There's No Place Like Heritage Village
A unique, 55+ active adult community, Heritage Village is located in Connecticut's beautiful town of Southbury, surrounded by natural ponds, rivers, and trails. Residents enjoy a wide variety of clubs, activities, tennis courts, and beautiful private swimming pools. An 18-hole golf course that winds its way through Heritage Village is available for membership. A 9-hole course and par 3 course are adjacent to the village. Heritage Village is a hub of activity conveniently situated between the excitement of Manhattan and all the best of Boston. We are home to a diverse group of active, friendly residents who will tell you “Heritage Village is a great place to visit and an even better place to call home."
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There Has Been a Lot of Activity at the Activities Building!
In addition to all the work being done on the building, Pool 1 is being renovated and will have a new fence similar to the fence at the dam.
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As of May 26 there are 165 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Southbury
The safety, security and well-being of the Heritage Village residents is our number one priority. We have proactively implemented several preventative measures due to the Coronavirus. We will continue to follow the recommendations of state and local officials and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and take appropriate additional action if needed.
Self quarantine is the best defensive measure we can take against COVID-19. Not being in the presence of family and friends is one of the most unfortunate side effects of what we must do to stay safe. Those of us with smart phones and computers can use technologies like Skype or FaceTime to see and be seen by family and friends. Nothing can replace a hug by a loved one during stressful times but, a digital hug is second best.
In light of a recommendation from the Pomperaug District Department of Health and following the lead of our local government, all Foundation Buildings and facilities are closed to residents.
These include the Fitness Center, Activities Building, Meeting House, HV Library, Lodge, Fireside, Stable Studios, Winship Barn, Pickleball Courts and Tennis Courts. The facilities will be closed until further notice. Any clubs, activities, or social events that are scheduled in these buildings are canceled. Further information will be posted when it is available.
Request for Homemade Face Masks
If you are in need of a homemade face mask or making masks to donate contact Jenn Fenn at the Executive Office at 203-264-9644 ext. 321 (be sure to dial the extension to reach Jenn directly) or by email at jfenn@hvmaster.com. Please be sure to include your name and unit number in any message and a mask will be delivered to you. Masks will be left on your front door in a green bag.
Heritage Helpers
As Connecticut closed down in March for “Stay Safe, Stay Home,” Southbury resident Meris Rader became concerned about the large senior population in our town. Wanting to help, she took to Facebook. Within a couple of hours, her post received more than 100 comments from other worried neighbors.
Kathy Forte contacted Meris and, after some brainstorming with fellow resident Sarah D’Uva and staff member Jenn Fenn, Heritage Helpers was born. Volunteers are paired up with about 40 seniors, calling to check in with them and to provide emotional support at a time of isolation.
Meris herself paired up with Thelma, known as “Teddy,” who will turn 92 at the end of this month. She talks to Teddy three times a week and has taken great pleasure in getting to know her. It’s now all in the family: Meris’s kids have also gotten to know Teddy and make cards for her.
Thank you, Meris, Kathy, Sarah, Jenn and all of the Heritage Helpers for your aid in getting Villagers through this tough time.
If you are interested in having a volunteer call you, please contact Jenn Fenn in the Executive Office at 203-264-9644 ext. 321, or send your name and phone number to jfenn@hvmaster.com.
COVID-19 Messages from HVMA Administration
Self-Quarantine Update
Thank you for continuing to practice safe social distancing during this turbulent time. As an extra precautionary measure, we are requesting that a 14-day self-quarantine be imposed when you return to Heritage Village from traveling; and for any new Tenant(s) or new Unit Owner(s), or for any family member(s) temporarily staying with you. We are all in this together, and it is up to each one of us to do what we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Heritage Village and the community.
How to Protect Yourself From Getting COVID-19
Governor Ned Lamont's Latest News on COVID-19
Scam Alert
During times of uncertainty such as these there come new ways for people to take advantage of others. Please be aware that there are new scams that you may need to watch out for.
COVID-19 Hotlines
If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 virus, or feel that you have symptoms of the virus, please call these hotlines.
