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Welcome to Episode 78 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. In this episode, Mayor Mark Freda sits down with Justin Lesko, Princeton's Planning Director, to discuss the town's planning initiatives and departmental structure. Justin outlines his department's core groups: planning, historic preservation, and the newly integrated zoning department. He also discusses major municipal milestones, including the highly collaborative updated master plan, new historic district design guidelines, and the "One Code Princeton" project aimed at harmonizing local zoning codes. Justin advises property owners and businesses to consult the planning team early in any project timeline. So without any further introduction, let’s join our host, Mark Freda, and his guest, Justin Lesko, for episode 78 of the Princeton Podcast. Thank you for joining us for the 78th episode of the Princeton Podcast, produced by the podcast production team at HG Media. If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Welcome to Episode 77 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton - encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. In this episode, Mayor Mark Freda sits down with David Wu, founder of the Princeton Active Circle. This non-profit organization is dedicated to improving community wellness through fitness training, outdoor activities, social gatherings, and enrichment workshops. David describes the group's fitness and wellness initiatives, which ibclude their annual Princeton 5K Run and Walk. Mark and David also discuss Princeton Active Circle's enrichment and social programs. These are designed to support Princeton’s Asian American residents through educational seminars, financial and lifestyle workshops, and local gatherings. So without any further introduction let’s join our host, Mark Freda, and his guest, David Wu, for Episode 77 of the Princeton Podcast. Thank you for joining us for the 77th episode of the Princeton Podcast, produced by the podcast production team at HG Media, and sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton.  If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 76 of the Princeton Podcast, mayor Mark Freda sits down with Ari Meisel, Executive Director of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. Ari and Mark discuss how the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad combines career and volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians under the same high standards. Together, they provide both life-saving Emergency Medical Services and wide-ranging technical rescue services. They also work in close coordination with Princeton’s fire and police departments. Ari describes the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad’s impressive fleet and specialized capabilities. These include swift water rescue, rope rescue, and rehab support for first responders. He explains why having a dedicated, locally based squad makes a critical difference in response times. The conversation also covers the squad’s independent nonprofit funding model, as well as how local residents can get involved through volunteering, training pathways, donations, and community events. This episode of the Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999. The Municipality of Princeton is not responsible for the content of the Princeton Podcast or its production, editing or distribution. If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 75 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda is joined by Evan Moorhead, the Executive Director of the Princeton Recreation Department.  As the department navigates its busiest summer season, Evan reflects on over 60 years of Princeton Recreation history, and what it means to be only the fourth director to steer the operation since its founding in 1964. Evan and Mark explore the evolution of the iconic Community Park Pool complex, from its original 1967 opening to the modernized "CP Pool 2.0," highlighting how intentional design preserves its natural "pool within a park" feel.  From flagships like the Youth Day Camp and the undefeated CP Blue Fish Swim Team, to an inspiring expansion of adaptive sports and a rapid community pivot toward pickleball, this conversation showcases how the department creatively serves residents of all ages and backgrounds. Evan also breaks down the unique, self-sustaining fiscal model that funds these extensive operations without relying on local tax dollars, and shares his own full-circle journey from a 1990 high school tennis court attendant to his executive leadership.

In episode74 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda sat down with Julie Diana Hench, the Executive Director of the Princeton Ballet Society, for an in-depth discussion about the nonprofit organization's three distinct but unified parts: the American Repertory Ballet, the Princeton Ballet School, and their Access & Enrichment Program. Julie discusses the rich history and vital mission of the Princeton Ballet School, the official school of the American Repertory Ballet. She highlights the school’s significant and enduring popularity within the Princeton community. Julie also discusses the American Repertory Ballet, focusing on its prestige, the world-class reputation of its artistic directors, and the exceptional talent of its company of professional dancers. The discussion also highlights the relationship between American Repertory Ballet, the Princeton Ballet School, and the organization's community-focused Access & Enrichment programs. 00:00 Meet Julie Diana Hench 00:05 Three Programs Explained 01:00 Origins of the School 02:49 Mission and Leadership 04:50 Inside the Company 05:38 Auditions and Training 07:34 Shows and Community Events 10:04 Classes for Everyone 11:42 Access and Enrichment Impact 14:59 Nonprofit Structure and Board 16:39 Jobs Volunteers and Live Music 19:00 Why Dance Matters 20:37 How to Support and Visit 21:56 Locations and New Brunswick Performing Arts Center 23:47 Trainee Program Rigors 25:38 What's Next and Wrap Up

