April 2026 - Sutton Place Social

Sutton Place Cover Photo by Anneliese Horowitz

APRIL 2026

ANJA, NICOLE, JACQUELINE & LAURA

Sutton Seller Seminar

WEDNESDAY | APRIL 22 | 5 - 6 PM 575 MADISON AVENUE 3RD FLOOR Join me for an intimate chat over local drinks & bites! What Buyers Look For, Capital Gains Tax, Market Conditions & Trends, Seller Closing Costs, Transaction Time and more.

RSVP at AFOLAN@ELLIMAN.COM or 718-309-6606

DEAR

“

NN MARIE ”

Question of the Month DEAR ANN MARIE, What are the advantages of selling in Sutton Place’s river community right now?

- MS. RIGHT NOW DEAR MS. RIGHT NOW, There’s something truly special about living in Sutton Place, especially in the spring. The neighborhood feels like a hidden gem — peaceful, elegant, and surrounded by water and greenery — yet just moments from Midtown.

Residents treasure Sutton Place’s beautiful pocket parks and the nearby breathtaking East River Esplanade, which offer open river views, fresh air, and space to walk, bike, or simply unwind. That access to outdoor living is incredibly appealing to today’s buyers.

Inventory in Sutton Place is often limited, so well-positioned homes — particularly those with East River views or outdoor space — draw strong interest. In addition, many families are actively searching now so they can be settled before the September school year, bringing motivated and decisive buyers into the market.

When you combine the neighborhood’s prestige, parks, waterfront lifestyle, and seasonal demand, this can be a very opportune time to sell.

Warmly, Ann Marie Ann Marie Folan is a long-time Sutton Place resident and the top Sutton broker. After serving as a residential and commercial real estate attorney at Stroock, Stroock & Lavan LLP, she joined Douglas Elliman where she quickly established herself as a top producer, and earned the prestigious “Deal of the Year” award from the Real Estate Board of New York. She has closed hundreds of sales in NYC.

EMAIL

:

AFOLAN@ELLIMAN.COM

PHONE

:

718-309-6606 CALL TODAY ADDRESS

ASK ANN MARIE! Submit your questions to Ann Marie.

:

60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, NY, NY 10022

NN MARIE FOLAN THE QUEEN OF SUTTON PLACE REAL ESTATE CHIC MANSION

141 WEST 95TH STREET $12,000,000

ELEGANCE

14 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 8G $825,000 - 1BD/1.5BA

BEAUTY

IN CONTRACT

45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 3FG $2,795,000 - 4BD/3.5BA

25 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 14A $995,000 - 1BD/1.5BA

SOLD

SOLD

25 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 19E $900,000 - 1BD/1.5BA

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

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

25 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, PHP $1,900,000 - 2BD/ 2BA

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

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

410 EAST 57TH STREET, 1B $595,000 - 1BD/2BA IN CONTRACT

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

SOLD

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

PREWAR BEAUTY

45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 11J $925,000 - 1BD/1.5BA SOLD / RECORD PRICE

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

234 EAST 61ST STREET $7,500,000

45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 16I $2,000,000 - 2BD/2BA SOLD

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

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

MINT

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

45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 11H $1,395,000 - 2BD/2BA SOLD

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

YOUR PRIVATE NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE

Sutton Place SOCIAL

Eleni Menoutis Publisher

Margaret Pfohl Feature Writer

Sarah VanDerGeest Designer

Anneliese Horowitz Photographer

PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher Eleni Menoutis Feature Writer Margaret Pfohl mpfohl@bestversionmedia.com Designer Sarah VanDerGeest Photographer Anneliese Horowitz anneliesehorowitz.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

Dearest Readers,

Welcome April! What better springtime theme is there than friendship?

Our quartet of featured roommates has us in a completely youthful, gleeful mood. A "Friends" type spirit. Mind over matter, am I right?

Thank you, our enthusiastic cover stars, and to Margaret and Anneliese for capturing the essence of what it's like to be 20 again, so purely!

April is also Autism Awareness Month, and what better timing to have The Melillo Center For Developing Minds as a resource for us all than now. Visit their brand-new NYC office at 347 Fifth Avenue, and mark your calendars for their educational double lecture leading up to Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

Happy Spring,

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

KEEP SUTTON PLACE SHINING BECOME A MEMBER OF SAC

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

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.

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AP RIL 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L

WHAT WE DO

Join us! Stay Social Maintain the Sutton Sparkle in our streets and parks 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

EILEEN FOY T H E SU T T ON PL ACE BROK ER SPE CI A LI ST

NEW LISTING

425 East 58th Street, 18D 3 BD | 3.5 BA | $2,195,000 CONTR ACT SIGNED ICONIC RIVER VIEWS

25 Sutton Place South, 8G $1,995,000 PERFECT RENOVATION

ICONIC RIVER VIEWS

45 Sutton Place South, 8L 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,700,000 BEAUTIFUL RENOVATION

14 Sutton Place South, 7G 1 BD | 1 BA | $870,000 AVAIL ABLE TERR ACE & RIVER VIEWS

TOP SUTTON PLACE BROKER

Eileen Foy

50 Sutton Place South, 11L 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,100,000 GORGEOUS RENOVATION TERR ACE

50 Sutton Place South, 21L 3 BD | 2.5 BA | $1,395,000 SOLD

LIC. ASSOC. R.E. BROKER MULTI AWARD-WINNING BROKER MANHATTAN’S PREMIER REAL ESTATE EXPERT 400 East 52nd Street, 14J 1.5 BD | 1.5 BA | $949,000

COMPASS is the #1 REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE in the UNITED STATES and #1 in NYC

SOLD

350 East 57th Street, 14B $1,995,000 MINT & MODERN

EILEEN FOY - SUTTON PLACE TRUSTED ADVISOR Recognized in the prestigious top 1% of brokers nationwide by RealTrends and ranked among the top 250 brokers in the country, Eileen has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and results.

Specializing in Manhattan’s co-ops, condos, townhouses, and luxury rentals, Eileen’s expertise spans every facet of the market, making her the trusted advisor for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Whether navigating a historic pre-war property or securing a sleek modern residence, Eileen’s keen market insight and dedication deliver unparalleled outcomes.

When you work with Eileen, you’re not just choosing a broker — you’re choosing a trusted neighborhood expert.

For your next move, trust the name synonymous with success: Eileen Foy.

45 Sutton Place South, 3D $845,000 GREAT VALUE

25 Sutton Place South, 9R 1 BD | 1.5 BA | $695,000 SOLD

50 Sutton Place South, 2A 3 BD | 3 BA | $1,550,000 SOLD

400 East 54th Street, 31C $1,385,000 SOLD

Schedule A Personal & Confidential Market Appraisal Today!

M: 347.463.8128 eileen.foy@compass.com eileenfoynyc.com

440 East 56th Street, 6FG $2,035,000

“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.

345 East 56th Street, 11C $750,000

The Experts.

Emma Durazzo, Au.D. Co-Founder

OUR CONTRIBUTING INDUSTRY INSIDERS

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

CARE BMODERN e s p o k e - HEARING Comprehe nsive - Discreet Emma Durazzo, Au.D. Co-Founder

DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTAL Dr. Steven Chavez Blue Line Dental AT YOUR CONVENIENCE 212.317.5959 hello@bluelinedentalnyc.com ELEVATE YOUR COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE WITH www.bluelinedentalnyc.com THIS ISN’T GRANDMA’S HEARING TEST 1037 2nd Ave (btw 54th & 55th) Bespoke - Compre n sCi vI E eR - G DE i s cH r eEeA t RING CARE ChOeYOUR N

THE ANYWHERE

AUDIOLOGY ADVANTAGE

@DRSTEVENCHAVEZ

Call Your NYC Expert Partner with us to enhance your residents' safety, comfort, ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE Audiologist, Marina hearing Berliner,care. and quality of life with professional in-home Clare P. Shanley, Executive Director AT YOUR CONVENIENCE Today: 201.731.8828 The 80th Street Residence E L E V A T E YHEARING OUR COM U N IOF T Y THE E X PBODY’S ERIENC E WSENSES. ITH IS M ONE FIVE BUT LISTENING IS AN ART. Enhanced Memory Care CONCIERGE HEARING CAR E FRANK TYGER www.anywhereaudiology.com 212.717.8888 Partner with us to enhance your residents' safety, comfort, www.80thstreetresidence.com and quality of life with professional in-home hearing care.

