WHAT'S HAPPENING

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.

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 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.

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 to:  Nicole R. Nason, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, which is providing the funding for the project; and DOT Commissioner Diane Guttierrez-Scaccetti.

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). 

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.