Our Present

Our mission is to actively engage residents and business establishments in efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of life in  Sutton Area Community


On December 1st, Sutton Place celebrated beginning of the Advent & Christmas seasons, with Sutton Area Community’s annual Tree lighting event.
A crowd of a few hundred people: children, parents, grandparents and more, crowded into the East 57th Street, cul-de-sac. Among the offerings were Delicious cookies and candy: adored by children and adults alike. Words of wisdom on the spiritual meaning of the season was offered by Father Francis Belanger of St. Vincent Ferrer Church. Musical entertainment was offered by the choir of All Saints Episcopal Church.

Special thanks goes to the two sponsors of the evening:
Republic Bank & Sunrise East 56th 

As well to Mrs. Brogdon of the East 54th Street Recreation Center who lent us tables and chairs. And not forgetting the volunteers who provided invaluable assistance. 
In short an enjoyable evening was had by all who attended.

To watch the videos and more pictures click on images below Picture 1 and Picture 2.



 







HARRY ISSLER, ESQ. – 1935-2022 – REQUIESCANT IN PACE

I first met Harry back in August of 2016, when he with the late Fred Specht,
interviewed me for purposes of determining my fitness to join SAC’s board. He
struck me at the time as an ultra-intelligent, acerbic and yet friendly individual.
And, so he proved in the subsequent years that we worked together. Do not get
me wrong: Harry never suffered fools gladly and his raised eyebrows would often
be followed by a raised voice-tone. Reminding one that he was in years past a
Judge Advocate General in the Army National Guard. And, yet there was a jovial
and self-deprecating aspect to his persona. Born in 1935, Harry was a refugee
from Hitler’s Germany, who lived-out the American Dream with not only his
National Guard service, but a very successful law practice. He is survived by his
partner Elizabeth, three daughters and seven grandchildren. Harry will most
definitely be missed.


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On the 9th of November, the residents of Sutton Place were out in force at Amy Fontaine’s to help SAC celebrate its annual Gala. It was a truly splendid and enjoyable evening had by all.
Special mention goes to Councilman Keith Powers for attending and speaking to our members. Special mention also goes to the brave firemen of our local firehouse who were kind enough to attend. In short it was a remarkable evening.






On April 9th 2022, Sutton Area Community held its annual Easter Egg Hunt. A very special thanks to all who joined us! We were happy to see a good sized crowd this year even though the spring weather threw a few clouds our way.

Insomnia Cookies, chocolates, and other assorted candies were available for all the little ones who came. Our very own Isabel Schecter provided beautiful array of arts and crafts. To Councilwoman Julie Menin, who braved the rain to attend, was the one who made the event possible, thank you! A special thanks to TD Bank, Insomnia Cookies, and Duane Reade. A special mention to our board member Pamela Zonsius and most of all to SAC manager Selene Varnel. 

Please click here to see the link for the Photo Slideshow. 

Charles Coutinho, Ph. D.
President
Sutton Area Community (SAC)

We are excited to announce that our newest printout Bulletin is coming your way!
Please, make sure to keep your SAC Membership and mailing address updated - this is how we know where to send the physical copy.
Please, click the link below to read Now:

http://suttonareacommunity.org/uploads/pdf/SAC-News-2022.pdf 


Dear SAC Members & Friends,
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These are dark times for all of us. 
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As the heroic people of Ukraine fight for their independence and freedom, it is incumbent upon us in the West to assist in any way possible. 
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Please see below for links to reputable web sites which are assisting these people in their hour of need. 
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Please give whatever you can. I myself am giving one-thousand dollars.
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Thank you!
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Charles Coutinho, Ph. D.
President 
Sutton Area Community (SAC) 
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Contacts

Mariya Soroka, Co-founder
267-760-1583
info@razomforukraine.org
razomforukraine.org
Razom For Ukraine Issues Statement  

February 25, 2022 2:30 PM Eastern Standard Time 

NEW YORK – Razom for Ukraine has issued the following statement regarding the ongoing crisis:

The United States must act immediately. The future of Europe and the world is at stake. Millions of Ukrainian lives will be affected.  It is naive to believe that this kind of unprovoked attack and disruption of the world order will not affect Americans as well.

