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For Trevan and Holly Elliott, volunteering with Lebanon County Special Olympics is a shared experience.
Trevan and Holly Elliott are in love with Lebanon County Special Olympics
LBy Jeff Falk
ife can be marked by periodic struggles, and relationships can involve challenges. Empathy seems like a really good place from which to base a marriage.
Trevan and Holly Elliott’s love story features commitment, loyalty and putting others ahead of themselves. It’s a true tale that’s intertwined with Lebanon County Special Olympics.
“We do it because we want to do it. We enjoy doing it,” said Trevan. “We go there together and do our own things. I kind of
Holly and Trevan Elliott first met while volunteering with Lebanon County Special Olympics.
show up when I’m able to. We’ll do it as long as we can. It’s not a burden to go. We look forward to it.”
“It’s nice to have something we are both passionate about, that we can do together,” said Holly. “But I think we’d be close regardless. We’re both really busy with other things.”
Holly and Trevan are both longtime supporters of Lebanon County Special Olympics and both volunteer as coaches for the local nonprofit’s winter floor hockey program. They met through their mutual involvement with Special Olympics floor hockey. Their relationship grew partly through that shared experience and a common compassion, and they married at the end of last year.
“Growing up, we weren’t really close,” said Holly. “We didn’t interact a lot. He was friends with my brother. We started hanging out in a group. After the floor hockey season was over, we kept in touch, started talking and started dating.”
As teenagers in high school – Holly went to Palmyra and Trevan attended Annville-Cleona – the student volunteers played alongside each other and Lebanon County Special Olympic athletes on the program’s Unified floor hockey team. At the time, they were like-minded individuals exploring adolescence and growing into adults.
“When I’d see her, I’d say ‘hey’ or ‘hi,’” said Trevan. “But we really didn’t talk until about five years ago. When I first started volunteering, my best friend’s
family was involved with Special Olympics. I kind of fell in love with it. I enjoy seeing the smiling faces.”
“My brother (Jake) is an athlete on the team,” said Holly. “My whole family is involved. Both of my parents are volunteer coaches.”
Today, Trevan and Holly live in Campbelltown. Trevan is employed as the grounds and maintenance supervisor at In The Net Sports Complex in Palmyra, and Holly teaches autism support classes at Palmyra Area Middle School.
“(Volunteering with Special Olympics is) very rewarding,” said Holly. “I don’t really look at it as giving back. It’s my passion. I’ve never gone to a Special Olympics practice and left with a bad attitude. (The athletes) just want to be included and accepted.”
“When we show up, (the athletes) are happy to see us. That means we’re making an impact,” said Trevan. “If one of us doesn’t show, it’s like, ‘Why isn’t he or she here?’ They’re genuinely concerned about us. I’ve been around it for 15 or 16 years, and most of the athletes know me. They’ve seen me grow up, and I’ve seen them grow.”
The Elliotts are two of about 30 volunteer coaches involved with Lebanon County Special Olympics. The training and athletic program is offered at no cost to Lebanon County children and adults with development disabilities, intellectual disabilities and other medical conditions.
Bowling is one of 13 sports-related programs offered
For participants, the programs provided by Lebanon County Special Olympics can be social activities.
by Lebanon County Special Olympics.
Currently, Lebanon County Special Olympics provides services to about 120 local athletes.
“I feel for some of the athletes it could be looked at as an activity,” said Trevan, 25. “Some people just show up for fun. But I’d say 60 to 65% are there for the sport itself.”
“I think it provides a sense of community for a lot of these people,” said Holly, 23. “Some are adults, and their parents may not be able to support them. Some don’t get out of their houses. Special Olympics provides that. It’s a fun opportunity for them. It’s a really good family dynamic.”
A year-round program, Lebanon County Special Olympics offers recreation and competition in 13 sports. Spring is tennis, swimming, athletics (track and field), gymnastics and basketball season; summer is golf season; fall is powerlifting, soccer, long-distance walking/running, volleyball and bocce season; and winter is bowling and floor hockey season.
Many of the venues and playing fields used by Lebanon County Special Olympics are donated spaces.
