Together with Byler Build
The full power of mother nature was felt & seen by all of us this week. I hope all of you are safe and staying cool. The county is collecting reports of storm damage submit yours here.
Look in or stop by a neighbor’s place to see how they’re doing after the storms. The beauty of Lancaster lies not only in our landscape but in our connections.
-Ed (connect on LinkedIn)
Today’s cover art was taken by Bob Buzzard. Bob finds some beautiful shots of Lancaster including this sunset in Narvon on 6/24/26 with his DJI Mavic Pro 4.
Random fact: Bob’s a modern day descendant of the actual Buzzard Gang, but - plot twist - he’s one of the most honest guys I know. see bob’s work
LOOPER LEARNING:
BIG BOY #4014
It’s hard to miss 1.2 million pounds of steel. But you’ll need to act fast…and take a short drive from Lancaster.
There’s an extremely rare sighting happening today just 25 miles from downtown Lancaster. And at 133-feet…well technically 132 feet, 9 7/8 inches…the Union Pacific Railroad steam locomotive is sort of the Halley’s Comet of this decade. The last time the Big Boy was east of the Mississippi was 1941. So you’re more likely to see Halley’s comet before Big Boy circles back again.
Fast facts:
Big Boy will have a Whistle Stop in Lebanon today with a 1230p arrival and a 115p departure from the Lebanon Station (250 N 8th Street, Lebanon).
While you’re in the area here are two stops for a refreshing drink. There’s a restaurant with candy-inspired drinks at Rotunda Brewing (Annville) and smashburger, fries, and a beer for $10 at Snitz Creek Brewery (Lebanon).
Looper advice: skip the potentially big crowds at the Lebanon whistle stop and head to the Annville station (150 Moyer St, Annville). While there won’t be a physical stop, if you’re just hoping to look, post up in Annville or along the tracks somewhere and enjoy the pass by with fewer crowds. Or catch it back behind Troegs in Hershey where it’s expected between 130p and 2p. Yes, of course they are selling brews
Another viewing spot along the tracks is at Lebanon Valley College as it passes by after leaving the whistle stop in Lebanon. Find a spot along the tracks and enjoy sitting in your car with the A/C on FULL blast and then stepping out as Big Boy heads west around 115p.
So if our county is home to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg…
Why didn’t Big Boy make a stop in Lancaster?
So close, but so..so..big.
Lancaster's mainline is Amtrak's electrified Keystone Corridor, not very welcoming for a 16-foot-tall steam engine spewing heat and cinders under passenger wires, so the tour followed Norfolk Southern's freight line through Reading and Pottstown instead, one county away.
And nope, Strasburg couldn't host it either.
At 1.2 million pounds and almost 133 feet, Big Boy is too heavy for the bridges, too long for the turntable, and too wide in the curves for the platforms.
Lancaster wasn’t snubbed…we just have the wrong tracks for a train of this magnitude.
A few more Big Boy facts before it fades from our memories…
Big Boy was named by graffiti. It was supposed to be called the "Wasatch", until a machinist chalked "Big Boy" on the smokebox during construction.
It exists because of fruit. Built so Union Pacific could haul refrigerated California produce over Utah's steepest grades without stopping for helper engines.
It was built for speed, not just size. Engineered to cruise at 80 mph, this 2026 journey will see an average cruise speed in the 40s which makes sense given braking to a full-stop can take upwards of a mile.
It spent 52 years as a lawn ornament. Retired in 1961 with a million miles on it, parked at a California fairground until 2013, when it was towed home and brought back to life.
Random dad train jokes: How do trains hear? ….with their engine-ears.
And… I once tried to get a job as a railway conductor…
…but they said I didn’t have enough train-ing.
Recently, a reader stopped & thanked me for spotlighting Roy.
Roy, the founder of Byler Build, completed a renovation that several other contractors had fumbled and failed to follow through on.
The reader shared, Roy delivered a “headache-free experience”.
You deserve a contractor you can trust and who doesn’t induce migraines.
From a bathroom update to a full addition, Roy and team deliver an experience you’ll tell a neighbor about or stop me in the street to share.
