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Author: Lisa Jacknow

When Generations Come Together, Both Young and Old Find Benefits

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Global Intergenerational Week falls at the end of April this year (24th-30th), a time to celebrate the value and power of relationships when people of different ages intentionally engage in activities together. We’re taking this opportunity to highlight some of the programs that take place in Mercer County that work to create a bridge between different-aged residents. From GrandPals to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, there are multiple programs that foster and build relationships, while offering help along the way.

GRANDPALS

Center for Modern Aging Princeton (CMAP) recognizes that creating connections between different generations can benefit all involved. Each month it offers Grand Adventures, a chance for grandparents and grandkids to explore through a guided tour in nature. Seniors to Seniors is another program, where seniors in high school and senior-aged people are paired together to become pen-pals. Their largest intergenerational meet up can be found through CMAP’s GrandPals, which has been taking place for over 25 years.

The program takes volunteer (generally aged 55+) and brings them into local areas schools. Primarily they are paired one-on-one (though sometimes there are two students or more per volunteer) and they maintain the same pairings throughout the entire school year. By spending time together every week, for 30-minute reading sessions, those younger and older are learning and growing.

“We all love to be read to. Someone narrating a story, it’s very grounding, pacifying and comforting. And especially when it’s one-on-one,” shares Ella Leving, Director of AmeriCorps and Volunteer Engagement at CMAP. “The value for the kids is obvious. However, I was curious to what is there for the 85-yr old? Why would they spend 30 minutes reading a picture book to kids they don’t even know? And it became very clear after the first session – it’s infective. You could almost see how grownups get injected with this pure excitement, childish energy and joyful life. There’s a spark and laughter, and it’s so beautiful to watch. It’s almost a chemical reaction.”

Prior to COVID, GrandPals took place with the kindergarteners at the four municipal elementary schools in Princeton. It was forced to take a hiatus for the health and safety of all involved but returned in 2023 to Littlebrook and Riverside elementary schools. Today, the program has surpassed its previous plan, now bringing more than 80 volunteers to read at those schools as well as at Johnson Park (to first graders) and Community Park elementary schools, Princeton Charter School and to the 3/4-year-olds at Princeton Nursery School.

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“The goal of this program is to create connection,” Leving adds. “It is consistent, every week, with the same child, so he knows you by name, and you know about his dog, sister, baby brother. Very often it’s not just reading because there are more questions. Small talk is very important. Sometimes in the middle of the page, they’ll ask or tell a story.”

Frank McBrearity has been a GrandPal since 2019. He moved to Princeton to be closer to his daughter and her children, never realizing he would have the honor of developing relationships with even more “grandkids” along the way. Not only does Frank enjoy reading, he has become renowned for his high-fives and fist bumps, given to every student at the end of the session before they go on their way.

“They pick the books for me to read, and we talk together about the topics, our pets and our favorite sports. I am pursuing my “Master’s in Grandparent Administration” (MGA) with attention, appreciation and generosity,” Frank explains, as the fist-bumps become his signature good-bye. “It is sharing and caring. The many other GrandPals join me in bringing generations together in the inviting atmosphere of the Riverside School.”

Retired teacher, Caroline Purnell has been a GrandPal since 2022. Though she spent years teaching French, Spanish and ESL for adults, this latest venture fills her to the brim.

“The half of the biggest thrill for me is watching the kindergarteners come into the library for the first time. They are new to kindergarten and now are facing a room full of grandparent-type adults who will be their readers for the year. The other half of my personal thrill is seeing how far the children have come at the end of the year. They are no longer reticent, but engaged and excited to have bonded with their GrandPal,” Purnell explains. “I should say there is another component to my thrill: Seeing my kindergartener, now in first grade, giving me a big hug in the hallway! To me, that’s going full circle, watching these unsure kindergarteners develop confidence and reading skills while giving us GrandPals such joy and happiness.”

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Joy and happiness is the ultimate goal for all of these programs. At Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (ICGMC), volunteers have been caring for homebound elderly and disabled adults for over 30 years.

Through informative health and educational sessions, ICGMC works to make aging easier. They also run their inaugural program, now called Neighbors Helping Neighbors that works in cooperation with local congregations to recruit and train volunteers that provide non-medical services and help with daily tasks in the homes of adults that desire to live independently. 231 people received help from a network of 261 volunteers last year, an effort made through more than 12,000 hours of service. Though there are three current volunteers in their 90s, there is often an intergenerational connection between the helpers and those they assist.

“Once a volunteer caregiver is matched with a care receiver, the magic begins! We intentionally make matches based on geographic location and common interests. This helps to provide a foundation for connection from the very start,” details Carla Winters, Director of Grants and Fundraising for ICGMC. “These special relationships typically last 5 – 10 years, with the most common reasons for ending being a change in a volunteer’s ability to participate or the care receiver’s declining health, indicating care needs beyond the scope of what our volunteers provide.”

Whether driving to/from medical appointments, grocery shopping or offering light household chores, the efforts of the younger volunteers are invaluable to their older receivers. Often times, they just sit together, and laugh.

“We hear such stories of lighthearted fun! From board games and cards to trips out for lunch to simple walks around the block, our pairs consistently show us that life is meant to be lived joyfully, with infectious smiles,” Winters adds. “How fortunate are younger generations to have the opportunity to speak to someone who has navigated life’s journey! How fortunate are older generations to find purpose in a fulfilling friendship! When we meet people with different experiences, our eyes are opened to another’s understanding of the world. The lessons we exchange help us grow in love and compassion – two things I think we could always use.”

