9-20 BC by Community News Service

Current Bordentown

SEPTEMBER 2020 FREE

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Spark on the diamond Rees Pillik an asset in summer tournaments

Teacher takes rare diagnosis into her own hands

BY RICH FISHER

BY SAM SCIARROTTA

As he was officiating rec basketball this past winter, Jim Petersohn was also moonlighting as a baseball talent evaluator. Petersohn reffed in the Bordentown Recreation League. One of the participants was Rees Pillik, who happened to also play on Petersohn’s Hamilton-Northern Burlington Babe Ruth All-Star team. During last year’s 14-yearold season, Pillik was not a starter but still managed some key hits. During the hoop season, his manager got a better read on him where intangibles were concerned. “He fights hard and he’s just a real competitor,” Petersohn said. “I learned a lot about him over the winter. I started to really respect a lot how hard he works. Even though it was a different sport, I could see I could utilize that in baseball.” He harkened back to the past in describing Pillik on the court, comparing him to a Los Angeles Laker from the 1980s. “He’s a very good, scrappy basketball player; he’s like the Kurt Rambis of the Bordentown Rec League,” Petersohn said. “He’s an old school player. He did all the dirty work and I just gained a real respect for the athlete that he was overall.” The qualities described by Petersohn are what a team likes to see from its leadoff hitter. And with H-NB losing See PILLIK, Page 10

Christina Koysla knows her body. The self-described healthiest person she knew, Koysla taught yoga, stayed active—she even hiked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago spiritual pilgrimage from France to Spain. So when she first felt a tinge of pain in her shoulder in 2017, she knew something was wrong, and she was right. Koysla was eventually diagnosed with a desmoid tumor that next year. But that diagnosis came after months of self-advocacy and fighting for her medical rights. At first, Koysla chalked the pain up to handstands and other advanced yoga poses. She saw a physical therapist who thought it was an impinged nerve. A coworker at Stuart Country Day School, though, noticed some swelling on Koysla’s collarbone and encouraged her to get it checked out. All of this started a few months before that Camino de Santiago journey, and she started to get nervous. She saw one more doctor before she left and was told she had a lipoma—a lump under the skin—and that she could safely continue on with her trip. They would go ahead with surgery when Koysla, a Bordentown resident, came back. See KOYSLA, Page 8

Jim Parker (left) and Melissa L. E. Baker will both be performing at the Bordentown Historical Society’s Harrowing History storytelling series starting this month.

The dark side of Bordentown Storytelling event to showcase the city’s spooky past BY SAM SCIARROTTA

Bordentown’s historical past is well-documented—residents like Thomas Paine and Joseph Bonaparte, its part in the American Revolution. But Kristi Kantorski and the Bordentown Historical Society took an interest in another side of that story: the city’s seedy underbelly. Starting Sept. 19, the historical society will present Harrowing History, a storytelling

program that focuses on true tales from the darker side of the area’s past. “Harrowing History is about Bordentown’s creepy, scary, and often hushed history as pulled from century old local and national records,” Kantorski said. “These are the true stories of murder, mayhem and tragedy.” Old newspaper articles sparked the idea for the program in January 2019. Bordentown Historical Society co-president Doug Kiovsky found a file of old Register News articles from the 1870s, many of which were “dark and somewhat sinister,” Kantor-

ski, the society’s artistic director, said. “Seeing the articles, I began to wonder what else might have occurred here,” she said. “My curiosity was piqued, and I began researching. I’ve spent over 18 months researching these stories and continue to do so even now— I’ve gathered info that paints the picture for a few dozen events and stories. I liken the research path for this program to detective work. The more I find, the more inspired I am to find more.” Costumed storytellers— including Kantorski and society co-president Timothy RolSee HISTORY, Page 6

