Traditions of America

Author: ipdesign

Cranberry’s Gorgeous New Model Homes Make Their Debut at the Model Home Grand Opening

Despite the challenging early-season snow and an unexpected power outage in the township the night before, the recent Model Home Grand Opening at Traditions of America at Cranberry was nothing short of spectacular! Enthusiastic attendees eagerly walked along the red carpet to tour the all-new floorplans outfitted with top-shelf, awe-inspiring interior designs of four popular home designs: the Franklin, the Washington, the Betsy Ross, and the Hancock.

Each home has its own style, theme, and personal flair: there is no mistaking the Pittsburgh sports teams featured in the Betsy Ross, while the Hancock is bedecked for the golf enthusiast. The Washington has a travel and destination focus and the Franklin simply exudes an overall warm and inviting atmosphere where you immediately want to sit down and make yourself at home.

Future Site of Community Clubhouse – the “Social Hub”

With a warm and bustling tent, plenty of delicious, seasonal culinary offerings, and a lively and entertaining band, the over 200 attendees were treated to a fun and informative event. The Traditions of America team was at the ready to lead personal tours and answer questions, as were the many Ambassadors – homeowners who live in nearby Traditions of America communities who just love their community and want to share the Live Better lifestyle with others!

Comments from attendees heard throughout the day ranged from “I just love the colors in this home” to “Can my home be exactly like this model?” to “I can definitely picture myself cooking in this kitchen.” Visitors also had the opportunity to see where the community’s resort-style Clubhouse will be situated – an element so integral to every Traditions of America community because it is the social hub of the community, the place where friendships are formed and memories are made. And, the place everyone wants to be for Friday night happy hours!

Our next blog will feature a photo spread of each model home…stay tuned and check back soon. You won’t want to miss it! Better yet, plan a visit to the community today and see the homes up close and in person. Our New Home Counselors are excited to share the beauty of the new models with folks near and far.

November 27, 2018
Lititz Knows How To Live Better and Have Fun!

Residents at Lititz have been busy….busy having FUN and embracing the Live Better lifestyle. Rachel Bechard, Lifestyle Director at Traditions of America at Lititz in Lancaster, PA, provided a glimpse into some recent seasonal happenings at this active and popular community. An all-around favorite, the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, was a crowd-pleaser at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, the largest buffet in America. Residents rented a private ballroom for the event, and it was tons of fun! As they settled into their seats and were introduced to the cast (from Third Space Theater), they were surprised to learn that in this edition of the show, some members of the audience would be playing characters, as well! A dozen volunteers later, and the show was ready to begin.

Each person played their role beautifully! Some took their acting very seriously, like Lee Madison, who was one of the characters to die, and made sure everyone knew it. Bravo, Lee! The food was also amazing. With hundreds of options along the eye-popping buffet, there was something for everyone. We got 4 mini-intermissions to replenish plates between acts. Needless to say, by the time the show was over, everyone was not only entertained but completely full, as well! In the end, the audience uncovered the “murderer” (played by our own Sherrill Baumgartner), and everyone who correctly guessed her as the culprit got a prize. Lititz homeowners had a wonderful time and you can be sure that event will be booked again by popular demand.

Gearing up again for another favorite event, Lititz homeowners recently held their annual Chili Cook-Off. There were a dozen contestants and over 50 eager chili-tasters who showed up to sample and vote.

Four categories were judged in the contest: “Most Like Mom’s”, “Best Use of Spice”, “Best Decorations” and “Best Overall”. The decided winners were:

Most Like Mom’s: Chris Jensen
Best Use of Spice: Colleen Harris
Best Decorations: Julie Brouse
Best Overall: Betty Martin

With Thanksgiving around the corner and the holiday season and New Years Eve on its heels, Lititz residents will be sure to continue the celebrations and festivities!

November 21, 2018
Tips from the Pros: Go Bold – Paint Your Interiors with Dark Colors!