Razom for Ukraine is making an urgent plea for the following action plan:

  • Protect Ukrainian air space

    • Along with European and NATO allies, request the enforcement of a “no-fly” zone over Ukrainian territory

  • Continue to transfer defensive weaponry and equipment to Ukraine

  • Cut Russia off the SWIFT international banking system and levy additional sanctions against Russia

  • Fully isolate Russian Federation leadership from the international community by all means

  • Deliver financial assistance to strengthen the economy of Ukraine

  • Provide humanitarian assistance

Razom is accepting donations to assist the people of Ukraine. Donate directly so that there is no delay in your funds arriving.

via PayPal  bit.ly/RazomPayPal

via Credit card bit.ly/RazomCreditCard

via check made payable to Razom (mailed to 140 Second Avenue NY, NY 10003)

via direct deposit at Self Reliance (NY) Federal Credit Union


See a list of resources and other credible places to donate at: @RazomForUkraine | Linktree

Spread the word by sharing this now and donating here.

Razom for Ukraine

Razom is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations and gifts are deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations. Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, believes deeply in the enormous potential of dedicated volunteers around the world united by a single goal: to unlock the potential of Ukraine. Razom works towards that mission by creating spaces where people meet, partner, and act.

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Copyright © 2022 Razom, Inc, All rights reserved.
Welcome to Razom!

Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, believes deeply in the enormous potential of dedicated volunteers around the world united by a single goal: to unlock the potential of Ukraine. Razom works towards that mission by creating spaces where people meet, partner and do.

Our mailing address is:
Razom, Inc
140 2nd Ave Ste 305
New York, NY 10003-8385
Add us to your address book


NGO Come Back Alive: provides material and technical assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Come back alive | Army Aid Charitable Foundation


Help Wounded Ukrainian Soldiers (via Nova Ukraine): provides medical rehabilitation to wounded Ukrainian soldiers with serious spinal trauma.

Wounded Soldiers Rehabilitation


United Help Ukraine: provides medical supplies to injured soldiers and supports widows.

United Help Ukraine – Helping People. Saving Lives.


Nova Ukraine: provides humanitarian aid to vulnerable groups and individuals in Ukraine

Nova Ukraine


The easiest way to donate is through this link 
https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate/ 



Dear SAC Members & Friends,

We would like to remind you all that it is that time of year for gift-giving and donations. Please do remember to give a gift to SAC, which is entirely tax deductible. Remember that it is SAC which is working on your behalf in keeping the Sutton Area the exclusive enclave that it is.
As in the 1st Avenue beautification work, which was done last week.

Happy New Year  in this Holiday Season to all of you from all of us. 

Sincerely,

Charles Giovanni Vanzan Coutinho, Ph.D.
President 
Sutton Area Community (SAC)
 






























Dear SAC Members and Friends,

From us at Sutton Area Community (SAC) to you our members and friends, we wish you all a most happy and spiritually rewarding Christmas🎄 and New Year✨🎉!


Charles Giovanni Vanzan Coutinho, Ph.D.
President 
Sutton Area Community (SAC)



Dear SAC Members and Friends,

The board has recently been enriched by being joined by husband and wife, Fred & Pamela Zonsius Fred a well known architect and Pamela a very successful entrepreneur. See below for short biographies of both. 

Sincerely,
Selene B. Varnel.
Manager 
Sutton Area Community (SAC)


Dear SAC Members,


Please be advised that Sutton Area Community has a new board member, Pamela Morris Zonsius. Pamela has lived in our community for many years with husband Frederic Zonsius and their three daughters. With over 40 years of design experience from fashion to interiors, she is currently President of FIRM 6 Interior Design and FIRM 6 Medical Supply. Pamela is a long-time active member of St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue and participates on several committees at St. Thomas. She also supports children’s and teens charities in Uganda. We are very happy to welcome Pamela to our board.

We are introducing Frederic Milestone Zonsius, as a candidate to the board. Frederic has been resident of our community for many years. He is a graduate of Cornell University, School of Architecture – 1980. Frederic Zonsius Architects + Design office located on 56 th Street off 5 th Ave, the heart of mid-town. His
practice includes residential to commercial projects throughout New York City, from brownstones – Harry Winston – Morton Williams Frederic’s work is successfully diversified and interesting. Frederic has been an active member of St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue since 2005 and is currently Co-Chair of the Building Committee. We look forward to his participation on our board.



