Help Wanted: Part-time Administrator
The BEC seeks the services of an independent, non-profit administrator to manage day-to-day operations. Responsibilities include administrative support, marketing and communications, event support, and project management. The position is 20-hours a week and reports to the BEC Board President. Work hours are flexible, though do include attendance at all planning, general, and project team meetings, which take place during evening and weekend hours. Work will be executed from the administrator’s own office or at designated meeting spaces. No permanent office space will be provided. Compensation information will be shared with qualified, competitive applicants.
Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter with references to Together@Blairstownbec.com by April 4th.
- Essential Functions: Responsible for providing general administrative support as needed, including but not limited to:
- Prepare for Directors and Project Team meetings by preparing agendas, minutes, notes, and other documents
- Prepare non-profit’s communications: web, print and electronic newsletters
- Maintain organizational files and documents
- Serve as first point of contact for the organization
- Perform basic bookkeeping tasks including bill paying, check cutting, mailing checks, making deposits, invoicing, running financial reports, assisting with annual audit etc.
- Procurement of supplies as needed
- Assist with coordination and execution of community event logistics
- Manage member and donor database
- Assist with donor communications, including appeal and thank you letters
- Coordinate bulk mailings
- Maintain organizational archives
- Filing of program forms and applications
- Additional tasks as directed by the BEC Board and leadership team
- Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or four or more years of related experience; nonprofit experience a plus
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. Familiarity with Google Docs
- Working knowledge of WordPress and content management systems
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work as a team member with minimal supervision
- Solid written and oral communication skills and excellent web-conferencing and phone manner
- Ability to develop effective work plans, organize details, set priorities, and meet deadlines
- Interest in and commitment to BEC mission is essential
About the Blairstown Enhancement Committee
In the summer of 2014, members of the Blairstown Township Committee reached out to a small group of residents asking if they could help reverse the apparent decline of the Blairstown Village in hope of improving the town’s economic prospects. In response, the dedicated residents formed a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation called the Blairstown Enhancement Committee (BEC). This group of volunteers is committed to making the Blairstown area a better place to live, visit and do business. In collaboration with its residents, business owners, township, schools, and other stakeholders, the committee’s goal is to create a thriving economy while still retaining the character and charm of the area. Members support this mission with their time, energy, skills or financial contributions to do great things for Blairstown.
BEC Business Champions Program kicks off with free webinar on how to use “Google My Business”
As the BEC has absorbed the mission of the former Greater Blairstown Business Association, a new project team has come together to help local businesses. Mary Adelman and McKitrick Chabot are putting a new program in place to help local businesses thrive. More information to come soon on the BEC website. In the meantime you can send an email to Business@Blairstownbec.com for details.
On March 8, the team held a free webinar to help entrepreneurs understand the extremely valuable free service provided by Google called “Google My Business.” Watch the video below for how to use this powerful marketing tool.
Show Your Blairstown Pride during our “Summer Sweep”
Our spring clean-up day fell prey to COVID-19, but now that New Jersey is on the mend, we thought it would be good to get back out there to help Blairstown shine!
The Blairstown Enhancement Committee is issuing a call for volunteers to show their hometown patriotism July 4 through 11 by participating in a summer clean-up event. A “Summer Sweep!”
Yes, there is always “sweeping” to be done, but there is always more. The idea is that we list “Jobs to be Done” around the town right here on Sign up Genius. Citizen Volunteers choose a task from the list they would like to tackle with their close friends and family in a safe and responsible manner.
If you don’t see something on the list, come up with your own clean-up idea and share the fruits of your labor.
No matter what project you tackle, be sure to take pictures of your group displaying your hometown pride and send them along to Together@blairstownBEC.com.
COVID-19 may have gotten us all down, but not out! Hang in there Blairstown! We got this!
BEC Guest Speaker Series: Ravi Romano, Owner of RE/MAX Ridge Real Estate
Ravi Romano shared his perspectives on the state of real estate in northern Warren County as of October 2019. Ravi sees the Blairstown area as attracting folks with a special “flare” who enjoy the tranquil country life.
Incoming BEC President Dave Paulson Shares his Goals for the Coming Year
As the new BEC President, Dave Paulson took a few minutes to describe the purpose of the BEC and what his goals are for the group in the year head.
BEC Reorganizes Board and Adds Operational Leadership Roles
On August 26, the BEC enacted a new organizational structure.
The goal of the structure is to care for the management of the non-profit’s administration and support needs while setting the stage for the success of Project Team Leaders from the community who will drive the projects they have a passion for.
