Long before there was a Terre Hill Area Senior Connections group, there was a group of members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church (UMC), 105 W. Main St., Terre Hill, who read a book called "Dream Like Jesus."

Led by pastor Dave Kling, the Dream Team, as the group came to be known, began musing about what the congregation could offer to the ELANCO area. "We started talking about this in June of 2023," recalled Kling, who noted originally the process was supposed to take 15 months.

"We prayed about it," added Dream Team member Joyce Snader. Snader and Kling noted that talking to representatives of area businesses and community stakeholders, including the mayor and the district justice, was among the group's efforts.

"We did all sorts of surveys," stated Kling. "The idea was to see what the needs in the community were, and what we discovered is there were no services for seniors." The group learned that there was a senior center in Lititz, but none in ELANCO or Conestoga Valley. Both Kling and Snader credited Dream Team member Michael Nutter with suggesting that a senior center might be the best way to serve the community.

After Beth Coblentz signed on as director of the center, the outreach opened in the church fellowship hall on Jan. 13. Currently, the center, which is affiliated with and funded by St. Paul's UMC, is open each Monday and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Independent area seniors age 60 and over who are capable of self-care, are welcome to attend at no charge. Attendees are asked to complete a registration form and sign waivers. "I did an activity survey to find out what they're interested in," said Coblentz, who asks new attendees to complete that form. "We want activities they want." The center follows the ELANCO School District weather schedule, so if school is delayed or closed, the center does not open. The center does not provide transportation.

Coblentz said that the dozen or more attendees, some of which come from as far away as Morgantown, start each morning at the center with coffee and conversation. Coblentz plans a variety of activities for the attendees, often based around seasonal themes, such as Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day, or topics such as birds. Coblentz has had representatives of local organizations such as Fivepointville Ambulance speak on relevant issues. A Medicare seminar has been held, along with a visit from Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, and a talk by a representative from Phoenix Assistance Dogs. Crafts are also popular. "Bingo has been a big hit," said Coblentz, who noted that DJ Matt Cleveland from Occasions Disc Jockeys has visited to call a musical version of the game. "We will have cooking on a quarterly basis," noted Coblentz, who has also scheduled activities such as a talk on maple sugaring, a visit from Visiting Angels, ELANCO Library trivia, and chair exercises. Coblentz has also been in touch with CrossNet Ministries and the Northeastern Lancaster County Food Bank to set up community service projects for attendees to take part in.

In her position, Coblentz is looking to grow the center in ways participants will enjoy. "As a program director, my role is to ensure their safety and well-being and to plan and organize and supervise a variety of activities," she said. "I'm making it their center, and everyone who has come so far has been thrilled."

Snader noted that the group is aptly named. "It's the connections (that are most important)," she shared, adding that the hour of talk and a cold breakfast is one of her favorite times. She noted that lots of games, such as checkers and dominos, are available to play.

"We hope to do outside things when weather improves," said Coblentz, noting that the center is open year-round. Kling added that he hopes the attendance numbers will rise when seniors can travel without concerns about the weather.

More information about the center may be found by searching for "Terre Hill Area Senior Connections" on Facebook. Readers who have specific questions may call 717-488-3735 or email thascpa@gmail.com.