There is always a concern of what life will look like as you age, but Winters says the sharp, vibrancy she sees with many of their recipients in their 90s and even 100s helps to change her expectations of what the future may hold.

GETTING INVOLVED

Grandpals, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and the many other programs we didn’t get to detail in this article, often recruit volunteers. If you have some extra time and love to give, reach out and see if it might be the right fit for you. There is no limit to the amount of love and light one can give or receive.

Holding onto the Past, Local Farms Look to the Future

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Mercer County has made it a priority to preserve farmland. To date, more than 8,900 acres have been preserved countywide. There’s over 30,000 more acres preserved as park/conservation land. Included in these counts are Terhune Orchards and Howell Living History Farm. Two very different ventures, both run for years by Peace Corp veterans who wanted to care for the land, and ensure it is passed along from generation to generation.

HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM

A facility of the Mercer County Parks Commission since 1974, Howell Living History Farm has been a working farm for over 285 years. The Howells were the last family to own it (though it was mostly farmed by tenants), and the family’s daughter later donated it to the county with the hope that people could continue to experience life on a local farm for years to come.

Her vision came true and prospered, as the area has grown from the 126-acre tract she donated into a 273-acre historical park today (part of the Pleasant Valley Historical Park). The latest 6 acres were just purchased in February, enabling the farm to expand on Valley Road to include an historical sawmill and production of sustainably harvested wood materials.

It opened to the public as Howell Living History Farm in 1984 and welcomes over 65,000 visitors annually. Peter Watson started farming the land in the 1970s after leaving the Peace Corp. He became its first Director and now works there together with his son Kevin, fulfilling the vision Inez Howell spelled out in her donation letter to the county.

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“She cited things like remembering what it was like to reach under a hen and get a warm egg, helping her father shear a sheep or walking through the meadow with the sun across the Delaware. Remembering the smell of mint as she was helping cows get to the barn,” Peter Watson recalls. “She realized New Jersey’s rural and agricultural landscape was changing (in the mid-1970s) and she wanted their farm to become part of the experience people living now and, in the future, could enjoy and take from the way she had as a child.”

Peter and Kevin did not have livestock in their backyard, but they did share in activities like ice harvesting and maple sugaring through the years. So, it was a natural transition to run this farm and enable families today to engage and experience farm life the way it used to be.

“We often see parents and children, or parents and their parents and their children, come together to visit the place. While they’re seeing the same things and having opportunities to watch and participate, I’m sure many older folks are reminiscing or thinking about changes that have occurred in their lifetimes. The younger people are thrilled at the environment they find themselves in with farm animals and beautiful streams you can cross on stepping-stones,” Watson explains. “People share together their experience at the farm, and that’s a really wonderful thing to have preserved.”

Whether it is international students and agricultural professionals coming by to learn about the yoke and harness designs preserved at Howell to bring back to their farms, or elementary-aged school children using tools in the circa-1900s kitchen to create a recipe that has evolved through generations, visitors appreciate the hands-on learning, and enjoy connecting how things were done then vs. how they are today.

TERHUNE ORCHARDS

Before it became a public park, Peter worked the land at Howell Farm alongside his fellow Peace Corp volunteer, Gary Mount. It was actually Mount who encouraged Watson to apply for the job of Director. Mount then forged his own path, as he and wife Pam were looking for a place they could work together, build a community and have a farm opportunity for their children then and in the future.

For three generations the Terhune family farmed their land, open to the public for three months each year to sell cider, apples, peaches and pears. Their 55-acre farm was purchased by the Mounts in 1975, which they’ve since turned into a 250-acre operation with over 60 crop varieties, a winery, farm store and that community center they’d always hoped for.

“While we’ve expanded more offerings and programming and experiences and crops, we have the same core values we had 50 yrs ago, and those are the same core values and vision we will carry forward. We hope people keep coming for that experience and for enjoying the wonderfulness we feel our family farm is,” shares Tannwen Mount, who now helps her mother run the farm, along with her sister Reuwai Mount-Hanewald. Pam’s niece, Kirsten, also came back to be part of the Terhune team.

In the fall, their Van Kirk Road apple orchard is bustling with apple picking and the Cold Soil Road farm is filled with pumpkins and hayrides. Adults can read and explore with their little ones mid-week mornings and come back as a family to pick fresh fruit seasonally on the weekends. There is often live music, food for sale and the community takes advantage of this destination.

While Tannwen, Reuwai and their brother loved growing up on the farm, they opted go out and forge their own paths as young adults. In her late 20s, Tannwen opted to return from the west coast, be an active auntie to Reuwai’s first child, and help grow the family business. She played a key role in helping them buy the adjacent property where they planted their first grape vines and later transitioned into organic production. The winery is a popular site for activity, with events filling the calendar throughout the year.

Reuwai’s children are all in college, and Tannwen’s are still locally in school, but they all know it is a place they can call home.

“The farm is really important to all of our kids. That’s something we keep in mind daily that was important for us growing up, and is important for the next generation, maintaining the ability and openness for future generations as well,” Tannwen shares. “I live on the property, my sister lives right across the street.”

Gary passed away in late December, following a battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. His loss is felt, but with most of his family living at Terhune or nearby, it seems he achieved the family farm he’d always dreamed of. Not just for himself, but for families across the area.

“I think he would hope they think of the Mount family and Terhune Orchards as a community center. A place where everyone is welcome,” Tannwen states. “We’re always open, we never close. Everyone can come and enjoy the open space and community center we have fostered as a family.”