About 120 local athletes are involved with Lebanon County Special Olympics’ year-round sports programs. Lebanon County Special Olympics has been serving the local community for about 40 years.
“(The athletes) genuinely want to be part of society,” said Holly. “I think people sometimes don’t understand them or don’t know how to approach them. Our athletes like to interact with people. They’re genuinely happy, and they always see the bright side of things.”
“I want people to understand more about Special Olympics athletes,” said Trevan. “They’re capable of doing anything anyone can. They’re just people with different abilities. Most of the athletes show up with huge smiles. They enjoy being here.”
The international Special Olympics program was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968. The local Special Olympics program has been alive and thriving in Lebanon County since the mid-1980s, when track and field, softball and basketball were the only sports offered.
“Special Olympics is more than just people with disabilities playing sports,” said Holly. “It’s a community. I’m so happy to be here. It’s just as much fun for us as it is for (the athletes). We show up and cheer them on. I think Special Olympics will always be important to us. It’s how we met.”
For additional information, go to www.lebcoso.org, search for “Lebanon County Special Olympics” on Facebook, email at contact@lebcoso.org or call 717-272-1332.
Here are some ways local families can get involved with Lebanon County Special Olympics 1 2 3 4
Volunteer as the organization’s fundraising coordinator.
Support the organization through one of its fundraisers.
Volunteer as an assistant coach to assist athletes at a sporting event or practice.
Attend a Lebanon County Special Olympics event and cheer on the athletes.
Lauren Parker hangs on to the leg of cast member Daniel Walmer during a dramatic scene of “Never Trust a City Slicker.”
Annville resident Libby Jones has been acting with the St. James Players since she was 11 years old.
Youth cast members of the St. James Players’ spring performance of “Never Trust a City Slicker” included (from left) Lina Brown, Ella Fischer, Adeline Ronald, Libby Jones and Brynlynn Young.
For young performers, St. James Players’ acting imitates life For young performers, St. James Players’ acting imitates life
By Jeff Falk
Safety leads to comfort, comfort leads to confidence, confidence leads to growth and growth leads to creativity. St. James Players Theatrical Productions is a place where children can think outside the box and allow their inner lights to shine.
Acting and drama are vehicles and avenues. They are merely means to an end.
“The mission is to empower young people of all ages to be the best people they can be, to take good risks and find out who they are,” said Karen Dundore-Gulotta, St. James Players’ founder and director. “For some, it’s a way to figure out if they want to be an actor or discover what career they might be interested in. I wanted to build something in this community that I didn’t have as a child. There are many people in this community who love the arts.”
Founder Karen Dundore-Gulotta
serves as the director for many St. James Players performances.
Situated at 2231 Lebanon Valley Mall, Route 422, Lebanon, St. James Players Theatrical Productions is free community kids’ theater. It produces up to 10 family-friendly shows annually, it hosts summer camps that introduce children to the art of theater and it provides opportunities for kids of all ages to interact with older kids, experienced adults and even parents and siblings.
“Kids want to learn; they’re inquisitive,” said Dundore-Gulotta. “I’d like for them to learn to love themselves as they are and gain confidence in themselves so they know they can do anything they put their minds to. I try to teach them that nevergive-up attitude. Hopefully, they’re taking away some coping skills too.”
“I don’t see myself doing acting when I get into the career world,” said Libby Jones, an 18-year-old resident of Annville who’s been participating in St. James Players productions since she was 11. “But I see myself doing something creative. Right now, I’m just figuring out what’s right for me.”
There are several hundred aspiring thespians involved with St. James Players programs throughout the year. They’re students from age 5 on up, originating from all parts of Lebanon County, Lancaster County, Dauphin County and Schuylkill County.
“We have regulars, but we also always have new people,” said Dundore-Gulotta. “I think they’re just people who want a safe place to be who they are. I have a lot of kids who come from local schools. Some might not feel like they fit in with the general population. They’re creative people, and they like being with like-minded people.”
“There is a place for everyone here, on stage and off stage,” said Libby. “It’s a wonderful community. We put on amazing shows, and you can see how much time everyone puts into them. It’s important to support smaller nonprofits and smaller businesses.”
