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Editor’s Note

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Happy Birthday, Princeton Perspectives! We had a dream to better inform our community and two years ago this week, Princeton Perspectives posted our first issue. We were hesitant, the country had just gone into lockdown- would anyone see it, would anyone read it? Turns out, launching then was the best decision because nearly everyone was home, so you not only saw it, but you read it. And we’ve been thankful that so many have been reading us ever since! As we mark our two-year anniversary, we look forward to continuing to share fun, meaningful and important local stories with you.

This issue is being written at a difficult time, because while we’re now able to go out and about and re-start living our best lives, people in Ukraine are fleeing for theirs. We send our thoughts and support to all people struggling and suffering. It’s hard to focus on local issues when that is going on abroad, but it’s also important to recognize that while they may seem petty in comparison, things going on around Princeton – big and small – do affect you and your life today. It is okay to stay informed and aware of this community, too.

With that in mind, we bring you our March issue, Princeton Happenings – What’s Going on Now That May Impact You? From the arts to health and business, people are thinking ahead with dreams of new and different things and it’s always good to know what you may stumble upon, where Princeton is headed with decisions big and small and what this all could mean to you.

Each month we walk ask locals to share their perspectives on the topic we’re discussing. What are people’s thoughts about the changes happening around Princeton? Watch our Pulse of Princeton video below to see a variety of ideas.

Whether you agree that the construction brings about excitement of good things to come, or perhaps you feel it may all be too much, it’s helpful to know what is taking place, when and where. This way you can plan ahead, accordingly. Enjoying Princeton in the Midst of Local Improvements shares the latest information about Princeton’s projects.

One Princeton happening that brought people for years from all around NJ into Princeton was Communiversity. Since 2020, COVID has prevented it from taking place, and now there is something new. Through Different Venues, Art Will Always Be a Part of Princeton shares what the new idea is, when it will take place and how you can enjoy it.

To keep and expand our vibrant town, where people love to visit, eat, shop and take care of business, Princeton Town Council recently approved the creation of a SID. What is a SID and How Will it Benefit Princeton? clarifies those questions, how it came about and how it may impact you and the businesses you love.

Speaking of those you love, we all have our own perspectives on what it means to keep them safe in light of COVID. And this month has become a pivotal moment in the debate about masking, as NJ no longer mandates mask wearing in schools. One Princeton Community with More Than One View on Masking provides perspectives to help each of us create an understanding of why a person is or is not wearing a mask, so we can move forward with empathy.

Caring about others is an important part of society, and one of the topics we discuss in this month’s Perspectives Revisited. Read on to find out more about a new police partnership to help our community. We also share the latest about biking expansion in our region, which can help everyone get outside and go.

Did a topic we covered strike a chord with you? Do you support something and want others to know? Princeton Perspectives is now accepting Letters to the Editor. Click here to share your thoughts with us and our readers.

We’ve moved the clocks ahead and spring will officially be here next week. Get out and enjoy the town and greater Princeton areas. And be sure to keep an eye on your inbox next month, as Princeton Perspectives shares more about what matters to Princeton.

Pulse of Princeton: What are your thoughts about the changes happening around Princeton?

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Enjoying Princeton in the Midst of Local Improvements

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This street is closed…can’t turn there…traffic, traffic, everywhere! No matter where you try to go in Princeton these days, it seems more cars are on the road and road closures don’t make things any easier. Multiple construction projects are underway in and around downtown, with long term goals of creating better environments and infrastructures for enjoying town. Unfortunately, the projects, road closures and reduced parking, in the short term, can make life stressful and complicated. To provide you with a full understanding of what to expect, how you will be affected and what you can look forward to, Princeton Perspectives has the 4-1-1 on all of the changes.

WITHERSPOON STREET REDESIGN

The on and off closures along Witherspoon Street from Nassau down to Spring Street have been the most noticeable and frequent lately, with more changes coming.

Princeton’s planning and engineering departments launched a master planning process to improve Witherspoon from Nassau to Valley Road back in October 2019, before COVID was on the radar. But the pandemic’s temporary changes to the area, to allow for more pedestrians, outdoor dining and retail spaces, had an impact on the desires and outcome for the final project.

For pedestrians, the biggest change to come will be at the Nassau/Witherspoon traffic light. A project of the NJ DOT, the light will become fully actuated, which means a pedestrian must approach and push the signal for the light to change. Traffic along Nassau Street will flow uninterrupted unless and until someone pushes the button to cross. The standing areas on both sides of Nassau St. will also be bumped out, widening the sidewalk to shorten the pedestrian crossing area.

Since January, physical construction has been taking place on Witherspoon nearest Nassau St. with utility companies including Verizon Communications, NJ American Water, PSE&G and Crown Castle installing and connecting new and old systems. When the roadway project is complete, there will be a 5-year moratorium on digging up the road, so some of this work is in preparation for future expectations while some is to meet current needs.

