State Senator Golden celebrates Women’s History Month

State Senator Marty Golden raced from budget talks in the state capital to the Norwegian Christian Home in Dyker Heights to celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring six local groups on March 12.

“Women here in this great nation have sacrificed for years,” he said. “Thank you for all that you’ve done for our community.”

First up was the Brooklyn Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. Chapter President Marcia Clarke was joined by staffers to accept the awards and bouquets of pink and white flowers.

“Thank you very much for this honor, senator. It’s wonderful,” Clarke said.

The Parents Association of P.S. 277 in Gerritsen Beach was the second honoree of the night. The senator praised the group’s dedication to the school’s students during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

“They do a wonderful job representing our children,” Golden said of the association. “And they continue to do an outstanding job.

“It’s not an easy task,” Golden said about the work of the next honoree, the Coalition for Asian American Children. “This group gives them the resources” they need.

Marissa Martin, director of government affairs for the coalition, said the group “ensures that our population has access to necessary resources and builds communications between Asians and Americans.”

Golden called the next honoree, the Guild for Exceptional Children, whose work focuses on the developmentally disabled, “a leader for residency programs across the state.”

GEC Associate Director of Development Caroline Mansuetto said that “Senator Golden has been an exceptional friend to the Guild. We’re so proud to be a part of the Brooklyn community.”

The fifth group to receive an award was The Healing Center New York’s Domestic Violence Counseling Program.

“They do a tremendous good for our community,” Golden said. He called the program’s members “the unknown, untold saviors of our community.”

Last, but not least, were the women in leadership and volunteers of The Norwegian Christian Home.

“We are blessed to have such a dedicated staff and set of volunteers,” Golden said. “Services provided by the home are unmatched and should be emulated throughout the community.”

Ernie Ragin, executive director of the home, said that “it’s all about what we do together. Accepting this award is an honor.”

“The honorees this year represent key aspects of our community life and are examples of the best of the best,” Golden said.