430 E 80th (at York Ave) HEARING IS ONE OF THE BODY’S FIVE SENSES. BUT LISTENING IS AN ART.

L E A R N -M OR E, GET STARTED. FRANK TYGER AUDIOLOGY HOME VISITS Emma Durazzo, Au.D., CCC-A 201-731-8828 INFO@ANYWHEREAUDIOLOGY.COM Anywhere Audiology LEARN MORE, GET STARTED. 201.731.8828 INFO@ANYWHEREAUDIOLOGY.COM emma@anywhereaudiology.com 2 0 1 - 7 3 1 - 8 8 2 8 www.anywhereaudiology.com At-home, in-office, on-the-road visits

Over 30 years of creating beautiful smiles

@ANYWHEREAUDIOLOGY

DO YOU HOLD EXPERT STATUS? Contact Eleni Menoutis emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com | 646.386.6270

Top 1%

Invisalign Provider 440 E 57th St #1a, New York, NY 10022 | 212.688.4663 info@goodortho.com |

@goodortho | goodortho.com

MAKING PASTA WITH THE TRUFFLE FAMILY Join our pasta-making classes with Chef Ilke, featured on Netflix’s Next Gen Chef. Learn the art of homemade pastas and explore the world of truffles. Limited seats available, get yours now!

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 6

AP RIL 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L

Come Visit Our Store In

GRAND CENTRAL MARKET

The Future of Brain Health is Here at The Bristal Assisted Living Introducing the BrainFit Gym – a groundbreaking approach to cognitive wellness, exclusively at The Bristal. Powered by SMARTfit™️ technology, this innovative program blends physical activity with mental engagement, helping to strengthen memory, coordination, and focus in a fun, interactive way.

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Discover how The Bristal at York Avenue is redefining senior wellness on the Upper East Side.

1622 York Avenue at 86th Street 646.941.7887 | thebristal.com

Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity.

A P R IL 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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SPRING EVENTS | SPONSOR EVENT | WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY THE MELILLO CENTER NYC Tues, Mar 31, 11am–1pm & 6–8:30pm

Jay Conference Suites, 159 W 25th St In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, The Melillo Center For Developing Minds is presenting two lectures. Afternoon Lecture: What Is Really Happening in the Autistic Brain? Evening Lecture: Why Some Children Cannot Speak. Attendees will receive 50% off a clinical evaluation (for new patients only), a copy of Dr. Melillo's best-selling book "Disconnected Kids," and entry to receive an $8,000 therapeutic cold laser with full usage instructions (one attendee selected). www.drrobertmelillo.com/world-autism-awareness-day MONTHLY OPEN HOUSE PAUL RUDOLPH INSTITUTE Fri, Apr 3, 6–9pm & Sat, Apr 18, 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

DECO TREASURES OF THE BRONX ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK Sun, Apr 12, 2–4pm Celebrate World Art Deco Month with a spring afternoon stroll through one of the Bronx’s most surprising architectural enclaves. While many admirers know the iconic Deco masterpieces lining the Grand Concourse, this special walking tour ventures beyond the boulevard — into the hidden gem where the Grand Concourse meets Mosholu Parkway in the Bedford Park triangle.

For more info & to register: https://artdecosocietyofnewyork.wildapricot.org/event-6576909 www.artdeco.org EXPERT CHEESE TASTING & PAIRING SP SOCIAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IDEAL CHEESE X THE GOC Thursday, April 16, 6:30–8pm

The Greats of Craft back lounge, 54th & 1st Iconic 1st Avenue Ideal Cheese will lead us on a guided cheese tasting with pairings, complemented by quality wine from The Greats of Craft.

Maximum 20 seats. RSVP: www.suttonplace.media/events @idealcheeseshop | @greatsofcraft

PRIVATE VISIT TO AVERY LIBRARY ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK Sat, April 4, 2–4pm

| SPONSOR EVENT | ANNUAL SPRING EGG HUNT SUTTON AREA COMMUNITY Sat, April 18, 1–2pm

Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library During this exclusive afternoon, curator Shelley Hayreh will share with us seldom-seen exceptional materials from the Avery's extensive collection for our private viewing. The selection will feature original drawings related to significant Art Deco architecture in New York City, including works by visionary designer Hugh Ferris, as well as drawings of many New York City Art Deco icons.

For more info & to register: https://artdecosocietyofnewyork.wildapricot.org/event-6577917 www.artdeco.org

OUTDOOR MUSIC EVENT ESPLANADEFRIENDS Sun, Apr 19, 1–4pm (Rain Date: Sat, May 30)

BILLIONAIRE'S ROW STROLL SUTTON PLACE SOCIAL X JOYCE GOLD Wed, April 8, 10:30am

Andrew Haswell Green Park (60th St & the Esplanade) Join EsplanadeFriends for a celebration of Earth Day. Live music from family friendly fan favorite band NOIZ! Activities and free sweet treats, while supplies last. www.esplanadefriends.org

230 CPS, at Broadway From 57th Street, from Broadway to Park Avenue, we'll take a historical jaunt with Manhattan expert Joyce Gold along Billionaire's Row. Bonus: Royal treat for attendees. $35/ticket. RSVP by emailing: emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com

| SPONSOR EVENT | FREE SUTTON SELLER SEMINAR ANN MARIE FOLAN REAL ESTATE Wed, April 22, 5–6pm

Sutton Place Park (at 57th & 56th St) Games, activities, photos with Bunny, treats, and lots of fun!

Visit website for more details: www.suttonareacommunity.com

575 Madison Ave, 3rd Fl (at 56th) Join the Queen of Real Estate for an intimate chat over local drinks and bites! What DANCE IN MOTION CLASSES Buyers Look For, Capital Gains Tax, Market Conditions & Trends, Seller Closing Costs, X FUNDING BRIGHT FUTURES Transaction Time, and more.

Fri, 4/10 & 4/24; Fri, 5/8 & 5/22, 5:30–6:30pm Please RSVP: AFolan@Elliman or 718.309.6606 50 UN Plaza, Basement Playroom www.elliman.com/afolan CLIENT TESTIMONIAL Join us to dance, play games and build new friendships. Discover different dance styles A F F I L I AT E D W I T H T H E with a focus on Bollywood and Kathak. For ages 7-14 years.

No experience needed!

Associate Real Estate Broker C L I E N T T E S T IART M O N I ADECO L SPRINGTIME WEEKEND # Licensed in NY & CT, SRS, CBR, CIRE IENT TESTIMO I A LO K E R A G E I N T H E 1MFOFNI LIART $10 per class. All proceeds go directly toward global student scholarships.

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BROKERAGE IN THE U N I T E D S TAT E S

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LO C A L CONNECTIONS WITH EXTENSIVE G LO B A L R E A C H

Source: Real Trends 500, 2021, closed transactions.

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Source: Real Trends 500, 2021, closed transactions.

