Princeton Magazine | Celebrating the Heritage of Princeton, New Jersey

Al Roker to Speak at Cancer Survivors Month Event

Join Penn Medicine Princeton Health for a special event with cancer survivor and TV host Al Roker on Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. at the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village.

During this moderated conversation, NBC TODAY’s weatherman and co-anchor Roker will describe his own experience with cancer. Roker was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2020. He shared the news on-air with the TODAY audience and helped to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of screening and early detection. more

Jurassic Quest, Nation’s Biggest Dinosaur Experience, Migrates to New Jersey

North America’s most popular interactive dinosaur experience is back — bigger and better than ever! New Jersey families can walk among the nation’s largest herd of photorealistic dinosaurs when Jurassic Quest migrates to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison July 21-23 and the Atlantic City Convention Center July 28-30.

Walk through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods to learn about the creatures that once ruled the earth. In addition to life-like dinosaurs, Jurassic Quest’s classic experiences for the whole family include some of the largest ridable dinosaurs in North America; live dinosaur shows; interactive science and art activities, including a fossil dig and fossil-like items to play with; bounce houses; inflatable attractions; and photo opportunities. more

The Art of Kusamono: An In-Person Horticulture and Gardening Class

On Saturday, July 22, Longwood Gardens will offer a unique introductory class on The Art of Kusamono. Attendees can choose from either a 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. class time.

Often paired with bonsai, kusamono are potted arrangements of wild grasses and flowers in unique pots or trays selected to suggest a season, place, or natural habitat. The class will be led by U.S. kusamono artist Young Choe, who teaches the art of kusamono worldwide and has exhibited her work at the U.S. National Arboretum and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, among others. The class will include a lecture, demonstration, methods for creation, guided teaching of kusamono styles, display techniques, and care. Lastly, those in attendance will create their own kusamono to take home and enjoy. more

State Fair Meadowlands Unveils Summer Concert Series

State Fair Meadowlands has announced a new Summer Concert Series featuring Latin, rock, pop, and R&B bands. The daily concerts round out the fair’s already robust free entertainment, which includes high wire shows, cycle stunts, magicians, and more.

State Fair Meadowlands, which runs June 22-July 9, is the largest long-lasting New Jersey event of the summer. Fairgoers will have their pick of everything from Latin rock favorites to funky dance tunes, soulful ballads, and popular rock covers. The concerts will take place at 7 and 9 p.m. each day. more

Trenton Literacy Movement Celebrates Juneteenth

The Trenton Literacy Movement will honor Juneteenth a few days early on Thursday, June 15 at 5 p.m. with a special event at the MCLS Lawrence Headquarters Branch. The Trenton Literacy Movement’s mission is “to enable students in Trenton public elementary schools to read at grade level by grade 3.” As such, Edward Bullock will present on the importance of literacy for young Trenton students, the movement’s evolution, long-term goals, and progress since its founding. Bullock is president of the Trenton Literacy Movement and a published author. more

Firefly Summer Camp 2023

Firefly Summer Camp, located at the Hopewell Tennis and Swim Center at 11 Titus Mill Road #4306 in Pennington, is perfect for the sports-loving child or teen in your family. With facilities that include six indoor tennis courts, six outdoor tennis courts, an Olympic-sized pool, kiddie pool, multiple outdoor sports fields, and two indoor gyms, Firefly offers a balance of sports instruction and sheer summer fun. more

Princeton Farmers Market Returns to Hinds Plaza

The weekly Princeton Farmers Market returned to its previous location at Hinds Plaza on June 1, and will occur every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through November 16. The GPS location is 55 Witherspoon Street in Princeton and parking is free for one hour in the Spring Street Garage next door to the Market. more

“Aretha, A Tribute” at Morven

Get ready for an exciting tribute to the great Aretha Franklin on Saturday, June 10 at 7 p.m. at the Performance Pavilion at Morven Museum and Garden. Starring Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, this high-energy homage to the Queen of Soul will include all the singer’s greatest hits. From “Chain of Fools” to “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Amazing Grace,” and more, this concert is suited to music lovers of all ages. more

Orvis Offering Free Fly-Fishing Classes

Learn fly-fishing basics with Orvis’ free Fly-Fishing Class 101 on Saturday, June 17 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Based on 50 years of running fly-fishing schools and educational programs, the class will provide learners with the basics on fly casting, rigging, fly selection, and more. Perfect for newcomers of all ages, this class will get anyone started with the right fly-fishing tools and knowledge. All equipment will be provided. The class is best suited for ages 16 and older (anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult). The event will be held at the Orvis retail location at Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street. more

Penn Medicine Princeton Health Annual Golf Outing

Mark your calendars for a great day of golf on Tuesday, June 6. The 27th Annual Penn Medicine Princeton Health Golf Outing will be held at Metedeconk National Golf Club located in Jackson. Proceeds will benefit services at Princeton Health. The event offers participation at a range of levels. Most of the golfers return year after year for a chance to get outside, play a great game of golf, and to contribute to the Princeton Health community. more

Book Brunch Event with Author Cassandra Jackson

Join Princeton Public Library on Sunday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a special Book Brunch Event with author Cassandra Jackson. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. and coffee and pastries will be served.

