Traditions of America

Category: Community News

Ways to Make the Most Out of Winter at Traditions of America

Just because the pool is closed for the season and a bit of frost covers the tennis courts, doesn’t mean the fun stops at Traditions of America! Our community locations provide residents with easy access to all sorts of activities, entertainment, dining, shopping, and more, plus who can forget the full calendar of community events? Keep on reading to discover some of the area’s best winter happenings at each of our communities, plus how you can enjoy the chilly months right at home.

Traditions of America at Silver Spring:

Located in Mechanicsburg in the Cumberland Valley, Traditions of America at Silver Spring is close to many neighboring towns with exciting year-round events! In February, take a short drive to Carlisle and experience the Ice Art Fest with over 70 ice sculptures, food vendors, an ice bar, and other attractions. This is a great date idea for you and your sweetheart, but also a fun event to bring the grandkids to. For more upcoming events near Silver Spring, visit visitcumberlandvalley.com.

Traditions of America at Lititz:

Once named the coolest small town in America, Lititz has a long list of unique events, restaurants, specialty shops, and historic sites that you can explore year-round. This winter, Traditions of America homeowners can head downtown and enjoy the 14^th Annual Lititz Fire & Ice festival – a perfect way to beat the winter blues. The event boasts ice sculptures, live music performances, pyrotechnic shows, food, and so much more! Visit http://lititzfireandice.com for more details.

Traditions of America at Cranberry & Traditions of America at Summer Seat:

The North Hills of Pittsburgh is an amazing location to live, not only because of the communities and homes offered at Traditions of America, but also because it is just a short drive to downtown Pittsburgh! If you are unfamiliar with Pittsburgh’s festival and event scene, there is never a shortage of ways to stay entertained. Head into the city for an ice hockey game, a performing arts show, the Pittsburgh Brewfest, or even for one of their 5k runs. Want to see all of the events taking place this winter? Check them out here: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals/

Get to know your neighbors at weekly events!

When you purchase a Traditions of America home, you are also joining a community that hosts a full schedule of events just for homeowners. In addition to weekly events like mahjong, happy hour, and yoga, our Lifestyle Directors work hard to schedule other unique events each month. In the winter, homeowners enjoy events such as holiday celebrations, dinner parties, game nights, crafting events, and more!

Enjoy the coziness of your new home!

With everything said and done, your new DreamHome is a surefire way to enjoy every single day at Traditions of America. In the winter, host a fancy holiday dinner party for your neighbors and friends with music, dancing, and delicious food. Every Traditions of America floorplan is perfect for entertaining and designed with an open layout, spacious kitchen, and additional modern living spaces that will impress any guest. Plus, in each new home, there is a gas fireplace for maximum coziness. A fireplace is ideal for creating the ultimate winter ambiance at any gathering, or just a quiet evening curled up in the corner with a good book.

Learn more about all of our active adult community locations and homes by visiting https://traditionsofamerica.com/, or, give us a call to schedule a tour!

February 14, 2019
LOTS to do at Lititz – even in the challenging February weather!
You’d never know it’s been snowy, icy, rainy – you name it – at our Lititz community. When the winter weather makes outdoor activities less than enticing – that’s all the more reason to ramp up the INDOOR activities. And, that is just what Lifestyle Director Rachel Bechard and the residents at Lititz do so well!

The most recent community newsletter is loaded with information and has something for everyone. Check out the array of happenings for February at our popular, fast-selling active adult community in Lititz, PA:
- Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance – this is a favorite and it takes place at the social hub of our community: the Clubhouse
- Silver Singers – rehearsals are gearing up for an upcoming spring/early summer performance
- “Quilt of Valor” Happy Hour – with so many new residents moving into our Lititz community, our veterans or spouses of deceased veterans are invited to sign the valor quilt and enjoy a Happy Hour before it is proudly re-hung in the Clubhouse great room
- Downton Abbey Catch-up – if you’ve never seen Downton Abbey, you’re missing out! The complicated lives of those living in the upper and lower levels of a lavish estate in England in 1912 are broken down and distilled into an addicting drama! In preparation for the highly-anticipated Downton Abbey Movie which is debuting in September of this year, Lititz will be showing 2 episodes of Downton Abbey every Monday night to get interested residents up to speed!
- Film Club – this popular club features stellar movies and lively group discussions with residents from this 55+ active adult community
- Murder Mystery AGAIN – this was such a popular activity that the Lititz residents are rolling it out again and are looking for a few brave actors to partake!
Those are just some highlights! The calendar is also filled with community favorites that are ongoing: bridge, shuffleboard, billiards, ping pong, bingo, walking club, power & stretch, paint & draw, mahjong, Texas hold’em, yoga, coffee & donuts, jam band practice – YOU NAME IT! Lititz has it.

