In episode 53 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Dr. Kathie Foster, Acting Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools.

In their conversation, Kathy shared her deep passion for education, highlighting her commitment to student-centered values and the importance of community involvement. She discussed her background in various educational roles, emphasizing the importance of listening, kindness, and adapting to challenges like social media’s impact on students. Kathy also outlined her current initiatives, including growth planning and creating a supportive school environment, while expressing her dedication to continuing her lifelong work in education.

Princeton public schools are an important part of our community. We are fortunate to have Dr. Kathie Foster providing her experienced guidance as our acting superintendent.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media,

providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

In episode 52 of the Princeton Podcast, our podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Rebecca Flemer, Co-Chairman of the Marquand Park Foundation.

Marquand Park is a 17-acre municipal park in Princeton known for its historical significance and diverse tree collection. Becca detailed the park's history, starting from the land's original ownership by William Penn and its subsequent transfer through notable local families such as the Stocktons, the Browns, and eventually the Marquands. 

Marquand Park features an arboretum with over 170 different tree species, a popular sand play area, a children's arboretum, a baseball diamond and picnic areas. 

The Marquand Park Foundation collaborates with the town to maintain the park, preserve its historic trees, and engage the community through tours, educational initiatives, and events such as Arbor Day and 'Oaktober'.

In Episode 51 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Andrew Siegel, Hamilton Jewelers fourth generation COO.

Andrew described his family’s four-generation history of Hamilton Jewelers from its first store established in Trenton in 1912 to its current five stores, three of which are here in downtown Princeton.  

Andrew discussed his lifelong involvement with the Princeton community, including his leadership roles in the Princeton Merchants Association and their transition to Experience Princeton, our special improvement district, aimed at enhancing our local business economic development. 

Andrew also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of managing a local retail business, reflecting on the importance of community engagement, adaptation during economic downturns, and the best activities to enhance Princeton’s local business climate.

It’s great to meet Andrew Siegel since I have known his father Hank Siegel these past 30 years. I hope you enjoy meeting Andrew in this episode as well. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In our 50th episode of the Princeton Podcast our producer, Ken Greenberg, acted as host to Mayor Mark Freda.  

Ken and Mark reflected on the  past, present and future of the Princeton Podcast. They noted the variety of the remarkable Princetonians who have been guests on the Princeton Podcast during the past two and a half years since the podcast was launched. Ken asked Mark about his assessment of achievements and challenges of his first term as mayor, in addition to his plans to run for a 2nd term. They also discussed the cooperation between the town and the university as both continue to grow.

We thank our guests for their participation in the Princeton Podcast and we thank our listeners for their support. We look forward to the next 50 episodes of remarkable Princetonians on the Princeton Podcast!

In episode 49 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Rebecca FrancoMartin, Executive Director of People and Stories, a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing literature to new audiences through oral readings and discussions of enduring short stories.

Rebecca described the various People and Stories programs developed to reach youth, adults, and seniors in diverse social service agencies—including residential treatment facilities, prisons, homeless shelters, adult education programs, and libraries - on local, regional, and national levels.

In Episode 48 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed James Demetriades, Penn Medicine Princeton Health CEO.

James discussed the history of the Princeton Medical Center and its move from downtown Princeton to its current location on Route 1 allowing for its expansion to serve nearly 60,000 patient visits per year. James also reviewed the expanded services now offered by the Penn Medicine Princeton Health system and those currently under development, including a new cancer center. Mark and James also discussed the changing career of nurses, and Mark shared the story of his mother’s career as a nurse for 40 years at the Princeton Hospital when it was located downtown.

I enjoyed meeting James Demetriades and learning about our hospital’s current programs and plans for the future. ~ Kenneth Greenberg :: Princeton Podcast Producer

In Episode 47 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Bart Bronk, Head of School at Hun School of Princeton.

Bart describes Hun's rich history, founded by John Gale Hunn, a former Princeton professor, with a focus on individual mentorship. Bart details the school's mission to foster resilient character and joyful learning in students, preparing them for a diverse and changing world. He elaborates on the school's educational offerings, from middle school to postgraduate levels, and its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and skill development. Bart also touches on his own academic journey and vision for the Hun School.

