Pat Rafferty is Byram's Senior of the Year

BYRAM — Each year since 1973 Byram has recognized an outstanding senior citizen for their contributions to the community. This year Patricia Rafferty was named Byram’s Senior of the Year at a celebration at Lafayette House on April 19. Rafferty was selected by the nominating committee of the Byram Township Senior Citizens’ Club for donating her time and talents to the people of the community as well as her spirited and generous efforts to help wherever there is need. Rafferty came to know Bryam as a child, when her family used to spend their summers at Lake Lackawanna, a getaway from their New York City home. Rafferty became a full-time resident in 1968 and has been involved in the community ever since. She is a member of St. Michael’s Church in Netcong, has been a religion teacher and served as president of the Parent-Teacher Association. She was also the past president of the Lake Lackawanna Ladies Club, treasurer of the Lackawanna Little League and a member of the Byram Township Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for 11 years. Rafferty was employed at Pope John High School in Sparta for 18 years, becoming secretary for the guidance department, a position she retired from in 1999. The Senior Citizen’s Club tapped into her expertise when Rafferty served as corresponding secretary, trustee and first vice-president. Rafferty also chaired many committees within the club. A plaque in the township’s courthouse will bear her name in commemoration of the award. Rafferty was awarded a plaque of her own that recognized her many contributions to Byram, its residents, and those in the surrounding area.