It’s easy to fall in love with a bold, darker-hued paint color. Maybe it’s your “go-to” color, something you’ve always loved, or maybe it works well with a piece of furniture or fabric in your favorite room. Darker colors offer a richness and warmth that create wonderful atmospheres, especially as the seasons change and the weather turns colder. However, just “falling in love” with an interior paint color doesn’t always make it a good choice for your home. Darker paint colors tend to be the most problematic for many reasons – some obvious and others not so.

That doesn’t mean you should abandon painting with dark colors on walls altogether. You need to be extra careful when choosing a dark paint color for a bedroom or when selecting dark walls for your living room. Allison Burrington, a Professional Designer for Traditions of America, gives good advice: “The trick to pulling off a darkly painted room is to add a few bright-colored accents like pillows, throws, or a vase to attract your eye to those pieces. This allows the walls to act more like a backdrop as opposed to being the main focus. Keep the trim light, too!” To help you make the best choices for your home, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of painting with dark colors.

How to Decorate Your New Active Adult Home
Darker colors don’t have to be avoided at all costs. To the contrary, they can work miracles in certain settings.

Great for Small Spaces: Dark paint in a bedroom or another smaller room can have the effect of making that room actually look bigger. Why? Because dark bedroom walls help absorb the light that’s hiding along wall bases and dark corners, making the small space appear larger than it is.

Create Dramatic Moods: Dark walls can do wonders in dining rooms and powder rooms. They can make a space feel just a little bit fancier and dramatic, which isn’t great for every room — but it’s the perfect ambience for some, especially when paired with soft, mood lighting.

Little Need for Décor: When choosing darker colors for walls, you don’t need much in the way of décor. That’s because dark walls act as their own décor and speak for themselves.

And, Why They Don’t…

Most people have shied away from dark walls — and there are reasons for that reluctance. According to Traditions of America’s Nanci Knoedler, one of our Professional Designers: “Dark, bold paint colors are certainly trending right now. But, the biggest mistake I make is not using enough color in the paint I choose. I always wish I had gone darker, but was too scared to do so. If you are also scared, then start small……do an accent wall instead of a whole room.” Here’s a look at some of the pitfalls of painting with dark colors:

Limited Appeal: You may find that you get tired of a dark interior paint color more quickly than a lighter shade. Lighter hues are easier on the eyes.

Lacking Timelessness: Dark colors tend to be trendier, which means you run the risk of your dark color going out of style more quickly than lighter, neutral tones.

Overwhelming: Perhaps the hardest part about dark paint is that it tends to overwhelm if the color is too bright, and it can also overwhelm architectural detail. You have to be especially careful when choosing a dark paint color for a certain room. It should be the perfect balance: bold enough to stand up to the elements of the room yet not so bold that it drowns out the other elements that might be of interest.

Imperfections and fingerprints: Fingerprints, scuff marks and other imperfections are more noticeable on darker painted walls. Thus, the upkeep can be more burdensome. However, if you choose an eggshell finish, often times fingerprints and scuff marks can be wiped off.

Bottom line: when it comes to interior paint color, go for it! Do what you love.

October 30, 2018
Lancaster named the NUMBER ONE place to retire in the country by US News & World Report!

US News & World Report unveiled 2019’s Best Places to Retire in the U.S. last week and, my oh my, Pennsylvania did well! Florida and Texas cities also ranked well, but our very own Pennsylvania holds the TOP spot with Lancaster receiving the highest honors. And, we are proud! Another feather in the cap goes to Pittsburgh for ranking as the FIFTH best place to retire in the country.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, topped the list at No. 1 due to increases in housing affordability and the overall happiness of its residents. And, it’s no wonder. We hear all the time from our homeowners at our active adult community at East Petersburg that they simply LOVE where they live. And, that makes sense. Lititz is often warmly referred to as “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Editors at US News & World Report had this to say: “Lancaster offers a balance between natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate. Expansive farms rub elbows with manicured suburbs, which lead right into the bustling city. A short drive can take one through each of these environments. Each area boasts its own unique groups of inhabitants: farmers, families, college students and young professionals. From close-knit church communities to the indie coffee shop scene, Lancaster holds something for everyone.”