In episode 73 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda talks with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman about her life, her extensive career in public service, and her recent decision to retire. Bonnie Watson Coleman shares touching stories of growing up in Ewing Township, where her family's generosity and her grandfather's decency deeply shaped her character. She never planned to run for office. Instead, she entered electoral politics to honor her late father, a decision so profound that she felt his presence beside her during her very first Assembly speech. During her time in the New Jersey General Assembly, Bonnie Watson Coleman championed fair housing and second-chance reentry legislation. After moving to Congress in 2015, she maintained a fierce focus on her district and worked tirelessly to elevate the issue of youth mental health. She managed to prioritize these critical needs despite navigating an increasingly partisan environment. Congresswoman Coleman will be retiring at the end of this year to spend more time with her family. She leaves future candidates with a powerful piece of advice: public service is a demanding job that must remain centered on constituent needs, always valuing everyone equally. This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio, video and website design 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, Amazon, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 72 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda sat down with Dana Caragine, President and CEO of the Princeton Federal Credit Union, for an engaging conversation about the organization's history and community-focused mission. Dana shared the inspiring story of the credit union's founding in 1972 by a diverse group of Princeton University administrators and professors determined to make credit more accessible in Princeton. She explained the core differences between banks and credit unions, highlighting how the Princeton Federal Credit Union’s member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative structure allows them to offer higher savings rates and lower loan rates to their members. Dana also described the Princeton Federal Credit Union's recent Juntos Avanzamos designation, which recognizes their commitment to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities. The Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this Episode 71, Mayor Mark Freda sat down with Jim Ferry, Princeton’s Animal Control Officer, for an illuminating conversation about the diverse wildlife and domestic animal concerns in our town. Jim explained that his primary objective is rabies control, a position created to manage this endemic zoonotic disease in New Jersey. He shared fascinating stories from his day-to-day work, including rescuing a great horned owl from a driving range net and assisting a deer that had fallen through the ice.  He also detailed the essential support systems provided by the SAVE Animal Shelter and the Mercer County Wildlife Center. Furthermore, he provided vital advice on staying "coyote aware" and explained the different levels of rabies exposure residents might encounter. The Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Welcome to Episode 70 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton - encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. In this episode, mayor Mark Freda sits down with Kevin Wilkes, Founder and Managing Partner at Princeton Design Guild. Kevin shares his experiences in local governance, including his tenure on the Borough Council from 2008 to 2013. He also discusses his involvement with Princeton Future, a citizen advocacy group focused on town planning and the successful preservation of the public library downtown. Kevin delves into his architectural work, including the significant renovation of the former post office into Triumph Brewery. He also shares his passion project: the restoration of Paul Robeson's birthplace into a community center. Finally, Kevin talks about his architectural firm, Princeton Design Guild, its evolution, and its upcoming projects, including a new building for the YWCA. This episode of The Princeton Podcast is produced by the podcast production team at HG Media. Visit Website

Episode 69 - Show Notes Welcome to Episode 69 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. In episode 69 of the Princeton Podcast, mayor Mark Freda is joined by Deanna Stockton, Princeton’s Deputy Administrator of Infrastructure and Operations, as well as our Municipal Engineer. Deanna explains her dual role in the municipality. She manages over 75 employees and oversees critical infrastructure. She and Mark discuss the benefits of Princeton’s in-house engineering model. This approach builds deep institutional knowledge. It also ensures staff are available to resolve resident concerns directly, rather than relying on outside consultants. Deanna also details the town’s “Vision Zero” commitment. This initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities. She highlights safety improvements on Witherspoon Street. She also discusses the new pilot bike lanes on Harrison Street. Finally, Deanna provides updates on "The Muni," the town’s newly expanded bus service. She also shares goals for 2026. These include planning for the Westminster Choir College property and a new Public Works facility. This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

