Memorial Day 2010

The Smith House Pool Is Open

The pool at The Smith House opened for the season today at 10 am. It will be open through Monday for the Memorial Day weekend.

The Smith House pool will be open weekends until June 21 and then remain open on a daily basis. Hours are from 10 am until 8 pm on weekdays and on weekends.

Recreation badges are required at the pool. They can be picked up at The Smith House during office hours or when a monitor is on duty. A 2010 FVCSA census form must be submitted to the office prior to picking up badges.

Pool rules intended to promote the safety, comfort and enjoyment of our residents are posted at the entrance to the pool. The association appreciates the cooperation of all residents with the rules and with our lifeguards.

The Smith House pool has always been one of Princeton Landing's most beautiful amenities. We hope you enjoy it this summer.

Parcel 6 — 11:04 am

Parcel 5 — 2:50 pm

Nature Guide: Spring Birds

Spring is breeding season for most birds and at this time their colors become particularly intense. Our Nature Guide Jon Latimer points out two eye-catching species you might see in our area now.

Photo by Tim Daniel, Ohio Division of Wildlife

"We are at the peak of migration season right now and one of our most striking visitors is the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). A little smaller than a robin, males are a brilliant orange with a black head, throat, wings and tail. Females are more varied in appearance. Some are yellow with a blush of orange on their breast. Others look similar to a male, but their head is more brownish olive than black, and their body is a paler orange.

"You are most likely to see orioles along the edges of woods or in open areas with scattered trees. They often place their distinctive hanging woven nest in one of the tallest trees. Orioles feed on caterpillars, insects, spiders, fruits and nectar. Although they have little interest in bird feeders filled with seed, orioles can sometimes be attracted by hanging half an orange on a string or nail.

Photo by Bruce Tuten

"Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) are another visual treat. Their head and chest are pale brown and their wings are light gray. Their belly is pale yellow and their tail is dark gray with a bright yellow tip. A waxwing's face has a narrow black mask that is neatly outlined in white. They also have a crest, but it often lies flat and is not always easy to see. Waxwings are named for the red waxy tips on their wing feathers, but they can also be hard to see. The name "Cedar" comes from the fact that these birds eat the berries off cedar trees during winter.

"Cedar Waxwings are social birds that usually travel in flocks. Often the first sign of their presence is their high, thin whistle. Waxwings are one of the few North American birds that specialize in eating fruit. You may see them sitting in a fruiting tree or shrub swallowing berries whole, or hovering in midair to pluck berries off a branch. Waxwings have even been known to become intoxicated from eating overripe berries that have begun to ferment. Flocks move frequently, so if you see waxwings someplace on one day, you probably won't see them there the next."

House Party

Art Linkletter

1912 – 2010

Photo: David F. Smith/AP

Gorilla Reunion

Have you seen this video? It shows the touching reunion of conservationist Damian Aspinall and Kwibi, a lowland gorilla he helped raise in captivity.

Kwibi was brought up at Howletts Wild Animal Park in England where he formed a close bond with Damian. When Kwibi was five years old, he was transported to Gabon, West Africa, and taught to live free in a protected reserve run by The Aspinall Foundation, a charitable trust that promotes wlldlife conservation and reintroduces animals bred in captivity back into the wild.

Now five years later, this reunion was caught by a camera crew making a documentary about The Aspinall Foundation's work with gorillas called Gorilla School, airing on Animal Planet.

Curb Repairs

Before

After

Trader Joe's Update

Le "Two Buck Chuck" est arrivé!

For our readers who keep checking back to see if Trader Joe's has finally opened their wine shop—well, it has. The Princeton Trader Joe's, located in the Square at West Windsor shopping center on Route 1 at Meadow Road, is now carrying wine and beer.

The famous "Two Buck Chuck" sells for $2.99.

Catch Basin Repairs

Thank you, Marcal Construction.

Storm Damage Cleanup

Thank you, Stephen and Alfredo.

Another Tree Down

This evening's strong winds brought down part of a maple tree on the Loop Road opposite The Smith House. Property managers Sal Pirrera and Pattie Araujo responded immediately to our emergency call. Brickman manager Scott Scharaldi was on the scene by 8:30 pm and shortly thereafter Stephen and his crew, Antonio, Josue and Wilfrido, began removing the tree. The work was done and the street was reopened by 9:45 pm. Thanks to all for their great service to our community.

Cinco de Mayo

Photo: debaird

The Smith House Garden — 12:27 pm