2024 NAMPA Award Competition Results

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 The awards were split amongst 34 categories among 3 divisions. Divisions are grouped by circulation size. Division A - 25,000 or less. Division B - 25,001 to 65,999. Division C - 66,000 or more. Select categories are not judged according to divisions. Not every category or Division received awards.

This year's competition was judged by a panel of 6 judges lead by Michelle Fields. Our thanks to the panel and all of their hard work. 

1. Best of Show          

After the individual award decisions were made by the judges, points were assigned for each member publication based upon the awards that they received. 3 points for first place, 2 points for second place, and 1 point for third place. The highest total resulted in Best in Show for each Divisions. 

Div. A             The Best Times - Tennessee

Div. B             Mature Living - Ohio

Div. C             Washington Beacon – Washington DC

 

2. General Excellence   

Division A

1^st        The Best of Times - LA

Judges Notes: Every issue pulls you into a high-quality publication that is noticeably dedicated to the senior readers in their local market. Design and content are outstanding. Articles are well-written and speak to the readers through witty, informative, and sometimes comical writing style. Good balance of informative and educational content.  Regular columns such as ‘From the Bench’ and ‘Odds & Ends’ were a hit amongst the judges.  The writing is lively and fun, often upbeat and always skillfully edited.

2^nd       Westchester Senior Voice - NY

3^rd        Senior Voice - AK

 Division B

1^st        Mature Living - OH

Judges Notes: Mature Living has a fun and easy-to-read layout with excellent writing and design. From ‘Local’ to ‘Profiles,’ every article is easy to find timely and enlightening.  ‘Fun with Grandkids’ was a huge hit with our judges and the ‘Fifty Over Sixty’ series made the greatest impression with our judges for its impact that these people have on their community.  ‘Supporting Veterans and their Families’ hit home for several of us…. great stories and pairing it with their photos was greatly appreciated.

2^nd       Northeast Ohio Boomer - OH

3^rd        Lifestyles After 50 - FL

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon - MD

Judges Notes: Every high-quality issue of The Washington Beacon offers a distinct and easy to read layout. Well edited and organized from cover to cover. The ‘Inside…’ column index on cover, gives you a sneak peek on what you are about to discover in each issue. From ‘Leisure & Travel’ to ‘Arts & Style’ this newspaper is rich with outstanding well-written articles and impeccable editing. The Washington Beacon is easy to navigate thanks to good sectioning, good headline writing and a consistent presentation.

 

 3. Most Improved            

Division B

1^st        Mature Living - OH

Judges Notes: Comparing the older to the new entries, judges found the new (and improved) editions are cleaner and better organized. The color seems overall, brighter, and fresh.  The new covers seem to have more depth and saturation. 

Note: The Apr/May 2024 ‘Gardening & Home Style’ cover is one of the most beautiful covers we’ve seen in this competition.    

 

4. Column Review         

Division B

1^st        Mature Living – OH

            Dining Out: ‘The Garden by Poco Piatti’  By Riley Runnells

            ‘Extra Virgin Lamplight Café & Bakery’ By Libby Cassidy

Judges Notes: The ‘DINING OUT’ columns in Mature Living takes local cuisine to a whole new level.  Not only is the restaurant’s history provided, but you are also offered a glimpse into the ambience, area amenities, pricing, lighting, parking, etc.  These columns are very well written, and the restaurants featured are surely to be visited by their readers.  Poco Piatti’s ‘Build Your Own’ bowls sound amazing!

2^nd       The Vegas Voice – NV

            ‘Let the Games Begin’ By Lauren Tallman

            ‘Birds Do It, Bees Do It’ By Lauren Tallman

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Shaking the Rafters in Toby’s Sister Act’ By Mark Dreisonstok

            ‘Rock Musical Hair Brings Back Late 60s’ By Mark Dreisonstok

Judges Notes: Who doesn’t love the iconic Broadway plays ‘Hair’ and ‘Sister Act?’ Writer Mark Dreisonstok has you already buying your tickets to these talent-packed productions.  From the costume design to lightening, Mark’s columns offer an insight to each production, shares its history, and explores the writing behind each musical.