– J & P N YC

STAY SOCIAL Event details subject to change

SP SOCIAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ESPLANADEFRIENDS X SAY COFFEE Sat, May 2, 11am–12pm

Entrance to Esplanade (benches at Clara Coffey Park, E 54th) A special limited series of walking tours with our local nonprofits! Jennifer Ratner of EsplanadeFriends will, once again, be leading us all along the East Midtown Greenway and revealing the "Secrets of The Esplanade." Free drink before/ afterward at Say Coffee, courtesy of owner Eli. $35/ticket. RSVP by emailing emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com, or via: www.suttonplace.media/events

MOTHER'S DAY FLOWER MAKING SP SOCIAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SUMMER SPACE STUDIO X BLOOMEFFECTS Fri, May 8, 11am–1pm

The Greats of Craft back lounge, 54th & 1st Fellow mamas in the neighborhood, this event is for you! We'll be connecting and crafting during a guided paper flower making class by artist Poy, of Summer Space Studio. With Bloomeffects royal Dutch tulip skincare, eclairs from the newly reopened Eclair Bakery, and specialty drinks courtesy of The Greats of Craft, this sweet gathering is one we'll all remember — and one we deserve!

Maximum 12 seats. $85pp. RSVP: www.suttonplace.media/events @summerspacestudio | @bloomeffects

The only licensed Assisted Living Residence in NYC entirely devoted to Enhanced Memory Care.

ANNUAL SPRING GALA SUTTON PLACE PARKS CONSERVANCY Tues, May 12, 6:30–9pm

The River Club, 447 E 52nd St Save the date! For details & tickets: www.suttonplaceparks.org ART DECO NEIGHBORHOOD WALK SP SOCIAL IN PARTERNSHIP WITH ADSNY X WALDORF ASTORIA Wed May 13, 1–3pm

Starting Point TBD, Ending Point: Waldorf Astoria Organized by Sutton Place Social magazine, led by Art Deco Society of New York, with a gift from Guerlain Wellness Waldorf Astoria for attendees! ADSNY president Roberta Nusim and VP Linda Zagaria will lead us on our second Art Deco tour, including neighborhood gems like River House, The Beekman Tower, RCA, and more, ending at Waldorf Astoria New York. Tour locations tentative. $35/ticket. RSVP: www.suttonplace.media/events

ESCAPE TO SOUTHERN PORTUGAL RENEW, RELAX, RETREAT WITH EVE May 23–30 & October 10–17

Algarve & Lisbon Sign up by April for an early bird special for Sutton Place Social readers! Flip back to our January 2026 Escape From Sutton Place article by Eve Fleishman, one of our lucky bi-country Sutton Place residents, to learn more.

Get a virtual tour and meet Eve on Zoom. www.evefleishman.com/retreat

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH US ON INSTAGRAM & VIA OUR MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR UPCOMING APRIL AND MAY WELLNESS AND MOTHER'S DAY EVENTS, WALKING TOURS, AND MORE. A P R IL 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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BRANDUSA

Niro

BY BRANDUSA NIRO, FORMER EIC & CEO, THE DAILY FRONT ROW

"A lifelong painter, the fashion media titan makes a full return to her greatest passion, creating ethereal portraits of the extraordinary women who have graced her life and career." — Avant Gallery

SUMMER CAMPS 2026 JUNE 29TH TO AUGUST 28TH

Early Registration 25% off

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(until May 15 ) th

Brandusa Niro is a Romanian-born contemporary, multi-disciplinary artist and painter based in Palm Beach and New York working with oils on the finest linen canvasses. Her series of life-size portrait paintings entitled ‘Models’ launched in July 2024 at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair. ‘Models’ pays homage to the extraordinary women who have shaped Brandusa's life and career in the media world. Working with the world’s top models from the very first moment they were discovered, the artist has recaptured with each portrait’s brushstroke the innocence and beauty of that unique moment in time.

Surrounding the concept of unfathomable, unmatched beauty, her muses are elongated and graceful with immense, luminous eyes that pierce the soul, while their oversized heads and long ethereal limbs imbue them with an otherworldly allure.

“I write a short story about each of my characters, and then turn that story into a painting,” explains Brandusa, who is also a published writer currently working on a memoir as well as a fiction series.

Brandusa Niro has been featured in top media including Artnet, Artsy, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Daily Front Row, The Miami Art Scene, to name a few, and her paintings are showcased in art collections worldwide, including fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger’s collection.

SCAN FOR YOUR SPOT

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FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.BRANDUSANIRO.COM | @BRANDUSANIRO WWW.AVANTGALLERY.COM/COLLECTIONS/ BRANDUSA-NIRO

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ARTISTRY IN THE CITY

o SOLD

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1ST AVE ADDITION

Elizabeth Sutton Collection

STUDIO & ATELIER

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT KIM SCHU KIMPAIGESCHU@GMAIL.COM

B

right color palettes of paints and glitter proudly dressing the walls, collections of homeware that would enchant any dinner party, the most kind, energetic owner greeting every customer as if they are family.

That’s what one instantly experiences when they step into Elizabeth Sutton's first-ever retail location on 1st Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets. Known primarily for restaurants and residential buildings, Elizabeth diligently chose this area to become the one-stop-shop for all art, retail, and home needs, along with that last-minute gift you are scrambling to find for a same-day event. Fun fact: She is a former resident of Sutton, which just so happens to be her last name!

A talented self-taught artist and proud single mom of two, Elizabeth was previously based out of a studio space in Chelsea, which served as more of a gallery destination. A majority of her uber-successful career consisted of painting and designing in this space, where the public could view art but not necessarily have a retail experience. Elizabeth is also known for her major collaborations with top brands and venues; getting a storefront and serving locals in a community she loves was the natural next step for her.

Elizabeth shares, “I’ve always believed art shouldn’t just be purchased, but experienced. At our Studio-Atelier, you can watch us bring pieces to life in real time. I wanted to create a space that feels elevated but welcoming — where art and home décor inspire you to live more joyfully and colorfully. By stepping into the creative process itself, we hope customers can really connect with the art while enjoying a curated shopping experience.”

While she has partnered with her loyal art assistant for nearly a decade, one of the most rewarding aspects of this new retail location is working with her first-ever business partner, Rachel Lubow. Rachel had spent years as a businesswoman in the retail space and the two women crossed paths at a dinner party Elizabeth hosted in her Upper East Side home.

“There’s something exciting about opening a store in an area that isn’t a typical retail corridor.

It allows you to build real relationships and become part of the fabric of the community. In the short time we’ve been here, the neighborhood has been extremely receptive and welcoming.

Brick-and-mortar retail is about connection and energy, and we look forward to bringing a vibrant experience to Sutton Place,” Rachel says.

THE ELIZABETH SUTTON ATELIER 897 1ST AVE (BTW 50TH & 51ST) ELIZABETHSUTTONCOLLECTION.COM @ELIZABETHSUTTONCOLLECTION 12

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Elizabeth Sutton Atelier is now open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. The two women have created a true fine art and design destination, for homeware, dinnerware, custom paintings and prints, exquisite wall decor, one-of-a-kind crafted accessories, and of course, the perfect last-minute gift. The store will even deliver anywhere in the city, same day, for $15, so if you need a present for a dinner party happening in two hours — say no more!

ON THE

GREEN LIVING

HALF SHELL

BY LOCAL RESIDENT HELLEN HELLO

What better way to support the Billion Oyster Project (BOP) than to have a platter of delicious oysters.

Now, if you read my earlier column, you will know that we no longer eat oysters from New York Bay. Those days of plentiful local oysters came and went over 100 years ago. Yet, by dining at restaurants that support the Billion Oyster Project, we can contribute to this heroic and mighty cause that is helping to improve water quality in our rivers and harbor.

At this writing, 83 New York City restaurants recycle oyster shells to the BOP. The Smith, Crave Fishbar, Docks, the Grand Central Oyster Bar, Fifty Three, MoMA’s The Modern, and P.J. Clarke’s, to name a few nearby restaurants. I think it would be a good idea if the participating restaurants posted a sign indicating that they support the BOP, don’t you?

To date, partner restaurants have contributed approximately 3 million pounds of oyster shells. The collected shells are picked up from the restaurants, then brought to Governor’s Island and other sites around the New York Bay where they are “cured.” There, for a year, middens or piles of shells are exposed to wind, rain, snow, insects, and everything that Mother Nature bestows upon us before they are sown into the oyster beds.

