As comfortable and complete as our
community is, life is not limited to our campus. To say that The Highlands'
residents are active and respected in the surrounding community is putting it
mildly. Their attitude and involvement are perhaps best summed up by this recent
advertisement:
"Last year, residents of The
Highlands... RELAXED. Read. Gardened. Golfed. Went fishing. Made culinary tours.
Played some cards. Laughed a lot. Enjoyed Reading Musical Foundation performances, Town
Hall speakers, and the theater. TRAVELED. Tutored students in every grade from
kindergarten through high school. Hosted cable TV programs. Ran recycling programs. WORKED
AS VOLUNTEERS with the American Cancer Society, Berks Visiting Nurses Association, Easter
Seals, Gifted Education Association of Reading (GEAR), Keystone Ambassador program, Meals
on Wheels, Reading Hospital & Medical Center, Reading Public Museum, Nolde State
Forest Environmental Education, shelters for the homeless, United Way, Urban Ministries,
and the YMCA. Put together a Christmas Party for children of migrant workers. Aided flood
victims. Took college level courses. Attended (and showed paintings in) art exhibitions.
Sang. DANCED. And just sat back, smiled and enjoyed the view."
In the Heart of It All
Most of The Highlands' residents have come from Pennsylvania,
Maryland, or New Jersey, but others have retired here from as far away as
California. The attraction is not limited to The Highlands at Wyomissing
alone. The diversity and natural beauty of the surrounding Berks county area are
powerful draws as well.
Berks county consistently ranks highly among metropolitan areas
nationwide for blending a high quality of life with a low cost of living. Cultural
activities abound. The Reading Symphony Orchestra, Musical Foundation, Museum and
other cultural groups offer a year-round calendar of delightful events.
Embraced by lush mountains and the surrounding farmlands, The Highlands
at Wyomissing is located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country. Our bustling
farmers' markets regularly draw shoppers from near and far.
There is much more. Our weather is as temperate as you will find
while still being able to enjoy the full splendor of all four seasons. And perhaps
you've heard about our shopping outlets...
Unique Energy
Our residents experience rewarding volunteer opportunities both at
The Highlands at Wyomissing and in the community. For example, our residents help
with various resident activities, fill water pitchers, answer telephones, deliver mail,
greet residents in the Lobby, and sell to customers in our Gift Shops.
Moreover, our residents' unique energy and sense of involvement extends
beyond Berks County. When floods ravaged the Midwest, Highlands residents rallied
into action. Their relief effort culminated with their personal delivery of $25,000
worth of books, toys, and clothing to the students of a devastated elementary school
district. This effort attracted considerable press coverage, including national
attention. The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA)
presented The Highlands' residents with its 1994 Volunteer Service Award. And in
1995, The Highlands' residents received 1 of 28 Presidential Certificates of Merit
(selected from over 3,000 entries) for outstanding volunteer efforts as recognized by the
Thousand Points of Light Foundation.