Later this month, we’ll start to see physical construction of the sidewalks and roadway. Washington from Nassau to Spring Street is expected to be worked on first. The plan is to have one lane of traffic open throughout the construction, except for some short durations (hourslong, not days) where it is necessary to block vehicle passage. Pedestrian passageways will remain at all times.

The goal here? To create a more walkable and comfortable outdoor/dining space by widening sidewalks to 18 feet, permanently changing Witherspoon to one-way vehicle traffic from Nassau to Spring Street, with one 12 ft. travel lane and a 10 ft. service lane on the western side of Witherspoon. Several, if not all, of the metered parking spots are likely to be removed.

“There is adequate parking within the garages in town – Spring, Hulfish and Chambers,” explains Jim Purcell, Princeton Assistant Municipal Engineer. “Over the course of the last year we were able to open up some additional spaces knowing this project was coming. The garage typically had the top level closed and now it’s open to add capacity.”

Once this portion of Witherspoon is completed, construction will move to the area between Spring and Green Street, and when complete, two-way traffic will continue along that section of roadway. From Nassau to Green, Witherspoon Street will have urban trees planted, replacing the dying Bradford Pear trees that exist today.

Then, Phase 2 is expected to start. Not yet fully developed, the concept has been presented to the public and is on the municipal website alongside all of the improvement plans. Municipal leaders are still accepting community input on this phase until the presentation to Council on March 28th. This phase, from Green St. to just north of Franklin Road (at the bus stop in front of the Avalon Bay apartments) aims to better incorporate sidewalk and pedestrian considerations, on-street parking, bike lanes and more. There is hope the construction contract will be awarded for Phase 2 by the end of November and will begin work as Phase 1 is finishing up. Plans for Phase 3, Witherspoon from Franklin to Valley Road are still very fluid.

The tricky part of getting this work done is to continue to welcome residents and visitors to downtown Princeton, by keeping walkable and bikeable passageways open. As they try to make Princeton a more usable town, the center of town may best be avoided by vehicles in the meantime.

“If you’re coming to downtown to come to a restaurant, don’t try to drive down Witherspoon or Chambers. Go down Wiggins to the Spring St. garage – that’s our ideal,” explains Purcell. “If everyone stays away from the central business district in cars and works around to the garages, they can still enjoy Princeton.”

NEW HOTEL ON CHAMBERS ST.

If you plan to drive around to a garage, keep in mind Chambers Street (along the first block adjacent to Nassau) is also soon home to a new construction project. Though work on the Graduate Hotel has been taking place on the inside for a while, the outside work, and its effects on the public are about to be felt.

Chambers Street will soon be the crew’s work zone, with traffic shifting, sometimes going down to one lane and possibly times of full closure. The sidewalk at 2-4 Chambers St. and half of the roadway there will be primarily affected. Stores along Nassau St, including Sakrid, Milk & Cookies, Small Bites and Jammin’ Crepes, will remain in place and open to the public and the historic exterior of the building that rises above them will be preserved. But be prepared for scaffolding and a canopy to go up over the sidewalk as they do renovations on windows above.

While 20 Nassau stays, the building portion at 2-4 Chambers St. is being torn down. The two will become one and turned into an approximately 180-room hotel with a lobby, grab-and-go café, eatery as well as an 80-space underground parking area for hotel use. The hotel is environmentally designed to a LEED Silver standard. Free bicycle rental is also expected for guests, as many are expected to be in town for the university.

Keep in mind, COVID delayed this project and the physical exterior construction is just set to begin. It could potentially impact traffic until its projected opening date before graduation of 2024.

GRIGGS CORNER LOT GETS BUILT UP

The downtown area is expected to get even busier this year with construction at the lot next to Mistral. Approvals have been granted, but unexpected delays are pushing back the May start date for construction of the metered parking lot at Hulfish and Witherspoon, which is to be renovated into a 3-story building. Known as Griggs Corner lot, (in recognition of the former Griggs Imperial Restaurant that once stood there) it will become home to 8 residential units with retail underneath.

Five 1-bedroom and three 2-bedroom units are expected, with courtyard space and a common roof with private open space. This design is also expected to include vegetative roof areas, using native plants.

For its tenants, 32 parking spaces will be provided at the Hulfish and Chambers St. garages, but it is important to note the building site will additionally eliminate 24 metered spots from the public use.

EXPANSION OF CELLULAR SERVICE

While you’re driving around trying to get to your parking destination or walking to enjoy downtown, it may be helpful to know that Verizon is upgrading its wireless network in and around Princeton. And, if you’ve ever said, “Sorry, I lost you!” while passing through some of Princeton’s notorious dead zones, you are likely to appreciate the upgrade.

With the expansion of 5G, to accommodate increased usage by customers and a desire to enable download of larger files, its estimated 10 small cell sites will be added in Princeton by Verizon that, in conjunction with its other technologies, intend to improve experiences for everyone.

