MAY 2019 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 91
SPOTLIGHT ON 2019 WINNERS
TOP PEOPLE
MOST BELOVED LONG ISLANDERS
BEST ARTIST
Dagger DogVinci
Introduced to painting by Owner
Yvonne Dagger, the world’s most
cultured canine has appeared on
national TV and sold hundreds of
paintings, with a portion of sales going
to charity. Recently, a documentary
was made about Dagger, a canine
painter and Long Island native. This
artistic dog is also a certified therapy
dog for Therapy Dogs International.
dogvinci.org
BEST AUTHOR
Joseph Costa
Costa’s nostalgic memories of a wonderful
childhood have compelled him
to share the same experience for a
new generation of children and families.
In his books, the colorful pages
take kids on adventures in Puffville
while learning valuable lessons along
the way. puffworld.com
BEST CHEF
Matt Bivona
At Mercato, Executive Chef Matt
Bivona prepares each dish with the
influence of American and Italian cuisine
alike. From pastas and flatbreads
to savory entrees and unique chef
specials, he aims to create an environment
where everyone feels right
at home. Mercato Kitchen & Cocktail,
4958 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park,
516-308-3582, mercatokitchen.com
BEST COMEDIAN
Jim Breuer
First gaining notoriety as a cast
member on Saturday Night Live,
then starring in the classic Half
Baked, this Valley Stream native’s
freewheeling New York brand of
stand-up storytelling is now better
than ever. A touring sensation and
regular presence on radio and television,
Breuer’s has built up a rabid
fan base filled with “lifetimers.”
officialjimbreuer.com
New York Islanders Captain Anders Lee. (Photo by Lisa Gansky)
BEST GENERAL
PRACTITIONER
Dr. David Edelson
This internist is widely recognized
as one of the nation’s top weight loss
experts. He was listed in New York
Magazine’s “Best Doctors of 2014″
issue, and was also selected for the
prestigious Castle Connolly Top
Doctors award. HealthBridge, 1000
Northern Blvd. Suite 230, Great Neck,
516-627-4433, healthbridgeinfo.com
BEST ISLANDER
Anders Lee
A key member of the Islanders resurgence,
Lee serves as the captain,
drafted in the sixth round, 152nd
overall, by the Islanders in the 2009
National Hockey League Entry Draft.
At the beginning of the 2018-19 season,
Lee was named the 15th captain
of the Islanders.
BEST LAWYER
Edward Palermo
Hiring the right attorney is critical
to a successful court outcome. When
you need a criminal law attorney to
serve as your litigator, call Palermo.
1300 E. Veterans Memorial Hwy.
Suite 320, Hauppauge, 516-280-2160,
edpalermo.com
BEST LONG ISLAND
DUCK
Lew Ford
This outfielder and hitting coach
for the Long Island Ducks of the
Atlantic League of Professional
Baseball previously played in Major
League Baseball for the Minnesota
Twins and Baltimore Orioles. In
2014, he became the second player
in franchise history to be named
Atlantic League Player of the Year.
liducks.com
BEST SINGER
Amber Ferrari
This seasoned performer knows
how to change it up, feeding off the
electrifying energy of the crowd.
Renowned for her distinguished
show Joplin’s Pearl, this LI native and
her powerful band are a must-see!
amberferrari.com
BEST TEACHER
Kathleen Harrigan
For teachers like Kathleen Harrigan,
educating young minds isn’t a
job, it’s a calling. Harrigan has been
at Our Lady of Mercy School for 24
years. She is an institution at Our
Lady of Mercy, and helps bring out
the best in every student who walks
through her classroom door. Our
Lady of Mercy, 520 South Oyster
Bay Rd., Hicksville, 516-433-7040,
olmshicks.org
NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITES
Nominate your favorite businesses and people in the 2020
Bethpage Best of Long Island program through Aug. 31.
Step 1: Visit bestoflongisland.com
Step 2: Click "Nominate Now"
Step 3: Select a category and enter the information about the person
or business you wish to nominate
Step 4: Click "Submit"
Step 5: Repeat for all of your favorite people and businesses
To find all of the other 2019 Bethpage Best of Long Island contest winners, visit
bestoflongisland.com
/edpalermo.com
/dogvinci.org
/puffworld.com
/mercatokitchen.com
/officialjimbreuer.com
/healthbridgeinfo.com
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
/liducks.com
/amberferrari.com
/olmshicks.org
/bestoflongisland.com
/bestoflongisland.com
