Brookhaven Honors Women Leaders, Marks 40 Years of Women's Services Office

Sydell Costell, a 96-year-old woman who has called Brookhaven home for 61 years, rose in her signature purple hairdo to accept her award at the Town Hall auditorium in Farmingville on March 23, drawing one of several standing ovations that punctuated the evening. Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), who selected Costell as his District 1 honoree, introduced her as a "96-year-old honoree who was born just 10 years after our 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote." Costell, a champion of women's rights and a longtime volunteer, made history in her community by becoming the first woman to serve as president of her local Lions Club.

The occasion was the 40th Annual Women's Recognition Awards Night, hosted by the Town of Brookhaven's Office of Women's Services at One Independence Hill and representing one of the longest continuously running civic ceremonies in Suffolk County's largest town.

Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) introduced her District 2 selection, Kathleen Weber of Rocky Point, recognizing Weber's years of effort to beautify her community through projects including an annual "Garden Tour" and hanging flower baskets that brighten the area's downtown streetscape. Councilman Neil Manzella (R-Selden) named Rita Tsoukaris of Centereach, a Century 21 agent who was recognized as the company's real estate agent of the year in 2025. "Rita, a real estate expert with over three decades of experience, has made a significant impact in the Town of Brookhaven community through her exceptional client service, community involvement and passion for helping others," Manzella said. Beyond her professional work, Tsoukaris maintains an annual tradition of preparing and personally delivering Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need.

Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico used the 40-year milestone to emphasize continuity of purpose, saying the awards event "not only honors their work but inspires future generations to lead, serve, and innovate." Among the full slate of honorees were Katherine M. Fritz, Samantha Maria Ciardullo, Kimberly Swicicki, Dr. Tammy Nuzzo-Morgan, Maria T. Camassa, Laura Mullen, Irina Richardson and Monica Pullows-Tetuan. Panico also introduced Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter as a special honoree, noting she had been "elected three times while focusing on transparency, fiscal responsibility, economic growth and revitalizing Long Island McArthur Airport" since her 2015 appointment.

The Office of Women's Services, a division of the Department of General Services, provides workforce development assistance, individual counseling, community advocacy and referral services to women and families across the town's communities. Residents who need help or want to connect with available programs can call the office at 631-451-6146 or visit BrookhavenNY.gov. Those who wish to nominate a candidate for next year's 41st annual awards must submit a resume and two letters of recommendation; nominees must live or work within Brookhaven Town.