“If you’re using a highway as an analogy, the small cells are expanding the number of lanes,” explains Andy Choi, Communications Manager for Verizon. “If you’re stuck in traffic, it’s a lot of cars trying to get to one place with a limited # of lanes. If you expand 1 or 2 more lanes, more traffic will get through at a faster rate. Here we’re providing more lanes for data to transfer back and forth between what you’re downloading, sending, consuming.”

You likely won’t notice the small cell nodes, as Verizon attempts to blend them into our existing infrastructure by matching the color of nearby poles or camouflaging them into their environment. Overall, small cell additions to Princeton should provide a stronger connection.

“Princeton is one of many communities we’re looking to help upgrade and connect. As we become more and more dependent on our mobile networks, whether at home, on the go, on laptops or mobile devices, we know how important it is to stay connected,” adds Choi.

While underway, each of the above projects may be a hindrance or inconvenience to your enjoyability of downtown Princeton. Despite the removal of several parking spots, Princeton’s engineering department reviewed parking analysis for each project and anticipates there will be enough parking to accommodate all who need it. Once complete, it is expected these projects will help build a more vibrant, walkable and connected town. During construction, all are likely to vary regularly with regards to their impact on traffic and the community. To know the latest, you can sign up to receive email or text alerts by going to the municipality’s Notify Me page and choosing the alerts you want to receive.

What is a SID and How Will it Benefit Princeton?

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There’s a reason people choose to live in Princeton as opposed to some of the neighboring towns. Besides its highly rated schools, the walkability and vibrancy of town is another strong attraction. Therefore, many would argue that keeping the business community strong and providing opportunities for it to be even stronger and more vibrant would benefit both businesses and residents alike. However, there has been much debate about how to best make this happen.

For decades, there have been talks amongst the business community, and under the guidance of the all-volunteer Princeton Merchants Association (PMA), many Princeton commercial interests worked together to pursue a strong coalition for years. When COVID hit, and owners were at the same time trying to save themselves and creatively help the overall community, it was realized that more was needed. Funding, a fulltime employee and a need for dedicated marketing experts were some of the things that were noted. That’s when representatives of PMA, working with Princeton Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, approached Princeton’s Economic Development Committee. Council then commissioned a study and appointed a steering committee (comprised of 18 property, business and nonprofit leaders), which hired a consultant and ultimately conceded that the creation of a public-private partnership known as a Special Interest District (SID), should be the way forward. On February 28th, Town Council voted unanimously to create the SID which will be known as Princeton Business Partners (PBP). SIDs are guided by state statute, to create a management group that works with the municipality to promote economic growth.

“That’s been an old aspiration of many local entrepreneurs and city leaders. The pandemic has accelerated the need of forming a private corporation with the participation of local authorities to accomplish many tasks oriented to have a better Princeton, for both property and business owners, as well as for residents,” shares Omar Delgado, owner of Say Cheez Café and a member of the steering committee. “We expect to show Princeton as the best cultural destination for the arts, dining, and entertainment. All businesses will benefit from more loyal visitors, for welcoming more shoppers during cold months.”

The SID funding will come from a special assessment paid for by property owners (who will decide whether or not to pass this along to their tenants). Nearly 390 properties will be included in PBP, from across town. While it is recognized that some businesses may benefit more from the SID than others, the assessments will scale from 1-3%.

“We’ve been struggling with this point for 20+ years, talking about putting one in place. But talk only goes so far,” shares Josh Zinder, owner of five Princeton properties, including one that’s home to his company, Josh Zinder Architecture & Design. “My father used to tell me if you want to make money you have to spend money. That’s how I see this.”

The development of a SID was often thought needed to improve a dilapidated downtown area. But, through the years it has come to improve districts in already-thriving towns like Princeton, such as Livingston, Westfield and Somerville.

“Perhaps downtown Princeton is not dilapidated, but it certainly needs improvement, and the current methods are not doing the job,” believes Bill Hare, owner of a property at Nassau & Witherspoon that currently houses Dunkin Donuts and Gratitude Yoga. “Beyond just my view of the downtown and how that can be addressed by a SID, I would like a SID to address the regulatory process of renovating properties and opening new businesses. The town does a good job working with property owners to renovate properties so that new businesses can move in. However, no process is perfect, and a SID could speak for the downtown and businesses with one voice to suggest improvements or changes to the process.”

And many other local property/business owners agree. A letter signed by 60 of them was read aloud at the February 28th Council meeting, before the vote. In addition, over a dozen others called in and voiced their support.

But the community has not all been in agreement. Nearly a dozen property and business owners also called in on Feb. 28th and shared a desire to postpone or stop the vote, citing concerns of how the benefits would outweigh the cost, notably with how far reaching the SID is with regards to some of the businesses it’s chosen to include.

Barry Perlman stated, “SID is a great idea for restaurants, retail spaces, etc. But I work for Princeton Penn Medicine. Including physicians’ offices is just casting a wider net and collecting more money for it.”

