Both widowed, both independent, and both ready for a new chapter, Nancy and Walt Alsegg, who live at The Heritage of Green Hills in Cumru Township, Berks County, met the modern way: online.
During the quiet isolation of the pandemic, Nancy, a nurse of more than 50 years, found herself alone in a large Maryland home with only her poodle, Peaches, for company. Walt, a longtime Reading-area resident and Albright College alumnus, had also lost his spouse and was open to seeing what might come next.
They each joined Silver Singles, a site geared toward older adults looking for meaningful connections. Nancy still laughs when she remembers what caught her eye.
“I was scrolling through, and most people were sitting and didn’t look very lively,” she said. “I was a nurse for 54 years, and I just wanted somebody healthy. I kept flipping through, and then I saw somebody who was actually standing, and it was Walt. So I thought, this is good. This might be something.”
Walt noticed her picture, too. She was smiling at an outdoor cafe, with a glass of red wine. During their first conversation, he asked what kind of wine she was drinking because he liked red wine, too.
They soon discovered they had much more in common, and their phone conversations turned into Zoom dinners, each of them eating at their own homes in Pennsylvania and Maryland, sharing meals and laughter through a screen.
Eventually, they decided to meet in person, choosing a restaurant halfway between them in Port Deposit, Md. Lunch turned into more lunches, then visits with family, and soon enough, shared plans. Nancy was willing to move to Pennsylvania. Walt found a home in a 55-plus community, and together they began building a life.
They married in the community clubhouse, surrounded by friends and family. Walt’s fraternity brother, a retired minister, officiated. His granddaughter, a music major, sang their song, “Unchained Melody.” It was intimate, joyful, and perfectly them.
As time went on, they began thinking about what the next phase of life should look like. In their 80s, homeownership was becoming a hassle. Lawn care, snow removal, and cooking no longer felt appealing. Just as important, they wanted stronger social connections than what they found in their neighborhood.
They toured several senior living communities in the area, but nothing felt quite right. Then they visited The Heritage of Green Hills.
From the first visit, it stood out. The dining experience was excellent. The pool was beautiful. The activities were plentiful. But what made the biggest impression was the people.
“As we walked around, everyone smiled and said hello,” Walt said. “At other places, people just looked down. Here, people looked happy.”
When a two-bedroom apartment with a den — perfect for Nancy’s quilting and sewing — became available, they knew they had found their home.
They moved in April.
Nine months later, they describe themselves as fully settled and happily involved. Walt plays water volleyball regularly.
He recently joined the marketing committee because, as he puts it, “You can’t sell something unless you believe in it — and I do.”
Nancy enjoys sewing, spending time with Peaches, and choosing activities from the jam-packed schedule on her own terms.
Life at The Heritage has given them freedom without pressure. They can be as busy or as quiet as they want. Dinner is just an elevator ride away.
Friendships form naturally, often beginning with a simple question in the hallway: “Who are you having dinner with tonight? If you’re alone, come have dinner with us!”
Neighbors range from newly arrived residents to longtime community members.
“And there are two ladies, one on each side of our apartment,” Walt said. “They’ve been at The Heritage for 16 years and are still very active.”
“That says everything,” Nancy said. “People want to live here. People want to be joyful.”
If you’re looking for a community full of vital seniors who love the life they’re living, schedule a personal tour at https://heritageofgreenhills.com. You’ll soon discover why The Heritage of Green Hills has been voted the top senior living community by readers of the Reading Eagle and Berks County Living for nine years in a row.