George Batterson celebrates his 100th birthday

| 29 Sep 2011 | 08:22

Lake Hopatcong - George E. Batterson, Sr., a summer resident of Lake Hopatcong for 85 years, celebrated his 100th birthday March 5 with an “open house” at the Oradell Health Care Center where he now resides. Batterson resided in New Milford before moving to the center. Helping him celebrate were daughters Merle Wade and Virginia Gonzalez, and son, George, Jr., along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and seven of his 14 great-great grandchildren. Neighbors, friends, local politicians and members of his church also joined in the celebration. Batterson worked as a salesman for A Fine Paper Company and served as a Republican councilman in New Milford from 1947-1950. He is the oldest former mayor in Bergen County. Although confined to a wheel chair, he spends his day visiting all the patients, playing bingo, and welcoming visitors. He says he has neither the time nor the interest to watch television.