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Beyond Words 2022 ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news – Planet Princeton

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080122 BW Slide

Beyond Words 2022, the annual fall fundraiser of the Friends and Foundation of the Princeton Public Library, will be held on October 15 at Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell, NJ.

Beyond Words 2022 promises to be exciting as we welcome author David Wondrich, one of the world’s foremost authorities and most significant chronicler on the history of the cocktail. Wondrich’s first book, “Imbibe” (2007), was the first cocktail book to win a James Beard Award, and his 2021 release, “The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails,” has culminated a multiyear global research project on the way we drink. Wondrich, a sometimes wry author who also has a doctorate in Comparative Literature from NYU, will chart the evolution from the mid-century cocktail to its contemporary counterpart.

Tasting flights that highlight these trends, with both alcoholic and alcohol-free options, will be provided to guests as they enjoy an outdoor, three-course, sit-down dinner featuring Brick Farm Tavern’s acclaimed pasture-to-table menu. We are excited for you to join us for a night of community and celebration in support of the Princeton Public Library. Tickets are $275 and up.

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Bear spotted in northeastern section of Princeton ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news % – Planet Princeton

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A bear has been spotted wandering around Tyson Lane neighborhood near Poe Road in the northeastern section of Princeton, police said on Thursday evening, Aug. 11.

Don’t attempt to approach the bear. Following are tips to reduce bear-related encounters:

  • Secure your trash in bear-resistant garbage containers or with tight-fitting lids to reduce odors.
  • Clean any food scraps from grills porches and decks, and keep meet scraps out of compost piles.
  • Pets should not be fed outdoors unless absolutely necessary
  • Immediately remove all uneaten food and bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
  • Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
  • Wash garbage containers with disinfectant to remove odors.
  • Secure beehives, livestock, and fruit crops with an electric fence.

Residents should report bear damage, nuisance behavior, or aggressive bears to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337) or call the police department. Additional bear information can be found on the DEP website.

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A black bear wandering around in Lawrenceville earlier this summer. Photo: Lawrence Township.
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Jamesburg man dies in South Brunswick crash ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news % – Planet Princeton

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Police in South Brunswick have identified the man who died in a crash on Georges Road on July 11.

Christopher Acs, 47, of Jamesburg was riding his motorcycle northbound on Georges Road at the intersection of Summerfield Boulevard just after 4 p.m. on Monday, July 11, when he was struck by a person who was driving a 2019 Honda Odyssey. South Brunswick Police officers and an off-duty New Jersey State trooper attempted life-saving efforts, but as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, Acs was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the crash should call Patrolman First-Class Jason Gassman of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000, extension 7432, or Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.

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47th Annual Trinity Church Princeton Rummage Sale ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news – Planet Princeton

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Thursday, September 29, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, September 30, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Trinity Church Rummage Sale, in operation since 1971, is scheduled for September 29, 30, and Oct. 1 at Trinity Church on Mercer Street in the heart of Princeton. The sale is one of the most popular rummage sales in the region. There are always wonderful finds to be had when you attend the sale and take part in this longtime Princeton tradition. Proceeds benefit area community organizations.

Thursday, September 29 is sale preview day from 1 to 5 p.m., with a $10 entry fee and a long waiting line expected before the 1 p.m. opening. On Friday, September 30, the sale runs from noon to 5 p.m. On Saturday, October 1, the sale runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There is no entry fee on Friday and Saturday.

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Just Peachy Festival ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news – Planet Princeton

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Celebrate Jersey Fresh and one of our state’s favorite fruits by joining us for our annual Just Peachy Festival on August 6 & 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kids (and kids of all ages) will enjoy fun all around the farm.  Take a pony ride around our pasture.  Have fun with games and barnyard tractors, Little Tikes Farm Store & Junior Mechanics Shop, rubber duck races, and other interactive, hands-on fun including a scavenger hunt. Enjoy live music each day noon-4pm. 

Eyes of the Wild, a traveling zoo will present two shows a day under the festival tent. This educational program with live animals will mesmerize toddlers through grownups.

