Tonight National Night Out Against Crime takes place  in 70 NYC locations, including Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. The 17th Precinct hosts the event from 5 PM to 8 PM, offering crime-prevention tips (watch out for those phone scams), kids activities, live entertainment and free food, courtesy of Ali Baba Restaurant. With all the hoopla, don’t get distracted from the subject at hand: how can we work together for the safety of our streets and parks? 

Last week,  the park lamps failed to light up after dark. As of last night, the plaza was still in blackout mode. Not safe. Ironically, the focus  of tonight’s event  is crime prevention. At what point does a 311 complaint escalate to an emergency? Are  311 and 911 our only option? 

BLACKOUT: WHO’S IN CHARGE? 

FDHP President Sherrill Kazan made phone calls. When she met  Manhattan Parks Manager Wesley Hamilton at  the Plaza to discuss the location of a sculpture exhibit, she asked, “who is  responsible for repairing the electrical outage?”  Hamilton said he would alert DOT (Dept. of Transportation).  That was more than a week ago; the Plaza  was still  dark last night.

Linfei Yang, who frequents the park, stated, “It was pitch black, you couldn’t see what anyone on the benches was doing. I definitely wouldn’t feel safe walking the Plaza,  and it’s been that way for at least a week.” An FDHP director who walks her dog on the Plaza at all hours  sent SOS emails to CB6 and city officials, citing  the large turn-out for tonight’s event. We reached out to CB6, Councilman Keith Powers office, and the 17th Precinct, alerting then to the electrical outage. Word finally trickled through and the lamps are back on. Yet we still don’t have a direct line to DOT to request service when this type of electrical failure occurs. In the past,  we were told that the Department of Parks (DPR) is responsible for the lamps located on the Plaza while street lamps fall under the jurisdiction of DOT.

THE SAFETY OF PUBLIC SPACE

We encourage you to attend the 17th Precinct Community Council and Build the Block meetings. Get to know our 17th Precinct officers. NYPD has a big job on their hands and we need them to do their job. Our block officers Christopher Carlucci and John Lamneck do patrol  the park but there’s no set schedule. We want patrolmen to get out of their cars and walk the beat. We understand that police authority is limited by civil liberties, but their presence helps curb illegal activity. 

You also have a role to play. It’s time to speak up about the safety of the general public in our parks and streets. Public space is for everyone. 

SHARE THE LOAD

We  serve as community “watch dog” for Midtown East’s largest park and garden.  FDHP custodian Raymond recently reported that 11 flood lamps on the  retaining wall of the garden were out. He happened to notice when he left his cell phone in the  park shed  and returned  at night to retrieve it.  The city provides the power,  but we  purchase the light bulbs, expensive LED floods with a long-life. Just one of the many ways we keep our park clean, green and safe. 

Join Friends to support the beautification and safety of our park by clicking on the green button below. Ask your neighbors to join too. Healthy parks make healthy neighborhoods. 

THIS MESSAGE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY 

FRIENDS OF DAG HAMMARSKJOLD PLAZA

 a community-based, tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit organization.   

With a  Thursday forecast of stormy weather and sunny skies expected  Friday, the date of the final Salon Talk at the cafe in Dag Plaza has been changed to Friday, July 30 at 6 PM. 

Getting to Know You, Turtle Bay 

PAMELA HANLON, author of Manhattan’s Turtle Bay and A Worldly Affair: New York, the UN and the Story Behind Their Unlikely Bond; highlights  neighborhood landmarks and history with behind-the-scene stories, including her interviews with celebrities like Broadway musical composer Stephen Sondheim. Pamela has given numerous talks and tours of the area and regards Dag Plaza as a neighborhood treasure. 

Meet your neighbors and community organizations. 

WHERE: Pink Moose Cafe in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, East 47th St. betw. 1st and 2nd Aves. 

