It’s no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic affected everybody, but small businesses continue to feel the impact. This issue, we focus on “persistence, perseverance and resilience,” and have highlighted people in arts and culture as well as noting people doing cool things in the area: from local native Elbert Watson’s extensive dance background to Town Center Club founder Barbara Lewis and her outreach in the community. Local organizations Tangier Island Oyster Co. and CommuneXCROP showcase the best the region has to offer in local harvest and culinary education for youth, respectively. Enjoy.