“My favorite part is the kids, and watching them blossom,” said Dundore-Gulotta, a resident of Myerstown who was an
educator for more than 37 years. “I enjoy watching them grow and learn. With a lot of these children, I stay in their lives for many years. I’ve worked with thousands of children over the years. I think I was just born to be an educator. I do it here, but I do it my way. I do what I think works. When you build a connection and a trust with young people, they don’t forget it.”
Nestled in a once-thriving shopping mall that now feels more like a community center, St. James Players Theatrical Productions is also 5,000 square feet of repurposed physical space. The classy venue features a welcoming foyer, a chandelier, a box office, a backstage area, a modest stage and raised seating for 130 audience members, supportive parents and siblings and curious friends.
“We get a lot of people through these doors who are talented,” said DundoreGulotta. “I think these kids work very hard to learn their lines and find their characters. They just want to do well. I’m trying to meet the needs of kids who don’t get enough of the arts.”
“As an actress, almost everyone starts off in ensemble roles,” said Libby. “When you become more confident, you can work your way into larger roles. As a person, I’ve learned a lot of life skills, like discipline and communication. It’s really good to come out of your shell.”
Every public school in Lebanon County offers some kind of drama program, but not all provide theater opportunities for younger students. Lebanon Community Theater and some local church productions sometimes involve children in their presentations.
“Every show we do has opportunities for children, and they’re year-round,” said Dundore-Gulotta.
“I think it’s fun,” said Libby. “With theater, you get to play all these characters who you don’t act like in real life. You just need to get yourself into the mindset of the character, just actually thinking about how that character would act. Personally, it’s just something that comes to me. There are also elements of trial and error when you’re working with directors.”
In 2018, the St. James Players was born at St. James Lutheran Church in Lebanon. The nondenominational group was not named for its birthplace, but rather in honor of an inspirational woman who profoundly influenced Dundore-Gulotta and worshipped at the church.
After renovations were performed at a former children’s playland at the Lebanon Valley Mall, the St. James Players Theatrical Productions moved to its current location in January of 2023.
“I chose the word ‘Players’ over ‘Theater’ because it sounds like fun and exploring the world,” said Dundore-Gulotta. “Since I was a young woman, I knew I was going to open a theater. When I was in my 50s, I knew it was the right time to make it happen.”
“It’s what I want to do with my life,” continued Dundore-Gulotta. “It fulfills me to see children grow and be successful. I’m blessed to be able to do what I want to do. When I wake up in the morning, I always know what I’m going to do.”
While St. James Players offers its drama opportunities free of charge, there are costs involved with its work. The theater raises money through ticket sales, donations and grants.
“We don’t take a paycheck. We do everything on a tight budget,” said Dundore-Gulotta. “We’re not here to make money. We’re here to make a difference in people’s lives. I think theater should be for everyone, not just those who can afford it. That’s what community is all about. The community is helping to support us. It also teaches young people that if you have a goal, you can find ways to reach them.”
For additional information, search for “The St. James Players” on Facebook.
Members of the St. James Players acting troupe (from left) Hyrum Fischer, Adeline Ronald, Ella Fischer and Daniel Walmer rehearse a scene for “Never Trust a City Slicker.”
The cast from the St. James Players’ summer of 2024 production of “Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure”
People tend to flock to the great outdoors in spring, summer and fall, and some are even so devoted that they bundle up and head outside throughout winter. Whether they know it or not, people who love to spend time in nature are doing their mental and physical health a lot of good by embracing the great outdoors.
Mental health benefits
The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that a growing body of research supports the idea that time in nature is good for mental health. A 2015 study from researchers at Stanford University found that people who walked in a natural area for 90 minutes exhibited decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with depression compared to those who walked in high-traffic urban settings.
It pays to spend time
The United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation (MHF) also touts the mental health benefits of the great outdoors. According to the MHF, research shows that people who are connected with nature are more likely to report their lives are worthwhile than those with no such connectedness. In addition, the MHF notes time in nature has been shown to generate positive emotions, including calmness and joy, and promote greater creativity.
