Our military veterans not only face the many challenges inherent in their active service around the world, but often must cope with lifelong medical and personal challenges as they try to reintegrate into society upon their return. That struggle too often leads to medical and psychological challenges, substance abuse and homelessness. The Veterans Administration can provide for much, but not all of the services and basic needs of these veterans.  

 

In 2020, The Rotary Club of Hillsborough joined a consortium of other New Jersey Rotary Clubs to provide needed essentials to homeless veterans receiving temporary housing, medical and psychological care at Community Hope, a non-profit organization housed on the Veterans Administration campus in Lyons, New Jersey.

 

To help raise funds for this program, The Rotary Club of Hillsborough will sell high quality caps featuring logos of all branches of the military, as well as caps that display patriotic slogans supporting the service men and women who help protect our freedom. 

 

“The consortium is able to purchase goods, such as winter coats, hats and boots, underwear, toiletries, etc., at a very low cost and distribute them to the Community Hope residents each month,” commented Rich Salem, member of the Rotary Club of Hillsborough.  For each cap purchased at $25 the consortium can purchase a pair of top-quality insulated winter boots. 

 

Fair attendees can add their support to this important effort by stopping at the Rotary tent at the Fair Grounds and purchase one of these caps.  The supply is limited, so supporters are encouraged to stop by as soon as they arrive at the Fair. The Fair opens for five days beginning August 17.

In Memoriam

 

On July 19, we lost a model Rotarian, an admired local business owner and our friend, Vince Lipani. A long-standing member and leader in the Rotary Club of Hillsborough, Vince’s generosity and can-do spirit over his many years as a Rotarian leaves an indelible mark on our club.  His no-nonsense leadership style as a Board member and service project lead helped ensure our Club’s success. Whether it was organizing the annual Easter Egg Hunt for area children, planting a grove of cherry trees in honor of Michael Merdinger, another former Rotary Club of Hillsborough member and Township Administrator, who passed away in 2016, or convincing other local business owners to contribute to the Club’s annual Rotary Fair fundraiser, Vince never hesitated to jump in wherever his help was needed.  The Rotary Club of Hillsborough, and our community are much the better for Vince’s service, and we will miss our dear friend.  At the request of Vince’s family, you may join us in honoring Vince’s memory and years of service, by contributing to the Rotary Club of Hillsborough Foundation using the link below.