St. Paul's Episcopal Church

The Reverend Kristen C. Foley is our Priest-in-Charge, gratefully serving the people of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church and the community of Bound Brook since January 2019.  Reverend Foley has a passion for outreach and lifelong Christian education, believing that people’s lives change from hearing and experiencing the great Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ.  Rev. Foley lives in North Plainfield with her partner of nearly twenty years, Ann-Marie.

Louise Olshan is a true “Jersey Girl” having been born in NJ and living here for her entire life, except for one school year in graduate school spent in Cambridge, MA. Louise graduated from Passaic High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Upsala College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University. She then worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories and along with a promotion she was sent to Stevens Institute of Technology for a Master of Science degree. Louise then began her teaching career at County College of Morris where she remained as a full-time faculty member for 38 ½ years. She rose from Instructor to the rank of Full Professor. Upon retirement she was awarded the distinction of Professor Emerita. She continued as an Adjunct Professor for an additional 4 ½ years. She was one of the first professors to teach online classes.

Louise married her first husband, Herbert Bernauer, in 1967. He tragically died in an accident in 1979. Their children, Steven and David, were born in 1976 and 1979 respectively. A baby daughter was born in 1975 and died a few days after birth. In 1996 Louise married Sam Olshan who served as an Assistant Scoutmaster in the troop her sons attended and was a widower. His first wife, Jane, had been a very special friend of Louise’s.

Louise began learning to play the piano when she was in the second grade and began organ lessons as a high school freshman. She became the assistant organist at her home church, playing for both English and German language services and served as a Supply Organist. However, as a widow with two children to raise she stopped playing, but kept her name on the substitute list for the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Her Junior High School music teacher contacted her to substitute at his church and Louise began her journey back to playing. She served as one of three organists at her church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Dover, NJ and continued to serve as a Supply Organist.  In 2003 she accepted the position of Organist at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Hackettstown, NJ. She retired in 2014 to have more time to travel, but continued to serve as a Supply Organist. In June, 2017 she played her first service at St. Paul’s. Louise feels very comfortable with the congregation of St. Paul’s and actively participates in the life of the congregation. She is happy to be included in the music planning sessions. Louise often says she does not work for Rev. Foley, but rather with Rev. Foley which makes serving here a pleasure.

Irene Parker has been a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church since moving from Edison to Somerset, NJ in 2013.  She served as a Vestry member since 2018 before becoming Senior Warden in 2020.  As a member of the Finance Committee, part of her responsibility is to assist the Treasurer in overseeing the church Finances. As chairperson of the Transition/Discernment committee Rev. Kristen Foley was hired as our Priest-In-Charge.  Irene is an active participant in the Outreach Program Lunch On Us and also volunteers at both the Silent Auction and the Rummage Sale. 

In her professional life, Irene ran an Insurance and Financial Services agency with her late husband, Ray.  She was active in both the local and national chapters of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and served as the local President.

As an interesting aside, from 1985 – 1990, she was a professional tennis umpire certified by the US Tennis Association officiating at professional & amateur events.

Irene is dependable, competent and can always be relied on to help in any situation. She is a valued member of the St. Paul’s family.

Art grew up in Edison, New Jersey and attended the Edison school system.  He attended Middlesex County College for Electronics Technology.  While working for Burroughs and RCA, he attended Kean College at nights to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Management Science and Computer Science.

After graduation, Art was employed by Lockheed, Metex, Data Based Systems and Chanel, before retiring in 2015.

Art and his wife, Susan joined St. Paul’s in 1981 along with their children, Michelle and Robert.  He has been singing in the choir for 38 years.

Art was elected to the Vestry in 2017 and was appointed treasurer that same year.

He continues to perform volunteer work with the Building and Grounds and the Rectory Rental committees.  Art and his wife manage the food pantry donations at St. Paul’s in coordination with the Somerset County Food Bank. 

If you ever wondered why the church grounds look so good or why the tiles in the chancel sparkle or who comes over to church early on Sunday morning in the winter months to put out the ice-melt look no further. Dave Colombaroni, our sexton, is responsible for this and much much more. Dave is a faithful member of St. Paul's. He and faithfully attends the English-language service. Dave is also one of the people who serves us pancakes and sausage when we have our Pancake Sunday.

Dave's father moved his family from Belle Mead to Bound Brook when Dave was five years old. His father's business was in Bound Brook and he thought it was better to be closer. Dave has lived here ever since. Dave graduated from Bound Brook High School in 1956. While at BBHS Dave received all county honors his senior year in both basketball and baseball. After graduation Dave joined the US Army his initial job was to maintain the generator at a guided missile base in Pittsburgh. It was the height of the cold war and his unit's job was to protect the city. He and his fellow soldiers did a great job since the Soviets never attacked Pittsburgh. Dave also spent some time in Formosa (i.e. Taiwan) where his Army unit worked in heavy construction. Our hats off to Dave and to all military personnel past and present for their service to our country.

Speaking of hats, Dave wears many. Baseball caps that is. Dave has several different team hats he wears but never a Yankee hat. Dave was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan. Dave is a true fan and a veritable walking Baseball Encyclopedia. Dave also has a tremendous amount of knowledge about Bound Brook and history in general.

Dave became St. Paul’s Sexton when Al Snyder (our former Sexton) and his wife moved to Pennsylvania. Dave married Marie in 1975. About that time Dave and his brother, Robert, took over their father's auto repair business and operated it until 2000. Dave says the reason he continues to attend St. Paul's is he likes the people. We sure like him.
 

Sheri Hall joined the St. Paul’s staff in June 2016.  Her primary responsibilities include updating and preparing the weekly bulletin and assisting our Priest as needed.  She also assists with Altar Guild, record keeping, processing forms, updating the website bulletin and calendar, making signs, and helping with special projects.

Sheri has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management/Marketing from Kean University.  Prior to her work at St. Paul’s, Sheri was the Office Manager for a private group Mental Health out-patient practice for 20 years.

She and her husband, Gregg, enjoy spending time with family and friends, weekends at the beach, and hanging out with their 4 fur-babies.

Sheri will happily tell you she loves her job and feels blessed to be part of the St. Paul’s family!