Category: Community News

  • Traditions of America at Saucon Valley Residents Really Do Live Better!

    Traditions of America at Saucon Valley Residents Really Do Live Better!

    A quick glimpse at the monthly newsletter written by the Saucon Valley residents speaks volumes. In just one short month, their community calendar is chockful of social gatherings, community service endeavors, intellectual pursuits and the formation of new committees and groups.

    Ugly Christmas Sweater The calendars for December and January leave little down time! “First Fridays” feature a once a month “sandwich happy hour” at the Clubhouse. In December, the First Friday will comprise a Clubhouse decorating party to kick off the holiday season. Mid-December features the residents’ annual Holiday party. This year’s theme is the “Ugly Sweater” party where there is sure to be an amusing display of tacky woolen heirlooms to make for some hilarious photo opportunities. For the competitive party-goer, a prize will be awarded for the ugliest sweater. Plus, prior to the party, the residents have planned their second annual cookie exchange!

    Lights in a Bag Also planned for December is the first annual Luminaria Night, an enchanting evening when neighbors will come together to line the streets with luminaria – white bags with votive candles glowing softly inside and sing carols. For the Saucon Valley residents, the lights lining the streets are a symbol of unity and caring for those less fortunate. The proceeds from the sale of the luminaria will be donated to New Bethany Ministries, a local organization that provides shelters and permanent housing for homeless families, along with daily meals.

    Tomato SoupJust in time for the colder weather, January features the second annual Soup Cookoff, followed by the Super Bowl party in early February. And, it seems as though it’s never too early to think about spring! The new “Down to Earth Garden Club” has scheduled its first meeting for early March! The club will maintain a list of garden equipment which residents can borrow from one another, and they are planning field trips and speakers to nurture that green thumb.

    If a monthly book club isn’t enough, the residents have also organized a “Write Your Memoir” writing class with the help of a writing coach and facilitator from Northampton Community College. According to the group’s organizers: “by seeing your life through the lens of story, you can make sense of mysterious parts of yourself, learn how one thing led to another, and exercise your verbal mind with the invigorating practice of story writing.” In addition, story-writing builds community and connects neighbors in new and unique ways. We are proud that Saucon Valley has undertaken such enriching, rewarding and FUN activities!

  • Honoring our Veterans: One Community at a Time

    Honoring our Veterans: One Community at a Time

    On Saturday, November 11, Traditions of America communities across Pennsylvania honored Veterans in moving ceremonies with the raising of flags that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol and provided by Senator Bob Casey. In addition, each community undertook the commemoration in their own unique and personal style.

    At Lititz, nearly 150 people turned out to pay their respects. The day began at the flagpole with the ceremonial raising of a new flag, and retiring the old. Befitting of the tradition, the venerable Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard performed the flag raising and lowering ceremony. The Honor Guard performed a three-round volley – where each member of the 7-member Guard fired a volley of three shots in succession. The flag ceremony was followed by a solemn rendition of Taps. The “Silver Singers” – Lititz’ own singing group – sang patriotic numbers and the “Sew What’s” group presented a commemorative quilt to the Veterans of the community.

    Here are some fantastic photos shared by Becky Wise, the Lititz Lifestyle Concierge, that captured the day:

    Military people standing in front of the clubhouse

    Choir singing inside the Traditions of America community clubhouse
    People standing around outside in a traditions of America community

    At Summer Seat, the Lifestyle Concierge, Gayle Mayes, engaged the community in a guessing game of sorts! She printed photos of each of the resident Veterans from their days in the service, but purposely omitted their names. During the “Meet & Greet” after the flag raising ceremony, she challenged all in attendance to guess who the veterans were in their service-time photos. It was a fun and engaging day for all!

    Here are some photos of our revered Veterans in the Welcome Center and their certificates:

    six men standing inside the traditions of America community clubhouse Laptop with info flyers from Traditions of America

    At Saucon Valley, it was a day filled with speeches and stories by the resident Veterans offering the community a special glimpse into the past. It was a wonderful way for neighbors and friends to connect and share their lives. Judy Parrey, Saucon Valley’s Lifestyle Concierge, who helped organize the event, shared some photos from the day, including a photo collage of the Veterans:

    Photo board of veterans  people standing outside while raising the flag People standing outside while raising the flag

    And, at Silver Spring a festive ceremony was shared by many family and friends. Jon Evans, the Lifestyle Concierge at Silver Spring, helped arrange the JROTC Color Guard from Cumberland Valley High School to post and retire the colors. Diane Wilburger, a Silver Spring resident, was on hand for patriotic piano playing, while Joan Brodisch, another Silver Spring resident, introduced the Keynote Speaker of the Day: Kathleen Gainey, LTG, Retired.

