by Heidi Harrison | May 7, 2025 | News, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
When Sherla Alberola moved to Fox Hill Village in late September 2024, she brought with her a lifetime of stories — and a surprising talent for moving. In fact, this artist and entrepreneur has moved 62 times in her life. That’s not just relocation — it’s a world-class tour of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity.
Sherla’s journey began in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The daughter of a Budweiser truck driver, Sherla came from humble beginnings — but she never let that define her. The first in her family to attend college, she took a bold leap shortly after graduation in the form of a one-way ticket to Europe on a converted warship sailing from Quebec to Rotterdam. Her only plan? Visit the Brussels World’s Fair. What followed was a life of extraordinary twists.
A job hunt led her to Germany, where she landed a teaching role at Berlitz, the global language school. It was there she met the man who would become her husband — despite the small detail that he didn’t speak English. Nine months later, they were married in London. After a year in Algeria waiting on a visa, the couple eventually settled in Detroit and returned to working for Berlitz. That marked the beginning of decades spent on the move with two children in tow and frequent transfers as her husband rose to become President and CEO of Berlitz Worldwide. But that was only Act One.
As technology evolved, Sherla and her husband saw an opportunity to revolutionize language education. They left Berlitz and launched their own company — first called Linguatec, later renamed Bridge. Sherla was the creative engine, developing curriculum, writing textbooks, and training teachers in the Direct Method. Based in Denver, their reach extended across Latin America. For years, they spent winters in Brazil, working marathon hours from dawn until late into the night.
Sherla didn’t love business, but she proved she could lead when she had to. “I found out I could do things I didn’t know I could do,” she says. That quiet strength would serve her well later in life, especially when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They eventually relocated to a continuing care retirement community in California, but life still had more chapters to write.
Sherla’s soul has always been that of an artist. Whether in Salida, Colorado — an artists’ enclave north of Santa Fe — or in Princeton, NJ, where she first found success, Sherla has expressed herself through pastels, watercolors, collage, and mixed media. Her apartment at Fox Hill Village is a curated gallery of her own vibrant works, alongside pieces from other artists she admires. Creativity continues to be her deepest source of satisfaction.
These days, Sherla also finds joy in writing her memoir, diving into genealogy, and playing her grand piano. And if the activity team at Fox Hill has their way, the community will host a gallery showing of her incredible artwork right here on campus.
So how did this globe-trotting linguist and artist end up in Westwood, Massachusetts? Like many residents, Sherla followed family ties. Her daughter’s mother-in-law, Dianne Russell, moved to Fox Hill Village in 2022. The whole family was so impressed by the care and community that they encouraged Sherla to join. She says it’s been one of her best moves yet — no small praise from someone who’s made 62 of them.
“Fox Hill Village is truly the best,” she says. “The people here make a conscious effort to include everyone. And yes, the food and entertainment are a big plus, too!”
With her warmth, wisdom, and creative spirit, Sherla has become part of what makes this community so special. And while she may have left behind many addresses over the years, it’s clear she’s finally found home.
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
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 | Mar 25, 2025 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
Fielding Brown, a resident at Fox Hill Village, has been creating sculptures in wood and multimedia since his retirement as Charles L. Macmillan Professor of Physics at Williams College. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Williams College and a doctorate in physics from Princeton University. Brown has spent a lifetime as teacher of undergraduates and as a grant-supported research scientist. Now, he spends his time creating sculptures that reflect the concepts he has long studied.
When asked how an artist thinks like a scientist, Brown says, “Both the artist and the scientist are motived primarily by the desire to create or discover something new. The scientist is driven to reveal undiscovered knowledge of the physical works, what lies beyond present understanding. The artist seeks to bring to life visions of color and space, visions previously unseen.”
Brown’s work has been exhibited extensively in the northeast and New England, but his fellow residents are privileged to enjoy several of his sculptures on display right here at Fox Hill. “Nude Descending a Staircase” — located in our main lobby, near the front door — is a 3-D rendition of Marcel Duchamp’s famous painting that shocked the art world in 1912. “String Theory Made Easy ─ Not Easily” hangs in a hallway window near Dr. Brown’s apartment. The frame is constructed of laminated plywood and aluminum and the strings are Dacron kite string.
by Heidi Harrison | Feb 19, 2025 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, Uncategorized
With Fox Hill’s cooperative model, you’re an owner — a shareholder with distinct advantages not found in other communities. You’ll have a reaWith Fox Hill’s cooperative model, you’re an owner — a shareholder with distinct advantages that include the potential for asset appreciation; having a voice in matters regarding community operations and planning; pride of ownership; and so much more. Let’s take a closer look:
Asset appreciation. When you move to Fox Hill, you purchase a share of cooperative stock and receive a lease for a specific apartment which is linked to your stock. When you leave Fox Hill, you or your estate will receive 85 percent of the selling price of your stock. This is an important distinction that gives you the opportunity to benefit from asset appreciation.
A voice in the community. As a shareholder, you’ll have a voice. Each apartment has one vote, ensuring decisions are made democratically, without respect to the size of your apartment. Specifically, at Fox Hill, shareholders have a say in key decisions including:
- Approval of the annual operating budget.
- Election of the board of directors.
- Approval of financing and contract changes that would eliminate key services.
You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved as much or as little as you’d like with a variety of resident-led committees and groups. Whether it’s managing the Village Pantry, selecting art for our walls and common spaces, participating in the activities committee or organizing food drives, there are countless ways to make a meaningful impact and connect with others.
Competitive cost of living. Fox Hill’s board — comprised of Fox Hill residents — and management are solely focused on the needs and preferences of residents. The primary goal is to provide residents with the breadth and depth of services they want. There are no outside shareholders and there is no third-party management contract that would entitle any entity to a percentage of revenues. This ensures more resources are directly invested into enhancing residents’ experiences, maintaining high-quality services, sustaining an attractive and functional campus, and keeping the cost of living highly competitive when compared to other top-tier independent senior living communities in Massachusetts.
In addition, at Fox Hill, you’ll enjoy peace of mind in knowing that, while healthcare is available on campus, you’ll only pay for what you need, when you need it. Whether it’s Support Services in your home, Assisted Living with Continuing Care or specialized Memory Care, you’ll have access to high-quality care from a team you know who also knows you.
Variety and the opportunity to customize your home. Just as you’d find when purchasing a home on the real estate market, there are a wide range of apartment layouts with additional features added by prior residents — all of which affect share prices. The price of your share will be based on the size and features of the apartment home you choose. Once you have purchased your share, you’ll have the opportunity to renovate and customize your apartment home to suit your needs and style with the prior approval of Fox Hill. Best of all, our in-house Design Center is here to guide you through the process, making it seamless and stress-free.
To learn more about Fox Hill Village’s cooperative model, talk with a member of our sales team. Call 617.420.5301 or use our contact form.
