🔴⚪️ Lancaster Loop: Would You Rather Mah-jong or Lanco Hunt?

Happy Tuesday Loopers!

I’m still riding the big high of ‘community’ this morning. Last Thursday was proof positive for my hopes behind this community newsletter. 83 folks gathered at 9 restaurants across Lancaster City, sitting at tables with fellow Loop readers they hadn’t met before.

I’m happy to report that neighbors not only met neighbors, but future cruises were planned, multiple get-togethers, and a new outlet to discover community was born. Many thanks to all the restaurants who hosted us and to Decades Lancaster for supporting the after-party.

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback, restaurant critiques and opportunities to improve. I read all of the notes and take your feedback to heart. If you missed your chance to share feedback reply now or check your email for the feedback email.

All signs are pointing to a fun second Dinner Club.

Ready to shrink Lancaster County and make some new friends?

Take the quiz, get matched, and come out and have dinner with 5 new neighbors.

The next Dinner Club will arrive Thursday, April 9th, at restaurants in Lititz.

Cheers to all of you building community! -Ed

I have a banjo that’s only lived in my closet.

It sits there… alongside my hopes of someday delivering more than a few random picks and plucks.

Learning to play an instrument creates art, opens doors, and welcomes others.

It builds connection. It strengthens community.

So when I discovered MusiCorps Lancaster, it felt like finding yet another quiet treasure tucked into our county.

MusiCorps supports a collective of local music teachers committed to making sure income never determines access to private lessons.

Since moving to Lancaster, I’ve been in awe of the art & creative energy I find here every day. MusiCorps directly invests into the future artists of our community.

They provide 12 free one-on-one lessons, loaner instruments, and scholarships for students who want to continue. It’s not just about learning notes…it’s instilling confidence, mentorship, and giving kids a trusted adult to guide their musical journey.

They report students describing music as “love, happiness, and friendship”, which creates a ripple effect in our community. This is opportunity for us to support building a more engaged, healthy, and vibrant Lancaster.

Interested in supporting…AND want to have a great night out?

MusiCorps is holding their Paint the Town Green event at Lititz Shirt Factory March 13 6-9p.

Small plates. Great company. And smooth yacht rock vibes from ‘3 Hour Tour’.

Tickets are limited; grab yours, bring a friend, and help amplify access to music across Lancaster.

All proceeds directly benefit the kids of MusiCorps let’s paint the town green

In February I crossed paths with someone whose energy matched mine stride for stride.

I really geek out when I find people who pour into building community here in Lancaster and live with passion. The type of person who enthusiastically gives for the joy of giving.

Mike Porto with Filtertracker is that person. We met over on LinkedIn and he proudly wears his passion for Lancaster.

We ran into each other one night at Common run club. A few texts and conversations later and Mike and I ended up hiding two dozen Valentine’s cards behind the Rotary Club Hearts for Lancaster in the downtown area. Thanks to Denim Coffee for the giftcards.

Mike and I had a blast with setting up that giveaway and folks had fun hunting for the cards.

So ‘Mike and Ed’ asked… what if we do it again…but bigger?

Say hello to…

We’re not sure yet if this’ll be a monthly or quarterly thing, but we know it will continue to celebrate Lancaster people and business in unique and fun ways.

You can see our first giveaway video here on Instagram or Facebook.

Starting this Saturday, we’ll kick off the next iteration.

A ‘Patty’ for St. Paddy’s Day.

With the support of Cabalar, SmartHub Foundation, Good Luck Society, 415 East Recording, Moser Roofing Solutions, Filtertracker, and Visit Lancaster City, we’re offically launching Lanco Hunts.

We’ll be hiding 20 packages around Lititz and Lancaster City that’ll support community, businesses, and exploring Lancaster.

What’s up for discovery? Think: t-shirts, coffee, Lancaster City Downtown Dollars, giftcards, mugs, experiences, and more.

Follow the Lanco Hunts Instagram for location clues and more details that’ll come this Saturday, March 7th, in the morning.

Or visit the website Lanco Hunts for updates as well

Interested in sponsoring? Hit reply and let us know.

60 Minute Massage Winner: With 131 votes, 4 hours was the leading answer to “What’s the longest massage Kendra has ever performed” poll last week.

Kendra felt exhausted just thinking about the possibility of doing a four-hour massage - let alone nine!

The correct answer was 2 hours - which sounds lovely.

I still see all of you who were dreaming of 9 hour massages. If you played, you were entered to win a 60-min massage appointment with Kendra, owner of Mount Joy Massage and Wellness. The winner of the 60 minute massage is Linda G.!

And as a thank you to everyone who clicked the poll last week, check your email at 8:17 am today. Kendra sent an extra goodie just for having played!

Last week I shared a bit about myself and asked about who you are.

I was excited to learn more about our community and with living in Lancaster, it’s exciting to see the diverse professions of our community!

SUPPORT YOUR LANCASTER LOOP

Your Loop will always remain 100% free to read,independently owned and locally operated (yep, it’s just me).

It’s human-curated, always from the heart, and wildly Lanco local.

Much love Loopers!