2nd      Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Working Class Bar is the Set for Sweat’ By Lynda Lantz

            ‘Stirring Evita Revival Tells Riveting Story’ By Lynda Lantz

  

5. Senior Issues              

Division A

1^st        Westchester Senior Voice – NY 

‘Best Strategies to Prevent Falls’ by Dr. Prajna Latika

 ‘Less Pain for Your Golf Game’ by Dr. Andrew Casden

Judges Notes: Westchester Senior Voice’s ‘Health and Wellness’ columns feature useful tips and hints on how to stay healthy and active. Whether its dealing with current issues or preventing future issues, both articles are informative, reassuring and well written. Dr. Latika offers 5 helpful tips on preventing falls, and if you currently have an issue with falling, what is the next step.  Dr. Casden offers preventative suggestions and how to treat current back pain while and after playing golf.   

2^nd       Senior Voice – AK

            ‘Learn More About Supplements’ by Dr. Emily Kane

            ‘For Health and Flavor, Bring on the Berries’ by John C. Schieszer

3^rd        The Best Times – TN

            ‘This Time is Different’ by Jim Shoemaker

            ‘Preparing Heirs for Their Inheritance’ by Jim Shoemaker

 Division B

1^st        Baltimore Beacon – MD

            ‘Enjoying Being a Student Again’ By Margaret Foster

            ‘Elevating New Writers Over 50’ By Laura Melamed

Judges Notes:  Both of these articles were fun, lively, and extremely informative.   

‘Elevating New Writers Over 50’ is an interesting and fascinating story about Kendra Kopelke’s (and her co-editor Mary Azrael) journey to enlist older writers for her publication ‘Passager.’ We also loved her development of ‘Pandemic Diaries.’ Brilliant! 

‘Enjoy Being a Student Again’ is an information packed article, focusing on lifelong learning classes. Whether its photography, cooking, Shakespeare or learning about gargoyles, this article not only shares information about the various courses, but it also provides the information to sign-up for them. Excellent list of resources.

2^nd       Mature Living – OH

            ‘Health: Essential Balance Activities’ By Nathaniel Light

            ‘Health: Enacting Empathy’ By Kimberly Blaker

3^rd        Northeast Ohio Boomers – OH

            ‘Better with Age’ By Jennifer Beach

            ‘Your Life Philosophy’ By Jennifer Beach

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Where Do We Go from Here?’ By Stuart P. Rosenthal

            ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ By Stuart P. Rosenthal

Judges Notes: Author Stuart Rosenthal takes us on a personal ‘optical voyage’ and a thought-provoking look into near-death experiences.  Both articles are very well written, and wittingly focused on his senior readers. Thank you for sharing these enlightening articles, Stuart.

2nd      Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘You Can Take Your Senior Discount and…’ By Bob Levey

            ‘Sneaker Wearer Confesses His Sneakery’ By Bob Levey

 

6. Editorial/Opinion

Division A

1^st        The Best Times – TN

            ‘Elder Abuse Takes on Various Forms’ by James K. Grubbs

Judges Notes: This ‘Note from the Publisher’ article by James Grubbs gave his honest and straight forwarded thoughts and opinions on different forms of elder abuse.  His article is straight to the point and personal. You don’t find a lot of people who actually say, or in this case…write, what they are actually thinking. Refreshing.

2^nd       The Best of Times – LA

            ‘Beginning a New Chapter’ by Tina Calligas

 Division B

1^st        Northeast Ohio Boomer – OH

            ‘Pride & Prejudice’ The Senior Discount Dilemma, By Marie Elium

Judges Notes: What a humorous article about qualifying for senior discounts and the affect it has on the young-looking seniors.  It was fun to read and meticulously written. We all enjoyed Marie Elium’s column very much. 

2^nd       The Vegas Voice -NV

            A Wrong & Inhumane Decision’ By Rana Goodman and Dan Roberts

3^rd        Lifestyles After 50 – FL

            ‘Dolly Parton’s Life in Rhinestones’ By Kathy A. Megyeri

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘I’m Not a Doctor, but…’  By Stuart P. Rosenthal

Judges Notes: What a ‘therapeutic’ article.  Author Stuart P. Rosenthal shares his own medical dilemmas in making a case for alternative medical care, second opinions and use of placebos in this personal look into our own physical ailments. This article was a joy to read, and will be helpful for the mature readers. 

