A look back at 2016 in pictures
| 30 Dec 2016 | 06:10

Photo by Patricia Keller Mary Reinhold decided 2016 would be her last year as principal of Macopin Middle School. She announced her retirement earlier in the year and the accolades rolled in. The much beloved educator was emotional at the Macopin graduation.

Photo by Mark Cranston West Milford lost a true gem this year in Fred Stewart. He gave of himself to his community for more than 50 years. Stewart died in his beloved fire house on Sunday, Nov. 6. The community showed its respect for the well-known, well-liked and respected 79-year-old firefighter as he was brought to his final resting place in Cedar Heights Cemetery.

Photo by Justina Addice The Friends of Wallisch Homestead have introduced many activities at the farmstead, opening up the property to more residents. One of the activities was sunset yoga on Aug. 9. Justina Addice captured it beautifully.

The township also lost a favorite music venue in 2016. Music at the Mission closed its doors after bringing some of the best folk music to the area since 2002. Finances and dwindling audiences were the reasons for the closure. Pictured here is one of the founding members, Sara Gallmann, who served as master of ceremonies for many years at the monthly open mic and the monthly concerts.

The township severed ties with the beleaguered PAL group after years of back and forth, trying to arrive at a workable arrangement for the PAL to pay rent to the township. It didn't work. In January the township announced the decision, giving the PAL until April to complete its indoor soccer season. Now, the township's Recreation Department offices and many recreation leagues are held at the renamed West Milford Recreation Center.

Photo by Linda Smith Hancharick The township honored and supported its police by painting a blue line on Union Valley Road in front of town hall. It is an action done by many municipalities to show their support for the police in a year where many were attacked.

Photo by Linda Smith Hancharick West Milford Police Det. Michael Malfetti did a lot to bring the opioid epidemic to the forefront, urging anyone using drugs to reach out to him for help. He sent the message on facebook. He has made a difference.

West Milford voters reelected Republican Lou Signorino for a third term on the township council, along with his running mate Pete McGuinness. With no Democrats running, the Republicans had competition from Libertarian candidate Michael Chazukow, a newcomer to local politics. McGuinness and Signorino will take the oath of office on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at the township council meeting, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Pete McGuinness will take his seat on the township council next week after winning the council election with his running mate Lou Signorino.

Photo by Kyle Hancharick Welcome to the neighborhood. There was much excitement for the new TJ Maxx store, which opened on Sept. 18. It is in the spot of the former movie theater near ShopRite, which has been vacant for several years.

Photo by Don Webb West Milford marked the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. "Find that unity again" was the theme from Mayor Bettina Bieri in her remarks to the crowd.

Fred Stewart, longtime volunteer and fire inspector for the township died in November at his beloved fire house. He was 79.
WEST MILFORD — As 2016 comes to a close, we take a look back at some of the bigger stories of the year in the township, through pictures. West Milford honored its police, lost one of its bravest, welcomed a new neighbor and celebrated the beauty of the land that is the township. Residents marked a milestone, wished a beloved educator farewell and continued making West Milford a place where people volunteer their time, doing what neighbors do - taking care of each other.
Here's to 2017!
For more photos, go to westmilfordmessenger.com.