Issuu

Fang, senior swimmers give Pirates unbeaten CVC season

JUSTIN FEIL

Julien Fang has been a part of a lot of success with the High School South boys swimming team, but nothing like this season.

As a freshman, he was named Most Valuable Player for the Pirates as they went 12-2 and

reached the Group A state semifinals. It was the same record and semifinal berth the next year. And last year, South was 8-2 and reached the A final.

This year, though, has topped them all.

“It’s definitely the best team I’ve had,” Fang said. “And I’ll say the most fun experience I

had for the past four years.”

Fang is just one part of a significant senior class that has grown in depth and performance to key a great start to the winter. For the first time since 2017 when the Pirates won the B championship and reached the state semifinals in a 15-1

See SWIMMING, Page 8

McCarter teams up with WW market for its latest production

BY LORI GOLDSTEIN

Kim’s Convenience, the beloved five-season Netflix comedy series, is being performed at the McCarter Theatre stage through February 15. Its run has been extended by two performances to meet the demand of loyal fans and newcomers, before it moves on to other cities around the country.

McCarter Theatre is partnering with Woo Ri Mart, a family-owned Korean grocery store based in West Windsor, to deepen community engagement and celebrate Korean culture in conjunction production, which is at McCarter’s Berlind Theatre.

“This is our first time partnering with McCarter Theatre, and we couldn’t be more excited — especially around a play that highlights Korean culture, community, and family,” said David Lee, owner of Woo-Ri Mart.

“This partnership offers an opportunity to connect with a new community partner and broaden McCarter’s reach,” said Debbie Bisno of McCarter

Theatre. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the rich culture and stories that Kim’s Convenience brings to life.”

Highlights of the collaboration between McCarter and Woo Ri Mart include a pop-up lobby convenience store bar, with McCarter’s lobby transforming into an immersive space inspired by a neighborhood bodega in Regent Park, Toronto, the playwright’s hometown.

Audiences are invited to arrive early to enjoy Canadian lagers, signature Woo-Ri snacks, and Asian grab-and-go treats for all ages.

Ticket holders can also receive 10% off at Woo Ri Mart, located at 64 Princeton Hightstown Road, West Windsor, with proof of a Kim’s Convenience ticket.

Originally written as a play by Ins Choi in 2011, “Kim’s Convenience” made its television debut in 2016 via the Canadian Broadcasting Company, and it won numerous awards at the Canadian Screen Awards ceremonies from 2016 through

See PLAY, Page 5

The WW-P High School South swimming team went unbeaten in the Colonial Valley Conference.

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RWJUH Hamilton February Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, Feb. 9; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 24; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join our monthly series to learn how to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices. Learn the basics of diabetes and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels. Gain practical tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes.

WII GAMES

Monday, Feb. 9; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is the key to safe living.

DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: MEN’S WELLNESS EDITION

Tuesday, Feb. 10; 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Join Salman Ahmed, MD, Family Medicine, and a member RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, for an informative session on the key health screenings men should not miss. Find out what tests can save lives, how often to get them and what steps to take next for a healthier future. Dinner provided.

DISCOVER THE LINK BETWEEN HEARING LOSS AND DEMENTIA

Thursday, Feb. 12; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Think hearing loss is just having to turn the tv louder? Come and learn about the links between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Presented by Teresa Cole, Au.D., audiologist at RWJ Balance & Hearing Center.

SNACK

AND CHAT – MATTERS OF THE HEART

Friday, Feb. 13; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join our Healthy Lives Hamilton Program team, Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, AGNP-C, Administrative Director Patient Care-Cardiovascular Services & Healthy Lives Hamilton Program, and Ann Mancuso, MSN, RN, CHFN, Heart Failure Program Coordinator, for a lecture on heart failure, the challenges, treatment plans and the Healthy Lives Hamilton program. Refreshments will be provided.

COOKING LOCAL WITH A SEASONAL FARM BOX

Monday, Feb. 16; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cook through the seasons with Chef Alfred from Fairgrown Farm! This class welcomes all to the joys of cooking and eating in-season produce, all-year long.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Feb. 17; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.

COLOR ME HOOPY: HOOLAHOOPING FOR FUN & FITNESS!

Tuesday, Feb. 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

If you think you can’t hoola-hoop, you are mistaken! This class is so much fun that you don’t even realize it’s a form of exercise! Adult sized hool-hoop will be provided during the program. No experience necessary. $15 fee to attend.

