Condo Media - May 2012 - 38

COVER STORY

is divided into 10 villages, each having a captain that assists with communication between the board and community members. In addition to monthly board meetings and open meetings for residents, captains’ meetings are held throughout the year where the board and management review the association’s financial position, offer updates on new and ongoing projects and provide information on other issues of interest. That information is then communicated by the captains to their respective villages.

Communications
Laurelwood of Hopedale The Association Excellence in Service Award for Communications showcases the effective communication tools that engage association members in dialogue with each other, as well as with association board members and management. The Laurelwood of Hopedale newsletter is written by volunteers and covers a wide range of topics — from little-known facts about historical dates and events, to word games and recipes, the newsletter offers something for all ages and interests.

Association Volunteers of the Year
Snowbrook Village Condo Association Association volunteers are the lifeblood of the communities they serve, and trustees Steve Banahan, Dev Culver, Margaret Curran, Dick Dane, Chris Jones, Robert Lee and Kay Storch were recognized for their “tireless and unselfish” efforts in putting a plan in place and creating a “Vision for Our Village” that will serve as a road map for the association’s continued success. This 216-unit, 30-acre association located at the Sugarloaf Mountain ski area in Maine, is comprised of 18 residential buildings, a pond, tennis courts and indoor pool facility, all subject to the extreme weather conditions of the western Maine mountains. Among their many accomplishments, these members, through their plan, are credited with creating and adequately funding a two-part, 30-year Long Range Capital Improvement Plan; overseeing building improvements in excess of $750,000; instituting more financial controls and updating the association’s website. In addition, the “Vision” addresses conservation, curb appeal and communication. Replacing exterior lighting with energy efficient LED lights and installing a cold roof on the pool building have lowered the consumption of electricity and oil by as much as 18 percent. A weed eradication program, a brighter exterior stain on all buildings, new light fixtures and a “Welcome to Snowbrook Village” entrance sign have improved curb appeal. Resident communication continues to be fostered with new opportunities for owners to get together that include owner weekends, face-to-face roundtable discussions, and special renters meetings.

Laurelwood of Hopedale (l-r) board of managers president Don Guyton, contributing newsletter editor Roberta Spivack, newsletter editor Glenn Ickler and secretary Dr. Florence Ames with CAI-NE past president Beth Tramontozzi.

To ensure community inclusiveness, a welcome committee of volunteers meets with new residents and a volunteer activities director coordinates a variety of events throughout the year, including socials, cookouts, group dinners and much more. Volunteers are also actively involved in the oversight of the association with the finance committee working closely with management in preparing the annual budget and then making its committee recommendation to the board.

The publication keeps owners and residents informed by regularly communicating important association information, as well as reminders about community rules and providing notice to residents about upcoming association projects and meetings. Editors often spotlight community leaders and volunteers, highlighting their background, interests and association contributions. Community-hosted social events are a popular newsletter story, including photos and special thanks to volunteers.

Service Professional of the Year
Richard Piltch, ARS Services, Inc. Annually, the Service Professional of the Year Award recognizes an individual who provides exemplary service to

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CONDO MEDIA • MAY 2012
Condo Media - May 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Condo Media - May 2012
