After retiring from a career in consumer electronics and tech, Bob and his wife Jeanne moved to Blairstown from Morris County in 2014. The natural beauty and rural peace and quiet were a welcome change after years of working in cities and airports. They purchased a preserved farm and have spent the last few years rehabilitating the property. Getting involved in the community is an important part of their move to Blairstown. In addition to the BEC, Bob is an active member of the Blairstown Rotary, and serves on the board of the Foodshed Alliance.
Having seen first-hand the impact of technology, global commerce and drug use on small communities across the country, Bob believes that areas like Blairstown must change to survive. This does not mean sacrificing the open space, rural environment and history that are our most important assets, but we need an economy that can support our residents, keep our kids here after graduation and provide the services our seniors need so they can stay in the area they love.
The BEC’s mission “to create a thriving economy, while preserving the character and charm of the area” matches the community needs, which is why Bob got involved.
Cheryl Paulson is the Owner/Proprietor of Breathing Room Center, LLC in Blairstown, in business since 2009. Cheryl not only enjoys teaching yoga at the center, but at other local senior centers in Blairstown & Hackettstown, as well as seasonally at Brook Hollow Winery. In addition to serving on the BEC board, she is an active member of the GBBA and the Blairstown community - attending town meetings and getting involved in whatever ways are needed. Cheryl lives in Blairstown with her husband Dave and four children - David, Milly, Mary (NW graduates) & Jimmy (NW student).
Olga and her husband moved to Blairstown in 1988 with great hopes to set their roots here and raise a family. In the blink of an eye, her son and daughter have grown and now lead lives of their own. She has been employed locally the past 23 years and been involved in various activities during that time.
Her affinity for bird-watching, gardening, hiking on the local trails, and kayaking on White Lake are a testament to her love of our town which has led her to become involved with BEC.
Olga’s goal is to invest her time towards enhancing the livability of the community and attracting new residents, visitors and commerce to this area to share the bounty that we who live here enjoy every day.
Pat Kennedy and her family have lived in Blairstown for 40 years. She is one of the founders of the BEC. Previously she was a co-founder and Vice-President of Human Resources for CorNet International, a 300 person software company in Stroudsburg, PA.
Pat is in love with the beauty of the area and the down-to-earth quality of the people here. She, her husband and children have made many deep and lasting friendships over the years. The recent deterioration of the village and Route 94 corridor are deeply disturbing. So when a member of the Twp Committee suggested forming a committee to improve the economic potential of the town, Pat and her husband decided to invest their time and energy exploring possible solutions.
Theo Padavano arrived in Blairstown with his wife and daughter in 2006. Attracted to the charm of the village, the family purchased an historic Main Street home that they have been renovating ever since. Having served on the Blairstown Historic Preservation Committee for many years, Theo recently joined the BEC to continue his pledge "to be engaged and involved" in the community. Employed locally as an exhibition designer servicing museums and fine art institutions, Theo brings a creative eye to BEC projects. An avid hiker, motorcycle rider and a classic car enthusiast, his spare time is filled with treks on nature trails, twisting-the-throttle on country roads or cruising to car shows.
Dave Paulson is the Director of Technical Operations for Forbo Flooring North America. He and his wife Cheryl moved top Blairstown to raise their 4 children, all of whom attend or graduated from North Warren High School. Dave has spent much of the last 12 years volunteering as a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Ridge and Valley Charter School and is one of the founding members of the Blairstown Care Coalition. He is passionate about Blairstown and sees a bright future for the town and its residents.
A native of Sussex County, Gina and her husband Tyson and two children have lived in Blairstown for over 15 years. She is a communications professional for the State of New Jersey and has worked in the past as a Professor of design and art history at Centenary University and as an independent design professional working with clients in various sectors from education and financial to robotics.
She is an outdoors enthusiast and can often be found hiking on the Appalachian Trail, fishing on the Delaware River with her family and running and biking the Paulinskill trail. She has worked in the past with the town to create a village pocket park. For the past 9 years she has served as an advocate and event director for an annual bike ride benefitting the Epilepsy Services of NJ. Gina believes that Blairstown is a great place to live with many opportunities for redevelopment and growth at our disposal. Her focus as a member of the BEC is leveraging our eco tourism assets while preserving our rural character.
Area of Focus: Collaboration and Involvement
Luke Twomey has been a resident of Blairstown for over 13 years. He is married with two daughters who attend North Warren Middle School and Blairstown Elementary School. Luke is an active member of the community and is also a board member for Blairstown Youth Soccer Club. In his professional life, Luke is the Director of Finance and Operations for a boutique professional services firm focusing on leadership development. In his free time, he enjoys getting outdoors, exercising, and playing basketball.