Fort Myers, Florida, jumped from No.15 to No. 2 due to increases in desirability and happiness scores. Sarasota, Florida, fell from No. 1 to No. 3 this year due to a decline in both overall happiness and desirability. Austin, Texas, jumped to No. 4 from No. 9 due to an increase in desirability, followed by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, rounding out the top 5. Here is what the editors had to say about Pittsburgh: “Known by nicknames like Blitzburgh and Steel City, Pittsburgh is on the verge of greater heights. Emerging from a dying steel industry, Pittsburgh is earning another name: reinvention city. Since the steel mills closed in the 1980s, Pittsburgh feels cleaner and full of energy. Pittsburgh encompasses almost 2,000 acres of land in just its city parks, and offers county parks, state parks and riverfront parks to its residents.” Our residents at Cranberry, Summer Seat and Richland definitely reap the benefits of living so close to Pittsburgh, yet surrounded by natural, wooded areas and open space.

The rankings offer a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s 100 largest metropolitan areas based on how well they meet Americans’ expectations for retirement, with measures including housing affordability, desirability, health care and overall happiness. “Deciding where to retire is a big decision,” says Emily Brandon, senior editor for Retirement at U.S. News. “The Best Places to Retire offers a way for future retirees to make a more informed decision based on what matters the most to them. Whether that be housing affordability, access to quality hospitals or the desirability of a place in general, the rankings offer a comprehensive list that can point people in the best direction for their needs.”

This year, U.S. News increased the weight of the desirability metric from 10% to 15% as it provides a more balanced understanding of the opinions gathered through consumer surveys. Desirability is one of the six factors in the 2019 Best Places to Retire methodology that includes housing affordability, desirability, retiree taxes, the happiness index, job market and health care quality. These measures were selected and weighted-based on a public survey of pre-retirees (age 45-59) and retirement-age (age 60+) individuals across the U.S to find out what matters most when considering a place to retire. Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as U.S. News rankings of the Best Hospitals.

Here are the top ten:

(1) Lancaster, PA, (2) Fort Myers, FL, (3) Sarasota, FL, (4) Austin, TX, (5) Pittsburgh, PA, (6) Grand Rapids, MI, (7) Nashville, TN, (8) San Antonio, TX, (9) Dallas-Forth Worth, TX and (10) Lakeland, FL. Another Pennsylvania city earning high marks was Allentown, PA in the Lehigh Valley coming in at number 18. The Lehigh Valley has been a long-time favorite area of Traditions of America, having completed several successful communities there with a new one on the way: Traditions of America at Green Pond in Bethlehem. Visit one of our communities today to see for yourself what the buzz is all about – you’ll be glad you did. And, get on the list to hear the latest news about Green Pond.

Sources: BuilderOnline.com October 10, 2018 article and US News & World Report 2019 Best Places ranking

October 16, 2018
Interior Design News: Washington Model at Silver Spring is a four-time WINNER at this year’s annual Parade of Homes Contest!

We are pleased to announce that our newly re-designed Washington Model at Silver Spring is the proud recipient of FOUR interior design awards at this year’s Parade of Homes. This popular, annual contest sponsored by the Home Builder’s Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg is well-attended by folks from near and far who are interested in getting an “insider’s look” at the best concepts and latest trends in home design. In its interior decorating debut, the sleek Washington took home silver medals for Best Interior, Best Kitchen, Best Master Bath/Suite and Best Decorated.

