Steve Cohen (above left) was elected and Mayor Shawn Lipani (above right) was re-elected, to serve on the Hillsborough Township Committee for the next three years. As of 11:00pm on Election night, with most votes counted, the unofficial vote tally was Republicans Lipani (6958) and Cohen (6592), beating Democrats Jeffrey Wright (4998) and Roger Koch (4768). 
With a convincing margin of 58% of all Township Committee votes, Lipani and Cohen round out an all-Republican Township Committee, and pledge to work hard to continue the Republican trend of strong, experienced, and fiscally responsible leadership, to keep Hillsborough one of the best places to live!     

New Jersey Republican candidate for Governor, Jack Ciattarelli, stopped at the Hillsborough Diner, here in his hometown, on the last Saturday before Election Day.  Over 100 local residents, were in attendance to meet Jack and hear the many plans he has to fix New Jersey.  Deputy Mayor Frank DelCore was on hand, along with current Republican Township Committee candidates Mayor Shawn Lipani, and Steve Cohen.     

Hillsborough's Annual Campaign Dinner for local Republican candidates Mayor Shawn Lipani and Steve Cohen was held at Royce Brook Golf Club on Thursday, October 21st, 2021.  The event was another huge success as residents from throughout the Township were in attendance to support our local candidates for Hillsborough Township Committee.  

Also in attendance were Republican candidates (or representatives)  Mike Pappas (State Senate), Vinny Panico and Joe Lukac III (State Assembly -LD16), and Michael Kirsh and Amber Murad (Somerset County Commissioners). 

The food and conversation was great, and the energy for this year's election could be felt everywhere, for our local candidates, and also for Hillsborough's own Jack Ciattarelli, running for Governor of New Jersey!  ​

He hasn't been elected yet, but Steve Cohen, Republican candidate for Township Committee, is already hard at work keeping Hillsborough a great place to live.  At the Hillsborough Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Mr. Cohen shared some thoughts on safety crossings in Hillsborough, particularly for families with children who are forced to walk to school.   

Mr. Cohen described various improvements that can be made including Striping Patterns, Signage, Lighting and Flashing Beacons.  He also proposed specific locations where improvements would improve the safety for children that walk to school. 

With the support of Hillsborough residents, Mr. Cohen looks forward to implementing these improvements as part of the Township Committee next year.     
Link to presentation is pending. But to view it, please visit the "Hillsborough Township Republican Party" Facebook page. 
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Hillsborough, New Jersey Republicans kicked off the 2021 Campaign season in style this past Friday night, with a barbeque at the home of Mrs. Barbara Lipani, here in Hillsborough.  Jack Ciattarelli has hosted the Kick-off event in recent years.  However, he has been traveling throughout the state "non-stop" this year so residents can see why he should be elected the next Governor of New Jersey.   

Close to 100 residents and candidates were in attendance to commemorate the start of the 2021 election campaign.  Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani and Steve Cohen, running for re-election and election, respectively, to the Hillsborough Township Committee, were in attendance.  Joining them were Mike Pappas, candidate for State Senate, Vinny Panico and Joe Lukac III, Republican candidates for State Assembly (LD16), and Michael Kirsh and Amber Murad, Republican candidates for Somerset County Commissioners.  

Along with refreshing drinks, there was delicious barbequed sausage, chicken, burgers and hot dogs, and assorted salads enjoyed by all.  The great food was catered by Catered Affair.     

The candidates took advantage of the opportunity to meet with residents one-on-one, and each candidate also spoke to the group overall, sharing the key concerns they have been hearing from constituents and their thoughts on addressing them, to keep Hillsborough, Somerset County and the region a great place to live.

On behalf of all members, the Hillsborough Republican Club donated $250 worth of various supplies for the benefit of those Hillsborough residents impacted by Hurricane Ida.  Club Vice President Toni Natale and Club member Ed Bertin (pictured above) delivered the supplies to the Hillsborough Township Municipal building.   The Hillsborough Republican Club thanks its members for their past, present and future support that makes such impactful use of funds possible.
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Hillsborough's Community Assistance Network (C.A.N.) and Township personnel across multiple departments coordinated an unprecedented amount of donations of clothes, cleaning supplies, and other household necessities. (Pictured below). The Club also thanks each and every one of them, and our Mayor Shawn Lipani, for their tireless efforts to support our neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.  ​

​In the days immediately following the flood, Lowe's announced they set up a donation location at their Hillsborough location.  And, like so many others in our great town, local resident and Republican candidate for Township Committee, Steve Cohen, did not waste time making his own personal donation for the benefit of those impacted.  Thanks to Steve and to all Hillsborough residents who donated!  

