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September 2026 - Sutton Place Social

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SEPTEMBER 2026

A MIDTOWN EAST STORY

400 Years in the Making THE BROWNSONS ARE HOME Photography by Anneliese Horowitz


Your Sutton Expert Real Estate Broker Explains the New Pied à Terre Tax New Yorkers across the city were surprised in July when notices were sent to more than 10,000 homeowners whose properties may be subject to the new pied-à-terre tax surcharge. Originally pitched as a way to target ultra-luxury, non-primary residences worth at least $5 million, the tax has reached far more homeowners than many expected. During Phase 1, it also applies to condos and co-ops valued at $1 million or more. In Phase 2, it will be restructured to apply equally to one-, two-, and three-family homes, condos, and co-ops valued at $5 million or more. Phase 1 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028):

Phase 2 (July 1, 2028 – June 30, 2031):

Condos & Co-Ops

One, Two and Three Family Homes, Condos & Co-Ops

Market Value $1 M – < $3 M $3 M – < $5 M $5 M – < $7 M $7 M – < $9 M $9 M – < $10 M $10 M – < $25 M $25 M+

Surcharge 0.4% 0.5% 0.75% 1% 1.5% 3% 4%

Market Value Under $5 M $5 M – < $15 M $15 M – < $25 M $25 M +

Surcharge None 0.08% 1.05% 1.3%

More details can be found on the NYC Department of Finance website. The tax is scheduled to expire after June 30, 2031, under current law, although one has to wonder whether, once the city becomes accustomed to the additional revenue, it may be extended. The surcharge does not apply where the property is the primary residence of (1) the owner, (2) a tenant or subtenant under a bona fide lease, (3) one or more individuals who collectively hold a majority interest in the entity that owns the property, (4) an immediate family member of the owner or majority interest holder, (5) the sole beneficiary or beneficiaries of a trust, or (6) where the owner has another primary residence within New York City. Limited exceptions also apply in certain situations, including some sponsor-owned unsold units and new construction without a certificate of occupancy. Many homeowners who believed their residency status was clear— and never considered themselves pied-à-terre owners—have nevertheless received notices. For many, this was the first indication that the city is actively reviewing occupancy records and cross-checking them against state filings and other records. Once notified, the burden shifts to the homeowner to prove the surcharge does not apply, a process that can be both time-consuming and administratively burdensome. For buyers, sellers, and long-time owners alike, this is an important development. While intended to raise revenue from luxury non-primary residences, the tax has affected a much broader group of homeowners. My advice is simple: don’t panic, but keep thorough records documenting your residency or exemption, particularly if it depends on a family member, tenant, trust, or ownership structure.

Consulting a CPA or tax attorney may also be advisable based on your circumstances. In the short term, the pied-à-terre tax is likely to place downward pressure on values for affected properties. Many Sutton buyers are part-time New York residents who value having a home in the city, and this added expense may influence their purchasing decisions. Some owners may decide to sell and stay in hotels when visiting instead. Transactions may also take longer as buyers and sellers conduct additional due diligence to understand the tax’s impact. If you would like to discuss how this tax may affect you, I am always available on a confidential basis. Contact me today. EMAIL

:

AFOLAN@ELLIMAN.COM

PHONE

:

718-309-6606 CALL TODAY ADDRESS

:

60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, NY, NY 10022


NN MARIE FOLAN THE QUEEN OF SUTTON PLACE REAL ESTATE STUNNING

FULLY RENOVATED

45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 10H $2,000,000 - 2BD/2.5 BA

60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 8NN $925,000 - 1BD/ 1BA

GORGEOUS GARDEN VIEWS

60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 3HS $639,999 - 1BD/ 1BA

IN CONTRACT

25 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, PHG $4,950,000 - 4BD/3.5BA

GREAT VALUE

220 EAST 54TH STREET, 3C $600,000 - 1BD/1BA

IN CONTRACT

245 EAST 54TH STREET, 8LM $1,750,000 - 2BD/2.5 BA

SOLD

SOLD

50 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 16A $2,250,000 - CLASSIC 7 W/TERRACE

36 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 1B $1,499,000 - 3BD/ 2BA

RIVER HOUSE, 6/ 7F $5,000,000

SOLD

4 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, PH $5,400,000

14 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 7C $1,795,000 - 2BD/2BA

TERRACE LOVER

2 TUDOR CITY PLACE, 14BS $750,000 - 1BD/ 1BA

SOLD

ST. JAMES TOWER, 415 E 54TH ST $2,875,000

SOLD

234 EAST 61ST STREET $7,500,000

JAW DROPPING VIEWS

45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 11F $2,999,999 - 3BD/2.5BA

IN CONTRACT

40 SUTTON PLACE, PHM $750,000 - 1BD/1BA

SOLD

400 EAST 56TH STREET, 18P $1,350,000 - 2BD/2BA

SOLD

410 EAST 57TH STREET, 4CD $3,400,000 - 4BD/4.5BA

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

CANDELA BEAUTY

440 EAST 56TH STREET, 12G $1,100,000

SOLD

30 SUTTON PLACE, 7C $1,795,000 - CANDELA CLASSIC 6

330 EAST 51ST STREET $6,995,000

SOLD

130 WILLIAMS STREET, PH $7,995,000 - 3BD/3BA

SOLD

2 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 9E $900,000

SOLD

ONE BEEKMAN PLACE, 15C $3,500,000 - 3BD/3.5BA

575 MADISON AVENUE, NY, NY 10022. 212.891.7000 © 2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED WITH ANOTHER REAL ESTATE BROKER, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS OFFER. IT IS NOT OUR INTENTION TO SOLICIT THE OFFERINGS OF OTHER REAL ESTATE BROKERS. WE COOPERATE WITH THEM FULLY. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY


NYC’S EAST-SIDE EXCLUSIVE MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Sutton Place SOCIAL

Dearest Readers, It's September, and we're back, with our biggest family cover to date! Inside, new contributing writers with fresh perspectives, brand-new neighborhood openings worth discovering, and community celebrations all around. An issue we're delighted to present to you.

ELENI MENOUTIS Founding Publisher, Sutton Place Social EMenoutis@BestVersionMedia.com

Eleni Menoutis Publisher

Margaret Pfohl Feature Writer

Sarah Van Der Geest Designer

Anneliese Horowitz Photographer

PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher Eleni Menoutis Feature Writer Margaret Pfohl mpfohl@bestversionmedia.com Designer Sarah Van Der Geest Photographer Anneliese Horowitz anneliesehorowitzphoto@gmail.com ADVERTISING / CONTENT / MAILING LIST Contact Eleni Menoutis Phone 646.386.6270 Email emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com IMPORTANT LOCAL CONTACTS Sutton Area Community (SAC): 212.838.9770 info@suttonareacommunity.com Sutton Place Parks Conservancy (SPPC): info@suttonplaceparks.org events@suttonplaceparks.org Beekman Place Association (BPA): 415.533.5366 board@beekmanplacenyc.org Turtle Bay Association (TBA): 212.751.5465 office@turtlebay-nyc.org East Midtown Partnership (EMP): 212.813.0030 info@eastmidtown.org NYPD 17th Precinct: 212.826.3211 FDNY Engine 8/Ladder 2: 718.999.2000

Join us! Stay Social FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM MOVING? FORMER TENANT'S NAME? DUPLICATES? GOING GREEN? KINDLY CALL/TEXT 646.386.6270 Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

4

S EPTEMBER 2026 / SUT TO N PL AC E SOC I AL

New Sponsor

SHOUT-OUT! AKA Sutton Place, we officially welcome you to our community of readers! Long-term luxury stays right on 56th Street, between 1st & 2nd, in spacious one- and two-bedroom suites and spectacular penthouses, with an indoor heated pool, 24-hour fitness center, valet laundry and housekeeping services, and more — to unwind in the heart of Sutton. Discover 330 E 56th | 212.752.8888 | www.stayaka.com/aka-sutton-place

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THE SUTTON PLACE SOCIAL FAMILY


EILEEN FOY | THE SUTTON PLACE EXPERT WITH 30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE! PROVEN RESULTS THAT MATTER

$1

500+

Top 1%

Billion in Residential Sales

Co-op, Condo & Townhouse Transactions

of Real Estate Agents Nationwide

From strategic pricing to powerful marketing and skilled negotiation, Eileen is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for every client. With a track record of exceptional results, Eileen Foy helps homeowners navigate the market with confidence.

