An Islanders Fish Tale, Starbucks Makeover, a Psychic Heads to Huntington and Cuthbertson's Mets Moment

Bruno Gervais of the New York Islanders scored big last week – not on the ice – but from the deck of the fishing boat James Joseph II.

Gervais was joined by three of his Islander teammates and fan Nicole Cardiello of Patchogue, who paid $1,100 at a charity auction for the opportunity to spend some downtime in Huntington with a few players from her favorite team. Also on board: Mighty Matt Moulson, Frans Nielsen and Andrew MacDonald.

It's just one of the things we saw prepping this very first About Town column – a quick look at the not-quite-news but still-neat happenings that occur in Huntington all the time. Seen something wacky, wild, cute, cuddly, funny or fun? Got an incidental observation or a minor celebration? Shoot it to our editor, at Paul@patch.com. We want pictures, too.

After initially winning the fishing trip at a charity golf outing benefiting the Islanders Children's Foundation, Gervais decided to increase the donation by placing the trip up for auction again, this time with his willing teammates as part of the prize.

It turned out to be a lucky trip of sorts for Gervais. He hadn't caught anything the few times he had tried the sport, but he got a bite and excitedly pulled his catch out of Huntington Harbor.

Village Connection Magazine publisher, Jim Savalli, who was also on board, described the event as, "the perfect night before the storm." Well, the hurricane that never came.

Gervais and the boys will be putting away the fishing rod soon. The Islanders head to training camp and then open the season at home against the Dallas Stars on Oct. 9.

MAGIC WANDS TO HIT BOOK REVUE

Psychics are used to answering deeply personal questions.

"Will I find my special someone?"

"Does my long-lost relative watch over me?"

But with the economy still in the doldrums, it's professional worries that fill readings these days, said Jeffrey Wands, a well-known author and Long Island psychic, who will be signing autographs and pumping his new release, "Knock and the Door Will Open," at the Book Revue on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.

"Everywhere I go, I hear from people who feel stuck," Wands said. "They want to hear about money, career and their well-being."

As for some free advice, Wands offers up this tidbit: "A key is people need to evaluate themselves. They get stuck. It's a state of mind. They're petrified. But people can make that change."

CITY FEEL AT STARBUCKS

The Starbucks at 1 Wall Street is an office of sorts for Patch employees.

So it was a bit jolting last Wednesday, when the location closed early, 5 p.m. to be exact, to complete renovations.

The makeover was a hit with customers the next day, however, including a Gershow Recycling contractor who told a barista that it made him feel like he was in "Soho."

Two women drinking hot coffee on an 80-something-degree day also remarked that it felt like New York City inside.

For a village dotted with upscale restaurants, crowded bars and high fashion shops, Starbucks should fit right in.

What do you think of the Starbucks renovations? Let us know.

CUTHBERTSON'S AMAZIN' DAY

Huntington Councilman, and Yankee fanatic, Mark Cuthbertson spent the weekend in Chicago, where he visited Wrigley Field, one of the great old ballparks in baseball.

He took in the game on the city's North Side, and looked on as the Chicago Cubs were blasted 18-5 by, of all teams, the hapless New York Mets.

So did Cuthbertson have it in his heart to pull for the Mets?

On Facebook, he took a little ribbing from Michael Schenkler, publisher of the Long Islander newspapers and the deputy mayor of Port Washington North.

Schenkler wondered if Cuthbertson's decision to pull for the Mets meant he could switch political parties too.

Fat chance.

"I am here and find it hard to root for a Chicago team. The chances of me becoming a Met fan are as good as me becoming Republican," Cuthbertson responded.