Turtle Bay News A Publication of the Turtle Bay Association June 2016 Vol. 59, No. 2

TBA Board Members Receive Award

t this year's Katharine Hepburn The garden was renovated Garden Party, on May 14, Millie in mid-2015 and features a AMargiotta (TBA Vice President), naturalistic landscape with Bill Huxley (TBA director), and Allen a wide variety of trees, Levy were honored for their longtime, shrubs and plants, including dedicated work in ones that bloom in spring, the Katharine Hep- summer and fall. burn Garden. Millie, Bill and Allan have Ann Saxon Hirsch, helped the garden to be- Director of Devel- come a magnificent mid- opment and Garden town oasis. Friends of Dag Chair of Friends of Hammarskjold Plaza, the Dag Hammarskjold Turtle Bay Association and Plaza, presented the the whole community thank (l. to r.), Bill Huxley, Allen Levy and Millie Margiotta receive awards awards. them. from FDHP president Sherrill Kazan and TBA president Bill Curtis.

Second Urgent Care Clinic Opening In Turtle Bay According to Mount Sinai Hospital, “Ur- What Urgent Care Can And Can’t Do gent Care centers assist patients with an illness or injury that does not appear to be by Lee Frankel life-threatening, but also can’t wait until An urgent care center has rented retail space drite Urgent Care – arrived several years continued on page 2 in the new residential tower at the corner of ago, at Second Avenue and 49th Street. Second Avenue and 50th Street, the second What is Urgent Care, as opposed to Emer- Note the Event such center in Turtle Bay. The first – Me- gency Care, and when is it appropriate? Make Music New York Comparison Emergency Room / Urgent Care Services Ukeleles Concert ER Urgent Care Celebrate the year's longest day with this concert, one of more than 1,200 Services 24/7 Yes No throughout the city. Life threatening conditions Yes No Tuesday, June 21, 5 pm Specialist emergency care doctors and staff Yes No Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Other physician specialists Yes No Between 1st and 2nd Avenues at East 47th Street Advanced equipment Yes No Free of charge No No TBA Street Fair Average cost, depending on treatment* $500 to $1,000 $100 to $140 Saturday, June 25, 11 am - 4 pm Insurance accepted** Yes Yes Lexington Avenue, 42nd - 54th Streets Comparative co-pay for same treatment $200 $40 Rain or Shine Lesser and moderate medical conditions No Yes National Night Out Against Crime Vaccinations and shotsz No Yes Tuesday, August 2, 5 - 8:30 pm Annual physicals No Yes Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Appointment needed No Preferred Live music. Free food. Elected officials. City Department information displays. When in doubt Yes No Sponsored by the 17th Precinct * Call for fee schedule Community Council ** Check if your coverage is accepted

