Covenant Living of Keene

Nancy Wyman

After living in our home in Marlborough for 50 years, we moved to Hillside when it opened. It was such a big decision and one of the most important of our lives. We love being at Hillside Village and are so glad we came. Our apartment is comfortable and looks out onto the peaceful meadow. There are so many wonderful residents and staff and endless things to do. The food is delicious, with interesting choices and always well prepared. My advice would be to move to Hillside Village while you are youngish and able. It’s an exceptional place to live!

Barbara Meikle

In December of 2020, I discovered water stains on the bedroom ceilings of my historic carriage house (circa 1850). I had to replace the roof. There is always some problem to address in an old house. And, after sixteen years as a widow dealing with household problems on my own, I decided that it was time to sell my house and move to a continuing care retirement community where maintenance would be taken care of. I have been an urban dweller all my life. Cultural activities are of great importance to me. I need music, theatre and art to sustain my well-being. How could I insure access to those cultural activities when I move? I remembered meeting a newly retired couple at an Elderhostel at least twenty-five years ago who chose to live in Lebanon, NH because Dartmouth College offered courses for seniors and concerts and theatre throughout the year. Lebanon was four hours from my home base in a Boston suburb so I knew I would have to find another college town closer to dear friends of many years. A number of years ago, I took my youngest granddaughter to a basketball competition in Keene when she was in high school. Between two games we had an hour and a half to walk around downtown Keene. What a charming city. I learned that there were three colleges in Keene. Were there any CCRCs in Keene or nearby? I googled the question and I was thrilled to discover Hillside Village. I first attended a virtual tour in February, 2021, and was very anxious to see the community in person but had to wait until April when visitors with masks were permitted to tour in person. Tracey took my daughter and me around to see numerous apartments of different sizes as I did not know exactly what I was looking for. I then asked to be informed when the campus was open enough for me to spend a whole day and partake of a meal. In late June, a few days before knee replacement surgery, I came for an overnight visit, stayed in the guest room, had dinner with three residents in the dining room. I even visited the Health Center. I picked out my apartment and told Tracey that I would send a deposit as soon as I knew how well my surgery went. My friends all asked me if I knew anyone at Hillside. No, I didn’t. But I had no doubt I would make friends easily due to the friendliness and helpfulness of the residents and staff in the community. The fitness center equaled the one I had been a part of for sixteen years. After more than 40 years without a garage, I now have a garage. And, an added bonus is the proximity to my daughter’s house in Ashby, MA. It is just a thirty-five minute trip from Hillside instead of the hour and twenty minutes it used to take me to get there. As I enter this new phase of my life, I am looking forward to being a country dweller able to enjoy the change of seasons more fully. I want to learn birding and how to hike through the woods. Yet those cultural activities that are so vital to my well-being are here as well. I have been here three weeks and I already feel at home. Barbara M.

Marty & Jill Post

We moved to Hillside village almost 3 years ago and it was one of the best decisions we ever made. The staff is top rate, the food superb, and the residents are so friendly and welcoming. We now have made many new best friends since moving here. More activities then you have time for and it is tough to choose which ones to do each day. Our apartment is spacious and beautifully appointed with stainless steal appliances, granite counters and tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms. Every apartment has a balcony or porch - if you are on the first floor - which is fully screened, and none look out on a parking lot. You would have a few of the meadow and woods or a flower and tree enhanced courtyard. Life here is easy and fun.

Lucy Maher

John and I are very glad to be here. The staff is outstanding and wonderful! Our Hillside neighbors are very friendly and welcoming. Also, our apartment is very comfortable with a great view. There are many activities including a superb fitness program.