by Heidi Harrison | Apr 22, 2025 | News, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
I want to share something personal with you—a story of change, commitment, and quiet triumph.
Just over a year ago, I moved into Fox Hill Village with a clear goal: to prioritize my health and regain strength. Almost immediately, I began working with Stephanie, one of the phenomenal trainers here, twice a week. On top of that, I added my own independent workouts three times a week. It became more than a routine—it became a lifestyle.
But to understand why this mattered so much, let me take you back.
Four months before my move, I was attending a beautiful wedding weekend at a quaint bed-and-breakfast. One afternoon, as I settled in for a nap, I heard a knock—housekeeping. In my hurry to answer, I tripped over an area rug. I ended up on the floor, unable to get up on my own. No injuries, thankfully—just bruised pride and a sobering realization: I needed to get stronger. That fall wasn’t just a fluke. It was a wake-up call.
So when I arrived at Fox Hill Village, I was determined to change that narrative.
Fast forward to this past Sunday. I spotted two hefty Amazon packages outside my door—just as I was getting ready for bed. They were heavy, no doubt about it, but I was feeling confident. I bent down to lift the first one and took a step forward… and lost my balance.
I fell. Again.
But this time was different.
I got up. By myself. Easily.
In that moment, I realized how far I’ve come. A year ago, I needed help. Today, I am stronger—physically and mentally—because of the consistent guidance, motivation, and support from Stephanie and the entire fitness team at FHV.
I still have goals ahead, but I’m already living proof of what’s possible with the right people by your side.
Thank you, Stephanie. Thank you, FOXHILL360. You’ve helped me stand taller—literally and figuratively.
– Lucy
Are you ready to become a Fitness Warrior? The FOXHILL360 team is here to coach you—one muscle, one step, one victory at a time.
by Heidi Harrison | Apr 22, 2025 | News, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
It started with a simple observation—one that many might overlook. Fox Hill Village resident Benito Petrillo noticed that some of the entryway tables in the building wings were looking a little… well, tired. Worn by time and use, they lacked the charm and elegance that residents and visitors alike have come to expect at FHV.
But where others saw a fading piece of furniture, Benito saw potential—and a chance to give back in a way that felt deeply personal.
A master woodworker by trade, Benito decided to put his skills to use. He teamed up with fellow resident Gary Green, and the two set out to design and build beautiful, handmade tables worthy of welcoming guests and neighbors alike. With support from Engineering Director Ray Seymour—who provided rich mahogany wood—the duo created the elegant pieces you now see at several entrances around the Village. Each table is a quiet masterpiece: sturdy, graceful, and made with care.
Benito’s journey to becoming an artisan is as rich as the wood he shapes. Born in Italy, he began learning his craft as a teenager, apprenticing with experienced woodworkers from the age of 19. At just 20, he moved to Switzerland to refine his skills even further, spending five years in Zurich working for a furniture maker. His passion for woodworking was already clear—he proudly built a full set of furniture for his sister’s wedding.
In 1966, life took another meaningful turn when Benito fell in love with an American woman and moved to Boston, where they married and built a life together. His career in the United States was nothing short of impressive. He created custom woodwork for all of the Talbots stores and ran his own shop inside Logan Airport, where he crafted counters for the airlines, phone booths, cabinetry, and signage. Bostonians may be intrigued to know Benito also contributed to the remodeling of iconic landmarks like Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.
Now at Fox Hill Village, Benito finds joy in the community’s well-equipped woodshop—a space where skill and creativity meet. Residents who wish to use the shop must first demonstrate their proficiency, a practice overseen by fellow resident and talented woodworker Bill Latta, under Ray Seymour’s direction.
One of Benito’s first pieces crafted at FHV was a delicate jewelry box for his daughter-in-law. When Bill’s wife, Kate, admired it, Benito—ever generous—made one just for her as well.
Benito’s story is a beautiful reminder of how lifelong passions can find new purpose in retirement. Thanks to him—and to Gary Green—residents now pass through entryways graced with handcrafted beauty, each table a symbol of dedication, artistry, and community spirit.
Thank you, Benito and Gary, for carving more than wood—you’ve carved a legacy of craftsmanship and care into the heart of Fox Hill Village
by Heidi Harrison | Apr 22, 2025 | News, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
Since its founding in 1990, Fox Hill Village has been home to a broad range of interesting and engaging individuals. Today, our community boasts 20 second-generation residents — those whose parents previously lived here and who ultimately chose Fox Hill for themselves. Now, residents are sharing the stories of how their parents came to live at Fox Hill, what they enjoyed, how the community has changed, and what led these second-generation residents to make the same choice.
“My mother, Frances Leland, moved to Fox Hill Village at age 88, shortly after it opened,” recalls resident Steve Leland. “She joined several friends and looked forward to the attractive surroundings and caring environment. She greatly enjoyed many years of playing bridge despite failing vision and hearing. She received advanced care when required and lived here until she was 103.
“As my wife, Molly, and I planned for our future, we wanted to downsize and enjoy a more ‘compact’ lifestyle while still maintaining a sense of connection with our home community and everything we loved about it. We found [Fox Hill Village] had improved its lovely setting and added many new facilities and areas for resident engagement. The emphasis on healthy physical activity and the opportunities for mental stimulation were very attractive.
