Sandy Tuthill Takes Advantage of Everything Linden Ponds Has to Offer

"Linden Ponds is an active, welcoming community made up of people with interesting backgrounds," says Sandy Tuthill, who moved to the Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., in August 2021.

Sandy maintains such a busy calendar herself that it's become a running joke among her 14 grandchildren.

"They say, 'If you want to see her, you need to book her two weeks in advance,'" says Sandy, with a laugh. "Ever since moving to Linden Ponds, I've been filling my life with activities that bring me pleasure."

That's thanks to the community's maintenance-free residences, which remove the stress of costly repairs and allow residents to focus on making the most of their retirement through a variety of amenities and activities.

Making connections

Sandy and her late husband, Bruce, were living in The Pinehills in Plymouth, Mass., but they raised their four children in Hingham, so they were familiar with the area around Linden Ponds.

Impressed with the community's lifestyle, the couple made the decision to move to Linden Ponds together. But sadly, Bruce unexpectedly passed away the day before their move.

"It was quite a shock, needless to say. But everyone at Linden Ponds was so supportive and helpful during that difficult time," says Sandy.

"It took months for me to get my life back on track, but living here offered so many opportunities to do that. Once I began to venture out, paying attention to the bulletin boards and the many activities offered, I felt that I could start a new chapter of my life."

Sandy's foray into community life was attending several lifelong learning lectures and courses. "As I wandered to find the classrooms, I felt like a college freshman again," she recalls. "That was really nice. I enjoyed the classes very much and began meeting people."

Sandy also attended Linden Ponds' Making Connections event, designed to help new residents form connections with each other and learn more about their new home.

"I exchanged phone numbers with a woman named Mimi, and we are good friends to this day," says Sandy. "It was a wonderful way to meet a new friend."

Relishing a new activity

Several months later, Sandy decided to join the pickleball group, one of Linden Ponds' most popular activities.

"Pickleball opened up a whole new world to me," she says. "In addition to learning a new game, I've met men, women, couples--it's such a wonderful group of really nice people. We've played in the Senior Olympics in Quincy."

The group has also traveled to Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, Mass., to play against residents there.

During her first summer at Linden Ponds, Sandy started a personal patch in the community garden.

"It's a lot of work, but satisfying, and another way to meet people. You quickly begin to see the same people out in the gardens. We strike up a conversation and help each other," she says.

An interior designer for 33 years, Sandy was then invited to join the Linden Ponds Arts Council, which works closely with residents, staff, and local artists to create monthly exhibitions in the community's art gallery. In addition to the exhibitions, the Art Council organizes and hosts a variety of studio art classes.

"I work with another resident, David Nelson, in procuring new artists for our monthly shows," she says.

"We interview the artists and schedule 'meet the artist' dates. It keeps me very busy."

Giving back

Once she felt established in her new home, Sandy decided that she wanted to greet new residents, just as she was welcomed and supported. Now, she volunteers as a greeter for her residence building.

"We host dinners in the private dining room once we have about 10 new people in the building," she says. "It's a nice way for them to meet each other and for us to learn a little more about them."

Sandy also initiated a new opportunity for residents to get together and meet newcomers. "I thought the patio outside the pub would be a great place to socialize," she says. "I talked with the Resident Life staff, and they were very receptive. Since then, we've hosted a number of pop-up parties. Linden Ponds provides appetizers, and we give out tickets for a glass of wine or beer. It's always a lot of fun!"

'Don't wait'

For those considering a move to Linden Ponds, Sandy offers this piece of advice: "Don't wait too long. The people you will meet are all interested in making friends and being sociable. And the more you participate in doing something you like, the more people you will meet and make friends. It's a very nice lifestyle."

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Kelly Shue