Give Roy a call 717-404-5910 or book him here
The 5Ws of Lancaster
Featured Events
July 7 Mahjong open play @ West Art w/Danielle of The 717 Mahj Circle meet a new friend, build community, and bring your tiles
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July 11 & 12 Midsummer Holistic Expo @ Lanc Farm & Home Center Sat 10-6p & Sun 11-5p natural wellness, speakers, vendors, workshops, yoga discover and renew
Plan Ahead
July 18 Educating the Next Generation of Boys @ YWCA 2-4p Why are young men and boys falling behind academically and what can our community do to support them? Join the panel discussion
Bonus: Hourglass pod w/the organizers why are boys doing worse in school
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October 9 Big Brothers Big Sisters donate or join the team
Today - Tuesday July 7th
Night Trail Run @ Lanc Environmental Center 630p meet at the Center for a 3-5 mile run and an after run hang
Summer Sounds Scavenger Hunt @ Lanc Env Ctr 7-8p as the sun sets listen for the changing noises
Community Yoga @ Lanc Medical Heritage Museum 10-11a w/Tommy of PMA Yoga stretch in a museum
Didgeridoo Down Under @ Columbia Library 630-730p Australian culture program held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran in their fellowship hall
Foundations of Qigong @ Fairview Park (Columbia) 615p gentle body movement, breathing, and focused meditation
Open & Over 40 Women’s Soccer Pickup @ F&M Armstrong Field by Red Rose Arena 7p $15 per game/pp, two 25 min halves, 7v7, and no refs
Wednesday July 8th
Co-ed & Open Men Soccer Pickup @ F&M Armstrong Field by Red Rose Arena 7p $15 per game/pp, two 25 min halves, 7v7, and no refs
Run & Rave @ Long’s Park by Lanc Running Club 630p run the loop with speakers blasting music at the front
Craft & Connect @ Heart Gallery & Market by Lanc Women for Good girls night out to unwind and support a non-profit byoc or buy a craft to make
Thursday July 9th
All Quiet on the Western Front book club @ Lanc Library 10-1130a next up is dostoyevsky
Chalk the Walk @ Mountville Library 1030-1130a supplies provided come beautify the library
Two Walks in Lititz #1 Women’s Slow Evening Walk @ Warwick Ephrata Rail Trail 630p slow down, connect and enjoy the golden hour #2 Urban Hikes in Downtown by Earth to Lititz 8-9a meet your neighbors
Pet Birthdays on the Patio @ Rachel’s by the Rescue Realtor 12p first drink included & pet treats
Intro to Uranium Glass @ PA Guild 530-830p create glass mushroom figurines that glow in uv light
Friday July 10th
Women’s Group @ West End Yoga 630-8p led by Nicole learn ayurvedic principles around menopause in the summer - taste teas while chatting and learning
Tapestry opening show @ Third Story Art 5-8p over 40 artists showcased
McAlister’s Deli Community Hero Event @ Park City teachers, gvmt employees, healthcare, veterans, military, and first responders enjoy a meal today and tomorrow 11-1p or 530-730p grand opening
World Cup Watching @ Enoteca Beccafico 4-11p food from Beccafico along with wines, cocktails, beer, and small plates sadly no USA soccer showcase
Bee Cob Houses @ Lanc Env Ctr 230-330p use clay, sand, and straw to craft mini habitats for native bees
Shibari Performance @ Bound Studio show featuring Rina Trevi an intimate and vulnerable evening of shibari theatre
Saturday July 11th
Tomato Festival @ Washington Boro 3-9p entertainment, games, music, & lots of ways to taste a tomato
Animal Adaptations @ Acorn Acres 2-4p students can learn how wildlife have structural and behavioral adaptations for survival adapt to thrive
Second Saturday @ Lititz 11-2p wander downtown with music and spirit
Cars & Coffee @ Penn Med Park by Stoner Car Care & Urban Werks 9-12p music, cars, and coffee
3rd Power Family Soul @ Dirty Ol’ Tavern 9-11p Funk, Soul, & R&B no cover charge
DrumBeatsArt @ PAVAA Gallery 1230-630p meet a new friend and bang a new drum
Ice Cream for Breakfast @ Hinkle’s 7-11a July is National Ice Cream month so come, celebrate, and ruin your supper
Carman Bryant & Positive Flow @ Marion Court Room 530-9p live jams
Book Fair for Grown-Ups @ Columbia Library 6-8p with local author Lindsay Hameroff & Seymour’s Little Shop of Books curated selection
Purr-fect Benefit Show @ Columbia Animal Shelter 7-10p Modern Day Pharaohs music to raise funds
The Nobles @ Shoppes at Belmont 6-10p jams by father & daughter duo with original and classic hits
Lazy, Crazy, & Hazy Summer Bash @ The Iris Club 7-11p live jams by Philly-based Chris Oatts & the Elling-tones 7-8p beginner lesson swing dance
Sunday July 12th
The Travelin’ McCourys @ West Art 730-930p Bluegrass legends land in Lancaster you know i love strings
Las Guaracheras @ Long’s Park Summer Music 730p food trucks w/an all female Latin music ensemble bringing salsa energy from Cali to Columbia listen here
Paint Rocks & Give Kindness @ Lanc Env Ctr 2-330p paint rocks then place them for others find and discover
Monday July 13th
Sew a Skirt @ Maple Grove Comm Bldg by Mountain Laurel Sewing Comp 630-830p create your own clothing with drawstrings and pockets
Trivia @ newly reopened Brendees 7p first reopening trivia play solo or bring a team
Outdoor Movie Night @ Gracie’s on West Main 730p National Treasure with admission & popcorn free
Your Lancaster business should be in front of 12,000+ readers.
