I spent most of my time last week on this lake in Virginia.
📷: Claytor Lake State Park at sunset
Hey Loopers! I’m excited to connect with those of you attending this week’s 3rd Looper Dinner Club. I’ll see you at the afterparty! The location will be revealed by text/email during dinner. See ya ‘round town!
-Ed
This week’s cover art is a picture I snapped on vacation last week.
After being at the lake, I’m curious, where’s your favorite Lancaster spot for water activities. Where do you to swim, stand-up paddleboard, boat, or just sit and enjoy the water?
I’ve been told don’t swim in the Susque’, but I’m open to hot takes & opinions...
What's your favorte spot to enjoy some water time in Lancaster?
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Apply below…good vibes only & must support the Lancaster community.
LANCASTER WATER WEEK
June 5-13th
Experience & Support the Water
Lancaster Water Week turns 10 this year 🎂. Hosted by the Lancaster Conservancy, this marks a milestone, with more than 60 events spread across nine days, June 5–13. That'll be a lot of paddling, creek-stomping, volunteering, and learning about the streams and rivers that flow through our county's landscape.
I began to list some of the events in the 5Ws, but you’ll do better exploring their event list on your own below.
You can float the Susquehanna past Indigenous petroglyphs with the Conestoga River Club, wade into Stauffer Run at Greenfield to flip rocks and net fish, or tour the Long's Park wetland system with Lancaster City stormwater staff. There's a birding paddle through the Conejohela Flats, a watershed bike tour through the Lititz Run corridor, and a trivia night at Sickman's Mill for those who prefer to keep their feet dry and drink their water aka Jimmy Juice.
Three events jumped out to me:
Monday, June 9, Franklin & Marshall is hosting a screening of ‘Revealing Ancient Wetlands’, a new documentary on the restoration of Indian Run in Millersville. Q&A with the filmmakers and scientists behind the project following the screening.
Wednesday, June 11, a preview hike along the new Blue Green Connector trail to showcase restoration work along the Little Conestoga Creek. Or find your way to Sickman’s Mill for a free tubing and scoop some trash as you go!
Several events have already sold out, so act fast and find your water
LANCASTER LOOP URL + IRL
Step # 1 is the “URL”. A weekly orchestrated email for you, by me, to grow us.
Step # 2 is the “IRL” (in real life) Neighbors meeting neighbors.
Step # 2: DINNER CLUB
There are only a few hours left to grab your spot for the Lancaster Loop Dinner Club. Sign ups end tonight at 630p. I look forward to seeing you at the afterparty!
Click the pic below to be grab your spot with your tablemates!
LOOPERS LEARN MAHJONG: We will have finalized dates for the long awaited Mahjong reunion tour. 🤘
We’ll be back at West Art. There will be a Mahjong 102 class on Tuesday, 6/23.
If you attended one of the first classes, this is a great follow-up class for more practice and skills.
Then there will be open play dates on July 7th and August 4th.
For the Majong 102 & open play format, Danielle with The 717 Mahj Circle will be back on site with expert guidance, support, and encouragement!
Sign up links to come next week.
LOOPERS LANCO HUNT: Mike and I had a great time putting on the Mother’s Day scavenger hunt. We’re looking for partners to sponsor a Don’t Forget Your Father’s Day version.
Reply to this email to have your local business featured while celebrating dads this month.
We’re looking to be connected to businesses dad’s love to visit!
The 5Ws of Lancaster
Who / What / Where / When / Why
Nick Brightbill and I met last fall, just before the very first Lancaster Loop went out.
We share a kindred approach to fatherhood and community.
Nick is a partner at Hershey Financial Advisers, working with families, business owners, and executives on wealth strategies built around what matters most: family, generosity, and legacy. It's not just how much money you have…it's what your money is meant to do. Nick listens first, before any calculations or spreadsheets, and I’m proud to have him support the Loop.
