 |
 |
 |
Best of Show
A.
First: The Best of Times, Louisiana
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
Second: Forever Young, New York
C.
First: Baltimore Beacon, Maryland
Second: 50 Plus Senior News, Pennsylvania
D.
First: Washington Beacon, Maryland
Second: Lovin’ Life After 50, Arizona
General Excellence
A.
First: b magazine, Pennsylvania
Conceptualized with the modern baby boomer in mind, b magazine boasts a stylish design, vivid colors and a wide range of general interest articles. The writing is crisp and lively, a nice complement to the modern look and feel.
Second: Tri-State Senior News, Pennsylvania
Hyper-local and traditional best describe this publication. The News offers a nice mix of local content and announcements many seniors won’t get anywhere else. The traditional design, complete with larger-than-average typography, gives the News a familiar identity its readership has undoubtedly come to depend on.
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
Fun headlines, engaging visuals and stylish typography help define a fun publication full of informative features, advice columns and informative, easy-to-follow calendar listings. The columnists and neighbors pages offer important, informative insight into the senior community.
Second: Forever Young, New York
This is a publication that tells stories very well. Each individual profile is chock-full of interesting quotes and engaging facts about the subject. The writing is lively and engaging, the editing strong and consistent.
C.
First: Baltimore Beacon, Maryland
This is a newsy publication that offers a wide range of enterprise stories, advice columns, features and important health care news. Strong headlines help the reader quickly scan the articles for those of the most interest.
D.
First: Washington Beacon, Maryland
Newsy and wide ranging in its editorial offerings, the Beacon shows that a traditional news design can work just as well as something more modern. Engaging portraits complement well-told personal profiles on the front page.
Second: Lovin’ Life After 50, Arizona
Interesting, first-person writing is the strength of this publication. The writers tell alluring tales through their own experiences, and it makes for an appealing read.
Column Review
A.
First: Mike Jameson with Tina Calligas, The Best of Times, Louisiana
These restaurant reviews leave the reader wanting to make reservations. The observation is detailed, the writing personal, the tone enthusiastic. Reading these entries is like sitting down to chat with a highly satisfied and knowledgeable diner.
B.
First: H.V.Rhodes, Senior Life, Florida
This book reviewer, a published author himself, provides balanced and apparently authoritative evaluations. In one case, he draws on personal experience, which adds weight to his critique. The writing is clear and concise.
C.
No awards
D.
First: Michael Toscano, Washington Beacon, Maryland
These theatre reviews are well written and reveal deep knowledge not only of the current production but also the background of the works under review. The reader gains a balanced appraisal of the performances and an understanding of why they're worth seeing.
Second: Wendell Fowler, Senior Life, Indiana and Ohio
The title of these reviews, "Eat Right, Now!", reveals both the subject matter and the attitude of the reviewer. He not only describes but advocates. Whether the subject is bison or honey, his enthusiasm matches his obvious knowledge of the subject.
Senior Issues
A.
First: Lee Aronson, The Best of Times, Louisiana
A good variety of topics and engaging writing make this column by a consumer lawyer a helpful and interesting read.
Second: Kemp C. Scales, Tri-State Senior News, Pennsylvania
This elder law attorney does a good job -- through anecdotes from his own practice as well as hypothetical scenarios -- of translating legal issues and terms into clear prose.
B. No award
C.
First: Carol Sorgen "Health Studies Page," Baltimore Beacon, Maryland
What a good idea! Fill readers in on clinical drug trials going on in their area, in case they want to participate or learn more. These columns also do a nice job of describing the illnesses and conditions under study.
D.
First: Gayle Lagman-Creswick, "Senior Housing Column," Lovin' Life After 50, Arizona
A great idea for a regular feature: housing issues. These columns demonstrate an understanding of the Arizona housing scene and offer an interesting take on things readers might want to look for.
Second: Steven T. Goldberg, "Savvy Saver," Washington Beacon, Maryland
Very nicely written columns that give readers an inside look on stocks and investing without all the jargon.
Calendar of Events
A.
First: The Tri-State Senior News, Pennsylvania
Its straight-forward presentation of activities of interest to senior citizens is a valuable service. Listings range from health issues to computer use to dancing lessons and county fair events. This calendar would be a great use by its readers.