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We’ll walk in the sun SAM SCIARROTTA FROM THE EDITOR

tumor for the last three years while continue to teach and stay active (see story on the cover). Our unique shared history plays into that sense of community, too. Kristi Kantorski and the Bordentown Historical Society certainly know that—their upcoming Harrowing History program is packed with scary stories and true crime tales that could have only happened in New Jersey. Bruce wrote Born to Run at 25 years old, and a lot of the album deals with some of the feelings you experience at that age, like escaping the state you’re in—both physical and emotional. I think that’s part of what makes it so easy to connect with as a Jersey native, now and always. we’ve all wanted to get out while we’re young, from our hometown or otherwise, at some point in our lives. That feeling isn’t unique to New Jersey, especially now. Everything feels out of whack and out of place. We all crave a sense of normalcy. But, as Bruce sings, “Someday, girl, I don’t know when, we’re gonna get to that place where we really wanna go, and we’ll walk in the sun.” We will get there. We just need to have a little patience.

I spent a lot of time thinking about Bruce Springsteen last month. I could probably write that in this space over and over again in every issue and it would still be true, because Bruce is my all-time favorite. But it was especially true last month. Springsteen’s iconic breakout album, Born to Run, celebrated its 45th anniversary in August, and the tributes were hard to miss—celebrity tributes in Rolling Stone, news spots, social media posts (all right, maybe that last one was just me). All of that had my brain on Boss Mode for most of the month. And with that came lots of reflections on life, New Jersey, our current times. As a state, we were the epicenter of the start of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. For the most part, our neighbors have bought into staying safe and protecting each other. There are outliers, of course, but that New Jersey unity and sense of camaraderie has echoed throughout the crisis and beyond. Just look at Christina Kosyla, who, Contact SAM SCIARROTTA: ssciarrotta@ with the help of her community and communitynews.org, (609) 396-1511, ext. peers, has fought a rare desmoid 121, facebook.com/samsciarrotta1

Current Bordentown

we are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Current is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Bordentown Current does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staﬀ sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood. EDITOR Samantha Sciarrotta (Ext. 121) CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rich Fisher SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steﬀen (Ext. 113) AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

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around town County urges Census participation Census takers are now on the move within Burlington County neighborhoods as part of this year’s decennial count, and Burlington County’s commisioners continue to encourage residents to self-respond in order to ensure they are counted. Veterans and service members living in the county especially are among the populations officials are concerned might get missed. “There’s no reason to wait for a Census worker to show up at your doorstep. We want residents to know they can get counted right now by filling out the questionnaire online or by phone,” said county commissioner Tom Pullion, the board’s deputy director. An estimated 29,527 veterans were living in Burlington County in 2018, according to recent Census Bureau estimates. Service members and veterans are expected to respond to the Census if they were residing outside military barracks or on-base group housing on April 1. The deadline for the count’s conclusion is also drawing closer. Census workers have already begun visiting homes that haven’t yet responded, and the final deadline has

been moved up from Oct. 31 to Sept. 30 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “The earlier deadline makes it even more critical for anyone who has completed their form to get it done,” Pullion said. “There’s billions of dollars in funding at stake. If we don’t get an accurate population count, we won’t get our fair share of federal funding for our schools, hospitals, road and other public projects.” Burlington County’s response rate to the Census questionnaire is currently at 73.5%, fourth best among New Jersey’s 21 counties and only a few points shy of the counties 75.3% self-response rate in 2010. In order to promote participation in the Census, Burlington County’s government has held or participated in over 100 outreach events throughout the county, and the county’s Census coordinator and other county volunteers have had interactions with more than 3,000 residents. To get counted visit, 2020census. gov or call (844) 330-2020. WHAT DID WE MISS? What are you noticing in your community? What stories do you think we should tell? Do you have news to share? We want to hear from you. Send your news or tips to news@communitynews.org.

