When Ray and his wife Vi decided to move to Harvest Hill in May 2018, they knew it was the right move. After living in North Texas for 30 years, the couple wanted to be closer to family. Their daughter lives near Harvest Hill, making the location ideal. Their son, an airline pilot based in Virginia, often travels so being near their daughter and her family perfectly aligned with their goal of moving closer to family.

For many Harvest Hill residents, the transition to assisted living is prompted by a desire to be closer to family and to make things easier as they age. But for Ray, it turned into something more. As his daughter pointed out, assisted living offers support from other residents during life-changing events. Unfortunately, that moment came all too soon when Vi passed away.

While the grief of losing his wife of 60 years was overwhelming, Ray found solace in the compassion and kindness of his new community. Holly, their daughter, was right and support from the community at Harvest Hill helped during this hard time. Ray was deeply touched by the outreach of others and began to reciprocate kindness and support to other residents facing life-altering challenges.

Another thing Ray truly appreciates at Harvest Hill is its remarkable library collection of over 4,000 books. After Vi’s passing, Ray was invited to join the Library Committee. With no previous library work experience, Ray was an active patron of local libraries, and contributing to something so integral to the community appealed to him.

When he stepped into the librarian role, Ray quickly discovered the library’s potential. The basic “lending library” system lacked a meaningful way to manage its inventory. And then Ray’s daughter and son-in-law offered to help. They donated a computer and printer to set up a more efficient, automated system, turning the lending system into a well-managed and accessible resource for all residents.

While the “Library Project” is a work in progress, Ray and the Library Committee have made significant strides. One challenge is deciding whether to accept donated books or re-donate them elsewhere after careful consideration of whether the book duplicates something in the collection. The team also works closely with local public libraries for support, ensuring that the collection remains diverse and relevant to residents.

In addition to maintaining the library, Ray and fellow Committee members contribute to Hillwinds, an internal bi-monthly publication at Harvest Hill. Hillwinds has a Library Column with book reviews written by Committee members and residents. These reviews help readers discover titles and authors and promote sharing of favorite books, bolstering a connection among residents.

Staffing the Library Committee is an ongoing challenge, especially with the new computer system in place. To address this, Ray, the Committee, and Ray’s family created a “Library Handbook,” basically an operational guide for the library. The purpose is to ensure that, even if a Committee member is absent, there is a documentation protocol to keep things running smoothly.

For Ray, the library is more than just a collection of books, it’s a vital part of the Harvest Hill community. It’s a place where residents come together, share stories and find comfort. Ray’s story is a testament to the strength of community, the power of kindness, and the importance of purpose, especially in difficult times.

Ray’s journey at Harvest Hill proves that while life brings challenges, it also offers opportunities for new meaning, building connections, and contributing to something larger than oneself. And for Ray, this library is an example of how he’s helping to shape the legacy of a community that supported him through one of the hardest times of his life.

“What’s at stake?  Intelligent operation of a wonderful Harvest Hill asset, our Library.” – Ray

Donald and Donna’s story is like many who have made the decision to move to a senior living community. After spending 54 years in their Glendale, West Virginia, home, they knew it was time for a change—to live somewhere with access to assistance if they needed it and closer to their son and his family. And as for most people, it wasn’t easy to leave their long-time home. They visited several communities before deciding to live at Harvest Hill for this time of their lives together.

Donald was an engineer who worked for Colombia Gas out of Wheeling, West Virginia. He is also a Navy veteran who served on a Destroyer in the South Pacific during the Korean War. He appreciates having the White River Junction VA nearby. Donna was a nurse at the Glendale Hospital and worked in Intensive Care and Critical Care for most of her career.

They have been married for 71 years and have a son, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Their son, Kevin, is a doctor in Vermont. Donna shared that when her son was in medical school, he joined a group providing service work in other countries, and she had the opportunity to accompany him on one of his trips. During that month-long mission in 1989, she volunteered alongside Mother Teresa, who also gave them communion during their stay. Donna says it was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Since moving to Harvest Hill in late summer of 2024, Donald and Donna have grown to really appreciate their new home. They brought furniture from their previous home, helping to make their new space familiar and comfortable. When their nieces came to visit and help them settle in and decorate, they loved it and said they’ll be back in the spring to help with the flowers in the yard.