    People standing outside while raising the flag

    All across Pennsylvania, the skies were sparkling blue, making the perfect backdrop to honor our extra-special Veterans and the red, white and blue!

  • Live Better at Lititz: Here’s What’s Happening!

    Live Better at Lititz: Here’s What’s Happening!

    At Traditions of America, we believe that buying a home is more than just “the bricks and sticks.” It’s about community and a sense of belonging. When you buy a new home at one of our active adult communities, you won’t only get a home you’ve dreamed of, but you’ll also step into a community of like-minded folks who value a fun, active lifestyle. You’re encouraged to explore new passions, expand your interests, and feel like you belong to something much larger.

    There’s never a shortage of enjoyable activities to participate in at Traditions of America. Our Lifestyle Concierges are available to help homeowners plan activities they enjoy the most; from happy hours to seasonal parties, fitness classes to wine tastings, excursions and more, there’s always something to do. Here is a sneak peek at some activities planned by the Lititz residents and Becky Wise, the popular Lititz Lifestyle Concierge:

    Wine & Design with Yvonne Staskel of Decorating Den Interiors

    Yvonne will present The Best Kept Decorating Secrets. This seminar will answer common design questions and more as the presentation reveals how to integrate the “secrets” in your home.

    CASA

    CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Lancaster is a small, local nonprofit that trains citizen-volunteers to advocate for the abused and neglected children within Lancaster County’s foster care system. The goal of our CASAs is to act as the eyes and ears of the judges, as they meet with the child they are serving, get to know them, observe their environments, so that the CASAs can report their findings back to the court system.

    What You Need to Know About Auto and Homeowners Insurance

    In this Insurance 101 class, Lori Zoll and Anthony Richardson of the Douple Insurance Agency will discuss some of the commonly overlooked coverage for most personal policies, and, will offer recommendations for coverage in Lancaster county. They will also cover basic terminology and coverage definitions as well as how and when to file a claim, and, much more.

    FIVE Ingredient Meals!

    These five-ingredient recipes will help you get dinner on the table in no time. And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients on hand. 5-ingredient dinner recipes will help you realize that quick and easy meals can also mean innovative and delicious. With the addition of a few extra ingredients to regular pantry staples, you have what it takes for a tasty quick dinner.

    Lancaster Archery Academy Discovery Class

    Have you always wanted to try your hand at archery or pick it up again after an absence? You will enjoy the opportunity to try the sport of archery using exciting games and activities that will have you aiming at and hitting the target in no time. Lancaster Archery Academy instructors will be on hand to provide a safe and fun instructional afternoon in their indoor, temperature controlled range.

    Veterans Day Salute

    Please join together as a community to salute our veterans. Our program will begin at the flagpole with a ceremony retiring our existing flag and raising a new flag. The Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard will perform the flag raising/lowering ceremony and will follow it with a three-round volley and the rendering of Taps. We’ll then gather in the clubhouse where the Silver Singers will perform patriotic numbers. In addition, the Sew What’s + group will present a commemorative quilt to the veterans of the community.

    Congrats to the BIG WINNERS from October’s BINGO night

    People standing around in the traditions of America clubhouse

    Are you ready to live better in a Traditions of America community? We offer an unmatched resort lifestyle with beautiful homes across Pennsylvania. Visit us online at TraditionsofAmerica.com to view our communities, floor plans, and Express Homes or call 1-855-TOA-HOME.

  • Rock on! Celebrating Lititz’ Role in Rock ‘n’ Roll

    Rock on! Celebrating Lititz’ Role in Rock ‘n’ Roll

    Lititz rock concert

    How could Lititz, America’s “Coolest small town,” get any cooler? By adding a new chapter to its storied rock n roll history!

    Lititz recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Hotel at Rock Lititz, a five-story, 139-room hotel that will cater to touring major entertainers and their production crews who are using the Rock Lititz Studio rehearsal space. The new hotel and restaurant is scheduled to open in Fall 2018.

    The new Hotel at Rock Lititz is another link in the city’s storied connection to the touring entertainment industry.

    Not a lot of people outside the county know about Lititz’ deep connection to rock ‘n roll. Our small town supports some of largest touring acts in the world!