2nd      Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘What to Make of AI?’ By Stuart P. Rosenthal

3rd       Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘No Simple Answers’ By Stuart P. Rosenthal

 

7. Briefs/Shorts             

Division A

1^st        Westchester Senior Voice – NY

            ‘Out & About’

Judges Notes: Westchester’s ‘Out and About’ section offers fresh and interesting local information, updates, and happenings in the area.  These informational snippets are well laid out, easy to read and has a little something for everyone. 

2^nd       The Best Times – TN

            ‘Upcoming Events & Happenings’

3^rd        The Best of Times – LA

            ‘Odds & Ends’

 Division B

1^st        Mature Living – OH

            ‘Congrats’ & ‘Local’

Judges Notes: These quick profiles and local information write-ups are a delightful section to this newspaper.  We loved that you used real photos of real, hometown people in your articles.  Keep up the nice work!   

 

8. Personal Essay               

Division A

1^st        PrimeLife Times – IL

            ‘Dear Older Lady at Walmart’ by Esther Aardsma

Judges Notes: A beautiful and heartfelt story about a young, struggling mother finding hope and gratitude from an unexpecting shopper at Wal-Mart.  Charmingly written, this article proves that there are angles among us.

2^nd       Senior Voice – AK

            ‘Fountain Pens Will Make You Smarter’ by Lawrence D. Weiss

3^rd        The Best Times – TN

            ‘River Parks Consultant Recalls’  By Candace A. Gary

Division B

1^st        Lifestyles After 50 – FL

‘The Super Adult Identity’ By Julie Dee Suman, PhD

Judges Notes: What term should you use when referring to an older person? Elderly? Old Timer? Boomer? Geriatric? The reference of ‘old’ is examined in this playful article about what to call the older population.  After much research through AARP, NCOA and NPR, ‘Older Adults’ received the most votes and is considered the preferred amongst seniors.  This article was very entertaining.

2^nd       The Vegas Voice – NV

            ‘Never Again’ By Liz Breier

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘From Standup to News Anchor’ By Margaret Foster

Judges Notes: What a refreshing and well written article about Tony Perkins. This article dives into the background of a well-rounded (and charming) young man from the Bronx, who began his career as a comedian, fell in love with radio, and is now an anchorman with NBC News4Today in Washington D.C.  What a roller coaster he has been on. Beautifully written and presented.

2nd      Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Move to a New Home is a Mixed Blessing’ By May Benatar

3rd       Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Lessons Learned from a Job Search at 77’ By Taya Jackson

 

9. Profile Entries                

Division A

1^st        PrimeLife Times – IL

            Major Martin R. Delany’ By Rob Siedenburg

Judges Notes:  Author Rob Siedenburg opened the history books with his profile article on Major Martin R. Delany. Siedenburg took great detail to tell us about the enormous obstacles that Major Delany was able to overcome, time and time again, to become a soldier, published author, and a physician. And most astonishing, he was able to persuade President Lincoln to form an all-Black Corp, led by all Black officers to fight during the Civil War. A well written article that shows the depth of the human spirit and the obstacles it can overcome.

2^nd       Howard County Beacon – MD

            ‘Turning Scrap Wood into Wildlife Paintings’ By Margaret Foster

3^rd        The Best Times – TN

            ‘Annual Trip to Nevada Desert Became Ritual’ By Joyce Miles

 Division B

1^st        Mature Living – OH

            ‘MacQueen Orchards Continues Legacy’ By Riley Runnells

Judges Notes: Wonderful article showcasing the strength and power of the family matriarch. Author Riley Runnells not only shows how Marlene has kept the orchard successful and growing through the years, but also how she was able to build strong family bonds. 

2^nd       Beacon Newspaper -MD

            ‘Author Crafts Novel from Life Experiences’ By Robert Friedman

3^rd        Northeast Ohio Boomer – OH

            ‘The Fanciful World of Scrap Sculptor Bill Starcher’ By Marie Elium

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Big Tree Man’ By Margaret Foster

Judges Notes:  ‘Big Tree Man’ Branches Out’ is a profile article about Joe Howard, a 93-year-old tree tour guide from Montgomery County Maryland.  Although Joe Howard was an educator by trade, he was able to take his passion of trees and keep reinventing methods to educate the public.  In the end, the reader is left to wonder if Howards passion is the trees, or is he using them to be the educator?

(We would all like to meet Mr. Howard!) 