Lance Liverman, former Councilman and residential and condo developer agreed, saying, “I support the SID, but I don’t think it should be town wide. There’s very little a SID can do for me and my business. I’d like to see lines drawn on the SID to make it more advantageous.”

This concern was highlighted during the discussion between Council members and some of the steering committee representatives. Some responses shed light on the fact that the central business area of Princeton keeps growing, year after year, and there is no knowing where to draw that line. While others explained that whether it’s the addition of a Princeton transit stop near their office or to be included in a business directory, there are benefits.

“Property owners understand tenants come and go, they may need help at any time for zoning changes, allowable use changes, new signage, helping them attract tenants, keep tenants, etc. Having a vital town, with great attractions, stores, restaurants and other services, makes people want to live and work here,” contends Councilwoman Pirone Lambros. “A property owner may need it down the road. That’s why cost could be nominal, but everyone participates.”

Princeton tax-paying residents, who asked to remain anonymous, shared concerns with Princeton Perspectives about how this will truly impact Princeton and its residents. They stated it appears to be mostly developers and larger business owners that have led the charge for a SID. And there’s concern for the small business owner trying to stay afloat.

“The local businesses, they’re just starting to come back, and they’ll be hit with another ‘tax’.

It’s like they’re using COVID as an excuse,” shared one resident. “No amount of taxes will fix the amount of work that needs to happen to come back from that.”

There is also a worry that personal interest may be rising above public interest, as another resident suggests.

“Times pass and small people eventually get squeezed out by the bigger ones (referencing the rental costs allowing many chain stores to take over spaces once used by mom & pop businesses). We can’t go back, but I think there always needs to be a good check on developers and that’s always been an informed electorate and responsive government. I feel the voices of the powerful and getting louder.”

For those smaller business owners that have thus far sustained, there is concern about what kind of voice they’ll actually have with PBP, as was shared at the public meeting.

“Property owners are stakeholders, but business owners are not included as stakeholders. I get a little bit concerned about what voice we have,” expressed J. David Waldman, owner of Rojo’s Roastery in Palmer Square.

Palmer Square tenants, because they already pay into promotional funding provided by Palmer Square Management, will be paying a lower assessment. Princeton Shopping Center has a similar situation, and the hope is that PBP and those management companies will develop a collaborative relationship and leverage their opportunities. But the SID is also being set up in a way to enable the business owners themselves to have a voice. With the approval from Council, four incorporating officers have been chosen. They will become part of a 15-member volunteer board, comprised of property and business owners (with a 51% property-owner ratio). There will be one fulltime paid employee to run the SID, 2 municipal representatives and several committees will be formed, to focus on specific aspects of the SID. Committees can be joined by anyone that wants to be involved. PBP will be held to the open public meetings act, so all residents and businesses will have a regular chance to listen and share feedback. For those who voiced strong opposition leading up to the Council vote, there is hope they will take part.

“We’re going to keep inviting them to participate and be part of the process. Some of the most vocal members in opposition, we’ve invited to be on a committee. Andrew Seigel (owner of Hamilton Jewelers) went to the steering committee convinced this wasn’t going to be right, yet the more he looked at it the more he believed in it. A lot of it is just a process of understanding and learning about it,” Pirone Lambros explains.

There is hope that as opponents learn more and participate, they will see the reward. But there are some elements worked into the SID creation to provide controls if they do not. The SID fees will be assessed annually, so if the costs don’t appear to match the rewards, business and property owners can speak up and attempt to fix them. There is also a term limit.

“The SID automatically terminates after five years unless the town votes to extend it,” details Hare. “This gives five years for the SID to prove to everyone that it works. If it doesn’t function as desired, I will be glad to see it terminated and then we can try something different. However, I expect it to be successful.”

Editor’s Note

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Artwork: Arts Council of Princeton’s LOVE mural at the Princeton Shopping Center

There are many reasons to share about why one loves Princeton. It’s common for someone raised here to either never leave or to return to raise their families. A unique suburb, with a beautiful downtown, it attracts many to the great schools, to learn about its history and of course, to attend or visit Princeton University. Princeton is simply a great place to love and be loved.

In this month’s issue, A Love Letter to Princeton, we share with you who loves and lives here, why they love Princeton, how to love in Princeton and so much more! With Valentine’s Day just behind us, love is in the air!

You may have your own, but it’s always interesting to learn what others find so lovable about this town. Be sure to click below and watch this month’s Pulse of Princeton to learn what it is that people love the most!

Whether it’s at the University, a local job or simply fate, there are many couples that met here and have chosen to stay. Love Stories: Made in Princeton shares a few of these special connections that started here and created lifelong relationships and locals.

You too may be in a long-term relationship but it’s easy to let the day-to-day get in the way of sweet gestures and fun outings. In Romantic Princeton: Get Out and Enjoy That Special Someone we share with you some great local places you can go to or things you can enjoy to get out of the house and have fun together.