Briefs/Shorts
A.
First: The Best of Times, Louisiana
A good mix of scientific and practical information on health and medicine related to aging and preventive care. Designed in a way that invites reader to scan headlines. News summaries are well written and clear but do not seem to have a local focus.
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
Relevant and timely news can easily be found in this listing. The local activities listings make this section a necessary read for people interested in community happenings.
Personal Essay
B.
First: Dr. Sammy, Senior Life, Florida
It shows a diverse blend of commentary on subjects of great interest to the readership. Engaging and entertaining, the column was a nice mix of humor and personality.
C.
First: Meena, 50 Plus Senior News, Pennsylvania
A nice, personal columnist with an eye for taking the stuff of everyday life and making it mean far more. Readable and conversational, this column hit the mark.
D.
First: Bob Levey, Washington Beacon
The column is personal, engaging, and written with a real style and a sense of humor. It really speaks to the demographic in a compelling way.
Second: Stuart P. Rosenthal, Washington Beacon
A column sometimes spurs one's emotions, and this one is a fine example of the form. Good use of detail, and real emotion on display.
Profile
A.
First: Amanda Newton, The Best of Times, Louisiana
A fun, local story told with real style. Loved the detail and warm anecdotes throughout that kept the story moving along. It was a joy to read!
B.
First: Mary Brotherton, Senior Life, Florida
A variety of profiles rich in local culture, written with the reader in mind, and filled with interesting detail. These profiles combine interesting people with interesting writing.
C:
First: Carol Sorgen, Baltimore Beacon
Carol Sorgen’s profile of Louis Diggs informs and entertains. The subject matter was excellent, but the writer also brought it to life by clearly spending ample time with the subject.
Second: Megan Joyce, 50+ Senior News, Lancaster County Edition
Megan Joyce’s story of Leslie Hardy is an entertaining, lively profile that introduces the reader to a subject that brings a message of optimism and a positive attitude. The writing is concise and clean, and the use of the subject's voice brings a human touch to a very real story.
D.
First: Emma Zayer, Washington Beacon, Maryland
The gripping introduction to this story captivates the reader and leads us to a broader exploration of a most interesting subject. The story moves with a strong sense of place and keeps the reader involved all along the way.
Second: Barbara Rueben, Washington Beacon, Maryland
Sometimes, a profile is an avenue for discussion of much broader issues than the subject itself, and this is a fine example. Moving and educational, this piece gives.
Community Services Editorial
A.
First: Kevin VanGundy, Beacon Senior Newspaper, Colorado
This is a feel-good story about a great program that assists those who fought for this country. Communities all over the country have similar programs and this story highlights a successful one in Colorado.
B.
Second: Senior Life, Florida
Volunteerism is alive and well in this community. This series of stories highlight the work of a lot of good people. The stories represent the variety of ways people give back to their communities.
C.
First: Carol Sorgen, Baltimore Beacon, Maryland
This story highlights a program that provides a much-needed service to women recovering from a difficult circumstance. It not only describes the program, but provides information about how to become a mentor. Very well done.
D.
First: Laura S. Jeffrey, Washington Beacon, Maryland
For many seniors, raising a family does not end when their children move away. Sometimes they are called upon to take care of their grandchildren. This story deals with the problems they face and the programs available to help. It is well written and informative. Good job.
Second: Emma Zayer, Washington Beacon, Maryland
This story does a good job of describing the role volunteers play in helping educate children in over-crowded classrooms. The writer provides a lot of good information about the situation and how those interested can get involved. This is a good community service article.
How-To Feature
A.
First: Amanda Newton, Best of Times, Louisiana
This is good story that provides a lot of good information. As the story states, many early retirees are starting their own businesses and its good to have a publication that provides useful information to help them begin the process.
Second: Debbie Gardner, Prime Magazine, Massachusetts
This story provides very useful tips for 50-plus readers who need career advice. The tips are straightforward and on point. Good job.
B.
No first award
Second: John Trieste, Senior Life, Florida
In these tough economic times this type of story provides good information. Cutting cost when you are on a tight budget is crucial. This story is a good example of how-to writing.