So, why are these shells necessary? Consider the shells as nurseries for spats or baby oysters. Spats need to settle on hard surfaces that are full of calcium carbonate to survive and grow. Some 150 million oysters are now denizens of New York City deep, growing and thriving on the newly created oyster reefs.

There are many other restaurants around the boroughs that collect oyster shells for the BOP project and are easily found on its site. When dining out, if you see oysters on the menu, ask if the restaurant takes part in the program. If not, speak to the manager and encourage the restaurant to become an oyster shell donor.

Point them to the Billion Oyster Project website’s Restaurant page (www.billionoysterproject.org).

While you’re enjoying the oysters, perhaps you’d also enjoy a Lil’ Shucker Kolsch beer from FivePoint Brewery in Brooklyn, a partner collaborating with the BOP. Please check the BOP site for more information, but as always, I’ll keep you posted. Look for my future columns for more eye-opening information about the Billion Oyster Project and our waterways.

HELLENHELLONYC@GMAIL.COM

Bringing Professionalism and Heart to Sutton Place Keren Ringler | Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker O 212.891.7000 | M 917.757.0343 keren.ringler@elliman.com

Ranked in 2025 RealTrends Verified Top Agents and Teams

© 2026 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

575 MADISON AVENUE, NY, NY 10022. 212.891.7000.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT with my brother Michael, Sicily Summer, 2025

Headshot by Kira Cheers, Brooklyn 2025

Fine Lines, NYC, 2024

Where it all began, my first night live drawing

with Mom, my earliest art encourager, December 2025

with Chelsea, Northwoods, WI, 2024

Me in my home studio, Fall 2025

Ca p turin g the Moment T

BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL

here is something disarming about being drawn in real time. No filters.

No edits. Just a pen moving quickly across paper, capturing not only your features but your energy. Through his business, Fine Lines by RNR, Nicolas Romano performs live portrait sketches using quick, expressive lines that “highlight the essence of a moment.” The goal is clarity without excess. As he puts it, “It’s a fine line between enough information and too much.” In just a few minutes, he studies posture, expression, and energy. What emerges is not just a likeness, but a feeling.

Drawing has been part of Nicolas’ life since he was a young boy in Texas. For the past three years, he has performed Fine Lines professionally, bringing his live art to events across New York. Friends Sam Akiba and Andrea Belfiore gave him the opportunity to test the concept in front of an audience. What began as a creative risk has become a sought-after addition to parties, brand activations, and neighborhood gatherings.

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The philosophy behind Fine Lines is grounded in connection. Nicolas aims to “bring a fun and light expression to any environment, small or large,” while perceiving people authentically. Each sketch becomes both an interaction and a keepsake. The emphasis is not on perfection but on honesty and presence.

For Nicolas, inspiration comes from living fully in the moment. “Living fully present, surrendering to the unknown and uncertainties of life is the daily inspiration I take to achieve the most honest and pure expression of myself,” he says. That approach is evident in his sketches, which are fast, instinctive, and expressive. He begins each workday with a 60-second improv capturing his first sip of coffee, an exercise in spontaneity. “In these seconds I don’t plan what will happen. I simply share what surfaces from the heart,” he explains.

with

Nicolas Romano

A decade ago, Nicolas left Texas to pursue a creative life in New York, following his curiosity for performance and visual art. While his roots remain in Texas, the city has allowed him to make meaningful connections that have supported his growth as an artist. He and his girlfriend of ten years, a professional dancer and artist, prioritize engaging with friends and the community whenever possible. Kids and pets are on the horizon for the couple, but for now, they focus on art, relationships, and neighborhood involvement. Nicolas often walks a little slower through the streets to observe the city and connect with people around him. “It is very important to me to see myself in others,” he says.

Nicolas has a simple message for his community: “The magic is in the moment.

Sometimes it's good for the meaning to be a mystery; that's how it grows. Trust the process, always believe in yourself, the biggest thing we can do for change is lead by example.”

To inquire about having Fine Lines at your party, reach out to Nicolas at art.nicolasromano@gmail.com and follow him on Instagram @love4rnr.

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READER FAVORITE

Meet The Duo Behind

SHIORI SALON

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT EVE FLEISHMAN

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fter one too many cold days this winter, I decided to break my cabin fever and brave the snowy path to a new salon on the corner of 52nd and 1st, next door to Elia’s restaurant.

While the salon space beckoned me with natural light flooding through the big windows, it was the Japanese aesthetic that really drew me in. I recalled my visit to Japan, where absolutely everything was presented with such exquisite detail.

Shiori Hair is owned by the friendliest couple, Yuya and Nana. They’ve both been styling hair in Manhattan for several years now. Nana gave me the most relaxing shampoo, then she took great care to cut my fine, blonde curls. Their products smell so nice, including a hair balm handmade by Nana, which I gladly purchased after the haircut.

Yuya likes the variety of textures and styles in the United States. He started cutting hair in Tokyo when he was 15; at 17, he came up with the concept and name for his future salon. “Shiori” is the Japanese word for bookmark, which Yuya translates in this way: “Imagine your life as a book, with each chapter bringing new experiences and growth. A bookmark is that constant companion that travels with you through every page, marking the moments that matter. This is the essence of " " (Shiori) — the hope that through hair styling, I can be that bookmark in your life story, accompanying you on your journey until the very end.”

Both Yuya and Nana take great pride in their work and surroundings. While they're no strangers to Sutton (Yuya previously worked at a salon on 2nd Avenue), this is their first personally-designed space. They pointed out “tokonama,” an alcove in the back corner that they likened to a presentation at a matcha tea ceremony. The flowers and display change weekly, and it is meant to be a symbol of honor and respect for guests.

I certainly felt welcome and loved the whole experience. Stop by and say hello at Shiori Hair. Yuya and Nana will be happy to see you. Their decision to open their business here was a personal one.

“For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of working in Sutton Place, a neighborhood that has shaped both my career and my heart. Throughout that time, I’ve come to appreciate the elegance, kindness, and strong sense of community that defines this area,” shares Yuya.

SHIORIHAIR.COM @SHIORIHAIRNYC 944 1ST AVE (AT 52ND)

SHOULD

REAL ESTATE TIPS

Sutton Sellers Renovate

BEFORE SELLING?

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT & REALTOR ANN MARIE FOLAN

S

elling a Sutton Place property means competing in one of Manhattan’s most discerning micromarkets. Buyers here tend to be financially strong, renovation-averse, and highly sensitive to condition.

Many Sutton Place apartments have been homes to the same family for years, and while they have served their owners well, they may be considered outdated by today’s standards.

I sell apartments all over the spectrum, from wrecks to pristine designer showplaces, and there is a buyer for anything if priced appropriately. But to maximize sale price and get a relatively quick sale, even small upgrades can have an impact. Not every apartment needs a full overhaul — strategic, well-targeted improvements can significantly shorten time on market and boost perceived value, especially in neighborhoods like Sutton Place, where co-op boards impose strict renovation rules and buyers prefer turnkey homes.

Typically, buyers are willing to pay a premium for renovated homes. Aside from making an apartment more appealing visually and improving functionality, many buyers simply lack the time, vision, or appetite for managing contractors, navigating DOB permits, and dealing with co-op board approvals. They want to just move in and start enjoying their new home right away. For Sutton Place sellers, this is especially relevant: buyers in established, service-oriented co-ops often pay more for a home that feels updated, neutral, and immediately livable.

A pre-sale renovation should be the right size and scope to achieve a higher price and quicker sale. Sellers should evaluate the apartment’s current condition, the building’s buyer demographic, and the likely return on investment. In slower markets — or in buildings with older stock — basic upgrades can dramatically improve buyer perception. Examples include refinishing floors, repainting skim-coated walls, replacing outdated fixtures, and refreshing kitchens with new hardware, lighting, and surfaces. These modest improvements can transform a dated co-op without requiring a gut renovation.

