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Symphony violinist loves her new life at Canterbury Woods Gates Circle

Apr 18, 2018

Longtime Buffalo resident Diane Melillo has a wonderful career as a violinist with the Buffalo Philharmonic.

She is not ready to retire yet, but that didn’t stop her from becoming a charter resident at Canterbury Woods Gates Circle, Western New York’s newest and most innovative retirement living community.

“The initial thinking was that it’s a continuing care retirement community,” Diane said. “At some point I’ll need that, I’m sure.”

After living in her Buffalo home for nearly 40 years, Diane was ready to be free of the responsibilities of home ownership and moved into the community in October.

“I had accumulated a lot of stuff,” she said. “It was hard, but I just said, ‘it’s not going to get any easier if I wait another year.’ As a long-time Buffalo resident, the fact that Gates Circle is in the city certainly appealed to me.”

The community is within walking distance of Elmwood Village, a thriving neighborhood sporting lovely historic homes and plenty of shops, restaurants, a library, banks and other conveniences. The food co-op Diane uses is just down the street.

Her beautiful new apartment home has windows facing south and west that allow natural light to pour in, making her place feel even bigger than it is.

“I’m really happy with it,” she said. “The fact that the community just opened was part of it.”

She also loves meals in the elegant dining room or lunch in the café, and can enjoys happy hour in the penthouse cocktail lounge. She also attends exercise classes when she can, and notes that other events and activities, such as guest speakers, are frequently scheduled.

The best part, though, is the people at Canterbury Woods Gates Circle.

“I’ve met new people who are really nice and interesting,” Diane said. Her new neighbors include retired university people with lots of letters after their names, brilliant people working in interesting fields and doing creative work, too. They are very active in the greater community, and they go to plays, movies and our concerts.”

Being a charter resident meant that she and others could join committees that are helping to mold the new community.

“We also talk to each other informally about what we would like,” she said. “I was really interested in helping to shape the food.”

Other features Diane likes are that pets are allowed and that residents can park in the underground garage.

“That’s great,” she said. “You don’t have to clean off your car, and it’s really a nice space.”

Not least is the staff, for whom Diane has high praise.

“The staff is wonderful,” she said. “They are perfectly willing to do what we want. They have been generous in changing options and giving us more options. Any reasonable request, they will fulfill. I’m sure there will be even more options in the future.”

All of the services and amenities to support a vibrant, fulfilling life are already in place at Canterbury Woods Gates Circle, so it’s not surprising that this beautiful new community is attracting active, accomplished residents who value culture, lifelong learning and continuing engagement with the wider community.

Set in an ideal location in the heart of Buffalo, the community allows residents easy access to Buffalo landmarks like Delaware Park, museums and cultural sites such as Kleinhans Music Hall, the primary venue for Diane and the Philharmonic.

Some of the most gorgeous apartments in the city are still being offered. So if a lively, urban setting, cool neighbors and a lifestyle free from worries about the future appeal to you, don’t wait to go visit. The sooner you do, the sooner it will be your turn to join this very special community.

If you’d like to learn more about Canterbury Woods Gates Circle, please call us at 716-929-5817 or get more information here.

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