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January 17, 2024

Chimney Swifts Should be Considered in Planning of Valley Road Redevelopment

To the Editor:

The large chimney at the back of the Valley Road School site has become a major roosting location for a large population of chimney swifts. Several thousand of the birds gather as a massive flock in the sky just before dusk in late August through to early October. They circle while calling vociferously for around half an hour and then slowly pour into the chimney where they spend the night. It is a remarkable sight, not least because chimney swift numbers are declining, and they are globally classified as near-threatened by IUCN. Mercifully, they are fully protected in the U.S. by the Migratory Bird Act. Legally this means that nothing can be done that might jeopardize their survival and persistence. Any attempt to modify the structure of the chimney would legally be classified as jeopardy. more

January 10, 2024

Three Kings Dance Celebration

Fiesta del Día de Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, is celebrated throughout the world to mark the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas. On Saturday, a dance performance by students in the Arts Council of Princeton’s Flamenco program, led by Lisa Botalico, center, featured multiple dances as attendees learned about this cultural holiday. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

Council Wants to Consolidate Boards, Commissions

By Anne Levin

At its meeting Monday night, Princeton Council voted to introduce an ordinance that would eliminate the Affordable Housing Board, Human Services Commission, and Civil Rights Commission, streamlining them into one entity called the Community Services Advisory Committee.

A second ordinance would dispense with the Sewer Committee, moving sewer-related issues into the Infrastructure and Operations Committee.

While public comment is not permitted at an ordinance introduction and must wait until the official public hearing (January 22 for these two proposals), some members of the existing boards and commissions have expressed their concerns about the first ordinance in letters to the editor and an email to Council. more

Labyrinth Books Owners Agree to Recognize Their Employees’ Union

By Donald Gilpin

The owners of Labyrinth Books have announced that they will recognize their workers’ choice to unionize with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), following a December request from the Labyrinth workers that their union be recognized and a January 19 date set for a formal vote on unionization.

“Since they announced just before Christmas that they wanted to unionize, we have been in a process of deep reflection and conversation, especially with our management team,” wrote Labyrinth owners Cliff Simms, Peter Simms, and Dorothea von Moltke in a January 9 press release.

They continued, “The past two weeks have convinced us that the majority of the staff that’s eligible to vote is in favor of unionizing. By voluntarily recognizing the union, we are stating our sincere intention to use this organizing moment as an occasion to listen to everyone, make positive changes, and form a united Labyrinth that can do all the work we do better together.” more

PPS Board Prepares for 2024 Challenges; Kendal, Foster Comment on Growing Schools

By Donald Gilpin

With two new members and a third newly sworn in for a third term, the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education is looking to focus on teaching and learning as it addresses the challenges of space limitations and a growing student population.

The public weighed in last Saturday, January 6, at a meeting at the Princeton Middle School (PMS) to discuss expansion plans that are under consideration. Another meeting, which will take place virtually by Zoom, has been rescheduled for this Thursday, January 11, at 7 p.m. The current plans, which will be reviewed and discussed at Thursday’s meeting, propose expansions at Community Park and Littlebrook schools, a new addition at PMS, additional work at Princeton High School, and demolition of a section of the district’s Valley Road building. A referendum estimated at $85 millions is anticipated in the coming year. more

Arts Council’s “ART OF” Fundraisers Are Designed to Be More Inclusive

ART FOR EVERYONE: Young participants in the Arts Council of Princeton’s inaugural “ART OF” series last year attended a session called “ART OF Play.” The series returns starting Sunday, January 14 with an event geared to crossword puzzle aficionados. A variety of topics follow throughout the spring.

By Anne Levin

For many years, the Arts Council of Princeton’s (ACP) annual fall fundraiser served as a key source of support for the exhibits, classes, and special events held at the nonprofit throughout the year. But admission to these festive events wasn’t cheap, which excluded many of the artists and community members who take part in its programs.

Things changed last year with the new ART OF series of events encompassing a wide range of topics. Instead of one gala party at a steep price tag, there were several — allowing more diverse offerings and lower entrance fees.

ART OF was a success. The Arts Council will unveil a second round of the series on Sunday, with a sold-out session on the world of American crossword puzzles featuring renowned puzzle-maker Mangesh Ghogre. An eclectic list of topics are scheduled throughout the spring, at entrance prices ranging from $55 to $75. A few are free. more

New Chamber Concert Series Features Princeton University Students, Alumni

By Anne Levin

Per Tengstrand

For several years, Per Tengstrand has led Music on Park Avenue, a chamber music series held at Scandinavia House in Manhattan. A few seasons ago, he discovered a group of musical talents at Princeton University and invited them to perform as part of the series.

