McAfee surprised with retirement party

Friends, family recognize mayor for his work in the city

By JOLENE CRAIG, Staff Writer
BELPRE — More than 120 friends, family and co-workers surprised outgoing Belpre Mayor Bill McAfee Friday afternoon with a retirement party at Rockland United Methodist Church.

“They got me,” McAfee said. “I was snookered.”

His wife, Carole, said she was glad to be able to stop making up excuses.

“We pulled it off,” Carole McAfee said. “He thought he was coming to choir practice.”

Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell said he has known Bill McAfee since he owned the Crystal Cafe in downtown Parkersburg and he will miss their close working relationship when McAfee officially steps down Jan. 1.

“He’s been a wonderful mayor to work with,” Newell said.

“The mayors in the Mid-Ohio Valley are all pretty close and we hate to see someone leave, but we’re all happy for him.”

McAfee said he was pleased to see people he had worked with through his eight years as mayor in the city, Washington County and the State of Ohio.

“You are deserving of the highest praise for your enthusiasm and ingenuity,” said state Rep. Jennifer Garrison, D-Marietta.

Garrison recognized McAfee for his work in the city during his tenure with a list of the accomplishments, which include resurfacing of nearly every street in the city and the Ameresco infrastructure project that updated the city to save money.

“It’s going to be difficult to try and take his place,” said mayor-elect Mike Lorentz.

Susan Stewart, director of the Belpre Senior Citizens Center, said she and McAfee have been friends for more than 20 years and she is happy for him.

“He’s an honest and elegant man and we will miss him within the city,” Stewart said.

“I’m a better person for knowing him.”

McAfee said he is glad to be able to retire but will miss working for the citizens in an official capacity.

“It’s a happy moment to retire, but it’s sad to give up something you love,” he said.

Contact Jolene Craig at jcraig@newsandsentinel.com