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
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
On Tuesday, September 19 beginning at 6 p.m., Newark Public Library will present a special program entitled “Black Liberation: Seeking Freedom in 18th and 19th Century Newark.” The event will be held at Newark Public Library, but participants may also join the program virtually at https://www.njpac.org/event/black-liberation-seeking-freedom-in-18th-and-19th-century-newark/. It is requested that those who are joining in person or virtually RSVP either way at the indicated link. more
From September 16 through November 5, experience the Halloween season at Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa., in Middletown Township, Bucks County. With over 28 theme park and water rides, shows, games, and fun activities, the amusement park takes on a special excitement during the fall. Halloween means new rides and attractions, costume contests, Scarecrow Scavenger Hunts, Halloween-themed shows and parades, and delicious dining. Don’t forget to take a photo in your Halloween costume with some of your favorite Sesame Street characters. more
On Sunday, October 1, join over 2,000 cyclists for the annual Twin Lights Ride — an unforgettable bike ride down the Jersey Shore. For over a decade local cyclists, New Yorkers, and visitors from around the country have enjoyed the 15- to 100-mile ride in Monmouth County. All proceeds from the event help fund Bike New York’s free bike education and safety programs. more
Back by popular demand! Raise funds for Arts Council of Princeton’s community classes and programming while toasting the fine fall weather with a crisp Triumph Brewing Company beer. This event has sold out twice in previous years. This year’s beer garden will take place on Saturday, September 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. Expect lots of local brews, live music, delicious food, and games. more
