rowed for the Australian four that took second in the same heat as it also put itself in position to compete for a spot on the podium. more

MAMMOTH PROGRESS: Kate Becker heads upfield in 2022 during her senior season for the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team. Becker has continued her lacrosse career at the next level for the Amherst College women’s program and emerged as a key playmaker for the Mammoths this spring. Attacker Becker tallied 18 goals and a team-high 17 assists in her sophomore campaign to help Amherst go 8-8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After being slowed by injury in her debut campaign for the Amherst College women’s lacrosse team in 2023, Kate Becker got up to speed this spring.

Former Princeton High standout Becker tallied 18 goals and a team-high 17 assists in her sophomore season to help the Mammoths go 8-8. more

BRIT BALL: Will Kraemer celebrates after getting a hit for Great Britain in the U18 Baseball European Championship held earlier this month in Regensburg, Germany. Rising Hun School senior Kraemer batted .429 with nine hits in 21 at-bats, four doubles, seven runs, and four RBIs in the tourney to help Great Britain finish fourth in the competition. (Phot provided courtesy of Derrick Kraemer)

By Bill Alden

Will Kraemer culminated his junior season for the Hun School baseball team this May by helping the squad win the Mercer County Tournament title at the Trenton Thunder Stadium and Prep A state championship on its home diamond.

In July, Kraemer found himself competing for another title some 4,000 miles away from the Princeton area as he played for Great Britain in the U18 Baseball European Championship in Regensburg, Germany. more

SOARING TO VICTORY: Peter Sorber of Princeton Supply (blue shirt) soars to the hoop Monday night in the opener of the best-of-three championship series in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Sorber contributed seven points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocked shots to help top-seeded Princeton Supply edge third-seeded Lob City 41-39. Princeton Supply, now 11-0, will go for its second straight league title as it faces Lob City (7-4) in game two on July 31 with the third game, if necessary, slated for August 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Cruising to an undefeated record as it goes for a title repeat, Princeton Supply found itself in a battle with Lob City last Monday in the opener of the best-of-three championship series in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League.

With its offense sputtering, top-seeded Princeton Supply trailed third-seeded Lob City early in the second half at the Community Park courts. more

To the Editor:

We recently attended a Council meeting about housing development at the seminary. At that meeting, many members of the public voiced enthusiastic support for the project, but many neighbors cited concerns ranging from cutting down trees to changing the neighborhood character to the fact that only 20 percent of the units will be affordable housing.

While these are of course reasonable concerns, the fact is that the Council and Planning Board have been working on this for several years, and they have addressed many of these things already. For example, it would be wonderful to preserve every tree on site, but that’s not realistic, and our regulations require as many as possible to be replaced. Some might prefer if the project were 100 percent affordable housing, but that is not financially feasible, and anyway Princeton needs more housing of all types, not just deed-restricted affordable. Some residents worry about stormwater runoff, but in fact the law requires all stormwater to be retained on the property, meaning the development will likely improve the neighbors’ situation. more

To the Editor:

My wife and I have a 40-plus year appreciation of the special place that is Princeton and feel privileged to own a circa-1830 house in the Mercer Hill Historic District for the past 11 years. We have a deep respect for history and the firm belief that the historic buildings that comprise the rich fabric of this special town need to be honored and carefully preserved. Indeed, the longer a building survives in its appreciably original state, the greater the need for it to be protected against alteration. We are merely the stewards of a house and barn that are temporarily in our care. I would argue that institutional owners have an even greater mandate to be thoughtful stewards of their historic buildings, as they will surely have much longer periods of ownership. more

To the Editor:

I live on Alexander Street across from a group of houses owned by the Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS). They have been the subject of several recent Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) hearings, as PTS is proposing long-delayed renovations to them. The houses were built in the 1830s in what is now the Mercer Hill Historic District (MHHD). A few of them are Steadman houses; Charles Steadman being considered the leading architect-builder of his era in Princeton.  It is HPC’s mandate to protect and preserve Princeton’s architectural heritage. Their documented renovation guidelines are that the owner save as much original exterior material as possible. If unable to save, then the replacement material should be the same as the original. (For nearby 44 Mercer Street, HPC gave an administrative waiver to PTS for the renovation of that house, allowing the complete removal of historic original wood siding, windows and window trim.) In conversations with PTS, the MHHDA learned of the initial plans to remove all the exterior wood and original windows and replace them with synthetic material and aluminum-faced replacement windows.  Based on this, the Association contacted HPC about the lack of compliance with HPC guidelines. (PTS has since modified its plans and will replace the siding with wood material.) more

Ingrid W. Reed

Ingrid Wagner Reed passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024 surrounded by her children.

