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2006 NAMPA Awards
Editorial Categories
Column Reviews
Entries are originally commissioned by publication and cover regular columns on books, magazines, film, video, television, music, computer, software, web sites, audio and/or mass media. The column, or columnist, clearly establishes the publication as a voice of authority on any given subject.
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
"Editor's Choice" by George Cruger, Fifty Plus, Virginia
These book reviews are interesting and informative. A reader is left with a clear impression of the books and the desire to read more.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
Ron Ehmke, Forever Young, New York
The reviewer's expertise shines through. These music reviews are detailed enough for knowledgeable readers and clear enough to educate the novices.
Carol Sorgen, The Beacon, Maryland
These reviews are especially well reported. There's no substitute for first-hand observation and interviews with key participants.
Circulation: 100,000+
Michael Toscano, The Beacon, Washington
Keen observation and lively writing distinguish these reviews. Readers are well served by a reviewer who so obviously knows what he is writing about.
Edward G. Aulman, 50+ Lifestyles, New York
No pretense to artistry here. These round-ups of veterans' news are service pieces, packed with useful information. Clarity is the prime virtue.
Senior Issues
Entries cover regular columns on senior issues, advice, behavior and health issues or senior resources. The column, or columnist, clearly establishes the publication as a voice of authority on any given subject.
Circulation: 25,000 or less
Barbara Huddleston and Chris Powers, Ozarks Maturity, Missouri
This special report on Medicare Part D is packed with useful information. It is clearly written, detailed and no doubt valuable to its audience.
Lee Aronson, The Best of Times, Louisiana
Here is a legal column that cuts through the jargon and complexity to offer clear, understandable advice. The writer is clearly well qualified.
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
Franklin Ward Baum, FiftyPlus, Virginia
This writer on "Your Health" clearly keeps his readers in mind. The columns are filled with clearly written summaries of relevant medical developments.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
Nancy D. Borst, Active Aging, Kansas
"Health Focus" offers well researched, clearly written advice from expert sources. Readers are the beneficiaries.
Toby Laping, Forever Young, New York
Dr. Laping deals with some of the most difficult aspects of aging, such as conflict over wills and selection of nursing homes. Her advice is thoughtful, her writing clear.
Circulation: 100,000+
Ask the Ombudsman, Beacon, Maryland
The best thing about this column is the idea itself. Questions about health care and related issues are answered by experts on the staff of local governments. The responses, therefore, are authoritative.
Karen Karle, Senior Connection, News Connections USA, Florida
Dr. Karle addresses an audience often overlooked -- caregivers. Her tone is empathetic, her advice sound.
Calendar of Events
Entries represent how the publication serves as a tool for readers by highlighting specific and unique senior-oriented activities and events during the time period covered by the particular issue. Section can include the dated calendar of events and related resources, listings and roundups. This entry is not a one-time special section, but rather a representation of a section that runs in each issue of the publication.
Circulation: 25,000 or less
Ozarks Maturity, Missouri
The use of the monthly calendar with day-by-day listings makes it easy to find activities of interest or to simply find activities on specific days. The layout and typeface makes it easy to read.
Beacon Newspapers, Colorado
This comprehensive listing of activities arranged in order of occurrence is chocked full of information.
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
FiftyPlus, Virginia
Around Town -- May and June, 2006 —The arrangement of events by calendar date, with the additional breakout of month-long events of interest to senior readers, is an attractive feature that is sure to be appreciated and used by readers.
FiftyPlus, Virginia
Around Town – October 2005 and April 2006:Again, this calendar is jam-packed with useful listings, certainly a benefit for active readers who want to plan their activities.
Briefs/Shorts
Entries are a potpourri of brief, timely, lively, engaging, informative and locally relevant items that are packaged together as a column or section that appears regularly in the publication.
Circulation: 25,000 or less
The Best of Times, Louisiana
Brief items about mental and physical health news are sure to be a well-read feature. The redesign from the May to June 2006 issue is a striking improvement in presentation.