In addition to having things to enjoy, Princeton is also full of great people. One born-and-raised resident loves this community so much, he’s now helping to run it! Loving Princeton, One Long- time Resident’s Perspective is Mayor Mark Freda’s look at what life was like back in the day, what it’s like today, and why he’s loved it all.

For some, it’s not always easy to show your love. How to Keep the Spark in Your Relationship Despite the Pandemic shares tips from someone whose job it is to keep couples together. Even in these tough times, there are some simply changes you can make to keep the love alive in your life, too.

In our last issue we shared some important information about safety on our roadways – and a new law is already trying to make improvements. Perspectives Revisited shares the details about this and the latest on COVID-related shortages. We also have our first Letter to the Editor, providing a personal perspective on an issue currently facing Princeton.

If there’s one thing Princeton is not short of, it is opinions. We are a diverse community and we want to share diverse perspectives with our readers. So, for next month, please submit a Letter to the Editor on a topic that is meaningful to you. We’ve covered pretty much everything in our nearly two years of Princeton Perspectives, so let us know your thoughts on what’s happening!

It’s wonderful to write about love, of people and of Princeton. We hope you can sit and enjoy this issue – with the sun shining through your window and a smile on your face! Next month, we’ll take a close look at some current local decisions and what their impacts will be on the people of this municipality.

Thanks for reading, and please share with a friend!

Pulse of Princeton: What do you love most about Princeton?

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Love Stories: Made in Princeton

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Love can spark when two people are at the right place at the right time. When that occurs in Princeton, a town where people often come and stay forever, it is the perfect recipe for a lifetime romance. Such is the case in the following three Princeton-made love stories:

A University Romance…
Heather Harnly and Greg Hughes

Though official statistics have not been recorded, it’s been said that 50% or more of Princeton University undergraduates marry each other. Heather Harnly and Greg Hughes contribute to this beautiful statistic.

The two spent their teens years rowing competitively, competing around their home state. Upon starting as freshman at Princeton University (PU) in 1992, they continued rowing and would cross paths around the boat house, never knowing they had both participated in some of the same events back home in Washington. That was until luck put them on the same flight from Seattle to Newark returning to school after winter break.

“We saw each other in the airport then realized we were on the same flight, so sat next to each other (it was back in the 90s when you could just sit anywhere on a plane),” shares Heather. “When we arrived, we were offered the airporter transport and then our first dinner was at Winberries.”

That flight led to nine years of dating, marriage and kids!

Upon graduating, Greg had plans to go to Canada (where he’d attended high school) to teach history and coach rowing. When he couldn’t get a Visa, he called his PU rowing coach to inquire about job opportunities in the area. He ended up taking an unpaid coaching internship back at the university which not only put him on track to work his way through the coaching ranks to become the today’s Heavyweight Rowing Coach – it also put him within an hour’s drive of Heather.

She would begin medical school in the fall of 1996 at University of Pennsylvania and was then able to move onto a residency at Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick. The two officially moved in together in 2000.

A year later, Heather and Greg got engaged while on a trip to Bermuda for a friend’s wedding. It was in 2002 the pair returned to Washington to say “I do” on San Juan Island. But they are a true Princeton love story, as Princeton is where they met and chose to call home.

“Growing up out west, I loved it because it is so beautiful, but I’ve never felt a sense of community like I feel here,” Greg explains. “On the west coast, everyone is outwardly nice, they smile and wave, but you don’t get to know them. Here, there’s a gruff exterior, but people will drop everything to help you out. It’s really sucked me in. It’s a pretty special town.”

Heather says her passion for Princeton developed in stages through the years.

“I was amazed to discover that it was a great town. I’ll be honest, I didn’t appreciate it as an undergrad at all, you stay in your bubble on campus,” she notes. “As a young couple, we realized, oh we have paychecks, we can go out to dinner. Look at these amazing restaurants! Then as we had kids, what an amazing town to have kids in. The great community of people that live here. At every level it’s been a constant exposure and appreciation of what the community is for all ages.”

The PU alums are now raising two daughters, who both attend Princeton Middle School.

A Middle School Legacy…
Andrea and Jonathan Hunt

And the middle school in Princeton is where our next love story began. Of the 336 teachers working at Princeton Public Schools, only two fell in love after bonding over 7th grade Social Studies. It’s true! Andrea first met Jonathan Hunt when she came for an interview and was asked to teach a lesson to his World Cultures and Geography class at John Witherspoon Middle School (now, Princeton Middle School).

“After I was hired, Jon and I worked together as a 7th grade social studies team. It was not an instant connection at all actually! My first year working at the middle school as grade partners I thought Jon hated working with me!” recalls Andrea. “Through working together, we communicated a lot about improving the curriculum, lessons, and projects. We worked together for several years before our coworker relationship became a friendship and ultimately turned into love.”

Outside of school, the two let their desire to study and learn flow into their dating life as well. They would sit at night and research a good hiking spot, then get up in early in the morning, pick up some food and spend hours getting lost in the woods. Andrea also recalls one perfect date, when they took a train to New York City.

