Recently, I was part of a group who hosted a party for a dear friend.
The party took place on a perfect autumn day that was not too hot and not too cold. The leaves on the trees were showing off their colors. So many people came to shower love on the guest of honor. Conversation flowed and the atmosphere felt supportive and happy.
The team who threw the party met several times over Zoom to plan the details. One wrote the wording for the invitation. Another created the e-vite. Still another sent it and tracked the responses. One bought tablecloths and gift baskets in our friend’s favorite color. Each of us brought a dish that we planned based on our friend’s favorite foods. One went to Sonic to buy the good ice.
We were so happy to be able to do this for her.
In some ways, putting together a magazine is a little like throwing a party. Each person does their part to make it a reality. On the front end, Kerri Bellias and Gary Socha sell the ads that support the magazine. Robin Mykytyn works with the advertisers to get their ads in and sends a list of ads and sizes to me so that I can plan where everything will go in the issue.
Kathryn Greene and I plan the articles and set the timetable for when they are due. Burt Dellinger, our newest editorial pubs team member, keeps up with the news as it comes in and prepares it for online and in print. Kathryn and Burt are responsible for 90% of the writing in the magazine.
Stephanie Belcher takes all the words we write and turns them into something beautiful. Mary Rulli maintains the database to ensure that the magazine gets into your hands.
Kathy Rush manages all things digital — websites, social media and e-newsletters. Once the magazine is done, she makes sure you know about it.
And then there are the freelancers who add so much every issue. Larry Thomas writes the earnings reports, and Jimmy Tomlin puts together For Starters. Cindy Sheaffer proofreads the entire issue before it’s printed and catches anything we might have missed. Julie A. Palm writes, proofreads and edits the massive Supplies Guide every year. I don’t think I could do this job without her.
I can’t express to you how much I love this team. They bring so much care and expertise into what they do, and their roles are so much broader than I’ve described. In this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to acknowledge their work and how exceptional I think they are. Each one is truly a gift.
Read more from our editorial director.
