Good morning, Lancaster County. The sun is all yours today - no clouds, no excuses, just a crisp 49-degree Tuesday that feels like spring finally got serious. Inside today's edition: a Philly food legend heading to Harrisburg Ave, a bold new teacher pipeline launching right here in the county, and a full slate of Tuesday night things to do if you're not ready to go home after dinner.
In today's Lancaster Local:
Millersville University and Lancaster's school district team up to build the next generation of teachers
Federal Donuts & Chicken - a Philly cult favorite - is planting its first midstate flag on College Row
Tonight: storytelling, pysanky eggs, and a talk about what our ancestors can teach us about the future
Later this week: live music, kokedama, guided art tours, and a family wood-craft workshop
BUSINESS
Millersville Is Growing Lancaster's Next Teachers From the Ground Up
Millersville University and the School District of Lancaster have launched the "Future Educator Pathway," a new program designed to address the national teacher shortage by building a pipeline of teachers from within the community.
The initiative targets underrepresented high school students and wraps them in mentoring, a summer academy, and dual enrollment opportunities - giving them a real head start on an education career before they ever step foot on campus full-time.
This is exactly the kind of institution-level thinking Lancaster County needs: growing homegrown talent for classrooms that already know and trust these future educators.
Federal Donuts & Chicken Is Coming to College Row
If you've ever made a pilgrimage to Philadelphia specifically for Federal Donuts, here's some news that might save you the trip.
The beloved Philly chain - famous for its fried chicken, inventive donuts, and cult following - is opening its first midstate location at 621 Harrisburg Ave, right on Lancaster City's College Row.
Franchise owner Scott Eden, former owner of Holy Hound Taproom, is behind the wheel of the 2,000-square-foot space, which is targeting a Spring 2026 opening and is expected to bring 8–12 new jobs to the neighborhood. Lancaster's dining scene keeps raising the bar, and this one's going to draw a crowd.
EVENTS
There’s a ton happening around the county this week (especially tonight).
🎤 Lancaster Story Slam - Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse - 112 N. Water Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Tonight at 7:00 PM. Lancaster's beloved monthly storytelling night is back at Zoetropolis, where real people take a real stage and share true personal stories on a surprise theme. Whether you want to tell a story or just hear some great ones, this is one of the city's most authentic community traditions. More info →
🥚 Egg Decorating with Wax & Tradition: Creating Pysanky-Inspired Eggs - PA Guild of Craftsmen - 335 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Tonight, 5:30–8:30 PM. Learn the ancient Ukrainian art of pysanky in a hands-on workshop using traditional wax-resist techniques - you'll leave with a beautifully patterned egg and a new appreciation for a centuries-old tradition. Registration is required, so don't wait. Get tickets →
🧬 Genealogy for Tomorrow: How Looking Back Helps Us Look Forward - Mennonite Life Visitors Center - 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA 17602. Tonight at 6:00 PM. Former pastor and Mennonite Life Associate Verle Brubaker leads a thought-provoking evening on how understanding our family and community roots can actually shape where we're headed. A meaningful, grounding night for anyone curious about heritage, identity, and Lancaster County's deep traditions. More info →
🌿 Let's Get Mossy! Spring Kokedama Workshop - Gallery Grow Plant Bar - 320 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Wednesday, March 25, 5:30–6:30 PM. This BYOB happy hour workshop walks you through the Japanese art of kokedama - "moss ball" planting - and sends you home with your own creation. It's creative, relaxing, and genuinely unlike anything else happening this week. More info →
🎸 Fuzztide Jones feat. Ma'aM, Big Chemical & Barkley Cove - Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse - 112 N. Water Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Friday, March 27, 7:30 PM. An eclectic four-act live music night at Lancaster's favorite cinema-distillery hybrid. Expect a diverse range of sounds, a lively crowd, and the kind of Friday night you'll still be talking about on Sunday. More info →
🎨 Spring Fling: A Day with Schiffer Craft Publishing - Gallery Grow Plant Bar - 320 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Saturday, March 28, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. The Schiffer Craft team comes to Gallery Grow for a free "try before you buy" morning of crochet and watercolor paint-alongs. Pull up a chair, test out their kits, ask questions, and pick up your favorites at 20% off. More info →
🖼️ Demuth Museum Guided Tour - Demuth Museum - 120 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 PM. Tour the beautifully preserved home and studio of Lancaster-born modernist painter Charles Demuth with a knowledgeable docent by your side. One of the city's most underrated experiences - and it runs on a donation basis. More info →
🪵 Parent & Child Workshop - Board & Brush Lancaster - Sunday, March 29, 12:00–3:00 PM. Build and paint a wood décor project alongside your kid in this hands-on family workshop from Board & Brush. All skill levels are welcome, which means you have zero excuses not to go. Registration required. More info →
WEATHER
Tuesday, March 24 - Enjoy it: today is a full-sun, 49-degree gift from the calendar, no strings attached. Tonight cools down to around 32°F with some clouds rolling in, so layer up if you're heading out to Story Slam or walking around town.
It's a good week to be a Lancaster County resident - new businesses landing, schools investing in their own communities, and enough going on Tuesday night to make you wish there were more hours in it. Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. If you found something useful, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.