CONTINUING FOR GENERATIONS

While it is unknown where the Mount grandchildren will end up, they know Terhune is always there for them. And families young and old continue to come by, whether for the fresh cider and doughnuts or to experience the farm.

Similarly, Howell Living History Farm hopes that its farm, with relics of the past, will continue to be a learning, gathering and engaging opportunity.

There may be fewer farms today than there were in the past, but the caretakers are working hard to ensure they remain, for the families of today and well into the future.

Editor’s Note

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The snow outside does not seem to be leaving, but there are a lot of other changes happening around us. From electrical bills, to vaccinations, immigration enforcement and real estate regulations, there is a lot to talk about this month. We delve into all of it for you in the February issue of Princeton Perspectives, What is Shaping NJ Communities Right Now?

When we asked our readers, most said their utility bills have gone up drastically over the past year. Locals around Quakerbridge Mall had some different insights and a variety of responses. How much are the winter weather and electrical rates impacting people? You can see what they have to say in this month’s Pulse of Princeton video.

While the Governor’s office and NJ Board of Public Utilities were not willing to elaborate on Governor Sherrill’s recent Executive Orders to impact high electricity supply charges, there are others willing to talk. Utility Rates Skyrocketed Last Summer. Can Governor Sherrill Finally Provide Help? delves deeper into the local impact, what is being done and what could change.

Last month, revised guidelines were released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reducing the list of recommended childhood vaccines. Our article, What Princeton Residents Need to Know About Proposed Vaccination Standards, provides more in-depth information from two long-time Princeton health professionals.

Do you want to see immigration enforcement back off, stay the same or get stronger? There are many opinions, and no matter where you stand, the policies are touching everyone. The article How do Immigration Practices Impact the Safety, Security and Stability of a Community? takes a closer look at what is happening, how people are reacting, and what affect it may be having locally.

Princeton takes pride in its community, and that also means in the way people can rent or own here. A local real estate professional walks us through recent changes in the article Understanding the Impact of New Housing Regulations in Princeton and Across the State.

Perspectives Revisited shares the latest news on topics we’ve brought to you in the past. This month we provide details on the latest roadway safety initiative and what is being done to help with food insecurity and the environment in our area and beyond.

February is already half-way over, and if you’ve been loving the snow and cold, you have had a good run. If you are looking forward to it melting and temperatures rising, you are only 124 days from the first day of summer! Until then, keep reading!

Pulse of Princeton – What changes are you seeing in your energy bills?

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Utility Rates Skyrocketed Last Summer. Can Governor Sherrill Finally Provide Help?

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New Jersey’s electricity rates are amongst the highest across the continental United States. In fact, residential prices rose more than 33% from June 2023 through June 2025. Last summer, customers saw prices spike sharply, and aside from some temporary account credits, few changes were made to help consumers ease this burden quickly. On inauguration day, January 20, 2026, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill fulfilled a campaign promise when she enacted her first two Executive Orders, aimed at curbing the cost of electricity in the Garden State.

Sherrill’s first Executive Order requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to provide more universal bill credits. The governor also empowered BPU to pause or modify actions that could increase bills further, and to conduct a study on modernizing the electric distribution business. In her 2nd Executive Order, she declared a State of Emergency, established a Nuclear Power Task Force, and urged permit reform. She also created and expedited programs to expand development of new power generation.

Will these Executive Orders lead to changes that benefit locals?

HISTORY OF UTILITY PRICING IN NJ

You may recall, last summer utility pricing (mainly electricity) sharply increased. This was due to the escalation of the supply portion of residential bills. The cause is a bit complicated, but simply put, expectations for high future electricity demands drove up the pricing (mostly due to increased Artificial Intelligence use and advances). The regional grid operator for New Jersey, PJM Interconnection, held its capacity auction that locked in wholesale supply costs. Those costs skyrocketed due to this expected increase in demand and a lacking supply infrastructure to meet it. The wholesale costs are passed on to the consumer.

To help offset the spikes, which were increasingly troublesome during summer months with peak air conditioning usage, BPU, with legislative cooperation, approved a $100 residential credit. This resulted in two $50 credits on utility bills provided during the fall months last year.

The NJ Legislature also sought to assist, with the introduction of multiple bills aimed at improving affordability down the road. Many urge BPU to act, including conducting studies of alternative grid operators, alternative reactors and gathering information on data center’s electricity rates. There were also bills put forth to use alternate energy for proposed artificial intelligence data centers, to expand solar and storage programs or to redirect profits and fines to offset costs. Some of the bills were passed and signed into law, mostly those to increase transparency and conduct more studies.

None of the actions immediately offer long-term pricing easement for consumers. They may eventually, but today locals are still feeling the burden.

THE IMPACT OF HIGHER UTILITY PRICES

Princeton Perspectives asked our readers to share how they have been affected by higher utility costs. Though most have been able to manage, it has made them much more aware of their actions and caused some to make changes.

85% of respondents shared they have certainly noticed the increase. Some stated their bills have been up by as much as 20-25%. With many families already working to become more energy conscious (such as switching to LED lights and turning off lights in unoccupied rooms) it has been difficult for many to further curb electricity use.

“I’ve become very obnoxious around the house regarding utility use,” one reader shared. “Feeling cold? Put on a sweater. Still cold? Put on another sweater! Likewise in summer, we were more diligent about raising the AC temp on the second floor of our home (where the bedrooms are) during the day and reversing that at night when we don’t need cooling downstairs.”