Book an exploratory call with Nick
Featured Events
June 3 Summer Movie Series @ Gracies 7-1030p ‘Princess Bride’ - Celebrate 13 years with Gracie and order the ‘you killed my father now prepare to die’ grilled cheese or what I’ll be calling all my burgers from now on…the inconceivable burger
- - - - -
June 6 & 7 Secret Gardens Tour in Strasburg 10-4p - Peek into eight lovely gardens hidden behind some wonderful local homes gardens to tour
Plan Ahead
June 12-14 or 19-21 Thomas & Friends at Strasburg Railroad take a ride then head to Music Corner and find games, activities, and more family fun
Today - Tuesday June 2nd
Yoga at the Creek @ Sickman’s Mill with West End Yoga 930-1030a stretch and then $10 for a tube to float
Wednesday June 3rd
Improv 101 with Mike @ Lanc Improv Players 7-9p thru 7/22 8 classes to learn the fundamentals of improv comedy
Backyard Corn Hole League @ Binns Park 5-9p food trucks & Rural City brews on hand
Backyard Birds @ Manheim Library 2-3p how to feed, attract, and support local birds
Thursday June 4th
Puzzle Race @ Lanc Library 6-730p groups of 3-4 each receive a 500 piece puzzle and fastest to completion win bookish prizes
Poetry Reading @ Lanc Anabaptist Study Center 7p bring original and fav poetry and a snack to share over words
Live Jazz @ The Barn at Paradise Station 6-830p music by The Fred Hughes Trio on the patio
Lancaster’s Gayest Happy Hour @ Zoetropolis 5-7p Pride month kickoff
Lancaster Beer Gardens @ Musser Park 4-10p thru Sunday benefiting Lancaster Rec eat, play, & enjoy some leisure time
Friday June 5th
90s Hip-Hop on Strings @ Barshinger Center 830p Under candlelight with music from Wu Tang to still d.r.e.
Build and Eat a Salad with Wild Edibles @ Lanc Env Ctr 6-730p make your a salad and tea
Live Music @ South County Brewing 6-9p featuring Steve Rexroth
Eye Drop by Vision Corps @ Holiday Inn 8-5p rappelling off a building fundraiser to support vision loss don’t look down
Junk Journaling @ Sweetish Candy 6-730p with Horst Arts supplies provided but candy on your own
1,000 Free Milkshakes @ Binns Park by Lanc City PD & PA Dairymen’s Assoc 5p until they’re gone plus find art market, dancing, and a beer garden legen-dairy
Taste of Lititz @ East Main Street 5-9p street closed for walking but open for music, food, & meeting neighbors
Lancaster Art Song Society @ Trust Perf Arts Ctr 7p providing vocal training to developing vocalists pay what you will
Saturday June 6th
50th Annual Red Rose Run 8a run/walk 5 miles thru city streets and Central Park with 70s theme and post race party
Tribe Walks @ Lanc Beignet Company 1130a 2-mile walk and return to beignets
Oasis Maker’s Market @ IronSpire Tower Shoppes 10-4p dozens of vendors
Belmont Bourbon Bash @ Ironstone Ranch 4-8p best dressed & hat contests, tastings, cigars, and putt-putt challenge
First Saturday in Ephrata @ Whistle Stop Plaza 230-8p crafters, food trucks, music and Wine Walk in downtown
Lititz Pride Festival @ 727 Furnace Hills Pike 11-6p vendors, food, music & parking shuttles
5th Annual Putting for Miracles @ Leisure Lanes supporting Dakota’s Army & Children’s Miracle Network full day events & putt on real grass
Lancaster County Firefighters Parade in Columbia 2p followed by community celebration at Glatfelter Memorial Field part of Columbia’s 300-year celebration
Living the Experience @ Bethel Cultural Center 2-6p interactive reenactment of the Underground Railroad, tickets include meal and use reenactment discount code America250
Marian Apparitions Exhibit @ St Anne 930-2p open Sunday too - 34 appearances testifying to the Virgin Mary over the centuries