The official BEC Board of Directors now consists of:
- Dave Paulson – President
- Olga Brazaitis – Treasurer
- Theo Padavano – Secretary
The Board will be supported by operational directors tending to key functions:
- Kevin Doell – Communications
- Pat Kennedy – Fundraising
- Cheryl Paulson – Membership
Project Team Leaders will vary by project.
Special thanks to Bob Law for his years of leadership as BEC President, as well as Sue Habermann, Gina Trish, and Luke Twomey for their service as board members. We look forward to continuing our work together on the many great projects ahead!
For insights on incoming BEC President Dave Paulson’s goals for the coming year, checkout the quick podcast interview with Kevin Doell.
Ashram Inaugural Flag Raising, July 4
A flag-raising ceremony at the Siddhachalam Jain ashram located on 111 Route 521, Blairstown, took place July 4. The beautiful new 35’ foot pole and flag was unfurled with great pride by Siddhachalam Trustees and Community and Township Council members. We are fortunate to have this beautiful sanctuary in our town and BEC looks forward to continuing working with the wonderful people of this community. To learn more about the Ashram visit www.siddhachalam.org.
Everything’s Ducky, July 4
Each year Blairstown celebrates Independence Day at Footbridge Park – a day filled with American spirit and pride and good-old fashioned fun. New Jersey Herald reported on the celebration.
After taking a year off, the July 4th Duck Race sponsored by Blairstown Rotary returned with the grand prize going to Jeanette Iurato. Blairstown Hose Company was the primary recipient of the proceeds.
BEC member Bob Halberstadt
BEC member Bob Halberstadt became NJ’s (and possibly the country’s) oldest firefighter at the age of 78. Recently graduating from Warren County Fire Academy-Fifth Class with 200 hours of training under his belt, he received his New Jersey state Firefighter 1 certification last month. Turning 79 on July 4, Bob is now a volunteer for Blairstown Hose #1. In addition to 25 plus years of EMS experience, he is also Blairstown’s resident photographer and editor of Blairstown News. Great work Bob and thank you for your service.
Route 80
NJ DOT is planning to build a retaining wall to guard against falling rocks along Interstate 80 through Delaware Water Gap. This will forever change the viewshed and beauty of the area and have severe impacts on local economies and communities, not to mention traffic flow, tourism and the potential impact on wildlife. Please join BEC in writing to federal and state transportation officials to appeal for more research into the impact of this project.
Opinions and concerns may be sent
BES Gym Dedication
In memory of beloved Blairstown citizen and former Blairstown Elementary School (BES) Superintendent THOMAS C. GROSS, a dedication of the BES gymnasium took place June 8. The gym was named in his honor, paying homage to his 37 years serving as physical education teacher, principal and superintendent; his participation with many other local and state educational organizations; and his many years of service in the betterment of the Blairstown community (Blairstown Open Space Committee and BEC).
Footbridge Gets A Facelift
Come check out the beautiful mural at Footbridge Park executed by Blair Academy’s LEAD’s class in May. In addition to cleaning debris in one of the coal bins and painting the mural, Blair students mulched the playground, planted trees, and contributed money toward repairing the playground set.
Footbridge Renovation
Blair Academy’s LEAD’s class under the direction of faculty member Tyson Trish, will be renovating areas in Footbridge Park in May. Renovations include repairing the playground set, mulching the playground, and planting trees. In addition, the students will be cleaning debris by the coal bin, removing graffiti, and painting a mural on the bin.
LOCAL DOG CAST IN COMMERCIAL
Rosie,
New Eco-tourism Sign
A new sign featuring Eco-tourism in Blairstown will soon be installed on Route 94. Funded by Blairstown Rotary and designed by BEC, the new sign will replace the existing, rotting structure on Rt 94 (across from Buck Hill Brewery) and will swap places with the Blairstown Welcome sign previously designed & donated by the BEC.
Together We Can Do Great Things
This month’s CARE Meeting also drew a big crowd!
Highlights/Updates:
- Greater Blairstown Family Support Group held two meetings this month. The group is open to family members or anyone dealing with a drug crisis. Meetings are held second & fourth Fridays, 7pm at the North Warren Counseling Center on Stillwater Road. FMI, contact Jim Perry at jjperry13@gmail.com.
- PSA video for NW staff & students in the works
- Main Street Cameras – Initiative between CARE & Blairstown PD as part of a “See Something, Say Something, Show Something” campaign.
To learn more about these & other CARE initiatives, come to our next meeting Monday, April 15th (Third Mondays) 7-8:30pm at 3 Water St. All welcome!