While keeping costs down is normally up to the adults, it seems the increase in utility bills has become more of a family affair, with children also working to find alternate ways to cut back usage and save money.

CAN EXECUTIVE ORDERS LEAD TO CHANGE

Supporters of Gov. Sherrill’s Day 1 actions, putting a hold on increases and requiring credits to offset any 2026 planned increases, say it will provide some relief. Additionally, there is praise for Sherill’s moves to study and accelerate other forms of electricity options to help ease the burdens on traditional electrical grids, noting these could also lead to improvement. Does this go far enough?

Opponents say credits are great, but when will they come? They further add that the root of the pricing problems cannot be solved in this way, and any change that will come from the Executive Orders will take too much time.

The governor alone cannot have a huge impact on utility pricing. NJ is only one of 13 states (plus the District of Columbia) that are part of PJM, so it alone can’t make all the change necessary. The auction prices are the prices, regardless of what legislation is passed statewide. NJ utility companies like PSE&G mostly pass along the supply pricing to their customers, they do not profit from it. So, while BPU can review the pricing, it has little say about what it is. That being said, reforms can be enacted, urged by NJ and other states, that could allow for change over time. Additionally Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) could revise rules that could impact the pricing as well.

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Rate freezes do not lower rates, and credits are only temporary. Princeton Perspectives’ readers agree the governor’s Executive Orders are an effort, yet 80% feel they will not lead to meaningful change.

“The cost should be brought down by increasing energy production, bringing nuclear energy back onboard, stopping expensive and environmentally degrading windmills and decreasing energy costs, not holding them at current high rates. Why would you want to freeze costs at a high rate instead of lowering them?” shared one respondent.

“Credits? Coming from where? To whom and how much? ‘Far enough?’ This political word salad is the equivalent of ‘we’re working on it’ and kicking the can down the road.,” said another.

While some noted it would be better for consumers if the administration legislated a rollback rather than a freeze, the government cannot dictate such pricing. There were also mentions that Trump’s cancellation of offshore windmill projects, and the long lead time needed to develop other forms of energy will not allow change to come fast enough.

Some readers shared they are excited to add solar energy to their home. It was also suggested more incentives for energy upgrades (such as buying electric cars or adding home insulation) could provide quick benefits now. NJ could also look to what other states are doing.

“We have a home in Northeast Pennsylvania and the state has a website that simplifies energy provider selection. The PA site allows me to select rate terms (6 months / 1 year / etc.), green vs. not green energy suppliers, and a few other parameters. I think this would be very useful in NJ,” a respondent added.

CHANGES LOCALS WANT TO SEE

There have been a lot of possibilities laid out through the Executive Orders and the proposed and adopted legislation. What options appeal to locals the most? What else would they like to see done?

Everything from reducing the salaries of energy executives to making data centers pay more has been suggested. But the government has little to no control over such structures. Where it could have an impact is with incentive rebates and making alternate energy sources more available.

“Bring back the tax credits to households for upgrading to solar energy. Of course this is a federal program, not state,” a reader recommends. “But this would be what would allow residents to continue to be proactive about reducing use of electricity from the grid, have the opportunity to sell the extra electricity harvested via solar panels back to the grid and help bring prices down.”

“Provide more robust state-regulated utility options for much more use of higher-efficiency home heating, cooling, and other energy use systems. The highest efficiency systems will, over their depreciable lifetime, result in a meaningful reduction in energy use and thus cost,” another reader suggests.

Beyond the types of energy available and used, there is also a hope that the root of the problem be discovered and solved for.

“A concern that is big or bigger is whether there will be enough power being reliably delivered in the future…and the governor would be well advised to take an unblinking, impartial look at exactly why power costs are going up.”

EFFORTS TO HELP

The Princeton-area’s energy company, PSE&G, controls the costs for delivery but can’t control the cost of supply – it just passes that on. But it has taken some efforts to help inform customers of their usage, which can make small inroads to reducing charges. A personalized monthly “MyEnergy” letter/email details your overall spend for the previous month and shares small changes that could be made. The messaging compares your usage to other homes nearby, of similar square footage, age and electrical abilities. In doing so, it helps determine where your energy is being used most (on heating, in the kitchen, doing laundry, etc.), so you can cut back if you are able and desire to do so. Additionally, it charts your electrical usage over time, from month to month, so you can see where you peak.

If and until big changes happen to curb the price of electricity, there are some little things that could be done to impact your costs. PSE&G frequently offers tips, such as suggesting a household could, “use the sun’s free heat by opening the window coverings on your sunny windows during the day, and then reduce heat loss by closing curtains and shades at night.”

Are you willing to try it?

NEW LANDSCAPE FOR UTILITY PRICING

Whether you make any major household changes or not, the good news is that electricity supply rates will not go up this year, in fact they will go down slightly. On February 12, 2026, BPU certified NJ’s 25th annual electricity auction for Basic Generation Service (BGS), which re-prices one-third of the supply each year. This is the default electricity supply for most New Jerseyans (unless you have chosen a 3rd party supplier). The new pricing goes into effect on June 1st and this year a residential customer using 650 kwh per month will experience a monthly bill decrease of $3.23. It is not a huge amount but constitutes $38.76 savings for the coming year term. Additionally, customers will be seeing billing credits as required by Sherrill’s Executive Order. Now that pricing has been certified, the BPU board will next vote on what credit amounts will be issued and when. The Executive Order requires at least an initial set of credits must be issued by July 1, 2026.