SO L D

SOLD

45 Sutton Place South, 9F 3 BD | 3 BA | $2,550,000

45 Sutton Place South, 8L 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,595,000

SO L D

520 East 28th Street, PH $20,200,000 SOL D

220 East 65th Street, PHB 2 BD | 2 BA | $2,195,000

109 Waverly Place Townhouse | $17,560,000 AVAIL ABLE

50 Sutton Place South, 2A Large 3 BD mint condition $1,500,000

45 Sutton Place South, 9D 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,150,000

SOL D

25 Sutton Place South, 14JI 3 BD | 3.5 BA | $1,700,000 SO LD

SOL D

45 Sutton Place South, 11K 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,575,000

SOLD

25 Sutton Place South, 8G 3 BD | 3 BA | $1,975,000 SOL D

I N CONT R ACT

25 Sutton Place South, 15P 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,275,000

SO LD

150 Charles Street, 14A $14,000,000

I N CO N TR ACT

401 East 60th Street, 4ABC 5 BD | $3,675,000

AVAIL AB L E

50 Sutton Place South, 21L 3 BD + Terrace | $1,275,000

I N CONTR ACT

AVA I L A B L E

440 East 56th Street, 1B Delightful Garden Home $1,195,000

25 Sutton Place South, 9R 1 BD | 1 BA | $680,000 I N CO N TR ACT

447 East 57th Street, 5/6E Candela Duplex | $2,500,000 I N CO N TR ACT

415 East 52nd Street, 3EB $1,095,000

Schedule A Personal & Confidential Market Appraisal Today! M: 347.463.8128 eileen.foy@compass.com eileenfoynyc.com “COMPASS is the #1 REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE in the UNITED STATES and #1 in NYC” is sourced by REALTrends Verified 2024. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

AVA I L A BL E

425 East 58th Street, 18D Expansive 3 BD + Terrace $2,195,000 SO LD

400 East 52nd Street, 14J 1 BD | 1.5 BA + Terrace $875,000


The Experts.

OUR CONTRIBUTING INDUSTRY INSIDERS

Do you hold Expert Status? CONTACT ELENI MENOUTIS emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com | 646.386.6270

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH Dr. Robert Melillo The Melillo Center for Developing Minds 646.971.8040 melillomethodnyc@gmail.com www.drrobertmelillo.com 347 5th Ave, Rm 1010 (btw 33rd & 34th) @DRROBERTMELILLO

COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTAL Dr. Steven Chavez Blue Line Dental 212.317.5959 hello@bluelinedentalnyc.com www.bluelinedentalnyc.com 1037 2nd Ave (btw 54th & 55th) @DRSTEVENCHAVEZ

ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE Clare P. Shanley, Executive Director The 80th Street Residence Enhanced Memory Care 212.717.8888 www.80thstreetresidence.com 430 E 80th (at York Ave) INVESTIGATION & PHYSICAL SECURITY Michael Gaeta SI Global Partners 212.245.2918 info@siglobalpartners.com www.siglobalpartners.com 199 Water St, 16th Fl, NYC 10038

THE ROOT CAUSE OF AUTISM |INCLUDING NON-VERBAL AUTISM| FROM A TREATMENT & RESEARCH PERSPECTIVE DR. ROBERT MELILLO and his team are NYC-based leaders in neurodevelopmental conditions such as NonVerbal Autism, ADHD, OCD, Tics, Dyslexia, Anxiety, and Depression in both children and adults. With extensive knowledge of brain function, Dr. Melillo has perfected a multi-modal method that significantly improves the most pervasive neurologic-based issues today. The Melillo Method has transformed the lives of thousands all over the globe, by addressing the root cause, improving brain-body function. Dr. Melillo’s expertise in functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is unparalleled, backed by 30 years as a clinician, professor, brain researcher, and bestselling author. We invite you to visit The Melillo Center for Developing Minds located at 347 5th Avenue if you or your child is struggling with a neurodevelopmental condition.

646.971.8040 | melillomethodnyc@gmail.com | drrobertmelillo.com @drrobertmelillo | 347 5th Ave Rm 1010 (btw 33rd & 34th)

ANNELIESE HOROWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Spend Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur with Sutton Place Synagogue

BEEKMAN PLACE ASSOCIATION

Traditional Egalitarian Services, 20s & 30s Services, Tot & Family Services & More

MISSION STATEMENT: The BPA’s mission

is to promote the health, safety and welfare of its residents located between the east side of First Avenue and the East River, and between Mitchell Place and East 51st Street.

To learn more contact us at sps@spsnyc.org, 212-593-3300, or go to spsnyc.org 6

415.533.5366 @beekmanplacenyc

S EPTEMBER 2026 / SUT TO N PL AC E SOC I AL

board@beekmanplace.org beekmanplacenyc.org

SPECIAL EVENTS | TEAM HEADSHOTS FAMILY MEMORIES | CUSTOM SHOOTS CONTRACTED PROJECTS EXPERIENTIAL | PRINT | WEB

347.277.6473 | anneliesehorowitz@gmail.com @anneliesehorowitz | anneliesehorowitz.com


SEPTEMBER MONTHLY OPEN HOUSE PAUL RUDOLPH INSTITUTE Fri, Sept 4, 6–9pm & Sat, Sept 19, 1–4pm

246 E 58th St Experience the only Paul Rudolph-designed interior open to the public in New York City. Reservations can be made through the website as there are limits to the number of people in the building at a time. $30/ticket. RSVP: www.paulrudolph.institute/rudolph-open-house FREE ESPLANADE YOGA ESPLANADEFRIENDS Wed, Sept 9, 6:30–7:30pm (6pm check-in)

Andrew Haswell Green Park (E 60th St & York Ave up the ramp) Join IronStrength NYC for an hour of yoga fitness with a spectacular view of the waterfront! Registration Required. EsplanadeFriends.org/events MORE ON THE ESPLANADE: Sun, 9/12: Bird Walk with NYC Bird Alliance (10–11:30am) Sat, 9/26: Family-Friendly Live Music & Activities (1–4 pm) Mon, 9/28: Fishing Clinic (5–7pm) | SPONSOR EVENT | FREE SUTTON SELLER SEMINAR ANN MARIE FOLAN REAL ESTATE Wed, Sept 16, 5–6pm

575 Madison Ave, 3rd Fl (at 56th) Join the Queen of Real Estate for an intimate chat over local drinks and bites. NYC Pied-à-Terre Tax, Capital Gains Tax, What Buyers Look For, Market Conditions & Trends, Seller Closing Costs, Transaction Time, and more. Please RSVP: AFolan@Elliman or 718.309.6606 www.elliman.com/afolan JULES LELEU & FRENCH ART DECO ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK Thurs, Sept 24, 6–8:00pm

