Bob Chellis: Enjoying the dynamic lifestyle of an ever-evolving community

Bob Chellis: Enjoying the dynamic lifestyle of an ever-evolving community

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.

Residents’ voices lead the way at Fox Hill Village

Residents’ voices lead the way at Fox Hill Village

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.

Kathy Kenney: Life at Fox Hill is a gift that keeps giving.

Kathy Kenney: Life at Fox Hill is a gift that keeps giving.

“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.”

Enjoying life on their terms: Larry and Gabriella Coburn

Enjoying life on their terms: Larry and Gabriella Coburn

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.

Cici Hunt: Finding harmony at Fox Hill

Cici Hunt: Finding harmony at Fox Hill

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.

Sam & Margaret “Gerry” Gray: Move earlier to enjoy every part of the Fox Hill lifestyle

Sam & Margaret “Gerry” Gray: Move earlier to enjoy every part of the Fox Hill lifestyle

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.”