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By Carolyn Steber

When it comes to conserving energy, few institutions of higher learning can match the ambition of Princeton University, whose current stated goal is to get back to its 1990 emissions of carbon dioxide levels by 2020.

There are ways, both big and small, that the school reigns in its energy use. The university makes it a point to use energy-efficient light bulbs, computer monitors, sinks and shower heads.

“We go all over campus and replace water-using fixtures to reduce water use and therefore energy use,” said Ted Borer, the school’s energy plant manager. “We’ve done many lighting retrofits. We go around and study the lighting in any given space and see if we can install fluorescent instead of incandescent lights.”

Skylights have also been installed in campus buildings to reduce light usage.

“Sometimes it just involves bringing natural light into a space,” Borer said.

Borer says the school has also implemented energy guidelines, which indicate what temperature a room should be to prevent overheating or overcooling. The campus has added a few million square feet of labs and offices, and they anticipate adding one million more, so energy efficiency is important.

Borer and his team are still reducing the total amount of energy that the campus needs, despite the extra space.

“We’re trying to do it without constraining the university’s growth,” he said.

To further the school’s energy reduction, there has been an installation of a solar power production facility. The 27-acre lot is in West Windsor by Carnegie Lake.

“It was built with the goal of reducing the carbon footprint as well as producing power,” Borer said.

The solar field generates 8.4 million kilowatt/year, which is about 5 percent of the campus’ total power use. With a daytime campus population of around 12,000 people, Borer says that is a pretty good percentage.

He said the solar field should be up and running by this summer, but stresses that it will only be responsible for a portion of the overall carbon reduction on campus. The real reduction comes from large-scale work that goes on behind the scenes.

Some of these energy reduction techniques include a heating and cooling device at the Lawrence Apartments on Alexander Road.

The team installed ground-source heat pumps that warm the building with heat taken out of the ground during the winter. The building is then cooled during the summer by taking heat out and storing it in the ground beneath the complex.

“The ground below is used as a thermal battery. It’s a super efficient way of using electricity,” Borer said. “It’s being studied and is likely to be used on other projects in the near future.”

The school itself has an extensive heating and cooling system that runs throughout the campus. Close attention is paid to “building heat recovery” with efforts made in preventing heat from escaping.

Borer and his team review each building on campus, one by one, to check for optimal energy efficiency.

“We study the energy inputs and outputs and the schedules that people work and how they use energy. We review it all and see what is the opportunity to make this work as well as it possibly could,” Borer said.

He said that the co-generation plant on campus works at 70 to 80 percent efficiency, which Borer says is unusually high.
Workers in the energy plant carefully monitor all systems on campus to make sure they are working properly and at a high efficiency level.

Even the mechanisms and machines on campus are energy efficient. For example, any time the school needs to purchase large motors, they buy ones that are premium efficiency, even though they are more expensive.

“We save much more than the incremental cost to buy them,” Borer said.

The plant itself is open to visitors for tours of the facility.

“We’ve had numerous students down here visiting,” said Eric Wachtman, the chief engineer at the plant. “They are the future of what’s going on with energy. Their ideas and what they are going to be doing in the future with their careers will have a major impact on the energy in the world.”

Wachtman said they welcome people who are interested in learning more because it’s important for everyone to realize where energy comes from.

Despite all the high-tech and diligent work that has been completed, the job of saving power on campus is still not done.

“It’s an ongoing process. Yes, we’ve been successful but we haven’t come to the end of it,” Borer said. “We have approximately three fourths of what we are going to do figured out, and a lot of that is implemented.”

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Princeton and the Gothic Revival Exhibit at Princeton University Art Museum. Explores the Gothic Revival movement in architecture and design across America at the end of the 19th century, using Princeton’s campus as a case study and launching point. Nassau St., Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

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Is Peace Possible? at Princeton University. Middle East experts to explore proposals for resolving Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Will focus on issues relating to the future of Jerusalem and refugees. 4:30 p.m. Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall, Princeton.

Introduction to Your Lifestyle in Retirement at Princeton Public Library. Explore your options for dealing with change, managing your time, identifying your passions and making a difference through volunteering. 7 p.m. info@princetonsenior.org. (609) 924-7108. 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. ebook.comingofage.org.

