2012 – A Year to Cheer for North Hill Senior Living

The end of one year and the start of the next is often a whirlwind of excitement. It certainly was the case for North Hill!

As 2012 closed, we found ourselves meeting Project True North milestones at a breakneck pace. Indeed, the entire year was a “year to cheer,” and so I wanted to celebrate some of our achievements before we get too far into 2013.

New Spaces and Places for Vibrant Living

You can’t transform senior living without significant changes to the buildings where that living takes place.

• This fall we re-opened the Fitness Center (featuring new, state-of-the-art equipment and a renovated pool) and launched a new Creative Arts Center, with Art Studio, Technology Lab and Woodshop. They are now part of WellSpring Landing — a vibrant, open space that buzzes with energy.
• In November the new Central Ave Bakery & Cafe opened to rave reviews. Hot pressed paninis, fresh braked pastries, Illy coffee … It’s a terrific new dining venue.
• Even the mailroom has been transformed! It used to be a place to catch your mail. Now it’s a place to catch up with friends: The Post & Parlor.
• I have to congratulate the entire North Hill team for an extraordinary team effort. Together with our partners JSA Architects and Consigli Construction we have completely renovated 50 apartments.

These apartments really were “completely” renovated. They took these spaces down to the studs and transformed them into spacious, flowing floor plans that fit the needs and desires of today’s older homeowners. If you haven’t seen them yet, please call (877) 736-4371 and schedule a tour.

New Innovations

I’m particularly excited about what has happened this year with regards to physical wellness.

• Our new Fitness Center features some exciting new machines from HUR, the leader in health and fitness equipment for active older adults. These HUR machines use air resistance so that exercising is low-impact but provides big outcomes. You swipe a SmartCard to access your personalized workout and track your progress.
• We’ve also introduced HUR’s balance testing and training system. It’s more than fall prevention, it’s about strength and confidence. And it’s really quite amazing.
• Along with the new equipment, we’ve got a raft of new fitness offerings! There are 20 classes each week ranging from Zumba to tai chi to water aerobics.

New Recognition

• In July, we were spotlighted in the Boston Globe as one of a “new generation of senior living communities” springing up west of Boston.
• In October, North Hill was recognized by the Green Needham Collaborative for our outstanding commitment to reducing energy use.
• In December, we were named a finalist in the Best of 50+ Housing Awards — the industry’s highest honor — in five categories!

Just last week we were recognized in the Best of 50+ Housing competition as the #1 Repositioned Community (work in progress) in the nation! Find out the full Awards results by clicking this link.

New Team Members, New Roles, New Spirit!

We welcomed many new team members in 2012. All of them bring a passion for creating a vibrant community, a dedication to service, and a new spirit. And some of our long-time team members took on new roles. A few highlights:

• Adam Goldman, Health Center Administrator
• Jerome Picca, Executive Chef (he shares recipes on this blog)
• Janet Hirsch, Director of Community Life
• Alexis Barbosa, Human Resources
• Brian Patton, Dining Services Manager (and performer! He has been sharing the Great American Songbook with our residents)
• Carol Holt, Sales Manager
• Amy Carr, PurposeFULL Living Coordinator

New Neighbors and Friends

More than 29 people moved into North Hill this past year. 60 have joined our Summit Club, placing deposits on one of the 45 new luxury residences coming with North Hill’s first new apartment building to be built in 28 years. Thank you to all who have chosen to make North Hill your home.

We also were privileged to host more than 900 active adults at our True North Courses & Events, introducing them to North Hill and providing opportunities for PurposeFULL Living.

We are honored to welcome these new neighbors and friends into our North Hill community.

Here’s to 2013, certain to bring more reasons to cheer!