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Forest Hills Gardens Corporation
Monthly News & Updates
July, 2025
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2025 Nominating Committee
Begins Its Work
| It's that exciting time of year again! The Forest Hills Gardens Corporation (FHGC) Nominating Committee for 2025 is already hard at work. While this dedicated group of residents are passionate about our community, they are our neighbors who have stepped up to ensure the board reflects the vibrant tapestry of voices in our Gardens. Their commitment to our community is truly inspiring, and we encourage all residents to engage with them in the nomination process. Remember, everyone's unique perspective can significantly enhance the vibrancy and integrity of our beloved neighborhood. So, if you've ever thought about serving on the board, don’t hesitate! After all, governance can be as fulfilling as it is enjoyable—just think of it as a community potluck, where everyone brings their special dish to the table and communication is open and collaborative! Your voice matters; step forward to help shape the future of Forest Hills Gardens! | |
Nominating Committee to Homeowners:
Our Community Needs Your Help!
Procedures Outlined Below
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The Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers to play a vital role in shaping the future of our community. By joining the board, residents have a unique opportunity to actively engage in neighborhood governance and support, contributing to the growth and development of the Gardens.
Every year, the Nominating Committee eagerly awaits recommendations from our valued property owners for potential candidates to serve on the FHGC Board, ideally candidates that appreciate the rich history and unparalleled
beauty of the Gardens, a community steeped in historical significance. Whether the individual chooses to self-nominate or put forth a deserving member of our community, the process involves completing a questionnaire to highlight the candidate's passions and skills, followed by a brief interview with the Nominating Committee.
Above all, joining the FHGC Board presents a rewarding opportunity to contribute to our storied community's legacy and forge new connections while engaging in meaningful volunteer work. Volunteerism is at the heart of our community, and by participating in the board's activities, residents can make a meaningful impact that enhances the quality of life for all. We encourage residents to step forward, get involved, and be a part of the positive changes that make our neighborhood thrive. Telephone the FHGC Office at 718-268-2420 or email info@fhgc.org to obtain a questionnaire today!
| Free Compost Available For Pickup | |
With the continuation of the City's composting program, Sanitation is giving back to the communities with free high quality compost at giveaway sites. To get a free bag of finished compost, city residents can register for a specific date at nyc.gov/GetCompost. Dates are open for registration two weeks ahead of each giveback event. Registration is REQUIRED. Limit ONE registration per household but unlimited bags of compost.
There are two Queens sites to pick from: Western Queens in Astoria and Eastern Queens on Hillside Avenue:
Western Queens Compost Giveback Site
77-28 19th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11105
Facility entrance at the end of 19th Avenue
Open: April 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025
- Wednesdays, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Eastern Queens Compost Giveback Site
235-69 Hillside Avenue
Queens, NY 11426 (near Queens Village)
Facility entrance through brick gate at Hillside Avenue and Avenue C
Giveback site after right on Second Street (in parking lot to the left)
Open: May 17, 2025 - September 27, 2025
- Saturdays ONLY, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This program is only available to city residents and non-profits (yes, FOSS and FHGC are eligible to get free delivery once a year!), but not businesses. Each bag weigh 40 pounds.
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Arborist Installed
New Trees Around Gardens
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Our devoted arborists from Almstead have recently meticulously selected and planted twelve magnificent new trees throughout our neighborhood's streets.
These vibrant additions can be found enhancing the streets of Borage Place, Puritan Avenue, Dartmouth Street, Tennis Place, Whitson Street, Markwood Road, Ingram Street, Seasongood Road, Greenway North, and Archway Place.
Why not take a leisurely stroll and take in the beauty these trees bring to our landscape. Not only do they elevate the aesthetic allure of our community, but they also play a crucial role in improving air quality and fostering a vibrant environment that we can all take immense pride in. So lace up your walking shoes, step outside, and set off to explore the Gardens' new flora.
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Have you ever thought about enhancing the safety of your home with a complimentary security survey conducted by NYC police officers?
This valuable service is indeed available to you at no cost! The dedicated Crime Prevention officers from the 112th Precinct are ready and eager to assist you in safeguarding your residence.
Simply reach out to Police Officer Taylor Cumbo at 718-520-9319 to arrange a visit.
