BY ANN GENADER
WEST MILFORD – There are people living in the township today who may wonder how it became designated as “The Heart of the Highlands” a reference name heard quite frequently.
It goes back to 1995 when Samantha Rennalls, then a local school student, won a branding contest for West Milford.
Samantha’s complete title was actually “The Heart of the Highlands – A Recreational Wonderland.”
New Jersey Highlands Council Chairman Carl Richko was mayor of West Milford at the time and presided at the Heart of the Highlands dedication ceremony on April 29, 1995 in Westbrook Park.
This kicked off a month-long series of events to promote West Milford.
Richko had initiated the slogan contest as a way to promote West Milford as a recreational community.
Samantha’s slogan was one of three listed on ballot for students in Apshawa and Paradise Knoll elementary schools and West Milford High School.
They had the opportunity to make a decision for the slogan through the League of Women Voters sponsored Vote-Ed program.
Samantha’s entry won and she was awarded a $100 savings bond and a plaque.
Richko began the designation ceremony at Westbrook Park by talking about how the Township Council and all other organizations were working together aggressively to make West Milford a recreational community.