Ingrid Reed loved all things New Jersey dedicating her life to the enrichment and improvement of the lives of New Jersey’s young and old. Her enthusiastic contributions as a feminist pioneer; civil rights advocate; public policy expert; supporter of the arts; environmental leader; local, state, and tri-state regional planning proponent; state and regional government task force leader; and board member and chair of countless New Jersey organizations leaves an enduring legacy. Foremost she was a proud mother and grandmother, supportive wife and life partner, and loyal and supportive friend.

Ingrid was born in 1936 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to the late Fred and Ruth (Straumer) Wagner and was raised in Vineland, New Jersey. She graduated as valedictorian of her Vineland High School class and enrolled as a member of the Class of 1958 at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn’s first class of women, on a full scholarship graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Economics.

Following graduation, Ingrid moved to New York City where she met her husband, Marvin Reed. They married in Vineland and settled in Princeton beginning a more than 60-year partnership supporting each other’s careers, volunteer efforts, families, friends, and neighbors.

In 1961, the family bought a house in ‘Glen Acres’ in West Windsor, a new racially integrated neighborhood where they raised their two children David and Liza. Shortly thereafter Ingrid joined the League of Women Voters and began her civic work. In 1972, she ran for West Windsor Township Committee on the platform of forming a master plan for the community. Her bid was unsuccessful but her focus on planning led to 18 years on the Mercer County Planning Board as the first woman appointee and where she served as chair for 11 years. She also joined the Watershed Institute Board of Trustees, serving as chair 1975 to 1978.

In 1974, Ingrid began a new career at Princeton University’s Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and the family moved to Princeton Borough. She served as Director of the Rockefeller Public Service Awards program from 1975 to 1981 and Assistant Dean. In 1987, Governor Tom Kean established the Capital City Redevelopment Corporation with Ingrid as chair, a position she held until 2010. Ingrid’s commitment to improving the State was her motivation in helping to establish New Jersey Future in 1987 — an organization dedicated to advancing policies and practices to curb sprawl and promote redevelopment. She was a founding board member and served on the board for more than 30 years including time as chair and its first senior fellow. While at Princeton University, Ingrid received a W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Leadership Fellowship allowing her to study private sector real estate development in Kenya, East Asia, and Chicago.

In 1992, Ingrid became Vice-President for Public Affairs and Corporate Secretary at the Rockefeller University in New York City. During this time, she was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration and served on the New Jersey Committee of the Regional Plan Association.

In 1996, she joined the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University to lead The New Jersey Project for the next 15 years. From 2000 to 2009, Ingrid served on the board of the Community Foundation of New Jersey when the foundation’s assets grew nine-fold. In 2009, Ingrid’s passion of providing voter information and government transparency led to becoming a founder and board chair of NJ Spotlight. Ingrid also joined the Community Advisory Board of NJ PBS serving as chair. Her involvement with both organizations helped facilitate the merger of NJ Spotlight with NJTV under WNET in 2019. In addition, Ingrid chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Local Government Ethics Administration (2009-2011). Ingrid served on the Board and Advisory Council on the Children’s Committee of Womanspace and actively supported the Princeton Adult School, Arts Council of Princeton, and New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Ingrid was a frequent program host at the Princeton Public Library including her annual election reviews with MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki. In addition, she was active with AARP New Jersey and honored with the MVP Award in 2020 for 10 years of service.

In 2015, Ingrid and Marvin moved to Stonebridge at Montgomery Senior Living Community in Skillman. At Stonebridge, Ingrid created and hosted more than 90 episodes of the “Getting to Know You” video series.

Ingrid found great pleasure in traveling the globe, opera, classical music, art, ballet, theater, and frequent visits to New York City. Ingrid’s local involvement with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra embodied her passion for classical music and conviction that arts are an essential part of communities. Serving on the Board, Ingrid was instrumental in developing the PSO Bravo program which provides music education to New Jersey public school students, and as an advisor to the Princeton Festival.

Ingrid was predeceased by her husband Marvin Reed in 2020, former mayor of Princeton Borough, and her sister Barbara Suess. She leaves her son David and wife Nan Reed of San Francisco, CA; daughter Elizabeth (Liza) and husband Thomas O’Reilly of Hingham, MA; sisters Doris and husband Marty Schwartz of East Lansing, MI, and Susan Levin of Port Hueneme, CA; and grandchildren Cecilia and husband Raymond C. Smith IV of Boston, MA; Jacquelyn O’Reilly of Cambridge, MA; Agnes O’Reilly of Hingham, MA; and Owen Reed of Boston, MA.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Please consider honoring Ingrid’s memory by donating to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra Bravo program to benefit the youth who are New Jersey’s future (princetonsymphony.org/support/donate).

