By Taylor Sterling
One of Orange County’s finest retired last week and it was truly impossible to realize I would not be calling on her for numerous issues affecting our older population. Ann Marie Maglione, the Director of the Office for the Aging, was stunned when everyone yelled SURPRISE at her retirement party this past weekend. All the guests, including family, friends and co-workers, shared stories of her innate ability to say the right thing at the worst of times and bring peace to so many. We all agreed that AnnMarie’s unconditional kindness and compassion is what held everyone together while always finding a way to make it right. A few got up to share their humorous and heartwarming stories, including her brother who gave up her secrets and her amazing entrepreneurial skills as a youngster where she would bargain for a higher wage for a diverse list of kid jobs. Ann Marie’s gumption was at its best when she tried to negotiate a car! Ya gotta love her ability to reach for the stars. Be sure when you see Ann Marie to have her share those stories you will LOL. The venue was packed and included her daughters and one of her grandchildren. The love and respect and appreciation between Ann Marie and her family was
palatable. Many from her office who worked for Ann Marie over those many years were in attendance to share stories and sincere appreciation for all the great work Ann Marie has done for so many seniors, including all the programs that she developed i.e., senior games, Tai Chi, music, food, dancing, etc. at Thomas Bull Memorial Park. Ann Marie was always pondering what new events she could entice our older population with, and she did! At one of her seminars, which I was asked to speak at, I witnessed first-hand the positive impact she had on the seniors. It was a true gift. And you saw her smile when she was thinking…what more can I do to entice our older population to move their minds and bodies and keep them happy and healthy, hence all the programs evolved. Steve Neuhaus, our County Executive, is well known for his amazing ability to choose the perfect person to head up all the Orange County departments, and Ann Marie is definite proof. Steve spoke so highly of Ann Marie that evening and to a resounding applause. How do I describe Ann Marie? A true friend, brilliant in a non-threatening way, full of ideas and a willingness to share those ideas to make others’ lives joyful. Her intentions were always to find the answers for all who needed assistance…mission accomplished. And now you ask who could possibly fit into that role seamlessly…well honestly no one could take Ann Marie’s place however a young lady who has been the Assistant Director of the Office for the Aging for 13 years, Danielle Diana-Smith is the perfect heir apparent, Ann Marie reflected on her many years of service to the residents of Orange County, and added that she is ever grateful for the people she has worked with especially Danielle. Ann Marie added that she is confident that Danielle will not only continue to provide the necessary services and programs, but she will also grow and develop new and innovative initiatives. I will leave you with this. There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. Ann Marie has done just that, and she has left her indelible spirit on all of us. When I spoke during her retirement party, I shared that I deviously found a way to see her every week…wait for it… I sweet talked Ann Marie into being a co-host on one of the morning shows. I am good!!
