NOMINATE US FOR BEST NEUROSURGEON And BRAIN CENTER Help Us Defend Our Winner’s Title for the 5th Consecutive Year
Dr. Bekelis is a board certified fellowship trained neurosur geon with subspecialty training in minimally invasive endovascular neurosurgery. As one of the most prominent, widely published stroke researchers in the country, with several national and international awards, Dr. Bekelis is the Chairman of Neurointerventional Services for Catholic Health, the Director of the state-of-the-art Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, and the Co-Director of the Neuro ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center.
Dr. Bekelis is a board certified fellowship trained neurosurgeon with subspecialty training in minimally invasive endovascular neurosurgery. As one of the most prominent, widely published stroke researchers in the country, with several national and international awards, Dr. Bekelis is the Chairman of Neuroscience of Catholic Health. Director of the state-of-the-art Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, and the Co-Director of the Neuro ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center.
The Stroke and Brain Center of Long Island is the only comprehensive stroke center on the south shore of Long Island. Our expert team of clinicians are dedicated to all types of endovascular neurological disease and treatments. Our state-of-the-art outpatient center offers noninvasive neurovascular imaging that can aide in the early detection and treatment of carotid artery and neurovascular disease. Our monthly support group is open to all patients and family members who have been affected by neurovascular disease.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 631-983-7072 or visit: strokecarelongisland.com
Dr. Kimon Bekelis
THE HERALD LONG ISLAND CHOICE AWARDS PRESENTED BY PSEG LONG ISLAND IS BACK!
Dear Neighbors,
The Herald Long Island Choice Awards are back again, and we’re inviting you to be part of our fifth annual celebration of excellence.
Since its inception, the Herald Long Island Choice Awards, presented by PSEG Long Island, have become a sought-after honor, recognizing the businesses and organizations that make Long Island truly special--from appetizing restaurants to zen day spas, and everything in between.
Last year, your enthusiasm was overwhelming. With 250,000+ votes cast for over 5,500 businesses and organizations, you showed just how much you care about supporting and celebrating local excellence. Then in May, we celebrated the topthree finalists in over 260 categories
and announced the winners at a spectacular red-carpet gala held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
As we embark on the 2026 awards season, we continue to appreciate the partnership of PSEG Long Island, whose grants, programs, and services support our Long Island communities.
This year’s Herald Long Island Choice Awards will once again shine a spotlight on exceptional local businesses and organizations across Nassau and Suffolk counties in 12 divisions, comprising 268 categories.
So whether it’s your favorite restaurant, home service provider, shopping destination, family attraction, entertainment venue, or health and beauty establishment—your vote is your voice... Make it count!
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: ROUND 1: NOMINATIONS
October 16 - November 16
Nominate your favorite local businesses at LIChoiceAwards. com— and you can nominate them every day! The more nominations a business receives, the stronger their chance of moving forward. As a thank-you, after submitting 25 nominations, you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift card!
ROUND 2: VOTING
January 22 - February 22
The top five nominees from each category will move to the voting round. Cast your votes at LIChoiceAwards. com, once a day, every day, across as many categories as you’d like. Every vote counts, so vote often!
ROUND 3: WINNERS
ANNOUNCED
AT
GALA
(May 13, 2026)
The results are in! After all the votes are independently audited, we’ll reveal the winners at the Herald Long Island Choice Awards Gala. The top three in each category will be honored as finalists, with the highest vote-getter crowned the winner. All finalists and winners will also be featured in the Herald Long Island Choice Awards Magazine and showcased year-round on LIHerald.com.
Ready to get started? For full details, visit LIChoiceAwards.com and start nominating today!
Stuart Richner CEO & Publisher
Richner Communications Herald Community Media
For additional information, complete rules and more, visit www.LIChoiceAwards.com and start nominating today!
CEO &
STUART RICHNER
Executive Director Corporate Relations AMY AMATO
Project Manager
ETHAN KIMBRELL
Digital Sales Director
LORI BERGER
Inside Sales Director
ELLEN REYNOLDS
Vice President of Sales
RHONDA GLICKMAN
Long Island Choice Awards is a division of the Herald Community Newspapers. Copyright @ 2025 Richner Communications, Inc.
Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 www.liherald.com www.lichoiceawards.com
NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESS FOR THE 2026 LONG ISLAND CHOICE AWARDS
Small businesses bring life to our communities. They are the restaurants, shops, and services that make each neighborhood unique and keep our local economy strong.
PSEG Long Island is proud to once again sponsor the Long Island Choice Awards, presented by the Herald, honoring the resilience, innovation, and dedication of local businesses across our region.
In 2026, PSEG Long Island’s commitment to helping small businesses grow is stronger than ever. Through our Business First
David C. Lyons Interim President and Chief Operating Officer
platform, we provide resources and incentives that make a
real difference. Programs like Vacant Space Revival grants help fill empty storefronts, Main Street Revitalization strengthens downtown districts, and Business First Advocates meet directly with owners to connect them to energy savings and business support.