They care deeply about where they live & want their dollars to stay local.
The Loop partners with businesses I’d actually recommend to a neighbor.
Let’s have a quick chat, reply to this email with the word LOOP.
The Lancaster Loop is independently and locally written by a guy who loves Lanc. All support is welcome - forward this email to a friend & ask them to subscribe or click the shiny red button below…‘preciate all of you - Ed
📣YELL at the Loop (or tell me something on your mind)
LOOPER EVENTS
DINNER CLUB:
Lancaster Loop Dinner Club #4 is arriving next Thursday the 16th at 630p
Here’s what others have said after they hung out with 5 friendly strangers…
“Great people at my table, great restaurant, and a fun meet up afterwards”
“Thoroughly enjoyed meeting 5 new people and sharing tales of travel adventures'“
Join the Loop Dinner Club on Thursday July 16th in downtown Lancaster.
200+ guests with an overall 4.8/5 rating 👏👏👏
Clue for the after party: You’ll have a chance to help local kids just by ordering a drink!
MAHJONG:
TONIGHT @ West Art Danielle from The 717 Mahj Circle will be on-hand for Mahjong open play.
If you have your own tiles please BRING them!
Open play will not include formal instruction, instead focusing on playing & enjoying the game. But, Danielle will still be on-hand for guidance and support!
sign-ups are live
LANCO HUNTS:
Thank you to everyone who played the ‘Don’t Forget Your Father’s Day’ scavenger hunt.
Lancaster BBQ Supply and Roundabout Conestoga Valley were the sponsors along with Bevanda and Urban Southern who all donated time, efforts, and prizes.
Mike Porto drew the 5 grand prize winners bingo-style:
Sponsor @urbansouthern Leather Apron —> Elisa T.
Sponsor @bevandaproducts Crewman’s Bundle —> Jenny H.
@gozney Roccbox pizza oven —> Chad H.
@breeo Firepit —> David J.
@traegergrills Westwood grill —> Aaron H.
If you played and were stumped by some of the clues here’s a recap:
Start point: Lancaster BBQ Supply
Clue 1: Gazebo at Greenfield Park
Clue 2: MFE Piano at Penn Square corner of King St & Queen St
Clue 3: Hole 17 Overlook Park Disc Golf hole
Clue 4: Historic Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge
Clue 5: Golden Triangle Shopping Center entrance sign
Clue 6: Lancaster Rotary Park kids playing baseball statue
Interested in sponsoring one of our local scavenger hunts that support and highlight your business? Reply to this email and let’s build something uniquely out-of-the-box.
Where’s Wal’Ed’o?
At the top of the silo tower photo last week was Javateas in Ephrata. I enjoyed the Chagaccino, a mushroom based hot drink which was delicious!
This is Javateas’ main location with another cafe at the Wellspan Hospital in Ephrata on the first floor in the Health Pavilion.
Owner Ashley Scheirer kindly donated 25 free 16 oz drinks to lucky readers who guessed. Congrats to all of you below. Look in the mail for your gift card arriving soon.
Cheers to Kristin Minch, Cheriti Smith, Jill Hunt, Samantha Besnoff, Daniel Tucker, Brooke Perez, Michele Hartman, Erin LeBrun, William Maney, Keith Shetter, Janet White, Paget Rhee, Dasha Florance, Janet Gable, Julia Matesich, Bill Risser, Peggy Keller, Jonathan Willier, Allison Bates, Andy Weaver, Steve Goble, Abbey Bowers, Brynn Cagno, Erin Dixon, and Nate Alter!
Know a local shop you’d love to see featured in Where’s Wal’Ed’o? - shoot me a reply.
Bonus points if you can intro me to the owner or GM.
Feel free to forward this email to them as well.
👇 Click the pic to guess this week’s “Where’s Wal’Ed’o?” location 👇
Click the pic to guess and win
Here’s a clue: The Lancaster Loop is an alliteration and so is this business’ name. You won’t find their submarines underwater or made of metal, but they are baked fresh daily at the Bay. Ask Lincoln or Strickler where to find them.
As always thanks for staying… in the ‘Loop! -Ed
P.S. Property Peek is brought to you by Jeremy Ganse with RE/Max Smarthub Realty.
A Marietta house for entertaining with 1.7 acres & a guest house 6 Beds | 6 Baths | 8,589 sf + 38,000 gallons in the backyard pool
P.P.S. If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, forward it to someone who would quickly help a neighbor clear out some downed trees from a 1-2 mother nature punch this week.
P.P.P.R. The ‘R’ stands for randomness; Today is the birthday of a famous Beatles band member who’s still touring today and said this quote “I had no schooling before I joined The Beatles and no schooling after The Beatles. Life is a great education” - who said it