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When seeking to capitalize on the mental health benefits of time in nature, people should know that where they spend time outdoors matters. As the Stanford study indicated, time outside in high-traffic urban settings may not produce as profound an effect as time spent in natural settings, like forests, that tend to be more serene. People who live in cities or other densely populated areas can still benefit from time outdoors, but they might experience even greater health gains if they make consistent efforts to spend time in more natural settings.
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Physical health benefits
The physical health benefits of time in nature are equally notable. Perhaps the most obvious physical benefit is related to physical activity. People tend to embrace physical activity when spending time in nature. Hiking, jogging, walking, nature-based recreational activities like kayaking, and playing sports like basketball or pickleball all involve physical activity, which can help people avoid the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, such as an increased risk for chronic diseases. More specifically, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation notes the physical health benefits of spending time outside include a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, increased energy levels, and improved sleep.
Each of those benefits contributes to greater overall health, making time outdoors among the more beneficial behaviors a person can embrace.
There's no shortage of benefits to spending time in nature. That's something to keep in mind the next time welcoming weather beckons you to get some fresh air.
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Spring planting pointerS
Many people view spring as a season of rejuvenation. That renewal may be somewhat metaphorical for human beings, but it is literal for lawns and gardens that begin to grow anew as temperatures rise and hours of daylight increase in spring.
Each spring presents an opportunity for homeowners to get back outside and tend their gardens. As the temperatures rise, homeowners can consider a few spring planting pointers to ensure that their landscapes look lush and full in the months ahead.
Soil can serve as the starting point each spring. Winter can take its toll on a garden and even overwhelm the area with debris over the colder months. Gardeners are advised to clear rocks and other debris from the area before loosening the soil. The Farmers’ Almanac recommends loosening soil to a depth of at least 8 inches if planting a new garden. An existing garden may only need to be loosened to a depth of around 6 inches, after which homeowners can mix compost into the soil in early spring. Compost is organic matter that provides nutrients and helps to build strong plant roots.
People may consider a raised garden in colder climates. The Farmers’ Almanac notes that raised gardens can help homeowners in colder climates dry out and warm up wet, cold soils more quickly. Homeowners in such regions also may cover their beds with black plastic or cardboard prior to planting. Doing so can protect the beds from lateseason snow and spring rains and also help to overcome erosion.
Gardeners may want to take soil temperatures. Unpredictable weather is among the noticeable effects of climate change in recent years. That lack of predictability may make spring planting a little more tricky than it once was. Experts note that soil temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit are best for cool-season crops,
while soil should be 60 degrees or warmer when planting warm-weather plants such as tomatoes.
The right plants for one region may not be ideal for another, so homeowners are urged to work with a local landscaper or garden center before planting. Such a consultation can be especially useful for homeowners planting a new garden. Landscapers and garden center professionals will know which plants work in the local climate.
Various garden experts note that spring is an ideal time to plant a vegetable garden. If planted at the right time, a vegetable garden can save homeowners money on their grocery bills and provide a season’s worth of fresh veggies. Lettuce and spinach are sun- and shadefriendly vegetables, which can make them good options for a spring garden. Cool-season root vegetables, which include beets, carrots, and Swiss chard, are some other notable vegetables that can thrive in early spring.
Spring is a season of rejuvenation for gardens. That is even more true when homeowners consider some conventional planting wisdom in early spring.
Social media has its fair share of proponents and detractors. The advisory firm Kepios reported that at the start of October 2024, there were 5.22 billion social media users around the world, which translates to roughly 64% of the global population. However, some people see social media as a largely divisive entity that may have an adverse effect on the physical and mental health of its users.
Helping children safely navigate social media is no small task, but finding a way to do so can have a profound impact on youngsters' health. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers recommendations to parents and caregivers who are concerned about the safety of youngsters using social media.
Adults should recognize social media features that can be especially harmful. The APA notes that children can learn new social skills and communication strategies on social media, but some components of the technology may be particularly detrimental to children's still-developing brains. The APA highlights “like” buttons and the use of artificial intelligence as particularly harmful features because they promote excessive scrolling. Adolescents may be especially vulnerable in this regard, as the APA notes that the brain undergoes dramatic developmental changes during adolescence, when areas of the brain associated with a desire for attention from peers become increasingly sensitive. Social media can exploit that need, which is even more dangerous because the parts of the brain that govern self-control do not fully develop until early adulthood. Parents can limit usage of platforms that tally likes and set screen limits to minimize excessive scrolling.