Jackson’s recently released memoir The Wreck: A Daughter’s Memoir of Becoming a Mother is an introspective look at the tendency for history to repeat itself and the challenge of turning inherited grief into a fresh start. Jackson also reveals the chilling parallels between the harrowing inhumanity of Jim Crow medical care and the underlying discrimination that still colors American health care today. During the course of retracing her family history, Jackson is left with a powerful sense of love and optimism that hope can transcend family trauma and be washed away for future generations. more

2023 Princeton Festival Includes Broadway-Style Improv

There is plenty of music, improvisational hilarity, and romance filling the first-round of weeknight performances at this year’s 2023 Princeton Festival, June 9 through 25. Two concerts, one featuring The Claremont Trio, the other, the guitar and cello duo Boyd Meets Girl, bookend Broadway’s Next Hit Musical!, a musical comedy improv show. more

New Leadership at the Historic Sergeantsville Inn

Chef Daniel Brunina (left) and general manager Jes Taylor. / Photos courtesy of the Sergeantsville Inn

Originally named for the Sergeant family, the Sergeantsville Inn has seen numerous renovations, businesses, and owners, but its resilience and charm have never wavered. The historic site has served as everything from a private residence to a grain and feed store and, most recently, a restaurant.

Daniel Brunina and Jes Taylor crossed paths while working at Roots Steakhouse within Harvest Restaurant Group in Morristown, and immediately struck up a partnership. The Sergeantsville community was quick to welcome the new owners and executive chef. more

Sam Lambert to be Honored at NJ Conservation Gala

Drone View of Franklin Parker Preserve. (Photo by Richard Lewis)

Samuel W. Lambert III of Princeton will be honored for his land preservation efforts in the Pine Barrens on Thursday, June 1, at New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s 2023 Gala in Peapack-Gladstone.

The event to be held at the Mansion of Natirar will celebrate land preservation throughout New Jersey — most notably the 20th anniversary of the Franklin Parker Preserve in the heart of the Pine Barrens. more

Princeton Montessori Students Visit the Sourland Mountains

Princeton Montessori middle school students learn about macro invertebrates and stream health with Sourland Conservancy staff. (Photo by Laurie Cleveland)

Princeton Montessori middle school students took a field trip to the Sourland Mountains recently where they were guided by the Sourland Conservancy staff. The morning began with a trip to the Foraging Forest in Hopewell Borough Park where students learned about climate change, edible plants, invasive species and more. Afterwards, they got their hands dirty by planting native trees and shrubs to provide critical habitat for birds, pollinators, and other native species. more

African American History Museum to Hold Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), Central New Jersey’s only African American history museum sharing the story of Black Americans since the trans-Atlantic Slave trade, will hold its second annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17 from 12 to 4 p.m. (rain or shine).

The Juneteenth celebration, “Freedom Forward,” is a family-friendly event that aims to educate, celebrate, and promote unity and cohesion within Central New Jersey’s culturally diverse communities. The day will feature live music, an outdoor theater performance, spoken poetry, a mosaic workshop, and a family tree heritage workshop. more

Summer Solstice Trail Run for Clean Water

Join The Watershed Institute for their 9th annual Solstice Trail Run on Wednesday, June 21. Run or walk the 5K, 10K, or 15K trail options. As it is an outdoor run over uneven terrain, expect to traverse exposed rocks, roots, and possible mud. This evening event has a 6 p.m. start time in honor of summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Runners will receive an event T-shirt if they register by June 1. Women have the option of a tank top. Complimentary s’mores around the fire pit await the event finishers. The post-race beer sponsor is Old Hights Brewing Company in Hightstown. more

2023 Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts

As Richardson Auditorium will be closed for repairs for most of the summer 2023 concert season (it will be the site for one concert), Nassau Presbyterian Church at 61 Nassau Street will host the Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts season instead. As usual, these world-class concerts are free to attend. more

Memorial Day Observance at Washington Crossing Historic Park

On Sunday, May 28 from 1 to 3 p.m., Washington Crossing Historic Park will hold its annual Memorial Day observance near the gravesite of Continental soldiers. The gravesite is located near the Thompson-Neely House, about 2 miles south of New Hope, Pa., at the intersection of Route 32 and Aquetong Road (1638 River Road in New Hope).

The observation will include a colonial color guard, a fife and drum corps, Revolutionary War reenactors, veterans, and other honored guests. During the ceremony, American flags will be placed on all graves. more

Abbott Marshlands to Celebrate National Trails Day with Two Events

The nonprofit organization Friends for the Abbott Marshlands (FFAM) has announced two concurrent events to celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day.

Saturday, June 3 is the Bordentown Bluffs Ramble from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a fairly easy 2-mile hike that will head to the bluff above Crosswicks Creek. There will be several expansive views of the Abbott Marshlands. Many native plant and tree species will be seen along the route, along with lichen, mosses, and the possibility of hawk or eagle sighting. This hike is for adults or families with supervised children. RSVP is required by emailing marshtrails@abbottmarshlands.org. Attendees should park and meet at Stanton Avenue (off Route 206 South) trail head. Water bottle, camera, binoculars, and sturdy shoes are recommended. more