Reservations are not required to tour the vintage model railroad, visit with Santa and enjoy refreshments at the active 55+ independent living community in Shillington.
The Heritage of Green Hills, an active 55+ independent living community outside of Reading, Pa., invites the public to a free Open House at the community’s vintage model railroad room – an annual invitation that has drawn hundreds of visitors in recent years. The event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 to 2 p.m. Visitors are invited to tour the train room – which includes 405 feet of track – guided by Heritage residents; visit with Santa; and enjoy refreshments and music. The Heritage is located at 200 Tranquility Lane, about 5 miles south of Reading and just minutes from the Morgantown Expressway.
The train room was constructed entirely by Heritage residents beginning in 2009. Many of the trains on display originally belonged to resident Rodney Focht, who requested he be given a room for his model trains when he moved to the community in 2009. The display is maintained by the community’s Model Train Club.
‘We believe our model train display is one of the finest in the area,’ said Focht. ‘Our annual Christmas Open House has attracted a wide range of visitors – from young children to their grandparents. Model trains are a bit of American nostalgia that captures the imaginations of visitors of any age.’
Open House visitors will also have the opportunity to visit with Santa while enjoying hot cocoa, coffee and cookies and a pianist playing holiday favorites.