​Vincent Paul Lipani, born July 19, 1940, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on his 81st birthday, July 19, 2021.  Vince was born in Brooklyn, New York, but his family later moved to North Plainfield, NJ where Vince and his two brothers John and Paul attended North Plainfield H.S. Vince served as the Senior Class President, then graduated from Gettysburg College in 1962 with a degree in Biology. 

​After a two-year US Army enlistment, he became a successful sales associate with the Weyerhaeuser Company in Florida, transferring to the Brooklyn, N.Y. branch in 1969.  But Vince wanted to be self-employed, and being a risk-taker, he purchased property in Hillsborough in March 1970 and established Central Jersey Nurseries. It is there Vince began making his impact on the town he loved. He will be well remembered for his 50-year influence on his young employees, teaching them the value of integrity, accountability, and hard work. Many have returned to thank him for instilling these values. 

Vince was a life-long sports participant and fan. He enjoyed watching his N.J. Devils, N.Y. Giants, and Mets regardless of their performance. He was an avid golfer and skier and was always at home on the slopes of Colorado. His love of sports was surpassed only by his love of duct tape and its infinite uses. 
 
Below are a few select posts borrowed from the Hillsborough Funeral Home’s Tribute Wall, as they provide a small glimpse into Vince’s character and his impact on the Hillsborough community: 
 
 Jeff Heaney (July 28) - I am so sad to read of Mr. Lipani's passing. Some of my fondest memories as a kid were hanging at Mr. Lipani's house. He was an absolute class act and always made me feel welcome. He gave me a job when I needed one badly and taught me the value of hard work. I will forever regret not keeping in touch through the years as he truly was a role model. My thoughts are with the entire Lipani Family during this difficult time. Jeff Heaney
 
Bob Jones (July 27) - Vince was a groomsman at our wedding in 1966. We've kept up our friendship through the years at weddings, sporting events, Florida trips and special family occasions. He and Barbara enriched our lives with their friendship through the years. RIP dear and loyal friend. Bob and Cheryl Jones
 
Rev. Fred Mueller (July 27) - Vince was a wonderful man. Every time I saw him I was greeted with a smile that reflected genuine friendliness. Here at the Hillsborough Reformed Church we will never forget his unfailing generosity and help. He and his family have always been there for us. Our lives are richer for his having been with us. We commend him to our loving God.
 
Carmine Cerminara (July 26) - I met Vince in December 1974. I knew I was going to like him when I saw empty Rolling Rock cans throughout the chicken coop at the nursery. From that time forward, he welcomed me into his family, and I am truly lucky to call him my friend. I will miss him.
 
Vince was a member of the Hillsborough Reformed Church, The Rotary Club of America and served as Chairman of the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment.  He was also a proud republican, and his commitment to service to Hillsborough was passed down to his son Shawn, a member of the Hillsborough Township Committee, and the current Mayor.  The Hillsborough Republican Club has made a donation to the Hillsborough Rotary Club in Vince Lipani’s honor.  

Vince Lipani is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Shawn, Todd, and Troy along with their wives Tara, Tamayra, Maria, and five grandchildren. 

​Hillsborough lost a proud resident recently when Hillsborough Fire Company #2 (Station 37) Assistant Chief William "Bill" Shaffer succumbed to a medical emergency in the line of duty.  Shaffer's death comes after Hillsborough Fire Companies 1 and 2 and career staff responded to Copart Salvage Auctions, on Camplain Road for a car fire. Upon arrival firefighters immediately worked to extinguish the fire.  Shortly after it was extinguished Shaffer suffered a medical emergency.

From top officials to neighboring fire companies, many shared their condolences on Shaffer's death:

"Hillsborough experienced a great sadness today with the untimely passing of one of our dedicated volunteer fireman Bill Shaffer," said Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani. "Whether you knew him from Station 37 or from seeing him at work at ShopRite, Billy always had a smile and a good word. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Marian, and his entire family. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Billy."

"Our deepest sympathies and warmest condolences. Rest Easy Brother. We will take it from here," said Hillsborough Fire Company #2.

A 35-year veteran of the department, Shaffer also worked full-time as a department manager at a local ShopRite, according to Chief Fire Marshal Christopher Weniger.  “He just loved (being a firefighter),” Weniger said. “The fire department was his life. It was very important to him and he had a family that was very understanding.” 

"Assistant Chief Shaffer was consistently one of Hillsborough's top responders. Chief Shaffer had dedicated 35 years of self-sacrificing and altruistic service to his community. Yesterday, Assistant Chief Schaffer answered his last call, passing away in the line of duty, while selflessly protecting his community. Thank you for everything, Chief and may you rest in peace," said North Branch Volunteer Fire Company. 

 "Hillsborough was a better place because of Billy. Rest easy Assistant Chief," said Hillsborough Committeeman Doug Tomson.