It was great meeting Bart Bronk and learning so much about the Hun School, another respected Princeton institution. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In Episode 46 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Isaac Kremer, the Executive Director of Experience Princeton, our Special Improvement District (SID) here in Princeton.

Isaac discussed the establishment and development of the Special Improvement District, emphasizing its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic as a crucial response to support local businesses and the community. Isaac explained how the SID, branded as “Experience Princeton,” functions as a public-private partnership, funded by a tax assessment on commercial properties. The program focuses on enhancing the business district’s appeal, offering benefits like improved cleanliness, safety, attractiveness, and economic development.

Isaac also described his extensive background in downtown management and Main Street programs, and reviewed various community engagement efforts, including meetups. He also detailed the new Digital Gift Card Program to promote shopping locally, especially now during the holidays and available for purchase on the ExperiencePrinceton.org website.

In Episode 45 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Liliana Morenilla, the founder and current board chairman of Princeton Mobile Food Pantry.

Liliana discussed how she started Princeton Mobile Food Pantry, their current activities and goals, and the necessity of donations and volunteers to meet their demand. 

Princeton Mobile Food Pantry serves and supports families in need by providing them with food, clothing, and other essential resources..

I enjoyed meeting Liliana, and gaining a better understanding of the food insecurities within our local community, challenging the upscale stereotypes often associated with Princeton. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In Episode 44 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed David Nirenberg, the Director of the Institute for Advanced Study, serving as a model for protecting and promoting independent inquiry and the importance of academic freedom worldwide.

David Nirenberg described the Institute's illustrious history, and its mission of assembling groups of scientists and scholars from around the world who devote themselves to pushing beyond the present limits of human knowledge. Mark and David also discussed the Institute's sense of community here in Princeton, as well as the interest in the institute prompted by the recent film, Oppenheimer.

I was pleased to have David Nirenberg as our guest on the Princeton Podcast for this enlightening look into another of Princeton’s significant institutions. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In Episode 43, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Marna Seltzer, the Artistic and Executive Director at Princeton University Concerts, whose mission is to educate, challenge, inspire, and unite audiences through the presentation of exceptional classical musicians.

Marna discussed Princeton University Concerts history of more than a century at the university, its mission to connect all students to the Arts while providing public audiences the opportunity to experience the Arts at Princeton, as well. Marna also described some of the upcoming performers and performances scheduled for the 2023/2024 season of Princeton University Concerts.

In Episode 42 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed David Keddie, founder of Walkable Princeton.

Founded in 2013 to raise awareness of issues relating to zoning and the built environment in Princeton, Walkable Princeton is an independent group that advocates a positive vision for Princeton’s future, taking full advantage of Smart Growth principles adapted to our community, with the goal of reducing automobile traffic, increasing pedestrian activity, enhancing the tax base, preserving open space, encouraging sustainable living and enhancing a vibrant Princeton downtown.

I enjoyed meeting David Keddie and learning about Walkable Princeton. As a daily walker myself, I appreciate David’s efforts to advocate for smart growth principles that help make Princeton an even greater pedestrian-friendly community. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In episode 41 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Julia Wall, Head of School at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart - a leading Preschool to Grade 12 private school in Princeton designed just for girls.

In addition to discussing Stuart's mission to educate young women to a life of leadership and service, Julia described how Stuart is uniquely positioned to provide an environment where they are willing and able to take risks and explore opportunities. Through Stuart’s highly personalized and academically rigorous curriculum, with nurturing and expert faculty, Julia described why Stuart girls graduate as compassionate and empowered global citizens who are driven to be forces of change in our world.

We enjoyed meeting Julia Wall, as well as learning more about Stuart Country Day School’s history here in Princeton, its academic philosophy and many of its traditional activities.

In episode 40 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed J. Robert Hillier, one of the leading and most highly-respected architects in the United States, known for having built one of the largest and most successful architecture firms in the world. 

