Senator Golden Awards Bay Ridge Resident Aida Nicolaou With Special Honor

SENATOR MARTY GOLDEN NAMES BAY RIDGE’S AIDA NICOLAOU STATE SENATE "WOMAN OF DISTINCTION"

Brooklyn- State Senator Marty Golden (R-C, 22nd District) today is announcing that in a ceremony last week in Albany, he named Bay Ridge resident and activist Aida Y. Nicolaou, a 2008 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction. The award recognizes Aida’s outstanding work on behalf of our community. Aida’s photograph and biography has become part of an exhibit proclaiming her special contributions.

Aida Y. Nicolaou was born in Beirut, Lebanon, married and had four daughters; Nicole, Grace, Carmen and Marlene, before moving from country to country to escape the war in Lebanon. Aida settled in Brooklyn in 1985 and single-handedly raised her daughters while waiting for her huband to rejoin the family five years later. During this time, Aida mastered the English language and became a licensed real estate agent.

Aida is very active in the Bay Ridge, Brooklyn community, especially with the St. Nicholas Home, where she has served as a devoted member of the Ladies auxiliary, and as a member of the Board of Directors. Since the death of her beloved husband in 2001, Aida has devoted much time and energy to enjoying her growing family in which she takes great pride. Aida has lived out the "American Dream" and has paved the way for her daughters to also do so.

Senator Marty Golden stated, "Aida Nicolaou is among the remarkable women in our midst whose life, work and special accomplishments have made our community that much better. Aida has served as special examples to others and I am so proud to have the opportunity to recognize her efforts and salute her for all that she has done," said Senator Golden. On behalf of the entire community, I thank Aida for the special pride she brings to our community."

Previous winners in the annual event have included leading women from the worlds of business, academics and civic life, as well as those who have performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries or provided examples of personal excellence against difficult odds.