Do Immigration Practices Impact the Safety, Security and Stability of a Community?

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There are residents of Princeton that are in hiding, families that are scared, and community members that are rallying behind them. Local leaders have spoken out and galvanized supporting resources. Schools have been on high alert and teachers have informed students to walk in groups and record encounters on their phones. The Princeton community has been impacted.

To many, it seems like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action is occurring like never before. Though it is more publicized and more visible, enforcement of immigration and customs law is not new. And it is not new to Princeton. In recent years, locals were detained and deported under President Obama, President Biden, during President Trump’s previous term as well as today. Locals rallied on Hinds Plaza then and across Princeton now.

ICE has officially been around since 2003, formed through a merger of departments during the presidency of George W. Bush. In its previous incarnations, immigration enforcement departments, systems and services have existed since nearly the inception of the United States. As far back as 1798, the Alien Acts were amongst the first federal laws that enabled the U.S. government to detain and deport non-citizens.

President Trump won his current term, in part, on immigration and border security. Yet the actions and situations that occurred in late 2025, and so far this year, feel different to many. Whether you condemn or support them, the outcomes may have a rippling effect on the daily functioning, safety and stability of communities like Princeton.

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DAILY FUNCTIONING

Regular daily functioning means being able to go about your day as you would any other. To travel to a job, take children to school, pick up groceries and more. For the most vulnerable in Princeton, they are discovering a paralyzing impact from the latest ICE actions, unsure whether it is safe to walk out of their homes and onto the streets. From the undocumented to immigrants who do have proper paperwork, they are telling Princeton Perspectives things are different these days.

“In 2016, it was maybe three times it happened overall. Now it’s more aggressive. Now we have it every month,” a community member shares anonymously, adding that amidst the fears, others are stepping up to assist. “Community members are taking friends’ children to school because they’re too afraid of leaving their homes. It’s the good of the people. There are different groups, some getting them diapers, going to the market, taking all the risks to help. That never happened before.”

As some have done during past ICE raids, there are neighbors completing notarized custody paperwork, granting them permission to take care of another’s child should those parents get picked up while at work or away from home.

SAFETY

“It’s clear that what is being done today by ICE across the United States leaves our communities feeling less safe,” says Princeton Mayor Mark Freda. “No one should have to live in fear of having their family torn apart suddenly and maybe even violently. Children should not be afraid to go to or to leave school. A family should not suddenly have an income earner taken away and then have little ability to pay for basic needs. Locally we have resources that will help people know their rights and help people that may be facing many challenges when a family member is taken away.”

While many in the area understand and support legal immigration and deportation of criminal undocumented workers, there are also concerns about the targeting of longtime undocumented residents who are contributing to society. To ensure families are cared for after a member has been taken by ICE, municipal departments such as Human Services offer guidance and can make important connections with other resources. Community groups are also trying to help. After ICE detained multiple individuals last July, Nassau Presbyterian Church set up a Neighbor Fund, which helps to support legal expenses and other essential needs for families impacted by detention or deportation. It was started with $20,000 from Nassau’s Mission and Outreach Committee and has continued to grow through individual donations.

Beyond the familial instability, there is also concern that the worries of the undocumented could lead to public safety concerns. Is the trust still there enabling them to ask for help from local police or other officials? Will they be willing to report crimes to keep them and other residents safe?

“We are aware that ICE activity can generate anxiety, fear, and uncertainty within the community. In those environments, some residents may be hesitant to contact the police due to perceptions that all law enforcement agencies operate similarly or share the same roles. We recognize this concern and work continuously to build trust, legitimacy, and strong relationships within our community. Through these efforts, we strive to ensure residents feel safe seeking assistance and reporting concerns,” explains Princeton Police Chief Matthew Solovay.

Princeton Police Department enhanced the staffing of its recently renamed Community Relations Bureau this year, specifically aimed at having even more personnel to engage and build trust with residents. It is also amongst the many statewide agencies that operate under the guidelines of the Immigrant Trust Initiative. Enacted in NJ in 2018, it limits the voluntary assistance that New Jersey’s officers can provide to federal immigration officials, and in doing so, hopes to encourage immigrant residents to interact with them without fear of deportation. Neither the police nor anyone from the municipality coordinates with ICE on their actions. They did not during the ICE activity that detained two adult men on January 15, 2026 or at other times. But they do work to stay informed to understand what is taking place. They do not want immigration events to deter them from primary safety roles.

“Public safety is our top priority, and when crimes occur in Princeton, we investigate them thoroughly and hold offenders accountable under New Jersey law—regardless of immigration status. At the same time, immigration enforcement is not the role of the Princeton Police Department,” Chief Solovay adds. “When residents feel safe reporting crimes and cooperating with police, it helps us do our jobs and better serve the community. By focusing on our responsibilities and fostering respectful relationships, we make the entire community safer.”

While the state supports the lawful enforcement of federal immigration laws, Governor Mikie Sherrill stated last week, “ICE is making everyone less safe,” as she laid out actions she said are “to protect New Jerseyans.”

Sherrill signed an Executive Order banning ICE from launching any of their actions from state property. The Office of the Attorney General additionally created a portal for NJ residents to report “incidents involving harmful conduct by, or negative interactions with, federal personnel conducting immigration enforcement in New Jersey.” The portal offers an opportunity to upload any ICE operations captured in a photo or recorded on video which could be used to enforce laws or as evidence in court. Lastly, the website, Know Your Rights NJ, was launched which offers up information on Constitutional rights and directs to resources including pro bono legal services.