Maison Gerard, 43 E 10th St Join us for a rare opportunity to explore the work of Jules Leleu, one of the most influential yet often overlooked masters of French Art Deco. Hosted at Maison Gerard, this special exhibition showcases exceptional examples of furniture and design from the legendary Maison Leleu. Benoist F. Drut, director of Maison Gerard and a leading authority on Leleu, will guide attendees through the exhibition while tracing the firm's remarkable history and prestigious commissions, from luxury residences and French embassies to celebrated ocean liners. Don't miss this special opportunity to explore the legacy of one of Art Deco's most sophisticated designers. Reserve your place today: https://artdecosocietyofnewyork.wildapricot.org/ event-6763590 www.artdeco.org EARLIER THIS MONTH: Wed, 9/16: Costumes by Erté online event (6:30–8pm)

Stay Social Event details subject to change

Mark Your Calendars MOM'S HAPPY HOUR AT LES VAGABONDS Thur, 9/17, 4–7pm SPONSOR SOCIAL AT NOSTOS Mon, 9/28, 5:30–8:30pm READY, SET, MAHJONG AT GOC Thur, 10/15 & Thur, 10/29, 6:30–9pm OUR PARKS STROLL Sun, 10/18, 1pm BRUNCH BOOK CLUB AT NOSTOS Sun, 10/25, 11:30am–1:30pm TURTLE BAY TOUR WITH LOCAL JEFF LISS Sun, Nov 8 & Sat, Dec 12, 1–3pm

Save The Date 2ND ANNUAL TASTE OF TURTLE BAY Sat, 10/3, 2–5pm www.turtlebay-nyc.org RENEW, RELAX, RETREAT WITH EVE IN PORTUGAL 10/10–10/17, until Sept 5 to sign up! www.evefleishman.com/retreat SAC'S FALL SOCIAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT Tues, 10/20 www.suttonareacommunity.com ESPLANADEHALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Sat, 10/24, 1–4 pm www.esplanadefriends.org/events

Susan Janart

BEEKMAN PLACE ASSOCIATION HALLOWEEN PARTY BEEKMAN PLACE Sun, 10/25, 3–5pm ASSOCIATION Associate Real Estate Broker www.beekmanplacenyc.org

Susan Janart Susan Janart Susan Janart Growing up within the boroughs, personally Licensed in NY & CT, SRS, CBR, CIRE

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Associate Real Estate Broker | Licensed in NY & CT

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH US

ON INSTAGRAM & VIA OUR MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR UPCOMING HAPPY HOURS, SPONSOR SOCIALS, FALL BOOK CLUBS, MAHJONG NIGHTS, WALKING TOURS, WELLNESS EVENTS & MORE.

LO C A L M: 914.262.0177 M914. 914.262.0177 E: sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com M .0177 M 914.262.0177 sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com CONNECTIONS M 914. .0177 m HUDSON VALLEY 4-SEASON RETREAT sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com W: susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com WITH EXTENSIVE sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com LO Cprof A E: sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com G LO B A L R E A C H with a pool, pergola & firepit $989,000 susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com C O N N susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com really susanjanartrealestate susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com R Y E B R O K E R AG E | 1 4 E L M P L , R Y E , N Y 1 0 5 8 0 854 County Route 9, Ghent, NY 12075 Source: Real Trends 500, 2021, closed transactions. W: susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com susanjanartrealestate WITH doe susanjanartrealestate 4 Beds 2.5 Baths | 3,424 sq.ft. | 3.7 Acres @susanjanart_realestate susanjanartrealestate ourBaA G LO susanjanartrealestate @susanjanart_realestate

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NONPROFIT ANNOUNCEMENT

Sutton Area Community

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE S BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT PAMELA ZONSIUS

utton Area Community is more than a neighborhood — it is a community. A community of residents, merchants, volunteers, and friends who care deeply about their quality of life and the place we call home.

I am honored to serve as the President of Sutton Area Community (SAC). I look forward to continuing our steadfast traditions of civic engagement, beautification, and advocacy. We are especially excited to announce that 2026 is SAC’s 50th-year anniversary! This milestone year celebrates five decades of neighbors working together to preserve and enhance the character of our community. Our roots run deep. In 1875, Effingham B. Sutton built a row of brownstones between East 57th and East 58th Streets, planting the seeds of the neighborhood that would bear his name. The area flourished in the 1920s, when prominent figures such as Anne Harriman Vanderbilt and Anne Morgan updated elegant residences overlooking the East River, helping transform Sutton Place into the distinguished enclave we know today. More than fifty years ago, a small group of residents came together with a shared vision to protect and strengthen this special neighborhood. That vision became Sutton Area Community, founded in 1976 and later incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Today, that same spirit of stewardship, volunteerism, and civic pride continues to guide our work. Our mission lives through close collaborations with city agencies, elected officials, local businesses, and community partners. SAC advocates on behalf of our neighborhood through ongoing dialogue with NYC Parks, the Department of Transportation, the NYPD 17th Precinct, and other government agencies to help ensure that our community's needs and priorities are heard. Whether you have been part of SAC for years or are just discovering us, I invite you to get involved. Learn more about membership at suttonareacommunity.com/memberships. Your voice, your ideas, and your participation help shape our neighborhood's future. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, I look forward to working together to keep our neighborhood vibrant, welcoming, and thriving for generations to come. Thank you for your support and for being part of the Sutton Area Community family.

Warmest regards,

Pamela Zonsius

Save The Date: October 20 SAC's Fall Social Event celebrating 50 Years 8

S EPTEMBER 2026 / SUT TO N PL AC E SOC I AL

President, Sutton Area Community

WWW.SUTTONAREACOMMUNITY.COM @SUTTONAREACOMMUNITY


AY U R L I G H T C A N D L E S

AYURVEDA MONTH

Lighting the Way

TO E V E RY DAY W E L L N E S S BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL

F

or Nisha Rana, lighting a candle is about far more than filling a room with fragrance. It's an invitation to slow down, take a breath, and create a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day.

That simple idea sparked the creation of AyurLight Candles, a handcrafted candle company that blends the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern aromatherapy to support everyday wellness. Founded three years ago, AyurLight offers thoughtfully designed candles made with essential oil blends intended to encourage relaxation, focus, balance, or calm, transforming an everyday habit into an intentional ritual. Nisha’s journey began with a desire to build something meaningful. Coming from a healthcare background, she became fascinated by the science behind scent and its ability to influence emotions, stress levels, and overall well-being. At the same time, she wanted to honor her South Asian heritage by incorporating the centuries-old principles of Ayurveda — an ancient wellness practice from India that teaches how our senses, especially smell, can influence our mood, emotions, and overall well-being — into a product people could easily enjoy every day.

"We've definitely had our share of mix-ups where we realize we've been talking about two completely different things," she laughs. "It takes patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor." Those experiences have only strengthened the relationships behind the brand. By combining intentional scent, handcrafted artistry, and timeless wellness traditions, Nisha aims to help people create small, meaningful moments of balance in their everyday lives, one candle and one quiet pause at a time. With Ayurveda Day recognized on September 23, Nisha hopes more people will discover how ancient wellness traditions can complement modern life.

"Science meets tradition" became the foundation of AyurLight.

Browse online at AyurLightCandles.com and follow along at @AyurLightCandles on Instagram and Facebook.

