A volunteer for all seasons

West Milford - Bill Remia was a little late to the council meeting Wednesday night because he was - you guessed it - volunteering. Ironically, he was being honored by the council as West Milford’s Volunteer of the Year. But no on seemed to mind. Remia came into the meeting fresh from a softball win with his West Milford High School softball team down in Hackensack. He was just in time to accept his plaque and heap accolades on the community he loves. “I have had the opportunity to work with wonderful volunteers,” said Remia. “We are truly blessed.” Remia is well-known for the bicycle helmet safety program he spearheaded last year in the schools. In addition to that, he has been an officer with the West Milford Softball Association, a member of the Upper Greenwood Lake Ambulance Corp, Long Pond Iron Works and the township’s Historical Commission, just to name a few. And, of course, he’s a volunteer softball coach at the high school. Remia was grateful and humbled by the recognition. Like a true volunteer, he didn’t keep much of the spotlight on himself. Rather, he first thanked Councilwoman Marilyn Lichtenberg for nominating him for the award. “She is the epitome of a volunteer in the community,” said Remia. Remia, who was joined by his wife, Sharon, and their daughter, Laura, said he would think of all the volunteers in the community whenever he looked at the handsome plaque he received, especially those with the fire department and first aid squads. “They’re putting their lives on the line everyday for the community,” he said.