PRINCETON: Town’s celebration of Pi Day continues

By Keith Loria, Special Writer
   On March 14, people will be wishing Albert Einstein a Happy Birthday on what would have been the legendary genius’ 134th birthday. Of course, Einstein was a larger-than-life figure in Princeton, having lived and worked here for the last two decades of his life.
   The date is significant because it’s also the annual Pi Day (3.14) celebration and after a week of fun events throughout the town, March 14 will offer a host of activities and special goings on in celebration.
   At 3:14 a.m., the deadline for the fourth annual Worldwide Pi Day Princeton Video Contest will occur, with the winners being announced later that day at … you guessed it, 3:14 p.m. Photos and videos of some of the best entries will be screened. The winner gets $314.15.
   Teacher Mary Beth Lemoine will have her entire classroom compete and is tying it into a lesson on Einstein.
   Judging will be done at Small World Coffee by a distinguished group of Princeton leaders and business people.
   At 11 a.m., the Princeton Tour Co. will offer a walking tour of Einstein’s neighborhood, and visit both homes the famed scientist lived in (not just 112 Mercer.) The tour will reflect on Einstein’s work, home and friends, including his close relationships with fellow Princeton geniuses Robert Oppenheimer, Kurt Godel, and John von Nuemann.
   ”The walking tour on Pi Day and Einstein’s Big Day will include everything you ever wanted to know about Einstein,” says Mimi Omiecinski of the Princeton Tour Co. “A chronological history of Albert’s life will be incorporated with little-known sites around campus and town like where he got his hair cut and a secret plaque that describes his commute to and from his home to downtown. These tours are meant to be entertaining, interactive and fun for all ages who are able to navigate a 3-mile route.”
   Tours begin at 116 Nassau St. inside the Princeton University U-Store and costs $3.14 a person with all proceeds benefiting the Paul Robeson Foundation.
   For those feeling a little out of sorts or who want to experience something a little different, Meg Mowrey of Finer Point Acupuncture, 20 Moore St., Princeton, will be offering a special 31.4 minute IQ boosting acupuncture session for $31.41 on the day.
   ”I view the activities of Pi Day as a launching of the importance of literacy, math and science into the community for involvement of all ages,” Ms. Mowrey says. “I encourage everyone to use this opportunity to get acupuncture to help them feel better.”
   Hamilton Jewelers invites people into its store on March 14 and for anyone who says the phrase, “Happy Birthday Albert” will receive a free black designer tote bag perfect for any book-toting bookworm.
   Pins and Needles, 8 Chambers St., Princeton, will be taking 31.4 percent off all clearance items in the store. The Cottage Garden is also getting in on the action, taking 10 percent off all select purchases.
   Luxaby Baby and Child, 19 Hulfish St., Pricneton, is offering 14 percent off any three items in the store on Pi Day. It’s also selling the Princeton Black Squirrel decal (perfect for your laptop lid or car bumper) for only $3.14.
   For those looking for good eats on Pi Day, the Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company, 30 Palmer Square East, is selling all 8 ounce soups for just $3.14. Meanwhile, Small World Coffee, 254 Nassau St., will be serving up an Einstein brainiac brew comprising double joe with a double shot of espresso, or also known as a “double double.” It will make your brain tingle because coffee makes you smarter … at least for a little while.
   The Farm Store at Palmer Square will have some Pi Day inspired items on its menu, while Thomas Sweet Chocolate has a delectable number of Pi Day offerings, including a chocolate slice of pie for $3.14, a chocolate “Pi” for $3.14 and chocolate numerals of 3, 1 and 4 for $3.14.
   Only on March 14, the Trenton Thunder is holding a special promotion where for $33, buyers will receive three tickets to its April 14 game against Richmond and three food vouchers. All purchases also will be automatically entered in a drawing for the chance to win tickets to educational experiences such as museum admission to the Franklin Institute or a family fun pack to the Please Touch Museum.
   ”I don’t think any town gets behind Pi Day the way we do and we’re looking forward to a day of fun,” Ms. Omiecinski says. “Next year, Pi Day will be on a Friday, so I expect it to be even bigger. I’m willing to take this as far as people want and let it grow as much as we can.”