With guidance from a friend who is an Ayurvedic consultant, Nisha developed fragrance blends inspired by Ayurvedic wellness practices while drawing on modern research about aromatherapy. Each candle is hand-poured by women artisans in India into handcrafted copper vessels, combining craftsmanship, cultural tradition, and purposeful design in every piece.

Sutton Place Social readers were lucky to experience AyurLight Candles firsthand at our May 21 women's wellness event at The Place (signature copper water bottles), and on June 9 at our book club at Les Vagabonds (diffusers).

For Nisha, wellness doesn't have to mean elaborate routines or hours of self-care. She believes it can be as simple as lighting a candle before reading a book, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, or unwinding after a long day. "We believe wellness should be simple enough to become part of an everyday ritual," she emphasizes. "Sometimes all it takes is a small pause to reconnect with yourself." Like many small business owners, Nisha wears several hats. In addition to running AyurLight, she balances a full-time career and raising two teenage daughters. Watching her business grow while showing her children the value of perseverance has become one of her greatest sources of pride. "I hope they see that meaningful things are built through consistency and dedication," she says. Running an international business also brings its share of memorable moments. Since production takes place in India, Nisha often begins and ends her days exchanging WhatsApp messages across time zones. Even though she speaks the language, plenty of amusing misunderstandings still happen. S EP TEM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

9


NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Curious, COOL

Thomas Peter ANTIQUES BY PART-TIME SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT MARIE MOSS

& Art

F

or as long as he can remember, Thomas Peter has been a collector and admirer of all that has a history and story to tell. Some of his first memories include his delight in the sound of the creaky floorboards in his childhood home to the discovery of an uncle’s collectible baseball card in a tucked away crawl space. “I loved old things before I could understand why,” he told us. This summer, he turned his love of history, art and collecting into fulfilling a dream of having his own shop. With a Lewis Carroll meets MoMA vibe, Peter’s antique and vintage vignettes all feature handwritten notes detailing an item’s origins. Ask him for more of the history or background, and he is happy to share the stories. “I like to think of my shop as a go-to for collectors and interior designers, but also for casual shoppers who will discover pieces they never knew existed.” Make a visit an outing as there is so much inspiration in Peter’s curations that you will want the time to explore each curiously cool and lovingly curated find. THOMAS PETER ANTIQUES & ART 359 E 50th St (at 1st) INFO@THOMASPETERNYC.COM @THOMASPETERNYC WWW.THOMASPETERNYC.COM Marie Moss is an author, stylist, vintage curator and charm bracelet enthusiast. Follow her adventures @marieyvonnemoss | @jadorenantucket

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PET CORNER

Mademoiselle CUPCAKES BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT ABIGAIL ROGADO

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onjour! I'm Cupcakes, a Morkie with impeccable manners, a passport that's nearly as well stamped as my human's, and a firm belief that every adventure is better when shared.

Despite weighing less than most handbags, I consider myself an international lady of leisure. My days are spent charming strangers, discovering beautiful places, and proving that elegance comes in all sizes. In New York, you'll usually find me strolling Sutton Place, greeting neighbors along the East River Esplanade, or accompanying my mom along Madison Avenue, where I take my role as chief shopping consultant very seriously, occasionally weighing in on her latest design ideas before we settle in for lunch at Sant Ambroeus. When I'm in Paris, you'll find me wandering Saint-Germain, lingering at café terraces, strolling through the Jardin du Luxembourg, and making regular visits to The Ritz Paris, where every proper afternoon deserves a touch of glamour. Watch Hill is my happy place. At Ocean House, you'll find me inspecting the gardens, strolling the croquet lawn, watching the waves roll in, and fitting in the occasional afternoon nap. Give me an ocean breeze, a sunny afternoon, and my favorite people, and I'm exactly where I belong. If our paths happen to cross, please stop and say hello. I never tire of making new friends, I graciously accept compliments, and I firmly believe every great day should end with a treat. Bisous, MADEMOISELLE CUPCAKES @WANDERWOMAN.DIARIES

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400 E 54TH STREET, NEW YORK 10022

Mon: 2 pm - 6 pm, Tue-Fri: 11 am - 6:30 pm, Sat: 11 am - 6pm (212) 920-4656

Come Visit Our Store In

GRAND CENTRAL MARKET

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Lina Swar ARTISTRY

BY FORMER NYC RESIDENT LINA SWAROVSKI

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ina Swarovski (b. 1968, Moscow) is an Austrian contemporary impressionist, known for her expressive brushwork, whose vibrant paintings celebrate light, colour, and the beauty of everyday moments. Her international journey has taken her from Moscow to New York City and, for the past 30 years, to the Austrian Alps, where she now lives and works.

Before becoming a full-time artist, Lina trained as a physician and worked in oncology in both the United States and Austria. Witnessing the profound impact of creativity on her patients' emotional well-being inspired her own transformation: she left medicine to dedicate her life to painting, believing that art has the power to heal, connect, and bring joy. For five formative years, Lina lived in New York City, a place that continues to shape both her life and her artistic vision. She returns to the city whenever she can, drawn by its unmistakable energy, its vibrant creative community, and the friendships and personal experiences that have made New York a lasting part of who she is. Working primarily in oils, both in the studio and en plein air, Lina invites viewers to slow down and rediscover beauty in the present moment. Her paintings often reflect the places that have shaped her — from the dynamic rhythm of New York to the tranquil landscapes of the Austrian Alps and the Scandinavian coastline. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in private collections across Europe, North America, and beyond. STUDIO@LINASWAROVSKIART.COM WWW.LINASWAROVSKIART.COM @LINASPAINTINGS 12

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ovski IN THE CITY

Are You Carrying an East Midtown Passport Card? Visit www.EastMidtown.org and follow us on social media to learn more.

PASS P front

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To re g merc ister you r h www ants and sp .E ast or sc an th Midtow e QR Co

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East Midtown Partnership • 875 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022 • 212-813-0030 • EastMidtown.org

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The Brownsons' Journey

F RO M 17T H-C E N T U RY N E W YO R K T O P R E S E N T - D AY M I D T O W N E A S T WRITTEN BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNELIESE HOROWITZ


COVER STORY

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early 400 years ago, members of Marcy Brownson's family crossed the Atlantic from England and The Netherlands, eventually settling in what would become New York City. Centuries later, branches of the family spread across the country, building lives from Colorado to Connecticut and beyond. Today, ten members of that once far-flung family all call Midtown East home. "It's extraordinary when you think about it," Marcy says. "After all these generations, we've ended up back where our family's New York story began." That connection stretches back to 1634, when Marcy's father's family arrived from England before settling in Connecticut and Vermont and eventually making their way to Lower Manhattan's Pearl Street. Around the same time, her mother's Dutch family sailed from The Netherlands and established roots in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Although Marcy herself didn't move to New York until 1966 after graduating from Northwestern University, she says the city had always felt like home. "My husband and I moved here after college, but I'd been visiting relatives every Christmas growing up. Even as a child, I knew I belonged here and would someday become a New Yorker." That feeling never faded. Marcy earned her master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University and built a career that spanned publishing, higher education, institutional equities trading, and individual investor wealth management. She worked as a nonfiction editor at Doubleday, later became a university program director and assistant dean, and eventually transitioned into finance. Yet when asked about her favorite job, her answer comes without hesitation. "My favorite job ever is my current one: retirement." Retirement has given Marcy the freedom to devote time to family, friendships, travel, and the neighborhood she has called home for nearly three decades. She and her late husband moved to Sutton Place South almost 30 years ago, drawn by sweeping views of the East River and three boroughs visible from their windows. She's also committed to staying active. For the past 15 years, Marcy has worked with a trainer in her building's fitness center and credits that routine with helping extend what she calls her "health-span," allowing her to continue enjoying an energetic lifestyle. A decade ago, life brought another unexpected gift when she met her fiancé, Rob Bailey, on Match.com. "We were both widowed after long marriages," she says. "Meeting online in our 70s surprises some people, but becoming a couple was an easy decision." S EP TEM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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The two quickly discovered they shared similar interests, a compatible sense of humor, and families who embraced their relationship. Although they're engaged, they've chosen not to marry because keeping separate estates allows each to preserve straightforward estate plans for their respective families.