“It turned out that the top players in that group were absolutely fantastic,” said Tengstrand, an award-winning pianist who plays internationally and lives in Princeton. “So we continued.”

Along the way, Tengstrand has been hoping to feature these talented players closer to home. He has finally made that idea a reality with the Princeton Chamber Music Series, which debuted last weekend in Channing Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton on Cherry Hill Road. The series will continue throughout the spring with three more concerts and a screening of a film by Tengstrand, Beethoven: Freedom of the Will.

“For many years, it felt a little silly that we were all in Princeton and we went to New York City, but did not play in Princeton,” Tengstrand said. “There was not a venue I found here that would fit. Then all of a sudden on a sunny Saturday morning, I checked out the Unitarian Church. Channing Hall has fantastic acoustics and a big Steinway piano. And it’s eight minutes from my home.”

Rich Array of Area Events and Service Opportunities Offered for MLK Jr. Day

By Donald Gilpin

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, January 15, will be celebrated throughout the area as a federal holiday, the only holiday described as a National Day of Service.

Honoring the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, who was born on January 15, 1929 and was assassinated in1968, MLK Jr. Day has been observed for the past 37 years. This year’s commemorations will include many educational, cultural, and religious events and service opportunities in Princeton and throughout central New Jersey.

“In celebrating Dr. King’s 95th birthday, remember, he didn’t specify when we’d reach the Promised Land,” Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin wrote in an email. “The ongoing struggle for America’s soul echoes from then to now. Black people, integral to America’s foundation, continue fighting for freedom — it’s in our DNA.” more

Robert Donat and J.D. Salinger — Two Knights Without Armour

By Stuart Mitchner

Robert Donat may be the only movie star Holden Caulfield would ever think of calling on the phone. Donat, who plays Richard Hannay, the hero of Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller The 39 Steps (1935), “could draw us further into himself by his very modesty,” according to David Thomson’s Biographical Dictionary of Film. Writing about Donat’s performance in Knight Without Armour (1937), another movie J.D. Salinger liked to show on his 16 mm projector, Graham Greene observed that he “is sensible, authentic, slow; emotion when it comes has the effect of surprise, like plebeian poetry.” In contrast to the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood that Holden hates, Donat has, in Greene’s words, an “invincible naturalness.”

In The Great Movie Stars: The Golden Years (Crown 1970), David Shipman calls Donat’s story “a heart-rending one,” using an adjective also favored by 7-year-old Seymour Glass in Salinger’s extraordinary, still unpublished novella, Hapworth 16, 1924, surely the longest, strangest letter home from camp ever written. What makes Donat’s story “heart-rending” is that this “highly gifted actor,” known “for a beautiful speaking voice and a quiet and diffident charm,” was plagued by chronic asthma. As Thomson points out, Donat’s “illustrious” career included only 19 films, due to the major roles he turned down because of “the profound tentativeness at the root of his stammer and nervous breathlessness.” Even so, in one of his least compelling parts, as the title character in Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Donat beat out Clark Gable for the Best Actor Oscar, thwarting Gone With the Wind’s sweep of the 1939 Academy Awards. more

Mark Morris Dance Group On McCarter Theatre Stage

RARELY SEEN REPERTORY: When the Mark Morris Dance Group returns to McCarter Theatre January 27, audience members will see works spanning his long career. (Photo by Danica Paulos)

The Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG) returns to McCarter Theatre on Saturday, January 27 at 8 p.m., as part of the company’s international tour. On the program are “A Wooden Tree,” “Excursions,” “Candleflowerdance,” and “Castor and Pollux.” These works span the decades of Morris’ ensemble, which was formed in 1980 and has toured with its own music ensemble since 1996.

In addition to creating over 150 works for his company, Morris conducts orchestras, directs opera, and choreographs for ballet companies worldwide. Morris was named a Fellow of the MacArthur Foundation in 1991. He has received 11 honorary doctorates and awards, including the Samuel H. Scripps/American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Leonard Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award for the Elevation of Music in Society, the Benjamin Franklin Laureate Prize for Creativity, the Cal Performances Award of Distinction in the Performing Arts, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s Gift of Music Award, and the 2016 Doris Duke Artist Award. His memoir, Out Loud, co-written with Wesley Stace, was released in paperback by Penguin Press in October 2021.

MMDG always performs with live music, the MMDG Music Ensemble. The Mark Morris dance center, opened in Brooklyn in 2001, is the home of the Dance Group and provides educational opportunities in dance and music to people of all ages and abilities.