    Lititz is known as the epicenter of concert production technology, thanks to the pioneering work in sound amplification by Roy and Gene Clair, stage construction innovators Tait Towers (who has created the stages for industry heavyweights like Bruno Mars, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Taylor Swift and many more), and scene designers Atomic Design. Every aspect of major concert tours – sound systems, stages, set design, lights and visual effects – are centered right here in Lititz!

    Traditions of America’s active adult communities are located within highly desirable (and exciting) locations across Pennsylvania. Each location offers a wealth of shopping, culture and entertainment right in your backyard. For more information on Traditions of America’s active lifestyle communities, we invite you to visit us online at TraditionsofAmerica.com.

  • Charting a Course at Pinnacle at Adams

    Charting a Course at Pinnacle at Adams

    On June 24th we opened our newest community – PINNACLE at Adams. PINNACLE is the 20th active adult community opening for Traditions of America. Yet, all of us at Traditions were full of jitters. This was something totally new for us.

    Over the past 20 years, Traditions of America has enjoyed a remarkable record of successful communities, primarily centered around a few key features. For starters, most of our communities were large – on average 200 to 300 homes. This scale allowed us to develop resort-quality amenities, including premium Clubhouses, swimming pools – outdoor and indoor – racquet sports and walking trails. We staffed the active adult communities with a Lifestyle Concierge and the communities were vibrant, diverse and bursting with social opportunities.

    While thousands of people bought homes from us, many did not. They were looking for something different. Here is what they told us:

    1. They still wanted a large lot that provided beautiful surroundings and privacy; they just did not want to do the mowing
    2. They were not downsizing; their ideal home would be spacious and fully customized – indoor and out
    3. They wanted the flexibility of expanding their home’s footprint, including 3 car garages – attached and detached
    4. They would forego community amenities for custom backyard pools, spas, expansive patio dining and fire pits, and in-home fitness rooms
    5. They valued neighborhood, but preferred a smaller, more exclusive setting.
    6. Most interestingly, they all aspired to live surrounded by natural beauty.

    With this feedback in mind, the Traditions of America team, along with our planners, architects and designers went to work. We envisioned an entirely new product brand that would help us better serve America’s largest consumer group with wide-ranging tastes.

    Of course, this was a worthless black hole project unless we found a unique piece of property. Two years later, we were presented the Adams parcel. This 90-acre site is situated in a rural setting, but not too far from the suburban convenience of Cranberry and the culture of downtown Pittsburgh. I will never forget my first walk across this land. Climbing the gradual rise to the summit, through a thick, wooded area, as wild turkeys and their chicks watched our slow progress. Cresting at a clearing atop the hill, we enjoyed the view of rolling green hills in all directions. Across the field we spied a wide trail leading down into a forest of fir trees. Following the pine needle path, we came to a tranquil pond nestled between the hills. On our long walk back, we traversed old rail trails, meadows and more wooded areas. We realized that, with careful planning, these natural areas could be preserved. The Adams parcel was an absolute gem. Adams would be the place to introduce PINNACLE by Traditions of America.

    As I write this note, PINNACLE is already half sold out! Our home sites include private lots up to 1.5 acres. Our land plan has preserved 34 acres in its natural state to be enjoyed for generations to come. If you haven’t already, come take a walk in the woods someday soon.

  • A Reason to Celebrate: Summer Seat’s Grand Opening

    A Reason to Celebrate: Summer Seat’s Grand Opening

    People walking out of a Traditions of America open houseIn true April Fools’ Day fashion, Pittsburgh delivered a winter-like day with temperatures in the low 40s and gray, wet skies. It was a day for winter coats, muck boots, wool hats and warm gloves.

    But, that didn’t deter over 200 enthusiastic folks from coming out to Traditions of America at Summer Seat’s Model Home Grand Opening! Located in the bucolic North Hills of Pittsburgh, Traditions of America’s newest 55+ resort-style, active adult community unveiled six stunning model homes, along with its signature Welcome Center and Design Studio.

    The popularity of Traditions of America at Summer Seat has been overwhelming, with Phase 1 selling out in record time. Along with the Model Home Grand Opening, Summer Seat’s newest phase of homesites was offered for the first time!

    Visitors were treated to great food, music from a DJ, and over 500 cups of coffee, hot chocolate and tea, while they toured the model homes, met with homeowners, and climbed into gators and golf carts warmed up and at-the-ready for site tours. With clipboards, highlighters and maps in hand, 15 new homeowners selected their homesite and will soon call Traditions of America at Summer Seat home! Add that to the more than 40 who have already chosen to take advantage of the Live Better lifestyle of Traditions of America at Summer Seat and it is well on its way to becoming the most exciting 55+ lifestyle community in the North Hills!