STABILITY

When there is unrest in a community, it can not only impact daily functions and safety, but also stability. Is everything else on good footing to move forward? Many undocumented people have become essential workers who help keep local businesses running. How are they getting by with the loss of employees?

Local restaurants have been struggling for a while due to inflation, not enough workers wanting to take the jobs, and now the fears and realities of deportation impacting many already on the job.

One local eatery recently had two of its kitchen staff apprehended by ICE. The owner shared that while it is worst for the targets and their families, it is bad for everybody.

“People are still showing up for work, but they’re definitely fearful. It’s really sad what they’re going through. This issue exacerbates the cost of labor and customers aren’t coming out and spending. Sales are down significantly.”

A Princeton resident recalled walking through Witherspoon Street recently. “It felt like a ghost town,” they explained, noting the businesses in that neighborhood are really hurting while many of the nearby residents are in hiding.

THE COMMUNITY OUTCOME

While the majority of locals respect that immigration laws exist for a reason, many of the Princeton area’s undocumented residents have been here for decades. Their love of this community propels their supporters to hope things can happen differently. Whether it is the hiring of more judges and attorneys to enable more and frequent immigration court hearings, or the development of a path forward for rule-abiding lifelong Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and other longtime residents. Many in Princeton’s welcoming community are hoping the system can become clearer or change.

President Trump recently agreed to take a lighter approach, refocusing primary efforts on detaining and deporting the criminal undocumented that he campaigned on. The hope is it will alleviate some fears, calm down protests and enable communities to be more stable.

Editor’s Note

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Happy New Year! With two weeks of 2026 under our belts, it is becoming more realistic that 2025 is over. As we look ahead, there is so much to be prepared for, and we’re sharing it with you in this month’s issue of Princeton Perspectives, From Politics to the Pocketbook, the Changes 2026 will Bring.

What change are you looking forward to for 2026? We asked members of our local community, and they share their excitement in this months Pulse of Princeton. You can watch the video now!

After two terms with Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey’s leadership will change hands on January 20 when Mikie Sherrill is inaugurated. We take a look back and forward in the article NJ is Getting a New Governor. What May be Similar and What Different?

Something different for hourly workers in New Jersey is the rate of minimum wage, which went up on January 1. It is less than a dollar per hour increase, but there is a lot behind its value and what it means. Our guest writer breaks it all down for you in the article What Could $0.43 Offer You?…NJ minimum wage Just went up!

Up, up and away…right now it is Frontier Airlines flying out of Mercer County, but another airline will be taking off soon. The article Trenton Mercer Airport – Will This Year’s Changes Open Up Opportunities? shares what is in store in 2026 and beyond.

Another big change coming this year is the departure of Bonnie Watson Coleman. Longtime Congresswoman for the 12th Congressional District, she is retiring at the end of the year. Will Her Base Hold Strong as Bonnie Watson Coleman Leaves Congress? A local political insider tells us what to expect.

As we 2026 gets underway, we also begin the 250th anniversary of an independent America. Perspectives Revisited shares more beyond the celebrations we have touched on in the past, and also details new assistance available to add to the  extensive trail network we’ve written about throughout the county.

We hope there is a lot you are looking forward to throughout 2026 and are exciting to be a part of it with you!

The Pulse of Princeton – What change are you looking forward to for 2026?

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NJ is Getting a New Governor. What May be Similar and What Different?

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On January 20th, New Jersey will swear in Mikie Sherrill, its 57th governor. Not since 1961 has a governor from one party succeeded another of the same party in this office. Democratic Congresswoman Sherrill shares many similar platforms with outgoing Democrat Phil Murphy, but her campaign made a great impact in noting that she also differs from him in many ways.

“I think we will likely broadly see a similar approach as Murphy but with different emphases,” shares Kristoffer Shield, Historian at Eagleton Center on the American Governor and Director of the Eagleton Science and Politics Program at Rutgers University. “She is seen as generally more moderate than Murphy, but she also got good support from New Jersey progressives in the general election, so she will need to answer to those voters as well. Murphy’s approach to President Trump was often to work with him when Murphy felt it would benefit New Jersey and strongly oppose him on other issues. I expect we’ll see more of that from Governor-Elect Sherrill, though perhaps with more emphasis on resisting Trump’s policies given the current political climate.”

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TRUMPING TRUMP

One of the Trump policies the Murphy camp pushed back strongly against was immigration enforcement. Going back to Murphy’s first term, in 2018, the Immigrant Trust Directive was issued by then Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, which was an effort to build trust between New Jersey’s law enforcement and the immigrant communities as well as to push back against Trump. In doing so, it limited the voluntary assistance that New Jersey’s officers could provide to federal immigration officials. During Trump’s second term, Murphy reemphasized his stance, keeping the directive in place and often publicly speaking out against ICE’s actions.

As Sherrill comes into office, she has not explicitly stated whether or not she plans to continue the directive. Her stance seems to encourage overall reform, which would happen at the federal level. Earlier last year, Sherrill said the directive was working well, but by the fall, her statements shifted a bit. During a gubernatorial debate in September, she stated, “What I’m going to do is make sure we’re following the law and the Constitution, so that’ll include due process rights and the Constitution.” As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of New Jersey, Sherrill had been involved in deporting noncitizens who broke the law.