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be scrapped. Coronavirus also forced the society to cancel its three main fundraising events this year, which make up 70% of the organization’s annual operating budget. They hope tickets sales, on top of a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, will help make up for some of that loss. “Harrowing History can really help fill a gap this year and become another one of our main events for the future,” Kantorski said. Just as things started to feel dire, outdoor areas and activities gradually opened up. And then Divine Word Ministries offered to host the program for the society. “So, the wheels began spinning as to how we transition an indoor theatrical type performance to an outdoor tent setting,” Kantorski said. “Needless to say—not easy, but certainly not impossible. Holding this event outside, restricting ticket number, and requiring all patrons wear a face covering/ mask enables us to conform to social distancing regulations. Health and safety first so we can create a positive atmosphere for our guests, then really chill them with the stories.” The new timing also adds a little seasonal—and timely—flair. “The historical society can continue to fulfill its mission to preserve, teach and inspire folks about this history and to offer people entertainment at a time when people need it most—a break or an escape from the often monotony of every day,” Kantorski said. And that’s what’s most important to Kantorski and the historical society as a whole. “The first goal is to simply entertain and enlighten people,” she said. “I want people to have fun, perhaps take home a little historical fact about Bordentown the local area or some aspect of hisYOUR YOUR HOMETOWN HOMETOWN AGENT AGENT or tory that they otherwise would not have known, all while enjoying themselves. I would love it if someone went home and said to a friend or a family member, ‘I have to tell you a story…and it’s entirely true that happened not far from here!’ That, to me, would be success. If people love it that much they’ll be inspired to know more and share more about this Insurance Counselor Insurance Counselor Insurance Counselor history. If they just love a good story— well, there’s plenty more where that came from and we’re happy that they’re happy.” Harrowing History runs Saturdays 1260 Route South from Sept. 19 to Oct. 17 starting at 7 1260 Route 33 South 1260 Route3333 South p.m. and Oct. 24 to Nov. 7 starting at Hamilton, Hamilton, NJ 08690 Hamilton,NJ NJ08690 08690 6 p.m. outside at 101 Park St. The pro(609) Ph:Ph: (609) 631-4286 Ph: (609)631-4286 631-4286 gram is intended for viewers 13 and up. Cell: (609) Cell: (609) 337-2366 Cell: (609)337-2366 337-2366 Masks are encouraged for all attendees. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com online at bordentownhistory.org. jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com

STORY continued from Page 1 lender—will share six tales in all. The details of the stories are secret, but they include murder and unrequited love, a man shot dead in front of City Hall and a fire that raged through town. Kantorski’s favorite, though, is the closer: the Bordentown Spectre. Finding those stories was the result of painstaking research on Kantorski’s part. She pulled at least 150 newspaper articles from microfilm and other sources and transcribed each one. She also accessed Census records, trial records, institutional reports, printed diaries and Sanborn maps. “I spent many months in libraries sifting through records and history tomes,” she said. “I wanted to not only give all the elements of the story or event that occurred, but I also wanted to tie it into a bigger picture. This is what makes history fascinating to me. It’s really only when all these different parts come together that we have a comprehensive historical view, and a really juicy narrative comes together.” Harrowing History is a new event on “many levels” for the society, Kantorski said. Its standard programming includes lecture series, exhibits at the Friends Meeting House, garden tours and the annual Peach Social. “We saw Harrowing History as an opportunity to teach local history that is relatively unknown in a fun and creative way,” she said. The program was set to debut at the Friends Meeting House in May, but COVID-19 forced the organization to adapt. Considerations like sound quality, lighting and stage components that were months in the making had to

‘I want people to have fun perhaps take home a little historical fact about Bordentown.’ –Kristi Kantorski

