Traditions of America

Tag: active adult living

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
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.

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!

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.

Just 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!

December 1, 2017
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:

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:

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:

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.

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

November 14, 2017
What Active Adults Want in their New Homes

Active adult communities offer today’s Baby Boomers many benefits: access to a variety of social and recreational activities, great locations, and freedom from mundane home maintenance chores. As this group of homeowners changes over the years, many communities continue to evolve to meet the constantly changing needs and desires of today’s mature homebuyers.

Transitioning from a principal career and raising children to this new phase is an exciting experience. This is also the perfect moment to look for a new home that is a better fit for this new lifestyle.

Here are a few features many active adults want in their next homes:

Close to Family

Today’s homebuyers have a choice of where they want to spend this new stage in life. Many prefer to stay close to family, especially grandchildren, so they’re able to nurture relationships. They also prefer to stay in their locale instead of rebuilding an entirely new network of friends in a different state.

Affordable Cost of Living and Access to Healthcare

While living near family is tops on the list, they also weigh other important factors like cost-of-living and access to their preferred healthcare programs.

Open Floor Plans with Outdoor Living Spaces

Not everyone is looking to significantly downsize their home. What they desire is a more efficient floor plan. Open floor plans offer homeowners the spaciousness they desire without the extra space. It also allows them to easily entertain family and friends.

They also want homes with outdoor living spaces, whether it’s an open deck or patio or a small private yard, that serve as an extension of the indoor living areas.

Access to Outdoor and Community Amenities

Unlike previous generations, today’s super-active adults seek access to leisure activities like tennis, swimming, golf and fitness centers, in addition to being connected to the community at large. They want to be close to shopping, dining, and other cultural activities, as well as other community services like libraries, parks or open spaces, and community centers.

Today’s generation of retirees are unique in this exciting phase. They’re starting new careers, going back to school, exploring new interests and even starting new families of their own. This dynamic group of mature homebuyers deserve to live better and we’re ready to provide exactly what they desire.

November 3, 2017
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

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.

October 26, 2017
Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Allentown & Harrisburg Ranked Among the Best Places to Retire

When you think of places to retire, what locations pop into your mind? If you said Florida, you’re among many Americans who feel the same. But, you don’t have to move to Florida to live better in retirement! In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, five Pennsylvania cities ranked exceptionally high among the best places to retire in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report released its latest ranking of the top places to retire in 2018 and Lancaster ranked an impressive second in the nation, Pittsburgh ranked 8th, Philadelphia ranked 19th, Allentown was 25th, and Harrisburg ranked 38th. Rankings were based on index scores for overall happiness of residents, housing affordability, desirability, retiree taxes, the job market, and health care quality.

Lancaster County ranked highly for housing affordability and health care quality. U.S. News noted that it “offers a balance between natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate.” Our Lititz community is centrally located in Lancaster County and offers residents easy access to a variety of shopping, dining and cultural options in downtown Lititz and beyond.

Similarly, Pittsburgh was lauded for offering retirees a better value. Pittsburgh has become a hub for technology and education with ample green space and cultural sites. Residents also have a strong sense of community and independence. We have two 55+ communities in the Pittsburgh area: Summer Seat and Pinnacle at Adams, where retirees are raving about the live better lifestyle.

With Philadelphia ranked 19th and Allentown at 25th, our community at Saucon Valley has the best of both worlds: close proximity to Philadelphia with its eclectic mix of history, sophistication and charm, yet nestled within the Lehigh Valley, with the Blue Mountain range to the north and South Mountain to the southwest. Allentown’s convenient location, commitment to healthy living and celebration of the arts make it a great place for active folks to settle down.

Harrisburg earned its spot on the strength of the variety of outdoor activities, thanks to its proximity to many recreation amenities like the trails along the Susquehanna River and Riverfront Park, the Appalachian Trail, and more. Harrisburg is a metropolitan area with a small-town feel. Our Silver Spring community, in Mechanicsburg, is in Harrisburg’s backyard.

Thousands of homeowners call one of our many Traditions of America communities home. We strive to provide a world of opportunities for enjoying the lifestyle and home of your dreams and for living better. We invite you to discover all that we offer at TraditionsofAmerica.com.

October 16, 2017
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.
July 10, 2017
Loving Lititz – Community Update

“I can’t wait to start cooking in my kitchen – I love the design of the big cabinets and the convenience of having the refrigerator, stove and microwave at my fingertips. My new kitchen is a dream come true!”
Janet Grosh – New Homeowner

There are many exciting things happening at Traditions of America at Lititz as more homeowners move in every week. Janet and her husband Bill are two of the newest homeowners who recently moved into their new Hancock Single Family home.

They are leaving behind a larger home with a significant amount of upkeep and are looking forward to the low-maintenance lifestyle Traditions of America at Lititz provides. Janet and Bill look forward to spending more time relaxing at their Sea Isle City condo. They love the convenient location of their new home, as well as the access they will have to many resort-style community amenities.

Construction is underway on the luxurious Clubhouse, complete with Fitness Center, heated Pool and Sports Bar, with the Grand Opening slated to occur later this year. A variety of Garden and Single Family homes are offered, there has never been a better time to experience Living Better with Traditions of America at Lititz.

Visit our website to learn more about the Lititz Lifestyle today!

By Traditions of America Marketing Team

September 21, 2015