From the Editors: We Have an Idea

Nick Warren

My four favorite words are "I have an idea." Whether they're coming from myself, my children, my colleagues, my friends: there is nothing better than feeling or witnessing the spark of inspiration. Well, let me back up a minute. Hello. I'm Erin Phillips, the new managing editor here at the Erie Reader. I've been working, for the past month or so, at the heels (or, I suppose, at the messaging app) of Nick Warren, and learning what it takes to make an alt-weekly work (which is a lot. Thank you Nick, for being ever-available, patient, and super cool).

If you've been an avid reader of the Reader for a while, you might recognize my name, as I've been writing features for the past three years and I am excited to be more involved in continuing to make this paper one worth picking up. I'm also a mother to two young children as well as a champion (in my own way) for preserving Erie's historic buildings. Among the things I love the most are reading, writing, and Erie. So here we are.

It feels very fitting, therefore, that the first issue for which I've come on board is Shop Local. This theme is my absolute jam. During my time at the Reader, I've pretty much written exclusively about local small businesses, especially those old, long-standing, generational businesses that have built Erie into what it is today and have given it the character of a place worth loving. This month, I've done it again with a look at the history of Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meats, but I have run the gamut on this subject over the years (including places like Books Galore, The Remnant Store, Larry's Central Market, the Lawrence Park Dinor, etc).

So, back to those words: "I have an idea." This year, for our Made in Erie Gift Guide (traditional to the November issue), we have decided to focus on the makers of Erie. Nearly everything included was created by a local artist or artisan: someone who has felt that spark of inspiration and run with it, getting ideas out of their heads and into the world. In addition to the gift guide, we have focused our features on local artists (like Anthony Carson, Curtis Waidley, and Grizz), reviewed local books and music, and provided a historic look at a new local restaurant, the only of its kind here in Erie.

I am thrilled/honored/humbled to get to be the first person to hear the ideas of some of Erie's best writers and to share in their excitement of getting those ideas out of their heads, on to paper, and into the world. So, here's my first go, and I think (hope) it will only get better from here.