Earrings handcrafted by local artist Debbie Serdy to celebrate the new Stevens & Smith Center for History and Democracy in Lancaster
Ciao! (hello in Italian) & welcome to the first issue of 2026! I’m looking forward to a year of growing together here in Lancaster. I hope this season continues to be one of rest and restoration for you. There’s so much good in this place, it honestly makes me smile every day. If there’s any way I can lift up or serve you, please reach out.
Now let’s dive into this week’s happenings!
-Ed
Today’s cover art is by Lancaster local Debbie, who owns the My Aunt Debbie site and an Etsy shop. Refer a friend to the Loop and you’ll be entered to win this pair of earrings - past referrals already have you entered! You can also enter by joining Debbie's mailing list.
(If you or someone you know is a Lancaster local artist, reach out - I’d love to celebrate them with a cover art showpiece.)
Giveaway Recap: Lancaster Local Love
The giveaway has ended and the winners have been emailed. The spirit of giving from local to local was a blast. I think we’ll do it again! Thank you to all who played, tagged friends, and made referrals. We’re up to a community of 5,000 now.
A huge thank you to our local partners who donated:
New Year - Same You, but Add Some Crew
I think the best way to start a new habit in the new year is with a community. Bring a friend or make new ones. Here are 6 local activities that’ll have you out meeting neighbors.
Dancing - do-si-do style - Jan 27th and future dates thereafter - transport back to 5th grade without any of the cringe at West Art. Joyfully called by JW Neilson - show up, learn & promenade
Yoga - What creates a beautiful yoga space is the community behind it. Side benefits include muscles, mobility, and mindfulness. One of my favs is West End Yoga with classes every day of the week & events tree pose
Cookbook Supper Club - Pick an item from a cookbook of the month and cook. With small gatherings and larger offerings to come, you’re invited to create your own group or join theirs. Filled for Jan, but Read it & Eat welcomes you
Running - Take over the streets and feel the thrill of community. Whether you run marathons weekly or are still staring at your new kicks in the box ALL are welcomed. Every Thursday with once/month women only runs. Join Common and love your moments over miles
Gardening - Sow your own plot and share. Or have enough space in your yard? Either way invite a neighbor to join you in battling the weeds. Central Park, Wheatland, and Bay Street plots
Loop Events - I’m working on in-person events and maybe launching a Lancaster Loop Dinner Club (see the poll below)
This Week’s 5 Ws of Lancaster
Who / What / When / Where / Why - all across the county & city
send your events here
Today - Tuesday, 6th
Munchkin Science - Winter Hike @ Lanc Enviro Center 10-11a - kid friendly
Wednesday, 7th
Pixar Trivia @ Marion Court 7-9p woody vs nemo
Thursday, 8th
Honky Tonk w/Danny & the Do-Overs @ West Art 645-930p dance lesson to start
Upcycled Planter Workshop @ Gallery Grow 530-630p bring your own plant vessel
Soul Groove Line Dance w/Kim @ Lanc Moose Lodge 6-730p beginners welcome
Friday, 9th
Songs & Stories @ West Art 7-9p from Lancaster Locals Liz, Andrew, Friar Jon cozy
Sound Meditation w/Soundwise Woman @ Zoetropolis 130p sound mama
Comedy Jumpoff @ The Village 7-10p f/Lanc’s own Charles Baynard local laughs
Comedy Night @ Columbia Kettle - Adamstown - jokes
True Crime & Genetic Geneology @ Zoetropolis 5p w/Eric q/a & solve a case demo
Saturday, 10th
Vision Board Workshop @ Inspire Wellness Collective 2-4p w/Christiane see it
Suburban PA Home Show @ Lanc Conv Center 10-8p 2 days pay at door or free here
Pandamonium @ Lanc Improv Players 830-930p competition style improv
The Apprentice - movie @ Zoetropolis - 2024 multiple showings thru 1/21 - tix
Paint & Sip @ Tattooing by Mee 530-830p step by step
