Politics & Government

Brookhaven to Host Diversity Celebration

Will honor deserving residents for efforts of cultural awareness.

The Town of Brookhaven will host the first annual "Brookhaven Celebrates Diversity" event on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Lounge at Town Hall.

At the event, Supervisor Mark Lesko will honor those in the community who have made a positive impact by promoting tolerance and diversity. The evening will also include a keynote address by Ron Manning, Chairman of Brookhaven Town Ethics Board, live multi-cultural entertainment featuring Japanese drumming, a Latin dance troupe and more.

The event is open to all town residents.

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"The Town of Brookhaven is a large community that takes pride in its diversity," Lesko said in a statement. "We celebrate our common interests as well as the differences that make our Town great. The people that we will honor have contributed their time and talent to help others and they serve as role models to those that they touch as part of their daily lives."

According to the Town, the honorees include:

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Nadia Iñiguez, a native of Ecuador and one of the founders and President of Lucero de America Foundation, an organization that works to defend the rights of the Hispanic community and offers a place were they can express their feelings and concerns.

Reverend Gregory Leonard, Pastor of the Bethel AME Church of Setauket for 15 years and Chaplin for the Setauket Fire Department. Reverend Leonard has made a significant impact on the Brookhaven community through his work to bring people together in a spirit of brotherhood and friendship.

Maria Mezzatesta, R-LCSW Director, Federation Employment and Guidance Services (FEGS), a non-profit organization providing services in the areas of employment and training, youth education, career development, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, rehabilitation, family services, and home care.

Melissa Kurtz, a Mount Sinai resident with a background in education. She volunteers at Hobbs Farm in Centereach, and started a plot for the North Shore Jewish Center to farm. She has also volunteered at the Youth Bureau, tutoring youth in need. Ms. Kurtz is a wonderful example of someone in the Town of Brookhaven who uses her interests and talents to help all people.

Maria Polak, a Brookhaven Town Youth Bureau employee. In addition to working closely with Brookhaven communities in need, she is involved in Veteran issues and in her local ambulance company.

Dafny Irizarry, a co-founder and President of the Long Island Latino Teachers Association (LILTA). The organization's mission is to create programs for marginalized youth leading to the decrease in the high school drop out rate.


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