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Schedule the careyou need. Call 913-588-1227 orvisit kansashealthsystem.com/appointments.
Congrats to the Sports Medicine and Performance Center on being recognized as Best in Lawrence.
DEAR READER,
Welcome to the 2021 edition of Best of Lawrence magazine! This year’s contest covers a period of extreme adversity. Normal routines and ordinary enjoyments were set aside or reimagined as we focused on getting through the pandemic and processing other national issues.
In recognition of our collective challenges, we have changed out several of this year’s categories, adding one-time categories recognizing community Covid-response heroes, as well as additions recognizing virtual events, curbside pickups and other fixtures of the past year.
What has not changed is our team’s commitment to presenting authentic results. Our partner groups—the Lawrence Journal-World and Sunflower Publishing—are both based in a culture of journalism, integrity and community trust. We are committed to honoring the results and the process of voting as defined by the competition parameters.
Best of Lawrence is—at its core—a reflection of a community’s recognition of and support for other community members and institutions. It is a celebration of Lawrence and the spirit of Lawrence. After this past year, don’t we all deserve a giant disco-ball party?
So, please enjoy the presentation of this year’s Best of Lawrence winners, brought to you in a groove theme represented by our cover model April Walton and the hundreds of Lawrencians whose names and images are a part of this year’s celebration.
ON THE COVER
Lawrence resident and roller skating enthusiast April Walton prepares to carry the city’s groovy disco-ball spirit through this year’s edition of Best of Lawrence magazine. Photograph by Brian Goodman. Costuming by Alex Tatro and courtesy Wild Man Vintage.
SUNFLOWER PUBLISHING
PUBLISHER
Bill Uhler
DIRECTOR
Bob Cucciniello
ART DIRECTOR
Alex Tatro
EDITORS
Nathan Pettengill
Kalli Jo Smith
Jean Teller
COPY EDITOR
Leslie Andres
ADVERTISING
Joanne Morgan
785.832.7264
jmorgan@sunflowerpub.com
Angie Taylor
785.832.7236
ataylor@sunflowerpub.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fally Afani
Carter Gaskins
Brian Goodman
Racheal Major
Doug Stremel
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Will Averill
Melinda Briscoe
Amber Fraley
Thaddeus Haverkamp
ROLLER SKATING MODEL
April Walton
—Best of Lawrence team
Alex, Allison, Angie, Jean, Joanne, Kalli Jo, Leslie and Nathan
Best of Lawrence is a collaboration between Lawrence Journal-World and Sunflower Publishing
LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD PUBLISHER
Chad Lawhorn
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & DIGITAL ADVERTISING
Allison Tait
Food&Dining
Honoring restaurants and people who love
Celebrating city leaders and doers.
I’ll share details about the ballot throughout these pages.
Shopping
Highlighting unique stores and suppliers.
Health&Fitness
Paying tribute to those who sustain our well-being.
Services
Focusing on professionals and artisans.
Saluting those who keep the party going.
Professor Ruggles
This rescue cat earned top social media honors.
Super Meg
She put everything aside to assist those in need.
It didn’t win anything, but this write-in candidate had a strong showing across the ballot. 76
Home Is Here
Racial Justice
Community leaders address one of the year’s most pressing issues.
Our 2021 Best of Lawrence Guide
April Walton, our guide to this year’s magazine, is a Kansas native who moved to Lawrence in 2015.
“I had always thought if I would move anywhere and stay in Kansas, then I would move to Lawrence,” says Walton. “I had come here for shows in my early 20s, and I loved the fact that people would smile and speak to you.”
Working as a staff member at the University of Kansas, Walton spends some of her free time skating on pathways and in parks of Lawrence. She is also learning to dance skate.
“I spent entire weekends of my childhood at the skating rink,” Walton says. “Shortly before the pandemic, I went with some of my friends to a skating rink, and it all came back to me.”
And though she says she would love to see a skating rink in Lawrence, she plans on remaining here.
“I moved here, but now it is my home,” says Walton. “I love this community.”
Health Reimagined.
At LMH Health West Campus, a new experience awaits you. Here, convenience, collaboration and innovation combine at every touchpoint – from our state-of-theart amenities, renowned expertise and advanced technology, to our patient-first service, always with a smile.
Stroll our walking trail while waiting for a text saying your provider is ready. Enjoy panoramic rooftop views after physical therapy. Soak in local artwork with a cup of tea inside, or use our outdoor therapy garden for a workout, any time you want. Experience health reimagined.
See how we are fulfilling our mission to create a destination for healthy living. Visit lmh.org/west today.
LMH Health West Campus – Now Open
CHETAN MICHIE, CO-OWNER OF
Latchkey Deli
2nd - New Restaurant
5th - Sandwich
Because the planning for Latchkey Deli began in 2020, co-owner Chetan Michie and his staff were able to adapt to the pandemic even before the doors opened in January 2021. The biggest change, he says, was being able to gradually roll out the deli’s core pandemicyear services and “putting a lot of time and effort into our call-in, delivery, and curbside program.” Jen and Mike Young are the restaurant’s other co-owners.
Michie notes that those pandemic-response services will continue, as well as a focus on food insecurity issues brought to light during the pandemic.
“One of our goals is working on food reclamation projects with Just Foods and the community fridge folks,” he says.
As the pandemic ends, Michie says the deli wants to return to one of its other goals— selling dry-cured meats. “The ultimate goal is to take [our dry-cured meats] to the USDA to distribute regionally and nationwide.”
Best of Lawrence Top-5 winners talk about a year unlike any other
(from left) Jen Young, Chetan Michie and Mike Young of Latchkey Deli.
JAKE SLOAN
It took a few days for the team at 1900 Barker Bakery and Cafe to reset when the pandemic started in early 2020. “We basically had to shut the doors to people coming in and started only doing pickup,” says Jake Sloan, chef-manager.
Then they started doing online ordering, a new twist to the business model that Sloan says worked well enough that he expects to continue it past the pandemic.
Other changes might carry over as well. A recently opened outdoor patio space has proven popular. But Sloan notes he and his team are definitely looking forward to the day when people can dine inside as well. “Our business will be a hybrid from how things are now and how things used to be. We miss people coming in,” Sloan says.
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
ASIAN FOOD (NON-CHINESE)
1) Encore Cafe
2) Zen Zero
3) Thai Diner
4) India Palace
5) Little Saigon Cafe
BAKERY
1) Munchers Bakery
2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
3) 1900 Barker Bakery and Cafe
4) Great Harvest Bread Co.
5) McLain’s Market
BARBECUE
1) Biemer’s BBQ
2) Bigg’s Barbecue
3) Stanley James Smokehouse
4) Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q
5) Six Mile Chop House and Tavern
BARISTA
1) Adam Lott, The Bourgeois Pig
1) Trey Huslig, Uplift Coffee
3) Anna Earl, Z’s Divine Espresso
4) Griffin Jacobson, The Koffee Korner
5) Megan Jardon, McLain’s Market
BREAKFAST SPOT
1) The Roost
2) First Watch
3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
4) Milton’s Cafe
5) The Big Biscuit
BURRITO
1) Burrito King
2) El Potro Mexican Cafe
3) Chipotle Mexican Grill
4) Pancho’s 5) Mi Ranchito
CAKES
1) Munchers Bakery
2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
3) McLain’s Market
4) Smallcakes Lawrence
5) Hy-Vee
CATERING
1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
2) Evan Williams Catering
3) Biemer’s BBQ
4) Hy-Vee
5) Bigg’s BBQ
CHEF
1) TK Peterson, Merchants Pub & Plate
2) Emma Levy, 715 Restaurant
3) Daniel Galina, Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
4) Amber Cersovsky, Free State Brewing Company
5) Theo Tagtalianidis, The Mad Greek
CHINESE FOOD
1) Encore Cafe
2) Jade Garden
3) China House
4) Red Pepper Chinese Restaurant
5) Oriental Bistro & Grill
COOKIES
1) Eileen’s Colossal Cookies
2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
3) Munchers Bakery
4) Hot Box Cookies
5) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
CURBSIDE SERVICE
1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
2) Sandwich Bowl
3) Encore Cafe 4) Free State Brewing Company 5) 23rd Street Brewery
DELIVERY
1) Pizza Shuttle
2) The Mad Greek
3) Jade Garden 4) Red Pepper Chinese Restaurant 5) Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe
DESSERT
GREAT HARVEST
4th - Bakery
5th - Place for Pie
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THESE LAWRENCIANS HAVE WON A BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 CROWN
What’s Great Harvest’s secret to keep customers coming back? “Our quality,” says owner Sarah Burtch. That’s because everything the bakery produces is made on-site, and that includes the flour, which Great Harvest mills in-house. “Everything is fresh; we bake everything daily,” Burtch says. Great Harvest has recently opened a café that serves homemade soup and sandwiches served on their bread. “We’re still focused on the bread because that’s the key. That’s what we based our reputation on,” Burtch says. Another draw, she says, is their wide array of sweet treats. “No matter what your sweet tooth, we have something for you.” Those sweets include power bars, fudge brownies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, traditional date bars and specialty bars, cinnamon rolls and twists, fruit pies and more.
THE WINNERS ARE ...
1) Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
3) Munchers Bakery 4) 715 Restaurant
5) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
FRENCH FRIES
1) The Burger Stand at The Casbah
2) Dempsey’s Burger Pub
3) Five Guys
4) McDonald’s 5) Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar
FRESH PRODUCE
1) Checkers
2) Sprouts Farmers Market
3) The Merc Co+Op 4) Lawrence Farmers Market 5) Dillons
GROCERY STORE
1) Checkers
2) Dillons
3) Hy-Vee
4) The Merc Co+Op 5) ALDI
HAMBURGER
1) The Burger Stand at The Casbah 2) Dempsey’s Burger Pub 3) Burgers by Biggs
4) Johnny’s Tavern 5) Five Guys
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL
FOOD GROCER
1) Checkers
2) Au Marché
3) Mediterranean Market & Cafe
4) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana
5) F MART
ITALIAN FOOD
1) The Basil Leaf Cafe
2) 715 Restaurant
3) The Mad Greek
4) Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar
5) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria
MAC & CHEESE
1) 23rd Street Brewery
2) Merchants Pub & Plate
3) The Basil Leaf Cafe
4) Free State Brewing Company
4) Lawrence Beer Co.
