A Message from Our Team

“It’s been almost four years since I first began writing and editing content for the Insider, as we planned, months in advance, how Jim’s vision would unfold. In those early days, we were a group of three, (plus Charlie) gathered around the conference table of our much smaller office on Howard Avenue, brainstorming and mapping out all the ways we could delight our audience with the stories we would tell, both visual and verbal.

From the beginning, I’ve loved meeting with and getting to know the people who make up this community to compile content for our paper— learning about their passions, their pursuits— and translating what they share with me into prose. Listening to people, to what they enjoy and what their values are, is itself a form of connection, and I try to capture that spirit of intimacy and infuse it into every piece I write to drive our message of connection and community home.

I’ve adopted a style for the Insider that is down-to-earth and full of humanity— infinitely readable because it’s so relatable— and that aims to be useful as well. It’s always my hope that in conveying our message and delivering useful information about where to go and what to do, my writing will bring smiles to lips and gladden hearts because it so clearly shows the hearts of those around us.

I likewise hope that in addition to the joy reading our publication brings, that my writing also inspires you to go out into our community and explore some of the venues and information that we share with you. This month’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in North Myrtle Beach looks like a not-to-miss party. It’s fantastic to think of 50,000 people gathered together here to celebrate that most jovial of holidays— St. Patrick’s Day. Be sure to check out our Table of Contents to see what other features we have this month, including Charlie’s Corner. From the start, he’s always been a bit anxious about being appreciated for his writing skills. I think it’s because he’s a dog. Throw him a bone and like him on Facebook, he’ll be your fan for life.”

– Melissa LaScaleia, Writer / Editor