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Forest Hills Gardens Corporation
Monthly News & Updates
November, 2025
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Forest Hills Gardens Receives
National Recognition
Olmsted Network Recognizes
FHGC President with
2025 Olmsted Stewardship Award
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Each year, the Olmsted Network honors individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of Frederick Law Olmsted and the Olmsted firm - ones that have shown significant dedication to protecting and preserving Olmsted's work, vision and values. This year, one of our own - Anthony Oprisiu - was recognized at their 2025 Awards Dinner on Friday, October 24 in Washington, D.C..
The Olmsted Network - a national organization dedicated to championing Olmsted parks, places and principles - is dedicated to protecting, preserving and championing the work and principles of Olmsted and his firm's design work of diverse landscapes, including parks, parkways, and recreation areas, and 100 public parks, which aimed to improve the human condition.
The award announcement stated, "Since becoming board president of the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation in 2023, Anthony Oprisiu has brought new energy and vision to one of America’s earliest planned Garden Cities —designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.. A resident and dedicated preservationist, Oprisiu has led a comprehensive revitalization effort focused on long-term sustainability and historical integrity. His leadership includes the development of a Cultural Landscape Report, the implementation of a tree succession plan, major infrastructure improvements, and extensive community engagement. Under his guidance, Forest Hills Gardens is not only being preserved but prepared for a vibrant and resilient future." The Olmsted Network link can be found here.
Congratulations, Anthony - and all Gardens residents - on this well-deserved recognition! Since each homeowner plays a crucial role in sustaining Olmsted's legacy, it should be a moment of immense pride for all Forest Hills Gardens residents to celebrate our national acknowledgment, a testament to the power of our collective commitment to stewardship and quality preservation as we navigate the 21st century.
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Membership Committee Delivers
Music, Memories, and Magic
in Olivia Park
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In a revival of a 100-year-old tradition on September 21 FHGC residents were treated to a magical outdoor musical performance. If you missed it, just imagine the idyllic scene. The setting, Olivia park (or as some sledders might know it: Deepdene). The weather was simply picture perfect, bright and sunny with low humidity. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, as neighbors chatted and shared their comestibles. Young children ran in the grass, and people enjoyed picnics (or wine) on their blankets and folding chairs.
Some local children from the Gardens Players performed a skit introducing the composers of the evening's program. Selections from musical legends with roots in Forest Hills, such as Bert Bacharach, Paul Simon, and Walter Becker of Steely Dan, were highlighted. With their sophisticated instrumentals, and expressive vocals ,The Kelly Green Trio (Kelly Green, Luca Soul Rosenfeld, and Evan Hyde) covered familiar songs like “Alfie,” “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love,” “Do It Again” and a medley of Simon and Garfunkel including “Cecilia,” and “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” along with some of their own original compositions.
One attendee fondly declared, “It feels like a living Norman Rockwell painting. I’m so glad I live here!” Aren’t we all? Click here to see video highlights from this special community gathering.
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Membership Committee Welcomed Our Newest Neighbors at a
New Members Brunch
| On Saturday, October 18th, the members of the FHGC Membership Committee extended a heartfelt welcome to our neighborhood's newest families at a New Members Brunch at the Community House. Many of our dedicated board members and committee chairs were readily available to answer questions and address any concerns, reinforcing our community's supportive network of Gardens volunteers. Adding a touch of enchantment to the day, a talented magician delighted attendees of all ages. | |
Celebrations Association of FHG
Gearing Up for Another Busy December
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Once again, the Celebrations Association, your neighbors who sponsor Children’s Day, will be assembling the traditional Bows and Boughs at the Community House on Saturday morning, December 6th, from 10 am to 12noon.
These are the festive decorations that will hang on the Gardens' 206 lampposts during the Christmas season. Many hands will make this pleasant work go quickly during a busy season for all of us. Mark your calendar.
We will also be accepting new, unwrapped toys that morning at the Community House from 10 to 12 noon, in conjunction with the local American Legion Toy Drive. We are a friendly group so bring your helping hands and a toy donation if you wish. Can’t stay? Drop by with your donation and say hello.
