by Heidi Harrison | Mar 20, 2026 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, Spotlight Residents
When you choose to live at Fox Hill Village, you become a shareholder and a co-owner in a Life Plan Community designed for vitality, independence, and long-term security. So, you may be wondering about the nuts and bolts of living at Fox Hill Village and what the cooperative model means for you.
Fox Hill’s unique cooperative model gives residents an ownership interest and a formal governance role with a board of directors that is elected by and comprised solely of resident shareholders. Residents also have a financial ownership stake, and a strong voice in major decisions that are reserved for shareholder vote such as approval of the budget. In addition, residents participate in many committees that provide expertise to the Board, enrich the community, and strengthen decision-making.
Our community is built on respect, collaboration, shared stewardship, and independence. Fox Hill’s model works thanks to a three-way partnership that is central to our culture: Residents own the community; the Board represents the interests of the owners; and the executive management team runs operations with professional expertise. This structure produces a level of engagement, accountability, and transparency that is one of our greatest strengths.
To learn about the residents who make up the current board of directors and the professionals who comprise our executive management team, visit the Leadership Team page on this website.
by Sandra Davis | Mar 20, 2026 | News, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
“When my mom moved to Fox Hill Village, she had been a widow for a few years,” says Fox Hill Village resident Kathy Kenney. “She was quickly impressed with what a wonderful, warm and accepting community it was. She loved the opportunities of the intellectual programs and the opportunities to socialize. She always said the library was her ‘candy store.’ She also played bridge, loved sharing meals and taking trips with her new friends.
“Now, I have made a proactive decision to take care of myself, so my kids won’t have to worry about me. Moving to Fox Hill has given me a sense of security as well as a social network and so much in which to be involved. Like my mom, I play bridge. I also enjoy going to the symphony and the ballet, taking fitness classes, and using the beautiful pool here.
“The peace of mind I had knowing my mother was safe and happy at Fox Hill is now a gift I’m giving to my children.”
by Heidi Harrison | Jan 27, 2026 | News, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
Larry Coburn’s connection to Fox Hill Village dates back to the mid-1990s when his parents, Arthur and Priscilla Coburn, moved here. Health concerns prompted their move, but Larry’s parents also had long-time friends who resided at Fox Hill Village, so there were familiar faces and a sense of belonging from day one.
Larry and his wife, Gabriella, experienced a similar sense of belonging when they moved to Fox Hill Village in 2022. They, too, were welcomed by residents they knew from their past and who continue to provide a strong support network.
With family nearby and the chores and responsibilities of homeownership behind them, Larry and Gabriella are enjoying fulfilling lives on their own terms. They participate in activities both within and outside Fox Hill Village. For Larry, this includes the choir and a business lunch group.
“We really appreciate that we can be ourselves here without feeling the pressure to conform to a particular lifestyle,” says Larry.
by Sandra Davis | Dec 17, 2025 | News, Spotlight Staff, Uncategorized
After a long and distinguished career, Heather Sawitsky has retired as general counsel for Fox Hill Village. Heather played a crucial role in the founding of our community, having previously served as general counsel for Massachusetts General Hospital as the hospital developed the cooperative model for Fox Hill Village. When construction was complete in 1990, Heather joined Fox Hill Village as its general counsel and has guided the board of directors through times of change, expansion, and innovation over the past 35 years.
“Heather’s impact on Fox Hill Village is immeasurable,” said Felix Rosenwasser, Chief Executive Officer. “Her leadership and historical knowledge have been marked by compassion, vision, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.”
Throughout her tenure, Heather championed programs and initiatives that enhanced the quality of life for residents and positioned Fox Hill Village as a leader in senior living. Her guidance was particularly impactful with the additions of White Oak Cottages Memory Care in 2012 and Birch Grove Assisted Living in 2021.
As Heather eases into retirement, she’s looking forward to spending more time with her husband and family, especially her grandchildren. She also plans to enjoy more time sailing and traveling.
“We are deeply grateful for Heather’s 35 years of service,” added Robert Bettacchi, President of the Board. “Her dedication has helped create a truly special community. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter.”
by Heidi Harrison | Nov 7, 2025 | News, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
Fox Hill Village resident Cici Hunt has been performing music since she was a young girl. She began her career in one of the original casts of “Up With People” back in the ’60s and she’s been singing, writing, and teaching music ever since.
Cici’s voice has been heard on Sesame Street, her music sung in the General Assembly at the United Nations, and she has presented on Broadway, at the Met, Carnegie Hall, and Baltimore’s Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
Currently the choral director at three senior living communities including Fox Hill Village, Cici is now writing a musical. So, what does this multitalented artist love about Fox Hill Village? “Life here allows me to continue my journey and express my creativity and interests,” she says. “There is so much energy, joy, and friendship here.”
We’re delighted that Cici has chosen Fox Hill Village as her home for a creative and joyful retirement. She’s our kind of people.
by Sandra Davis | Nov 6, 2025 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, Uncategorized
Life can get stressful if you let it control your thoughts. Who hasn’t spent hours awake at night with their mind racing or struggled to stay calm in a difficult situation? How you react to stressful situations can either make matters worse or put them in perspective. That’s where mindfulness can help.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. It’s the opposite of taking life for granted. It’s about stepping back and observing with kindness what’s happening in your mind and heart so you can respond thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically.
The health benefits of mindfulness.
Studies suggest that mindfulness practices may help people manage stress and navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience. Mindfulness has also been shown to produce measurable changes in the brain regions involved in memory, learning, and emotion, improving cognitive function.
Here are some of the ways mindfulness supports your brain and body:
- Lowers blood pressure. Calms the nervous system and reduces stress hormones that strain the heart and immune system.
- Reduces chronic pain. Helps shift the brain’s response to discomfort, making pain feel less overwhelming.
- Improves sleep quality. Promotes relaxation and eases racing thoughts, allowing for a deeper rest.
- Increases emotional resilience. By practicing awareness without judgment, we build the ability to bounce back more quickly from stress or setbacks.
- Enhances mood stability. Helps regulate emotions, leading to steadier moods and fewer extreme highs and lows.
- Fosters greater compassion. Helps you slow down, notice your own struggles with kindness, and extend that same understanding to others.
Putting mindfulness into practice.
Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as tuning into your breathing — the feeling of your breath coming into your body and the feeling of your breath leaving your body. When your mind wanders, keep returning to the breath. That’s all there is to it.
For more ways to cultivate mindfulness, try these tips:
- Mindful Walking – Move slowly while noticing each step and how your feet connect with the ground. Perfect for hallways, walking in place, or enjoying nature outdoors.
- Mindful Eating – Be aware of taste, textures, and flavors in each bite. Listen to when your body is hungry and when it is full.
- Body Scan – Mentally notice each part of the body without trying to change anything. Helps pain reduction and sleep.
- Three Good Things – Reflect on three positive things at the start or end of each day. Improves mood and sleep quality.
- Simple Stretching with Breath – Try gentle neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, or ankle circles while breathing deeply. Supports mobility and relaxation.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Tense and release muscle groups one at a time, starting with hands and moving upward. Reduces body tension and aids sleep.
- Loving-Kindness Reflection – Think of loved ones and silently wish them well. Boosts positive emotions and reduces loneliness.
Meditation class at Fox Hill Village.
Guided meditation is a popular class at Fox Hill Village. An experienced instructor leads participants in developing mindfulness, balance, and a sense of calm. It’s often combined with gentle yoga exercises for even more holistic benefits.
Meditation classes are part of the Fox Hill 360º initiative that empowers residents to embrace well-being in every area of their lives. To learn more about our whole-person approach to wellness, visit our Living Well page.
