Pleasantville Senior Center Director Retires

Virginia Pancotti has been spearheading Pleasantville's senior programs and outreach for more than two decades.

"I am proud of the community here that has developed," she reflected. "We have provided the fertile field for it to develop and the people who come here are remarkable."

After what would have been 23 years in September as director of senior services, Pancotti decided this was the year to retire.

"I certainly am happy for Virginia. I couldn’t be happier for her. This is a well-deserved and well-earned retirement. She has been an extraordinary asset for the village," said Village Administrator Patricia Dwyer. "She is one of those people who works and does things that are certainly beyond the expectations and the job descriptions."

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In 2003, when Pleasantville debuted its Clinton Street Center, Dwyer said Pancotti not only moved the senior programs there, but created a vibrant, active community.

"She grew it into a model program where hopefully other people do come and see the types of things that are offered here and recognize her effort," Dwyer said.

Pancotti also resides in Pleasantville and said that made her time spent in the role even more special.

"It has been an honor, it has been a privilege to serve my community in this very, very meaningful way," she said. "I am proud that we—and by 'we' I mean the community members and over 70 volunteers—have built a strong program that will support our adults."

On Tuesday, Joni Ehrlich took over the role as director of senior services, based on Pancotti's recommendation, according to Dwyer.

"We have a high degree of confidence that Joni will come in and offer a quality program and be as successful as Virginia was," Dwyer said.

Pancotti's last day was March 29 and on that day she said she was most looking forward to not being on a schedule at all going into retirement.

"I don't have any plans," she shared. "I don't know how things will unfold and it's a mystery. I am kind of enjoying that mystery."