Princeton Podcast

In episode 54 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Lawrence Patton, Head of School at the Princeton Charter School.

In their conversation, Larry provided an in-depth overview of charter schools, contrasting them with traditional public schools. He detailed the school's operations, including funding, governance, and enrollment processes. Larry described the relationship between the Princeton Charter School and the Princeton School District. He also discussed the challenges faced by charter schools, particularly funding disparities and the impact of post-COVID learning loss.

I enjoyed meeting Larry Patton and learning about the opportunities and challenges of Princeton Charter School. I hope you enjoy this episode as well. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

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, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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