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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was scrolling through, and most people were sitting and didn\u2019t look very lively,\u201d she said. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
They married in the community clubhouse, surrounded by friends and family. Walt\u2019s fraternity brother, a retired minister, officiated. His granddaughter, a music major, sang their song, \u201cUnchained Melody.\u201d It was intimate, joyful, and perfectly them.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
They toured several senior living communities in the area, but nothing felt quite right. Then they visited The Heritage of Green Hills.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we walked around, everyone smiled and said hello,\u201d Walt said. \u201cAt other places, people just looked down. Here, people looked happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
When a two-bedroom apartment with a den \u2014 perfect for Nancy\u2019s quilting and sewing \u2014 became available, they knew they had found their home.<\/p>\n
They moved in April.<\/p>\n
Nine months later, they describe themselves as fully settled and happily involved. Walt plays water volleyball regularly.<\/p>\n
He recently joined the marketing committee because, as he puts it, \u201cYou can\u2019t sell something unless you believe in it \u2014 and I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nancy enjoys sewing, spending time with Peaches, and choosing activities from the jam-packed schedule on her own terms.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Friendships form naturally, often beginning with a simple question in the hallway:\u00a0\u201cWho are you having dinner with tonight? If you\u2019re alone, come have dinner with us!\u201d<\/p>\n
Neighbors range from newly arrived residents to longtime community members.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd there are two ladies, one on each side of our apartment,\u201d Walt said. \u201cThey\u2019ve been at The Heritage for 16 years and are still very active.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat says everything,\u201d Nancy said. \u201cPeople want to live here. People want to be joyful.\u201d<\/p>\n