MEDITERRANEAN FOOD
1) The Mad Greek
2) Aladdin Cafe
3) Mediterranean Market & Cafe
4) Argana Cafe
4) The Fresh Mediterranean Co.
(from left) Great Harvest employees Kathy Burton, Nick Spacek and Tristen Schneider
This year’s ballot included 16 restaurants that opened after February 2020.
HOLLY HEITMAN
PEDESTRIAN DELI & CHEESE SHOP
4th - New Restaurant
BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 WINNERS TALK ABOUT FINISHING STRONG IN 2021
Pedestrian Cheese Shop delayed its planned April 2020 opening for a month because of the pandemic, says co-owner Holly Heitman. And after opening in late May, the business continued adjusting its focus, adding in holiday cheese and charcuterie boards, a hot-food CSA with their farm partners, and a grilled cheese bar.
“Some things will carry over, such as the focus on extraordinary holiday boards. It’s like catering for individual families—a very rewarding project for us,” Heitman says.
For 2021, the new downtown business will continue toward its goal of becoming a full restaurant, while carrying over other changes from the past year.
“Everyone loves a silver lining, and ours is that last year … made us stronger, louder, and very, very present,” Heitman says.
SMART. SINCERE. SAVVY. SOLD.
Thanks again for recognizing Stephens Real Estate and Jill Ballew as “Best of Lawrence.” We appreciate your support, and we can’t wait to help you buy or sell your home.
START WITH STEPHENS
> stephensre.com
13
Best of Lawrence 2021
David Kwon, owner of Tokyo Sushi Bar
The Food & Dining section of Best of Lawrence contains a few categories where one restaurant or business has dominated the votes for the past few years. Included in these categories are a handful of 1st-place winners who accumulate as many votes as all of the other Top5 winners combined. Here’s a breakdown of these juggernaut winners, listed by name, category and their magnitude of win (percentage of votes compared to the total number of votes from all other Top-5 finishers).
THE BURGER STAND AT THE CASBAH HAMBURGER
Magnitude of Win 117%
THE BURGER STAND AT THE CASBAH FRENCH FRIES
Magnitude of Win 118%
MACELI’S BANQUET HALL & CATERING CATERING
Magnitude of Win 130%
EILEEN’S COLOSSAL COOKIES COOKIES Magnitude of Win
MASS ST. FISH HOUSE & RAW BAR SEAFOOD Magnitude of Win
MEXICAN FOOD
1) El Potro Mexican Cafe
2) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana
3) Mi Ranchito
4) El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
THE WINNERS ARE ...
5) La Tropicana
MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE
1) Free State Brewing Company
2) 715 Restaurant
3) Merchants Pub & Plate
4) 23rd Street Brewery
5) J. Wilson’s
NEW RESTAURANT
1) Big Mill
2) Latchkey Deli
3) Torchy’s Tacos
4) Pedestrian Deli & Cheese Shop
5) Mr. Brews Taphouse
OUTDOOR DINING
1) 715 Restaurant
2) Fields & Ivy Brewery
3) Lawrence Beer Co.
4) Cielito Lindo
5) La Tropicana
OVERALL RESTAURANT
1) Free State Brewing Company
2) 715 Restaurant
3) Merchants Pub & Plate
4) 23rd Street Brewery
5) J. Wilson’s
PIZZA
1) Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar
2) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria
3) Minsky’s Pizza
4) Rudy’s Pizzeria
5) Pizza Shuttle
PLACE FOR COFFEE
1) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
2) J&S Coffee
3) La Prima Tazza
4) Z’s Divine Espresso
5) Uplift Coffee
PLACE FOR PIE
1) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
2) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
3) Munchers Bakery
4) Auntie Em’s Deli & Bakery
5) Great Harvest Bread Co.
PLACE FOR TEA
1) Brits
2) House of Cha
3) HiTea
4) La Prima Tazza
5) Bubble Box
PLACE TO BUY A DOUGHNUT
1) Munchers Bakery
2) Dunkin’
3) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
4) Humble Donut Co.
5) McLain’s Market
SALAD
1) 23rd Street Brewery
2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
3) Jason’s Deli
4) Merchants Pub & Plate
5) Free State Brewing Company
SANDWICH
1) Sandwich Bowl
2) Yello Sub
3) Terrebonne Po’ Boys
4) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
5) Latchkey Deli
Munchers Bakery
1st - Bakery
1st - Place To Buy A Doughnut
1st - Cakes
3rd - Cookies
3rd - Dessert
3rd - Place For Pie
the new?
Even in this tough year, several new restaurants opened across the city. Here’s a breakdown of the geography of the Best of Lawrence 2021 Top-5 New Restaurants.
Best of Lawrence Winners Give a Shout-Out to Some of Their Community Favorites
Nonprofit (Children/Youth Services)
Our family loves Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence for all its fun before- and after-school programming, and because the BGC leaders are so great. Shout out to Mr. August at Cordley Elementary!
Place to Get a Margarita
Cielito Lindo has delicious margaritas and one of the best patios in Downtown Lawrence.
Bank
First State Bank & Trust, Downtown Branch. Two words: Community and Welcome. The people at this bank make me feel like I am part of a Downtown family, and I love going there nearly every day.
Computer Repair or Service
Dave and Matt at Doctor Dave Computer Repair are always able to help us, even if they have to do their diagnostic work over the phone (hello, pandemic). I don’t worry anymore about computer problems because Doctor Dave can always find a fix.
Hardware Store
I love that as soon as I walk in the doors of Cottin’s Hardware & Rental, a staff member greets me and asks if they can help me. And they never just point to the aisle I need to go to; they walk over there with me. Excellent customer service! 1 2 3 4 5
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
5) Nagoya Japanese Cuisine
STEAK
1) Six Mile Chop House & Tavern
2) Texas Roadhouse
3) 715 Restaurant
4) Merchants Pub & Plate
5) J. Wilson’s
SUSHI
1) Wa Japanese Restaurant
2) Nagoya Japanese Cuisine
3) Sushi Station
4) Tokyo Sushi Bar
5) Oriental Bistro & Grill
TACOS
1) Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
2) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana
3) El Potro Mexican Cafe
4) Taco Zone
5) Ta Co. Lawrence
TATER TOTS
1) Leeway Franks
2) Sonic Drive-In
3) The Burger Stand at The Casbah
4) Taco John’s
5) Jefferson’s
VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN FOOD
1) Zen Zero
2) India Palace
3) Aladdin Cafe
4) Encore Cafe
4) Merchants Pub & Plate
WINGS
1) Jefferson’s
2) Henry T’s
3) RBar & Patio
4) Wingstop
5) Johnny’s Tavern
Lawrence Public Library
2nd - Place To Work (25–100)
3rd - Bookstore
3rd - Nonprofit (Children/Youth Services)
5th - Virtual Event
5th - Working Or Service Animal
Margaret Burke, technology services assistant at Lawrence Public Library
STEVE MACELI
MACELI’S BANQUET HALL & CATERING
1st - Event Venue
1st - Catering
1st - Curbside Service
1st - Venue Coordinator
3rd - Chef
5th - Dessert
5th - Place to Work (25–100)
BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 WINNERS TALK ABOUT FINISHING STRONG IN 2021
In the decades that Steve Maceli has been in the catering business, he has weathered seasonal downturns and the 2008 recession. But even he describes the pandemic year as “completely tragic”—a setback that would have cost at least $80,000 if not for government loans, community funds and new approaches (such as serving some 10,000 curbside pickup orders in the first 10 months of the pandemic).
Having survived all this, Maceli believes 2021 will be more normal, yet ever changed.
“Our phones started ringing more regularly as soon as people started getting vaccinated,” says Maceli. “People were ready to start planning parties again. … At least for a while, I believe people will be more grateful for simple things in life: hanging out with friends and family, going to birthday parties, weddings, funerals and other milestone events. There will be a lot of catching up to do this year.”
by the numbers
The Community Section traditionally holds some of Best of Lawrence’s largest categories in terms of the number of nominees, including the single largest category in the contest—the category for kindergarten to 5th-grade teachers, with 231 nominees representing public and private schools throughout the city.
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (BIZ)
1) Linda Love, Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital
1) Lori Nation, Lawrence Surgery Center
3) Ashley King, Free State Dental
4) Allison Hunt, Pawsh Wash
5) Lauren Blunt, Heck Family Dentistry
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (NONPROFITS/GOV./GROUPS)
1) Alix Hook, Bert Nash Community Health Center
2) Brett Salsbury, Just Food
3) Linda Walton, Veritas Christian School
4) Heidi York, Willow Domestic Violence
5) Betsy Alford, Bishop Seabury Academy
ART GALLERY
1) Phoenix Gallery
2) Lawrence Arts Center
3) Cider Gallery
4) Spencer Museum of Art
5) Van Go, Inc.
COMMUNITY COVID RESPONSE HERO (GROUP)
1) Ladybird Diner
2) LMH Health
3) Just Food
4) Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health
5) Heartland Health Clinic
COMMUNITY COVID RESPONSE HERO (INDIVIDUAL)
1) Meg Heriford, Ladybird Diner
2) Elizabeth Keever, Just Food
3) Rebecca Smith, LMH Health
4) Jeff Sigler, Sigler Pharmacy
5) Alex Kimball Williams, Douglas County Health Department
COMMUNITY LANDMARK
1) Memorial Campanile
2) Watson Park Train
3) 23rd Street Bison statue
4) South Park gazebo
5) Haskell Arch (Stadium Arch at Haskell)
COMMUNITY LEADER (INDIVIDUAL)
1) Meg Heriford, Ladybird Diner
2) Elizabeth Keever, Just Food
3) Don Gardner, Red Dog’s Dog Days
4) Boog Highberger, Kansas State Legislator
5) Rebecca Smith, LMH Health
COMMUNITY LEADER
(RACIAL JUSTICE/ EQUITY ISSUES)
1) Kevin Willmott, KU Dept. of Film and Media
2) Erica Hill, USD 497 School Board
3) Alex Kimball Williams, B.L.A.C.K Lawrence
4) Anthony Lewis, USD 497
5) Ursula Minor, Lawrence NAACP
EVENT VENUE
1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
2) Liberty Hall
3) Abe & Jake’s Landing
4) Cider Gallery
5) The Granada
HOTEL
1) The Eldridge
2) The Oread
3) Circle S Ranch
4) Double Tree by Hilton
5) SpringHill Suites by Marriott
5) TownePlace Suites by Marriott
DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE, INC.