Join us at Dag Plaza’s Pink Moose Cafe…NYC park architect GEORGE VELLONAKIS recounts his lunch with Katharine Hepburn at her family’s Saybrook, CT estate,  and how he and Hepburn fan Millie Margiotta  saved Kate’s bench from the auction block for the garden that bears her name. Vellonakis reflects on his design inspiration for the fountains, latticed pergolas, entrance dome and the park’s naturalized garden.   

CHARLES HARRIS, architect from the prestigious firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, recounts the collaborative process, aesthetics, and “green design”  of  the United Arab Emirates building, which now overlooks the retaining wall of the Katharine Hepburn Garden, enhancing the Plaza landscape. The building meshes  traditional New York City architecture with  Middle Eastern aesthetics.

NEXT WEEK; July  29, author PAMELA HANLON talks about  historic Turtle Bay. Join Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and the Turtle Bay Association for a grand finale celebration of our community. More about Pam’s historical talk next week! 

Enjoy the Garden’s Reopening: Now that the UAE construction fence has been removed, you can walk the entire garden path  and enjoy Kate’s bench and  the engraved stepping stones bearing quotes by Katharine Hepburn.  Volunteers have been pruning and weeding under the guidance of Parks Gardener Maria Mendez  and plantsman Robert Soret. 

We appreciate your interest and look forward to a great summer in  Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. We welcome your feedback: email fdhp@hammarskjoldplaza.org 

Even though skies are clearing, presenter TERI BLACK (Break A Leg Productions) could  not risk the safety of her cast with pop-up thunderstorms and late last night (7/8/2020) bowed out of the Friday (7/9) Salon performance. Coordinating an outdoor  production is no easy task, and all the Salon  presenters, including Pink Moose Cafe, have been troopers, committed to bringing our community together in the park we love.

It’s all about building relationships. Just today, FDHP  received a donation and the note: “This lovely park helped me get through this difficult year. I’m even happier there’s Pink Moose & live entertainment now. keep it coming!” 

Next week’s Salon, July 15, 6 PM , (rain date 7/16) NOA BORNSTEIN  entertains us with a family-friendly talk about the evolution of Peace Gorilla introduced by FDHP President SHERRILL KAZAN, who plays a lead role  in bringing sculpture  to the Plaza under NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program. Noa Bernstein loves the interaction that public art offers and welcomes children to her lively talk “Going Ape”. Her  public art projects include large murals in NYC and LA  and animal sculptures. 

July 22 Salon Talk, 6 PM Park Architecture and Gardens, presents NYC park architect GEORGE VELLONAKIS  and  the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, designers of the stunning United Arab Emirates building, which now overlooks the retaining wall of the Katharine Hepburn Garden, contributing elegance to the  landscape. 

July  29, 6 PM: PAMELA HANLON’S  Salon Talk about Turtle Bay has been rescheduled for the last Thursday in  July when  directors of Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza  and the Turtle Bay Association join up for a grand finale celebration of our community. 

Enjoy the Garden’s Reopening: Now that the UAE construction fence has been removed, you can walk the entire garden path  and enjoy the engraved stepping stones bearing quotes  by Katharine Hepburn.  Volunteers have been pruning and weeding under the guidance of Parks Gardener Maria Mendez  and plantsman Robert Soret.  New signage  and work on the foot path is underway. 

State of NYC Parks: Now that the City’s budget has been passed and we have a new Mayor, stay tuned  for news about the general state of NYC parks,  the impact on our neighborhood, and Dag Hammarskjold Plaza.   

We appreciate your interest and look forward to a great summer in  Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. We welcome your feedback: email fdhp@hammarskjoldplaza.org 

THIS MESSAGE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY 

FRIENDS OF DAG HAMMARSKJOLD PLAZA

 a community-based, tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit organization.   

Another rainy forecast for our second Salon Talk–both Thursday 7/8 and Friday 7/9 (rain date) has prompted cafe management to discontinue advance sales of picnic boxes and instead  offer  a “grab and go”  sandwich, salad and beverage for sale before the show.

We will announce cancellation due to weather by 10 AM of scheduled date and post to website. The Salon series  is a new program  and we are working out the kinks in  order to  present an engaging series that celebrates our neighborhood and the park that brings our community together. 