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KOYSLA continued from Page 1 “The trip was incredible,” she said. “It was the the adventure of a lifetime.” Her surgery went on as scheduled when she returned, but the results were anything but immediate. “After the surgery, we went through the typical ‘How’d it go, doc?’ kind of thing,” she said. “And the surgeon said ‘It was confusing.’ That’s not what you want to hear when someone has cut you open.” The doctor, Koysla said, did not find a lipoma. He dug around and took some tissue samples, but still, nothing. And that’s when her journey really began. “I bounced around from doctor to doctor trying to find someone who would take me seriously,” she said. “I think I had five misdiagnoses from seven different doctors.” Finally, she ended up at UPenn, where she saw a thoracic surgeon. He took a look at the tissue samples, sent them to some colleagues and confirmed his suspicions: it was a sarcoma. “That word threw my world upside down,” she said. Another biopsy at UPenn confirmed that the tissue they sampled was the same tissue from her first surgery— meaning it was missed the first time around. And, since sarcomas “don’t like to be touched,” Koysla, 31, said, it tripled in size from September of 2017 to January of 2018, from 3 cm. to 9 cm. It was a relief to finally know what was plaguing her. But the process was excruciating, and it’s an all-too-common experience for women seeking medical care.

“There are so many statistics that show women, and especially women of color, not being believed when they’re in pain,” she said. “I was met with a healthy dose of misogyny early on. One doctor sent me a letter asking to speak to my father or my imaginary husband. When I went to the orthopedic surgeon’s office and he told me I just needed physical therapy, I burst into tears. When he asked why I was crying, I said ‘Something’s wrong with my body, and nobody believes me.’” In fact, it was Koysla’s primary care doctor—a woman—who encouraged her to seek help at the university level. She was the first physician who really believed what she was saying. “When the doctor said ‘sarcoma,’ it was the scariest feeling but also the most validating,” Koysla said. “I’d known all along that something was wrong, but it kept getting written off. I really had to convince people to listen to me. And what I’ve encountered meeting other patients is that they’ve had a similar journey.” Desmoid tumors are rare—about 900 are diagnosed in the United States each year. Though they are technically benign, they are locally very aggressive and are treated the same way typical cancers are. She started with oral chemotherapy, which slowed the growth of the tumor but wreaked havoc on her body—extreme nausea, fatigue. She tried another medication, but that had similar effects, so she stopped it after two weeks. Finally, an intravenous chemotherapy treatment led to nearly

James

Christina Kosyla has lived with a rare desmoid tumor for the last three years.

2 cm. of shrinkage, but that is no longer an option because of heart issues that can occur after extended use. Now, it’s just about managing the size,” she said. “I’m just looking for a drug option that will Her doctors also pitched surgery at the beginning, though it was not a recommended course of action because of the lifelong side effects: it would include the removal of her clavicle, three ribs and part of her breastbone, as well as possible nerve damage and breast reconstruction. “That was a pretty hard pill to swallow, losing all of those things and mobility for the rest of my life,” she Contact SAM SCIARROTTA: ssciarrotta@ said. “And even after all that, it could communitynews.org, (609) 396-1511, ext. still come back...I’ve seen folks with 121, facebook.com/samsciarrotta1

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8Bordentown Current | Health Headlines by Capital Health

amputations, and then the tumor grows back above the lost limb. As rare as these things are, it doesn’t make them any less devastating.” That’s why Koysla has thrust herself into the desmoid tumor community. She writes a blog, Girl Meets Cancer, and posts regular updates on social media (@girlmeetscancer on Instagram). She participates in the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation Running for Answers 5K in Philadelphia, and she and her team have raised $32,000 for the organization over the last two years. “If I had known about the DTRF, I might have been more proactive early on when my general surgeon didn’t want to do a biopsy,” she said. “My story might have been different.” But it’s still her story, and Koysla is not afraid to tell it, especially during the COVID era. “COVID has really had an impact on the lives of those with chronic illness,” she said. “I’m often told ‘You don’t look sick,’ but whether you look it or not, you can be immunocompromised. I tell people that I’m the one you’re wearing a mask for. I’m the one you’re social distancing for. And I’ve been so grateful in the Bordentown community to find others who are so supportive. I’m grateful for my neighbors. If they see me walking down the street, they make sure their mask is on, and they ask me how I’m doing. That sense of smalltown community is a great feeling.”