Visit Pam Mount’s Everything Peachy Food Tent, which offers tasty summer fare including barbecued chicken, hot dogs, homemade gazpacho, salads and our famous apple cider donuts. The Barn Door Cafe will be scooping up freshly made local peach ice cream! What a summer treat.

Adults can enjoy the taste of summer in a glass with our award-winning Just Peachy wine. Sample a flight of our white, red and fruit wines. Cool off with our refreshing Peachy wine slush.

Baskets overflowing with peaches and nectarines are ready to take home from the farm store to make your favorite peach recipes. Or try one of our freshly baked, old-fashioned peach cobblers or pies.

Admission to the festival area is $12 Online/$15 at Gate (age 3 and up). Admission fee includes pedal tractors, barnyard of animals, music, play tractors, and children’s games. (Additional activities available for additional cost.)

Purchase tickets https://terhuneorchards.ticketspice.com/just-peachy-festival

Winery & Farm Store: For weekend entry, admission tickets must be purchased. Winery seating limited to 2 hours, maximum of 8 guests per group.

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Building on Momentum After Return in ’21 From Pandemic, Princeton Men’s Summer Hoops Primed for Big Campaign – Town Topics

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GOING FOUR IT: Zahrion Blue heads to the hoop last year for Loyaltees in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Former Princeton High standout and current Lincoln University star Blue led the way as Loyaltees won its third straight summer hoops title last year, getting named as both the playoff and regular season MVP. Blue and Loyaltees will be going for a fourth straight crown this summer. The league is tipping off its 33rd year of action with a triple-header at Community Park on June 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

A throng of hundreds jammed the Community Park courts last July as Loyaltees edged Majeski Foundation to win the championship of the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League, capping a triumphant return for the league after the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic.

Building on the momentum from the rebound campaign, the league is primed for another big summer as it tips off its 33rd year of action with a triple-header at Community Park on June 15.

The league has grown to 10 teams from eight last year and the action figures to be heated with an intriguing mix of stalwarts and newcomers vying for the crown.

“We have a great reputation, the word is out that if you want to play some good basketball in the summer, Community Park and the Princeton Summer League is the place to be,” said Evan Moorhead, executive director of the Rec Department and longtime summer hoops commissioner.

“It is the first time since 2015 that we have had 10 teams. On paper, this should be a very competitive season. I don’t see any weak links. From what everybody has told me, they have been out there recruiting and trying to stack their roster with some talent. I think it will be reflective of that when we get to the season.”

Led by team manager and former Princeton High standout Davon Black, Loyaltees is fired up to go for a title four-peat.

“Davon has told me that he has the same crew, he has added one or two,” said Moorhead. “He picked up David Rodriguez, who graduated from The College of New Jersey this past year. They have got Zahrion Blue (a former PHS star) who is the reigning regular season and playoff MVP.  He is clearly the best returning player in the league and it is probably not close after the way he was playing at the end of last year. He had a great college season at Lincoln University in which he earned (Division II HBCU) All-American recognition. I am expecting him to have a big season. It is his home court, he has been playing there since he was kid.”

If Loyaltees brings home a fourth title, it will solidify its legacy as one of the best teams in league history.

“They won in 2018; it was their first title,” said Moorhead, noting that the My-T-Sharp (and later Tiger’s Tale) group achieved the league’s only four-peat with titles from 1989-92.

“In 2019, there was a little bit of an asterisk because the other team ran out of healthy bodies so they had to forfeit and then there was the COVID year. To me, this is the year we figure out is Loyaltees a dynasty or not. They are looking to put their stamp on the history of the league. They can cement the dynasty status if they get another title this year.”

Majeski, which is comprised of players from the TCNJ men’s hoops team, figures to be in the championship mix again.

“From the looks of things, they have a strong nucleus coming back,” said Moorhead, noting that team manager Jason Larranaga is leading the squad which includes Anthony Dicaro, Naysean Burch, Danny Bodine, Jim Clemente, and Jack Vreeswyk, among others.

“They have some real talents and some young legs. They have got good chemistry. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see them make a deep run into the playoffs if they can get everybody there.”

Adding some spice to the league is the addition of Pizza Den, which features players from the Drew University men’s hoops team.