“We love our [apartment] and find the atmosphere of the community is both gracious and friendly. We’ve made new friends, and we enjoy a variety of leisure opportunities such as bridge classes, fitness classes, Tai Chi, the speaker series and poetry sessions, just to name a few. Plus, the Baker West wing is a wonderful addition with exciting amenities that reflect a modern focus and sensibility”
To read more stories from second-generation residents including why they chose Fox Hill for themselves and what their experience has been like, request a copy of the new Modern Legacy magazine. Simply call 617.420.5301 or visit our website and complete the online form.
by Heidi Harrison | Apr 17, 2025 | Careers
Overview:
When you join the team at Fox Hill Village in Westwood, MA, you’ll work in a beautiful environment with a warm and friendly culture while having the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference in the lives of senior adults.
You’ll work closely with residents, getting to know them as people and caring about them as friends. And you’ll be part of a passionate, hard-working team of professionals with a structure that supports your growth and development.
The Job:
We are seeking a full-time (32+ hours) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at our premier senior living community to perform multiple care duties that contribute to the health, well-being, and quality of life for our residents.
The CNA is responsible to provide personal care services/ activities of daily living, medication reminders, and light housekeeping to a elderly residents at Birch Grove, the assisted living residence of Fox Hill Village.
You must have weekend availability.
Duties:
- Provides personal care assistance (baths, dressing, toileting, etc.) in a professional manner while allowing the resident to maintain their dignity.
- Observes/documents resident status and reports to nurse and next shift CNAs any changes in resident status.
- Any task requested by management that helps to ensure resident safety and security.
- Communicates effectively with residents.
- Maintains clean environment by performing light housekeeping duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Assist in safe transfer and ambulation.
- Participates in safe delivery of medication reminders thru SAMM.
- Personal laundry for residents
- Responds promptly to radio calls.
- Is aware of and practices reasonable infection control procedures.
- Communicates ideas/issues to supervisor.
- Adhere to all safety policies including reporting on all incidents immediately.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma
- Certified Nursing Assistant Certification
- Previous experience providing personal care services to the elderly
- Assisted Living Experience preferred
Additional Skill/Job Requirements:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work in a high pressure and demanding work environment.
- Promote a positive and team-oriented work environment.
- Detail-orientated with the ability to prioritize competing demands on time.
- Required to wear pager at all times during the work shift.
- Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including holidays and weekends.
Physical Requirements:
- Must move intermittently throughout the workday inside and outside the facility.
- Ability to walk long distances throughout the facility.
- Ability to perform repetitive motion such as bending, pushing/pulling, reaching, walking/standing, and climbing stairs.
- Occasional lift assist of residents from the floor weighing up to 150 lbs. with assistance.
- Walking or standing 80%, sitting 20%.
Job Type: Full-time
Apply on Indeed.com
by Heidi Harrison | Apr 16, 2025 | Careers
Job description
Overview:
When you join White Oak Cottages at Fox Hill Village in Westwood, MA, you’ll work in a beautiful environment with a warm and friendly culture while having the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference in the lives of senior adults. And you’ll be part of a passionate, hard-working team of professionals with a structure that supports your growth and development.
The Job:
We are seeking a full-time Therapeutic Program Manager to join our team at our Memory Care residence known as White Oak Cottages. The ideal candidate will have a certification and/or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute in Recreational Therapy (CTRS), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-BC, ATR-P LPAT), or similar field.
Reporting to the Assisted Living Admin/Guide, the Therapeutic Program Manager is responsible for the planning and implementation of programs that are meaningful and engaging for the residents of White Oak Cottages. You will assist in providing both group and individual activities designed to support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident, encouraging interaction in the community.
This is an on-site role at our campus in Westwood, MA.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Create and implement activities related to gross motor activities, self-care activities, social activities, and sensory and memory enhancement activities for residents.
- Work with Guide to complete a profile of each resident; and identify activities and enrichment tools that each resident would enjoy.
- Review the profile for each new resident prior to move-in and create a plan to welcome and integrate the resident into the activities program beginning on move-in day.
- Plan individual/personalized, small group, and large group experiences by reviewing residents’ profiles and finding common needs and interests.
- Assist staff in determining if any enrichment items are necessary as new residents move in and interest change among the current population and work with the administrator to procure those items.
- Ensure the safety of all White Oak Cottages residents participating in programs both inside and outside the cottages.
- Work with outside entertainment vendors to ensure their invoices are received and submitted to the Guide.
Job Requirements:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work in a high pressure and demanding work environment
- Promote a positive and team-oriented work environment
- Detail-orientated with the ability to prioritize competing demands on time.
- Exceptional computer skills, with proficiency with ALIS and Microsoft Office (Windows, Outlook, Excel).
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and be on call for emergencies.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Certification and/or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute in Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, or similar field required.
- Experience working with the elderly and dementia population; knowledge and sensitivity to their needs, interests and abilities.
- Experience in planning and executing daily activities with dementia population.
- Minimum of 3 years’ Activities experience in a Long-Term Care environment.
Physical Requirements:
- Must move intermittently throughout the workday inside and outside the facility.
- Ability to walk distances throughout the facility.
- Ability to perform repetitive motion such as stoop, bend kneel, squat, push, pull, reach and lift and carry supplies.
- Walking or standing 70%, sitting 30%.
Pay is dependent on experience.
Apply on Indeed.com
