Winners again in 2015

Parenting Media Association (PMA) gave out 301 Editorial and Design Competition and General Excellence awards to parenting magazines at a banquet on February 28, the climax of the three-day PMA Annual Convention, this year held in Baltimore, MD. There were 630 entries for this year’s competition.

PMA’s Editorial and Design Awards Competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography and design achieved by publishers, editors, writers and designers at member publications.

Happily, for yet another year we came home with the GOLD. Our contributing writer and Mom in Queens, Allison Plitt, was honored with a GOLD Award for a series of interesting book reviews. The judges comments: These reviews are reported in-depth, and they succeed in providing a lot of information about the books in question. The writer uses extensive background details and solid reporting to build up to an authoritative and supported opinion and gives readers good perspective on the books in question. The voice is clear and the reviews are enjoyable and informative.

Our columnist and Attorney, Alison Arden Besunder won the GOLD for the category Family Matters. The judges comments: This is a very informative story about parents preparing their wills in case something happens before their children become adults. It is usually something many parents do not think about until their children are near adulthood or have moved out. The writer did a wonderful job of providing expert opinion and useful information to help parents navigate what can be a difficult process.

Another GOLD went to our columnist Lyss Stern for Family Fun ideas and interest going on around town. The judges comments: This column is filled with the writer’s voice and a connection to her readers. It’s got good tips for finding fun, family outings and locations around the city. The examples and stories from the writer make this a fun read for parents.

A BRONZE went to our much appreciated columnist Danielle Sullivan for Child Development & Parenting Issues. The judges comments: “Just Write Mom” offers a nice mix of common-sense advice and encouragement mothers will appreciate. The writing is clear and thoughtful, and provides a welcome glimpse into a real mother’s experiences.

A final award went to our front cover stock photo for our October 2014 Teen Issue and congratulations went to our Art Director Leah Mitch. The judge’s comments: The simple background and sweet expression immediately catch attention. The colors are harmonious, and the cover is balanced. The minimal orange draws readers to the lead tease, which is placed next to the girl’s face.

It is such an honor to work with all the fine writers, designers and sales personnel on our team. I’ve always said it’s a labor of love and indeed it is. Love was also personally bestowed on me as I was give the Distinguished Member of the Year Award at PMA. I was surprised and delighted. Here I am with the sitting President and my good friend Sarah Taylor of Metro Family in Oklahoma City. What a thrill!

It’s spring and lovely. Have a great month and a wonderful Mother’s Day! I know I will. Being a mom and loving it is what brought me to this work and to the wonderful satisfaction I feel every day in this role.

Thanks for reading!