Princeton and the Gothic Revival Exhibit at Princeton University Art Museum. Explores the Gothic Revival movement in architecture and design across America at the end of the 19th century, using Princeton’s campus as a case study and launching point. Nassau St., Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

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Friday

Living with Purpose at The Princeton Senior Resource Center Features three people who are living their dreams and who have been honored by a Purpose Prize. Hear about their projects, find out how they got started and discover way to pursue your own passions. 10:30 am. Free. info@princetonsenior.org.

Saturday

Art for Families at Princeton University Self-guided, interactive tour followed by a related art project. 3/3 Daily Life in Ancient Greece. 10:30 am. kgiasi@princeton.edu. 609-258-5662. McCosh 10, Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

On Air-Third Annual Community Play at Paul Robeson Center. Sulley Theater. A family show produced and directed by a team of volunteers from local arts organizations, included Stone Soup  Circus and Princeton Theater Experiment, with support from Arts Council of Princeton. 3 and 7 pm. $10-13. 609-924-8777. 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton. artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Third Annual African Soiree at Princeton Theological Seminary. In Mackay Campus Center. To benefit the United Front Against River-blindness. An African market, silent auction, authentic cuisine, fashion show and dancers from Garvey School. 4:30 pm. $25-50. 609-924-2613. 64 Mercer St. Princeton. riverblindness.org.

Jazz vs. The Space Tiger at Small World Coffee. Unique live music. 8:30 pm. (609)924-4377 x2. 14 Witherspoon St.,Princeton.

Sunday

An Evening with CS Lewis at Princeton Presbyterian Church. A drama production. A humorous insight into the life of the famous Bristh author who wrote Chronicles of Narnia, the Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity, among others. 7 pm. $10-20. 609-987-1166. 545 Meadow Road, Princeton. pricnetonpresbyterian.org.

On Air-Third Annual Community Play at Paul Robeson Center. Sulley Theater. A family show produced and directed by a team of volunteers from local arts organizations, included Stone Soup  Circus and Princeton Theater Experiment, with support from Arts Council of Princeton. 2 and 5 pm. $10-13. 609-924-8777. 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton. artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Gallery Talks at Princeton University Talks highlight works in the museum’s collections, new acquisitions and special exhibits. 3/4-Lehmbruck’s Frau Anita L. kgiasi@princeton.edu. McCosh 10, Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu<b>An Evening with CS Lewis at Princeton Presbyterian Church</b>A drama production. A humorous insight into the life of the famous British author who wrote Chronicles of Narnia, the Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity, among others. 7 pm. $10-20. 609-987-1166. 545 Meadow Road, Princeton. pricnetonpresbyterian.org.

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Rowers brave the cold Feb. 21, 2012 at one of the first PNRA spring practices. Pictured is Maddie Kuhlman of West Windsor, Jelani McMath of Princeton, Caroline Grenis of Princeton, Morgan Bookholdt of Mansfield and Beatrice Sclapari of Princeton. (Photo by Suzette J. Lucas.)

By Carolyn Steber

It’s easy to see why the Princeton National Rowing Association was honored as the top rowing club in the nation.
The 2011 Club of the Year features a juniors rowing program for high schoolers and a masters program for adults. Winter rowing programs help keep members in shape, as does a summer camp. PNRA members also participate in community outreach programs, like Big Brothers Big Sisters. And it doesn’t hurt that their lake is home to the women’s Olympic rowing team.
Kristopher Grudt, the executive director of PNRA, said these qualities were the reason the club was chosen out of the 1,100 clubs in the U.S.
The Mercer Junior Rowing Club drew in about 150 kids from 30 different local high schools last fall. The spring season, which began on Feb. 13, attracted the same amount. The winter program brings in about 40 participants, due to space limitations.
“The Junior Program is open to any kids whose schools don’t have a rowing program,” Grudt said.
The program is now in its 10th season. Grudt says that in those 10 years, the club has calculated some statistics and has seen about 97 percent of the kids in the program go on to college and about 74 percent continue to row in college.
Grudt said that rowing is different than more traditional sports because everyone relies on everyone else being there each day. He also said that each rower has to equally contribute to the success of the boat. No one stands out and everyone is important. Because of this, Grudt calls rowing the “ultimate team sport.”
“You have to work together and you have to be a part of the team,” Grudt said.
The program attracts students from all different backgrounds.
For Kyle James, a junior at Princeton High School, rowing is a part of his family history. His great-grandfather was a national champion for Egypt.
James decided to carry on the family tradition after some friends talked him into rowing a few years ago. He has now been rowing for three years and even won first place in the men’s varsity 8 at last year’s Bill Braxton Memorial Regata.
Laura Foster, a junior at West Windsor Plainsboro South, became interested in rowing after someone approached her when she was visiting her brother’s college as an 8th grader. Her dad signed her up the following spring. That was four years ago and she’s been rowing ever since.
“I think [PNRA] is a really great program. It gives you tons of opportunities to test yourself, meet people from all over and really build your character,” Foster said.
Foster hopes to continue rowing in college and beyond. With several accolades under her belt, like winning MVP her freshman year and the club’s Spirit Award in 2011, as well as competing with last year’s Junior National Team, it certainly seems like she’s heading in the right direction.
Even Foster’s mom has become involved with the Mercer Masters Rowing Program, which has about 30 members who get up at 5:30 a.m. each morning to practice. The Masters Program has adults ages 21 and up, including members in their 60s.

