FLL SPECIAL DIGITAL ISSUE!
Party Like It’s 1918!
I’m writing this late on a Friday afternoon… or maybe it’s Tuesday morning? No… no, it’s definitely Friday. I know this because I had a weekly Zoom networking meeting with some great professionals and we’ve been doing that on Fridays at 9:30 AM... so it’s definitely Friday… definitely.
Definitely.
Anyway. What’s new with all of you fine people?! I hope that you’re safe, healthy, and well-sheltered. Since our new issue was due out in May and we have not yet been able to take any of the issue’s photos, we thought we’d give you a little something to tide you over. Some reading to make at least one of your quarantined days better. And so, here it is—the first ever digital-only issue of Fine Living Lancaster magazine.
I hope that you enjoy this issue. We enjoyed (safely and remotely!) putting it together for you. And rest assured—any portraits were shot from a very safe distance or were, as in the case of this photo of me, a self-portrait.
I wish that I had some profound words to help you through this. But, I’ll at least share some thoughts.
No one is enjoying this situation that we find ourselves in. But anger and aggression aren’t going to solve anything. It certainly won’t make the shutdown end sooner; it will just make people scared and angry. So do your part. Be nice to your neighbors and the essential workers who are putting themselves in harm’s way to keep things running smoothly for our community (i.e. please be kind while buying your groceries, etc.). Be respectful of personal space, wear a mask, and wear your heart on your sleeve—it will help everyone to know that we’re all feeling much the same way. When things return to normal (whatever that may look like moving forward), everyone will remember those folks who kept up their spirits, and therefore the spirit of the community. These are the people that will emerge from this stronger and buoyed by the self-knowledge that they faced this challenge with empathy and care, and came through with flying colors. These are the people that will be remembered well.
When we relax quarantines and get back to work, we must concentrate our efforts and our dollars on supporting our local small businesses. We will all need each other more than ever. I’m personally pledging that anything I can source locally will be purchased locally. My goal is that FedEx and UPS drivers forget my address. Day one… shop local. Please consider doing the same whenever possible.
Finally, I urge you all to remember—now and after—to be incredibly grateful to those who did not have the option to hunker down with their families and loved ones, the folks that had to be there for the rest of us—healthcare providers, food workers, and essential service providers. These folks stand on the frontlines and do so with courage, dignity, and grace. They are my heroes. Thank them, appreciate them, respect them, and let them know how much their dedication means to you.
Stay safe, stay well, and stay strong. We’ll get through this together.
Mark Pontz, Publisher
mark@markpontz.com
