pride in our downtown On a sunny Friday afternoon, Weaver’s Hot Dogs is characteristically bustling. The grill is sizzling with burgers, and the air is rich with the aroma of the famous chili that tops the just-as-famous hot dogs. Tucked into one of the old timey booths is a group of lawyers with their ties flung over their shoulders to prevent stains. Officers with the city police department sit in their uniforms, while the sheriff’s office deputies chat nearby and wait for their meal. And then a group of bankers in blazers walk in to place their order. Surrounding the gathering, hugging it essentially, is a collection of photos on the walls that tells Laurel County’s story — black and whites of football victories, smiling cheerleaders, sailors in uniform, soldiers posing in Korea, fishing trips on Laurel Lake. Managing the lunch rush are Judd and Kim Weaver, who took over the 72-year-old establishment in August 2011 and expanded its space and menu. Meanwhile, over on the next block, Liza Joyner is surrounded by paint chips, stacks of elegant rugs and a white cradle hand-painted with gilded swirls. As she gets everything pulled together for a baby nursery she is designing for a customer in Tennessee, in walk Joyner’s own young daughters — three little dolls dressed in beautiful bows and jaunty bell bottoms. While Weaver’s is one of the oldest establishments on Main Street, Liza Joyner Designs is one of the newest and both are enjoying success — a testament both to their hard work and London’s vibrant downtown. In 2004, London Downtown was formed, a nonprofit organization aimed at revitalizing the heart of town. Almost immediately, participation was enthusiastic and today, there are 19 board members and 13 different committees charged with everything from events planning to economic development. London Downtown is most recognized for taking charge of and getting the funding for overhauling nine blocks of downtown’s streetscaping, which now boasts incredible landscaping, brand new sidewalks, elegant fencing and irrigated flower baskets that burst with color in the summer months. While the effort made downtown more aesthetically pleasing, it also spurred economic development, Executive Director Chris Robinson said. “People could see we have pride in our community,” he said.
“Dynamic Learning Opportunities for All”
Main Library
120 College Park Drive • London, KY 40741 • (606) 864-5759
South Branch
727 W. Cumberland Gap Pkwy • Corbin, KY 40701 • (606) 258-7000
North Branch
Located on N. 25 in Oak Tree Plaza 1789 N. Laurel Road • London, Ky 40741 • (606) 843-2013
www.laurellibrary.org
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