Everyone’s favorite neighborhood coffee shop on Long Island, Coffee Booths offers fresh and delicious breakfast, brunch and amazing coffee concoctions that will make your mouth water. Their Black and White Cookie Latte, a delightful blend of coffee and cookie flavors, is the perfect way to treat yourself.
But Coffee Booths doesn’t stop there! They go full-coffee throttle with tons of amazing options. Give their smores, snickers, Oreo, cinnamon roll, or chai tea latte a try. They all taste delicious and true to their name.
Coffee Booths also serves craft espresso, cappuccino and other beverages using organic, locally roasted beans. Not only is the coffee great, but this family owned shop also provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for customers to enjoy their coffee and all of the other treats offered. This includes freshly baked scones, muffins, and breakfast options prepared onsite. Plus, the staff is incredible, and the owners grew up in Selden, as well!
To find all the other 2018 Bethpage Best of Long Island contest winners, visit bestoflongisland.com Nominate your favorite businesses and people in the 2019 Best of Long Island program through Aug. 31.
Coffee Booths is located at 226 Middle Country Rd. in Selden. They can be reached at 631-846-1966 or facebook.com/coffeebooths
Aries – It’s time for watchful waiting. Any move you make now is likely to be premature. Don’t be so impatient for results. Consider instead how you can contribute to domestic tranquility, especially where a younger relative is concerned. Share a valid experience.
Taurus – Nothing can hold you back now. Your personal popularity surges to a high point and the lunar cycle is also high. You’ll be in the right place at the right time – and will have information that is vitally needed. Focus on stylish clothing and travel plans.
Gemini – Your physical health demands better discipline. Highlight nutrition, food and a more ordered existence. If you have been putting extra stress on your body, slow down and pay attention to details of your physical well-being. An Aquarian shares your progress. Keep at it!
Cancer – The written word brings profit. You break out of a rut, envision new ways of increasing your income, and converse with a Gemini type who has the same interest. A long discussion transforms your views. There is also a fascinating round of trips and visits.
Leo – Focus on collecting money owed to you. But do so in a tactful way. When you turn on your charm, you can have almost anything you want this month. What you’ll most desire is peace, harmony and better emotional conditions at home. Taurus plays a key role.
Virgo – Don’t put credence in silly superstition. Accent your spiritual values. Imagination and fantasy is apt to be heightened but this can be made very productive. Write a poem or story and recognize the beauty around you.
Libra – A chance to elevate your standing in the community arrives. Volunteer for a civic project; take a position of leadership. Someone you love is bound to see you in a better light as rewards come your way. A relationship that was going nowhere can take a turn for the better.
Scorpio – Recognize an old stumbling block that exists from your early days. Attitudes can be changed and the past put behind you. A relative needs to be reminded that you have grown greatly and are ready for expanded horizons. It’s time to take action.
Sagittarius – Plant seeds for a new start at your home base. Focus on originality. You will not follow the crowd anymore, despite what you did in the past. Romance blossoms if you are ready to respond in a warm-hearted, generous way, especially to a Leo type.
Capricorn – This month’s accent is on creativity, offspring and conservative speculation. A passive contemplative role suits you best. One who taught you in the past is the source of inspiration as you remember how you once handled similar situations.
Aquarius – You attract friends, lovers and travel companions. Your social schedule is likely to be full. Even if you have to work, you’ll do so in a playful way, with much time out for talk and enjoyment. Get out in the open air, if possible, A Sagittarian pursues you.
Pisces – You’ll settle down into routine tasks. Your mood is serious and practical. Your ability to revise former plans helps you accomplish much. Take small, plodding steps, examine details and search for past errors. Dress conservatively to impress a superior.
IF YOU KNOW YOUR RISING SIGN, CONSULT THE HOROSCOPE FOR THAT SIGN AS WELL.
Psychicdeb has been a professional astrologer for over 25 yrs. She teaches Astrology for a nominal fee. Psychicdeb also uses the tarot to do psychic readings channeling her spirit guide Helen. Reiki is one of her obsessions. She is a Reiki Master and loves to teach others the benefits of Reiki. Call 516-236-7729 for an appointment in her private office. Or you can find her at the Original Psychic Fairs on Sundays. A listing of the Fair dates can be found on her website at astro-mate.org or join the Facebook page: facebook.com/The-Original-Long-Island-Psychic-Fair
Dave Mason of Traffic rocks Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Aug. 15.
