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Comments - GE

GE1 - Rookie of the Year

30,000 or fewer
Gold: Red River Family; Laura Clevenger, publisher; Sandra Kimbell, graphic design
Red River Family offers its readers a pleasing array of content, from humor to service journalism pieces, from entertainment to self-help. The magazine is organized in a consistent manner, there is good mapping from the table of contents and good use of color and graphics.

No other awards

GE2 - Most Improved

30,000 and fewer
Bronze: Crystal Coast Parent; Susan Yates, Layout and design; Tricia Morris, editor; Cheryl Pigott and Cressa Megown, publishers
New cover typography and attention to story editing, make this publication more exciting to read.

Silver: Fredericksburg Parent & Family; Leigh Anne Van Doren, owner and publisher
New smaller format and higher quality paper move this publication

Gold: Parenting New Hampshire; Melanie Hitchcock, editor
A totally redesigned publication gives us a brighter and tighter publication.  Covers have stronger teasers. Inside, there's better use of photos, and a strong new column on education from an educator's point of view.

30,001 - 54,999
Bronze: Central Penn Parent; Emily Graf, designer, Ann Marie Reynolds, designer; Nikki Murray, editor; Cathy Ashby, associate publisher
New, smaller format makes it easier to browse. Captions are punchier and cover is livelier. Inside are bright pages with good use of art and text, with plenty of white space so editorial stands out. Calendar is particularly improved.

Silver: Cleveland Family; Stephanie Park, designer; Terri Nighswonger, editor
Better use of interior space means each edition packs more punch. New typography creates better separation between editorial and advertising. Photos are stronger and add more value to stories.

Gold: Kansas City Parent; Michael Gimotty, publisher
Though the staff hasn't changed, this magazine is new from cover to calendar. Spiffy new cover design and typography and even sleek new paper makes this publication even feel different.  Great addition of more how-to tips, and adding the hometowns of contributing writers gives it a 100% local flavor.

55,000 or more
No awards

GE3 - Ancillary General Excellence

30,000 or fewer
BronzeGenesee Valley Parent, "Rochester Baby Guide," Jillian Melnyk, editor; Barbara Melnyk, publisher
Using a community college as collaborator, this guide brings expertise to the mix. First person articles from differing points of view add to a creative mix.

Silver: TulsaKids Magazine "College 101," Joan Rhine, contributing editor; Betty Casey, editor; Lauren Zeligson, graphic artist, Charles Foshee, art director 
From the timelines to real advice from real students, this publication offers a complete guide to prepare parents and students for college.  Strong use of stock art.

Gold: Little Rock Family, "Little Rock Special Family," Jennifer Pyron, associate publisher and editor; Waynette Traub, art director/photographer; Holly Sheppard, assistant editor
First person stories bring warmth to this publication, which helps parents cope with differently-abled children. The photography is sensitive, and the writing superb.

30,001 - 54,999
BronzeNashville Parent; "The Baby Guide," Susan Day, editor; Chad Young, managing editor; Kiera Ashford, associate editor
Delightful design touches like pacifiers dancing across pages makes this baby guide lively.  New product feature always grabs attention.

Silver: New Jersey Family-Union County, "Raising Teens," Stephanie Hoare, creative director; Farn Dupre, editor -in-chief; Carol Lippert Gray, editor
Raising teenagers is a serious matter and this publication braves topics like STDs, internet bullying and the benefits of taking off a year before college. Graphics and photography make this an easy to read and sophisticated publication.

Gold: MetroFamily Magazine, "Exploring Oklahoma with Children," Sarah Taylor, publisher; Mari Farthing, editor; Mitzi Massie, art director
With everyone staying home for vacation, this is a blessing. Day-by-day trip information, including what to see, where to eat and where to stay.  And, of course, lots of trivia to make parents look smart: Who knew that Watonga, Oklahoma is the boyhood home of the voice of Donald Duck!

55,000 or more
Bronze; ParentMap, "Baby Map," Kristen Russell Dobson, managing editor; Emily Johnson, art director; Alayne Sulkin, publisher
A baby guide for today's hip parents, including questions for your doula, plus fun ways to choose unusual names and how to have a greener nursery. A publication worth copying for other cities!

SilverChicago Parent, "Chicago Special Parent," Dan Haley, publisher
An extensive resource list is at the heart of a publication that helps parents from babyhood to adulthood.  This guide goes beyond the ordinary, such as how to help your autistic child's action not be misinterpreted by police.

