Volume LXXIX, Number 5
Two New Publications Celebrate Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Solid Waste, Affordable Housing Among Resolutions at Council Meeting . . . . . 7 Adult Acting Collective Class at McCarter . . . . 8 School Days and Shootings In McKinley and Dylan’s America . . . . . . . . . . . 14 McCarter Presents Here There Are Blueberries . . 15 Boosted by the Return of Khramtsov from Injury, PU Women’s Hockey Ties Brown, Defeats Yale . . .24 Senior Star Rose Makes History for PHS Wrestling, Winning 4th Straight Title in County Competition . . . . . . . 28
David Brophy Helps PHS Boys’ Swimming Take 1st at CVC Championships . . 27 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 21 Books . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . 33 Education and Recreation . .18, 19 Mailbox . . . . . . . . . . . 12 New To Us . . . . . . . . . 23 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . 32 Performing Arts . . . . .16, 17 Real Estate . . . . . . . . 33 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Topics of the Town . . . . 5 Town Talk . . . . . . . . . . 6
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PHS Scholars Shine In National Regeneron Science Talent Search Princeton High School (PHS) Senior Yurai Gutierrez Morales has been selected as one of 40 finalists nationwide in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, competing for a top prize of $250,000. Based on the originality and creativity of their scientific research, as well as their achievement and leadership inside and outside the classroom, the finalists, who were announced on January 23, were selected from a record number of 2,471 entrants. Two other PHS seniors, Benjamin Murphy Gitai and Amy Lin, were among the 300 national semifinalists. This was the first time PHS has ever had three students in the top 300 and the first time a PHS student has ever advanced to the top 40. Morales will participate in a week-long competition from March 6-12 in Washington, D.C., undergoing a rigorous judging process, interacting with leading scientists, and sharing her research with the public on March 9, both in person and virtually. The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025 winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on March 11. PPS Science Supervisor Jacqueline Katz praised the student award winners and reflected on the development of the popular research program at PHS, which she started 10 years ago. “It’s a positive space for students like this,” she said. “They totally take ownership and figure out what they’re interested in, and then you see them run with it. It’s so incredible.” The Regeneron Science Talent Search, sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Society for Science, now in its 84th year, is the United States’ longest running science, technology, engineering, and math (STEAM) competition for high school seniors. Alumni from the competition have gone on to win 13 Nobel Prizes and 23 MacArthur Fellowships, and have founded numerous world-changing companies, according to a Regeneron press release. “The competition identifies extraordinary young minds who blend scientific talent, curiosity, and bold leadership to drive meaningful change for society,” the press release states. Morales discussed her award-winning research project, which is titled “How the
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Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Array of Area Events to Mark Black History Month Black History Month began as a tradition of Black teachers in the segregated South in the 19th and early 20th century commemorating important people and events in Black history during the week of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) and Frederick Douglass’ birthday (February 14). Almost 100 years ago in 1926, Black History Week was created when African American historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced that the second week of February would be recognized as “Negro History Week.” In February 1970 Black History Week expanded to become a full month at the urging of Black United Students at Kent State University, and in 1976 President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial. He urged all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Many events of all kinds are on the schedule in Princeton and the surrounding area this February to honor Black History Month and the accomplishments of Black Americans.
The launch of a new book of poetry of the Witherspoon-Jackson community, Refl ections of a Vibrant Past: Poetry of the Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood, will take place at the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) Paul Robeson Center for the Arts on Sunday, February 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. The free event will feature readings by the book’s author, the Rev. Gregory Smith, as well as light refreshments, a book signing, and conversation. Sponsored by the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society and
the ACP, the reading and book signing will also spotlight The WitherspoonJackson Neighborhood, a new book by ACP Executive Director Adam Welch, presenting a brief socio-political history in the spirit of a “zine.” Smith’s poetry book is “dedicated to the countless individuals who have graced the Witherspoon-Jackson community and shared their lives, breath, and souls with us all.” Within the poetry collection Smith presents many members of the
Those white crystals that proliferate on pavements and roadways, to keep vehicles from sliding and humans from falling on winter ice and snow, are the topic of a series in which The Watershed Institute is closely involved. Winter Salt Week, which runs through Friday, January 31, aims to raise awareness of the environmental consequences of road and sidewalk salt. “Shovel More, Salt Less, Help Keep Freshwater Fresh” is the logo of the initiative, which urges the public not to stop using the salt — just to use less of it.
“We don’t recommend any alternatives to road salt. Our idea is to just use less salt, and use it in a smarter way,” said Erin Stretz, assistant director of science for The Watershed Institute. “We’re trying to keep freshwater fresh, and salt is the one thing that makes freshwater not freshwater. Once salt is there, we cannot remove it.” Salt can also damage the infrastructure, eating away at roads and buildings. “And there are the puppy paws,” said Stretz.
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Environmental Impact of Road Salt Is Subject of “Winter Salt Week”
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WASSAILING THE APPLE TREES: Kingsessing Morris Men dancers were part of the annual celebration on Sunday afternoon at Terhune Orchards on Cold Soil Road. The festival follows the ancient Anglo-Saxon tradition of protecting the trees to ensure a good harvest in the coming year. Attendees discuss their favorite winter activities in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Sarah Teo)
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CALLL FOR PERFORMERS + PORCHES!
Princeton Porchfest is a walkable music festival where local talent performs on front porches around town. Help make the magic happen and get involved in this fast paced, buzzy, once-ayear opportunity!
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THURS, FEB 13