Portrait of Eastern Lawrence
When we chose East Lawrence as the focal point for our Q2 (June) issue, we certainly were not expecting Covid-19 to close down our city. For a moment, we discussed postponing. But even though it was going to be a challenge for our writers to get their interviews and to make sure we would be able to get the impactful visuals to go with those articles, we felt it was important to keep as much normalcy as possible for our team at LBM. And as each issue is as much about its theme as it is about connecting people, the community, and our readers – we knew it would be important to continue to get out stories for each of you, our advertisers and supporters – so here is our issue.
Tony Krsnich, Rev. Verdell Taylor, Kate Dinneen, and Mona Cliff
We want to thank our staff of writers, and all of those interviewed for their time, for hanging in there through various trials including proper social distancing to create this Portrait of Eastern Lawrence.
Our nation is a melting pot, and nowhere in Lawrence is that best represented than in Eastern Lawrence (ELAW). The rich history of ELAW dates back before the first occupancy of the white settlers. This issue can only touch on some of what we know, and what we learned doing this issue on ELAW. But we hope it will inspire you to explore ELAW, visit its businesses, and for those wanting to know more its rich history to visit the Watkins Museum of History at 1047 Massachusetts Street.
We did approach this issue a bit differently. We are probably going to be doing that for a while as we take on the new normal. For instance, as you will see, most photographs in this issue were taken from a distance and always with social distancing and safety in mind. Doing stories on the businesses and owners was complicated as many were closed – but our writers tracked them down. Although it was making our jobs more challenging, we were proud to know that, for the most part, our community was taking their responsibilities seriously and were earnest in their desires to protect their families, staff, and community.
And lastly, we also realize that many of you are facing significant challenges. We are so proud of how the community has reached out and pitched in to help each other.
We were able to cover a few of those instances in our special Local Scene (Taking Care of Local). Please remember that all of our advertisers have a stake in the local economy; we would like to ask you to first consider them before looking to source your needs outside of the community. Try and shop locally as much as possible, and avoid the urge to order online. If you find something online – see if one of our local stores has it. We know that they would appreciate the business, and when you hear someone say, “We are all in this together,” remember that our local businesses are at the center of our community.
Please stay safe, social distance, wear a mask as much as possible to protect those who may be at risk, and Shop Local.
Sincerely,
- Ann Frame Hertzog, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
Steven Hertzog, Chief Photographer/Publisher
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