VOL. 65, NO. 23
Friday, June 4, 2021
hillsboroughbeacon.com
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Hillsborough Township Committee Supporter donates motorcycles votes to prohibit cannabis to begin new unit for businesses under new ordinance Hillsborough Police Department By STEVEN BASSIN Staff Writer
At last week’s Hillsborough Township Committee meeting, the board voted 4-1 in favor of adopting a new ordinance that would prohibit any kind of cannabis business activities to take place within the township for the time being. Mayor Shawn Lipani, Deputy Mayor Frank DelCore, Committeeman Doug Tomson and Committeewoman Janine Erickson were the four members of the township committee to vote “yes” to adopt the new ordinance. All four officials said they voted for the prohibition based on the fact the state has yet to establish any regulations on selling or using cannabis in public areas. In a statement to centraljersey.com, Lipani said the new ordinance is a step in the process of finding out more information on the matter before making a decision that would be best for Hillsborough. “This ordinance is just a step in the process, so the rules and regulations can be established and then Hillsborough can determine what, from a community standpoint, would make sense and then move forward accordingly,” Lipani said. The Hillsborough cannabis ordinance
does not prohibit residents from using marijuana for recreational or medical use on private property. Last November, New Jersey voters did legalize recreational use of marijuana by a 2-1 margin, but selling cannabis products to adults over 21 years of age could not commence until the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) established rules and licenses for new dispensaries and cannabis facilities. Committeeman Jeffrey Wright was the only member of the committee to vote “no” on the new ordinance. Wright mentioned in his comments at the meeting that he wanted more “clarification” from the language used in parts of the ordinance and to amend them in any way before a vote would occur. He also suggested that each member of the township committee vote “line by line” on the six classes of cannabis businesses: retail sales (dispensaries), cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, and delivery services. None were accepted by the committee. Wright did make a motion to postpone a final vote on the injunction until June 22 See CANNABIS, Page 3A
The Hillsborough Police Department announced the addition of a new motorcycle unit. The two new Harley Davidson FLHTP motorcycles are fully outfitted with emergency lights and equipment for police use. “We are excited to start this new unit which will be a major contribution to many community policing initiatives going forward.” Chief Michael McMahon said in a statement provided by the township. The department has initially selected two highly qualified officers to launch the program. Detective Christopher Giraldi and Patrolman Thomas Gurba are highly qualified and experienced riders. Both recently completed and graduated from an advanced police motor school in order to sharpen their skills for this new endeavor, according to the statement. This new unit was made possible by the generosity of Dr. Cesar DePaco, a longtime supporter of law enforcement who has made numerous donations of K-9s and
equipment to police departments across the country, according to the statement. Hillsborough was the very first department that DePaco had donated to for the purchase of a K-9 in 2012. Since that time he has gone on to donate 144 K-9s, numerous K-9 vehicles and equipment to police departments across this country, according to the statement. Hillsborough is once again the first police department that DePaco has chosen for this $60,000 donation for the purchase of new motorcycles and related equipment. “The generosity and support that Dr. DePaco and his family have shown to the Hillsborough Police Department over the years is overwhelming and truly appreciated, especially in these unprecedented times. We value his friendship and continued support,” McMahon said in the statement. “As always, Hillsborough Township is very appreciative of the ongoing support of Dr. DePaco and his family. We look forward to having our new motorcycle unit as part of our community policing,” Mayor Shawn Lipani said in the statement.
Hillsborough holds off Livingston to reach sectional quarterfinal
Hillsborough High School attacker Gabriella Roosa takes a shot on net during a game against Livingston on June 1 in Hillsborough. Hillsborough defeated Livingston 6-5 to advance to the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group IV Tournament. By STEVEN BASSIN Staff Writer
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Tensions were high for the Hillsborough High School girls lacrosse team during its first-round matchup against Livingston High School in the first round of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group IV Tournament. Leading 6-5 with 8:49 left to play on June 1, the Raiders were handed a tough blow with Mia Boccippio recording the team’s fourth yellow card of the game, resulting in Hillsborough having to play a man down the rest of the contest during their home game at Dan A. Noonan Field. Coach Kristina Dunphey told her Hillsborough squad in the huddle during a timeout after the penalty that despite being down a player, they should fight together to
Senior midfielder Mia Boccippio races up the field with the ball. Boccippio scored her team-high 34th goal of the season during the contest.
Defender Katie Marshall advances the ball up the field. Hillsborough won 6-5 to advance to the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group IV Tournament.
the very end. That’s exactly what the Raiders did, playing lockdown defense on Livingston to hold on for a 6-5 victory to advance to the quarterfinals of the sectional tournament and improve to 10-7 on the season. “Our strength has been our defense all year,” Dunphey said after the game. “They played together and played selflessly. They knew they needed to play hard to get that ball on attack and that’s what they did.” Hillsborough was able to bounce back from a one-goal deficit in the final six minutes of the first half to take a 3-2 lead at halftime. Katie Sanfillippo tied the game at 2-2 for Hillsborough with 5:21 to play in the half, picking up her own loose ball and
then knocking home her first score of the day. Senior Grace Venis put Hillsborough back into the driver’s seat with 2:50 to go in the first half. Tallying her 30th goal of the season with the game’s first score, Venis added goal No. 31 to her ledger by smacking home her second goal of the half off a pass from teammate Alexa Ciccarelli. Venis has scored two or more goals in each of the last three games for the Raiders. “I was on the crease ready for the pass and knew we had to keep putting them in to have a chance to win,” Venis said about her goal before the half. “I’m excited to move on with my seniors. This was an important
PHOTOS BY STEVEN BASSIN/STAFF
Senior forward Grace Venis rolls around the net and scores a goal. Venis scored two goals in the contest.
game to us being our last home game of the season. We’re all really excited to keep going and keep the season going.” The two-goal surge by Hillsborough overlapped into the second half as Sanfillippo led the Raiders to a 5-2 lead. The sophomore banged home her second goal of the contest to begin the second half and then helped dish out Hillsborough’s second goal, finding a wide-open Olivia Halverson in front of the net to slash in a score to give the Raiders a three-goal lead. Livingston answered with back-to-back scores to make it a one-goal game again, but Hillsborough responded on the stick of Boccippio with 13:52 left to play.
See QUARTERFINAL, Page 7A
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