MAJESTIC VIEW FROM MARCY & ROB’S APARTMENT

Rob retired after many years as a litigator with the New York City Department of Law, later taking pro bono cases representing rental tenants. Today, he volunteers two days each week at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, spending time with hospice patients through conversation and social activities. Spending time with family remains an important part of both of their lives, and they enjoy seeing Rob's children and grandchildren frequently. Marcy's sister raised nine children, including Barbara Norman, whose family makes up much of the ten-person family group living in Midtown East. Barbara is a fashion photographer and artist who combines fine art photography with textile design through her clothing company, Babs Boutique NYC. Her husband, Dan Wilby, owns the Brooklyn gastropub The Hollow Nickel after a long career in commercial and celebrity photography. Their daughter, Nora Wilby, serves as Creative Producer for OXO's food photography studio, while Nora's partner, Meg Seyler, is a children's book editor at Sesame Workshop, founder of A Little Something mail club, and a freelance writer. Barbara and Dan's son, Sam Wilby, edits video and creates online media for a company supporting music production for film while also freelancing as an animator and composer. Another great-nephew, Kane, works as an account executive managing finances for actors, comedians, influencers, and other entertainment professionals. His wife, Laura, is a homemaker, and together they're raising one-year-old Tia, whose current responsibility, Marcy jokes, is simply "acting like a baby." The family may have scattered across the country over generations, with many relatives now living in Colorado, but they remain closely connected through reunions, group travel, visits, social media, and frequent gatherings whenever possible. They've traveled several times throughout Europe with a dozen or more family members and already have a trip to Canada planned for this fall. 1970S FAMILY VACATION, MARCY & BARBARA (WITH BARBARA’S SISTER AMY) CLIMBED A COLORADO MOUNTAIN THE EASY WAY

MARCY & ROB ON A TODAY SHOW SEGMENT IN 2025

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MARCY & BARBARA WITH 4-LEGGED FRIENDS IN EGYPT

MARCY & BARBARA AT THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

MARCY & BARBARA AT THE TAJ MAHAL

Travel has also become an important tradition for Marcy and Barbara, who have spent many years exploring Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Central and South America, Scandinavia, Cuba, and Canada together. Altogether, Marcy has visited 62 countries and looks forward to exploring many more. When Marcy and Rob are home, the neighborhood offers everything they're looking for. They enjoy Sutton Place's peaceful atmosphere, wide sidewalks, waterfront parks, and the East Midtown Greenway, where they frequently walk together. They're active with Sutton Area Community and Friends of the East River Esplanade, regularly attending neighborhood traditions like the Christmas tree lighting, free concerts, and Manhattanhenge celebrations. They've also become loyal supporters of neighborhood businesses, including Corby Chemists, Jennings TV, Eagle Cosmetics, The Greats of Craft, American First Liquors, Eddy's Dry Cleaners & Tailors, Pinkberry, La Terra Restaurant, Crumbly Bakery, and Jean Claude Bistro. For Marcy, community has always been built through the people around her. She belongs to both The Silurians Press Club and The Dutch Treat Club, organizations that have introduced her to countless interesting people over the years. When asked whether her family has a motto, she doesn't settle on just one. "Attitude is the secret of a happy life," she reveals. Then she offers another: "Miracles happen to those who expect them." Looking at the generations gathered together in Midtown East, it's easy to see why she believes both are true. Check out Barbara's artwork and designs at BabsBoutiqueNYC.com (@babsboutiquenyc). To learn more about Dan's Brooklyn gastropub, visit HollowNickel.com (@hollownickel). S EP TEM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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STRETCH YO U R STORY

A NEW UNIFORM FOR EVOLUTION BY STRETCH YOUR STORY FOUNDER SUNGAH KONG

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YS (Stretch Your Story) is the first premium Korean performancewear brand to be introduced in the United States. Launched in late 2025, SYS is engineered in Korea with the same precision, discipline, and craftsmanship that Korean design has long been known for. Every garment is made from proprietary fabrics, each offering a unique feel and value — built to move with the body rather than against it. That precision isn't incidental — it's the point of origin. Every SYS piece begins at the brand's Innovation Lab in South Korea, where designers and textile engineers work together. Proprietary, non-toxic (PFAS & BPA free) fabric blends are developed first and tested across a full spectrum of movement — stretch, recovery, breathability — before a single silhouette is cut. It's a process built on iteration, not intuition, refined until each material earns its place in a finished garment. The result is clothing that performs before it postures. SYS merges advanced textile innovation with refined


FASHION WEEK

Photo by @kmgmarketing_nyc

SPS READERS IN SYS MODAL COMFORT TANK & BUTTERMELT™ LEGGING & BRA SET

design integrity: technically advanced, visually considered, and made to move with intention. Every fabric purposefully built in-house, every garment tested against real movement. This is performancewear for those who refuse to choose between looking elevated and feeling capable. Founded on the belief that movement begins with intention, SYS is guided by a philosophy called the Pulse State — a state achieved once mind, body, and self all move in perfect alignment, finding power in every gesture and restraint in every pause. SYS doesn't view movement as a category of the day but as a continuous thread running through it. The clothing is designed to disappear into that thread: quiet in its construction, exact in its engineering, built for people who are always in motion toward the next version of themselves. For readers meeting SYS for the first time, the introduction is simple: From Seoul to New York, SYS marks the next evolution of performancewear — the first Korean brand to land here — setting a new uniform for progress. DISCOVER SYS AT STRETCHYOURSTORY.COM. FOLLOW OUR NYC JOURNEY AT @STRETCHYOURSTORY. MORE SHARED MOMENTS WITH SUTTON PLACE SOCIAL ARE AHEAD. S EP TEM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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UES GUIDE

da Adriano BY LOCAL NOAH WEINTRAUB

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@NOAHZACHARY

efore moving to New York City, Chef Adriano Kercuku started his culinary journey in Florence, training under some of the greatest chefs. Then to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and finally NYC where he was the executive chef at several prominent restaurants such as Felice, Sant Ambroeus, and Casa Lever, to name a few.

In May 2023, Chef Adriano opened Osteria Da Adriano on 1st Avenue between 64th and 65th streets. A cozy space with only a handful of tables, fun Italian pop music in the background, and some of the friendliest waitstaff in the neighborhood. During the day, it is a peaceful caffè with traditional breakfast options, fresh baked pastries, savory paninis, soups and salads. You can never go wrong with a cup of their minestrone soup and fresh baked focaccia. The dinner menu is where Chef Adriano really shows off his talent and passion for Northern Italian cuisine. Menu highlights include a Bluefin Tuna Tartare appetizer with shaved mango and basil, bruschetta with fresh ricotta and peaches, and a lovely quinoa salad with mushrooms, avocado and a delicious basil dressing. A signature pasta dish, and a must-have, is La Chiantigiana di Adriano: cocoa nibs pasta, slow-cooked braised beef in a red wine balsamic tomato sauce. A truly inspired and flavorful dish. My husband is gluten intolerant, and they have always accommodated his allergy with a gluten-free gnocchi or pasta with whatever sauce preparations are on the menu. This time it was Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe. Delicious.