C. First: Carol Sorgen, Baltimore Beacon, Maryland
This was a very good story on a topic that has gained traction during the past several years. It provides useful information on how to trace your family tree from those who are doing it. Good job.
D. First: Stuart Rosenthal, Washington Beacon, Maryland
This was a very informative story. Anyone planning a trip to New York City with teenagers in tow would get a lot from this story. This quick guide is better than some full length books.
Travel Column
A.
First: Tina Calligas, The Best of Times, Louisiana
In a light breezy style, the reporter dips into the highlights of visiting these two “fun-filled” locations.
Second: Melanie Culver, Beacon Senior Newspapers, Colorado
The multiple listings of this collection of places to go and participate in nearby activities and sites are sure to be much-used by readers.
B.
First: John Trieste, Senior Life, Florida
With a focus on nearby sites to visit – both for entertainment and education, this column is spot on for Florida residents – especially those with frequent visitors from northern states.
D.
First: Victor Block, Washington Beacon, Maryland
Victor Block: Curacao, an undiscovered Caribbean gem and Many Moods in Miami’s Neighborhoods. Lively, fun, and entertaining sum up the voice in these columns, which invite people to visit these two tropical treasures.
Second: Ann Kuperberg, Lovin’ Life After 50, Arizona
A bit of history, a bit of vivid impressions from the natural wonders and a touch of nightlife in these articles give readers a glimpse into the possibilities for travel.
Third: Jeri Seely, Senior Life newspapers, Indiana and Ohio
On the trail of history makes for enticing reading in these two articles about Texas. From Lyndon Baines Johnson to Carlsbad Caverns – the place is loaded with history.
Feature Writing
A.
First: Lizzie Lyles, "Thank You from a Grateful Nation," The Best of Times, Louisiana
The writer captures the sights and sounds of local veterans making a visit to Washington, D.C. with the HonorAir flights program. Plenty of interesting details of the veterans' wartime experiences as well as their visit to the war memorials that honor them.
Second: Amanda Newton, "Turning Over a New Leaf. At Your Age?" The Best of Times, Louisiana
A wealth of information about how to get and stay fit, told in clear and engaging writing.
Third: Roberta Rhodes, "In the Middle of Something," Tri-State Senior News, Pennsylvania
The writer offers a pleasant trip down memory lane, sparked by the family's heirloom china. Details and a light touch make this a good read.
B.
First: King Quillen, "Families Treasure Certificates Signed by Orville Wright," Senior Life, Florida
An interesting look at a slice of aviation history. Good use of quotes.
No second or third
C.
First: Carol Sorgen, "A Fond Look Back at Life in the '60s," The Baltimore Beacon, Maryland
An interesting and well-reported account of a spiritual community, now defunct, and the people who were part of it. An engaging read, with plenty of perspectives quoted.
Second: Robert D. Wilcox, "A Salute to Those Who Defend Our Freedom," 50+ Senior News, Pennsylvania
A nice collection of anecdotes of veterans' wartime experiences. Brimming with details that bring the stories to life.
D.
First: Barbara Ruben, "Everyday Heroes to the Rescue," The Washington Beacon, Maryland
Profiles of volunteers, well-written and with good pacing and use of quotes. Enough to make one get off the couch and join up.
Second: Barb Sieminski, "She's Been Working on the Railroad," Senior Life Newspapers, Indiana and Ohio
A profile of a woman who pursued a somewhat unusual midlife career change that offers solid information as well as interesting details about life riding the rails.
Special Section
A.
First: The Best of Times, Louisiana
Guide & Directory for Caregivers, the special needs of the Alzheimer’s patient. This single topic issues offers help for family members and friends of Alzheimer’s patients in a clear and concise way with a variety of topics and resources. It’s no nonsense approach to the topic is sure to be of value to readers.
Second: The Best Times, Tennessee
Planned Giving Guide. With charitable organizations across the country looking for more ways to attract donations, this section is a helpful addition to the process. It’s advice and legal and financial planning guide is invaluable and reasonable approach to help people decide the best approach to donating.
