n
a bright yellow dress, the diminutive Eleanor Jackson Pinn arrived at
City Hall to receive a proclamation from the City Council for
"brightening the lives of so many New Yorkers throughout her
105
years" and for "continuing to enrich the lives of countless neighbors
and friends" even now.
Majority Whip, Leroy Comrie, in whose district Pinn lives, invited
people to try to imagine the colossal amount of changes in life she’s
experienced since her birth in 1899 - just as to technology alone, for
example. "It is something to have the kind of fortitude that brings you
to this age, as well as the desire for learning, exploring and enjoying
all aspects of life," he said.
Calling Eleanor Pinn "a woman of extraordinary character and
compassion," the proclamation revealed that she was born in South
Woodstock, Connecticut. When she was a child her family moved to New
York City, where she went on to a very successful career as a dancer.
Later in life Pinn
moved into the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Senior Housing of St.
Albans, Queens where she began a new life enjoying new friends in a
nurturing environment where the accomplishments and lives of older New
Yorkers such as herself are respected and their needs are met.
Eleanor Pinn has said that the secret to her longevity is living life
to the fullest, trying to encourage everyone she meets, and brightening
the lives of others through her sense of humor. "It is no wonder," the
proclamation states, "that she now bears the proud title of ‘Queen’ of
the Allen Senior Complex, for she continually exhibits a love for the
world and for others. She is a wonderful role model and a constant
reminder of the expression ‘You're only as old as you feel.’ With her
boundless spirit and sense of friendship," it concludes, "she is a
constant source of inspiration to all those who know and love her."
Just as the proclamation did, Comrie also acknowledged the people in
Eleanor Pinn’s caregiver group because, as he said, "You can't become
105 without having some great support!"
On hand to receive the proclamation with Pinn were the Allen African
Methodist Episcopal Senior Housing’s Service Coordinator, Careta
Lawrence, along with Sheila Haire, Yasmir Fonseca, Anne Benroubi, Evelyn
Aiken-Ibrahim and Brenda Washington who has been Pinn’s 24-hour
caregiver 5 days a week for more than a year.
Washington, who was born in Guyana, spoke with deep affection for
Mrs. Pinn. "It feels great being with her because she's a lovely
person," she stated. And she went on to tell of Pinn’s humorous response
when Washington said to her, "Tell me what I can do at my age to live as
long as you." "It's too late," Eleanor Pinn quipped. "You should have
started earlier!"
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