2nd      Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘New Memoir Tells of Family’s Life in China’ By Robert Friedman

 

10. Annual Senior Resource Guide or Directory

Division A

1^st        The Best Times – TN

            Summer/Fall 2023

Judges Notes: As a standalone publication, The Best Times Summer/Fall 2023 50+ Resource Guide is packed full of quick use resources, activities, and services.  Colorful tabs designate easy to find sections and print is a good size for easy reading. Nice editorial content and presentation.

2^nd       The Best Times – TN

            Winter/Spring 2024

Division B

1^st        Mature Living – OH

            ‘Feature: Ways to Volunteer’

Judges Notes: Mature Living’s annual resource guide is an easy, pull-out section, with featured editorial referencing area services, resources, and valuable programs.  From volunteering to personal development, Mature Living has you covered.

 

11. How-To Feature or Do It Yourself Feature 

Division A

1^st        Senior Voice – AK

            ‘Focus Your Pickleball on ‘High Percentage’ Shots’ By Jim Lavrakas

Judges Notes: Jim knows his pickleball! These articles are fast paced and dive right into the art of playing pickleball.  His passion and inspiration couldn’t come across any stronger, and those who already play or would like to take up this fast-growing sport are already ahead of the game after reading his articles. 

2^nd       Howard Beacon – MD

            ‘Enjoy Being a Student Again’ By Margaret Foster

3^rd        The Best Times – TN

            ‘Collecting is Being Educated About Items’ By Ed Tuten

 Division B

1^st        The Vegas Voice – NV

            ‘Its Not Growing Season’ By Howard Galin

Judges Notes: Howard Galin’s ‘March Garden Guide’ is an informative and useful article for several of us readers who don’t have a green thumb. ‘It’s Now Growing Season’ focuses on the do’s and don’ts on planning your ‘landscape strategy.’ Knowing your hardiness zones, sun exposure and planting techniques are just a few of the things you will learn while reading this gardening delight. 

2^nd       Baltimore Beacon – MD

            ‘Put Your Lips Together and Blow’ By Robert Friedman

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Documenting Lost WWII Stories’ By Glenda C. Booth

Judges Notes: ‘Documenting Lost WWII Stories’ is a beautifully written feature article that highlights the efforts of hundreds of generous volunteers. These volunteers tell the life stories of thousands of Americans who lost their lives during WWll.  This article features the volunteer writers, but is also recruiting new volunteers who would be interested in writing a life story for these soldiers. They offer a free ‘boot camp’ on-line training to learn how to conduct research and to use Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com and Fold3.com.  Very honorable and valiant effort by this organization. 

 

12. Travel Column        

Division A

1^st        Senior Voice -AK

            ‘Northern Lights and Fairbank Nights’ By Dimitra Lavrakas

            ‘Kodiak Shines as a Best Place to Visit’ By Dimitra Lavrakas

Judges Notes: ‘Going Places’ Dimitra Lavrakas uses her personal travel experiences (and beautiful photos) to pique her readers’ interest in beautiful Alaskan destinations along with tips and attractions to visit along the way.

These articles wanted us to pack our bags and purchase our airline tickets to come up for a visit. 

2^nd       PrimeLife Times – IL

            ‘Alaska: From Glaciers to Totems

Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘We Should of Stayed Longer in Tasmania’ By Don Mankin

            ‘Chill Out in London, Strollin’ and Cruisin’ By Don Mankin

Judges Notes: Don Mankin’s Leisure & Travel columns are wonderfully written. So much so, the reader can visualize the destination he is describing.  Whether its sitting strolling down the Hampstead streets of London or wadding in the turquois bays of Freycinet Nation Park in Tasmania, we wish we were there with him.   

2nd      Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Cruising to Charming Southern Locales’ By Victor Block

            ‘For Nature Lovers and Dirty Dancing Fans’ By Victor Block

        

 13. Feature Writing

Division A

1^st        Howard Beacon Newspaper – MD

            ‘Artists Pass Down Folk Art to Apprentices’ By Susan Ahearn

Judges Notes: What a fun article featuring an apprentice program sponsored by the Maryland State Arts Council that assist in facilitating programs to help pass folk art down to the next generation.  In this beautiful article, the art of Black storytelling was portrayed. A wonderful story about keeping a tradition alive.