Dear SAC Members & Friends,
 
We at SAC, would like to thank all who came and joined us on Wednesday!
This year we are blessed to see such joy from SAC residents, merchants, and most importantly children and their parents / caregivers, who came to take a picture with Santa and make this a more touching event. An event we so missed last year! 
 Special thanks does to: 

- The 17th precinct for making sure our event went smoothly and safely!
- To public officials : Councilmen Ben Kallos, Keith Powers and
   in-coming Councilwoman Julie Manin.
- All Saints: Father Yagermen for his blessing. 
- 'Hajilme Joshida', performers of live holiday music.
- Volunteer and also SAC Prime member: Carolina Risk. 
- And, thanks to our arts & crafts impresario Miss Isabel Shecter.
- TD Bank! Provided 100s of candy canes, Elf hats and more!
- Insomnia provided their delicious cookies!
- Thanks to Shadmoor Restaurant for the splendid Santa Claus.
- Lastly we thank SAC President: Charles Coutinho.
- All SAC Resident, merchant, and building members and donors.

Thanks to you all! (click here or Santa to watch the video) 
https://youtu.be/nLn__TKpMtg/>




Christmas Tree Speech https://youtu.be/DiSgesUeOZQ




Please join SAC at: 
http://suttonareacommunity.org/en/?Archive=join-SAC.html
 
Please Contact me with any questions at: 
Email: sacsuttonarea@gmail.com 
Telephone: (212) 838-9770
 
Happy Holidays!
COMING SOON  TO YOUR HOME OUR LATEST PUBLICATION ISSUE, 'BULLETIN OF 2021'
 
Sincerely, 
 
Selene Varnel
Manager
Sutton Area Community (SAC)
 
http://www.suttonareacommunity.org/






Dear SAC Members,


Be proactive in taking care of your community here in Sutton Place!  If you see something wrong (like an over-full trash can), telephone 311. Feel free to write to us as well.  We at SAC are here to help you, the members of our community!


At this time of the year when giving is more needed than ever, we at SAC want to thank all the members and residents who continuously support SAC. The Sutton Area Community needs your help and assistance more than ever, to keep our community and in particular the tree  beds on the first avenue in pristine shape. 


Many of you may have noticed that our continued efforts on the plantings of 60 tree beds and bike lanes green plots have been affected by littering and what came next, rats, diminishing the precious plants we work so hard to plant every year and maintain.


We unfortunately can only do so much on our own.


SAC wants to continue to provide beautification, and social events. We have not received any grants from NYC and needless to say the street cleaning services are far from what they used to be....


We need you to help us bring back the beauty and energy of this very special area of our island. 

We have created a go fund page where you can come and help us on maintaining the beauty and timelessness of our beloved very unique neighborhood. 


You can also bring or mail checks to 60 Sutton Place South.

No dollar amount is too small; anything by way of assistance will be accepted and turned toward the 'Clean & Green' fund with projects for year   round maintenance and beautification. 

Please, remember to pay your membership dues, please tell your friends and neighbors to join SAC. If your building or merchant is not a SAC member, please ask them to join.


Check out *BringBeautyBackToSAC on *spotfund.

View the story here - http://spot.fund/fhyCQK

 

Thank You!

Sincerely, 





Dear SAC Members,  

Last evening at the Shadmoor restaurant, Sutton Area Community (SAC), held its annual Gala. The event was oversubscribed and an enjoyable time was had by all. SAC was especially pleased by the presence of Councilman Ben Kallos, who was the recipient of SAC's Annual Award for public service. Additionally, the awards for SAC's annual beautification contest were also given out. In short, SAC's tradition of celebrating the old and us seeing in the new with its Gala was maintained and indeed enhanced by a lovely evening. 

Sincerely,
Charles Coutinho
President
Sutton Area Community (SAC) 

At this time we at SAC would like to offer manifold thanks to the following merchant members and partners who have generously given awards certificates to our Beautification Honorees:
- Louie's Chicken
- Deux Amis Restaurant 
- Greats of Crafts 
- Sutton Place Physical Therapy: 5 Pilates & 5 Massages Certificates!
- TD Bank Gift Certificate and $75 in Merchandise!

Click here to see: SAC Gala 2021 Photo Slideshow.




Bid for Chinese Porcelain Garden Seat

Painting Bids Start at $5.