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
FiftyPlus, Virginia
The Round-up feature provides a solid mix of information for readers whether it is an article on registering for an Open University course or tips on dating. It is both useful and interesting.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
50 Plus News Magazine, Wisconsin
This collection of columns and letters addresses the readers’ interests and reflects the writers’ "tone of voice" so much so that readers will feel they are hearing it instead of reading.
Circulation: 100,000+
50+ Life Styles, New York
Boomer Bits & Bytes offers a refreshing mix of information that recognizes the changing lifestyles of an aging population that’s not willing to be considered too old to have fun but that still wants practical advice to make it easier to make the transition to retirement.
Personal Essay
This category recognizes the value of personal essays as seniors reach out to one another through their local senior publication. Submissions may be humorous, serious or reflective. The essay may be written either by a staff or freelance writer.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
"Apron Strings" by Aunt Emma, 50 Plus News Magazine, Wisconsin
This is the kind of monolog you might expect from your real Aunt Emma. Her subjects vary, her tone is consistently conversational, and the effect is of a back-fence chat.
Circulation: 100,000+
Bob Levey, Senior Beacon, Washington
The entries range from a warm and nostalgic recollection of a beloved grandmother to a pointed but sympathetic discussion of the problems of aging drivers. A reader is engaged and inspired to think.
Stuart P. Rosenthal, Senior Beacon, Washington
These "From the Publisher" columns are clearly intended to spark public conversation about important issues. Social Security, the subject of both entries is relevant and timely. This publisher really keeps his readers in mind.
Profile
Entries examine an interesting person or look at a person in an interesting way. Submissions should be well-reported and written with craftsmanship. Articles in Q & A format are also acceptable.
Circulation: 25,000 or less
"Top rung of a tall ladder," by Reta Stewart Allen,
Ozarks Maturity, Missouri
The author did a good job of telling the story of a ground-breaking woman. This is a good example of allowing the person being interviewed to tell her story.
Ann Jillian "I believe everybody has a mission," by Chris Powers,
Ozarks Maturity, Missouri
The story provides good information about a famous star that is not in today's headlines. Those readers who had lost track of her would get to know her all over again by reading this story.
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
"Scent from above," by Craig Summers Black,
50Plus Lifestyles, Iowa
This story about how a life changing experience moved a man to find
solace and beauty in building a garden was a great read. The author's ability to let him tell his story works very well in this article.
"L. Douglas Wilder: The Challenge to Improve,"
by Mary A Tobey, FiftyPlus, Virginia
This story does a good job of catching the reader up on a political figure who once was a shining star in Democratic circles. It traces his roots and brings the reader up to date on what he is doing now. A good piece of interviewing and writing.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
"John Astin settles in Baltimore," by Michael Toscano,
The Beacon, Maryland
Readers of this story learned a lot about a famous character actor, but they also got to see a side of him that makes him human. The author does a good job of letting Astin express his thoughts and feelings about the city he calls home.
""Best Doctor Profile: Geriatrician Kenneth A. Garbarino,"
by Maria Scrivani, Forever Young, New York
The author did a good job of showing how the subject connects with his patients. That is something that does not happen often in today's medical world. This is a well written story with good quotes and good description.
Circulation: 100,000+
"Building a new life - and body," by Carol Sorgen,
Senior Beacon, Washington
This story is a great read. I learned a lot about bodybuilding and how to turn your life around. The author did a good job of allowing the source to tell his story and finding others who had an impact on his life.
"Still pounding the political beat," by Carol Sorgen,
Senior Beacon, Washington
You learn a lot about the state of the newspaper business by reading this profile. The author does a good job of taking the reader through the career of a famous political reporter, but also makes sure to inform about how it ended.
Community Service Editorial
Circulation: 25,000 or less
"Dedicated to the Environment," by Sarah Johnson,
Beacon Newspaper, Colorado
A great example of a story fitting perfectly within a mature publication’s mission. The piece captures the active, participatory tone of its subjects.