“They said they had reached out to the TCNJ guys; I don’t know if they had heard about our league ahead of time or found out through them,” said Moorhead, noting that the squad is led by Andrew Turco and includes former Princeton Day School standout Jaylin Champion-Adams.

“It is another thing where our reputation precedes us as a competitive league to play in the summer. I think that is going to be a good thing for our league, that is another varsity D-III squad. I think that alone gives the chance to be a really strong team in our league.”

Princeton Supply looks to have a strong college contingent.

“Princeton Supply sponsored a team last year but this is a totally different group of guys,” said Moorhead. “I don’t know a lot but what I know is that their manager Brian Johannson, who played at Hunterdon Central, is now playing at Johns Hopkins. I think a couple of those other guys on the team are D-III guys.”

The Homestead squad, which is led by league stalwart Phil Vigliano, has a good group of guys.

“Coach Phil is always a wild card, he has become part of the fabric of summer league,” said Moorhead of Vigliano, whose roster includes former Hun School standout Lorenzo Spinazzi, former TCNJ star Jordan Glover, and Rodrique Mazzenat, who starred for PATH Academy in the summer league last year, and former East Stroudsburg State star Steve Harris.

“I am always glad to have him bring a team back. He is a guy who eats and sleeps basketball and loves the game.”

Another former TCNJ standout, Kevin Johnson, is heading the Athlete Engineering Institute squad which will have a familiar look.

“It is the Speed Pro team from last year under new management,” said Moorhead of the team which includes Jalen Parham, Nick Alaimo, and Greg Tarca.

“That is a team that when they brought their A-Game last year, they could play with anybody in the league. Kevin is a good player. Jalen is another guy who is really athletic. Nick is a good player. The key for them is that they are all out of college so what is their conditioning like and can they keep up with the younger guys.”

A younger group of guys, Market on Main, features former Princeton High boys’ hoops standouts including Gefen Bar-Cohen, Tim Evidente, Ethan Guy, Jack Suozzi, Matt Rinaldi, Judd Petrone, Ben Moyer, Matt Rinaldi, Noah LaPoint, and Jay Jackson.

“I am always to glad to have them; we had a few years where we didn’t have a strong PHS contingent,” said Moorhead, a former PHS player himself. “The history of this league is that it was founded to give PHS alums a place to play after they got done with high school. I am excited that these guys are back, they took their lumps a little bit last year. They are going to be better. It is good to have them in the league, it gives us a little more local flavor.”

Jefferson Plumbing, which is led by Rec Department program supervisor Chris Petrucelli, will also have a local flavor as it includes former Princeton Day School standouts Ethan Garita and Connor Topping along with the Jones brothers, Aaron and Tyler.

“Coach Petro has Ethan so he has got some size there,” said Moorhead. “He has the Jones brothers who come from Summer League royalty. Their father is Keith “Wizard” Jones, he is in the Summer League Hall of Fame. I watched those guys grow up, their dad would bring them to his games when they were barely big enough to dribble a basketball.”

A returning team, Planet Fitness, also has some game. “There is a West Windsor contingent with Juwan Harrison,” said Moorhead.

“They have all played in the league before. That is another team that was competitive when when they had their full roster last year. They love to shoot the 3s, they are going to let it fly. They were tied for the league in 3s last year. They are not shy at all. The question is how much defense are they going to play and can they compete with some of these younger teams.”

The 10th team, PATH Academy, is a bit of a mystery at this point. “I don’t have any info on their roster yet,” said Moorhead. “It is the same guy, TJ Malave, who ran it last year. He gave me the sense that he was going to try to revamp his roster.”

With so many teams having strong rosters, Moorhead is fired up for the 2022 campaign which will feature the same playoff format with all teams included and a best-of-three championship series slated to start on August 1.

“I don’t know too many leagues that have been around for as long as we have,” said Moorhead. “We have staying power and we are getting better with age. I am excited, I think it is going to be a great summer. There will be triple-headers — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. It will be a busy summer. I am looking forward to getting back out on the court.”

After last year’s experience, Moorhead is confident that he will be joined around the court by the league’s large community following.