L.E.T.S. SAVE LIVES

Wednesday, Feb. 18; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

L.E.T.S. (Listening. Empathy. Trust. Support.) Save Lives is an Introduction to Suicide Prevention for all communities, with a particular emphasis on grounded research delivered by trained presenters who identify as having lived experience within Black and African American communities. This presentation created in concert with an Advisory Committee of experts in mental health and suicide prevention, is designed to reduce cultural stigma, foster conversations about mental health, and raise awareness of suicide prevention for all individuals. The program is open to anyone (18+) who wishes to attend.

HEART AND

SOUL - SLIDE INTO BETTER HEALTH!

Thursday, Feb. 19; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join us and pump up your heart and soul for group line dancing, Zumba, refreshments, health screenings, AskA-Cardiologist, heart health resources, and more. Don’t miss this fun, hearthealthy evening of dance. $10 per person collected at the door.

GLOBAL GROOVES: LINE DANCING

Saturday, Feb. 21; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have two left feet, our line dancing event is the perfect place to ﬁnd your rhythm and unleash your inner dancer. We’ll teach you the basics and some fun trendy styles, so everyone can join in the fun from the very ﬁrst step.

MONTHLY HEARING/BALANCE SCREENINGS

Monday, Feb. 23; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 15-minute appointments are designed to help assess one’s hearing health and/or balance health/fall risk. The program is held at the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, 2 Hamilton Health Pl, Hamilton Township, NJ. To book an individual personal screening time, call 609-245-7390.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Feb. 24; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Join the Stroke Support Group at RWJUH Hamilton, a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. The group will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and ﬁrst hand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient rehabilitation therapists: Ashley Sarrol Speech- Language Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING

Wednesday, Feb. 25; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Junk journaling is a stress reducing activity that allows individuals to express themselves through creativity. This unique way of journaling involves repurposing old items and

transforming them into beautiful and personal works of art. Grab some “junk” and get crafty while working on your mental health and wellness.

EXPERIENCE THE ENERGY OF YOUR CHAKRAS

Thursday, Feb. 26; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Learn how the Chakra system works, how its energy can beneﬁt your physical and emotional well-being, and gain practical tools to build better relationships. You will be lead through a discussion and meditation to gain a fuller understanding of your Chakras and yourself. Suitable for those who are brand new to Chakra meditation and those that are well practiced. $15

HEART-HEALTHY NUTRITION

Friday, Feb. 27; 1:00 p..m.- 2:00 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD for our bimonthly nutrition education class. Learn about making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Discuss the principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Gain tips for meal planning and prepariation. Explore heart-healthy recipes.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

YOGA CLASSES

Better Health is a free program for VIP’s

Tuesday, Feb. 3 and 17, 2026; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

OR 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Feb. 3 and 17, 2026; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

OR 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, Feb. 3 and 17, 2026; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

GENTLE JAZZ CLASS

Wednesday, Feb. 4 & 18; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

LUNCH & LEARN: MIND & BODY: MEDICAL AND EMOTIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON INTIMACY AFTER 65

Thursday, Feb. 5; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

As we age, physical, hormonal, and anatomical changes can signiﬁcantly affect sexual health.

Gary Brickner, MD, Gynecologist, will highlight the most common conditions inﬂuencing women’s intimacy after age 65 and offer practical guidance for maintaining sexual well being. A psychotherapist will then lead an open conversation about the emotional impact of medical barriers to intimacy and the challenges that arise when connection becomes limited in later life.

LUNCH AND LEARN: MANAGING DIABETES – MEDICATIONS, MONITORING AND MEANINGFUL GOALS

Tuesday, Feb. 10; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sara Ali, MD, Geriatrics, and Gabriela Alvarez PharmD, BCPS, BCGP will begin the program with a clear explanation of what diabetes is, how it affects the body, and why consistent management matters. From there, our experts will provide an understanding of the role of routine monitoring in preventing complications, effectively managing diabetes through medication, lifestyle strategies and personalized goal setting to help you achieve your goals.

CRAFTING WITH MUSIC AND SNACKS

Wednesday, Feb. 11; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for a fun time creating and spending time together. SOCRATES CAFÉ

Thursday, Feb. 12; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

This class encourages open discussion and the “sharing of thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and personal experiences.” An unofﬁcial mantra is that we learn best when we ask questions and explore them together. This is a safe and welcoming space where all viewpoints are respected.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, Feb. 12 & 19; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

TAP, SWIPE, SMILE: SMARTPHONE SKILLS FOR SENIORS

Monday, Feb. 16; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Presented by one of our valued high school volunteers, this hands-on, conﬁdence-boosting workshop helps older adults get the most out of their smartphones. Joining us again, will be the

TO BECOME A BETTER HEALTH MEMBER FOR FREE SCAN THIS QR CODE

“Teens on Fire” from Embright Education creating a friendly and supportive environment providing personalized support.

