Multi-Generational Spirit Present At Women Of Distinction Celebration In Elmont

ELMONT, NY. — Sunday was International Women’s Day, and Elmont’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Cathedral marked the occasion with a celebration that honored nine women for their contributions to their communities by naming them Women of Distinction in the community.

The Women of Distinction title is one given out by the 22nd State Assembly district, meant to celebrate women who make a difference through service. In Sunday’s celebration, community members, elected officials and others applauded Tameka Battle-Burkett, Rinsi Chack, Stacie Dee, Jewel Dwight, Margie Kelly, Raina Massey, Sheila Moriarty, Judith Patterson and Carlina Scaturro, all of whom were being honored as Women of Distinction.

The ceremony kicked off with a presentation of colors by Valley Stream/Five Towns girl scout troop 2348 and the pledge of allegiance, led by Elmont brownie scout troop 1002. Nassau County Legislator Cynthia Nuñez and community advocate Lynette Battle as the mistresses of ceremonies once the event got underway, after an interfaith invocation from Rabbi Michel Schlesinger, Imam Muhammad Waliullah, and Friar Thomas Ayyaneth.

State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages served as the host Sunday, using her remarks to highlight the contributions of the women being celebrated.

“Every day, there are people within our community that I personally work with and see who contribute so much to our neighborhoods,” Solages said. “They give their heart, their soul, and it's just a pleasure to be able to recognize them and give them their flowers right here on this day.”

While the New York legislator said these women didn’t do it for the accolades, Solages highlighted how thankful she was to be giving them one.

“I know that you don't do it for the privilege, but you do it to provide for our community,” Solages said. “And thank you for that.”

In a keynote address, former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams spoke about purpose, noting not only the purpose the women highlighted served, but that a purpose could simply be to serve.

“I wake up every day on purpose with a purpose,” Adams said. “And that is that purpose to serve.”

With a nod to the day being celebrated Sunday and the month of celebrations that would be taking place across March, Adams looked to the future.

“As I stand here before you on this eighth day of Women’s History Month, I am excited to make even more history with you,” Adams said. “New York will continue to create milestones, blaze trails, and be that beacon that sets the example of how women lead.”

Before the closing remarks from speakers, Valley Stream South high school junior Sudan Belmavis performed Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.”

After the performance, Solaves delivered closing remarks that thanked everyone who made the event possible, including a wide network of promotional partners, community organizations, elected officials and the community in the 22nd assembly district. Perhaps fittingly, considering she was following a performance by a high school student, Solages noted that the Women of Distinction Awards — and Women’s History Month as a whole — celebrate not only the accomplishments of women past and present, but the importance of empowering the next generation of women who can become leaders and contributors in their community.