Turtle Bay Association • 224 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017 • (p) 212-751-5465 • (f) 212-751-4941 • [email protected] • turtlebay-nyc.org Urgent Care continued from page 1 TBA Who’s Who Newsworthy Notes Turtle Bay Association the next day, or for a primary care doctor to 224 East 47th Street In Memoriam see them.” In contrast, a hospital ER “treats New York, NY 10017 We are sad at the passing of Mary Bar- emergency conditions, those that can per- Phone: 212-751-5465 tolotta, on March 5, 2016. Mary worked manently impair or endanger your life, such Fax: 212-751-4941 with the TBA as a director on the board as a heart attack or a serious head injury.” Email: [email protected] Website: www.turtlebay-nyc.org and as an office volunteer. Her husband, Urgent care is not a substitute for emergen- Tony, died several years ago. They were cy care. The table on page 1 provides a brief Check our Bulletin Board: longtime members of the TBA and two of guide to the differences between the two. East side of Second Avenue the nicest people we have ever known. We If you’d like to know more about urgent between 48th and 49th Streets, outside wall of supermarket. miss them both. care costs and services, call or visit Me- Nations Café Relocated Un- drite: 919 Second Avenue, 646-770-0977, medriteurgentcare.com. Office hours: M-F, Board of Directors der New Name 8:00 am - 10:00 pm; Sat/Sun: 9:00 am - Officers Avenue Diner is the new name of the 7:00 pm. President: William E. Curtis former Nations Café. The restaurant has When in doubt, call 911 or go the nearest Secretary: Vacant moved to Second Avenue, between 56th hospital emergency room. Treasurer: Dick Irwin and 57th Streets, from its former home at Vice Presidents: Millie Margiotta 49th and First. Dolores Marsh, Bruce Silberblatt Directors A longtime business member of the TBA, Editorial Committee Ethel Bendove, Bunny Blei, owner Mike Aronis will continue to offer Editor: Lee Frankel Meryl Brodsky, Orin Buck, a 15% discount to TBA members. Avenue Layout: Hilary Black William E. Curtis, Lee Frankel, Diner is open for breakfast, lunch, din- Denise Hamilton, Photographs: Vivian Gordon ner, and midnight snacks. To order, call Marie-Louise Handal, 917-639-3006 or fax 917-475-1458. Contributors: Joan Lauri Poole Bill Huxley, Dick Irwin, Mary F. Marangi, Millie Margiotta, Mark P. Markowski, Volunteer For The TBA Dolores Marsh, Pat McDougald, Michael Resnick, Carol Rinzler, Join us to make new friends while taking an active role in Bruce Silberblatt keeping Turtle Bay the vibrant place it has become since its origins in colonial times. Honorary Emeriti Barbara Connolly Board Members Needed Join our board and work with other members and with elected representatives, city services (the NYPD, FDNY, Departments of Parks and Sanitation), business- Community Calendar owners, Community Board 6, and other local non-profits to help maintain the 17th Precinct Community Council quality of life in the community. Open Meeting ® Board Secretary: Attend monthly meetings, take minutes, type and distribute Last Tuesday every month, 6 pm to the board. Sutton Place Synagogue ® Chair of Special Events Committee: Work with committee members to organize 225 East 51st Street events for TBA members and neighbors, including our: Annual Valentine’s 212-826-3228 “Love Thy Neighborhood” Party, June Street Fair, Holiday Toy and Clothing (No meetings July, August, December) Drive; originate new events and group trips. Interested? Please forward your resume using the contact information below. Community Board 6 Office Assistance Needed Full Board Meeting Second Wednesday every month, ® Data Entry: Update our membership database as renewals come in. 7 pm ® Help with Mailings: Print mailing labels and put on envelopes; call for additional NYU Medical Center volunteers to insert and seal mailings, organize mail trays and call post office 550 First Avenue for pick-up. 212-319-3750 Turtle Bay Association Now live online at 324 East 47th Street, N.Y., NY 10017 http://wp.cbsix.org/live Email us at: [email protected] Or call 212-751-5465

