Top 10 To-Dos for November 2019

1 November 14 | Silent Samaritan Luncheon

Calvary Church

The Silent Samaritans invite all women to attend the 24th Annual Silent Samaritan Luncheon. The Silent Samaritans are women dedicated to helping and empowering women in the community. Through the Silent Samaritan Fund, women who lack the means or health insurance are able to receive services offered by the Samaritan Counseling Center. The 2019 program, The Impact of One: Fostering Relationships and Building Resiliency in Kids and Communities, will be presented by keynote speaker Kristy Szobocsan, Warwick High School Principal. Kristy will share how childhood trauma has affected her both personally and professionally and why it is so important for children and communities to be resilient. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 1051 Landis Valley Rd. For reservations and information, call 717-560-9969 or visit scclanc.org/silent-samaritans.

2 November 22 | Extraordinary Give

Lancaster Marriott and Lancaster County Convention Center

Be part of Lancaster’s community-wide celebration of giving! On that day (12 a.m.-11:59 p.m.), visit ExtraGive.org and make an online donation to any of more than 450 nonprofit organizations. Every gift will be amplified with a stretch pool and prizes of more than $500,000, so your gift goes the extra mile! If you feel like celebrating, join the free ExtraGive Fest from 6 p.m.-12 a.m. at the Lancaster Marriott and Lancaster County Convention Center. 24 W. King St. An ExtraGive party is also being held in Columbia at Garth Gallery, 22 S. Second St., from 7 p.m.- 12 a.m. Information: 717-397-1629 or extragive.org.

3 November 7-9 | 5th Annual Friends of Lancaster Public Library Baubles & Bling Sale

Lancaster Public Library

In the market for some new-to-you bling? From costume jewelry and handbags to vintage items and accessories for men, guests will find beautiful pieces at exceptional values. On November 7, attend the Bubbles, Baubles & Bling Night from 5-7 p.m., and enjoy sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres and first dibs on the best items. (Limited tickets will be sold to the preview sale.) The Sale days are November 8, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and November 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 125 N. Duke St., 2nd Floor. Information: 717-394-2651 or lancaster.lib.pa.us.

4 November 2 | A Race to Remember 5K

Reidenbaugh Elementary School

The 5K run/walk event, which has helped to raise more than $544,000, provides support and aids further research to develop treatment and ultimately find a cure for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. This year marks 12 years since LMI Advertising’s founder, Gary Bellanca, was diagnosed with early on-set dementia at age 55. He was re-diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia three-and-a-half years later. Registration is from 7:45-8:45 a.m. Race begins at 9 a.m. Fee is $25 until October 23; registration fee thereafter will be $30. 1001 Buckwalter Rd., Lititz. Information and registration: 717-569-8826 or lmiadvertising.com/AR2R.

5 November 9 | Glory Denied

The Ware Center

Penn Square Music Festival is presenting the true story of Jim Thompson, the longest-held prisoner of war in American history. He was a POW in Vietnam from 1964-1973. This riveting opera tells of his story both as a POW and dealing with his return home.

Visit Lancaster early on the day of the performance and participate in an Opera Crawl, which is being supported by 17 local businesses located within a few blocks of The Ware Center. There will also be a pre-show talk at 2 p.m. featuring the director, Andrew Neinanber; the conductor, Scott Drackley; the composer, Tom Cipullo; and the author of the book, Glory Denied, Tom Philpott. Tickets are $20. 42 N. Prince St. 3 p.m. Information: 717-314-1591 or pennsquaremusicfestival.com.

6 November 29-December 31 | Lancaster City for the Holidays and Mayor’s Tree Lighting & Tuba Christmas

Downtown Lancaster

Kick off the holiday season with the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting & Tuba Christmas event on November 29. Start your evening at Lancaster Central Market, which will be open from 5-8 p.m. Entertainment starts at 6 p.m., followed by the Christmas Tree lighting. Visits with Santa at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square run from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuba Christmas begins at 8 p.m. Event is free and open to the public. 25 S. Queen St.

But, that’s not all! Through December 31, enjoy over 30 special events, activities, celebrations and, of course, holiday shopping during Lancaster City for the Holidays. Events include Visits with Santa at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, Breakfast with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides and much more. Information: 717-291-4758 or visitlancastercity.com.

7 November 23 & 30 | Shop Small Business Saturday

County-wide

Tis the season to shop local! Lancaster County is brimming with small businesses that offer a myriad of gift-giving ideas. Shop Small Business Saturday has become a nationwide tradition that celebrates the small businesses that fuel the nation’s economy. Businesses in small towns and big cities participate in the yearly event that follows the frenzy of Black Friday and precedes the hoopla of Cyber Monday. Locally, Mount Joy businesses will participate a week early on Saturday, November 23, as part of its Fourth Friday weekend festivities. Downtown Lititz will be celebrating from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on November 30. Downtown Lancaster encourages shoppers to support over 200 local businesses on November 30 as well. Don’t forget to also support your favorite restaurant, brewery, distillery, bakery or coffee shop on Small Business Saturday.

8 November 30 | Candlelight Open House

Historic Ephrata Cloister

Kick off the holiday season with a leisurely stroll through the candlelit grounds of the Historic Ephrata Cloister. Discover the sights, sounds and crafts of the past and present in a relaxed evening under the stars. Meet local artisans, start your holiday shopping in the unique museum store, explore the historic buildings, and enjoy music and simple refreshments. 632 W. Main St., Ephrata. 5-8:30 p.m. Information: 717-733-6600 or ephratacloister.org.

9 November 6 | Lancaster Pursenalities Party

Eden Resort & Suites

Join the American Heart Association for the 9th annual Lancaster Pursenalities Party and enjoy an evening of cocktails, small bites and a silent purse auction to benefit the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign and projects in Lancaster County. 4-7:30 p.m. 222 Eden Rd. Information: 717-730-1736 or heart.org/lancasterpursenalities.

10 November 23 | 7th Annual Holiday Shopping Fair

Farm & Home Center

Shop from over 100 different businesses, vendors, crafters, food vendors and more. This is a free, family-friendly, pet-friendly, indoor event. Have your photo and/or your pet’s photo taken with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Test your luck with raffles and door prizes; plus, the first 100 adult guests receive free goodie bags! Receive a free raffle ticket for every bag of dry cat or dry dog food you donate. The Fair supports Furever Home Adoption Center (FureverHomeAdoptionCenter.com) and Pet Pantry of Lancaster County (PetPantryLC.org). 1383 Arcadia Rd. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 717-808-8108 or fureverhomeadoptioncenter.com/fundraising-events.html.