Another area where Trump and Murphy have differed greatly is with regard to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies. When inaugurated as president last January, Trump immediately issued executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI, calling it discriminatory. These orders included forcing states to eliminate DEI programs in schools or to risk losing federal funding. To the contrary, Murphy’s office had signed executive orders promoting DEI in 2023 and called Trump’s 2025 orders “reckless and irresponsible.”

New Jersey pushed back strongly, and to date, no federal funding has been lost due to DEI programming, which largely remains in public schools. Sherrill is a strong supporter of inclusive education and diversity. She believes more LGBTQ-related education belongs in the classroom, has supported anti-discrimination law in Congress and supports the creation of more magnet schools, bringing together children from both urban and suburban communities. What she will specifically push for or maintain once in office remains to be seen.

While Murphy was willing to push back against Trump, as Shields mentioned, throughout his tenure he also worked with him when it was in his best interest. Murphy was very much against the Congestion Relief Zone put in place in lower Manhattan one year ago. As soon as Trump took office, he sought his help, and the President agreed – pulling federal approval and demanding New York end the program. It has not worked, as NY Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA sued to keep it running. A judge granted them a temporary stay, and it remains in effect to this day.

Mikie Sherrill has not taken a public stance thus far, but in late December, she did suggest there’s a way to hit back when the World Cup comes to town, saying, “Possibly people coming into our state from NY will be paying congestion fee tolls so they can go enjoy the game.”

THE NJ ENERGY CRISIS

Sherrill spent much of her campaign telling New Jerseyans she will make things more affordable [than they had become under eight years of Murphy’s administration].

“So much of her campaign was run on affordability issues—and it was clear that these issues were important to New Jersey voters—that I think that is where her focus has to start. It will be interesting to see if she continues Murphy’s approach on property taxes or if those programs change; I don’t think we have a good sense of that yet,” Shields explains. “The issue she was most clear and specific about during the campaign was energy prices. I think you will see her talk about this in her inaugural address and sign an executive order on her first day. It’s not clear legally, though, how far that order can go and she’ll need a longer-term strategy on energy prices, too. I expect we’ll hear a lot about that longer term strategy pretty quickly, too, because the two things she can really point to as things she was elected on are this and opposing Trump.”

Sherrill’s prospective executive order is expected to declare a state of emergency to freeze utility rates, preventing any increases within the next year. You may recall this past summer there was a large spike in your utility bill after the regional grid operator ran an auction that greatly increased the prices to supply power. The costs were passed directly onto customers. Though many blamed Murphy, others insist he did not have immediate control over the rate hike. He tried to make some inroads after the fact such as supporting direct bill credits and urging federal and regional reform. As a campaign promise, Sherrill also pledged to go beyond an executive order and immediately begin work to “massively build out cheaper and cleaner power generation, and require more transparency from our utility companies, including PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, and Rockland Electric and our grid operator PJM.”

The incoming governor says she will push Board of Public Utilities commissioners to address the utility rates, or they will be replaced. But how much power does she wield? One complicating factor is the fact that auctions that set the prices do not fall under the governor’s control. Additionally, there are already caps on the profit margins utility companies can earn, so infrastructure improvements may get delayed or scrapped to make up the difference.

To further build out other energy options, Sherrill aims to cut the red tape that often slows down or inhibits clean energy growth whether nuclear, solar, or cleaner natural gas.

In a statement last year about her “Day One Declaration” of the state of emergency, Sherrill said, “Too many people – our utility companies and grid operator, the administration in Trenton, and Donald Trump in Washington — have kicked the can down the road and not been held accountable for their decisions.”

CAN NJ BECOME MORE AFFORDABLE?

Though Princeton has recently pushed through increased affordable housing infrastructure, for years it had pushed back. Similarly, numerous other municipalities did not keep up with the need, leaving New Jersey largely unaffordable for many. As ownership and rental prices rose faster than income levels, and the state experienced an influx in resident population, the affordability problem grew. Though NJ was on a trajectory of affordability concerns before Murphy took office, it was not until 2024 that he signed major affordable housing reform. In 2025, many municipalities started to act on it but have not quite caught up.

When she becomes governor, Sherrill promises to boost construction, especially towards homes for those often referred to as the “missing middle.” She wants to take over abandoned or underused commercial areas and turn them residential and has claimed bottlenecking of approvals and permitting needs to be improved. Sherrill has put together a “Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership Action Team” comprised of former government officials with housing experience and housing advocacy leaders. Other housing and community development experts have also been appointed elsewhere on the transition team, expected to advise and bring experience to the table to improve housing affordability across the state.

THE TRANSITION

As Murphy departs and Sherrill takes the reins, she will not only be coming into a new role, but a new form of leadership. As Congresswoman, she was part of a 435-person team charged with legislating. As governor, she will be managing numerous departments and people, be in charge of the budget, and responsible for many immediate and local needs.

“What I’m most curious to see is what Governor Sherrill’s leadership approach is. A lot of the job of governor is dealing with the challenges of the day (which are often unexpected); serving in that chief executive role within the state; creating a relationship with the state legislature; and creating a relationship with the citizens of the state. A lot of that is very individual and Governor Sherrill’s approach will definitely be different from Governor Murphy’s—it will be very interesting to see what approach she takes and how she defines her relationship with the state,” Shields adds.

Will she stick to her ideals? Will she make many immediate changes? Will she be more loyal to her moderate or progressive voting base?

Time will tell, and we’ll begin to learn more come January 20th.

Trenton-Mercer Airport – Will This Year’s Changes Open Up Opportunities?