Gold: Dallas Child, "Dallas Thrive," Joylyn Niebes, publisher and editor-in-chief; Lauren Niebes, art director;  Gretchen Sparling, managing editor
Strong design drives this issue devoted to special children. Articles on how clapping cowbells can develop your child's brain and a "Day in the Life" diary of a stressed parent contribute to a strong and inventive publication.

GE4 - Web Site General Excellence

30,000 or fewer
Bronze: Little Rock Family; Jennifer Pyron, editor; Mike Ortega, creative director; Lindsay Irvin, assistant editor
LittleRockFamily.com Does a great job of being a parenting resource for local families. Its design follows the print magazine logically while still offering  exclusive web content. An array of guides right on the front page are easy to use and accessible to parents.

Silver: Baton Rouge Parents Magazine; Amy Foreman Plaisance, publisher; Theresa Payment, associate publisher; Season Gomez, graphic designer
BatonRougeParents.com is a deep, content-driven Web site that has a lot to offer for parents. Of note is its content from partner magazines, including ones devoted to parents of special-needs children and another to parents of infants. The design is simple, but effective, and doesn't get in the way of content.

Gold: Crystal Coast Parent; Tricia Morris, Web site developer and maintainer; Crystal Coast Parent, magazine editor
CrystalCoastFamily.com proves you don't need to have a huge staff to have an impressive online presentation. The design packs a ton of content onto the front page without being overwhelming. Stories are easy to find, and RSS and traditional subscription methods are front and center. A rotating content area features photographs that really pop and draw readers into the site.

30,001 - 54,999
Bronze: Kansas City Parent; Michael Gimotty, publisher
KCParent.com is a great place for parents to go to find things for their kids and themselves to do. The site is clean and simple, with plenty of contributions from parents just like the people reading. The "Featured Events" section is a good way to draw people into your calendar.

Silver: Nashville Parent; Stewart Day, publisher; Chris Teague, Webmaster; Susan Day, editor
Nashville Parent organizes stories by age range, which is useful to parents looking for specific information very quickly. The rotating gallery of reader-submitted photos is a great way to drive interest in the site.  Links to local blogs let readers explore what else is out there while establishing your site as an aggregator.

Gold: Chesapeake Family; Donna Jefferson, publisher; Kristen Page-Kirby, editor; Selena Manizade, art director; Heather Grant, graphic director
ChesapeakeFamily is the whole package -- an engaging Web site that has deep content that will keep parents coming back. The topical blogs are front and center on the home page, with other information organized around them. Clean, concise, web-friendly writing is sure to keep people coming back. Lots of directory information as well.

55,000 or more
Bronze: Sydney's Child; webchild.com.au; Alison Sainsbury, Web editor; Sean Mooney, Group Editor; Mike Ainsworth, Webmaster; Suzie Longstaff, Deputy Editor; Lauren Clout, Editorial Assistant; Siobahn Donohoe, sub-editor
Webchild has mastered the art of encouraging people to communicate with the site. The navigation uses action verbs to drive user behavior (Read, Contribute, Win). The design is clean and simple, and its minimalist design allows the best content to rise to the top.

Silver: OC Family; OCFamily.com, Kimberly Porrazzo, executive editor; Larry Urish, copy editor; Susan Belknap, associate editor; Ashley Eliot, video producer; Jeff Kitchen, Web director; Kristen Schott, assistant Web editor; Luke Hodson, director of design; Albert Ornelas, Web specialist
OC Family takes an unusual approach to navigation that puts topics front and center while still allowing a large image series to drive people to content. Local blogs are prominently featured and show a diverse collection of local parents' voices, showing readers that there are plenty of others like them in the region. Stories are lively and are illustrated well.

Gold: Metro Parent (MI); Julia Elliot, managing editor; Kim Kovelle, associate editor; Jose Zamudio, creative director; Kelly Buren, graphic designer; Ruth Robbins, associate publisher
Metro Parent has outstanding articles and resources for parents in its circulation area, and robust, interesting e-newsletters. The design of the site is eye-catching but simple, and it's easy to find the deep resources and interesting content the site specializes in. Topic-specific searches are an excellent way for parents to find what they need quickly and with a minimum of sifting.

