On the cover: Neighbors and staff members like to keep treats handy for Tess, the West Highland White Terrier who lives with Army and Jackie Leonetti in their patio home at Crestwood Commons.

“Wow!” That was Armando and Jacqueline Leonetti’s reaction upon their first glimpse of Crestwood Commons. Almost four years after settling in, they still marvel at the “elegance” of their home and the ease of life in their ElderWood community in Wheatfield. “We wouldn’t have stayed if we weren’t in love with it.”

Married 50 years last August, “Army” and Jackie had considered themselves “entrenched” in West Seneca, where they raised their family. But they found themselves growing weary of the trek to North Tonawanda, where their daughter lives with her family. “We were out here several times a week,” they recall, “sometimes with two cars!”

It was their daughter who discovered Crestwood Commons. Once Army and Jackie took a tour, their move happened quickly. Now “there isn’t anything we miss.”

No more housework

Relinquishing everyday chores makes a huge difference, the Leonettis say: “You don’t realize how much you had to do until you don’t have to do it!” Weekly housecleaning is a favorite perk; all they need to do is what Jackie calls “crisping” – tidying up before the cleaners arrive. “They even change our bed linens once a week,” she reports.

And Army doesn’t regret giving up handyman duty: “I was fixing stuff all my life. And I’m not a grass-cutter – never was.” Their monthly rent covers everything from lawn care and snow removal to cleaning, repairs and much more.

Free to come and go,
for days or weeks at a time

Army and Jackie are a very active pair. After retiring from Bethlehem Steel, Army joined the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of Boy Scouts of America, where work feels more like a hobby than a job. Jackie helps her daughter, and has volunteered at Meadow Elementary School since her oldest grandson – now 14 – started first grade.

The Leonettis also love to travel – especially to Italy, where Army’s father was born. They think it’s great to “just close the door, lock it and go.” Crestwood’s “wonderful” staff members watch over everything, so “it feels much safer when we’re away.”

Life now is “all about
getting together with people”

Before they moved, Jackie and Army reveal, “we could go for a long time without seeing anyone.” Here they socialize all the time. After interfaith services on Sunday, “we stay for coffee and cookies, then have lunch, and then there’s the tailgate party!” Jackie also has the women’s group, Crafting for a Cause, on Sunday, and Bingo twice every Monday. Most days start with breakfast in the café, and after activities “we just stay and chat with whoever’s around.”

With all the amenities,
“it’s like a resort!”

Crestwood Commons’ many bright, beautiful spaces draw people together. The comfortable lounge features a big flat-screen TV at one end, a working fireplace at the other, and a pool table in between. There’s a cozy library, a spacious activities room and a covered outdoor patio. Also helpful are the “awesome” pharmacy and dry cleaning services, plus a concierge to coordinate it all. And although Jackie likes to cook, she and Army often head over to the dining room, where they lavish praise on the food.

Privacy, convenience,
and plenty of space

The Leonettis’ home has its own private patio, where Army grills dinner and Jackie tends tomatoes and flowers. They delight in spotting rabbits, wild turkeys and deer “almost at our window.” Yet they’re close to grocery stores, restaurants and other necessities. Jackie particularly loves her big kitchen and the open floor plan that welcomes family gatherings. In fact, they actually have more living space here.

“We’re proud to show
people Crestwood!”

“People are in awe when they first walk in,” observe the Leonettis, who are always inviting friends for a tour. They recommend the community highly, especially to active retirees like themselves. “You don’t know what you’re missing,” they say. “There’s no reason people our age can’t stay active and involved, and living here allows us to do that.”

Come see for yourself

In addition to patio homes, Crestwood Commons also offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with the same privileges and carefree lifestyle. Call us at 716-215-8040 or 1-888-826-9663 today to arrange for a tour. We look forward to meeting you. Till then, please visit our website at www.elderwood.com.