———

Alexander B. Vincent, Jr.

Alexander Billmeyer Vincent, Jr., 91, of Princeton, New Jersey, passed away on July 10, 2024. Alex was born and raised in Lewistown, PA. After high school, he attended Dickinson College and the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. Upon graduation from Cornell, he moved to Princeton for a position in Princeton University Dining Services. This began a longtime affiliation with the University and a career in the hospitality industry. It was at Princeton University where he met the love of his life, Jill. After marrying Jill in 1969, they remained in Princeton and raised their family in the Palmer House, Princeton University’s guesthouse, for the next 29 years.

Away from his career, Alex had many interests. He and Jill loved entertaining, the Palmer House serving as a beautiful backdrop to dinner parties and Sunday lunches that were enjoyed by family and friends. An avid baker, Alex was well known for his decadent chocolate cakes and lavish cookie trays at Christmas. He was a well-known lover of Christmas and Santa Claus collector. He also enjoyed gardening, attending Princeton University football and basketball games and family history.

Alex is survived by his children, Virginia Vincent Sayer and her husband, Dorsey Sayer, and their children Tim and Emory of Wyndmoor, PA; Alexander B. Vincent, III and his wife Jessica Lockhart Vincent and their children Alexander IV and Catherine, of Yardley, PA; and his sister, Alice Vincent Davis (late James) of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Alex was predeceased by his parents Alexander Billmeyer Vincent and Virginia Sullivan Vincent; his wife, Jill Blandford Vincent; and sister Lucritia Vincent Bossert (late Jack).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Nassau Presbyterian Church’s Compassion Fund.

A Memorial Service will be held at Nassau Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 1 p.m. Reception following at the Nassau Club.

Arrangements under the direction of the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

———

Kathleen Cuffy

Kathleen Cuffy was born on October 7, 1954, in Trinidad and Tobago. She was a resident of Princeton, NJ, for over 30 years. Kathleen accepted her angel invitation and transitioned on July 20, 2024, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Borris; siblings, Leila (Lansing), Corinne (Carl), Roslyn (late Steve), Delia, Hiliva, Erica, Arthur, and Raymond (Karen). She was a loving aunt to 17 nieces and nephews and a great-aunt to 18 great-nieces and great-nephews. She was greatly loved by her extended family, the Resnicks.

Kathleen was predeceased by her parents, Evelyn and Clement Cuffy, and her two younger brothers, Eric and David.

Kathleen was an amazing mother, sister, friend, and neighbor. With a strong love of her faith in Christ, Kathleen enjoyed reading her Bible and worshipping the Lord. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ.

Kathleen got her greatest joy by helping others. She was a caregiver to many and had a hand in raising each and every one of her nieces and nephews. She was full of life with a sharp and witty tongue. She loved to sing and dance and was easily appointed the best cook in her family.

Kathleen had a love for the beauty of nature all around her. Her phone is full of pictures of sunrises, sunsets, clouds, snowfall, rain, and foggy sceneries. She also had a love for flowers and plants.
Most of all, Kathleen loved spending quality time with her family, especially her godchildren Laila, Zoey, Zion, and great-niece Ava. Her role as a mother went beyond her daughter and her kind heart touched everyone she encountered.

Kathleen will be greatly missed but will continue to live in our hearts forever.

———

Corinne Glenda Riefman Barsky
5/5/1935–7/28/2024

Corinne Glenda Riefman Barsky was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The things she taught her loved ones were priceless and will be remembered always. She cared for people without judging them, and she let nothing get in her way of achieving great things.

Corinne was born on May 5, 1935, to Ruth and Max Riefman. Her mother was a homemaker, and her father a skilled Glazier. Her father ran his business from home and his wife took the phone calls and made the appointments; together they were successful. She met her husband, Marvin Barsky, in 1954, when she was 19 years old. They were married a year later in Elizabeth, NJ, and they celebrated 68 years of marriage this year.

Corinne acquired a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. During her studies there, she fought with administration and managed to become the first woman ever to take an astronomy class, which previously was not allowed. She knew when to not take no for an answer. She taught people how to know their worth.