“Legally Blonde JR.” Takes Stage at Kelsey Theatre

LADIES OF DELTA NU: The cast of “Legally Blonde The Musical JR.” are rooting for their friend Elle Woods in this production at the Kelsey Theatre January 12-14.

Harvard’s favorite blonde will be center stage in the production of “Legally Blonde The Musical JR.,” presented by Tomato Patch Workshops at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre, January 12-14.

Based on the award-winning Broadway musical and the hit motion picture, “Legally Blonde The Musical JR.” is a journey of self-empowerment and expanding horizons. The show follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

Shows are Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 4 p.m., at Kelsey Theatre on the MCCC West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Tickets are $14-$16. Visit kelseytheatre.org.

Mozart’s Birthday Marathon Benefits Music Program

SHOWCASING THEIR MUSICAL TALENTS: Students from Legacy Arts International’s All-Abilities Music Creation Program will perform their new compositions as part of Mozart’s Birthday Marathon on Sunday, January 28 at Princeton United Methodist Church.

On Sunday, January 28 at 3:30 p.m., more than 20 pianists and musical colleagues of Cristina Altamura, artistic director of Legacy Arts International (LAI), will gather at Princeton United Methodist Church (corner of Nassau and Vandeventer Ave.) to perform Mozart’s music and raise funds for the organization’s All-Abilities Music Creation Program.

“Among these performers are celebrated musicians and teachers such as Phyllis Lehrer, Ena Barton Bronstein, and Ingrid Clarfield, who for four decades have consistently contributed to the excellent standard of music making in Princeton’s extraordinary piano teaching scene,” said Altamura. more

Marshall Tucker Band Keeps the Music Playing

ON THE ROAD: The Marshall Tucker Band and The Outlaws play the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on January 25 at 8 p.m.

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB), with special guests The Outlaws. on Thursday, January 25 at 8 p.m.

The MTB has had an impact on generations of listeners who’ve been “Searchin’ for a Rainbow” and found it perfectly represented by this Southern institution over the decades. “I’ve been in tune with how music can make you feel, right from when I was first in the crib,” said lead vocalist and bandleader Doug Gray, who’s been fronting the MTB since the very beginning.

The band came together as a six-piece outfit in Spartanburg, S.C., in 1972, having duly baptized themselves with the name of a blind piano tuner after they found it inscribed on a key to their original rehearsal space. Their music catalog includes the hits “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Can’t You See,” “Fire on the Mountain,” “Long Hard Ride,” and “Ramblin.’” more

Artist Talk, Dessert Reception At Johnson Education Center

By ARTIST TALK AT D&R: Liz Cutler will be at D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Johnson Education Center for an artist talk and dessert reception on Thursday, January 18 starting at 6:30 p.m.

The public is invited to an artist talk and dessert reception on Thursday, January 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Thursday, January 25. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by artist Liz Cutler’s presentation at 7 p.m.

Retired Princeton Day School teacher Cutler, who led the school’s sustainability club to inspire students to observe and care for nature, is showing her botanical art in memory of her son, Isaac. Together, they walked Greenway Meadows park throughout his lifetime. more

WWAC, Art Against Racism Present Juried Exhibition

“LITTLE FOOT, BIG STEP”: This work by Rashmi George is featured in ‘Manifesting Beloved Community,” a juried exhibition presented by Art Against Racism and the West Windsor Arts Council, on view through March 2. An opening reception is on January 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Art Against Racism and West Windsor Arts Council present “Manifesting Beloved Community,” the third year of a juried exhibition of work responding to a call for artists to visualize what it means to create or live in a nation or world designed around social and economic justice beyond the ills of structural racism. The exhibition is on view through March 2.

“The exhibition is Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s advocacy for a ‘Beloved Community,’ a global vision where all people share in the wealth of a healed planet,” said Rhinold Ponder, executive director of Art Against Racism. “With our partner the West Windsor Arts Council for this exhibition, we are so proud of going into our third year with such a diverse collection of artists and programming, such as the multicultural game night we’re planning, designed to build a beloved community.” more

Library Art Talk to Feature Photographer Darren Sussman

“CHARLOTTE”: This photograph is part of “Anthropomorphic: Photos and Stories” on view at Princeton Public Library through March 15. An art talk is on January 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Photographer Darren Sussman will be at Princeton Public Library on Thursday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. for the opening reception for “Anthropomorphic: Photos and Stories,” an exhibit of his work on view in the second floor Reading Room.

The exhibit, featuring a selection of photographs and text from the book of the same name, is on view through March 15 and explores the human tendency to assign human emotions and characteristics to animals.

