"I believe our management team, each one of our employees and our residents have achieved that goal together. We look forward to another successful five years.”
Maggie Dominici,
Director of Resident Life
NEWS
Saluting our Veterans!
Nov. 16, 2011, Bethlehem, PA - An overwhelming response of community veterans attended a recognition breakfast on Friday, November 11, at the Traditions of Hanover Retirement Community in Bethlehem. U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent, 15th District, addressed over 80 former members of the military recognizing them for their service to their country. State Representative of Northampton County Marcia Hahn delivered proclamations to each veteran and personally thanked them for their valor, commitment and contribution to maintaining freedom. “I was surprised to see so many veterans attend,” said Traditions of Hanover resident William Thierselder. “At this age, you don’t expect a lot of people.”
Veterans were complimentary attendees, but guests were asked to make a $5 contribution that was donated to the Keystone Wounded Warrior Project, a national project that raises awareness and helps wounded warriors become integrated back into society.
“We raised $265 in contributions,” said Jennifer Murphy, director of Marketing at Traditions of Hanover. “Once people found out that the money was being donated to the Keystone Wounded Warrior Project, they put extra money in.”
The breakfast event also included a presentation by Lieutenant Colonel Linda Ettl who just returned home on October 6 from a year-long tour in Iraq. Lt Col Ettl, a 32-year veteran herself, shared with the audience some of the changes in military protocol. Like those veterans in the audience, and at one point in her career as well, servicemen might find themselves on the battlefield with the squad they were trained and deployed with. Now it is commonplace to be in the Army, have a Marine to your left and an Airman to your right. She spoke about being one family, one team, working towards a common mission. She commented that although she is fiercely proud to be in the Army, nothing compares to being a veteran.
Wendall Phillips, a veteran and Traditions of Hanover resident, gave the benediction and played a recorded version of Taps during the ceremony. “I enjoyed the expressions of some of the veteran’s faces when I gave the military commands for the pledge of allegiance,” he said. “I also surprised some of them by playing
Taps.”
In addition, resident John Bauer performed a musical medley recognizing all of the different military branches. Resident June Collins commented that his performance was very patriotic and professional.
As quoted on the Wounded Warrior Project web home page, “The greatest casualty is being forgotten.” This annual event brought the community together to remember and recognize the past service of our men and women who served in the military. Resident Jim Mills summed it up by saying, “It was nice and well done.”
See our coverage by 69 News WFMZ-TV!
Traditions of Hanover Marks It's 5th Anniversary!
May 7, 2010 - Traditions of Hanover marked its fifth anniversary on Friday, May 7, with a ceremony honoring the members of the "Founders Club" and their contribution to the retirement community.
When Traditions of Hanover opened on May 13, 2005, the Founders Club had 14 members, individuals who had agreed prior to the community’s completion to become its first residents. Marvin Ripple, Madelynne Rohal, Emma Schwind and Margaret Slater were honored at the anniversary dinner. Mrs. Schwind and her husband Walter, were a few of those founders to first live in the community.
Also honored were the five employees who have worked at Traditions of Hanover since it first opened. They are:
- Gretchen Vakiener, the retirement community’s first Executive Director who is now an executive with Heritage Senior Living, Traditions of Hanover’s management company.
- Maggie Dominici, the Director of Resident Life.
- Kuno Stadelmann, who began as an assistant chef and is now the Food Service Director.
- Pattie Latsch, who began as a Community Service employee and is now the Supervisor of the Community Services Team.
- Mary Roberts, Pattie Latsch’s mother, who began in Community Service and now provides transportation for the residents.
Traditions of Hanover's Resident Kazoo Band and The Marlene Gilley Trio provided lively entertainment for guests, residents and staff.
When Traditions of Hanover first opened its doors, its goal was a lofty one, according to Maggie Dominici, the Director of Resident Life. "We wanted to provide an unparalleled level of service", she said. "I believe our management team, each one of our employees and our residents have achieved that goal together. We look forward to another successful five years.”
Traditions of Hanover Residents keep active!
Apr 13, 2010 – TurneRound Fitness, LLC (TRF) Senior Wellness Program at the Traditions of Hanover began on Saturday April 17, 2010. Through the discipline of diet and exercise, the Senior Wellness program was designed to improve the overall health of the residents. With this program TRF, is providing the residents with a resource that will ultimately enhance their fitness levels, encourage positive lifestyle changes and reduce cardiovascular risks.
TRF's ultimate goal is to provide opportunities for seniors to become more physically active, to learn about healthy eating and living, and develop skills to maintain their independence. "I am truly excited to be working with the residents of Traditions of Hanover and strongly believe it is essential to educate, demonstrate, and provide a means for seniors to learn how to live healthy and take control of managing their own health", says Pamela Turner Certified Fitness Trainer and Owner.
This program is a resource for activities, educational and social programs, free health screenings and lectures, support groups and more. We are looking forward to helping the Traditions of Hanover Retirement Community create healthy lifestyle habits for life.
- Author: TRF Press Team