Corinne knew how to appreciate the beauty that this earth has to offer. She had a bond with nature that those that she leaves behind have yet to see anyone replicate. She chose to be strong, optimistic, and dedicated her time to caring deeply for her family while accomplishing her aspirations. She knew how to make anyone feel like the most important person in the room. She cared for others in this way, by truly understanding the challenges and achievements they brought to her, and she helped navigate and celebrate them, respectively.

She was absolutely magnetic. People of all kinds were drawn to her, and she made them feel loved. She took wonderful care of her home and decorated it in an artistic and beautiful way, keeping each room filled with many flourishing plants that she understood the care for so well. She had a precise instinct for that which went on around her and never missed a thing, from a beautiful flower to a meaningful glance. She was generous, loving, and so very smart, and she articulated this in an empowering and inspiring way. She taught people to find their best self and to do whatever it takes to maintain that strength.

Some people leave behind a smattering of colorful memories that last a lifetime, but Corinne Barsky was an intricate kaleidoscope of love and beauty that we were all exceptionally lucky to have observed. She is a woman to always admire and her beautiful soul lives forever in all of us.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Barsky; her two children, Barbara Brown and Susan Barsky; her four grandchildren; and her seven great-grandchildren of whom she was so very proud of.

July 24, 2024

Ess Gees performed last Saturday in Palmer Square’s Summer Music Series, which continues on Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m. through September 21. (Photo by Sarah Teo)

By Anne Levin

Following a public hearing Monday evening, Princeton Council voted to adopt a redevelopment plan for properties at Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) that includes a 238-unit apartment complex on Stockton Street at Hibben Road. The unanimous vote came after comments from numerous residents of the surrounding neighborhood and other areas of Princeton. Most spoke in opposition to the plan, while some others expressed support.

The Council meeting came a few days after the Planning Board reviewed the plan and voted that it was consistent with the town’s Master Plan. Many of the same people who attended the Planning Board meeting turned out at the public hearing to express their concerns, urging Council to delay its decision.  more

By Donald Gilpin

Almost three years since groundbreaking and many more years in the planning, Princeton University’s Meadows Neighborhood on Washington Road is ready to welcome a full complement of graduate students, athletics teams, and more this fall.

“The Meadows Neighborhood will provide a place that is experienced as a natural, yet distinctive extension of the existing campus,” wrote Associate Vice President for Capital Projects Dozie Ibeh. “The initial projects encourage a lively community of living and learning.” more

By Donald Gilpin

Amidst recent upheavals on the national political scene, Princeton has its own election excitement coming up in the local race for positions on the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE).

With the filing deadline for the November election just a few days away, the campaign for three spots on the BOE has three new candidates in the race, two incumbents stepping down at the end of the year, and a third incumbent not available for comment.

Betsy Baglio, BOE member for the past nine years, wrote in a July 22 email to Town Topics that she would not be running for a fourth term. “While I look forward to seeking other opportunities after completing my Board service at the end of this calendar year, I will always remain committed to the success of the Princeton Public Schools as a parent, community member, and educator,” she said. “I will continue to advocate for the well-being and achievement of PPS students (Including equitable access to all opportunities) and support our dedicated faculty and staff.” more

“TRAVELS WITH THOMAS GEORGE”: The Arts Council of Princeton will be hosting an exhibition and art sale August 1-4 featuring the works of the late internationally celebrated artist and Princeton resident Thomas George. The painting pictured above is George’s “North Garden, Bodnant,” a 1994 watercolor.

By Donald Gilpin

“Travels with Thomas George,” an unusual art show and sale featuring about 100 works by the late artist and Princeton resident, will take place at the Arts Council of Princeton’s (ACP) Taplin Gallery August 1-4.

George’s work, which is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, the National Gallery of American Art, the Tate Gallery, and many other museums and collections in the United States and abroad, spans a variety of different subject matter and represents a number of different mediums.  more

VISION FOR THE FUTURE: A rendering from Ikon5 Architects of the new Museum and Visitors Center that is among Washington Crossing Park Association’s preparations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. (Rendering courtesy of WCPA)

By Anne Levin

With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence less than two years away, parks, museums, and historic sites related to the 1776 proclamation are busy planning for celebratory events. Among them is the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA), which has some major capital improvements on the drawing board, including a new Museum and Visitors center.