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the bases for most of the tournament. PILLIK continued from Page 1 its top three players in the order, there When he didn’t get on, he didn’t have was a vacancy at the top of the lineup. too many non-productive outs.” He also proved to be a valuable Pillik played for Petersohn’s Villa Mannino team during the regular sea- defensive player, lending versatility at son. He did so well, he remained there several positions. “Rees played second, third, outfor the Babe Ruth State Tournament field,” Petersohn said. “He’s played at Switlik Park Aug. 6-12. And while Pillik did not hit for a high all across the infield. But typically it’s average, he did what a leadoff man more second, third and outfield. “Unfortunately, with should do—got on base our team dynamics, he and crossed the plate. had to play a lot of posiThe rising Bordentown tions for us, but he always junior led the team with stepped up and did a good eight runs scored, was job. He’s a very athletic tied for second with five kid, and he’s the type of walks, reached on errors kid that could probably a team-high three times pick up any sport and do and had a .348 on-base very well at it.” percentage. Like several of his team“It was definitely a mates, Pillik also played whole new mindset hitin the Last Dance World ting leadoff,” Pillik said. Series Tournament with “It was ‘Get on base and Pillik the team representing score for your teamBordentown High. As an mates.’ I had instructions to get into long counts and waste underclassmen on a senior-laden squad, he didn’t get much playing time in the pitches.” mid-July event, but enjoyed every minute Which led to a simple strategy. “My mindset was to try to get balls of it. “I was really excited to be able to play in gaps and not try to crush the ball every time,” Pillik said. “Just get on with my high school team and be with all these seniors that would never get base and score.” Pillik did crush several balls right at to play with us again,” he said. “It was fielders, which helped him reach on nice to get a few games in with them.” Even nicer were the overflow crowds errors since they were too hot to handle. “He made a lot of contact and had at Gilder Park, as Bordentown served some sharply hit balls,” Petersohn as the host for the first two round robin said. “He made a lot of tough outs. He games, and for the remainder of the hit into a lot of tough luck. He was on consolation games in the Bordentown-

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10Bordentown Current | Health Headlines by Capital Health

North Trenton bracket. Folks starved to see baseball jammed the venerable park as cars were being parked wherever there was a slice of ground. “I’ve been playing on that field for over 10 years and I’ve never seen the field that packed,” Pillik said. “All the energy. The parking lot was filled, the dump (in the outfield) was filled with cars. It was pretty crazy.” It provided Pillik at least a few games to play with his high school teammates after the spring season was cancelled due to COVID-19. “It was super crazy,” he said. “I was really excited to get my sophomore year of high school in. I thought I had a really good chance of making varsity this year. The day they were supposed to tell us if we made the team or not, is when the season got cancelled so we never found out.” Making the Last Dance team was a nice consolation prize. “Having no baseball was very boring,” Pillik said. “So having the chance

to come out and play with those kids made a big difference.” It also gave him a chance to get back into baseball mode. Even that was a disappointment in some ways, as the organization cancelled its regional tournament and World Series due to COVID concerns. He did not get much playing time last year, but Petersohn recalled “he had a hell of a hit for us last year in the regional semifinals. I put him in to bunt and he failed twice at bunting and then came up with a huge double in the gap against a very good Northern Bridgewater team. It ended up being the winning hit we needed to advance to regional finals. Every time I called on him last year off the bench he executed.” Despite not being a regular, Pillik always prepared when his time came. This year, he was in there all the time and made the most of it. “It was a great team and we played very well,” he said. Starting with the guy who ignited the offense.

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December 8th @ 7pm 10th @ 2pm Ewing, NJ Villa VictoriaDecember Academy Theater, Carslake Community Center, $15 Bordentown, NJ Tickets $20 adults, kids Sponsored by Bordentown Home for Funerals Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, musiCal theatre program, Group tickets available though Central NJ Ballet Theatre Donations at the door! pointe, hiporhop and more!