    By all accounts, the crowning jewel of the day was the reaction of visitors to the spectacular Model Home designs. From the deep greens and pastels of the Jefferson model to the nature-inspired warm tones of the Betsy Ross home, guests were wowed by the award-winning layouts and the array of finishes and colors so artfully displayed in the six Model Homes. People standing around the kitchen in a Traditions of America open houseIn the refined, rustic look of the Washington, with its neutral colors, rich textured fabrics and dark metals, it was easy for visitors to imagine themselves Living Better!

    In each Model Home, visitors also had the opportunity to talk to “Ambassadors” – current homeowners at Summer Seat, and nearby Sewickley Ridge, another popular – and recently sold out – Traditions of America community. Patty Ann McLaughlin, a New Home Counselor at Summer Seat, remarked that guests especially enjoyed meeting and talking with the Ambassadors because they have hands-on experience with Traditions of America’s building process, People measuring things in the kitchen of a Traditions of America open housethe one-on-one design experience and they love sharing the countless benefits and highlights of a Traditions of America 55+ active lifestyle community. The Traditions of America New Home Counselors and Designers, along with a dedicated team of management and staff, all played a role in making the day a huge success!

    Visit the website to discover more of the exciting happenings and how you can Live Better at Summer Seat!

    by Betsy McCarthy, Traditions of America Marketing

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month Spotlight

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month Spotlight

    The Traditions of America Trekkers continue to measure their steps to help raise awareness, logging more than 9,963.6 miles.

    According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.  The Foundation also reports that for many who are diagnosed with breast cancer the prognosis continues to improve due to early detection and regular screenings.

    Here is another story of a Traditions of America homeowner and survivor. Homeowner Jeannette shares:

    “On October 4th I celebrated my 25th anniversary of being cancer free.  

    I was 42 years old and being treated for an over-active ovary when my doctor suggested that she do a breast exam.  She felt a small lump on my left breast.  My family has a strong tendency to have benign lumps so I was not overly concerned when I went to visit the surgeon. We scheduled the surgery for a Friday so that I could have the weekend to recuperate and return to my job on Monday.  

    I can’t tell you the fear I felt when I received that phone call from my surgeon telling me that I had cancer.  When the pathologist from Harrisburg Hospital sliced the tumor to examine it under the microscope, it exploded, so he was not certain if the tumor was cancerous or not.  My surgeon insisted that the other 3 pathologists at the hospital review my slides and give him their collective opinions.  They decided I had a “component” of cancer.

    Back in 1990 I was one of the first women in the Harrisburg area to have a lumpectomy.  I had 6 months of chemo and 37 radiation treatments given at the same time.  Today, chemo and radiations are done consecutively, not at the same time.

    I continue to remain diligent with my breast exams and yearly check-ups with my doctor. I am thankful that I am a survivor.”

    Be sure to check back regularly to learn about the progress of our Trekkers and learn more stories about our homeowners.

  • Trekking for a Cure and Thinking Pink

    Trekking for a Cure and Thinking Pink

    Traditions of America has a longstanding history of supporting our community through a variety of charities that are near and dear to the hearts of homeowners and team members alike. In the past we’ve participated in marathons, walkathons, fundraisers and more. This month, 275 homeowners at Traditions of America’s 55+ communities throughout Pennsylvania are coming together and walking to shine a light on breast cancer as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

    These Traditions of America Trekkers are measuring their steps each day using special pink pedometers. Each week we’ll record and share updates on how many steps and miles they have walked as a part of this effort. We will also share stories of those within the Traditions of America family who have been personally impacted by breast cancer.

    Below is the story of cancer survivor (and Silver Spring resident) Kathie.

    “I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in January 2003. I traveled to Johns Hopkins for surgery in March, where I had a lumpectomy. Ten lymph nodes were also removed and a sentinel node biopsy was done. 

    I started the first of eight chemo treatments (one every three weeks) on Memorial Day weekend 2003. By the end of January 2004, I was finished with 30 radiation treatments. But in June and December 2004, mammograms showed “suspicious calcifications” in my left breast again!

    As a result, in March 2005 I had a double mastectomy. I went through months of lymphedema myofascial massage therapy so I could raise my arms again to direct my music.