PNRA members Clay Censits of Princeton, Dan Kennedy-Moore of Princeton, Will Cleveland of Hopewell and Sean Kelly of West Windsor prepare for their Feb. 21, 2012 practice. (Photo by Suzette J. Lucas.)

Many come for the fitness aspect, as well as the group camaraderie.
Grudt, who has been involved with rowing since he took it up in college 30 years ago, says that rowing is one of the top sports, fitness-wise. It works out legs, arms and core muscles and builds endurance. He recently picked the sport up again after a hiatus in order to remain in shape.
Abby Gross, a senior at West Windsor Plainsboro North, says that rowing not only keeps her body in shape, but it also shapes her character. After years of being the backup catcher for her school’s softball team, Gross decided to join the junior program because “there’s always a place for everyone in the boat.” She hopes to continue rowing next year while attending the Naval Academy.
The program helps shape its members in even more ways. PNRA partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County to provide mentorship to the students of the Joyce Kilmer School in Trenton.
Twice a month, 26 kids from the junior program go to the Joyce Kilmer School to mentor 6th and 7th graders. They spend time with the students and help them with homework.
Grudt says it’s a great way to teach kids in the juniors program about volunteering while also benefiting the students at Joyce Kilmer.
The junior program has also started accepting 8th graders from the Joyce Kilmer School to come out and learn to row.
Nadirah Pierce, an 8th grader at Joyce Kilmer, became interested in rowing when her school took a field trip to PNRA a year ago. She beat out her male camp counselor in a race on the rowing machines and was called back to become a part of the program.
“I like how you meet knew friends but you compete with them at the same time,” she said.
Pierce currently practices up to six days a week and hopes to continue rowing throughout high school. She has even convinced three of her friends to join the club.
Kawan Gamble is another 8th grade student from the Joyce Kilmer School. His love for trying new sports brought him to the club last year. Gamble is now a dedicated rower, and says he practices almost every day.
The current season will go until mid-June. Grudt expects about 10,000 spectators to show their support for the first major junior regatta April 20-21. The event will be held on the Mercer Park side of the lake, rain or shine.

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Beat the Heat at Suzanne Patterson Building. Movie series for seniors. 1 p.m. Free. (609)924-7108. 45 Stockton St., Princeton.

Drawing Beyond: An Exhibition of Contemporary Drawing at Arts Council of Princeton. In the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. Opening reception for the new exhibit. Guest curated by Marsha Levin-Rojer. 5 p.m. (609)924-8777. 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton. artscouncil ofprinceton.org.

Princeton Opera Company/Princeton ArtWalk at Princeton University Art Museum. A sampling of Classic Duets and Arias. The newly founded Princeton Opera Company presents a short series of scenes from classic works. Refreshments will be served. 5 p.m. kgiasi@princeton.edu. (609)258-5662. Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

ArtWalk Princeton: Sustainable Jazz Ensemble at Labyrinth Books. All-original jazz composed using only local, organic ingredients, natural chord progressions and solar-powered imaginations. Coffee and tea will be provided; otherwise BYO. 6 p.m. Free. (609)924-8777. 122 Nassau St., Princeton. artscouncilofprinceton.org.