1st - Place to Take an Out-of-Towner
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THESE LAWRENCIANS HAVE WON A BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 CROWN
Director Sally Zogry notes it’s easy to stay at the top of Best of Lawrence when the product you’re selling is Lawrence’s distinctive downtown. “Downtown Lawrence is a known entity and a known brand,” she says. “That being said, it’s a lot of work on our part in terms of promoting and telling the stories of local businesses owners and making sure the community is aware of sales and special events ... It’s really important to our economy to shop small and local and support your local restaurants and retailers.” Zogry explains the sales and property taxes Downtown businesses pay constitute a large percentage of the operating money that ends up in the city’s general fund. “It keeps our whole city going,” Zogry says. She also notes that many of the city’s fundraising events and silent auctions happen downtown, with downtown business owners donating space and food to those events. “There’s millions of dollars of donations that go out the doors of our local downtown businesses.” When Downtown is chosen as one of the best places to take an out-of-towner, it’s because people want to share the essence of Lawrence. “This is the heart of the city. It’s the heart of the community.”
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
JAYHAWK ATHLETE
1) Mitch Lightfoot, KU Basketball
2) Marcus Garrett, KU Basketball
3) Ochai Agbaji, KU Basketball
4) Lisa Lauschke, KU Cross Country, Track & Field
5) Christian Braun, KU Basketball
MASCOT
1) Baby Jay, University of Kansas
2) Big Jay, University of Kansas
3) Chesty the Lion, Lawrence High School
4) Freddie the Firebird, Free State High School
5) Indians, Haskell Indian Nations University
NEW BUSINESS
1) Up & Away Indoor Play
2) Reclaimed by Michele
3) Shooter’s Gun Club
4) Sunflower Canine
5) Free State of Mind SUP Yoga
NONPROFIT (ADULT/SENIOR SERVICES)
1) Just Food
2) Cottonwood, Inc.
3) Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
4) Audio Reader
5) Senior Resource Center for Douglas County
NONPROFIT (CHILDREN/YOUTH SERVICES)
1) Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence
2) Big Brothers, Big Sisters Douglas County
3) Lawrence Public Library
4) Van Go, Inc.
5) Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope
NONPROFIT (FAMILY SERVICES)
1) Family Promise of Lawrence
2) Willow Domestic Violence Center
3) Ballard Community Center Inc.
4) 100 Good Women
5) Catholic Charities
NONPROFIT (LAND, PRESERVATION, ANIMALS)
1) Lawrence Humane Society
2) Baker Wetlands Discovery Center
3) Friends of the Kaw
4) Prairie Park Nature Center
5) Sunrise Project
OUTDOOR MURAL
1) George Floyd mural on 23rd Street
2) “In Good Standing Amidst the Powers that Be” by Ardys Ramberg and Missy McCoy (Cottin’s Hardware mural)
3) Wak’o Mujeres Phu nu Womnx Mural (Women of Color Mural) at Lawrence Public Library
4) Marilyn Monroe at 900 block in Old West Lawrence
5) Love garage, 1200 block of Mississippi Street
PLACE OF WORSHIP
1) St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
2) Corpus Christi Catholic Church
3) Plymouth Congregational Church
4) First United Methodist Church
5) Velocity Church
PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER (FREE ATTRACTION)
1) Downtown Lawrence
2) Allen Fieldhouse
3) Baker Wetlands
4) Clinton Lake
5) KU Natural History Museum
(from left) Downtown Lawrence Executive Director Sally Zogry and Administrator Rochelle Marsh
by the numbers
Two highly contested categories in the Community Section are the Administrative Assistant categories. Even divided into two separate categories—one for businesses and one for nonprofits, government organizations and groups—these categories encompass a wide range of entities. Here is a breakdown of what fields the Top-10 winners represent for each category. Administrative
Baby Jay
1st - Mascot
Baby Jay
AMY CAST WHO ELSE?
ST. JOHN PRESCHOOL
Best of Lawrence Winners Give a Shout-Out to Some of Their Community Favorites
Community Covid Response Hero (Group)
A shout-out to the Douglas County Health Department. I received my vaccine in both a timely and efficient manner.
Nonprofit (Children/Youth Services)
PLACE TO WORK (100+ EMPLOYEES) 1) Lawrence Memorial Hospital 2) University of Kansas 3) Checkers Foods
3) Black Lives Matter - LFK
4) Lost and Found Pets of Douglas County
5) Lawrence Police Department
The Lawrence Public Library has so much to offer! They have great activities, books, games and more for kids and families.
Specialty Cookies
WheatFields has the best gingersnap in town!
Auto Repair
You can’t beat the service at Dale and Ron’s Auto Service.
Best Dental Practice
Peterson, Krische, and Van Horn DDS take such great care in what they do. So friendly! 1 2 3 4 5
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
Cottonwood, Inc. 4) Lawrence Public Schools
PLACE TO WORK (25–100 EMPLOYEES)
Lawrence Surgery Center
Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Humane Society
Willow Domestic Violence Center 5) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 5) Pennington & Company
PLACE TO WORK (UNDER 25 EMPLOYEES)
Cottin’s Hardware & Rental
Just Food
Ladybird Diner
Lawrence Family Vision Center
Pawsh Wash
PODCAST
Hawk Talk 2) Lawrence Forking Kansas 3) According to the Record with Hank Booth 4) Rock Chalk Sports Talk
5) Writer’s Block LFK
RADIO STATION
1) KPR (KANU 91.5 FM or K241 AR 96.1 FM) 2) KJHK 90.7 FM 3) KKSW 105.9 FM 4) 92.9 The Bull, KMXN
KLWN 1320 AM / 101.7 FM
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 1) Brandon Woods at Alvamar 2) Bridge Haven 3) Pioneer Ridge 4) Meadowlark Estates Gracious Retirement Living
5) Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
SHOP (OR OFFICE) PET
1) Sirius and Pretzel, Lucky Dog Outfitters
2) Dinah, The Dusty Bookshelf
3) Dave, Wonder Fair
4) Dashiell and Ngaio, The Raven Book Store
5) Sirprise, Jarrett Small Animal Clinic
SOCIAL MEDIA (ANIMAL)
1) Professor Ruggles @prof_ruggles
2) Pretzel @luckycatpretzel
3) Sugar
@sugar_the_communityresourcecat
4) Inara @the.big.eared.shepherd
5) Hank Richard
@Hank_richard_thehippo
SOCIAL MEDIA (BUSINESS)
1) Ladybird Diner
2) 715 Restaurant
3) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles
4) The Raven Book Store
5) FYIFK
SOCIAL MEDIA (CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT)
1) Live Love Local Lawrence 2) Larryville Life
3) I Heart Local Music 4) Rock Chalk Sports Talk 5) The Original LFK for Dummies
SOCIAL MEDIA (ORG. OR NONPROFIT) 1) Lawrence Humane Society 2) Oh 4 the Love Local Lawrence Police Scanner
TEACHER (GRADES 6–8)
1) Jonnie Finger, Veritas Christian School
2) Stephanie Jaramillo, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School
3) Maria Pope, Billy Mills Middle School
4) Amanda Frost, West Middle School
4) Carol Souders, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School
4) Danielle Lotton-Barker, Southwest Middle School
TEACHER (GRADES 9–12)
1) David Platt, Lawrence High School
2) Rachel Downs, Free State High School
3) Bryan Lloyd, Free State High School
4) Sam Rabiola, Free State High School
5) Abby Hoffman, Lawrence High School
TEACHER (GRADES K–5)
1) Sarah Naff, Veritas Christian School
2) Kylie Cobb, Woodlawn Elementary
3) Kasey Fewins, St. John School
4) Sandy Theilen, Hillcrest Elementary
5) Annette Tiegreen, Veritas Christian School
5) Kimberly DeFazio, Veritas Christian School
5) Megan Doffing, Pinckney Elementary
TEACHER (HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY)
1) Daniel Wildcat
2) David Bohanan (in memoriam)
3) Sierra TwoBulls
4) Kinis Meyer
5) Randy McCoy
5) Rhonda LeValdo
TEACHER (PRESCHOOL)
1) Patsy Huffman, Kids First Preschool
2) Adrienne Paranjothi, Corpus Christi
3) Amy Cast, St. John Catholic Preschool
3) Linda Reimond, Lawrence Arts Center
5) Teresa Slankard, Veritas Christian School
TEACHER (UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS)
1) Shuai Sun
2) Amii Castle
3) Kevin Willmott
4) Mary Klayder
5) Elise Higgins
VIRTUAL EVENT
1) Deja’s Reading Rainbow
2) Paw Valley Challenge & 5K, Lawrence Humane Society
3) Virtual Cinema a Go-Go, Kansas Public Radio
4) PRIDE for the Masses, I Heart Local Music
5) Wine Tasting, Lawrence Public Library
WORKING OR SERVICE ANIMAL
1) Cheeseburger, Lawrence Police Department
2) Phog, University of Kansas Police Department
3) Pancake the ferret and other animal ambassadors of Prairie Park Nature Center
4) PJ, Children’s Learning Center therapy dog
5) Dogs of Tail Wagging Readers, Lawrence Public Library and Loving Paws
JESSICA COONEY
Just Food
client services
Best of Lawrence Top-5 winners talk about a year unlike any other
1st - Nonprofit (Adult/Senior Services)
2nd - Administrative Assistant (Brett Salsbury)
2nd - Community Leader (Individual) (Elizabeth Keever)
2nd - Community Covid Response Hero (Individual) (Elizabeth Keever)
2nd - Place To Work (Under 25)
3rd - Community Covid Response Hero (Group)
“The very first week of the pandemic, we went from needing to make adjustments to needing to shut down,” recalls Jessica Cooney of her work at the nonprofit food distribution center. Normally, Just Food serves anywhere from 150–250 households per day, but the early pandemic days of March 2020 changed that. “We shifted to a curbside pickup model and had no idea what to expect. On the first day, we serviced 307 households in just five hours.”
