W


hen Nina Brown retired four years ago after forty-three years of educational service as a teacher, administrator


and professor, she made the decision to move into Steeple View Lofts. She knew the financial and geographical benefits of downsizing from her home in Lititz to an apartment in bustling, diverse downtown Lancaster City. What surprised her, however, was just how welcomed she’d feel in her new “neighborhood” and how it would impact her life.


Similarly, Rob and Gail Coleman, a married couple for over four decades, knew they wanted to make their home in the blossoming city they’d come to love. What they didn’t know was that their new residence would awaken a side to them that they hadn’t seen before: their social side! Having been cocooned in the ‘burbs of Linwood, New Jersey, for their child-rearing and career years, the Colemans’ sleeping social-butterfly personalities emerged at Steeple View Lofts.


Te Colemans and Nina describe how they felt welcomed into the community immediately. For Rob and Gail, who have now lived here for six years, a neighbor had planned a few get-together activities. Tey enjoyed them so much that they decided to get involved in planning more.


Nina was invited to a “Meet and Greet” event when she moved into the Lofts. She, too, found herself volunteering to help plan the next events. Organically, the small-but-mighty “Social Activities Committee” grew. (Rob jokes that the name is not official and changes often, depending on the day!)


Judy Groty, a fellow resident, is also an active member of the committee. Together, the four plan many fun events throughout the year. However, Nina is quick to point out that many other residents contribute to the success of each event: “It’s not just us…it’s a real community type of activity.”


“It basically revolves around food and drink, to be honest with you,” Rob confesses humorously.


In truth, the events are food for the soul as well. As health and safety precautions lessen, the


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2022 • 21


Cultivating


Community, Together


The committee members express how grateful they are for the


friendships they have formed and the unexpected joys of living


in such a thriving community.


committee is very excited to be planning in-person events again! Past events the committee organized were Saturday brunches, holiday sit-down dinners, potlucks, a Fasnacht- tasting competition, a baby photo contest, and a Memorial Day cookout on the deck.


Nina loves how the socialization here is not limited to planned activities. Book clubs, trivia nights, and “cocktails and mocktails” on the deck are just a few of the gatherings that happen spontaneously!


Te committee members express how grateful they are for the friendships they have formed and the unexpected joys of living in such a thriving community. Nina reflects, “I’m more active because of living here.”


Rob says, “It’s such a happy bonus …the people here have wonderful stories of their careers and their life experiences. It’s fun to listen to their adventures!”


Gail agrees. “To be honest, we didn’t know what we were coming to. Tis turned out to be wonderful!”


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