“We left as early in the morning as possible and spent the entire day exploring without any plan in mind. We walked all over the city going in and out of stores that caught our eye and stopping at little shops to pick up food. One of the times we needed a break, we sat down on a bench and were closely greeted by a squirrel (which is Jon’s favorite animal). Though we have them all over our backyard, I had never been that close to a squirrel in my entire life!“

Both Andrea and Jon had been previously married, so when they decided the time was right, they opted not to follow the traditional formalities or big wedding. They married in October 2019 and their family began. Jon’s two children from his previous marriage (Ava and Bradley) helped them start their lives together. Nearly two years ago they added Charlie and new baby, Maddy, is six months old.

“Life is mostly focused on the kids and caring for them. Any down time we have is spent playing with the kids, building castles, running around outside, or figuring out a fun craft they can make and display around the house,” Andrea adds.

Princeton brought them together, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Both Andrea and Jon not only love teaching 7th grade, but they love doing so at Princeton Middle School.

“While other couples might not enjoy working with their significant others, Jon and I truly enjoy collaborating together on lessons, teaching units, and creating projects. We are pretty lucky that we have the extra time together while commuting to and from work where we can laugh and share stories about the day.”

Decades of Togetherness that Started Here…
Allen and Rhona Porter

Laughter, an important key to long-term relationships. That’s what Rhona says has kept her in love with Allen over nearly 54 years of marriage. Well, laugher and so much more.

“Allen is my steady rock. He’s logical, he’s patient, he’s thoughtful and he’s kind. I’m not as patient and he keeps me grounded,” she shares.

And for Allen, “She has this warmth and enveloping personality. She can just go into a room and her outgoing nature, she’s so nice and good to be with, she could walk out with 2 or 3 potential friends,” he explains. “She’s just a wonderful woman.”

Allen first came to Princeton in 1959 as an undergraduate at PU and met Rhona after returning to the area from University of Virginia Law school in 1966. She had just moved here for her first teaching job at Princeton High School. Rhona was planning leave her job and spend the summer in Europe when the school year ended.

“I met some woman and she said you need to come to the Jewish Community Center because there’s a fellow there that’s cute and smart and rich. I said, I’m 21 years old, I don’t need to go to a lonely-hearts club. She said, no, you need to come!” recalls Rhona. “So finally, I relented, and I went to this young singles group. And I was not very taken by any of the people there, until this one guy walked in who was cute. We started to talk, and he made me laugh, he has a great sense of humor. And I knew then I was going to marry him.”

Allen, who conceded he was not rich, wasn’t quite as convinced at their first meeting, but he felt they had good chemistry, so he called and asked her out. That was in April. By June, Allen hadn’t popped the question, so Rhona went to Europe with plans to relocate when she returned. After her months away, she was pleasantly surprised upon landing.

“He met me at the airport with my parents and that clinched the fact I was going to be coming back here. I really wanted to teach younger grades, so it brought me back to this area and I would end up teaching 6th grade in Hopewell,” Rhona acknowledges. “But, if Allen hadn’t met me at the airport, I wouldn’t have stayed. It was so exciting; he was beginning to feel for me what I’d felt for him from day one.”

Rhona and Allen dated for the next several months and were engaged by the end of 1967. They married near Rhona’s hometown in northern NJ in June 1968 and then returned to and remained in Princeton. By 1970 they had their first of two daughters and were entrenched in the local community. Allen had joined a local law practice and became the Princeton Planning Board attorney for over 40 years. During that time, he also joined the boards of several local nonprofits including at the Library, Princeton Area Community Foundation and The Jewish Center. Rhona returned to school and got her MSW, which led to her working at Princeton Family Service and then at Elm Court. She worked for Princeton University admissions, joined The Jewish Center Board and performs with OnStage around the community. The Porters bought an apartment in New York City 12 years ago, but their primary home remains here.

“We know lots of people in town and think this town is wonderful,” remarks Allen.

While reminiscing about their lives together, the Porters recognize how lucky they are not only to have found each other, but to have been on their journey here. They look forward to many more years together.

Romantic Princeton: Get Out and Enjoy That Special Someone

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The pandemic has certainly affected every facet of our lives…and there’s no doubt that it has taken a toll on romanticism. Whether it’s the fact that many couples are spending so much time together at home (working from home, etc.) or masking/unmasking has kept you from enjoying some of your traditionally favorite activities together, it’s time to get back in the game! Valentine’s Day may have passed, but there are 364 other days in the year to get out and enjoy time together. Despite all the ups and downs of the past two years, I’m happy to report there are a variety of things you can safely do around Princeton to reignite that spark, keep things burning or simply get out of your house with someone you care about.

BREAKING (AND MAKING) ‘BREAD’ TOGETHER

My son recently said to me, “Oh, you and dad are actually going out tonight?” Ouch! The comment was referring to our spending many a weekend night on our couch recently rather than at a restaurant or out with friends, because the frigid temperatures and Omicron surge were keeping us home. But a last-minute invitation to try out a new cooking school got us off the couch and provided a much-needed date night!

