Lancaster Artist - Tatiana Tisdale’s work in Central Park: Exaltation (click the pic to enter a giveaway from Tatiana!)
Guten Tag (hello in German) I can’t wait to dive in today.
We’ve had some tremendous growth thanks to your referrals and shares. So, I’ll take a quick min to properly introduce myself. I’m Ed, the writer & founder behind the ‘Loop. My family and I moved to Lancaster in 2023, up from Maryland. I love the water, outdoors, and hearing about other’s passions and bringing people together.
But the ‘Loop is not about Ed (cue the weekly selfie 🤣).
In fact, one of my pillars is to lift up and shine light on all the good of Lancaster. This newsletter (mistakes & all) is and always will be authentically me. As I shared with today’s cover artist Tatiana, my hope for this newsletter is to help neighbors meet neighbors. Thank you all for being here.
Now let’s dive into this week’s happenings!
-Ed
Today’s cover art is by Lancaster local Tatiana, resident artist at the Lancaster Art Vault. Exaltation, above is available for sale!
She also has a fun giveaway this week…a chance to win another of her original works, ‘Blood Moon Falling’, a 20 minute chat with her, and an opportunity for 30% off any newly commissioned piece.
(If you or someone you know is a Lancaster local artist, reach out - I’d love to celebrate them with a cover art showpiece). Last week’s My Aunt Debbie earrings winner is cjmay****@yahoo! Check your email CJ!
Click pic for website
Roy Byler was already seated at the table when I arrived for our coffee chat. A contractor on-time and there before me? Intrigued and already pleased!
Roy had recently donated to a charitable campaign I ran supporting Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central PA. I knew of him, his work ethic and his skill for general construction services. But, our conversation solidfied my sense of who the Lancaster local behind the hammer really is. Byler Build represents grit, customer service, quality craftsmanship and a passion for doing trustworthy work.
If you have a home project from minor fixes to full scale remodel or home addition on your 2026 calendar, connect with Byler Build, a partner of the Lancaster Loop.
Lancaster Loop - DINNER CLUB
The votes are tallied and The Lancaster Loop Dinner Club is officially a go with a 87% approval rating. There’s over 100 Lancastrians looking to meet their neighbors.
Work is underway and I’m hoping to announce the inaugural Dinner Club in the next week or two (fingers crossed).
A few clarifying items: The Dinner Club will be in local restaurants (not stranger’s homes as some of you inquired). There will be tables of six at a variety of locations. You’ll be matched to restaurants that meet your budget. A quick survey will gather brief details to match you with your table mates.
In the meantime, forward this to a friend who might be interested in a fun way to meet their neighbors!
The winner of the Lancaster Beignet Company giftcard for voting on the Dinner Club poll is jackicoryr*****n@gmail. Check your email Jacki!
This Week’s 5 Ws of Lancaster
Who / What / When / Where / Why - all across the county & city
send your events here
Today - Tuesday, 13th
Taco Tuesday - Walk-O Taco food truck @ Buchanan Park 4-7p - handheld yum
Open Mic & Art & Paint a Rock 7-11p by Susq River Creative Conspiracy - all ages
Beginner Skateboarding @ Lanc Rec by Ramp Up 530-630p -ages 5-9 - ollie
Sip & Stitch @ Lititz Springs Inn - free to attend - knitters, crocheters, needle artisans unite
French Conversations @ Wegman’s 530-715p- w/Denise & crew - from casual to native language
Wednesday, 14th
Happy Hour - Lanc Young Professionals @ Decades 5p - connections
West Coast Swing @ Celtic Center 7-9p beginners welcome - dance
Meeting of the Minds @ Hempfield Apothetique by Lanc Psychedelic Comm 630p reflect
Thursday, 15th
Featured Event - Philosopy Drinks Film @ Zoetropolis - John Ford’s classic western ‘The Searchers’ opens the ‘America at 250’ series with Dennis Weiss. ft cocktail Texas Wind
501 Live Open Mic @ Lititz Shirt Factory 530-9p - no charge - mic time
Kerryn Feehan comedian @ West Art 8-930p NYC comedian and Tires character ha
Friday, 16th
Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky @ Gardner Theatre - LSO thru Sunday mult shows - free pre-concert lecture - Natasha on the 88s
Dads Grab Coffee (bring the kiddos) @ West Art 930-11a - Good Dads of Lanc email signup
SchnAZZY @ Tellus360 7p - free - 21+ sharp & snazzy
Queers Night Out - drag show @ Phantom 8-11p queer fun
Salsa / Bachata classes @ Tellus360 7-9p - free rumba
Carman Bryant & Positive Flow @ Marion Court Room 530-9p sweetheart of soul
Candlelight shows @ Barshinger Center - Hans Zimmer @ 6p & Rings and Dragons at 830p inception time
Saturday, 17th
Kids Machine Sewing @ Handwork House 330-530p more kids & adults classes
Toilet Fest 3 @ Phantom Power 7-11p - mr. nice guy
Skyla Burrell @ Lucky Dog Cafe 7-10p - hard drivin’ blues band
Fuzzy Bunny Slippers @ The Village 7p - Philly & South Jersey rock band
Plant Palooza @ Stauffers on Rohrerstown Rd 10-4p -be paired w/your new green baby
Sunday, 18th
BYOBucket - Penn Cinema (19th too) - $5 fill up to 400 oz limit - so much popcorn any movie
Steinman Run/Trout Run by Lancaster Hiking Club 2p. from Steinman Run Nature Preserve 4.5 miles
Monday, 19th
Live Animals in Winter @ Lanc Science Factory 10-1p free w/admission punxsutawney
Lancaster Free Puzzle Libary
You’ve likely seen a Little Free Library box in your travels. From books to community pantries, plants, and now puzzles?! Call me old-fashioned, but puzzles > socials all day.
On W Frederick Street near N President Avenue in Lancaster City exists IMHO one of the greatest free boxes across all the land.
A Puzzle Exchange.
Interested in creating your own box? Build your own free library and launch it. Visit the Little Free Library page; they have kit plans or finished boxes you can purchase.
Curious about what other free boxes exist around Lancaster or have one to share?
Luckily, the IG page Little Free Lancaster, is a community resource for all of us.
Send your favorite finds there and ping me if you see any great ones!
The Puzzle Exchange @ W Frederick St & N President Ave in Lanc City
Fix It COMMUNITY in Lancaster
What if Home Depot was NEARLY free? There’s a new tool share in our community…except this one runs on neighbors, not profit. It’s called the Lancaster Workshop.
The nonprofit is building a low-cost membership tool library and hands-on workshop space to give tool access to equitable access to everyone.
Their slogan says it best: “the more we have there, the more we can share.”
They’re looking for two big things…TIME (volunteers & members) and TOOLS (especially corded power tools, 🚫 no batteries, please, and hand tools, plaster/masonry gear, flooring, plumbing, electrical, gardening, woodworking/carpentry tools).
The heartbeat behind the non-proift is Emily Fritz. She fell in love with woodworking and wanted more people to have access. Membership Fees are annual and tiered by income to make the library fair and accessible to as many people as possible.
They are launching workshops led by seasoned pros and retirees, teaching woodworking, plaster, masonry, window restoration, stained glass, and more.
If you’ve got time, tools, or dollars to share, this is a chance to literally help build the future of Lancaster. Join or donate. Connect at [email protected].
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!
Where is Ed?
Last week’s location (as so many of you triangulated), was Pizzeria 211’s new future spot on W Lemon in Lancaster City (they’ll move there later this fall).
It was guessed correctly by over 60 Loopers. The winner of a giftcard to Pizzeria 211 is Nina @ nina.co*****4@gmail! Check your email for details Nina!
I grabbed two slices at their current home in Southern Market this week. Founded by Lancaster local Matt Schultz do yourself a favor and grab a full pie. Congrats on the future move!
👇 Guess this week’s below 👇
Guess correctly where I am & you’ll be entered for one of 12 giveaways to the business.
Thanks for staying…in the loop!
Forward this to someone who didn’t know the National Geographic Society was founded today in 1888.
-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! - I read every email, but there’s only one of me so please please follow up if you don’t hear back from me 🙏