WHAT’ S NEWS IN WEST COUNTY
The Renaissance Center, Dafmark Dance Theater, the Erie Art Museum, the Sheraton Erie Bayfront and several other destinations.
The Cultural Loop is a partnership between the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Erie Philharmonic.
Sit back, relax, and see all that downtown Erie has to offer on the 20L! For more information on the route, visit ride-the-e. com.
VISIT HAGEN HISTORY CENTER
If you haven’ t been to the Hagen History Center lately, it’ s time to plan a visit and see the new exhibits that have been curated specially for our area.
“ I Choose You— Valentine’ s Through the Ages” explores the romantic valentines of yesteryear. The collection features love notes from the past century, celebrating friendship, romance and affection.
It includes lacy paper confections, whimsical illustrations, 3-D pieces, and heartfelt messages. This display will be available until March 1.
A new exhibit,“ Wilderness Lodge,” is very timely for the Winter Olympics. Explore the history of this family-owned ski lodge founded in 1969 by James and Nansi Janes.
“ Hand-Picked” is a special exhibit featuring some favorite artifacts of the staff of the history center. Highlights include the flag that was draped on Abraham Lincoln’ s casket, a gorgeous child-sized coach from the Hamot family, and a table constructed of petrified wood.
“ Erie’ s Founding Families” is all about our roots, with an emphasis on the Colts, the Sanfords and the Spencers. Learn the stories behind some of the names that grace stores, taverns, ships and schools in the area.
To plan your visit, hagenhistory. org.
EXPLORE ASBURY WOODS!
Asbury Woods announced“ The Year of Exploration” as its 2026 theme, encouraging visitors to experience the wonder of the woods as they wander the 234 acres.
New this year will be the Adventure Passport, which will be your pass to all of the events, trails and public programming, with 10 % off of Asbury Woods event registration.
The passport will be sold inside the Squeaky Frog Gift Shop. And be sure to visit the Behrend Room at the Nature Center.
For more information, visit asburywoods. org.
THE CULTURAL LOOP
A free trolley runs Saturday evenings in Erie from 5 p. m. to midnight, with stops at the Warner Theatre, Erie Playhouse,
PLAY BRIDGE!
The Erie Bridge Club will be offering beginner lessons for those who are interested in learning this very social and very fun card game enjoyed by people of all ages!
The lessons will be held on April 6, at 6:30 p. m., and April 8, at 1 p. m. For more information, visit the Erie Bridge Club website at eriebridgeclub. org.
ELK VALLEY GARDEN CLUB
If it’ s spring, it must be time for gardening! Founded in 1929, the Elk Valley Garden Club is the oldest National Garden Club affiliate in Erie County.
The club’ s projects include maintaining Wells Park in Girard, the veterans monument in Lake City, and the annual cleanup of the Lake City Borough building property.
The club strives to preserve native plants and flowers, and promotes home gardening and public green spaces. It also sponsors a scholarship for Girard High School seniors entering an environmental field and makes charitable donations to local fire, EMS, library and food pantries.
The Elk Valley Garden Club is an active group that meets once a month, with guest speakers presenting interesting topics.
If you would be interested in becoming a member, or just need some gardening tips, you can find the group on Facebook.
Continued on page 10 >
8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags. com