2^nd       The Best of Times – LA

            ‘Historic Sites: Are Being Lost to Neglect’ By Sarah Hamer

3^rd        Boom Athens – GA

            ‘White Fraternities and Black Music in the Early 60’s’ By Chris Jones

 Division B         

1^st        Baltimore Beacon Newspaper – MD

            ‘Devoted to Raising, Racing Pigeons’ By Glenda C. Booth

Judges Notes:  This fascinating and well written article sharing the ancient art of raising and training pigeons.  Though a very small group, the writer does a good job of sharing this interesting hobby.   

2^nd       The Vegas Voice – NV

‘Like Father, Like Son’ By Dan Roberts

3^rd        Northeast Boomer: OH

            ‘What’s So Funny’ By Estelle Rodis-Brown

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Summer Camps for Grownups’ By Glenda Booth

 Judges Notes: In this feature article, the reader is struck with the powerful memories of summer camp from their childhood.  Glenda pulls you in with the powerful memory of sharing learning experiences with peers.  Only now that peer group is much older and the learning experiences are much broader. 

2nd      Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘The Bachelorettes of the DMV’ By Laura Sturza

 

 14. Special Section in the publication  

Division A

1^st        The Best Times – TN

            ‘Retirement Housing Guide’

Judges Notes: A ‘Multitude of Housing is Available for Retirement Living’ didn’t stray far from the truth in this special section in the November issue of The Best Times. The layout and in-depth listings are easy to read, clean and easy to follow.  Lists everything you need to know about senior housing and can be easily removed from the publication, saved and used as a reference at a later date.

2^nd       Westchester Senior Voice – NY

            ‘Special 2023 Section: Memory Care’

Division B

1^st        Mature Living – OH

            Health & Wellness: Trends’ By Riley Runnells

Judges Notes: A fun and colorful section on health and wellness trends, products, fads and feel-good ideas are examined in this ‘try it before you by it’ article.  From your head to your toes, learn about bluetooth enabled hearing aids, down to wide-toe box running shoes.  This informational section had us reading about things we never knew existed.  We loved the lay-out too.

2^nd       The Vegas Voice – NV

            ‘My Valentine0The Guardian Gladiator’ By Dan Roberts

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Housing and Homecare Options’

Judges Notes: ‘Housing & Homecare Options’ Special pull-out section in the October issue of the Washington Beacon wasn’t your typical spreadsheet housing guide, but a well laid out information piece that provides resources and home and community-based services. Individual communities are featured, but this is a small part of this special section. Kudos to the designer.

     

 15. Topical Issue          

 Division A

1^st        Senior Voice – AK

Seni     ‘Mindful Grieving and Recovery Through Yoga’ By Erin Kirkland

Judges Notes: This enlightening and helpful article on the importance of mental mindfulness during the grief process of a major loss was very well written. Finding outlets, such as yoga, to help you heal the mind and body through this healing process is so important. 

2^nd       Boom Athens – GA

            ‘Gearing Up for a Growing Need’ By Betsy Bean

3^rd        The Best Times – TN

            ‘This is the Time of Year to Make Plans’ By James K. Grubbs

 Division B

1^st        The Vegas Voice – NV

            ‘Help Us Help You’ By Dan Roberts

Judges Notes: ‘Help Us Help You’ is exactly what Dan and Rana are doing. Helpful and instructive, educating the public regarding the predators during guardianship hearings.  Another sad example of elder abuse.  Keep up the great work Rana and Dan, such an honorable undertaking. Your seminars should be taken on the road for all to hear.

2^nd       Mature Living – OH

            ‘African American Legacy Project of Northwest Ohio’ By Curtis A. Deeter

3^rd        Lifestyles After 50 – FL

            AI + Seniors: 3 Surprising Ways You’re Already Using It!’ By Michele D. Baker

 Division C

1^st        Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Elders Take Action on Climate’ By Barbara Ruben

Judges Notes: Protecting our environment and making the world a better place is always a noble undertaking.  This meaningful and informative article shares how everyone, even grandparents can get involved in a worthy cause. ‘Elders Climate Action’ are Earth-Heros!

2nd      Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘A Second Chance Behind Bars’ By Margaret Foster

3rd       Washington Beacon – MD

            ‘Finding Joy Again After a Loss’ By Glenda C. Booth

 

16. Front Cover (Photo)

Division A

1^st        The Best Times – TN

            ‘Flowerbed in My Big Backyard’

Judges Notes: Beautiful photo, great color and well placed.  The flower filled work boots draw your eye down to the article listing at the bottom. 

