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 | 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 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.
Take, for example, Charles Bartlett and Sue Demb — a brother and sister who, along with their spouses, have both chosen Fox Hill Village.
“When my parents, Dr. Marshall and Barbara Bartlett, were ready to downsize, they decided to look at Fox Hill Village, which was being built at the time,” recalls Charles Bartlett. “My dad was affiliated with the Massachusetts General Hospital, which played a role in establishing Fox Hill. Additionally, many of their friends were living here or about to move in. Over the next 10 years, they lived an active and happy life at Fox Hill.
“When my wife, Stephanie, and I began to consider a community for ourselves, we were attracted to Fox Hill’s cooperative model and our ability to make our apartment design more contemporary. The nursing support that’s available if we need it was important. We also like that everything is under one roof and easy to get to with interesting programs and many available activities. Residents and staff have been welcoming, and we are making many new friends. We feel confident in our choice because Fox Hill Village is such a warm and well-run community.”
Charles’ sister, Sue Demb, and her husband, Joe, have noticed many changes at Fox Hill since her parents’ days as residents and her sister’s time at White Oak Cottages. As Sue and Joe began considering their own future, memories of a more formal culture made the couple wonder if the community would be the right fit for them.
“When my parents lived here, the culture was very formal and stuffy,” Sue says. “We discovered much of that attitude had changed and were pleasantly surprised during our multiple visits before moving here in 2023.” Gone are the formalities, and in their place are invigorating fitness classes, refreshing swims in the pool, plenty of groups and committees to lead and participate in, and excursions to cultural attractions.
While Sue shares her mother’s passion for music and participates in the chorus, Joe enjoys calligraphy and photography. Beyond their personal pursuits, the Dembs actively contribute to the sustainability committee, reflecting the way residents work together to keep Fox Hill innovating.
“People care about one another and help each other if and when needed,” she says. “We also appreciate that Jewish and non-Jewish residents want to participate in traditions like candle lighting for Hannukah or celebrating Passover. There’s a very strong sense of community here.”
To read more stories from second-generation residents— including why they chose Fox Hill for themselves and what their experiences have been like — request a copy of our Modern Legacy magazine. Simply call 617.420.5301 or use our contact form.
