Dear Readers,
Welcome to the September issue of Princeton Magazine, featuring a group of local environmentalists on our cover who have dedicated their lives to improving the health of the planet. The cover photo was taken by Charles R. Plohn at Princeton Battlefield State Park in front of the most endeared tree in Princeton — the Mercer Oak. more
By Anne Levin | Photography by Jeffrey E. Tryon and Charles R. Plohn
The relentless news of rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions can make us feel powerless in the face of global climate catastrophe. For those in the Princeton area, smoke drifting down from wildfires in Canada, and devastating floods just across the Delaware River in Bucks County, Pa., have been especially distressing in recent months. more
Cliosophic Hall Class of 1861. (Princeton University Mudd Library/princetonianamuseum.org)
By Donald Gilpin
On the Princeton University campus, behind Nassau Hall and just beyond Cannon Green, stand two stately neoclassical buildings, remodeled in the 1890s to look like Greek temples — Whig Hall on the left and Clio Hall on the right. more
By Wendy Greenberg | Photos courtesy of Center for Interim Programs
Within about 10 minutes of chatting with Holly Bull and Kate Warren, you begin to think about all the experiences you want to have, all the places you want to go, and how you can realize what you always thought was beyond your time constraints and logistical ability. You make a note that when ready, you will call Holly and Kate. more
By Stuart Mitchner
I’m looking at two photographs. In one my father is sitting with our first cat on his lap, a Siamese male named Kiloo, pronounced “kee-oo.” The small, framed photo occupies a shelf on this desk with an unframed one of me half a century later slouched on the living room sofa with our tuxedo cat, Dizzy, on my lap. Kiloo is poised, as if planning another attack on the clawed-to-rags arms of the living room sofa. Not Dizzy. He’s the picture of contentment, one big white “this-is-mine” paw on my leg. I thought of Kiloo as soon as I opened The Big New Yorker Book of Cats (Random House 2013), where the first thing you see is a full-page color photograph of the cat-clawed arm of a sofa — minor damage compared to the havoc wreaked by Kiloo. more
By Ilene Dube | Photography by Jeffrey E. Tryon
Alia Bensliman creates worlds filled with figures, patterns, and symbols. Her watercolors are composed of tessellations suggestive of traditional Arab art, and are simultaneously contemporary and meditative. more
By Taylor Smith | Photo by Shutterstock.com
The origins of tai chi harken back to ancient China. Today it is used by people around the world to improve balance, mental health, and rehabilitation, and to ease physical pain and/or discomfort. As an activity that promotes gentle, thoughtful movements, and conscious breathing, tai chi is a surprisingly effective way to incorporate exercise into your own life, no matter what your age. more
Culturally Rich and Simply Satisfying
By Mary Abitanto | Photos courtesy of Mary Abitanto
The bagel is renowned, especially in America, as a breakfast treat often served with a “schmear” of cream cheese and topped with lox, or butter. It can also be jazzed up with toppings like tomatoes, avocados, tuna fish, peanut butter, or a fried egg. more
By Donald H. Sanborn III
“Autumn leaves don’t fall; they fly,” Delia Owens writes in Where the Crawdads Sing. “They take their time and wander on this, their only chance to soar.” Those who are fortunate enough to be in Princeton and the surrounding areas this autumn will want to take time to wander to the many fall festivals. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: more
Halloween is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to plan for the Arts Council of Princeton’s Annual Hometown Halloween Parade! This year’s event will be held on Friday, October 27 from 5:15 to 6 p.m. Participants should gather on the Green at Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street. more
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail’s Full Moon Bike Ride is an out-of-this-world experience! This year’s night of music and fun with a moonlight ride through Mercer Meadows Park is on Saturday, September 30 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Bring your own picnic dinner and dance to the music of a live techno DJ before the ride. Attendees can also participate in decorating their own bike before the start of the event. more
The new book from Mira Nakashima, daughter of George Nakashima, one of the leading innovators of 20th century furniture, takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Nakashima furniture-making process and how he became a household name. more
On Tuesday, September 26 from 3 to 4 p.m., a ceremony was held to launch the groundbreaking of Montgomery Promenade, a Whole Foods-anchored shopping center coming to Montgomery Township. The 292,700-square-foot center will be located on Route 206 at 1200 State Road. This site has sat undeveloped for more than 15 years and is now being developed by SJC Ventures, an Atlanta-based commercial development firm that specializes in mixed-use communities. more
Join The Watershed Institute in Pennington for a journey through the woods on a crisp autumn night. This Halloween tradition will take place on October 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Groups will be led by a trail guide in 15-minute increments. Along the way, learn about the characters in an Irish folktale as the story itself seems to unfold along the path. more
The “94th Juried Art Show” at Phillips’ Mill is set to open on September 23 and run through October 29 at the historic mill on River Road just north of New Hope, Pa. Among the works on display is Pamela Miller’s Phillips’ Mill Party Cat, which was selected as the 2023 Signature Image. Over 100 framed canvases and sculpture will be featured as well as an abundant array of unframed portfolio pieces. Art enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to spend an afternoon browsing the eclectic array of businesses and dining options within the 25-mile radius surrounding the mill. more
On October 14 from 12 to 2 p.m., visit Olsson’s Fine Foods in Princeton’s Palmer Square for a cheese lesson from Yoav Perry. The demonstration will include information on cheesemaking, as well as how to select the perfect cheese for a specific dish — perfect for the upcoming holiday season. more
The Gourgaud Gallery, located in Town Hall, 23A Main Street in Cranbury, has announced that its October exhibit will be “All Around the World.” A reception will take place on Sunday, October 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. more
Atlantic City Restaurant Week is back and better than ever this fall! From October 1 through 6, enjoy three-course, pre-fixe meals at restaurants in and around the Atlantic City region. Meals consist of your choice of appetizer, entree, dessert, and drinks. Choose from a variety of cuisines (from Asian to American, Italian, Latin, and everything in between). Atlantic City is known for its year-round nightlife and excellent chefs, so why not treat yourself in advance of the holiday season? more
On Thursday, September 21 at 7 p.m. Labyrinth Books and the Princeton Public Library will play host to Yiyun Li and Lynn Steger regarding Li’s new story collection Wednesday’s Child. Her previous work, The Book of Goose, earned her much acclaim. Li will discuss her writing and her writing career with Steger, who is herself the author of the novels Hold Still, Want, and Flight. Her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Paris Review, and elsewhere. more