Donavon Frankenreiter
This singer/songwriter’s new album, The Heart, officially marks the start of the singer-
songwriter’s second decade as a solo recording artist. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St., Amagansett, stephentalkhouse.com $55. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13, 14.
Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck of the Yardbirds plays an evening of blues, hard rock, and even electronica. Fans of guitar will not want to miss this master guitarist! Also performing will be Paul Rodgers and Ann Wilson of Heart on the Stars Align Tour. Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Pkwy. Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $26-$350. 7 p.m. Aug. 14.
Dave Mason and Steve Cropper
Two Rock & Roll Hall of Famers for the price of one! Mason, founding member of the band Traffic, joins forces with Cropper, a member of Booker T and the MG's. Opening is Hawaii-based singer/songwriter Gretchen Rhodes. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.org $49-$79. 8 p.m. Aug. 15.
Larry Carlton
Sweet-toned blues jazz king Larry Carlton has been active since the 1960s. A winner of four Grammy awards, he maintains his reputation as a talented and respected jazz guitarist and musician. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore, boultoncenter.org $65-$75. 8 p.m. Aug. 15.
Pentatonix A Capella
Today’s biggest pop songs, performed without instruments! Winner of NBC’s The Sing-Off, a
capella group Pentatonix sings new arrangements of pop classics as well as original music.
Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Pkwy., Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $25-$275. 8 p.m. Aug. 15.
Slaughter
Performing chart toppers such as “Up All Night” and “Fly to the Angels,” Slaughter has been
writing new music, touring, and selling out shows since the ’80s. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury, thespaceatwestbury.com $25-$45. 8 p.m. Aug. 15.
American Idol Live!
Featuring this season’s top seven finalists, Cade Foehner, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Catie Turner, Gabby Barrett, Jurnee, Maddie Poppe, and Michael J. Woodard, as well as special guest and Idol winner Kris Allen. Each will perform the tracks that got them far in the competition. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury, thespaceatwestbury.com $55-$495. 7 p.m. Aug. 16.
Comedy Rocks
A night of four comedy headliners in one night: Goumba Johnson, Kevin Downey, Joe DeVito, and Chris Roach. Prepare to laugh your butt off. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue, patchoguetheatre.org $35. 8 p.m. Aug. 16.
Howie Day
With a voice described as “warm” and “heartfelt,” this tenor has a devoted fan base for a reason. Howie Day is back on tour to support his new album, Lanterns. My Fathe’s Place Supper Club, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn, myfathersplace.com $40. 8 p.m. Aug. 16.
NEFCU recently became the first credit union on Long Island to introduce account-related, voice-banking capabilities over Google Assistant and Amazon Echo devices.
This capability, which became available this summer, enables members of the Westbury-based credit union to manage their accounts directly from their virtual assistants at no extra cost. Transaction services offered include balance inquiries, account histories, loan rate inquiries, auto-connecting to the Contact Center as well as branch and ATM locators.
“This is the latest leap in our journey to be the most innovative and technology-driven credit union on Long Island,” said Jojo Seva, CIO of NEFCU. “We’ve evolved our offerings to be much more digitally-driven, and now we’ve begun exploring the great opportunities afforded by artificial intelligence and other new and exciting breakthroughs. This is all about creating a more convenient, secure and technologically advanced experience for our members.”
NEFCU, one of Long Island’s leading credit unions with more than $3 billion in assets and more than 185,000 members, is one of the first credit unions in the country to offer the technology.
To help usher in the new feature, NEFCU is offering a complimentary Amazon Echo Dot or Google Home Mini to anyone who opens a free, first-time checking account with online banking through Aug. 31. A minimum initial deposit of $200 is required.
NEFCU membership is open to those that live, work, attend school, or regularly conduct business in Nassau and/or Suffolk counties, excluding the towns of East Hampton, Southampton and Shelter Island.
To access the voice activated banking technology, NEFCU members simply need to go to the Alexa or Google Home app, search for ‘NEFCU skill or action’ and enable it. After they authenticate with their online banking credentials, plus additional security checks, members can begin the conversation.