Now it’s your turn to help celebrate the businesses that make Long Island thrive. Nominate your favorite local spots, your family-owned bakery, the boutique you love, or the service provider that always goes the extra mile. Your nomination helps give them the recognition
they deserve and shines a light on the people and places that make our community stronger.
When small businesses thrive, we all thrive. Join us in celebrating their impact by submitting your nominations for the 2026 Long Island Choice Awards today.
Thank you,
David C. Lyons Interim President and Chief Operating Officer
2026 CONTEST CATEGORIES NOMINATIONS COMING SOON
BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS
Addiction Rehabilitation Center
Allergist
Assisted Living Facility
Audiologist
Barber Shop
Beauty/Skincare Products
Botox Practice
Brain Center
Cardiologist
CBD Store
Chiropractor
Cosmetic Surgeon Cosmetic
Surgery Group Dental
Practice
Dentist
Dermatologist
Diagnostic/MRI & Radiology
Imaging Center
Facial
Functional Medicine
General Practice Doctor Hair
Salon
Hearing Aid Center
Home Health Healthcare In
Vitro Fertilization Facility
Laser Treatment Center
Local Pharmacy Drug Store
Manicure
Massage
Medical Spa
Medical Supply
Mental Health Services/ Organization
Neurologist Neurosurgeon
Nursing Home
OB/GYN
Occupational Therapy
Oncologist
Oncology Specialist Facility
Ophthalmologist
Optometrist
Orthodontist
Orthopedic Group
Orthopedist
Pain Management Pediatric
Dentist Pediatrician
Pedicure
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapy Podiatrist
Rehabilitation Center
Spa
Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy / OT/
PT - Multi Disciplinary Spine
Center
Urgent Care Center Waxing
Weight Loss/
Nutrition Center
DINING
All-Around Restaurant
Asian Fusion
Bagel Store (Single Location)
Bakery
BBQ
Breakfast
Brunch
Buffet
Burger
Business Lunch
Butcher Shop
Carribean Food
Catering Company
Chili
Chinese Food Cocktails
Deli/Sandwich Shop
Dessert
Diner
Dining Experience
Doughnuts
Farm Stand
Fine Dining
Fish Market
Food Truck
French Fries
Fried Chicken
Gelato
German Food
Greek Food
Happy Hour
Ice Cream
Indian Food
Italian Food
Japanese Food
Latin Food
Local Coffee Shop
Meal Prep
Mediterranean Food
Mexican Food
New Restaurant
Organic/Natural Food
Outdoor Dining
Pizza
Pretzel
Ramen
Romantic Restaurant
Salad
Seafood
Shakes
Smoothie
Specialty Pizza
Steakhouse
Sushi
Tacos
Thai Food
Vegetarian/Vegan
Wings
Yogurt
ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE
Bowling
Concert Venue
Escape Room
Family Amusement
Mini Golf
Night Club
Party Company
Performing Arts Venue
Photo Booth
FINANCE
Accountant
Accounting Firm
Bank
Credit Union
Financial Advisor
Insurance Agent
Insurance Company
Wealth Management Firm
HOME & HOME
SERVICES
55+ Community
Air Conditioning/HVAC & Heating Company
Awning Company
Basement Services
Chimney Cleaning
Services Company
Cleaning Service
Egress Company
Electrical Company
Electrician
Fence Company
Fireplace Company
Flooring
Gas/Propane Company
Heating Oil Company
Home Builder Developer
Home Contractor/Repair/ Remodeling Company
Home Security
Interior Design
Kitchen & Bath
Landscaper & Design
Company
Mortgage Lending
Company
Moving Services
Pest Control Company
Plumber
Professional Home
Organizers
Roofing Company
Siding Company
Solar Company
Stone/Masonry
Swimming Pool Builder
Title Company
Tree Service Company
Upholstery
Windows Company
KIDS & EDUCATION
Adult Education-
Continuing Education
Art School
Beauty School
Charter/Parochial/
Private School
College Prep Services/
Advisors
College/University
College/University President
Dance School
Day Camp
Day Care
Driving School
Gymnastics Center
High School Principal
Kids Birthday Parties
Learning Center/Tutor
Martial Arts
Music Schools/Classes
Nursery School
Sports Camp
PEOPLE & PLACES
Event Venue
Hotel
Local Tourist Attraction
Museum
Place to Have a Party
Place to Worship
Wedding Venue
SERVICES
Advertising Agency
Animal Adoption/
Rescue Services
Appliance Repair Store
Arbitration &
Mediation Firm
Architect
Car Wash
Car/Limo Service
Cemeteries
Corporate Law Firm
Divorce Attorney
Dry Cleaner
Elder Law Attorney
Estate Planning Attorney
Family Law Firm
Female Mentoring Group
Funeral Home
Green Business
Health Care Law Firm
Immigration Law Firm
Labor Law Firm
Laundromat
Law Firm (Overall) over 35 employees
Law Firm (Overall) under 35 employees
Litigation/Business
Litigation Law Firm
Matrimonial Law Firm
Nonprofit Organization
Personal Injury
Attorney - Firm
Pet Groomer
Photographer
Property Tax
Reduction Services