With a full-time Lifestyle Director devoted to offering fun and engaging activities that our residents want to do, folks can’t help but have fun and form new friendships every day! And, don’t worry, in a few more months the pool will re-open!
February 11, 2019
Better, Better, BEST Defines the Latest Betsy Ross Home

It’s hard to improve a floorplan that is wildly popular, time-tested and in a word: great. But, our in-house architects and designers accomplished just that! The latest iteration of the revered Betsy Ross home at Cranberry has been met with rave reviews by all who have toured it. The most noticeable change is in the kitchen. Walls and half-walls were eliminated to create a more open feel with direct views to the dining room and great room. This welcome extra space allows for a 72″ island – the perfect size for a weeknight dinner, Sunday brunch, or entertaining a crowd.

Almost as important as the kitchen, the Master Suite was enhanced, as well, to include two walk-in closets instead of one. The layout of the Master Bath was tweaked to allow for better natural light, and the entry to the Master Suite was reworked to allow for better flow and ease.

To match the new floorplan, the interior design of the Betsy Ross had to be bold and beautiful from the start. And, it achieved just that! The designers crafted the style around the word “honest” – which in “design-speak” describes a space that is not contrived and a space that is allowed to breathe. The result is a home that is happy, clean and comfortable and, most importantly, has that “livable” feel from day one. Pops of color surprise at every turn, from the bright red counter stools at the kitchen island to the warm shade of admiralty blue on the sunroom walls. Feedback from customers who have toured the new Betsy Ross at Cranberry has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic.

A few more photos show the thought and detail that were put into the design of every room – including the Master Bath and the loft.

And, the video tour shows off this home in full splendor – click here to take the tour! As is true for all of our homes, the best way to experience them is IN PERSON. To see the new Betsy Ross, contact the Cranberry community. Or, visit any of our communities to learn more about living better in a Traditions of America community.

February 1, 2019
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
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
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
Stellar Debut for Traditions of America at Cranberry

This past Sunday, Traditions of America hosted the Cranberry Buying Event, and suffice it to say, it was a smashing success! With 40 total reservations for a 102-lot community made in a single hour, it was abundantly clear that the Cranberry development is something special. Traditions of America at Cranberry is truly the best of both worlds – the site is perched atop a crest in a wooded, lush hillside and boasts unobstructed views of the breathtaking scenery below. On the other hand, hop in the car and two minutes down the road is instant access to shopping, dining, and a whole array of entertainment possibilities. Natural serenity paired with the bustling life of a metropolis – what more could you want!

The Buying Event kicked off with a short presentation featuring an awe-inspiring drone video which truly encapsulates the grandeur of the Cranberry site. The panoramic, birds-eye view was a hit with the crowd! However, the only way to really do the site justice is to see it first-hand. For the week leading up to the Buying Event, working around unprecedented rainfall, the Traditions of America staff conducted close to 100 Gator tours of the site. The Gator tours enabled customers to get an up-close look at the entire site – you can only glean so much from looking at a 2-D site plan or squinting up into the distance from the sales trailer below. Not only were the tours informative, but they were quite an adventure, as it was certainly hair-raising to see the massive bulldozers barrel by and to traverse the towering piles of soil that currently occupy the 48-acre parcel.

After showcasing a few more action shots from the Gator tours, including some renderings of Cranberry’s future Clubhouse and amenities, and explaining how Traditions of America will help future homeowners sell their existing home with Traditions Realty, the presentation shifted gears to the moment everyone was waiting for – the lottery drawing for lot selection! As the fish bowl with everyone’s name on folded cards was brought on stage, the anticipation and excitement in the room was palpable. The first lucky couple to be drawn from the bowl received an uproarious applause, as they made their way to the front of the room to place their glimmering golden sticker on the massive site map, claiming their future home site. True pioneers!

Over the next hour, as more names were called and more people selected their lots, the laughter and jubilance in the room continued to build, coming to a crescendo when forty, yes forty, lots were reserved by the end of the hour. Celebratory champagne and hors d’oeuvres were served, and it was truly heartwarming to see our future residents meeting their future neighbors. This successful Buying Event, while it does underscore Cranberry’s desirable location and attest to the hard work of our staff, on a deeper level signals the beginning of life-long friendships among the residents. We cannot wait to watch our pioneers experience the Live Better lifestyle at Traditions of America at Cranberry in the near future – won’t you join us?

June 8, 2018
Traditions of America at Silver Spring Residents Living Better Every Day!

Making the move to a 55+ active adult community is a big decision for most people as they approach their retirement years. There will be more free time, as work commitments change or become less. For some, this is a new-found freedom! And, very exciting.

In a recent Wall Street Journal article, David Ekerdt, professor of sociology and gerontology at the University of Kansas, suggests “…Let retirement be retirement. Studies of people who pass from work to retirement consistently find that they prize sovereignty over time—freedom—as the great gift of their new stage of life.”

Residents at Silver Spring say “Bring it on!” Jon Evans, Lifestyle Director at Silver Spring, publishes a weekly newsletter of “goings on” in the community. A quick glance at the latest edition – which was a whopping 11 pages long – confirms that Silver Spring residents are taking advantage of their “freedom” in diverse and rewarding ways.

The Spring 2018 Golf Tournament is front and center on the agenda, along with the start-up of the spring Bocce league. The Men’s breakfast club is in full swing and the Ladies Lunch date for May has been set at the popular Thea restaurant in Mechanicsburg.