Roll the knife, tuck your fingers, blanch the vegetables before you cook them in flavorings. These don’t sound romantic in their own right, but just wait. These tips were among the many we picked up at our private lesson with Alex Van Dyke, who recently started Van Dyke Hospitality and Brick Farm Cooking School. The Bucks County native and Johnson & Wales University graduate has been working in restaurants since he was 15. Through the years, he has worked at Daniel in New York City, Husk Restaurant in Nashville, cooked for 3 U.S Presidents (Clinton, Obama, Biden) and was most recently executive chef at The Perch at The Peacock Inn. His past created who he is, but his present desire is to share his love of cooking with the community through the school he opened in December.

And we felt the love. First, there’s the passion Alex has about everything cooking-related, and you can feel it when he shows you things as simple (or so you thought) as how to properly chop a vegetable. Then, there’s the relationship he has with farm, fresh and local ingredients which you see as he demonstrates how to use not just the florets, but the leaves and stems of a cauliflower. We opted for a vegetarian menu, but varieties of classes are offered including for meat-eaters, those desiring knife skills, for picky eaters, with exotic menus or meant for everyday cooking.

“To make an impact in the community and environment through my partnership with Brick Farm and local farmers,” Van Dyke says is his focus today. “Our classes showcase a variety of topics to appeal to any interests, where community feedback inspires the creation of current and future classes.”

The cooking school is currently housed in the Red Barn Milk Company up Route 31, just north of Hopewell. COVID precautions are taken, and each class has a max of 12 students. If you prefer a more personal opportunity, you can opt for a private lesson like we had. The class is really hands on, and the food combinations you create are delicious. Cooking together is something most couples rarely do, and it really makes for a fun time. And I’ll add, yesterday, when I walked into the house to the smell of butter and thyme (my husband was trying to recreate the croutons we made in class) it triggered great emotions! If you simply can’t envision cooking with your spouse – go with a friend!

LOVE IS ALL AROUND

Another place you could go together to feel the love is Small World Coffee. In fact, with Love Show on display at the Witherspoon location, love is literally all around!

Last fall, the café requested artistic entries and now the walls are covered with 35 displays of artwork from local artists, through March 1st.

“We asked people to respond to the word ‘love’ in any way that resonates with them. It doesn’t have to be romantic love, just love,” explains Jessica Durrie, co-owner of Small World. “It’s an opportunity for all different kinds of people, whether they’ve been in an art show or not. We want it to feel very open.”

Artwork by Julie Rosenthale

The art on display was chosen from amongst 120 entries, with artists ranging in age from high schoolers on up. If you and your significant other want to really take in the love while viewing the show, you can also try Small World’s Love Blend, a combination of Papua New Guinea, Sumatran and Guatemalan coffees, which is on tap every day in February as the coffee of the month.

IT’S ALWAYS WARMER WHEN YOU’RE WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE

If you can soak up the sunshine and don’t mind the colder temperatures, there are several local areas you can explore outdoors together, too. We shared with you in our December issue that Grounds for Sculpture has a creative multi-sensory experience going on until the end of February. Night Forms: dreamloop by Klip Collective is a great way to take in the grounds together with the sculptures lit up at night. But, as Grounds for Sculpture was named as a top romantic outing by several Princeton Perspectives’ readers, we want to share that the 42 acres of land, home to an arboretum, sculpture garden and museum can also be very romantic by day. Simply walking the grounds, seeing the reproduced Monet statues and more can be enough. Or you can make a day of it with brunch, lunch or dinner at Rat’s (voted Philadelphia Magazine’s “Most Romantic Restaurant”) and then stroll amongst the artistic creations.

If you don’t have a fear of heights, you can strengthen your commitment to your partner by walking together over a bridge! The Washington Crossing Bridge, to be more specific. Don’t look down (it’s scary!) as you hold hands and walk across from Titusville, NJ to Washington Crossing, PA, but be sure to look to the side and take in the view of the Lower Trenton Bridge (a.k.a. the Trenton Makes Bridge). That view is especially romantic when all lit up. There is a walking area on the bridge, so you won’t be too close to cars. Once across, you can enjoy Washington Crossing Historic Park. Especially in the cold, you can stand on the banks of the Delaware and imagine feeling what Washington and his troops may have felt before they crossed in 1776. If you go on a Friday morning, you can join a group hike through the park at 10am.

A second bridge you could romantically enjoy together is the Swinging Bridge over the Stony Brook in Institute Woods. Use this map as a guide, and you will find this rickety, old bridge where Founders’ Walk meets the River’s Edge Trail. Whether on Valentine’s Day or any day, being out in nature with the one you love can be very enticing. Especially if you don’t get a lot of alone time together, being out in nature with an opportunity to share conversation, is great for relationships.

