Dear Readers,

As 2024 comes to a close, Americans are emotionally strained from the threats to our democracy, catastrophic hurricanes fueled by global warming, and concerns that wider wars are on the horizon.

I look forward to the promise of a new year, in hope that we can find strength in unity as we work towards resolving difficult conflicts, launching new initiatives, and responsibly rebuilding communities that are vulnerable to climate change disasters.

Instead of using this letter to provide insight into stories, I am taking the opportunity to announce my retirement as Editor-In-Chief of Witherspoon Media Group, and to share a bit of my own personal journey. It is a Princeton-centric story driven by family, perseverance, and fate.

After 27 years of working at Town Topics newspaper and 15 years of publishing Princeton Magazine, it’s time for me to step away. There are many people I want to thank but I need to begin with the early days, when Jeb Stuart and Bob Hillier expressed their trust and confidence in me.

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Lance Liverman

Lance Liverman was born and raised in Princeton and met his wife and raised their three children here. The owner of Liverman Associates real estate company, he served on the Princeton Township Committee and Princeton Council for 15 years, and on numerous boards for and in Princeton. He has been of service for decades to First Baptist Church of Princeton on John Street.

I am thankful for so many things. Let’s begin with the basic items we take for granted. I am thankful for life. The list goes on and we must include family (especially my wife and children), friends, church members, neighbors, mentors, dedicated work contractors, and great tenants.

I am grateful for the many residents of Princeton that continue to have their hands open to help others.  Princeton is a loving and giving community.  It’s easy to pass the blame to others for not helping. But in Princeton, I am so grateful to all of the people and organizations that help our less fortunate.

My belief is you can measure the greatness of a town by how that town helps the less fortunate.  Princeton is truly trying and the accomplishments are proof of a caring town. I am thankful to live in Princeton.

I am hoping that 2025 brings all of us peace and prosperity in health, finances, family relationships, and a renewed spirit of volunteering. My dream is that no child in the world, but especially in Princeton, would go to bed hungry and that everyone who wants housing will find housing at the rate they can afford to pay.

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(Photo by Andrew Frasz)

Richard Brower and Michael Perselay Join the Local Culinary Scene

By Laurie Pellichero

The recent opening of the Graduate by Hilton Princeton hotel on Chambers Street and the long-awaited reopening of Triumph Restaurant & Brewery in its new location on Palmer Square have brought more delicious culinary options for area diners and beyond.

Here we meet their chefs, who also share some of their favorite recipes. more

A Guide to Energy Conservation and Hibernation for Animals

By Taylor Smith | Unless otherwise noted, photos courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Every year, the Earth undergoes changes in weather and seasons. Sometimes these are extreme (like eight months of biting winds in the taiga forests of Canada) or brief and subtle (a couple months of 50-to-60-degree temperatures in the southern U.S.).

Many animals react to these changes as a means of self-preservation. While the term hibernation is familiar to most, many would be surprised to learn that very few species actually sleep non-stop for the entire winter. Instead, most are experiencing torpor, a state of reduced physiological activity that includes lower metabolism, heart rate, respiration, and body temperature.  more

Portrait of John Notman by Samuel Bell Waugh, 1845. (Wikipedia)

Versatile and Prolific in Princeton and Beyond

By Anne Levin

For two months last summer, an exhibit about architect John Notman was on view at Princeton Public Library. “John Notman: All the Presidents’ Houses” was small, but significant — so much so that it was moved to the building’s lobby during Princeton Reunions weekend, the annual Princeton University event that brings thousands to town.

Those alumni were likely familiar with the four buildings in the show — the Walter Lowrie House (1845) on Stockton Street, which is home to the president of the University; Prospect House (1851) , today a dining club on campus for University faculty and staff; Guernsey Hall (1852) in Marquand Park, which was eventually divided into condominiums; and Springdale (1851), the Mercer Street home to the president of Princeton Theological Seminary. Three of the buildings are Italianate in style. Springdale, described as “cottage Gothic,” is the only outlier. more

Spread some holiday cheer this year by helping to fulfill the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) Holiday Wish List. Each year, TASK works to ensure that everyone in the community has a festive and meaningful holiday season. By donating warm winter weather gear, toys, and food, you can help make the holidays even more special for neighbors in need. more