    In honor of my 60th birthday — and to celebrate my 10th anniversary as a breast cancer survivor — my daughter and I participated in the Susan B. Komen 3-day, 60-mile walk for breast cancer in the Philadelphia area, September 12–14, 2014. I want to thank TOA and my many friends and relatives for their support throughout this journey.”

    We invite you to join us in our efforts to raise awareness by sharing your own stories and celebrations. To do so just become a blog subscriber and share your story using the comment form at the bottom of the blog page. You can also support your local Traditions of America community by cheering on your neighbors and other Traditions Of America homeowners who are taking part in Breast Cancer Awareness activities by visiting Facebook and “Like”ing their activities.

  • Summer Is the Perfect Time to Explore Liberty Hill

    Summer Is the Perfect Time to Explore Liberty Hill

    When you are ready to take the next step to a more rewarding, relaxing lifestyle, Traditions of America at Liberty Hill could be the place for you. This active adult community in State College is low on stress and high on opportunities for careers, culture and fun!

    Life at Liberty Hill is low on maintenance and convenient to many attractions. You can give up tree trimming and snow shoveling and instead:

    • Explore a city ranked by Money Magazine as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
    • Enjoy our resort-style amenities
    • Take advantage of lifelong learning opportunities at nearby State College
    • Hit the Fitness Center or heated outdoor pool
    • Join in on trips and clubs organized by a full-time Lifestyle Director
    • Work on a new business venture
    • Hike beautiful terrain in the Thompson Woods Preserve

    Whatever your passion or whim, you’ll have time to pursue it (and likely make several new friends ready to join in) at this vibrant State College, PA active adult community. See our list of Top 10 Reasons to Live at State College. Watch the video to learn more:

    As one Liberty Hill resident put it, “The beauty of this location and the community are what sold us.” Another resident adds that there is something here for everybody: “Liberty Hill is a great place to live with lots to offer every individual. Our community feels like a small village nestled in a valley but minutes away from new opportunities and adventures.”

    With over 95% of our homes sold and limited inventory remaining, you can Live Better now at Liberty Hill with one of our Featured Express Homes, offering you the chance to move in quickly instead of building from the ground up.  Click here to explore our featured homes. Explore our online – from snapshots from neighborhood events to a video tour of the Clubhouse – and then come explore our community for yourself. Our Welcome Center is open during the summer from 10am-6pm (summer).

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team

  • Welcoming You Home In 2015

    Welcoming You Home In 2015

    It’s hard to believe that 2015 is here. The New Year not only marks a time of reflection of the year gone by, but serves as a time of preparation for the year to come. For Traditions of America, 2014 was filled with many exciting milestones, including the opening of Traditions of America at Saucon Valley and the welcoming of new Homeowners across all of our active adult communities. As we kick off 2015, we look forward to another year of helping our homebuyers Live Better.

    Our team at Traditions of America takes the Live Better philosophy to heart in our personal lives as well. From spending time with the grandkids, to welcoming new family members and giving back to the community, we each experienced a special end to 2014 with the excitement of a new year on the horizon.

    Here’s what some of our team had to say about Living Better in 2014:

    “I enjoyed the end of 2014 playing cars on the floor with my grandson Jeffrey, and dressing baby dolls with my granddaughter, Ava,” said Traditions of Americas Event Coordinator, Barbara Hansel.

    “2014 was a year of firsts. I got married, moved into a new home and got a puppy, Milo.” Traditions of America Brand Manager, Megan Cook said about 2014. “I can relate to all new Traditions of America homeowners, because I look forward to enjoying all the new things in my life and transforming my new house into my home.”

    “I stepped away from 15 rewarding years in wellness, to quickly discover my ‘retirement’ career had a surprising similar byproduct; transformation. I’ve supported people as they move from home selection to settlement and witness them relaxing, playing, laughing, developing profound friendships. It’s rewarding to know that 55+ can be a healthy and happy life experience!” said Nancy Schmitt, Regional Sales Coach. “With my new role in 2015, I am looking forward to supporting each of our sales experts touch more lives in a positive way.”

    “As a family, we enjoyed buying, packing and donating items to homeless at the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia.  The kids are still expressing appreciation for all they have, and thinking how they can share that generosity with others.” said Traditions of America Partner, Nathan Jameson of how he and his family spent the holidays.

    The Traditions of America team has enjoyed a wonderful year of Living Better and look forward to enjoying all the magic to be unveiled during 2015.

    How do you plan on Living Better in 2015? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team