AGELESS GRACE: SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY

Thursday, Feb. 19; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

LUNCH & LEARN; DR. RONALD G. RYDER DO, FACC, CARING FOR YOUR AGING HEART

Thursday, Feb. 26; 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Ronald Ryder, DO, FACC will describe age-related changes in the heart and blood vessels, common conditions, like heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial ﬁbrillation, and hypertension, medication and treatments, and recognizing key warning signs that require urgent medical attention. Dr. Ryder is widely recognized for his expertise in this ﬁeld, and we are fortunate to have him join us for the program.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

When you step inside Kim’s Convenience store, you enter the heart of the Kim family: Appa and Umma (father and mother), who have emigrated to Toronto, Canada, from Korea, and their first-generation son and daughter, Jung and Janet.

In many ways, “Kim’s Convenience” reminds you of family sitcoms of the past, such as All in the Family, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Schitt’s Creek

Like those sitcoms, Kim’s Convenience magnifies the generational clashes to earn much laughter. Yet as its creator, Ins Choi, points out, Kim’s Convenience was a first: originating as a play, it was the first to feature Asian actors on stage, with a unique focus on the immigrant experience.

Kim’s Convenience is autobiographical in that Choi’s own parents were Korean immigrants, and he was only 1 year old when they moved to Toronto. His father was the pastor of a small Korean church. “Growing up,” says Choi, “the Korean community was the church community,” to whom the character of Umma is deeply devoted.

The character of Appa is an amalgam of the men who were members of his father’s church; Choi is quick to say

that Appa is not his own father, whom he describes as a patient, kind listener.

The setting of Kim’s Convenience is as familiar to Choi as a Wawa or 7-Eleven is to anyone living in the States. When his family first moved to Toronto, they lived above his uncle’s grocery store with his uncle’s family. “Those are the earliest memories that I have of Canada actually, the smell of chocolate and chips and candy.”

As he and his siblings and cousins got older, they would stock shelves and even count money in the basement. “It seemed like a very suspicious-looking setting, all these kids counting money, some kind of cartel. My uncle would give each of us a stack of $10s and $5s and my older sisters — they were very good at counting — compiled them into $10s or $20s.”

When Choi was in high school, he also worked at other convenience stores owned by his parents’ friends.

Choi’s parents were naturally surprised and worried when he told them that he wanted to study acting.

“My mom wanted me to be a pastor, to follow in the footsteps of my dad, like a family business. They didn’t know any actors, and they didn’t see any Asian actors on TV in Canada. It was a surprise,

See PLAY, Page 6

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We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The West Windsor and Plainsboro News is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staﬀ sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.

SENIOR COMMUNITY EDITOR

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but I don’t think they were ever against it,” says Choi. “In fact, I had done a lot of skits at church, so they knew I had some [acting] abilities, but they were just worried about whether I’d be able to make a living. When I was in my 20s, my mom asked me, ‘Who is going to marry you?’”

The character of Janet, who aspires to be a photographer, is akin to Choi in her artistic endeavors. Choi recalls that he was the only non-white student in his acting class. After graduating from the theater program at York University, Choi joined fu-GEN, a small, Toronto-based Asian Canadian theater company of actors and writers — all graduates from the city’s four or five acting programs.

“The founding artistic director, [Nina Lee Aquino,] was very inspirational, saying there are no Asian Canadian plays because we are not writing them,” recalls Choi. Choi was invited to write a script by the fu-GEN workshop. “I was tasked to write what I know. And I had never seen a Korean family on stage or on screen,” aside from movies or television shows made in Korea.

Since fu-GEN didn’t have any money to produce his play, Choi submitted it to the different theater companies in Toronto. They all rejected it, “because they had never seen an Asian family on stage,” says Choi. So, he submitted Kim’s Convenience to the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival, where it was accepted. He played the role of Jung and ended up also directing it.

When Kim’s Convenience won the Best New Play and Patrons’ Pick Awards, “all those theaters started calling, wanting to include it in their season,” recalls Choi. He eventually chose the Soulpepper Theatre Company, which, along with Adam Blanshay Productions in association with American Conservatory Theater, is cur-

rently producing this national tour.