OSTERIA DA ADRIANO 1198 1st Ave (at 65th) WWW.DAADRIANO.COM @DAADRIANONYC | @LACOLLINA_NYC

Back to School Treats!

For Dessert, a slice of delicious homemade tiramisu or flourless chocolate cake. One of the things I love most about dining at Da Adriano is the constant presence of Chef Adriano himself. Three years later, and he is still at the restaurant almost every night greeting his regulars, and welcoming new guests. He lives in the neighborhood with his wife Anya and daughter Emma. When sitting down with him, he expressed how proud he is to be a young entrepreneur in a neighborhood that he loves, and how grateful he is to the community for embracing him and his family. Following the success of Da Adriano, Chef Adriano will be opening his next restaurant this month. La Collina, located at 1431 First Avenue, between 74th and 75th, will have 24 tables and a seven-seat bar. I have no doubt that La Collina will continue to be another canvas for Chef Adriano to express his art with every dish. I’ll see you there. NOAHWEINTRAUB@GMAIL.COM 20

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Family Run & Owned

Fresh Baked Goods Pies • Muffins • Cookies & More

ORDER AHEAD

917.409.3008 Baking On Premises

FOLLOW US @crumblynyc

997 1st Ave, between 54th & 55th 1729 2nd Ave, between 89th & 90th

9 172


LEGENDARY LANDMARKS

Celebrating

A CENTURY at

320 East 57th Street BY RESIDENT ASEES ANAND

Beyond its beautiful design, Three Twenty occupies a prominent place in New York's literary history. Officially recognized as a Literary Landmark, it was home to acclaimed novelist Erich Maria Remarque, author of "All Quiet on the Western Front," who lived here from 1951 until his death in 1970. Along with his wife, actress Paulette Goddard, Remarque helped establish the building's reputation as a haven for creative minds.

Completed in 1926, Three Twenty has long been admired for its elegant prewar design and exceptional craftsmanship. Residents and visitors are welcomed through the original Art Deco lobby doors created by renowned French master ironworker Edgar Brandt, whose decorative ironwork remains one of the building's most treasured architectural features. These remarkable doors continue to reflect the artistry and elegance of New York's golden age of residential architecture.

Over the decades, Three Twenty has been home to Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, celebrated actors, bestselling writers, Broadway producers, acclaimed dancers, journalists, educators, and countless accomplished New Yorkers. Among them is bestselling author and television host Suze Orman, Emmy-nominated actor Dominic Chianese, "Fame" creator and producer David De Silva, former Martha Graham dancer and current Company Artistic Director Janet Eilber, and many other distinguished figures whose achievements have enriched the worlds of literature, entertainment, journalism, academia, and the arts. Yet perhaps Three Twenty's greatest distinction is not found in famous names, but in the community that has flourished here for a century. Neighbors have formed lifelong friendships, celebrated milestones together, and have taken great pride in preserving the character and traditions of this cherished address. It is this spirit of community that has made Three Twenty far more than a beautiful building — it has made it a home. To commemorate this remarkable anniversary, residents and the Board of Directors gathered earlier this summer for a rooftop celebration overlooking the Manhattan skyline — a fitting tribute to a building that has quietly witnessed generations of New Yorkers while continuing to bring people together. As 320 East 57th Street begins its second century, its story continues to be written — not only through its remarkable architecture and distinguished history, but through the friendships, families, and shared moments that have made it, to this day, neighborhood-noteworthy.

HERE'S TO THE NEXT 100 YEARS!

ASSISTED LIVING LOCATORS NYC YOUR NO-COST LUXURY SENIOR PLACEMENT CONCIERGE. FREE TO YOU! If you are considering Luxury Assisted Living in NYC, let us be your guide. We will carefully curate best fit options for you or your loved one: HOWARD HOROWITZ

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MICHAEL WOLFSON

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mwolfson@assistedlivinglocators.com

212.653.0152 | www.assistedlivinglocators.com/nyc

Owner & Senior Care Advisor

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custom artwork by Steve Q

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or a century, 320 East 57th Street has quietly stood as one of Sutton Place's architectural and cultural treasures. This year, the beloved cooperative celebrates its 100th anniversary — a milestone honoring not only its remarkable history, but also the generations of residents who have called it home.


COMMUNITY LOVE

THE THIRD LARGEST

Ball of Twine BY LONGTIME SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT DAVID JUSKOW

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n the 1983 comedy "National Lampoon's Vacation," Clark Griswold enthusiastically says to his family: "Or perhaps you don't want to see the second-largest ball of twine on the face of the earth." Last month, while walking past Eddy's Laundry & Dry Cleaners on First Avenue, I unexpectedly found Sutton Place's own version. Owners Heidi Chin, Eddy Sr., and Eddy Jr. were standing outside the store proudly posing with an enormous ball of string. Naturally, I had to find out why. For nearly 58 years, one loyal customer saved the string from every package of freshly folded shirts that left Eddy's. Every few years, he would return to the store carrying the ever-growing ball to show the Chin family just how much history it contained. Heidi and her husband, Eddy Chin, met in Hong Kong before moving to the Bronx in the 1960s, and opened Eddy's Laundry in Sutton Place in 1968. In 1985, they purchased the building from their landlord, and five years later expanded into the neighboring storefront, adding a tailoring business that continues to serve the community today. When they first opened, every shirt was cleaned, pressed, and folded entirely by hand. Heidi proudly describes her husband as "a folding wizard." It wasn't until 1985 that they purchased on-site machines for dry cleaning. Although Heidi prefers to keep a low profile about her customers — perhaps another reason for the business' remarkable longevity — she did mention that one of the producers of "The Daily Show" has been bringing in dry cleaning for the hosts for nearly twenty years, despite the show being taped all the way across town. Apparently, dry cleaning emergencies are very real. Over the years, Heidi has rescued brides on their wedding day and even New York City mayors who needed a last-minute pressing before making Broadway cameo appearances. Eddy's has also, on occasion, carefully cleaned treasured childhood toys and stuffed animals with the same attention they give to a favorite suit or dress.

While I was interviewing them for this article, Heidi asked, "Can we continue working while we talk?" Of course they could. This is a working dry cleaner. During our conversation, a doorman from one of the buildings down the street walked in — not with clothes, but to bring Heidi a container of fresh strawberries. Today, Heidi and Eddy Sr.'s sons — Chris, Hobart, and Eddy Jr. — all work in the store, while their daughter, Esther, manages the finances. It is truly a family-run operation, and even though Eddy Jr. and I still debate whether the New York Rangers or the New Jersey Devils are hockey's superior team, there's no debating that

Prewar Penthouse Perfection! 4 Bed 3 Bath Triplex with Gorgeous Rooftop 243 East 77th Street, PHA $3,750,000 Listing #23836870

Diane Johnson

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

HEIDI & EDDY CHIN taken by loyal customer William P. Steele

Eddy's is one of the reasons Sutton Place still feels like an almost "Andy Griffith Show"-style community. Thirty years ago, after moving into my apartment on East 58th Street, I took my clothes to another dry cleaner across the street. A neighbor stopped me and said, "I'm going to do you a huge favor. Let me introduce you to Eddy's." Three decades later, I understand exactly what she meant. In a city where people are constantly coming and going, the ball of string has quietly become a record of one customer's unwavering loyalty — and of a neighborhood business that has earned it. It is also a perfect symbol of what the Chin family has quietly built over nearly sixty years — one customer, one shirt, one package, and one relationship at a time.