The APA urges parents to monitor their children's social media usage, particularly during early adolescence. They should also maintain a dialogue with children about their social media usage, which can help youths navigate its dangers more effectively. Engaging youngsters each week also can make them feel more safe and not as though they are being judged about their usage. Adults and children can discuss what they see on social media, and parents may present hypothetical situations that may unfold on social media and ask children how they would respond.
As in many areas of life, parents should lead by example. Children learn many of their behaviors from their parents, so if their parents exhibit poor social media habits, then youngsters may follow suit. The APA urges parents to avoid scanning social media during meals and family time. Parents also can self-govern their own usage, setting the same limits on time for themselves as they set for children. Periodic breaks from social media usage are also a healthy idea.
Parents have a big task ahead of them in regard to helping kids safely navigate social media, but various strategies can increase the chances that kids have a positive social media experience.
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The Valley View Park repaired the stage in 2014 and began scheduling public entertainment which includes Oldies Bands, Country Bands, and Big Bands. Other events for the entire family are also scheduled in the park and listed below. All events are by donation and there is no admission charge or parking feeds.
2025 Schedule
FRIDAY, APRIL 18TH AT 4PM: ANNUAL EASTER EGG
HUNT Sponsored by the Valley View VFW Post #8237
SATURDAY, MAY 10TH AT 6PM:
ROUTE 61 a Schuylkill County based band that plays oldies from the 1950s to 1970s
SATURDAY, MAY 24TH AT 6PM:
RIDGELINE a Schuylkill County based band plays variety of danceable country songs.
SATURDAY, MAY 31ST AT 6PM: LITE - SWITCH an Oldies Band playing oldies from the 1950s to 1970s.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14TH AT 6PM: THE NEW INDIVIDUALS an Oldies Band that rocks the park playing your favorite music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH AT 7AM: 75TH ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST Sponsored by St. Andrew’s United Methodist Men’s Bible Class. Traditional Ham & Eggs
SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH AT 6PM: THE MOORE BROTHERS An Oldies Band consisting of family members that is known for playing oldie melodies from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
MONDAY - FRIDAY, JULY 8TH - 12TH AT 9AM - 3PM: GOOD NEWS CLUB
SUNDAY, JULY 12TH & 13TH AT 10AM - 4PM: Johannes Schwalm Historical Association Sponsored event of our Hessian history
SATURDAY, JULY 19TH AT 6PM:
IN - TO - THE - SPIN an Oldies Band with a large number of instruments that will get you dancing to your favorite songs from the 1970s and 80s.
MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 - 23 AT 9:30 - 11AM: WILDERNESS DAY CAMP with Hannah of the Schuylkill Conservation District teaches children (leaving Grades 1 through 4) about nature and wildlife. Preregistration required & fee.
SATURDAY, JULY 26TH AT 6PM: RICK K ROAD TRIP one of the best bands around. Rick K will entertain you with danceable oldies songs and Top 40’s hits
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9TH AT 6PM: MEMORY LANE an Oldies Band that is well known in the area that plays danceable music.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23RD AT 6PM: THE LARGE FLOWER HEADS an Oldies Band from Allentown that plays the popular songs of the 1960s and 70s.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH AT 6PM: RANDY WEHRY & FRIENDS plays Oldies and coal mining songs. At 8pm movies of local anthracite mining will be shown.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH AT 12NOON: APPLE FESTIVAL sponsored by the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. Homemade apple products (dumplings, pies, applesauce and cider) and other foods available in the park.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 4 - 8PM:
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK an old fashioned Christmas that includes visiting Santa in the Christmas Cottage. Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Craft Vendors, Chinese Auction, Cookie Decorating and Christmas Tree Ornament Making Work Stations. Model Trains and Christmas Villages, Carolers, Musicians, Live Nativity Play and much more.
*Food Stand will be open for all stage events and serve hamburgers, hot dogs, pierogies, fresh french fries and ice cream.
