letters to the editor
Honoring Restaurant EmployeesIn these difficult economic times, it is especially important to patronize your favorite restaurants and honor the employees who make them a success. In the spirit of National Waiter and Waitress Day on May 21, there are several ways to say thank you.
Let your servers, cooks and owners know how much you appreciate excellent food and service. We try to tip 20 percent against the total bill including taxes. If it is an odd amount, round up to the next dollar. If you can afford to eat out, you can afford an extra dollar tip. When ordering takeout, don’t forget to leave a dollar or two for the waiter or cook. Trust us, it is appreciated.
Remember, the people who work at your favorite restaurant are our neighbors. They work long hours for little pay and count on tips, which make up a significant portion of their income. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, they don’t eat either. Your purchases keep our neighbors employed and the local economy growing.
Why not drop off a box of candy, cookies or some other treat for your favorite waiter or restaurant staff as well? Leave them a thank-you card or note along with a larger than normal tip.
Larry Penner
Great Neck, NY
Church WindowsI read about St. Vincent de Paul Church on 23rd Street in Our Town (“Saving Chelsea,” May 10-16). If the church is not going to reopen, preservationists should note the beauty of several of its stained-glass windows. There is one relatively rare window depicting Christ as the stranger on the shore. Many people don’t know that the phrase “Stranger on the Shore” comes from the New Testament. Hopefully, at least this window (if not all of them) will be saved.
M.G. Koster
East Side
Debating Parking PermitsRegarding your article “Safe Spaces” (May 3-9), I disagree with the City Council’s proposal to designate parking permits for residents above 60th Street. This proposal is not only impractical, but very expensive to accomplish, let alone enforce. Cars and commercial vehicles come into Manhattan every day and they have a right to park. Some motorists have problems parking, but this is mainly because of Citi Bike taking up parking spaces and the constant digging up of our streets by construction companies and Con Edison. How do they propose issuing permits when where is no place to park while construction is going on?
I own a car and live in the proposed area. I have never had a problem parking. If the City Council members who proposed this want to alleviate congestion, they should allow truck deliveries to supermarkets and restaurants after rush hours are over.
Charles Petz
Upper East Side