In fact, the National Park Service says, “Because hiking ranges in difficulty from an extremely challenging climb to a casual way of spending time outside, it’s a great way to strengthen the friendships or bonds you have with your companions.”

It’s three miles round-trip to get through the woods to the bridge, but it’s a walk well worth it.  One reader shared, “You have to really explore those woods to find it, but once you do, it’s a magical little spot!”

For more hiking experiences, Sourland Mountain Preserve is another location that our readers said they enjoy outdoors together.

There are many great winter hikes, and the trails are less crowded in the cold. Sourland also has trails to suit the beginner to experienced hiker. If hiking in the cold doesn’t sound appealing, as the weather warms up, you can take a look at our recommendations here for tracks and trails to enjoy together all around the greater Princeton area.

SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ WITH FLOWERS

Courtesy Princeton University

If you love natural beauty, but prefer a less woodsy setting, head over to Princeton University (PU). You can simply walk the grounds, taking in the scenery, or there’s one spot on campus that screams romance – the five-acre fenced in Prospect Garden. The garden lays behind Prospect House, which was once the University President’s home and later a dining facility. To verify its romantic appeal, it’s a common site for weddings! Some specific plantings were added immediately after it was built and beautiful trees and various changes have been put in through the years. Mrs. Woodrow Wilson was responsible for arranging the flower garden, and it was even her design to lay out the walking paths in the shape of the University seal. She was also responsible for planting the first evergreens. Since they hold their own, even through the harsh winter months, why wait until spring to check this favorite hometown romantic spot of several Princeton Perspectives’ readers? Walking paths and benches allow you to take in the calm and beauty offered right now. And as spring arrives and turns into summer, when the flowers are all in bloom, it is one of the most beautiful spots on campus. One reader shared that she still finds it as beautiful and romantic as it was 25 years ago, when her husband proposed by the fountain! If you’re thinking of taking the plunge – there’s an idea for you!

Maybe proposing isn’t in the cards for you right now, but I offer you a challenge. Pick one of the above experiences and do it with someone you love. Then, write to me and share the details of your outing. I promise, you will thank me for getting you off the couch!

Editor’s Note

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Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The future depends on what you do today.” And with so many things going on in our lives and around Princeton, Princeton Perspectives sought to answer: Princeton’s Leaders: Are They Creating a Better Tomorrow?

Maybe tomorrow COVID will be gone. Maybe it will be here to stay. Either way, experts are working daily to try and find a way for us to safely move forward. With an unprecedented number of cases in NJ, and soaring numbers right here in Princeton, how are you feeling? This month’s Pulse of Princeton asks locals, now that it’s 2022 – is COVID still halting your life or are you moving forward?

Moving forward, whether by foot, bicycle or in a vehicle comes with inherent risks. But what if you learned there may be an opportunity to virtually eliminate risk, reducing car accidents and preventing all serious injuries or deaths? That is the goal in Princeton, and you can read about the current state of vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents and how officials are looking to the future in Working to Ensure Roadways are Safe for All Who Use Them.

Cars not only move along roadways, but they also need a place to park. And in some areas of Princeton, finding a parking spot is far from easy. Princeton Permit Parking: Will Council Plan for Residents, Businesses or Both? explores the multi-year discussions and proposed solutions Council is considering so that certain roadways could better meet the needs of the community.

Community is what happens when people get to know each other and develop a mutual respect. It is something that’s been very difficult to build when the pandemic has caused so much isolation. This has been particularly evident for kids and schools. In A Rise in School Incidents Prompts Parent Inquiries and Administrative Action we share the story of one local school and the efforts being made despite COVIDs inevitable effects.

Will it ever leave? Can we ever get on with our lives? COVID seems to be a part of every decision throughout every day. But there are people working to help us through and some of the work could rely on resetting your perspective. Read Vaccines, Boosters, COVID – Learning to Accept our New Normal for some expert advice from one of Princeton’s top docs.

If that can’t make you think differently, maybe our Perspectives Revisited can. This issue offers updates on two of our previous stories, both of which demonstrate how the future is being affected by changes of today.

I also want you to know that YOUR perspective is valuable and that’s why we’re expanding our Perspectives Revisited to include a Letter to the Editor. Whether you have a thought to share about something we’re covering in this issue or with regards to anything we’ve covered since March 2020 – please use this link to send your letter so we can share it with our readers.

I need your help for our February issue, too. I’m compiling some of the most romantic spots around Princeton, and I want to hear from you! Please email me here with a local spot where you proposed, your favorite place to have a date, your ideal active couple’s activity and more. Be sure to include lots of details so we can share it with our readers (you can submit anonymously or by name)!

Since it’s our first issue of 2022 I want to wish you all a very happy new year. And our February issue will post the day after Valentine’s Day, so let this be my wish that you either show yourself some love or share your love with others in a special way this year!

Pulse of Princeton: It’s 2022 – Is COVID Halting Your Life or are You Moving Forward?

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