Frequently Asked Questions
What is this project about?
In 2025, we're celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Pinehills! We have several projects underway to commemorate our Silver Anniversary, including the creation of a digital story archive that captures the many faces, voices, memories, and experiences of this place. These stories will be collected and preserved online, and will be featured throughout our anniversary celebrations. A selection of stories will also be included in a commemorative book, and all photos will become part of a special celebratory visual installation this October.*
* Plans and details subject to change without notice.
How are you collecting stories?
We're making it as easy as possible for everyone to participate! You can share your Pinehills story in several ways:
- Online Form (Preferred Method): Visit www.pinehills.com/25th-story to complete our user-friendly form. It takes about 10-15 minutes for a full story and photo, or just 5 minutes if you only want to submit a photo.
- In-Person Assistance: We will be out and about in The Pinehills over the next month to help you complete the online form. Look for us at:
- Sunday Mayflower Beer Gardens: In July and early August
- Stonebridge Club, Summerhouse, Neighborhood Clubhouses around The Pinehills : Various dates throughout July and early August
- By Appointment: use meetings.hubspot.com/eiley to schedule individual help
- One-to One Interviews: The Pinehills team will be reaching out to specific individuals and groups we have designated for inclusion in the 25th Anniversary book.
Who can participate?
Anyone connected to The Pinehills! This includes:
- Current and former residents
- Groups based in The Pinehills & Community Organizations
- Business owners and employees at The Pinehills
- Developers, builders, consultants and all who helped create The Pinehills
- Town officials and elected leaders
- Frequent visitors and family members of residents
- ALL Friends of The Pinehills
What are you asking people to submit?
You can choose to submit:
- Story + Photo (about 15 minutes) - Answer up to 5 questions about your Pinehills experience plus upload a meaningful photo
- Photo Only (about 5 minutes) - Just upload a photo that represents your connection to The Pinehills
What will happen to my submission?
All submissions will be preserved in our digital story archive, which will be publicly available online, and may also be featured in:
- Anniversary celebration visual displays and materials
- Community presentations and exhibitions
- Social media, Blog and Behind the Pines newsletter features
- All photos will be included in our visual installation ("Picture This: 25 Years @ The Pinehills")
- Selected stories will be included in a commemorative book (though most will remain in the digital archive due to space limitations) After-cost profits from book sales will be distributed among chosen Pinehills Resident Groups with philanthropic missions. Details coming soon.
Can I submit a story anonymously?
Absolutely! You can choose how you want to be credited:
- Full name
- First name only
- Initials only
- Anonymous
- Group/business name only (if representing an organization)
What kinds of questions will you ask?
We focus on personal experiences and specific memories. Examples include:
- "How would you describe The Pinehills to someone who's never been here?"
- "What has surprised you most about The Pinehills?"
- "Do you have a favorite memory or experience here?"
The questions are tailored to your relationship with The Pinehills (resident vs. business partner vs. community group, etc.) That said, you can truly answer as many or a few as you like, any way you are inspired. The questions are meant as thought starters. You can take your story in any direction you like.
What should my photo show?
Your photo should capture your relationship with The Pinehills. It doesn't have to be a portrait of you! Think about:
- A place that's meaningful to you here
- An activity you love doing
- A moment that represents your experience
- Something that shows what The Pinehills means to you
What are the photo requirements?
- Minimum 1MB file size
- JPG or PNG format
- Use your camera's highest quality setting and avoid screenshots
- Test: zoom in on your chosen photo. Is it still clear? If not select or take another photo.
How long does it take to share my story?
- Full story + photo: 10-15 minutes
- Photo only: 3-5 minutes
Can I get help completing this?
Yes! Our summer intern Eiley will be available in locations around The Pinehills. She can provide tech help with the form, help brainstorming responses, photo selection, and technical questions. Look for her scheduled at:
- Sunday Mayflower Beer Gardens: In July and early August
- Stonebridge Club, Summerhouse, Neighborhood Clubhouses around The Pinehills : Various dates throughout July and early August
- By Appointment: use meetings.hubspot.com/eiley to schedule individual help
What if I have technical problems with the form?
- Visit Eiley during her assistance sessions for in-person help
- Contact us at contactus@pinehills.com for technical support
- Make an appointment with Eiley: meetings.hubspot.com/eiley
- We can provide alternative submission methods if needed
Can I submit on behalf of my community group or business?
Yes! We have special questions designed for community groups and business partners. Just select that option when you start the form.
What will you do with my story and photo?
Your submissions may be used in:
- Our permanent digital story archive (all submissions)
- Our visual installation (all photos) - working title: "Picture This: 25 Years @ The Pinehills"
- The 25th Anniversary commemorative book (selected stories)
- Community displays during anniversary celebrations
- Anniversary marketing and promotional materials
Will you edit my story?
We may lightly edit stories for length and clarity, but we'll preserve the essence and voice of your submission.
What's the deadline?
August 11, 2025 - All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM to be considered for the book.
How will I know if my story is selected for the book?
We'll notify contributors chosen for the book. Remember, all submissions will be preserved in our digital archive and all photos will be featured in our visual installation, so your contribution will be celebrated!
Can I submit more than one story?
We prefer one submission per individual person to ensure we can include as many different voices as possible. However, if you represent a group, a business or have significantly varied relationships with The Pinehills, multiple submissions may make sense. Feel free to contact us to discuss. contactus@pinehills.com
What if I'm a former resident and don't live here anymore?
We absolutely want to hear from you! Your perspective on how The Pinehills shaped your life is valuable to our community story.
I'm not a great writer. Should I still participate?
Yes! We're looking for authentic voices and genuine experiences, not perfect prose. The photo-only option is also available if you prefer to share visually.
What if I've only lived here a short time?
New residents bring fresh perspectives that are important to our story. Your "first impressions" and recent experiences are valuable contributions.
Can I see examples of the kinds of stories you're looking for?
As we move ahead, we'll be sharing sample responses (with permission) in our Behind the Pines newsletter and on social media throughout the collection period.
Who's organizing this project?
Pinehills LLC is behind the 25th Anniversary celebrations and story collection.
Will this be a professional-quality book?
Yes! This commemorative book is being professionally designed and printed as a lasting keepsake of our 25th anniversary celebration. Later this year we will communicate details about when and where it will be available for purchase.
How much will the book cost?
Pricing details will be announced when the book is ready for order. After-cost profits from book sales will be distributed among chosen Pinehills Resident Groups with philanthropic missions. Details coming soon.
What happens after I submit my story?
You'll receive a confirmation that your submission was received. Our team will review all submissions as we begin the story archive and book creation process. We'll keep our Pinehills neighbors, friends and family updated on progress through our regular communications and will let you know if we have any questions about your story specifically.
The Pinehills reserves the right to review all submissions and may choose not to include content that does not align with the spirit and values of The Pinehills 25th celebration.
We're looking for stories that capture the positive experiences, meaningful connections, and shared memories that make The Pinehills special. Our goal is to create materials that celebrate and honor the experiences of all who have been part of The Pinehills journey.
All submissions will be reviewed with care and respect.
Still have questions?
Email us contactus@pinehills.com