But if the pandemic brought a new urgency to keep up with demand, it also brought new advances such as the remodeling of the Just Food distribution center that allows clients to choose items based on their need and preference. Cooney says her organization is also looking forward to reopening cooking classes at their teaching kitchen, hopefully by fall 2021.
Several ascategories,newsuch Virtual Event, reflect realities of pandemic2020–2021 life.
RAVEN RAJANI
LOVING PAWS ANIMAL THERAPY PROGRAM
Best of Lawrence Winners Give a Shout-Out to Some of Their Community Favorites
Park
1 2 3 4 5
I love, love, love Clinton Lake, my go-to for disconnecting and regrouping. It’s the perfect place to find peace and quiet, soak up some nature along the miles and miles of technical trails.
Shop for Pet Supplies
EarthWise Pet Supply is simply the best. The owner, John, is so kind, generous and attentive to all who enter, and the staff members are engaging with humans and dogs alike.
Nonprofit (Adult/Senior Services)
The Willow Domestic Violence Center does powerful, meaningful and difficult work.
Place for Coffee
Despite opening right at the beginning of a pandemic, I’ve seen nothing but positivity and generosity from Uplift Coffee.
Live Music Venue
Liberty has been my favorite spot for years and years. I appreciate the architecture, the history of the place, the unique films they feature, and the showing of the Banff Film Festival.
FREE STATE DENTAL
3rd - Administrative Assistant
BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 WINNERS TALK ABOUT FINISHING STRONG IN 2021
For Ashley King, office manager at Free State Dental, the pandemic took away one of the main aspects of her job— making clients feel welcome.
“We have been in our new building for about 21/2 years now and have a beautiful, inviting lobby that can seat around 12 patients,” King says. “For half of that time our lobby has been completely closed. The absolute most favorite part of my job is chatting with my patients about their adventures outside of Free State Dental and building a relationship with them that lasts for years to come.”
King says she is heading into the post-pandemic life looking forward to a return to normal and with a new appreciation for her work. “Do not take a smile for granted. Not being able to see people’s facial expressions took away what some people are craving the most, an inviting smile.”
professor ruggles
1st - Social Media (Animal)
Originally, he was Sam.
But that was back in 2006, when the 1-yearold kitten had just been rescued from a situation of abuse and neglect. Once Thomas Joel adopted the cat through Lawrence Humane Society in December of that year, the cat had a new name selected: “Professor” because of the cat’s distinguished moustache and contemplative mien, and “Ruggles” as a tribute to author Thomas Ruggles Pynchon, not a famous cat person, but famously reclusive and aloof, just like his Persian namesake.
The Professor lives with Thomas and two younger cats in East Lawrence, where he keeps watch on squirrels and rabbits, but with his characteristic low-key approach.
“He’s a very laid-back cat,” says Joel. “Most cats would see an
animal and try to get it, but he just stands there. Once a rabbit came up right next to him and he just turned and looked at me as if, ‘What am I supposed to do?’”
Indoors, Rugs (as he is known around the house by those who respect his tenure) has a more distinct personality. He jumps on the couch, will sometimes pose for a social media post, but mostly keeps to himself as the senior cat of the home.
Last June during the pandemic, Rugs’ housemates threw a party to celebrate his 15th birthday. There were treats. All the humans and all the other cats posed with costume moustaches and did everything to make the Professor’s day. But the Professor—“he didn’t really care,” notes Joel.
This year, Professor Ruggles turns 16. And despite what he might think of the occasion, it’s a big deal—as is he.
Photo courtesy Thomas Joel
‘come hell or high water’
STORY BY Thaddeus Haverkamp
PHOTO BY Racheal Major
In this year’s voting, Meg Heriford received an unprecedented and overwhelming majority of votes in the category of Community Hero for Covid Response—a clear indication of Lawrence’s gratitude to the restaurant owner who put everything aside to feed those in need
In the spring of 2020, as the nation began shutting down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Meg Heriford turned her shuttered diner into a lifeline. On March 16, Heriford’s Ladybird Diner in downtown Lawrence began serving free lunches to the public. Since then, Heriford and her Ladybird staff have provided over 60,000 lunches to the unemployed, underemployed or those who just needed a meal.
“The free lunches started as a kneejerk response to a rapidly unfolding emergency when school lunches were unavailable and a lot of folks had been laid off quite suddenly,” Heriford says. “I do this because community care remains a priority. Anything we can contribute to the stability of our neighbors is a solid investment in the community we love.”
Though the pandemic affected the entire community, one of the hardest hit business sectors was the restaurant and hospitality industry.
“I am purely in awe of the ways my industry peers have managed the pandemic. I think the past year has exposed how agile our local restaurants are when they have the right supports in place. Lawrence leaders and residents really hustled to protect the local dining scene. Years from now, when
we reflect on 2020, we’ll still be talking about the speed and grace with which the Lawrence Restaurant Association and the broader community rallied to generate support for independently owned restaurants, and all the ways those restaurants in turn supported the community,” Heriford says. “I believe that we can parlay that mutual concern into deeper conversations about the aspects of our industry that have been unsound for a long time.”
At the time that this magazine went to print, Heriford had not yet set a date to reopen for regular service and is indefinitely continuing to provide food and comfort to the people of Lawrence.
“It feels like we [Lawrence] are still in a situation where prioritizing food security and continuing with the free lunches as long as we’re able is a good use of the kitchen,” Heriford notes.
“We’re able to do that in a way that feels safe for staff and guests.”
Even when she is able to open fully, giving back to her community remains her number one priority.
“Ladybird has always been a place folks knew they could get something to eat, no questions asked. I can’t imagine anything changing my philosophy on that. But we used to serve only a small
handful of individuals for free each day, whereas now we prepare 200-plus meals for service all at once. I’m prepared to be creative with how we can best provide support to those who need meals even when we’re a fully functioning restaurant again. I simply can’t imagine closing the door on the families and individuals we’ve been providing meals for this year.” Heriford stresses this support from Ladybird is not an act of charity, but community collaboration.
“Ladybird has been a hub of community support this past year. It’s been mutual aid, never charity. Neighbors with means donated money and goods, made purchases of books and pie, and cheered us on so that we could serve neighbors who needed these hot meals. This is by no means a one-man show. Credit is due to literally thousands of individuals and organizations who agree that nourishment is vital, and who cared that complete strangers had enough to eat when everything felt scary and scarce.”
While Heriford says the future logistics of the restaurant is, “a little fuzzy at the moment,” she adds, that “for the most part I am undaunted and resolute that we’ll be back, come hell or high water; though neither hell nor high water would be a surprise at this point.”
PHOENIX GALLERY
1st - Art Gallery
1st - Gift Shop
1st - Unique Store
4th - Antique/Vintage Store
4th - Jewelry Store
4th - KU Souvenir Shop
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THESE LAWRENCIANS HAVE WON A BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 CROWN
Owner Sue Shea credits the closeness and enthusiasm of her staff with the gallery’s success. “Customer service,” she says. “I try to keep people on our staff who are bubbly and happy— we look for that—and we have fun at work, which is important. I think when people come in they feel at ease in our gallery because we’re like a big family.” Shea curates the wide variety of art in the gallery, which includes over 400 artists with works at various price points. “We have local, national and regional artists,” Shea says, explaining that sometimes the artists come to her, but she’s always on the lookout for new artists at shows and festivals. A few years ago, the Phoenix added a downstairs section, which includes two fine art galleries and a handmade market for items such as cards, mugs, T-shirts and jewelry—all with an eco-focus. “We try to make sure everything downstairs is sustainably made,” Shea says. “Upstairs it’s more glass and ceramics.” Shea notes the Phoenix carries more ceramics artists than almost any other gallery in the region.
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
Phoenix Gallery employees (from left) Ellie K., Max H., Tucker M., Sue Shea (owner), Lindsey F. and Christi B.
(from left) Richard’s employees Austin Sinkler and Brett Scarbrough with store regular Lewis Guillen
ALLISON HUNT
Pawsh Wash
assistant manager
Best of Lawrence Top-5 winners talk about a year unlike any other
1st - Pet Care/Grooming
4th - Administrative Assistant
4th - Pets & Pet Supplies
5th - Place to Work (Under 25)
For Pawsh Wash and Pet Health Market, adapting to the pandemic meant closing their walk-in lobby, stocking up on essential supplies and implementing curbside pickup. It also meant that the shop’s animal groomers, such as assistant manager Allison Hunt, were fully masked and physically distanced as they took on the already delicate task of bathing and grooming reluctant pet-clients.
“We were frightened by what all this would mean to the future of our business and whether we would be able to survive, let alone expand,” explains Amber Nickel, the store’s co-owner.
“We are thankful for our staff that braved the unknown and continued to come in everyday to serve our customers and save our business,” Nickel adds. “We are thankful for an incredibly supportive community that understands how important it is to make thoughtful choices on how and where they spend their money.”
Pawsh Wash Assistant Manager Allison Hunt
JEWELRY STORE
1) Marks Jewelers
2) Kizer Cummings Jewelers
3) Goldmakers Jewelry
4) Phoenix Gallery
CLAY BELCHER
SIGNS OF LIFE 5th - Bookstore
BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 WINNERS TALK ABOUT FINISHING STRONG IN 2021
“I was sad for both my customers and myself,” recalls Clay Belcher of the day when the pandemic forced him to close his coffee shop and bookstore and move to a curbside delivery and ship-to-home approach.
In 2021, Belcher has begun getting his business back on track, enjoying support from customers and looking forward to renewing contacts.
“People are created for connection. Being holed up at home, even with all the wonderful technology we have is not the same as getting together with friends and loved ones,” Belcher says. “We have lost some of the richness of life. However, this has forced us to ponder deeply about what constitutes a rich life, and hopefully we will come out the other side knowing better what is important.”
