Al and Linda Johnson Love the Amenities and Resources Available at Maris Grove

Allen "Al" and Linda Johnson are always on the go at Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania, and they wouldn't have it any other way. 

"People tell me I need to slow down," Linda says, with a laugh. "I'll slow down sometime, but not yet! As long as I can, I'm going to keep doing the things I enjoy."

Since moving to the vibrant community in November 2021, the couple has made the most of their carefree lifestyle by utilizing the community's top-notch amenities and participating in numerous clubs and activities.

"There is so much to do here, such a variety. And if you want to do something that's not offered, you just start it," she says. 

Pursuing passions

Al and Linda moved from their single-family house in Cherry Hill, N.J., to Maris Grove for two reasons: to be closer to their son and daughter and to maintain an active lifestyle. 

Thanks to their maintenance-free apartment home, the hassle of time-consuming upkeep is a thing of the past. From sunrise to sunset, the Johnsons are focused on the activities and clubs that bring them joy. 

For Al, that's the Maris Grove Players. 

"I'm extremely nearsighted--but my glasses are wonderful--so I don't have a problem with reading and directing," says Al, now the proud lead director of the group. "That's one of the reasons I came here, and I feel really great about being here."

Al draws on his writing and theater background to plan the productions, sets, sketches, and scripts. 

"One of the reasons that I'm staying deeply involved in the theatrical area and writing and creativity is because it's what I've been doing for a long time," he says. "I like working with people and helping them. For some, this whole stage thing is new. We have some fantastic singers and people with a lot of different talents, and to me, that's a really cool thing." 

Al also serves as emcee for the Follies, a resident talent show, and a member of the resident writers group. 

A day in the life

After a light breakfast, typically in their spacious two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath apartment home, the couple likes to start the day with exercise. 

Linda either strolls along the walkways on campus with a friend or takes a group fitness class, such as Zumba or Strength and Conditioning. Al visits the on-site fitness center, lifting weights and using the exercise machines. 

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Linda and Al participate in a range of different activities--with a break for lunch at home or in one of Maris Grove's restaurants.

You'll find the couple out and about, participating in the Maris Grove Players, Neighbor News, the birding club, the Singers and Stringers music group; and Bible study--to name just a few. 

And those are just the on-campus activities! They have also found the surrounding area of Glen Mills to be rich with opportunity. They participate in Civil War reenactments, Red Cross blood drives, and Brandywine Valley Church.

At 5 p.m., they meet for dinner at an on-campus restaurant or grab a to-go meal from the Coebourn Cafe. 

Afterward, they unwind in the comfort of their apartment home--or head back out for a performance, movie, or other entertainment. "There's usually something the entertainment committee or Performing Arts Committee puts on in the evenings," Linda says. "There is always something going on."

Social butterflies

While being this active may not be for everyone, Al and Linda appreciate the chance to stay involved, especially with most things just steps from their front door! 

"There's plenty to do, but if people want to just stay home and put their feet up, that's acceptable as well," says Linda. 

"We have a lot of room around here to wander," says Al. "We see a lot of people we know now, and it's good to greet them." 

Linda, too, has spread her social butterfly wings. As one of about a dozen women named Linda who live at Maris Grove, she made instant friends just based on having a shared first name.

Together, they also make friends by volunteering as Maris Grove Connectors--residents who welcome new neighbors and answer any questions they might have. 

A new lifestyle

Approaching their third year at Maris Grove, the Johnsons couldn't be more pleased with their life at the engaging community. 

"This is a different life than what we had before," Al says, "but I like it!"

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.