Senior of the Year

BYRAM — Byram Mayor Jim Oscovitch, Byram Township Manager Joseph Sabatini, and the Byram Senior Citizens’ Club members gathered together at the Lafayette House on Tuesday May 18, to honor Senior of the year, Peter Bahr. Bahr, 83, was selected to receive the award for his work in the community as a board of education member, a long standing scout leader, helping out in area churches and serving in many senior citizens club committees, as well as being an all-round good neighbor and friend. “He has always been ready to help,” said his wife Anna of 57 years, continuing, “I wasn’t surprised when he was chosen. He deserves the award for all the work he’s done.” Peter said modestly he was surprised at the news. The Bahrs just celebrated their anniversary on Mother’s Day. The couple’s three children and two grandchildren could not attend due to work, but they got congratulatory phone calls that morning. Byram residents since 1960, the family is well known in the community. Mayor Oscovitch said it’s a great event. “It’s always good when seniors are honored, it means they are still active in the community.” A lifelong Byram resident, many of the club members present were his neighbors, teachers, and coaches. The club gets some assistance from Byram, and they meet at the firehouse. It was the second time Lafayette House hosted the event. Organizer Sandy Wray, said it’s now becoming a tradition. The award was as much for his generosity and kindness as for his accomplishments, according to the Club’s leaflet describing Bahr’s nomination.