Joseph McDonald, 2013 Aide to the Grand Marshal

January 8, 2013 by Robert P. Lynch

2013 Aide to the Grand Marshal Joe McDonald

Life is full of chances and many times a chance meeting or event can be life changing.

That is what happened with 2013 Aide to the Grand Marshal Joe McDonald.

Back in 2002, a chance event allowed him to acquire the Mets Online Fan Forum, allowing him to break into the sports industry and as a byproduct, learn web designing and development. Two careers were spawned from that, as the former stockbroker became a professional sports writer and a web developer.

Then in 2007 a chance meeting with Glen Cove Hibernians led Joe to joining the Mike Moran Division eventually leading to an AOH tenure where he served as Division President, the first Online Editor of the Hibernian Digest, and in his current positions as National, New York State and Nassau County Webmaster.

Chance has always been part of Joe’s life. It started with his birth on March 28, 1970, he was put up for adoption at Our Lady of Victory Homes in Lackawanna, NY. Three months later, Joseph Benedict McDonald and Catherine Ann (nee Cleary) McDonald took a chance and adopted baby Eric, renamed him Joseph Gerard, and moved him to Bay Ridge Brooklyn.

Joe was raised in the Borough of Churches, graduating from Our Lady of Angels Grammar School in 1984, Xaverian High School in 1988 and then Fordham University four years later.

Joe took a chance in 2004, moving to Long Island from Brooklyn, looking for a change from city life.

Another chance was taken in 2010 when then National Editor Keith Carney in 2010 asked Joe to design the first Online Hibernian Digest in AOH history. Joe’s Division Presidency, from 2011 to 2012 saw not only the naming of the first-ever two National Life Members from Division 8, but also the naming of two Division members, he and John O’Connell, to the AOH National Board.

As National Webmaster, Joe built the first online national application, first online national division directory, the first national social media pages, and is overseeing the building of the new AOH member management system. He has also provided web design for a large number of other Irish organizations and businesses.

Being part of the AOH has allowed Joe to get in touch with his Irish roots. At the age of nine, he played his grandfather’s Irish button accordion and picked up that instrument again a few years ago. He has won prizes for his music at Feiseanna and also an award winning Irish soda bread, taking second place this past year at the Nassau County Feis.

The risk taking paid off for Joe, since he was able to build two businesses. As a sportswriter for the last nine years, Joe has worked for Fox Sports, ESPN, New York Sportscene, the Blueshirt Bulletin, Tennis Now Magazine, and his own company, Sportsday Publishing. He has, covered such high profile events as the MLB Playoffs, the World Series, the US Tennis Open, the US Golf Open, and the Stanley Cup.

Applying his web design expertise, Joe opened Damocles Designs Web Services and has a growing business in that industry.

The biggest chance effecting Joe’s life was taken by Elizabeth (Liz) Curtin, who married Joe and they have two children Joseph Patrick, age nine and four year-old Jamie Ann. They live in West Hempstead, NY – Liz’s hometown – and attend St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

Robert James Panzenbeck, 2013 Aide to the Grand Marshal

January 7, 2013 by Robert P. Lynch

Robert James Panzenbeck, 2013 Aide to the Grand Marshal

Bob was born in the Bronx—the first son in a family of eight boys—to Bob and Eileen Panzenbeck. His maternal grandparents, Thomas J. Martin and Mary McGovern Martin were both natives of Couty Galway

Spending most of his childhood in Syosset, Bob attended Syosset public schools and St. Dominic’s High School. From there he attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.

After a five year stint in management for UPS, Bob made a career change to insurance/financial planning in the early 1980s. Bob is currently a Principal in Robert J. Panzenbeck, LLC in Glen Cove.

Bob has been married to Pamela Donaldson Panzenbeck for 32 years and is the proud father of 3 adult children, Bobby, Billy, and Laura.

Bob and Pam have been active St. Patrick’s parishioners for over 30 years. Together they have been involved in the Baptism Preparation and Pre-Cana programs. Bob served as coordinator of the St. Pat’s CYO for 15 years and continues to referee on Saturday mornings. He also chaired the Parish Spring Fling for 10 years. He recently became a member of the Legion of Mary.

Bob has been a member of AOH Division 8 for almost 15 years.

Pamela Donaldson Panzenbeck, 2013 Aide to the Grand Marshal

January 7, 2013 by Robert P. Lynch

Pamela Donaldson Panzenbeck, 2013 Aide to the Grand Marshal

Pamela Donaldson Panzenbeck is retired from the Levittown School District where she taught business and computer education for 34 years. When not playing golf or relaxing at the beach, she still finds time to substitute teach a few days each month.