“I can’t help it, when I look at an animal, I give it a human story,” said Sussman. “I’ve been doing it my whole life. So it was only natural, when I started into wildlife photography, that I’d make up stories for my subjects. That’s how ‘Anthropomorphic,’ the book and exhibit, was born.” more

“Earth Song” Art Exhibit Closes Later This Week

“SERENITY”: This work by Sejal Ashar is part of “Earth Song Refrain: BIPOC Artists on the Climate and the Environment,” a group exhibition curated by Art Against Racism, on view through January 12 at the Princeton Public Library.

“Earth Song Refrain: BIPOC Artists on the Climate and the Environment,” a group exhibition curated by Art Against Racism now showing at the Princeton Public Library, will close on January 12.

The exhibition presents the perspectives of visual artists and poets of color on the climate crisis and environmental challenges threatening the Earth’s health. Inspired by Michael Jackson’s environmental anthem “Earth Song,” this group exhibition reflects a tradition of Black and Brown artists using art to address issues related to mankind’s behavior and relationship to the planet, including the consequences of global warming, environmental racism, and climate change. more

Arts Council of Princeton Presents “Waiting to Detonate”

“WEATHER CONSTRUCT”: The Arts Council of Princeton’s first Taplin Gallery show of 2024 is “Waiting to Detonate,” a mixed media exhibition featuring Andrew Chalfen, whose work is shown here, Katelyn Liepins, and Ida Ochoteco.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) now presents “Waiting to Detonate,” a group exhibition by Andrew Chalfen, Katelyn Liepins, and Ida Ochoteco, on view in the Arts Council’s Taplin Gallery through February 3.

“Waiting to Detonate” features work in vibrant colors and shapes that, sometimes literally, burst off the canvas and onto the floor.

Chalfen’s mixed media pieces feature patterns that vibrate, bloom, cluster, and break apart in dazzling color. At times, they are constructivist, abstract, geometric, and even psychedelic. They may allude to aerial views, cartography, architectural renderings, musical notation, urban-like densities, and impenetrable data arrays. more

State-of-the-Art Massage and Facial Services Are Hallmark of Alchemy Mind and Body Spa

THE HEALING TOUCH: “Helping Hands” are the focus at Alchemy Mind and Body Spa. “We are experts at what we do. But knowing the best techniques is only part of the process. We are also here to make you feel great. Whether you’re here for a one-hour service or an entire day, your happiness is of utmost importance.” Owner Denyse Thedinga is shown near a Buddha replica in the waiting room, which helps to create a sense of serenity and relaxation. (Photo by Julie Dassaro)

By Jean Stratton

The healthy benefits of massage and facials are well known, and you will definitely be in good hands at Alchemy Mind and Body Spa in Kingston,

Once considered a luxury, massage and facials are now thought of as essential by many. More and more people are discovering not only the benefits for their skin, but also for their state of mind.

As owner Denyse Thedinga points out, “The benefits of massage and facials include relaxation and stress relief. It is important to relax and take a moment for yourself, especially with the stresses in the world today.” more

Propelled by Dazzling Performance from Lee, PU Men’s Hoops Routs Harvard in Ivy Opener

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Princeton University men’s basketball player Xaivian Lee heads to the hoop in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore Lee poured in a career-high 33 points as Princeton routed visiting Harvard 89-58 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. Lee was later named the Ivy Player of the Week for the second time this season. The Tigers, now 13-1 overall and 1-0 Ivy, host Dartmouth on January 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Harvard last Saturday afternoon in the Ivy League opener for both teams, Zach Martini kept the Tigers in the game with some yeoman’s work as they got off to a shaky start.

Senior forward Martini drained a 3-pointer, hit a lay-up, and made a steal that led to a Matt Allocco bucket as Princeton trailed 11-7 in the early going.

“It was fortunate that I made a few shots to start the game because there were a little bit of jitters going into the first Ivy League game,” said Martini. “To see that first one fall really gives me the utmost confidence to start the game off and play the way I want to play on both sides of the floor. They got back to a little bit of a lead, but we got comfortable and started scoring the ball inside, which helps me score.” more

After Juggling Basketball, Tennis in High School, Freshman Belker Starring for PU Women’s Hoops

SKYE’S THE LIMIT: Princeton University women’s basketball player Skye Belker guards a foe in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, freshman guard Belker tallied eight points along with three assists and two rebounds in her Ivy League debut as Princeton defeated Cornell 79-38 in its league opener. The Tigers, now 11-3 overall and 1-0 Ivy, play at Harvard on January 13 and at Dartmouth on January 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Skye Belker hasn’t put down her tennis racket for good, but her athletic attention is fully on basketball now that she’s joined the Princeton University women’s hoops squad.

