Newton resident named Best-in-State by Forbes
Martin Lowenthal of Newton has been named among Forbes’ Best-in-State Two-Time Top Security Financial Professionals by Shook Research.
“We congratulate Martin on being recognized among Forbes’ Best-in-State award winners, which is a true testament in regard to his exceptional client service and focus on best practices, service modeling and community involvement,” Seth Medalie, president and founder of The Bulfinch Group, said. “Being named to the Forbes Best in State further proves what a remarkable asset Martin is to both our firm and to his clients.”
The Bulfinch Group provides consulting and expertise to safeguard wealth from risks including market volatility, erratic interest rates and the potential for insufficient assets.
Newtonian joins National Development’s senior leadership team
Newton resident Linda Swain has joined the real estate investment, development and construction firm National Development as vice president of marketing and communications.
Swain has more than 25 years of marketing leadership. She previously served in senior leadership positions at Redgate and JLL.
Swain will lead the creation and execution of all National Development internal and external marketing and communications as well as shape and execute the marketing strategy to drive leasing success across National Development’s property portfolio. She will also oversee branding initiatives for the firm’s assets.
“It’s an exciting time to join National Development, and I’m eager to contribute to our strategic efforts,” Swain said. “As a long-time leader in New England, National Development has consistently emphasized collaboration, innovation, and community —values that align with my strengths. I’m energized to continue to evolve National Development’s transformation throughout the region and beyond, and I look forward to using my proven marketing expertise to drive results.”
Centre Street Food Pantry gets $120K grant
The Cummings Foundation has awarded Centre Street Food Pantry in Newton Centre a $120,000 grant to help to fund the addition of a program manager.
“Last year, two full-time staff oversaw hundreds of volunteers and sourced over 850,000 pounds of food, which we distributed in 55,000 bags of groceries,” Rose Saia, Centre Street Food Pantry executive director, said. “The Cummings Foundation grant will fund the hiring of a Program Manager so that we can expand our reach by developing and introducing programs to meet the diverse needs of those who we serve. It’s an honor to be selected to receive this grant, and I am awed by the example set by Bill and Joyce Cummings who give back by empowering nonprofits to make a greater impact.”
Centre Street Food Pantry is available to residents of Brookline, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Watertown and Wellesley, serving an average of 1,100 households per month that includes over 4,000 people. Despite exponential growth since the pandemic, with Centre Street now serving 20% more people this year than last year, the organization has held true to its mission to provide consistent and inclusive access to healthy food, with dignity and kindness. Its Grocery and Kids Club programs include culturally common pantry staples as well as a high percentage of fresh foods that include fruits, vegetables, dairy and enough frozen proteins for several meals.
The Cummings Foundation awarded a combined $30 million to a combined 150 local nonprofits in nearly 50 communities in 2024.
“Greater Boston is fortunate to have a robust, dedicated, and highly capable nonprofit sector that supports and enhances the community in myriad ways,” Cummings Foundation Executive Director and Trustee Joyce Vyriotes said. “The entire Cummings organization is thankful for their daily work to help all our neighbors thrive.”
