by Heidi Harrison | Jul 28, 2026 | News, Spotlight Residents
Since its founding in 1990, Fox Hill Village has been home to a broad range of interesting and engaging individuals. Today, our community boasts more than 20 second-generation residents — those whose parents previously lived here and who ultimately chose Fox Hill for themselves. In our Modern Legacy magazine, residents share stories of how their parents came to live at Fox Hill, what they enjoyed, and what led them to make the same choice for themselves. In this Spotlight, we hear from resident Sukie Reed:
“My father already had friends at Fox Hill Village when he moved here, and he enjoyed making new friends. He had a ball! My aunt also moved here and was happy as a clam. Even when she needed assistance, she was well cared for. Knowing their experiences, I thought, ‘Now it’s my turn!’
“My father appreciated good food — as do I — and the new chef is wonderful.”
To request your own copy of our Modern Legacy magazine with more stories and thoughts from current residents, use our contact form or call 781.329.4433.
by Heidi Harrison | Jun 26, 2026 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, Spotlight Residents
Each June, Fox Hill Village residents and guests gather at the Resident Garden for our annual Garden Party. It’s a special occasion in a beautiful setting where residents show off their garden beds, connect with family and friends, and enjoy the scenery. But it doesn’t happen without the planning and support of the Garden Committee and the work of resident gardeners who tend their own garden beds with care, purpose, and a sense of pride.
It all starts in January when resident gardeners decide what they want to grow during the coming year. At that time, new gardeners are also offered the opportunity to sign up for a bed. In February, the Garden Committee assigns beds, and gardeners order compost. When March arrives, outdoor activities begin: Compost is delivered and distributed to individual beds and a temporary water barrel is available for early-season gardeners. By mid-April, preparation for the growing season is in full swing. Supplies are brought in, hoses are reconnected, pathways are refreshed, and more than 30 clematis plants growing along the perimeter fence are pruned and fertilized.
April is also when tulips, daffodils and hyacinths announce spring’s arrival. It’s a busy month for gardeners eager to get their flowers and vegetables planted. As the days grow longer and temperatures rise between May and July, clematis and peonies bloom. Spring crops of lettuce go from baby leaves to full heads. Peas climb trellises. Flower beds shift to bold colors with zinnias, marigolds, and black-eyed Susans brightening the scene. And what were once tiny green tomatoes become full-size.
With more than 60 raised garden beds, there’s a wide variety of colorful plants and flowers to enjoy. A shady pergola with a bubbling fountain and comfortable seats offers gardeners and visitors a place to rest, connect, and watch the birds, butterflies, and bees flit from flower to flower.
Discover the many health benefits of gardening.
Whether you’re a first-time gardener or haven’t held a trowel in years, the Resident Garden at Fox Hill offers an opportunity to exercise your green thumb, spend time outdoors, and connect with neighbors who are always happy to lend a hand or share gardening tips. If you’re new to organic gardening, they’ll show you how to keep the weeds out of your bed and your plants healthy without resorting to pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
If you love flowers, growing them yourself can provide a steady supply of arrangements. In addition to brightening your living space, research shows that flowers improve mood, reduce stress and strengthen your connection to nature.
Studies in the UK have found that allotment gardening like that practiced at Fox Hill lowers cortisol levels, fosters social interaction, provides a sense of purpose, and improves strength, stamina and flexibility.
Resident gardeners at Fox Hill can also look forward to enjoying the fruits of their labor. Nothing beats the taste of a vine-ripened tomato, fresh-picked lettuce or sugar snap peas grown in our organic garden beds.
To learn more about how Fox Hill Village residents enjoy the great outdoors, and the health benefits that go with it, visit the Outdoor Living page on our website.
by Heidi Harrison | May 26, 2026 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, Spotlight Staff
Numerous studies have found that spending time in nature positively impacts our health. Fox Hill Village residents now have a wonderful addition that provides easy access to the natural environment. Located at the back of the Resident Gardens is a new treehouse pavilion built specifically for the space. Fox Hill Village Director of Engineering Ray Seymour conceived the idea of constructing a platform projecting into the forest that would be safely accessible to everyone, even those using assistive devices.
In researching the project, he drew on the well-established Nelson Treehouse Company for guidance. Nelson advocates “fostering the forest through low-impact building practices and use of environmentally sustainable materials. This is done by building with the highest-quality hardware and tried-and-tested techniques that foster the longevity of living trees and prioritize the safety of customers and guests.”
Ray, his son, Jonathan, and John Grant from the maintenance staff volunteered their time and worked steadfastly for three consecutive weekends to build the new treehouse pavilion. Lumber was ordered and the men set to work securing the structure with heavy-duty bolts that anchor it to the tree trunk. It was important that the pavilion be level to the ground so residents of all abilities could “stroll or roll” onto it with ease. The pavilion is outfitted with chairs so visitors can sit down to meditate, read or simply enjoy spending time in nature. As the warm weather arrives, this beautiful spot can now be used by everyone seeking a restorative respite from the bustle of daily activities.
A big thank you goes out to Ray and his crew for providing not only the vision, but also the dedicated labor and craftsmanship required to make our treehouse pavilion a reality.
by Heidi Harrison | May 12, 2026 | News, Spotlight Residents
Since its founding in 1990, Fox Hill Village has been home to a broad range of interesting and engaging individuals. Today, our community boasts more than 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.
Bob Chellis’ mother, Elizabeth Chellis, was 87 when she moved from Wellesley to Fox Hill Village. Leaving behind a large house where the washer and dryer were in the basement, Mrs. Chellis found that life became much easier. She found she could continue her active, engaged lifestyle.
“For mother, the location was also important as she already had friends here,” recalls Bob.
As a supporter of the Boston Browning Society and Wedgwood Society of Boston, Mrs. Chellis was able to use the community spaces, especially the auditorium to hold meetings and catered events, sharing with Fox Hill residents.
“She could be a hostess here,” Bob says. “And her events brought the Fox Hill and local communities together.”
Although much has changed since Bob’s mother first moved to Fox Hill Village in 1990, the core values of excellence, innovation, respect, resident-governance and financial strength remain the same.
Bob says Fox Hills’ unbeatable location and his belief in its future were important factors in his decision to move here. A pioneer of the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) concept, Bob saw the potential and advocated for Fox Hill’s development.
Bob and his wife, Sandy Adams, were also attracted to Fox Hill as a dynamic, ever-evolving community. “The residents here are really interesting,” Bob says. “The main dining room is quite grand, and I like the option to dress for dinner — even though it’s not a requirement — meeting friends for cocktails, and the stream of large events.”
Superior care services are also important. Bob appreciates the adaptability and exceptional care his wife receives at White Oak Cottages for memory care. And, since White Oak Cottages is located on Fox Hill’s campus, they can remain near each other. Sandy has full access to the support services she needs and Bob can visit daily, rain or shine.
Fox Hill’s commitment to resident well-being fosters a dynamic lifestyle that adapts and thrives across generations. From offering a cutting-edge wellness program to hosting engaging resident events and providing supportive living options on-site, Fox Hill is constantly innovating to help residents connect with what matters most to them.
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.”
