Ellie Goldberg among other Commonwealth Heroines nominated by their State Representatives
For twenty-one years, Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) has invited state legislators to nominate women in their district to be honored as “Commonwealth Heroines.” This year, Rep. Kay Khan, 11th Middlesex District, chose Ellie Goldberg, a dedicated advocate for children’s health. According to MCSW, which sponsors the June celebration:
The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make the difference. Thousands of women in every community of the state perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators who strive to protect and represent the interests of seniors, victims of violence, children, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. They are the glue that keeps a community together.”
Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
That description of Commonwealth Heroines reflects Ellie Goldberg’s view of civic engagement. Of the ceremony at the Gardiner Auditorium, Ms. Goldberg said she “was surprised at how really cool and moving it was.” Her sister “Heroines” ranged in age from eighteen to ninety.
Ellie Goldberg, has committed herself to working for healthy children, safe schools, and sustainable communities. Inspired by Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring, detailing the health and environmental hazards of pesticides, Ms Goldberg has worked to influence public policy decisions promoting clean air, water, and energy. In addition to Mothers Out Front, the organizations benefiting from her organizational skills are Clean Water Action, Green Newton, and other locally focused groups. She credits her late husband Efrem’s encouragement and support in her speaking…