BRADY FLANNERY WHO ELSE?
Best of Lawrence Winners Give a Shout-Out to Some of Their Community Favorites
Social Media Account
Lawrence resident Jerod Nieder and his fiancée, Hanna, share their journey and the challenges of quadriplegia via their YouTube and Instagram accounts, @positivelyparalyzed. Never give up!
Favorite Place to Grab Coffee
Sunflower. I absolutely love the cafe and environment that Dan, Karla and the Sunflower team created.
Most Underrated Restaurant
Thai Diner has world-class food and wonderful, friendly service.
Best Weekend to be in Lawrence
Any KU football weekend. KU football will be back!
Most-anticipated Post-Covid Event
Downtown concerts! I’m just excited to see what Mike Logan brings to town, period. 1 2 3 4 5
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
5) Haskell Indian Art Market
KU SOUVENIR SHOP
1) Kansas Sampler
2) KU Memorial Union Bookstore
3) Jock’s Nitch
4) Phoenix Gallery
5) Weaver’s
LOCAL STORE OWNER
1) Terry Taylor, 1313 Mockingbird Lane
2) Danny Caine, The Raven Book Store
3) Jena Lynn Dick, J.Lynn Bridal
3) Linda and Tom Cottin, Cottin’s Hardware & Rental
4) Lawrence Antique Mall 5) Salvation Army Thrift Store
WINDOW DISPLAY
1) Weaver’s 2) The Toy Store 3) Game Nut Entertainment
1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 5) J.Lynn Bridal
WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Weaver’s
Kohl’s
KB & Co. 4) Eccentricity Women’s Clothing
Arizona Trading Co.
Wild Man Vintage
1st - Vintage Clothing
3rd - Men’s Clothing Store
The Antique/Vintage Store category was one of this year’s closest contests with a tie for first place, a one-vote difference between third and fourth place, and another one-vote difference between fourth and fifth place.
RANKING
ANTIQUE/VINTAGE STORE
1st - 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles
1st - Lawrence Antique Mall
3rd - Amy’s Attic Interiors and Antiques
4th - Phoenix Gallery
5th - Arizona Trading Co.
LINDA & TOM COTTIN
1st
For the owners of Cottin’s Hardware & Rental, last year was a reminder of what they already knew to be true about the Lawrence community: “Lawrence is an amazing community, and we’ve been grateful to live where everyone is pretty much on the same page about keeping each other safe,” Linda says.
In the early days of the pandemic, Linda and Tom adopted a face mask policy for all employees and customers and began facilitating purchases through curbside pickup.
“The support the community gave each other was overwhelming, and we met a lot of new customers. Very happy to have our other customers and be able to help during this time,” Linda says, noting that she can count on that same spirit moving to the end of 2021. “We just want to continue keeping everyone safe and encouraging healthy habits.”
home is the place
STORY BY Will Averill
This year, all across the ballot, one location made a consistently strong showing
Agrowing movement was afoot in the 2021 Best of Lawrence competition; a trend that started nearly unseen, it was a small, but heartfelt, set of votes for “home.”
True, “home” didn’t win or place in any of the categories, but the pandemic elevated the “My House” voting bloc from an odd anomaly to a unique phenomenon. It makes sense—especially for the year of the lockdown. More than ever before, home was our place for solace, food, family, and sometimes heated arguments. A place, like any with a few bad times, but where the good times are so good.
So I believe it’s time we started to talk about Lawrence’s sleeper
candidate for Best of Everything.
Home is not only where the heart is; it’s also the only place I can get four pickles, a half-dozen wings, a glass of milk, a bad haircut, and a two-day-old brownie at the same time. I can usually count on the music to be good there, and my house usually knows what I like to watch on television. Home is where my stuff is. Also, it’s got the best commute and it’s really easy to get home safely after a night out … at home.
So, let me look at where “Home” or “My House” received write-in votes on this year’s ballot and give this voting bloc my critical evaluation.
Place to Get a Bloody Mary
If this was you, please call me. I want to come over to your house. A Bloody Mary is like a sandwich, always better when someone makes it for you.
Place to Get a Margarita
Again, slide into my DMs. I’ll bring the limes. We will dance.
Place to Get Mixed Drinks/Cocktails
I feel like booze is an integral part of Lawrence’s pandemic and postpandemic culture at this point, don’t you? But I’m into it. Let’s get down. I’ll party with you, at your house. It’s cool. I’m vaccinated.
Place to Worship
OK, now let’s just stop for a second. I feel like things potentially just got dark. What are you worshiping there in your house? Alone? I mean, are we talking a couple of prayers before bed or watching broadcasts of Unity Church livestreams? That’s cool. I just feel like this is too broad, and I’m not comfortable without knowing more and making sure this is a pandemic-era, online-safety thing. Because you could mean a full-on goat horn wearing cultist ritual in the basement. Especially in certain parts of town where every house has an old well in it like Jamie Gumb’s. Now I’m creeped out.
Breakfast Spot
Let’s get this straight—Lawrence is a restaurant town. Sure, you may think you’re good at breakfast, but your house is NOT the best spot for breakfast in this town. Stop kidding yourself. No one wants your busted over-medium fried eggs all brown and crusty with some burnt toast and undercooked Beyond bacon. Leave it to one of our many industry professionals and call me when you have people sitting around in front of your house waiting thirty minutes just to get a look in the door. Provide sidewalk chalk for me while I wait—then we’ll talk.
Place to Get Pie
Again, WRONG! As far as I am concerned, everyone should know this is perennial Best of Lawrence category winner Ladybird Diner. But even if you disagree, Lawrence is a pie town. You could have said, “Best Place to Get Pie when there are no other options because a global viral outbreak is occurring that halts commerce, and I can’t go anywhere without masking up like Cottin’s Hardware Darth Vader,” but you didn’t. You said Best Pie. Maybe if you brought a piece of pie into your house, but then it would be Best Place to Bring a Pie to from Somewhere Else and Eat it, but that is a totally different category. I might change my mind on this if you bring me pie.
Place to Work
This one I’ll give you. It’s probably better than my office, and it’s probably better than my house. Mostly because I wouldn’t have to clean your house. Can I rent space in your home office? Like one of those modern hot-desk setups? (Oh no, I can’t because Lawrence residential rental rates are the devil’s own La Quinta!)
Office Pet
OK, you snuck this one by. As one of the magazine’s editors remarked to me, “Every pet is now an Office Pet,” so you’ve won. I actually kind of like this category because it’s democratizing. We all know that the Raven Book Store cats are getting fat on the catnip, basically doing nothing. That cat at Wonder Fair is the biggest celebrity in town when Bill Self is on the road. To have them ousted by your mangy old dachshund feels like democracy in action. I’m kidding. Your dachshund’s not mangy. (But, if it is, please do take it to one of the great animal clinics rather than treating it at home—I won’t even consider allowing “Home” votes in that category!)
Place for Yoga Class
I’ll be honest, I know nothing about yoga, but sure. For me, yoga is like Pokémon Go, something that you notice a few oddly dressed people doing in South Park for like two days in the spring when the weather is nice. I know you need a mat.
Event Venue
Really? What kind of an event are we gonna rock in your living room? You think your busted atrium in your neo-Victorian renovation can in any way compete with the glorious beersoaked checkered tile and pink planet glory that is the entrance to Liberty Hall? Can your flatscreen wall TV with extendable stand compete with the magnificent modern fly system at the Lied Center? Or will you escort us to your mighty backyard, which pales in comparison to LITERALLY SHUTTING DOWN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND BRINGING IN PUBLIC ENEMY like the Free State Festival? No. Just no.
Construction Company
Sure. OK. I get it. In Lawrence, everyone’s 1) the mayor; 2) a DIY genius. Just remember that someone has to live in your house after you move out. But by all means, knock yourself out. The real estate market is banging right now; maybe buyers will overlook your whiskey-fueled drywall patch job, which took you eight hours and four trips to the hardware store and still looks like the wall has a ganglion cyst. I’m looking at you, people who used to own my house.
Live Music Venue
If we have to listen to your acoustic version of “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” one more time, I am going to do naked cartwheels in front of the Public Library (Best Place Not to Do Naked Cartwheels). No. This is a music town.
As you can see, “home” was nominated in various categories. Please note that no one is voting home for categories like Waxing/Hair Removal, Childcare Center or Community Recreation Center. But … in the interest of hearing the voices of the people (and a chance to annoy my friends), I did an informal poll of what category they would nominate their house for Best of Lawrence. So please, look for these categories in future years—or, you know, (wink) write them in and annoy the editors who have to tally the votes!
• Best Place to Hide the Bodies
• Best Rental for Convincing Your Partner It’s Time to Buy
• Best Place to Eat Ice Cream in the Dark in the Bathroom
• Best Place to View a Christmas Tree in Spring
• Best Place to Pee When the Bathroom Is Occupied
• Best Place to Sit in Your Car and Cry
• Best Place to Party with People My Age
• Best Place to Put Empty Containers Back in the Fridge Like You Didn’t Know They Were Empty
Dr.
Dr.
Orchards Golf Course
5th - Golf Course (Traditional Or Disc)
Orchard’s Executive Golf Course General Manager Chip Halderman
Several close contests in this section, but Sports Pavilion continues to dominate the RecreationCommunityCenter category.
fast pace
This year’s 2021 Best of Lawrence contest accepted 206,601 votes, for an average of 7,378 votes per day, or 307 votes per hour, or 5.12 votes every minute of February.
WILL ANDERSON
ORCHARDS DRUG
3rd - Pharmacy
For Orchards Drug’s new owners, Will Anderson and Joseph Rogers, 2020 was about more than just the pandemic. They purchased the store in April, “right when Covid-19 was ramping up,” Anderson says. “It’s hard enough running a small business in general, and the pandemic has made it extra challenging. We’ve had to adapt to changes on a weekly, even a daily basis.”
After closing the lobby in May, they instituted free Covid-19 testing as well as curbside pickup and Med Sync to help patients synchronize refills while continuing their free delivery.
By 2021, they were able to begin offering vaccinations.