“People realized how much they missed it; the enduring memory for me last year was that last game where we had probably 250-300 people in the park enjoying the game,” said Moorhead.

“One of the big reasons we do this is the community feel. It is providing players with the chance to compete. There is the entertainment value for the community and the chance for people to socialize and see people they don’t see any other time of the year.”

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Princeton 101 Fund awards $305000 in college scholarships to 27 students ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news % – Planet Princeton

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The 101: Fund, which has been providing need-based college scholarships to Princeton High School graduates for more than 50 years, honored 27 students who received college scholarships on Monday, June 13. The organization awarded a total of $305,000 to Princeton High graduates this year.

Founded by a school secretary in 1970, the fund was originally known as the Princeton Regional Scholarship Foundation.  The fund has provided more than $1 million in aid to Princeton High seniors over the last five decades. 

Pictured (l-r) are Fund board of trustees members Jim Beslity, Kathleen Kraft, Jennifer Jang, Nipurna Shah, Leslie Fabello, Susan Kanter, Alex Davis, Jeff Lucker, Karen Reid, Elizabeth Hamblet, Cheryl McCormick, Tony Klockenbrink.

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Summer Winery Weekend Music Series ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news – Planet Princeton

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weekend music series

Join family and friends for our winery weekend music series this summer. Set in our wine orchard among 100 year old apple trees, it is the perfect way to relax, connect, and enjoy the summer season.

Grab a glass of one of our award-winning wines, sit back and enjoy live music from local artists each week. Styles range from Jazz and Blues to Folk and Rock. Music is from 1pm-4pm. Light fare available.  Bring the entire family to enjoy fresh air on the farm and stop in the farm store for fresh produce, baked goods and local gourmet items. 

Winery hours 12pm-5pm. No reservations needed. No outside food or pets please. Groups maximum of 8. 

Featured Musicians:

July 2 – Sarah Teti

July 3 – Mike & Laura

July 4 –Allan Wilkcockson (12:30-3:30)

July 9 & 10 – Blueberry Bash Festival Music

July 16- Bill Flemer

July 17 – Jerry Steele

July 23 – Barbara Lin Band

July 24 – Allan Wilkcockson

July 30 – Brian Bortnick

July 31- Acoustic Douver

Aug 6 & 7 Peach Festival

Aug 13 – Bill O’Neal & Andy Koontz

Aug 14 -Mike & Laura

Aug 20 – Brian Bortnick

Aug 21 Rich Seiner Duo

Aug 27 Acoustic Douver

Aug 28 Audio Pilot Duo

Sept 3 Barbara Lin Band

Sept 4 Bill O’Neal & George Zienowicz

Sept 10 – Kara & Corey

Sept 11 – Jerry Steele

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Princeton Battlefield Society Independence Day Celebration ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news – Planet Princeton

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Fourth of July

On Monday, July 4, the Princeton Battlefield Society invites you to our 2022 Independence Day Celebration

The Princeton Battlefield Society invites you to join us for our celebration of Independence Day ceremony at 12 noon, Monday, July 4 at Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer Street in Princeton. Following remarks by PBS President Michael Russell, a flag raising ceremony will be conducted, with vocal accompaniment by Krista Hastings, soloist and graduate of Westminster Choir College. Following this, Major General Rod Faulk, Commanding General of the Army 99th Readiness Group, Fort Dix will present remarks on the importance of Independence Day. Will Krakower, the Princeton Battlefield Historical Educator, will also present a reading the Declaration of Independence followed by closing remarks PBS President Russell. Please bring lawn chairs and blankets and leave time for visiting our sale tables of gifts and pre-owned history books and the historic Thomas Clarke House. A tour of the Battlefield will also be offered at 1 pm.
Visit us at www.pbs1777.org for updates. Also visit us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Princeton Pride Parade 2022: March with Us ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news – Planet Princeton

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oo many non-profits spend time and resources on newsletters, print mailings, social media channels and website promotions, pumping out content that misses their “core messages.” Without time given to specific strategic consideration, they inadvertently send messages that may be vague, jingoistic, and ultimately confusing. And that means they get overlooked, or worse, ignored. In this…