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The Puzzle page

Community News Service - Trenton/Lawrence/Robbinsville Crossword - 9/20

Across

PuzzleJunction.com

Crossword

1 Get ready, for 17 short 5 Mimicking 20 21 10 Village green 24 14 Alleviate 28 29 30 15 Ham’s need 16 African flower 35 17 Off yonder 39 38 18 Visually impaired 44 43 person 47 48 19 Disturb 50 20 Building material 53 54 22 Belly 60 24 Acoustic 65 27 Tree trunk 28 Bit of Gothic 68 architecture 31 Respect 35 Mitch Miller’s 61 Sound instrument 64 Opposed 36 Furry 65 Educator pinnipeds Horace 37 Toni 66 Civil rights org. Morrison’s 67 Defeat “___ Baby” decisively 38 Call to Bo68 “Hey there!” peep 69 Peruvian peaks 39 Before now 70 Concludes 41 Stars and Stripes land Down 42 Bibliophile’s suffix 1 Stew 43 It’s the law ingredients 44 Type of poem 2 Huck Finn’s 46 Order in the conveyance court 3 Brother of 47 Pretend Jacob 49 Statement 4 Losely woven 50 Labor cotton fabric 51 Survey choice 5 Knight’s 53 Rubicund protection 56 Unrefined 6 Wages 60 Canal of song 7 Chapel vow

C E L E B R AT I N G 9

19 22 25

23 27

46 49

55 61

56 62

8 Australasian palm 9 German propaganda minister of WWII 10 Jailbird’s wish 11 Wholesome 12 Stage part 13 Razor-sharp 21 Pool tool 23 Fins, collectively 25 Gather on the surface, chemically 26 Jeans brand 28 Spoil 29 Primitive calculators 30 Bo’suns, in full 32 Spigot 33 ___ Major (southern constellation)

34 Poetic Muse 39 Argus-eyed 40 Sports meeting in India 45 Worldwide workers’ grp. 46 Military action 48 English Channel strait 49 Mermaid’s home 52 Basketball game 53 Rope fiber 54 Baseball stats 55 Chinese dollar 57 Knowing, as a secret 58 Formal accessory 59 Strikes 62 Little League coach, often 63 Rocks, to a bartender

Puzzle solution on Page 14

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Concussions: what you need to know JONATHAN RASKOW ASK THE DOCTOR

Concerned about your health? Experts from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton are reday to answer readers’ questions. Send your questions to askthedoc@rwjbh.org. What is a concussion? A concussion is defined as a “trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.” This can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. A concussion can also occur without a direct hit to the head, such as with whiplash. Concussion signs and symptoms can appear immediately or not be noticed until days or even weeks after the injury. What are common symptoms of concussion? Symptoms vary by individual, and someone may have any combination of the following - confusion, headache, vision disturbances (double or blurry vision), dizziness or imbalance, nausea or vomiting, memory loss, ringing ears, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to light, loss of smell or taste, trouble falling asleep, increase of symptoms with mental and/or physical activity after hitting one’s head.

What are some ways to reduce the risk of concussions? General tips: Wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a vehicle, remove hazards around the home that contribute to falls, and use handrails and safety gates around stairs. Never use outdated or damaged protective equipment, avoid uneven or unpaved surfaces when cycling, and do not dive in water less than nine feet deep or in above ground swimming pools. Sports tips: Use protective head gear and helmets appropriate to the sport, be sure your headgear is ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) approved and fits properly, and always use proper form when participating in collision/contact sports. Management if a concussion occurs: Anyone who suspects they have a concussion, or, if you suspect someone of having a concussion, removal from the activity immediately is most important. It’s important to allot time to heal. Another concussion sustained while the brain is healing can result in long-term problems or even death in rare cases. Only a health care professional experienced with concussion management, such as an athletic trainer or physician, can tell if a concussion has occurred and assist with a safe return to play/work. Every concussion is different for each individual, thus no two plans are exactly

Almost open. You ready?

