'This story suggestion was submitted by..." -- D&C seeks reader input on coverage

Dear D&C Subscribers --

You might have read this headline at www.democratandchronicle.com: Brooks Landing Diner gives back by serving those in need

And you might have noticed this editor's note at the top of the story written by our 19th Ward Neighborhoods Reporter Justice Marbury:

Editors note: This story suggestion was submitted by Dan DeMarle at the 19th Ward Square Fair festival.

Justice's story on the Brooks Landing Diner is part of what might well become an emerging trend at the D&C of seeking reader input on stories of public interest and public impact we might choose to pursue. Huge credit to Justice, who conceived of this idea and created survey forms shared with and filled out by festival-goers at the June 1 Square Fair at Aberdeen Square in the 19th Ward and at the June 15 Juneteenth Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in downtown Rochester. Everyone who shared a story idea got a free instant photo of themselves taken by Justice or one of her colleagues.

Look for those forms at other festivals the D&C plans to attend this year, including the Puerto Rican Festival. And if you don't want to wait, there is an online version of the story suggestion form embedded inside Justice's story on the Brooks Landing Diner.

As for that story, Justice writes of the remarkable contributions being made by the diner's owner:

Tiffany Eady was homeless at one point in her life.

Now, as the owner of Brooks Landing Diner in the 19th Ward, she welcomes the unhoused community who frequent the restaurant looking for a bite to eat.

"It's nice that you can come to a nice restaurant, sit down and eat and feel like you're a part of the community and a normal person," Eady said.

Eady purchased the restaurant in July, 2023 and wanted to make a difference so she instituted a free food board where those in need could use pre-purchased meal tickets, take them to the register, and wait for the diner chefs to begin their meal.

Brooks Landing serves Southern and Korean-style breakfast and lunch items, including shrimp and grits, stir-fried rice, sausage gravy biscuits, and various meat options.

We're happy and proud that Justice is doing her best to listen to readers and residents and incorporate what they care about into her news stories. Much more to come.

Each week, usually on Sunday evenings, we'll email you highlights of our reporting and videography created exclusively for our subscribers. And we'll share with you some "behind-the-scenes" tidbits on how such journalism comes to be.

Below are some other stories written only for our subscribers you may have missed this month.Thank you for your continuing support of local news in Rochester. We’re greatly appreciative.

Sincerely,

Michael KilianExecutive Editor

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 'This story suggestion was submitted by..." -- D&C seeks reader input on coverage