Autumn 2017

As incoming Board Secretary I’d like to thank everyone for the well wishes and support I’ve received thus far. It has been a privilege to be part of this community for 14 years and to witness the property beautification and improvements. I look forward to giving back by serving to the best of my ability.

Boiler Update
As of today permits have been filed with the contractor as scheduled. Once these are approved the work will begin. Stay tuned!

A reminder to all residents, the property management is not responsible for missing packages within the complex. Please take extra precaution to ensure the safety of your delivered goods by using the signature release feature, local lockers in the area or by having the post office hold your items for you. Thank you for understanding.

Happy Autumn!

Juan Solla, President
Joanna Marin, Treasurer
Lorena Dictter, Secretary

Summer 2017

“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven” - Proverbs

Those who read this letter regularly will notice that I have not chosen my usual seasonal literary quotation and there is a reason: this will be my final Letter from the Board. After eight years serving as Forest & Garden’s Board Secretary and two years prior starting this Newsletter and working with the previous Board in developing property improvements, I will be stepping down at the end of this year’s term. It is a bittersweet decision but it is time for me to free myself up to pursue other interests.

My thanks to former Board President, Brenda Scott, current Board President, Juan Solla, Board Treasurer Joanna Marin and property Managers Terry Artus and Peter August for their support and encouragement during my tenure on the Board; I am extremely proud of all the property improvement projects we were able to accomplish together over the past ten years.

I would also like to thank our present and former Committee Members, Gabriela Cott, Wendy Williams, Stephanie Rosenberg (Newsletter), Jillian Pino and Melissa Ackerman, Stephanie Rosenberg and William Rodriguez (Social Committee) and Lorena Dictter (Webmaster) for giving so generously of their time for the betterment of our community.

As always, I appreciate our hardworking Maintenance team (Angel, Mario, Enis, Peter and Billy led by our Super, Andi Proko) for all they do to keep our property pristine and for their enthusiasm and help with our holiday decorations!

And Forest & Gardens wouldn’t have its beautiful gardens without our dear Renata Jelito, whose artistry takes my breath away every time I walk through our gates.

It has been a privilege to serve all of you and I wish all of you Seasons of purpose!

Diane Devine, Secretary

Summer 2016

“It was a splendid summer morning and it seemed as if nothing could go wrong” - John Cheever

We have been fortunate to be having some spectacularly splendid summer mornings of late and there is nothing more splendid than waking up to a sunny summer morning with the sound of birdsong in one’s ears and looking out at our lovely lush gardens all in bloom. 

NEW BOARD ADDITION

We are pleased to announce that Juan Solla has moved into the position of President of the Board and that shareholder Joanna Marin has been appointed Treasurer. Joanna is an eight-year resident of Forest & Gardens and will be a welcome addition to the Board. Diane Devine will remain as Board Secretary. 

GARDENS

We have updated and re-calibrated our sprinkler system, pruned all 32 trees on our property and replaced the tree guards in the bench area of the courtyard with stacked cobblestones. We will also be installing a beautiful antique three-tiered cast iron fountain in the garden area across from the benches which will provide a focal point and add architectural interest to the area. The fountain will operate on treated recirculating water, has a beautiful aged patina and sits on a base of four bent-necked cranes, the symbol of longevity and happiness in the Asian culture. We hope this soothing water feature will add to our residents’ enjoyment of our beautiful gardens. 

INSTALLATION OF HOT WATER HEATERS

We have sent out the RFP, conducted a property walk-through and expect all proposals to be received by June 13th. After reviewing the proposals, the board will interview the potential contractors and hope to make a decision by the end of June. More information on this once the vendor and dates for installation are determined, although there should be no disruption of service during the installation. 

118th STREET PROJECT

Renata Jelito has planted some sky pencils and Scottish broom which seem to be thriving in this area; thanks to all our dog owners for not allowing their dogs to relieve themselves in this area – let’s keep up the good work! 

ANNUAL MEETING 

Our Annual meeting and Board elections will be held on Thursday, July 14th at 7:00 PM in the PS 99 Annex located on Lefferts Boulevard and Kew Gardens Road. 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

We wish you all many splendid summer mornings!