Public Relations Company
Real Estate Law Attorney
Real Estate Law Firm
Self-Storage Company
Tax Grievance Services
Tax Law Firm
Travel Agency
Veterinarian
Waste Management
Company
SHOPPING
Antique Store
Appliance/Home
Electronics Store
Boutique
Bridal Store
Carpet Store
Coin Store
Collectibles Store
Consignment/Thrift Store
Eyewear Store
Farmers Market
Florist
Furniture Store
Gift Shop
Gourmet Market
Grocery/Supermarket
Healthy Market
Local Children’s Clothing
Local Hardware Store
Local Jewelry Store
Local Men’s Clothing
Local Women’s Clothing
Marijuana Dispensary
Nursery & Garden Center
Pawn Shop
Window Treatment Store
SPORTS
Bicycle Store
Boxing Center
CrossFit Gym
Gym & Fitness Center
Ice Skating Rink
Kids’ Sports League
Personal Trainer
Personal Training Facility
Pilates
Place to Play Pool
Yoga
VEHICLES, DEALERS & SERVICES
Auto Body/Collision
Auto Dealer Service
Department
Auto Repair - Independent
Domestic Auto Dealer
Foreign Auto Dealership
Luxury Auto Dealership
Oil Change
Preowned Car Dealer
Tire Center
WINE & SPIRITS
Bar/Pub
Brewery
Liquor Store
Place to Buy Beer/
Beverage Center
Sports Bar
Wine Shop
Winery
Matthew Cohen’s Pediatric Office In Long Beach
BIRTHDAY PARTIES • CORPORATE PARTIES
TEAM BUILDING • FUNDRAISERS
GROUP OUTINGS • HAPPY HOURS
FUN LEAGUES • TRADITIONAL LEAGUES
From the baseball diamond to the gaming screen, Joe proves that leadership, teamwork, and compassion go hand in hand. He’s not just playing the game —he’s changing it.
Founder of Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, creator of Sports 4 All, and leader of community projects from Adopta-Grandparent to building wells for clean water overseas, Joe brings the same passion to service that he brings to every game.
Whether mentoring younger scouts, raising funds for veterans, or inspiring others through his story, Joe embodies resilience, creativity, and kindness in action.
Your One-Stop Auto Headquarters
Over 100 High Quality Used Vehicles in Stock!
10 Bay Service Facility! Buy With Confidence!
Once again many, many thanks to all of our loyal friends and customers for D&P being Voted Best on Long Island over and over again. Well, here we are again and Voting in FourLeaf Best of Long Island along with LI Herald Choice Awards Nominations has begun again and runs through December 15. We kindly ask you to help us out again and cast your vote for D&P Auto Sales (we are under Automotive<Used Vehicle Dealerships). You can vote once every day for every email address you have. We can’t do this without you. I ask if you have had a positive experience here, please cast your vote and help spread the word. In another area, we are looking to increase our Service Dept. and with the labor shortage in the trades, it’s been tough finding the right people. We are looking to remedy this. Do you know a Very Well Experienced ‘A’ Mechanic looking for a new job or higher salary? We are Actively looking to fill that position.
29,000OverVehicles Sold!
Lastly, with inflation what it is, increasing prices for gas, groceries, rent and insurance now more than ever it makes sense to buy a high quality, late model, low low mileage vehicle when replacing yours. For thousands less than a showroom new, you can take home a ‘Like-New’ vehicle that will be of greater value. Our policy is all vehicles come with 4 New Tires, All New Brakes and Rotors, all Serviced, All Fluids Replaced, New Wipers all around and much much more with a D&P Backed Warranty. I put out a vehicle like I would want one delivered to me. That’s the truth, if you don’t believe me I am sure you know one of the 29,000 customers that have come back time and time again and continually vote for us. That should count for something. The difference is I hand pick all D&P vehicles. I can see if they have been well taken care of instead of trying to fill a superstore with thousands of automobiles and that’s when the wheels come off the track or the vehicle.
I hope you come in and see me, and let’s try and find you a great vehicle.
Thanks
Phil, Nick and Terry
Thank you All for All your Support!!
46 Years
—Lisa Basini, Baking Coach, Bellport
Lisa’s passion is baking. Opening a store was a big step— one she made with support from PSEG Long Island. She earned incentives for choosing a vacant space that reduced her monthly energy costs. Now, her thriving business has made life a little sweeter for all of us.
Reduce your energy costs. Get a free business energy assessment. psegliny.com/businessassessment
*Incentives, grants, and rebates will vary with every project.