Donald and Donna were surprised by how genuinely friendly everyone is, from the staff to the other residents. Donna enjoys playing games and listening to piano players that share their talents, and they both can’t say enough good things about the baked goods from the kitchen. Their apartment overlooks the putting green, and as former golfers, that’s a treat on a sunny afternoon. Overall, they say it has been very easy to get adjusted to their new life.

Jon and Barbara are New Yorkers at heart. Born and raised in New York, their lives intertwined early—they met when they were 12 years old. 42 years ago, their journey took them to West Lebanon, New Hampshire, where they made the move with their two children, just 3 and 6 years old at the time.

Careers that Built a Legacy

Jon and Barbara spent their professional lives building relationships and serving their communities. Jon worked at Dartmouth Savings Bank before transitioning to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where he managed the Customer Service and Call Center for 25 years. His leadership led to a high-retention team recognized for its dedication. Barbara was a dental hygienist who served her patients with care and precision.

Life in the Great North Woods

Jon and Barbara were always drawn to the peaceful allure of New Hampshire’s Great North Woods. For years, they’ve enjoyed getaways to Pittsburg, renting a cabin near the water. Jon would fish from the dock or take to the water in his Boston Whaler. These days, their escapes are quieter, spent reading and soaking in the tranquility.

A New Chapter at Harvest Hill

Health challenges prompted Jon and Barbara to consider a move from their raised ranch home, where two flights of stairs had become increasingly difficult. Encouraged by their daughter, they toured Harvest Hill, a community they had seen being built decades earlier. The presence of on-site medical care, even though they don’t currently need it, was a reassuring factor. Their transition was smooth, thanks to the welcoming team at Harvest Hill.

A Vibrant Community Life

Jon and Barbara have quickly embraced life at Harvest Hill. Jon, an advocate for his peers, serves as chairman of the Resident Council, while Barbara participates in arts and crafts activities. They enjoy attending piano performances, and their daughter has even performed at the community as part of a local quintet.

When asked about their favorite aspect of community life, Jon and Barbara praised the staff’s warmth and attentiveness. “In the five months we’ve been here, I can’t say enough good things,” Jon said. “Living here we’ve felt integrity, respect, and care from the entire staff.”

Delicious Dining

Three meals a day at Harvest Hill offer variety and quality. From salmon to a filet, and ever-changing dessert menus of fresh fruit and baked treats, Jon and Barbara appreciate the thoughtful preparation. An alternative menu ensures everyone finds something they enjoy.

Advice for Future Residents

Jon never expected he and his wife would end up at Harvest Hill, but when health issues arose, their plans changed. “If someone else finds themselves in our situation, I would recommend Harvest Hill,” Jon shared. “We needed to be here when we got here.”

Looking Ahead

Still driving and active, Jon and Barbara are making the most of their new chapter at Harvest Hill. With the support of a lively community, compassionate staff, and each other, they’re proving that transitions, while challenging, can open the door to a fulfilling new phase of life.

When you walk the serene gardens of Harvest Hill, you might spot a resident with a warm smile, carefully tending to her flowers. That’s Becky Luce, a beloved community member who has found her heart’s home in the Hughes Studio Apartments. Becky’s journey is one of resilience, love, and joy in the simple pleasures of life—like a garden in bloom or a conversation with a friend.

Becky chose the Hughes Studio Apartments at Harvest Hill, a decision made with both practicality and passion. “I never know when I can or can’t eat or drink due to my medication, so having a kitchen in my studio is incredibly convenient,” she shares. Becky also appreciates having the choice to enjoy three meals a day in the dining room, offering the flexibility to dine with others.

What truly makes Becky’s life at Harvest Hill special is the strong sense of community and the great friends she’s made. She fondly recalls lunches with Pam, Gayle, and the newest resident Louise—gatherings filled with laughter and shared memories. Each week, they are committed to making it a point to be together, whether it’s lunch in the Dining Room or reserving a community room for a chat or a shared activity. “No matter what we are doing, we do it together and always have the best time,” Becky reflects.

But what she loves most is her patio door, which opens directly into the garden. “Every step counts” Becky says, and she takes every opportunity to be outside, nurturing her plants or going on walks.

