“It was such a seamless transition. This is my long-time neighborhood. My old friends live nearby, and my new friends are terrific. Everything is familiar, yet my life is now so much richer.”
Alan Friedman’s beautiful apartment is filled with things that bring him joy. “I love my artwork. I love my family heirlooms. And I love my books,” said Alan. “They make anywhere I live feel like home.”
Alan’s apartment is filled with stunning antiques and artwork, and he was thrilled to find a senior living community with residents that also embraced his love of the arts. “They have entertainment here every night, and so many of us make it a point to go straight from dinner into Commons Hall for the nightly program,” said Alan. “They have wonderful classical music performances, and I am blown away every time. And during the day there are so many classes, lectures, and clubs to join that I am busier than ever. There’s such a feeling of camaraderie when you have entertainment you can enjoy with others.”
Of course, Alan didn’t choose Lions Gate just for the activities. “I grew up in South Jersey,” said Alan. “I worked for the Camden County Board of Social Services for 33 years and loved every minute of it. My friends are here. My synagogue is just across town. My doctors, and bank, and favorite stores are all nearby. I’m very familiar with this area. I’ve been going to the same Wawa for my morning coffee for so long that the staff got upset when I mentioned I was thinking of moving. I just laughed and told them whenever I finally decide to downsize, I’ll be moving down the road to Lions Gate. My mother lived at Lions Gate and two of my cousins currently live in the community, as well. I’m comfortable here.”
Alan’s friend told him to make sure he put himself on the wait list for the apartment he wanted at Lions Gate. “I listened to my friend, and I’m so glad I did,” said Alan. “If I can give anyone advice, it would be to reach out to Lions Gate now. Don’t wait! Once an apartment became available, Lions Gate connected me to Byron Home, and they were amazing. They measured all of my furniture, showed me how everything would fit in the new floorplan, then packed and moved me in a blink. They were so meticulous. They photographed my bookshelves so that they could set up my books in the exact order I like them in. My apartment immediately felt like home, and that comfort is priceless.”
Alan belongs to the Sons of Israel congregation, a synagogue his great grandparents helped found 131 years ago. “It was important to me to continue to be a devoted member of my synagogue, but it was also important to me to connect with the religious community in Lions Gate,” said Alan. “I still go to services at Sons of Israel on Saturday mornings, but on Fridays I go to services with Cantor Jana, and then all of us eat Shabbat dinner together in the Bistro. It means so much to me to be surrounded by those who find meaning in celebrating our faith.”
We are so happy that you have found comfort in your new life at Lions Gate, Alan. May every day here bring you joy.