Dr. Adem Merter Birson is Musical Director of Koro Arkadaş. He serves on the Music Faculty at New York University. He is a graduate of Cornell University and Queens College, CUNY.
Dr. Şefik Yavuz, DDS, is a dedicated general practitioner at Mya Dental Arts PC in North Babylon, New York, where he combines an extensive international background with a patient-centered approach to oral health. After completing his initial dental education and advanced training in Turkey, Dr. Yavuz relocated to the United States, where he completed a residency at the NYU Department of Orthodontics and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Known for his warm and professional demeanor, he provides comprehensive family, restorative, and cosmetic care, with a special emphasis on microscope-assisted dentistry for highly precise root canals and implant microsurgeries.
Located at 2402 Ocean Avenue in Ronkonkoma, New York, VVAL Aesthetics and Beauty Spa is a highly rated day spa celebrated for its tranquil, immaculate atmosphere and personalized approach to self-care. Founded by a licensed esthetician specializing in advanced Korean beauty techniques, the spa seamlessly blends high-tech innovation with holistic wellness, even utilizing AI-powered skin scanners to tailor treatments to each individual's unique needs. Their comprehensive menu features luxurious offerings like the O2 Luxe Facial, microcurrent face sculpting, microneedling, laser hair removal, and custom lash and brow artistry. To ensure a comfortable and seamless experience for Long Island's diverse community, the welcoming and professional staff accommodates clients by speaking English, Turkish, and Spanish. Known for delivering natural, glowing results, VVAL Aesthetics has built a loyal local following of clients who praise the team for providing an incredibly relaxing, top-tier pampering experience.
Dr. İsmail Özcan, MD, is a highly experienced family physician and vein specialist who operates the Ozcan Medical Surgical Center and OZ Vein Center in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. Dr. Özcan earned his medical degree from Ankara University in Turkey, where he practiced as a general surgeon before relocating to the United States to complete his residency training in family practice at South Nassau Communities Hospital. Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, he brings an extensive, diverse clinical background to his practice. Dedicated to providing comprehensive and multi-specialty care to the Long Island community, Dr. Özcan seamlessly blends routine primary care and walk-in medical services with advanced, office-based treatments for varicose veins and specialized cosmetic aesthetics.
Serving the community right along the Deer Park Avenue corridor and neighboring areas, Nazar Restaurant & Market and Angora Food Market are two staple destinations for authentic Mediterranean and Turkish culture on Long Island. Located just down the road at 1474 Deer Park Avenue in North Babylon, Nazar functions as a lively all-in-one hub where visitors can enjoy hearty, charcoal-grilled Adana kebabs, fresh lahmacun, and warm homemade bread before stepping right into their attached grocery market to stock up on imported goods and boxes of fresh baklava. Just a short trip away, sister location Angora Food Market (situated at 2690 Route 112) mirrors this dual-concept charm, highly praised by locals for its massive portions, affordable everyday staples, and a welcoming atmosphere that truly feels like a home-cooked meal. Together, both establishments offer a vibrant, delicious, and highly authentic experience for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.
Haldun Yavaş is the Principal Real Estate Broker and founder of EMLAK Realty LLC, based in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, where he serves clients across Long Island and the greater New York metropolitan area. He holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education in Science from Dowling College and has furthered his professional development through programs like the Harvard Kennedy School Negotiation Skills Program. Known for his refined negotiation skills and client-first philosophy, Haldun balances a successful track record as an investor and developer with a supportive, patient approach that guides first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors through every stage of the transaction.
Located at 1066 Main Street in Holbrook, New York, Hummus Mediterranean Grill is a family-owned, fast-casual gem celebrated for its fresh, vibrant, and health-conscious approach to Mediterranean cuisine. Founded by local fitness and nutrition experts, the restaurant functions similarly to a high-quality, build-your-own assembly line, allowing guests to completely customize their meals starting with a base of a warm pita sandwich, white or brown jasmine rice bowl, or a crisp salad bowl. Diners can pile their base high with lean proteins like grilled chicken kebabs, grass-fed steak tips, shrimp, or golden falafel, and then finish it off with a massive variety of fresh toppings and unique, house-made hummus flavors ranging from classic garlic to roasted red pepper. Praised by the community for its massive portion sizes, clean ingredients, and macro-friendly options, Hummus Mediterranean Grill has become a go-to neighborhood staple for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, incredibly flavorful meal that perfectly aligns with a healthy lifestyle.