2021

Sutton Area Community Egg-hunt 

The 3rd of April for our annual Spring Egg Hunt!! Our Merchants were READY! SAC EGGS 2021!

  In 2011, Betsy  had a crazy idea to walk the entire original Manhattan Grid - from 1st Street to 155th Street. As she traversed the side streets from the East River to the Hudson, documenting her journey on her website (sideways.nyc), she had the amazing opportunity to meet the owners behind each of the small businesses. She listened to their stories and shared them on her site. The project took nearly six years to complete. At the beginning of the pandemic, Betsy made the decision to push through and self-publish Walking Manhattan Sideways - Side street businesses that have stood the test of time. The book celebrates many of the places that Betsy visited. Today, more than ever, these businesses need our love and support, as they are the true fabric of New York.   You can purchase the book by clicking here.  Speaking with Betsy, will be the owners of two of the wonderful businesses in our neighborhood that are featured in Walking Manhattan Sideways.    Mark and Diana Jacoby:    Longtime SAC members Diana & Mark Jacoby are dealers in fine 17th-18th & 19th century English furniture. Their business Philip Colleck, Ltd. was founded in NYC in 1938.  They own and occupy the landmarked brick freestanding house with the white picket fence at 311 East 58th Street. An old photograph of the house is featured in Christopher Gray's  "Sutton Place, An Uncommon Community by the River."  Diana and Mark will discuss the history of their firm and some of their famous clients as well as the history of the house they lovingly restored.   Jim Neary:   Neary's has been a staple in the community, and beyond, since it first opened on East 57th Street on St. Patrick's day in 1967.  The restaurant is embodied by its Irish founder whose compassion and famous "Jimmy Neary smile" has made it the kind of place where there are "no strangers."  Jimmy will share some of his wonderful stories with everyone - all the amazing people he has met over the years - and discuss what this past year has been like since he had to temporarily close.  

Dear SAC Members,

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In these dark and troubled times, it is good to know that your friends and neighbors at Sutton Area Community (SAC) are here to help. We in return need your help in keeping this a well run organization. Accordingly, we ask that you renew your membership and if possible make a donation so that SAC can continue to help your friends and neighbors in the Sutton Place area. Sutton Area Community (SAC) is always thinking of new ways of helping to improve our neighborhood. Recently, via a handsome donation from a SAC member, we have been able to take on a volunteer who once a week cleans out the tree pits on the First Avenue. As these photographs clearly show, there is a lot to do. Just another example of how SAC is working for you. Please join us and help keep our streets clean. Remember our neighborhood is your neighborhood!n these dark and troubled times, it is good to know that your friends and neighbors at Sutton Area Community (SAC) are here to help. We in return need your help in keeping this a well run organization. Accordingly, we ask that you renew your membership and if possible make a donation so that SAC can continue to help your friends and neighbors in the Sutton Place area. Sutton Area Community (SAC) is always thinking of new ways of helping to improve our neighborhood. Recently, via a handsome donation from a SAC member, we have been able to take on a volunteer who once a week cleans out the tree pits on the First Avenue. As these photographs clearly show, there is a lot to do. Just another example of how SAC is working for you. Please join us and help keep our streets clean. Remember our neighborhood is your neighborhood!.

An Ayurvedic holistic approach to COVID 19 prevention

Barbara A. Szolc, MD, Ayurvedic holistic medicine practitioner b-ayurveda.com

The situation surrounding COVID-19, which causes an acute respiratory disease, is developing quickly around the globe and across our nation. I would like to share with you few Ayurvedic tips that can help you manage this stressful time and when applied, can prevent spread of this infectious disease.

One of the most important first steps in balancing stress is to slow down. Choosing to prioritize things like adequate rest and other nourishing practices can help us stay centered. In truth, there are countless ways to nurture and care for ourselves. Those that impart a sense of grounding, relaxation, warmth, unctuousness, and stability will be best for balancing excess stress, but it is important that you follow your intuition; you know yourself best. When going through your day please follow daily routine. There are some very simple first steps to establishing a daily routine-things like waking, eating meals, going to bed at about the same times each day, and if possible, maintaining a consistent work or activity schedule. These steps alone can have a profound effect on the nervous system read more...



























































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The proposed pedestrian bridge creates a divide in Sutton Place


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