Freshly minted gourmet kitchen with the latest appointments

The award-winning Washington Model was recently re-envisioned to give the home a fresh air of casual elegance. The gourmet kitchen boasts a large, angled island creating an immediate statement in the space. A crisp and clean subway tile back splash and creamy white cabinetry accented by antique brass finishes adds to the current, fresh look. These unique touches create a unified look of effortless elegance and speak to the attention to detail present throughout the home. The kitchen opens to the great room, which exudes an eclectic aesthetic that marries old and new to create a stylish space while remaining comfortable and inviting.

Soothing tones in the Master Bath create an inviting space

The sumptuous master bedroom suite features an expansive walk-in closet and an exquisite master bath, replete with a white quartz soaking tub, frameless glass shower, double vanity, and elegant chandelier.

Serene hues of the Washington Model’s Master Bedroom

Soothing, neutral paint tones, luxury plank flooring, and natural brass finishes throughout the home add to the Washington’s sophisticated serenity. A picture is worth a thousand words, but getting to see the finishes up close and in-person is a transformative experience for those who love interior design! Come see for yourself and design your DreamHome!

October 10, 2018
Meet the Team Behind the Dream: Deepa Ambe from the Architecture Team at Traditions of America

As part of our continuing series, we are pleased to provide another sneak peek into the Team Behind the Dream. In this edition, we introduce you to Deepa Ambe, an Architectural Designer with the Traditions of America in-house architecture group. Recently, we interviewed Deepa about her work, what a typical day on the job looks like, and some fun facts about her. Designing DreamHomes is just one of the highlights of her work at Traditions of America!

Q: Describe your typical day at TOA:

A: I work as an Architectural Designer for Traditions Architecture to create custom home drawings for our future homeowners. Based on feedback from homeowners, and with the comprehensive inputs from our talented onsite designers, I am committed to creating a highly functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing living environment for all of our clients. I love drawing their DreamHomes!

Q: Favorite part about your job:

A: Brainstorming design ideas and providing solutions to make every homeowner’s dream come true is very fulfilling at the end of the day.

Q: Most memorable moment in TOA career:

A: The opportunity to work on our newest, much-awaited community at Cranberry. Looking forward to seeing the grand opening of these model homes.

Q: Best advice you have ever received:

A: “Be the best you can be.”

Q: If you were a superhero, who would you be, and why:

A: I would love to have teleporting abilities to visit my family in India and to travel all over the world and explore countries and cultures every weekend.

Q: First job ever:

A: Interned at an Architect’s office to work on presentation drawings. For me, the doors had just opened into the magical world of computers, internet and 3-dimensional design.

Q: Favorite TV show growing up:

A: Friends

Q: Where would we find you after hours:

A: Cooking, gardening or chilling on my patio swing with my family.

Q: Word that best describes you:

A: Compassionate

Q: Most surprising fact:

A: Technology is not my forte.

Q: If your life had a movie title, what would it be:

A: Live, Laugh, Love and Smile!

Q: If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1:

A: Encourage everyone to adopt a simpler, smarter and sustainable way of life. A world we can proudly hand down to the next generation just as we received it.

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three items, what would they be:

A: Book, coffee and a comfortable chair.

Q: If you could meet any historical person, who would it be and why:

A: My grandfathers. Never saw them but heard so much about, would have loved the opportunity to have long conversations with them.

September 25, 2018
Announcing Our Return to the Lehigh Valley with Traditions of America at Green Pond!

It’s finally here – the moment you have all been waiting for! We are very excited to announce that we are returning to the Lehigh Valley with our brand new active adult community, Traditions of America at Green Pond in Bethlehem, PA! After our long-awaited return, final approval of the community has been granted and we are eager to bring the Live Better lifestyle back to this highly sought-after area for those 55+ or better.

Set adjacent to pristine wetlands and a vibrant population of wildlife, this Bethlehem, PA community provides a unique opportunity and location amongst the natural beauty for which the Lehigh Valley is so well-known. Located just north of Green Pond Country Club, residents will have easy access to the area’s most scenic public golf course, as well as other courses nearby.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Lehigh Valley holds some of the top historic attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping that Pennsylvania has to offer! The best part is, it can all be yours just minutes from your new Traditions of America home at Green Pond. Spend your days exploring the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail or immerse yourself in history and culture at some of the many art galleries and museums throughout the area. When you’re hungry after a long day of exploring and shopping to your heart’s desire, there is a long list of award-winning cuisine options just waiting to impress your palate.