Since launching in February, Foodie Card has donated more than 6,000 meals to the hungry by selling membership cards that offer discounts at nearly 200 restaurants and growing across Long Island and beyond.
Eateries ranging from Matteo’s to Kyma to Bagel Boss offer 10 percent discounts to members of Foodie Card, which costs $29.99 annually. In turn, participating restaurants help Foodie Card donate to food banks such as Island Harvest.
“We believe that Foodie Card can grow into a national brand that fosters a sense of community, whether it’s the less fortunate we help feed, the members we help save money, or the local businesses we help drive traffic to,” says Foodie Card cofounder Neil Foster, of East Hills. “It should be something you’re proud to have in your wallet.”
Foster and his partner, Ryan Alovis, CEO of Garden City-based The Stella Group, were inspired to launch Foodie Card after seeing the engagement of their Tri-State Restaurant Club Facebook group, which has more than 62,000 members who share dining recommendations.
“Our initial strategy was to build a company that had a moral compass,” Foster says. “It made a ton of sense to build a real membership program that drives business to restaurants with a discount while helping those that are struggling within our community.”
Besides founding Foodie Card, Foster was a tastemaker at the World’s Fare, an event at Citi Field this spring created by Long Island Press co-owner Joshua Schneps that showcased the cuisine from more than 100 countries. Leading up to the 2019 World’s Fare, organizers will host the World’s Fare Passport Series at 525 46th Ave. in Long Island City, starting with a taste of The Americas (Aug. 11-12), Europe (Sept. 8-9) and Asia (Oct. 20-21). Visit theworldsfare.nyc for more info.
Eventually, Foster expects to help restaurants by providing insights into patrons’ dining habits.
“It has the potential to transform into a technology and data company,” he says. “One that knows much more about our audience, from what type of food they like, how often they go out … how much they spend, etc.”
In the meantime, he’s encouraged by frequent messages he receives about how much money people save, or how some restaurants have seen a major influx of business. The average member eats out two or three times weekly and pays off their card in three meals, he says.
“Foodie Card is all about people helping people,” he says.
Debra Franceschini Golf Classic was held on Monday at the Hempstead Country Club
The annual Debra Franceschini Golf Classic was held on Monday at the Hempstead Country Club with proceeds benefit the nonprofit Life’s WORC Family Center for Autism.
This annual event was created by Robert Franceschini to honor his late wife, who passed away from colon cancer more than 10 years ago. Robert and his two sons, Robert Jr. and James, own Piccolo’s, a well-known and popular restaurant in Mineola.
Wanting to honor Debra and to keep her memory alive, Robert created the outing to help others in need. In the past, proceeds from the event benefited Winthrop University Hospital.
This is the first year that Robert selected another local charity as beneficiary of the proceeds from the outing. Everyone at Life’s WORC is very grateful to Robert and his family for their generous support of the Family Center for Autism. The event raised $30,000 for the group.
Life’s WORC was founded by Long Island Press publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis.
From left to right are Caroline Pisaniello, Tina Moreno, and Marc Dombek.Monday was perfect weather for the Debra Franceschini Golf Classic at the Hempstead Country Club.Golfers were out in force for the event.Robert Franceschini surrounded by his family, sons Robert (left) and James (right) with grandchildren Martino and Debbie (in stroller)Robert Franceschini with one of his most spirited supporters and golfers, attorney Robert Walker (right) (Mineola law firm of Gallagher, Walker, Bianco Plastaras).Robert Franceschini with two pals, supporters Walter Walsh (left) of Altice, USA, and Jim Shrayef (right) President of the Greater New York ATM AssociationSunshine and cigars after golf on the deck at Hempstead CC (Left to right) Dr. TK Ras of Woodmere, Joe Pennella of Westchester, and Majid Hafeez of West Hempstead.
Many drivers have gotten a traffic ticket at least once in their life, but most do not hire a lawyer to defend them — a move that one attorney says is ill-advised.
That’s according to Wendy Bishop of New York Ticket Defenders, a Mineola-based law firm that specializes in fighting traffic cases ranging from moving violations such as speeding to vehicular crimes such as driving while intoxicated.
