'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Tri-Boro

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town,
For Santa to come, kids began a countdown.

As they celebrated the holiday with family and ate Christmas treats,
Parents reflected on the past year, both the struggles and and feats. 

Kinnelon football came to mind as the team's now state champs,
And how the Walter T. Bergen School was finally lit up by lamps.

But as the year comes to a close,
For now the youth sports kids will have to play on just earth.

School budgets were decided to no longer require a vote,
Businesses made adjustments in attempts to stay afloat.

A tax program for AvalonBay was rejected,
Kinnelon saw crime rate in the borough deflected.

Butler schools
In memory of a student, Pearl Miller students each wore a blue blouse.

Anti-bullying was big as the schools sought to curb violence,
For a few moments this year, boards stopped for moments of silence.

Teachers' unions
An officer was hospitalized after he was allegedly attacked.

A new firehouse was built in Fayson Lakes,
The bigger space will allow for more beef steaks. 

Readers voted for favorite businesses
Elise Testone showed the world what she could do with her voice.

A Butler mom and daughter were on television too,
A superintendent retired and Bloomingdale's interim superintendent was new.

An underage drinking law in Kinnelon was eventually passed,
At Butler's Night Out, kids seemed to have a blast.

As the year was almost over,
One that knocked power out as some residents struggled to keep warm.

Though Sandy brought challenges to residents throughout the state,
Butler Electric was praised for restoring power so quickly, considering the utility's full plate.

More happened this year, that much we know,
Something you want to mention? Please comment below.

We hope you've enjoyed another year of our site,
Hopefully it's been informative, but also a delight.

Stay tuned for more features and news stories every day,
and please, from us to you, have a Happy Holiday.