Breaking ground this winter, and delivering homes in 2019, our Traditions of America at Green Pond community will be no exception when it comes to the amenities, events, and close-knit community that our residents know and love. Centered around a 5-star clubhouse, residents will enjoy a heated swimming pool, pickleball court, bocce ball court, walking trails, and so much more! Start envisioning your DreamHome at Traditions of America at Green Pond and join our VIP list to be among the first to receive updates on this exciting new active adult community!

September 7, 2018
Meet the Team Behind the Dream: Summer Seat Community Manager Dan DeStefano

Another sneak peek into the Team Behind the Dream…we are pleased to introduce you to Dan DeStefano, Community Manager at Summer Seat, who strives to deliver DreamHomes to homeowners day in and day out. Recently, we talked with Dan about the work that he does, his day to day here at Summer Seat, and some fun facts about him!

Q: What does a typical day at Traditions of America at Summer Seat, active adult community, look like for you?

A: A typical day starts on site at 6:00 am. First, I drive through the community to check the entire site. Then, I make my way through each home to ensure all the scheduled vendors are working and answer any questions they may have. On any given day, I will have multiple scheduled and unscheduled appointments to attend. Another important part of my job is making sure the community appearance is up to our standards and that our homeowner’s needs are met for the day. At the end of every day, I ensure all the homes are closed up and in good order.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I love being able to help the customer through the building process. It is so rewarding to deliver our customers a home that has been carefully built from top to bottom and which has their personal touches and design input throughout…..and then to see how happy they are. That makes my day!

Q: What is your most memorable career moment at TOA?

A: Closing over 50 homes in the second half of the year at nearby Sewickley Ridge, our second community in the Pittsburgh area, a few years ago.

Dan, at far right, speaking to customers about the building process

Q: What is your career theme song?

A: “Takin’ Care of Business”

Q: Best advice ever received?

A: “It’s only a mistake if you don’t learn from it”

Q: If you were a superhero, who would you be?

A: Superman – he is able to help people whenever needed but otherwise appears to be a normal person.

Q: Where would we find you after hours?

A: I am usually at one of my children’s sporting events, regardless of time of year.

Q: If your life had a movie title, what would it be?

Dan raising the flag at Summer Seat

A: “Lucky 7” (for my seven children)

Q: Word that best describes you?

A: Driven

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have three items, what would they be?

A: A multi-tool, a fire starting mechanism that doesn’t require a fuel source, and a water filtration system.

Q: If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?

A: George Washington – not only was he a proven leader as a General and as the first President, he was also one of the most innovative farmers of his time. His ingenuity and problem-solving skills fascinate me.

Q: If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1?

A: I would ensure everyone has food and water – with the resources the world has no one should ever be starving.

August 29, 2018
Lititz Residents Taking the Live Better Lifestyle to the Next LEVEL: Travel, Travel & MORE Travel!

Among the many benefits of living in a Traditions of America 55+ community is the low-maintenance aspect of the homes which truly allows residents to Live Better. Case in point: the Lititz community has planned countless trips to exciting destinations both near Lititz, PA and far, with every destination more exotic than the next! With the ability to simply “Lock and Leave” their homes, knowing the yard work will be taken care of, many residents are signing up for these incredible and enriching experiences.

First up: an exotic cruise to Greece and Italy! Over 80 residents are getting ready for this amazing 10-day trip in September 2018. Cruising on the high seas, not your speed? In December 2018, a group of Lititz homeowners will be traveling to NYC to see The Rockettes, just in time for the holidays! Next June, an eager group of residence will travel to the remote 1000 Islands and Alexandria Bay area of upstate New York. And, in August 2019, there is an Alaska Land & Sea Adventure on the books. Thirty people have already signed up for this spectacular trip! Other journeys on the books and generating lots of interest: New Orleans, Peru and Inca Discovery/Machu Picchu, a Grand Canyon Adventure, a South Dakota excursion to the Black Hills and Badlands, and exploring San Antonio, Texas.