2 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Be Alert To ATM Skimming Avoid ATM Skimmers The NYPD and bank security services have reported a large uptick in ATM skim- Before Using Your Card 17th Precinct Has New ming around the country and in New York Notice anything strange. Tug on the Commanding Officer City. Thieves steal debit card PINs and ac- slot or jiggle it with your hand. count information by attaching phony card Phony slots look just like real ones. Captain Nicole Pa- Look and test for signs of adhesive slots to bank entrance doors or ATM ma- pamichael took over and anything loose, crooked, dam- chines. They return later – in some cases as Commanding Of- aged or scratched. more than once – to withdraw cash from ficer of the 17th Pre- people’s accounts. Recently, skimmers cinct this past April. Check door and ATM slots have stolen thousands of dollars at various With 19 years in the Thieves use both to read cards. New York City banks. NYPD behind her, Notice both slots and apply step Captain Papamichael FICO Card Alert Service, which monitors one above. is an experienced po- bank ATMs around the country, reported lice officer whose past assignments include a six-fold increase in compromised ATMs Protect Your PIN five years as a detective with the Manhat- between 2014 and 2015. Also, according Cover the keypad. tan South vice squad, sometimes working to FICO, nonbank ATMs, like those at Use your other hand to hide the keypad when you input your PIN undercover. Her appointment followed convenience stores, are growing targets. In to foil hidden cameras or watchers 2015, 60 percent of compromises were at Deputy Inspector Clint McPherson’s reas- standing behind you. signment as chief of the 19th Precinct. nonbank ATMs, up from about 39 percent in 2014. Notice The Neighborhood 17th Precinct Crime Statistics A report posted on dnainfo.com, by Shae More tourists means more crime. Report Covering the Week Weaver, on May 11, cited six TD Bank Be extra careful in busy areas. 4/25/16 through 5/1/16 “hits” around New York by one skimmer Year to Date and seven by another on the Upper West Avoid using nonbank ATMs 2016 2015 % Chg. Side, Upper East Side, and in Jackson Withdraw cash only at bank loca- Murder 0 1 -100.00 Heights. “In all cases, the victims were tions. Rape 0 0 -- women,” the article said, Nonbank locations are less secure. Robbery 2 3 -33.30 You are protected under the Electronic Felony Assault 6 7 -14.30 If you see something, or lose Burglary 5 4 25.00 Fund Transfer Act, which says that, in most cases, if you lose money from your money. . . Grand Larceny 40 52 -23.10 Report the problem immediately. bank account through fraud like skim- Grand Larceny Auto 1 6 -83.30 Call your bank and the NYPD at 911. Total 54 73 -26.03 ming, you aren’t liable. But you MUST Consumers are generally protected Transit 1 7 -85.70 REPORT the loss to the bank WITHIN 60 by law, but you must report any loss Housing 0 0 ***.** DAYS. You might, however, lose access to by fraud within 60 days to recover Petit Larceny 57 44 29.50 your money for the few days it takes for the stolen money. Misd. Assault 17 21 -19.00 the bank to investigate. Misd. Sex Crimes 2 6 -66.70 If you are a frequent debit Shooting Vic. 0 0 ***.** card user. . . Shooting Inc. 0 0 ***.** Open a savings account at another From 17th Precinct Website, prepared by NYPD CompStat Squad bank. Should you experience a theft, you 17th Precinct Crime Statistics might lose access to your money Historical Perspective while the bank investigates. An al- Based on Complete Calendar Year Data ternate account will be your back- 1990 through 2015* up. 1990 2015 % Chg. Murder 6 1 -83.30 Before trashing paper mail Rape 12 3 -75.00  Shred papers that include personal Robbery 740 49 -93.40 information. Felony Assault 181 74 -59.10 Thieves steal discarded mail and Burglary 1,412 98 -93.10 open fraudulent credit cards in oth- Grand Larceny 2,910 721 -75.20 er people’s names, using birth dates Grand Larceny Auto 843 40 -95.30 and other personal information. Total 6,104 986 -83.80 From 17th Precinct Website, prepared by NYPD CompStat Squad.* www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 3 Katharine Hepburn Garden Party 2016 of Dag Hammarskjold presented awards to Millie Margiotta (TBA Vice President); This year’s party, on May 14, was as lively to learn about Hepburn’s life and legacy. Bill Huxley (a TBA director), and Allan as Hepburn herself and as well-attended as Levy. The three have been dedicated vol- Manhattan Borough President Gayle A. her many movies. Neighbors gathered in unteers at the Katharine Hepburn Garden Brewer spoke to the crowd. Dan Quart, Dag Hammarskjold Plaza for a social af- for many years, helping to make it the State Assembly Member, also spoke; he ternoon that featured live music, birthday magnificent oasis it has become. was accompanied by his young son, who cake nonetheless delicious for its misspell- The annual party was co-sponsored by looked to be having a wonderful time. ing of “Katherine,” a tour of the beautiful Friends of Dag Hammarskjold and the Katharine Hepburn Garden, and a chance The day’s highlight came when Friends Turtle Bay Association.

State Assemblyman Dan Quart and son.

Manhattan Borough President Gayle Brewer speaks to crowd.

