COVID, Teens, And Business: Westfield's 2020 Year In Review

WESTFIELD, NJ — It's hard to deny that the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest local and national and local story of 2020, with the U.S. death toll reaching more than 340,000 Americans Wednesday.

In Westfield, local officials — particularly Mayor Shelley Brindle and Health Officer Megan Avallone — were suddenly were thrust into a new role: fielding virus questions, helping residents find tests (in short supply in spring), consoling those who lost loved ones.

Westfield has a popular downtown; what could it do to help shops and restaurants survive? And what about the kids — what was the best way to go about remote learning?

Local officials had to make difficult decisions. At one point, Mayor Brindle said she didn't want to be the "UnFun Captain," but had no choice.

But of course, there were other big stories in Westfield:

• Protests against racial inequities after the death of George Floyd
• Crime (particularly stolen cars)
• And severe storms with flooding and downed trees.

Read the biggest stories in Westfield below. (You can also read the biggest stories around Union County here).

Here were some of the biggest Westfield stories in 2020:

Coronavirus:

A local woman wrote to Patch in March, desperate for a coronavirus test when supplies were limited. Local doctors perished. Many of the towns' death tolls were high in part because of long-term care facilities (which waited for weeks for the state to call in the National Guard), provoking investigative reports in the press.

Westfield Dad With Coronavirus: I 'Argued' To Be Tested

Six Westfield Residents Die Of Coronavirus, Some In Nursing Homes

'I Cannot Get Air': When Local Woman Begged For Coronavirus Test

Westfield Teens Have Coronavirus 'Associated With A Party'

Westfield Suffers Its First Coronavirus Fatality Since July

No Nursing Home Vaccines On Monday; NJ Missed Deadline

Schools:

To be remote, or not to be remote? In spring, schools suddenly had to figure out how to teach kids via computer. In fall, they had to figure out how to send them back safely.

Westfield Schools Announce Hybrid Reopening

Westfield High School Football Parent Criticizes Sports Shutdown

Westfield Schools Worry That Teens Refuse To Quarantine

Business stories:

The state released guidelines for outdoor dining. Local towns allowed restaurants and shops to sell outdoors, and many restaurants expanded their delivery and takeout options. Some establishments had to close, while others opened.

Westfield Couple Keeps Maid Service Afloat, Safe Amid Coronavirus

Westfield Outdoor Dining Returns June 15

Ann Taylor Store On Iconic Westfield Block Is Closed

Racial justice:

Local police chiefs spoke out after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Governor Attends Westfield Teen's George Floyd Protest

Westfield Chief 'Broken Hearted' Over Floyd; Addresses Rumors

Entertainment and the arts:

Musicians held virtual concerts, some for charity. John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls held two porch concerts from Westfield.

Goo Goo Dolls Singer Plays From Westfield Porch Amid Coronavirus

And the town held socially distanced versions of traditions like Addamsfest, Halloween activities, and local contests in conjunction with Westfield 300. The Westfield Historical Society also held virtual events.

A Few More Days To Vote For Best Westfield Gingerbread House

Crime:

Teens from the area were apparently causing mayhem at Mindowaskin Park. The mayor said she knew kids were desperate to socialize, but police cracked down.

And police sternly reminded residents to stop leaving their doors unlocked, particularly with key fobs inside. Westfield police collared car thieves as well.

Westfield Responds To Concerns About Teens In Local Park

Westfield Teens Need To Stop Hanging Out On Rooftops

And don't forget puppies! Puppies? Yes, puppies were popular in lockdown, but that meant puppy scams, and in Scotch Plains, a puppy mill was shut.

Westfield Police Report Puppy Scam

Six Teens Charged Over 2 Weeks In Westfield Car Thefts

132 Dogs, Cats Rescued From Illegal Puppy Mill In Scotch Plains

Stormy weather:

Several severe storms swept through the area, including Tropical Storm Isaias in August, which caused downed trees and power outages in several Union County towns.

1,640 Without Power In Westfield

And earlier this month, a nor'easter dumped more than 10 inches of snow on the area and closed most schools.

What's to come in Westfield? Watch for Patch's previews in the new year: Development, business, more!

Got news? Email caren.lissner@Patch.com. To be the first to get news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.