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Copyright Creative Commons, Photo Credit Famartin

Living in Mercer County is convenient, with options to fly anywhere in the world within an hour’s drive to Newark or Philadelphia. However, with increased TSA security lines, massive airport delays, parking fees and often traffic en route, it has become even more desirable to have an airport right in our capital county. Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) in Ewing has been on a trajectory of growth and expansion for several years, and though there have been some delays and objections, County Executive Dan Benson has made it a priority to move forward. With a larger passenger terminal to be built adjacent to – and eventually replacing – the existing one, modernization of all infrastructure and more airline presence, the airport hopes to become an even more convenient and economically beneficial for the community. 2026 is expected to see more of that come to fruition.

BEYOND THE FRONTIER

Passenger service is not new in the county. In the 1990s, larger national airlines including US Airways and United operated regular flights alongside regional carriers. In 2012, Frontier Airlines launched its first flight and has been primarily the only scheduled commercial carrier at TTN since.

For two years, starting 2016, Allegiant operated flights to/from TTN, but that ceased…until now. On February 19, the carrier is expected to resume operations with nonstop routes from Trenton to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Service will soon follow to Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater as well.

In addition, TTN expanded its connections through cooperating service with American Airlines (AA). In September 2025, Landline began, an opportunity for locals to board a bus at the county airport that transfers them to Philadelphia International Airport for continuation on an AA flight. This not only an increased travel options for locals but also is beneficial for the airport’s future.

“Passengers using the Landline service are counted as enplanements in FAA reporting. Maintaining and growing enplanement levels is important for the airport, as those figures are used in determining eligibility for certain federal grant programs and aviation funding,” shares Sam Weiss, Mercer County Deputy Director of Communications.

GROWING CONCERNS

The planned growth has not been without its controversy. Though FAA approvals have been in place, local groups such as Trenton Threatened Skies and Bucks Residents for Responsible Airport Management have been working for years to limit or stop the advancement. Citing the county has not been forthright with regards to the environmental and health impacts, opponents have pushed for more in-depth environmental and health studies before moving forward. They have also voiced concerns about reduced quality of life and actual costs, should major expansion come to fruition. Thus far, no court has agreed to stop construction or expansion permits.

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FOLLOWING THROUGH

Concept Drawing by DY Consultants

Since his 2023 campaign days for county executive, Dan Benson has promised to continue and complete the airport modernization and improvement projects that were initiated under his predecessor, County Executive Brian Hughes. Those include replacing and upgrading the airport terminal, enabling more economic growth and using local union labor to create safety improvements.

Currently under construction is the new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Facility, which is expected to be completed this year. This is an essential safety measure needed to support a new terminal. Before it can be built, the terminal structure also needs site preparation and utility relocation. Those are set to take place this year as well.

“The Trenton Mercer Airport is an important economic driver for our region, bringing significant economic activity into our communities,” says Benson. “The new terminal will make TTN a more desirable destination for tourists and make travel more convenient for our residents. Our broader work to upgrade airport facilities will help to ensure that we remain competitive and continue to attract investments that will support residents, businesses, and jobs in Mercer County.”

Though exact details and timelines are not yet set for additional supporting infrastructure, this year the county is also working to design the air traffic control tower lighting vault and other airport needs.

FULL-SERVICE AIRPORT

One existing area of the airport you may be familiar with, if you have ever arrived early for your flight, waited to pick up a guest or experienced a delay, is TTN’s only restaurant and bar. Sky Lounge has been operating under that name since 2013. A 70-seat space is located upstairs in the terminal (before security and available to non-flyers), with a concession area and bar also located by the gates, for flying passengers only.

The restaurant and concession are open based upon the flight schedule (and its delays). The staff are incredibly flexible and available as the airline (and often weather) makes changes. That also means that since 2012, its hours have been controlled by Frontier’s departure schedule which used to be quite full but has since cut back. Sky Lounge is hoping the future expansion will bring back more hours and business to them, too.

“Allegiant is supposed to come in. I haven’t seen that schedule yet to know what it will bring. American Airlines is in here with the bus to Philadelphia Airport, and I hope that translates into something positive, and hopefully Frontier continues to offer their flight schedule as well. The combination of the three won’t go back to when Frontier ran 10 flights a day, but hopefully will offer more,” explains Sky Lounge operator Jim Hines, who also owns Mercer Oak Catering (with contracts for the County’s Mercer Oaks Golf Course in West Windsor and for The Boathouse on Mercer Lake at Mercer County Park).

Hines’ current contract operating Sky Lounge runs for at least another five years, but he is hopeful to continue on as the airport grows. There are plans to renovate both spaces soon, updating the terminal concession and bar area with some new equipment, tables and chairs and improving the upstairs restaurant and bar with nicer furniture as well. Hines is grateful his staff enjoys working there, and have for years, and is looking optimistically toward the future.

“I appreciate being up there, we’re flexible, we roll with the punches and realize the county is working hard to make that a destination for people to utilize,” insists Hines. “There’s no question in my mind the county is behind it, it’s just a matter of getting the right ingredients in terms of airlines and scheduling. I see it as nothing but a positive.”

THE FUTURE OF TTN

Concept Drawing by Urban Engineers

Once today’s 28,000-square-foot terminal is replaced by the new 125,000-square-foot terminal, TTN will offer a nicer experience for travelers with increased possibilities for the county, local residents and their guests. Though concerned residents have not given up their fight, with more terminal space, there is potential for additional route options and more.