John Steinbeck's former townhome, 330 E 51st St, SOLD

WWW.ELLIMAN.COM/AFOLAN AFOLAN@ELLIMAN.COM @ANNMARIEFOLANREALESTATE

TAKE A DEEP BREATH TOWARD A BETTER YOU

WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY 900 1st Avenue (corner of 51st) New York, NY 10022 info@noahclinics.com | @noahclinics 212.981.5557

Visit the largest HBOT Clinic in NYC, here in Beekman Place MON–FRI 9AM–6PM

COMPLIMENTARY EVALUATION by Dr. Elias Tzanides, MD, F.A.C.P. A P R IL 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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UES GUIDE

ZOI

Let's Eat Local

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT YANINA LE CRISTAL

T

here’s a particular kind of glow that settles over Second Avenue in the early evening — a soft, Mediterranean warmth that feels almost improbable in the middle of Manhattan. Follow it long enough, and you’ll find yourself at ZOI Mediterranean UES, a European‑chic refuge that has quietly become one of the neighborhood’s most magnetic dining rooms.

A MODERN MEDITERRANEAN ESCAPE ZOI channels the spirit of the Mediterranean with a confidence that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted. The menu draws from Turkey, Italy, Greece, and the broader coastal region, but it’s not a purist’s interpretation — it’s a modern, New York– inflected one. Think bright, herb‑driven mezze; raw dishes that taste like they were kissed by sea air; grilled seafood and meats that arrive with clean, expressive flavors.

To add a touch of luxury, ZOI offers caviar service. Everything feels fresh, sunlit, and quietly luxurious.

ANNELIESE HOROWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY

CAPTURING LIGHT & CONNECTION The interiors at ZOI are a study in modern Mediterranean design. Soft amber hues and natural textures create a space that feels like a coastal lounge translated for the Upper East Side. The lighting is warm and flattering, the kind that softens the edges of the day and makes every table feel like a private vignette.

ZOI is built around the Mediterranean philosophy of gathering. The mezze‑driven menu encourages sharing, and the room’s layout supports that instinct — tables arranged for intimacy, a bar that invites lingering, and a staff that moves with the kind of polished warmth that makes you feel instantly at ease.

A NEIGHBORHOOD BEACON WITH GLOBAL ENERGY Conversations at ZOI float, cocktails glisten, and the bar glows like a Mediterranean sunset. It’s the sort of place where you settle in for a quick drink and end up staying for dinner, or where a casual lunch effortlessly becomes an extended afternoon.

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

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

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There’s a hum to the space, a sense of "life," the meaning of zoí. On the Upper East Side, where tradition and sophistication run deep, ZOI feels like a breath of coastal air drifting in from far away.

ZOI MEDITERRANEAN UES 1480 2nd Ave (at 77th) WWW.ZOIUES.COM Yanina Le Cristal Lifestyle Connoisseur yaninalecristal.com |

@yanina_lecristal

LET'S DRINK LOCAL

NIALL’S

on 52nd

BY LOCALS LIAM DOUGHERTY & LUKE ROBINSON

L

ocated on 52nd Street between Second and Third, Niall's embodies the signature sophistication of the traditional pub.

Its homely space and measured conviviality strike a graceful balance — spirited yet composed. Here, a perfectly poured pint and a carefully prepared plate of comfort cuisine are enjoyed in an atmosphere that hums from lunch straight through last call.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., Niall's seamlessly guides the neighborhood from midday meetings to late-night mingling. Step through the door and you are greeted by warm, wood-lined interiors that immediately evoke the feel of a classic Irish public house. The front bar anchors the space — welcoming and frequently lined with Midtown professionals easing out of work mode. In the back, a more intimate dining room offers a softer, slightly quieter counterpoint, well suited for a casual date night or an unhurried dinner with friends.

The crowd at Niall's is a well-balanced cross-section of Midtown: crisp button-down professionals savoring a post-work Guinness, longtime regulars on a first-name basis, and dedicated sports fans following the evening’s match. It is social without being performative — akin in spirit to Parnell's Pub, though with a more pronounced emphasis on the bar itself. The atmosphere runs lively, the pints flow a bit faster, and the camaraderie tends to stretch comfortably into the night.

What often catches first-time guests off guard is the breadth of the cocktail list. For a traditional Irish pub, the cocktail offerings are unexpectedly varied and thoughtfully composed. The standout is Rick’s Old Fashioned, a clever, deeply satisfying twist made with Jameson, orange bitters, and a Guinness Demerara syrup. The result is both homage and innovation — a drink that honors tradition while gliding confidently into modernity.

At Niall's, classic comfort dishes are elevated, offering plates substantial enough for a long evening or ones just to pick at. Whether committing to a full dinner or sharing bites between rounds, the menu works in quiet harmony with the drinks. Standouts like Niall’s Famous Chicken Pot Pie, Gertie’s Homemade Shepherd’s Pie, and the Guinness Irish Beef Stew deliver hearty satisfaction without sacrificing refinement.

Beyond its steady nightly cadence, Niall's demonstrates impressive versatility. Reservations are never required but always accommodated, and the team provides polished catering services alongside flexible private event spaces suited to everything from corporate functions to intimate birthday gatherings.

NIALL'S ON 52ND 218 E 52nd St (btw 2nd & 3rd) @NIALLSON52 WWW.NIALLSON52ND.COM

Family Run & Owned FOLLOW US @crumblynyc

HAPPY Passover!

Heritage plays a quiet but defining role. As the sibling establishment to the esteemed Bayard's Ale House in the West Village and Rosie Dunn’s just a few blocks south, Niall’s shares an unmistakable continuity in spirit. At its foundation, Niall’s embraces the ageless formula of a successful neighborhood bar: well-made drinks, attentive service, and an atmosphere that invites guests to settle in and stay awhile.

Fresh Baked Goods Pies • Muffins • Cookies & More

In a pocket of Midtown that can at times feel purely transactional, Niall's delivers something far more enduring — a genuine sense of belonging, best experienced with a pint in hand.

Baking On Premises

CHEERS TO DRINKING LOCAL!

Order Ahead 917.409.3008 997 1st Ave, between 54th & 55th 1729 2nd Ave, between 89th & 90th A P R IL 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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LAURA, NICOLE, JACQUELINE & ANJA

WRITTEN BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNELIESE HOROWITZ

COVER STORY

T

here is something cinematic about being in your twenties in New York. We’ve seen it in "Friends," "Girls," and "Broad City." The group chats are active, the rent is ambitious for an entry level salary, the future is both uncertain and thrilling. For Laura DiPippa, Jacqueline Kontopirakis, Anja Pelkola, and Nicole Langford, that chapter is unfolding together.

They are all 26, but their fun facts read like the start of four different novels...

Laura spent 12 years as a dancer and played lacrosse through college. Jacqueline speaks Greek and emigrated from England.

Anja lived in Japan for four years. Nicole played competitive volleyball for a decade and holds dual citizenship in New Zealand.

Together, they form what might be Sutton Place Social’s first official roommate cover story, a quartet bound by college memories, shared grocery lists, and a symbolic lobster (we’ll get to that later).

yearly trip to the North Fork of Long Island

Their origin story begins at Fordham University. Anja and Jacqueline were randomly paired as freshman roommates and became instant friends. Nicole lived down the hall and was lured in by an open door policy that invited curiosity and conversation.

Nicole met Laura on the first day of class through a mutual friend and sensed the dynamic would click. Three became four with the ease of something destined to be.

By junior and senior year, Laura, Jacqueline, Anja and Nicole were living together. After graduation, life briefly pulled them in different directions. Laura and Jacqueline headed to graduate school. Anja and Nicole signed separate leases. But they kept orbiting one another. When leases ended and timing aligned, Jacqueline reflects, “The timing was serendipitous for us to move in together.” Laura had half jokingly suggested they look in her Sutton Place building because she loved it so much. The joke turned into applications. The applications turned into keys. Three years later, Rivercourt is home.