Third: Beacon Senior Newspapers, Colorado
Summer Travel & Recreation, your guide to summer traveling and recreation. “Staycations” are the way to go in light of the current economic situation, and this guide helps its readers know about the opportunities nearby and the best way to optimize scarce vacation dollars.
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
(My Boomer/Senior Guide) If you can’t find a senior resource listed here, it probably doesn’t exist. This section is jammed with information ranging from hot lines, hospitals, performing arts venues and volunteer opportunities.
C.
No awards
D.
First: Housing Options magazine, Washington Beacon, Maryland
Making the decision to move from a home into an assisted living community is made easier with this sampling of articles with tips for making the move. The articles are concise and packed with local information.
Topical Issue
A.
First: Amanda Newton, "Turning Over a New Leaf. At Your Age?" The Best of Times, Louisiana
This piece gives readers concrete, manageable steps to increase their health. The tips are practical, grounded in research and written in simple enough terms as to inspire action.
Second: John Johnston, "Baseball and Social Security," TriState Senior News, Pennsylvania
A bit of the history of Social Security is revealed through numbers. The writer uses baseball as a hook to tell an important story through statistics.
B. No awards
C.
First: Carol Sorgen, "Refugees make a home here," The Beacon, Maryland
An important issue is made personal through the stories and struggles of local immigrants. The writer gives voice to a people who too often aren't heard.
D.
First: Gregory J. Alexander, "Will Maryland gamble on slots?" Washington Beacon, Maryland
Gambling brings out passionate, competing voices, and this writer debunks myths and provides clarity on just what's at stake. Multiple perspectives are heard, and the piece serves as a good boilerplate education on a complex topic.
Second: Emma Zayer, Washington Beacon, Maryland
This piece makes it easy for readers to keep up with issues facing the older demographic in the upcoming legislative sessions. With clear subheads and bullet points, the initiatives are broken down in away that is easy to understand and follow. Readers are also given places to go to get involved or learn more information. Great service journalism.
Front Cover Photo
A.
First: Beacon Senior Newspaper, Colorado
The low angle in the photograph makes the child and man pop out from the background. The colors work well together, and the typography is easy to read. This is a simple and effective cover.
Second: Tri-State Senior News, Pennsylvania, August 2008
The front cover clearly illustrates the lead story about the non-profit Emergycare. The large size of the helicopter makes it look like it is about to land on the ambulance, which gives the cover greater impact. The color scheme on the ambulance and helicopter are used in the typography.
B.
First: Forever Young, New York, May 2009
The cover photograph of the woman painting creates a serene, calm feeling. The cool colors in the photograph are used throughout the page, creating a unified package. The woman on the right side of the frame leads viewers into the photograph, and then eyes will easily travel from her artist’s brush to the painting and to the waterfall.
Second: Senior Life, Florida, November 2008
Excellent reproduction makes the photographs stand out. The composition on the lead image is layered and creates a visual flow from the bottom right to the upper left. The image also clearly illustrates the lead story.
D.
First: Senior Life Newspapers, Indiana and Ohio November 2008
The use of multiple images for the lead story is excellent. It helps reinforce how important these dogs are the lives of their owners. The tight portrait shot brings variety to the page.
Front Cover Illustration
A.
First: The Best Times, Tennessee, April 2009
This is a creative approach to a story about finances. This is typically a difficult story to photograph, but this is a clear and simple way to illustrate the idea. A broken egg in a brown nest against a baby blue background will immediately grab attention, particularly when it is sized this large. Excellent work!
D.
First: Senior Life, Indiana & Ohio
The three pieces of art that illustrate this story work well together. The small illustration of the fairy dropped into the text leads directly to the photographs of the artist at work. The detail photograph pairs well with the photograph of the artist herself.
Table of Contents
B.
Second: Senior Life, Florida
A clean design for this entry shows readers where to find the stories and news of interest to them.
No other entries in this category.
Briefs/Shorts
A.
First: The Best of Times, Louisiana
An appealing design for news briefs related to medical and health updates and briefs. The format allows readers to scan the page and quickly locate stories of interest to them. Photographs are used to enhance the visual display and work to draw readers into the news briefs.
B.
