Retirees Find Engaging, Worry-Free Lifestyle at Maris Grove

Residents Lois and Lynn Bickel share how the Erickson Senior Living community in Pennsylvania has become their new home.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lois and Lynn Bickel, retirees who moved to Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pennsylvania, describe the engaging, worry-free lifestyle they have found there. From the warm welcome they received to the abundance of clubs, fitness classes, and social events that have helped them build meaningful connections, the Bickels highlight how Maris Grove has become their new home.

Why it matters

The story of the Bickels' transition to Maris Grove illustrates how senior living communities can provide an enriching lifestyle with ample opportunities for socialization and personal growth, while also offering the convenience of a worry-free lifestyle without the burdens of homeownership.

The details

When the Bickels were exploring senior living options, they were drawn to Maris Grove's welcoming atmosphere and wide range of activities. From the moment they moved in, they were greeted with cookies and dinner invitations, and they quickly began making new friends. The community's clubs, fitness classes, and social events have allowed the Bickels to stay active and engaged, with Lynn finding appeal in the woodworking and veterans' clubs, and Lois enjoying the sewing and crochet groups. The community's on-site restaurants and volunteer efforts have also provided additional opportunities for the Bickels to connect with their neighbors.

  • The Bickels moved to Maris Grove from Palmyra, Pennsylvania.
  • The Bickels have been residents of Maris Grove for an unspecified period of time.

The players

Lois Bickel

A resident of Maris Grove who has found an engaging, worry-free lifestyle at the community.

Lynn Bickel

Lois Bickel's husband, who has also become an active member of the Maris Grove community.

Missy Scheer

The Community Resources Manager at Maris Grove, who describes the welcoming atmosphere and abundance of activities available to residents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The first week we got here, we had cookies on the shelf outside our door and invitations to dinner. We've been with people ever since we moved in, and we're still making new friends.”

— Lois Bickel (Patch.com)

“What's nice about community living is you never have to be alone, unless you want to be. You'll find activities happening on any given day. The ease of being able to do things is nice.”

— Missy Scheer, Community Resources Manager (Patch.com)

“There's a lot of camaraderie here. Anytime you go for a meal or to the library, everybody says hello. It makes you feel welcome.”

— Lynn Bickel (Patch.com)

The takeaway

The Bickels' experience at Maris Grove demonstrates how senior living communities can provide a fulfilling, worry-free lifestyle with ample opportunities for socialization, personal growth, and community engagement, allowing residents to focus on the things that matter most to them in their retirement years.