"Putting the Passion into Philanthropy," Susan Johnson,
Senior Beacon, Washington
A story that tells the reader much about the subjects involvement in giving back to the community. The tone is warm and engaging.
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
"Staying Home," by Donna C. Gregory,
FiftyPlus, Virginia
Nice use of anecdotal lead to grab attention, and nice use of research and expert quotes to make this article readable, yet also informative. Good balance between the personal and the professional.
"Raising Voices, Raising Money," by Kathleen Hall,
FiftyPlus, Virginia
An uplifting story, told in conversational tone.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
"Volunteers help create a homelife for kids," by Carol Sorgen,
Baltimore Beacon, Maryland
Well written and researched, this story will inspire others to take action.
"The Homeless,"
50 Plus News Magazine, Wisconsin
A timeless reminder of the need to help others.
Circulation: 100,000+
"Retired law officers reunite Katrina families,"
by Keri Fulton, Senior Beacon, Washington
A readable tale that touches the heart. The active voice, the inclusion of a multitude of sources, and the Katrina theme grab the reader's attention and never let go.
"The Con Artists Are Out There," by Gene Pritz,
50 Plus Senior News, New York
A serious treatment of a serious topic. Lots of actionable information here presented in a useable format.
How-to Feature
Entries demonstrate the usefulness and applicability of the information presented. These pieces offer more than advice: they instruct and enlighten the reader, providing guidance in achieving the desired outcome. Entries in this category may come from any field.
Circulation: 25,000 or less
"Come Fly with Me," by Tina Calligas,
The Best of Times, Louisiana
A lively first-person account of taking to the pilot’s seat. Fun and factual.
"Elderhostel Makes Learning Fun," by Sara Johnson,
Beacon Newspaper, Colorado
A nice update on a subject most of us know about but are interested in learning more. Good quotes and information.
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
"Love at Last," by Colleen Curran,
FiftyPlus, Virginia
A look at how older people can enjoy themselves and make new friends or even more serious relationships. Good examples.
Circulation: 100,000+
"Want to be an advice columnist?" by Carol Sorgen,
by Keri Fulton, Senior Beacon, Washington
Certainly profiles a new kind of club with a new kind of goal. Lots of readers no doubt found this appealing and helpful.
"Innovative Gardening," by Vincent Milano,
by Keri Fulton, Senior Beacon, Washington
Clear directions for adding a little oomph to the garden make this a quick but memorable read. Lots of little tips are dotted throughout.
Travel Column
Circulation: 25,000 or less
"Quick Jaunts," by Diane Kasselhut,
Beacon Newspaper, Colorado
You learn a lot of good tips from this article. The information is useful and usable.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
"Travel: 'End of the World' to Valparaiso," and
"California's Monterey County fascinates visitors"
by Mary McLoone, 50 Plus News Magazine, Wisconsin
The "End of the World" story is descriptive and provides a lot of useful information about a place most people know little about. You can tell that the author had a good time learning about the area. The Monterey story also has a lot of good information. A traveler would find it handy to have on a day-trip to the area.
Circulation: 100,000+
"Looking for Lincoln in all the Right Places," and
"Paris: A River Runs Through It," by Janice Doyle,
Senior Connection, News Connections USA, Florida
It is not often that you read a story about a presidential library that makes you want to jump in your car and drive there. This story does that. The Paris story provides a lot of good information an alternate form of sightseeing.
"Getting the skinny on skinny-dipping" and
"Gotta go: finding restrooms on the road,"
by James T. Yenckel, Senior Beacon, Washington
The skinny-dipping story is both humorous and informative. It is good to know the dos and don'ts when the signs say "clothing optional." The restroom story is useful. Most people don't think about it until you make a stop at a bad restroom.
Feature Writing
This category recognizes quality feature writing that shows style, is clever in subject matter, and an all-around good read.
Circulation: 25,000 or less
"Rock of Aging: Years of faith bring comfort — and change,"
by Chris Powers, Ozarks Maturity, Missouri
A well-researched and reported story. The mix of telling statistics and interviews with clergy and the faithful offers a rich portrait of the role religion plays in readers' lives.