Early May is synonymous with some time-honored celebrations…and Silver Spring knows how to roll out a party. First up is the Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour with games, prizes, a BYOB and BYO special dish to share. On its heels is the crowd-favorite Kentucky Derby party! This year, residents have planned a BYO Bourbon for mint juleps. And, of course, there will be games, trivia, a hat contest, and derby food – as The Run for the Roses gets underway.

Book Club devotees are busy with new assignments. There are pottery class signups, interior decorating seminars to attend, and a class on smartphone photography has been brought back a second time due to popular demand! The “Brew Crew” has trips planned to the Harrisburg Senators Baseball game and Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works. The Kayak Club has several trips on the books with Susquehanna Outfitters. The next trip features an evening float to take in the beautiful central Pennsylvania sunsets from the water. As the weather warms up, so does the activity in the outdoor pool; water aerobics signups are right around the corner.

For thespian-minded enthusiasts, Silver Spring has its own acting guild – the Silver Spring Players Group. Next month’s production is a play entitled “Love Letters” featuring two of Silver Spring’s own residents: Bob Hervey and Kathy Sundberg.

And, we close this entry with a recent comment on our Facebook page by Kathy Sundberg herself: “Lived here for almost 10 years. Love our house, our neighbors, and the lifestyle. Best move we ever made!” That about sums it up! Discover the Live Better lifestyle at Traditions of America at Silver Spring and all of the Traditions of America communities!

April 30, 2018
Traditions of America at Cranberry – the latest and greatest Community coming to Pittsburgh’s North Hills!

Traditions of America is gearing up for its newest community! We are excited to announce the highly anticipated launch of Traditions of America at Cranberry in Pittsburgh’s bucolic North Hills. This is the first ever 55+ Community in Cranberry Township!

Traditions of America at Cranberry will feature 102 Single Family, low-maintenance homes nestled on 48 acres of serene, rolling countryside. The location is minutes from Cranberry’s first-class shopping, recreation and medical services.

Location, location, location: with interstate highways nearby, and the Pittsburgh International Airport and burgeoning arts, dining and sports scene of downtown Pittsburgh only a short drive away, Traditions of America at Cranberry is perfectly positioned for ease and convenience. Heading in to the city to see the Pirates or Steelers play couldn’t be easier!

Traditions of America at Cranberry will showcase best-in-class architecture and the ability to create your DreamHome with our professional designers and renowned customization program. The 24/7 Clubhouse will feature a brand-new, state of the art design by KTGY Architecture. Among the highlights are a Fitness Center, Exercise Room, Sports Bar & Lounge, Business Center & Café, Seasonal, Heated Pool, and more!

The Clubhouse is the quintessential setting for forging new friendships, exploring new hobbies, getting in shape or hosting a party for friends and family in the catering kitchen. There’s always a reason to come together: book club, Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Kentucky Derby, your favorite community service project, or just a regular Friday night Happy Hour. You decide!

You are sure to Live Better from day one! Traditions of America at Cranberry – our 25th community – and it just might be our best yet!

April 6, 2018
Traditions of America at Summer Seat Residents are Living Better Everyday!

A quick glimpse at the weekly newsletter from our active adult community Summer Seat speaks volumes. With the organizational expertise and creative energy flowing from the desk of Lifestyle Concierge Gayle Mayes, the activity calendar is full to the gills – even in the coldest of winter months and in just SIX short months since the Clubhouse held its Grand Opening last June! Social gatherings, community service endeavors, intellectual pursuits and the continuous formation of new committees and groups are happening every day in the Clubhouse.

Gayle has a unique talent of connecting with homeowners to find out what they are most passionate about and helping them form clubs around those passions. With the arrival of winter weather, indoor games are in higher demand from card games, dominos and board games to billiards and beyond. Recently, Gayle has had several inquiries about starting a knitting group and she has broadened that idea to also include crocheting, needlepoint, cross stitch and any type of textile art! Get out your knitting needles…

Knitting not quite your thing? Is 500 Bid more your speed? Card games are in full swing at the Summer Seat Clubhouse. Gayle is currently sending out feelers to get a Poker game underway, along with Pinochle, Texas Hold’em, and more. Pull up a chair.

Feeling thirsty? Summer Seat’s newest club – “The Grape Nuts” – has you covered. The Grape Nuts meet monthly with a different theme for each meeting. Next up is “West Coast Red Blends” and all attendees are asked to bring a bottle from California or Washington for tasting and discussion. The charter members suggest using the Vivino App for selecting wines. The group would like to keep track of the wines tasted and create a log moving forward for reference. From the log, a book might be in the works for the Clubhouse Library with reviews from members for all to reference.

The diverse calendar also includes Friday night happy hours, interior decorating seminars, Bunco, weight training, a first annual chili cook-off party and contest, yoga, financial and estate planning, a travel club, an upcoming Mardi Gras-themed party, and the list goes on. In the works are a trivia night, Zumba class, Tai Chi, and a monthly book club. If you can dream it, Gayle will help turn your latest, greatest idea into reality. Come visit Traditions of America at Summer Seat and see for yourself how you can Live Better every day.

February 6, 2018