• Danbury Hospital: 888-667-9262. Hours: 7 days a week, 8am-6pm.
• Griffin Health: 203-204-1053. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.
• Hartford Healthcare: 860-972-8100 or toll-free 833-621-0600. Hours: 24/7
• Yale New Haven Health: 1-833-275-9644. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7am-7pm.
If you have an emergency situation, please call 911.
Places of Worship Offering Online Services
Grocery Brigade to Help Seniors
The Southbury Senior Center, working with the Knights of Columbus, has set up a Grocery Brigade to help those seniors who are alone and can’t get out to go shopping.
Southbury Restaurants Offering Pickup and Delivery
How to Stay Active Mentally and Physically While Social Distancing
Tamath Rossi of the Southbury Senior Center has provided a list of links to activities, music, exercise and more to keep people active and occupied.
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The Heritage Village Meeting House
The structure we call the Meeting House dates back to 1740. It was built, most historians agree, by Obediah Wheeler who operated a mill in the Southford section of town. In 2002, the late Robert Klein, a Villager and architect, did extensive research about the changes to the Meeting House over time. He explained that the building is a complex of four structures erected at different periods in history.
Two-and-One-Half-Story Farmhouse The first building was a five-bay colonial with a massive central chimney. Although altered inside and out, the basic shape remains. The first floor had two rooms, the current Gun Room and a library. A steep staircase led to the second-floor rooms, which have since been drastically changed.
Two-and-One-Half-Story Ell Probably built in the late 19th century, the original ell was quite different from the one that exists today. The side porch was one story high, covered by a low roof. Later renovations are attributed to Victor Borge, circa the late 1950s.
Three-Story North Wing It is assumed that this addition, which increased the size of the original ell, was part of the Borge renovation. The 2nd floor was modified by HV to create offices and meeting space. On the 3rd floor there is a large bedroom with a Palladian window, designed for Borge’s oldest son.
Music Room The fourth and last addition was built by Borge about 1960. Designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, this modern structure has proven to be a constant topic of discussion regarding its compatibility with such a colonial edifice.
Be Bear Aware
- It’s spring and the CT black bear population is emerging from hibernation. Please be aware that a bear was recently sighted in the Condo 12 area near Winship Drive and Pearson Lane. The bear was seen at night so please be alert when you walk your pets after dark.
- Bears are omnivorous and their diets vary seasonally – mostly plant material, but also small mammals, carrion, and garbage. Bears are agile and quick, and they are excellent climbers. Around homes, bears may scavenge for food in garbage containers and bird feeders and for pet and livestock food left outside. It is important that residents properly dispose of garbage in the covered cans provided in the clusters. It is recommended that you remove bird feeder as they attract a variety of wildlife.
- A reminder from Resource Officer Robert Burke: Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger; otherwise, please call DEEP (Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection) at 860-424-3011 to report a bear sighting.
- Be alert and be safe.
Help the HV Library
Remember the Heritage Village Library when you are cleaning out this year's reads. They are always in need of novels, non-fiction, mystery, and adventure books for the annual book sale. Jigsaw puzzles, DVDs, audio books and CDs, too. If you have any of these please save for when the library reopens.
Message from Officer Robert Burke regarding stop signs
Did You Know?
Heritage Village has its own video production group?
Focus? What's Focus? Click here to download an article about Focus
Please keep your pets indoors
We want to remind residents to keep their pets indoors unless you have them on a leash. Along with the beautiful wooded landscape that Heritage Village has to offer, there is also the risk of pets getting lost and the risk from the natural wildlife. Please do your part to keep your dearly loved “fur babies” safe.
HV Information Channel
The HV Information Channel on MATV digital channel 16.1 is now available to view on the HV website. You can view it by clicking on the blue band on the right side of this page that says MATV and HV Information Channel.
CT Water regarding the installation of water meters
The Heritage Village maintenance department does not install water meters. Installation of a water meter requires a structural variance and a building permit from the Town of Southbury. If you are interested in having a water meter installed, contact Heritage Village Water Company at 203-264-8100 for information.