Food Truck Festival @ Stauffer Park 11-4p benefits Occupational Development Ctr @ Manheim Township Rec Department music and food
Toy Train Show @ Farm and Home Center 9-1p round and round
Community Day @ Millersville Lions Club Pool 12-5p open to anyone & free entry with a non-perishable food item + belly flop contest
Bunchafunk @ Marion Court Room 6-930p Saturday night live music kick off
International Cat Show @ Shops at Rockvale 10-4p +Sunday too - 100 pedigreed and household pets that purrrrrr
PA VegFest @ Buchanan Park 12-5p +Sunday too - family friendly, plant-based, chef demos, music, yoga, and free admission
Sunday June 7th
Taps & Tunes @ Kissel Valley Farm 1230-530p Music by Shea Quinn & The Luv Gods, food by Cabalar, Walk-O Taco, Scott’s Artisan Pizza, drinks by Waltz Vineyards adn Rooster St Brewing bring a blanket or chairs
Bookish Beauty @ Southern Market 3-4p Join Princess Belle for reading, singing, dancing and photo ops
Summer Music Series @ Long's Park Amphitheater 730p Parker Barrow plays blues-infused Southern rock find your spot on the lawn and enjoy the food trucks & jams
Monday June 8th
Critter Connection @ Lanc Library 130-230p snakes, turtles, geckos, and guinea pigs
Conestoga River tours @ Lanc Central Park 8-11a +3 more dates this week - guided river tour with shuttle provided
SUPPORT THE LOOP
All of your support stays local and keeps the Lancaster Loop alive and well.
The Loop will always be 100% free to read while being independently and locally written by a guy with a keyboard who loves Lancaster. Many thanks to you all -Ed
Feedback is golden.
Share a thought on today’s newsletter or something great about Lancaster County or City. Stay anonymous or not…your call. But, I want to hear from ya!
Where’s Wal’Ed’o?
There was some pretty strong Looper love for the Woof ‘N Tails! Lots of correct guesses…you & your pets know the mural well!
Woof ‘N Tails was last week’s location.
The owner, David, serves the Lancaster pet community out of his shop at 809 New Holland Avenue. The store has been open since 1988 and is next to Kaye Ames Dog Training as many of you noted.
David offerred gift cards to some of last week’s guessers. Congrats to Colleen W., Kim M., Fay K., Chelsea W., and Keith S.!
You’ll see an email today connecting you with David to coordinate receiving your gift card.
Know a local shop you’d love to see featured in the Where’s Wal’Ed’o? Share it!
Bonus points if you can intro me to the owner or GM!
Feel free to forward this email - I welcome the introduction.
👇 Click the pic to guess this week’s “Where’s Wal’Ed’o?” location 👇
Click the pic above to guess!
Here’s a clue: There is a HUGE blue chair out front 😜
As always thanks for staying…in the ‘Loop! -Ed
P.S. Property Peek is brought to you by Jeremy Ganse with RE/Max Smarthub
It was once owned by President Buchanan’s housekeeper and currently a short-term rental. See if you can find the small ‘easter egg’ on the 3D tour in the foyer.
4 Bed | 2 Bath in the city for 499k the hetty house
P.P.S. If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, send it to someone who you’d invite to stand-up paddleboard with on the Susque’
P.P.P.S. There are approx 90 millions dogs kept as pets in the US, 59% of you guessed correctly. Congrats to mec***at1@gmail, caw***er2017@gmail, magg****gick@gmail, jan*****scott@gmail, and po****ap@gmail, who each won a free class pass to Puppy Flow this weekend! Check your email for a intro to Stephen.
P.P.P.P.S Gregg Scott is a modern day expert and authored a book on Lancaster's most famous architect, C. Emlen Urban. It feels very fitting that he purchased the Carriage House, for $605k. Out of 232 guesses, 99 of you got it right.