A surprise birthday party for a spry senior added to the pleasure when members of the Marine Park Bocce Club held a tournament at the emerald gem followed by a revel for member Anne Vincent, who had turned 100 years young days earlier.
Boasting age-defying good looks, a trim figure and a nature for fun, Anne – a Carroll Gardens native who now lives in Marine Park – was feted during an outdoor celebration complete with cake and camaraderie at the bocce courts on the Fillmore Avenue side of the park, where the club meets most evenings weather permitting, said club President Ellie Caporale.
The in-club competition had members lock friendly horns as they plied their hands at the precision sport, closely related to bowling and pétanque, during which the birthday gal sat out, even though she plays regularly with the group.
Friends showered fond words and affection upon Anne, who was born in Carroll Gardens on July 1, 1908 – when a box of corn flakes cost 10 cents, the New Year’s Day ball was dropped in Times Square for the first time and women were banned from smoking in public.
Age clearly hasn’t taken a noticeable toll on the retired Department of Water Works clerical worker, who remains active in her community as a parishioner and near-daily communicant at Good Shepherd Church, 1950 Batchelder Street; plus a member of the church friendship and of the one run by the Columba Golden Age Society.
What’s the secret to her longevity?
Staying active, plus a daily glass of wine with meals, says Anne, who doesn’t rely on spectacles and until recently played golf and swam regularly.
“She still dances at parties,” said Caporale, disclosing that the golden elder had tripped the light fantastic just days earlier at Buckley’s and at her local parish house where her friends had arranged parties for her milestone birthday.
“She’s sweet and kind and patient and a lot of fun,” added Caporale of their extra-special member.