EDDY'S LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANERS 1067 1st Ave, at 58th BTW SUSHI GINZA & GO NOODLE Upon request, dry cleaning can still come wrapped up with string in a brown paper package.

Sprawling Apt in Full Service Condo with Gym & 3rd Floor Terrace 3,022 Sq Ft Apt Boasting 5 Beds 5 Baths in The Siena 188 East 76th Street, Apt 5ABC $4,995,000 Listing #23832761

575 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10022. 212.891.7000 © 2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 575 Madison Avenue 6th FL NY NY | djohnson@elliman.com | O: 212-418-2075 | C: 917-865-4340 22

S EPTEMBER 2026 / SUT TO N PL AC E SOC I AL


LITERARY LOCALS

From the Sutton Place Social Bookshelf:

Letters From Brazil

REFLECTIONS on MIGRATION and FRIENDSHIP

PROVIDED BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT RUTH ZELIG

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utton Place resident Ruth Zelig has recently published an epistolary memoir by She Writes Press, distributed by Simon & Schuster, just as "The Correspondent" is flying off the shelves, and some classic epistolary novels have been turned into film and plays: "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," for example.

Not a novel, yet the storyline the letters reveal is like a bildungsroman of two teenagers becoming adults. When they parted in tears at age 14 with promises to write, who would have guessed the correspondence would last 20 years? Or that the friendship would last 60 years? When easy jet travel, email, cheaper international telephone calls and, of course, WhatsApp were ushered in by the telecommunication age, the letters were set aside in storage boxes and forgotten. They were not lost. One day, on a return visit to Brazil, the 66-year-old friends read the retrieved letters they had sent each other 50 years before. Hearing their written words, sent like a bridge across the continent and half a lifetime, is a revelation: the antecedent voice spoken through the concrete voice of the present. @ZELIGOVA | ZELIGRUTH@GMAIL.COM | WWW.ZELIGOVA.COM

Ruth Zelig migrated three times and lived in four countries, including Brazil, before the age of 20, changing languages (at least five), cultures, and school systems in each place. She earned a master's degree in Linguistics at the University of Rochester, NY, and a bachelor's in Linguistics and French at Lehman College, CUNY. She was a systems engineer at IBM for years, consulting with clients as a programmer and analyst. Today, she is a writer, photographer, and gardener who lives in Sutton Place and the Hudson Valley with her husband of 43 years.

Book Launch Event "LETTERS FROM BRAZIL" Thurs, Sept 10, 6–7:30pm

The Brazilian Library, 240 E 52nd

Refreshments, book reading, discussion & signing. RSVP at: www.zeligova.com/booklaunchinvite

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BEHIND THE BRAND

Dr. Cris

STUDIO At The Palace

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT AMANDA MACTAS

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e may be a long way from Brazil, but the South American country has singlehandedly transformed how people around the world view beauty. In Brazil, aesthetic medicine isn't viewed as a luxury — it's woven into the very culture, with zero shame attached. The country is widely recognized as a global leader in plastic surgery and cosmetic innovation, where artistry and medicine go hand in hand. It's a philosophy Sutton Place resident Dr. Cristiana Andrade Zadeyan knows intimately.

Before opening Dr. Cris Studio inside the iconic Lotte New York Palace, Dr. Cris trained as a surgeon in Brazil, spending years working in public trauma hospitals where precision, empathy, and quick thinking were paramount. Today, she continues to split her time between Brazil and New York, often donating her surgical skills back home by performing reconstructive procedures, including cleft palate surgeries, that transform lives. When she moved to New York, Dr. Cris discovered a passion for aesthetics, becoming a registered nurse and blending her extensive surgical background with Brazil's celebrated approach to natural, balanced beauty.

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DR. CRIS WITH CELEB PATIENTS CANDICE SWANEPOEL, SOFÍA VERGARA & BILLY ZANE


The only licensed Assisted Living Residence in NYC entirely devoted to Enhanced Memory Care. At Dr. Cris Studio, every treatment begins with education. Rather than rushing patients into procedures, she takes time to understand their goals, carefully explaining every step along the way and tailoring each treatment to the individual. Whether someone is visiting for preventative Botox or a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan, the emphasis is always on enhancing, not changing, what makes them unique. That personalized care is what stood out most during my own first visit to her studio. I arrived for my very first microneedling treatment with PDRN, a regenerative therapy designed to stimulate collagen production and support skin repair. Naturally nervous, I was immediately put at ease as Dr. Cris walked me through every step of the procedure, checked in frequently to make sure I was comfortable, and never rushed the experience. The following day, she personally reached out to ensure I was healing well — a thoughtful gesture that underscored her commitment to patient care long after the appointment ended. Beyond microneedling, Dr. Cris specializes in facial balancing, emphasizing a subtle, customized approach to create harmony rather than dramatic change. Her robust offering of aesthetic treatments — including everything from filler and lasers to detox and cleanses — focuses on improving skin health from within, for results that look refreshed instead of overdone. Her signature Botox Club has also become a favorite among loyal clients, offering members scheduled maintenance treatments and exclusive benefits that make preventative aesthetics convenient and consistent. Whether she's restoring smiles through reconstructive surgery in Brazil or helping patients feel more confident in New York, Dr. Cris brings the same compassion, surgical expertise, and attention to detail to every person who walks through her doors. For her, aesthetics has never simply been about looking better, but rather about helping people feel their best. DR. CRIS STUDIO 455 Madison Avenue, Spa Level WWW.DRCRISSTUDIO.COM | @DRACRISSTUDIO S EP TEM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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CORNERSTONE

TAV E R N

LET'S DRINK LOCAL

BY LOCALS LIAM DOUGHERTY & LUKE ROBINSON

W

ith a more casual vibe than its sibling The Stag's Head, Cornerstone Tavern has established itself as one of Midtown East's most dependable neighborhood institutions. Located on the corner of 51st and 2nd, this two-floor spot has cultivated a reputation as the premier destination for residents looking to unwind, whether that is over trivia, karaoke, or a big game for their favorite team. Their 20 televisions, rotating selection of craft and imported drafts, tasty food, and seasonal cocktails elevate it well beyond a standard sports bar. Football season is when Cornerstone truly distinguishes itself. With NFL Sunday Ticket available every week, it stands as one of the few venues in the neighborhood offering live coverage of every out-of-market game. Sundays feature $5 Bud Light drafts, half-price wings, and giveaways, while Monday Night Football extends the same offerings throughout the week. College basketball enthusiasts should also note that Cornerstone serves as the official Kansas

KEEP SUTTON PLACE SHINING BECOME A MEMBER OF SAC

University watch site, providing sound and specials for every KU game. All of these promotions are on top of their regularly offered 100-ounce beer tubes — substantial in size as they are in appeal. Karaoke stands as Cornerstone's other signature offering, approached with the same seriousness as its sports programming. The bar hosts karaoke Wednesday through Sunday, with start times progressively later throughout the week: 10 p.m. Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. Thursday, midnight on Friday and Saturday, 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Playlists are updated weekly, blending established favorites with current chart-toppers to ensure variety for regular patrons. Wednesdays additionally feature trivia beginning at 8 p.m., accompanied by $2 Bud Light mugs, transitioning directly into karaoke. Weekends feature bottomless brunch, offered Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with $25 providing 90 minutes of mimosas, Bloody Marys, espresso martinis or Aperol spritzes, alongside the purchase of an entrée. During the week, the lunch special (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) pairs any sandwich with a side and a choice of half-pint beer or fountain drink, offering a straightforward option for a midday meal. Tuesday evenings carry their own distinction as well, with "Tinis & Weenies," a happy-hourstyle promotion featuring martinis and pigs in a blanket from 8 to 11 p.m.