Pam is an active member of the Ladies Ancient of Hibernians – Division 8, having served as treasurer for several years and as a member of the St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance Committee. She has served as the ticket booth chairperson of the St. Patrick’s Church Carnival for more than 15 years and was Co-chair of St. Patrick’s Semi-Annual Blood Drive –for more than 10 years. Pam also enjoys volunteering at various S.C.O. Family of Services fundraising events.

Since retiring Pam enjoys being a lector at Mass and teaching religious education to 6^th graders. One of her newest affiliations is as a member of the Glen Cove Hospital Auxiliary.

Pam’s great, great grandfather, Peter Dailey, emmigrated from Ireland sometime around 1845. While the time frame and details are unclear, it is known that Peter owned property on Maple Avenue in Glen Cove. His son, Edward Dailey, raised his family there, including Pam’s grandmother, Ann. Members of the Dailey family were involved in the building of St. Patrick’s church.

Pamela is married to Bob Panzenbeck and is the proud mother of three adult children, Bobby, Billy, and Laura. She is the daughter of Ginny Miller Donaldson and the late Bill Donaldson.

2013 Glen Cove Parade

December 30, 2012 by Robert P. Lynch

The 25th Annual Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, March 17, 2013.

St.. Patrick’s Day in Glen Cove this year will be even more special than usual for two great reasons. The first is that Glen Cove gets a rare chance to hold its St. Patrick’s Day Parade on St. Patrick’s Day itself, since the Manhattan parade is held on Saturday when St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday. The second is that this year’s Parade will be the 25th Annual parade since its inception in 1989. During that time the Parade, always a dazzling event, has grown to be the premier St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the North Shore and the largest annual parade in Glen Cove.

This year’s Grand Marshal is renowned Irish activist and Sea Cliff resident Daniel J. Lane. He will be accompanied by Aides Robert and Pamela Panzenbeck, Lisa Forgione and Joseph McDonald.

The Parade begins to form up at 12 noon in the area of the Finley Middle School on Forest Avenue. It steps off at 1pm, following the usual route through downtown Glen Cove to St. Patrick’s Church. There is very ample parking in the municipal garages and at the end of the parade route. Click here for more information on the parade route and directions.

The backbone of the parade, as always, will be its exciting mix of marching groups, including many bands of Irish pipers. Further color will be added to the festivities by vintage cars, costumed performers, face painters, fire and police units and much more. The parade is a true community celebration of the coming of Spring with many of our areas ethnic organizations, often in costume, taking part. Come, join the fun!

For more information about the parade, please visit www.glencoveirishparade.org or call 516-782-7494.

Glen Cove Parade names Daniel J. Lane as St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal

December 1, 2012 by Robert P. Lynch

December 1, 2012 – The Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has named long time Irish activist Daniel J. Lane to lead their 25th Annuaul St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Glen Cove on March 17, 2013. Mr. Lane will be joined by Aides to the Grand Marshal Glen Cove community leaders Robert and Pamela Panzenbeck (the first time a married couple has been so honored) along with Glen Cove resident Lisa Forgione and Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) official Joseph McDonald.

The Sash Presentation Ceremony will take place on January 26, 2013. Click here for more details

2012 Glen Cove Parade

March 20, 2012 by Robert P. Lynch

A second gallery of the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. All photos by Mark Deutsch of DeutschPhotographics.com

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Glen Cove Parade 2012

March 20, 2012 by Robert P. Lynch

The 2012 Glen Cove Parade – March 18, 2012 – GM Maureen Basdavanos. Aides John J. Hanley and Sioban Rack.

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2011 Parade A Grand Success

March 22, 2011 by Robert P. Lynch

The 2011 Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade had beautiful weather as the marchers went down Glen Street. The sidewalks were filled four to five deep in Downtown Glen Cove, cheering on Grand Marshal Andy Stafford and his Aides Jim Burke and Carol McTigue.

“I am so honored this day,” said Stafford. “I couldn’t imagine it any better.”

Three different counties and six different AOH divisions were represented, while the Nassau County Ladies were also out in full force.

After the parade Division 8 sponsored an after-party at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall where Mayor Ralph Suozzi presented awards to the Grand Marshal and Aides.

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Glen Cove 2009 Parade

March 22, 2009 by Robert P. Lynch

The 2009 Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade was led by Robert P. Lynch as Grand Marshal and Barney Lough as Aide. The parade was followed by a luncheon at Page One Restaurant in Glen Cove.