“From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed. Lions Gate isn’t just where we live — it’s where we belong.”

Gail and Marty Raffner are known throughout Lions Gate for their warmth, friendliness, and active lifestyle. After more than two years in Independent Living, they still describe each day as something to look forward to. Gail often says that life at Lions Gate feels “like living on a cruise ship” — full of activity, connection, and comfort.

When the Raffners decided to look for an over-55 community to move to from their Cherry Hill ranch house, they did not know much about their options. Other than knowing two residents, they knew little about Lions Gate. They “shopped around,” and ultimately chose Lions Gate. As Gail noted, “When we walked in, it was warm, and friendly. People said, ‘Hello.’ The people were nice, and it was lively. There were people participating in activities throughout the day and evening.”

Another reason for choosing Lions Gate was that it is, for lack of a better term, “future proof.” While the Raffners are active Independent Living residents, they liked the fact that if their needs changed over time, they would not have to move from this community. They were glad to move to Lions Gate on their terms rather than for some other reason.

Another meaningful part of their decision was the sense of familiarity and comfort they felt within a Jewish community. While it wasn’t a requirement, Marty shared that it was reassuring to be in a place where their traditions and background were naturally reflected in daily life. They appreciated knowing they would be part of a community where many residents shared similar experiences and values, something that made Lions Gate feel instantly welcoming.

They are both thrilled with the services Lions Gate offers. Gail likes that “there is a gym, a swimming pool, and physical therapy.” She continued, “When and if we get to the point where we can’t drive, they have transportation that we can use.” Marty seems to like that he does not have to do the “honey-do” items. “I used to clean the gutters, mow the grass, and do other things around the house… I became disinterested in doing that stuff… But you reach a point where, you know what? Let someone else do it.”

Both Marty and Gail appreciate the efforts made by the staff. Gail noted, “From the top down… They’re very, very friendly. The professional staff is great”. Marty has only good things to say about the maintenance staff.

Gail enjoys the many programs offered on campus and appreciates how easy it is to participate in activities she loves. She finds the discussions in the classes and presentations to be thoughtful, engaging, and often delightfully challenging.

Marty, on the other hand, has become the go-to guy for technology help. Emails not going through, can’t get messages to delete, a class teacher having problems with the internet — call Marty. He’s also involved with resident council meetings and current events and history programs. They are both on the Welcoming Committee.

For the Raffners, Lions Gate has become more than a residence — it is a community where they feel connected, valued, and engaged. Whether they are welcoming new neighbors, attending programs, or simply enjoying each day without the burdens of homeownership, they have embraced the life they hoped to find. And Lions Gate is all the better for having them here.