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July in the Gardens:
Focus on Caring for
Rhododendrons and Azaleas
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Forest Hills Gardens is home to a large number of Rhododendron & Azalea plantings. These shrubs belong to the same family and are both typically evergreens. However, rhododendrons tend to grow much larger in height and width; while azaleas are more compact with smaller leaves. They both produce flamboyant flowers in a variety of beautiful colors and are best planted in the spring.
If you have rhododendrons or azaleas in your garden that are looking woody and leggy, they can benefit from a hard pruning after they have finished their spring blooming; remove dead wood and cut back the remaining branches to encourage denser growth. Do not be timid. A good prune can reinvigorate the plant.
It is also important to ensure your rhododendrons and azeleas are well hydrated. They are native woodland plants and do not like dry or sodden soil. If the soil dries out, their leaves will droop and give the plant an unhealthy appearance that affects their growth.
Proper soil conditions are also key to ensure strong Rhododendron and azalea plants. Rhododendrons are acid loving plants. They perform best when the soil is acidic with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0; providing lots of organic soil and mulch will help with this, and do wonders for your plants.
As we move into the heat of summer, in order to maintain a beautiful garden, focus on keeping your plants well watered. Additionally, take time to deadhead your flowering shrubs and you will be rewarded with more blooms! Now is also a good time to mulch your roses along with your rhododendrons and azaleas. Happy gardening!
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Gardens Bird Sighting:
Gray Catbird
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The gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), spotted on Burns Street near Station Square, is a medium-sized, slender songbird with a long, rounded tail and a slightly downward-turned bill. It's named for its cat-like mewing call, but few would mistake it for an actual cat.
The gray catbird is found along the eastern seaboard, migrating south during the winter. They eat insects and seeds, but are particularly partial to berries. They are a relatively common bird and can be found in both urban and agricultural areas, favoring dense shrubby environments as they tend to nest low to the ground.
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Security Corner:
June Update
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In June, one of the 112th Precinct's Crime Prevention Officers, PO Taylor Cumbo, provided a rundown of recent crime trends in our area, as well as useful tips. She noted that over the past several weeks, they have identified a concerning pattern of residential burglaries involving individuals posing as Amazon delivery workers. These individuals wear high-visibility vests and carry packages to create a false sense of legitimacy before attempting to gain access to residential buildings or private homes.
Click here to read her full overview and helpful suggestions.
Whenever you see suspicious behavior, be sure to call 911 first, followed by Excel Security, and then the Gardens office.
While Excel Security is not authorized to act as law enforcement, it actively coordinates with the 112th Precinct. Also, along with our residents, it serves as our eyes and ears for our neighborhood. Please be sure to save Excel Security’s phone number. (212 239 8086)
| | | | | Maintenance Update: Paving Work | |
It appears that several of our roadways will be receiving a well-deserved facelift this summer. A preliminary schedule of summer road work is being compiled that promises to enhance the beauty and functionality of our community. The streets slated for paving work include:
Cranford Street,
Fleet Street (from Continental Avenue to the property line),
Harrow Street (to the property line),
Greenway North (from Underwood Road to Union Turnpike),
Greenway South (from Ascan Avenue to Greenway Terrace),
Groton Street (from Roman Avenue to Continental Avenue), Groton Street (from Continental Avenue to the property line),
Olive Place,
Roman Avenue,
Russell Place
We anticipate that all work will commence in the coming weeks, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. To ensure a smooth process, additional e-blasts detailing the specific dates and times when vehicles must be relocated will be distributed.
If you plan to be away this month and your car is parked on any of these streets, we encourage you to consider leaving your keys with a trusted neighbor to prevent any inconvenience, or alternatively, to make arrangements for your vehicle's relocation.
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Upcoming Community Events:
-Forest Hills Gardens Corporation: Annual Street Closing Day - Wednesday,
July 30, 2025
-Celebrations Association of Forest Hills: Children's Day Raindate - Saturday, September 13, 2025
-Forest Hills Gardens Corporation: Membership Committee Fall Music Event - Sunday, September 14, 2025
-Forest Hills Gardens Corporation: Membership Committee Fall Music Event Raindate - Sunday, September 21, 2025
-Forest Hills Gardens Corporation: Membership Committee New Member Brunch - Saturday, October 18, 2025
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Forest Hills Gardens Communication Committee:
Fouad Beydoun (co-chair), Christine O'Brien (co-chair),
Wendy Bachman, Ann Chamberlain, Jennifer Meier, Steve Silberberg,
Mona Tata, Catherine Wigdor, Rose Wolner
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