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 of 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
Coasta’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
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 Magazines’ “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. nhl.com/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
To find all the other 2019 Bethpage Best of Long Island contest winners, visit bestoflongisland.com Nominate your favorite businesses and people in the 2020 Bethpage Best of Long Island program through Aug. 31.