WHAT WE DO

The drink menu likewise merits attention. The Guinness Espresso Martini — composed of Mr. Black coffee liqueur, vanilla vodka, cold brew concentrate, and cocoa bitters, finished with a Guinness float — stands out as a highlight, as does the John Daly, an elevated rendition of the golfer's classic crafted with sweet tea and lemon vodkas. The venue accommodates gatherings of every scale, from an informal after-work drink to a complete buyout, offering an upstairs private room, outdoor seating, and a full bar takeover to suit groups of varying sizes. For those organizing a group event, Cornerstone offers a full selection of packages depending on your party’s needs.

Maintain the Sutton Sparkle in our streets and parks

Whether one visits for the game, the karaoke, or the brunch, Cornerstone Tavern rightfully earns its place as a neighborhood staple — an establishment that consistently understands what its neighborhood seeks, night after night.

Sponsor exciting neighborhood events and activities Liaise with police and fire departments as well as local government to make sure your voices are heard Award grants for programs, projects and services that further enrich our vibrant community

GET INVOLVED

suttonareacommunity.com @suttonareacommunity sacsuttonarea@gmail.com 212.838.9770

Please visit our new website at | www.suttonareacommunity.com

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CHEERS TO DRINKING LOCAL! CORNERSTONE TAVERN 961 2nd Ave (at 51st) @NYC_CORNERSTONE


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S EP TEM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

27


ESCAPE FROM SUTTON PLACE

Istanbul

Where Cont

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT YANINA LE CRISTAL

I

stanbul is one of those rare cities that doesn’t just welcome you — it absorbs you. It folds you into its rhythm, its scent, its sound, until you’re no longer a visitor but a quiet participant in its centuries-old conversation. I arrived expecting beauty; I left feeling changed.

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The first thing that struck me was the light. Istanbul’s light is different — soft, golden, almost liquid. It spills over the Bosphorus at sunrise, turning the water into a shimmering ribbon between continents. Standing there, watching ferries glide from Europe to Asia and back again, I felt the city’s pulse. It’s a place defined not by borders but by movement, by exchange, by the gentle blending of worlds. My days began with the call to prayer drifting through the air. It didn’t feel intrusive; it felt grounding. The sound wrapped itself around the city’s domes and rooftops, settling into the narrow streets of Sultanahmet where history rises in stone and silence. Walking toward the Hagia Sophia, I felt the weight of time — Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman — all layered like the patina on an old icon. Inside, the vastness of the space made me instinctively quiet. Light filtered through high windows, illuminating mosaics


tinents Meet & TIME SOFTENS

that have watched over humanity for more than a millennium. It was impossible not to feel humbled. But Istanbul isn’t only grandeur. It’s intimate. It’s human. It’s the warmth of a shopkeeper offering tea without expecting anything in return. It’s the laughter of friends gathered around a table in Karaköy, sharing meze and stories. It’s the scent of simit drifting from street vendors, sesame and dough mingling with the aroma of strong Turkish coffee. The city feeds you in every sense. One afternoon, I wandered through the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of color and texture. Lanterns glowed like jewels. Spices perfumed the air — saffron, sumac, cinnamon. Carpets hung like tapestries of memory. I didn’t rush. Istanbul teaches you not to. Instead, I let myself drift, stopping to admire handpainted ceramics and embroidered textiles that felt like pieces of the city’s soul. Later, I crossed the Galata Bridge at sunset. The fishermen lined its railings, silhouettes against a sky brushed in pink and gold. Below, the water shimmered with reflections of mosques and minarets. I paused halfway across, letting the breeze carry the scent of the sea and the distant echo of evening prayer. It was one of those moments that felt suspended — timeless, weightless, quietly perfect. What stayed with me most was the hospitality. Istanbul doesn’t perform its warmth; it lives it. People look you in the eye. They ask about your day. They share their city with pride and tenderness. It reminded me of the kind of human connection that feels increasingly rare. When I returned home to Sutton Place, I carried Istanbul with me — the glow of its light, the softness of its air, the way it made time feel both vast and intimate. It’s a city that lingers, not in memory alone, but in the way it gently shifts something inside you. Yanina Le Cristal Lifestyle Connoisseur yaninalecristal.com |

@yanina_lecristal S EP TEM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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KIDS CORNER

Helping Young Children Transition

Back to School BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT REBECCA ISWARA, M.S., CCC-SLP

T

he first few weeks of a new school year can be exciting, but they can also be challenging for young children and their families. Whether your child is starting daycare, preschool, or kindergarten, settling into new routines with new teachers and new classmates takes time.

For some children, the transition happens quickly. Others may need a little more time to feel comfortable. They may feel anxious at drop-off, become more clingy or emotional, experience changes in sleep routines, or hesitate about returning the next morning. These reactions are often a normal part of becoming familiar with a new environment. Consistent routines, reassurance, and patience can go a long way in helping children build confidence. Young children thrive on consistency and predictable routines, especially during times of change. Parents can help by keeping mornings calm, maintaining consistent bedtimes, and setting aside time each day to connect through play, reading, or conversation. Building independence also boosts confidence. Encouraging simple age-appropriate self-help skills — such as washing hands, putting on shoes, opening snack containers, and asking a teacher for help — helps children feel more prepared for their day. It's also natural to compare your child to classmates or siblings, but every child follows their own developmental path. Focus on your child's progress over time rather than comparing milestones with others. The beginning of the school year also gives parents and teachers an opportunity to observe how a child communicates, interacts with peers, follows routines, and participates in everyday activities. While children reach milestones at different times, persistent concerns about speech, language, social interaction, motor skills, or overall development are worth discussing with your pediatrician or another trusted professional. As a speech-language pathologist who has worked with young children and families for nearly two decades, I encourage parents to trust their instincts. If something doesn't feel quite right, asking questions early can make a meaningful difference. Early identification and support can have a lasting impact on a child's development, and families should never hesitate to seek guidance. Fortunately, New York's Early Intervention Program provides free developmental evaluations for children from birth through age three. If a child qualifies, services may include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special instruction, and other developmental supports — all at no direct cost to families. To help simplify that process, I co-founded Connectory Health, a free community resource that helps families, pediatricians, schools, and community organizations connect with the free support in New York's Early Intervention Program. Our mission is to help children connect with the support they need as early as possible while making the process easier for the families and professionals who support them. Families can get started and complete a referral within minutes on our website: www.connectoryhealth.com. As the school year becomes part of your family's routine, remember that every child grows in their own way. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, trust yourself as a parent, and don't 30

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be afraid to seek guidance if concerns arise. When children receive support early, they have the greatest opportunity to thrive. REBECCA ISWARA, M.S., CCC-SLP Co-Founder, Connectory Health WWW.CONNECTORYHEALTH.COM HELP@CONNECTORYHEALTH.COM FOUNDER, MIDTOWN SPEECH NYC WWW.MIDTOWNSPEECHNYC.COM MIDTOWNSPEECHNYC@GMAIL.COM


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Sutton Place 3373

SOCIAL

PRIVATE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | ISSUE #88 | EST. 2019

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