It’s March…Time for Spring Awakenings
Princeton Perspectives, Issue #61, March 18, 2025
Editor’s Note
Enjoying the sun and unseasonal temperatures? Weather in New Jersey is expected to be warmer than normal this March. So, it is no surprise that people are seeming happier and looking forward to the seasonal change.
This month, Princeton Perspectives issue It’s March…Time for Spring Awakenings helps to enlighten you to things that are happening around you this season– from health and politics to culture and nature. There is so much to be alert for.
What do you look forward to as spring arrives? That’s what we asked locals to share with us in this month’s Pulse of Princeton video. It’s amazing how a little warmth, sun and the new season brings about so much positivity.
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The Pulse of Princeton: What do you look forward to as spring arrives?
- Wake Up! Be Alert to Changes Happening in the Area this Spring - There have been many days throughout this winter where one likely felt a desire to hibernate. Momentary bouts of sun and warmer weather enticed people out briefly, then sudden drops back into… Read more...
- Bring Life to Your Yard, Plant Natives this Spring - Highlights of spring include the return of colorful butterflies drinking nectar from blooming flowers, birds serenading each other, chunky caterpillars snacking on leaves—all bringing joy and beauty to the Garden State. Soon,… Read more...
- What You Can Expect as Animals Come out of Hibernation - As the dark and cold turns to warmer, brighter skies, many animals and pests wake up from their winter hibernations. Their arousals can impact humans in many ways, as they exit their… Read more...
- Through its Vibrant Colors, Holi Welcomes Spring - Holi, the Hindu festival of celebrating the advent of spring, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities around the world. Legends connected to… Read more...
Perspectives Revisited
What will the ballots look like when you go to vote in June? Possibly a bit different. We shared in the article Your Right to Vote 2024: Be Aware of Primary Voting and Ballot Changes (May 2024) that the Democrat primary ballot last year featured a new block design with candidates listed by random draw order, rather than the county line ballot New Jersey voters were used to (and that which was used in the Republican primary). Going forward, however, it is likely that all ballots will be in a new block format, meaning all candidates will be listed together in a block under the title office they are running for. This is spelled out in a new bill approved by the state Senate in late February. Electric random draw is not codified in this new bill, which also removes elections for members of the state Democratic and Republican committees. In the new format, a candidate’s endorsement can be identified (for example if their county party is behind them) and could let multiple candidates running on a slate together, be grouped together. Though the Assembly approved a similar bill in December, it needs to go back and vote on the amended version approved by the Senate before it can head to Governor Phil Murphy’s desk. So, pay attention when you go to the primary in June, and read through the new ballot before you vote.
Princeton is getting more help in its efforts to create safer roadways. We have shared multiple stories about incidents on the local roads, including in the article Long-Sustained Efforts Bring About Needed Solutions on Rosedale Road (May 2022). Last week it was announced that Princeton Councilman David Cohen will be part of the 2025 class of the Champions Institute. Through this, part of Smart Growth America, Cohen will work with national experts and other elected officials from across the country on reforms and changes that could make the streets safer for all using it – those that walk or bike as well as those that drive or take public transportation. Cohen expects to bring his work back to the Princeton community and help to suggest and build these changes around town.