"Pursuing Retirement Passions," by Sarah Rice Johnson,
Beacon Newspaper, Colorado
A fun look at how retired people keep busy and contribute to their communities. The writer includes a variety of pursuits, from bird-watching to volunteering, and helpful contact information for readers who might want to join in.
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
"Keeping Bzzzzy in Varina," by Donna C. Gregory,
FiftyPlus, Virginia
Descriptive and lively with a nice conversational style, this beekeeping story is a delight to read. But with its rich details and sidebar on bee sting therapy, it is informative as well as entertaining.
"Gone tropo: How Iowans can give their landscapes that lush,
tropical look,"
by Craig Summers Black, 50Plus Lifestyles, Iowa
Even readers who aren’t gardeners would enjoy this pep talk about creating the tropics in the middle of farm country. Accompanied by lush photographs, the story includes ideas and practice advice for implementing them.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
"Think you can beat a 71-year-old grandmother at golf?
Think again!"
by Jack Pearson, 50 Plus News Magazine, Wisconsin
A profile that offers much more than just an interview with an interesting person. The reader gets all kinds of perspectives on this fascinating golfer — from the men she shares the tee with at home to those who knew her in her competition days. A good read.
"Moving on after losing a spouse," by Carol Sorgen,
The Beacon, Maryland
A well-done story on a topic of interest to seniors and those who love them. The writer offers more than just a tale of one woman's courage. Readers come away with sound advice for making it through difficult times.
Circulation: 100,000+
"Raising their children's children," by Barbara Ruben,
Senior Beacon, Washington
This story casts light on a growing trend shaping the lives of seniors everywhere. The writer nicely balances individual anecdotes with information from experts.
“Clergy who’ve led for decades,” by Daniel Groner,
Senior Beacon, Washington
This reporter covered a lot of territory, ensuring broad representation of religions in this story about clergy who make a difference in their communities. Good use of quotes and plenty of details enlivens the narrative.
Special Sections
Entries are special sections or pullout guides covering any subject. These sections should be written, edited and presented in a manner that is lively and useful to the reader.
Circulation: 25,000 or less
Beacon Resource Directory, Beacon, Inc., Colorado
This directory is well organized. The listings are easy to read because of the skillful use of differing weights in typography and generous spacing. The directory is 7" X 10", a great size for a publication that you want people to keep
Circulation: 25,000 - 50,000
Focus on Caregiving. A How-To Guide,
FiftyPlus, Richmond, Va.
FiftyPlus offers a useful publication full of service journalism. This tabloid will help readers deal with aging parents—or even help them help their own children deal with them. The publication is easy to read and keeps its target audience in focus.
Circulation: 50,000 - 100,000
Resource Guide 2006, 50 Plus News Magazine, Wisconsin
The classy publication uses glossy paper, excellent organization and good typography to provide a useful, consumer-oriented guide. The table of contents lists all the categories, which are arranged throughout the guide in alphabetical order.
10th Anniversary Retrospective, 50Plus Senior News,
On-Line Publishers, Inc., Pennsylvania
This retrospective truly is a trip down memory lane. The stories are all reprints from the tabloid's last 10 years. With a good eye for the interesting and significant, they have found stories that entertain and inform. The design is open and inviting.
Circulation: 100,000+
50 Plus Community & Resource Guide, Vol. 1, 2006,
Long Island and NYC's Five Boroughs
The compact 7 ½" X 10 ½" makes this guide easy to keep around the house and easy to thumb through. Access is always the key to putting together a guide, and this one has a table of contents that shows it is organized by topics. The pages all have color-coded tabs to help direct readers, and, of course, everything is labeled. Great reader service.
Housing Options, June 2006, Senior Beacon, Washington
With a useful cover that explains how to use the section, this tabloid is full of stories about living options, ranging from retirement communities to making your home safer. These stories all provide readers a service.