2^nd       Senior Voice – AK

‘Alaska Homestead Peonies’

3^rd        Senior Voice – AK

            ‘Anchorage Bonsai Study Group’

 Division B

1^st        Mature Living – OH

            ‘Fifty Over 60’

Judges Notes:  A sleek, well-balanced cover featuring 8 colorful photos of  ‘Fifty Over Sixty’ people impacting their community.  Charming and clever!

2^nd       LifeStyles After 50 – FL

            ‘Beach Boys’

3^rd        The Vegas Voice

            ‘You’re Never Too Old to Believe in Santa’

 

17. Front Cover (Illustration)

Division A

1^st        The Best Times – TN

            ‘Works of Heart’

Judges Notes: The beautifully illustrated work-of-art by the talented Savannah Smith titled ‘Birds for My Mother’ is feature on the February 2024 cover of The Best Times.

2^nd       PrimeLife Times – IL

‘Garage Sale Mystery’

Division B

1^st        Mature Living - OH

Judges Notes: Your message reads loud and clear in this beautifully designed cover illustration ‘Supporting Veterans and Their Families.’ 

2^nd       The Vegas Voice

            ‘You’re Never Too Old to Believe in Santa’

 

18. Table of Contents         

Division A

1^st        The Best of Times – LA

            Jan/Feb. 2024

Judges Notes: In this Mardi gras edition, small photos are nicely placed along side the inside of the index.  Additionally, the index is also broken down into sections including Briefs, Advice and Features, to name a few.  Great layout and design.

19. Briefs/Shorts             

Division A

1^st        Westchester Senior Voice – NY

‘Out & About’

Judges Notes: The ‘Out & About’ pages are lively and colorful with numerous photographs and write-ups of local events, happenings, and places to visit.  Stylish design and attention to detail. Classy!

2^nd       The Best of Times – LA

‘Our Featured’

3^rd        The Best Times – TN

‘Upcoming Events and Happenings’

Division B

1^st        Mature Living - OH

Judges Notes: These ‘Entertainment’ briefs are jam-packed with month long, area calendars and events. There is no way you don’t have anything to do after reading one of these. And everything listed in these calendars are seasonal, unique, and diverse.  Mature Living does a great job in getting the word out about local happenings. And adorable…who doesn’t like a teddy bear wearing flannel?

 

20. Annual Senior Resource Guide or Directory

Division A

1^st        The Best Times – TN

            Winter/Spring 2024

Judges Notes: This easy-to-use resource guide contains bold subhead, charts, lists and photographs, which breaks up large amounts of type.  The layout displays advertisements in a way they don’t compete with content.   Beautiful Christmas train cover that is clever and fun.

2^nd       The Best Times – TN

            Summer/Fall 2023

Division B

1^st        Mature Living - OH

Judges Notes:  Mature Living’s - Social Security Guide is in a league of its own.  Starting with the introduction of the Security Administration, the next 6 pages give you an in-depth and clear look at everything you need to know about managing your Social Security.  Easy to read with a number of interesting and helpful articles.

 

21. Feature Layout       

Division A

1^st        The Best of Times – LA

‘Life is a Journey’ By Kimberley Blaker

Judges Notes: This article takes you on the journey of grieving. Clean and smart use of photographs and graphics bring this feature together.

2^nd       The Best Times - TN

‘Shooting Dogs-Part 1’ By Cindy Wolff

3^rd        The Best of Times -LA

‘Stalker on the Prowl’ By Kimberly Blaker

 Division B

1^st        Mature Living - OH

Judges Notes: ‘What’s in My Shopping Cart’ is a documentary style feature article, and we LOVE it.  How clever! The designer really thought about the visual impact this would have for the reader.

 

22. Best Overall Use of Photography

Division A

1^st        The Best Times -TN

Judges Notes: This entry grabs your attention starting with the colorful cover photo, and the feature stories are full of clean, vibrant photos. We loved seeing so many smiling faces throughout the publication.

2^nd       The Best of Times - LA

 

 23. Best Use of Color

Division A

1^st        The Best of Times – LA

Judges Notes: Cover typography uses a color palette used in its illustrations or photographs. The use of subtle color in headlines is a consistent style element throughout the publication. Frames and background colors are skillfully used.

