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 Heidi Harrison | Sep 23, 2025 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, 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 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.
“My mother, [Margaret “Peggy” Platt Gray], lived in a large house overlooking Buzzard’s Bay,” recalls Sam Gray. “Our young family was in a house next door during summers and weekends. She had many friends and a very busy life. She enjoyed her life there and was hesitant to make the move to Fox Hill Village. But, as time went on, it became clear that the large home was too much for her and she needed the help Fox Hill would offer.
“In retrospect, it’s a shame she didn’t move to Fox Hill earlier so she could have enjoyed every part of the vibrant Fox Hill lifestyle.”
by Heidi Harrison | Sep 23, 2025 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, 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 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.
Current resident Martha Bisbee is one example. Martha shared: “My mother, Harriet Hodgdon, chose Fox Hill Village even before it was constructed. My aunt followed her here shortly after. Mom enjoyed exploring the local area and participating on several committees.
“When my husband, Tom, and I started looking at communities, location was important to us. Fox Hill was on our list because I knew how much my mother loved her time here.
“Now we, too, enjoy the friendliness of the residents. The community has a familiar feel to us, but it has also changed a lot over the years. We appreciate that it is less formal now — suits and ties are no longer required for dinner — and so many wonderful new amenities have been added.”
by Heidi Harrison | Aug 27, 2025 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, Spotlight Residents
My mother and her husband loved living at Fox Hill Village so much that, when my wife and I started considering a community for ourselves, there was no question that we would love it here too. We’ve enjoyed the social aspect and how easy it is to gather with friends for a pre-dinner cocktail and dinner. My wife especially loved not having to cook.
There are wonderful new amenities and more
diverse program offerings as well, so I’m never
at a loss for something fun or interesting to do.
— Dr. Bill Shipley
by Heidi Harrison | Jul 29, 2025 | News, Spotlight Fox Hill VIllage, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
Imagine a place where retirement isn’t just a destination, but a vibrant new chapter. Nestled in Westwood, Massachusetts, Fox Hill Village transcends the typical retirement community and is a tribute to the spirit of its residents— a haven where families can find comfort, stimulation, and community. One such family is the Fishers, whose connection with Fox Hill spans decades.
Dr. Alexander Fisher and his wife, Yetta, first moved to Westwood as newlyweds in 1936. A family doctor who made house calls, he served as the town’s physician. Having spent their entire married life in the town which they loved, when it came time to retire, they couldn’t bear the thought of living anywhere else.
Their daughter Judy says, “My father was partly responsible for getting Fox Hill created here.” He was particularly pleased that Mass. General Hospital was going to be involved with health care at the project. He wrote a persuasive letter to the town’s board of selectmen and advocated for the project at a crucial town meeting. His dedication, coupled with the support of his patients who voted in favor, helped turn the vision of Fox Hill into reality. Once it was built, Mrs. Fisher also left her mark, doing historical research and assisting with the naming the wings of the building after prominent families from Westwood and Dedham.
The Fishers were among the very first to sign up to live at Fox Hill and had their choice of apartments. Choosing their Ellis apartment was a joy, particularly for its view of the deep green woods. The Fishers enjoyed the varied dining possibilities and the intellectually engaging activities, as well as appreciating the proximity to Mass General and to their daughter, who lived nearby. And, as Dr. Fisher said, if anything happened to him so that he needed a higher level of care, he wanted Mrs. Fisher to be able to visit him easily.
When the time came that Judy wanted to find a retirement community for herself, she embarked on a search of her own, visiting several other establishments in the area. She chose Fox Hill, not only because of her parents’ great experience here, but also because of its unique welcoming atmosphere and the intellectual stimulation offered by its varied and highly educated population.
Since moving to Fox Hill in 2018, Judy has found her niche volunteering in the library. Her passion for literature comes alive as she recommends books, helps keep things organized, and engages with fellow bibliophiles. For her, Fox Hill is more than a retirement community.
by Heidi Harrison | Jul 16, 2025 | News, Spotlight Residents, Uncategorized
Barbara and Sam Hayes began envisioning life in a continuing care retirement community while still in their 50s. But not everyone in their family was as open to the idea. At age 93 and widowed for 15 years, Barbara’s mother, Emma Lloyd, was still managing independently in her Westerly, Rhode Island home. But with two of Barbara’s siblings living out of state, support for Mrs. Lloyd fell largely to Barbara and Sam. The 1.5-hour drive from their home in Westwood, Massachusetts, to her home in Westerly didn’t make life any easier.
On the day Barbara planned to talk to her mother about moving closer to Westwood, Mrs. Lloyd revealed her own plans for a dining room makeover. Surprised but undaunted, Barbara broached the idea of her mother relocating to Westwood. While hesitant at first, the realization that her independence wouldn’t diminish and that she’d be supported by a more connected family life ultimately eased Mrs. Lloyd’s concerns.
After touring several communities, Mrs. Lloyd decided Fox Hill Village was the best fit. She quickly created a whole new life, enjoying bridge games and elegant dinners with new friends who became a supportive network. She was well-known for making bran muffins for new residents, and thrived at Fox Hill with a sense of engagement and connection, ultimately reaching the age of 105.
Having seen Mrs. Lloyd flourish at Fox Hill, Barbara and Sam decided to follow her lead years before they actually moved in. They had seen firsthand the fruitful and engaged life Barbara’s mother had and wanted the same for their later years. “The people here are fascinating, interesting and gracious — both residents and staff,” says Barbara. “I feel a special kinship with the other second-generation residents who are here now. That’s a unique experience.”
Like her mother before her, Barbara is actively involved in the community as part of the Welcome Committee and the Better Hearing @ Fox Hill Committee. That’s important for this couple, who have a deep affection and connection to music. Sam plays the cello and pipe organ, while Barbara has performed for residents on the community’s Steinway concert grand piano. The couple has also sponsored chamber music students from Boston’s New England Conservatory to perform at Fox Hill Village.
Barbara’s belief in music as a unifying force mirrors the sense of community she and Sam have found at Fox Hill Village, just like Barbara’s mother before her.