First: Forever Young, New York
Great design and photography really work to make this section pop. Readers will immediately be drawn to the listings and can find essential information in each entry.
Second: Senior Life, Florida
Good design of “Going Green” section, which focuses on environmental issues. Staff photography adds elements that help draw readers into the stories.
Calendar of Events
A.
No awards
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
All the information seniors need to plan their social calendar can be found in this listing. The entries are easily scanned for pertinent information; quite readable and appealing. Likely to be clipped and posted on a refrigerator or bulletin board for future reference.
Feature Layout
A.
First: Beacon Senior Newspaper, Colorado
An engaging venue map sets the tone for this Beacon Fest spread, with a cheerful color palette carried throughout. The information readers need is easily accessible.
B.
No awards
C and D:
No entries
Best Overall Use of Photography
A.
No entries
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
Senior Life puts emphasis on photography, using photographs with as many articles as possible. Many portraits are used, which show readers what the subjects of the stories look like and what they do. Frequently, multiple images are used with each article. A standout example is the article on the photography contest winners in the March 2009 issue. Cover photographs are sized and cropped particularly well.
D.
First: Senior Life Newspapers, Indiana and Ohio
These three editions all have one large image per page. This creates a hierarchy on the page and helps lead viewers to the most important article. Images are sized well in all these examples, and the use of color throughout the magazine is wonderful.
Best Use of Color
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
Big color photos are a hallmark of Senior Life’s design from cover to cover. Top-notch reproduction makes those photos stand out even more. Spot color is kept minimal and consistent.
D.
First: Senior Life Newspapers, Indiana and Ohio
The publication does a nice job of using photos to show rather than tell. Inside spot color is used well to accentuate the editorial content.
Best Use of Color
A.
First, b magazine, Pennsylvania
The designers of this engaging publication know how to bring the right tone to a package, as evidenced in spreads such as the ones on dementia caretaking and a singing trio. Photography helps drive the visual identity of the magazine.
B.
First, Senior Life, Florida
Simple typography and a clean restraint are the hallmarks of this publication. There's very little decoration — every element serves a purpose. Attention to detail gives a consistent feel throughout.
Self Promotion
D.
First: Senior Life Newspapers, Indiana and Ohio
Senior Life designed a series of advertisements to promote upcoming content. The ads use specific content rather than general statements, they offer a consistent design and color so readers will become accustomed to them and they have an ancillary value—showing their advertisements the power of color.
Self Promotion Awards
A.
First: Beacon Senior Newspaper, Colorado
These postcards promote the Beacon Senior News to advertisers. They have a thematic consistency (“Remember When”), a logical appeal to the target audience and are well executed graphically.
Best Ad Series
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
The consistency of the format reinforces the message: This is a happy place with a diverse clientele and many activities. The photographs tell what the words can’t. These ads give Cedar Creek Assisted Living a big assist.
Best Single Ad (B&W)
D.
First: Senior Life Newspapers, Indiana and Ohio
This ad for the Senior Prom is a clever play on a high school tradition. Nice use of white space to bring the eye to the key type. Basic information to act on easily found.
Best Single Ad Color
A.
First: The Best of Times, Louisiana
Nice combination of words (The Annual Double Bullseye!) and visual (the target) reinforce the message. Large ad, strong use of a strong red and terrific reproduction. This ad not only promotes the Health & Fitness Fair but it also promotes color ads in the Times.
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
Tight crop on the face uses the eyes to bring our attention to the key “act-on” information in the ad—“Call About Our Holiday Move-In Specials.” Strong use of red and green holiday colors.
D.
First: Senior Life Newspapers, Indiana and Ohio
The series of photographs show happy people enjoying life and getting special treatment at the care Centers, Inc. Nice use of reverse type against the darker version of purple to highlight the locations.
Best Banner
A.
First: The Best of Times, Louisiana
The typography reflects the words, The Best of Times. The oversized, italic “O” gives this a playful appearance. Nice job of tucking “The” in with Best.
B.
First: Senior Life, Florida
This nameplate uses space efficiently. The pairing of regular and italic fonts bring a grace to this design.
Website General Excellence
A.
The Best of times, Louisiana