01.17.08
Easy Living; Retirees Choose Community For Services

Courtesy: Patriot News
Author: Monica Von Dobeneck

Carolyn Sandherr cooked every day for many years for her six children and says she doesn't miss it.

She and her husband, Dick, are among the first people to move into Traditions of Hershey, a retirement community west of Campbelltown that opened this month. They get two meals a day, weekly housekeeping, lots of activities, a fitness center, a movie theater, a bistro, game rooms, a medical office, hair salon, computer lab and more.

"It has an awful lot to offer, and it's very comfortable" said Sandherr, 78.

Units at Traditions of Hershey rent from $1,800 a month for a studio up to $2,700 for a two-bedroom apartment. That includes meals, housekeeping service, transportation and other amenities.

Many area retirement communities require residents to buy into their homes. Traditions of Hershey offers month-to-month rentals, said Karen Norman, marketing director, who expects the 120 apartments to be filled by the end of the year.

Lou Saggers, 87, said he loves his apartment. The retired engineer lived in Camp Hill before moving to Traditions of Hershey.

"I was driving by one day, stopped, got the tour and I was sold," Saggers said. "I've got a real large bedroom that I like. The food is excellent. They do a beautiful job cleaning."

Phyllis Weekes, 84, was watching "The Philadelphia Story" in the cozy movie theater. She was looking for other residents to play canasta and bridge.

Activity director Jennifer Taylor said she plans to bring in a bridge instructor. The community will get a bus soon so it can take residents to swim at Lebanon Valley College and to doctors' appointments.

Norma Moore and her visiting sister, Vilma Gunnells, both lifelong Hershey residents, were doing a jigsaw puzzle in the game room. Moore, 83, said she likes her independence and also likes meeting people.

"I was in rehab. Now I feel like I'm in my own area again," she said.

Residents who need more care can bring in doctors to the medical offices or get home health aides, Norman said. The company also has developed a relationship with Columbia Cottage, the assisted-living facility next door.

MONICA VON DOBENECK: 832-2090 or mdobeneck@patriot-news.com

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