Each of them arrived in the city by a different route. Laura grew up on Long Island. “I’ve always wanted to live in Manhattan after college,” she shares, noting that going to school in the Bronx gave her confidence navigating the city early on. She works in marketing in the luxury watch and jewelry industry in Midtown, and she appreciates Sutton Place as a calm counterpoint to the workday — “the perfect escape with a homey, community atmosphere, but also close enough to provide for an easy commute.”

Jacqueline is Brooklyn to her core and proudly maintains it is the best borough, but her post college years in Manhattan have softened her stance. She had always dreamed of attending Fordham, and after graduation wanted to experience a different side of the city. While she will always claim Brooklyn reigns supreme, Sutton Place, she admits, has won her over.

Nicole’s path feels almost fated. Dead set on attending Colorado State University like her older sister, she filled out the Common Application and decided to apply elsewhere for good measure.

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Scrolling through the list, she noticed Fordham shared half her last name. Fordham, Langford. “Very intelligent stuff,” she jokes. A campus tour sealed it. She moved to New York freshman year and has not looked back. Today, she works in talent acquisition at Bathhouse (abathhouse.com), a modern, high-end combination of traditional European bathhouse culture with modern spa treatments, “chatting with people on interviews all day, every day,” as the company prepares to expand with multiple new locations.

Anja grew up everywhere. Japan, Seattle, New Jersey, Philadelphia. Her parents valued new places and new perspectives, and she learned early how to adapt. “From the time I was 12, the city always excited me,” she recalls.

Now she works at a marketing agency partnering with private equity firms and is helping build out the New York office almost from scratch. Jacqueline, meanwhile, is in audit at a top accounting firm, armed with a master’s in professional accounting from Fordham and the stamina of someone who understands busy season all too well.

Despite their ambitious careers, their apartment hobbies skew charmingly grandma-esque. Anja needlepoints under a neck light on the left side of the couch, transforming canvases into pillows and framed gifts.

Nicole knits, though most projects remain coaster sized before a new idea steals her attention. “We’ll see,” she laughs about her current frilly scarf. Jacqueline bakes with impressive precision, even as her own worst critic.

Laura balances out the cozy energy by exploring the city at every opportunity. “My biggest hobby is truly exploring this city with my friends,” she says, often texting the group about a new bar or restaurant before the rest have finished preheating the oven.

They read, too, though convincing one another to pick up a recommended title can feel like a competitive sport.

Laura gravitates toward wartime novels and thrillers.

Anja leans into tearjerkers and fantasy. Nicole enjoys post-apocalyptic stories and romance. Jacqueline prefers romcoms and feel-good fiction. “From our hobbies, you would think the three of us are three times our age,” one of them jokes. They are similarly different, which might be the secret to their longevity.

annual Huntington, NY escape

There are no permanent pets in the apartment, but visiting animals have achieved minor celebrity status.

Romeo, an Italian greyhound with the charisma his name promises, occasionally stays over and tests the boundaries of houseplants. Mr. Lambeau, a black lab affectionately known as Lamb, once staged a crosswalk protest for treats.

The building itself is pet friendly, so elevator rides often double as meet and greets.

chocolate chip goodies baked by the roomies

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Mr. Lambeau & Romeo

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Their neighborhood rituals feel deeply their own. Coffee or post work drinks at The Greats of Craft. Birthday cakes from Crumbly Bakery. Long walks along the East River Esplanade. Reservations at new restaurants like Elia’s Casa Bianca and Nino’s. Escargot and wine at Deux Amis when the weather cooperates. Ramen at Zurutto on cold nights,

COVER STORY

and sometimes warm ones. Madame Mikette’s holds a special place in their rotation, a regular spot that feels witchy and young, yet elevated.

They love that Sutton Place offers proximity without pressure.

Midtown energy is minutes away, but home feels tucked in and familiar. “You get to leave some of the bustle behind,” one roommate explains. The doormen know their names. Two recent retirements were met with genuine emotion. Community, here, is real.

Of course, the real magic happens in the living room. “I don’t think we’re the only friend group to think this, but we are hilarious,” one of them insists, adding that there is a very real chance they might only be hilarious to each other. There was the Halloween season when Laura walked in to find Nicole wailing at a horror show that was meant to terrify, not devastate. There was the spontaneous kitchen flareup that transformed Jacqueline into a temporary celebrity chef, flames rising high enough to stun the room into silence before laughter took over. There is the annual Friendsgiving, furniture rearranged to maximum capacity, potluck dishes lining every surface, friends squeezed together in a way that only feels possible once a year.

Some of their funniest moments resist translation. They exist in shared glances and inside jokes, in the cadence of how one begins a sentence and another finishes it. That impermanence is part of why they wanted to document this season. “After reading about

all the families and friends in all the editions, month after month, we knew that this would be the perfect way to encapsulate the amazing time and memories we’ve had here together,” they share. “Something we can cherish even after our lives take us in different directions.”

If their apartment has a symbol, it is the lobster. The reference comes from "Friends," when Phoebe explains that lobsters are mates for life and walk around holding claws. It began as a joke, a wink to a sitcom moment about soulmates. They started picking up lobster trinkets when they traveled, an inside nod to permanence in a city built on change. “But now, after almost a decade, it really does feel like we are each other’s lobsters.”

Every summer, they take a trip together. Newport last year. The North Fork when they crave beaches or fall air. Individually, they travel for family and work, but the shared trips are anchors, proof that no matter how busy their calendars become, there is always a date circled for the four of them.

Being 26 in New York is not always certain. Careers are building.

Futures are forming. But in this Sutton Place apartment, amid needlepoint canvases and half finished scarves, birthday cakes and trivia nights, there is a steadiness that feels rare. Four young women, building lives in parallel, laughing loudly enough to convince themselves they might actually be as funny as they think.

For now, that is more than enough.

A P R IL 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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ESCAPE FROM SUTTON PLACE

WHY

ZAKY

IN SPRING

S TAYS W I T H M E My Easter in Greece

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT YANINA LE CRISTAL

S

pring settles over Zakynthos with a softness that immediately slows me down. The island feels unhurried in April — warm enough for sunlit afternoons, quiet enough that the sea becomes a constant companion. I arrive for Easter, but very quickly it becomes more than the holiday...about rhythm, light, and the gentle way the island invites me into its everyday life.

SLOW MORNINGS & LOCAL RITUALS I wake to sunlight slipping through the shutters and the scent of citrus drifting in from the courtyard. The island is still stretching awake when I step outside. My first stop is always a small café near the harbor, where the tables wobble slightly and the regulars greet each other before they even sit down.

I order a Greek coffee — strong, earthy, grounding — and watch fishermen unload their morning catch. The bakery next door fills its shelves with warm spanakopita and glossy tsoureki. I love these slow mornings. Zakynthos rewards anyone willing to move at its pace.

FAMILY CARE

BOTOX MPLANTS JOIN THE WHITENING BOTOXFAMILY! EMERGENCY IMPLANTS NVISALIGN VENEERS WHITENING COSMETICS EMERGENCY

I’m Dr. Steven Chavez and I’d like to introduce you to a dental practice offering the care, comfort, DR.support STEVEN CHAVEZ style, and you’ve been looking for: meetDR. CALVIN TAM Blue Line Dental. We’re now scheduling weekday Introducing Blue Line Dental, a fresh and innovative dental practice that combines R. STEVEN CHAVEZ appointments our brand new and location inD the city. Dr. Steven Chavez and Dr. exceptional care, at ultimate comfort, a touch of style.

PLUS, we’re available for dental emergencies at style, and support you’ve Calvin Tam invite you to experience the care, comfort, been for. location.

