Due to COVID-19 precautions, United Zion Retirement Community's (UZRC) annual Chocolate Stroll was not held in 2021. This year, however, not only will the community hold the sweet event, but organizers are looking forward to showing off some changes that have been made at UZRC.

"We are just so excited to bring it back this year," exclaimed Megan Weiss, director of marketing and development for the organization located at 722 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz. "Our updated space is going to make this so much better for flow." Renovations to UZRC, which included a larger chapel and new entrance were completed in September 2021. Last year's Heart of the Home Virtual Gala Dinner to raise funds for the new chapel replaced the Chocolate Stroll. This year's event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26.

The 2022 stroll will feature more than 12 stops where participants can enjoy chocolate treats both sweet and savory. Among these will be a mole with tortilla chips from Forefront, mini chocolate cupcakes from Scratch Bakes, and cookie butter bark from Spence Candies. Other treats will be provided by Evans Candy, the Hershey Company, Miesse Candies, and Wilbur Chocolate. Additional sweets will be offered by resident families, team members, and the UZRC culinary team.

For the safety of residents and visitors, all in-person ticketholders will be given a specific entry time. All in-person attendees are required to wear a mask. Visitors will be screened upon entry. Participants will visit the Welcome Center, Trinity Art Gallery, Lexington Square Restaurant, chapel, and Trinity Gathering Place.

Another twist for 2021 will be the option of picking up chocolates to go. Pickup will be in the main circle at UZRC from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m.

The UZRC silent auction will be held online beginning Monday, Feb. 21, at 8 a.m. and ending Saturday, Feb. 26, at 4:30 p.m. Those wishing to bid may do so through the link at http://www.uzrc.org. A variety of items, ranging from entertainment to food will go up for bids. Activities to appeal to adults and children, including Dutch Wonderland tickets and Refreshing Mountain Wildlife Center tickets, will be on the block, along with jewelry and handcrafts, such as a handmade felted squirrel that was created by a UZRC resident. Area businesses that have donated include Fox Meadows Creamery and Country Market, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, and Manheim Twin Kiss.

Tickets, which are limited, may be purchased at UZRC or through the aforementioned website. Questions may be directed to marketing@uzrc.org. UZRC is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community offering independent residential living cottages and apartments, personal care services, and a health care center for long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. Funds raised by the Chocolate Stroll and silent auction will help cover the care of UZRC residents who have exhausted their financial resources.