My first child, a daughter named Caitie, was just three weeks old when I moved to Blairstown. That was in 2003. As a nesting mama, I was pretty restrictive about where we would live. My real estate agent (thankfully my ever-calm father) took us to dozens of places all over Warren County before I was willing accept a home that was just right for my babies.

It reminded me of the place we lived when I was 12, in Pohatcong Township, with it's woods and sloping lawn. It wasn't big or fancy. It was a good place for children. It was near the schools and had lots of backyard for a swingset and running.

Soon I learned of the Ridge and Valley Charter School, the local farms, the local culture... that amazing mix of progressive thinking and simple, old-fashioned values. Blairstown has proven to be a very special place that has captured my heart completely. This is where my children will grow up. This will be their hometown. I think it's a damned good one.