Directed by Weyni Mengesha, the McCarter Theatre production is essentially the original play with minor adjustments. Set in Mr. Kim’s neighborhood variety store, the story explores family, legacy, and cultural identity as change arrives at the corner of tradition and opportunity.

The major casting difference is that instead of playing Jung, the son, Choi is now playing Appa, the father. He hadn’t expected to be doing this; in fact, in recent years, he had left acting and been involved in writing for film and television.

With the writers’ strike in 2023, Choi’s work was on pause — until an artistic director whom he knew contacted him about staging Kim’s Convenience again.

As playwright, screenwriter, and director, Choi looks on this unexpected role as a “return to acting, especially acting on stage. I feel like that’s my first love.” And he has enjoyed preparing for the role, seeing the character of Appa in a new way. “It’s been a very pleasant time of discovery and curiosity” about the writer’s [his] lines.

With a teenage daughter and son of his own, Choi certainly has more life experience to draw on. “It’s a full-circle kind of experience, gaining understanding of my parents, what they went through — the cultural barriers, trying to raise kids. They couldn’t communicate as well as I can” and he can now understand “just how exponentially [greater] their frustrations were.”

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YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT Jennifer Woloszyn

“In every culture, there are still immigrants coming to this continent,” says Choi. “For me, it’s a love letter to my parents, and to all first-generation immigrants who are still coming and dealing with racism. I think people who come to see the play will be changed a bit. I think audiences will fall in love with these characters, [they’ll] want them to succeed and want them to love and reconcile.

Jennifer Woloszyn

1260 Route 33 South

Jennifer Woloszyn

Counselor

Jennifer Woloszyn

Counselor

“And when they go away, I hope that the next time they come across a storekeeper or someone that doesn’t look necessarily like them, who speaks with perhaps [fractured] English or a thick accent that they quite can’t quite understand, I hope that they will, because of the play, have gained some understanding, and maybe offer more patience.”

1260 Route 33 South

Hamilton, NJ 08690

1260 Route 33 South

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Hamilton, NJ 08690

As for where Kim’s Convenience is headed after the national tour, Choi doesn’t hide the fact that he hopes it’s toward Broadway, or nearby off-Broadway.

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Cell: (609) 337-2366

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Cell: (609) 337-2366

Ph: (609) 631-4286

jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com

jwoloszyn@aca.aaa.com

jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com

Cell: (609) 337-2366

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“Kim’s Convenience,” Berlind Theatre at McCarter, 91 University Place, Princeton. Through Sunday, Feb. 15. Post-show conversations take place following the 2 p.m. matinee performances. $36 to $92. (609)258-2787 or mccarter.

David

SWIMMING continued from Page 1

season, they went unbeaten in the Colonial Valley Conference, dismantling traditional challengers High School North, 111-59, and Princeton High, 113-57, after losing to Princeton by two points last season. Robbinsville High was the only team to stay within 25 points of them.

“It’s definitely very big,” Fang said. “I think the first practice, the guys actually set a goal saying that we want to go undefeated this year and I think everyone believed in it and then we did it. So it’s definitely a very big moment for us.”

They won their Pirate Invitational as well, and positioned themselves to win their first CVC Championship since 2017. States is the next goal beyond it, and the final chance for Fang to compete with a tight-knit group from the Class of 2026.

“We have a super talented group of senior boys,” said Pirates coach Jessica Bidwell, explaining, “They’re all talented in different events which is part of why South has been so successful this season is that they don’t really swim the same thing so I have seniors across the board and talent spread out that’s really benefiting the team.”

The seniors have been the driving force behind this year’s success. Vikram Pal, Allen Sahraoui, Daksh Yadav, Erick Yan and Eric Zou have helped South win along with passing along to the younger Pirate swimmers the team-first culture that has been so important to the program. It was something that Fang learned to embrace as a newcomer. He was a stellar year-round swimmer for the Princeton Tigers Aquatic Club when he joined the South team.

“In the beginning, freshman and soph-

omore year, it’s definitely pretty challenging because coming to high school we’re expecting to swim what we’re best at,” Fang said. “But changing that mindset to just doing what I can for the team and just helping us to win as a team, I think that the change of the mindset is there. And now I’m just happy that I can do whatever I can for the team to win. And I always want to be well-rounded swimmer – IM and free – so I’m happy that can help the team win.”