Our brand-new Sutton Place location is now accepting weekday our looking new office We celebrate this vibrant appointments, PLUS, we’re available for dental emergencies to provide prompt care community by making brighter smiles, and we when you need it most. We celebrate the vibrancy of our community by making can’t wait to welcome yours. @DRSTEVENCHAVEZ Dr. Steven Chavez and I’d like to introduce you smiles brighter, one patient at a time, and we can't wait to I’m welcome you!

INVISALIGN VENEERS COSMETICS

E: Hello@bluelinedentalnyc.com

bluelinedentalnyc.com @bluelinedental

EXPLORING THE ISLAND IN SPRING With summer still weeks away, the island feels wonderfully open. I drive toward Gerakas and Dafni, where the beaches are quiet enough to hear the waves before I see them. The water is impossibly clear, shifting between turquoise and glass.

SMILE, SUTTON PLACE

bluelinedentalnyc.com @bluelinedental

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DR. STEVEN CHAVEZ

to a dental practice offering the care, comfort, bluelinedentalnyc.com @bluelinedental style, and support you’ve been for: meet bluelinedentalnyc.com @drstevenchavez ¡Hablamos español!

WElooking ACCEPT MAJOR INSURANCE Blue Line Dental. We’re now scheduling weekday Hello@bluelinedentalnyc.com T: 212.317.5959 212.317.5959 Visit: 10371037 2nd Avenue, New York, 10022 appointments at our brand new location in the city.

T: Visit: 2nd Avenue (btw NY 54th & 55th) New York, NY 10022 PLUS, we’re available for dental emergencies at Dr. office Steven Chavez started Bluethis Line Dental to provide a high caliber our new location.

We celebrate vibrant of careby tomaking the community he loves towe serve. As a proud local, he’s community brighter smiles, and committed to treating you like family while delivering world-class care. can’t wait to welcome yours.

AP RIL 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L

Hello@bluelinedentalnyc.com T: 212.317.5959 Visit: 1037 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10022

NTHOS

Afternoons often take me into the mountain villages — Keri, Volimes, Anafonitria — where stone houses glow in the sun and tavernas serve dishes that taste like someone’s grandmother made them. Spring is also perfect for walking trails. The cliffs at Keri catch the light in a way that makes the whole coastline look painted.

Yanina Le Cristal Lifestyle Connoisseur yaninalecristal.com |

@yanina_lecristal

HOLY WEEK, WOVEN INTO DAILY LIFE Easter traditions appear gradually, almost like a whisper. Red eggs sit in baskets outside homes. Incense drifts from open church doors. Families prepare for the celebrations with a kind of gentle anticipation.

On Good Friday, I join the evening procession in Zakynthos Town. I hold a candle, walk slowly behind the hymns and lanterns, and feel myself folded into something deeply local. Even as a visitor, I’m not on the outside looking in — I’m part of the moment.

THE MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION Saturday night carries a different energy. Just before midnight, the entire island gathers outside the church, candles ready. When the priest announces “Christos Anesti,” fireworks burst across the sky, and the crowd erupts with joy. It’s loud, emotional, and unforgettable. For a moment, the whole island feels united in light.

EASTER SUNDAY: A TABLE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME Easter Sunday is all about generosity. Tables overflow with roasted lamb, lemon potatoes, salads bright with herbs, and wine poured without hesitation. I find myself at a long table surrounded by people I met only days ago, yet they feel like family. Laughter rises easily, stories flow, and the afternoon stretches into evening without anyone noticing.

WHY ZAKYNTHOS IN SPRING STAYS WITH ME What I love most about Easter in Zakynthos is the balance. The island gives me space to explore, to rest, to connect, and to feel part of something meaningful. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t need to be fast or loud to be transformative.

Zakynthos in spring feels like a secret — one I’m already thinking about returning to.

Diane Johnson

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

4 Sutton Duplex 6/7, NOW $4,500,000 Opportunity to Own Former Kennedy Apartment 12 Room Pre War Duplex Boasting 6 Beds, 6.5 Baths And East River Views Maint: $22,863 / Mo. | Listing #23737749 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.

A P R IL 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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EXPERT INSIGHT | AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Are You Ready For The

Next Breakthrough In Autism Care?

BY CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT DR. ROBERT MELILLO

R

ecent news coverage about autism, focusing on topics like causes and prevention, has fueled even more confusion, anxiety, and questions regarding the widespread condition.

According to Dr. Robert Melillo, what's not being addressed and what really matters is:

“What is happening in the Autistic brain?”

This principal topic has been at the forefront of the career of Dr. Melillo, a clinician, developmental cognitive neuroscientist, researcher, professor, and best-selling author. With over 100 scientific papers and 35 years of clinical experience, he and his lab have published some of the most important research in leading journals to answer this most crucial question: What is Autism?

Their findings have shown biological, functional, and physical differences in the brain — the root issues in autism — explaining symptoms on each point of the autism spectrum.

There are many variations of autism, but Dr. Melillo and his team have proven that there is one primary underlying issue known as a Functional Disconnection. There is no damage, pathology injury, or genetic mutation in autism in most cases, but there are developmental delays and imbalances in networks in the brain particularly between the two hemispheres, which explains the wide variety of unusual strengths and weaknesses in autism. This imbalance not only affects cognitive, emotional, and social issues; it can impact all systems in the body, including the immune and autonomic systems.

The root issue is in the brain — not in the gut or immune system, as many are told. Although important, those issues are secondary to the primary issue in the brain. Dr. Melillo and his research team are the first group to identify a universal model of autism, allowing them to answer the many questions about autism that no one has been able to before.

Dr. Melillo is very vocal about the fact that virtually all individuals with autism, especially those who are nonspeaking, are actually Left Hemisphere Geniuses, but this also presents vulnerabilities, which is at the core of neurodivergence. Dr. Melillo and his staff have developed the most cutting-edge program to help improve communication and balance in networks and improve functioning in the brain. This allows individuals with autism to become the best version of themselves, by reducing or eliminating many challenges, and without losing their unusual gifts.

Another important question that has never been answered before, until now: “What prevents some individuals with Autism from speaking?”

Wednesday, April 1 at 5PM

In creating the world's most effective and comprehensive program to address all neurobehavioral issues, in all age groups, Dr. Melillo and his team have uncovered the root cause of Nonverbal Autism as well. The Melillo Method program is individualized, comprehensive, data driven, and goal directed, achieving real, measurable, objective results — not just in Autism, but also ADHD, Dyslexia, processing disorders, and many other neurological-based issues.

The Melillo Method is available exclusively at The Melillo Centers, in Midtown Manhattan and on Long Island. If you wish to learn more, go to drrobertmelillo.com, @drrobertmelillo on Instagram, get a copy of Dr. Melillo's best-selling book "Disconnected Kids," and attend his NYC lectures. He can also be heard every week on iHeartRadio, WOR and WNEW, on "A Moment of Xen."

THE MELILLO CENTER FOR DEVELOPING MINDS 347 5th Ave, Rm 1010 (btw 33rd & 34th) 646.971.8040 | MELILLOMETHODNYC@GMAIL.COM 26

AP RIL 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY MARCH 31, 2026

2 LECTURES

Afternoon Lecture: What Is Really Happening in the Autistic Brain?

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 11am - 1pm EDT Jay Conference Suites, 159 West 25th St., New York, NY 10001 $75 *this fee will be applied towards any in person appointment*

Evening Lecture: Why Some Children Cannot Speak Tuesday, March 31, 2026 6pm - 8:30pm EDT Jay Conference Suites, 159 West 25th St., New York, NY 10001 $75 *this fee will be applied towards any in person appointment* Attendees will recieve: 50% off clinical evaluation for new patients (NYC location only) Copy of Dr. Melillo’s bestselling book Disconnected Kids Entry to win an $8,000 therapeutic cold laser with full usage instructions (one in-person attendee will be selected)

A P R IL 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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D

ance NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

IN MOTION

BY ART & DESIGN INTERN MADELINE GABEL

F

rom the very moment Sutton Place resident Reyna Shah first began dancing, she immediately fell in love. Having started Bollywood dance at four years old and then Kathak at six, she has continued dancing for over twelve years and is now a sophomore in high school.