”There’s More Where This Comes From” at Princeton Day School. Through the 7^th. Installation and sculpture of artist Debbie Reichard. (609)924-6700×1280. Anne Reid ’72 Art Gallery, Princeton. pds.org.

29^th Annual Tribute to Women Awards Dinner at Hyatt Regency. Special Awards dinner to honor a select group of women in the greater Princeton area. Women who have made extraordinary contributions to their professions and community. Cocktail reception, dinner and program. 5:15 p.m. dhasili@ywcaprinceton.com. (609)497-2100×322. 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton. ywcaprinceton.org/tributetowomen.

Author Reading at Labyrinth Books. A reading by Edmund White from his new novel, Jack Holmes & His Friend. 6 p.m. 122 Nassau St., Princeton. LabyrinthBooks.com.

Princeton and the Gothic Revival Exhibit at Princeton University Art Museum. Explores the Gothic Revival movement in architecture and design across America at the end of the 19^th century, using Princeton’s campus as a case study and launching point. Nassau St., Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Webinar: Keyword Research. Learn to use keywords to find out what your customers are really looking for. Sponsored by NJ Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey. Register by phone, email or online. 11 a.m. $25. events@sbdcnj.ocm. (609)771-2947. Online. Sbdcnj.com.

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La Jolie owner Tere Villamil stands in her Princeton salon. (Photo by Suzette J. Lucas.)

By Lynn Robbins

Tere Villamil, owner and president of Princeton’s La Jolie Salon & Spa, describes her managerial style as “one hundred percent hands-on.” Upon getting to know Villamil, it’s evident that she cares about her customers and staff.

For Villamil, running a salon and spa is all about helping people feel, look and be their very best. It’s about seeing what is good and unique about a person and bringing those qualities to the forefront.

Everyone counts at La Jolie: every staff member, every customer and every person in the greater Princeton community. Staff members begin their day with a 10-minute “visions and triumphs meeting,” where they share their successes from the previous day and the opportunities they look forward to exploring today.

“We focus on team building and doing things such as giving each other stress relieving shoulder massage, sharing at least one thing we like about each other or sharing messages from inspirational books,” Villamil said.

The current book pick is “Fish!”

When Villamil joined La Jolie in November 2010, the first thing she told her staff was that she wanted to run the company “with the outmost respect for each other and for the customers.”

Each customer is treated as an individual. Staff members take care to listen to the requests and needs expressed by the clients, who are considered guests. Customers return to La Jolie because of the individual attention and respect they receive, and the staff’s level of skills and education.

Villamil says that returning customers have told her more than once, “Keep doing what you’re doing.”

In addition to hair care, guests can receive custom facials, aromatherapy massages, wraps, manicures and pedicures, make up consultations, waxing and bridal consultations. The salon also sells organic hair and skin care products so clients can continue their beauty routines at home.

La Jolie offers a variety of spa treatments. Most packages range from two-and-a-half to four hours. Prices range from $180 to $311, although clients can select individual services from the A La Carte offerings.

Villamil values staff education, personal development and experience. Staff members are graduates from top schools such as Vidal Sassoon, L’ANZA and Aveda. They continue their education in U.S. and international programs as well as in-house training from La Jolie’s guest advisors and master stylists. Many of the staff members have been invited to teach programs in the U.S. and abroad.

The salon is a five-time award winner of Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons nationwide, and Villamil is looking forward to receiving another award for being one of the greatest luxury spas in the U.S.

Villamil joined La Jolie with over 18 years of experience in the industry. She has held high level executive positions with Aveda; GM Collins Skin Care; Avanti Salon and Day Spa; and Davexlabs and L’Anza. She continues the salon’s tradition of women ownership, which began with the company’s inception 40 years ago.

Villamil is looking forward to future endeavors, renovating the facility to be even greener than it already is, expanding the spa’s offerings, sponsoring more customer events such as “Girl Time” and more community events to raise awareness and money for nonprofit organizations.

“If you do good for others, they’ll do good for you,” says Villamil. She credits her parents for shaping her positive outlook on life.

Villamil enjoys living and working in Princeton because of its connection with the university, and because it attracts people from all walks of life. In Villamil’s words, “Princeton is a timeless town.”

La Jolie Salon and Spa is located at 4 Hulfish St. in Princeton. Phone: (609) 924-1188. On the Web: lajoliesalonspa.com

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