In episode 68 of The Princeton Podcast, our podcast host, Princeton Mayor Mark Freda, welcomes New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for a wide-ranging conversation about the Governor’s path into public service, his years in office, and the work that has defined his administration. Mark and Governor Murphy explore the Governor’s early motivations to run for office, tracing the story from his first conversations about entering politics in 2013 to his election in 2017. Governor Murphy reflects on what drove him to step forward, how he approached the challenges of leadership, and how he tried to keep his values at the center of every decision. Their discussion highlights several major accomplishments of the Murphy administration, including economic revitalization, growth in New Jersey’s innovation economy, and navigating the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Governor Murphy also touches on his international missions to promote New Jersey and his efforts to build a more inclusive, culturally vibrant state. As he approaches the end of his term, Governor Murphy shares what remains on his priority list, expresses gratitude for the support he has received from residents across the state, and speaks with optimism about New Jersey’s future under his successor, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton - encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

In episode 67 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton, Mayor Mark Freda is joined by Princeton Municipal Councilperson Michelle Pirone Lambros for a conversation about the exciting transformation of Community Park South. Michelle shares the park’s deep history and its vital role in bringing Princeton residents together, especially those from the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood and nearby affordable housing communities. She discusses how the redesign will meet the town’s diverse recreational needs, with plans that include dog parks, pickleball courts, and upgraded athletic fields. Sustainability plays a major part in the project, with rain gardens, preserved trees, and environmentally responsible construction all guiding the park’s renewal. Michelle also describes how this decade-long effort will unfold in phases, shaped by community input and supported through partnerships and fundraising. Above all, she emphasizes the goal of creating a park that feels welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of Princeton’s shared values. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Audible, or wherever you get to your podcasts.

In Episode 66 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton, Mayor Mark Freda welcomes Helene Lanctuit, CEO of Share My Meals, a nonprofit dedicated to recovering surplus prepared meals and delivering them to communities in need across New Jersey. Founded in 2019, Share My Meals now recovers more than 20,000 meals each month, tackling both food insecurity and food waste. Helene and Mark discuss the organization’s rapid growth, the challenges brought by COVID-19, and the logistics and technology that make large-scale meal recovery possible. The conversation also highlights the broader environmental and social impact of meal recovery, the launch of the Meal Recovery Coalition, and how community members can support this mission through volunteering and donations. If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts.

In Episode 65 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton, Mayor Mark Freda is joined by Peter Gaines, the new Head of School at Princeton Friends School. With preschool through eighth grade now united on campus, Peter reflects on Princeton Friends School’s Quaker approach to learning and how their guiding values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship enhance the school’s small classes, student voice, and a supportive culture for every child. Peter and Mark explore how the school’s unique setting, bordering the Institute Woods and Princeton Battlefield, inspires outdoor learning through gardens, stream studies, and a new biking program that connects students to the town. Peter also highlights Princeton Friends School’s signature traditions, including storytelling, poetry night, and this year’s Central Study theme, “Roots and Routes,” which ties learning to local history.  This episode of the Princeton Podcast is produced by the podcast production team at HG Media and sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton.

In Episode 64 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda is joined by Princeton Councilman David Cohen for an in-depth discussion about the municipality’s newly launched Vision Zero Initiative - an ambitious plan aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Princeton. Councilman Cohen outlines the core components of Vision Zero, including safer roadway design, public education, enforcement, and post-crash care, all centered around a safe systems approach to improve safety for all who use Princeton’s streets. The conversation highlights several ways residents can get involved, such as using the See-Click-Fix app to report unsafe conditions and taking the Vision Zero safety pledge. Councilman Cohen also explains how new design features, including curb bump-outs, raised crosswalks, and advisory bike lanes, are helping to create safer and more accessible streets. From environmental benefits to improved health and mobility for residents of all ages, this episode sheds light on how Princeton is taking proactive steps to promote active transportation and build a more walkable and bike-friendly community.