Reyna always knew that she wanted to be able to share her appreciation for the art of dance with others, motivating her to found the local afterschool program Dance In Motion. She strives to make cultural dance styles accessible to kids in the New York City area through her classes, teaching students about Indian culture and helping them build valuable skills while also fostering a sense of community.

Reyna's Dance In Motion project is operating in partnership with the locally based organization Funding Bright Futures, which is also student founded. Created in 2015 by teen Turtle Bay resident Jay Patel, now 23, the nonprofit specifically emphasizes its youth-led, class-based fundraising model for underprivileged students around the world. It represents a creative, peer-to-peer approach to educational philanthropy, leveraging young people's talents to create opportunities for the less fortunate with a clear path from local volunteerism to global impact. Jay still resides in the Sutton area at 50 UN Plaza, the basement of which will be the very location for Dance In Motion’s upcoming spring classes!

A born-and-raised New Yorker of Indian heritage, Jay’s initial inspiration came from a trip to his family's remote village in Gujarat, India. Witnessing the widespread poverty, with access to quality education limited for many, he sought to address root causes of poverty through education. Funding Bright Futures’ core mission is to empower underprivileged children globally by supporting scholarships that enable them to attend school, breaking cycles of poverty with accessible learning opportunities. The ultimate long-term vision is to partner with at least one school in every nation worldwide, creating a global network dedicated to education access.

Headquartered in New York City, Funding Bright Futures stands out as a youth-driven initiative, primarily run by high school students and other young volunteers who serve as tutors and teachers.

Revenue centers on hosting classes and workshops for children in the 7–14 age range, providing

enriching educational experiences and directing all proceeds toward scholarships for international underprivileged students. Along with tutoring in all academic subjects and various languages, these student-led classes include creative offerings such as art, debate, music (both vocal and instrumental), and, of course, dance.

Participation in classes often involves a fee, with funds raised going toward global scholarships (e.g., approximately $700 covers one full year of schooling for a child in need).

The organization also gladly accepts direct contributions. This model creates a virtuous cycle: students gain teaching experience, leadership skills, and community service opportunities, while revenue supports education in developing regions.

50 UN Plaza Basement Playroom (46th & 1st) @DANCEINMOTION12 @FUNDINGBRIGHTFUTURES FUNDINGBRIGHTFUTURES.ORG

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

Owner & Senior Care Advisor

hhorowitz@assistedlivinglocators.com

MICHAEL WOLFSON

Sunrise at East 56th, The 80th Street Residence, Inspir Carnegie Hill, The Bristal, and more

mwolfson@assistedlivinglocators.com

212.653.0152 | www.assistedlivinglocators.com/nyc

Owner & Senior Care Advisor

PET CORNER

Dogginho

SCRUFFINO BARKINHO OF HOUSE ORD

BY TURTLE BAY RESIDENTS CHRISTIAN ORDONEZ & BETHANY BLANSHARD ORDONEZ

Hi there! I’m Dogginho (pronounced Doggiño) — a scrappy rescue pup from the streets of Texas who traded tumbleweeds for taxis and now proudly calls Manhattan home. These days, I’m living my best life with my mom and dad, exploring every park, café, and patch of grass this city has to offer. Don’t let my size fool you — I’m part Portuguese Podengo, part explorer, and fully committed to sniffing out whatever adventure lies around the corner. Whether I’m hiking upstate, trotting through Central Park, or charming strangers on the sidewalk, I take my role as “Chief Joy Officer” quite seriously. From street dog to city slicker — not bad for a guy who started with nothing but a wag and a dream. @PAWSOMEWANDERER

Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt!

Visit www.EastMidtown.org and follow us on social media to learn more.

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

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BEHIND THE LEGEND

A 125-Year Legacy of Trust, Discretion & Respect

Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel

BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL

S

ince 1898, Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel has stood as a quiet constant in New York. Founded on West 23rd Street before moving uptown to its longtime home at Madison Avenue and 81st Street, the chapel has built a 125-year reputation for discretion, professionalism, and service. Since 2018, President William Villanova has led the institution with a deep respect for its history and a vision for its future.

Villanova’s connection to funeral service began early. Raised in Westchester, he spent his teenage years helping at his godfather’s funeral homes. After his father died when he was 16, that environment became more than an afterschool job. Though he initially pursued law enforcement in college, a mentor encouraged him to study mortuary science instead. The suggestion shaped his career.

Today, Villanova sees himself as a steward of something larger than any one person. “Leading an institution with this kind of history, and shaping its next chapter, is a rare responsibility,” he says with pride. That perspective informs every decision, from daily operations to long-term investments in the building and the brand.

The five story, 24,000 square foot chapel recently completed a sweeping renovation, reimagining 18,000 square feet of space in a project totaling more than $20 million. The facade was entirely replaced, interiors were redesigned with lighter, more neutral tones, and a rooftop terrace was added for receptions and quiet reflection.

Chapels, lounges, and conference rooms were configured to better serve families in intimate conversations and large gatherings alike. The result is a space that feels both historic and modern, formal yet adaptable.

Adaptability is essential. Some families prefer a traditional visitation and burial in New York. Others begin services in Manhattan before continuing to the Hamptons, or across our Nation or abroad. The funeral home’s compassionate and skilled team is structured to accommodate both. “There’s no request that is too large or detail too small,” Villanova emphasizes. The statement reflects the level of personalization families have come to expect.

While Frank E. Campbell is widely known for serving notable individuals and multi-generational families, confidentiality is foundational. “One of the things that our reputation is built on is that trust,” he says firmly. Privacy is not a marketing point but a promise, and discretion remains central to every arrangement.

Villanova is equally focused on encouraging families to plan ahead. In his view, advance planning is not about dwelling on loss, but about clarity and care. “It’s prudent to make a plan outlining what you want your funeral to be,” he insists. He often reminds families that nearly every major life event is thoughtfully planned, from weddings to vacations to education. Final arrangements deserve the same consideration.

Advance Planning services allows individuals to make decisions calmly and intentionally, rather than leaving loved ones to navigate complex choices in the first days of grief. When plans are in place, families are able to focus on honoring a life rather than debating details. It can also prevent confusion, protect family harmony, and ensure that personal wishes are carried out precisely.

For Villanova, that preparation is a final act of generosity. It transforms what could be an overwhelming moment into one guided by clarity. For neighbors in the Sutton Place area, on the Upper East Side and across the city, Frank E. Campbell remains what it has always aimed to be: a trusted resource and a place where history, dignity, and thoughtful planning meet.

To learn more about services or to begin an Advance Planning conversation, call Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel at 212-288-3500.

Experience Senior Living in Style ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE Sunrise at East 56th is where elegance, service, and comfort come together. Our sophisticated residences, restaurant-style dining, and bespoke programming create a dynamic, enriching lifestyle. With attentive team members who cater to your unique needs and interests, you’ll enjoy a truly personalized experience that far exceeds your expectations.

© 2025 Sunrise Senior Living

ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE A P R IL 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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Sutton Place 3373

SOCIAL

PRIVATE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | ISSUE #83 | EST. 2019

MOVING? FORMER TENANT'S NAME? DUPLICATES? GOING GREEN? KINDLY CALL/TEXT 646.386.6270

Premier Advance Funeral Planning

Planning in advance isn’t just a practical decision—it’s a gift to those you love.

By establishing your arrangements in advance, you provide for your future while protecting your family today.

Contact us today to speak with our Advanced Planning Director.

1076 Madison Avenue | 212-288-3500 | FrankECampbell.com New York state law mandates that all contracts for prearranged funeral agreements executed by applicants for or recipients of supplemental social security income or medical assistance be irrevocable.

Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019. 713-522-5141

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