New York Parenting Media took home nine awards from the recent Parenting Media Association Editorial and Design Awards Dinner, in San Antonio, Texas.
Susan Weiss, publisher and executive editor and Sharon Noble, sales manager, were thrilled to be present at the dinner to accept six finalists awards and three gold winners in a variety of categories for Brooklyn Family, Queens Family, Bronx-Riverdale Family, Staten Island Family, New York Special Child, and Long Island Special Child.
The awards recognize excellence in journalism, photography and design, and are judged by a panel from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Prof. Daryl Moen coordinated the annual contest. A panel of 22 judges reviewed entries from many publications to choose the winners in each category. All judges drew upon significant professional experience in selecting the winners.
“The quality of the entries continues to rise,” noted Moen. “Some of the design categories, including feature and publication design, are magnificent. In writing, there are dozens of writing entries, particularly in the column categories, that are outstanding, and the competition is stiff.”
That said, our gold-award-winners deserve special mention and congratulations:
• Personal Essay: For Laura Varoscak and Wanda Troy-Regier’s moving account and memories of teaching in Downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan “Ten Years Later — Teachers Talk 9-11.”
The judges comments: “When you think you’ve read everything imaginable about 9-11, these New York magazines produce two heartfelt essays by teachers who experience that dramatic and sad day in New York City with their classes. The stories are acarefully constructed around the significant moments and lessons of the day. And rather than being sad testaments, they offer hope that any situation can be overcome.”
• Family Fun: For Monica Brown’s “Around Town” columns in Staten Island Family.
The judge’s comments: “Packed with useful, actionable information, these columns inspire us to move and get out and play! Nicely written, and full of reflective detail. These columns go deep into the subject matter, offering not only destinations for families but a lot of history about the places as well.”
• Overall Writing: Our Brooklyn Family magazine took home the association’s most prestigious writing award.
The judge’s comments: “A bright, well-written magazine. The highlight is the collection of columns that bring a variety of voices to each issue. Some are by writers with expertise in the field. Others are personal essays. They are all well written. There are well written features too.”
Publisher and Executive Editor Susan Weiss was thrilled as she accepted the award, and thanked her entire team, including Managing Editor Vince DiMicili, Art Director Leah Mitch, Production Manager On Man Tse, Layout Manager Yvonne Farley, Calendar Editor Joanna DelBuono, and Assistant Editor Courtney Donohue.
“Proudly, we accepted these fine awards on behalf of our excellent staff of freelance writers, staff writers, and copy editor Lisa J. Curtis,” she said.
When asked about the nine awards for this year, Weiss hastened to add that in addition to Varoscak and Brown, the magazines contributors include a roster of talented writers including Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks and Mary Carroll Wininger.
“Our superb contributors and regular columnists and essayists make my work so satisfying,” Weiss continued “We are so fortunate as to have partnered with many talented and dedicated parents and professionals who have brought their expertise and interest in the parenting world to us. These magazines are put together with love and devotion by everyone on the team. We love what we do and we love being parents. It’s what drives us and makes this so very meaningful.”
In addition to the editorial awards, the cover or our November 2011 issue, which featured a baby outfitted in a turkey costume, was singled out for a design award.
“I was particularly fond of that “turkey” ”, said Weiss, who picks out the image for every cover and works with Mitch to make sure that every cover is special.
Additionally, the cover for New York Special Child Fall-Winter Issue was also a finalist-winner.
“Over the years that we have been a member of Parenting Media Association, I have seen such a fine array of work and talent presented at these awards dinners. To have our magazines be included — and be winners — is a dream come true,” said Weiss. “We work hard and strive for excellence and it’s thrilling to know that we have succeeded. We will continue to reach high in the years ahead.”