Gardening has always been close to Becky’s heart. At her home in downtown Lebanon, she grew an impressive array of tomatoes. Because tomatoes have been a bit stubborn of late, Becky turned her attention to cultivating a variety of flowers, each one a testament to her persistence and care. Her connection to the outdoors is mirrored by her bond with her dear friend Ann, who also lives at Harvest Hill. Ann was Becky’s horseback riding instructor when she was just ten years old. After years of losing touch, fate united them in this community. Now, they enjoy walks together, often pausing to chat in the garden—a simple but cherished ritual.

Becky’s choice to make Harvest Hill her home was guided by more than amenities. She remembers the warmth and support she felt from the Assistant Resident Care Manager, Catherine, during her initial visits. “Catherine really helped drive my decision to live here,” Becky explains. Unlike other communities she visited, Harvest Hill immediately felt right—a place where the staff is genuinely happy to help with anything, big or small.

Becky’s life at Harvest Hill is enriched by her deep appreciation for music. A former music teacher, she especially enjoys it when performers visit the community, and music remains a vital part of her life, just as it always has.

And then there’s Obi, Becky’s ten-year-old dog whose name means “heart” in Swahili. Though Obi now lives with a close friend, he still visits Becky weekly, bringing a little extra joy to her days. Obi’s name is fitting, as Becky’s heart is at the center of everything she does—whether it’s friendships, gardening, or her deep connection to the community.

At Harvest Hill, Becky found more than just a place to live; she found a place that supports and uplifts her, allowing her to continue doing what she loves, surrounded by people who care. As Becky would say, it was a “gut feeling” that led her here, and it’s her heart that keeps her thriving.

When you think of doing a puzzle, you might picture someone relaxing, sipping tea pulled up to a card or coffee table, pondering the pieces and where they fit. 

Recently, a group of Harvest Hill residents engaged in a whole different approach during a “Puzzle Competition” activity. Three teams, of three residents each, were given the same 300-piece puzzle, a timed start and their own space to put it together as quickly as possible with a goal to be the first to complete their puzzle.

The idea came to the activities team via Martha Doolittle, a Harvest Hill resident. Martha had tried a contest at a church competition, an event with six tables of teams. Martha also mentioned that her sister’s brother in law, Bob Armstrong, is a Puzzle Master so she has been doing puzzles for a long time. She saw a documentary called “Wicker Kittens” about teams of people who do puzzle contests. She knew Anne Williams, who was in the film. Martha reached out to Anne for guidance about how to set up contests and where to get puzzles and other ways to host a successful event.  Anne was a great help providing guidance and resources.

The winning team at the Harvest Hill competition completed their puzzle in about two hours. Teams had to work together (which can be a challenge) but Martha said you figure out a strategy. For example, on her team they had a “border” person and one to sort and organize prominent colors. The winners went home with boxes of chocolate truffles, and all the teams got to keep their puzzles. Congratulations to Martha and the activities team for “putting it all together.”

Born in Garwood, New Jersey, and raised in Union, Janet Bantly, a 90-year-old resident at Harvest Hill, lives with a commitment to community involvement.

Janet grew up attending a private all-girls school before earning her Bachelor’s in Dietetics from Simmons College in Boston. After completing her MS degree at RPI, she spent 24 fulfilling years as a nutrition consultant for the Connecticut State Dept. of Education, overseeing school programs and ensuring students received nutritious meals, reflecting on it as “the best job she’s ever had.” It was also the state of Connecticut where she met and married her husband, Neil.

Her career took her far beyond the United States though. Traveling internationally, she led groups of school nutrition professionals to countries that had or wanted to begin feeding children at school. The organization, called People to People, was started by President Eisenhower while he was in office.

Literature, Quilting and Community Spirit

Influenced by her daughter, Amy, and grandchildren living in the area, Janet came to Harvest Hill and was instantly drawn to a courtyard apartment on the first floor, which offered convenience and proximity to everything she needed. With a grandson and great grandson nearby, Janet found comfort in the community immediately.  