All who ordered picnic boxes will be issued a full refund for the amount of purchase. Please allow ample time for cafe to process.

Due to thunderstorms forecast for 6 PM today with continuing rain and flash flooding through Friday, we regret to inform you that the July 1 Salon Talk and Picnic has been cancelled and will NOT take place on July 1 or July 2. 

REFUND: All who ordered picnic boxes will receive a full refund for their purchase from the Pink Moose Cafe. (Please allow adequate time for cafe management  to process.)

SALON TALK: Featured speaker Pamela Hanlon will be rescheduled for the last Thursday in July or at a later date. 

We regret this inconvenience, but we must make decisions based on safety and the time required for food prep and equipment set up.  We appreciate your interest and look forward to a great summer in  Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. 

Sherrill Kazan, President & Anne Hersh, Development Director fdhp@hammarskjoldplaza.org

We’re excited to tell you about our first two Cafe Salon Talks featuring neighborhood notables and a pre-paid picnic box full of tasty goodies and ready for pickup before each show. All food sales are advance order only so the one-hour programs can start at 6 PM. Keep scrolling for the full scoop!

“Getting to Know You, Turtle Bay”

Thursday, July 1. Pamela Hanlon is the author of Manhattan’s Turtle Bay and A Worldly Affair, which explores the relationship between New York City and the UN, but “don’t expect a book talk,” says the long-time Turtle Bay resident, who will chat about neighborhood landmarks and local history with behind-the-scene stories, including interviews with luminaries like Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, a Turtle Bay resident. Pamela has given numerous talks and tours of the area and regards Dag Hammarskjold Plaza as a  neighborhood  treasure. 

Thursday, July 8,  Teri Black, Break a Leg Productions. An actress and producer, Teri brings a wealth of theatrical experience to our second Salon Talk, presenting two staged readings of short plays by LA writer Scott Mullen, directed by Valerie Adami Juhlin and brought to life by a professional cast of four actors. Teri loves Dag Plaza…it’s right across the street from her apartment. 

DOG PARK: Anthony and Kelly meet at a dog park and might have more in common than their Jack Russell Terriers. 

HOME: A woman tries to convince her mother-in-law to move in with her and her family, even though they dislike each other.

Cast: Teri Black, Elisa London, Sean Phillips and Sara Taylor, all members of Actor’s Equity Association. For more about the Break a Leg Productions, click here 

Now that’s value! A show and a picnic. $10 includes sandwich (4 choices), beverage (4 choices), salad, chips and a cookie, a great value! Your picnic box(s) will be ready for pick-up on the program date(s) you select. Please arrive at 5:45 PM, claim your order and take your seat so sessions can start on time. You will know it ‘s time to be seated when the bells of the Holy Family Church ring at 6 PM. 

PLACE YOUR PICNIC ORDER(S)  NOW FOR THE  SALON DATES OF YOUR CHOICE: 

JULY 1 Sorry, Window to order has closed

JULY 8 Sorry, the Cafe discontinued this offer as of July 6 due to the cost of perishables and labor when inclement weather cancels event. All who purchased in advance will be issued a refund by Pink Moose Cafe.

RAIN DATES:  Salon takes place the following day. Visit our website for last-minute announcements if summer showers have you guessing. 

We welcome your feedback: email fdhp@hammarskjoldplaza.org 

Join Friends on Thursdays, 6 PM to 7 PM, starting with the June 24 concert and following in July with Salon Talks featuring Turtle Bay notables and New Yorkers in the know. 

To turbocharge your Afro-Peruvian Jazz groove, the Pink Moose is offering specialty roasted Peruvian coffee on its menu for Corina Barthose concert. Cafe tables reserved for customers; open seating on the benches.

SALON TALKS & PINK MOOSE PICNIC BOX: Check this site every week for announcements about the upcoming Salon Talk with a link to advance purchase a Pink Moose picnic box @$10  that guarantees cafe seating. This convenience enables us to start each program on time. Of course, there’s open seating on the benches and seating wall.