“Oftentimes, people are arrested or issued tickets solely because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time, or unjustifiably stopped because of the way their car looks or frankly, even the way they look,” Bishop says. “Our mission is to give people options — and to educate them. Everyone makes mistakes, and these tickets often have consequences that may last for years.”
Bishop has defended countless drivers in various New York courts over the past 20 years. In that time, she has seen it all.
“Depending on where you get arrested or are given a ticket, it varies what a lawyer can do for you,” she says. “Some courts have better support personnel than others, while some judges are fairer than others … and part of my job is to know which strategy to use in which court to get the best results for my clients.”
One of her many success stories involves a client she represented after his driver’s license was revoked because he ignored traffic tickets for more than 15 years.
“I was able to find all his outstanding tickets — and there were a lot of them — and went to each and every court with him … until we were able to resolve every single one of his tickets,” Bishop recalls. “While he was required to retake the road test and written test, he finally got his license back after not being able to drive for many years. The day that he texted me to let me know that he had his license back was one of the most gratifying days of my legal career.”
Her client’s situation is more common than you would expect.
“Sometimes people bury their heads in the sand and ignore traffic tickets, desk appearance criminal summonses, or even DWI/DUI charges because dealing with these issues seems so daunting,” she says. “But ignoring the problem only makes things worse, because it creates a domino effect of progressively more serious consequences for the motorist.”
Asked what advice she would give people handling their own cases, she issues a sober warning.
“I compare it to when someone feels sick and tries to self-diagnose their illness by looking up their symptoms on the internet,” she says. “Some of the hardest cases I handle are because the clients had already tried to handle their own tickets and made their situation worse.
“A lot of people think they can handle it themselves,” she continues. “That’s a mistake.”
New York Ticket Defenders is located at 305 Willis Ave., Mineola. They can be reached at nyticketdefenders.com or 917-952-4584
Best Learning Center
Based in Commack, Margot Enterprises’ goal is to provide high-quality, affordable tutoring to students. Ever since its start in 2011, Margot Enterprises has delivered on its mission to recognize each student as an individual and empower each student through innovative techniques and strategies to improve her or his skills. If your child is having a hard time learning in any subject, do not hesitate to contact Long Island’s best learning center business. Margot Enterprises 631-403-7731, margotenterprises.com
Best Music School
Established in 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) is a classical music school that trains students at any skill level. Offering classes in a number of instruments, MILI is staffed by incrediblly talented instructors from many of the most prestigious conservatories and graduate music schools in the United States and Europe. Graduates of MILI have gone on to colleges and conservatories such as Juilliard, Eastman School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School, Columbia, Cornell, Yale, Harvard, Amherst and the University of Michigan. The MILI school year comprises fall and spring semesters and summer sessions, with each semester including 15 to 17 weeks of private lessons. Music Institute of Long Island, 90 Plandrome Rd., Manhasset, 516-627-7052, milimusic.com
Best Children’s Dance School
For more than half a century, Ella Marie School of Dance has been teaching Long Island’s youth how to express themselves through a beautiful and engrossing art form. The studio offers a wide variety of classes for kids of all ages, including a tiny stars program that allows children to get their feet in the water. Among its other offerings is tap, ballet, jazz and lyrical. The studio also boasts performance teams beginning at age 7. And for parents unsure about how to keep their children active during the summer months, the studio also hosts a summer dance camp, which is a great way for them to meet new friends and stay engaged. Ella Marie School of Dance, take a well-deserved bow, because – once again – Long Islanders have voted you the best of the best! Ella Marie School Dance, 376 West Old Country Rd., Hicksville, 516-681-1484, ellamariedance.com
Best Catholic School
St. Edward the Confessor School strives to create a safe and nurturing Catholic environment that recognizes all learners as unique individuals to be treated with dignity and respect. Its curriculum is rooted in academic excellence, respect, confidence, responsibility, faith and cooperation, and encourages cooperation among the school, parents and children as well as the outside community. Additionally, St. Edward the Confessor School is devoted to helping students pursue ways of giving back to the community. St. Edward the Confessor School combines the proven curriculum and methods of a successful tradition with modern educational advances to provide its students with a rich, qualitative educational experience. St. Edward the Confessor School 2 Teibrook Ave., Syosset. 516-921-7767, stedwardconfessor.org
Best Private School
For 55 years, Our Lady of Mercy has been educating children from nursery school through eighth grade. The administration, faculty, support staff, and parents of the school are committed to creating a learning environment where all children are challenged to not only attain their personal goals but are encouraged to exceed them. Faith, academics and knowledge stand at the forefront of Our Lady of Mercy’s programs and students are encouraged to practice the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, to believe in oneself, and to strive for peace and justice in daily life. Our Lady of Mercy stays up to date with the latest technology for teachers and students and offers a number of afterschool activities including Catholic Youth Organization sports, clubs and music. Our Lady of Mercy, 520 S. Oyster Bay Rd., Hicksville, 516-433-7040, olmshicks.org
Alure’s Designer blends modern finishes with farmhouse flare in this Сustom kitchen.
