Luke & Jenn

As we’re writing this, Plano citizens are voting in an election to choose the candidates who will take up some of the positions on city council, Plano ISD board of trustees and the Collin College board of trustees. By the time y’all read this, we will have elected a new mayor. So as the last few days of his tenure as Plano mayor were winding down, we caught up with Harry LaRosiliere. He reflected on the highs and lows of the past eight years, and shared some honest feelings on where he thinks the city is heading.

The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Asian American and Pacific Islander American neighbors. We felt there was no one better to discuss this month of recognition than Jan Xie, the founder of Asian Culture And Education Society USA, a North Texas-based nonprofit. She shared her thoughts on why it’s important to honor and celebrate our different cultures while embracing our collective identity as Americans.

We also chatted with Feng Han-Hirt and Jackie Skye Muller, two women who discussed how their Asian American identity affects their current business endeavors. Feng stays connected with her heritage through the ritual of preparing and drinking tea, while Jackie and her husband have created a clothing brand that allows people of color entry into the historically exclusive country-club world.

The return of Plano AsiaFest in May – albeit virtual – also gives Planoites a way to celebrate Asian American culture while also signaling a slow but steady return to old times, or as a friend recently called it, the B.C. times – “Before COVID.”

We hope that over the next few months, as spring turns to summer, you will find ways to get out safely and stay connected with your neighbors and enjoy all the good stuff in Plano.

Founders Luke and Jennifer Shertzer