4 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Mourning Lutèce and a Turtle Bay That Once Was By Joan Lauri Poole

On 50th Street, just west of Second Ave- hood, writers, actors, ambassadors, presi- stuffy.” She said that Soltner and his staff nue, a green makeshift wall stands in front dents and even the pickiest of food critics. were very natural. They liked to be part of of an empty For Julia Child, it was the best restaurant the community. lot bearing the in the United States. For the fictional, glo- After Soltner sold Lutèce to Ark Restau- messages: “RIP betrotting spy James Bond (and his creator rants in 1994, the establishment’s reputa- Lutèce, Leop- Ian Fleming) it was one of the great restau- tion changed and its popularity slowly de- ard Club, & rants of the world. clined. “When Mr. Soltner walked out the Kate Kearney,” Soltner was a brilliant and exacting chef, door, Lutèce went with him,” Reichl wrote “Good Bye modest and extremely hardworking. He in her farewell review. Economic down- Beautiful NYC” served classic French dishes, but in an in- turns, unfortunate updates in the menu and and “Places novative way. He was one of the first chefs the cataclysm of 9/11 all contributed to the Matter.” They to emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients – restaurant’s closing on Valentine’s Day in express mourn- eschewing frozen or canned products. Wo- 2004. ing for three res- ven throughout the menu were specialties taurants that are gone and a Turtle Bay that The Soltners continued to live in the build- from his native Alsace, notably, a sweet no longer exists. Lutèce, Kate Kearney’s, ing for a time before selling it in 2006. The onion tart that food critic Ruth Reichl and The Leopard once thrived on the site. Leopard and Kate Kearney’s eventually rhapsodized “was so light it seemed held Now the combined lots are just a pile of closed. The East 50th Street Realty Com- together by a wish.” Bryan Miller, a res- rubble. pany bought the vacant, crumbling build- taurant reviewer for The New York Times, ings in 2014, paying $17 million for the As I pass by the site, a picture rises in my raved about the mouth-watering appetiz- combined 51,000-square-foot space. mind of a white four-story townhouse ers, such as the with a green awning, home of a legend- seared foie gras In early 2016, a full demolition began and ary French restaurant for 43 years. I refer with caramel- the buildings were leveled. Even gone, to Lutèce, the restaurant whose memory ized apples and Lutèce remains a neighborhood treasure, evokes in its former customers a wistful tarragon vinegar remembered fondly by its customers and fondness so strong that it still exerts its sauce, and the neighbors. No matter how exquisite the presence amidst the debris. Alsatian torte meals at Lutèce were, the main ingredients Lutèce was with eggs, ba- in the restaurant’s success were the seam- originally con, and pota- Cotes d'Agneau à la less hospitality and the dedication of Solt- conceived toes. Miller de- Croute. ner, his wife and their loyal staff. To quote and owned scribed in loving Ruth Reichl, “In more than 30 years there by André detail the rich, perfectly prepared entrées, were only five nights when Mr. Soltner Surmain, including pheasant with noodles and pan was not at Lutèce, mur- who opened juices, duck in duck stock and pear sauce, muring his way through the doors of and braised baby lamb. He wrote of the the dining room, ask- the 60-seat restaurant in 1961. Surmain “remarkable” desserts: “There is the terrific ing people how they soon hired André Soltner, a brilliant young house special, an ultra-thin crusted tart with had liked his food. . . . chef from Alsace, to run the kitchen. The caramel ice cream. . . . and a puff pastry en- Soltner may have been two were partners until 1972, when Sur- casing prunes and pears with custard.” a great chef, but he was an even greater restau- main sold the restaurant and the building I had the good luck to enjoy my own in- rateur. He knew how “The Lutèce to Soltner. Surmain returned to France and timate relationship with Lutèce, though to do more than feed Cookbook,” by opened Le Relais à Mougins, a reincarna- I never had the pleasure of dining there. people—he knew how Andre Soltner and tion of Lutèce in a Then, as now, I was renting an apartment a Seymour Britchky, to make them happy.” hill town near Nice. few doors away, and the restaurant kept its still in print. Under Soltner, Lu- extensive collection of pricey wines in my Sources/Credits: tèce’s fame grew. building’s cellar. I enjoyed watching the Bryan Miller, Restaurants, The New York Times, It became the place exciting comings and goings. The somme- Arts Section, November 15, 1991. for fine dining, a lier, captain and waiters were familiar fig- Ruth Reichl, Our Dinners With André, The New culinary experi- ures on the block. A neighbor still recalls York Times, The Opinion Pages, February 15, ence praised by its the pastry chef giving cookies to her little 2004. diverse customers, girls, and also remembers the sommelier Rita Rowan, Personal Anecdote, May 2016. including regulars as “amazing.” Eating at Lutèce “was like Claudie Warshawer. Phone Interview, May 15, from the neighbor- being in France,” she told me. “It wasn’t 2016. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 5 Art & Culture in Turtle Bay

