BVNA Board
The Blossom Valley Neighborhood Association board is made up of dedicated volunteers who bring the skills they have available to help BVNA function and grow. Their goal is to strengthen the community bonds of our neighborhood through social events and activities. Without the dedicated time and effort of the BVNA board and other members this neighborhood association would not be able to exist. Being part of the board is not a full time job, but does require a bit more of a commitment then the other roles. We are all ways interested in helping new people come on board and find the areas their skills can contribute.
A Brief History of BVNA
The Blossom Valley Neighborhood Association was founded in 1994 with its first event, a trees planting effort in Miner park. Susan Reeve, a mother of four at the time, began bringing neighbors together to form an association in 1993 to counter forces threatening the area with suburban blight an isolation. With the experienced organization assistance of Beverly Moffitt (the first BVNA president) and many others BVNA was established. With its effort’s events like the “Business Night”; where neighbors with businesses could put their products and services on display, were launched. Other events such as the Spring Egg Hunt and 4th of July celebration were also started and continue annually.
Since its foundation BVNA has continued to strengthen the community through its social events as well as its support of the area around it, from sponsoring and maintaining the Doggy bag supply at Miner park to working with RLEI to address complicated and sometimes dangerous housing situations. Though the member ship of BVNA has changed hands into the next generations of neighbors through the years, like the tress that are still present in Miner park BVNA has grown and continues its vision of supporting the community and bringing neighbors together.
The BVNA Board and Members
Below are the current BVNA Board and members. If you are interested in learning about or signing up for any of the positions, OR if you have an idea for something new please let us know by emailing
board@bvnasj.com
President
Brian Forteamo
This is Brian’s first year as BVNA President. He is a general handyman around the home and also enjoys contributing his skills to the local high school’s Halloween Festival.
Tresurer
Sandee DeBella
Has been in the neighborhood for over 15 years and part of the BVNA board since 2015. Sandee also spends her time on various craft projects or in the company of her chihuahua “Corndog”
1st Vice President
Michael LeComte
Also heads up the Miner Park improvement comity to revitalize the Local Miner Park as well as the regular BVNA park clean up efforts. Michael is a 2nd generation resident of BVNA.
Secretary
Debbie Webster
Moved from Illinois to the BVNA neighborhood with her husband in 1985. Though calling our area home for over 30 years Debbie and her husband do love to travel.
2nd Vice President
Tom Chandler
Tom and his wife Madeline are the proud parents of seven children, two of which are still in the nest. Tom runs TechMentors, a training and development consulting firm that helps businesses get more out of Microsoft Office.
President Emeritus
Marie Arnold
The second president of BVNA in 2001, Marie has dedicated her time, effort and home to BVNA over the years. Though no longer having to shoulder the responsibilities of board president Marie still contributes her time to meetings and has been awarded an honorary title of President Emeritus.
Additional BVNA Members
Additional members of BVNA volunteer their time, skill and knowledge to the various aspects and events that make BVNA run. Being a member of BVNA is easy and every little bit helps. If there is an open role that you are interested in we would love to have you. If you have an idea of how you may be able to help but are not sure where it would fit, let us know and we can work with you to find the right place.
Below the list of active members is a link to all current roles and brief descriptions.
| Paula Bassett | – Emergancy Prep |
| Jessica & John Bootz | – Dist Runner |
| Frank & Bev Buxton | – Dist Runner |
| Vicki Cain | – Dist Runner |
| John &Cindy Castignola | – Dist Runner |
| David & Daphne Close | – Dist Runner |
| Madeline Chandler | – Event Chair (Egg Hunt) |
| Stacy Crespo | – Dog Bag Supplies |
| Denis, Catherine & Sarah Fastert | – Dist Runner |
| Brian Forteamo | – Web Slinger |
| Shawna Forteamo | – Hospitality Liaison |
| Darya Gilani | – Dist Runner |
| Sheldon Goldsmith | – Area Rep |
| Melinda Gurrola | – Dist Runner |
| Delmy Hanmore | – Dist Runner |
| Ingrid Hemingway | – Dist Runner |
| Melanie Johnson | – Area Rep |
| Annablle Knepper | – Dist Runner |
| Sara Langone | – Dist Runner |
| Diane Moffett | – Dist Manager |
| Lori Paulsen | – Dist Runner |
| Cera Renault | – News Letter Editor |
| Carol and Reva | – Dist Runner |
| Hayle Richard | – Event Chair (Winter) |
| Lydia & Alan Sweger | – Dist Runner |
| Lyle M. & Sandy Swirsky | – Area Rep |
| Deborah Torrens | – Event Chair (July 4th) |
| Sharane Wiitala | – Dist Runner |
All BVNA roles
Want to join BVNA but not sure what to do?
Take a look at the open roles we need help filling. Or if you are wondering what a particular role does you can find a brief description of the roles there as well.