In addition to his many years serving Hillsborough with the Fire Company, which was his life, Assistant Chief Shaffer was also a proud and active supporter of Hillsborough Republicans throughout this time.   The Hillsborough Republican Club made a donation, in Assistant Chief Shaffer’s name, to Hillsborough Fire Company #2.   

Shaffer is survived by his wife Marian, and three children.  Visitation was held on Thursday, July 22nd at Mary Mother of God, in Hillsborough, where hundreds of fire fighter colleagues, friends, neighbors, and Township officials came to pay their final salutes and respects.  The funeral and prayer service were held Friday morning, July 23, followed by a private burial at Neshanic Reformed Cemetery.  

Hillsborough’s own Jack Ciattarelli, this year’s Republican candidate for Governor of New Jersey, joined local Township Committee candidates Mayor Shawn Lipani and Steve Cohen, to celebrate the 4th of July at Hillsborough’s Annual Fireworks event at Auten Road Intermediate School, last night.  This year’s event was extra special as it also commemorates Hillsborough’s 250th birthday!  Asked for his thoughts on this year’s event, Mayor Lipani noted “It was great to see the huge attendance at our 250th celebration.  The energy was terrific!”.  

The Hillsborough Republican Club maintained a table at the event where residents stopped by to talk some politics, but mostly to get the bubbles, and beach balls and glowsticks being given out.  Mayor Lipani and Cohen spent a lot of time handing out the fun items.  And when they weren’t by the table, Lipani and Cohen could be found walking throughout the schoolyard meeting and speaking with hundreds of Township residents, bringing the bubbles and beachballs to them, and chatting about everything from local issues to updates on the Mets game, where Jacob DeGrom was pitching.  (The Mets eventually won, 3-2).   District 16 Republican candidates Vinny Panico, Joe Lukac and Mike Pappas also attended the event and met with many residents.    

After having to cancel last year’s event due to COVID-19, everyone was excited to celebrate!  Local restaurants and related establishments were happy to be back offering food and refreshments for sale.  Residents of all ages brought their chairs and blankets, and relaxed in the grass, listening to music, as kids of all ages were having fun, enjoying the outdoors. 
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As usual, the return of the annual fireworks celebration which always brings the whole Town together, was a big hit with residents.  And we expect the celebration and energy will continue this coming Fall with the election of Jack Ciattarelli as the next Governor of New Jersey, and Mayor Lipani and Steve Cohen to Hillsborough’s Township Committee for the next three years.     

On Monday, June 21st, the Hillsborough Republican Club held its first “in-person” meeting in over 15 months, at United Rentall, on Route 206, here in Hillsborough.  Every table was filled and the agenda was complete with 2 very special guests:  Guest Speaker Cathy Callahan, current Vice President of Somerset County Federation of Republican Women, and Mark Colavita, the 2021 recipient of the Hillsborough Republican Club’s Peter J Bondi Scholarship for high school seniors heading to college in the Fall. 
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(Pictured at right are Republican Township Committee candidate Steve Cohen, Mayor Shawn Lipani, United Rentall owners Mike and Marie Avolio, and Luke Ferrante, Field Director for Jack Ciattarelli's campaign.)  
 
Republican Club guest speaker Cathy Callahan is a 2021 New Jersey Federation of Republican Women (NJFRW) Women of the Year and a former Millicent Fenwick awardee.   A few of her other credits include NJ Licensed Realtor, Dance Instructor & Life member Dance Educators of America, Rotary Member, NJ Notary Public, NRA Member, AED and CPR Certified and Virtus Certified.   Cathy spoke to club members on NJFRW uses of its resources to support Republican objectives and policies and work for election of Republican nominees. The NJFRW concentrates its efforts in areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative actions. 

One of the annual highlights of the Republican Club’s efforts for many years has been to offer graduating seniors the opportunity to write an essay on various topics.  This year’s essay topic was “The role of the Constitution in the United States Today”.   The Club’s reading committee of members unanimously chose Mark Colavita’s essay, and Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani presented the award to Mark via video at the awards ceremony. (When made available, the video will be posted here.)

Although he had his graduation ceremonies earlier that day and was looking forward to Project Graduation fun at Iron Peak directly following the meeting, Mark showed his strong character by making time to accept the Club’s invitation to this meeting and attend with his parents.  Mark also addressed all those in attendance, sharing some of his thoughts about the role of the Constitution today.  He then closed by saying “I would like to thank you for choosing me as the Republican Club Scholarship recipient. Your scholarship of $500 will help me begin my studies of Mechanical Engineering at Miami University in Ohio. I plan to use this award toward tuition and books.”

Good luck Mark!  We know you have much success ahead of you!