Grand Central Library ice cream, and more. Also JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New featuring rock ‘n roll summer Japanese Film 135 East 46th Street (Lexington/Third) classics like Rockaway July 14 - 24 212-621-0670 Beach and Surfin’ USA. Best Watch for more information about the 10th nypl.org/locations/grand-central for babies (0-18 months), edition of JAPAN CUTS, North America's Fully accessible to wheelchairs. toddlers, (18-36 months), largest festival of contemporary Japanese First and third Tuesdays of each month, children and their caregivers. Free of charge. cinema. Eleven days of impossible-to-see- 12:15 pm anywhere-else Community Room Japan Society screenings with Public Speaking Workshop. Public special guest speaking is an essential skill in today's 333 East 47th Street filmmakers and workplace and a valuable ability to help 212-832-1155 japansociety.org stars, parties, further your endeavors in whatever you're Call or visit website for Box Office and giveaways and doing. This continuing series is led by Gallery hours. Gallery Admission: $12; much more! experienced public speakers in a supportive students and seniors $10; members and environment. All materials provided. Call to children under 16 free. Free to all on Friday check summer schedule. nights, 6 pm - 9 pm. St. Peter’s Church 619 Lexington Avenue/54th Street Thursday, June 23, 5:30 pm, Family Program saintpeters.org Community Room Sunday, July 10, 2 -4 pm Adult Coloring Group. The latest craze is Tanabata: Japan's Star Festival. A child- Jazz on the Plaza artistic coloring for adults. Adult coloring friendly theatrical performance, directed by Thursdays through August 25, books have more intricate designs and Sonoko Kawahara, introduces Japan's famous 12:30 - 1:30 pm In the Outdoor Plaza patterns than those designed for children. Tanabata legend of Hikoboshi and Orihime This program offers a fun and unique way to in an interactive setting filled with song and Enjoy a variety of well-regarded artists unwind and express creativity. All materials dance. Following the performance, families representing diverse ensembles and styles will be provided, but participants may also make paper ornaments and their own tradi- ranging from small trios to large big bands. bring their own. For adults of all ages and tional tanzaku, thin paper strips for writing Many people bring a young adults/pre GED (16-24 years). one’s wishes on, to hang on the bamboo lunch or purchase it Tuesday, July 5 through 26, 10:15 am branches in our lobby. Recommended for from area vendors. In Fun in the Sun, Summer Reading children ages 3-10 and accompanying adults. the event of inclement Program. This interactive music event is Tickets: $15/$8 members; children ages 2 weather, the concert a good-feeling program that will make you and under free. Space is limited: advance may be moved indoors happy you stayed in the city! With Music for ticket purchase recommended. Annual Fami- to the church Sanctuary, Aardvarks Best Summer Songs about going ly Festivities are sponsored in part by Kumon where guests are asked on vacation, playing at the beach, getting Centers of Manhattan. not to bring food. Free and open to the public.

TBA MEMBERSHIP COUPON BOOK ORDER FORM Manhattan’s Turtle Bay Yes, I want to join the Turtle Bay Association to help support Story of a Midtown Neighborhood our community’s quality of life. A Contemporary History of Turtle Bay Arcadia Publishing • 160 pages; 50 photos Annual Membership Dues $15.00 � Senior $15 � Individual $25 � Family $30 Name � Business $40 � Benefactor $100 � Pacesetter $250 Address Name______City/State/Zip Address______Apt______Phone City/State/Zip______Enclosed is my check for $_____ for ___ book/s, Home Phone______Work Phone______plus $3 per book for postage/handling

Email______Make check payable to: Turtle Bay Association � I would like to become more involved in TBA activities. Mail to: Turtle Bay Association, 224 East 47th Street, Please make your check payable to Turtle Bay Association. New York, NY 10017 Mail to: Turtle Bay Association, 224 E. 47th St., New York, NY 10017 Sales proceeds benefit the Turtle Bay Association.

6 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org