Condo Media - August 2024 - 26

Volunteer Spotlight
Building
Community -
Beyond the Backyard
Why Nahanton Woods Condominiums is CAI-NE Community Association of the Year
With its stately homes, leafy neighborhoods, excellent
schools, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to Boston,
Newton has long been one of Massachusetts' most desirable
communities. Now, the residents of Newton's 107-unit
Nahanton Woods condominium complex can boast yet
another source of civic pride: their recent award as CAI-NE's
Community Association of the Year (for the medium-sized
association category).
This honor recognizes a community and association board
that best demonstrates excellence in all facets of association
operations, governance, and leadership. Consideration includes
the association's efforts to protect property values; to make
decisions in the interest of the association; to promote active
resident involvement; to create a culture of informed consensus;
and to generally cultivate a strong sense of community.
The Nahanton Woods association has demonstrated
excellence in all these areas, but there is one for which it
truly stands out.
SERVING THE LARGER COMMUNITY
Nahanton Woods was nominated for this award by Scott
Wolf, CEO of BRIGS Property Management, which has
worked with the association since 2016. " We often witness
commendations for accomplishments such as water conservation,
committee participation, and various beneficial
projects... However, there is another aspect of community
involvement that deserves recognition - acts of kindness
beyond the boundaries of one's property. "
Every year since 1993, the Nahanton Woods Condominium
Association has been sponsoring charitable drives that
benefit the larger community. These have included food,
clothing, and toy drives for various organizations such as the
Worcester Food Bank, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, numerous
houses of worship throughout Boston's Metro West, and
several other institutions. The longevity of these activities
underscores the residents' commitment to giving back to the
larger community.
Association President Mike Landau is quick to commend
the philanthropic spirit of his Nahanton Woods neighbors.
" There's a high level of participation in our charitable drives,
but in addition, many generous individuals here are committed
to their own projects. For instance, our neighbor Rob Reich
always does the Pan-Mass Challenge. Another gentleman is
very active with the Jimmy Fund. " While noting the individual
generosity of association members (here and elsewhere), Scott
Wolf says it's the collective resolve to contribute that makes
Nahanton Woods unique. " This is the only association that has
done this consistently for so many years. They are the exception,
not the rule, by doing this as a community. "
THE GREATER GOOD AND THE GREENER GOOD
That focus on the larger community is evident in several of
the association's other initiatives. For instance, one of the
association's six standing committees is a Community Relations
group that liaises with other regional civic, cultural, and
municipal organizations. Says Landau, " We've been involved
with city boards and commissions on various issues, and also
with local organizations like the [Newton-based] Jewish
Community Center of Greater Boston, and the University of
Massachusetts Amherst Mount Ida Campus, which happens
to be our neighbor. "
26 CONDOMEDIA August 2024
Condo Media - August 2024

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