They are the true standard-bearers and patriarchs of their respective community.

That lofty praise was bestowed upon a pair of life-long residents of Bowmanstown on a milestone day in which the borough celebrated its 100th anniversary.Well over 100 residents gathered on Sunday at the grove for a community picnic in recognition of the borough's centennial celebration. There were hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, and games for kids.The picnic was sponsored by the borough, and made possible by Bowmanstown Area Residents Connected, the Bowmanstown/Parryville Lions Club, and the Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company.Also as part of the picnic, the borough held a dedication ceremony to honor Oliver J. Solt, age 100, and Forrest "Foffie" Beers, 90.The new pavilion will be named after Solt, while the Bowmanstown ball field will be named after Beers.William Ravert, borough council president, expressed his appreciation for the solid turnout."I'd like to welcome all of you here today," Ravert said. "It's good to see such a nice crowd."Ravert then thanked everyone who made the event possible.Several dignitaries were on hand, including state Rep. Doyle Heffley; Carbon County Commissioners Wayne Nothstein, chairman, and Thomas J. Gerhard; Bill Hanley, who represented Congressman Matt Cartwright's (D-17th) office; and Ed Knittel, senior director, Education & Sustainability, of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.Kara Scott, borough councilwoman, said Solt embodies the borough's strong work ethic and sense of community support, and is "exemplary of both of these traits, and is to be congratulated."Solt, Scott said, previously worked for the New Jersey Zinc Company, was chief of police back when the borough had its own police department many years ago, and was dedicated to the borough's water authority.Ravert said Beers coached the Bowmanstown Little League baseball team from 1963-1977. During that time, Ravert said Beers won over 300 games, and an impressive eight championships."He was dedicated to the kids of the borough," Ravert said. "Whether they were good or bad, they always had the chance to play."Hanley presented a citation from Cartwright's office, which he said saluted not only the borough, but Solt and Beers as well.Heffley told Solt and Beers they were examples of what makes the borough the feel-good story that it is. He then presented them with citations from the state House.At that, Heffley presented a citation to Ravert on behalf of the borough's 100th anniversary.Knittel presented a certificate to the borough for its 100th anniversary, and congratulated it on its achievement.Nothstein thanked Beers for all of his coaching over the years, and wished Solt a happy birthday.He added, "It is people like this that make your community very proud to be a part of."Gerhard said it was impressive to see the small community celebrate such a big anniversary.The borough, Gerhard said, is one of the pieces of the puzzle that joins the communities together in Carbon County.Gerhard then thanked Solt and Beers "for what they've done for the community."He also thanked the mayor and council for working with the residents to make the borough a "great community to live."