Belker grew up playing both sports along with volleyball. She went 29-0 in the regular season in her final season of tennis at Windward High in Los Angeles before shifting her focus to the basketball courts for the Tiger women’s program. Last Saturday, Belker scored an efficient eight points with three assists and two rebounds in 19 minutes in her 14th straight start as Princeton routed host Cornell, 79-38, in the Ivy League opener for both teams, improving to 11-3 overall and 1-0 Ivy. more

With Brophy Adding the Butterfly to his Portfolio, Undefeated PHS Boys’ Swimming Showing its Versatility

STROKES OF BRILLIANCE: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Brophy heads to a win in a freestyle race earlier this season. Last Friday, junior standout Brophy placed first in the 100-yard butterfly and the 500 freestyle as PHS topped WW/P-South 124-46. The Tigers, who defeated Nottingham 121-49 last Monday to improve to 9-0, host Trenton on January 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For David Brophy and the Princeton High boys’ swimming team, facing formidable rivals Notre Dame and WW/P-South last week figured to be key midseason litmus tests.

“They are two very competitive teams, we were really excited for the meets and the competition in there,” said PHS junior standout Brophy. “I know a couple of kids from the other teams, it is always good to race against them.”

Brophy competed hard through the week, taking first in the 100-yard butterfly and second in the 500 freestyle as PHS defeated Notre Dame 117-53 last Wednesday. more

Senior Star Tangen Looking to Have No Regrets As 8-0 PHS Girls’ Swimming Girds for Homestretch

ON PACE: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Kyleigh Tangen displays her freestyle form in a race earlier this season. Last Friday, senior star Tangen placed first in the 100-yard and 200 freestyle races as PHS defeated WW/P-South 128-42. The Tigers, who topped Nottingham 140-21 last Monday to improve to 8-0, host Trenton Central on January 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kyleigh Tangen is hoping to conclude her final season for the Princeton High girls’ swimming team with no regrets.

“I would like to end on a good note; something I struggle with every time I race is I think of things that could be better,” said senior standout Tangen. “I am worried that when I end the season the only thing on my mind will be how can I do this better next time, but there won’t be a next time.”

Last Friday at WW/P-South, Tangen raced very well, placing first in the 100-yard and 200 freestyle events as PHS posted a 128-42 win over the Pirates. Other individual victors for the Tigers in the meet included Courtney Weber in the 100 individual medley, Viviana Cristofanelli in the 50 free, Lauren Girouard in the 100 butterfly, Sabine Ristad in the 500 free and 100 backstroke, and Nia Zagar in the 100 breaststroke. more

With PHS Boys’ Hockey Producing 1-4 Start, Tigers Hoping Find a Rhythm in CVC Action

CHARLES IN CHARGE: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Charles Ross controls the puck in recent action. Senior forward and co-captainRoss has tallied seven points on three goals and four assists so far this season to rank second on the team in scoring behind Brendan Beatty (10 points on 7 goals, 3 assists). PHS, which moved to 1-4 with a 9-1 loss to Middletown North last Wednesday, faces Hopewell Valley on January 10 and Robbinsville on January 12 with both games to be played at the Mercer County Skating Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Showing rust after not having played a game in 15 days, the Princeton High boys’ hockey team dug an early hole as it faced Middletown North last Wednesday night in its first action of 2024.

PHS fell behind 4-0 seven minutes into the contest. While the Tigers did get on the board with a goal by Liam Campbell midway through the second period to make it a 5-1 game, PHS couldn’t find a rhythm as it fell 9-1.

“It was a tough team to come out against; we never got it going, we were chasing the whole game,” said Tiger head coach Rik Johnson, whose team dropped to 1-4 with the setback. “There were flashes but at no point did it feel like they were poised to come back.” more

PDS Boys’ Hoops Going Through Growing Pains As Talented Young Squad Gains Valuable Experience

AIR JORDAN: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Jordan Owens flies to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, sophomore guard Owens scored 16 points to help PDS edge Hamilton West 39-36. The Panthers, who improved to 3-5 with the victory, host Steinert on January 12 before playing at Princeton High on January 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Starting 2024 with a bang, the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team pulled out a 50-46 win at Notre Dame High in overtime on January 2.

“It was a great win for our program, playing against a really good team that has a great tradition,” said PDS head coach Eugene Burroughs. “I was excited for our kids to go in there and battle and compete and really just find a way to win.”

A day later, the Panthers battled hard against the Solebury School (Pa.), trailing 31-22 at halftime before fading in the second half on the way to a 69-41 setback. more