The latest and greatest trip just announced will explore the French Riviera! The 9-day trip (slated for November 2019) begins in Nice, France, the fourth largest city in France and a popular vacation destination. Nice is well-known for exquisite views along the Promenade des Anglais, its renowned waterfront area. Highlights of the trip include 7 nights in a centrally located choice Nice, France hotel. While in Nice, residents will experience Nice first-hand, starting with a tour of Nice, the Chagall Museum, the Nice Flower Market, and Notre Dame Cathedral. A side-trip to the quaint seaside town of Ventimiglia and well-known San Remo, Italy is on the itinerary, as well as excursions to Monte Carlo, Cannes and St. Tropez!

Living in a maintenance-free home, without the obligation of shoveling and lawn mowing, opens up so many new opportunities. Traditions of America at Lititz homeowners have embraced this new-found freedom to the fullest! We can’t wait to see photos from their travels and hear stories of the highlights!

August 17, 2018
Meet the Team Behind the Dream: Traditions Realty’s Bonnie Feldman

Another post in our series showcasing Traditions of America team members in action, today we feature Bonnie Feldman in her role as Resale Manager for Traditions Realty (the home resale division of Traditions of America). Bonnie, a licensed Pennsylvania Realtor, is also an Accredited Staging Professional and she knows what it takes to position a home in the best light to sell quickly. Many of our homeowners have a home to sell before they buy a new home with Traditions of America and Bonnie’s expertise is second to none. With our innovative Buying Made Easy programs, last year Bonnie helped over 250 people sell their existing home and Live Better at a Traditions of America community!

Q: Describe your typical day at TOA?

A: I manage the home sales for Traditions Realty customers, which means I am in constant contact with relocation agents, as well as future homeowners, to ensure the process of selling their current home is easy and stress-free. I am always a “phone call away”, and spend most of my day calling and emailing Traditions Realty customers to help them with their home sale.

Q: Favorite part about your job?

A: I truly love speaking to our customers. It is beyond rewarding to know I have assisted someone in beginning this new, exciting chapter in their life. I try to help the customers in any way I can and often spend hours on the phone each day providing support.

Q: Most memorable moment in TOA career?

A: The most memorable moments have to be the Grand Openings – whether for a community, model home, or a clubhouse – I am always in the thick of the excitement and eager to help in any way I can! It is inspiring to see the entire Traditions of America team come together to collectively orchestrate a spectacular event. It’s also great to have everyone in the same place, as I get a chance to interact with all my fellow co-workers, who work both near and far.

Q: Career theme song?

Pictured above: Bonnie Feldman, Traditions Realty’s Resale Manager

A: “What a Wonderful World” – Louie Armstrong

Q: Best advice you have ever received?

A: Do what you love – which for me is this job!

Q: First job ever?

A: I worked at a pizza parlor in New Jersey. To this day, I have yet to have better pizza than the pizza at that shop in Jersey!

Q: Favorite TV show growing up?

A: The Brady Bunch.

Q: Where would we find you after hours?

A: Hanging out with my two daughters and husband, reading, or cooking a yummy dinner for my family!

Q: Word that best describes you?

A: Optimistic.

Q: If your life had a movie title, what would it be?

A: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.

Q: If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1?

A: I would work towards a world where everyone is kinder and more respectful.

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three items, what would they be?

A: Pinot Grigio, pretzels, lipstick.

Q: If you could meet any historical person, who would it be and why?

A: My great grandmother, who at the age of 16 traveled by herself from Ireland to the United States to start a new life!

Now, that’s inspiring!

July 23, 2018