Robert Hillier, or Bob as he prefers, is the founder of Hillier Architecture and now Principal at Studio Hillier here in Princeton. Bob has been on the core faculty of Princeton University’s School of Architecture since 1992 where he teaches two graduate seminars and has served on the American Institute of Architects National Fellowship Jury and as Chair of the Selection Committee for the Dean of Princeton’s School of Architecture.

In addition to describing several of Mr. Hillier’s more than 4000 architectural projects, many of which are here in Princeton, Bob discussed his business collaboration with his late wife, Barbara, and how in May of 2019, the New Jersey Institute of Technology renamed its College of Architecture the J. Robert and Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design. 

Bob Hillier is certainly one of our community’s most remarkable Princetonians and it is our pleasure to have welcomed him on the Princeton Podcast.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 39 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Adrian Colarusso, a Board Member of the Friends of Herrontown Woods, Princeton’s first dedicated nature preserve.

In addition to discussing the history of Herrontown Woods and the founding of the Friends of Herrontown Woods, Adrian described its mission and vision to restore and maintain the preserve’s trails and flora; to teach and learn about its natural and cultural heritage; and to build a center for people of all ages to creatively engage with nature, art, and history. All to honor the legacy of Oswald and Elizabeth Veblen, who gave their land and homes to create Princeton’s first nature preserve.

In episode 38 of the Princeton Podcast host, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Mimi Omiecinski, the Owner of Princeton Tour Company, offering Princeton residents and visitors historic walking tours, bus tours, ghost hunts, team building experiences, re-enactments, and more.

In addition to discussing her background and the development of Princeton Tour Company over the past 16 years, Mimi also described falling in love with Princeton and writing her book, Good Night Princeton.

In episode 37 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed David Fox, the Executive Director of Arm In Arm.

Formerly known as The Crisis Ministry, this non-profit organization was founded in 1980 by leaders of Nassau Presbyterian Church and Trinity Church here in Princeton to help community members who were struggling financially. Now, for the past 4 decades, Mercer County families have turned to Arm In Arm for essential resources including food, housing assistance, and financial support. 

In addition to discussing Arm in Arm’s evolving role in helping to provide food and housing for those in need, David described the significance of combining work experience with daily training and job search activities.

In Episode 36 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Sarah Rasmussen, the new Artistic Director of the McCarter Theatre Center.

In addition to discussing her role as the Artistic Director of McCarter Theatre, Sarah described McCarter’s Theatre Series of original productions, including 'Blues For An Alabama Sky', McCarter’s current production written by Pearl Cleage and directed by McCarter's Associate Artistic Director, Nicole A. Watson.

Sarah also detailed McCarter’s Presented Series, a innovative mix of performances and cultural attractions including the upcoming performance of Eddie Palmieri and his Salsa Orchestra, McCarter’s Jazz in June series presenting 6 events over 3 weekends including Samara Joy, the 2023 Grammy award winning Best New Artist, as well as the return of the McCarter Theatre Dance Series and Classical Music performances.

Mark and Sarah also touched on McCarter Theatre Center’s Educational and Community Engagement programs including camps and classes for both children and adults.

In Episode 35 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Jill Barry, Executive Director of Morven Museum and Garden.

In addition to discussing Morven’s role in the history of our nation, as well as Princeton for the past 250 years, Jill described Morven museum’s permanent collection suite of galleries that tells the story of everyone that lived and worked on this National Historic Site, including Richard Stockton a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Robert Wood Johnson, Jr. and five New Jersey Governors as well as the women, children, three generations of enslaved people, immigrant servants, and later, employees.

Mark and Jill also discussed Morven’s new Stockton Education Center, with its expanded programming, improved gardens, and Moven’s upcoming signature events.

In episode 34 of the Princeton Podcast our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Jon Bucchere, Princeton Police Chief.

In addition to discussing Chief Bucchere’s lifelong involvement with the Princeton community, Mark and Jon discussed the evolution of policing here in Princeton from Jon’s 24-year history as a member of the Princeton Police Department. A lot has changed to keep Princeton at the forefront of modern police practices.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999. 

If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.