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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As of April 7 there are 30 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 growing concerns regarding 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, Pickelball Courts and Tennis Courts. The facilities will be closed until further notice. Any clubs, activities, or social events that are schedule in these buildings are canceled. Further information will be posted when it is available.
Message from Gerry Leventhal and Angela Toppi
Self-Quaratine 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 your winter vacation; and for any new Tenant(s) or new Unit Owner(s), or for any family member(s) that is 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.
Special video messages
How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19?
The CDC recommends these general practices to help prevent spreading viruses:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Governor Ned Lamont's Q&A and Virus Guide
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.
- Eversource Scam– Threatening phone calls demanding payment to avoid services being shut off. Please note – Eversource employees never ask instant payment in person or over the phone, they do not require the use of pre-paid debit cards, and never request to meet. At a payment center such as a grocery store to make a payment.
- Census 2020/Stimulus Check Scam – Emails, text messages, phone calls, or social medial posts that falsely claim that Americans must respond to the 2020 Census in order to receive a stimulus check. Please note – The IRS will send your check based on your return filed last year.
- Stimulus Check Scams – People claiming to be from the government suggesting that you might qualify for special COVID-19 government grants. Variations of this scam may suggest that you can get more money from the government, or get your money faster if you share personal details and pay a small processing fee. Please note – The IRS will not call you to verify payment details. You do not need to pay any processing fee and there is no service that will allow you to get the money more quickly.
Keep yourself safe from scammers
- Do not give any personal information, such as banking, social security, or Medicare numbers to anyone you do not know.
- Do not click on links from sources you do not know.
- Be wary of anyone asking for payments in the form of cash, gift cards or pre-paid debit cards.
For more information on these scams and how to keep yourself safe from scammers please click the links below.
Special Bulletin Editions with COVID-19 updates
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.
CDC messages regarding stop the spread of germs & symptoms of COVID-19
Support those on the front lines
To show appreciation for our emergency responders, doctors and health care workers in the fight against this pandemic Heritage Village residents will be opening their doors and ringing a bell, banging pots and pans or yelling positive support between 8:00 - 8:02pm each night. Be a part of it and show solidarity at this difficult time for everyone.
Southbury resident volunteer check in
If you would be interested in having a local Southbury resident volunteer call in to check on you during this time please contact Jennifer Fenn in the Executive Office at 203-264-9644 ext. 321. You can also send your name and phone number to jfenn@hvmaster.com
Grocery Brigade to help seniors
The Southbury Senior Center, working with the Knights of Columbus, have 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 service
Stores providing senior only hours
• Costco on Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., will temporarily implement special operating hours for members who are 60 and older and those with physical disabilities.
• Dollar General is encouraging that the first hour of operations, from 8 am to 9 am daily, be dedicated to shopping needs of senior customers. Dollar General is located at 614 Main St. S. in Woodbury.
• Stop & Shop will be open from 6:00 am to 7:30 am daily to serve customers who are age 60 and over.
• Walmart will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday from March 24 thru April 28 for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Their pharmacies and vision centers will also be open during this time.
• BJ's offers a designated entrance for people ages 60 and over, from 8 am to 9 am daily.
• Big Y stores will reserve the hours of 7 am to 8 am for customers who are 60 and older or have compromised immune systems.
How to stay mentally and physically active while social distancing
Tamath Rossi of the Southbury Senior Center has provided us a list of links to activities, music, exercise and more to keep you active and occupied.
How are you keeping busy during COVID-19?
Share your stories or ideas on how you've been keeping busy at home or following social distancing.
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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.
Were you unable to attend the Presidents Council Grounds Maintenance Debriefing?
Message from Officer Robert Burke regarding stop signs
Proposed policy on abandoned vehicles
Click here to download draft of the proposed policy
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.