Come Back to Earth @ Tellus360 Mac Miller tribute 21+ 7p the spins
Willy Blaze & Bad News Crew @ Mickey’s Black Box 7-11p outlaw hard rock
Create your own Turkish mosaic lamp @ Holiday Inn Lanc 230-5p - crafty
SWIMGOOD @ Zoetropolis 6p husband wife duo jam revival tent style
Latin Dance @ West Art 7-10p w/Salsa & Bachata lessons w/Luis and DJ Rumspringa newbies too
Sunday, 11th
The Slick Rick @ Phantom Power 8-11p 21+ but also a children’s story
Neighborhood Potluck @ West Art 530p - free but bring your fav dish yummm
Lancaster Royal Princess Ball @ Lanc Marriott 10-130p kids event with princesses
Syntherapy Sound Bath @ West Art 2-330p w/Major Vibes - bring a mat or blanket
Drop Below the Surface ½ Day Retreat @ Waltz Vineyards 1030-3p reset & reflect
Songwriters in the Raw @ West Art 7-9p featuring Dave & Susan all ages show
Judah Friedlander comedy @ Tellus360 21+ 7p trucker hat guy from 30 rock
Sound Meditation by Healing Violin w/Helena @ Liberty Place 6-730p soothing notes
Monday, 12th
Gleaners Film Club @ West Art 7-9p Art 530p w/Jeremy & Leigh surprise showing
Learn to Knit 101 @ Snake + Skein Etown 6-8p loops
What time is it? It’s poll:thirty
Last week, I asked what would get you off the sofa. I’ll be putting some things together based on the nearly 1st place tie of 40% for ‘making food’ and 38% for ‘a hike’. Third place was 19% with ‘Lancastrians on Tap’.
I’ve been noodling on a new idea around food…A Lancaster Loop Dinner Club.
Here’s the idea…a way to get us to together, meet new folks and explore new restaurants. A type of Dinner Club where we get matched up with a few strangers, enjoy a meal together, and have some fun. Maybe even throw in a low-key afterparty.
Let me know your thoughts, if this gets approved, I’ll get to work.
PS Everyone who votes gets a chance to win a local eatery giftcard (think beignets) - so pick your click!
Want to join the Dinner Club?
Lancaster Farm Sanctuary
Ever gotten a letter from a cow? Or had a chicken as a pen pal?
The kid in your life (or you, no judgment) can swap letters with a rescued farm animal. Each month they’ll (you’ll) get a photo and a letter ‘from’ their (your) new friend, then they (you) can write back with questions or drawings. It’s fun and helps more people hear about the work the sanctuary is doing. You can also sponsor your own rescue.
Okay around poop and have some barn boots? Volunteer opportuntiies (18+) range from cleaning barns to feedings. Find weekly 2 hours shifts or a longer one if you’re coming from further away.
More into keyboards than pitchforks? They also need fundraising volunteers to help with events, sponsors, and content. Click the pic for details.
Jude the cow, a rescued resident of LFS on mural by Shauna Yorty on W Walnut St in Lanc City
SUPPORT THE LOOP
Lancaster Loop is 100% free to read, independently owned and locally operated (heck, it’s just me, Ed in Lancaster). I appreciate any and all your support my friends! - Ed
Where is Ed?
Last week’s location, Whole Foods Lancaster on Fruitville Pike, was guessed correctly by 7 of 23 people (Lemon Street Market was the top incorrect answer). The winner was dar*****ina@gmail —> check your email, I’ve sent you a gift card!
A few of my favs at WF include watching my kids raid the ‘free’ kid snack basket near the produce, grabbing a half-baked pizza for an easy meal, and scoring some LaBelle Patrimoine chicken - Lancaster County slow grown and pasture raised.
👇 Guess this week’s below 👇
Click the pic to guess what existing Lanc business will soon move take over the Sugar Bowl Pizzeria location in Lanc City.
Guess correctly what the Sugar Bowl on W Lemon will soon become & you’ll be entered for a giftcard to the new business. (it’s okay to search the answer..wait..do you google or gpt it)
Thanks for staying…in the loop!
-Ed
PS If you own a business or put on an event reach out and let’s connect. I want to celebrate every corner of Lancaster!