STAR OF BROOKLYN: Ann Panzarino

Ann Panzarino – Membership Director of Bay Ridge AARP Chapter3630, member of Bay Ridge Telephone Pioneers, member of St.Patrick’s Church Crochet Group

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Panzarino decided to volunteer asmembership director of her local AARP chapter three years ago whereit was announced at a meeting that the position would soon bevacant. I said to my friend [Marilyn O’Brien] that there’s noreason I can’t do it, Panzarino recalled. And she said, ‘If youdo it, I’ll be your co-chair, lady. In addition to her successfulthree years in the position, Panzarino still finds time to drum upmembers for Bay Ridge Telephone Pioneers and participate with hercrochet group at St. Patrick’s Church. She says that she wants tomake a difference. I like working with people, Panzarinoexplained. I feel it’s a good thing. And the main thing, I feel,is to keep these organizations together and to give them a nicefeeling so people will want to come to a meeting – to build thatwarmth.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The most persistent challenge in thevolunteer work she does, Panzarino says, is recruiting new members.A lot of people just sit back and want it done for them, she saidabout making a difference in the community. They don’t want totake an active part. But she says that it’s not in her nature towatch from the sidelines. A lot of people are laid back,Panzarino said. I couldn’t do what they do – stay inactive. Ithink it’s very important to stay active.

PERSONAL: Panzarino has a 45-year-old daughter, two twin59-year-old sons, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Sheis 85 years old. A lifetime Brooklynite, Panzarino lived in DykerHeights until she was 25 and has lived in Bay Ridge for the last 60years. She says she has never wished to live anywhere else. Myroots are here, Panzarino said. I really love Brooklyn. I loveBay Ridge and I love Dyker Heights.

INSPIRATION: It is her family that Panzarino credits for givingher strength to be so active in the local community. She recallsfondly the tender push her daughter gave her when she was on thefence about joining the St. Patrick’s Church Crochet Group. Mydaughter said, ‘Why don’t you go?’ Panzarino said. I said, ‘Idon’t know anybody.’ She said, ‘So what? You’ll make friends.’