Video showing scenes of Life Plan Community at Springhouse, a HumanGood community

Ann

Writing Life’s Next Chapters

Raised in Rochester, New York, Ann’s life path has always been guided by intellectual curiosity and a desire to connect with others.

After earning her degree in English literature from the University of Michigan, she was drawn to Boston, where she would spend her career immersed in higher education and eventually retire with a passion for nonprofit consulting. In July 2024, Ann embarked on her latest journey by moving to Springhouse, a decision that blended her need for independence with the security and vibrant community life that Springhouse offers.

After researching various Life Plan Communities, Ann found that Springhouse’s location near her sister in the Boston area and the organization’s emphasis on personal independence made the community a perfect fit. “I was immediately drawn to Springhouse’s natural surroundings, including the nearby arboretum,” Ann says.

“I am an avid walker, so I was touched when one of the team members provided a list of six beautiful walking trails that she thought I’d enjoy if I moved to Springhouse. She really listened to my needs, which made me feel very welcome. It frankly made my decision to move here an easy one.”

Ann has wasted no time diving into Springhouse’s creative and social offerings. She established one of her most significant contributions: a memoir-writing group in which residents share and workshop their life stories. With her background in writing and editing, Ann’s approach to the group emphasizes the art of storytelling and the importance of reflecting on personal experiences. This project not only fuels her creative energy but also fosters deep connections within the community.

Walking remains a staple of Ann’s routine, and Springhouse’s environment encourages regular outdoor activity. She also appreciates the reliable transportation services that allow her to maintain connections throughout greater Boston, keep up with friends over lunch dates and visit places she enjoys, such as the Massachusetts Historical Society.

“Living at Springhouse provides me with peace of mind about the future. I find comfort in the stability Springhouse offers and appreciate that I am supported and cared for by other residents and team members.”

Jerry & Tania

Everything from MIT to Mozart

When Jerry and Tania first began looking at Life Plan Communities, they explored several options, but something about Springhouse stood out. With its welcoming team members, the promise of a close-knit community and a beautiful setting in Boston, they knew they had found the right place.

"We liked the library, which was essential as we’re both avid readers,” Tania says. “Plus, the community offered views of the nearby arboretum. We felt as though we were in a peaceful, secluded area despite being right in the middle of Boston, which we love.”

The two spent years traveling to different countries, collecting pieces of art from each destination, and since moving to Springhouse, Jerry and Tania have reignited their old passions while being introduced to new ones.

Jerry, who loved creating art in his youth, now has access to the Springhouse art studio. He has also enjoyed the lectures and discussion groups — especially those focused on topics such as American history and Mozart.

“I had to set art aside for my career in physics, but here, I’ve reconnected with it.”

Both Jerry and Tania have taken on active roles within the community over the last several years. Jerry, who contributed to groundbreaking work in physics while at MIT — work that earned him honors — eagerly shares his scientific knowledge in lifelong learning discussions with his fellow residents.

Tania served as president of the Independent Living Association. She enjoys the company of their two daughters, who live nearby, and finds joy in Springhouse’s supportive atmosphere.

“It’s an engaging environment filled with individuals from diverse fields and backgrounds,” she says.

Tania and Jerry both appreciate the weekly Great Courses offered at Springhouse, which cover everything from physics to art history. Tania is particularly fond of the sessions on Mozart and a series on the Louvre, which have rekindled her love of art and classical music.

“The sense of community here, with everyone sharing their interests, is inspiring,” she says.

Together, they’ve also enjoyed performances by talented musicians and planned trips to local art galleries and museums.

For Jerry and Tania, moving to Springhouse has allowed them to gain new perspectives. Here, they maintain independence, engage in intellectually stimulating programs and enjoy a warm, supportive environment that enriches their lives.

"We never imagined finding a community that could offer us so much,” Tonia says.

Suzanne

All in the Family

Suzanne has spent her entire life living in Massachusetts as an educator, leading community programs and providing essential educational resources for children and families. When her children grew older, she opened Jubilation Gallery, an art gallery in Newton. For 35 years, she shared her love for American crafts, curating and showcasing two- and three-dimensional works by artists across the country.

Now, life has brought Suzanne to a place where art, community, lifelong learning and a deep sense of continuity with her family’s legacy intertwine: Springhouse. After her gallery closed and she sold her home, Suzanne found herself at a crossroads. Her sons were concerned that she would feel isolated, so she began looking for a more supportive, engaging community.

After exploring several places that simply didn’t feel right, Springhouse came to mind. Years before, her mother had lived at Springhouse, surrounded by friends and a caring team that had also become like family to Suzanne.

“Stepping into Springhouse, it felt like my mother’s spirit was guiding me,” Suzanne says. “I was warmly greeted by team members who remembered me and welcomed me with open arms. The sense of community and warmth was overwhelming — I knew I had found my place.”

Springhouse has given Suzanne a new perspective on independent living and an endless stream of opportunities to express herself. As someone deeply connected to the arts, she was thrilled to be invited to participate in the art committee. As part of the committee, she helps to select pieces of art for the hallways and create the gallery in Springhouse’s main lobby, which gets refreshed with new exhibitions four times each year.

“This committee has allowed me to share local artists’ work with residents, engage in meaningful discussions and even host openings where art and stories intertwine," she says. "Recently, we displayed works from three generations: a grandmother, mother and granddaughter — celebrating the continuum of family and creative legacy.”

Suzanne is also involved in the dining and welcoming committees, fitness classes and coordinating resident life enrichment outings.

“Recently, we traveled to the Robert Frost house in New Hampshire. It gave me a chance to connect more deeply with the friends I’ve made here.”

At Springhouse, Suzanne has found comfort, independence and a renewed purpose.

“For me, Springhouse represents more than a comfortable place to age gracefully; it is a legacy of love, art and community that I am honored to continue — carrying on my mother’s legacy and adding my own brushstrokes to the canvas of Springhouse.”

Will

Planes, Trains and the Love of Boston

For 38 years, Will taught sociology at Northeastern University. He also has had a lifelong interest in history, earning a humorous accusation from some students of being more of a historian than a sociologist, especially as he taught the popular Sociology of Boston course for 35 years.

In 2011, after retiring, Will and his wife, Susan, sold their two-story home and moved to Springhouse when Susan was facing some health issues.

“It was important to us that we maintained our independence,” Will says. “Springhouse provided an excellent location, which allowed us access to everything Boston has to offer as well as public transportation, which is only a block away from the community.”

Will immediately found a surprising friendliness among the residents — many of whom have roots in the Boston area. Susan was initially hesitant about the move, but the couple quickly became active participants in the community and formed new connections, which affirmed their decision and helped them feel even more at home.

Will served as president of the Independent Residential Association, and Susan served as the secretary. Will also engaged with nonprofits, including the Massachusetts Lifecare Resident Association and the Partnership of Historic Bostons, linking Boston with its namesake town in England.

Since Susan’s passing, Will has continued to share his love for history and photography with others. He delivers lectures at Springhouse, including one based on a book he co-authored, Boston’s Back Bay: The Story of America’s Greatest Nineteenth-Century Landfill Project. Despite the loss of his wife a few years ago, Will has felt warmth and support from his friends in the community.

“For me, Springhouse has provided a mix of independence, community and comfort, proving to be the right choice for this new chapter of my life. This year, I went on an African safari and traveled out west to visit Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks. I am enjoying this time and not worried about my future. It’s a good feeling to have.”