Frequently asked questions
about living at The Meadows

Who comes to The Meadows?
"The Meadows" apartments mostly serve seniors who want the convenience and camaraderie of a true community with a fully independent lifestyle. Some residents still work regularly, but the large majority are retired. Many are local area residents who are simply looking for an easier lifestyle, and a less expensive, less stressful way of living than in a large free-standing house. Many have moved to Massachusetts from other parts of the country to be nearer to family members.

Where is The Meadows?
The Meadows is located on a 40-acre country campus. We are 13 miles west of Routes 128/I-95 via U.S. Route 20, and about three miles west of Longfellow's historic Wayside Inn. The complex is at the end of Wilson Street, about a half-mile north of U.S. Route 20.

Who owns The Meadows?
All of The Meadows buildings are owned by Cummings Foundation, Inc. of Woburn, MA. (See www.CummingsFoundation.org.) They are actually operated by the staff of New Horizons at Marlborough, LLC, of which Robert O'Connor is the Executive Director.

How large is The Meadows?
Altogether, The Meadows has 154 apartments. Of these, 130 were completed in 2003 in two brand new, four-story fire resistant, steel framed buildings. There are an additional 24 apartments in three buildings called "The Cottages," which were fully rebuilt in 1995.

Is The Meadows financially secure?
Both the Foundation and New Horizons are heavily endowed, not-for-profit entities. They are financially very strong and conservative, and were organized and developed by the same people who developed Cummings Park in Woburn, MA and Cummings Center in Beverly, MA. Significantly, there is no debt or mortgage of any kind on any part of The Meadows or New Horizons, and Cummings Foundation's net worth is greater than $200 million.

Why is there an Entrance Fee at The Meadows?
With a fully refundable Entrance Fee, there is considerably less risk of any residents defaulting on their obligations to the community. Then, because uncollected fees are almost non-existent, rates are lower for all residents. The entire $50,000 fee is 100 percent refundable immediately after the resident leaves. Interest earned by The Meadows on these fees also helps to keep monthly fees lower. (Instead of receiving taxable interest on this Entrance Fee, the person making the deposit receives a reduction in monthly fees equal to $3,000 per year.)

Is there access to medical help if needed?
While The Meadows is really intended for people who do not need ongoing aid or assistance through New Horizons, emergency assistance is typically available. New Horizons generally has at least one Registered Nurse on duty 24/7, who will respond to The Meadows if called in an emergency.

How large are apartments at The Meadows?
Most people are surprised that our apartments in 420 Hemenway Street are as large as they are. As between 370 and 420, however, the units at 370 tend to be even larger than those in 420. Units range in size anywhere from 700 to 2,000 square feet.

Are there full kitchens in most apartments?
All apartments have fully equipped kitchens including dishwashers and disposals. Each unit has its own washer/dryer, usually just off the kitchen area. Some apartments have extra large eat-in kitchens, but none are skimpy.

What is the construction of the main Meadows buildings?
The two largest buildings are mostly fire-resistant, steel-framed buildings with all concrete floors. The interior construction is done with gypsum board (sheet rock) over steel studs on the lower three floors. There is wood framing around the exterior perimeter of the fourth floor units.

Are the new buildings energy efficient?
Both of the new large buildings were built with great attention to insulation and energy efficiency. Both have been awarded the "Energy Star" designation by the United States Department of Environmental Protection, which was regularly on-site during the entire construction process.

What are the meal options?
Breakfast is served daily in the dining room at 370 Hemenway Street, while several delicious dinners are served each day in Broadmeadow Dining Room at 420 Hemenway Street. Residents of either building may elect to dine in either or both buildings, but most residents select whichever one meal is offered in their building. Except in The Cottages, we are required by the city of Marlborough to provide at least one meal to most residents.

May additional occasional meals be purchased if desired?
Meadows' residents who are signed up for the breakfast meal may come for dinner any days they wish. The fee for occasional full-course guest dinners is $20 per person, including wine, with no gratuity.
What is the additional cost to add a dinner meal every day?
For those who take breakfast already, and want to instead substitute a daily dinner meal, the additional cost is only $200 per month.

Are pets allowed?
Pets can be a very important part of many people's lives, so one well behaved pet is permissible at The Meadows.

Is there any religious affiliation?
No. The Meadows is entirely non-sectarian in all respects. Daily Catholic Mass and weekly Protestant and Jewish services, however, are offered within the New Horizons' building, and Meadows residents are always welcome. There is also a Catholic church directly across the street, and a Mormon church one block west on Hemenway Street.

How convenient are the on-campus religious services?
Residents from 420 Hemenway Street can reach 400 without going outdoors, by way of a fully enclosed bridge between the two buildings. Residents of 370 Hemenway Street travel outdoors just about a hundred feet to enter the 400 building.

Are there volunteer opportunities available to residents?
There are many volunteer opportunities including our nearby public elementary school, where Meadows residents sometimes enjoy going into the classroom to read to younger students.

How is the parking?
There is abundant free parking conveniently located at each entrance of The Meadows buildings. In the winter months, staff are usually available to clear off and move residents' cars, and to move them around so that they never get plowed in. Limited garage parking at 420 is available at modest cost for those who so desire.

How congested is the nearby area?
The Meadows is located 13 miles west of Routes 128/I-95 in an area of upscale, single-family homes. There are more than 100 acres of abutting woodlands, and a very pleasant walking trail, which meanders more than a mile to Marlborough Country Club. This is a well-rated public golf course where Meadows residents are also very welcome.

Is it practical to meet some of the other residents?
We strongly encourage prospective residents to visit and personally meet with the many existing residents who have already moved in. Come for a complimentary meal to really experience the feeling of friendly camaraderie, which seems always to prevail among our very interesting and diverse residents.

What type exercise equipment is available?
There is a large, very comfortable exercise room on the ground floor of 420. Featuring pleasant views over Broadmeadow Valley, the exercise room has stationary bikes, weights, a rowing machine, and an inclined walking/running machine. For those who never want to miss their daily walk, five times around the indoor "hex" at 400 Hemenway is a good one-mile walk.

How many different apartment types are there?
There are dozens and dozens of very different units including one, two, and even three-bedroom units, with one, one and a half, or two bathrooms. A few ground floor units have up to 1800 square feet.

Who controls apartment temperatures?
Every unit has its own thermostat for both heating and air conditioning needs. All windows are typically operable, and some units are available with balconies, overlooking the abutting conservation lands on all three sides.