“We believe health is about more than just filling prescriptions,” Anderson says. “We are glad we provide these services and can’t wait to reopen the store with our new product lines.”
THE WINNERS ARE ...
ACUPUNCTURE
1) Julie Bear Don’t Walk Acupuncture
2) Advanced Chiropractic Services
3) Body Specific
4) Lawrence Acupuncture/Mud & Lotus
5) Bodhi Tree
ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER
1) DCCA Lawrence Outpatient Services
2) First Step at Lakeview
3) Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment
4) Heart of America Teen Challenge
5) Center for Change
CERTIFIED DIETITIAN
1) Heather Fiore
2) Shannon Jones
3) Mandy Peers-Greaves
4) Nancy A. Donahey
5) Staci D. Hendrickson
CHIROPRACTOR
1) Advanced Chiropractic Services
2) Rodrock Chiropractic
3) Risley Chiropractic
4) The Chiropractic Element
5) Body Specific
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER (PUBLIC)
1) Sports Pavilion (Rock Chalk Park)
2) Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center
3) East Lawrence Recreation Center
4) Holcom Park Recreation Center
5) Lawrence Community Building
DANCE STUDIO
1) Lawrence Arts Center
2) Dance Gallery
3) Dazzlers Dance
4) Dance Hues Studio
5) Point A School of Dance
DAY SPA/WELLNESS CENTER
1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
2) Body Specific
3) Aestheticare of Lawrence
4) Mud & Lotus: Outdoor Soaking Tub
5) Elevate Arts of Wellness
DENTAL PRACTICE
1) Heinbach Larkin and Associates, DDS
2) Peterson, Krische & Van Horn, DDS
3) Free State Dental
4) The Dentists in Lawrence: Wilkerson, Saunders, Anderson and Nellor
5) Cascade Dental Care
EYEWEAR OR VISION CENTER
1) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic
2) Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care
3) The EyeDoctors
4) Crandon & Crandon
5) Atteberry Eye Centers, LLC
FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE
1) Family Medicine Associates, PA 2) Lawrence Family Practice Center
3) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics
4) Internal Medicine Group
5) Family Centered Medicine, LLC
GOLF COURSE (TRADITIONAL AND DISC)
Lawrence Country Club
The Jayhawk Club
Centennial Park
Orchards Golf Course GYM OR FITNESS CENTER (PRIVATE)
Crunch Fitness
Genesis Health Clubs
Prime Martial Arts
Body Boutique
Planet Fitness
HEARING AID PROVIDER/AUDIOLOGIST
Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates, LLC
Kaw Valley Hearing
Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, University of Kansas
4) Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat - Lawrence
5) Marston Hearing Center, LLC
5) Neighborhood Hearing Aid Center
HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
1) Clinton Lake Trails 2) Baker Wetlands
3) Lawrence Levee Trail (Kansas River Trails) 4) The Lawrence Loop 5) Rock Chalk Park Trails
RANJBAR ORTHODONTICS
1st - Orthodontic Practice
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THESE LAWRENCIANS HAVE WON A BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 CROWN
Dr. Daniel Ranjbar considers the popularity of his orthodontics office in Best of Lawrence competitions a sort of “thank you” from his patients. But he thinks that popularity is mostly due to the people who work for him. “I think it’s the staff. Most of them have been with me for over 10 years, so the community gets to know them and trust them.” During meetings, the staff at Ranjbar routinely remind each other they’re not just there to straighten teeth. “We’re there to try to impact people’s lives positively,” says Ranjbar. “You come in and you know we’re going to take care of you and treat you like family.”
Dr. Ranjbar and staff
MARTIAL ARTS 1) Prime Martial Arts 2) Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3) Premier Martial Arts 4) Lawrence Parks & Recreation Martial Arts 5) Caio Terra Academy Lawrence
MASSAGE THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL)
1) Leslie Denison, Salon Di Marco 2) Carrie Collins, Elite Massage & Bodyworks 3) Jennifer Baldwin, Renew by Jennifer 4) Beth Hand, Natural Balance Massage
5) Ashley Fry, Body Specific
MASSAGE THERAPY (GROUP OR OFFICE)
1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
2) Body Specific, LLC 3) Elevate Arts of Wellness Massage and Float Spa 4) Renew by Jennifer 5) Elite Massage & Bodyworks
MEDICAL CLINIC
1) Family Medicine Associates, PA 2) Lawrence Family Practice Center 3) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics 4) Family Centered Medicine, LLC
5) OrthoKansas
MEDICAL DOCTOR (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Loree Cordova 2) Stephanie Suber 3) Chad Johanning
Malati Harris 5) Molly Imber
MEDICAL SPA 1) AesthetiCare Medical Spa 2) Simple Wellness, Fitness & MedSpa 3) Sunflower Aesthetics 4) Lawrence Plastic Surgery 5) KMC Dermatology Lawrence
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (OTHER THAN LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST OR LICENSED PSYCHIATRIST) 1) Sunnie Shedd, Sun of the Times Therapy 2) Jordan Mayfield, Family Psychological Services 3) Tamara Henley, Family Psychological Services 4) Raven Rajani, Rajani Consulting 4) Terri Forster, Assessments LLC
NURSE 1) Vonda Kaup, SIMPLE Wellness
Brianne Cook, Family Medicine Associates
Britani Congleton, Family Centered Medicine
Kelsey Daugherty, Family Psychological Services
Patricia Neis, LMH
(INDIVIDUAL)
Kenny Trummel, Lawrence Family
Kevin Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic
Jacob Letourneau, Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care
John Harvat, The EyeDoctors
Kent Dobbins, Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care
Vast Yoga
3rd - Place For Yoga Classes
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE
1) Ranjbar Orthodontics 2) Oread Orthodontics
3) Hamilton, W ilson, Hendrickson Orthodontics
4) McColm Orthodontics
5) Freestate Dental
PEDIATRIC CARE 1) Panda Pediatrics 2) Lawrence Pediatrics, PA 3) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics
Jean Dirks 5) Anne Owen 5) Kirsten Watkins 5) William Spencer Payne SPORTS MEDICINE
OrthoKansas
Sports Medicine & Performance Center
Bird Physical Therapy
Peak Performance Health Center
LMH Sports Performance & Training
SURGEON (INDIVIDUAL)
Lynley Holman, Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists 2) Adam Goodyear, OrthoKansas 2) Stephan L. Pro, OrthoKansas 4) Blake Conklin, LMH 5) Douglass E. Stull, OrthoKansas
Vast Yoga owner Katie Harpstrite
DR. BRENT WOOD WHO ELSE?
Community Leader
Brad Finkeldei on the city commission is a tremendous leader at a time when leadership is needed.
Community Nonprofit
Tiffany Lewis and the Heartland Community Health Center have done a tremendous job of organizing vaccinations.
Restaurant Dish
I’ll take a Dempsey’s burger any day.
Place to Take an Out-of-Towner Mass. Street
Annual Event
The Downtown holiday lighting ceremony and holiday lights
Lawrence Arts Center
development director
Best of Lawrence Top-5 winners talk about a year unlike any other
1st - Virtual Performance (10,000)
1st - Dance Studio
2nd - Art Gallery
3rd - Teacher (preschool) (Linda Reimond)
5th - Virtual Performance (Story Slam)
Last year’s pandemic hit just as the Lawrence Arts Center was announcing its summer courses and events—causing the nonprofit to immediately rethink and adjust.
Staff member and dancer Alex Olson found her dance classes moving online.
“I think our dance department was incredibly innovative during 2020 in making sure our dancers had access to class no matter what,” she says. “I was so grateful to be able to take class virtually from home.”
Moving to the finish of 2021, the center will continue online classes, talks and events such as Story Slam, tapping into those who have difficulty leaving home as well as a new core of long-distance patrons.
“We’ll never stop making art with and for people everywhere—creative people always find a way,” notes Amy Albright, the center’s director of marketing and communication design.
Other classes, such as Olson’s dance courses, have returned to in-person events.
“I know I’m much more appreciative of just being able to dance with others in the same space,” Olson says. “You don’t realize how special that is until it is gone.”
ALEX OLSON
Lawrence Arts Center Development Coordinator Alex Olson
DR. WES CRENSHAW
Community Recreation Center I like Rock Chalk Park a lot.
Place to Take an Out-of-Town Visitor
The Baker Wetlands is a great natural attraction.
Landmark
The bridge overlooking the Bowersock Dam. There’s no place else in Kansas you can see hydroelectric power, especially an antique like the old plant.
Annual Event
The Busker Fest—what a really weirdly Lawrence kind of thing to have.
Community Covid-Response
Congratulations Brian McFall
Brian was voted “Best of Lawrence ” finalist again! Brian has helped over 4,000 clients and closed over $500 million (half a billion!) in real estate loans.
We are very proud of him and his commitment and service to our clients.
Are you looking to buy or refinance? Contact your award winning, local lender in Lawrence, Brian McFall.
Brian McFall NMLS #689835 2710 Iowa, Lawrence Call: 785.228.8620 or 785.841.7152 Apply Online: brian.banklandmark.com
Howard Pine’s Garden
2nd - Gardening Store
Howard Pine’s Garden Center Staff Center
close votes
Just one vote could have changed results in several categories in the 2021 Best of Lawrence contest. In the Services section, we saw 9 contests with ties for the Top-5 positions.
HEATHER SHAFFER
When the pandemic first hit, Heather Shaffer, owner and founder of Marvelous Mom’s Cleaning, worried about how it would affect her business and how she would continue to support her family. And as cleaning supplies disappeared from store shelves for weeks at a time, she momentarily had doubts about taking her cleaning business full-time.
A single mother of two, Shaffer rolled up her sleeves and resumed work the best she could. Moving into 2021, business has been on the uptick, and she’s even hired a second employee to help care for additional clients.
“I learn more each day on how to juggle the life of a business owner and a single mother,” says Shaffer. “Some days are a challenge. The pandemic has challenged this even more. However, I will continue to accept that challenge and push forward to be the best business owner I can possibly be.”
ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING (INDIVIDUAL)
Sarah Williamson, CPA, LLC
Jerrad Humerickhouse, Hume’s Tax Service
Katie Massey, Kahn & Associates
Doni Mooberry, Mooberry
Mike Roark, Roark Group, LLC
ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING FIRM
Hume’s Tax Service
Sarah Williamson, CPA, LLC
The Roark Group, LLC
Kahn & Associates Inc.
American Family Insurance, Dee Jay Flummerfelt Agency, Inc. ADVERTISING/MARKETING SERVICES
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THESE LAWRENCIANS HAVE WON A BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 CROWN
Owner Carlos Castillo credits the popularity of Salon Di Marco & Day Spa to the welcoming atmosphere his staff creates. “Our team of hair stylists, massage therapists, estheticians, and salon coordinators understand it’s imperative the client has a wonderful experience from the time they make the appointment until the time they leave,” he says. “Everyone goes out of their way to help when needed to make sure the entire experience is as seamless and flawless as possible.” The reward for such personal customer service is many years of Best of Lawrence awards. “We care about Lawrence and Lawrence cares about us!” says Carlos.
Salon Di Marco & Day Spa staff (from left) Marysa Corbin, Dana Osborn, Katy Everitt, Maddie Phillips and Jennifer Foster
Abraxas Tattoo
1st - Tattoo Shop
1st -
3rd -
Tattoo Artist (Carlos Ransom)
Tattoo Artist (Erin Bratzler)
Abraxas Tattoo artist Erin Bratzler
votes from farther away
A very small percentage of votes in the Best of Lawrence contest come from outside the continental United States. Some of these are rejected as bots, but many are accepted as valid votes that we believe come from Lawrencians abroad, relatives, or others with KU connections or ties to the city. Of these small number of votes, there are distinct hotspots in different continents. Here’s a breakdown of various regions around the globe.
Africa & Middle East
Saudia Arabia: 18 voters
All other countries: 0 voters
Asia
Japan: 2 voters
Malaysia: 2 voters
Indonesia: 1 voter
Europe
France: 29 voters
Ukraine: 6 voters
Estonia: 4 voters
Italy: 4 voters
Austria: 3 voters
Germany: 3 voters
All other countries: 10 voters
North America
(other than 48 continental states)
Mexico: 5 voters
Alaska: 4 voters
Hawaii: 3 voters
Canada: 2 voters
Puerto Rico: 1 voter
South America
Brazil: 9 voters
All other countries: 0 voters
THE WINNERS ARE ...
HOME INSPECTOR
1) LaRue Inspection Service, LLC
2) Brent Boyle
3) Sanger Home Inspections 4) Ad Astra Home Inspections
5) William Barnhart
HVAC SERVICE 1) Dunco Heating & Cooling 2) Cloud Heating & Air Conditioning
Scott Temperature Equipment
Advantage Heating and Air
A & H Air Conditioning & Heating
INSURANCE AGENCY (OFFICE)
State Farm Insurance
Farm Bureau
Edie Insurance Group
INSURANCE AGENT (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Ryan Sparke, Farm Bureau Financial Services
2) Kurt Goeser, State Farm Insurance 3) Dee Jay Flummerfelt, American Family Insurance
4) Justin Moravec, American Family Insurance
5) Rochelle Tramp, State Farm Insurance
INTERIOR DESIGNER
1) Jane Bateman Interiors, The Interior Store
2) Rynette Reiling, Rynette Designs
3) Kring’s Interiors
4) Arch and Gable
5) KB Painting, LLC
LANDSCAPING SERVICE
1) Lawrence Landscape
2) Turf Masters Inc.
3) Schendel Lawn and Landscape
4) Pine Landscape Center
5) Clinton Parkway Nursery
LAW FIRM
1) Stevens & Brand, LLP
2) Barber Emerson, LC
3) Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, CHTD
4) Petefish, Immel, Heeb & Hird, LLP
5) WM Law
LAWYER
1) Amy Durkin, Stevens & Brand, LLP
2) Ryan A. Blay, WM Law
3) Calvin J. Karlin, Barber Emerson, LC
4) John Frydman, John Frydman Defense
5) David J. Brown, The Law Office of David J. Brown
Best of Lawrence Top-5 winners talk about a year unlike any other
3rd - T-Shirt or Screen Printing
The last year was a challenging time for Blue Collar Press; the independent design and print shop relies heavily on live-event merchandise, school spirit wear and restaurant and bar items.
Manager Jim David says business did pick up or hold even in other areas, including custom facemasks and prints for local customers as well as online sales through Merchtable, like Blue Collar Press, a brand of Blue Collar Industries.
“There are lots of people struggling right now financially and mentally. This last year has been really hard on businesses and people personally. Our story is fortunately a positive one so far. We feel very lucky to have been able to make it through the year,” David says. “We are so lucky to be in Lawrence and to have such a bright vibrate food, art and business culture. We really hope that, as things open back up, the restaurant and music scene in Lawrence can recover and be stronger than ever.”
Blue Collar Press staff (from left) Hazel Ingram, Jim David (manager) and Alex Womack
This year, the Sewing/ Alterations/ categoryEmbroidery was added to honor a crafty group of businesses.Lawrence
3 CLEVER BROADS
1st - Advertising/Marketing Services
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THESE LAWRENCIANS HAVE WON A BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 CROWN
The creative agency 3 Clever Broads started with three partners, but artist and designer Janella Williams is now the sole owner and talent who creates distinctive logos, marketing materials, infographics and publications for several local entities. If you’ve seen Lawrence Public Schools’ logo with its lightbulb, for instance, or the new logo for Lawrence Douglas County Public Health, then you’re familiar with Janella’s work. She also creates the illustrations for Lawrence’s Parade of Homes. “My clients love me because I’m reliable, I meet deadlines and I’m good at what I do,” says Janella.
TATTOO ARTIST
1) Carlos Ransom, Abraxas Tattoo
2) Steven Bridgman, BDC Tattoo
3) Erin Bratzler, Abraxas Tattoo
4) Seymour Farmer, Red 5 Tattoo
5) Holly Hackney, Standard Electric Tattooing
TATTOO SHOP
1) Abraxas Tattoo
2) BDC Tattoo
3) Standard Electric Tattooing
4) Skin Illustrations Tattoos & Piercings
5) Red 5 Tattoo
TAXI/LIMOUSINE/RIDE SERVICE
1) KU Safe Ride
2) Affordable Limousine Services
3) Shannon McCoy, SDM Transportation
4) Senior Wheels
5) Party Bus Solutions
TRAVEL AGENT (INDIVIDUAL)
1) Amanda Storm, Amanda’s Travels
2) Carmen Hocking, Island Dreams Travel
3) Lauren Pomeroy, AAA Travel
4) Dorothy Pogge, Travel Leaders
5) Pamela Sublette, AAA Travel
TREE SERVICE
1) Lawrence Arborists
2) Shamrock Tree Service Inc.
3) Kansas Tree Care
5) San Marco + French Tree Service, LLC.
5) Forest Keepers Tree Care
T-SHIRT OR SCREEN PRINTING
1) Acme
2) River Rat Print & Skate
3) Blue Collar Press
4) LFK Press
5) Grandstand Glassware + Apparel
5) Lawrence Shirt Factory
VENUE COORDINATOR
1) Jess Rice, Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
2) Jennifer Burkhead, Cider Gallery
3) Mike Logan, The Granada
4) Mike Dye, The Bottleneck
5) Kiley Nottingham, Abe & Jake’s Landing
VETERINARY CLINIC
1) Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital 2) Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital 3) Jarrett Small Animal Clinic, PA 4) Animal Hospital of Lawrence 5) Lewis Veterinary Clinic
WAXING/HAIR REMOVAL 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
2) Wax Bar Lawrence
3) Aestheticare of Lawrence
4) Body Specific
5) Kutz Family Hair Care
5) Sunflower Aesthetics
5) Volume Lash & Hair Studio
3 Clever Broads owner Janella Williams
Static Hair Salon
1st - Hair Stylist (Jodi Ray)
4th - Hair Salon
Static Hair Salon stylist Kinzie Spencer
Park
South Park will always be a favorite of mine. The gardens are beautiful, the playground sounds are delightful, and it is the perfect place to gather with friends.
Place to Take a Out-of-Town Visitor
I always take guests downtown. It has a fun atmosphere, great places to eat, and—for the perfect ending—a post-meal walk by Bowersock Dam to watch the river.
Landmark
The Campanile at the University of Kansas is where I have watched my children play while waiting for fireworks, watched my husband walk for his masters and run by with my running group.
Community Covid-Response Hero (Group)
The county health department’s efforts in leading other organizations have been amazing. I had the pleasure of volunteering at the vaccination clinics, and they are such welloiled machines.
High School Teacher
I adore so many of our teachers that this was hard to choose. But for this past year, I want to give extra kudos to Coach Rose and Coach Heffernan and their staff at Free State High School. To be able to have summer running, cross-country and track during this last year has given students fresh air, social connections and a chance to be in a routine, all of which were priceless.
MORIAH RUTH
MORIAH RUTH PHOTOGRAPHY
2nd - Photographer
Moriah Ruth, owner of Moriah Ruth Photography, was 36 weeks pregnant and preparing for maternity leave when the pandemic began shutting down businesses. Ruth did her best to accommodate clients as weddings, family and senior sessions were postponed. However, with most of her sessions outdoors, Ruth was able to continue working while moving booking, contracts and client consultations online to limit exposure.
Ruth says she is thankful to have followed mentors’ earlier advice to have a financial safety net.
“This gave me the freedom to give my clients grace and not have any sort of penalty for them to cancel, change or reschedule their weddings while not sacrificing my family’s financial stability,” Ruth says. “I was thankful for the opportunity to get to be the light for a lot of them in the midst of chaos.”
Pandemic, Lock-down, Anxiety, Educational disruption, Work from home, Social distancing, Masks, Relationship conflict, Online school, Isolation, pression,Travel restrictions, Vaccinations, Loneliness, Quarantine, Politics
Pandemic, Lock-down, Anxiety, Educational disruption, Work from home, Social distancing, Masks, Relationship conflict, Online school, Isolation, pression,Travel restrictions, Vaccinations, Loneliness, Quarantine, Politics
Integrated therapy and medication management for children, teens, adults, families, and couples, under one roof. Integrated therapy and medication management for children, teens, adults, families, and couples, under one roof.
