Lakeside business wins national honor

LAKESIDE-MARBLEHEAD — For more than 25 years, Marilyn Burns' store has been a beloved staple of Lakeside Chautauqua. When Fox Business named Marilyn's as one of 10 finalists for the America 250 Small Business Award, the community responded by throwing a celebration. Just after noon on Monday, Walnut Plaza grew quiet as the crowd gathered to watch the live announcement. The silence was brief, but then cheers erupted as Marilyn's was announced as the first of three national winners. Those in the crowd — more reminiscent of a Fourth of July weekend than a Monday in early May — celebrated loudly and long as Burns, overcome with emotion, covered her face. "It's just nuts," Burns said. "I can't believe that we won." Moments earlier, she had revealed that if she won the $25,000 award, she would be "sharing the blessings" with the Lakeside community, which she did. The donations include: • $10,000 to Lakeside youth groups (Lakeside for Youth and Reach Out) • $5,000 to replace wood on lakefront picnic tables • $3,000 to Lakeside merchants for street banners • $2,000 to the Lakeside Women's Club scholarship fund • $1,000 to the Rhein Center • $1,000 to the Lakeside Heritage Society • $1,000 to the Lakeside United Methodist Church • $1,000 to Middle Grade Madness (MGM) • $1,000 to God Squad "I have enough funds to live on," Burns said. "We'll share it with the Lakeside community, which has blessed us so much, so we're blessing them." What's the award? The Fox Business America 250 Small Business Award recognizes businesses that reflect the spirit of American entrepreneurship as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Lakesider Bret Johnson first saw the call for nominations while channel-surfing and immediately knew Marilyn's was a deserving candidate. He submitted a nomination that "took about 20 minutes" to write, thinking it was like buying a lottery ticket with little chance of winning. Then a Fox Business representative called to share that Marilyn's had been selected as one of 10 finalists out of more than 2,700 nominations nationwide. "Once we made the top 10, I knew we had a chance," Johnson said. "This community loves Marilyn's, and she gives so much back to all of us." Miles Stephenson — producer of Fox Nation, who was on-site for the announcement — reflected on the experience of visiting Lakeside. "Thank you for having us in this beautiful town," Stephenson said. "This is the whole point of what this competition is about, to meet the towns, the icons and the Americans that make this country so great." Burns, who admitted she had little sleep leading up to the announcement, said the moment was overwhelming. "I've been shaking all morning," she said. "It's amazing how many people came out. I'm thankful. It makes me feel appreciated." Congratulations to Marilyn, her staff and the entire Lakeside community, and thank you to Bret Johnson for submitting the nomination. How did the nomination read? Here's the nomination submitted by Bret Johnson in full: Marilyn's of Lakeside is a community hub in a waterfront community on Lake Erie. Marilyn Burns, the owner and operator, creates an environment that welcomes all people, young and mature alike. She knows everyone, makes everyone feel comfortable and never says "No" to requests from her customers, who feel more like family. Marilyn's is a souvenir shop that sells T-shirts, necessary items for vacationers, toys and beach stuff. Children are welcome at Marilyn's, and she gets it. She creates a culture of acceptance, familiarity and hospitality for the youth who visit her store. She enjoys the kids, knows all their names and is always available for a high five or a hug. One of the biggest attractions at Lakeside Chautauqua is Marilyn's Candy Wall. Children of all ages make sure they visit the wall filled with inexpensive candy, both new and vintage styles. Until recently, children made their own change from a bucket of money set out for them. A trip to Marilyn's to visit the candy wall is an important part of the visit to Lakeside Chautauqua. Marilyn's is located in an old building, built in the late 1800s. A rental unit is located above the crowded store, and it's not uncommon to hear the people upstairs when you are there. If you need something, you can find it in Marilyn's. If you can't find it, you probably don't need it. I am a retired schoolteacher and have been shopping at Marilyn's for over 25 years. This past summer, I had the privilege of working in the store with the other employees, all of whom are members of the local church. Years ago, my young daughter asked to have a tea party. The only person on her list to invite was Marilyn. This genuine love for Marilyn is shared by all who shop at her store and know her. Marilyn's generosity is applied to all people, both her employees and her customers. The community is small, and people are always coming in to ask Marilyn for some "help" with one project or another. At the counter next to the cash register, there is a jar to collect change to help young people afford camp at Lakeside Chautauqua. Marilyn is quick to share stuff from her store with local schools, museums and organizations that are in need. To say Marilyn's of Lakeside is iconic is an understatement. Marilyn has served as the grand marshal of the Fourth of July parade, had articles written about her unique and wonderful business practices and featured segments about her. Lakeside Chautauqua. At 82 years old, Marilyn is always at the store, and she is quick to admit, "If I'm not having fun, I'm not going to do it." Clearly, Marilyn has fun, and because of that, we get to have fun, too.