Community News Service

the same and emphasis should be placed on treating each person’s/athlete’s unique set of symptoms. Treatment/recovery: Your licensed healthcare professional will guide you. At RWJBarnabas Health, we follow our Concussion Pillars for Recovery! In general, here’s how to address common concerns: Low level exercise to tolerance, such as a walking program (when cleared for starting activity), avoiding any increase in symptoms. Restore vision and ocular-motor control if deficits arise. Cervical and spinal physical therapy if it is determined that symptoms are stemming from the neck. Seek behavioral/cognitive help from a professional when needed. Complete health-care professional guided graduated return to activity before full clearance. Get treatment early! Lost time equals Longer Recovery. Have further questions about concussions or in need support? Email us at AthleticTraining@rwjbh.org. Jonathan Raskow, LAT, ATC, is the athletic trainer at RWJUH Hamilton.

Coming up this month at RWJUH-Hamilton Thursday, Sept. 10

Coronavirus in the U.S.–Considerations for Travelers. (609) 584-5900. According to the CDC, travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Learn how to protect yourself.Virtual class format. Call to register. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

limited. Call to register. $5. 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 14

Plant Based Diets for Wellness: Beginners. (609) 584-5900. Explore how a more plant-forward feast can save money, support the environment, mind body, and soul. Virtual Class Format. Call to register. 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners. (609) 584-5900. Learn to relax and unwind. No experience necessary. Virtual Class Format. Free. 1 to 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 17

Vertigo? Understanding Why Many Adults Develop Dizziness. (609) 584-5900. Dizziness and imbalance are common complaints in older adults. A virtual lecture to understand more about the causes and treatments of dizziness. Virtual Class Format. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 18

The Lunch Bunch: Virtual Cooking for the PreK Crowd. Also Friday, Sept. 25. (609) 584-5900. Encourage adventurous eating by pairing up with your preschooler in your kitchen. Simple recipes and helpful tips on creating positive mealtimes. Virtual Class Format. Noon to 1 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 21

Culinary Nutrition in the Kitchen. (609) 584-5900. Kick off your week with the most up-to-date, evidenced-based nutrition research, recipes, and interviews with MDs, allied health professionals and chefs. Virtual Class Format. 11:15 to 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

How to Stop Stress from Stealing Your Health! (609) 584-5900. During these challenging times, do you find that stress Friday, Sept. 11 is keeping you awake, increasing your Lipid Profile/Glucose/Blood blood pressure, and- 9/20 making you anx-Cholesterol Trenton/Lawrence/Robbinsville Crossword Pressure & Stroke Risk Assessment ious? Learn how to take control of your (609) 584-5900. Simple finger stick. Fast health using simple 60 second solutions. 12 hours prior. In person, attendance Virtual Class Format. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

PuzzleSolution Solution Puzzle on Page 13

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14  Bordentown Current | September 2020

G O B A D H E M P

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P A P I R A D E R M Y O C C O A U R A L A B L E D E S E B O E A G O A A L Y R I C T I S S E M B L W O R K O E A L T H Y A U D R I E A N N N A A S S T A N D

N I P A

G O E B B F E A L U S C E T H O I O C P E S

P A R D O O L R E S A W S A E R A F A R E

A L I M E N T A R Y

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C A N I S

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The American Revolution and the struggle for freedom DOUG KIOVSKY THE BEnD In THE RIVER

It is said that the rebellious fight for independence was galvanized by the powerful inspiration that firebrand revolutionary Thomas Paine brought to his pamphlet, Common Sense, in 1776. As a masterpiece of political writing that engaged the average reader with the call for unity against the corrupt despots of European monarchies, every disseminating argument for our country’s freedom read like concise instructions for operating a well-oiled machine. Using rhetoric as a principal tool to achieve forward thinking, over 500,000 copies of the pamphlet were sold in the colonies during the course of the war. Its popularity was so widespread among citizens that its viewpoints were discussed vigorously, including in Bordentown where Paine himself chose to construct his only home. Although Paine’s writing charged emotions for public debate, it held minor sway with members of the Second Continental Congress as they convened during the summer heat in Philadelphia on how the separation from their mother country would impact the war effort. In a city that was ranked as the third most populated in the British Empire, the climate was broiling in more ways than one. The delegates argued and counterargued with intensity. They asserted that people have universal rights and that their rights should be expressed whenever government policies affect their livelihoods. Therefore, sovereignty should reside in its citizens. The ironic twist was that on the matter of human rights, the condemnation of slavery and the slave trade was considered a sensitive issue and abandoned. Regardless, the Declaration of Independence was a major achievement of mind and quill that called for a new nation into existence. Among the men that placed their

