Wesley Woods in Gilford welcomes new neighbors to its growing 62+ community

By Beth Winn, director of sales and marketing for Deaconess Abundant Life Communities

Residents of Wesley Woods will welcome new friends and neighbors to their community as they celebrate the addition of five newly built homes on the Gilford campus. On September 2,new residents will cut the ribbon to open their new homes at 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, the Laconia Chamber of Commerce will host a "Grill and Greet" on site and tours of various homes will be available. Please RSVP to Stace at 603-528-2555 or sdhendricks@wesleywoodsnh.org.

The practical benefits of living at Wesley Woods can be stated in two words. No hassle. Spacious one & two bedroom homes, offer maintenance free living with landscaping, snow removal and all interior and exterior maintenance included in a low monthly fee.

But the real benefit of living at Wesley Woods is less tangible and much more valuable. Since its inception in 2007, Wesley Woods has been hearth, home and community to its residents who share the moments and milestones of their lives with each other.

"Downsizing your life doesn't have to mean downsizing your heart," says Stace Dicker-Hendricks, Resident Services Coordinator "Our residents lives are rich with art, culture, activity, and most important, friendship." Residents agree. "We were warmly and gently taken in by the residents and we really feel part of a family. Our house is very comfortable and it was the best ever decision to move here...especially with the snow!" –Joan and Robert, Wesley Woods residents.

It's no secret that community and social interaction are the operative principles to building a happy life. Experts tell us that being social and active and engaging with others keeps us physically well and mentally sound. Residents at Wesley Woods know this and have worked together to create a supportive and welcoming environment for each other. Here, neighbors reach out to each other for support during illness, difficult times or bad weather. And there is joy. Photos of new grandchildren proudly boasted on smart phones and ipads. Wedding gowns liberated from storage, refurbished for a daughter's day in June. A hole in one! A bright, ripe red tomato from one's very own garden, big enough for two. Joy is amplified and trouble abates in this strong, spirited community.

And about that phrase, "No hassle," It doesn't just apply to maintenance, but to lifestyle, too. Resident services coordinator Stace Dicker-Hendricks is available on site to coordinate program schedules, lead exercise classes, outings, and group events, and organize maintenance and home health services as needed.

Wesley Woods will cut the ribbon on its five new homes in September but never the ties that bind. A limited number of lots are still available. 2015 monthly fee rates will be locked in until 2017 if deposits are received by September 30, 2015. Please call Chris Burke, Resident and Sales Associate at 603-528-2555 for more information.

CAPTION: An official groundbreaking ceremony for new homes being built at Wesley Woods in Gilford was held on July 15, and a ribbon cutting ceremony is planned on September 2. Pictured from left to right: Marlin Stenersen of Hutter Construction, new Wesley Woods resident Claire McCabe, Wesley Woods sales & marketing representative Chris Burke, new resident Rosemarie Grant, Charles Atencio of the New England Deaconess Association, Kevin Comick of the New England Deaconess Association, Sarah Leadbeater, director of Wesley Woods Stace Dicker-Hendricks, new residents Lorretta and Fred Shugrue. Missing from photo are new Wesley Woods residents, Eliza Leadbeater, Marty Bloom, Monica Montague. (Courtesy photo)