“I love coffee, I love tea, I love the java jive and it loves me…” (“Java Jive” by Milton Drake & Ben Oakland). If you’re looking for a cuppa caffeine, an herbal serene, or an entertaining scene,  you’ll hum, jive & come alive at the annual Coffee & Tea Festival NYC at the 69th Regiment Armory – listed as one of the “Ten Best New York Events.” Perked up by morning cappuccino ($25 for VIP  tickets – early entry plus swag-bags) we bought raffle tickets for “Cup for Education” – a non-profit company that supports educational projects in poor, coffee-growing areas. (All donations go to the local communities – the staff is all-volunteer.) Prizes included goodies from vendors – established tea brands like Red Rose/Salada plus newcomers like “A Gift of Tea” –  which makes “Tea Fields” – a tea-infused, shea body butter  which my skin is drinking in along with my morning cuppa. Coffees range from local  –  like Toby’s Estate, a Brooklyn roasters/espresso bar and New York Gourmet Coffee (“Fuhgeddaboudit!”)  to major brands like A&P’s Eight O’Clock coffee. Ancillary products include Nektar’s crystalized honey (non-sticky) and chapstick, Stevia (organic, and non-caloric sweetener) and glass tea pots, warmed by tea candles – even sea-salted chocolate samples by Salazon and vegan ice cream from Alchemy in Long Island City. This weekend’s festival (produced by Starfish Junction) was sold out in advance – including the VIP tickets. But there’s always next year – plus many other shows at this Armory.  The 69th Regiment has a history going back to the Civil War, so have a cuppa coffee, tea, and history! Creative Living:  Swag-bags are fun, but here’s the real perk – caffeine (in moderation) actually reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia and helps you live longer. Supporting charities like “Cup for Education” makes you feel better about your life – so do good, be well, and spend some dough on a cup of joe (and tea). (Editor/Photographer: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

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