Nominating Committee

Wraps Up Its Search

After weeks of outreach and interviews, this year’s FHGC Nominating Committee has finalized a slate of candidates for the upcoming election. The slate was posted in the FHGC office in November and will be voted on at the December 5th meeting.

Many community members may not be familiar with the process or realize the tight timeline set for the committee. Each June, the current board selects six Gardens homeowners (five to be committee members with one alternate) who are in "good standing" (current in maintenance payments, as outlined by our bylaws) to serve on the Nominating Committee, with one member appointed as chair. The chair collaborates with the Gardens office to announce a general call to the community for Board volunteers, typically via email. This year, the appeal also appeared in the September newsletter.

Then the real work begins!

The Nominating Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our Board by engaging in meaningful one-on-one conversations with each current Board member. This collaborative approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the Board's needs, as members share their valuable insights regarding the strengths and skill sets that could enhance the Board's collective efforts in governance. By identifying skills that align with the Board's responsibilities, the committee ensures that we not only maintain continuity but also welcome fresh perspectives. Furthermore, the committee assesses the interest of members whose terms are expiring, fostering a culture of renewal and ongoing commitment. With a clear vision of our Board's requirements, the committee embarks on the important task of interviewing potential candidates who are eager to contribute to the vibrancy of our community. This process is not just about filling positions; it’s about building a dynamic Board that reflects the diverse talents and aspirations of all residents.

After numerous meetings, both in person and via Zoom, the committee finalizes and submits its slate of Board nominees in November. The slate includes candidates selected for terms of varying lengths—three years, two years, or one year—based on the board’s needs and the availability of candidates. Annually, five individuals are selected for a three-year term - the standard term length; they replace five that are stepping down. The shorter one- and two-year terms are for Board positions that need to be filled due to a Board member leaving their position prior to fulfilling the full three-year commitment. The varying length of terms serves to ensure there will always be returning Board members to provide “institutional knowledge” and scope of duties for the new Board members. 

Once the slate is assembled, the Nominating Committee Chair submits it to the Secretary of the Board, who then posts the slate in the Gardens office, as outlined in the FHGC bylaws. Biographical information on each nominee is then gathered by the Gardens office, which is published in the Annual Election announcement and readied for distributed. This announcement, along with a proxy form, is then mailed to all residents in November and can be accessed here.



The community owes each Nominating Committee member a word of thanks in shaping the Board.

Time to Get Your 2025 Parking Decal

The 2025 Resident Decal Application has been mailed to residents who currently have decals. The application form is attached here or can be picked up at our office. 

Residents who wish to renew their parking decals need to submit a complete 2025 Residential Parking Decal Application along with ALL the following required items:

1. Payment: Checks made out to Forest Hills Gardens Corp. or cash. If you choose to pay in cash, you must provide the exact amount, change cannot be provided. 
2. Current vehicle registrations for each decal:  Yes, even if the vehicle information is the same as last year, you must attach a copy of the registration to this year's application.
3. Current contact information: You must provide the decal holder's telephone number/s and email address/es.
4. A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE):  The Gardens office will not be holding 2025 Decals for in person pick up; all will be mailed out using the SASE provided with the application. Failure to include an SASE with your application could delay processing.

Please note that renters are required to provide all the above, as well as providing proof of their residency (e.g., current utility bill).

Applications will not be processed until all documentation and information is provided and the property’s Annual Maintenance fee has been paid.

The Gardens office will begin issuing the 2025 Parking Decals in December. Residents should place the new decal on their vehicle immediately after receiving it and remove all old decals. The 2024 Parking Decal expires on December 31, 2024. A short grace period is allowed; however to ensure compliance with the Parking Control Program, it is suggested that resident submit their 2025 decal applications in a timely manner.  

Should you have any questions about this process, please don't hesitate to contact the Gardens office at 718-268-2420 or info@fhgc.org.

Neighborhood Tree Challenge--can you identify this tree? (answer below)

Menorah Lighting Schedule During Chanukah

The Jewish Festival Committee of Forest Hills Gardens will be hosting the lighting of the Menorah in Station Square during the Festival of Lights, which commences on Wednesday, December 25th. 

The Menorah lighting schedule for this year is as follows:

-Wednesday, December 25 at 6pm

-Thursday, December 26 at 6pm

-Friday, December 27 at 3:30pm

-Saturday, December 28 at 6pm

-Sunday, December 29 at 6pm

-Monday, December 30 at 6pm

-Tuesday, December 31 at 6pm

-Wednesday, January 1 at 6 pm

(Station Square, 1941)

Station Square Community Christmas Tree Will Soon Be Lit/Menorah Installation Coming -

Neighbors Busy With

Holiday Season Preparations

As outlined in the November newsletter, many of our neighbors band together annually to make each holiday season special for all. Volunteer to help spread holiday cheer and contribute your efforts (bow making, lamppost greens/bough assembling, toy collection, Santa Claus' helper home visits, Christmas Eve Station Square caroling); click here for the details. It is also a perfect opportunity for teens looking to fulfill required community service hours and give back to our neighborhood! Email info@celebrationsfhg.org.



As the holiday season approaches, be sure to join in the festivities, share experiences, and contribute to the magic of this special time of year in Forest Hills Gardens!

(Station Square, December, 2020)

Winter in the Gardens....

Winter is, unsurprisingly, the quietest time of year in the garden. However, there is still work to be done!

During early winter, before we experience a deep frost, is actually a great time to continue pruning your trees and shrubs. It is also good to cut away any dead foliage from the perennials which are dying down.

Annuals should be removed from both pots and garden beds. It is extremely important to remove any dead or diseased plants in your garden to avoid the spreading of fungus and garden pests. It is best to bag the diseased plants and dispose of them in the trash. Do not place on your compost as that could potentially cause the fungus or disease to flourish.

Once you have finished pruning and cleaning, a good mulching of the garden, along with a few bags of compost will help get the soil ready for spring. Make sure to store any terra cotta pots inside or in the garage to prevent them from cracking. Now is an ideal time to clean all your garden tools with steel wool and apply a little oil to fend off any rusting.

Winter is also the time to plan next year’s garden! It’s always good to take stock of what did well, and what did not, and to start browsing the various plant and seed catalogues that are arriving in the mail! Happy Planning and Happy Holidays!

2025 Annual Maintenance Charges

Due January 1, 2025

Pull out your checkbooks. It time to contribute your share to the FHGC annual budget!

As in other years, the 2025 Annual Community Maintenance Charges are due before the start of the new year. Just a few weeks away, January 1, 2025 is right around the corner and will certainly be here before you know it. Write your check today and tick it off your to-do list.

All members should have received their invoice in the mail in October. If you need an additional copy of your invoice, please call the FHGC office today (718-268-2420).

Remember: Maintenance payments received after January 1, 2025, are subject to a late penalty interest. 

Seasonal Reminders

The temperatures are dropping! Winter is right around the corner!



-Time to turn off your sprinklers before the first cold snap causes a costly pipe burst.

-Be a good neighbor and pick up recycling and trash that is strewn around on winter's blustery days.

-New Sanitation Department rules for trash are now in effect - avoid fines and store trash and recycling properly.

-Each homeowner is responsible for their fall leaf disposal. Keep in mind that all leaves and yard debris are 100% compostable. Placing yard debris in the streets, curb plots or parks is not appropriate - not only does it add to the Garden's crew workload but often clogs our aging storm drains.

-By keeping sewer drains open, storm runoff and melting snow disperses properly and intersection puddling can be minimized.

View the full list of cold weather reminders, sanitation links and other tips here.