Adding to the challenge their first year at South was that the famed “Bubble” where they host meets and practice was not available due to construction. They had to practice at High School North. The next year, being at South was then something new. The coaches have watched them overcome the non-traditional start to develop and find where they impact best – Pal in individual medley and butterfly, Yadav embracing the 200 free after disliking it years ago, Yan turning his focus from club swimming to only the high school team and leading in backstroke.

“They’re ever evolving,” Bidwell said. “We don’t like to look at the future because obviously we’re graduating some super talent, but we do have some talented freshmen that came in this year. So it’s just kind of watching the cycle of growth.”

Like his teammates, Fang has been willing to help wherever needed. For the past few years, the Pirates had another strong breaststroker, Carmel Meir, and that allowed South to use Fang elsewhere. This year, he’s largely been back in breaststroke, his top stroke, along with usually a sprint freestyle and a pair of

High School South swimmer Julien Fang helped the team win its first Colonial Valley Conference Championship since 2017.

“He’s not a captain, he doesn’t see himself that way, which is interesting because he definitely takes on that role,” Bidwell said. “A lot of the underclassmen really look up to him. And the thing about Julien was last year we also had a super talented breaststroker, but he was a senior and he graduated, and so in some meets we didn’t want to swim them in the same event. And Julien is talented in sprint freestyle events and stuff, so we’re able to kind of move him around where we need him, just kind of embracing what Pirate swimming is about.”

Like many programs, South has club swimmers like Fang. The Pirates make sure that they’re not just seen on meet days. They have a mandatory minimum of practices to attend, and their presence in practice helps them connect better with the team and develop bonds.

“The seniors really emphasize team culture, just being a team,” Fang said. “It’s about the team dynamic and really about us, not just ourselves. So just everyone working together, like being in a team, I think we emphasize that a lot too.”

Fang feels compelled to help his younger teammates as one of the more experienced, faster swimmers. He falls back to his first-year experience on the team when he thinks about how he was

immersed in that culture. It helped to keep him connected to the team and want to continue being a part of the program.

“The year where I came in as a freshman, the seniors and juniors – the upperclassmen – were very energetic and the coaches had built a good team dynamic already,” he said. “So it was pretty easy for me to just come in and then compete for the team and just doing all activities with them. And I’ll say I got really lucky that I’m on such a good team with such good teammates and coaches.”

Now he’s part of the oldest class that is setting the tone and the goals for the team. Last year’s narrow loss to Princeton left them with something to fight for coming back in their final year. That was one of their starting goals in a season with some lofty expectations.

“You always kind of want to be a little bit better, so they were able to accomplish that goal and we just keep working towards them,” Bidwell said. “CVCs is like the next thing and placing, they have goals. A couple kids are still trying to make Meet of Champs cuts, where we’re going to end. They had a successful Pirate, the boys won the Pirate invitational again, so they’re kind of slowly checking off the boxes, but we keep reminding them our season’s far from over. They still have work to do. But col-

lectively as a team, if they continue to share within those goals and those upperclassmen really try to kind of bring everybody with them, they do have the talent and the passion to be successful.”

Finishing his South career strong is a big focus for Fang, but he does find time to enjoy some of his other passions. He’s a movie buff, gravitating toward movies from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. He’s part of the vinyl comeback and recently received a turntable. And he loves to go camping and enjoy the outdoors when he’s not inside swimming.

Swimming won’t end when his Pirate career does. He’s planning to swim in college, and when he’s in college and eligible, he hopes to represent his native Taiwan in the World University Games, most likely in the 100 or 200 breaststroke.

“I’m just trying to work myself up to

that level and hopefully I can make it in the four years of college in that window,” Fang said. “I would say I’m not too far away, but I’m definitely not close. So it’s just keep working hard and trying to make it.”

Those goals will have to wait for him to help the Pirates accomplish theirs first. It’s been a promising start and some of the biggest meets are still to come. For a motivated, connected senior group, winning some of those would be a perfect ending.

“The journey has been good,” Fang said. “I learned a lot of things and still facing new problems every day and just tackling those with my teammates and really be able to work together as a team. I think just learning together every day, I think that’s been a pretty big thing for me.”

Princeton Junction Fire Co. celebrates 100 Years

PAUL LIGETI

WEST WINDSOR CHRONICLES

The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of one of West Windsor Township’s longest-serving volunteer organizations: the Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Co. Formed in 1926, it has saved countless lives and built community over generations.