Not only is Janet deeply involved in the community at Harvest Hill, but she is an advocate for her fellow residents. From serving on the board to contributing to the newsletter with stories, event coverage, and book reviews, Janet’s passion shines through. She is active in Harvest Hill’s book clubs and volunteers at the library, where she’s spearheading efforts to revitalize their collection. With Nikki’s (Executive Director at Harvest Hill) support, Janet successfully secured a budget for the library, allowing for upgrades. Janet excitedly shares some of the most influential books she’s read, including “1984” and the works of Alexander McCall Smith. She shares, “I read 1984 in high school, and it still feels so relevant, especially today.”

Additionally, Janet is a dedicated crafter, working with a group for knitting and crafts. This is natural for her given her entrepreneurial experience of owning a fabric store for ten years. “I’m very busy. I have a packed schedule,” she admits. It’s this energy and enthusiasm for her community that inspires fellow residents.

From Nutrition Consulting to Community Engagement

As a registered dietician, Janet’s feedback of Harvest Hill’s meals warrants a level of respect. She shares, “The meals are extremely tasty,” reflecting the community’s commitment to providing nutritious and delicious food options. She notes that discussions about food are actively encouraged, as demonstrated by the upcoming food meeting where residents can provide feedback and ask questions.

Exploring what the community “stands for,” Janet describes a range of community members from independent living to those with more specialized needs. No matter one’s background or circumstances, she’s forged many meaningful connections and has numerous friends. She admires the diverse backgrounds of her fellow residents, many of whom have excelled in business or education.

So, what makes this community exceptional beyond its diversity? “The attentive care provided by the staff, who have been responsive and supportive throughout my time at Harvest Hill,” states Janet. It’s this supportive, yet autonomous, environment that makes Harvest Hill a place you can call home.

For Becky Lynn, Harvest Hill is more than just a residence; it’s an active community where she is known by her first name, participated in staff hiring, welcomes new residents, and engages wholeheartedly in activities that challenge and inspire her. Having spent 1.5 years at Harvest Hill, Becky’s journey here is woven with threads of familiarity. 

Upon moving from Middlebury, Connecticut, a place intertwined with her family’s history, Becky’s roots run deep. Her decision to choose Harvest Hill was influenced not only by the fact that she found it superior in the region but also because of the support and proximity it offered to her son and his wife. 

Her story unfolds from Amherst, Massachusetts, where she attended high school and reflects on being the ‘facility brat.’ College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, opened doors to explore her enthusiasm for education.

Continuing her greatest purpose, she pursued educational classes at the University of Vermont, Burlington, eventually culminating in a fulfilling career teaching 3rd grade in Connecticut for several years. 

In 1960, she married her first husband. Reminiscing about cherished moments, she fondly recalls incentivizing her children with 50 cents each for looking after one another, offering her a break, while marveling at their inherent goodness. “They were always such good kids,” she reflects.

Life, however, presented its share of challenges. Becky overcame the loss of her first husband due to cancer, spending a decade alone until she met John. Sharing a love for plants, their time centered around traveling the country attending conferences where Becky was introduced to botanists and horticulturalists. When John passed away in January 2022, Becky made the decision to seek a sense of community.

Empowerment, Unity, Collective Engagement 

Becky has discovered many unexpected joys, activities like Bingo—an entirely new experience that is a source of laughter and camaraderie.  As a member of the hospitality group, she welcomes in new residents, sharing insights that only insiders would know—further creating a sense of comfort and belonging in the community. Now she is also an integral reporting team for Hillwinds, a publication put out every two months.

Activities are diverse; she shares a stimulating brain fitness class where the entire group was challenged to spell out Fahrenheit–a word she’ll never forget how to spell again. The show-and-tell session offers a time to bring out cherished family artifacts. For Becky, it was a Civil War water bottle and Velvet box, in her possession since she was just 5-months old. 

When it comes to meals, Becky cites the seafood options including scallops, East Coast fish, and the occasional lobster tail with drawn butter; a cherished New Year treat this year. 

Above all, she shares how the warmth among residents and staff makes the community unique. The acknowledgment of her by name in the hall, while once being a part of the hiring decision-making process give Harvest Hill its ‘resident-first’ appeal, sharing how residents came together to interview and select their current Executive Director, Nikki Fortier.

Becky’s time at Harvest Hill has shown her what the community’s spirit is all about. Shared stories, strong bonds, activities and beyond give residents a renewed sense of belonging, community, and home.