A presentation on those plans is part of “Table Talk Histories,” taking place Sunday, July 28 starting at 1 p.m. at the Park’s Sullivan Grove Pavilion, near the current Visitors Center Museum, in Titusville. Preceding the talk about the museum, local historians and reenactors will be at different tables, each with images and objects focused on a different topic. Among them: Black soldiers during the Revolution, the integrated unit known as the Marbleheaders, smallpox inoculation and treatment in the 1700s, ferry boat operations on the Delaware River, and the Swan Historical Foundation’s collection of Revolutionary War artifacts. more

BUDDING AUTEURS: Films such as “Tomorrow & Forever” by Justin O’Neill are among the entries at the 2024 Princeton Student Film Festival, taking place at Princeton Public Library on July 31.

By Anne Levin

It has been just over two decades since Princeton Public Library debuted its Princeton Student Film Festival (PSFF), screening the works of high school and college students from across the local area, throughout the U.S., and abroad. In that time, entries have gotten increasingly creative and sophisticated.

“This year, we’ve definitely seen some budding auteurs,” said Megan McCafferty, the youth services library associate and the coordinator of the festival, which takes place on Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. “These are films that demonstrate such a strong artistic vision, from the opening title card to the closing credits. I think these young filmmakers are already thinking of branding themselves as creative people, which is really smart to do.” more

By Stuart Mitchner

Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.

—Ernest Hemingway, from The Old Man and the Sea

Don’t give up, don’t let it get you down,” my 48-year-old son told me when he saw that I was depressed by the post-Biden-debate news cycle. That was before Sunday when the president finally did what he had to do. If nothing else, maybe the media will shut up about how old he is, stop gaslighting his every move, and give him some breathing room.

I’ve been thinking about “don’t” songs. When I promised my son not to let the polls get me down, I thought of John Lennon singing “Don’t Let Me Down.” A friend says “Don’t forget to write,” and my inner jukebox clicks into action, playing “Don’t Forget to Dance,” a song from the early 1980s by the Kinks. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” would make a great campaign anthem for either party this year except that it’s forever associated with the blackout finale of The Sopranos. Which reminds me of the 1992 Democratic convention and one of the most effective presidential campaign songs ever, Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow).” more

By Nancy Plum

On the 55th anniversary of man landing on the moon, it was fitting that New Jersey Symphony showed Princeton the future of musical composition. As part of its commitment to contemporary works, the Symphony sponsored its annual, weeklong, tuition-free Institute devoted to “enhancing the careers of four emerging composers” who, through in-depth coaching and rehearsals with the Symphony, were able to hone their craft and “move the ball forward” with orchestral music. This year’s culminating Edward T. Cone Composition Institute concert was held last Saturday night at Richardson Auditorium, featuring new pieces exploring a wide range of ideas. Conducted by Christopher Rountree, the performance brought well-deserved attention to four distinctive individuals with clear futures in the performing arts.

Composer Leigha Amick believes that music has the potential to “reflect on both the current and the timeless human experience, to provide grounds for intellectual fascination, and to quench the need for emotional expression.” Her extensive repertory, for both instrumental and vocal ensembles as well as electronics, has been performed nationwide. Amick’s Cascade, inspired by a composition by American Carl Stone for electronics, bagpipes and organ, was built around an altered passacaglia in which the character changed with each of a series of harmonic cycles.  more

MILESTONE FOR A MAESTRO: Princeton Symphony Orchestra conductor Rossen Milanov celebrates his 60th birthday in the coming concert season. (Photo courtesy of Princeton Symphony Orchestra)

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) box office is now open for the 2024-25 season, which celebrates Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov’s 60th birthday. Guest artists will include violinists Leila Josefowicz and Aubree Oliverson, pianist Orli Shaham, Princeton University’s Performers-in-Residence So Percussion, and pianist Natasha Paremski.

Milanov has programmed favorite works including concertos by Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and Viet Cuong’s Re(new)al. Beethoven’s Triple Concerto will feature concertmaster Basia Danilow and principal cellist Alistair MacRae with pianist Steven Beck. more

OPENING NIGHT: Exhibiting fiber artist Sandra Eliot stands by her and other artists’ work during the opening night of “Structures and Constructions in Fiber” at the New Hope Art Center in New Hope, Pa., on June 29. The exhibit is on view through August 18.  (Photo by Dave Garrett)

“Structures and Constructions in Fiber” opened on June 29 and runs through August 18 at the New Hope Arts Center in New Hope, Pa. The juried exhibit features over 80 original, contemporary fiber artworks from more than 30 artists across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Notable artists in various national and international collections include Marilyn Cowhill, Rita Romanova Gekht, Bojana Leznicki, Nelly Kouzmina, Susan Martin-Maffei, Michael Ross, Mary-Ann Sievert, and Katie Truk. For the complete list of participating artists, visit newhopearts.orgmore