This is its story, largely based on writeups from 1995-96 for the Historical Society of West Windsor by William Manuel, Lorraine Kapp and James Yates.

Origins

Our town’s first fire department — now called the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. — formed in 1921. However, within a few years it was clear that the township would need more expansive emergency services to cover its population.

The founding of Berrien City, West Windsor’s first planned community, south of the train station in the 1910s,

prompted the formation of a new neighborhood fire squad. Thus, on June 3, 1926, a contingent of men from Princeton Junction and Penns Neck met at Barnet Press’ farmhouse on Clarksville Road, now the Windsor Chase development, and organized themselves as the Berrien City Fire Company.

Lacking fire hydrants, the fire company owned a pump and a brush truck to handle field fires. The equipment was stored in various facilities, including a private garage on Berrien Avenue and a brick building on Station Drive.

They bought their first engine — a Foamite chemical truck — for $3,900 on June 20, 1926. The next year, the company formally incorporated as the Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Co. Construction of a dedicated firehouse at 952 Alexander Road followed in 1931. Over the decades, the roof was raised and the building was lengthened to accommodate ever-larger equipment. When additional space was needed, a separate house — originally located at the intersection of Scott Avenue and

2026: SHAPING UP

MORE MARKET ACTIVITY

The National Association of REALTORS® forecasts existing home sales could rise by up to 14% in 2026, signaling a more active housing market

Alexander Road — was moved to North Post Road.

Mid-Century

During the Great Depression, bingo games were a popular fundraiser. This practice continued until the 1980s. During World War II, the station served as a Civil Defense station of sorts for wartime emergencies, especially with first-aid equipment. And from 1980-89, the firehouse also doubled as a senior center.

In December 1944, specifications for the first postwar engine were drawn up: a 1945 Mack 500-gpm pumper. This machine was in service until 1969, when it was sold to East Windsor Township to help start their own fire company.

In the 1970s, the fire company also brought in the Hoxie Brothers Circus, a popular attraction. Doubtless, some of the township’s longtime residents remember acres of rides, candy and fun for all.

Transformation

Whereas women had assisted as

support staff via their involvement in the Princeton Junction Ladies’ Auxiliary, helping to raise funds, host events and cook meals, in the 1970s the first women firefighters were made part of the team. Consequently, in the 1980s, the Women’s Auxiliary was written out of the company’s constitution, as women were fully incorporated into the team.

In 1976, the fire company turned 50 years old. At that time, the company consisted of 45 men and women. Their equipment included a 1973 Hahn pumper, a 1974 Pierce mini-pumper, a 1969 LaFrance attack pumper, a 1950sera Mack 1,500-gallon tanker with a 500-gpm pump, and a Dodge utility truck built by its members in 1961.

Growth and Modernity

Both the West Windsor and Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Companies witnessed the rapid growth and suburbanization of West Windsor that peaked in the 1980s and 1990s. The township exploded in population, from around 4,000 residents in 1960 to around 30,000 by 2020.

MORTGAGE RATES

Rates are expected to gradually ease and settle near the 6% range, improving affordability for buyers.

HOME PRICES

Home values are projected to continue rising at a steady pace (about 2– 4%), supported by strong demand and limited inventory.

Moreover, significant commercial development along Route 1 saw the rise of mid-rise buildings along the corridor — a challenge for older, smaller equipment and smaller teams.

So, the fire companies needed to grow, along with their equipment and accommodations. In 2002, the Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 relocated to a new facility at 245 Clarksville Road, retaining the old building in Berrien City for truck and equipment storage. In 2010, West Windsor Arts took out a lease on a portion of the old fire station and now hosts events and exhibitions in the former firehouse, occupying the eastern half of the building.

Today, both fire companies continue to play an instrumental role in the

community. Of course, they fight fires and provide other emergency services. They also lead and join myriad public events, educate the community and do much more. However, both rely on volunteers and donors to keep doing what they do. Please consider supporting these invaluable community groups at pjfd.com and westwindsorfire.com.

The Historical Society of West Windsor is an all-volunteer community nonprofit. All members donate their free time, without pay, to document and promote the town’s rich history. Community support is needed to continue that work. To learn more, visit westwindsorhistory.com.

Windsor.

Paul Ligeti is the president of the Historical Society of West

Princeton Junction Fire Co’s first fire truck. (Photo ourtesy of Gay Huber.)

FIRE CO. continued from Page 10

Travel Talk with Caryn and Aron Make family trips count

Tips for the Best Extended Family Vacations

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