names on the hollowed document over a period of time was Francis Hopkinson of Bordentown. He was part of a five member delegation that represented New Jersey while his brother-in-law, Thomas McKean, along with two other delegates, represented Delaware. The men knew that they had signed their death warrants, but it was a sacrifice necessary to the cause of independence. Despite his small stature, Francis Hopkinson was a giant of a man when it came to talent. He kept his mind occupied by drawing caricatures of his fellow colleagues in crayon. Several years later, his artistic flare was noticeably praised when he served as a consultant on committees that designed the Great Seal of New Jersey, the Great Seal of the United States and the American flag. As the country’s first native-born composer, his natural musical abilities as an organist and harpsichordist afforded him the luxury to play in churches and concerts. Most important of all, he was considered one of the best writers of his day. His effective wit for ridiculing the British Empire and Loyalists was prominently displayed in popular political satires and poems that he wrote during the American Revolution. It was themes like this that antagonized British commanders to the point that they retaliated with vengeance on the doorstep of Bordentown within two years. As a prelude of things to come, British and Hessian troops under the command of General William Howe relentlessly pursued General George Washington’s Continental Army across New Jersey. With shrinking enlistments and poor morale, the army was forced to take refuge on the western banks of the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. This maneuver gave the enemy an opportunity to establish southern outposts in Trenton and Bordentown for the winter. One of Howe’s subordinates, Hessian Colonel Carl von Donop, invaded Bordentown on Dec. 16 with 2,000 British, Scottish and Hessian troops in tow. Since

the town was too small to accommodate every soldier, many would pillage nearby farms. Those stationed in town were crowded into unwelcomed dwellings and public houses such as Oakley Hoagland’s tavern on Market Street (Park Street) which was in close proximity to the home of Francis Hopkinson. It was rumored that when his family was in residence, loud “clinking glasses of ale” and drunken behavior could be easily heard through the windows. The same could be applied to the residence of Joseph Borden who demonstrated empathy for his friend and patriot, Colonel Oakley Hoagland. A few months prior to von Donop’s occupation of the town, Borden relinquished his position as colonel for the duties of quartermaster that he felt better served the needs of the country. This seemed to be a natural transition since he was a successful businessman, aptly efficient and knew the interior of the terrain due to his stage line. He also held in high esteem the reputation of Quartermaster General Thomas Mifflin, whose daughter Emily would marry his grandson, Joseph Hopkinson, in 1794. Within a week of Bordentown’s occupation, von Donop ordered his entire force to march south towards the village of Black Horse as he heard exaggerated

Doug Kiovsky is the co-president of the Bordentown Historical Society.

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reports that rebel regiments under the command of Colonel Samuel Griffin posed a threat to his contingency. Engaging the Americans with musket fire as they fled towards Petticoat Bridge and Mount Holly, von Donop didn’t realize that the entire affair was the component of an elaborate plan by Washington to cross the river back into New Jersey and attack unsuspecting enemy forces at Trenton the day after Christmas. With few casualties imposed on the Patriots and twothirds of the Hessian militia captured, this was the first decisive victory that proved that the Continental Army could defeat one of the best troops of Europe. The year 1776 presented unimaginable challenges for people on the road to freedom. The war had extracted vast quantities of human suffering as they faced struggles and hardships through the darkest days. And yet the stamina of our fragile nation endured. The resiliency of the human spirit was consistently tested under the worst of conditions. Bordentown was a small example of that. The hostile acts that would transpire later would shake its citizens to their core but as with the ashes of destruction, they would rise above it.

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16  Bordentown Current | September 2020