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A "Must Read":
FHGC Board Issued an Important Legal Update
to the Community;
Link Provided
| On October 14th, the FHGC Board distributed an important update on its efforts to protect the Gardens' private streets. It was followed up with a reminder of a Zoom Town Meeting for October 21st. A link is provided here to the update. | Dedicated Gardens Crew Member Passes | |
Those that attended the FHGC Budget meeting heard the sad news of the recent passing of one of our dedicated crew,
Kenny Sukhlal,
while on a family vacation.
For over 17 years, Kenny was a familiar presence, often seen diligently navigating the Gardens' green tractor through our neighborhood's streets. Quick with a warm smile, friendly nod, or wave, he brightened the day for many Gardens residents.
He will be missed by all.
| Residents, young and old, have been enjoying themselves in the natural "bowl" of Olivia Park (aka Deepdene) at various Gardens' artistic performances since 1917. Check out the most recent gathering at this link. | Neighborhood Bird: American Redstart | This American Redstart, spotted in nearby Forest Park, is fairly conspicuous compared to other small birds. Redstarts are seemingly hyperactive, repeatedly dashing through trees and bushes after unseen insects, or prancing along branches, rapidly spreading and closing its black-and-yellow (female) or black-and-orange (male) tail. The photo above is of a female. American Redstarts are spring and fall migrants in the East: arriving in May in much of the U.S. and Canada (and serenading us with their sweet, explosive songs during spring and early summer) and then migrating mid-season fall to warmer climates. | |
Security Corner:
October Update
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Whenever you see suspicious behavior, be sure to call 911 first, followed then by Excel Security. While Excel Security is not authorized to act as law enforcement, it does coordinate with the 112th Precinct, and along with our residents, serves as our eyes and ears for our neighborhood.
Please save
Excel Security’s phone number - 212 239 8086 in your phone today.
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FHGC Board Highlights:
Annual Budget Approved, Maintenance Bills Mailed -
now its time for the FHGC Annual Election Meeting to be held Thursday, December 11th, 2025 7:30 pm
at the Community House, 15 Borage Place
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The calendar of annual FHGC happenings continues on. In November, the slate of nominees for election to the Board of Directors will be put forth by the FHGC Nominating Committee; this is followed by the election of new board members in December at the FHGC Annual Election Meeting. Be on the lookout for additional communications regarding both. Check your mailboxes - both virtual and physical - since information will be disseminated in both manners.
The Annual Election Meeting of the FHGC will take place on Thursday, December 11th at the Community House, 15 Borage Place, at 7:30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is the election of Directors; the related mailer will provide the bios of all the candidates put forth by the Nominating Committee. Additionally, the various FHGC committees will provide a summary of this past year's activities. Finally, the list of property owners in arrears - those owing Community Maintenance charges - will be provided as outlined by the Gardens bylaws. Watch your mailboxes!
Have questions for the Directors? Questions may be sent to the FHGC office (info@fhgc.org). After these written questions are answered at the meeting, the floor will be opened to the members for further questions.
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Upcoming Community Events:
-Forest Hills Gardens Corporation: Parking Decal Applications Distributed, November, 2025
-Forest Hills Gardens Corporation: Nominating Committee Slate Due, November, 2025
-Celebrations Association of Forest Hills Gardens: "Bows and Boughs" Gardens lamppost greens and bow assembly; toy drive collection, December 6, 2025
-Forest Hills Gardens Corporation: Election of New Board Members, December 11, 2025
-FHG Foundation "Why We Have Chosen Forest Hills Gardens For Our Home" input deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025
-Forest Hills Gardens Corporation: Maintenance Invoices Distributed this month (due by January 1, 2026)
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Forest Hills Gardens Communication Committee:
Fouad Beydoun (co-chair), Christine O'Brien Beydoun (co-chair),
Wendy Bachman, Ann Chamberlain, Jennifer Meier, Steve Silberberg,
Mona Tata, Catherine Wigdor, Rose Wolner
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