When a Long Island homeowner recently came to Alure Home Improvements for help renovating a dysfunctional kitchen, the company cooked up a Modern Farmhouse eat-in that perfectly solved the client’s culinary conundrum.
Christina Piekut, the Custom Kitchen and Bath Designer at Alure Home Improvements, says the existing kitchen had stock cabinets with no thought put into the layout or detail. The proportions were way off with such a tiny island in such a large area. The client hated the flow of the space and was constantly allover the kitchen to cook one simple meal.
“The client’s wishes were to have a better flow, high-end appliances, all the bells and whistles but above all, they wanted a high-end designer look that fit their style,” Piekut says. “They wanted modern colors, such as the blues and grays. However, they wanted the overall look of the kitchen to be farmhouse. Modern Farmhouse is what we went with for overall feel and style.”
From a design point of view, Piekut accomplished this with using very large, rectangular bluestone porcelain tile. It had a texture similar to the grain in a wood floor but did not look like wood.
The cabinets she went with are frameless to reflect the modern construction, and she used a timeless wide-pland Shaker door style. To enhance the Shaker door, Piekut used a very ornate light rail molding, crown molding, and decorative legs on the stove focal point and island. To help ground the space and add contrast, Piekut added an Espresso Oak Island cabinet finish.
The 5-foot-by-11-foot island enhanced the white painted main cabinets, which also had a nickel linen rub to pick up the blue in the floor tile.
“It is the details that make a kitchen a custom design,” Piekut says. “All of the appliances were panelized to add to the customization of this kitchen. The stove and hood pop as a modern focal point in stainless steel.”
The granite countertops are very special, she adds. They are from a limited lot of granite, filled with a few different blue tones with some silver iron running through it. Unlike a typical high-gloss finish, a limited finish called Leather, which replicates a real leather look, is used to give additional character to the counter. This makes the stone highlights and lowlights pop even more, giving it a unique characteristic.
“Rather than do a simple subway backsplash, we decided to add a pattern to it and do the entire backsplash in a subway herringbone pattern,” Piekut says, noting that the tile is also a unique 2-inch-by-8-inch size that creates a more dramatic scale in the kitchen.
“Of course, no kitchen is complete without the finishing touches,” she adds. “We did a farmhouse-style sink, farmhouse-style island light fixture, farmhouse island stools and hardware.”
The finished product is a modern farmhouse masterpiece.
“These clients were amazing, as they trusted me as a designer and allowed me to guide them with all the selections, layout and special details,” Piekut says. “As a designer, when I meet with new clients to design their kitchen, what I am really doing is designing a relationship. I get to know my clients so I can see their hopes and dreams for the kitchen clearly and execute the dream with a little bit of magic.”
Alure Home Improvements is located at 1999 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow. They can be reached at 516-296-7777 or alure.com
The kitchen before the renovation was too close for comfort.
A panel of experts will lead a discussion on elder law, insurance, home care, medicare, financial planning and much more this month on Long Island.
The Senior Health & Wealth Expo is a can’t-miss event that will feature more than 30 exhibitors, raffle prizes, entertainment by Russell Craig of RequestAnything.com, plus free coffee and giveaways.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at the the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, which is located at 45 Manetto Hill Rd. in Plainview. To register, email Courtney Myers at cmyers@qns.com Sponsors include the Parker Jewish
Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, the Gurwin Jewish Family of Healthcare Services, the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, Noticia and the Long Island Press.
For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, call Joanna Austin at 718-224-5863 ext. 237 or email jaustin@longislandpress.com