The Sandbar
1st - Bartender (David Johanning)
4th - Bar
Sandbar bartender David Johanning
STEVE MASON
Nonprofit (Adult/Senior Services)
ARTIST (PAINTING/SCULPTING)
1) John Sebelius
2) Julie Hammer
3) Jen Unekis
4) Angie Pickman
5) Patrick Schlotterback
ARTIST (PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL MEDIA)
1) Ann Dean
2) Jeff Burkhead
3) Fally Afani
4) Trina Baker
5) Chris Ortiz BAR
1) Free State Brewing Company
2) John Brown’s Underground 3) Johnny’s Tavern 4) The Sandbar
5) 23rd Street Brewery
BARTENDER
1) David Johanning, The Sandbar
2) Adam Lott, The Bourgeois Pig
3) Dante Colombo, John Brown’s Underground
4) Brad Black, Shenago
Music is a social sport. Musicians gather to express themselves in a language they all understand. The Americana Music Academy, at 14th and Mass., is a nonprofit organization that teaches musical language and builds musical communities.
Nonprofit (Family Services)
The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department provides a worldclass set of venues and experts for our active city.
Seasonal Event
Bring a lawn chair for the Lawrence City Band weekly summer concerts in South Park and you’ll hear tremendous music with a large brass sound.
Landmark
Lawrence artist Jim Brothers was a master of larger-than-life, representational bronze sculptures. Jim’s General Eisenhower statue stands in the Capitol Rotunda in DC. He built the multipiece D-Day memorial in Bedford, Virginia. The only locally displayed example of his large bronze work is the Phoenix statue in front of the Depot in North Lawrence. Don’t miss it.
Annual Event
The 40th Annual Kansas Fiddling and Picking Championships will be at South Park, the 4th Sunday in August. Come hear the state’s best fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar players, and harmony singers. 1 2 3 4 5
This year, the Drag King/ Queen category made its first appearance on our ballot.
5) Aaron Strelow, The Replay
BEER SELECTION (RESTAURANT/BAR)
1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Merchants Pub & Plate 3) Lawrence Beer Company 4) 23rd Street Brewery 5) Fields & Ivy Brewery
BREWERY
1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Lawrence Beer Company 3) Fields & Ivy Brewery 4) 23rd Street Brewery 5) Black Stag Brewery & Pub
DRAG KING/QUEEN
1) Deja Brooks
2) MsAmanda Love
3) Novacayne
4) Raven Jade Von’Du
5) Milez Long
HAPPY HOUR
1) 715 Restaurant
2) Merchants Pub & Plate
3) Six Mile Chop House & Tavern
4) 23rd Street Brewery
5) Free State Brewing Company
LOCAL BAND (COVER)
1) Kim and The Quake
2) SELLOUT!
3) Soundwave
4) Heavy Petty
5) Lawrence Bar Band
LOCAL BAND (ORIGINAL)
1) Streetlevel Uprising
2) Much to Say About Nothing
3) Split Lip Rayfield
4) Alferd Packer Memorial String Band
5) They Watch Us from the Moon
PLACE TO GET A BLOODY MARY
1) The Roost
2) Louise’s West
3) Ladybird Diner
4) 23rd Street Brewery
5) J. Wilson’s
PLACE TO GET A MARGARITA
1) El Potro
2) Cielito Lindo
3) Ta Co. Lawrence
4) El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
5) Mi Ranchito
Thirsty Thursday Drag Show
2nd - Drag King/Queen
MsAmanda Love remembers the beginning of the pandemic as a time when she thought she would be home for a few weeks and could concentrate on knocking out a few outfits to prepare for a quick return to hosting and performing drag shows.
But those weeks turned into months, with shows canceled for almost the entire year. The loss of income was devastating, but equally difficult was the loss of the stage.
“Not being able to go on stage silenced my personality,” MsAmanda says. “That’s how I express my emotions, express who I am.”
MsAmanda notes that drag shows require not just a stage and an audience, but a playful interaction that she hopes will return before the end of 2021.
“Drag shows are very interactive; we are playful with the audience and we go out and mingle. If a venue opens at half-capacity with the audience spread out, then the performance loses some of its magic,” she says. “We’ll know that we are back to normal after we have gone through a month of good performances at full capacity, when we are all comfortable being together.”
MSAMANDA LOVE host
Best of Lawrence Top-5 winners talk about a year unlike any other
MsAmanda Love
THEATRE LAWRENCE
2nd - Virtual Performance (Theater)
BEST OF LAWRENCE TOP-5 WINNERS TALK ABOUT FINISHING STRONG IN 2021
Mary Doveton, executive director of Theatre Lawrence, notes the pandemic year struck her organization at its core mission. “Theaters are meant to gather people, not isolate.”
To prevent total isolation during the crisis, Lawrence’s community theater responded with a series of outdoor and virtual performances, including “Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been?” an innovative virtual drama about Langston Hughes and the Red Scare.
MARY DOVETON AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
Theatre Lawrence hopes to transition to a full, normal indoor season by fall 2021, beginning with a summer full of celebratory outdoor concerts, family movies and stage performances on the theater’s grounds.
“After this past year, we’re all ready for a little bit of escapism and fun,” says Doveton. “We’ll keep it light with things to relax and entertain people.”
PLACE TO GET A MIXED DRINK/COCKTAIL (RESTAURANT/BAR)
1) 715 Restaurant 1) John Brown’s Underground 3) The Bourgeois Pig 4) Six Mile Chop House and Tavern 5) 23rd Street Brewery 5) Merchants Pub & Plate
PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTOR 1) Sarah Niileksela 2) Michael Hamm 3) Matthew Mulnix 4) Dylan Bassett 5) Eric Sakumara
SOLO MUSICIAN
Kelley Hunt
Michael Hamm
Tyler Gregory
Ashley Davis
Kim Murphree 5) Megan Luttrell
STORE TO BUY BEER 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On the Rocks 3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 4) City Wine Market 5) Mass Beverage
STORE TO BUY LIQUOR 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On the Rocks 3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 4) City Wine Market 5) Roy’s Wine & Spirits
STORE TO BUY WINE 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits
4) Rock Chalk Suite: The Story Behind the Music with Wynton Marsalis and Derek Kwans
5) Story Slam (Virtual Edition), Lawrence Arts Center
WINE LIST (RESTAURANT/BAR)
1) 715 Restaurant
2) Six Mile Chop House & Tavern
3) J. Wilson’s
4) Merchants Pub & Plate
5) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar
MsAmanda Love appears here with Goliath, a 27-year-old Burmese python, who represented Pet World as a Best of Lawrence candidate in the Best Office Pet category
The Replay
5th - Bartender (Aaron Strelow)
Replay bartender Aaron Strelow
Some votes in this contest come from outside the region, reflecting Lawrence’s status as a destination location and the strong community and KU ties that bind former residents to the city. However, the overwhelming majority of votes come from Lawrence, Douglas County and neighboring communities. Here’s a breakdown of the percentage of voters from the eight most voter-represented zip codes in the contest.
Ithink it is heartening to know that many civic-minded folks walk the same sidewalks as the rest of us, with their eyes fixed on ways to make our city just, fair and safe for all. This year, the Best of Lawrence ballot added the category Community Hero (Racial Justice & Equity) to acknowledge those in Lawrence who strive to improve race relations as well as build upon what progress has been made.
I talked with three of the top-five finalists to learn what they think Lawrence needs to do to continue or to move in the right direction in this essential aspect of our community.
Ursula Jane Minor, president of the Lawrence branch of the NAACP, says that racial representation on governing bodies is a key goal for the future. “I would like to see more minorities on city boards and councils. The boards need to be more reflective of the community that they represent and impact, along with required diversity training for the people who serve on the boards,” she notes.
Oscar-award winning screenwriter and University of Kansas professor Kevin Willmott adds that representation should include the crucial branch of law enforcement—not only in a few positions in leadership, but across the board. “I think we have to really look hard at who we allow to become
community hero (racial justice & equity)
STORY BY Melinda Briscoe PHOTOS BY Carter Gaskins
Kevin Willmott
police officers,” Willmott suggests. “It is a very important job, and one bad cop can destroy a community and someone’s life.”
Alex Kimball Williams describes herself as an “artivist” (a combination of “artist” and “activist”) who focuses on issues of reparations, police brutality, Black maternal health, provider bias and more. She believes progress can be achieved beyond the spheres of legal and social rights. “An area I think deserves more of our attention is art produced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color),” she notes. “The music, poetry, writing and additional art produced as protest and identity analysis are powerful and often remain in our minds long after we encounter it. Creating and making room for Black art is one of the most important steps a community can make towards inspiring and sustaining change, as well as fostering belonging for community members of color.”
Looking over the past year, even with some troubling setbacks to racial equality and justice across the nation, Minor believes that
there were some significant local, institutional achievements such as hiring the City’s first director of equity and inclusion, Farris Muhammad. “He has valuable experience and knowledge, and this was much needed for our community,” Minor says. She also applauds the work achieved this year by Christina Gentry of Lawrence Douglas County Health and Equity Coalition. “Christina works to help provide a fair chance for every person in our community to thrive. She helps build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community.”
Kimball Williams says there are many people in Lawrence sharing goals of racial justice and equity. But she says Mariel Ferreiro’s work over the past year deserves particular commendation. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know her and her work through various projects together, including sanctuary city policies and equitable allocation of Covid-19 vaccines. I admire her work with LFK Mutual Aid, which helped many community members in need. Mariel operationalizes community. I couldn’t put a value on the often-unpaid work she continues to do in Lawrence.” Kimball Williams also includes a shout-out to “the fantastic people at Haskell Indian Nations University who have launched the new Hiawatha Center for Justice on the campus. Dr. Dan Wildcat, Sierra Two Bulls, and several others are involved!”
Creating and making room for Black art is one of the most important steps a community can make towards inspiring and sustaining change, as well as fostering belonging for community members of color.
—Alex Kimball Williams
Willmott says his recognition would go to a broader group in Lawrence, all of those who “protested and made their voices heard in the city.”
