Terre Hill Residents Reach Out
In mid-December 2020, Jen Rosado of Terre Hill saw the number of people on the "Dig Out Lancaster County" page who were in need of help. She turned to her husband, Fernando Rosado Jr., and said, "This is sad. There are so many people."
The couple learned that Mike Schmelder was responding and handling requests in and near the city of Lancaster. "I said, 'No one is helping this guy. He can't get to all these people (alone),'" recalled Jen. The pair loaded their snowblower into their truck and went to work aiding those who could not shovel out themselves or afford to pay someone to help them. They soon developed a list of about a dozen county residents ranging from those living in Willow Street, Millersville, and Columbia to Ephrata, New Holland, and Leola.
The effort gave Jen an idea. Realizing that there might be a similar need for groceries and medications, she created the "Terre Hill And Surrounding Areas Neighbors Helping Neighbors" Facebook page. "This is where we come together for our neighbors in need," Jen posted in the "About" section on the page. Jen advertised the new page on area yard sale pages. Before the Feb. 22 storm hit, Jen warned group members about its potential. "I watch the weather, and I let everyone know if anyone needs anything to let me know before the storm hits," she reported. As spring arrives, she plans to offer the same neighbors help with keeping their lawns mowed. She has also organized sales of baked goods, peanut butter eggs, and empanadas to help purchase an open trailer that will make it easier to transport the snowblowers to those in need of help.
Jen, who is from Pittsburgh, moved to the Lancaster area seven years ago to be closer to her father in Marietta. She met her husband, who is originally from Pottstown, when both were employed by a local manufacturer. The couple moved to Terre Hill a few years ago with her son. They are currently caring for her son's younger half-brother as well. Jen's mother and stepfather came to the area when their Pittsburgh home was destroyed by fire. "My mom helps with the kids when my husband and I go out (to clear driveways)," said Jen, who added that she is happy to be able to help individuals in need. "We don't turn anybody away," she said.
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