Division B

1^st        The Vegas Voice

Judges Notes: These entries are filled with color. Each spread has a dominant cover photo, leading to consistent color titles, graphics, frames and shading throughout.

 

24. Overall Design

Division A

1^st        Westchester Senior Voice - NY

Judges Notes: These entries start with strong covers that feature beautiful artwork and culinary design. Cover stories get feature display followed by a bright and lively contents page. From articles to advertising, it is noticeably evident that every page of these publications gets special attention. Beautiful.

2^nd       The Best of Times - LA

 Division B

1^st        Northeast Ohio Boomer - OH

Judges Notes: It is obvious from first review, this is a high-activity publication. Every page has movement and well laid out.  Articles and advertising are blended in a way that helps the eye float through the pages.  The large number of photographs adds interest and illustrates the stories very well. Good looking publications.

2^nd       Mature Living - OH

3^rd        The Vegas Voice - NV

 

 Advertising & Other Categories

 

25. Self-Promotion (in house)

1^st        Senior Voice-Alaska

            ‘Guide to Senior Services Throughout Alaska’

Judges Notes: This, half page promotion offering a ‘Directory for Older Alaskans’ is easy to read, and its vertical layout helps lead the reader down to the fillable coupon.

2^nd       Best of Times -Tennessee

            ‘A Morning in the Garden Invite’

3rd       Senior Voice-Alaska

            ‘Get the Word Out-Upcoming Events’

 

26. Self-Promotion (outside source) 

1^st        The Best of Times – Louisiana

            ‘The Stage is Set For…’

Judges Notes: This Playbill promotional advertisement for The Best of Times is priceless.  The curtain being pulled back wants the reader to ‘look inside.’

Nice display and layout.  Well done!

2^nd       The Vegas Voice – Nevada

            ‘Fight Shrinkflation’

 

27. Self-Promotion/Awards

Division A

1^st        The Best of Times – LA

            ‘Creating Quite a Stir’

Judges Notes: This is great! ‘Creating Quite a Stir’ combines the elements baking and winning. Not knowing what you are in for, the sweet photo of a women baking and the gingham tablecloth backdrop, takes a twist and leads you into the awards won at last year’s NAMPA annual convention.

Division B

1^st        The Vegas Voice

Judges Notes: ‘The Vegas Voice Wins 16 Awards’  is a sharp header image highlighting your recent numerous awards.  Clean description and detail. Even Ringo approves!

  

30. Best Single Ad (Color)

Division A

1^st        The Best of Times – LA

Judges Notes: The ‘Southern Roofing’ ad is well displayed, great use of color and image choices were right in line with the message you were trying to relay for your advertiser.

 Division B

1^st        Mature Living – OH

            Ryan Pharmacy & Orthopedic Supply

Judges Notes: In this effective ad, you created an advertisement for a pharmacy and durable medical equipment business, but you took it a step further and humanized the ad by adding colorful shopping bags, flowers, and other accessories to show that a motorized scooter can be fun!

2^nd       The Vegas Voice – NV

            ‘Sun City MacDonald Ranch’

 

31. Best Banner

Division A

1^st        The Best Times - TN

Judges Notes: Nice, clean design with adequate white space EVERY time. You can never go wrong with the grand old red, white, and blue.

2^nd       The Best of Times - LA

Division B

1^st        The Vegas Voice NV

Judges Notes: This banner has always been a favorite.  It’s loaded with Las Vegas attractions.  The various hotels, 20^th anniversary celebration, and messaging makes this the #1 pick in this division. Overall great banner.

 

33. Website Self Promotion

1^st        The Vegas Voice – NV

            ‘We’ve Got Las Vegas Covered’

Judges Notes: The reds, blues and yellows used to makeup this promotion really works.  Using colorful mini billboards for the various programming, host caricatures and various fonts, makes this promotion jump off the page.  Bravo!

2^nd       Mature Living – OH

             ‘Fifty Over Sixty’ QR

3rd       The Best of Times – LA

            ‘Save the Date’

 

34. Website General Excellence

1^st        Beacon Newspaper - MD

Judges Notes: This sites bright use of color, use of white space and vibrant design complements it’s simple to navigate format. Our judges found that your website was the easiest to use to navigate, find past issues, feature stories and use  banner advertising.

2^nd       Mature Living – OH    

Please note: Mature Living did have the best and easiest to use calendar.

3rd       The Best of Times - TN