GE5 - General Excellence

30,000 and fewer
No bronze award

Silver: SW Florida Parent & Child; Pamela Smith Hayford, editor; Lindi Daywalt-Feazel, designer and art director; Valerie Roche, photographer
The publication has inspired content in every issue, from a special report on an epidemic of hunger among southwest Florida families to a charming story about life lessons taught by running a lemonade stand. The magazine also demonstrates attention to detail with simple, functional design, careful editing and stunning photography.  Clearly, the staff is committed to delivering consistent high-quality material to its audience.

Gold: Little Rock Family; Jeff Hankins, publisher; Jennifer Pyron, associate publisher/editor; Waynette Traub, art director; Lindsay Irvin, assistant editor
Engaging personal stories are a hallmark of this publication, giving it a familiar, comfortable tone. At the same time, the stories promote an understanding of differences among families and give those struggling with parenting challenges a lifeline. Strong examples are first-person pieces on raising a child with epilepsy, surviving cancer and helping a son overcome learning difficulties. All strike a balance between expert sources and parents on the front lines. Sensible listings, orderly design and captivating visuals help make it a winner.

30,001 - 54,999
Bronze: Chesapeake Family; Donna Jefferson, publisher; Kristen Page-Kirby, editor; Selma Manizade, art director; Heather Grant, graphic designer
This publication really sparkles with innovative ideas, sound advice and generous lists of resources for families. It hits the mark with a stimulating mix of subject matter, from health to fitness, travel, home and garden, personal stories, even a page of children's poems and artwork. The briefs column in the front of the magazine smartly distills information about books, web sites and products. The travel guide was first-rate, both in scope and detail. Obvious thought and care seem to go into every issue.

Silver: Maryland Family Magazine; Paul Milton, executive director of news operations; Cheryl Clemens and Betsy Stein, editors; Michele Moy, art director; Brian Young, graphic designer
Maryland Family Magazine is engaging from beginning to end. The editor's note is warm and friendly, while also full of valuable insight. Stories are full of real voices, one of the attractions of the magazine and a strong connection to readers. Examples are stories on "momnesia," the distracted thinking that characterizes new moms; coping with back-to-school butterflies; and tackling gender roles. The magazine also has a playful side, with tips for making homework fun and a monthly contest of family photos. Noteworthy, too, is the way it filters information so parents get highlights and recommendations, as well as extensive calendars.

Gold: Carolina Parent; Crickett Gibbons, editor; Cheri Vigna, art director; Aleta Payne, associate editor; Janice Lewine, editorial assistant
Carolina Parent is a conscientious, authoritative publication that works to make a difference. It not only delivers essential material to help parents (teaching children to read, training teens to budget), but it makes a real effort to encourage them to be more caring and responsible. A "green living" issue devoted significant space to environmental issues; another issue included profiles of five teens who put caring into action. Bold visuals and sophisticated design help convey the message.

55,000 or more
Bronze: Metro Parent (MI); Ruth Robbins, associate publisher; Julia Elliott, managing editor; Jose Zamudio, creative director; Kim Kovelle, associate editor; Kelly Buren, graphic designer
This publication invests considerable resources in important subjects of interest to Detroit area parents. A report on Michigan's charter schools, for example, explored their place in the public education system. Another took a look at teens caught in abusive relationships. Metro Parent still knows how to have fun — a photo illustration on last-ditch activities before the start of school was delightful. Overall, the publication demonstrates an attention to detail in headlines, design and listings.

Silver: Dallas Child; Joylyn Niebes, publisher and editor-in-chief; Lauren Niebes, art director; Gretchen Sparling, managing editor
This is a stylish magazine with a grassroots mentality and a downhome charm. It covers serious matters such as estate planning, surrogate parenthood and saving for college. It also devotes generous space to the lives and lifestyles of families, running regular features such as "Mom Next Door" and "Mommy Diary." Dallas Child appeals to a reader's natural curiosity about fellow parents, as well as satisfying a desire to make sense of raising children. Striking photos, edgy design, compelling text and careful editing make this publication worth examining.

Gold: Atlanta Parent; Liz White, publisher
This smartly edited publication understands the value of accessible content and design. Atlanta Parent fits contemporary reader expectations with its bold choices in color and typography, as well as the way it consistently organizes stories into economical formats. A feature on diaper bags, for example, relied on parents to test and rate them according to preferences. Other stories make wise use of lists, numbers, Q&As and highlights.  One on birthday parties is layered by theme, cost and tips. This magazine is outstanding in content and presentation.