In the forward of the new My Easton publication Elisabeth Wraase ’11 wrote, “Flipping through these pages, you’ll find students’ favorite restaurants, favorite places to hang out, and even a list—compiled by seniors—of the top 10 things you should do before you graduate. Four years go by fast, let me tell you.”
Lafayette students enjoy downtown Easton: (left-right) Taylor Dougherty '13, Julia Brodsky '13, Taylor Miller '13, Kyvory Henderson '12, Matthew Mezger '13
A student group comprised of Matt Grandon ’12 (Lemoyne, Pa.), Madeline Laskoski ’13 (Goshen, N.Y.), Spencer Rice ’14 (Basking Ridge, N.J.), Gwendolyn Turner ’12 (Danville, Va.), and Wraase created the publication to answering questions that incoming first-year students might ask. Scott Morse, director of athletic communications, acted as the group’s adviser, and Michele Tallarita ’12 (Whitehall, Pa.) served as copy editor.
“My Easton is a compilation of information that is useful for both current and perspective students. This booklet raises awareness about things to do in Easton—on and off the hill,” Laskoski says. “With a greater understanding of Easton, students will be more likely to get involved in the community and this will enhance the town-gown relationship,” she says.
The group met weekly throughout the spring semester to plan an informational brochure about Easton “for the students, by the students.”
“As the semester went on, we kept brainstorming different ideas, and the publication grew not only in size but in depth,” Laskoski says. “In the end, we had gathered a ton of information ranging from the best places to eat in Easton to the most popular outdoor activities. We even listed the top 10 things each student needs to do before graduation. The entire process was flexible and encouraged creativity. We had a lot of fun creating it.”
Turner says her first thought was “what would I have wanted to know then that I know now?” and the team built off that idea.
“Faculty members and I do not eat at the same places or go to the same stores frequently,” says Turner. “So by showing the ‘student hotspots’ it paints a better picture of the Lafayette community. I hope that reading it will spark interest and students will dive deeper into the city and find new places to eat, shop, and just hang out.”
For Turner, her favorite part of Easton is the variety of dining options, from sushi to Italian, from Portugese to Peruvian, from coffee shops to ice cream shops. Laskoski is a big fan of Easton Farmer’s Market, the oldest continuously operated farmer’s market in the nation.
“It is so much fun to go down into the circle on a fall afternoon and see all of the different vendors. The live music and freshly baked goods add to the community feel,” she says. “I hope that this publication allows students to see all of the great things that Easton has to offer.”