This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

The End of the Johnston Insider?

Whether or not the Johnston Insider is able to make a comeback, all of your hard work and dedication was not for naught. You have made a tremendous difference in all our lives!

Usually, at the tail end of every week, I would typically pick up a copy of the at on Atwood Avenue and devour its contents while I waited for my order to be ready. Inevitably, there would always be coverage about someone I know; an acquaintance, a friend, my neighbor's kid, or family member who was either mentioned in an article, or featured in a photo. Having children who are school-aged and actively involved in many extracurricular activities increased the likelihood of occasionally seeing my own kid's names or photos donning those pages. As corny as it may sound, it was a thrill to see such attention given to people whom I know personally, especially if it is one of my loved ones. 

Now, to my surprise and dismay, apparently the Johnston Insider is at serious risk of closing its doors and shutting down production of this wonderful community newspaper. I feel greatly saddened by this! What a shame! Tell me it isn't so! 

I can personally testify to the hard work and long, often "second-shift" hours that Insider reporter/photographer Beth Hurd has put in to thoroughly cover all the school and community events that happen here in Johnston on a weekly basis. Quite honestly, I have seen her practically EVERYWHERE that there is something newsworthy taking place. For instance, this winter I saw Beth at virtually every single Johnston High basketball game. She would walk up and down the sidelines snapping photos of the JHS Panthers players, as well as the fans in the bleachers. In addition to local games, she often traveled to cover away games, too. At all those games she would take video of parts of the game — and she managed to capture some magical moments, including when Panthers senior Ryan Anderson victoriously .

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Beth made it a point to go to CCRI, both this year and last, to interview and photograph the JHS students who participated and won ribbons at the Rhode Island State Science and Engineering Fair which took place on a Sunday. She also traveled to Providence College to cover the State History Fair this spring, because she knew that several JHS students were participating in it and had won various awards.  

Anyone who knows Beth can attest to the fact that she always has the best interest of our kids at heart. She radiates both warmth and genuine enthusiasm for all of our children's achievements. You get the sense that "our kids" are "her kids."

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Oh! And I sat near Beth at this year's "Comedy and Cuisine Night," which was a fundraising event sponsored by the JHS PTSO. She came as an Insider reporter, as well as a parent of a JHS student. During that show, she snapped photos and took her fair share of "off-color" ribbing by the comedians. Although I would have been mortified, Beth just laughed and took it all in stride!

The other night my daughter invited some friends over to our house to hang out. Guess what this group of teens chose to do for entertainment? They went on You Tube and watched a bunch of videos that Beth had taken throughout their school year! She managed to capture so many memorable moments for them to look back on. The kids laughed and reminisced. . . 

Granted, we still have the Sunrise, which is a very good paper. And of course, we have the Patch. . . still, I can't help but feel that losing the Insider marks the end of something very meaningful. This paper truly evoked a commitment to honest, comprehensive coverage of the stories that mean the most to Johnston residents. 

So, I want to assure the Insider's Executive Director, Elizabeth Wayland-Seal, Julie Fox (Advertising and Community Outreach Manger), and Beth Hurd that you have all done an exemplary job! Regardless of whether or not the Johnston Insider is able to make a comeback, all of your hard work and dedication was not for naught. You have made a tremendous difference in all our lives!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?